July 19, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Costa Maya 2018 Presents Miss Belize – Marcia Moody!
It’s official: Marcia Melanie Moody is Belize’s representative for the Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant 2018! Born and raised in San Ignacio, Cayo District, the 23-year-old Belizean beauty holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education. She enjoys playing football, swimming and fishing, dancing and pageantry. She is no stranger to the stage, as she most recently placed as first runner-up in the 2016 Miss Universe Belize. She has also participated in Queen of the West (winning in 2012), Queen of the Bay (2012 – 3rd runner-up) and Miss West Indies Belize (2015).

Kids in Action 2018 Youth Scuba Summer Camp is a go!
The Kids in Action Youth Scuba Summer Camp officially started on Monday, July 16th, with an orientation session held at the San Pedro High School. The annual two-week summer program is organized by the San Pedro Tour Operators Association (SPTOA) in collaboration with the San Pedro Tour Guide Association (SPTGA). Organizers met with parents and handed out the Open Water Manuals to the 20 participants of this year. Composed of adults and children, the group also met the dive instructors who will train them in open water diving.

Ambergris Today

Belize Holds First Marine Litter Campaign
During the months of May and June, 2018, CZMAI partnered with Oceana and WWF for its first ever national Marine Litter Campaign. This campaign was the result of a two-phase workshop attended by CZMAI staff; phase one of the workshops was entitled “Major Aspects of Coastal Environment Management” and was held in Kingston, Jamaica in October of 2017. Phase I focused on the following: the global issue of marine litter and plastic pollution and the threats it posed to CARICOM countries, international agreements such as the London Protocol and the London Convention, and sampling methodologies for both micro and macro marine litter.

Freak Storm In Guatemala Damages Tropic Aircraft
On Tuesday, July 17, 2018, late in the evening around 5:30p.m., one of Tropic Air Belize’s aircraft, a 7 seat GA8 Airvan, was damaged during a freak storm while it was parked for the night at the International Airport Mundo Maya in Flores (Peten), Guatemala. According to reports, thankfully all passengers and crew had already disembarked the plane when sudden gusts of winds and rain set on the international airport, causing the aircraft to flip.

Residents Of San Pedro Are Angry About Cayo Rosario
With this, an official letter of objection on the Cayo Rosario Project was delivered yesterday, July 17, 2018, to San Pedro Town Mayor Daniel Guerrero at the San Pedro Town Council. The letter (posted below) was jointly signed by Belize Tourism Industry Association, WWF, Oceana, Belize Institute of Environment law and Policy and the Belize Audubon Society stating, “We write to inform that we stand with the guides, businesses and people of Ambergris Caye who say no to dredging and no to over-the-water structures in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Attorney General Hon. Michael Peyrefitte Attends 2nd EU-CELAC Ministerial Meeting
Attorney General Hon. Michael Peyrefitte led Belize’s delegation to the 2nd European Union (EU) – Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Foreign Ministers Meeting, which met from 16-17 July 2018 in Brussels, Belgium. The Foreign Ministers of both regions came together to discuss their bi-regional relations under the theme “Building Bridges and Strengthening Our Partnership to Face Global Challenges.” Ministers exchanged views concerning strengthening cooperation in global forums, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and inclusive and sustainable economies, trade, investment, and productivity.

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY AND INSTITUTE (CZMAI) IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OCEANA AND THE WORLD WILDLIFE FUND (WWF) CARRIES OUT BELIZE’S FIRST MARINE LITTER CAMPAIGN
During the months of May and June, 2018, CZMAI partnered with Oceana and WWF for its first ever national Marine Litter Campaign. This campaign was the result of a two-phase workshop attended by CZMAI staff; phase one of the workshops was entitled “Major Aspects of Coastal Environment Management” and was held in Kingston, Jamaica in October of 2017. Phase I focused on the following: the global issue of marine litter and plastic pollution and the threats it posed to CARICOM countries, international agreements such as the London Protocol and the London Convention, and sampling methodologies for both micro and macro marine litter. Participants were tasked with carrying out a sampling event in their home countries and to produce a report on the results; this report was to be presented at the second phase of the workshop. The second phase of the workshop entitled “Major aspects of Coastal Environment Management Phase II” was held in Coquimbo, Chile in March 2018.

2018 Miss East Indian Belize Pageant
Miss East Indian Belize Pageant coming next weekend!! Congratulations to the Corozal Organization of East Indian Cultural Heritage for showcasing East Indian culture and traditions.

Last week Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Jaushieh Wu, and his wife, Madam Wu, visited Belize
The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project and the ICDF Belize Office took the opportunity to take Madam Wu on a short downtown tour of the heritage sites under renovation and those to be renovated in the coming months. The tour included the newly renovated Yarborough Basketball Court, St John's Cathedral, Government House and Court House.

PUBLIC AND BANK HOLIDAYS 2019

Contestants of the Miss San Pedro Pageant officially sashed
The Miss San Pedro Pageant is set for Saturday, September 1, 2018 - an event you don’t want to miss! Contestants: Daisy Martinez, Janelie Aban , Faith Noel, Chelsea Munoz and Seleny Borges

Movie Night with sharks in San Pedro! (Feat. a guest speaker!)
Sounds like a very fun and educational night thanks to MarAlliance & The Truck Stop! Wednesday, July 25 at 7 PM - 9 PM at The Truck Stop. For this special edition of Movie Night, we're partnering with MarAlliance, a marine wildlife conservation organization whose heart is with sharks, rays and turtles. We're screening the Blue Planet episode “The Open Ocean” and offer you an exciting night of facts & fun! The episode showcases the skills of some of the most charismatic hunters found on the planet. PLUS! One of MarAlliance’s top marine biologists will be answering any questions you have about these enigmatic species who so desperately need your support to survive in Belize and the rest of Central-America. The MarAlliance team will also bring their “Wheel of Fortune” to test your shark knowledge, and they'll be raffling off cool, sharky prizes! Come and join us, and show your support to the ocean and its marine wildlife! And don't forget to show up early to order dinner and pick your favorite seat!

BBQ Fundraiser on Caye Caulker to Benefit Dalinda Jimenez
Happening THIS Saturday.

Corozal Red Cross Clothing Sale
The Red Cross is having a clothing sale tomorrow, Thursday, July 19th at the Red Cross Branch on Santa Rita Road from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. (See E-Flyer Below). The proceeds will go towards our Community First Aid Warden Program and our homeless and shut-in feeding program. Please support this great cause!

Succotz Archaeology and Culture Fair 2018
The Fajina Project is having their 4th annual Succotz Archaeology and Culture Fair this Sunday, July 22nd, at the Succotz R. C. Primary school. The fun starts at 11:00am. There will be food and fun, along with many cultural and educational booths. Last year's fair was great! "Its that time of the year! We are glad to present our 4th annual archaeology and culture fair at San Jose Succotz, Cayo, Belize! Come meet researchers from Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve and other sites and participate in Archaeology Olympics! Sunday July 22 starting at 11 am!"

Taste of Belize Agenda
As part of the Signature event, throughout the daytime events and night time events the audience and guests will be able to sample and purchase some of finest culinary treats that will be served up by Belize’s finest vendors across multiple booths. Tasty local food delights will be served up to suit every palate and will be sure to offer the audience an opportunity to sample dishes from across the culinary spectrum in Belize in one setting. Live entertainment in the night session from the Pan tempers steel Band.

September Celebrations Theme Chosen!
The National Celebration Commission is excited to announce the winning theme for the 2018 September Celebrations. The competition was open to all Belizeans living at home or abroad. Persons were encouraged to enter the competition with multiple entries which should not be more than ten (10) words. The winner receives a cash prize of $1000 and a Special Invitation to the Official Ceremonies during September. This year there were 196 themes submitted by 70 contestants. The winning 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, was submitted by Corozal resident Fernanda Tun.

Channel 7

Major Commercial Bank Warns About Phishing Scams
Tonight one of the commercial banks is speaking out against email “phishing” scams and warning its customers not to be fooled and defrauded.  Heritage Bank says that at least two of its customers have already had their accounts cleaned out after they clicked on links in bogus emails.  And once the money’s gone, there’s no way of getting it back!  Heritage says in the cases they know about, the money was cleaned out of a private account, and then wired all the way to Nigeria. Now, you may not know what e-mail phishing scams are, but for regular email users - they are all too common, popping up in your inbox almost daily - and one of the fraudsters’ favourite con games is pretending to be mailing you from a known bank.   Heritage Managing Director Steve Duncan explained today what you have to be on the lookout for:…

Almost 8 Years Later, Who Killed The Stuarts?
After waiting on remand at the Belize Central Prison over 7 and a half years, accused murderers Milton Maza and Eli Avila will finally stand trial tomorrow for the double murders of attorney Richard Stuart, and his wife Maria. Police say that back in October of 2010, these men brutally stabbed the couple to death at their home in West Landivar, Belize City.  One of them was a former employee of the Stuart’s.   The trial without jury was set to begin today, but due to a blackout, Justice Colin Williams had to adjourn it to tomorrow. Both men are being represented by 2 court-appointed attorneys, Leeroy Banner, and Oscar Selgado. Reports suggest that part of the delay for these men standing trial is that no attorney wanted to represent them - since they are accused of killing one of their colleagues. 

Notorious Chester Norales To Jail
Chester Norales has been making crime news from the mid-90’s, where he’s been both victim and accused.  And while his name has been called in some violent crimes, tonight he is in jail not for dangerous harm, or aggravated assault, but for sexual assault of a female minor.   The thirty-seven year old was sentenced to 4 years today by Magistrate Khadeem Palmer.  She also sentenced him to 2 months for using insulting words.  Magistrate Palmer noted that the maximum sentence for sexual assault is 5 years but she refrained from giving him that penalty because none of his previous convictions are for offences of a sexual nature. 

Wild, Wild, West Zone Slightly Exposed
The Benque Viejo Free Zone doesn’t get half as much of the attention that the more well established Corozal Free Zone does.  And we get the impression that’s just the way the smugglers like it out in the wild, wild, west, where there are consistent reports over the years of leakage of Zone products into the mainstream economy.   Police in the west proved at least one case of that when they made a fairly sized bust of contraband goods last night at 8:45.   That’s when the cops conducted a stop and search on a vehicle that had just left the Benque Viejo Free Zone.  Their search lead to the discovery of 6 cases of Modelo Especial along with 2 liters of  Black Label, 2 liters of Captain Morgan, and 2 more liters of other whisky brands, along with 33 cartons of Pine Blue and Gold Rich cigarettes - which are both Chinese brands.

Robbed Tortilla Factory With Toy Gun
Tonight a teenager is in custody after he allegedly robbed a tortilla factory with a toy gun.   The 17 year old and two others reportedly robbed Shorty’s tortilla factory on C Street - which is just off Baymen Avenue on the northside.   Police have not released details, but the minor was caught shortly after with a toy gun.  The youth may also be a suspect in the robbery of a nearby barber shop.  We’ll have more for you on this tomorrow.

Convicted Killer Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Journalist
He assaulted a journalist - and convicted murderer Byron James will spend time for it.   In February of last year, the 29 year-old James assaulted reporter Anita Nembhard while she was on the court beat. Well, today, James went before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer and admitted to the court that indeed he punched her on the nose.  The incident happened on the very same day that he was found guilty of the murder of 29 year-old Frank Vasquez. Nembhard was snapping photographs of defendants, as she and the other court reporters do everyday.

Security Summit Searches For Answers
For the last 4 months or so, John Saldivar and the Ministry of National Security have been canvassing civil society leaders to get their feedback on crime, citizen security, and how the government can work to make Belize a safer place to live.  A little over 3 months ago, this year’s murder rate was on track to meet or surpass the deadliest year in this country, but the spike in violent crime has leveled off. So, right now, things are relatively calm, but the National Security Ministry wants to find the key to keeping the relative state of peace.  They hosted the first ever National Citizen Security Summit today, where the public was invited to discuss crime, and propose solutions.

Saldivar Stoic About Leadership Convention
Today’s Citizen Security Summit gave us an opportunity to discuss a little bit of politics with John Saldivar. As viewers are aware, he has aspirations of being the leader of the UDP, and it is well known that he intends to challenge Patrick Faber in the leadership convention.  On Monday, we spoke with Faber about the leadership convention, and his campaign, and today the press asked Saldivar if he’s actively canvassing for support. He said that much like his Cabinet colleague, the party’s delegates will decide whether they want him for leader based on his performance as a cabinet minister.  He explained why he isn’t pushing just yet for that leadership convention, for which a specific date hasn’t been announced:

Not A Good Year For Long Weekend Warriors
The list of public and bank holidays for 2019 has been released and those who love extra long weekends won't be too happy with what they see.  First off, New Year’s Day falls on a Tuesday, so that means New Year’s Eve is on a regular working Monday.   The year’s first long weekend comes two months later, when Monday March 11th will be observed as National Heroes and Benefactors day - since the 9th of March falls on a Saturday.   Easter falls from April 19 to the 22nd which is the longest weekend of the year.   Labour Day will be observed mid-week on Wednesday May first.   Sovereign’s Day, also known as Commonwealth day - falls on Friday May 24th - but it will be observed on Monday May 27th, so that even those who work Saturday’s can get the benefit of the long weekend.

Tropic Air Plane Does “Poppa-lick”
A freak storm in Flores, Peten, Guatemala on Tuesday night damaged an Airvan belonging to Tropic Air. As this picture shows, the 7 seater plane was completely flipped over. The strong hurricane-like winds left the airvan in a halfway “popalick” with its wheels in the air. A press release from Tropic Air stated that the Airvan was parked for the night at the Mundo Maya International Airport in Santa Elena Flores Peten. No one was inside and no one was hurt.

Columbia Coming Through
Beltraide has teamed up with the South American country of Columbia to provide entrepreneurship training for various stakeholders in Belize, including universities and centers like YWCA. But it’s not just a general training, the technical coordinator is focusing on specific methodologies that these stakeholders can use in their work. Here is more from the training. Jorge Gentle - Business Advisor, SBDC: “Today we are being visited by a consultant from APC Columbia under a project EDEM, the Presidential Agency of Cooperation from Columbia and basically what he is presenting is 9 best practices or methodologies from Columbia with the objective of presenting these to stakeholders of the Belizean Entrepreneur Ecosystem. Our objective is to get commitment from these stakeholders for the transfer of these methodologies, it is a two day workshop..."

Traffic Officer Caught Trafficking
As a traffic enforcement officer, he’s supposed to issue tickets for traffic violation, but what happens when the officer is the one violating by trafficking? Sounds like a word game, but that’s just what police say happened this evening.  A city traffic officer is being held at the Raccoon Street station at this hour pending drug trafficking charges as two knapsacks full of weed are being weighed.   According to early reports, police searched him on the western highway NEAR THE ST. MARTIN’S AREA and looked inside two bags - both were stuffed with neatly bundled plastic bags containing what looks and smells like cannabis. We’ll know more about his charges and the weight of the weed tomorrow.

Commendations From Courts
Last night, we told you about Belize Bank’s scholarship awards ceremony. Well today, Courts held theirs at the Belize Chamber of Commerce office. 13 students got full high school scholarships. It is part of their “Dare to Dream” program and we were there to speak with the recipients. Here’s more. Grisel Carballo - Public Relations Officer, UNICOMER Belize: “The Courts “Dare to Dream” scholarship program of course it is a yearly program that we have at UNICOMER and Courts and our ads were out since the ending of May, June was the deadline, on June 30th and we received over 60 applications from students all over thecountry.We had 25 interviews and we took it down to 13students."

Saldivar’s Slate Telling
Earlier on in the news, we showed you our interview with John Saldivar, where he discussed his aspirations for the UDP leadership.  Well, he’s also put out what would be his choice for dream team of UDP politicians to contest the 2020 General Elections.  For Corozal, he wants to see Pablo Marin for Corozal Bay, Hugo Patt for Corozal North, Dr Angel Campos for Corozal Southwest and Tony Herrera for Corozal South East.  In Orange Walk, he wants to see Elodio Aragon run for the East, Guadalupe Magana Dyck for the South, Homero Romero for the North, and Evan Williams for Central.  For Stann Creek and Toledo, Saldivar wants to see Frank “Pawa” Mena run for Dangriga, Ivan Williams for Stann Creek West, Macario Coy for Toledo West, and Dennis Garbutt for Toledo East.

AG to EU
And while Saldivar is not putting Mike Peyreffite on his dream team, the Attorney General is presently trying to earn his points on the road, so to speak.  He’s presently attending a two day forum in Brussels, Belguim, the 2nd European Union - Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Foreign Ministers Meeting under the theme "Building Bridges to Strengthen our Partnership to Face Global Challenges." This amidst the uncertainty in the international arena and a growing tendency towards radical nationalism.  Peyrefitte is joined by Belize’s ambassador to the EU, Dylan Vernon.

Belize’s Ballers
The Belize Basketball Federation today presented the team that will represent Belize at this weekend’s FIBA Americup Qualifiers for the COCABA region, which is Central America.  The three day tournament will be held at the Civic Center in Belize City from Friday to Sunday and the team says they are ready to defend their home court. We found out more about the tournament and the Belizean roster at a press conference earlier today.  Tickets are available at the Belize Civic Centre at $60 for court-side seats, $40 for VIP and $20 for general admission.

Home Invasion on Pitter Street
Police are reporting a home invasion in Belize City. 58 year old Salvadoran, Vilma Ramirez of a Pitter Street address, was at home with her husband Elias Ramirez when two persons forced their way into their house. One of the men was wielding a fire arm and the other had a knife. The men tied up the couple before helping themselves to an assortment of items. Police say the men made off with 2 cell phones, one gold watch and a silver ring. Police continue investigating.

Students Go Regional For Robotics
Belize High School and Ocean Academy in Caye Caulker will represent Belize in the FIRST Global challenge in Mexico. It is a robotics competition where the students will compete against a number of kids from all over the world. It’s a major competition and the kids from the robotics club at Belize High School have been preparing to participate in this event. In a release sent today it says “In this first attempt….Our Belizean students will network and build relationships with high school students of different backgrounds, languages, religions, and customs.” The competition is set for August 15-18,2018.

Channel 5

Belizean Businessman Busted with AK-47 Rifles in Melchor de Mencos
A Belizean businessman was busted with an AK-47, ammunition, drugs and thousands of dollars in different currencies in Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala. Thirty-three-year-old Francisco Javier de la Ho Duarte along [...]

Home Invasion on Pitter Street
A couple endured a terrifying home invasion on Tuesday night on Pitter Street in Belize City. Fifty-eight-year-old Salvadoran national Vilma Ramirez and her husband Elias Ramirez were held up by [...]

Belmopan Car Dealer Caught with Contraband Goods
Thirty-one-year-old Ryan Lopez was caught with a cache of uncustomed goods on Tuesday night. At around eight-forty-five, police in Benque Viejo del Carmen intercepted Lopez who was driving a Suzuki [...]

A Million-Dollar Aircraft of the Tropic Air Fleet is Damaged at the Peten Airport
A Tropic Air seven-seater was toppled over by a freak storm at the Mundo Maya Airport in Flores, Peten, Guatemala on Tuesday evening.  The aircraft, a GA-eight Airvan, was parked [...]

John Saldivar Describes U.D.P. Dream Team for 2020
Since the beginning of the week, Minister of National Security and aspiring U.D.P. party leader, John Saldivar has been putting together an unofficial slate of the best possible combination of [...]

“My Work Will Show for Itself” – John Saldivar on Leadership Bid
While his fantasy league of standard bearers may not reflect his aspiration to someday lead the U.D.P., Saldivar says that his bid for leadership has been steady and will allow [...]

National Citizen Security Summit Tackles Public Safety, Crime and Violence
One of the biggest challenges facing the country has to do with citizen’s security which is being affected by a range of criminal activity; from petty incidents to a network [...]

7 Years Later, Accused Murderers of Richard and Maria Stuart Go On Trial
Almost eight years ago, attorney Richard Stuart and his wife Maria were brutally stabbed to death at their home on Graduate Crescent in West Landivar.  The criminal trial against the [...]

Belize to Host FIBA AmeriCup 2021 COCABA Championship Qualifiers
The Belize National Basketball Team was formally introduced this afternoon at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex, ahead of the 2021 COCABA Championship to be played in Belize City this weekend.  [...]

The Roster Revealed: Team Belize is Here!!
According to Head Coach Milton Palacio, the opportunity to lead the selection is a proud moment since it allows him to help the younger athletes to build their legacy representing [...]

SICA Members Discuss Way Forward Under Belize’s Presidency
Two weeks ago, Belize took over the Pro-Temp Presidency of the Central American Integrated System for the next six months. Between now and December, Belize plans to advance issues of [...]

Baby Grayson Reneau Gets Life Saving Surgery in Cayman Islands
Grayson Reneau is a baby boy who was born with a heart murmur and was expected to outgrow the condition.  He didn’t and in a subsequent doctor visit, he was [...]

Meet the 13 Lucky Recipients of Courts’ Dare to Dream Scholarship
A group of deserving young persons from all over the country can breathe easier tonight, having secured scholarships to go on to high schools in the coming academic year. The [...]

Colombian Consultant Shares Best Practices to Grow Belizean Businesses
A consultant from Presidential Agency for International Cooperation of Colombia began a two-day workshop in Belize on how to grow businesses. Yeison Laiton of the Entrepreneurship and Business Development for [...]

Entrepreneurship Workshop to Foster Economic Development in Toledo
While day-one is focusing on creating a network between counterpart agencies in both countries, day-two will see Laiton travel south to Punta Gorda. Toledo is the poorest district in Belize [...]

CZMAI, OCEANA and WWF Hold First Marine Litter Campaign
During the months of May and June, Belize’s first Marine Litter Campaign was launched by the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute in conjunction with OCEANA and the World Wildlife [...]

LOVE FM

Ministry of National Security seeks public’s input in addressing crime and national security matters
Belize is world renowned for the Barrier Reef and Blue Hole. However, the darker side of that coin is that Belize infamous for consistently ranking amongst the countries with the highest murder per capita on the planet. It’s a dubious crown for a country that refers to itself as “The Jewel”. But with a murder …

Deputy Commissioner of Police says Belize is ahead in addressing crimes issues
Last week Deputy Commissioner of Police Chester Williams attended the three-day INTERPOL Americas Regional Conference in Uruguay. The conference saw the participation of police chiefs and other senior law enforcement officials from the Americas who looked at organized crime and terrorism issues that currently affect the region. DCP Williams told Love News today that Belize …

Avila and Maza on trial for the murder of Richard and Maria Stuart
The trial of Eli Lopez Avila and Milton Maza charged with the murder of attorney Richard Stuart and his wife Maria Stuart was to commence today before Justice Colin Williams. However, it was adjourned until tomorrow due to some technical difficulties. In 2010, the Stuarts were viciously stabbed to death at their home located in …

Another Home Invasion
Aggravated assaults are not the only kinds of crimes that can cause long-term emotional distress to its victims. When aggravated burglary occurs, more commonly known as home invasions, entire families are victims and cannot trust the walls they expected to keep them safe. Last night the Ramirez family in Belize City became the latest victim …

Storm destroys million dollar plane
A Tropic Air Belize 7 seater was parked at the Flores, Petén Guatemala airport for the night on July 17, when a freak storm poured over the area. Not only was the plane damaged, it completely flipped over. Love News Spoke to Tropic Air’s President John Greif who says the plane was completely destroyed. John …

Belmopan resident caught smuggling goods from the Free Zone at the Western Border
A resident of Belmopan was busted with a large stash of contraband items on Tuesday. Police officers of the Benque Viejo Police Formation stopped and searched a vehicle that had left the Free Zone at the Western Border shortly before nine o’clock in the night. The vehicle was driven by 31-year-old Ryan Lopez, a car …

No leads into how islander was stabbed
The stolen safes were not the only crime that recently occurred on La Isla Bonita. The police department is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the stabbing of 26-year-old Adrian Suarez. The construction worker and resident of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye was injured in his chest on July tenth. Officers had detained his common-law wife but …

Dr. Omar Figueroa: it is all about striking a balance
Belize’s tourism sector has been soaring, creating more jobs and positively affecting Belize’s GDP. However, Belize’s tourism-driven economy can have a negative impact on the environment. Last month, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System was removed from UNESCO World Heritage Centre List of World Heritage in Danger. The question remains whether or not the government …

The Reporter

MIDDAY BROWN-OUT / BLACK-OUT IN BELIZE
At 1.05pm this afternoon air-condition units and fans came to an abrupt halt, as Belize suffered another BROWN-OUT, It has been several months since the last Brown-Out or Black-Out , and Belize electricity Limited has been doing a fairly good job of keeping pace with electricity demands, which as you know goes up by several percentage points during the summer months when businesses and residential customers crank up their AC units to stay cool.

TACO VENDOR ROBBED AT GUNPOINT
There are reliable reports indicating that at around 10:30 this morning a Belizean taco vendor located on the Phillip Goldson Highway near its junction with Buttonwood Bay Boulevard was robbed.

TROPIC-AIR PLANE DAMAGED IN FLORES, PETEN
A small aircraft belonging to Tropic Air which was parked at the Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores, Peten was flipped over during a freak storm on Tuesday evening.

Breaking Belize News

‘No ICJ Coalition’ expanding its membership
Two more organizations have decided to support the ‘No ICJ Movement Coalition’, which is a […]

Belize City couple tied up in home invasion robbery
Police are currently investigating a home invasion that occurred last night around 10:30, at the Ramirez residence, […]

Belmopan car dealer busted for large cargo of contraband
A Belmopan car dealer was busted last night in Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cayo with an […]

Public and Bank Holidays 2019 announced
Today, the Government of Belize issued a list of public and bank holidays specified in […]

Attorney General attends 2nd EU-CELAC ministerial meeting
Belize’s Attorney General, Michael Peyrefitte led Belize’s delegation to the 2nd European Union (EU) – […]

Belize Film Commission hosts 4th Hollywood Luncheon
The Belize Film Commission, along with the National Institute of Culture and History, the Deputy […]

Two men charged for trying to sell crocodile meat
Two Belize city men were busted trying to sell crocodile meat to local Chinese businesses. […]

Israel Murillos charged for burglary at Portofino
On Monday, BBN reported a burglary which occurred at Portofino Resort in San Pedro on […]

Belize~ United We Stand!
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize News. […]

Blogs

What Island Girls Do on Sundays
It was a gorgeous sunny Sunday and I was pretty sure Jenna would be up for a joyride. You may have seen the first half of the ride in my Iconic Islanders post. The second half led us to Boca Del Rio. Jenna’s pick was Wayo’s for a bite to eat. Although there was heavy sargasso surrounding us as you can see in the featured image above, we thankfully could not smell it. Splitting a shrimp quesadilla and enjoying the view was a perfect chilled out Sunday afternoon activity. Afterward, it was off to DandE’s for a sweet treat – my favorite Smoothie.

International Sources

Health City Heart Surgeon Gives Belizean Baby Normal Life
The delighted and relieved mother of baby Grayson Reneau from Belize described her experience with the medical experts at Health City Cayman Islands as “unbelievable” after they successfully performed a complex heart operation to give her child a normal life. Jamie Lord said her baby son, Grayson, was born with a heart murmur which he was expected to outgrow by two months, but when this did not occur specialists in Belize diagnosed him with Tetralogy of Fallot, a heart defect which requires surgical intervention.

No progress in abduction case
No further progress has been made in a parental child abduction case as lawyers wait to hear whether or not police and other officials in Belize will co-operate with Canadian authorities, special prosecutor Tony Bell told the court on Wednesday. He asked that the case be further adjourned until Oct. 3. On Jan. 6, 2014 the accused woman’s ex-husband told police his wife had taken their son and left the country. The following month she was charged with child abduction and a warrant was issued for her arrest. Police tracked the woman and child to Mexico, Guatemala and various parts of Belize, and the mother was the subject of various international Interpol alerts.

Drought affects regional sugar production
The Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) is reporting that drought conditions are having an adverse effect on the majority of regional sugar producers. However, it is still optimistic that production of the current crop will be completed by the end of July. During the month of May, all Caribbean sugar producers were in production, with Belize topping the list with 23,628 tonnes, followed by Guyana with 15,178 tonnes, Jamaica with 10,198 tonnes and Barbados 5,673 tonnes.

The Great Barrier Reef Is Losing Its Ability to Recover from Bleaching Events
If you hadn’t heard, things aren’t looking too rosy for the world’s reefs. Warmer oceans have led to an uptick in global coral bleaching events, ocean acidification is decreasing the amount of free carbonate ions available to reef building species, and the billions of bits of plastic that coat reefs around the globe have led to an explosion of coral infections.

The Top 20 Islands to Live on in the Caribbean
We all dream of living in the Caribbean. We all think about waking up to the ocean, being in touch with the natural environment, of connecting with the region’s vibrant culture. Everybody dreams of doing it — but some actually do it. And they all do it for different reasons.

Videos

July 18, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Israel Murillos charged for burglary
On Tuesday, July 17th, police formally arrested and charged 33-year-old Israel Murillos for Burglary, after over $16,000 in cash and valuables were stolen from Portofino Resort on Sunday, July 15th. Murillos was offered bail when he appeared at the San Pedro Magistrate Court, however, he was unable to meet it, and was thus remanded to the Belize Central Prison.

ACES educates 2018 Camp Starfish attendees
The American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) was at the Lions Den on Monday, July 16th, teaching Camp Starfish Campers all about the awesome and cool crocodiles. Children had the opportunity to learn important facts about American Crocodiles in Belize, and more importantly, met “Enchilada”, a rescued baby crocodile that ACES brought to the presentation. Shortly after 9AM, ACES intern and volunteer Ciaran O’Mordha began his presentation. He was accompanied by Chris Summers and Christina Manzi of ACES. O’Mordha explained how crocodiles are important to the environment as they help in keeping the wildlife in balance.

2018 Copa San Pedro is underway!
The tournament is seeing the participation of various teams seeking the championship in two different categories. The male category features Ambergris Hope F.C, Legends F.C, Los Catrachos F.C, San Mateo F.C, Sandy Point F.C, Boca Bombers, Strikers F.C, Peacemakers, Vince Assassins F.C, G-Strikers, Genesis F.C, San Pedro Pirates U17, Talal F.C, and Warriors F.C. The female category has Ambergris Combined, Island Warriors, San Pedro High School (SPHS) Girls, Ocean Warriors and Golden Warriors.

Ambergris Today

PIC OF THE WEEK: Fruits, Veggies, Beer, Seafood And Liquor Is All You Need
One stop convenience at Norman and Lupita's fruit stand. What started as a small liquour shop that got popular for its excellent service and special deliveries, just upgraded to a new location. It got bigger and expanded to offer fruits and veggies for its customers but it's just another quaint shop that adds charm to San Pedro, La Isla Bonita.

Kids In Action – Diving Into Summer Fun!
For the past ten years the San Pedro Tour Guide Association (SPTGA) in collaboration with PADI, the largest diving organization, and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve provide island kids the opportunity to explore the underwater world and learn to scuba dive. Diving is a fulfilling, life-changing and educational experience and 20 students ages 12-15 will be working towards their Junior Open Water Diver certifications so they engage with marine life, build character and self-confidence, and form a greater appreciation for the planet. PADI is proud to support such an enriching experience by supplying Open Water Diver manuals, course completion certificates, and more.

Misc Belizean Sources

Swearing-in of Commissions Members
The Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young swore in four Belizeans as Commission Members yesterday, July 16th, at the Belize House in Belmopan. The individuals included Mrs. Deshawn Arzu Torres, Chairperson, Integrity Commission; Ms. Naima Barrow, Member, Elections and Boundaries Commission; Mr. Orlando Espat, Member, Elections and Boundaries Commission; and Ms. Magali Marin, Member, Elections and Boundaries Commission.

Update on Re-registration of Electors Exercise
The Elections and Boundaries Department is pleased to update the public on the ongoing Re-registration of Electors Exercise for the period 8th to 14th July 2018. Registration Centers continue to be open in all thirty-one (31) electoral divisions country-wide to facilitate the acceptance of applications for the registration of electors. During the period, a total of nineteen thousand two hundred and eighty-one (19,281) applications have been accepted, therefore the total number of applications received as of 14th July 2018 is thirty-five thousand nine hundred and fifty-one (35,951). This total shows a slight increase in the number of persons applying to be registered.

Xperimental Theatre+Jazz
Wildfire's one woman show last weekend was fun, and this weekend they'll be doing their own show, which will incorporate live jazz. Always a great time, and their sangria has a kick. "Another week and another great play! Join us in back in time to1955 at Wildfire Artzmosphere as we bring to life Pasha's Boudoir and the Hide-a-wee Home for Unwed Mother's! Tickets are on sale at Kaj Expressions for $10, show starts at 7:15 p.m. this Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday! July 19-22, 18. See you there!'"

Vocal Training, Summer Advance Classes
Bliss Centre, July 16-27. Sing your way through the summer!

Celebrating the delisting of Belize’s World Heritage Site from the Sites In Danger list
The Government and people of Belize continue to celebrate the delisting of Belize’s World Heritage Site from the Sites In Danger list. On Monday, public and private sector representatives were recognized for their contributions in the national effort. Oceana is proud to be part of and to promote the collective leadership that has resulted in this historic milestone.

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday. Subject is an Octopus

School Calendar 2018/2019

Re-Registration of Electors - Registration Centers
The public is hereby notified that the below-mentioned list of Registration Centers will be opened to facilitate the registration of electors from Monday 2nd July to Friday 31st August 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday’s to Friday’s and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday’s.

Education campaign to Belizeans in the Diaspora
The International Boundaries Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Embassy of Belize in Washington and the Consulates in the United States, is embarking on the Education campaign to Belizeans in the Diaspora on whether to take Guatemala's Claim to Belize to the ICJ. The venue and dates for other cities will be shared as soon as they are finalized.

Green Climate Fund Workshop
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum (MEDP), is hosting a Green Climate Fund (GCF) Workshop at the George Price Center in Belmopan from July 16th-18th, 2018. The workshop is being held under the theme “Building Capacities of the National Designated Authority (NDA) for the Green Climate Fund”. During the next three days, approximately thirty (30) stakeholders from the public and private sector will be able to get a better understanding of GCF’s modalities and procedures and environmental and social safeguards. Stakeholders will be able to learn more about the support available for project preparation with the assistance of the GCF’s National Designated Authority (NDA) and other accredited entities. In addition, they will understand the key stages of the GCF accreditation process for Direct Access Entities (DAEs) to access GCF funds.

