August 9, 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

Renowned British filmmaker Richard Foster found stabbed to death in Belmopan
Foster, a renowned British filmmaker residing in Belize, was reported missing on Tuesday, August 7th, after his wife Carol could not get in touch with him from the United States. A check on his residence at Mile 28 ½ by the George Price Highway revealed Foster’s home open and ransacked, his vehicle and two guns missing, and Foster nowhere to be found. He was found dead later that same day in the Capital City with what appears to be multiple stab wounds and head injuries. After police suspected that Foster had been abducted, his Toyota Hilux was found in a bushy area at Mahogany Heights. According to a police report, they then received information about a body that was found in the Rivera Area of Belmopan. After the scene was processed, the lifeless body was identified as Richard Foster’s. His body was observed with multiple stab wounds and head injuries. The body was transported to the Western Regional Hospital, where Foster was pronounced dead on arrival.

SAMOA pathway midterm review meeting underway in San Pedro Town
A regional preparatory meeting to review what is known as the SAMOA pathway officially started on Monday, August 6th in San Pedro Town. SAMOA which means, ‘Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action’, is a ten-year-program adopted in 2014 in the Independent State of Samoa, located in the Pacific Ocean. The regional preparatory meeting currently taking place at the Mahogany Bay Village south of San Pedro Town ends on Thursday, August 9th, and aims at assessing and providing an opportunity for Caribbean countries to evaluate progress achieved in its implementation towards sustainable development.

Ambergris Today

National Geographic British Filmmaker Reported Missing In Belize
British national and nature documentary filmmaker, Richard Foster, 74, has been reported missing as of today, Tuesday, August 2, 2018. His family is concerned after his wife could not make contact with him from the United States where she is currently staying. According to Police reports, Glen McFadzean of La Democracia village told police that this morning, Foster’s wife called him and asked him to check on Richard since he has been trying to call him but to no avail. McFadzean went to Foster’s home at mile 28 ½ George Price highway and found it open and ransacked.

Preventing Childhood Obesity In Belize
Current efforts of the Belize Cancer Society has led to a partnership with the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children to highlight the prevalence of obesity within our child population in Belize. With its inception in 2017,The Healthy Caribbean Coalition's (HCC's) Civil Society Action Plan 2017-2021: Preventing Childhood Obesity in the Caribbean has been geared towards the recognition and response to non-communicable diseases with its main focus being the consistent rise in cases of obesity within children.

Misc Belizean Sources

GoFundMe: Justice and support for the Fosters
To help and contribute to a fund for Justice and Support for the Fosters, CLICK here

FREE HEARING TESTS TOMORROW AT LICA, CAYE CAULKER
Ear testing specialist will be on Caye Caulker at La Isla Carinosa Academy on Thursday, 9th August 2018 @ 3pm. Message or contact me at 668-7512 to make appointment or simply bring your child to the school for FREE HEARING TEST.

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint this majestic View.

Crime Stoppers Reward: Richard Foster
On August 7th 2018, filmmaker Richard Foster was at his home near the Belize Zoo (Democracia) when it is suspected burglars broke in, robbed him and then abducted him. His body was later discovered with multiple stab wounds in the Rivera area in the City of Belmopan. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and charge of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Richard Foster. Please use the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline to report any information. These calls are answered by Miami Dade detectives in Florida. 0-800-922-8477 or 0-800-922-TIPS

Ministry of Agriculture Imports Second Batch of New Bloodline of Breeding Sheep from the United States
The Ministry of Agriculture hereby informs livestock producers that the Ministry has received their second batch of imported sheep. A total of 15 Barbados Black Belly Sheep and 6 Katahdin Sheep were imported from the United States of America. Thus far, a total of 66 sheep have been imported as breeding stock at Central Farm Livestock Section in the Cayo District. The breeding stocks will be incorporated in the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center’s program to consistently provide certified breeding animals to sheep breeders. This will play a vital role in the diversity of bloodline to improve the genetics of sheep in Belize and to establish a Breeding Stock Certification program.

Ministry of Agriculture Concludes its Regional Summer Camp for Youths Engaged in Agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Belmopan Police Department concluded their two-week regional summer camp for Youths Engaged in Agriculture. The summer camp which started on July 23rd concluded on August 4th with a “kid rodeo” at the National Agriculture and Trade Showgrounds in Belmopan. The camp had participants from the Cayo and Belize Districts. The objective of the camp was to make agriculture more appealing to the youths, recognizing it as a vital career, especially with an ageing population of farmers. The camp also served as a means of keeping youths engaged in positive activities, reducing incidences of crime committed by youths.

Ministry of Natural Resources Receives Donation from the Republic of China (Taiwan)
Today, August 8, 2018, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), through its Ambassador to Belize H.E. Charles Liu, donated US$105,000 to the Government of Belize through the Ministry of Natural Resources. In a brief ceremony held at the Office of the Prime Minister in Belize City, Minister of Natural Resources Hon. Hugo Patt received the donation. The Minister shared his gratitude on behalf of the Government of Belize while reiterating how the funds will play a major role in upgrading the existing Landfolio Information System of the Ministry. Hon. Patt stated that the donation will contribute to the Ministry’s efforts to improve the efficiency of administering land transactions and enabling improved service delivery to the public.

Vacancy for an Individual Consultant
The REDD+ Readiness Project in Belize is looking for an experienced and eligible International Consultant for Legal and Institutional Framework for REDD+ Implementation in Belize. Interested consultants must express their interest by August 18, 2018. For further information please see attached pictures.

Closure of the Justice of the Peace Verification Process
The Attorney General’s Ministry hereby informs the public that the Justice of the Peace (JP) verification process has now ended. Applications for verification will no longer be accepted. Those who did not submit documents during the process have thereby relinquished their title of Justice of Peace and can no longer perform the duties of a JP. Persons who have submitted their documents but are still awaiting a response are informed that they will receive their response by the end of this month. The finalized list of Justices of the Peace will also be made public at that time.

Deputy Director General of Technical Cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency Visits Belize
On Sunday, August 5th, 2018, the Deputy Director General of Technical Cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr. Dazhu Yang, and the Section Head of Technical Cooperation for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Saul Perez Pijuan, arrived in Belize for a working visit. The aim of the visit was to strengthen technical cooperation with Belize as well enhance regional cooperation for Belize through its partnership with IAEA. The IAEA is an international organization that seeks to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health, and prosperity throughout the world and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.

Belmopan area oower outage scheduled for 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 12
Power outage scheduled for 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 12 to affect entire Belmopan, Armenia and Mile 31 to 50 George Price Hwy including La Democracia, Mahogany Heights, Frank’s Eddy, St. Matthew’s, Cotton Tree, Valley of Peace, Roaring Creek, Camalote, Teakettle, Arizona, Ontario, Buena Vista, Blackman Eddy, Buena Vista, San Marcos, Santa Teresita, Selena and Los Tambos. BEL to conduct maintenance and testing of equipment at the Belmopan Substation, replace transmission structures and utility poles, energize underground cables, and relocate a transformer.

Cayo Hosting National Song Competition
The 2018 National Song Competition will be held at the Santa Elena Sporting Complex on Saturday, August 18th. "The twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena is proud to be the host of this year's National Song Competition which will be held at the Santa Elena Sporting Complex on August 18th, 2018. You are all invited to come witness Belizean singers from all over the country compete for big cash prizes! Entrance is free so make it a date and hope to see you there as it all starts at 8p.m. sharp!"

Two Cayo Police Officers Receive SHJC Scholarships
Sacred Heart Junior College awarded 2 San Ignacio police, WPC Standford and PC Reid, scholarships for their Associates degrees. The scholarships come out of the new partnership between the Community Policing Team and SHJC. Education is the key. "Two officers from the San Ignacio Police Formation WPC Standford and PC Reid were recipients of a full scholarship sponsored by Sacred Heart Junior college to attend that prestigious institution.

Motmot Heritage Educational Camp Finishes
The Motmot Heritage Educational Camp finished. Thanks to everyone that helped with this amazing Summer camp! "Last day of Motmot Heritage Educational Camp. Today the kids had a cooking session where the learn how to make bollos. We concluded the day with a presentations of the origin of corn and importance of corn. Thank you to all that assisted for a successful event."

BTB Scholarships
Today The Belize Tourism Board in conjunction with the Belize Hotel Association distributed numerous scholarships to assist parents & kids in the Tourism Sector. The Belize Tourism Board’s scholars are as follows: Leanna Duncan – Tourism Scholarship for the Associate Program at St. John’s College Junior College, Belize City. Jinelle Novelo – Tourism Scholarship for the Bachelor Program at the University of Belize, Belize City. Alma Urbina – Jean Shaw Scholarship for the Bachelor Program at the University of Belize, Belize City ...

Congratulations to Dr. Heather McKillop and Dr. E. Cory Sills on being awarded a National Science Foundation grant for research in southern Belize
Here is their announcement.: Dr. Heather McKillop of Louisiana State University and Dr. E. Cory Sills of The University of Texas at Tyler (LSU PhD Geog 2013, MA Anth 2007) have been awarded a 3 year NSF grant from the Archaeology Program entitled “Labor organization in a traditional complex society” (Aug 1/18-July 31/21). Along with undergraduate and graduate students, the interdisciplinary research will investigate how staple goods and resources are produced and distributed in complex economies, in particular by examining how food staples are produced for marketplace trade. The researchers will examine what factors make small enterprises successful, including the organization and composition of labor and the identification of markets, as well as factors that contribute to failure.

Channel 7

Belize Beats #1
Tonight, Belize’s Women’s National Volleyball team could be on the verge of something major in the Twentieth Central American Volleyball Championship. The team shocked the world last night at the Civic in what has to be the upset of the century: They beat the #1 ranked women’s team in the region, Costa Rica.  This catapulted them to second place in the tournament standings. This morning, President Allan Sharp was still riding an adrenaline high as he tried to put the historic victory into context:… Jules Vasquez: "What was the feeling last night?" Allan Sharp - President, BVA: "Well extreme emotion, I actually had to go back and sit down - I felt weak but basically because of the high emotion. I mean no team in Central America had beaten Costa Rica since 1999 and they've only lost once since 1991 and that was to Honduras in 1997 and may I say by the same coach that's coaching us. In fact in this particular tournament since 1991 they have not lost, so the win was a very big win."

Famous Filmmaker Found Dead
Everyone’s worst fear was confirmed last night when police found 74 year old British filmmaker Richard Foster’s body in the Rivera Area of Belmopan.  As we reported, the caretaker for Foster’s property went to the house early yesterday morning - and Foster was missing. The place had been trashed and Foster’s two guns plus his Toyota pickup were gone.   Not too long after police got a call that his truck was found in the bushes in Mahogany Heights. Then, all hope was lost last night when his body was found. Courtney Weatherburne has the story of a quiet legend who was ruthlessly murdered: From Richard Foster’s ransacked Savanna Guest House To his grey Toyota truck that police found yesterday morning in the bushes in Mahogany Heights.

NCFC: Listen To Your Children
Many are still in disbelief that 7 year old Antwone Marin took his own life. His family and the Seine Bight community are also trying to come to terms with it. While police are still investigating this case, so far, based on the post mortem and other information – it is being treated as a suicide. But why would he do it? Well, the National Committee for Families and Children weighed in on this topic. They addressed the fact that there can be a number of reasons that can lead a child to commit suicide. The statement says, quote, “Hurt’ is not only physical, it can be psychological as our children are exposed to trauma-inducing abuses and experiences and can also suffer from mental illness and depression.”

What’s The San Pedro Solution
Relief supplies have been coming in for the 87 San Pedranos who lost everything in the weekend’s big block fire in the Boca Del Rio Area. And while NEMO has given them food, hygiene kits, bedding, mattresses, and a portable stove, and a temporary shelter, what about the rebuilding of their own homes? Well, that’s where their fellow islanders come in. The villagers of San Pedro are very community minded, and are known to come up big in times of disaster. We caught up with Area Rep. Manuel Heredia Jr., this morning, and he shared more details about how the community of San Pedro will assist the victims:

Area Rep: Restraint For Cayo Rosario
The press also asked Heredia about a proposed development that has been approved for Cayo Rosario. That’s a 10-acre island off the northwest coast of San Pedro.  According to island environmentalists, and tourist industry stakeholders, this type of development will destroy the rich natural habitat of the wildlife that call Cayo Rosario home. They also point to the dredging that needs to be done to install more than 80 over-the-water structures, which the developer has proposed for the Caye. The bottom line is that there are residents of San Pedro who don’t want this project to proceed any further and opponents have organized themselves into a group call the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development.

Armpits Everywhere Rejoice
As of tomorrow, you can go and re-register without sleeves.   Today the Chairman of the Election and Boundaries Commission Doug Singh told us that the Chief Elections Officer has sent an email directive to staff at all re-registration centers saying that anyone can re-register in a sleeveless top.  That includes camisole tops, tank tops and undershirts.   We spoke to the Prime Minister who said he was not aware of the policy - which he strongly opposes.  Just like Singh, he says re-registration should be made as simple and accessible as possible for all.  

Teenager Charged For Robbing Fruit Vendor
Police have charged the 18 year old Coney Drive fruit vendor robber. He is Jane Usher Boulevard resident Luis Beaton. He has been charged with attempted robbery, aggravated assault and kept firearm without a gun license. He pleaded not guilty when he appeared today before Magistrate Emmerson Banner. He was remanded into custody until October 16th. The daring hold up happened on Monday morning around 10:00. The fruit shop owner 48 year old Carlos Ortiz was at his stall when two men came to buy a banana. They left but then returned complaining that the banana was rotten. Ortiz sensed that something was up and got his knife and hid it behind his back.

Apartment Invaders
There was a ruthless apartment invasion on the Northside of Belize City yesterday evening.  At around 4:30, 42 year old Cuban Rosa Zorilla heard a knock at her apartment door, and  when she opened it, saw two men with bandanas  over their faces armed with a millimeter pistol.  They barged in, punched her in the face and helped themselves to several pieces of jewelry and a laptop computer.   They then burglarized two other apartments stealing cell phones and cash.  Police haven’t made any arrests.

Oil Spill, What If?
Much has rightly been made of the fact that Government has legislated a moratorium on off-shore oil exploration. But, what if there’s an spill in Belizean waters from imported oil and fuels.  And what would the response be if there is a spill at the terrestrial oil exploration sites? Those were some of the questions that experts were considering today.  
They’re trying to finalize a National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, which would update the country’s current response mechanism. 