BIC and Scribe Back to School Tent Sale
Mark your calendar for the BIC and Scribe Back to School Tent sale! We will be in Corozal, Belize City, Orange Walk, Belmopan, San Ignacio , Punta Gorda and Independence Come visit us to get all your stationery supplies for your Back to School 2018

COLOR BEACH FESTIVAL
Corozal - Office of The Music Ambassador & Belikin Light Presents - COLOR BEACH FESTIVAL - FOAM + PAINT + WATER - Saturday, July 21st at Corozal Rainbow Beach - Gates Open at 8:00 P.M. $15 Pre-Sold or $20 at the Gate. Fully Powered by No Fear Dee Jays.

Power outage scheduled for portion of Orange Walk District on Friday, July 20 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
To affect Yo Creek, San Lazaro, Trinidad, August Pine Ridge, San Felipe, Blue Creek, Linda Vista, Tres Leguas, Cuatro Leguas, San Antonio, Santa Cruz, San Lorenzo, San Roman, San Luis, San Pablo, San Jose, San Juan, Douglas, Buena Vista, Caledonia, Progresso, and Progresso Heights. BEL to replace utility poles carrying high voltage power lines and install lightning arresters in the area.

Table Rock Named Boutique Lodge of the Year
Congratulations, Table Rock Jungle Lodge! They were named the Boutique Lodge of the Year at the Travel & Hospitality Awards. Well deserved. "We are honored to receive this year's award for BOUTIQUE LODGE OF THE YEAR in Belize from the prestigious Travel & Hospitality Awards! Congratulations to our entire hardworking and dedicated team."

Vista Del Mar water interruption today
Belize Water Services informs customers in parts of Vista Del Mar that there will be an interruption in the water supply, today, Wednesday, July 18, 2018, starting at 1:00pm. The areas to be affected are all that area found North of Manta Ray Boulevard and Ocean Jack Avenue. This interruption is necessary for the installation of a new water main. Due to the upgrade, customers may experience low pressure and/or discoloration in their water supply when water is fully restored. Customers are being advised that water is expected to be fully restored by 5:30pm.

4th Annual Belize Film Commission/Hollywood Luncheon
The Belize Film Commission along with the National Institute of Culture and History, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Honorable Patrick Faber, and the Consulate General of Belize in Los Angeles will host Hollywood executives and international investors, as well as members of the Belizean diaspora involved in the film industry, at a Luncheon on July 21, 2018 in Southern California. This event is an opportunity for Belize to show itself in the best light as a film production friendly jurisdiction while promoting Belizean talent to international partners looking for locations and investment opportunities outside the US. The event has also garnered support from industry standard bearers such as Final Draft, a premiere script writing software, Warner Bros Animation, KJLH Radio Station, The Real Coconut by Daniella Hunter, Meister Watches and international investment entity The NOW Group/RSE Associates Inc. along with a host of other partners. We continue to attract a growing interest from the Hollywood and investment community each year.

Caribbean Pine tree
On this #TreeTuesday, we are highlighting the Caribbean Pine tree (Pinus caribaea)! Caribbean Pine trees grow over 110 feet in height. The seeds are bound together in a cone. The needle and pale-green leaves make a unique sound in the wind. Caribbean Pine trees are found in upland and lowland pine savannas. Well managed fires ensure that Caribbean Pine tree populations are healthy. A small portion of the 100,000 acre Bladen Nature Reserve has Caribbean Pine trees. In Belize, the trees are logged and sawn into commercial timers and boards as in other parts of Central America.

Channel 7

Cabbies Complain
This morning a crowd of disgruntled taxi operators in Orange Walk town gathered to protest at a park in Trial Farm village. They're angry with the Orange Walk Town Council because they feel they are being forced to sign a five year contract with a new foreign owned taxi company. This, according to their allegations, is being done in order to upgrade the taxi service with brand new vehicles, something the taxi operators say they wouldn't mind doing if it didn't cost so much. The alleged decision of the town council to introduce this company in Orange Walk has left the local cabbies feeling cheated out of their humble livelihoods. Here's what a few of them had to say at an impromptu press conference this morning: Disgruntled Taxi operator: "Now we are here, in protest of the things he is doing with those taxis. And we do not agree with painting all our taxis yellow because we don't even have the money to do that."

Big Money Green Light For Stake Bank Cruise Project
News is the The Stake Bank Cruise Docking facility had gone silent for a while - but tonight we can report that it's now going full speed ahead. First, a little bit of background: Developer Mike Feinstein signed a so-called "definitive agreement" with government 11 months ago to develop the Stake Bank Cruise Docking facility. Construction was supposed to start by the end of 2017 - and it was promised to open by January of 2019. But, it seems putting the financing for the mega-project together took a little more time.

US Doctors Optimistic About Burn Victim Grayson Cadle
He survived a butane explosion and received burns to 70% of his body, but Grayson Cadle is reported to be going strong after five rounds of surgery at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. Yvette Burks from the Burn Victim Mercy Fund reports that Doctors are optimistic because he is recovering from each successive round of surgery. She says his chances of doing well are excellent and Doctors are really hopeful. And while that is one upside, the Burn Victim fund raised less than a hundred dollars for this mission of mercy. That's right, less than one hundred - when the air ambulance flight alone was 42 thousand dollars.

Court For Croc Meat
Two men went to court today - for trying to sell 25 pounds of crocodile meat - which is illegal. 34 year old Raymond Augustine and 31 year old Fenton Reyes, were charged with "found in possession of wild life" when they appeared today before Magistrate Khadeem Palmer. They pleaded not guilty and were released on bails of $1,000 each and their case was adjourned until September 5.

Resort Burglar Charged
Last night we told you about the burglary at Portofino Beach Resort, on northern Ambergris Caye. Early on Sunday morning, a robber made off with two safes containing about 16 thousand dollars in Belize and US currency. Police caught their suspect not far from the hotel and recovered about nine thousand dollars. Well, today, that suspect was charged. He is Israel Murillos, a 33-year-old, caretaker. He has been charged for Burglary.

Shaphan’s Struggle
To many, life in a wheelchair is not a life at all, but one man has learned to make the best out of it. He is 32 year old Shaphan Domingo. A 2007 shooting incident left him crippled. His legs had to be amputated. But he has been carrying on mostly on his own, never making his situation get the better of him. Today, Phillip Willoughby and the "One struggle" family held a special ceremony for Domingo to give him a number of much needed supplies. But that was not all. Courtney Weatherburne has the story. 32 year old Shaphan Domingo has come a long way. He was shot 4 times in January 2007 on Amara Avenue. That incident changed his life forever - it left him paralyzed. And throughout the years he has developed a number of other life-threatening complications including kidney stones and chronic urinary tract infection. But like he said in a 2007 interview, 8 months after he was shot, despite the daily struggles, nothing can bring him down.

Re-Registration Trend Shows Uptick In Numbers
The second week of re-registration was stronger than the first. In week two nineteen thousand two hundred and eighty-one persons applied for re-registration, about three thousand more than week one. And if you're in an urban area and only see re-registrants trickling in, we've seen photos of places like San Jose, Toledo where villagers lined up for hours on Sunday. Those villagers came from nearby communities to re-register. If you're waiting to do you thing, don't. Registration Centers continue to be open in all thirty-one (31) electoral divisions country-wide. So far 35,951 persons have re-registered to vote.

Benqueno Busted With Weed, Gets Eased on Bail
A Benque Viejo man was arraigned today at the Magistrate's court in Belize City. He is 27 year old Carlitos Valdez. On Sunday July 15th at around 6:00 in the morning, Hattieville Police saw a grey Kia Sportage, driven by Valdez, in a suspicious driving mode as he approached a checkpoint. They searched it and found a bag containing several parcels of weed tightly wrapped in transparent tape. The bundles of ganja weighed about 20 pounds. Valdez was arrested and charged with drug trafficking.

Accused of Murder, Convicted Of Manslaughter
A man got his charges reduced from murder to manslaughter after his case was tried at the Supreme Court in Belmopan. He is Stephen Gomez a resident of the Cayo district. He and Joseph Vacarro were previously arrested and jointly charged for the murder of Victor Vargas. However, today Vacarro testified in court against Gomez after having had his murder charges dropped. Vacarro told the court that Gomez and Vargas got into an altercation that ended in Gomez stabbing Vargas in the neck and head several times.

Belize Bank, 7 Years Of Awarding Scholars
Today the Belize Bank awarded full scholarships to 20 Belizeans to pursue their secondary and tertiary education. Over 168 students applied for the scholarship but only the most deserving- based on criteria of necessity and academic performance- were selected. The scholarship covers school fees, a book grant, tutoring classes and an integrated system of mentorship provided by the Belize Bank staff. We found out more: Dr. Dian Danderson- Chief Inspector of Schools, MOE: "You as the student need to also realize this wonderful opportunity that is being gifted to you today. When you realize it for yourself then you are able to take action. I want this to be a beginning point for you all as well..."

Basketballer Charles Garcia, Big Talent, Big Heart
The Belize Basketball Federation is getting ready for the FIBA Americup Qualifiers for the COCABA region that will be held here in Belize starting this weekend. And, now, the Belize National Basketball Team is shaping up - and one of the main talents is Charles Garcia. The six foot ten professional player who has played in the NBA-D-League, and in leagues all over the world says he is ready to finally play for his parents homeland:..

What is the Green Climate Fund About?
"Building Capacities of the National Designated Authority (NDA) for the Green Climate Fund". That is the theme for a 3 day workshop at the George Price Center. The main objective is discuss and better understand what the Green Climate Fund is all about. Here is more from the workshop. There are about 30 participants. The workshop ends tomorrow.

Chargé Moves On, Still No US Ambassador
She's a US diplomat who's become well known in Belize. But, now, US Embassy Chargé d Affaires, Adrienne Galanek is moving on. She rose to national prominence after the last Ambassador Carlos Moreno left when Donald Trump won the presidency. She's a US public servant, and not a political appointment like Ambassadors - was courteous even in departure: Adrienne Galanek, US Embassy Chargé d Affaires: "I leave Belize with a heartfelt gratitude towards Belizean people and the confidence in what the future holds for our 2 countries. Let the friendship between the United States and Belize move ever upward."

Commissioners Take The Oath
Governor General Sir Colville Young swore in four Commission Members yesterday in Belmopan. They are attorney Deshawn Arzu Torres, who takes the helm of the Integrity Commission; and four members of the Elections And Boundaries Commission, including Naima Barrow appointed by the UDP, and PUP appointees Orlando Espat, and Magali Marin-Young - who also happens to be the GG's daughter - in - law.

Channel 5

Stake Bank Cruise Port to Break Ground in August
The Stake Bank Cruise Port is finally getting off almost a decade after it was first conceived and introduced by developer Michael Feinstein.  The proposal to construct a cruise ship [...]

Stake Bank to Proceed Without Controversial Causeway
The project will see the employment of hundreds of local laborers in erecting the twin piers, as well as the structures on the island.  Once completed, however, Stake Bank will [...]

Is the Proposed Cayo Rosario Development Massive?
In another tourism development, two months ago we reported on the proposed development at Cayo Rosario in San Pedro. Tourism stakeholders, fishermen and residents are opposed to the development of [...]

David Gegg’s GST Appeal Case Heard by the CCJ
A peculiar case was argued before the Caribbean Court of Justice today. It boils down to whether or not local tour operators must pay GST though cruise lines are exempted.  [...]

S.C. Eamon Courtenay: This is Not a Case of Tax Avoidance
Representing David Gegg and his two companies is Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay.  Courtenay made the point that this is not a case in which Gegg is avoiding to pay tax, [...]

Week Two of Re-registration: 35,951 More Applications Submitted
There are some hitches in the ongoing mass registration exercise, but indications are that the flow of electors is steady.  In the week of July eighth and fourteenth, nineteen thousand [...]

An Update on Choice Bank’s Crippling Afflictions
Late this evening, the Central Bank of Belize issued a statement with updates to the predicament that Choice Bank finds itself in. According to the Central Bank of Belize, liquidator [...]

Shane Vellos says Cop Broke His Arm!
Shane Vellos says Placencia Police locked him up last Thursday evening because someone named him in a theft. The twenty-one-year-old says that he was wrongly accused and later released without [...]

A Caretaker is Charged for the Predawn Burglary of Portofino on Ambergris Caye
Portofino Resort on northern Ambergris Caye was burglarized in the predawn hours of Sunday, the thief making off with a pair of strong boxes containing sixteen thousand dollars in various [...]

Cayo Central Area Rep. Says Naturalized Guats. Should be Allowed to Re-register
It is likely that the latest re-registration figures released by the Elections and Boundaries Department include applications submitted by naturalized Guatemalans. As the process continues, several groups are opposing the [...]

Rene Montero Says ‘Yes’ To the ICJ
We also asked Cayo Central Area Representative, Rene Montero, whether he supports taking the Belize Guatemalan dispute for resolution by the International Court of Justice. It is no secret that [...]

The Race for UDP Leadership Intensifies
The race for leadership of the United Democratic Party has been ramped up with Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar putting together a fantasy league of U.D.P. standard bearers ahead of [...]

7th Cohort of Belize Bank Scholarship Recipients are Recognized
A group of twenty students and their families gathered today at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City. The happy occasion was the award of the Belize Bank scholarships [...]

Gusty Winds Flip Tropic Air’s Plane in Guatemalan Airport
An airplane belonging to Tropic Air was flipped by gusty winds in Guatemala. Reports from Peten are that strong winds caused the plane, which was parked at the Mundo Maya [...]

Shaphan Domingo Needs Your Help!
Shaphan Domingo was only twenty years old when he was shot four times. One of the bullets hit his spine and left him paralyzed and eventually he lost both legs. [...]

K4 Donates Footwear to Liberty Children’s Home
Young children living at Liberty Home will be benefitting from a generous donation from K-Four, a U.S. based organization with roots in Belize.  The facility provides a safe home for [...]

KTV the Remix; What It Takes to Keep Your Favourite Singer
Momentum is building up for tonight’s KTV Remix which gets underway at eight-thirty tonight at the Bliss. Now, the show promises to be a nail-biter because this early in the [...]

LOVE FM

35,951 applications received for Re-registration exercise
The Government is trying it’s best to rebuild the lists of people living in constituencies across the country that could have the most significant impact on the results of the next General Elections, as you know people have a tendency to vote in areas where they grew up rather than where they currently live. The …

Stake Bank Cruise Port funding is secured; construction to commence this year
The 50 million US dollar project that was rejected by environmentalists for potential impact on manatees and welcomed by tourism stakeholders in the Belize District is finally getting positive feedback. Funding has been secured for the construction of the Stake Bank Cruise Port. The announcement was made today by developers, Stake Bank Enterprise Limited, a …

Central Bank of Belize says it operated within the laws when dealing with the Choice Bank crisis
The Central Bank of Belize issued a statement late this evening addressing the ongoing Choice Bank crisis. The statement did not directly address the open letter to the Prime Minister Dean Barrow by Panamanian Attorney Giovanni Caporaso Gottlieb. As we last reported, Gottlieb wrote a letter to Prime Minister Barrow on behalf of a “large …

Islander is charged for burglarizing Portofino Resort on San Pedro
San Pedro Police have arrested and charged 33-year-old Israel Murillos for burglary. Murillos was detained following the burglary of Portofino Resort located at six and a half Miles North of San Pedro Town over the weekend. The Manager of the resort, Raul Rodriguez told police that on Sunday morning between one and two o’clock, someone …

Amandala

Panamanian attorney wants CB Governor, Joy Grant, fired
Choice Bank, an offshore bank located on Marine Parade, has been the subject of media coverage a few times of late due to its liquidation predicament, which prevented the bank’s clients from being able to make withdrawals from the bank. On June 6, we learned that a client had filed a sworn affidavit claiming that Choice Bank was planning to wind down by the end of the month, which would result in the loss of substantial funds for the depositors. However, Central Bank of Belize, which regulates all banks, including Choice Bank, released a statement on June 7, saying that, as of May, it had started executing preventative and corrective actions to ensure that Choice Bank could continue to address its customers’ financial needs and concerns.

Canadian man, 21, charged for Pasadina Bar murder
On Sunday morning, April 15, a female bartender at Pasadina Bar, located in Ranchito, Corozal District, was attempting to close the main entrance to the bar when a man wearing a mask appeared with a sawed-off shotgun. Emmanuel Evan Sosa, 38, intervened on the woman’s behalf. An argument ensued between Sosa and the masked man, before the masked man shot the Good Samaritan dead and then fled. Last week, police’s investigation of the homicide led them to arrest a Canadian man, George Bednarik, 21, who reportedly had been residing in the village. Reportedly, Bednarik’s mother is a resident of Ranchito.

Motorcyclist collides with bus and dies
Another motorcyclist lost his life around 5:10 p.m. on Sunday when he collided with a bus between Miles 20 and 21 on the Hummingbird Highway, in the Valley Community area. Ian Hines, the bus driver, said that he was driving in a south-to-north direction while Albert Idelfonso, 22, a resident of Dangriga Town, was driving his motorcycle in the opposite direction. According to Hines, Idelfonso overtook two vehicles, but then collided with the front of the bus.

Shoshana Moody, 32 fined $15,000 for manslaughter by negligence
Shoshana Moody, 32, an employee of Choice Bank, was fined $5,000 by Madam Justice Marilyn Williams on Friday, July 13, after she pleaded guilty to manslaughter by negligence for the death of Chinese businessman, Liang Sheng Chen, who was knocked down by a silver SUV driven by Moody around 6:27 a.m. on August 11, 2012. Moody was also ordered to pay $10,000 in compensation to Chen’s estate. She was given until January 1, 2019, to pay both the fine and compensation. If she defaults on payment of the fine, she will serve a sentence of 6 months imprisonment. Failure to pay the compensation will result in a case of distress.

Crop-duster crashes in More Tomorrow
Today, sometime after 9:15 a.m., there was an aircraft accident near the More Tomorrow Village. Police and Civil Aviation personnel visited the area, where Henry Plett, the pilot, told them that while flying a crop-duster to spray the rice fields in the area, the crop-duster began to have mechanical problems. Plett said that he then attempted to land the crop-duster, but in the process, it crashed. He immediately exited the aircraft, which then burst into flames.

Diaspora Belizeans providing diabetes education at home
Belizeans in the diaspora have been making incalculable contributions to the development of Belize for a number of years in many areas. In their own way, many of these Belizeans are finding their way back home and are transferring their valuable skills and resources for the benefit of Belize. At a reception Friday night for members of the New York Belize Diabetes Association, (NYBDA) a group made up of mostly qualified healthcare professionals, leaders of the organization told Amandala about the work that they have undertaken to provide education to Belizeans suffering from the often devastating condition of diabetes.

CYDP Sports Summer Camp 2018
The CYDP (Conscious Youth Development Programme) held its two-week Under 15 Summer Camp from July 2 – 13 at the Yarborough Court and Field. The Camp had 100+ kids who participated in life skills through sports and swimming lessons (provided by Belize Defence Force personnel). After daily life-skills training, the youths played football and basketball competitions; and at the end of the Camp, awards and medals were issued for performance along with back-to-school supplies.

Firms Basketball League Week 3 scores
After a week’s break in the tournament, the Firms Basketball League (FBL) bounced back into action last week with games on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Swift Hall court. The first two weeks of the tournament were played at the Civic Center. In the opener on Thursday night, Diginet defeated Police, 64-57. Diginet was led by Lupita Acosta 18 pts 5 rebs, and Jason Vasquez 13 pts 13 rebs; while Police had Marcus Lewis with 25 pts 10 rebs, and Sheldon Williams 9 pts 10 rebs. And in the nightcap, it was Dragons, 75-71, over Belize Bank Bulldogs. Balanced scoring for the Dragons saw Eyan Rene with 18 pts 11 rebs, Sydney Bradley 14 pts 5 rebs, Andrew Vasquez 14 pts 16 rebs, and Kevin Hamilton 12 pts rebs; while the Bulldogs were led by Lincey Lopez 18 pts 4 rebs, Earl Johnson 11 pts 10 rebs, and Jamal Augustine 10 pts 7 rebs.

Anglican Church Criterium winners
The 6th Annual Anglican Church Criterium was originally scheduled for June 15 of this year, but was postponed until yesterday, Sunday, July 15, when the cycle races in different categories were held on the Albert/Regent Streets Circuit, starting at 11:00 a.m. The various race categories, with the exception of kids under 12 years, did different numbers of laps on the Albert/Regent Streets Circuit; the under 12 kids took a shorter route through Dean Street. (Note: CFB – Cycling Federation of Belize; WW – Weekend Warriors)

FFB to appoint normalizing committee for Toledo Football Association
The Executive Committee of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB), at a meeting held on July 10, 2018, passed a motion to appoint a normalization committee to run the affairs of the Toledo Football Association (TFA). The decision was primarily made after the composition of the TFA Executive degenerated to an unacceptably low number of active officers, which contravenes the statutes for the transaction of the association’s business. A (3) three-person normalizing committee will be put in place to administrate the daily affairs of the TFA, work closely with the TFA General Secretary, the Technical Officer and the Administrative officer. The committee is also tasked to organize the process for conducting the elections of a new TFA Executive.

Editorial: Independence, in retrospect
As Belize headed into the critical general election of 1979, the ruling People’s United Party (PUP), under the leadership of Premier George Cadle Price, was calling for political independence as soon as possible, and publicly lamenting that independence had been so long delayed, for more than a decade in fact. On the other hand, the Opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), under the leadership of the attorney Dean Russell Lindo, was saying that Belize should wait ten years before entering independence, because the country was not sufficiently developed economically. It appeared that the Guatemalan oligarchy and military preferred the UDP’s position on independence to the PUP one, because all the indications were that they preferred for the UDP to come to power.

From the Publisher
Several months ago, some people decided that it was in line with their agenda to create a fake news website which declared that yours truly was one of the ten richest men in Belize. The sinister aspect of the website was that it appeared during a period when the Kremandala institutions were actually battling for their financial life, in a collapsing Belizean economy. We have said to you before that by the latter part of 2016 we had become aware that there was some kind of organized, concerted attack on our Southside businesses, an attack which involved the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP). It may have been that these offensives began as early as late 2013 or early 2014 (in the wake of the Elvin Penner passport scandal), but it was not until late 2016 that we became entirely convinced of the existence of an all-out conspiracy against us.

Quo Vadis, Belice?
Dear Editor, All is not well in The Jewel. Inflation fueled by crushing and ever increasing taxation is driving more of us into poverty on a daily basis. Corruption at all levels is the order of the day. Crime of all types including an unprecedented number of homicides and home invasions overwhelms us like a runaway train. This has been especially true since the legalization of cannabis, as was the case in Jamaica until they repealed the law. We suffer under senseless draconian Napoleonic gun laws under which the criminals find it easier to bear arms than the law-abiding citizen, yet this has utterly failed to reduce the killings.

Calumny of a quisling?
Dear Editor, So, our illustrious Foreign Minister refers to Belizean patriots as “crazy.” He should be careful about name calling. This is the same character who violated the trust the Belizean people placed in him to represent their best interests, and instead has bent his efforts toward helping the Guatemalans abscond with land title to Belize. He blathers on about what a great and kind and good neighbor Guatemala has been to us. Has he never viewed the havoc the Guatemalans are wreaking in our national forests?

BCC’s impressive housing initiative
We shouldn’t let it just go by, this initiative by the Belize City Council (BCC) to design a low cost house for people who want to own a home but are not exactly rolling in cash. There’s a Ministry of Housing (national government), and/so the business of getting houses built is not really the territory of municipal government. But the housing situation in Belize being so dire, and there not being much of a national response, someone had to light a candle. The BCC deserves big points for the effort. A signature piece of the PUP manifesto, 1998-2003, was to see the construction of 10,000 houses in the country. I recall that the Cuban government stepped up to assist, with a factory that produced a house we called the Cubel. I never saw the Cubel house “factory” at work, but I know the factories (2?) were here because I read about it. The Cubels couldn’t have caught on though, because after a time there wasn’t much discussion about them.

BELIZE DIASPORA TOWNHALL 2018 IN LOS ANGELES!
Belizeans in Los Angeles, California came out to the Belize Diaspora Town Hall that was held on Sunday, July 1, 2018 at the Holy Name of Jesus School in Los Angeles, addressing the Belize Re-registration process by the government of Belize on July 2, 2018 that will shut out thousands of Belizeans living abroad in the United States and across the world in the Belizean diaspora from the Belize electoral process. The critical issue will prepare the Belizean electorate in Belize to vote in the April 10, 2019 Belize referendum that will decide if Belizeans want the Anglo-Guatemalan claim of Belize to go for adjudication to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The inspirational journey of Kaedhyn Williams
Her eyes twinkled with confidence and her smile enveloped the room as she exclaimed her future goals and intentions. Kaedhyn Williams is an 11-year-old Belizean American who is the oldest child of Belizean parents Marvin Williams and Tamarah Major Williams, who recently became the recipient of the prestigious scholarship of the Carson Scholars Fund. Kaedhyn, a 7th grade student at Fulton & Alsbury Academy of Arts and Engineering in Lancaster, California, has all the reasons to be ecstatic. The remarkable journey of Kaedhyn began with the challenge of being born with Spinal Bifida, which affected her ability to walk. She had to endure several major and delicate surgeries over her childhood to correct the condition. Then she had to learn how to walk independently and use a brace daily that required assistance in putting on and taking off. While this is a lot for any human being to deal with, Kaedhyn Williams not only endured, survived and excelled but went above and beyond.

Long re-registration lines in Buena Vista trigger police presence
A number of stories about various incidents are being spawned on a daily basis since the re-registration exercise began at the start of the month. In Buena Vista village, which lies in the Toledo East constituency, there have been daily long lines that on two occasions, because of the length of the lines, led to police being called in to monitor the situation and keep the peace. The chairman of Buena Vista requested the presence of the police for safety reasons, beginning last Wednesday, a reliable source confirmed to us.

Re-trial of 3 men accused of 2012 murder of ex-BDF concludes
The second murder trial of three men ended today, Monday, and Supreme Court Justice Colin Williams, who heard the case sitting without a jury, has indicated that he will issue his ruling on Wednesday, July 18. The three men, Tyrone Meighan, Brandon Baptist and Orel Leslie, were accused of the November 23, 2012 murder of James Noralez, an ex-Belize Defence Force soldier, whose body was found dumped near the junction of Fabers Road and the George Price Highway, riddled with bullets.

Jermaine Moody, 30, convicted of manslaughter
Today, after hearing pleas for mitigation, Justice Adolph Lucas set Friday, July 27, as the date for the sentencing of Jermaine Moody, 30, who was found not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter for the death of Moses Coc, 31, which occurred on September 13, 2014, in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Two character witnesses testified on Moody’s behalf. The first was Leny Jo Garnett, 35, a standard 6 teacher at Hummingbird Primary School, and she said that she has known Moody for over 10 years, and during that time, he was very jovial, quiet and compassionate.

Rudolph Welcome, 18, accused of attempted murder, released on bail
Rudolph Welcome, 18, a resident of Roaring Creek who was remanded into custody on a charge of attempted murder, was released on a bail of $8,000 with 2 sureties that were offered to him by Madam Justice Antoinette Moore on Friday, July 13. The bail was granted on several conditions. One of them was that Welcome is not to interfere with the complainant, Eugene Henderson, 22, in any way. Neither is he to interfere with any of Henderson’s friends or family members.

DIASPORA BELIZEANS PROVIDING DIABETES EDUCATION AT HOME
Belizeans in the diaspora have been making incalculable contributions to the development of Belize for a number of years in many areas. In their own way, many of these Belizeans are finding their way back home and are transferring their valuable skills and resources for the benefit of Belize. At a reception Friday night for members of the New York Belize Diabetes Association, (NYBDA) a group made up of mostly qualified healthcare professionals, leaders of the organization told Amandala about the work that they have undertaken to provide education to Belizeans suffering from the often devastating condition of diabetes.

Breaking Belize News

Orange Walk’s PLAY visits the Belize Zoo
The Belize Zoo hosted Rebecca Hernandez, her husband Alex and daughter Amy for their Summer reading […]

Strong winds flip parked Tropic Air plane in Guatemala
According to reports, a Tropic Air plane with flights from Belize City to Flores, Guatemala flipped over […]

Summer camp concludes at Yarborough
Children and youths countrywide are engaged in summer programs and vacation classes. The Ministry of Human Development, […]

Re-Registration of Electors – Registration Centers
The public is hereby notified that the below-mentioned list of Registration Centers will be opened to facilitate […]

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires bids farewell to Belize
During her time as the United States Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Adrienne Galanek became a familiar face […]

Monkey River villagers concerned about erosion
Villagers from Monkey River, Toledo, are reportedly concerned by rapidly increasing soil erosion occurring along […]

Green Climate Fund workshop hosted in Belmopan
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum (MEDP), is hosting a […]

Councilor Micah Goodin: Belize City Council basketball tournament a success
The Belize City Council is moving smoothly into the second week of its summer basketball tournament. […]

Between these lines…The 2 million dollar dialysis question!
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

Feinstein group announces start of Stake Bank construction
The Feinstein Group, led by investor Michael Feinstein, has announced that the long-awaited Stake Bank […]

Belize Bank issues scholarships
Today the Belize Bank distributed scholarships to 20 students at a ceremony held at the […]

Integrity and Election commission members sworn in
The Governor General of Belize H.E. Colville Young swore in four Belizeans as Commission members […]

Over 35,000 Belizeans have Re-registered
The Elections and Boundaries Department today issued an update on the ongoing re-registration exercise for […]

Mother and son graduate together from Galen University
Galen University in Belize held their 15th Commencement exercise on Sunday, July 17, and for […]

Buena Vista man died of natural causes
On Sunday, BBN reported that a man was found dead inside his home in Buena Vista […]

The William Mason saga: Two years later
Two years have passed since the horrific murder of Dangriga pastor Llewellyn Lucas, and while a […]

Police arrest man for burglarizing a San Pedro Resort
Yesterday, police responded to a burglary report at the Portofino Resort in San Pedro, where Raul […]

Blogs

Two Iconic Islanders Need Your Help – Maria and Coconut Leo
Sometimes life throws a curve ball your way and you have to do what you can to survive. As was the case of Maria the fruit/juice lady, a global favorite. Both my friend Jenna and I were happy to see she and the family fruit stand landed in a new location after both her home and her business were forced to move at the same time. Maria’s new location is a bit farther south from her old one which was across from Isla Bonita Yacht Club. From town, If you go past Banana Beach Resort and just a little more past Royal Palm Villas then look right at the corner of the road leading to Escalante on the west side of the road you will see it. Next came a less happy tour for another iconic San Pedrano as we took the back road to San Pedrito to see the shell of Coconut Leo’s house burned down house. If you do not know, on July 8th Coconut Leo’s house burned to the ground while he (luckily) was not home. Leo had been living rent-free on the property for the last 7 years. Leo’s uncle David has lived on the same property longer than Leo and his house was also damaged and in need of repair. David does pay some rent but up until recently, he was also living there rent-free.

Miraculous Turneffe Atoll: Unparalleled Beauty, A Dream Property and A Massive Hotel
A coral atoll in itself is quite miraculous. A circle of microscopic polyps clinging to each other and rising up on the edges of ancient volcanos or shifting fault blocks – braving winds, deep water waves and storms – over thousands and millions of year. Belize is so blessed. Tiny Belize has three atolls off her shores – Lighthouse (home of possibly the most famous sinkhole in the world), Glover’s Atoll and Turneffe. Sunday I headed out to the largest atoll – over 30 miles from south to the northern lighthouse. An early morning start with the water taxi from San Pedro to Belize City (1.5 hours) and then catching a chartered ride from the city to our final destination.

A jewish wedding at Victoria House Resort by Romantic Travel Belize
Romantic Travel Belize is a company in Belize that organize weddings and private events. Their work is amazing and the owner personally is taking care of every detail. As usual, Danielle’s and Nathan’s wedding was a success… I will let the photos speak for this wedding.

7 Belize Barrier Reef Facts Every Scuba Diver Should Know About
With hundreds of islands and thousands of dive sites, it's no wonder that the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Belize Barrier Reef is a world-class scuba diving destination. belize barrier reef If you are coming to Belize for a fabulous scuba diving vacation, here are seven important facts you should know: It's Really Big: The Belize Barrier Reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-biggest barrier reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. The Belize Barrier Reef forms approximately 35% of the total north-south length of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System but 80% of its total area. It's a Unique Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere There are only two barrier reefs in the entire western hemisphere, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Belize Barrier Reef and a small reef located offshore of the island of Providencia in Nicaragua. Although other reefs in the region are sometimes referred to as barrier reefs, only Belize and Nicaragua have true barrier reefs.

The Top Things to Do in Belize 2018- Must-see Attractions in Belize
Whether you seek sun, nature, beaches, or adventure, there is so much to discover in Belize in 2018. Although the country is small (just 8,867 square miles), it offers so many amazing things to do and see that it can be hard deciding which activities to enjoy first. Here is our humble submission for the top things to do in Belize in 2018:

Is Belize Safe
Belize is a small country, but because it isn't well-known by outsiders, a lot of visitors want to know if it is safe to visit. Of course, no country is ever going to be completely safe from crime and other risks, but Belize is an incredibly safe country for foreign visitors. Tourism is an important part of the Belizean economy. With over one million visitors a year to a country smaller than the state of Massachusetts, the government of Belize takes visitor safety extremely seriously. As such, the vast majority of visitors to Belize enjoy a wonderful, safe, and incident-free vacation.

10 Gorgeous Birds You Are Likely To See On Your Belize Vacation
With more than 600 different bird species recorded in Belize, it can be difficult to decide a top 10 list of the most beautiful. Belize's pristine landscapes of mountain forests, wetlands, offshore islands, rainforests, and jungle make it an ideal location for birds to thrive, including several rare and endangered species. Here is our list of the top 10 most gorgeous birds in Belize:

Top 5 Things To Do in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve — known as “Pine Ridge” to locals — was established in 1944 to protect and manage the native Belizean pine forest since the area is very different from the other forests in Belize. The landscape features rolling pine forest spread over smooth, granite hillsides. Unfortunately, about two decades ago, Pine Ridge suffered a pine beetle infestation and it is still in the process of fully recovering to its once majestic splendor. However, the area is still pretty spectacular and it is one of the top spots to visit when in Western Belize. So if you’re looking for a fun day trip, go to Pine Ridge! The area offers a variety of things to do such as birdwatching, swimming, caving, and trekking Maya ruins.

Belize Eco-Kids 2018 Summer Camp Takes Off!
Well hello there, if you’re reading this, then you’re probably a concerned parent who’s naturally worried about your child being away from home. That’s totally okay! I hope these blogs can help relieve your stress. You can be assured that your child will be completely taken care of by experienced and caring volunteer counselors. Today was probably the hardest day for everyone (apart from the last day), a mixture of emotions could be felt at each meet up point. Emotions ranging from fear of the unknown all the way up to excitement. However, that fear they had went away rather quickly. You’d be amazed to see how fast and easily the kids began making friends on the bus. At each stop, with more and more children hopping on, the singing of camp songs became louder and louder.

Eco Kids Summer Camp 2018 Day 2: Biodiversity & Conservation
A wet but joyful hello from the banks of the Macal river. Yes, for those of you who didn’t know, Eco Kids camp is held yearly at Chaa Creek’s Macal river camp. I know what you’re thinking, but don’t worry, the kids are never allowed down by the river; all water activities are done in a supervised private pool. The camp provides the perfect environment for children to immerse themselves in nature. If you ask any camper, being surrounded by a variety of plants and animals is definitely the best part of camp. Our second day consisted of learning about all the chirping birdies, bright yellow flowers and creepy crawlers that live around us A.K.A Biodiversity.

International Sources

BLOWFISH JOINS EFFORT TO SEND BASEBALL EQUIPMENT TO BELIZE
Ralph Jarrells is quite an interesting guy. What he wants to do for kids in Belize is even more interesting. I met Ralph recently at a West Metro Rotary Club breakfast meeting and we chatted about a mission project he has been involved with. He grew up in Columbia and during his high ...

Videos

July 17, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Coral Ed-Ventures 2018 Summer Camp graduates 51 island students
A total of 51 children graduated from the annual Coral Reef Ed-Ventures Summer Camp on Thursday, July 12th at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The special graduation ceremony recognized the participants as Coral Reef Experts after they successfully completed the educational summer program that started on June 25th. The graduation ceremony took place shortly after 7PM, with participants presenting their projects to invited guests and their parents. Afterwards, everyone was treated to a presentation on Wallie the whale shark that travelled around the seas in search for food. During his trek, he noticed how the oceans in other parts of the planet are filled with trash and other pollutants.

Ambergris Today

Belize Statistics Point To Decrease In Major Crimes
Statistics compiled by the Ministry of National Security show that major crimes in Belize are on a downward trend. The figures were released and analyzed at the Ministry’s monthly meeting with the high command of law enforcement agencies in Belmopan on Monday, 9th July 2018. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Ministry to review the current crime situation in Belize where it was noted that there is an observable downward trend in major crimes. This updated information incidentally came after a meeting with the business sector including the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Belize Chinese Association, the Indian Association, and the Belize Teachers Union; where they reportedly were of the view that crimes were spiraling out of control.

Tropic Air Announces The Resumption Of Flights To Caye Caulker
On Monday, July 16, 2018, Tropic Air announced that it is opening reservations for the resumption of service to and from Caye Caulker (CUK). Reservations can now be made for flights that begin on November 15th, 2018.

Misc Belizean Sources

Tropic Air to Resume Flights to Caye Caulker Nov. 15
Tropic Air announced today that it is opening reservations for the resumption of service to and from Caye Caulker (CUK). Reservations can now be made for flights that begin on November 15th, 2018. “Caye Caulker is an important part of our network, and as Belize’s leading airline, we are thrilled to announce a service resumption date” said John Greif III, President of Tropic Air. “Now that the renovations to the airstrip are nearing completion, we are happy to let the residents know that we are back and ready to fly more tourists to the island.” “While we have set November 15th as our resumption date, we are prepared to move that date up if the the airport renovation work finishes earlier,” said Steve Schulte, CEO of Tropic Air. “We have also improved our schedule to the island, making it more efficient and giving the island dedicated flights and tours..."

Familiarization Trip and Business Conference Held as Part of the Regional Mayan Community-Based Tourism Project
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Mundo Maya Organization held a familiarization trip to the Exploring Holpatin Trail in the Orange Walk District on Thursday, July 12, 2018. As part of the activities, tour operators based in the Orange Walk District, regional Tour Operators, as well as representatives from the Mundo Maya Organization and the Inter-American Development Bank learned about the history of the Maya Mestizo at the U Chan Muul Yaax K’aax Maya Museum in San Lazaro. The participants also visited a medicinal trail in August Pine Ridge, where they were also able to experience local handicrafts from renowned local artisan, and later enjoyed a performance of the Pok Ta Pok (Maya Ball Game) in Yo Creek Village. On Friday, a technical conference was held in Orange Walk Town with the tour operators and the community organizations featured in the trail with the aim of creating new tourism packages for tourists visiting the Orange Walk District.

ICA INVITATION TO BID FOR FERTILIZERS AND LIME
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation of Agriculture (IICA) and the European Union (EU), have entered into an agreement to implement an 18 months project for the Productivity Enhancement of Banana Farms through Integrated Soil Fertility Management in the Banana Belt Area of Belize. The project will cover the following objective: The Overall Objective of the project is to foster social and economic development, leading to the reduction of poverty, focusing on workers, their families, and communities in the Banana Belt Area of Belize.

Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwán) Hold Preparatory Technical Meeting for the 17th SICA/Taiwan Mixed Commission
Representatives of the countries of the Central American Integration System (SICA) held a working meeting with H.E. Alexander Yui, the Director General of Latin America and the Caribbean of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of China (Taiwan), aimed at coordinating the preparations for the XVII Mixed Commission with the Republic of China (Taiwan). His Excellency Patrick Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, chaired the meeting as the SICA Presidency Pro Tempore (PPT). During his opening remarks, CEO Andrews mentioned that during Belize’s term, Belize will work to strengthen and further promote regional integration, political dialogue, and cooperation amongst SICA member states and the ROC (Taiwan). On behalf of the region, he thanked the ROC (Taiwan) for the invaluable support extended over the years to the region on the implementation of projects, which have and continue to facilitate the sustainable development of the region.

Institute of Archaeology visits San Joaquin
The Institute of Archaeology visited the village of San Joaquin, Corozal to join Dr Cynthia Robin and the crew of the Aventura Archaeological Project to bring another successful archaeological fair to the community. Over 200 people visited.

National Tourism Awards 2018
Nominate for the National Tourism Awards

Family GLOW Run
Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish Family GLOW Run to raise funds for their summer camp and to raise awareness for the growing number of children with special needs on the island. It will be ONE (1) mile track and families can choose to either run or walk. There will also be glow sticks for sale! See you There!!! -

Foreign Minister of Taiwan Visits Belize
Today, July 16th, H.E. Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), began his two-day visit to Belize on the invitation of Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belize. In a brief ceremony this afternoon, Minister Elrington conferred the Order of Distinction on Minister Wu in recognition of the friendly relations between Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the valuable contributions Taiwan has made to Belize’s development over the nearly three decades of friendship. As a part of his visit, Minister Wu met with parliamentary leaders and toured the National Assembly of Belize. The high-level meeting is an indication of the importance of parliamentary diplomacy between the two countries.

Belize Receives SICA Pro-Tempore Presidency
oday, Monday, July 16th, the Embassy of Belize in Washington, D.C. received the Central American Integrated System (SICA) Pro-Tempore Presidency from the Dominican Republic. Speaking on behalf of the Government of Belize, Ambassador of Belize to the United States H.E. Daniel Gutierez reiterated the importance of regionalism and integration. He recognized the value of the operationalization of the Troika as well as deepening the subregional relations between SICA and CARICOM. Ambassador Gutierez emphasized the need for tangible actions in the implementation of the Resolution “Incorporating Multidimensional Criteria in Measuring Poverty and Development” adopted at the 48th Organization of the American States (OAS) General Assembly in June 2018.

An appeal to the hearts, souls and consciousness of our fellow Belizean citizens living at home
A Belizean citizen is any person who was born in Belize, obtained Belizean citizenship through, marriage, descent, residency, economic citizenship program or other specified lawful means. According to our constitution, all Belizean citizens are entitled to the same rights and privileges whether they live in Belize or abroad. Belize was a country that had a population of about 60 percent African Belizeans up to the 1980s. During the 1970s and up to about the 1990s, civil wars were taking place in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico. This led to a mass migration of Hispanic and native Maya Indians from most of these countries to Belize. Many of these refugees came from the country of El Salvador and the second largest group from Guatemala. Prior to the independence of Belize on September 21, 1981, all Belizeans were British subjects. It was difficult to get a British passport unless you passed their vetting process. These people were fleeing for their lives from the military in their countries, who wanted to draft or kill them for revolting against their governments.

Corozal Community College Summer Sprints 2018
July 23-27, Age: 8-17 years.

San Pedro Pirates vs. Verdes FC, Friendly
Saturday July 21. After winning our first 3 friendly games we now gonna face the Mighty Verdes FC! Food and drinks Will be available!

Channel 7

Contraband Heavy Through the Hondo
If you ever go to the market and wonder how things like pears are so plentiful at this time of year - the truth is that a fair part of what you see on the vendor's stand is likely contraband from Mexico. The robust supply routes came sharply into view on Friday in the Belize side of the Rio Hondo, across from the Mexican village of Alvaro Obregon. It's one of the contraband hotspots right now - and a joint customs and Coast Guard operation found 11 of these boats, called "kayukos" fully loaded down and coming across. Customs only managed to capture two of them, and one capsized because it was so overloaded that it keeled and took on water. The smugglers on board jumped out and swam away - while the "kayuko" and its contraband cargo went down into the depths of the Hondo.

Crop Duster Went Down In Cayo
A plane crashed and burst into flames today. It happened in central Belize, near More Tomorrow village, in the Cayo District. But, the plane wasn't carrying illicit cargo, it was a crop duster doing duties over vast acreages of corn fields in and around that village. Police responded to the report along with the Civil Aviation department:. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head - NCIB "Information was received on an aircraft accident in the More Tomorrow area. The area was visited by police and civil aviation..."

Nyere Survived A Shot To Head
23 year old Belize City resident Nyrere Parchue was shot in the head. He's the messenger we told you about on Friday that tried to get back his envelope from an armed robber. When we left you on Friday police weren't sure if his head injury was from a bullett or a fall to the pavement. But, Doctors confirmed that he was shot to the head - police told us how he survived. The story begins with the robbery: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "A male person by the name of Nyrere Parchue had just picked up some deliveries from the vital statistics and was riding to Pitts Law firm where he is employed and whilst crossing from Freetown towards the monument flags..."

Firefighters Contained Blaze At Coop
Belize City got a scare on Saturday morning when word went out that the Northern Fishermen's Cooperative was on fire. It's probably the biggest, most revenue generating co-op in Belize - and to lose it, or its inventory would cause a significant setback for fisherfolk and the marine export industry. Fortunately, it was only the storage unit that caught on fire, and it was contained by the quick and competent response of the Fire Department. Emanuel Pech has more details on the fire which started at around 7:00 in the morning.

Taiwanese FM Visits Belize; Meets Gov’t VIP’s
Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu is in Belize for a two day visit, one year after his predecessor David Lee visited. Wu arrived at the PGIA this morning via American Airlines. From there he moved to a ceremony at the Radisson where Foreign Minister Elrington conferred him with the Order of Distinction - which is Belize's second highest national honor. According to a press release, the honor is given, quote, "in recognition of the friendly relations between Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the valuable contributions Taiwan has made to Belize's development over the nearly three decades of friendship."

Belize Is Now (Officially) In Charge Of SICA
In other diplomatic news, today in Washington, Belize officially received the SICA presidency from the Dominican Republic. It happened at Belize's Embassy in Washington and it was handed over to Ambassador Daniel Gutierez. In receiving it, he commented on deepening the subregional relations between SICA and CARICOM.

DPM Faber Says FM Elrington Was Too Harsh
And in other news spanning from D.C. to Belmopan, on last week Wednesday's news, we told you that the Belize Territorial Volunteers announced plan to write to the US Congress to complain about Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington. That was after Elrington said, "you've got to be crazy", if you don't support going to the ICJ to settle Guatemala's territorial claim over Belize. He added that the education campaign would also support this view - which, as he sees it, is the only rational view to take.

Where Exactly Is This ICJ Education Campaign?
Elrington made those comments 11 days ago at the launch of the ICJ education campaign. It's supposed to run all the way up to Belize's ICJ referendum in April of next year. That's a little over 9 months away, but the press wondered about the exact form that this public education campaign will take. There has been an ongoing education campaign, but, as far as we know, there hasn't yet been any kind of mass public forum where all interested Belizeans can participate and get educated on the topic. So we asked the DPM about that kind of campaign, and he said that the Government will step it up:

Complaints About The New NICH President
We also took the opportunity to ask DPM Faber about complaints coming out of the National Institute for Culture and History, NICH. For weeks now, we've been hearing the grumblings of disapproval that Administrator Sapna Budrani is also the acting President of NICH. The biggest complaint is that there is no real oversight of her leadership decisions, no checks and balances, and that it is improper for her to hold two senior positions within the organization. Then, there was the Board of Directors, which the President is supposed answer to, and best information to 7News is that it only has two fully functional members. So, it's an issue of good governance, and when we questioned Faber about it today, he said that these complaints are based on misunderstanding, and that there may be elements within NICH that are trying to undermine Budrani's leadership.:

Philloughby Is On The NICH Board
Later on in the conversation about NICH, the Deputy Prime Minister was making the point that Sapna Budrani is being confirmed as the new President, and that there will be a new Administrator. He also added that there will be a fully functional board of directors for the organization, and when we probed a bit deeper, he revealed that political journeyman Phillip Willoughby is now 1 of the 4 people that has been appointed. Here's what he had to say about Willoughby joining NICH, and how it affects his aspirations to become the UDP standard bearer for Port Loyola:

Philloughby Mute On Port Loyola Aspirations
But, for his part, Willoughby didn't have much to say today. We spoke with him today but he remained silent on the issue no matter how we asked: Phillip Willoughby- Political Aspirant: "I believe at an appropriate time I will respond to that question, at this present moment the appropriate moment is not now." Emanuel Pech - Reporter: "Would you even be able to tell us if you feel that in a sense you were railroaded to resign from your post so that you could execute that right to run?"

Is DPM Faber’s Credentials Good Enough To Be Prime Minister?
So, while Philloughby wants to run in the UDP Convention for Port Loyola, the Deputy Prime Minister is trying to become the Leader of the Party. That will be decided at a National Convention in the next year or so. Today, the press asked Faber if he is already on an active campaign to win over the UDP delegates. He said that he considers his job as Minister with responsibility for Education, Youth, Sports and Culture part of that campaign for leadership. Here's how he explained why:

Motorcyclist Died On The Hummingbird
There was a fatal accident near Alta Vista village on the Hummingbird Highway this weekend. A Man on a motorbike was killed when he ran into a bus. Police told us more:.. ACP Joseph Myvett: "On Sunday, July 15th, shortly after 5:20 p.m., police responded to the scene of a road traffic accident between miles twenty and twenty-one on the Hummingbird Highway where upon arrival they observed a bus with its front left portion with damages, whilst on the other side of the highway a motorcycle was seen with extensive damages..."

Quick Arrest For Burglary at Portofino Resort
In other police news, a high end resort on northern Ambergris Caye was burglarized this weekend. Portofino - which is 6 and a half miles from the town was targeted by a lone burglar who snatched up two of their safes. Police told us how they made a quick arrest:.. ASP Alejandro Cowo: "Yesterday, San Pedro police reported to a burglary at Portofino which is six miles and a half north of San Pedro. It is an area where most of these resorts are located which is at a distance from the main town, making it vulnerable to many businesses there, especially we have heard of the recent incidents involving other businesses that have been robbed and are being burglarized.:

Tony’s Store Robbed
And from that burglary in San Pedro to a robbery in the city. Tony's Store in Belize City was robbed a few weeks ago by a male in a high school uniform. Police said they have arrested a minor and are looking for two others: ASP Alejandro Cowo: "Reference the robbery of Tony's Store that occurred on 21st June, police were able to detain a minor and that minor was charged, and will be charged along with others for the crime of robbery. He is presently at the magistrate's court today for that crime of robbery. There are two more persons that will be charged along with him."

Mile 8 Man’s Fatal Fall Down The Stairs
A 44 year old man from Sunset Park at mile 8 on the George Price Highway died this weekend when he fell down his stairs. Roy Clarke Jr. toppled from the 20th of 22 stairs and broke his neck and cracked his skull. Police told us more:… The stairs were being worked on by a contractor and we understand that there had been extended delays.

Police And Mediation Impact
Mediation NOT aggression. That's what 70 police officers of varying ranks and jurisdictions are learning over the course of a training workshop at the Biltmore Best Western in Belize City. It is part of an ongoing Canadian government funded project known as the Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean, IMPACT Justice for short. The 70 police officers are learning how to use mediation as a policing tool and how to finesse their conflicting resolution skills with internationally established best practices. Hilary Linton- President, Riverdale Mediation" "So, police officers already have a lot of experience and natural skills in listening to people and resolving conflict. So, we are fortunate to be working with a very skilled group of professionals to begin with."

Domestic Flights Resume to Caye Caulker
Finally, flights to Caye Caulker are being restored. After flights were suspended last October die to the condition of the runway, Tropic Air announced today that it will resume service beginning on November 15th, 2018 - just in time for the tourist high season. That's when renovations are set to be finished - but if it finishes ahead of schedule, that date will be moved up. Reservations are now being accepted.

Omero Campos Still Missing; Captors Went Radio Silent
San Narciso Kidnap victim Omero Campos has been missing for a month, and while police are maintaining a presence at his family's home, they accept that it's been weeks since they've heard anything from his captors:...

Quick Arrest For The Tesecum Shooting
And while leads on that case are going cold, police are hot on the trail of the man who allegedly shot Michael Tesecum. The 41 year old was shot three times last week - but somehow survived. It's the second near death experience for the Tibruce Street resident who had survived a vicious chopping 7 months earlier. Today police told us that the man who they believe shot him lives on the same street that he does:..

Conservationists Awarded For Belize's De-Listing
For weeks now, WE'VE BEEN REPORTING on how Belize made major news worldwide when it got the Belize Barrier Reef system, which is a World Heritage Site, removed from the blacklist of sites in danger. It's a major win for Belizeans, since according to the conservationists, getting off that list is very difficult. It's also a kumbaya moment for both the Government, and the conservation community, which if you follow the news regularly, you'll know that they're often strong adversaries. And to recognize their efforts to reverse the World Heritage Site classification, the Government held an award ceremony this evening to recognize a few choice members of the conservation community. 7News was there, and we spoke with 2 of the awardees. Here's what they had to say:

NSC Donates 50K For CODICADER Expenses
The CODICADER Games are one of the elite sporting tournaments in Central America for student athletes, but it's always a struggle to find funding to send the delegation out. This year, the games will be held in Panama, and the 180 student athletes representing Belize will be flown out. That drives up the costs, but those in charge say that it is a far better means of traveling than by road, where students often show up exhausted, and they are expected to compete at the highest level.

Will The State Make Youth Development In Sports A Priority?
And 2 weeks ago, we showed you how the young athletes want the policy makers to start putting together programs to improve sports at the development level. They say that it is high time that the Government places some priority on programs to see athletes properly groomed from youth to adulthood. We asked the Deputy Prime Minister about that, and here's what he had to say:

Orson Butler Won Cycling Presidency
And finally tonight, we have an election result to report. As we told you, The Cycling Federation elected a new executive on Saturday. We spoke with both aspirants, Orson Butler who was seeking the presidency after serving as vice president, and Alexi Ordonez a relative newcomer. Well, in the end, 137 Votes were cast and the Ordonez slate got 56 votes, while the Buttler slate got 80.

Channel 5

A Courier Survives a Bullet to the Head During Friday Evening Jacking
A law firm messenger was shot to the head on Friday evening on Saint Thomas Street in Belize City by a gunman who was monitoring his movements. The twenty-three-year-old was [...]

Fire in the ‘Co-op’
A fire destroyed a part of the storage room at the Northern Fisherman Co-operative in Belize City over the weekend. The early morning fire was quickly contained from spreading to [...]

A Pilot Escapes Grave Injury After Crash Landing Crop Duster in More Tomorrow
There was a report of a downed aircraft this morning in the vicinity of More Tomorrow in the Cayo District.  On arrival at the scene of the crash, police discovered [...]

A Motorcyclist Loses His Life on the Hummingbird Highway
Twenty-three-year-old Alberto Adelfonso lost his live on Sunday in a fatal road traffic accident along the Hummingbird Highway.  The Dangriga resident was a riding a motorcycle and upon nearing miles [...]

A Wife is Questioned and Released Following Stabbing of a San Pedro Resident
A criminal investigation into the violent stabbing of Adrian Suarez remains ongoing even as his common-law wife has been released from detention.  Police say their investigation led to a search [...]

A Minor is Detained for Tony’s Store Robbery, Police Are Seeking Two More
Belize City police have made an arrest in the robbery of Tony’s Store on Daly Street in late-June.  A seventeen-year-old has been taken before the lower court after being busted [...]

San Pedro Police Make Quick Arrest in Portofino Burglary
The Portofino Resort on north Ambergris Caye was burglarized in the early hours of Sunday morning by someone who broke into the main office and made off with a pair [...]

Team Butler Wears the Garland in 2018 Cycling Federation Elections
The anticipated elections at the Cycling Federation took place over the weekend. It was long overdue because of legal challenges over who qualified to run. That out of the way, [...]

Members of Integrity and Elections & Boundaries Commissions Sworn In
Earlier this month, the Senate gave its nod to the appointment of the members of the Elections and Boundaries Commission as well as the new chair of the Integrity Commission. [...]

Philip Willoughby is Appointed to the NICH Board
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber confirmed two appointments within his ministries while at an event held today at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in Belize City. Phillip Willoughby will be [...]

Sapna Budhrani Appointed as President of NICH
The second appointment is also at NICH where there have been mounting concerns about the naming of Sapna Budhrani as the acting president even as she holds the position of [...]

Taiwanese Foreign Minister Conferred with Order of Distinction
Immediately on his arrival today, the Taiwanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu was conferred with the Order of Distinction.  Wu, who is in country on a two-day visit [...]

IMPACT Justice: 70 Cops Learn Conflict Resolution Techniques
A five-day training course on conflict resolution for police officers began today in Belize City. The training is part of the Impact Justice project, a regional initiative in the Caribbean [...]

Limited Funds Available for I.C.J. Referendum Campaign
Belize recently received a two hundred and fifty thousand U.S.-dollar donation from the U.S. Government for its referendum campaign on taking Guatemala’s territorial claim to the International Court of Justice. [...]

G.O.B. Says Yes to I.C.J., But DPM Says Belizeans Not Crazy if They Vote No
Still on the issue of the referendum, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington recently told the media that Belizeans have to be crazy if they vote NO in the I.C.J. referendum, scheduled [...]

Political Spar Over Palapa Space in Buena Vista, Cayo
Tensions rose quickly today in Buena Vista Village, Cayo as police officers were called out to remove a group of P.U.P. officials from under a shed at Buena Vista Government [...]

G.O.B. Recognizes Stakeholders for Their Help in Getting Barrier Reef off UNESCO In Danger List
Public and private sector representatives were recognized today for their contributions towards the removal of the Belize Barrier Reef from the UNESCO list of world heritage sites in danger. It [...]

Tropic Air to Fly to Caye Caulker Once More
Tropic Air announced the resumption of its flights to Caye Caulker.  In a statement today, President of the local airline John Grief the third said that “now that the renovations [...]

National Sports Council Hands Over Cheque for Participation in CODICADER 2019
A twenty-five thousand-dollar cheque was this morning handed over to the National Secondary Schools Sports Association and the Belize Association of Principals of Secondary Schools. It is the first half [...]

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

LOVE FM

Galen Scholarship named in honor of Omar Ortiz
During the Galen graduation ceremony, Provost Doctor Eve Aird asked for a moment of silence for former Vice President Omar Ortiz who lost his life in a highway accident. A scholarship fund was created to keep his memory alive and honor his dedication to education. His widow Lizette Ortiz spoke about the funding and …

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister visits Belize
The Belize and Republic of China (Taiwan) bilateral relations have been steady since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1989. The Foreign Minister of Taiwan is on a two-day working visit to Belize. His Excellency Jaushieh Joseph Wu is here at the invitation of Belize’s Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington. Minister Wu will also …

Members vote for new Cycling Executive
The Belize Cycling Federation (BCF) had held its long awaited elections over the weekend. The incumbent executive had some changes and former president Dion Leslie was now running for Vice President and Orson Butler running for President. That team went up against a new challenger Alexi Ordonez who led a group calling themselves “Team …

Galen Graduates get a pep talk from the OAS
Galen University opened its doors in 2003 and offered degree programs in Business Administration, Agriculture and Tourism Management. It continues to expand its program in undergraduate and graduate degrees. Over the weekend, Galen University held a ceremony for its 98 students from bachelors and masters programs. Keynote speaker for the event was Nestor Mendez, …

Teenager escapes injury in shooting incident
A nineteen year old escaped injury after he was shot at in Trial farm Village in the Orange Walk District. The incident happened on Sunday night shortly before nine o’clock. Police told us what they have found out so far. ACP Myvette: Emmanuel Rodriguez reported that whilst walking towards his home in Trail Farm Village …

Burglar caught not long after robbing safe
Police in San Pedro are conducting another investigation of their own following a burglary at Portofino Resort, located at 61/2 Miles North of San Pedro Town. Police provided more details. Asp Alejandro Cowo: It is an area where most of these resorts are located, which is at a distance from the main town, make it vulnerable …

National Sports Council donates to CODICADER Games
This morning, the National Sports Council handed over a cheque for twenty-five thousand dollars to the National Secondary Schools Sports Association and the Belize Association of Principals for Secondary Schools (BAPSS) to help meet some of the expenses of the CODICADER Games. The National Sports Council Director, Ian Jones spoke to the media. Ian Jones …

Police officers learn more on mediation
The Police Department is hosting a one week Community Mediation Training for seventy police officers. Senior Superintendent of Police and legal advisor for the Department, Bart Jones says officers from the ranks of Inspectors to constables are taking the training. Bart Jones: What they have done is that they have separated the supervisors in one …

Motorcyclist collides head-on into public bus as he attempts to overtake vehicles
A 23-year-old motorcyclist was killed yesterday evening following a collision with a passenger bus between miles 17 and 18 on the Hummingbird highway in the Stann Creek Valley. Albert Idelfonso was overtaking some vehicles on the highway when he collided head-on into a public bus. The driver of that bus, 41-year-old Ian Hinds spoke with …

Organizations recognize for their role in getting Belize off in danger list
The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System was on the UNESCO World Heritage Center List of World Heritage in Danger since 2009; however, last month Belize was finally removed. Today, a ceremony was held honoring those who helped to make this possible. Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber, spoke about the journey to getting Belize off the …

Messenger attempts to pursue armed robber and is shot in the head
Last Friday afternoon shots echoed on Saint Joseph Street in Belize City. A was shot in the head and later rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. It appeared to be a robbery in which the victim was relieved of some documents. However, immediately after, he set chase after the gunman and was then shot. ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head of the Crimes Investigation Branch in Belize City explains what investigators have gathered.

Pilot escapes unhurt following plane crash
Police are also investigation a plane crash that happened this morning on a farm in the More Tomorrow Area in the Cayo District. Henry Plett, the pilot, did not sustain major injury, but the aircraft he was piloting ended up incinerated. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch explains what happened.

Firefighters’ quick response saves Northern Fishermen Co-operative
Over the weekend, a fire broke out at Northern Fishermen Co-operative located on North Front Street in Belize City. As a result of the quick response by the National Fire Service, the fire was brought under control. This morning, Benisford Matura, Assistant fire Chief, briefed the media on the fire.

Chief Environmental Officer says dredging poses no threat to reserve
The Government of Belize has approved dredging at Cayo Rosario and the concern is whether it will pose a threat to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Many organizations including the San Pedro Tour Guides Association oppose the project. Martin Alegria, Chief Environmental Officer, told Love news that the dredging doesn’t pose any threat.

Breaking Belize News

Fishermen Cooperative in Belize City
On July 14, 2018, just before 8 a.m., police were deployed to the Northern Fishermen Cooperative located […]

Three persons charged for robbing Tony’s Store in Belize City
Today, police revealed that they detained a minor and two other persons in relation to the […]

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister visits Belize
Today, Joseph Wu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), began his two-day […]

Belize City man shot, robbed at gunpoint
Shortly after 4:40 p.m. on Friday, Belize City police arrived at a scene on St. Joseph […]

Resort in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye robbed of over $16,000 in cash and items
San Pedro police are investigating a burglary that occurred yesterday morning. Around 8:36 am, police went to Portofino […]

Trial Farm man survives attempt on his life
Shortly after 8:40 p.m., on Sunday, July 15, Immanuel Rodriguez of Trial Farm village, Orange […]

Belize Receives SICA Pro-Tempore Presidency
Today, Monday, July 16th, the Embassy of Belize in Washington, D.C. received the Central American […]

Small plane engulfed in flames after crash in More Tomorrow, Cayo District
This morning shortly after 9:15 a.m., police received reports of an aircraft accident occurring around the […]

Young motorcyclist killed on Hummingbird highway
A motorcyclist, Albert Idelfonso, 22, was killed in a traffic accident between miles 20 and […]

Fam-trip held as part of the Maya community tourism project
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Mundo Maya Organization held a familiarization […]

It’s Official! BBN’s Zoila Gonzalez selected for US government’s Media Program
Prominent online Belizean journalist, Zoila Gonzalez, a member of our Breaking Belize News staff has […]

Tropic Air announces the resumption of flights to Caye Caulker
Tropic Air announced today that it is opening reservations for the resumption of service to […]

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister arrives to Belize today
Dr. Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Foreign Minister of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will undertake a two-day […]

Belize and Taiwan holds Preparatory Technical Meeting for the 17thSICA/Taiwan Mixed Commission
Representatives of the countries of the Central American Integration System (SICA) held a working meeting […]

Trump administration working to weaken corruption investigation against Guatemalan President
Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales has reportedly sought the help of US President Donal Trump to […]

Belize: Independent Sovereign Movement Meets
By Richard Harrison: The #BelizeIndependentSovereign movement met this past Saturday in Belmopan, at the offices of Hummingbird Group Ltd. This […]

Blogs

5th Annual Spartan V Body Building competition
It was the 5th Annual Spartan V Body Building competition was held at the Corozal Community College Aditorium. Do love body Building as sports? Do love enjoying them competing? On Saturday July 14, 2018 it the 5th Annual Spartan V Competitiom that was held at the at the Corozal Community College Aditorium. It comenced at 8:30 with a short opening Ceremmony. During the show their where giveaways. This year's competition had 5 Categories. Bekini Contest, Men's Physique, Up 70 kg Category, over 70kg, Overal Mr Spartan 2018. Each Body Builder came out to compete in there own Category.

Lobster and Conch – Seasonal Eating Assures Sustainability
There’s nothing like fresh sea food and our Belizean bounty is something to savor with every bite. However, the careful management of our marine resources is essential to the sustainability of two quintessential Caribbean delicacies; lobster and conch. Responsible tourism means being “in the know” when it comes to dining out or purchasing product from a local fisherman. If you are offered lobster or conch when it is out of season, your refusal to purchase it helps to discourage illegal fishing while ensuring productive harvests in the future. This time of year marks important season dates, with lobster season opening on June 15th and conch season closing on July 1st.

International Sources

13 Central High School students preparing to travel to Belize
Thirteen juniors from Central High School Magnet Career Academy are part of a program aimed at closing the black male achievement gap. They'll start the school year three weeks early, but they don't seem to mind. "You can't pass up going out of the country, getting to learn," said Thomas Cheathem, a junior at Central High School. Cheathem and his classmates will board a plane Saturday morning and travel several hundreds of miles to Belize. The students are scheduled to arrive in Belize on Saturday night and will be there for 10 days. On Monday evening, students and parents learned more about the journey abroad and got a pep talk from Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.

Videos

July 16, 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, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

Island actor lands role in Telemundo’s La Reina del Sur Season 2
A reliable source has confirmed to The San Pedro Sun that Ambergris Caye’s very own Horacio Louis Guerrero was cast to play a minor role in Telemundo’s second season of the popular Spanish series, La Reina del Sur. The soap opera’s production starring well-known Mexican actress Kate del Castillo, filmed a few scenes in the western District of Cayo, Belize by the Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve from Monday, July 9th to Friday, July 13th. The island actor is said to have played his role alongside Humberto Zurita and Mark Tacher. Both Mexican actors are main characters in the telenovela. Guerrero also shared the set with actor Emmanuel Odenay, who has participated in productions like Señora Acero and Señor de Los Cielos.

Doctor Love: To Speak or Not To Speak
Dear Doctor Love, Six months ago, I cheated on my girlfriend and I feel still like an absolute dog. Sometimes the guilt comes out of nowhere and I feel sick. I have no excuse. I was drunk and out of town and I know it was the stupidest thing I have ever done. Even though I know the only way she will find out is if I tell her, I feel terrible and want to make it up to her every minute. I feel like I put a big black spot on our love. It will never happen again but should I get it off my chest and ask her to forgive me? Because right now nothing could be worse than how I feel when I look her in the eye. /s/Name Withheld

Misc Belizean Sources

Galen’s 15th Commencement Ceremony!
Celebrating educational accomplishments at Galen’s 15th Commencement Ceremony! Congratulations, Class of 2018!

Succotz Archaeology and Culture Fair
Its that time of the year! We are glad to present our 4th annual archaeology and culture fair at San Jose Succotz, Cayo, Belize! Come meet researchers from Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve and other sites and participate in Archaeology Olympics! Sunday July 22 starting at 11 am!

The Reporter

World Cup 2018 final: France 4-2 Croatia
When the decisive blows arrived, it was the entire France squad in the victory scrum by the corner flag. Hugo Lloris, the goalkeeper, had run the entire length of the pitch. All the substitutes were disappearing under one another. There were even a few members of the backroom staff contemplating joining in, and who could blame them? France were on their way to their second World Cup and a party was already under way behind the goal where the tricolours were fluttering. Not even Croatia, with all their powers of durability, could recover from the second-half goals that Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé scored in quick succession to open up a three-goal lead and ensure France will soon be wearing a shirt with two stars, rather than one, above their cockerel.