Director Shuffle In Vital Stats
It’s known as the office with the longest, most frustrating lines - but the Vital Statistics Office in Belize City was on lockdown today. A sign posted outside says, quote, “the system is being serviced,” which is not what we heard. 7News has confirmed that the Director, Patricia Hinkson was given her letter of termination after 5:00 pm yesterday. She was a contract officer who had just signed her contract a few months ago. But, according to our sources, the political directorate wasn’t happy with the timeliness of how re-registration documents were being processed, amongst other problems, evidence by the inordinate lines. So, quite suddenly, Hinkson was sent home.

Boots Blasé On Building
Since May, we’ve been reporting on The Lake Independence Resource Center, a youth facility that will also be a multipurpose building. The 4.66 million dollar building is part of the wider Youth and Community Transformation Project funded by the CDB.  But when we visited today, construction seemed to be going at a snail’s pace, with only a handful of workers on site.  We note that progress had been made, but it is unlikely that it will be ready for this month - which is when it was scheduled for completion.  We asked the Minister about it yesterday, and he seemed unconcerned:…

Cousin Gives Hon. Heredia Grief
Manuel Heredia Jr., the Belize Rural South Area Representative, was first elected to office back in 2003. That’s 15-year run, and now, his cousin, Gary Greif, a sitting Town Councillor who was re-elected to office in the March 7 municipal elections, wants to unseat him. 7News has confirmed that Greif’s application to run in a UDP convention against Heredia was approved.  The party now has to set a date for the voters of San Pedro and Caye Caulker to decide which of these two candidates should be their UDP standard bearer for the 2020 General elections.

Bradley, A Commonwealth Observer In Zimbabwe
And while Herredia is focussing on elections in Belize - his UDP colleague, Darrell Bradley was far afield - observing July 30th. elections in Zimbabwe.  Bradley was called up as part of a Commonwealth Observer Mission that went to witness the first election in that country after Robert Mugabe was made to step down earlier this year.   Post-Mugabe Zimbabwe is trying to get out of a state of international isolation so they asked the Commonwealth Observers to come in.  Bradley told us what he saw:.. Darrell Bradley, UDP Caretaker: "The people of Zimbabwe really came out in mass to really want to signal a new direction or a new change. It was very interesting, it was a new experience for me and I think this is something that the commonwealth really brings a lot of experience to at the end of the day we were able to observe quite a bit..."

Tourism Teaches
Belize Tourism industry continues to grow, and both the BTB and the Belize Hotel Association want to ensure that highly trained individuals are being groomed to take over leading positions in the industry in the years to come.  That’s why both organizations have selected 10 promising young Belizeans to sponsor the continuation of their education. The award ceremonies for these scholarships were held today and here’s what the BTB rep. had to say about the deserving scholars who they are funding this year:

How Did Belize Get Good?
Right now, the Belize Women’s National Volleyball Team is warming up at the Civic Center, about to  play the most important game of their lives.  That’s because they’re playing for gold. That spot opened up because Costa Rica just beat El Salvador, which was the only undefeated team. So now, it’s a three way scramble for gold between Belize, Costa Rica and El Salvador.   It’s a great and historic opportunity, but we asked, how did Team Belize get here?  Our program had so long been the doormat of the region, regularly losing in straight, sometimes scoreless sets.  We asked the president of the Association:..

Rabinowitz Passes; Legacy Lives On
At the start of the news we told you about the murder of Richard Foster, the British Film-maker who’d called Belize home for 45 years, and made this country famous in his nature documentaries, going all the way back to the 80’s.  At that time, surely his path would have crossed with Alan Rabinowtiz, who set up the first jaguar reserve in the world back in the early 80’s. Rabinowtiz died on Sunday at 64 in a hospital in Manhattan.  But, 8 years ago, we interviewed him and asked him to go over the history of how that reserve was set up.  It’s a fascinating story as told to Jules Vasquez:…

Mayor Wagner with Muslim Leaders
You’ve seen former mayor Darrell Bradley all over the news these past two days.  But the current Mayor was making news in the UK.   He was a special guest at the Jalsa Salana Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community outside London.  Here’s what he told the gathering on Sunday:… We’ll have more on the Jalsa Salana event on Friday’s news.

Channel 5

British Filmmaker, Richard Foster, Found Stabbed to Death
Shockwaves were felt across the conservation and film industry communities after it was learned that the body of seventy-four-year-old Richard Foster was found on Tuesday night. The well known British [...]

Additional Details Emerge in the Tragic Story of Antwone Marin
The National Committee for Families and Children has issued a release on the tragic passing of young Antwone Marin who died by suicide inside his parents’ bedroom in Seine Bight [...]

Choice Bank Sues G.O.B.
There is a new development in respect of the defunct Choice Bank. The bank’s license was abruptly revoked on June twenty-ninth at the recommendation of the Central Bank of Belize [...]

Belize Beats Costa Rica in Regional Volleyball Tournament
For the first time in regional volleyball history, Belize defeated the number one seated team of Costa Rica in the twentieth Central American Games. And that win for Belize was [...]

Tourism Minister Speaks About Way Forward After San Pedro Fire
San Pedro has a population of twenty-seven thousand residents. The popular tourism destination has been growing by leaps and bounds and the tourism dollar contributes heavily to the economy. The [...]

Area Rep Says G.O.B. and Residents Culpable
But there is widespread criticism that these measures to improve the fire response on the island are only just now being put in place when Saturday’s devastating inferno was the [...]

Manuel Heredia’s Choice Words for Gary Greif
Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia was very confident today, bordering on arrogant, when he dismissed the challenge in his division, made official by the United Democratic Party this past Saturday. His [...]

Anthony “Boots” Martinez Supports Michael Peyrefitte for Port Loyola
Four-time area representative, Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez will be retiring from electoral politics when his term comes to an end. Four persons have since decided to contest the U.D.P. convention in [...]

U.D.P. Green Lights Superman’s Candidacy for Port
Phillip Willoughby’s candidacy for U.D.P. standard bearer in Port Loyola has been formally accepted by the party’s nomination committee.  On Saturday the Central Executive of the United Democratic Party met [...]

M.O.H. C.E.O Confirms Shortage of Medical Materials
There is a shortage of medical supplies affecting public hospitals and clinics across the country. This was confirmed to News Five by the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of [...]

H1N1 Update: M.O.H. C.E.O. Says No New Confirmed Cases
We also asked Doctor Ramon Figueroa for an update on the cases of H-one N-one influenza. As we had reported, there have been five confirmed cases. Several other lab samples [...]

Meet the 7 Lucky BHA Scholarship Recipients
In time for the new academic year, the Belize Hotel Association is assisting parents to ease the burden of education costs. This morning, seven young students whose families work in [...]

B.T.B. Issues 3 Scholarships to Deserving Students
The event was a joint-award ceremony as this year’s B.T.B. scholarship recipients were also presented with certificates of acceptance into the programme. Leanna Duncan will pursue an Associate’s Degree at [...]

National Oil Spill Contingency Plan Almost Ready
A workshop with representatives from various government and non-government organizations, and private sector associated with Disaster Risk Management and Oil Spill Response started today in Belize City to validate the National Oil Spill Contingency [...]

Ministers Figueroa and Heredia Schedule Site Visit on Cayo Rosario
Environment Minister Doctor Omar Figueroa and Minister of Tourism, Manuel Heredia Junior will carry out an on-site inspection of the controversial Cayo Rosario next week. The caye, which is located [...]

National Trade Policy of Belize Public Consultations
The Government of Belize through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade is engaged in creating a coherent and effective trade policy, following the development and approval of a National Trade [...]

Public Input Needed for Trade Policy
The public is invited to attend these important meetings and participate in the process through which government is soliciting collective inputs that would inform the National Trade Policy.   Terrence [...]

Belize City – a Child Friendly Municipality in the Making
The Sustainable and Child Friendly Municipality Initiative was introduced back in 2014 to ensure that children feel safe, are provided with the amenities they need, and are healthy and well-informed. [...]

LOVE FM

Friend remembers Richard Foster
But who is Richard Foster and why is his passing such a tragedy for the environmental community? Foster had made friends everywhere as a conservationist. The staff of the Belize Zoo consider him part of their family. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) across the country, whether terrestrial or sea, such as Oceana Belize are mourning his loss. …

Jose Mai speaks on the discrepancies of ASR-BSI
The sugar cane industry has seen its fair share of challenges as world prices for refined white sugar has been plummeting for years. This time cane farmers are alleging they are losing-out on money because of discrepancies in the calculation of expenses by the miller at American Sugar Refinery’s Belize Sugar Industries. Sitnah Blease reports. …

Emmy winning British National Murdered
A well-known filmmaker who had made Belize his home since the 70’s has been found murdered. The senseless murder of Richard Foster started with a home invasion at mile 28 on the George Price Highway. He remained missing for hours but the trail continued west to Mahogany Heights and then to the Capital, Belmopan where …

Heredia discusses measures to prevent another disaster
Over the weekend, San Pedro experienced a fire which destroyed ten structures and left over eighty residents homeless. San Pedro is a popular tourist destination and more fires like the one experienced on Saturday can have a negative impact on the tourism industry. Area representative and Minister of Tourism, Manuel Heredia said that it is …

National Oil Spill Contingency Plan
The oil moratorium was passed into law preventing offshore oil exploration in the sea in October, 2017. This was welcoming news for World Wildlife Foundation, Oceana Belize and other members of the Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage. Oil spills are not only caused by oil exploration and disaster also tends to happen during …

What will happen to the Cayo Rosario project?
There is also another issue that island residents and environmentalists are facing. The Government of Belize has approved dredging at Cayo Rosario, which many are opposed to since it is located within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Love News spoke with Area Representative and Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia, who said that he intends to examine …

BTB & BHA awarded $30K in scholarships
For ten students their road to further their education got a little bit easier as they received scholarships from the Belize Tourism Board and the Belize Hotel Association. Herbert Haylock is the Director of Quality Assurance and Industry Standard, at the BTB. Johnelle Mckenzie: For ten students their road to further their education got a …

Ammunition and Firearm found in Corozal
On August 7th at eleven forty-five a.m., a search of an abandoned parcel of land on William Schofield Street in Corozal Town, led police to discover a homemade firearm and live rounds of ammunition inside the chamber of the weapon. No one was found in the area at the time and the police labelled the …

Burglary in Belize City
A Belizean woman told the cops she was robbed. Forty-two year old Rosa Zorilla told Police she was inside her apartment when there was a knock on the door. She said when she opened the door, she was greeted by two armed men, who had bandanas over their faces. The men hit Zorilla on her …

NCFC and One Strggle speaks on suicide of 7 year old
Two organizations that work with families have spoken out on the death of seven year old Antwone Marin from Seine Bight Village in the Stann Creek District. The National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC) and One Struggle have both expressed their sympathy to the child’s family. Statements from both organizations speak of Article 19 …

Taiwan donates money to the Ministry of Natural Resources
The Government of China on Taiwan has donated one hundred and five thousand US dollars to the Ministry of Natural Resources. The funds will be used to upgrade the existing Landfolio Information System of the Ministry …

PlusTV

Richard Foster murdered; body found in Belmopan
The body of Richard Foster was found in the Rivera area of Belmopan. It is believed that Foster was first kidnapped and then murdered. British National, 63 year old Richard Foster of twenty eight and a half mile on the George Price Highway, had been reported missing after his home was checked by G...

Police continue investigation into death of 7 year old
Police are still investigating the surprising and tragic death of a 7 year old child. Police are investigating Antwone Marin’s death as a “Death Investigation” though preliminary indications are that the child took his own life. He was found hanging from a wire in a bedroom and the post mortem sh...

Several apartments invaded and robbed by armed men
An apartment complex on Campos Avenue in Belize City saw several apartments burglarized; and in one of those cases, someone was at home at the time of the invasion. On Tuesday August 7th, sometime around 4:30 p.m., 42 year old Rosa Zorilla , a Cuban national, was inside her apartment, number 7. S...

San Pedro Area Rep promises new firefighting equipment once again
In the aftermath of San Pedro’s tragic weekend fire which destroyed a total of 10 homes, over 80 persons were left displaced. Those families have since been provided with food, shelter and clothing from various entities, including N.E.M.O, NGO’s and business owners. San Pedro’s area representative, ...

Heredia’s cousin will challenge him at UDP convention
A two-time UDP Councilor and cousin to Minister Manuel Heredia Junior will be challenging the UDP’s Belize Rural South seat in an upcoming UDP Convention. Councillor Gary Grief, the younger cousin of Minister Heredia, received a call from the party’s chairman on Saturday, informing him that his appl...

Dangriga man accused of rape of 13 year old
3 year-old Kreshawn Franzua was arraigned on Tuesday on a charge of rape. The complaint against Franzua was made since June 20th, but he was only located in Dangriga on Monday of this week. According to a report made teo police by a 13 year old Belize City resident and her mother, they were both as...

Woman accused of trying to run over teen
31 year-old Jinay Dellon was charged and arraigned for Aggravated Assault after she allegedly tried to run over a teenager with her car. The 17 year-old, accompanied by her mother, reported that at around 4:30 p.m. on August 5, she was walking on Gill Street with a female friend, when Dellon was dr...

San Pedro Area Rep updates on Cayo Rosario project
Proposed over- water developments at Cayo Rosario in San Pedro have been met with a lot of opposition from tourism stake holders, fishermen and several San Pedro residents. Those opposed to the development do so mainly because it falls within the Hol-Chan Reserve.

Belize beats Costa Rica at Volleyball
The 20th Central American Female Volleyball Tournament is being hosted in Belize and the Belize National team is already breaking records. Last night, the Belize National Female Volleyball team broke Costa Rica’s 15 year winning streak. No Central American team was able to defeat the Costa Rican female volleyball team for over 15 years, until Belize did the unthinkable inside the Belize Civic Centre last night.

BTB Scholarships awarded
The Belize Tourism Board and the Belize Hotel Association held a joint press conference today to give away 7 scholarships to deserving students. 14 awards have been issued by the Belize Tourism Board, since the fund was established in 2011. According to Ted Tejeda, the President of the Belize Hotel Association, over eight thousand dollars were contributed by members of the association to make the 7 scholarships possible.

Small oil leak reported near Port Honduras Marine Reserve
On August 4th, 2018 in the latter part of the day, TIDE says it was informed that there was an oil-like substance seen in the Barracuda Range area of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve (PHMR). The incident report was made to TIDE by a concerned tour-guide of Punta Gorda.

Deputy Director General of Technical Cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency Visits Belize
The Deputy Director General of Technical Cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr. Dazhu Yang, and the Section Head of Technical Cooperation for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Saul Perez Pijuan, arrived in Belize for a working visit on Sunday, August 5th.

Ministry of Natural Resources Receives Donation from Taiwan
GOB received a donation of one hundred and five thousand US dollars today from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The donation was handed over by Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize, H.E. Charles Liu, to Belize’s Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Hugo Patt.

Breaking Belize News

Agriculture summer camp for children wraps up
The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Belmopan Police Department concluded their two-week regional summer […]

Belize gets second batch of imported sheep from US
The Ministry of Agriculture today informed livestock producers that the Ministry has received a second batch of […]

NCFC issues statement on alleged suicide of a child
The National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC) today issued a statement joining the Seine […]

Taiwan donates $210,000 to Belize’s Ministry of Natural Resources
Today, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), through its Ambassador to Belize H.E. […]

The Belize Zoo mourns the loss of Richard Foster
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZ) issued a statement today saying that it […]

Reward offered to locate murderer/s of Richard Foster
Crime stoppers Belize has issued a reward bulletin for $1000 for anyone who can lead […]

Zoologist instrumental in establishing Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary dies
Zoologist, Alan Rabinowitz died on August 5 at a Manhattan Hospital in the United States […]

Belize’s tourism industry sees boost in European visitors
Belize has seen a significant boost of European travelers to the country over the first […]

Justice of the Peace verification process ends
The Attorney General’s Ministry informed today that the Justice of the Peace (JP) verification process has […]

SHJC awards scholarships to 2 police officers
Sacred Heart Junior College (SHJC) yesterday awarded scholarships to two police officers from the San […]

Team Belize beats Costa Rica in volleyball tournament; faces team Guatemala tonight
Belize is hosting the 20th edition of the Central American Women Volleyball Championship. Today, Team […]

East Point fire fighter donates clothing to children in Belize
International media outlets are reporting that a fire fighter from East Point, Georgia, traveled to […]

Boots endorses Peyrefitte for Port!
For the last several weeks all eyes have been focused on the Port Loyola constituency […]

Richard Foster found dead in Belmopan
Last night Belmopan Police found the body of Richard Foster,74, the British National that was reported […]

Blogs

2nd International Deep Sea Classic Fishing Tournament
In July 2017 the 1st International Deep Sea Classic Fishing Tournament was held at Grand Caribe and it was a big success. The 2nd annual deep sea classic is on track to be bigger and better. The prizes have increased substantially and more boats have entered. Last year all totaled $44,000 in cash and prizes were given away. This year there is over $50,000 in cash and prizes. That is going to make for an exciting finish line so grab your cameras and head on up to Grand Caribe to watch the weigh-in. This is a family friendly event and open to the public.

Going Slow in Caye Caulker, Part Two: Photos, Hotel and Food
Over this past weekend, I spent 24 hours on Caye Caulker. Just a few miles away, a 30 minute water taxi ride, our little sister island is smaller, less populated and less developed. The sand streets, the pastel wooden buildings and the sparkling blue sea make it the PERFECT weekend getaway for visitors from just about anywhere. Even for me. Coming from the next town over. With the perfect hotel in the perfect location, I had a perfect time. It’s nice to be on vacation!

Videos

August 8, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

NEMO delivers assistance to victims of Boca del Rio fire
In the aftermath of another devastating fire in San Pedro Town, governmental and non-profit organizations have come together to assist the over 80 islanders, who lost practically everything. On Tuesday, August 7th, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) delivered relief supplies to victims on the island as promised by Honourable Edmond Castro, Minister of National Emergency Management in the country. Castro told the media on Saturday, August 4th, hours after the fire, that help was coming for the fire victims. Items were barged from the mainland to the island and distributed at San Pedro’s Children’s Home and Community Centre, Hope Haven. On hand to distribute the assistance were NEMO representatives and even Mayor Daniel Guerrero.

Gilberto Antonio Chanek charged for the murder of Carlitos Valdez
On Monday, August 6th, 23-year-old Gilberto Antonio Chanek was charged for the murder of 50-year-old Carlitos Valdez. Valdez was allegedly stabbed to death by Chanek inside his room on Friday, August 3rd in San Pedro Town. According to the official police report, around 8PM, officers responded to a report on Caribeña Street in downtown San Pedro. Upon arrival, they saw the lifeless body of Valdez lying face up on a bed with multiple stab wounds to his body. Initial police investigation revealed that around 7:40PM, Police Constable Nestor Campus was upstairs of the residence in his room when he heard a commotion. Upon making checks, he saw Chanek running from the direction of a room occupied by Valdez, loocated on the eastern side of the residence, with a knife in his hands.

Ambergris Today

National Geographic British Filmmaker Reported Missing In Belize
British national and nature documentary filmmaker, Richard Foster, 74, has been reported missing as of today, Tuesday, August 2, 2018. His family is concerned after his wife could not make contact with him from the United States where she is currently staying. According to Police reports, Glen McFadzean of La Democracia village told police that this morning, Foster’s wife called him and asked him to check on Richard since he has been trying to call him but to no avail. McFadzean went to Foster’s home at mile 28 ½ George Price highway and found it open and ransacked.

Strengthening Belize’s Oil Spill Response Capabilities
Representatives from various Government and Non-Governmental Organizations, Private Sector, and Academia associated with Disaster Risk Management and Oil Spill Response will meet at the Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina, Belize City from 8th to 10th August 2018, to validate the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan.

Misc Belizean Sources

The Placencia Breeze August 2018
What’s Inside: Pedestrian Bumps, No-Parking Zones and Surface Traffic Lines Added to Placencia Road ... pg. 3 Q&A with Brice Dial ... pg. 5 Croc Corner ... pg. 6 Former Placencia Resident and Business Owner Jake Roberts Passes Unexpectedly at 72 ... pg. 7 Kirwin Ramirez: A Community Hero ... pg. 9 From the Fire Hearth: Eating in Seine Bight ... pg. 11 Library Opens in Seine Bight Village ... pg. 12 Placencia BTIA Membership Listing ... pages 15 and 18 Placencia Peninsula MAP ... pages 16-17 Wendy's Fire: An Inspirational True Story ... pg. 19 Placencia Peninsula Guide ... pgs. 22-23 Rotary Updates: Rob Cook Named New Rotary Club of Placencia President; Longtime Rotarian Harold Wallen Awarded Paul Harris Fellowship ... pg. 26 Placencia Humane Society Pet Clinic Dates ... pg. 27 Festival Calendar ... pg. 27 Next Chance to Round Up Predatory Lionfish Coming in September ... pg. 28 Community Contacts & Info ... pg. 31 Peninsula Happenings ... pg. 32

To the Mountain! Audiobook
The Yucatec Maya Audiobook of To the Mountain! is available for free listening and download at the Fajina website. The Yucatec Maya Audiobook of To the Mountain! was produced in 2017-2018 in collaboration with Frank Tzib, United Pentecostal School of San Antonio, Belize, and Emilio Calderon of The University of Texas at Arlington. The project was funded by a Literacy Grant from Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

5th Annual Yellow Ginger Festival

XX Central American Women's Volleyball Championship
Here are some of the photos captured at the XX Central American Women's Volleyball Championship by Will Moreno Photography

NEMO RELIEF SUPPLIES FOR FIRE VICTIMS IN SAN PEDRO
As part of humanitarian relief efforts, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is transporting supplies to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, where an early morning fire this past Saturday destroyed 10 homes, leaving more than 80 persons homeless. Minister of National Emergency Management Hon Edmond Castro joined NEMO personnel this morning at the Ladyville warehouse as they loaded up relief supplies to ship out to the island by barge.

Update on Re-registration of Electors Exercise
The Elections and Boundaries Department is pleased to update the public on the ongoing 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise. An update is hereby provided as follows for the period 29th July to 4th August, 2018. Registration Centers continues to be open in all thirty-one (31) electoral divisions county-wide to facilitate the acceptance of applications for the registration of electors. During the period a total of Eleven Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty-Four (11, 544) applications have been accepted, therefore the total number of applications received up to August 4th, 2018, is Eighty- One Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty-Three (81, 553).

Central American Women's Volleyball Championships
Last night Belize defeated Nicaragua in four sets. Tuesday we play Costa Rica (7:30 pm - CIVIC, Belize City) and tomorrow Wednesday we play Guatemala (7:30pm)

Free Back to School Haircut in Corozal
Free Back to School Haircut. Location will be at Baymen North Cable & Internet Premises #7 - 8th Avenue, Corozal Town happening on Saturday, August 11th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Maya Conversational language class
Thank you to Ms Debra Wilkes of The Corozal House of Culture for the opportunity to educate on the importance of rescuing our Maya heritage and identity from the platform of maya language education. Maestro Faustino Yam and Maestro Roy Rodriguez Sr presented a stellar package on this first day. We were most privileged to have the presence of the newly crowned in Merida Yucatan ,Miss International Culture Maya Miss Charisma Domingo from our beautiful Corozal Town.

Frozen Limeade, Fruit Flavored Slurpees
My wife has been out of town for a week, and I have been making slurpees like crazy in my kitchen lab. Here's recipes for frozen Lime juice, pineapple juice, peach juice, strawberry jusice, Grape Slurpee, and Dr. Pepper Slurpee... Enjoy!

South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch General Meeting Notice
Wednesday August 8, 2018 Lone Star Grill and Cantina

Elections and Boundaries Department Notice on Updated Re-Registration of Electors-Registration Centers
The public is hereby notified that the below-mentioned list of Registration Centers continue to be opened up to 31st August 2018 to facilitate the registration of electors during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

BOCA DEL RIO FIRE VICTIMS RECEIVE AID
On Tuesday, August 7, 2018, Mayor Daniel Guerrero was at Hope Haven to hand over aid items to the victims of the Boca del Rio fire that took place in the early hours of Saturday, August 4th. Items that were handed over included: top stove, butane tank, mattresses, sheets & blankets, broom & mop, detergents, bucket, food packages that included canned sausages, cheese, cereal and other canned items. Thank you to NEMO, Hope Haven, the people of San Pedro and any one who in any way assisted.

PACT Single Investment Project on Laughing Bird Caye National Park
PACT recently traveled to the Placencia Peninsula to catch up with the Southern Environmental Association who are implementing a PACT Single Investment Project entitled “Improving the management of Laughing Bird Caye National Park and the financial stability of SEA”. The Investment, valued at BZ$65,726.00, commenced in March 2017 and is expected to culminate in September 2018. As its title indicates, the project aimed at strengthening SEA’s financial stability via improved management, infrastructure, building human resource capacity and expanding the potential for resource mobilization. During the visit, PACT accompanied by the SEA Executive Director and other personnel, traveled to the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, Little Water Caye and the Laughing Bird Caye National Park.

CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque in San Pedro
I had the privilege of being host to our very own CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque today. He enjoyed snorkeling in Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark & Ray Alley. He got a tour of San Pedro Town, ending his day at the San Pedro House of Culture.

List of BEL Collection Agents
Payments for electricity bills can be made via direct cash payments, check, or credit card at any Authorized BEL Collection Agent countrywide.

Xunán Kab, the Maya bee in danger of extinction
Xunáan kaab is the name given in the Yucatec Maya language to the stingless bees of the genus Melipona and / or to the honey of them obtained that gathers certain distinguishing organoleptic characteristics . The people from Yucatec Maya descent in Belize might known them also as “Viejas” . The breeding (of the bees) or the production of (the honey) xunán kab (lady bee or lady honey) in Maya, is a pre-Columbian ancestral cultural tradition still current in some Yucatec Maya communities . The Maya domesticated the stingless bee (Melipona beecheii) from which they obtained honey and wax, both products used in the religious ceremonies of the Mesoamerican people. The wax was used for the production of candles and the sweetener, among other uses, for the production of Balché, a sacred wine among the Yucatec Maya .

Channel 7

7 Year Old Commits Suicide. Why?
There is a shocking suicide case out of Seine Bight where a 7 year old boy killed himself yesterday. The post mortem confirmed this as well. Now, we don't normally report on suicides, but this one is just so tragic, and unusual - that we had to find out what was behind it. But, due to the sensitivity of suicide cases, we won't go into too much detail. Here's what Courtney Weatherburne found out when she went down south. Courtney Weatherburne reporting Almost every evening after 5, Antwone Marin and his uncle would either be out on the basketball court shooting some hoops, Or out on the field playing football. On other days, little Antwone would come here to fish with his friends. He was a lively boy who enjoyed the outdoors.

Award Wining Brit-B’zean Film-maker Missing
Family and friends of 74 year old British photographer Richard Foster are in panic mode tonight after he was reported missing this morning. Foster along with his wife Carol own the Savanna Guest House near the Belize Zoo. When the caretaker went to look for Richard this morning, he was nowhere to be found, his home had been ransacked and a few of his belongings were missing. So, it is a missing person's case and apparently a home invasion. 7news was the first on the scene along with police this morning. Courtney Weatherburne has more. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: Carol and Richard Foster have been living in Belize for four decades. They have made this lovely quaint outdoor spot their home - it's known as the Savanna Guest House at mile 29 on the Western Highway - right next to the Belize Zoo.

Fire Families Getting Relief
Last night, we brought you coverage from San Pedro, where a block fire in the Boca Del Rio area of the island damaged or destroyed 10 houses and left 87 residents homeless. It started at around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. The neighborhood woke up to a raging fire that was spreading from house to house in one small block. They managed to escape unhurt, but they were forced to watch all their belongings go up in smoke. Hours after the fire, NEMO Minister Edmond Castro and Area Rep Manuel Heredia Jr., showed up to do a damage assessment, since a block fire is treated as a natural disaster. This evening, Castro confirmed with us that the relief packages that his ministry prepared have already arrived for those 10 families who lost everything. NEMO was out on the island today distributing packages including mattresses, a small table top stove, a gas tank, bedding, hygiene kits, and food packs.

Three Years Later, City Council Bulldozer Appears
Last night we told you about the three costly pieces of heavy equipment that have been missing from the City Council for more than three years. Well, tonight we have a major update. But our story has to start at the end, with the news that one piece of the missing equipment - a Bulldozer - magically turned up this afternoon and is in the city council's compound. The Deputy Mayor spoke to us about it by phone this evening:... Oscar Arnold, Deputy Mayor - Belize City Council: "My works' manager had received a call from an individual he only knows as Malic - that the bulldozer is on a trailer and it can be picked up or it can be delivered at the Cisco Works Department on the George Price Highway. So I ask him to reconfirm because I would like to go to pick it up to find out exactly where it was being housed. We didn't have a vehicle readily available at the Citco compound..."