Breaking Belize News

Man found dead in Buena Vista, Cayo
A man was found dead in Buena Vista, Cayo District this morning. According to reports, the man was found dead at his home. A BERT team is currently at the scene waiting for police to arrive. […]

Haiti’s Prime Minister resigns amid gas price hike riots
Prime Minister of Haiti, Jack Guy Lafontant resigned yesterday amid deadly protests that were sparked by his plan to raise fuel prices. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Lafontant informed Haiti’s Chamber of Deputies that he sent his resignation letter to President Jovenel Moise. […]

US Embassy in Haiti protected by Marines
The United States Government has deployed US Marines to protect its Embassy in Haiti. On Tuesday, July 10, 2018, the Marines arrived at Port-au-Prince to provide security at the embassy. The crew on the mission are the same officers that are deployed whenever any ambassador or diplomatic post overseas is under threat. […]

Fair weather to continue
The 24-hour forecast is for mostly fair weather. Sunny skies with a few cloudy spells and some isolated showers are expected over the Maya Mountains this afternoon. […]

Belize Cycling Federation elects new executive
Today the Belize Cycling Federation held an election at the UWI open campus in Belize City to select its executive members. A total of 137 registered members of the cycling federation turned out to cast their vote at 3 p.m. In the end, a slate headed by the presidential candidate, Orson Butler, emerged victorious with 80 votes compared to a slate by Alexi Ordonez which received 56 votes. […]

San Ignacio home burglarized; Over $5,000 in valuables stolen
On July 13, 2018, Santiago Zelaya, 38, from San Ignacio Town, Cayo District, reported to police that around 8:45 a.m., he was informed that his house was burglarized. According to Zelaya, he left his home on July 9, 2018, around 7:30 p.m. and had ensured that his house was secured. […]

Elections and Boundaries officer involved in traffic accident
According to reports, at least three officers from the Elections and Boundaries office in Cayo were traveling from Duckrun village when they were involved in a road traffic accident. Sources tell BBN that a complaint had been filed earlier in the day against the officer driving at the time of the accident. […]

Belize city messenger shot on St. Thomas street
Belize city police are investigating a shooting incident that occured yesterday evening. According to reports, Nyrere Parchue, a messenger by profession was riding on St. Thomas street when he was approached by a man who pointed a gun at him and demanded that Parchue hand over a folder with documents. […]

Blogs

A Saturday Afternoon at Secret Beach
I’m trying to remember my first trip to Secret Beach on the West Side of Ambergris Caye. I don’t know if it’s a lack of distinct seasons or just my advancing age but my memory? It ain’t good. I moved to San Pedro, full time, in May of 2007 living just south of town. To me, and for many years, north of the bridge was FAR AWAY. A serious trip… In 2009 and 2010, the first road to the west side of Ambergris Caye was built by a developer. And at that time, a few people started venturing out to “Secret Beach”. To an area on the west side called “Ambergris Bay”.

International Sources

How Has Belize Preserved its Barrier Reef?
The World Heritage Committee last month took the momentous decision to remove the Belize Barrier Reef from its list of world heritage sites that are under threat of destruction. The move came in recognition of the excellent work done by the Belize government to safeguard this beautiful natural asset. The decision was reached by the committee in their meeting in Bahrain on June 26th and comes nine years after the Reef was first listed as endangered. Commentators at the scene said that members of the UNESCO council said the country’s "visionary plan to manage the coastline" was behind their verdict. Visiting the country in the mid-19th century, Charles Darwin was so impressed with the site that he called it “the most remarkable reef in the West Indies”. In 1996, UNESCO recognised its unique beauty by adding it to its list of World Heritage sites.

Videos

July 15, 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, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

National News: The deadly cost of renal failure and dialysis in Belize
Belizeans across the country have, for years, been paying a steep price for dialysis treatment, in many instances giving up and losing the battle due to the prohibitive expense. The Ministry of Health (MOH), announced on Tuesday, July 10th that they are currently spending $2 million dollars to subsidize these life-sustaining expenses. These funds are allegedly covering thirty patients, and the Ministry is in discussion with a third party who is willing to provide dialysis treatment at a significantly lower cost to allow more patients to be treated. However, Belizeans are questioning why there is limited access to such a needed health care service.

USA dermatologists provide services to island residents
From Monday, July 9th to Friday, July 13th a group of dermatologists from The Cosmetic Vein & Laser Center from Buffalo City in New York City, USA hosted a free clinic at the Lions Den in San Pedro Town. During the six day period, hundreds of islanders took advantage of the services offered. Doctor Daniel Buscaglia spoke to The San Pedro Sun about their mission. “We took care of a lot of people that had different skin problems that needed to be treated. Here in San Pedro we mostly saw people wanting spots or moles removed from their skin,” said Dr. Buscaglia. He further stated so far they have seen over 500 patients.

Wolfe’s Woofers: Fired
“Thanks, Mr. Dennis,” Mario said, taking one of the cups of coffee from me. “Here—I got some meat pies for us too. I got coffee and a breakfast burrito for Vernon.” “He should be along any minute,” Mario said. We enjoyed the beautiful Sunday morning as we sat at a table on the deck of the Holiday Hotel. “I missed seeing Vernon this week,” I said. “It’s odd that he wouldn’t make it to our darts tournament night.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Ascenthium Performing at The Bluffs
Ascenthium is playing at The Bluffs next Friday, July 20th. They'll be playing 2 sets though the night. It's about time. "Hey Cayo! Friday July 20th we are hitting you with a double set at The Bluff first one starts at 7pm. there will be Ice cold drinks, amazing food, great music and so many other goodies on sale throughout the night! did we mention free shots? See you there!"

1st NO Plastic NO Styrofoam Kids Summer Camp
Bullet Tree Falls is where the 1st NO Plastic, NO Styrofoam Kids Summer Camp is happening. Kids are learning art, how to avoid plastic and styrofoam, sustanability, and much more. It's a 3 week camp, and they just finished week 1. Looks like all the kids are having a wonderful time. "Day 5! This week has been a great learning experience, not only for the kids, but also for us instructors. The imagination and creativity of kids is impressive. You'll see the fabulous, final art pieces of the kids, at the very end of the camp on the 29th of this month!!!!!"

Park Rangers Needed
FCD announces post for park rangers. Interviews are to be held within 15 days. Apply and be part of the FCD mission.

Consular Spotlight! Firefighters Patrick Parks and Johnny Cardenas!
Embassy Belmopan issues thousands of non-immigrant visas to Belizeans who want to travel to the United States for tourism, education, temporary work, or onward travel to other destinations. Occasionally we encounter applicants who are using their visas to do extraordinary things. Through a partnership with Belize National Fire Service, Virginia Emergency Services Assistance Program VESAP for Belize, and the Hanover Fire Department, two Belizean firefighters, Patrick Parks and Johnny Cardenas, have been in Virginia since the end of January participating in the Hanover Fire and EMS Academy. Firefighters Parks and Cardenas have both passed the National Registry EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician-Basic Level) test and are currently wrapping up the firefighting portion of the curriculum before taking the Firefighter I and II test. The goal is for the firefighters to learn the skills and techniques of basic EMS and firefighting, then come back and share that knowledge with other Belizean firefighters to make Belize a safer country for everyone.

The Reporter

FIRE AT NORTHERN FISHERMEN COOPERATIVE
Investigations are underway to determine what caused a fire at Northern Fishermen Cooperative headquarters in Belize City this morning. Sometime after 7:00am someone saw thick black smoke coming from the upper flat of the building. Fire fighters were at the scene soon after dousing water inside the offices on that flat.

Sober Reflections, God is the Answer
I figure there are some people looking at this right now who are wondering if I’ve gone off the deep end. Others are thinking this is just a phase. Some will say it is the bloated scribe seeking attention. After all – you screw up enough times and you find God, you’re absolved of all wrongdoing, right? Isn’t that the magical formula for the vanishing of sin? So every time I screw up, I find God. And I’m pristine again.

Breaking Belize News

Belize Cycling Federation elects new executive
Today the Belize Cycling Federation held an election at the UWI open campus in Belize City to select its executive members. A total of 137 registered members of the cycling federation turned out to cast their vote at 3 p.m. In the end, a slate headed by the presidential candidate, Orson Butler, emerged victorious with 80 votes compared to a slate by Alexi Ordonez which received 56 votes. […]

San Ignacio home burglarized; Over $5,000 in valuables stolen
On July 13, 2018, Santiago Zelaya, 38, from San Ignacio Town, Cayo District, reported to police that around 8:45 a.m., he was informed that his house was burglarized. According to Zelaya, he left his home on July 9, 2018, around 7:30 p.m. and had ensured that his house was secured. […]

Elections and Boundaries officer involved in traffic accident
According to reports, at least three officers from the Elections and Boundaries office in Cayo were traveling from Duckrun village when they were involved in a road traffic accident. Sources tell BBN that a complaint had been filed earlier in the day against the officer driving at the time of the accident. […]

Belize city messenger shot on St. Thomas street
Belize city police are investigating a shooting incident that occured yesterday evening. According to reports, Nyrere Parchue, a messenger by profession was riding on St. Thomas street when he was approached by a man who pointed a gun at him and demanded that Parchue hand over a folder with documents. […]

Blogs

Getting Back To Business in San Pedro: Chocolate and Comedy
Summer has seriously settled in. Warm hazy days…some passing showers…and I’ve accomplished ZERO of my Summer To-Do List. But just a few days ago, my friend arrived and we’ve been out doing a few more things. Over the last day or so, we went to a live comedy show in San Pedro and then to her favorite spot – Belize Chocolate Company and we even signed up for a Belize Food Tour. Here are a few of my pictures and my favorite things. Low tide and sargasso.

International Sources

Caribbean News In Brief: Tourism, Nuclear Tech + More
Guadeloupe has opened the Caribbean’s first medical centre to use advanced nuclear technology for screening and treatment of cancer and neurological and cardiac diseases. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States said that the $8.9 million (£7.9 million) Guadeloupe Centre of Molecular Imaging would allow patients from the Eastern Caribbean to remain in the region for treatment.

Videos

July 14, 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, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

Paul DuVille is the new president of the Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye
The Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye swore in its new president Paul DuVille, on Wednesday, July 4th during a lunch and fellowship meeting held at Pier 366 Restaurant at Banyan Bay Beach Resort. Past president Andrew Ashcroft hosted the meeting which also saw the appointment of the Club’s secretary, and its treasurer, for the 2018-2019 period. Ashcroft, wearing his late grandfather Eric Ashcroft’s Rotary pin, opened the event at 12PM with his final speech as president before a handful of Rotarians and invited guests. He stated that Rotary has been a big part of his life and his family’s. One of his goals during his presidency was to increase membership, noting the Club’s successful membership drive in March of this year.

Online campaign against Cayo Rosario development project reaches millions
An online campaign to raise awareness against a tourism development approved on Cayo Rosario went viral on Wednesday, July 11th, coinciding with the launching of the website www.defendcayorosario.com. According to ACCSD, the response was overwhelming and beyond expectations. “This clearly indicates that many people love the local environment around Ambergris Caye and have come to the conclusion that it is a unique environment that must be preserved at all costs. In 24 hours countless individuals, tour guides, businesses, and hotels in San Pedro and around the country joined the campaign,” stated the ACCSD. Some of them, including Go Fish Belize, shared the post in their newsletter, while El Pescador Lodge shared it with all of their guides, guests, and affiliated shops. Belize Fly/Tres Pescados shared with their followers from the floor of ICAST, the largest fishing/industry trade show in North America, currently taking place in Florida, USA. Other places on the island that have been very influential in the campaign are the Truck Stop, Las Terrazas and Oceana in Belize, who counts with 17,000 Instagram followers, and 21,000 on Facebook.

Ambergris Today

Re-Opening Of Belize Passport Station In Chicago
The Government of Belize has announced that the passport station and consulate in the city of Chicago at Evanston is scheduled for re-opening in August/September of 2018. According to the release, the Government of Belize is grateful to the Belizean community in Chicago for their response to location and accessibility. The Governement underscores its gratitude for the community’s patience that they have shown during the period in which the services were interrupted. Its sole purpose of the closure was to improve the services provided to the community.

Impersonation Of Staff - Elections And Boundaries Department
It has come to the attention of the Elections and Boundaries Department that there are individuals impersonating Staff of Elections and Boundaries Department who are visiting residents to obtain information. The public is advised that all staff of the Elections and Boundaries Department is issued with valid Staff Identification Cards. The public does have a right to request such an identification card prior to providing any information.

Misc Belizean Sources

Poster Presentation on the Small Ruminants Breeding Certification System at 54th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society
The Livestock Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, through the Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project, participated in the 54th Caribbean Food Crops Society Poster Presentation along with international presenters on July 10th, 2018 at the Princess Ramada Hotel in Belize City. The unit’s poster showcased the Breeding Certification System on Small Ruminants and highlighted the main steps of the certification program, which includes the protocol for registration and certification of the breeding stocks, the breed types, the partners comprising the Certification Committee as well as defined the blood registration for up to three generation pedigree.

Corozal Town Council - FLEA MARKET
Saturday, July 14th, 2018, 6am-3:30pm.

Belize Tourism Board - "2018 TASTE OF BELIZE - Our Signature Culinary Event"
Indulge in succulent Belizean cuisines at the “2018 Taste of Belize” on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at the Princess Hotel & Casino, Belize City! As a diverse country, Belize offers a wealth of foodie-appeal, from delectable ancient Maya flavours to the cultural spices of the Garifuna and Mestizos! This signature Belize Tourism Board (BTB) event is the ultimate venue, featuring different culinary competitions, such as the Belize Master Chef and junior Cook. Other competitions include Bartender of the Year, Pastry Chef of the year. The BTB is excited to celebrate the creativeness of Belize’s food industry and we invite you to savor the flavors of Belize during this event!

Low water pressure on Caye Caulker Saturday
Belize Water Services informs customers in Caye Caulker that they will experience low water pressure in the water supply today, Saturday, July 14, 2018, starting at 10:00pm. The entire Caye Caulker Distribution System will be affected. This low water pressure is the result of routine maintenance at the Caye Caulker Water Treatment Plant. Customers may experience discoloration when water is restored. Residents of these or nearby areas are advised that water supply should return to normal on Sunday, July 15, 2018 at 7:00pm. If they experience water supply problems after that time, they should immediately call BWS’ hotline at 0-800-CALL-BWS to report it.

BTB Digital Summit 2018
Attendees are all ears for this year's top-notch presenters, asking many questions and taking down notes. It's a full house here at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza in Belize City!

U.S. Embassy Looking for Special Consular Services Assistant
The U.S. Embassy is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the following position:Special Consular Services Assistant To view this vacancy announcement:https://bit.ly/2Ldfn4z Please review the requirements for each of the vacancies before applying for this position. Based on qualifications, applicants need only apply for one of the two vacancy announcements. NOTE: The U.S. Embassy Belmopan no longer accepts applications by email. All interested applicants applying for vacant positions at the Embassy must now submit their applications via the Electronic Recruitment Application (ERA) software. For instructions on how to apply via the ERA software, please visit the U.S. Embassy’s website at: https://bz.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/

Ms Diane Haylock appointed Ambassador of Belize to Japan
In addition to the Belize's Ambassador to the Republic of China, Taiwan, Her Excellency, Ms Diane Haylock (former President of NICH), has now also been appointed Ambassador of Belize to Japan. She presented Letters of Credence on Wednesday July 11 to Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace. The museum extends warm congratulations to H.E. Ms Diane

Ya’axché Open House
Celebrate with us at Ya’axché Open House on Saturday, 28th of July 2018 at the PG Central Park! We will be sharing our work, recognizing exceptional farmers, highlighting partnerships and having lots of fun activities. On sale will be organic farm produce from farmers and traditional Maya food prepared by women's groups. Bring out your family as we celebrate 20 years working in the Maya Golden Landscape. Activities begin at 8am and end at 2pm.

Help Coconut Leo bounce back from the fire and get a new home
The San Pedro police and fire dept are investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed one building and left another one partially destroyed in the San Pedrito area. Reports are that a wooden building caught fire sometime around 11pm on Sunday, July 8th. The building was home to islander Coconut Leo who says he was not home at the time of the fire. He suspects that the fire was deliberately set. Coconut Leo is grateful for the kind neighbors and fire department who quickly put out the blaze and prevented it from spreading. Information courtesy of San Pedro Sun newspaper. The property is not owned by Leo, he has resided there for many years rent free. The owner plans to rebuild so Coconut Leo can come back. There are two houses on the property and the owner has housed many islanders in need throughout the years, and wishes to continue to help others.

Channel 7

Messenger Injured to Head In Robbery
A man was shot to the head in Belize City this evening - and, tonight he is clinging to life at the KHMH. It happened at a few minutes before 5:00 - right around the corner from the KHMH on St. Joseph Street. Reports are that there was some kind of dispute between two men, and one of them suddenly pulled out a gun, and shot the victim to the side of the head. When we left the scene an hour ago - police had not confirmed his name. We note that this is a high traffic area between the Social Security Building and BAHA and that the shooting happened at the height of the Friday evening rush hour.

Hon. Jose Mai, The Case Continues
As we've been reporting, the family of the late Julia Arana is suing the PUP's Jose Mai, the Area Rep. for Orange Walk South. One of her sons, elite cyclist Nissan Arana, is asking the court to award the family damages against Mai. He was driving the Toyota Hilux that knocked her down on the Belize-Corozal Road two years ago. She passed away 2 months later. Mai's defence is that he bears no fault, and that the accident happened so quickly that he could not have avoided hitting her. All the evidence was presented last week, and both sides were supposed to return before Justice Courtney Abel today to make oral submissions.

Grayson Cadle, Update From the Burn Center
Tonight, burn victim Grayson Cadle is in stable condition at the JMS Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. He has undergone a CT scan to confirm that he had no broken bones, and doctors then started to perform surgery to remove scars and stop the bleeding. But when he went into the operating theater, Doctors had to postpone the procedure because his body temperature fell. That does happen and the surgery is now re-scheduled for tomorrow. He remains stable despite the fact that he has burns to 70% of his body. His trip is made possible by the Burn Victim Mercy Fund. Those wanting to contribute, can do so at Account #: 1386 6801 0120001.

Tesecum, The Survivor Conscious and Talking
One other man who's recovering at the hospital is shooting victim Michael Tesecum. He's the 41 year-old Tibruce Street resident who was gunned down on Wednesday night, a stone's throw away from his home. He was walking on the street when someone ambushed him and shot him to the back, the stomach and the left foot. He was rushed to the KHMH, and doctors were able to stabilize him and save his life yet again. After spending 2 days in intensive care, he is conscious and talking coherently. In fact, we got a chance to speak with him on the telephone, and he told us that he would prefer not to give any interviews discussing his shooting at this time.

Canadian For Sosa Murder
Last night, you heard how Corozal cops were able to solve the three month old murder of 38 year-old Emmanuel Evan Sosa. That man who they believe fatally shot the Ranchito Village resident is 21 year-old George Bednarik, a Canadian who has been living in the village for some time. He will be arraigned and remanded for murder. Police say that Bednarik is the masked gunman who, in April, attempted to rob the female bar owner at Pasadita in Ranchito. Sosa came to her aid, as she pulled the front door shut.

City Resident Arraigned For Murder in OW
Yesterday we told you that police captured Alberto Vargas Jr's killer. Today the accused- 24 year old Belize City resident Nisani Daniel Garcia- was taken to the magistrates court in Orange Walk town and arraigned for murder. According to police, Vargas and Jose Medina had picked up Garcia somewhere along the Belize-Corozal road and proceeded to a street vendor to order some food. It was there that a misunderstanding between Garcia and Vargas allegedly occurred which led to Garcia shooting 21 year old Vargas. After his arraignment Garcia was remanded to prison until his next court hearing. In May of this year Garcia was arrested and charged for kept unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Weed And Weapons in OW
And while that murder is believed to have been caused by the illicit trade in narcotics - tonight, there is a bust which demonstrates the linkage between drugs and guns in that northern town. Orange Walk police found two guns and 6 pounds of weed this afternoon. They searched an abandoned lot on Royal Palm Street and found two 9mm pistols: a Berreta and a Glock with three magazines and ten live rounds of ammunition. There they also found the 6 pounds of weed in several clear plastic bags. No one was around, so the high value street items were labeled as found property.

Police Say Robbery Victim May Have Only Bumped His Head
A few minutes ago, police provided details on the shooting we told you about at the top of the news. They say that messenger for a law firm, Nyrere Parchue was riding on St. Thomas Street when a man pulled up, pointed a firearm at him and demanded that he hand over a folder containing documents. Parchue handed it over, but set chase after his assailant and caught up with him on St. Joseph Street where, again, the robber pointed the firearm at him. This time, Parchue fell to the pavement, knocked his head and lost consciousness. He woke up in the hospital with injuries to the right side of his head and both hands. So, was he shot - as police told us at the scene?

Bank Worker Fined For Fatal Accident
Back in August of 2012, Shoshana Moody knocked down and killed Liang Shen Chen, and the Supreme Court says that she has to pay $15,000 for it. She went before Justice Marilyn Williams today where she pleaded guilty to the charge of manslaughter by negligence. For her guilty plea, the judge sentenced her to pay a fine of $5,000 to the court, and an additional $10,000 to the estate of the deceased. She has until January 1, 2019 to pay the fine and compensation, and if she defaults, she will serve 6 months in jail. The accident happened early on the morning of August 11, 2012, on the Philip Goldson Highway near the Haulover bridge.

What Re-Registration Is Like At The Far Edge of Belize
The re-registration exercise is wrapping up its second week - and - the projection is that close to 30 thousand voters have already gone through the process. The main complaint is that the process has been moving too slowly - but that's for folks who don't have to go too far to reach the re-registration center. But, for those who live in rural communities down south - it can be a whole other story! They live in remote and disconnected communities and while the Elections and Boundaries staff goes into some villages - they can't go to all, after all there are about 200 of them in Belize!

Welcome Finally Gets Bail
If at first you don't succeed, try again, that is what 18 year old Roaring Creek resident Rudolph Welcome did today in court. He applied for bail a second time for an attempted murder charge and he got it: $8,000 with 2 sureties. Welcome was charged with the June attempted murder of Burrell Boom resident Eugene Henderson Jr. He was asleep in his aunt's house in Roaring creek when Welcome allegedly crept up from the back of the house and shot him in the head. Now, this bail comes with conditions: he is to attend the Belmopan Magistrate's court on August 29th and on every other day the magistrate orders him to reappear.

The Future of Tourism Is The Internet
Marketing experts gathered at the Biltmore for the Belize Tourism Board's 4th annual Digital Marketing Summit today. The summit is a unique space where tourism sector businesses can learn and deepen their knowledge about the latest developments in online content and of course social media, among many other topics. We were there to find out more. Maynor Larrieu, Digital Marketing Manager, BTB: "This is the 4th annual Digital Marketing Summit and for the first time we have a full roster. There are 4 segments, key segments that we feel that the industry needs to be in the loop of. They are social media, digital strategy, online content and travel trade in digital. This is the only summit of its kind in terms of digital marketing summit that caters to tourism stakeholders primarily. The audience is basically hoteliers countrywide. We actually have people who flew in from Miami and a person from Houston so I think the word is going around."

Telling Tourism Stories On Social Media
Now there were a number of local and international presenters at the summit speaking on a wide range of topics. One presenter from Maine, USA presented on the impact of social media storytelling. Now we know people share everything on social media - especially on Facebook from what food they eat for lunch, to their new clothes and shoes, to all their relationship business - the list goes on. But Kristin Fuhrmann-Simmons says the concept of social media storytelling is so much deeper than that and it is very useful in connecting with customers on a more personal level. Kristin Fuhrmann-Simmons, Owner, Kristin Simmons Digital Media: "My involvement here with the BTB is that I am here to share social media storytelling. We have a lot of evidence after a decade of active social media use that people connect with stories. And so I am here to share with the people that are part of the BTB with the tourism and hospitality industry how they can use their natural story telling skills to get found online."

Digging For Diamonds in Digital Ditches
Another presenter who is originally from Brazil, Lia Cammarano, spoke on the importance of sifting through all the noise on the internet to find and gather useful and relevant information for companies. She told us more about the company she works for and more about her presentation topic. Lia Cammarano, Managing Director, South Eastern US Region - Meltwater: "Meltwater is a media intelligence platform and basically what we do is that we gather insights from the outsides so that businesses can make more informed and better decisions on their day to day."

New CCJ President, It’s a Matter Of Trust
Last week Wednesday, we showed you how Justice Adrian Saunders, took over leadership of the highest court in Belize, the Caribbean Court of Justice. President Saunders took over from Sir Dennis Byron, and he is now the 3rd president of this high court. He was formally installed last week before all the Caribbean leaders, and today, at the seat of the CCJ in Trinidad and Tobago, representatives from the bench and bar from all over the Caribbean held a special sitting of the court to honor his elevation.

Why Newcomer Wants Cycling Presidency
Two night ago, we showed you our interview with Orson Butler, the current vice president of the Belize cycling Federation, who's now running for president. The man who is currently President, Dion Leslie will run as Vice President. It's a flip flop of the status quo, which has an appeal for continuity, but not for Alexi Ordonez and his slate. He is a newcomer, and his slate, who call themselves "Team Upward Bound" say this much loved sport needs a new direction. Today, we asked him whether he's up to the task:.. Alexi Ordonez, Seeking Presidency - BCF: "These guys have been given a chance and we see the results of that now. We are mandated by our constitution which right now we don't have a constitution that governs the body. Secondly, we don't have any annual general meetings for the past 4 years. So lack of communication on a whole. No kind of financial statements are being presented to the people to let us know what's going on and it's only fair to give us a fair shot."

The Brandon Polarity
And one issue that sharply divides the two camps is Brandon Cattouse. The celebrated cyclist is currently on a provisional ban for using a prohibited substance, while awaiting a hearing before the Regional Anti Doping Organization. But Cattouse sidestepped RADO and got a Supreme Court injunction forcing the Federation to allow him to ride in the National Road Championship. Rather than risk that, the Federation, under Butler's de facto leadership, postponed the race. Tonight, we have what both sides think of the Cattouse situation and postponing the important race:..

Belize’s Female Volleyballers Ready
The Central American Women's Volleyball Championship is coming to Belize for the first time in August, and Belize's national team is ready. They've been training since last August and yesterday the Volleyball Association announced that the tournament will be held at the Civic Center from the 4th to the 10th of August. The Belize team looks good, but is considered an underdog. The championship will determine which national teams will be contesting the Continental Championship.

Bystanders Catch A Thief
A man who was busted attempting to steal a car radio in Ladyville - got roughed up by residents who caught him. 26 year old Elmer Martinez, a construction worker of Hattieville appeared yesterday at the Magistrate's Court where he was arraigned on the charge of theft. On the 9th July. 50 year old businessman Hugh Hulse, was at a home in Ladyville when he saw the lights on his Suzuki Tracker flashing. He went to check and found Martinez inside his vehicle. Martinez bolted off with the car radio in hand. However, the robbery attempt was foiled by a group of people on the other side of the street. They set chase and caught him.

Emancipation is For Everyone
Slavery is deeply embedded in the history of Belize - but it is not widely discussed or taught. In 1833 the British passed the Slavery Abolition Act which abolished slavery through out the British Empire, including Belize, although full emancipation was not achieved until 1838. While many Caribbean nations celebrate Emancipation day on August first, Belize does note. But, the United Black Association for Development in Belize, UBAD, is hosting its 5th annual black emancipation remembrance day. Chairperson of the UBAD Educational Foundation, Ya Ya Marin Coleman told us more. Making Migration Matter
Belize and Mexico are longtime neighbors, and there is free interaction between both populations along and across the border on a daily basis, although not always legal. The issues arising from these border interactions create human rights issues, safety concerns and a host of other problems. It is with that in mind that representatives of both governments, in conjunction with the United Nations Migration Agency hosted the second cross-border meeting on migration. It involved stakeholders from Belize and Mexico at the Mexican Institute in Belize City. This meeting is part of an ongoing Mesoamerica Program that seeks to contribute to strategies for regular, orderly and safe migration of people from both countries. The Cross-Border Meeting is also in line with ongoing efforts of the Government of Belize to design a National Migration and Development Policy. The meeting began yesterday and concluded today.

Channel 5

Messenger Injured During Robbery on Saint Thomas Street
Reports were received of a shooting incident this evening in Belize City for which one man, believed to be a messenger, was injured. Sometime around five o’clock rush hour, the [...]

An Underground Oil Spill at Belize Natural Energy
Personnel from Belize Natural Energy worked around the clock to avert any damage to the environment in Spanish Lookout where an oil spill occurred. The spill was caused by a [...]

Civil Suit Against P.U.P. Area Rep Traversed to September Session of Supreme Court
The civil suit against P.U.P. Orange Walk South Area Representative, Jose Abelardo Mai, was back before Supreme Court Justice Courtenay Abel today. Oral submissions were to be heard, however, there [...]

CCJ Welcomes New President with Special Sitting
The Caribbean Court of Justice held a special sitting today at its headquarters in Trinidad and Tobago. The solemn occasion, the first of two, was held to honour the court’s [...]

Ministry of National Security Says Major Crimes on Downward Trend
The month of June saw the lowest number of murders; a fact that the Ministry of Police is recognizing in a release. But overall for the first six months of [...]

SolGen Says Government is Fully Compliant with CCJ Consent Order
Another round of litigation between the indigenous Maya community and Government of Belize is before the high court, despite a consent order from the Caribbean Court of Justice in 2015.  [...]

A Long Way to Go Before the Maya Land Rights Issue is Fully Resolved
According to the Solicitor General, the process of working through the terms of the consent order is fairly lengthy.  He says that while the Maya Leaders Alliance is entitled to [...]

U.S. Fugitive Caught with Belizean Passport
It went under the radar, but two weeks ago, American fugitive Kenneth Collins Dunn was caught in the Philippines with a Belizean passport under the name of Kelsey Brian Dunn. [...]

Second Cross-Border Meeting on Migration Between Belize and Mexico Held
Measures on how to improve and increase the number of Mexicans who enter Belize were discussed today during the second Cross-Border Meeting on Migration between Belize and Mexico. The meeting [...]

After Walking Six Hours, Couple is Told They Are Too Late to Re-register
A total of sixteen thousand, six hundred and seventy applications were accepted by the Elections and Boundaries Department as part of the first week of the mass re-registration exercise. That figure [...]

P.U.P. Says Naturalized Guatemalans Who Have Been in Belize for Decades are Belizeans
With re-registration of electors taking place, debate is raging about the registering of naturalized Guatemalans because it breaches the Belize Constitution. Section twenty-nine of the Constitution states that no person [...]

P.U.P. Leaders Says Diasporans’ Concerns Must be Discussed Further
Persons wanting to re-register must prove that they have been living at their address for at least two months. This is one of the requirements that some Belizeans living overseas [...]

Opposition Leader: Cost of Living Burdening Belizeans
Electricity rates increased on July first after an application by Belize Electricity Limited to the Public Utilities Commission was successful. The new rates will be in effect for the next [...]

Digital Marketing Brings Tourism Stakeholders Together to Promote the Jewel
Representatives from local tourism stakeholders joined international digital marketing experts for the B.T.B.’s fourth Digital Marketing Summit. The one-day event was held at the Biltmore Plaza. Sessions covered four critical [...]

Marie Sharp’s Steak Sauce is of Superior Taste
You know her for her fiery hot habanero pepper sauce, but tonight you’ll know her as an international businesswoman who received a prestigious distinction in Brussels, Belgium. Marie Sharp, owner [...]

Female Tapir Knocked Down and Killed on Boom/Hattieville Road
Reports spread like wildfire today that a tapir had been killed on the Boom/Hattieville Road. An investigation carried out by the Belize Tapir Project has since revealed that the young [...]

LOVE FM

Minor used as drug trafficking mule
Drug traffickers are very creative with the methods they use to ship illegal substances. But now it seems they are using a successful and old method but instead of adults, they are using minors as mules. Officers from San Ignacio had set up a checkpoint on the George Price Highway on July 12. At 8:30 on Thursday morning they searched a bus that was traveling from the direction of San Ignacio heading towards Belmopan.

Amandala

At KHMH, specialist tells hernia sufferer “we don’t do that surgery anymore”
The majority of Belizeans have no health insurance, so when sudden health conditions arise that require a visit to a doctor, most persons turn to the various public hospitals to seek assistance. In the past that was alright because they would be attended to at the public hospitals and clinics. If they had to undergo elective surgery that was never a problem, as long as they had the patience to wait until the hospital was able to arrange such a surgery.

Grayson Cadle, 21, in coma; flown out to Georgia for treatment
Grayson Cadle, the 21-year-old who was severely burnt in his home at the corner of Mahogany and Mopan Streets, opposite Brown’s Butane Depot, as a result of the explosion of a butane tank which had been leaking in the adjacent apartment, is currently in an induced coma and they are flying him out of the country to receive treatment. According to his mother, Marianne Cadle, she, Grayson, and her other son had been living in the apartment for only three months. Cadle also informed the media that Grayson had been admitted into the hospital in a critical condition, and that in a brief moment upon his arrival at the hospital, she spoke to her son, and he said, “Mommy, I did not do anything.”

Alberto Vargas, Jr., 21, shot and killed in car
At around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday night, police visited the Northern Regional Hospital, where they saw the body of Alberto Vargas, Jr., 21, with two gunshot wounds in the neck. According to initial reports, Vargas, who was a shop assistant, was in a green Ford Escape on the Belize Corozal Road with his friend, Jose Medina, the driver of the vehicle. They then picked up another man, who sat in the back seat, behind Vargas. It is not known if the passenger was known to Medina or Vargas.

BNE oil spill in Spanish Lookout
Most Belizeans would not have known that there was an oil spill at the Belize Natural Energy (BNE) Spanish Lookout facility last Sunday if it had not been reported by the Belmopan-based Plus TV, which shared the information with Kremandala. On Tuesday, Amandala attempted to get information from BNE about this latest oil spill. We were told that the person who is allowed to speak to the media was not available, and the person we spoke with said he was not authorized to comment.

Jalacte Mayas take GoB to court for taking lands without consultation
Mayas from the village of Jalacte have taken out a Supreme Court claim against the Government of Belize for using their lands without consulting them, instead of abiding by the 2015 Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling which asserts that the Mayas of southern Belize must be afforded their customary land rights, which the government has been slow in implementing. This latest round of litigation on the part of the Mayas in Jalacte has to do with the widening of the Jalacte road, which they claim is being built on lands that were used for farming.

Elderly couple gets court justice, after land where they live was sold 3 times
An elderly man, who sold his property with the agreement that the buyer would subdivide the land, leaving him with the back portion, on which his house stands, went through an ordeal when the person who bought the property from him transferred the entire package to his wife, who then transferred it to a building society, who then sold it. The matter came to a near disastrous end when the most recent owner, after newly acquiring the property, ordered the elderly man (and his wife) off the land, but he triumphed in a cross claim in the Supreme Court—winning on the technicalities of the law, which allowed him to retain his property.

BVA announces National Team Selection for Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship in Belize
The Belize Volleyball Association (BVA) is pleased to announce the National Team Selection to represent Belize at the upcoming XX Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship to be held in Belize City from August 4 – 10 at the Civic Center. The national team is comprised of our top female athletes: Shantell Arnold, Sherika Burton, Allyana Musa, Mya Musa, Melanie Palacio, Karen Quan, Fatima Ramirez, Nelissa Ramirez, Ayah Safa, Jahshema Saunders, Kevanna Sebastian, Tichele Solis, Tisha Solis, Maurissa Williams.