Former UDP Mayor Says His Council Never Got Equipment
But that's just one angle of a story with many sides. The second side we leave to former Mayor Darrell Bradley. His council is the one that received the equipment in a grant from the government in early 2015. At the time Government acquired half a million dollars' worth of heavy equipment to help the council start its own sanitation department and absorb the scores of workers from the private sanitation company. Bradley today told us that he knew those three pieces of equipment were missing - and he did all he could to get them back to the city council:... Darrell Bradley, Former Mayor: "I think it would be 3 pieces of equipment including a bulldozer. I am familiar with the bulldozer, because we actually needed that piece of equipment when we did the staff land program. We had to actually pay a private person to clear the land when we were supposed to have a bulldozer to be able to do that. Those pieces of equipment were never turned over to the city council."

Hon. Martinez Denies Any Involvement
So, now, for the third side of the story we turn to the man who Bradley says was and is responsible, Minister Anthony Boots Martinez. Today, in an unusual setting, he invited the media up to the compound for his NGO, Housing For The Poor - where he sat on a wooden cable spool - that's right, a spool, not a stool! That's where he comfortably propped up his feet and denied, denied, denied: Reporter: "Minister Martinez, it is alleged that you have 3 pieces of heavy equipment that are the property of the Belize City Council. How do you respond to that?" Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez, Minister of Human Development: "That is not so at all. I don't work at Belize City Council, so I don't have anything in my possession in terms of having equipment."

Hon. Boots: “Noh Bring Yerri Soh…”
We also asked Martinez about the Louise Bevans Park in Port Loyola. That's one that should be property of the city council - but it was discovered that it was in the name of Ronald Reneau - known as Professor Chumba. He is Boots Martinez's sideman. Now he has already said that there are other Ronald Reneau's. And his boss was even more emphatic:... Reporter: "Louise Bevans Park." Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez: "What that got to do with me now?" Reporter: "Someone....." Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez: "No someone... no bring no hearsay to me. What that got to do with Louise Bevans Park? I know that you all like me, but no bring no hearsay to me at all. What else now?"

Child Labour, The Reality in Belize
Last year, we told you about the study that the Government of Belize and the European Union was doing on Belize's sugar industry in the north. The two partners were attempting to examine just how chronic the problem of child labour currently is among the sugar cane farming families of Corozal and Orange Walk. It was a comprehensive study done over several months were consultants from the Child Development Foundation and the Youth Enhancement Services went in and conducted surveys of the children and parents who make up the cane farming population. And more than just studying the presence child labor among the farmers, the consultants also wanted to find out about the general well-being of the youths who are part of this community.

Re-Registration Numbers Sag In Week 5
The Elections and Boundaries Department has released the numbers from the fifth week of the re-registration Exercise. It shows that for the week of 29th July to 4th August, a total of Eleven Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty-Four (11, 544) applications were accepted. That's the lowest turnout recorded for any week so far - and it's down from 15 thousand five hundred the week before. The elections and boundaries office notes that more applications have been received from rural areas as opposed to urban, which also happened in the 1997 Re-registration of Electors Exercise. You are urged to go and re-register starting tomorrow at 9:00.

Bradley Says Re-register Naked
But, when you do go, make sure to wear sleeves, because - for example - if you have an outfit like what I have tonight - with your shoulders exposed, you'll be turned back. Jules Vasquez found out all about that last week when he went to re-register sleeveless in Caribbean Shores as a challenge. Today, Darell Bradley - who is the UDP caretaker for the Shores said a voter should be free to go re-register naked if they want to:.. Darrell Bradley, UDP Caretaker: "What I would say by way of a response is that the voter registration process should be facilitative rather than barring, so that arguably so, there are crimes against this, but I could theoretically show up to register to vote naked. That's a crime, but that does not affect my ability to really register to vote provided I have the proper documents..."

Police Keeping Presence At Campos Residence
7 weeks ago, we told you about 43 year-old Omero Campos, the businessman from San Narciso Village in Corozal, who went missing from his farm off the San Victor Road. His family's worst fears were confirmed a few hours later, when they received a call from an unidentified, Spanish-speaking person, who told them that they had Campos held hostage, and they were demanding 1 million dollars for his safe return. After that, emails were sent to separate media houses, in which the writers of the emails were demanding cryptocurrency as ransom payment.

Boots is With Mike P. For Port
As you saw earlier in the news, today, Minister Anthony Boots Martinez held forth on a cable spool, stretching out his legs - but, he'll tell you - not stretching the truth. So we asked him about the state of play in Port LOYLA, where four UDP candidates are looking to replace him. Martinez told us who he is supporting:…

PUP Rep Has Concerns About ASR/BSI Accounting
On Friday we told you why cane farmers in the north are question how ASR/BSI calculates their sugar payments. The farmers say that some specific shipping language makes it unclear how 11 million dollars an Ocean Freight is spent. Today, PUP Orange Walk South Representative Jose Mai - who is also a cane farmer commented on it to CTV-3:... Tomorrow, we hope to have comment from BSI.

23 Year Old Arraigned For Rape of Child
23 year-old Kreshawn Franzua, a resident of Dangriga Town, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after a 13 year-old girl accused him of rape. His accuser told police that the incident occurred at around 2:30 a.m. on June 20, at a house on Lavender Street in Belize City. The 13 year-old's mother visited the police station and reported that she woke up at that time. She went into her daughter's room and found Franzua about to rape her. Her daughter was sleeping on her stomach, and her tights and underwear were pulled down. The 13 year-old mother told police that when Franzua spotted her, he made a mad dash out of the house.

Woman Allegedly Tries To Run Over Teenaged Girl
31 year-old Jinay Dellon, a resident of Landivar Street in Belize City, is out on bail after she was arraigned for allegedly trying to run another woman over with her vehicle. A 17 year-old, accompanied by her mother, visited police and reported that at around 4:30 p.m. on August 5, she was walking on Gill Street with a female friend, when a grey and black SUV swerved toward her. Her friend allegedly had to grab hold of her and drag her out of the path of the oncoming vehicle. The 17 year-old said that the SUV suddenly stopped beside her, Dellon jumped out, and she started pointing at her. She said that she feared for her life, and so she went home, but Dellon allegedly followed her into the her house, and she allegedly began pointing a finger in her face. The 17 year-old said that Dellon eventually left after shouting at her.

Channel 5

Seven-year-old Antwone Marin Becomes the Youngest Victim of Suicide in Belize
The loss of life of a child is painful, but when the young child dies by suicide; it is beyond comprehension. In the southern village of Seine Bight, a myriad [...]

British Filmmaker, Richard Foster, Missing; His Home Was Ransacked and Guns Stolen
There is growing concern tonight for the safety of Richard Foster, the famed film maker who has made Belize his home for decades. When he did not answer calls from [...]

CITCO Gets Back Missing Equipment
In a strange and interesting turn of events, two of the three unaccounted vehicles which should have been under the possession of the Belize City Council were returned this afternoon. [...]

Relief Supplies Distributed for San Pedro Fire Victims
Fire victims in San Pedro are getting their feet back on the ground in the wake of Saturday morning’s massive fire on the island. Ten houses were gutted leaving eighty-seven [...]

San Pedro Inferno Started in Angelita Velasquez House; She Finally Speaks
As has been reported, the fire that cleared down a block of ten houses in the Boca Del Rio area was deliberately set. On Monday, Fire Chief Ted Smith confirmed [...]

Hope Haven Brings Hope to Boca del Rio
Help continues to be rendered to victims of a fire in San Pedro that has left almost ninety persons homeless over the weekend.  At the forefront of the civilian effort [...]

Fire on Glyn Street, Again
There was also a fire in the city today.  It happened after twelve o’clock on Glyn Street where neighbors of the burning abandoned structure were seen trying to save important [...]

Re-Registration Update: 81K Applications Received, So Far
Eighty-one thousand, five hundred and fifty-three re-registration applications have been received by the Elections and Boundaries Department. Between July twenty-night and August fourth, eleven thousand, five hundred and forty-four persons [...]

It’s Official: Councillor Gary Greif to Contest U.D.P. Belize Rural South Division
It’s official….San Pedro Town Councillor Gary Greif will contest the U.D.P. convention against Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Junior as the party’s candidate for Belize Rural South. The approval of his [...]

Step Aside Heredia, Allow New Blood for Belize Rural South
The question, however, is what motivated Greif’s ambition for higher office. The two-term councillor says that residents are clamouring for a change to develop San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Greif [...]

ACCSD Gear Up to Fight Cayo Rosario Project
The National Environment Appraisal Committee has already approved the multimillion-dollar development on Cayo Rosario, located within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The mega tourism project initially called for ninety over [...]

Suicide Among Children: Know the Signs and Get Help!
There are more questions than answers tonight about the tragic death of seven-year-old Antwone Marin. The little boy from Seine Bight died by suicide on Monday and for Belizeans across [...]

Let’s talk about suicide among children, too!
But what does this death by suicide say to other children who may be going through a tough time? It can have a negative impact – but it also brings [...]

Survey shows that youth in Sugarcane producing villages want better quality of life!
What is the quality of life like for children and youth in the sugar-producing communities in the north? The findings of a new study show that young people are concerned [...]

Northern Youth Are Not Interested in Cane Farming?
At today’s launch of the survey findings, a wide cross section of the sugar industry was represented, along with government agencies. The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association was in attendance [...]

The Semi-Final Round of KTV the Remix
KTV the Remix, enters the semi final round tonight. It means that the format of the show will take a different route as the singers advance to the final round.  [...]

LOVE FM

Citco commits to new child friendly strategy
The Child Friendly Municipalities were introduced in 2014, to ensure that children have a voice. In this regard, each municipality has a functional child advisory body to ensure that children issues are addressed. The Belize City Council is looking at ways to continue to make the municipality child friendly. As a result, the Belize City …

Women’s Volleyball Competition has free entrance for 1,000 kids
Belize is the host country for the twentieth annual Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship. Six of the Central American nations are participating in the event and since it has been underway the competition has been quite challenging for the competing teams. The president of the Belize Volleyball Association, Allan Sharp says that there are two …

Research findings on child labour in Sugar Industry launched
The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, the Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association and the Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association are all Fair Trade certified. Fair Trade has very stringent standards as it relates to children working in the Sugar Industry. Therefore, in order to ensure that the standards are being met a research was undertaken, …

FIFA and FFB give training session to Referees
Football is the leading sport in Belize. And though it’s still a long road before a national team makes it all the way to World Cup glory, players, as well as referees, need training to improve their skills. That is why there is a Referee Assistant Program or RAP 2018 for Belize. It is organized …

Meeting held to discuss SIDS way forward
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals demands that special importance be given to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are vulnerable to climate change due to their size and limited financial resources. Yesterday, in San Pedro a regional meeting began to review the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action, Samoa Pathway ahead of the United …

Councilor Allan Pollard and the traffic department
A new traffic management committee was recently formed. Belize Councilor Allan Pollard spoke to us about its members and the areas that are being focused on that are deemed a priority in the city. Allan Pollard Councilor Responsible for Traffic: It is comprised of myself; we have an Inspector from the Police Department there, we …

Daisy West in Belize sharing about Nicaragua’s unrest
Tensions remain high in Nicaragua as the calls continue for President Daniel Ortega to step down. While the fight is ongoing at home, Nicaraguan, Daisy George West, a former teacher is in Belize trying to drum up support. West is part of a group Alianza Para La Justicia y la Democracia that is trying to …

Councilor Micah Goodin speaks youth and sports
Councilor Micah Goodin who has the responsibility for Youths and Sports has always been vocal and passionate about youth advocacy. Goodin told Love News he plans to use his position as a councilor to further assist with youth development for the country. Micah Goodin Councilor Responsible for Youth & Sports: For the last eight years of …

CitCo recovered missing equipment
A special audit was conducted by the Belize City Council and three pieces of heavy duty machinery were discovered missing. It was reported that the equipment were a part of a fleet that was given to the Belize City Council in 2015. Love News spoke with Deputy Mayor Oscar Arnold, who said that the Ministry …

Belizean athletes brought back gold from power-lifting competition
Power-lifting Team did exceptionally well at the North American Power-lifting Federation’s Belize’s 2018 Championship held in Mexico. The athletes competed in the sport of power-lifting; a strength-based sport in which athletes compete within weight classes and age groups to put up the highest possible total between the squat, bench, and deadlift. Ryan Bood …

Belize’s National Oil Spill Contingency Plan
Belize’s National Oil Spill Contingency Plan will soon be finalized. Representatives from various Government and Non-Governmental Organizations, Private Sector, and Academia associated with Disaster Risk Management and Oil Spill Response will meet later this week to validate the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan...

British National reported missing
British national sixty-three year old, Richard Foster has been reported missing. A friend stopped by Foster’s house at 28 ½ miles on the George Price Highway and found the house opened and ransacked. According to the friend, Foster’s wife who is in the US, asked him to check on him after she was unable to get in touch with Foster...

Re-registration Update
Eighty-one thousand, five hundred and fifty three applications have been received by the Elections and Boundaries Department in the re-registration exercise so far. The Department says for the week ended August 4, they received eleven thousand five hundred and forty four applications. ..

Amandala

87 people homeless after San Pedro fire
A massive fire on Conch Shell Street in the Boca Del Rio area of San Pedro destroyed 5 houses and left 87 persons homeless. Luckily, no one was hurt. The fire occurred at about 1:30 Saturday morning. The local fire service was called, but within a minute after the firemen arrived, they exhausted the water stored by the fire truck, which has a 300-gallon capacity. They then left to find another water source. While they were gone, the fire spread. After their return, with the help of the residents of the area, who formed a bucket brigade, the firemen put out the fire.

What the heck is going on in the Ministry of Health?
Earlier this week, Ministry of Health officials confirmed that there is a shortage of critical pharmaceutical supplies in the country’s hospitals. All hospitals have been affected by the shortage/depletion of their supplies, but in the south, the Southern Regional Hospital and the Independence Village Polyclinic are said to be the hardest hit by the shortage. Although no less than the Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero, has confirmed the shortage in remarks he made to Belize Breaking News on Thursday, the Southern Regional Manager, Dr. Nyreese Castro (a daughter of Minister Edmond Castro) told us this afternoon in her office at the Southern Regional Hospital that there is no shortage of supplies affecting the hospital.

Flavio Tzalam, 29, Santander accountant, embezzled more than $219,000
Today at the police press brief, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Joseph Myvette told the media that on Thursday, August 2, Santander Management Limited reported to police that their auditors had discovered that one of their accountants, Flavio Tzalam, 29, had embezzled over $219,000 from the company. According to Santander, during audits that were conducted for the period June 2015 to June 2018, they had found several checks that were unaccounted for. A further investigation revealed that 5 of those checks, which amounted to more than $219,000, were made out to Tzalam.