Cricket Update
Greetings from the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA)! Guess old age catching up on me; I completely forgot to send in the update from the matches played on June 30 & July 1! So, here are the results: On June 30 – Summer Fever won over BDF in the second game of the three-game series; therefore, Summer Fever advances to the semifinals. On July 1 – Easy Does It won over Sunrise in the second game of the three-game series; therefore, Easy Does It advances to the semifinals.

Basketball community mourns loss of long-standing referee, Leroy Clother
The Belize Basketball Federation (BBF), National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) and the Belize Association of Basketball Officials (BABO) join the entire basketball community in extending our sincere condolences to the family of Leroy Clother for their tragic loss. Leroy has been serving as a referee in Belize for many years, and his service to the development of basketball was invaluable. Our sympathies go out to his family, friends and loved ones, as our basketball community continues to mourn his loss.

FFB National Over-40 update
Catching up on some scores from the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) National Over-40 tournament, we note that some late information after we went to press on Tuesday indicated that the game in Dangriga at the Carl Ramos Stadium on Sunday was indeed played after all. We had reported that no-show referees had led to cancellation of games at the MCC (San Pedro Veterans vs Kulture Yabra Veterans) and also at the Carl Ramos Stadium (Dangriga New Site Erei vs Benque Veterans); but the game at Carl Ramos was played, with the result a 3-3 draw between New Site Erei and Benque Veterans.

Editorial: Living a lie
Saturday, July 14, 2018 marks the 229th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison by the French masses in Paris. Thus began the historic, cataclysmic French Revolution, which in turn spawned the Haitian Revolution in 1791, which constituted the only successful slave rebellion in history and gave birth to the first Black republic in the so-called New World in 1804. What the French masses were violently overthrowing in the French Revolution was a monarchical system of government with all its attendant evils, primarily a privileged, parasitic, and brutal aristocratic class. Whereas the French guillotined their King, Louis XVI, in 1793, the English, led by Oliver Cromwell, had beheaded their King, Charles I, in 1649, 140 years before the storming of the Bastille.

A threat to Amandala from Barrow & Williams
Dear Sirs: We are instructed by Mr. Alberto August who, as you are aware, is the chairman of the United Democratic Party and a political figure in Belize. In the Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018 No. 3191 of the Amandala, Tuesday Issue, you caused to be published on page 23 under the headline article “Say no to the ICJ” words purportedly spoken by Derek Aikman, the following defamatory words: “The founder and leader of BUFERAD, former UDP politician and former Cabinet Minister, Derek Aikman opened the press conference explaining that “there is potential poison in the re-registration process.”

The mystery of the “bend-fork”
Dear Editor, It was 1959 and the Ramirez family had recently relocated to #150 Newtown Barracks from Racecourse Street. We were right in front of the majestic Caribbean Sea, one house away from Wilson Street. It was two years before the great Hattie Hurricane and I, Alfonso, was nine years old. My brother Ricardo was eight and our youngest brother, Gustavo, was seven. We had two older sisters and two older brothers from Mama’s first marriage. They were the Petersens. We were all enrolled at St. Joseph’s Primary School. The Cathedral that exists now had not been built yet and there was a small wooden Chapel next to the school.

The inspirational journey of Kaedhyn Williams
Her eyes twinkled with confidence and her smile enveloped the room as she exclaimed her future goals and intentions. Kaedhyn Williams is an 11-year-old Belizean American who is the oldest child of Belizean parents Marvin Williams and Tamarah Major Williams, who recently became the recipient of the prestigious scholarship of the Carson Scholars Fund. Kaedhyn, a 7th grade student at Fulton & Alsbury Academy of Arts and Engineering in Lancaster, California, has all the reasons to be ecstatic. The remarkable journey of Kaedhyn began with the challenge of being born with Spinal Bifida, which affected her ability to walk. She had to endure several major and delicate surgeries over her childhood to correct the condition.

Collateral for lawyers
When you look at the tragedy of 265 men on remand for murder, and you do the math, you realize that this reality works out to the benefit of only one group in the country. This group can take that number to the bank. That number will work out for them, either as savings at the bank of their choice, or as collateral for loans for their big house or fast car or luxury boat. It is not for us to complain about all people who capitalize on pain. But we should complain if the people who capitalize on pain, are contributors to it. We men know of the violence in our natures. We also know that it can be tempered, or stoked. Now, from the little classroom knowledge I have, yes, straight from that, there are three kinds of big animals on terra firma, these being the carnivores, the omnivores, and the herbivores.

MEMOIRS OF MUSIC & WAR IN BELIZE!
Seeing “Woodstock” the film at the “Palace” movie theater in Belize City, Belize, in the 1970s at matinee on Sunday evenings as a boy had made me wonder what a powerful and enlightening musical explosion the “hippie era” in the United States had on the world as a popular culture. Some Belizeans were influenced by the cult of personality of the 1960s through the musical giants like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, as well as the dress, the spirit, the mood, the style and the “psychedelic” craze of drugs and the sense of wild unaltered freedom of expression.

The growth of Black Consciousness in Belize 1914-1919
That anger, perhaps somewhat ameliorated by the expectations of demobilization and their return to Belize, was reactivated on the long journey home by the so-called “Incident at Taranto.” That incident which was brought to light by C.L. Joseph and W.F. Elkins and is in need of further investigation – involved the revolt of some 50-60 members of the 9th Battalion of the British West Indies Regiment at the British Army transit camp at Cimino near Taranto in Italy in December 1918. Apparently, on December 6th members of the 9th Battalion, exasperated by weeks of discrimination in the camps, canteens and cinemas, humiliating fatigue duties and the overbearing arrogance of the South African camp commandant, attacked their officers and severely assaulted their unit commander.

Ambassadors of Norway, Thailand, Bolivia and Turkey present credentials to Governor General
Four ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence today, July 9, to the Governor General of Belize, H.E. Sir Colville Young, at Belize House in Belmopan. H.E. Mrs. Rut Krüger Giverin, Ambassador of Norway; H.E. Ms. Rommanee Kananurak, Ambassador of Thailand; H.E. Mr. José Vladimir Crespo Fernández, Ambassador of Bolivia; and H.E. Mr. Suleyman Gokce, Ambassador of Turkey all presented their credentials to the Governor General.

American businessman, Cliff Kirk, 60, dies 5 days after being shot
On Thursday at around 11:50 a.m., Cliff Kirk, 60, an American retiree, was in his home, which is located ten miles away from San Pedro Town and is only accessible by water, when four men wearing masks entered his yard and shot him in the head. They then entered his home and stole a briefcase full of money, a 9mm pistol, and a 12-gauge shotgun. In yesterday’s Amandala, we reported that three persons — Christian Espat, 22; Nigel Williams, 25; and a 16-year-old — had been charged with aggravated burglary, attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm.

“I want my baby”, said Peter Bell, 54, charged with aggravated burglary
Peter Bell, 54, an employee of the Moslem Masjid, who resides at 8 Landivar Street, kept saying today in the court of the Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser that he wants his baby after he was arraigned on charges of aggravated burglary, wounding and harm, to all of which he pleaded not guilty. Bell admitted that on July 7, he went uninvited to the house of Charles Lamb, located at 30 Fabers Road, but he said he did so because he wanted to see his two-and-a-half-month-old baby whose mother is Rachel Lamb, Charles Lamb’s daughter.

In the midst of gloom, tourism shines
In the Wed. June 27, 2018 Amandala, Courtney Menzies reported on a release by the Belize Institute of Statistics which showed the dismal state of Belize’s agriculture sector. Statistics showed that the sector declined by 11.9% in the first quarter of 2018, when compared with the same period in 2017, with citrus production down 19.3%, banana showing a loss of 5,000 tons, marine production down 44%, largely because of struggles in the shrimp industry, and sugar revenue diminished by lowered prices on the world market. But in the midst of these lowered exports, the tourism industry continues to flourish. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB), in a press release dated Wednesday, July 11, 2018, reported that the latest statistics for the middle of 2018 showed that “tourism arrivals to Belize continue to register groundbreaking levels and moving on a steady upward trend.”

Elderly couple gets court justice, after land where they live was sold 3 times
An elderly man, who sold his property with the agreement that the buyer would subdivide the land, leaving him with the back portion, on which his house stands, went through an ordeal when the person who bought the property from him transferred the entire package to his wife, who then transferred it to a building society, who then sold it. The matter came to a near disastrous end when the most recent owner, after newly acquiring the property, ordered the elderly man (and his wife) off the land, but he triumphed in a cross claim in the Supreme Court—winning on the technicalities of the law, which allowed him to retain his property.

The Reporter

Shooting on Saint Joseph Street
A shooting reportedly occurred a short while ago on St Joseph Street in Belize City. Police have cordoned off the area and have not yet released any details. We will

POLICE FIND STASH OF WEED & GUN
Two police searches, one in the north and the other in the west, have resulted in the discovery of a stash of weed and a gun;

EDITORIAL – JULY 13th
In 1978, three years before Independence, the Government of Belize commissioned a legal opinion from two distinguished international lawyers: E. Lauterpacht Q.C. and Dr. D.W. Bowette, Q.C. Their terms of

Butane Explosion Injures Three, One Critical
An otherwise quiet Monday afternoon on Mopan Street turned almost deadly in an instant when a butane gas leak inside an apartment complex triggered an explosion

SATIIM Dissatisfied With US Capital Consultations
US Capital Energy has begun preliminary consultations with villages in southern Belize as part of the procedure for applying for a new oil concession; however, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for

Thai Miracle: All 12 boys and football coach safe after heroic rescue
The plight of the boys and their coach has captivated not only Thailand, but much of the world — from the heart-sinking news that they were missing,

Was Sudden Death Caused By Medical Malpractice ?
A family is blaming the public health system, and particularly the Western Regional Hospital, for the death of their loved one on Saturday; and they are

Minister Bashes KHMH and Loma Luz over Dialysis Charges
On Monday, July 9 in Belmopan, Minister of Health, Pablo Marin expressed his outrage at the nation’s largest referral hospital, the KHMH and Loma Luz, considered the best health facility

Cops Seize $100K in Illegal Painkillers
A significant shipment of Oxicodone pills, an opioid-based medication that can be converted into heroine, was intercepted by authorities in Spanish Lookout on Tuesday of this

MAJOR CRIMES and MURDERS DIP IN SECOND QUARTER
Belize has in recent years recorded one of the highest homicide rates in the world, per capita, but this week law enforcement authorities here reported a

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor: This week the United States State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico listed the following states as areas not to travel in Mexico for

Police Charge Nisani Garcia for Vargas Murder
This afternoon Belize City construction worker, Nisani Daniel Garcia, 24, was formally charged for the murder of Alberto Vargas Jr., 21, shot twice to his neck

Willoughby Resigns from NEMO to Run in Port
No sooner had the UDP hopefuls for standard bearer in Port Loyola made the list in last week’s news, than Philip Willoughby, who was one

Breaking Belize News

Minor arrested and charged for drug trafficking
Yesterday morning around 8:30, while conducting a police checkpoint on the George Price Highway, authorities arrested […]

Belize Territorial Volunteers meet Guatemalan authorities inside Belizean Waters (again)
Yesterday, the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) embarked on an expedition to Graham Creek in Southern […]

Corozal House of Culture to host Ancient World Week
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), through the Corozal House of Culture, the […]

Belize participates at 54th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society
The Livestock Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, through the Genetic Improvement in Sheep and […]

Family claims young man died due to hospital’s negligence
The family of 27-year-old Justin Neal of Santa Elena town, Cayo are frustrated after losing […]

Belizeans participate in filming of La Reina del Sur
Famous Mexican actress Kate del Castillo, otherwise known as ‘La Reina del Sur’, arrived in […]

Blogs

Things To Do In Corozal
Corozal District is the northernmost district of the nation of Belize. The population was 33,335 in 2000. The capital district is Corozal Town. Pre-Columbian Maya Temples are found in Corozal at Santa Rita near Corozal Town, and at Cerros. Just 9 miles south of Mexico and 29 miles north of Orange Walk Town, Corozal has a vibe different from any other town in Belize. The Mexican influence is palpable on the streets of this provincial town, where you are likely to hear Spanish and eat tacos. Though it feels prosperous (especially by Belizean standards), most of the town's wealth comes from its position as a commercial and farming center – not from tourism. In fact, the town's fledgling tourism sector has been hit hard by the direct boat service between San Pedro and Chetumal, which has seen many travelers bypass Corozal altogether and several tourist-orientated businesses close.

A 22-Year-Old Takes A $845.50 Girls' Trip To Belize
Could you survive for 5 days in Belize on - $845.50 including your accommodations and transportation? See how this 22-year-old traveler managed to do so. This week's travel diary: A 22-year-old takes a chocolate-making class and drives a golf cart around San Pedro, Belize with her two girlfriends.

Videos

July 13, 2018

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Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Gladstone Bucknor is new officer in charge of San Pedro Fire Department sub-office
As of Monday July 2nd Gladstone Bucknor is the new sub-station officer in charge of the San Pedro Fire Department. Bucknor took over the position held by Newton Lennan, who was transferred to Belize City. Originally from Belize City, Bucknor comes to San Pedro with over 22 years of experience as a fire officer. He has been a fire officer in Dangriga Town, Toledo, Belize City and Belmopan City. According to the new officer in charge one of his main goals is to raise awareness of the best practices to prevent fire incidents. “My goal is to educate island residents and businesses through public meetings and presentations on ways fire incidents can be prevented, as well as how to react in case there is a fire happening,” he said.

Coconut Leo’s house burns down in San Pedrito
On Sunday, July 8th, another fire in San Pedro Town left an islander without a home. The fire victim is Leo Martinez, popularly known as Coconut Leo of the San Pedrito Area, who is admired on the island for his Bob Marley interpretations, acrobatic skills, and coconut tree climbing exhibitions. His house had no electricity and Martinez suspects arson, however, police have no information suggesting it was deliberately set on fire. Coconut Leo lost everything in the fire, which reportedly started shortly after 11PM. Leo said he left home around 8PM and a few hours later he received a call that his house was burning. He indicated that there was nothing inside the house that could cause a fire and believes that someone is responsible. Coconut Leo said that he does not have enemies and cannot tell of anyone who would want to harm him.

Ambergris Today

Tourism Arrivals To Belize Continue On Upward Trend
The latest statistics for the middle of 2018 shows that tourism arrivals to Belize continue to register groundbreaking levels and moving on a steady upward trend. Overnight tourism arrivals in June registered double digit increases for the past three consecutive years while the first half of the year registered a 17.1% cumulative increase.

Belize Hotel Association Hosts 2018 Annual General Meeting
The Belize Hotel Association held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 from 1:00 PM- 5:30 PM at the Black Orchid Resort in Burrell Boom, Belize. In attendance were the Board of the BHA, Association Members, other Tourism Stakeholders and guests.

Misc Belizean Sources

GLOW Camp 2018
GLOW Camp has finished. A huge thanks to the Peace Corps volunteers and everyone else that made this happen again this year! "Peace Corps Belize extends our heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to our Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) Camp 2018! 80 girls (ages 10 – 13), 14 Belizean Counterparts and 12 Peace Corps Volunteers, from all over Belize, gathered for a week of learning and fun. The girls made friends from all over the country! They learned about cultures different from their own and developed their leadership skills by building their self-esteem, self-expression, and self-reliance. They also made crafts, danced, laughed and learned about self-defense! We are so proud of these girls for their full engagement in such a new experience. These girls worked so hard throughout the school year to prepare for the camp. Some engaged in fundraising activities for the trip while some even wrote application essays to attend.

Renovations at St. John the Baptist Anglican Cathedral
Renovations continue at the St. John the Baptist Anglican Cathedral in Belize City. The renovations is part of the hard components of the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project. Funds provided by Taiwan ICDF and the Government of Belize.

Re-opening of the Consulate of Belize in Chicago
It is with great joy that the Government of Belize announces that the re-opening of the Passport Station and Consulate in the City of Chicago at Evanston is scheduled for August/September of 2018. We thank members of the Belizean Community in Chicago for their input in providing feedback as to location and accessibility. The Government of Belize also underscores its gratitude for the community's patience during the time of interrupted services. The intent of the closure was to improve the services provided to the community.

Impersonation of Staff - Elections and Boundaries Department
It has come to the attention of the Elections and Boundaries Department that there are individuals impersonating Staff of Elections and Boundaries Department who are visiting residents to obtain information. The public is advised that all staff of the Elections and Boundaries Department is issued with valid Staff Identification Cards. The public does have a right to request such an identification card prior to providing any information.

Celebrity Spotting
Tim Duncan of the San Antonio’s Spurs spotted arriving in Belize.

Ministry of National Security Statistics Point to Decrease in Major Crimes
Statistics compiled by the Ministry of National Security show that major crimes in Belize are on a downward trend. The figures were released and analyzed at the Ministry’s monthly meeting with the high command of law enforcement agencies in Belmopan on Monday, 9th July 2018. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Ministry to review the current crime situation in Belize where it was noted that there is an observable downward trend in major crimes. This updated information incidentally came after a meeting with the business sector including the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Belize Chinese Association, the Indian Association, and the Belize Teachers Union; where they reportedly were of the view that crimes were spiraling out of control.

Second Cross-Border Meeting on Migration Between Belize and Mexico
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration of the Government of Belize and the United Nations Migration Agency (IOM), in coordination with the Embassy of Mexico in Belize, hosted the second edition of the cross-border meeting on migration between stakeholders from Belize and Mexico. The Second Edition of the Cross-Border Meeting was held on July 12th and 13th by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration of the Government of Belize and the United Nations Migration Agency (IOM), in coordination with the Embassy of Mexico in Belize at the Mexican Institute in Belize City. The Cross-Border Meeting is part of the Mesoamerica Program, which seeks to contribute to the development and implementation of strategies for regular, orderly, and safe migration.

San Pedro Pirates vs. BDF FC
Our 3rd pre season game will be vs BDF FC ! Which are the Sub Champions of the season! Boat leaves at 1:00pm from front Gas Station (cholo’s) Just $30! Round Trip! Book your Spot now!

2018 Spartan Classic Bodybuilding Competition
Corozal, 14 July 2018. CCC Auditorium, 7pm.

Coconut Frond Art Workshop
August 20-23, Corozal House of Culture, $50 per person.

Activities this weekend in Corozal and Orange Walk
Here is a call out to our brothers and sisters from Orange Walk and all surrounding villages in Corozal. Visit Corozal Town this weekend. Featured Events:- Friday, July 13 - 15 - BIKE RALLY (All Weekend) Saturday, July 14 - 2018 SPARTAN CLASSIC BODY BUILDING COMPETITION Saturday, July 14 - Art In The Park (Special Performances)

JULY 2018 EDITION of ArT In ThE ParK
Special feature will be a wonderful performance by the participants of the Carnival Around the World Summer Program taking place at the Corozal House of Culture which has been on since July 2nd. Don't miss it.

Cayo Wellness Seminar
Today, from 9:00am through 1:00pm, there will be a Wellness seminar at the SISE House of Culture. They'll have ideas for healthy cooking, along with exercise routines. "HERE IS INVITING ONE AND ALL TO THE SAN IGNACIO/SANTA ELENA HOUSE OF CULTURE THIS FRIDAY JULY 13TH, 2018 TO A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELLNESS WORKSHOP FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M."

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Overboard, Aquaman: Rage of Atlantis, Traffik, Gotti

Wooden Phone covers benefit CZMAI
Get your beautiful limited edition wooden phone case today for only $60 from our friends at A&S Covers. All proceeds go to the Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute Scholarship Program. Phone cases come in 3 designs, each representing a different partner. Be sure to check out the CZMAI and Oceana Belize design too! Collect all 3! The WWF #Mangrove design highlights a huge conservation win in Belize as new legislation was passed supporting the preservation of Mangrove forests. This was one of the key factors involved in getting our #Belize #BarrierReef #WorldHeritage site OFF the #UNESCO In Danger list.

Channel 7

Man Who Survived Explosion Flown To Burn Center
Burn Victim, 21 year old Grayson Cadle survived a terrible explosion at his Mahogany Street apartment on Monday. He was left with burns to 70% of his body. And that's why tonight, he's being taken via air ambulance to the Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia where he will spend the next 3 to 4 months. He will be getting free treatment through the Burn Victim Mercy Fund. We were at the hospital when Cadle was taken from the KHMH to the waiting air ambulance. Courtney Weatherburne has the story.

Chopping Victim Got Shot, Tesecum Tempts Fate With Another Near Fatal Injury
41 year-old Michael Tesecum, a resident of Tibruce Street, is in intensive care at the KHMH tonight, after he was shot multiple times last night. It's the second attempt on his life in 7 months, and it comes at a time that he is struggling to recover from the last time someone tried to kill him. He suffered a severe eye injury when his co-worker, Dennis Bowden chopped him in the head with a machete, and the road to recovery has been very difficult. He was at risk of losing that eye to complications, and now, he must recover from gunshot wounds to the back, the stomach and the left foot. So, how can one man be so unlucky? That's what our news team attempted to find out today. Daniel Ortiz has that story:

Police Snatch A Plethora of Painkillers
The cops are reporting tonight that they've made a significant bust of oxycodone, a highly addictive painkiller that has caused many deaths by overdose in the US. It's in the category of drugs known as an opioid, and in Belize, it is listed on the schedule of controlled drugs that is illegal - unless you have a prescription. On Tuesday, cops from Spanish Lookout busted 3 people who they believe were attempting to smuggle 8.4k kilos of the drug in a tablet form stuffed inside a knapsack. Today, the Head of the National Criminal Investigations Branch gave the press a briefing on the seizure and arrests:

Was OW Murder Product of Drug Buy Gone Wrong?
Yesterday we told you that police were looking for a known suspect from Belize City for the shooting death of Albert Vargas Jr. in Orange Walk town. Well, today police have charged that suspect. He is 24 year old Nisani Daniel Garcia, a construction worker of Belize City, and this evening, he was formally arrested and charged for the murder of the 21 year old Vargas. At the police press briefing earlier today, investigators discussed the possibilities of this latest homicide being related to a drug-buy gone wrong between the men in the vehicle:

Cliff Kirk’s (Alleged) Killers Will Soon Face Upgraded Charges
2 days ago American Cliff Kirk died at the John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore Maryland, while receiving treatment for a gunshot to the head. The US Army Veteran was shot at his home on Northern Ambergris Caye a week ago. 4 assailants shot him and then went to steal his firearms, a briefcase, and a jet ski. As we reported, 3 San Pedro residents: Nigel Williams, Christian Espat, and a 16 year-old were remanded on charges of robbery, attempted murder, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, use of deadly means of harm, and dangerous harm. Well, police told the press today that the attempted murder charge against the defendants will be upgraded to murder, shortly:

Beware, The E & B Imposters
It's re-registration time, and that means staff from Elections and Boundaries could be coming around to your house to confirm that the persons who are registered there, actually live there. But, apparently, some fraudsters have been using the exercise as a way to get into homes. The E & B office issued a notice today saying that "there are individuals impersonating Staff of Elections and Boundaries Department who are visiting residents to obtain information."

Guest Turned Gunman, He Robbed Radisson
Today, twenty-seven year old Phillip Maclaren, pleaded guilty to a daring robbery of the Radisson front desk. Maclaren quickly changed his plea from not guilty to guilty after and the first witness, Radisson receptionist, Shakira Brown testified. Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser sentenced him to 5 years for robbery and 5 years for attempted robbery. The sentences are to run concurrently, so he will only serve 5 years.

Philloughby Not The Only UDP Hopeful Forced To Resign
It turns out Phillip Willloughby is not the only government employee being forced to resign before running in a UDP convention. The UDP's so called ground commander Anthony Boots Martinez told 7News today that at least three others, including labour commissioner Ivan Williams, NEMO employee Kent Parham, Finance Employee Robert Pennill, Works Employee Dean Samuels, and the Youth Apprentice-ship program's Dianne Finnegan will all be required to resign. And indeed, that's the rule: you can't be paid from the public purse while running in a political convention. Martinez says the Barrow administration has gotten a legal opinion on it to confirm that it must be so.

Man Found For Barroom Killing
Police say that they have solved a murder which happened 3 months ago in the Corozal Village of Ranchito. On Sunday morning, April 15th, 38 year-old Emmanuel Evan Sosa was at Pasadina Bar. The female owner was attempting to close up for the night when a masked man with a sawed off shotgun showed up at the door. Sosa intervened on her behalf, and they started to argue. The owner got her door closed, and a short while after that, the robber shot him to death. For several weeks the cops investigated, and today, they announced that they've arrested and charged one man for his killing.

Police Need Eyewitnesses For Woman’s Shooting
But, the cops aren't having the same kind of luck, just yet, with the Belize City shooting of 34 year-old Ambrosa Bernardez. The innocent bystander's shoulder was shattered by a gunshot on Tuesday night while she was sitting with some friends near the Queen Square Primary School. She was in the company of a group of people, including several women and children. But, that didn't stop a gunman from riding up on a bicycle and opening fire on the group, completely disregarding the danger to those who were also present at the time. Today, the cops shared some details with the press:

GOB Claims No Fault In Jalacte Upgrades
Last night, we told you about day 1 of the lawsuit that the Maya of Jalacte, Toledo have brought against the Government of Belize. They say that the Government made a major misstep when it upgraded the Jalacte Road, and built the BAHA substation and a Medfly Inspection Center on their village's communal lands. As we told you, those were constructed back in November 2014, and the Government was attempting to raise the standard of living for Belizeans in the most remote part of the country. Before it was properly paved, the Jalacte road was in terrible condition.

What About the CCJ’s Consent Order?
We also got a chance to to ask the Sol Gen for the Government's perspective on how far they've come in the implementation of the the consent order from the Caribbean Court of Justice. Government committed to make Maya Communal Land rights a real thing, and not just a judgment of the highest court. If you ask the Maya, they say that the Government has utterly failed in its commitments to do right by the Maya. We asked Hawke if he agrees:

Is GOB Ignoring The Rule Of Law?
You'll also remember that Cristina Coc, the spokesperson for the Maya Leaders Alliance, and the Toledo Alcalde's Association, accused the Government of ignoring a court order, and failing to uphold the rule of law. It's not the first time that we've heard a litigant accuse the government of flouting its responsibility. We asked the Solicitor General about that charge:

Agro-Tourism?
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration is hosting the 54th annual meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society. It is the first time that Belize is the host country for this important regional forum that brings together researchers, scientists, professors and other experts in agriculture. This year's meeting was centered around the topic of linking the agricultural sector to the tourism industry. Yesterday we showed you the growing numbers of tourist arrivals in Belize for the year 2018. Well the Ministry of Agriculture is attempting to capitalize on those figures.

Is Belize Climate Smart?
Another critical element of today's forum was what is known as the Climate Smart Country Profile, which is both a regional and global initiative with the ultimate aim of equipping countries with the latest techniques and general know-how as it relates to climate change resilience and sustainable practices in the agricultural sector. In line with the objectives of the forum, the Ministry of Agriculture launched its Agriculture Census and a campaign to digitize all current data relative to the sector- from the amount of farms in the country, to the types of crops that are being grown and when they are being grown.

Can The Primary Sector Rebound?
Now, while the forum focused on increased productivity for the growing demand of the international market, the reality for Belize is that the export revenue for the primary industries of Belize recently have taken a sharp dip this year. According to data from the Statistical Institute of Belize, the total domestic exports for the month of April 2018 amounted to $27.2 million, registering a decrease of 21.9% or $7.6 less than exports for April of last year. In the month of May the steep down turn continued. According to SIB, export revenue for that month was just under $58 million, representing a decrease of 20.2% or $14.6 million dollars less.

A Safe Trip Down Sarstoon As BDF Faces Down The GAF
There was some tense action on the Sarstoon today as Wil Maheia and the Belize Territorial Volunteers were going on a humanitarian mission to Graham Creek in remote southwestern Belize. To get there, they have to go via the Sarstoon river, but Maheia says they got an unexpected welcome party. First, the BDF told them to wait for permission, and then the GAF showed up on the Belize side, just watching the action.

The Science and Art of Proper Childcare
Every now and then parents need a babysitter to hold over while they work or maybe they just want a night out without the kids. Well, the Belize Training and Employment Center is training a group to become certified childcare providers so parents don't have to worry if these 'sitters' are properly taking care of their kids. We dropped by the ITVET to find out more about the workshop. In the final week, the participants will complete an internship at one of the child care providers agencies.

Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
Beltraide along with its Central American partners are developing a project to empower female entrepreneurs. It is just in its initial stages but the project will provide guidance and important tools that will help improve their business. Today all the partners met to share ideas and try to come up with a solid framework for this new project. Here's more from the meeting. The pilot project will cater to 20 female entrepreneurs. Beltraide will keep us posted as to when the project has been finalized.

Marketing Intelligently
And finally from Beltraide, their 3rd training today was for private sector firms such as poultry, rum and pepper producers. The theme was market intelligence. We dropped by to find out how important this tool is in the success of a business especially when exporting. There were 35 participants. It is a two day workshop.

Mysterious San Pedro Stabbing
Police from San Pedro don't know what to make yet of stabbing injury that the island resident, 26 year-old Adrian Suarez, showed up at the Poly Clinic with. At around 3 a.m., on Monday, Suarez was taken to the clinic, and he was suffering from a very serious injury to the left side of the chest. He had to be airlifted to the KHMH for medical treatment, where he is in a critical condition. The cops discussed the case with the press today:

Major Crime Sharply Up For 2018, Trending Down Since Command Changes
And, indeed, major crime for the first half of 2018 is up significantly over 2017. Figures through to June show 593 major crimes, 114 more than the same period last year. Murders are up by 12, robberies by 58 and burglaries are up by 50. But, if there's any sliver living on that very dark cloud, it's that since John Saldivar and a new command structure took over in April, major crime has been trending sharply down - but it's still above last year's mark.

The Alliance, Finding Another Way To Skin The 90 Million Dollar Cat
The Ashcroft Alliance failed to convince the Caribbean Court of Justice to force Belize to pay that 90+ million-dollar-award for the UHS debacle, but they aren't backing down. On June 1st, the CCJ rendered a judgment dismissing the Belize Bank's application for enforcement against the Attorney General and Prime Minister Barrow, as the Minister of Finance. They were trying to do an end run around the Belize Parliament, where a bill for payment is currently lying on the table.

Kate Cas, La Reina Del Xunan
La Reina Del Sur, Kate Del Castillo was Le Reina Del Xunantunich last night as filming of her telenovela continues at the mayan site. Pictures snapped by a fan show them using the towering El Castillo temple as a backdrop - and fog machines creating an eerie ambience. Her shooting wraps today and she flies out tomorrow. Also arriving in Belize today was NBA hall of famer Tim Duncan and his family for vacation.

Channel 5

Michael Tesecum Survives a Second Attempt on His Life
A forty-one-year-old resident of Belize City narrowly escaped death on Wednesday night after a second attempt was made on his life. Michael Tesecum was on Tiburce Street when a gunman [...]

Nisani Garcia Charged for Orange Walk Murder of Alberto Vargas Jr.
Police have moved swiftly to crack the murder of Alberto Vargas Junior in Orange Walk.  A Belize City construction worker was arrested and charged; twenty-four-year-old Nisani Daniel Garcia is believed [...]

1 Man Charged for Murder of Emmanuel Sosa
Thirty-eight-year-old Emmanuel Ivan Sosa was fatally shot back in April at the Pasadita Bar in Ranchito Village. Three months later, twenty-one-year-old George Bednarik has been charged for the murder which [...]

Murder Charges to Come for Cliff Kirk Killers
The expectation is that the charges will be upgraded to murder for Christian Espat, Nigel Williams and a sixteen-year-old minor following the death of Clifford Kirk, an American expat.  The [...]

Man Critical after He Was Stabbed in San Pedro
A man was stabbed in San Pedro Town sometime on Thursday. He is now in a critical condition at the K.H.M.H. and police say they are now questioning a woman [...]

Cops Make Oxycodone Bust in Spanish Lookout; More Tablets Seized in San Pedro
Police made two separate drug busts. The first seizure was made about a week ago in a warehouse in San Pedro but the contents of the packets were tablets and [...]

Police Weigh in on Shooting of Ambrosa Bernardez
One man has been detained for Tuesday night’s shooting of thirty-four-year-old Ambrosa Bernadez.  Bernardez was shot in the vicinity of West Canal and Armadillo Street when a man rode up [...]

Grayson Cadle is Off to Burn Center in the U.S.A.
Tonight, twenty-one-year-old Grayson Cadle is on his way to Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia in the U.S., to get specialized treatment at the Burn Center. It will be a long [...]

Opposition Leader Says G.O.B. Can Afford to Reduce Fuel Tax
The price of premium gasoline decreased by eleven cents at midnight on Tuesday; it now sells for eleven dollars and sixty cents per gallon. It is a small reduction for [...]

John Briceño says Government Needs to Invest More
In June, the government said that if it reduces fuel tax by two dollars per gallon, it would mean a seventy million dollars hole in government revenue.  That reduction would [...]

SolGen’s Advice is Sought on Public Officers’ Eligibility to Run in Elections
The notice of resignation tendered by NEMO’s Operations Officer Phillip Willoughby on July eleventh, paving the way for him to contest an upcoming U.D.P. convention in Port Loyola, was preceded [...]

SolGen Says Jalacte Claim is Way Out of Time
A lawsuit involving the Government of Belize, brought against the Office of the Attorney General by residents of Jalacte Village, is being heard before Justice Michelle Arana.  On Wednesday, submissions [...]

Jalacte Village Sues for Millions in Compensation for Loss of Lands
During the trial, expert testimony was provided by a number of individuals, including engineering consultant Avondale Moody, for the Ministry of Works.  Among the reasons given for the placement of [...]

Will Prime Minister Barrow be Compelled to Pay UHS Debt Via a Writ of Mandamus?
On Monday, an application was filed in the Supreme Court on behalf of the Belize Bank seeking permission for a judicial review to be conducted to compel Prime Minister Dean [...]

Opposition Leader: “It’s in the D.N.A. of the U.D.P. That They Fight over Everything”
The People’s United Party is joining the Belize Territorial Volunteers in condemning the comments made by Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington. Elrington recently told the press that people have to be [...]

BTV’s Humanitarian Mission Disrupted by Guatemalan Armed Forces
A humanitarian mission embarked by the Belize Territorial Volunteers this morning got off on a bad start. According to Leader Wil Maheia, the group was intercepted by Guatemalan Armed Forces. [...]

P.U.P. Leader Says Arthur Saldivar Has Not Won Anything
The P.U.P.’s Vetting Committee has accepted Arthur Saldivar’s application to contest the party’s Belmopan Standard Bearer convention. Whether his application will be approved is another matter. The P.U.P. decided to [...]

B.T.B. Boasts ‘Groundbreaking’ Tourism Arrivals Figures
The Belize Tourism Board is boasting ‘groundbreaking’ figures as it relates to tourism arrivals. B.T.B.’s latest stats show that for the first six months of 2018, overnight tourism arrivals and [...]

Be on the Lookout for Persons Passing Off as Elections and Boundaries Staff
There are persons impersonating staff members of the Elections and Boundaries Department visiting residents and obtaining information. The public is advised that all employees of the department have staff identification [...]

Belizean Exporters Learn the Tricks of the Trade for New Markets
A two-day marketing intelligence training workshop for local business owners began today at the ITVET Compound in Belize City. It is being held through a partnership between the Caribbean Export [...]

CEDA Training to Assist Export Capacity of Belize & the Region
The two days will feature presentations from the Belize Bureau of Standards, the Belize Intellectual Property Office as well as BELTRAIDE and CEDA. Marketing Intelligence and Caribbean Export Advisor, Zamani [...]

Babysitters Train to Become Certified Childcare Providers
A four-week childcare training is ongoing at the Belize Training and Employment Centre at the ITVET compound in Belize City. Some eleven participants, all from the childcare sector—primarily pop-up babysitters— [...]

SBDC Belize Working with SICA to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
A national entrepreneurship workshop was held at the BTEC office in Belize City. The workshop brought together key stakeholders to the discussion table on integration of synergies and transferring of [...]

LOVE FM

San Pedro resident critical after being stabbed in chest
A construction worker is stabbed on San Pedro Ambergris Caye on Tuesday and is today listed in critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Police say 26-year-old Adrian Suarez was stabbed in his chest but they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. ASP Cowo spoke on the case. ASP Alejandro Cowo, CIB: …

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister to visit Belize
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu is expected to arrive in Belize on July 16, for a two-day visit. Wu will meet with Prime Minister Dean Barrow as well as visit the Taiwanese Embassy. He is also expected to visit El Salvador. The trip is in an effort to strengthen Taiwan’s ties with its allies. China’s …

One detained for Tuesday shooting in Belize City
One man is detained in the shooting of Ambrosia Bernardez and are asking the public to assist them in collecting evidence to further close the case. The shooting happened on Tuesday, July 10 in Belize City shortly before eight o’clock at the corner of west canal and Armadillo Streets. Bernardez was shot in her right …

BDF to BTV’s rescue
The Belize Territorial Volunteers is reporting once again of Guatemalan incursions on the Belize side of the Sarstoon River. Wil Maheia of the BTV said they were on a humanitarian mission to Graham Creek this morning when they encountered Guatemalan Armed Forces. Wil Maheia – Belize Territorial Volunteers: “As we were going up the Sarstoon River …

Agriculture sector hopes to supply the tourism industry
The Statistical Institute of Belize and the Belize Tourism Board’s latest statistics show that tourism was responsible for driving the economy. However, the question is how much of that money earned actually stays in the country? Research has shown that for each dollar that tourists spend in the Caribbean, at least 60% of it goes …

Belize City man charged with murder of Albert Vargas Jr in Orange walk
Orange Walk Police have charged one man for the murder of Albert Vargas Junior. The 21-year-old was fatally wounded in Orange Walk Town on Tuesday night while he was along with a friend, Jose Medina in a Ford Escape. Police say they have evidence to show that both were accompanied by a third person, who …

Chopping victim is shot several times in Belize City but survives
An early night shooting on Wednesday in Belize City has left Michael Tesecum hospitalized. The 41-year old was walking on Tibruce Street shortly after seven o’clock when he was shot several times. Assistant Superintendent of Police Alejandro Cowo says that the department has not uncovered a motive for the attack on Tesecum. ASP Alejandro Cowo, …

Villager charged with April murder of Ivan Sosa in Corozal
Almost three months after he was killed in Ranchito Village, Corozal District, one man has been charged for the murder of 38-year-old Ivan Emanuel Sosa. Police say they have charged George Bednarik, a 21-year old resident of the same village with murder. Sosa was killed on April 15 as he and the owner of Pasadina …

Three arrested and charged for large stash of Illegal pills
A police patrol in Spanish Lookout intercepted three persons with a substantial amount of illegal pills on Tuesday. The officers were on patrol on River Side Street in Spanish Lookout when they came across a taxi with three occupants. Officers searched the vehicle but did not find anything incriminating. However, when they searched in immediate …

Breaking Belize News

Belize and Mexico hold second cross border migration meeting
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Immigration; and […]

American fugitive using Belizean passport nabbed in Philippines
An American fugitive, wanted for burglary in Oregon, USA; was recently caught at the Ninoy Aquino […]

Belize Passport Station and Consulate to re-open in Chicago
The government of Belize has announced that the passport station and consulate in the city of […]

Belize city man shot while walking on Tibruce street
A Belize city man, Michael Tesecum, was shot last after 7:00 last night as he was walking along […]

Woman shot in Belize city was not intended target
Police have issued an update on a shooting which occurred on the south side of Belize […]

Elections and Boundaries Department warns of impersonators
Today, the Elections and Boundaries Department issued a warning informing the public that there are […]

George Benarik arrested and charged for the murder of Ranchito resident
According to police, George Bednarik, 21, from Ranchito village, Corozal, has been arrested and charged for […]

Fire destroys home in San Pedro Town
San Pedro police are investigating a fire that completely destroyed a home. According to reports, […]

San Pedro police investigate stabbing incident
San Pedro police are investigating the stabbing of a construction worker that occurred on Monday, […]

Belize City man charged for murder of Alberto Vargas
Today, police charged twenty-four-year old Belize City resident, Nisani Daniel Garcia for the murder of […]

Three arrested in large prescription drug bust in Spanish Lookout
Three people in Spanish Lookout were arrested and charged on Tuesday after police found them […]

Minor, 14, raped and 10-weeks pregnant
Belmopan police are investigating a report of rape in their jurisdiction. A 14-year-old Belizean minor […]

Man shot in Punta Gorda town
Punta Gorda police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred yesterday. Kenworth Jackson, 29, was […]

Tim Duncan vacations in Belize
Legendary NBA power forward and five time champion with the San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan […]

Man killed by passenger picked up on highway
Orange Walk police are investigating the murder of Alberto Vargas, 21, who was shot around […]

Ministry of National Security reports decrease in major crimes
Statistics compiled by the Ministry of National Security shows that major crimes in Belize are […]

Marie Sharp wins “Superior Taste” award in Brussels, Belgium
Two of Marie Sharp’s products, the Fiery Hot and Exotic Steak sauces, recently won international […]

Belize to host Central American Basketball Championship
Belize will be hosting the regional Central American Basketball Championship next weekend at the Civic […]

Belize Audubon Society awards $15,000 in small grants to deserving fisher folk in Northern Belize
On Wednesday, July 4, the Belize Audubon Society awarded six small grants valued at $3,000 […]

Heritage Bank opens new sub-branch in Santa Elena
The grand opening of the new Heritage Bank sub-branch in Santa Elena town was held […]

Belize Police Department honors officers for years of service
The Belize Police Department, yesterday, held its Long Service Awards Ceremony at the Birds Isle […]

Belmopan Civic Center to host first ever “Tek Time Fi Read” Book Festival
The Belmopan Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program (BJYSEP) under their new project, “Tek Time Fi Read” […]

Belize Territorial Volunteers condemn Sedi’s Pro ICJ Statements
Yesterday, the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) issued a release condemning the statements made by Belize’s […]

Orange Walk man killed by passenger
Orange Walk police are investigating a murder that occurred on Tuesday night. Alberto Vargas Jr.,21, […]

Premium gas sees a slight decrease
Yesterday, the Belize Bureau of Standards informed the public of a decrease in the price of […]

Man shot in Belize City last night
Belize City police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred last night. According to reports, forty-one-year-old […]

Blogs

A Profitable Beach Bar Business In The Caribbean Haven Of Belize
Tricia Koba and her husband, Charlie, have a lifestyle that most only dream about…They live in a beachfront condo with a pool in Ambergris Caye, Belize, where they are just steps away from their successful beachfront bar business. Coco’s Loco Beach Bar is one of those places you imagine when you close your eyes and picture the Caribbean. It has a swim-up bar with stools inside the pool, a great island vibe, and a beautiful view of the sea. Exotic food trucks come by daily, so patrons can sample local food, and almost every night, there are fun activities going on, such as trivia or game nights. “We grew up in the Midwest; me in Illinois, Charlie in Wisconsin. We lived in Wisconsin for 20 years before moving to Phoenix for nine years and then to Belize,” says Tricia. “I was a nurse, working in the pediatric ER, and Charlie was the sanitation foreman for the city of Mesa. I had never been to Belize before. After only six months here we bought the bar.

Are There Any Security Measures Expats Should Take When Living Overseas?
In general, the overseas destinations we cover at IL are safer than where you probably live back home! I’ve lived in Mexico for the last 10 years. Mexico gets a bad rap for security, but in fact most of the country is very safe…and at IL we don’t cover the areas that are dangerous. I have never felt threatened at any time during my years in Mexico, and in fact have found people to be warm, caring, and concerned about their own and their neighbors’ security. But petty crime can happen anywhere. For instance, I would advise looking for a home or accommodation on a well-lit street. Many homes where I live are up narrow, poorly lit, pedestrian-only streets–and, if there’s ever a problem with muggings, that’s where they’ll take place. Likewise, use ordinary precautions when out at night: be aware of the people around you, and don’t flash huge wads of cash or fancy jewelry if you expect to be walking home by yourself.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The quirky and small, but mighty, bird. Scientific Name: Archilochus colubris. In recent years the birding community has become increasingly more inclusive of all people: young or old, adventurous or relaxed, fast-paced or leisurely. Belize has world-class birding with over 600 species of birds and enthusiastic birding tour guides. Among the hundreds of species is one particularly quirky and small, but mighty, bird-- the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird; a small hummingbird found in Eastern North America during the summer, and Florida, Mexico, and Central America during the winter. Hummingbirds are unique little birds with many hidden talents. For example, did you know that hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly forward, backward, side to side, upside down, and hover in mid-air? This is because their wings only connect to their bodies at the shoulder socket, allowing them to rotate their wings 180 degrees.

International Sources

How to Take Your Next Trip Without Single-Use Plastics
AVOIDING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS like bottles and bags is hard enough at home, and can be especially difficult while traveling. When you’re on the go and trying to pack light, it’s easy to grab a plastic-wrapped sandwich and bottle of water. But eliminating single-use plastics on a trip might be easier than you think—even in a foreign country without potable water. I took on this challenge in Belize, a country that is no stranger to ecotourism. Its government recently announced a ban on major single-use plastics like bags and straws to go into effect by Earth Day 2019. And UNESCO has removed the Belize Barrier Reef from its list of World Heritage in Danger, after years of efforts to restore the reef’s long-term health. The green mindset reaches local scales, too: I loved visiting smaller cities like Punta Gorda, where a glass soda bottle is cheaper than a plastic one, because the glass bottles can be sanitized and reused.

Belize’s IFSC Issues Five Warnings Against Unlicensed Entities
The International Financial Services Commission of Belize (IFSC) issued five warnings against unlicenced entities on Thursday. The companies in question are Sigma-market, B.O Tradefinancials Ltd, FONDA BRANCH, Ultimate Trade Option Ltd. and Height-Option Broker. According to the collection of warnings from the regulator, all companies are unlicensed in Belize and are therefore not permitted to provide, carry on, transact financial services to residents of Belize.

Cave-diving experts feel the ripples of the Thailand rescue — a rise in demand
Summer is usually the slow season for scuba diving at Bonne Terre Mine in Missouri, about an hour south of St. Louis. But not this year. Not since 12 young soccer players and their coach were rescued from a flooded cave in Mae Sai, Thailand, captivating the world and thrusting diving into the spotlight. “My gosh our phone’s been blowing up, it’s been great,” said Douglas Goergens, who owns the mine with his wife, Catherine. He said the calls started coming in one week into the two-week ordeal and continued through the rescue, with people inquiring about diving and diving certification — and wanting to talk about what they were seeing in Northern Thailand. “It’s shown how diving can actually save people’s lives who are not divers,” Goergens said. “Had it turned out bad, I don’t know, but my gosh, the way it turned out, it’s a miracle.”

Videos

July 12, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

2018 Costa Maya Festival presents: Miss Panama!
And then there were five! Panama has unveiled their representative for the Reina de la Costa Maya 2018 Pageant, and she is Emigdielys Arlyn Samaniego Batista, an 18-year-old model from Chepo, Panama. Emigdielys is both a model and a model instructor at Physical Modelos, who enjoys public speaking and considers herself quite the extrovert. She is eager to bring her fashion and modeling savvy to the stage at the Costa Maya Festival. She joins Guatemala’s Hilary Dhianette Castillo Cumings, Costa Rica’s Adriana Moya Alvarado , Mexico’s Cynthia de la Vega, and El Salvador’s Naydin Valladares as they await the announcement of the remaining contestants for this year’s pageant.

2018 Costa Maya Festival presents: Miss Mexico!
Mexico’s Cynthia de la Vega hails from Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and she is proud to represent her country at this year’s Reina de la Costa Maya 2018 pageant. 26 year old Cynthia holds a degree in International Finance, and stands at 5’9”. No stranger to pageantry, Cynthia was Miss Nuevo Leon 2010, Nuestra Belleza Mundo México and even represented Mexico in Miss Supranational 2016 in Poland.

2018 Costa Maya Festival Presents: Miss El Salvador!
Organizers of the International Costa Maya Festival are pleased to present Miss El Salvador, Naydin Madeline Valladares Renderos. Originally from San Salvador, the 20 year old is in her second year of International Relations Bachelor’s Degree studies. She enjoys dancing, socializing with friends and family, photography, running and studying. She speaks Spanish, English and a little bit of Italian as well.

Dawson’s Pit Fighters compete in Chetumal Xtreme Cage MMA tournament
Ambergris Caye and Belize were represented in the neighboring Mexican City of Chetumal, Quintana Roo, at a mixed martial arts competition on Saturday, July 7th. Three fighters from the island’s Dawson Pit Fighters training school, Gavin Duffy, Juan ‘Mighty Mouse’ Hernandez, and Allen Cawich, competed in the event known as Chetumal Xtreme Cage against competitors from Mexico. The Belizean group scored one win out of three and upon their return to the island, fighters have returned to training as they prepare to participate in future events.

Islanders take advantage of Health Fair hosted by Projects Abroad
Projects Abroad, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), held a health fair at the Lions Den in San Pedro Town on Saturday, July 7th. Island residents were invited to take advantage of an array of free health services, such as blood pressure/sugar testing, HIV/AIDS testing, Pap smears, kidney urinalysis testing, as well as to be informed on vectors and diseases. Several islanders began arriving at the Lions Den for testing and education from around 9AM.Mayor Daniel Guerrero even dropped by, sharing a few words with those present. “It’s very important for everyone to regularly check their health status. Early detection can prevent serious complications,” he said.

Ambergris Today

US Dermatologists Offer Free Services To Islanders
Beyond Borders Medical Mission Trip was organized by Dr. Daniel Buscaglia of the Cosmetic Vein and Laser Center in Buffalo, New York. To commemorate his 20 years of service Dr. Buscaglia organized a medical trip to “give back” instead of having a luxurious party or dinner. A team consisting of four doctors, 8 medical assistants and 12 ancillary staff are in the island at the San Pedro Lions Den rendering their services to the people of San Pedro.

Misc Belizean Sources

Help Save Cayo Rosario
JOIN US TO PROTECT BELIZE’S HOL CHAN MARINE RESERVE! SAY NO TO DREDGING AND OVER THE WATER STRUCTURES IN OUR MARINE RESERVE!!! Say NO to the recently approved destructive development at Cayo Rosario in the midst of Belize's Hol Chan Marine Reserve! Belize is home to the second longest barrier reef in the world. This diverse and delicate eco-system needs our help now more than ever, not only for the marine life but for the people of Belize. Our coastal economy is reliant on our reef and these waters.

Re-Registration of Electors - Registration Centers
The public is hereby notified that the below-mentioned list of Registration Centers will be opened to facilitate the registration of electors from Monday 2nd July to 31st August 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Taste of Belize 2018
Taste of Belize 2018 to feature the best of Belizean Cuisine on July 21st at the Ramada Princess Hotel.

Trumpet tree (Cecropia peltata)
It is #TreeTuesday we are featuring the Trumpet tree (Cecropia peltata)! Trumpet trees are common in disturbed areas. The wood is hollow and lightweight. The Trumpet tree is a fast-growing tree which flowers and fruits throughout the year. Howler monkeys and other wildlife have been observed consuming the fruit of trumpet trees. It is also reported that the young buds are eaten as a vegetable and that the ripe fruit is edible. Notably, the tree often shelters biting ants. Have you touched this tree and noticed the ants retaliate in defense of their home?

Mahogany tree (Swietenia macrophylla)
On this #TreeTuesday we are featuring the Mahogany tree (Swietenia macrophylla)! The magnificent Mahogany is the national tree of Belize; and, it continues to be a commercially important timber species. Mahogany trees can grow straight and tall to over 100 feet in height. Its enclosed seeds would burst out of the hard fruit when they become mature and dispersed with the help of wind. Farmers are planting Mahogany trees in agroforestry farms to provide shade for cacao as part of a long-term investment – they often refer to this as their retirement plan. Have you planted a Mahogany tree before?

Tourism arrivals to Belize continue on upward trend
The latest statistics for the middle of 2018 shows that tourism arrivals to Belize continue to register groundbreaking levels and moving on a steady upward trend. Overnight tourism arrivals in June registered double digit increases for the past three consecutive years while the first half of the year registered a 17.1% cumulative increase. During the month of June, cruise ship arrivals registered a 57.2% increase while at the end of the first half of this year, there was also an overall increase of 10.2% in cruise visitors to Belize as compared to the first half of 2017.

BELIZE HOTEL ASSOCIATION HOSTS 2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Belize Hotel Association held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 from 1:00 PM- 5:30 PM at the Black Orchid Resort in Burrell Boom, Belize. In attendance were the Board of the BHA, Association Members, other Tourism Stakeholders and guests.

SUN SPLASH KARATE CONNECTION 2018
Corozal Town Council Presents, first ever SUN SPLASH KARATE CONNECTION 2018 in Corozal Town at RAINBOW BEACH on Sunday August 5th, 2018. Featuring All Day KARATE TOURNAMENT - MECHANICAL BULL - BRICK BREAKING SHOW - BANANA BOAT RIDE - WEIGHT LIFTING COMPETITION - BOUNCY HOUSE - 5 ASIDE - FENCING EXHIBITION - CASH KING SOUNDS - SOCA QUEEN ERNESTINE CARBALLO - DJ ABSOLUTE - DJ RAS & TARO - LIVE MUSIC BY THE MIGHTY GILHARRY 7. LOCAL FOOD - DRINKS - LOTS & LOTS OF GIVEAWAYS. For Booths and more info please call 622-6548 or 615-2574. It will be a splash...a Sun Splash Karate Connection.

Caye Caulker for Lobster Fest
Here are a few photos to highlight some of what happens on the island of Caye Caulker in Belize during the weekend for Lobster Festival. We will combining some of our aerial drone video footage with our video footage and our photos to bring an almost complete package for you. I guess we need to go back next year because there are some events that I missed capturing.

Caye Caulker Drone Aerial Photos
At the Caye Caulker LobsterFestival the weather was great for flying and decided to capture a few drone aerial photos with the help of a spotter. The island of Caye Cauker in Belize is normally referred to as "Go Slow" or "Isla Cariñosa". Go ahead and enjoy the view!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELLNESS WORKSHOP
HERE IS INVITING ONE AND ALL TO THE SAN IGNACIO/SANTA ELENA HOUSE OF CULTURE THIS FRIDAY JULY 13TH, 2018 TO A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELLNESS WORKSHOP FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M.

Channel 7

21 Year Old Murdered In Car By Fellow Passenger
A young man was shot and killed in Orange Walk town last night around 8:00. He is 21 year old Alberto Vargas Jr. a resident of the Louisiana area, of Orange Walk town. He was killed as he sat in a car with a person he had picked up - and tonight that passenger is the suspected killer. Emanuel Pech has more:… The flaring lights in the background gave this night scene an eerie feel. In the aftermath of the of the shooting death of Alberto Vargas, police scouted the scene, in hopes of piecing together the events that lead up to this latest homicide. According to police, Vargas was inside this green ford escape with dark tinted windows.  He was parked in front of Landy's and Sons Hardware store on the Belize Corozal Road in Orange Walk town.

Ambrosa’s Shoulder Shattered
And, in the city, an innocent bystander was shot last night in a gang feud. 34 year old Ambrosa Bernardez’s shoulder was shattered by a gunshot when she was sitting with some friends near Queen Square Primary School.   It happened around 8:00 when a man rode up to her group on a small bicycle and opened fire – hitting Bernardez to the shoulder. Twelve nine mm expended shells were found on the ground.  But, residents in the area told us they may not have all been from the shooter’s gun.  Apparently, a policeman who lives in the area fired on the shooter - which forced him to run off.  We saw bullett holes through the siding of one structure. Police have a known suspect who was likely targeting members of a rival gang.

Robber Was Ruthless With Shaniva
A 32 year old Ladyville woman was robbed at gun point last night.   Shaniva Arnold, was walking alone on Egbert Quilter Street, sometime around 9 when two men, pulled up and one of them had a gun.   They took all her jewellery, electronics and a cell phone, amounting to a total value of $3,726 dollars.

Willoughby Resigns From NEMO, Was He Forced?
The race to see who will represent the UDP in Port Loyola is shaping up to be a very interesting one.  As we’ve reported Phillip Willoughby, Dean Samuels, Mike Peyrefitte and Shane Castillo all put in their names as candidates. But, Willoughby has reportedly been under pressure to withdraw his name if he wants to keep his job at NEMO.  The news tonight is that he’s not stepping aside, and today and announced today that, instead, he’s resigning as NEMO’s Operations Office - a job he took up only three months ago. A letter of resignation dated today to the CEO says, “I hereby give the required three months’ notice of my intention to terminate my engagement effective October 11, 2018…thanks for the opportunity…but I must now pursue public service in another capacity.

Mayas of Jalacte Sue GOB
The Maya and the Government are back in the Supreme Court fighting over customary land rights, and this time, it is the village of Jalacte that is suing the Barrow Administration. Its a fight that we saw brewing as far back as October 2015. That’s when we told you about the dispute between Jalacte and the Government over the upgraded Jalacte Road, a Mediterranean Fruit Fly Inspection Center, and BAHA’s Agricultural Outreach Station. These facilities were built in 2014 in the village of Jalacte. The outreach station is supposed to provide the farmers with the best practices to improve their crops, and their agricultural output. The Medfly Inspection Center was constructed as a checkpoint so that the agricultural authorities could inspect produce moving around in the area. 

What’s The Status With CCJ Ruling?
So, while the press had an opportunity to talk to spokesperson of the Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcaldes Association, we asked her for an update on the efforts that the Government has been making to implement the CCJ judgment of 2015. The Government is supposed to make those customary rights a real thing that is respected by the formal land system at the Ministry of Natural Resources. The Mayans have complained that they interpret the Government’s lack of measurable process as the state dragging its feet.  Today, Coc went a bit further to say that they believe that the Government isn’t demonstrating any political will, and that they are ignoring the rule of law. Here’s how she explained it:

Territorial Volunteers Will Write Congress About Hon. Elrington
Last week Thursday, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington was well aware that he wasn’t making a politically correct statement when he said ,“you’ve got to be crazy”, if you don’t support going to the ICJ to settle Guatemala’s territorial claim over Belize.   Once again, he has triggered an avalanche of public criticism - and the Belize Territorial Volunteers - say they are going a little further - they’re going to write his funders to complain.   In a press release, the BTV says, quote, “his remarks are the latest example…that the government has no intention to conduct a neutral and impartial public education program. The government has deliberately left Belizeans in the dark about what are the issues surrounding the ICJ and Guatemala’s position on the exact nature of their claim to more than half of our country.” End quote.

One More Teen For Chan’s Death
A third teenager has been charged for the puzzling murder of Eliazar Chan. Yesterday, 18 year old Kevin Perez was taken to court in Orange Walk where he was charged for murder. He now joins 19 year old Ronaldo Marin and a 15 year old - who have also been charged. On Good Friday, the 42 year old Customs Broker from Luisville village was beaten to death inside his house, and then his body was wrapped in a hammock and stuffed in his own couch. The killers took care to remove his sofa from his living room, put his body inside the sofa, then went to the nearby village of San Pedro and left the couch in a cane field.

CITO’s Summer About Computer Culture
The Central Information Technology Office in Belmopan wants to create the next generation of brilliant programmers. Well, that is the hope but first they have to spark the interest in kids. They plan to do that through their Creative programming summer camp. It began on Monday and Courtney Weatherburne stopped in today to see how these young kids were handling code. Here’s her story. To the common eye, this is just a random jumble of symbols, numbers, letters on a screen. But to programmers, it’s code – a list of program instructions. The programmers at the Central Information Technology Office in Belmopan are getting this group of kids familiar with the basics of programming through their annual summer camp.

Tourism Figures Impress In First Half Of Year
Belize’s tourism numbers continue steady growth - even through the summer slow season.  The latest statistics on overnight tourist arrivals show that from April to June, the numbers showed an average increase of 10.7% when compared to last year’s figures.  Also, overall, the arrivals for the first 6 months of 2018, are up 17.1% over the first half of last year.   June registered as the best month for over night tourist arrivals during this second quarter with a 15% increase when compared to 2017.

Milt Palacio Belize Coach In Regional Tourney At Civic
The Belize Basketball Federation is getting ready to hose the Central American Basketball Championship at the Civic Center starting on Friday, July 20th.   It’s an important FIBA qualifier for the North American Championships.   The head coach is former national team captain and NBA players, Milton Palacio.  He got in on Sunday and is making selections for the final team.  He told us why he’s excited:..

Why Orson for Cycling
In other sports news, Orson Butler is offering himself as president of the Belize Cycling Federation.  He’s currently the Vice President - and he’s flip flopping with his current president, Dion Leslie.  On his slate - which goes to an election on Saturday - Butler is President while Leslie is offering himself as Vice President.  They’ve got a worthy challenge from a bunch of new faces - who are familiar in cycling, but have not served on the executive.  We asked Butler why the election was delayed from last October to now:

Haylock Bus Bex!
The PUP Belize City Council is being called out in what looks like a brewing bus fight over the runs between Belize City and Belama.  In a letter dated July 9, 2018, Godwin Haylock, attorney for Haylock’s Bus Service, wrote to the new City Administrator, Stephanie Lindo Garbutt. He explains that Haylock’s Bus Service is the only company that is in possession of a valid road service permit to transport passengers from the Pound Yard Bridge in Belize City to Belama and back. 

Cayo Cops Get Sack Of Weed
Earlier this week,  police took a sawed off shotgun off the streets.  It was found at an empty lot situated in the Cet Site Area of Lake-I in Belize City.  In other news of found objects, the San Ignacio police conducted a joint operation on Tuesday morning and found a huge stash of weed.  According to reports, around 10:15 am police conducted a search in a bushy area on the Casa Maya Road in San Ignacio. There they discovered an orange plastic bag. Inside the plastic bag was a blue crocus bag full, almost to the brim, with suspected cannabis. The drug weighed nearly 17 pounds.

Channel 5

Shot and Killed, Albert Vargas Becomes Latest Murder Victim in Orange Walk
Twenty-one-year-old Albert Vargas is the latest murder victim. He was killed inside a car in Orange Walk Town on Tuesday night near a tacos stand in a heavily trafficked area. [...]

Shooting Incident in Old Capital Injures Ambrosia Bernardez in the Shoulder
A woman was shot just before eight o’clock on Tuesday night. Thirty-four-year-old Ambrosa Bernardez of a North Creek address was not the intended target in an ongoing gang feud.  She [...]

Grayson Cadle Remains Critical at the K.H.M.H.
Grayson Cadle remains in a critical condition tonight in the hospital. He is the twenty-one-year-old who was burnt to seventy percent of his body when a butane leak inside his [...]

Grayson Cadle Needs Your Help
But the road to recovery may be long for Grayson Cadle. And that is why his best chances may be at an overseas medical facility for burn victims.  According to [...]

Philloughby Resigns from NEMO and Prepares for Port Loyola Race
Former four-term city councilor Phillip Willoughby took up the post of Operations Officer with the National Emergency Management Organization in April, following a stunning defeat of the United Democratic Party’s [...]

BTV Condemns Statements Made by Foreign Minister
The Belize Territorial Volunteers is not happy with Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington for comments he made in an interview last Thursday, July fifth, while speaking at a ceremony where the [...]

G.O.B. Back in Court Over Land Rights Claim in Jalacte
Attorneys for the Government of Belize are fighting yet another lawsuit filed in the Supreme Court by the indigenous Maya community of southern Belize.  The claim brought against the Office [...]

Jalacte Residents Complain that BAHA Checkpoint Inconveniences Local Farmers
According to Coc, farmers in Jalacte Village are no longer able to access and use lands that were traditionally set aside for agriculture because the road that has since been [...]

Where is Toledo Land Rights Commission in Latest Litigation?
So what is the role of the Toledo Land Rights Commission in the latest legal battle over communal land rights?  That’s what we attempted to find out from the MLA [...]

Taiwanese Foreign Minister to Visit Belize
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, is expected in Belize on an overnight visit next week. According to a report in the official press in Taiwan, Wu will be heading here [...]

Robbery in Ladyville
A Ladyville resident reports that she was robbed on Tuesday night around nine o’clock. Thirty-two-year-old Shaniva Arnold was walking with a group of persons on Albert Quilter Street when they [...]

Milt Palacio in Belize to Coach National Men’s Team for FIBA Qualifier
Former NBA athlete, Milt Palacio is in Belize to train the national men’s basketball team which has just been formed to compete against teams from the region in the Central [...]

Cops Awarded for Long Service
In the month of June, the Ministry of Public Service observed ‘public service month’ and honored those who have been working for a long time in the public service. The [...]

A Volleyball Camp at Gateway Youth Center
Summer camps are getting in full swing all over the city. At the Gateway Youth Center today, at least twenty youths converged to participate in a sport which they hope [...]

World Population Day is Observed in the Jewel
World Population Day is observed internationally on July eleventh and seeks to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues.  It was established by the then-Governing Council of [...]

LOVE FM

21-year-old killed in Orange Walk Town
A young man is dead after he was shot last night in Orange Walk Town. 21-year-old Albert Vargas Junior was targeted and shot several times sometime after seven o’clock while he sat in a vehicle near a food stand along the Belize Corozal Road in Orange Walk Town. He was rushed to the Northern Regional …

BTV condemns statement made by Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Belize Territorial Volunteers strongly condemns the statement made last week by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington. In speaking about the upcoming referendum and the awareness campaign, Elrington said “if you don’t say yes to the ICJ, “you are crazy”. He further stated that it is only persons “in their right minds who would …

National AIDS Commission holds workshop
Earlier this year, a study was conducted in order to determine the population size that is living with HIV/AIDS. The study was made possible through the Global Fund Grant at a cost of one-hundred-fifty-thousand US dollars. The University of Alabama and the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition conducted the study. Today was the first session in …

Tourists arrivals soars
The Statistical Institute of Belize’s latest report showed that tourism was responsible for driving the economy. The Belize Tourism Board concurred that finding with their latest statistics released for the first half of the year. The numbers show that tourism arrivals to Belize continue on a consistent upward trend at groundbreaking levels. For the month …

Suleyman Gokce is Turkey’s new Ambassador to Belize
His Excellency Suleyman Gokce is Turkey’s new Ambassador to Belize. On Monday, Gökçe presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor General of Belize His Excellency Sir Colville Young while on a one-day trip to Belize. During his trip to Belize Ambassador Gokce met with several government officials including Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, the …

PlusTV

Another Oil Spill in Spanish Lookout
Failing pipe line infrastructure from Belize Natural Energy is environmentally impacting several parts the Mennonite community of Spanish Lookout. Over the weekend, Plus News received images of what appeared to be a Crude oil leak in the Spanish Lookout community. After contacting several community ...

Alberto Vargas shot and killed
A 21 year old was shot to death while sitting in a vehicle in front of a food stall on the Belize Corozal Road. Reports are that 21 year old Alberto Vargas Jr. was seated in the front passenger seat of a dark green Ford Escape vehicle, driven at the time by Jose Medina , who had recently picked up a...

Missing High School teacher found safe
A Belmopan High school Teacher went missing for several hours last night, before she was found alive and safe. Family members of Glenise Williams took to social media last night to seek the Public’s assistance in locating the High School teacher who did not return home lastnight after a trip to Beli...

Woman shot in Queen Square
A 34 year old woman is the latest Belize City shooting victim. Reports are that sometime around 8 o’clock last night, 34 year old Ambrosa Bernandez was socializing at an alley mouth in Queen Square, along with 4 other women and several children, when a lone gun man pulled up, dismounted his bi...

BTV condemns bias referendum Campaign
Is the Government of Belize planning to conduct a bias ICJ Referendum Educational Campaign in order to influence a ‘yes’ vote? The Belize Territorial Volunteers believes that is the case. BTV issued a press release today strongly condemning certain comments made by Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington...

Group walking in Ladyville robbed
A group of individuals were robbed of numerous personal items while walking in Ladyville last night. According to reports, 32-year-old Shaniva Arnold was walking with several others on Egbert Quilter Street around 9:30 lastnight when two male persons, one of whom had a firearm, robbed them of their ...

Prominent San Pedrano arrested in police raid
A prominent San Pedro figure was reportedly arrested during a joint police operation on the island early Saturday morning. According to 7 News, Police officers raided the property of Pedro Moses Campos in the San Juan Area. The media house reported that more than two dozen people, and possibly as ma...

prominent
Former UDP City Councilor, Phillip Willoughby, is reportedly being sidelined by the UDP. Two weeks ago, Willoughby placed his name as a candidate to represent the party in Port Loyola as standard bearer in the 2020 elections. However, News Five has reported that Willoughby is...

Turkey’s Ambassador presents credentials
Turkey’s Ambassador-designate to Belize H.E.Suleyman Gökçe presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan on Monday. According to a release issued by the Government of Belize, Ambassador Gökçe met with...

The Reporter

SHOOTING REPORTED IN LAKE I AREA
A man was reportedly shot in the Lake Independence area of Belize City sometime after 7:00 tonight. The Reporter understands that the victim, 41, was shot in the left side of his back, the left side of his abdomen and left foot.