Jasper Brannon, 28, accused of double murder, walks
In a ruling he gave today on a no-case-to-answer submission that was made last Wednesday, Justice Adolph Lucas upheld the submission and acquitted Jasper Brannon, 28, of the murder of Frank James, 40, and Robert Young, 50, two men who were shot and killed shortly before 11 p.m. on October 25, 2012 at a dockyard on North Front Street. Brannon’s attorney, Leslie Hamilton, made the submission after the Crown, represented by Senior Crown Counsel Shanice Lovell, closed its case, having called 10 witnesses. The main witness for the Crown was Kurt Pech, who resides in the dockyard. Pech testified that Young and James were at the dockyard cleaning fish and lobster when he saw Brannon; his co-accused Ernest Thurton, Jr., 25, aka “Dangalan;” and another man, Eric Martinez, aka “Junior H,” approaching the dockyard on foot.

Boy, 7, found hanging near dump site in Seine Bight
Placencia police have confirmed that a 7-year-old male child was found hanging near the dump site in Seine Bight Village, in South Stann Creek. A resident of the village with whom we spoke by telephone said that the boy’s body was discovered between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. today. Police told us that the incident is under investigation and that a report would be sent to the media “in due course.” The resident with whom we spoke is of the opinion that the child did not hang himself.

PUP vetting committee says no to Arthur Saldivar’s run in Belmopan convention
This morning, the Opposition People’s United Party chairman, Henry Charles Usher, confirmed on Positive Vibes, the party’s television and radio show, that the party’s vetting committee had rejected the application of attorney Arthur Saldivar to run in the Belmopan convention that is set for August 26. Chairman Usher was brief in saying that the vetting committee had met and turned down Saldivar’s application. Usher urged Saldivar’s supporters to respect the process of the committee, which he said was selected by the party’s national executive.

Belize holding our own in Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship at the Civic
The Belize Volleyball Association is presently hosting the 20th Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship at the spanking new Belize Civic Center, and as we go to press tonight, latest reports are that Belize just defeated Nicaragua by 3 sets to 1 in the nightcap game. The tournament tipped off on Saturday, August 4, and culminates on Wednesday of this week. As opposed to the recently hosted male FIBA AmeriCup basketball qualifiers at the Civic, where only two other Central American teams participated – El Salvador and Costa Rica, this female Central American Volleyball Championship is seeing participation from all but one Central American country – Honduras, who withdrew a few days before the start.

CONCACAF’s rising stars shining bright in SCL
Through the first series of matches of the 2018 Scotiabank CONCACAF League, it is easy to see that the rising stars within the CONCACAF region are making the most of the SCL platform to shine bright. Players from all reaches of the region participating in the second edition of the SCL are exhibiting skills that are sure to draw the attention of clubs far and wide. Portmore United’s Maalique Foster needed just 18 minutes to show why he was profiled by CONCACAF.com as one of the Top 5 21-and-under players in the SCL.

Belize defeats Panama, 3-0, on Day 2 of Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship
The XX Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship is well underway after it opened on Saturday night to a huge crowd inside the Civic Center. After taking a loss on opening night to El Salvador, Belize came back with a big win in three sets over Panama on Sunday. On Saturday night, El Salvador prevailed over Team Belize in five sets, 3-2 (19-25, 25-22, 26-24, 11-25, 17-15). It was an intense match for our women, and they fought hard, but were unable to overcome their opponents. On Sunday, Belize overwhelmed Panama, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-14), and the ladies were able to secure their first win of the tournament.

Inter-Office football continues at the MCC
The Belize District Football Association (BDFA)/McClean Insurance Brokers Inter-Office Football Tournament 2018 continued last week at the MCC Grounds with games on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, August 1-3. In the opener on Wednesday night, Belize Bank got a goal each from Francisco Briceño and Quince Briceño, to gain the 2-1 victory over Belize City Council, whose only goal was by David McCaulay. And in the nightcap, it was MOE/Premium Wines, 1-nil, over BWS, courtesy of a goal by Naim Wilson.

Editorial: Grabbing the bull by the horns
Senior Counsel, Eamon Courtenay, submitted a sensational article to this newspaper for publication in last Friday’s issue. The article is sensational for several reasons. One reason is that Mr. Courtenay is the Legal Adviser to the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP), which is led by Hon. John Briceño. The PUP has been relatively quiet as a party on some controversial issues having to do with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) referendum scheduled for next April. One of those issues is the fact that born Belizeans living abroad will not be able to vote in the existential ICJ referendum on Belize’s future unless they can register to vote in elections overall, which would require them to live in Belize for two months in a specific constituency, a requirement the vast majority of diaspora Belizeans would be unable to fulfill. Mr. Courtenay, out of the blue, broadcasts an opinion, exclusively in Amandala, calling for diaspora Belizeans to be allowed to vote in the ICJ referendum.

From The Publisher
THE GUARDIAN is the official newspaper voice of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) of Belize. But the UDP will, somehow, not hold itself responsible for the content of such an anonymous column in their newspaper as the one often written by the one “Ed. U. Kate.” I am of the belief that I know who the anonymous writer is, and he is a highly educated member of a very prominent UDP family. The columnist claims to be intelligent, analytical, patriotic, and so on and so forth, but I am sure he will grant that his ultimate aim is the dissemination of political propaganda which is favorable to his family and his party. On reading his column this past week, I was struck by the sentence which is quoted at the top of this particular publisher’s column. I thought, how could he make such a silly statement?

Questions that need answering before April 10, 2019
Dear Editor, While I have been able to read many articles and letters advocating either a yes or no vote on bringing the Guatemala/Belize border question to the ICJ, I have not seen anything answering questions that arise if the court rules against Belize or seeks a compromise solution involving some Belize land. These questions need to be asked and answered BEFORE we go to court, especially in view of the not too stellar track record of Government of Belize lawyers in international cases.

Ticketed for “right on red with caution …”
Dear Editor, A couple weeks ago, through this medium, we queried Transport Department about ticketing drivers of ten wheeler trucks which are technically six wheelers. No answer till now. Is there a Public Relations Officer in that area? Now another problem, but methinks this one is for the City Traffic Office. One of our drivers was coming east on Vernon Street, and after making sure it was safe, made a right turn onto Central American Boulevard even though the light was red. Up comes a traffic officer and informs him that he will be ticketed for this.

Strong opinions from Dean Wayland
Dear Editor, Mr. Russell Czarnecki, in the midweek issue of Amandala, referred to United States’ President Donald Trump’s election as “a con job.” It was no such thing. Mr. Trump was elected by the American people (despite a million illegal aliens voting for Clinton) because the Americans were sick and tired of being conned by globalists Clinton and Obama. Will Belizeans never wake up to the fact they are being conned into voting YES to the ICJ? What is the ICJ? An arm of The United Nations. What is the United Nations? Uncle Sam’s right arm.

Kenneth “Cantinflas” Santos passes at 67
Travis Santos, 46, a former star player for the Kremandala Raiders basketball team, told Amandala today about the sad passing of his father, Kenneth “Cantinflas” Santos, 67. Kenneth was the foreman for the National Sports Council from 1998 – 2007. According to Travis, Kenneth, who was also known as “Pepe,” had been battling lung cancer for about three years. He died on Saturday morning at Belize Medical Associates. Kenneth was a wood worker and he continued to make furniture even after he had retired from the Sports Council. He was also a football player and competed in dominoes competitions with a group of men who went by the name “Tough Guys.”

Don’t”compound” non-support for our number one ally
On June 22, 2017, Belize joined 94 nations of the world in denouncing the British, yes, our number one ally, for resisting a call by Mauritius for her, the UK, to join Mauritius at the ICJ so they could settle a claim by Mauritius for the Chagos Archipelago. Just for the record, the US was not one of those 94 nations, but Guatemala was. The Wikipedia says the archipelago in question, which is situated in the Indian Ocean, has a land area of 21.7 square miles, and has a population, in 2014, of 3,000. The largest island in the archipelago, Diego Garcia Island, serves as a joint military base for the UK and the USA. The British and the Americans consider the Chagos Archipelago to be of strategic importance.

Carlos Valdez, 43, murdered in his house in San Pedro
Carlos “Carlitos” Valdez, 43, a laborer originally from Benque Viejo Del Carmen, Cayo District, who has been living in San Pedro for the past 30 years on Caribeña Street, San Pedro, was found stabbed to death in his room. There were 11 stab wounds on his body, mainly in the chest. Police say that his assailant, who they identified as Gilbert Anthony Chanek, 32, of San Pedro, was living in the same house, which had been turned into an apartment. Chanek tried to escape out of the house, but an off-duty policeman, Constable Nestor Campos, who occupied a room in the house, saw Chanek running out of Valdez’s room, and he immediately sprang into action.

Quality Poultry truck driver robbed of $7,000
A truck driver employed by the Quality Poultry company, was held up and robbed of a money bag containing the day’s sales of $7,000. The thieves also stole the truck and escaped in it. Police found the truck shortly afterwards. It was overturned and abandoned on a street in Belmopan, and the chicken products were scattered on the road. The robbery occurred at about 3:30 Saturday afternoon on Lim Ni Punit Street in Belmopan. Police said that they went to 99 Shopping Center, where they found Francisco Monterosa, 25, a truck driver for Quality Poultry and resident of Valley of Peace, Cayo District.

BTL “Midnight Pass” crashes
In today’s information era, the availability of data at a reasonable price has become a necessity for many. Internet access in Belize from the two telecommunications companies, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and Smart, is very expensive. Internet users, however, have been purchasing internet access at reduced rates from Belize Telemedia Limited via a special promotion dubbed “Midnight Pass” that lasts from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. For $2.50 a customer can get 2.2 gigabytes of data and for $4.00 one can get 4 gigabytes of data.

Fire destroys Fern Street home
Yesterday, Ezbert Ramclam, 36, and his family were at their home at #18 Fern Street, during a normal summer afternoon, when they smelled smoke. Ramclam and his girlfriend, Arideine Hoare, 35, then made checks around the house and they saw a sofa set that was under their elevated wooden house that was engulfed in flames. This led Ramclam and Hoare to go into an instant panic. They broke pipes around their home to keep water flowing throughout the house. They even tried spreading a large sheet over the sofa in order to extinguish the fire, which proved futile.

The Reporter

POLICE INVESTIGATE APPARENT SUICIDE OF BOY, 7
The Reporter confirmed late Monday evening that Antwone Jahleel Marin, 7, was pronounced dead shortly before 5:00pm. The boy from Seine Bight was allegedly at the home of a neighbour with two of his siblings when he told them he was tired of living and went into a room by himself...

Breaking Belize News

Body found in Belmopan believed to be missing British filmmaker
According to reports, a body was discovered minutes ago in the Rivera area of Belmopan. Police […]

Associate of Boots Martinez returns trucks that were stolen from City Hall
Earlier we reported that Port Loyola Area Representative, Anthony “Boots” Martinez, was in hot water following […]

British national reported missing
The family of British national, Richard Foster, 63, is concerned about him. According to reports, […]

Teachers attend workshop on risks of ‘irregular migration’
The United Nations Migration Agency (IOM) is implementing a series of workshops on Migration and […]

Selling Rum and Women’ Bodies
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

Anthony “Boots” Martinez in hot water again!
An internal audit by the Belize City Council suggests that Port Loyola Area Representative, Anthony […]

Mayor Bernard Wagner address Ahmadiyyah Muslim community in London
Belize City Mayor, Bernard Wagner is currently representing the city in London at the Jalsa […]

BBN Person of the Week- Saxophonist Allan McCoy
Picture: Exquisite Media Our BBN person of the week is saxophonist Allan Martin McCoy. McCoy […]

Over 80,000 Belizeas have re-registered
The Elections and Boundaries Department today issued an update on the ongoing 2018 Re-registration of […]

Interactive workshop held at Belize Zoo for teachers from Belize and abroad
The Belize Zoo, collaborating with the State University of New York (SUNY) Cortland, facilitated a […]

Belize~ Bush Lawyers/ Historians vs Patriots
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize News. […]

Blogs

I Found The Ideal Income For Easygoing Caribbean Living
When the economy tanked in 2009, my husband, Marcos, and I decided to explore other alternatives to living in the U.S. We especially loved Ambergris Caye, Belize’s largest island, for the extraordinary beauty, gorgeous turquoise waters, and the diverse population you can find there. What sold us on a place we already knew was the richness of the culture, the convenience of having English as the spoken language, and the fact that the government is a parliamentary democracy (so the laws made sense to us). Plus, it was possible to start a business there.

5 Best Caribbean Islands To Live On… And 2 To Avoid
Mention the word “Caribbean” and most people think of places like Aruba, the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and other tourist-rich dollops of sand. The region conjures well-deserved images of crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches. And there’s no question: If you like sun and sand, these islands are great for a vacation. But move there? Most folks assume it’s just too expensive and don’t give it another thought. English-speaking Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize at 25 miles long and a little over a mile wide, and San Pedro is its only town. About 30 years ago, Ambergris became a hotspot for divers and fishermen thanks to the Belize Barrier Reef, just a half-mile offshore. This natural wonderland of living coral supports a dizzying array of marine life, and it’s the main reason Ambergris has seen its recent (and significant) growth.

Reaping the fruits of labor – The Sea Grape Tree
If you have visited any coastal areas of Belize be it on the mainland or on the Cayes, you will have come cross the Sea Grape Tree interspersed with Sea Almond and soaring Coconut Palms. Scientifically known as the Coccoloba uvifera, Tidibu Beibei in Garifuna and Uva de Mar in Spanish, it is actually related to the buckwheat family of plants. The tree is a great beach stabilizer tending to sprawl in high winds and become bushy. In a more protected environment it can grow up to 35 feet. The branches are covered in broad, circular, leather hard, bright green leaves that have a red central vein running through the center. These leaves can be boiled until the water is purple and then the extract drunk to lower blood pressure. The hard wood of the sea grape tree makes excellent firewood and historically was used to carve weapons, whilst the red core was used for dye.

Belize Independence Day: Start Planning Now For Some Colourful Celebrations
Our North American friends will be excused for seeing the headline and thinking, “Already? We just celebrated the Fourth of July!” No, no, we’re talking about the other big Independence Day in the Americas – this one on the 21st of September in Caribbean Central America. You know, that vibrant little democracy by the Caribbean Sea – Belize. It’s easy to get the two independence days confused. After all, both the US and Belize won their independence from Great Britain, although Belize’s was a much more peaceful process. And both grew into successful, sovereign countries after cutting the apron strings of Mother England, have set aside large areas as protected wilderness and national parks, and are both English speaking with Spanish as a second language.

SEARCH ANALYST TO BELIZE BIRD REHABILITATOR
An amazing blog from Sharon on her time here at BBR! I arrived on a Friday around 4 pm and was cutting citrus for 200 birds by 5 pm to prepare for the next day’s meal service. I also received full instructions for tasks needing to be done morning, noon & night. I met in the kitchen to prepare food for the residents which included many parrots, falcons, owls, toucans, woodpeckers and many other indigenous birds of Belize. A team of five volunteers chopped fruits and vegetables, cooked beans and corn, prepared special diets and non-parrot food such as meat, fish, insects, chicks, and mice.

Get around Belize with Tropic Air!
Their tagline is “The Airline of Belize” and frankly, having flown nearly all around the country with them, I agree. As I’ve shared before, my first flight was with Tropic Air. Since then, Tropic has expanded its services to offer a time-saving, convenient method to get around Belize. While getting around by bus or boat can be quite the adventure, when looking to make the most of any time off, convenience is the key word. So, the question is: what’s your destination? And the answer I’ll give you is: Tropic can take you there. Let’s count the ways… Land at the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City then hop onto the puddle-jumper. Don’t worry, they’ve upgraded to include Air Conditioning so you’re comfortable for the 15 minutes or so you’ll be in the air! If you’re lucky, you can snag the co-pilot’s seat, strap in and look out the window. Once you’ve watched Belize unfold below, there’s just no going back.

International Sources

East Point firefighter delivers clothes, shoes to Belize City
An East Point firefighter traveled back to his hometown of Belize City, and was able to bring back hundreds of pounds of shoes and clothes for those in need. Krishna Craig, a three and a half year veteran with the East Point Fire Department, undertook the humanitarian efforts after attending an East Point Community garage sale. Craig purchased a few shirts and shoes with the intent of distributing the items to family members. After sharing his plans with one of the vendors at the garage sale, the resident donated the leftovers for the cause. Within a week, 100 pounds of donated clothing from firefighters and their families were collected. Craig was able to deliver 869 pounds of items to his village to give to men, women, and children.

European visitor numbers to Belize soar
Belize has seen a 24.3% increase in overnight European tourism arrivals between January – June 2018 compared to 2017, with the UK market increasing by 20.6% over the same period. This establishes a positive trend for the first half of 2018 and showcases a steady growth for tourism numbers. Overnight arrivals from Europe increased by 35.2% in the month of January 2018 compared to January 2017, demonstrating that the highest growth for the country is during peak season. However, overnight European visitor numbers in the month of March exceeded January figures, indicating that Belize is less affected by seasonality and arrival numbers are becoming more consistent throughout the year.

Samantha J recovering from fall in Belize
Singer Samantha J is recuperating from injuries she received after falling down a flight of stairs last Friday night at a hotel off the mainland of Belize. The injuries include broken teeth and jaw, a fractured hand and swelling to her lower back. In an interview with The Star newspaper, she explained that in addition to the surgery she has to do on her jaw, her arm has to be placed in a temporary cast. Samantha J was in Belize to perform at events during Belize's biggest cultural celebration, the Costa Maya Festival.

Alan Rabinowitz, champion of leopards, jaguars and other wild cats, dies at 64
Alan Rabinowitz, a zoologist who overcame a debilitating stutter to become a powerful voice for leopards, jaguars and other wild cats threatened by humans, died Aug. 5 at a hospital in Manhattan. He was 64. The cause was cancer, according to a statement from Panthera, a wild-cat conservation organization that he co-founded in 2006 and, until recently, led as chief executive. Dr. Rabinowitz had been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2001. As a child with a severe stutter, Dr. Rabinowitz spent much of his free time playing on the floor of his bedroom closet, where he secluded himself with “a little menagerie” of pet chameleons, snakes, turtles and hamsters — “the only living beings around me that seemed to listen but not judge.”

CDB, UK sign agreement to add £30 million to Caribbean infrastructure fund
he Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), have signed an agreement which will add GBP30 million (mn) to the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF). The agreement was signed on the sidelines of CDB’s board of directors meeting on July 26, 2018. The majority of the funds will be used to establish a reconstruction window, to respond to emergencies and natural disasters, with resources earmarked for Dominica and Barbuda. A portion of the grant funding will also be used for monitoring and evaluation. UKCIF was established to drive inclusive economic growth and development across the Caribbean, through the provision of vital infrastructure. All projects must build resilience to climate change.

The Hummingbird Highway In Belize
Cool little article about the Hummingbird Highway, and what one sees while travelling on it. One of the most scenic drives in the world. "Belize's Hummingbird Highway is widely considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. Gary Peterson accompanies you along this stunning stretch of road from Belmopan to Dangriga... You pass through many small villages, and it seems like every home has either a Coke or Belikin Beer sign advertising cold drinks and hot barbecued food.Along the way you pass local families on the side of the road, selling coconut water, corn, and fruits."

Tropical Storm Debby to stay well east of North America
Tropical Storm Debby formed about 1,200 miles east of Boston on Tuesday but is not expected to approach North America. AccuWeather meteorologists expect Debby to take a curved path to the northeast and not only remain east of New England but also pass well to the southeast of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Canada. Debby will kick up seas for a brief time well offshore over the North Atlantic into midweek. Because the storm is relatively weak, so far away and expected to have a short life span, swells propagating outward from the center are not likely to impact surf conditions significantly along the United States Atlantic coast.

Videos

August 7, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Belize Jaguars win 1-0 against Barbados Tridents in friendly football match
Hundreds of football fanatics gathered at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town on Saturday, August 4th to witness Belize’s Jaguars victory over the Barbados Tridents in a friendly match. With the match drawing to an end, fans loudly demanding a score. And at minute 74, Belize’s Krisean Lopez delivered, nailing the first goal for his team. Down by one, Barbados tried their best to even score but Jaguar’s goalkeeper managed to block them all. When the final whistle blew, Belize claimed the 1-0 victory.

Reggaeton royalty Ivy Queen rocks Costa Maya 2018 stage
The legendary Ivy Queen delighted hundreds of fans during her concert at the International Costa Maya Festival on Saturday, August 4th. International Night featured a medley of artists leading up to the grand finale, and the audience was treated to some top notch performances. Grupo Crash opened the ceremonies with a high-energy dance routine, and they were followed by a quick rap solo by Frank ‘El Killer’, a local island talent. The iconic Belizean group Garifuna Collective came up next, bringing the best of their hits to life. The audience was treated to a spectacular show of drumming, singing and dancing – there was even a quick demonstration of the Jankunu!

Caye Caulker granted re-registration extension dates
As the national voter re-registration process continues nationwide, the Elections and Boundaries office in Belize City has confirmed an extension for Caye Caulker. Residents had lobbied for additional time after only having from July 16th to the 23rd in the first re-registration exercise. The new extension is now from Wednesday, August 8th to the 13th, and all Hicaqueños who have yet to re-register are encouraged to visit their Community Centre to do so. According to reports from Elections and Boundaries, up to July 28th, a total of 70,009 applications for re-registration had been accepted countrywide.

Ambergris Today

Ivy Queen Delivers Memorable Performance At Costa Maya Festival
Ivy Queen, the Queen of Reggaeton, had the masses singing and dancing during her performance at the International Costa Maya Festival that was held over the weekend in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. She performed on Saturday, August 4 to the delight of hundreds of fans that crowed the venue. International night proved to be the most successful night of the festival with top performances prior to Ivy Queen’s headliner appearance on stage. The Queen of Reggaeton performed her greatest hits such as “Yo Quiero Bailar, Que Lloren, Soy Libre” and much more. Fans as far away from Mexico and Colombia travelled to the island to meet and see her perform.

Miss Honduras Claims Crown At Costa Maya Pageant 2018
With a commanding stage presence, poise, elegance and intelligence, Miss Honduras, Mary Cruz Cardona Galindo captured the Miss Costa Maya 2018 title during the Costa Maya Festival held in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Belize. Rounding up the top three were Miss Mexico (also winning Best National Costume) in second place and Miss Costa Rica in third. The stage was filled with bright colors as the seven contestants left the audience in awe with their cultural costume presentations, playfully flirted in their swimsuits and captivated everyone’s attention with glamorous evening gowns. Entertainment was provided by Alma Caribeña dance troupe from Mexico and Grupo Crash from El Salvador.

Hon Castro & Heredia On The Ground After San Pedro Fire
Minister of NEMO (with responsibility for National Fire Service), Hon Edmond Castro was on the ground on Saturday, August 4, 2018, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, within hours after an early morning fire destroyed 10 buildings, leaving more than 75 persons homeless. After a brief meeting at the San Pedro NEMO Office, Hon Castro joined Area Representative Hon Manuel Heredia on the ground where they inspected the damage and spoke with victims of the devastating blaze. All victims were already being provided with shelter (mainly at Hope Haven); food, water, clothing and hygiene kits.

Misc Belizean Sources

Hon Edmond Castro & Hon Manuel Heredia on the Ground After San Pedro Fire
Minister of National Emergency Management (who also has responsibility for the National Fire Service). Hon Edmond Castro, was on the ground Saturday, August 4, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye within hours after an early morning fire had destroyed 10 buildings, leaving more than 75 persons homeless. After a brief meeting at the NEMO San Pedro Office with officials of NEMO, the National Fire Service, Police Department, San Pedro Town Council, Red Cross and other community volunteers, Hon Castro joined Belize Rural South Area Representative Hon Manuel Heredia on the ground where they inspected the damage and spoke with victims of the devastating blaze. All victims were already being provided with shelter (mainly at Hope Haven Children Shelter & Community Center), as well as food, water, clothing and hygiene kits.

Soccer tourney on Caye Caulker
A few photos from Sunday's games. Can't wait for next week's game!

Water outage in San Pedro
Belize Water Services informs customers in San Pedro that water supply will be interrupted from 11:00pm to 5:00am from Monday, August 6, 2018 to Friday, August 10, 2018 in order to build storage for the day-time supply. Customers will also experience low water pressure especially at peak times during the day. The entire San Pedro Water system is being affected. BWS apologizes for any inconvenience this interruption will cause our customers in San Pedro.

Fidus Pro Dog Show
Saturday, August 11th,2018 | Agricultural Show Grounds,Belmopan. Best Dress Dog | Best Trick Dog | Obstcale Course Dog | Largest and Smallest Dog | Best Potlika Dog | Best Obedience Dog | Best Of The Best | $500.00 CASH PRICE. Starts at 9:00am! 2:30pm-5:30pm Live Coverage by The National Channel.

National Poetry Competition

The Caye Caulker Airstrip is one step closer to its grand re-opening!!!
Beautiful airstrip, and well deserved. Glad its about to be completed.

Why Choose Private Offshore Banking in Belize
Private offshore banking in Belize continues to increase in popularity. Through its continual demonstration of banking compliance with financial industry laws and legislation such as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA, Belize has established itself as a leader in safe, stable international banking locations. It is entirely normal to have questions about the privacy and stability of offshore banking in Belize when other banking options exist. Recently, Luigi Wewege, Senior Vice President of Caye International Bank in Ambergris Caye, Belize, provided answers to many of these questions as part of a webinar on why Belize is the leading international jurisdiction for banking in Central America.

Strengthening Belize’s Oil Spill Response Capabilities
Representatives from various Government and Non-Governmental Organizations, Private Sector, and Academia associated with Disaster Risk Management and Oil Spill Response will meet at the Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina, Belize City from 8th to 10th August 2018, to validate the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan. The Department of the Environment (DOE) within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment & Sustainable Development, and Immigration (MAFFESDI) commenced implementation of the Consultancy to Update and Align the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan of Belize (NOSCP) to meet international standards in August of last year. The overall objective is to strengthen prevention, preparedness and coordinated emergency response nationally for an oil spill event in terrestrial, aquatic and marine environment, and align the plan to meet international standards and comply with the Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC).

National Trade Policy of Belize Public Consultations
UPDATE: Please note that the date for consultations in Dangriga has been moved to Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. In 2017, the Government of Belize through the Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT), embarked on creating a coherent and effective Trade Policy, following the development and approval of the National Trade Policy Framework (2016). The Trade Policy, guided by this framework, is envisaged to stimulate and contribute to the growth of Belize’s trade domestically and internationally. This Policy is built upon four pillars i.e: institutional strengthening, supply capacity, market access and trade facilitation. The Policy further contextualizes entrepreneurship, higher living standards, efficient productive practices, trade governance and inclusiveness and ways to build and enhance beneficial trade relations.

1st Annual New River Quest
Bring your Kayak or SUP! $55 entry fee for Solo paddler; $100 for double! Accepting Registrations for KAYAKs ( K1, Sit on Tops - Solo and Double, Surfski) and Stand UP Paddle Boards. Solo Entries $55, Double $100.

Realize Summer Art Workshop
Realize Belize is having a Summer Art Workshop for people with disabilities on Saturday, August 11th, at Hode's, going from 10:00am to noon. Contact them at 663-2659 for more information. In related news, Realize Belize is having a Summer Family Day on Saturday, August 18th, at the new Camp Sekonsa. "Realize Summer Art Workshop: for individuals with disabilities of all ages and their families. Come along and join in a range of fun art activities!

Miss Costa Maya 2018 Pageant Highlights

Channel 7

87 Homeless After Another Big San Pedro Blaze
Tonight, 87 people from 10 families are homeless after another devastating fire on San Pedro. This one started early on Saturday morning around 1:30 am in the Boca Del Rio area. When the firefight was finally finished 3 hours later, 10 structures had been affected; fortunately no one was hurt. But, that doesn't mean that there isn't pain - Daniel Ortiz found that in abundance when he went to San Pedro today:... Daniel Ortiz reporting: Today, in the Boca Del Rio area, cleaning crews were already at work trying to clear away the substantial amount of debris left behind in yet another block burner that has devastated residents of San Pedro.

NEMO Organizes Relief Response
And while that recent history is troubling, the present moment is even more so for these 87 San Pedro residents. They lost everything, but NEMO will help them out with a handful of supplies until they can start to re-build their lives. We met with Minister Edmond Castro and his NEMO team in Ladyville this morning as they loaded their trucks with a cargo bound for San Pedro. Hon. Edmond Castro, NEMO Minister: "I am sorry for the loss for those families affected on the island of San Pedro in the Boca Del Rio area. As NEMO responsibility, we were out there to assess the situation." "NEMO has a standard basic package that we give to fire victims, some start-ups like mattresses. The number of persons will determine how many mattress you will receive, we will send food packs, we send a small table top stove, we send gas tanks, we send bedding and that kind of thing so we are sending for all 87 persons affected by that fire.."