Breaking Belize News

Western Regional Hospital gets new expansion to its Accident and Emergency Unit
On Monday, July 9, 2018, an official opening for the expansion to the Accident and Emergency […]

Woman hit in Belize city shooting
A Belize city woman was shot last night around 7:50 in the Queen Square area. […]

Reid Park Zoo vet team assists Belize zookeepers
The Hopkins Belize Humane Society, in collaboration with the Belize Zoo, facilitated a training initiative […]

Belizean cuisine represented at Taste of Chicago food festival
Belize’s rich culinary experience is being represented at this year’s annual Taste of Chicago food festival, […]

Alberto Vargas executed last night in Orange Walk
Orange Walk police are investigating the murder of a young shop assistant. According to police, […]

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister to visit Belize
Belize and Taiwan continue to enjoy bilateral relations. The Foreign Minister of Taiwan, Joseph Wu […]

US military practices aviation drills off coast of Belize
The United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which conducts frequent training and humanitarian activities in Belize, hosted […]

Die-alysis – The High Cost of Renal Failure in Belize
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

Blogs

Ko’ox Tanah…let’s go home
For nearly two years, I’d been envisioning my return home. My head has been filled with fantasies of hot corn tortillas straight from the firehearth, maybe some local chicken escabeche, definitely bollos, k’ol, fresh local eggs, and a walk or two up and down the hills before going back for round two. I mean, doesn’t everyone pretty much regress to gluttony when they go back home? Okay, so I also wanted to catch up with family friends, hang out with some of my cousins who went from diaper buddies to pretty cool grown-ups. Oh, and there was this event happening called “Uh P’eh Ki’n Ich Tanah” – A Day in San Antonio. Thanks to Tropic Air, my arrival took little time with a direct flight to Maya Flats. A cab and short bus ride later, and I was back in my natal village.

Join Us Now: Defend Cayo Rosario and Protect What Makes Belize Special
What if someone wanted to dredge tens of thousands of tons of sand from Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve? An area laboriously added to the marine reserve only a few years ago to be protected forever as a nursery for our barrier reef and habitat for the prized permit. An area that supports all of us on this island either directly or indirectly. What if they wanted to attempt to compete with Jamaica or Fiji by building a massive off-island dock with over 50 over-the-water structures right in the middle of that marine park? You might think that is ridiculous. Why would we compete with those countries?

Wild With Wanderlust
After much debate over possible honeymoon destinations, my wife and I decided that Belize was a perfect choice. It hosts the perfect combination of breathtaking scenery, miles of sandy shoreline and countless excursions to explore and take in what this truly beautiful country has to offer. Once we had made our decision to make the trip to Belize, the next question was, where in Belize? I have to admit, I had some preconceived notions about Belize that stemmed from a cruise trip I had taken years prior. Belize was the first stop on the cruise destination itinerary and we were informed that Belize was currently in the middle of serious social conflict, making it more dangerous for tourists. They suggested not leaving the ship to explore on your own, only recommending sticking with a guided excursion.

Tasty Fruits to Try in Belize
Ok, fruit-lovers, I’ve compiled a list of the top fruits to eat in Belize and I’m sure you’ll thank me for it. These juicy and delicious fruits can be found at local farmers’ markets, small convenience stores, and food vendors on bicycles. Most restaurants also serve fruit-platters during breakfast so make sure to ask for it in the mornings. But no matter where you get it, fruit in Belize is always good and fresh! Here are 20 must-have Belizean fruits:

Placencia Lobsterfest 2018, new location, perfect weather, perfect energy!
Lobsterfest is in full swing every weekend around this time every year. Both San Pedro and Placencia (and Caye Caulker has one too) go NUTS for the opening of Lobster season, and it is really, really endearing - everyone gets into it, bartenders wear lobster hats, the steel drum music, the crowds - just super fun, and if you've never experienced it - you really want to be here for it next year. In fact you can make both festivals by splitting your time. This year, In Placencia, there was a bit of controversy as the location changed (and the village is not a big fan of change :)) and because there are some serious limitations on land to use for a festival, the land that was finally chosen was by the pier. In order to get the mass amount of tents etc there - a tree had to be cut down.

BEST BEACHES IN BELIZE
Simply put, Belize has been blessed by a bounty of beautiful beaches. Belize enjoys more than 200 miles (380 kilometers) of beaches along its Caribbean coast, ensuring a more than ample supply of white sandy beaches for both locals and tourists to enjoy. In addition, Belize has more than 200 offshore islands located on the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second-largest coral reef system in the world. In Belize, islands are known as cayes (pronounced "keys"), and most are located within just a few miles of the mainland. The beaches of Belize both offshore and on the mainland are popular places to enjoy a wide number of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, sea kayaking, windsurfing, and standup paddling. A combination of white sand and crystal clear waters make the beaches of Belize some of the country's greatest natural attractions.

6 TOP BELIZE SPA & WELLNESS GETAWAYS
Whether it is north, south or west of Belize, a little rest and relaxation at a destination spa is always an exquisite idea and therapeutic treat. Imagine yourself, for an indulgent moment, getting pampered in a secluded plot of beach, or getting the royal treatment at a boutique spa where the jungle provides the perfect backdrop for some well-deserved R&R. Spa goers and lovers are finding that, year round - Belize offers tons of recreational alternatives and excellent doses of tropical sunshine making the country an attractive option for relaxation and wellness. We have compiled a list of six choice spas from all around Belize to help you rejuvenate your mind, body, soul when on vacation!

10 Gorgeous Birds You Are Likely To See On Your Belize Vacation
With more than 600 different bird species recorded in Belize, it can be difficult to decide a top 10 list of the most beautiful. Belize's pristine landscapes of mountain forests, wetlands, offshore islands, rainforests, and jungle make it an ideal location for birds to thrive, including several rare and endangered species. Here is our list of the top 10 most gorgeous birds in Belize:

Celebrity Spotting: Kate Del Castillo "La Reyna Del Sur" In Belize
In recent years, Belize has become a popular vacation spot for celebrities. Everyone ranging from the Trump daughters to top Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Francis Ford Coppola have been spotted in the country. And now, Kate Del Castillo, "La Reina del Sur", has arrived in Belize. Kate del Castillo is a popular Mexican actress known for her roles in various soap operas and a strange online relationship with Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera, but it was her lead role in the hit movie La Reina del Sol that made her an international celebrity. Kate del Castillo played the role of Teresa Mendoza, a young Mexican woman who claws her way up to become the most powerful drug trafficker in Spain. According to rumors, Kate is in now in Belize in order to shoot some scenes for a sequel movie, La Reina Del Sol 2.

New York Times Praises Belize
The New York Times, which despite recent controversy remains one of the most widely read newspapers in the United States, recently lauded Belize for its conservation efforts in protecting the Belize Barrier Reef. Measuring more than 200 miles long, the Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest coral reef system in the world, second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The Belize Barrier Reef was added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 but was classified as being "in danger" due to decades of mismanagement and exploitative fishing practice. In June 2018, the United Nations declared that the reef was being removed from its "World Heritage Sites in Danger" list.

Belize City, Belize
Belize City is definitely one of the most interesting and lively places in the country. While the rest of Belize is largely rural and composed of small villages, Belize City feels like a huge metropolis even though its population of around 75,000 people is relatively small compared to other cities. Originally known as Belize Town, Belize City was founded in 1638 by English loggers on a site formerly known as Holzuz to the ancient Maya. In its more than 400 years of existence, Belize City has been home to smugglers, pirates, loggers, and a motley assortment of people fleeing war in other countries. Belize City also served as the colonial capital and seat of the British Empire in Central America. In 1970, the capital was transferred to Belmopan, but it took more than three decades for many countries to transfer their embassies.

Top 5 Things To Do in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve — known as “Pine Ridge” to locals — was established in 1944 to protect and manage the native Belizean pine forest since the area is very different from the other forests in Belize. The landscape features rolling pine forest spread over smooth, granite hillsides. Unfortunately, about two decades ago, Pine Ridge suffered a pine beetle infestation and it is still in the process of fully recovering to its once majestic splendor. However, the area is still pretty spectacular and it is one of the top spots to visit when in Western Belize. So if you’re looking for a fun day trip, go to Pine Ridge! The area offers a variety of things to do such as birdwatching, swimming, caving, and trekking Maya ruins.

International Sources

Take a week-long chocolate tour in Belize with Enna Grazier Pack your bags
In Season 1, Episode 7 of Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown,” we find him climbing into valleys and up steep hills in Peru in search of cacao beans growing wild in the jungle. He’d been introduced to high-end bean-to-bar chocolate by his friend chef Eric Ripert when the duo made their own chocolate bars, selling them for $18 a pop. In true Bourdain-style, he needed to poke a little fun at this luxury enterprise, but also ask himself some tough questions. And so Eric and Anthony went off to find the source of this wild cacao from Peru, and thanks to a trip organized by Enna Grazier of Enna Chocolate in Epping, 20 lucky chocolate lovers (or just those of you who like a good adventure) can learn all about where some of the best chocolate in the world comes from in a country a bit easier to get to - Belize. Her Cacao Origins Adventure Trip runs from Feb. 23 to March 2, 2019, and will be held at beautiful Cotton Tree Lodge in the Toledo District, the heart of Belizean cacao farming and production.

Believers build stage, kitchen and relationships in Belize
The mission team, consisting of members of both Whitehouse First Assembly and Cornerstone or Rowlett, assisted the Preserving Grace Church in Belize during their trip which took place June 23-29. Two dozen members of WFA, along with 11 members of Cornerstone, a church in Rowlett, left on Saturday, June 23, traveling to a community outside Spanish Lookout in Belize. The goals were many, but all had the same focus, to build relationships with people in the area and further the spread of the good news of the gospel.

Kate del Castillo Spotted Filming ‘La Reina del Sur’ Season 2 in Belize
Mexican actress Kate del Castillo must never sleep because she has projects coming out of nowhere. It’s been two weeks since Netflix revealed the first trailer for season two of her Spanish-language drama series Ingobernable, which sees del Castillo’s “first lady-turned-wanted criminal” continue her journey to clear her name. Now, pictures are popping up from fans in Belize announcing del Castillo’s arrival in the country to film part two of her other series, the novela La Reina del Sur. In the original Spanish-language version, Del Castillo plays the lead role of Teresa Mendoza, a young Mexican woman drawn into the cartel lifestyle who eventually becomes the drug queen of southern Spain. Excitement is high for del Castillo’s arrival in Belize as fans on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook were posting pictures of the actress at the airport, as well as filming locations throughout the area. It’s unclear how long production will be there.

Wu leads delegation on visit to Belize
Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu is today to lead a Taiwanese delegation on a six-day visit to two of the nation’s Central American allies, El Salvador and Belize, the ministry said in a press release yesterday. Wu is to tell high-level government officials from the two countries the importance that President Tsai Ing-wen attaches to Taiwan’s relations and cooperative programs with them, the ministry said. The trip was arranged at the invitation of Salvadoran Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Castaneda and Belizean Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington, it said.

Whale sharks gather at a few specific locations around the world – now we know why
The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, but much of its lifecycle remains shrouded in mystery. These gentle giants gather in just a handful of places around the globe – something which has long baffled scientists – but our new research has started to explain why. Better understanding of whale shark movements could help prevent further population loss in a species that has already experienced a 63% population decline over the past 75 years. When swimming solo, the whale shark, which can grow up to 18.8 metres in length and 34 tons in weight, travels all over the world. Recently, a group of scientists tracked the remarkable journey of one whale shark across the Pacific from Panama to the Philippines. At more than 12,000 miles it proved to be one of the longest migrations ever recorded. Yet whale sharks are known to come together at just a few specific locations around the world. Anything from ten to 500 whale sharks may gather at any one time in areas off the coasts of Australia, Belize, the Maldives, Mexico and more.

Videos

July 11, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Regular Gasoline and Kerosene prices go down
The Ministry of Finance is pleased to announce that, as of midnight July 9th, the pump prices for Regular Gasoline and Kerosene decreased. Regular Gasoline declined by 13 cents per gallon at the pump in Belize City to a new price of $10.89 per gallon. The pump price for Kerosene decreased by 43 cents per gallon in Belize City to a new price of $8.21 per gallon.

Presenting Miss Costa Rica for Reina de la Costa Maya 2018-19!
The Costa Maya International Festival is pleased to introduce the next contestant vying for Reina De La Costa Maya 2018-19, Miss Costa Rica! Adriana Moya Alvarado is 24 years old and hails from San José, the capital city of Costa Rica. Adriana joins Guatemala’s Hilary Dhianette Castillo Cumings in awaiting the announcement of the remaining contestants for this year’s pageant. The grand event will be held at the festival grounds inside the Hon. Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex in “La Isla Bonita”, San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Christian Espat, Nigel Williams and a minor arrested and charged in shooting robbery of Cliff Kirk
On Monday, July 9th, 22-year-old Christian Espat, 25-year-old Nigel Williams, along with a 16-year-old minor were formally arraigned at the San Pedro Magistrate Court in connection with the robbery and shooting of retired American National Cliff Kirk. The trio was denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until their next court date set for September 12, 2018. Kirk was shot in the head when four robbers allegedly stormed his house located off the coast of north-west Ambergris Caye on Thursday, July 5th. During the home invasion, the assailants stole a 9mm pistol, a 12- gauge shotgun and a briefcase with valuables. Two days after, Espat, Williams and the minor were arrested and jointly charged with Aggravated Burglary, Attempted Murder, Dangerous Harm and use of deadly means of harm.

Belmopan youth plan book festival to give away over 3,500 fun books to children and teens
The members of Belmopan Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program (BJYSEP) have decided to take on the goal of encouraging a love for reading in Belizean children and teens. They call the project “Tek Time fi Read”. Their first event for the project is a big book festival planned for August 4th at the Belmopan Civic Center. The festival will feature exciting free reading related games and activities that the participants can play to win tickets. The tickets can then be used to “purchase” some of the thousands of books that will be on display. All children will go home with some free fun new books. The approach that the youth are taking is that if children have fun books, they will start to think that reading is fun. By creating an exciting event where children not only play fun games, but also get to choose from beautiful books, their hope is that the perception that “reading is boring” can diminish.

SPJC commencement ceremonies closes 2018 graduation season
The 2018 graduation season ended on Saturday, July 7th, as the San Pedro Junior College (SPJC) held their 17th Commencement Exercise under the theme: “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” A total of 71 students marched to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. Master of Ceremonies Alex Nuñez welcomed all the Parents, family members, friends, and special guests to the graduation ceremony. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem and a short invocation by Abel Guerrero Sr. The Salutatory Address was then delivered by Nancy Paola Navarijo Ortega (3.82).

Cliff Kirk, retired LT Colonel, succumbs to gunshot injuries
After five days of fighting for his life, 66-year-old island resident Cliff Kirk passed away at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. He had been undergoing treatment for a gunshot to the head. Kirk was surrounded by family members, including his beloved wife Linda. Kirk was shot during a home invasion on July 5th, after four masked robbers assaulted his property situated off the coast of north-west Ambergris Caye. The assailants stole several items from the house before making good their escape in jet skis. After days of police investigation, on Monday, July 9th, Christian Espat (22), Nigel Williams (25) and a 16-year-old minor were formally charged with the charges of Aggravated Burglary, Attempted Murder, Dangerous Harm and use of deadly means of harm.

Ambergris Today

First Ever - No-Plastic, No-Styrofoam Kids Summer Camp In Belize
Hon. Dr. Omar Figueroa, Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development, joined villagers from Bullet Tree Falls in the Cayo District for the launch of the first 'No-Plastic No-Styrofoam Kids Summer Camp'. 50 children from the community will participate in the camp which will be hosted from the July 9th to 29th. At the end of each week, the children will be taken on field trips to different protected areas in Belize.

Taste Of Belize 2018 To Feature The Best Of Belizean Cuisine
A dazzling display of Belizean culinary ingenuity and mixology will be the apogee of this year’s Taste of Belize, the BTB’s signature culinary competition, to be held this year on Saturday, July 21st at the Ramada Belize City Princess. The event will feature Belize’s finest chefs and bartenders vying for trophies and cash prizes in four main categories, including Pastry Chef of the Year, Junior Chef of the Year, and Bartender of the Year and the Master Chef of the Year.

Celebrity Spotting: More Reina Del Sur Actors Join Kate Del Castillo In Belize
Confirmation of more Mexican actors arriving in Belize has come to our news desk as filming fo Reina del Sur 2 commenced yesterday, July 10, 2018 at the Xunantunich Maya Archaeological Site in the Cayo District, Belize. Joining Kate del Castillo in Belize for the filming of scenes of the second part of the immensely popular telenovela Reina del Sur, are supporting actors Humberto Zurita and Mark Tacher, two well-known actors in Mexico.

Over 16K Already Re-Registered In Belize Electors Exercise 2018
The Elections and Boundaries Department is pleased to inform the public that the 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise continues to proceed on target. A Preliminary Report on the exercise is hereby provided as follows for the period 2nd to 7th July 2018:

Popular Island Figure Loses Home In Fire
We all know and love him - Coconut Leo, most famously known on the island of Ambergris Caye for his Bob Marley interpretations and his awesome skills of tree climbing and getting down those delicious coconuts for tourists. Sadly, Coconut Leo lost his home on Sunday, July 8, 2018, in a blaze that totally destroyed the building located in the San Pedrito Area. Coconut Leo lost everything in the fire and was not at home at the time of the incident. It is said that the fire began shortly after 11p.m., and neighbors and the fire department were quick in extinguishing the blaze before it spread to nearby homes. Police and Fire Department are currently investigating as to what caused the fire since the home was not electrically wired and there was no one at the house when the fire started.

More Landmarks For San Pedro Junior College
With only 18 years since its founding, San Pedro Junior College and is sister organizations (SPHS and SPACE) continue to set new records and landmarks in their operations. This year marks its 17th graduation and a record number of 71 graduates marched out the aisle of the R. Angel Núñez Auditorium with their Associate Degrees on Saturday, July 7, 2018. Another notable achievement is that Galen University has accepted accreditation of the institution for the easy transfer of credits for transfer students.

Caye International Bank Receives Top Award For Financial Services
Each year, London located Wealth & Finance International recognizes outstanding achievement, game-changing innovation, and stellar performance among companies and individuals across financial services, funds and investment landscape through the presentation of awards.

Celebrity Spotting: Kate Del Castillo "La Reyna Del Sur" In Belize
Attention all novela lovers, A-List Mexican Actress, Kate del Castillo, “La Reyna del Sur” is presently in the Jewel, Belize. According to sources she is in the country to film scenes for 'La Reyna del Sur Part 2'. Kate arrived in Belize today, Monday, July 9, 2018, and filming is set to commence soon at Xunantunich Maya Site in San Jose Succotz. Pictured here is Kate as she arrived at the Phillip Goldson International Airport taking a picture with Belize customs officer. Welcome to Belize Kate!

Misc Belizean Sources

La Reina del Sur 2 films in Belize!
Scenes of La Reina del Sur 2 are currently being filmed at the Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve in the Cayo District. The popular soap opera, star by famous Mexican actress Kate Del Castillo, airs on Telemundo. Castillo, was met by many Belizean fans upon her arrival to Belize earlier today.

Coconut Leo's house burns
The San Pedro Police and Fire Department are investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed 1 building and left another partially destroyed in the San Pedrito Area. Reports are that a wooden building caught fire sometime around 11PM on Sunday, July 8th. The building was home to islander Coconut Leo, who says he was not home at the time of the fire. He suspects that the fire was deliberately set, as his dwelling is without electricity. ... Coconut Leo is grateful for the quick response from the Fire Department and the kind neighbors who quickly contained the blaze and prevented it from spreading.

Free dermatology clinic at the Lions Den this week in San Pedro!

Cliff Kirk Passes Away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its sincere condolences to the Kirk friends and family on the tragic passing of Mr. Cliff Kirk. Mr. Kirk was surrounded by family until his passing, as he had wished. May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten and may his soul rest in peace.

Belizean Traditional & Folklore Music Workshop
Come out to our Belize City office on 55 Regent St. for a Belizean Traditional & Folklore Music Workshop! This will take place on July 17th or 24th, and the aim is to explore the theory and production concept of Brukdown and Kongo Music. See you there!

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday. It’s a long week so let’s sit back and paint “A Relaxing View”!

CARICOM COMMUNIQUE
The Thirty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held at Montego Bay, Jamaica, 4-6 July, 2018. CARICOM issued a communique at the conclusion of the meeting and stated the following in relation to the Belize-Guatemala border dispute: "Heads of Government received an update on the most recent developments between Belize and Guatemala. Heads of Government expressed concern that the undertaking by both countries and the Organization of American States (OAS) to engage in the design and development of a mechanism of co-operation for the Sarstoon River remains outstanding and urged both countries and the OAS to reinvigorate their efforts to this end.

The significance of “legal” hustling and the fate of the nation-state of Belize
For approximately the past ten (10) years I have pondered the question, “Why would those who are elected to ensure that Belize’s best interest is served, enter into such an obviously skewed agreement like the Special Agreement/Compromis, thus inevitably and unnecessarily placing the sheer existence of our nation (both geographic and otherwise) in jeopardy of being irreplaceably altered?” I trust this has indeed proven a pressing question, among others, as well. Admittedly, I reached some preliminary conclusions, particularly based on the lacklustre and outright ill-logic and essential cowardice demonstrated by the powers that be, by way of the continued application of their FAILED, bi-partisan PUDP “4A Policy” of: APPEASEMENT, ACQUIESCENCE, ADHERENCE and ACCOMMODATION to Guatemala’s every demand. Such instances are many, ranging from the lack of conviction the GOB showed following the murder of Tourism Police Constable Danny Connorquie, to the unbridled and illegal actions of the Guatemalan Armed Force (GAF)’s unprovoked and unsolicited intrusion into our sovereign territory along the Sarstoon River.

BELTRAIDE and CEDA Collaborate to Host Market Intelligence Training Workshop
The Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) in partnership with the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) will be conducting a two-day Market Intelligence Training Workshop for local business owners who are currently exporting or interested in exporting to international markets. This training falls in line with BELTRAIDE’s National Export Strategy 2015-2019 which aims to address export development issues by facilitating capacity building exercises that promote exporters penetrating new and diversified markets in an effort to involve the country in the global added supply chains.

Indigenous Fellowship Programme
The Indigenous Fellowship Programme is an essential vehicle for bringing visibility to the struggles of Indigenous Peoples especially those that are on the margins and suffering in silence. It allows for indigenous peoples to gain knowledge of the UN systems which can allow for strategic participation within the complex system. In part, the Maya Leaders Alliance's strategic advocacy within the UN system is a testimony to the impact that the Fellowship creates. During the 11th Session of EMRIP the MLA has Mr. Pablo Mis participating. With knowledge gained from the Fellowship he has been able to utilize the support of the Belize Desk Officer at the Human Rights office in Geneva to organize side meetings with CERD, the special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, and the UPR secretariat in preparation for the upcoming UPR review of Belize in November 2018.

2018 Youth Summer Volleyball Tournament Closing Ceremonies
The Benque Viejo 2018 Youth Summer Volleyball Tournament has finally come to an end on July 5th after ten weeks of volleyball games full of excitement where total of 108 young persons participated in the tournament through their teams. The purpose of the Youth Summer Volleyball Tournament is to provide youth with the opportunity to play recreational and competitive volleyball in a controlled environment that provides entertainment and enjoyment keeping our in and out of school youth actively involved in community sporting activities. The 2018 Benque Viejo Volleyball Summer Tournament was organized by the Belize National Sports Council – Benque; The Department of Youth Services – Benque Center, and Benque Viejo Town Council.

For the month of July, we are excited to feature Kendra Griffith as our Young Belizean Entrepreneur!
Kendra Griffith holds a Bachelor of Science in History from the University of Belize. Born and raised in Central Farm, Cayo District, surrounded by family, farmland and nature, Kendra’s love for nature and organic living became an intrinsic part of her life from a very young age. Whether it was climbing trees, going to the river, or riding horses, Kendra spent most of her childhood outdoors. In 2012, she was introduced to the History department at the University of Belize which ignited her passion for history and has led her become the coordinator of the The Goldson House for Democracy and Patriotism-NICH in Belmopan. Kendra is also the founder of Hello Body Belize, a family owned company founded on sustainable principles to provide natural & organic skincare and aromatherapy products which nurture and promote holistic health and beauty.

Agriculture: The Foundation of Belize’s Economy/a>
Historically, Belize is known for the production and export of traditional crops primarily: Sugar, Citrus and Bananas. These major crops have been the foundation of the Belizean economy since the 1800’s. According to the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), the export of these major crops contributed 6.2% to Belize’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) generating BZD $309 million/USD $154.5 million in export revenues in 2017. This robust and growing sector is also responsible for employing an estimated 11,000 person’s equivalent to 16% of Belize’s total labor force (Source: Statistical Institute of Belize). The main export markets for these products include the European Union, USA, UK, and CARICOM markets. As global markets grow more competitive and demand trends shift, the Belizean productive sector has diversified into the production and export of non-traditional crops such as grains (including rice and corn), a variety of beans, cacao, cotton, coconut, turmeric, and a variety of spices.

Improving Community Livelihoods Through Access to Protected Areas for Cacao and Honey Production
The Toledo District is comprised of a mosaic of protected areas, communities and state lands. It is the least developed region in the country of Belize but features the most pristine forests, remarkable rivers, extensive cave networks and offshore cayes. Toledo is home to diverse cultures – from Mopan and Q’eqchi’ Maya, to Creole, the Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite and Mestizo.

Ancient World Week
Space is still available for this great opportunity with Archaeology and the Maya. Register by messaging,call 422-0071 or visit the House of Culture. An excellent opportunity for educators, tour guide operators, students and interested community members. This event is free of cost.

A Stage for Champions!
The Belize Body Building & Fitness Federation is hosting the 2018 SPARTAN CLASSIC 5th ANNUAL BODYBUILDING COMPETITION in Corozal Town on Saturday, July 14th from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at the Corozal Community College (CCC) Auditorium. Entrance Fee: Adults $10 - Children $5. For more info please call 623-1984.

Sugar Fest 2018!
Orange Walk - Join us for Sugar Fest 2018! Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 14th 2018!

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of July 2nd thru July 8th, 2018
The weather improved this week, and so did the fishing. We had a great group of folks with lots of returning guests. It is always good to see familiar faces in beautiful places. The bonefish, due to the weather, were also familiar faces. Evan and his dad landed almost fifty bonefish between the two of them, Art and Kass did as well.

Taste of Belize 2018 to feature the best of Belizean Cuisine
A dazzling display of Belizean culinary ingenuity and mixology will be the apogee of this year’s Taste of Belize, the BTB’s signature culinary competition, to be held this year on Saturday, July 21st at the Ramada Belize City Princess. The event will feature Belize’s finest chefs and bartenders vying for trophies and cash prizes in four main categories, including Pastry Chef of the Year, Junior Chef of the Year, Bartender of the Year and the Master Chef of the Year. Taste of Belize is organized by the BTB every two years with the aim to recognize and promote Belizean culinary creativity where chefs are able to entice a panel of judges with delicious cuisines. The last Taste of Belize was in 2016.

Taiwan Foreign Minister to visit El Salvador and Belize
Foreign Minister Joseph Wu will leave Thursday on a five-day visit to Central American allies El Salvador and Belize, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Taiwan has been facing a diplomatic offensive from China, which has taken away four of its official allies over the past few years, including Panama and the Dominican Republic in the region. Taiwan has only 18 allies left, most of them in Latin American, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

2nd Annual Grand Caribe Belize Deep Sea Classic
Register Now! Call +501-280-4726 or email: guestrelations@grandcaribebelize.com to Register now or for more information!

Channel 7

The Aftermath Of The Big Bang
Last night we brought you footage from the Mahogany Street blast. It happened around 4:20 on the east side of Mahogany Street. 3 persons were injured. Two have been treated and released, but police say one person, 21 year old Grayson Cadle is critical - he was in the apartment where the butane ignited. We will get to all the details of exactly what happened yesterday and what the fire departments says caused the blast, but first to the aftermath. Courtney Weatherburne has that story from the firsthand accounts of neighbors.

The Butane Blast, Minute By Minute
Indeed, the tank was intact, and that's because it's a butane leak that caused the explosion, not a ruptured tank. Now, we'll be revisiting the timeline of events from the explosion, to the quick response of the fire department and to the successful extinguishing the flames - that could have jumped to the LPG Depot across the street, but didn't. As we told you last night, 7 news happened to be at the fire department when the explosion happened and Emanuel Pech picks up the timeline right there:...

In 2009, There Was A Blast Across The Street
Of course, this butane explosion takes us back to 2009 when a tank ruptured and exploded right across the street from yesterday's explosion - at the opposite corner of Mopan and Mahogany Streets. In that tragic event, the tank popped open and blew a Brown's Butane employee to pieces. Here's a small snippet of the 7News report from September of 2009:.. The ruptured tank turned rocket was found two blocks away and across a canal after it crashed through a verandah. While that was a tank that ruptured - it's very different from what happened across the street yesterday. There was no fire in 2009 - only a rocket like explosion.

American Shooting Victim Cliff Kirk Dies
Last night two adults and a minor were charged for robbery, attempted murder, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, use of deadly means of harm and deadly means of harm. But, tonight, 3 San Pedranos, Nigel Williams, Christian Espat and a 16 year old minor are likely facing a charge of murder. That's because the man they are accused of shooting, 60 year old American Cliff Kirk has died at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore Maryland while receiving treatment for a gunshot to the head. This morning, their local contact John Wassen posted this on his Facebook page: "Cliff passed away this morning. He was with his family and passed on peacefully."

A Stabbing in San Pedro
And, the violence continued on San Pedro today with a stabbing. Information is sketchy thus far, but the victim is 26 year old Adrian Suarez of the San Juan area. According to police, at 4:00 pm, Suarez stumbled into the town polyclinic suffering from a stab wound to the left side of his chest. He was treated at the clinic but due to the seriousness of his injury he was transported to KHMH in Belize City, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

CCJ Scolds Appeals Court For Judicial Flip Flop
In June of last year, we reported on the very unusual decision coming out of the Court of Appeal. The appellant, Gilbert Henry, spent 5 years in jail after being convicted of dangerous harm, only to have the Appeal Court rule that he should not have been convicted in the first place. Well, the Director of Public Prosecutions has successfully appealed that decision all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice, which ruled today that indeed Henry was guilty. In 2012 Henry stood trial in the Supreme Court for attempted murder. He was accused of stabbing Ellis Taibo in a bar in 2008. Taibo ended up hospitalized for 6 weeks due to a collapsed lung.

No Proof Of Arson At Coconut Leo
In yesterday's news we told you about the fire that burnt down the house of a San Pedro resident commonly known as "Coconut" Leo. It occurred on Sunday night in the San Pedrito Area. The islander said he left his home to go and socialize with some friends and on his way back he found his house engulfed in flames. As we mentioned in yesterday's report, the islander insists that someone set his house on fire. Today the fire department responded to those claims and gave more details based on their preliminary investigation. Orin Smith- Station Officer, Bz City Fire Department: "On arrival at the scene, a 12 by 8 plywood structure that was elevated 3 feet above ground was on fire. A second plywood structure situated about 3 feet from the wooden structure, the west face was also on fire. Following a brief size up, the fire service went into operation, extinguishing the fire. As a result of the fire, the 12 by 8 structure was destroyed and the west face of the adjacent structure was damaged by fire. The fire originated at the center of the building; the cause is still under investigation."

Fuel Prices Dip, But Brace For An Increase
For a few weeks now, the price of regular gasoline has hovered at 11 dollars and 2 cents per gallon. Well, as of midnight last night, it broke the eleven dollar mark. Regular gasoline went down by 13 cents, and is now $10 dollars and 89 cents per gallon. The pump price for kerosene also went down by 43 cents from 8 dollars and 64 cents per gallon to 8 dollars and 21 per gallon. It is certainly a welcomed relief - but it will only be a temporary respite from punishing fuel prices.

Bradley Concerned About Sluggish Re-Registration In Shores
Yesterday, the Elections and Boundaries Department sent out a press release informing the general public that in the first week of voter re-registration, from July 2 to July 7, sixteen thousand, six hundred and seventy applications were accepted. It's not a bad start, but the last voters list had more than 200,000 registered voters - and they expect to reach near to that mark again. The Re-registration exercise lasts for 8 weeks - so that would only amount to 135 thousand new voters at the end of the exercise.

Verris Gets Off One Charge, Murder Still Pending
Three men got off a robbery and an aggravated assault charge in court today. They are 25 year old Trevor Guy, 24 year old Verris Ventura and 19 year old Steve Ferrell. They were able walk free because the complainant in this case, Chun Mei Lui is out of the country and will not return. The incident occurred on August 7, 2017 at Brother's Store in Lord's Bank. Lui reported to the police that she was behind the counter when three men entered, one of them armed with a 9 millimeter pistol. She said the gunman struck her on her head with the handle of the gun then pointed it at one of her employees. His accomplices then stole the cash pan with $350 and two cellular phones.

Kate Comes To Belize
Many Belizean fans of telenovelas have been on star search since yesterday after megastar of the genre, Kate del Castillo appeared in Belize. Del Castillo is known particularly for her lead role in the telenovela "La Reina del Sur". Well this week the team of producers and actors are in Belize to film a few scenes for La Reina del Sur part 2 scheduled to air in 2019. Yesterday she was spotted at the Belize International Airport. Some immigration officers and other's present that recognized the star didn't pass up the opportunity to take pictures with her. That was yesterday, and today she was spotted filming at the Xunantunich archaeological reserve in the Cayo district.

A Gateway For Summer Fun
School's out, but the Gateway Youth Center is keeping kids engaged with its second annual summer camp program in Belize City. This year 75 to 100 kids are participating in 3 week summer program focused on two main disciplines- volleyball and martial arts. We learned more today when we spoke to the coordinators: This is the second week of the summer camp, so there is still time for kids to get involved. The Gateway Youth Center is also making a call to fathers who wish to participate in the father and son football tournament scheduled for this Sunday at the Gwen Lizargaga High School.

Cops Low Key About Campos Bust On Pedro
Police didn't publicize it, but we have learnt that on Saturday a joint police operation at dawn on San Pedro resulted in the arrest of a prominent figure on the island. They raided the property of Pedro Moses Campos, in the San Juan Area. More than two dozen people, and possibly as many as 30 persons were in the house and various apartments - including Verris Ventura - who had been wanted for murder.

Belize And Mexico, Friends for Over a Century
Belize has at least one neighbor with which it can celebrate friendly relations going back centuries. That is, of course, Mexico, and on Sunday, a handful of officials from both countries got together to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Mariscal - Spencer Treaty signed on July 8th 1893. It was the first ever public commemoration of the treaty. The event was jointly organized with the Mayor and City Council of Chetumal. The one hour ceremony was held in the centre of on the old historical border bridge on the northern border between Mexico and Belize.

Channel 5

One Man Critical; Leaking Butane Tank Caused Explosion
Two women and a man were sent to the hospital on Monday evening after an explosion at an apartment building in Belize City.  A faulty butane cylinder in one of [...]