Arson Caused Block Burner
Now while NEMO was assessing the damage and connecting with the fire victims, the Fire Department was also doing ITS part in investigating the cause of the fire and it's arson! Today Fire Chief Ted Smith told us that two houses were already on fire when they arrived but there was only so much they could do to contain the fire, so it spread and damaged 10 structures: Ted Smith, Fire Chief, Belize Nat'l Fire Service: "The fire started on the lower flat of the southwestern portion of a two story structure on Conch Shell Street, Boca Del Rio, San Pedro." "So far we have determined that the fire was an incendiary fire which means that the fire was lit by a person or persons who knew under the circumstances that the fire should not have been lit at the time."

Off Duty Cop Caught Murderer
And while the fire was the weekend's big news in San Pedro, things started badly from Friday when 50 year old Carlos Valdez was found stabbed to death in his apartment on Caribena Street. It happened at around 8:00 that night in a cluster of apartments above the White Horse Club. Police told us how a cop who lives there - was off duty in his room when he responded to find the killer fleeing:... ASP Alejandro Cowo- OC, CIB Belize City: "Police constable Mr. Campos, who resides in the same apartment building, was inside of his room along with his wife when he heard a commotion coming out from one of the rooms of the apartment. As a result, as he stepped out of his room he observed a male person running out from Mr. Valdez's room holding a knife and observed what looked like suspected blood on his shirt..."

Vicious Island Murder Leaves Witnesses Puzzled
So, it is a mystery as to what led to the stabbing - and as you heard, the family of the accused is suggesting that Gilbert Chanek may have had mental problems. It's the kind of disturbing scene that nobody wants to unfold in the privacy and comfort of their home, but that's exactly what happened at the home of Myrna Trujillo. She granted us an interview today, in Spanish. Here's what she told us about Valdez, her friend of 30 years:

Fruit Stall Robbery Foiled
There was a daring hold up this morning at a fruit stall on Coney Drive. It started off as an innocent sale: two men came by the stall to buy a banana and then they left. But when they came back, one of the men pulled out a gun on the fruit vendors. Fortunately, the gun snapped and he was able to wrest the gun away from the culprit. Here is the account from the fruit vendor's son. Courtney Weatherburne, reporter: "And these two guys came up to you guys, what did the guys say at first?" Voice of: Son: "Because they say…I guess they bought a banana from my mom. So my mom told them sure, she gave them the banana, she didn't charge them and then they came back and said the banana wasn't good and that it was rotten so my mom told then go ahead, grab another banana and my dad had the knife behind his back because he knew the guy had a gun."

Robbers Fired Six Shots
And police pretty much have the same story regarding this fruit vendor hold up, including another additional detail that the fruit vendors confirmed. During the struggle, the culprit fired 6 shots before he dropped the gun and ran off. Fortunately no one was hit. Here's the police account: ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC, CIB Belize City: "The first time they came to purchase a banana and then they came back, saw what was happening, then they came back a third time, when they came back the third time, they pulled out a fire arm and they robbed the person in charge of the place of a few dollars..."

Did Flavio Filch Santander’s Funds?
On Friday, we told you about the Santander accountant who had allegedly misappropriated over two hundred thousand dollars. Today, the head of national crimes investigation, Joseph Myvett told us more about the allegations of Flavio's filching of funds: ACP Joseph Myvett - Head, NCIB: "On the second of August, the management of Santander Ltd. reported to the police that between June 2015 and June 2018 an audit was conducted by the Santander Group which revealed that a number of checks were unaccounted for. A further investigation led the company's auditors to discover that five of those checks were made out to Flavio Tzalam, who was the person responsible for the checks. Those checks were found to be cashed, having a total value of over $219,000..."

Alleged Murderer Escapes
Melvin Locke, known as "Pack Bread", was gunned down in Dangriga one month ago - and, this weekend, police arrested Nyle Vasquez for it. But, Vasquez wasn't long for the Dangriga holding cell, and before he could be arraigned, he escaped. The 24 year old is on the run tonight:... ACP Joseph Myvett: "On Saturday 3rd, August have arrested and charged Nyle Vasquez for the crime of murder which occurred on Dangriga on the 2nd July, 2018, during which Melvin Locke was shot and killed."

He Tried To Kill Kadeem
A 21 year old from Seine Bight is at the Southern Regional Hospital recovering from a gunshot to the jaw. He was shot at 10:30 last night in the village outside a home where he was attending a function. Police say it is a dispute between groups of young men: ACP Joseph Myvett: "On Sunday August 5th, shortly after 10:40pm police responded to a shooting incident in Seine Bight Village, where upon arrival they observed Kadeem Augustine with an apparent gunshot injury to the lower jaw. At the time he could not speak, however, further investigations into this matter revealed that Augustine was socializing at a private residence in the village when he left to go to the back of the yard..."

OW: Odette’s Robber Caught
Orange Walk Police have made an arrest in the high stakes burglary of Odette's Home Center. As we told you last week, thieves came through the roof, tied up the security guard and then helped themselves to a bevy of electronics, including cell phones, tablets and laptop computers. At the end of it, they also took the DVR which captured the surveillance video. Police had an update:... ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: "On Friday, based on information received police conducted a search at the home of Martin Mendoza on San Pedro Street in Orange Walk Town which resulted in the discovery of two cellular phones and two tablets. He was detained pending investigation..."

Cargo Truck Robbed And Stolen in B’Pan
A cargo truck delivery-man was robbed on Saturday afternoon in Belmopan. It happened around 3:40 when two robbers went looking for money, but ended up stealing his truck:... ACP Joseph Myvett: "On Saturday August 4th, police responded to a robbery report sometime around 3:40pm on Nim Li Punit Street in Belmopan, where one Francisco Monterroso, 29 years old, delivery truck driver reported to the police that whilst park at a business place on Nim Li Punit Street in order to conduct a delivery..."

Speaking Small Island States On Belize’s Biggest Island
This afternoon at the Mahogany Bay Beach Resort in San Pedro, Belize hosted the OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY of the Caribbean Regional Partnership Dialogue and Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Midterm Review of the SAMOA Pathway. That's a lot of words, but really it's about the fate of Small Island Developing States, or SIDS in an era of climate change and a world order that cares little about how countries like Belize fare. The Prime Minister put it in perspective:...

PUP CITCO Says UDP Minister Took Their Equipment
The City Council says it's missing some heavy equipment - and an internal report from the council says Minister Anthony Boots Martinez basically took it from the council. It's called a special Audit Inspection for heavy equipment that is unaccounted for - and can't be found. The report says, quote, "Based on information gathered the equipment form part of a fleet of equipment for the Council that arrived in 2015 but as of today, 2018 the Council still haven't seen the equipment, nor have they been returned to the Council."

Belizean Women Holding Their Own In Regional Volleyball
Today is day 3 of the 20th Central American Women's Volleyball Championships. It is the first time it is being held in Belize so our girls are fired up about that home court advantage. So far Belize has beat Panama 3-0 and lost to Salvador in its opening game. But there are still a couple more games left to be played and President of the Belize Volleyball Association, Allan Sharp says the Belize team is ready for the challenge. Allan Sharp, Belize Volleyball Association: "We have already competed two days, this is the 3rd of the 5th day. Belize played opening night. We lost a squeaker 5th set 17, 15 against El Salvador, last night we won 3 sets to 0 against Panama. Today we play Nicaragua in the night cap, 7:30, tomorrow we play against Costa Rica at 7:30 and then Wednesday night is the final night we play Guatemala at 7:30."

Channel 5

Another Massive Fire on San Pedro; 87 Persons Homeless
Friday night ended horribly in San Pedro where the weekend activities associated with the very popular Costa Maya were marred by tragedy. A fire ignited at a wooden house sweeping [...]

Troubles of Fire Department Exposed
Massive fires are not new to the island. Less than two months ago, as many as four family members were burnt to death in a horrible fire. Prior to that [...]

Help is on the Way for Boca del Rio Fire Victims
Two days after the fire, a massive humanitarian effort is underway in San Pedro to assist victims of the devastating inferno in Boca del Rio.  An outpour of public assistance [...]

Benque Man Stabbed to Death in San Pedro; Suspect Charged
Hours before the devastating fire in San Pedro, a man was stabbed to death inside his house on Caribeña Street on the island.  The chopping victim is Carlos Valdes. He [...]

Alleged Murderer Breaks Free; Police Investigate Their Own
Have you seen Nyle Vasquez from Dangriga? The wanted man is on the run and police are looking for him. On Saturday, the twenty-four-year-old construction worker was arrested and charged [...]

Businessman Fights Off Armed Assailants during Botched Robbery
A minor and an eighteen-year-old man were today arrested by Belize City police after they allegedly attempted to rob a fruit and vegetable shop. The botched robbery happened at around [...]

Robbers Target Quality Poultry Delivery Men
A Quality Poultry Products deliveryman was jacked of seven thousand dollars on the job. The employee told police that on Saturday around three-thirty he was parked on Nim Li Punit [...]

3 Vehicles ‘Unaccounted’ for by Belize CitCo
A Special Audit Inspection was conducted into what is being described as ‘unaccountable equipment’ belonging to the Belize City Council. The special audit was requested by the Councilor responsible for [...]

Santander Group Accountant Stole $200K
A former accountant at Santander Limited was arrested and charged with theft of over two hundred thousand dollars from the Spanish company.  Last Thursday, the Santander’s management reported to police [...]

Martin Mendoza Charged for Burglary at Odette’s
Police say they made some progress in the burglary that happened at Odette’s Store in Orange Walk. They conducted a search at the home of Martin Mendoza on San Pedro [...]

No Suspects in O.W. Western Union Robbery
Police say they have no suspects in the burglary that happened at a western union branch in Orange Walk on Thursday. A cashier at the business reported to police that [...]

21-Year-Old Shot in the Face
A twenty-one-year-old man was shot in Seine Bight Village on Sunday night some-time after ten-thirty.  Kadeem Augustine was socializing at a house and when he went out in the back [...]

Government of Belize Issues Statement on Chaotic Situation in Venezuela
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was the target of a failed assassination attempt on Saturday in Caracas.  Six people have since been arrested for their alleged involvement in the incident.  According [...]

SAMOA Pathway Comes to San Pedro
This afternoon in San Pedro, a regional preparatory meeting was commenced to review what is known as the SAMOA Pathway, short for Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action.  [...]

Miss Honduras Wins La Reina de la Costa Maya 2018
There is a new Reina de la Costa Maya. She is Mary Cruz Cardona Galindo, a stunning TV presenter from Honduras, who wooed the judges with her grace and poise [...]

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

CTV3

Mennonite From Little Belize Charged With Ammunition Offence
A resident of Little Belize here in the Orange Walk district was charged with firearm offences after he was caught in possession with unlicensed ammunition over the weekend. According to official Police reports, authorities were conducting mobile patrol on the San Estevan Road on Saturday shortly before midnight when they came across an individual identified as twenty-four-year-old Johan Klassen sleeping on the San Estevan Bridge.

Ship Registered In Belize Red Flagged In South Korea
Reports from international news outlet “ChoSun media” today indicates that a ship which docked at a port in South Korea and which was suspected of carrying illegal North Korean Coal into South Korea is reportedly registered to Belize. According to the report the Korean Customs Service reportedly searched the vessel but found nothing suspicious however an investigation is currently ongoing on the matter.

LOVE FM

Santander Employee accused of stealing $219K
The Santander sugar group is launching a case against one of its employees. 29 year old Flavio Tzalam had diverted funds and written several cheques to himself totaling two hundred and nineteen thousand dollars. The National Criminal Investigations Branch indicate that not only is Tzalam in police custody, he is also expected to face more …

Cops Make Arrest for Odettes Burglary
Odette’s Store in Orange Walk Town was burglarized by a trio who came down through the roof. They stole an assortment of electronic items and also held up the security guard and took his weapon. The manager Eldo Cowo said they knew exactly where to go to take the tape from the VCR. The police …

Tragic fire in San Pedro
Ground Zero is the term used to describe some of the most devastating experiences to hit any country. Whether its terrorism or a hurricane like Hattie, the impact on the ground is usually the worst. However, San Pedro experienced a towering inferno that flattened several buildings and left over 80 persons homeless. The financial impact …

Caught after trying to rob Fruit Vendor
Another pair of criminals tried to making a daring escape but one of them was caught. About 9:30 this morning a daring robbery occurred on Coney Drive in Belize City. But people are no longer becoming victims by letting thieves take advantage of them. They are fighting back. Similarly to the CP Gas Station robbery …

Quality Poultry Vehicle Robbed and Crashed
That story would fall perfectly into the narrative that Belize City has always had a bad reputation for being the place to be robbed. But theft and burglaries are occurring across the nation. Recently a Quality Poultry truck was robbed on the road to Valley of Peace. Another incident has occurred, this time in Belmopan. …

NEMO’s Response to fire victims in San Pedro
Love News met with Edmund Castro, the Minister of Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), at its warehouse in Ladyville Village, where he shared NEMO’s plans and its effort to assist the fire victims. Castro said most of the victims are being sheltered at the Hope Haven Children Center and the Community Center. Since the tragedy occurred, …

Accused Murderer Escapes from Police during Bathroom Break
On Saturday August third, Nyle Vasquez was arrested for the murder of Melvin Locke which occurred in July. His detention was quite short because he escaped later that day while on a bathroom break. It is unclear how he escaped the police but Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvett says the Professional Standards Branch is …

Victim Survives Shooting
And while that man did not survive a stabbing, in another part of Belize a victim survived being shot to the face. On Sunday night just before eleven o’clock, 21 year Kadeem Augustine was socializing with friends in Seine Bight when he was shot. According to the Head of the National Crime Investigation branch, ACP …

Murderer runs into Police Officer after Stabbing Carlitos Valdez
While no one was miraculously injured by the fire, there was still violence on the island. A man from Benque Viejo Del Carmen lost his life on Ambergris Caye. 50 year old Carlitos Omer Valdez was a contractor who painted houses on the island. Valdez was staying in a room upstairs of the White Horse …

San Pedro Mayor speaks on the town’s overcrowding
The homes in that devastated section of Boca Del Rio may have been built a little too close for building regulations. However, Mayor Daniel Guerrero said the overcrowded situation in certain areas of the island is a contributing factor in the magnitude of the damages. Daniel Guerrero Mayor of San Pedro: There was no planning …

Fire Chief gives an update on tragic fire in San Pedro
Today Fire Chief, Ted Smith delivered the unexpected news that the investigation has revealed the fire was caused by arson. Fire Chief Ted Smith: So far we have determined that the fire was and incendiary fire which means the fire was lit by person or persons who knew under the circumstances that the fire should not have been lit at the time. We received the call 01:36 hours from the police that is located next to the Fire department in San Pedro …

Recovering addict shares testimony with the world
Many persons may recover from an addiction and celebrate their achievement in a very personal way. However, Errol Fabien, a native of Trinidad & Tobago, who is a recovering addict, is letting the world know that he has been delivered from addiction. He is celebrating by visiting fifteen countries including Belize. Love News spoke with Fabien about the significance of visiting these countries …

Fibroids: Early detection can preserve a woman’s fertility
Fibroids are tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus or womb and are most common in women between the ages of twenty-five and forty-four. In serious cases, women may lose their womb preventing them from having children. Love News spoke with Dr. Marcelo Coyi who said that some of the symptoms women should look for are pain against the pelvic and heavy periods …

Efforts being made to increase the number of breastfeeding mothers
Only thirty-three percent of mothers breastfeed their baby in Belize. Ministry of Health and PAHO would like to see those numbers increase even further by the end of this year. The Institute for Nutrition in Central America and Panama (INCAP) is hosting a workshop in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and PAHO to commemorate breastfeeding week …

The Reporter

FIRE CHIEF BLAMES CONGESTION FOR SPREAD OF FIRE IN SP
The National Fire Service has come under fire in San Pedro, where 87 persons have allegedly been left homeless by a blaze which occurred on Saturday at around 1:10am. Many residents have claimed that inadequate response and inadequate equipment were what caused the fire to spread to as many as ten homes. But today Fire Chief Ted Smith stated that “whether we had arrived with five trucks and 20 men, it would be extremely difficult to contain the fire because the members of the (Fire) Department don’t have the opportunity to properly implement what we call the three-pronged attack within the area because of the close proximity.”