How to handle a leaking butane cylinder
There are questions on whether the explosion could have been avoided? Well, according to the fire officials, having a butane cylinder inside a house is a hazard and even more [...]

Gas Depots in Residential Areas Are Risky
The location of the fire at the corner of Mopan and Mahogany Streets sits directly across from Brown’s Gas Depot.  Had the fire not been contained, it could have proven [...]

American Expat Clifford Kirk Dies; Charges to be Upgraded to Murder for 3 Accused
Five days after he was shot to the head in a home invasion, American expat Clifford Kirk, died this morning in a Baltimore hospital in the United States. Kirk and [...]

All Confiscated Assets Released to BSWAMA Says SolGen Hawke
The Belize Solid Waste Management Authority, a statutory body, has recovered all of its assets that were crow-footed during a writ of execution carried out on behalf of Vision Architects [...]

Government Files Appeal Challenging Decision Against BSWMA
According to the Solicitor General, an appeal has since been filed, challenging the outcome of a lawsuit in which the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Vision Architects.  Despite the [...]

Has the UDP Boxed Philloughby Out of Port Loyola Convention?
Former four-time U.D.P. city councilor Phillip Willoughby is one of four candidates running in Port Loyola to represent the ruling party as standard bearer in the 2020 general elections.  Along [...]

Price for Regular Gasoline Sees a Nominal Decrease; Consumers are not Happy
The price for regular fuel decreased at midnight, but some motorists are not too happy with the reduction of thirteen cents.  Regular gas still sells above the ten dollars mark, [...]

CCJ Restores Gilbert Henry Conviction, But No Additional Jail Time is Given
The Caribbean Court of Justice has handed down a decision ordering that a conviction and subsequent five-year sentence imposed on Gilbert Henry for causing dangerous harm, be restored.  The judgment [...]

CCJ Chides Court of Appeal for Procedural Flaws in Henry’s Case
Henry challenged his conviction, as well the sentence, before the Court of Appeal of Belize, making a case that the substantial delays in the trial and appellate processes violated his [...]

Small Drug Bust in the West
Following a massive drug and firearm bust in northern Belize, police operations led to a smaller, but significant seizure of drugs in the west.  This morning, police conducted a search [...]

Fire Officials Are Yet to Determine Cause of Recent Fire in San Pedro
Today, fire officials say they are yet to ascertain the cause of the fire that wiped out the house of Leo Martinez in San Pedro. On Monday, Martinez told us [...]

Ministry of Health Looking Elsewhere for Cheaper Dialysis Treatment
The Ministry of Health is currently spending two million dollars to assist persons with renal failure. The assistance comes in the form of dialysis treatment which is costly and unaffordable [...]

After Months of Delay, Cycling Elections to be Held on July 14th, 2018
After months of delay, the Cycling Federation of Belize is holding elections at the University of the West Indies Open Campus in Belize City this Saturday. Two teams are in [...]

UNCAC Consultations Begin with Round of Meetings in Belize City
A team from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, as well as representatives from Haiti and Tuvalu, began a round of consultations this morning with local officials from [...]

SolGen Says Extradition Laws are Fairly Antiquated
While there are areas in which Belize’s laws are consistent with the expectations of the UNCAC treaty, Solicitor General Nigel Hawke says that there is also work that needs to [...]

Creating Synergies between the Agriculture and Tourism Industries
Day-two of the fifty-fourth annual Meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society got underway today in Belize.  Representatives of fifteen Caribbean States are engaging in discussions on how to successfully [...]

First Ever ‘No-Plastic No-Styrofoam Kids Summer Camp’ Begins
In March, Cabinet approved a proposal to phase out single-use plastic shopping bags, styrofoam and plastic food utensils by April 2019. The goal is to reduce plastic and styrofoam pollution. [...]

KTV the Remix: The Top 13 Take on Inspirational Songs
KTV, the Remix gets underway at eight-thirty live from the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts.  Tonight, inspirational music will fill the auditorium as the competition enters round two with [...]

CTV3

Ambassadors Present Credentials To Governor General
Four ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence today to the Governor General of Belize His Excellency Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan. Her Excellency Rut Krüger Giverin, Ambassador of Norway; Her Excellency Rommanee Kananurak, Ambassador of Thailand; His Excellency José Vladimir Crespo Fernández, Ambassador of Bolivia; and His Excellency Suleyman Gokce, Ambassador of Turkey; all presented their credentials to the Governor General.

Preliminary Figures For Re-Registration Released
Today marks the start of week two in the mass re-registration exercise here in the Jewel. As the process continues across the country today the Elections and Boundaries Department released preliminary figures of total applications received across the country so far which shows that the 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise continues to proceed on target. According to the release preliminary figures for the period 2nd to 7th July 2018 shows that across the country a total a total of sixteen thousand, six hundred and seventy applications have been accepted.

Well Known City Figure Charged For Courts Robbery In Corozal
Also arraigned at the Magistrate’s Court today was known city figure Samuel Halliday, who turned 26 years old just three days ago. Halliday is the second man to be charged for the brazen armed robbery of Courts store located on 5th Avenue, which occurred on June 1st in Corozal Town. Halliday, who told the court that he works as a construction worker, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Magistrate Patricia Arana indicated that she would deny bail at this first instance, and remanded Halliday to the Kolbe Correctional Facility until July 23rd when he and the 17 year old who has already been arraigned for the same crime on June 8th, will return to Court.

Price for Regular Gasoline and Kerosene Reduce
As of mid-night tonight, prices for Regular Gasoline and Kerosene will see reductions at the pumps. Regular Gasoline will fall 13 cents per gallon across the country, here in Orange Walk Town that reduction will drive the price for regular gasoline from eleven dollars and ten cents to ten dollars and ninety-seven cents. The pump price for Kerosene will decrease by 43 cents per gallon going from eight dollars and seventy-two cents eight dollars and twenty-nine cents here in Orange Walk.

Xate Blooming In The Forest Reserve
Tonight, there is some good news coming out of the Chiquibul National Park as the Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) are reporting positive growth of Xate stocks in the Forest Reserve. According to a release issued by FCD over the weekend, for the third time in history, a field research was conducted of the Xate stocks in the Chiquibul with the purpose of evaluating the population of the valuable plant and to compare this year’s average results with results obtained back in 2012.

LOVE FM

Cause of house fire on San Pedro still unknown
San Pedro fire personnel are still investigating what caused a house fire on the island. The fire happened on Sunday, July eighth, shortly before nine p.m. in the San Pedrito area on the island. A small elevated plywood house caught fire, which then spread to a second plywood structure located three feet away. Station Officer …

Diane Finnegan enters race for Lake I Division in the UDP camp
Youth advocate Dianne Finnegan has placed her name in the race for Standard Bearer for the United Democratic Party in the Lake Independence Division in Belize City. Finnegan is also the coordinator of the Youth Apprenticeship Program and she has been a leading figure in the mediation process with Belize City gangs that began in …

A leaking butane tank triggers explosion in two apartments
Three persons were injured late Monday evening in Belize City during a blast that blew off a portion of wall from a house. Grayson Cadle is in a critical condition after he sustained severe burns to his body during that late evening explosion. The 25-year-old was inside his apartment located at the lower flat of …

Belize & Mexico commemorate Mariscal Spencer Treaty
They say lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice, but it’s quite normal to visit the same place even if it’s a commemoration over one hundred years later. On Sunday, the Belize Peace Movement marked the one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of the Mariscal Spencer Treaty. The treaty signed in 1893, established the northern border. …

Regular gas and Kerosene prices fall
The cost of fuel at the pump is always a concern for motorists and the new rates offer pennies of savings that may not provide as much relief as drivers would have preferred. At midnight new gas prices came into effect; however, only regular gas and kerosene were affected. Regular gas decreased by thirteen cents …

Victim of gun violence succumbs to injuries
But while Coco lives to see another day, another resident on the island did not share the same fate. The escalating gun violence has cast an international black eye on the country’s tourism product and also on the island that’s proud of its integration of expats, locals and visitors. 66-year-old Cliff Kirk was one such …

Government supports Belize sugar industry on international market hunt
The 2017/2018 Sugar crop closed on June 27 and the preliminary report is that the industry performed well. One of the key and biggest changes in this crop has been the expansions at the mill to accommodate an increased production of Direct Consumption Sugar. The project is aimed at minimizing the impact of the low …

Minister of Immigration chimes in on the Guatemalans on voters list debate
The re-registration of naturalized Belizeans of Guatemalan origin continues to be the subject of debate as the voter registration process continues. Last week, Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte said that those citizens who have renounced their Guatemalan nationality should be allowed to re-register. Minister of Immigration Godwin Hulse spoke with Love News and he too echoes …

Caribbean Food Crops Society holds its 54th annual meeting in Belize
Agriculture and Tourism have the ability to promote economic growth when they work in sync with each other. In this regard, the Caribbean Food Crops Society is looking to develop this synergy at its 54th annual meeting under the theme “Multi-functionality of Agriculture in the Caribbean Basin in Countries with Predominant Tourist Industries”. Love News …

Local sugar market too small to accommodate two sugar producing companies
Sugar is also being exported from Western Belize by the Santander Sugar Group. Very recently, however, the company attempted to sell sugar on the local market, a clear violation of its Export Processing License and landed a fine of nine thousand US dollars from the government. Following an apology, the company maintained its interest in …

Police have one detained for the murder of Jason Sutherland
Police have been able to make an arrest concerning the murder of Jason Sutherland which took place in May. Sutherland came under fire while in his yard and was hit several times. Sutherland was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Today, police provided the media with an …

Emerson Talbert gunned down in old capital
Emerson Talbert is the latest murder victim. Talbert came under fire early this morning at 12:15 while he was socializing with friends. As a result, he was wounded in the neck and rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. At today’s press brief, ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head of Crime Investigation Branch, (CIB) provided the media …

Police have detained two persons in connection with Kirk’s case
Last week, 60-year-old Cliff Kirk, an American businessman, who owns Casa Brisas in San Pedro was shot to the right side of his head. After shooting Kirk, the culprits went inside his home and stole an undisclosed amount of cash, a 9mm pistol and a 12 gauge pump-action shotgun. Police have since made progress in …

New Fortune Restaurant robbed of $700
New Fortune Restaurant was the scene of a robbery which took place last Thursday night. 54-year-old Xinhui Zhang reported to police that three men entered the restaurant and one of them pointed a firearm at him while the other two men opened the cash register and stole seven hundred dollars. Police have since detained two …

Man loses eye in chopping incident
On Thursday, 25 year-old Arnulfo Munoz, a Guatemalan national, was driving Santander’s bus transporting workers from Santander Cane Factory to Armenia Village on the Hummingbird Highway. Munoz told police that a stranger asked to exit the bus. However, he instead of leaving peacefully, he chopped Munoz before exiting the bus. ACP Joseph Myvette, Head of …

Two rival gangs seek peace in Lake Independence Division
Youth advocate and coordinator of the Youth Apprenticeship Program in Belize City, Dianne Finnegan is mediating peace between two rival gangs in the Lake Independence Area. Finnegan, who has made a bid to contest the position of Standard Bearer for that division for the United Democratic Party says the she has started work with gang …

PlusTV

American Cliff Kirk succumbs to gunshot injuries
66 year old Cliff Kirk passed away this morning after fighting for his life over the past 5 days. The retired LT Colonel was shot to his head in San Pedro on July 5th after four masked robbers invaded his property situated off the coast of north-west Ambergris Caye. On Monday, police formally arrest...

LIGHTING STRIKES HOME IN GEORGEVILLE
A family of five, including three minors and a pregnant mother, is grateful to be alive after a lightning bolt struck their home in George Ville, Cayo last night. The entire bedroom wall on the wooden structure came toppling down after the lightning struck. The family told us that they gathered insi...

SolGen speaks on GOB Crowfooting
Last night we told you that the court ordered Vision Architects & Contractors to return seized vehicles and office equipment to Belize Waste Management in Belmopan and the Government of Belize by noon yesterday. Several vehicles and office furniture were Crowfooted on behalf of VISION ARCHITECTS...

DECREASED PRICES AT FUEL PUMP
As of midnight lastnight, pump pruces for regular gasoline and kersone saw a decrease. The Ministry of Finance issued a release stating that regular gasoline has declined by 13 cents per gallon at the pump in Belize City to a new price of $10.89 per gallon. The pump price for Kerosene has seen a dec...

UNCAC Representatives in Belize
Personnel representing the United Nations Convention against Corruption arrived in Belize over the past two days. The representatives from regional group Haiti and international group Tuvula are in Belize to conduct a gap analysis in order to initiate the implementation of UNCAC in Belize. The analy...

Re Registration Exercise on Track
The Elections and Boundaries Department says that the 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise continues to proceed on target.A release from the Department revealed that a total of sixteen thousand, six hundred and seventy (16,670) applications have been accepted during the first week of the exerci...

Arthur Saldivar’s application re-submitted
Arthur Saldivar re-submitted his application for PUP Standard Bearer in Belmopan. Yesterday, we told you that Saldivar had opted to re-submit his application after the party suspended their Belmopan convention until August, and extended their application deadline to July 13th. Plus News has been rel...

Emerson Talbert shot while playing video games
Another Belize City man is dead as a result of gun violence. 22 year old Emerson Talbert was at a friend’s house on Cemetery Lane on Sunday sometime around midnight. They were playing video games when a male person showed up and shot Talbert in the neck. Police told us more. ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head...

Two injured in home invasion in Belize City
Two persons received injuries in a home invasion in Belize City. 37 year old Kenrick Sanchez, a Belizean carpenter of a Lakeview Street address, was at home on Saturday afternoon with friends. According to police reports, two male persons, one of whom was armed with a firearm, entered Sanchez’z hom...

Home invasion and robbery in PG
There was also an aggravated burglary in Punta Gorda on Sunday. Police told us more. Joseph Myvette, National Crimes Investigation Branch: On yesterday’s date shortly after 10:30am police responded to the home of Garrely Caps, a 77 year old retired American, at 4 miles on the water hole road. Upon a...

Bus driver maimed; passengers mum
A resident of Armenia village lost his right eye when an unknown passenger in his bus chopped him. Police told us more. Joseph Myvette, National Crimes Investigation Branch: Yes, on Thursday 5th July shortly after 4pm, police responded to an information in Armenia village. Where their investigation ...

Huge stash of weed and guns found in Chan Chen Village
During an operation in Chan Chen Village in the Corozal district,on Sunday evening, police made a huge discovery of over 35 thousand grams of cannabis and enough gun power to light up a city. ASP Joseph Myvette told us more. Joseph Myvette, National Crimes Investigation Branch: On yesterday’s date, ...

CROWFOOTED ASSETS RETURNS TO SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN BELMOPAN
This afternoon a small fleet of vehicles headed from Belize City and rolled into Belmopan… but this was not a delivery of brand new vehicles to government… this was the court returning Crowfooted vehicles , office furniture and computers to Belize Waste management, after a day in court. ...

Explosion at Belize City house
Information is still sketchy at this time but reports of an explosion at a home in Belize City have been received. The explosion happened sometime before 5 o’clock this evening at a residence located at the corner of Mahogany and Mopan Streets in Belize City. We do not know the cause of the explosio...

Three arrested for San Pedro shooting and robbery
Last week Thursday we told you of the shooting and robbery of retired American national Cliff Kirk. The 60 year old lives at a remote home at10 and a half miles north of San Pedro Town. On Thursday morning at around 11:30, Kirk was walking down the stairs of his secluded home...

Jason Sutherland’s murder suspect arrested
Police have also made an arrest in the shooting death of 29 year old Jason Sutherland who was killed at the corner of Fabers Road and Central American Boulevard on May 3rd. ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head of N.C.I.B.: Yesterday, police arrested and charged a male person by the name of...

Amandala

Massive weed, ammo and guns bust in Chan Chen
Yesterday around 5 p.m. in the village of Chan Chen, police who were conducting an anti-drug operation made a massive discovery of marijuana, ammunition, and firearms. The items were found in a white sack in what police described as a bushy area that is frequented by persons handling illicit items. Included in the items that were collected during the bust were 35,740 grams of cannabis (or over 78 pounds); and several types of ammunition — 300 Eagle .223 rounds; 281 Remington .223 rounds; 100 Aguila .223 rounds; 1,000 Luger brand 9mm rounds; 53 Aguila 9mm rounds, 13 Aguila 12-gauge cartridges; 40 silver-colored .38 rounds; 1 SLR round and 104 A-K 47 rounds.

Butane tank explosion injures 5 persons
Just before 4:30 p.m. this evening, a massive explosion rocked a two-storey concrete house located at the corner of Mahogany and Mopan Streets, opposite Brown’s Butane Depot. Many buildings, even cement buildings in the area, shook because of the power of the blast. Many people in the area, in the seconds after the blast, believed that the explosion had occurred at Brown’s Butane Depot, but when they rushed into the street, as Belizeans normally do when such things happen, they found out, as thick, black smoke began to blanket the area around the building, that the explosion had occurred in a house in front of the butane depot.

Emmerson Talbert, 25, shot dead in friend’s house
Around midnight, 25-year-old Emmerson Talbert was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound in the neck. Later, around 10:00 this morning, he succumbed to his injuries. Talbert, who is a resident of #67 Racecourse Street, was at a friend’s house on #33 Cemetery Lane playing video games when a man armed with a gun entered the house through the front door and fired one shot in his direction.

Two UNCAC experts on country visit to Belize
The Belize government of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, under pressure from the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), signed the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) on December 9, 2016. One part of the procedures for signing unto UNCAC is a country visit from its experts. A visit from a two-member team was scheduled for earlier this year, but it had to be postponed, reportedly, due to logistical difficulties.

FM Wilfred Elrington: “If you don’t say yes to the ICJ, you’re crazy.”
Since Belize received its independence in September 1981, there has been little effort on the part of successive Belize governments to properly educate the country on the Guatemalan claim, and now with less than a year to go before the International Court of Justice referendum, Belizeans will be subjected to the government’s pro-ICJ position. This was made manifestly clear last Thursday by the remarks made to the media by Foreign Minister Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington following a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Laing Building, during which there was the handing over of a US $250,000 grant from the United States and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to finance the ICJ education program.

Rodwell Williams: “I’ll take over the matter.”
Last Wednesday, July 4, I received a phone call from the Chairman of the United Democratic Party, Alberto August, complaining about our publication of a statement that had been made by BUFERAD chairman Derek Aikman, during his presentation at the launch of a “NO ICJ MOVEMENT” on Monday, July 2, 2018, at the Belize Institute of Management (BIM). Aikman’s organization was one of six that took part in the event. August’s beef to me was based on his assertion that the following statement that was made in an article in the Tuesday, July 3, 2018 issue of Amandala:

No referee! No game!!
The poor accommodations and terrible playing surface was not enough to dampen the spirits of some “die hard” football fans who showed up at the MCC Grounds yesterday afternoon, hell bent on witnessing the Over-40 match between playoff contenders Kulture Yabra and defending champions San Pedro Veterans; but their spirits were certainly not lifted by the disappointment at being “stood up” by “no show” game officials. With playoffs a couple weeks away, four North Group teams are in contention for two playoff spots; and the two front-runners, longtime rivals Kulture Yabra and San Pedro Veterans were in full force for this important match. Kulture had called on the services of Mervin “Rugged” Flores and Aaron “Wiley” Locario/Ciego from Dangriga.

Firms Basketball League Week 3 games move to Swift Hall
After two weeks of Firms Basketball League (FBL) action at the Belize Civic Center, Week 3 games scheduled last week for Thursday, Friday and Sunday were all put on hold. And on Saturday, July 7, a revised tournament schedule was released, with the games going forward, starting with Week 3, being played at Swift Hall, where last year’s Interoffice basketball games were also played. We suspected that high rental costs at the Civic may have prompted the move to Swift Hall; but a league spokesperson today offered the following explanation:

Stann Creek FA Smart Mundialito U-13 Week 4 results and standings
The Stann Creek Football Association (SCFA) Smart Mundialito U-13 tournament continued on Saturday, July 7, with Week 4 games at the Carl Ramos Stadium. In game 1, Monument Strikers dropped Harlem Warriors, 2-1, with a goal each from Shamar Thomas and Devin Marshall; while Danny Gabourel got the goal for Harlem Warriors. It was the same score in game 2, as Dorian Pabon and Harrison Roches, Jr. led Pomona Warriors to the 2-1 win over Hopkins Bay Esanigu, whose only goal was by Fritz Coleman, Jr.

Orange Walk FA U-13 Week 8 results and standings
The Orange Walk Football Association (OWFA) U-13 Division Tournament continued today, Sunday, with Week 8 games at the Technical Field. In the opener, Minions clipped San Estevan, 1-0, with a goal from Didier Gill. And in the nightcap, it was Predators demolishing La Inmaculada, 7-0, with goals from Jan Carlo Urbina (2), Alexander Urbina, Mark Bainton (2), Yasser Tzi and Adam Novelo.

Editorial: ICJ “no” vote crazy, says Hon. Sedi
On Thursday afternoon, July 5, 2018, at a ceremony in Belize City where a representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Chargé d’affaires of the United States Embassy in Belize handed over a US $250,000 grant to assist Belize in the education campaign for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) referendum on April 10, 2019, Belize Foreign Minister, Hon. Wilfred P. Elrington, stunningly, dropped all pretence that said education campaign would be doing anything other than promoting a “yes” vote. A little more than nine months before the aforementioned referendum, Mr. Elrington declared that any Belizean who decided to vote “no” to taking the Guatemalan claim issue to the ICJ, would be “crazy.”

From The Publisher
I’d like to use today’s column to feature some history of the birth and rise of Rastafarianism, a socio-religious movement which began around 1930 in Jamaica, shortly after Marcus Mosiah Garvey, the Jamaican founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), had been framed and incarcerated in the United States, then deported. The internationally acclaimed reggay music, incidentally, had its roots in Rastafarianism. The histories of Jamaica and the Settlement of Belize (British Honduras) had been very much entwined, as far back as the Battle of St. George’s Caye in 1798. Even before that, the fact is that the majority of African slaves in Belize had first landed in Jamaica following their voyage across the Atlantic in the bowels of British slave ships. The British used Jamaica, which they captured from the Spanish in 1655, as their administrative base for the British Caribbean.

The only PG trash used to be natural!
Dear Editor, When we came to British Honduras in 1972 we came to the most undeveloped district—Toledo, where there was no plastic and no trash. The place was truly pristine. In Punta Gorda only the most basic foodstuffs were available and there was little packaging except for tea, matches, and toilet paper and of course tin cans. Everything we bought required that we bring our containers or bottles to the store to have them filled. Most women used brown cotton cloth to make bags for flour, sugar, beans and corn. If we paid we could get a brown paper bag. Most everyone used large carrying bags or baskets. And, of course there was the ever faithful tin wash-pan or pig-tail bucket.

NO ICJ MOVEMENT WRITES PM BARROW
Dear Prime Minister, Greetings from the recently formed, NO ICJ MOVEMENT! We represent Diaspora Belizeans as well as Homeland Belizeans committed to advocating the NO ICJ vote in direct contrast to the YES position you have indicated that you and the United Democratic Party Government will champion and campaign for! This we believe is a sacred duty that must be fulfilled against all odds to give voice to the more than 70 percent of Belizeans, whose NO position is being ignored and whom your Foreign Minister dismisses and categorizes as “crazy”!

http://amandala.com.bz/news/john-s-briggs-writes-national-fire-service/
Dear Editor, I read with interest the article on equipment for the National Fire Service and would like to make a few comments. Every firefighting operation requires three things – equipment, trained personnel and most importantly an adequate supply of water. That is what is lacking in Belize. The water carried in the fire truck is intended only to start putting water on a fire whilst hoses are run to the nearest water source / hydrant. As you are aware, a single hose uses 100 to 150 gallons per minute. Thus even the largest capacity truck of 1,000 gallons will supply less than ten hose minutes! The NFS is frequently castigated for rapidly running out of water when the municipalities/BWS should be castigated for not providing an adequate supply of water.

Allan Wade, an ex-policeman, was at the border during the 1977 Guatemalan invasion scare
In the decade of the 1970s, before Belize attained independence from Britain on September 21, 1981, there were three serious invasion scares that the British Ministry of Defense took so seriously that it beefed up its security forces inside the country with a massive show of force that discouraged the Guatemalan invasion plans. On the last occasion of a serious Guatemalan invasion plan, in 1977, Britain sent a squadron of its vertical takeoff and landing Harrier jet fighters screaming into Belize airspace, and the British governor assured Belizeans that they could sleep easy and rest well.

Haven’t smoked any decrim weed yet
Weed being decriminalized, I should have gone down by the riverside, or the lagoon side, or the seaside, and smoked myself happy, or silly, or sleepy. Seriously, I don’t know what to expect from smoking weed. I’ve had a couple skirmishes, but brief exposures are not conclusive. I had expected that when it was no longer against the law to smoke weed that I would, to an approved area, take my few grams of weed, which would have been in an appropriate packet with an appropriate warning which explained that the product is not only potentially harmful to your health, but that it is also definitely injurious to a not so bad name.

Elections and Boundaries Commission members appointed
At a Special Sitting of the Senate last Thursday, the members of the Elections and Boundaries Commission were named. Two of the four appointed persons were named by the Prime Minister, and the other two by the Leader of the Opposition. Prime Minister Dean Barrow selected Philippa Griffith-Bailey and Naima Barrow, while Leader of the Opposition, John Briceño selected Orlando Espat and Magali Marin-Young.

Thieves break into Corozal Free Zone store by burrowing hole in wall
Sometime between the night of Tuesday, July 3, and the morning of Wednesday, July 4, Yassin International Company in Free Zone was broken into and robbed. According to the manager, Ali Ahmad Mourad, 37, he had locked up at 7 p.m. on the 3rd of July and when he arrived at the business on Wednesday morning, he noticed a hole in the zinc wall. The hole, which measured 3 feet in height and 2 feet wide, was used by thieves to get into the store. They stole 55,000 in pesos; $500US; BZ$100; and assorted clothing, which had a total value of 60,000 pesos.

Two men and a minor charged for shooting American Cliff Kirk, 60
In Friday’s Amandala, we reported on a robbery that took place at the home of businessman Cliff Kirk, 60. Around 11 a.m., four masked men entered his home, which is located ten miles away from San Pedro Town and is only accessible by boat, and shot Kirk in the right side of the head. The thieves escaped on jet skis after stealing an undisclosed amount of money, a 9mm pistol, and a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun from Cliff’s home.

Murder on Wagners Lane
Construction worker Akeem Vargas, 25, was walking on Wagners Lane on Friday, July 6, at around 7:30 p.m. when he was ruthlessly gunned down. Neighbors said they heard about 12 shots being blasted, and up to Friday, blood could still be seen on the gravel where Vargas died. Vargas had left his home to borrow a bicycle in order to run an errand when an armed man appeared at the entrance of Simmons Alley, a short distance from his house, and shot at him repeatedly.

The Reporter

Arthur Saldivar has resubmitted application to become Standard Bearer of Belmopan.
Attorney Arthur Saldivar has resubmitted his application to become Standard Bearer of Belmopan. Saldivar, who was previously disqualified by the National Executive of the PUP, filed an injunction in Court...

LARGE DRUG BUST IN CHAN-CHEN, Corozal
The Belize Police Department showed the media a large cache of drugs, guns and ammo. that was discovered by the police during recent anti-drug operations...

Hon. John Briceño comments about education system
Leader of the Opposition Hon. John Briceño says that there is something seriously wrong with our education system. He says that our teachers have not been given the tools to...

Fire in Belize City
Reporter. Marion Ali A fire was reported a short while ago in Belize City. The blaze was reported in the vicinity of Brown’s Butane Gas Service in the Mopan Street ...

New book revisits rocky road to passage of Belize’s Domestic Violence Act
At one point in Belize’s history, marital rape was not deemed to be a crime and there were no laws to specifically protect domestic violence victims...

Editorial – July 8
Mr. Shoman continues in his own words: “We cannot let the matter ride. We cannot surrender. We must continue to struggle!”Today the need to struggle is more...

Breaking Belize News

Belize city cops find live bullets in an abandoned lot
Yesterday around 4:00 p.m., Belize city police conducting mobile patrol searched an abandoned lot on Lavender street […]

Police find almost 15 lbs of weed in San Ignacio
Yesterday around 10:15 a.m., a joint police operation in San Ignacio led to the discovery of an […]

Hands & Heart Foundation, BNE donate to feeding program
Today, the Hands and Heart Foundation and Belize Natural Energy (BNE) staff donated over $2000 worth […]

CARICOM joins ‘Celebrate Bahamas’ Independence festivities
The Caribbean Community joined the Bahamians in celebrating the country’s 45th anniversary of Independence today. […]

‘No Plastic, No Styrofoam Kids Summer Camp’ in Bullet Tree Village, Cayo
The Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development, Omar […]

Loma Luz Hospital in Santa Elena launches summer discounts on medical services
La Loma Luz Adventist Hospital in Santa Elena, Cayo is offering several medical promotional packages for […]

Pump Prices for Regular Gasoline and Kerosene decrease
The Ministry of Finance announced today that as of midnight last night, the pump prices for Regular Gasoline […]

American retiree shot in home invasion dies
An American retiree and victim of a home invasion in San Pedro last week died today. […]

Market Intelligence training workshop being held in Belize
The Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA), in partnership with the Belize Trade and Investment Development […]

More than 16,000 Belizeans have already re-registered
The Elections and Boundaries Department yesterday issued a preliminary report on the national re-registration exercise […]

Blogs

WHY BELIZE’S CAYE CAULKER IS THE DEFINITION OF PARADISE
There are some things people generally assume about Belize. They assume it’s sunny, that the vibes are always good, and that the ceviche is the best ceviche ever. Take it from me, all of the above applies, but tenfold in Caye Caulker. This island is the beachy paradise in Belize where the vibes are REAL good, and even if a temporary storm decides to make it rain, you have so many reasons to smile.

2018 Belize Summer To-Do List: I Need To Get Better at This!
The last few summers started with a Belize Check-List. Nothing too crazy or off the wall – just a very do-able wish list as the tourism season slowed in Belize. A chance to step back and explore Ambergris Caye as a tourist and maybe see a bit more of the country. And over the last few years, I’ve been absolutely CRAP at getting things done. Perhaps I reached just a bit too high? Here’s the 2016 list (14 items) and the TWO PART Slow Season Do’s for 2017.

Turkish Ambassador to Belize Presents Letters of Credence
Turkey’s Ambassador-designate to Belize H.E. Suleyman Gokce presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan. During his visit to Belize, Ambassador Gökçe held several bilateral meetings with high-level government officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Patrick Faber, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wilfred Elrington, and other senior officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In his meeting with Minister Elrington, Ambassador Gökçe reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Belize in all fields.

Tour Guide Licensing Advisory

Artist Toolkit Sensitization Session
EXPORT Belize, a unit of BELTRAIDE, in collaboration with the Music Industry Association of Belize (MIAB) would like to invite musicians to the Artist Toolkit Sensitization Session on July 26, 2018, at 6 pm. The session will provide participants with relevant information (Contracts, Visa Requirements, Promotional Documents) every artist needs in order to perform at a professional level in local and international markets.

Hon. Dr. Omar Figueroa joins villagers from Bullet Tree Falls
Hon. Dr. Omar Figueroa, Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development, joined villagers from Bullet Tree Falls in the Cayo District for the launch of the first 'No-Plastic No-Styrofoam Kids Summer Camp'. 50 children from the community will participate in the camp which will be hosted from the July 9th to 29th. At the end of each week, the children will be taken on field trips to different protected areas in Belize.

Decrease in Pump Prices for Regular Gasoline and Kerosene
The Ministry of Finance is pleased to announce that, as of midnight last night, the pump prices for Regular Gasoline and Kerosene decreased. Regular Gasoline declined by 13 cents per gallon at the pump in Belize City to a new price of $10.89 per gallon. The pump price for Kerosene decreased by 43 cents per gallon in Belize City to a new price of $8.21 per gallon. The price decreases have come about because the batch of products from a recent shipment was procured by PUMA earlier last month when global oil prices were on the tail-end of a sharp decline triggered by OPEC pumping more oil to ease global supply concerns.

Preliminary Report- Re-registration of Electors Exercise 2018
The Elections and Boundaries Department is pleased to inform the public that the 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise continues to proceed on target. A Preliminary Report on the exercise is hereby provided as follows for the period 2nd to 7th July 2018: Registration Centers were opened to the public effective 2nd July 2018 in all thirty-one (31) electoral divisions countrywide to facilitate the acceptance of applications for the registration of electors. Political parties’ scrutineers were present at most of these centers to observe the registration process.

2018 OAS Scholarship for Professional Development for a Diploma Course in Water Resource Management
This course is intended for public service officers, hydroelectric companies, companies related to the services of supply and sanitation, members of local agencies, managers of water resources, non-governmental organizations and professionals interested in the training of best practices in water management.

What to Expect on a Medicinal Trail Tour in Belize
Calling all alternative medicine enthusiasts! Journey into Belize’s verdant jungle on a Medicinal Trail Tour to learn about the plants and herbs which have been used to cure various ailments for centuries. While modern medicine has come a long way in the past 100 years, there are many who swear by these age old remedies which can easily be found throughout Belize. Take a hike through the jungle and you’ll find that there is a use for pretty much everything you see. But first things first, what do you bring? Well, make sure you’re wearing comfortable attire. Chances are you’ll probably break a sweat and might get a little dirty. Most tours will take place under the jungle canopy, but a hat and sunscreen are good to bring along regardless. Since the trails wind through the jungle, it’s safe to assume that you’ll encounter a few bugs. Bug repellant, long pants, and closed shoes will go a long way in averting their unwanted attention. Last, but not least, bring along water to avoid dehydration.

International Sources

CCJ restores conviction and sentence but criticises procedural flaws in Belize case
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Tuesday ordered that a conviction and sentence of five years for causing dangerous harm imposed on Gilbert Henry be restored but noted that, as Henry had already served his time, he would not be imprisoned or face any other sanction. Henry’s previous conviction had been quashed by Belize’s Court of Appeal in a written judgment delivered on 16 June 2017, reversing an oral judgment it had given earlier in this case.

Tropical fruits of Guatemala, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador used by the Maya for thousands of years
Fruits and nuts have always been part of Mayan diet. Most Mayan house gardens have fruit and nut trees surrounding the homes. And in many Mayan milpas the fruit and nut trees are not cut down when the rest of the forest is slashed and burned. So fruits, nuts, and the soft flesh of seed pods such as Inga species have been a part of Mayan diet for millennium. Most studies of Maya diet and agriculture focuses on maize, beans, squash, and root crops. So our www.maya-ethnobotany.org will have plenty of discussion of those seeds and vegetables. But we do not want to forget fruits and nuts either.

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