ARMED ROBBERS CAUGHT BY POLICE, – TEENS JACK FRUIT VENDOR ON CONEY DR
Police have two teenagers, one 18 and the other a minor in custody following an armed robbery at a fruit stall on Coney Drive this morning. According to reports, the two boys visited the stall three times at around 10:00am – once to buy a banana, the second time just passing by and the third time one of them produced a firearm and proceeded to rob the shopkeeper of an undisclosed amount of cash.

Breaking Belize News

Kadeem Augustine, 21, shot in the jaw
On Sunday night the peace was shattered in the southern community of Seine Bight Village when a […]

Teen robbers robbed vendor of ‘pocket change’ but civilian took away their gun and opened fire at them
This morning shortly after 10 a.m. Belize City robbers targeted unarmed vendors on Coney Drive. The robbers visited […]

7-year-old boy found hanging in a cemetery
The village of Seine Bight is mourning the death of a child. He is Antwone Marin, […]

Man stabbed dead in San Pedro bedroom, his alleged killer caught by off-duty cop
Carlitos Galvez, was stabbed multiple times on Friday night inside a room at White House Club in San […]

Delivery man runs away from robbers and leaves behind $7,000 and a vehicle
Police have not yet made an arrest in connection with a Saturday afternoon robbery out west. Assistant Commissioner […]

Accused murderer escapes from jail during bathroom break in Dangriga
On Saturday police arrested and charged Mile Vasquez with the July 2nd murder of Melvin “Packbread” Locke, 50. However, […]

LGBT community celebrating Gay Pride in Belize
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual (LGBT) community in Belize is celebrating Gay Pride week […]

Man chopped in the face, turns the other cheek and forgives attacker
In a surprising twist, a man chopped up out west has forgiven his attacker. He […]

Alleged burglar arrested, police seek accomplice
Police have made a breakthrough in the aggravated burglary of Odette’s home center in Orange […]

Police yet to make arrest for Orange Walk Western Union robbery
Orange Walk police are yet to identify a suspect in a robbery case in that […]

Santander employee busted writing checks to himself for more than $219,000
An employee at the Santander Sugar Group has been accused of stealing from the company. He […]

Belizean student prepares for career in conservation with month of voluntary service
Second year student at John Paul II Junior College (JPIIJC), Salvador Iglesias recently completed a […]

Fire. Fire. Fire.
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

Ship registered to Belize suspected of carrying North Korean coal to South Korea
According to reports from ChoSun media, a ship docked at the Pyeongtaek port in South […]

NEMO and Tourism Ministers assess fire damage in San Pedro
An inferno destroyed 10 buildings, leaving over 75 people homeless early Saturday morning. Minister of […]

Videos

August 6, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Team El Pescador takes second place in Xcalak’s annual Fly Fishing Tournament
Ambergris Caye was well represented by team El Pescador from El Pescador Lodge and Villas at the second annual fly-fishing tournament held in the Mexican community of Xcalak from July 27th to the 29th. With a total of 1,625 points, the island team manned by Luis ‘Junior’ and Cesar Acosta, brought home second place among the ten teams competing this year. The teams participating in this year’s Silver Scales Xcalak Fly Fishing Tournament hailed from Belize, Venezuela, Argentina, United States of America and Mexico. The competition saw a total of 18 anglers, and from the first day, the three top teams, Tarpon Club, El Pescador and La Pescadora dominated the competition. But during the last two days, the competition grew tougher, and with a total of 2,005 points, Tarpon Club took home first place at the end of the tournament. El Pescador took second, followed by La Pescadora, who accumulated a total of 1,600 points.

Island office personnel participate in front desk management seminar
Six receptionists from different business establishments in San Pedro Town completed a two-day ‘Front desk Management Seminar,’ at the Washington University of Health and Science (WUHS). The training took place from Tuesday, July 31st to Wednesday, August 1st and was aimed at teaching and understanding the responsibilities of front desk duties, including customer service. The course also taught ways to overcome stress and frustration at the front desk post. Each participant was presented with a certificate upon completion of the training. The six persons taking the seminar included Mariela Marin from Caye Bank, Adeline Alvarado from Tabony Industries, Miriam Nicholson from Castillo’s Hardware, Nidia Badillo from Georgetown Trust Ltd, Rocio de la Cruz and Anesy Rosalez from WUHS.

Doctor Love: When love isn’t demonstrative enough
Dear Doctor Love, I am engaged to a very good man—he is kind, generous and intelligent. He is, however, not outgoing in public. When we are walking, he won’t reach out and hold my hand, though he doesn’t pull away if I take his. If I hug him, he hugs me back, but he never takes the initiative. If we are with friends, he never puts his arm around my shoulders and to outsiders it can almost seem as though we’re not even together. Our private life is wonderful, but with company, he’s quiet and reserved.

Misc Belizean Sources

Statement from the Government of Belize on Situation in Venezuela
The Government of Belize laments and condemns acts of violence against a Head of State, officials and the broader populace, such as those regrettably witnessed on August 4, 2018 in Caracas, Venezuela. Belize extends its well-wishes to President Maduro, his spouse and child, to all those present, and especially to those injured in yesterday’s attack. At this difficult time, it is important to recall that Venezuela is a part of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, and that our countries and people deserve to reach political, social and economic development through peaceful means alone.

Maya language classes in Corozal
You have requested it and we are about to respond. To'one Masehualoon in partnership with NICH and The Corozal House of Culture and The Northern Maya Association of Belize are pleased to present The first Maya language classes in Corozal Town. Join us from August 6 to 10th 2018. 1 to 4 pm. Presented by Nohoch Faustino Yam and Nohoch Roy Rodriguez Sr. Educators with passion and experience and an intoxicating drive for cultural preservation. See you there. Yuumbotik.

Intro to Bird Identification Class in San PedroAugust 24-26, Sunbreeze Hotel Conference Room

The Reporter

MAN DETAINED FOR MURDER ESCAPES POLICE CUSTODY
Police say that Nyle Vasquez, who was charged for the murder of Melvin Locke in Dangriga, and who was detained to be taken to Court on Monday has escaped. Vasquez was being held at the Dangriga Police Station holding cell. He is considered to be armed an dangerous. Police advise the public to be alert and look out. If you have seen hom, you’re asked to call the nearest police station.

QUALITY POULTRY BELMOPAN OUTLET ROBBED
Robbers got away with a significant amount of cash and a delivery truck from the Quality Poultry Chicken Belmopan outlet on Saturday afternoon. It happened when Francisco Monterosa, 25, a truck driver with the company, was waiting for his co-worker in the parked Isuzu in front of a shopping centre on Guadalupe Street between 3:30pm and 4:30pm.

Police Make Arrest for Murder of Dangriga Resident
Dangriga Police have arrested and charged Nyle Vasquez, 24, a construction worker of Sabal’s Community, Dangriga for the murder of Melvin Sylvestre Locke. The 50 year-old was playing a game of dice at his favourite “hang-out” spot on the night of Sunday, July 2nd, when a man dressed in camouflage clothing approached and shot him. He died on the spot.

Breaking Belize News

Government of Belize condemns acts of violence in Venezuela
The Government of Belize today issued a statement on the alleged attempt against the life of Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro that occurred yesterday. GOB says that it laments and condemns acts of violence against a Head of State, officials and the broader populace that occurred on August 4, in Caracas, Venezuela.

Explosions during Nicolas Maduro’s speech; Venezuelan officials say President was targeted
Venezuela’s President, Nicolas Maduro survived an alleged attempt on his life yesterday, according to Venezuelan officials despite conflicting reports that the incident was caused by an exploding gas tank. According to reports, Maduro was giving a speech at a celebration of the National Guard’s 81st anniversary in Caracas when several explosions were heard in close proximity.

Rainy weather to continue
The 24 hour forecast is for mostly moist and unstable conditions to continue. Cloudy skies with a few showers and thunderstorms are expected over most areas. The wind will blow from the East at 10 to 20 knots.

Armed robbers hijack Quality Poultry truck in Belmopan
Belmopan police are investigating an armed robbery of a Quality Poultry truck that occurred yesterday. Francisco Monterosa,25, a truck driver for Quality Poultry told authorities that sometime between 3:30 and 3:40 p.m. yesterday, he parked a white Isuzu truck which is the property of the company in front of 99 Shopping Center in Belmopan.

Orange Walk Police arrest man after discovering ammo in his pocket
Last night, Orange Walk police were conducting a mobile patrol on the San Estevan Bridge when they saw a man sleeping on the bridge. Police searched the man, Johan Klassen,24, of Little Belize and found in his possession (3) 12 gauge cartridges in his shirt pocket.

Blogs

Going Slow in Charming Caye Caulker, Part One
Early Friday afternoon we caught the water taxi from Ambergris Caye for a mini-holiday. 24 hours on lovely Caye Caulker. Just 30 minutes away from San Pedro and a very different feel. The motto of the island is GO SLOW – and I was reminded of it about 14 times but various salesmen and island characters. The uncomplicated Caribbean vibe…the pastel colors…the sand roads…the ease of strolling down the strip for meals and the sunset…I couldn’t help but think – Why don’t I do this more often? It really felt like being on vacation. And before you ask…I stayed at SeaDreams Hotel. On the lagoon side just before the Split. And it was beach-chic perfection. I can’t say enough good things about this spot. But I’ll try. Tomorrow.

International Sources

DECODING THE SECRETS OF AN ANCIENT MAYA CAVE
When archaeologist Holley Moyes first poked around Belize’s Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, the massive amount of bat feces impressed her. Sure, the ancient Maya pots and tools dazzled Moyes. But during early trips into Actun Tunichil Muknal, it was the piles of poop that alerted her to the uniqueness of this ancient site. “There were seven or eight centimeters of almost pure bat guano and almost no charcoal, and I thought, ‘Hey, what is this all about?’” says the University of California, Merced, professor. Given that pine torches would’ve left a charcoal carpet, “it was a dead giveaway that bats were coming in, but people weren’t.” Like many Maya sites, though, Actun Tunichil Muknal — Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre, known as ATM to researchers — generated as many mysteries as it solved. Why did the Maya seal the cave for centurylong breaks and then reopen it? Why did they journey deeper and deeper into the earth over time? What was the purpose of the human sacrifices that litter its chambers?

Belizeans are divided over the ICJ issue because of fear of Guatemala
By Wellington C. Ramos. The decision by the Belize government to take the dispute between Britain and Guatemala over Belize that they inherited has the Belizean people divided. One group believes that the only way to settle this dispute with Guatemala is to take this case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for final resolution. Another group believes that there is no need for the people and country of Belize to take the Guatemalan dispute to the ICJ because Belize has already been accepted into the United Nations as an independent and sovereign nation with all of its boundaries and territories intact. Some Belizeans are asking what if we go to the ICJ and get a favourable ruling from the court and Guatemala insists on claiming our country, because the UN does not have a good record of enforcing ICJ court rulings. Other Belizean citizens are caught in the middle and do not know which group to support or join.

Statement on the Life and Legacy of Panthera Founder and Renowned Conservationist, Dr. Alan Rabinowitz
The Board and staff of Panthera, the global wild cat conservation organization, mourn the loss of our co-founder and one of the world’s most visionary and widely admired wild cat scientists, Dr. Alan Robert Rabinowitz, who died today after a journey with cancer. Panthera CEO and President, Dr. Fred Launay, stated, “The conservation community has lost a legend. Alan was a fearless and outspoken champion for the conservation of our planet’s iconic wild cats and wild places. As a lifelong voice for the voiceless, he changed the fate of tigers, jaguars and other at-risk species by placing their protection on the agendas of world leaders from Asia to Latin America for the very first time.” In a career spanning more than three decades, Dr. Rabinowitz was, above all, a protector and global advocate for wild cats and other threatened wildlife, the diminishing lands in which they roam, and the often impoverished people living near these cats and other wildlife.

Videos

August 5, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Wolfe’s Woofers: Philosophy
“Sylvan! Sylvan!” Mario and I were sitting at a table on the deck at Fido’s last Wednesday when he hailed a guy who was passing by on the beach. I asked, “Who is Sylvan?” “He’s probably about the smartest man in Belize,” Mario said. “He’s got all kinds of degrees from universities in the States and Mexico.” Sylvan joined us for a cup of coffee and explained that he had been away for a year studying philosophy in New York. “What is philosophy?” Mario asked. “It’s the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge.”

Belize hosts 2018 XX Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship
The 2018 XX Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship is being held at the Civic Center in Belize City from Saturday, August 4th to Friday, August 10th. The seven-day international volleyball tournament is a regional ranking and qualification event for the continental North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) championship that has further ranking and qualifications to the Federation International of Volleyball (FIVA) world championships. The American volleyball federations participating are Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Belize.

Mary Cruz Cardona Galindo, Miss Honduras is Reina de la Costa Maya 2018!
Taking the 2018 title of Reina de la Costa Maya is Mary Cruz Cardona Galindo of Honduras! Charming the judges and the crowd, Mary Cruz was able to walk away with the crown and title of Miss Costa Maya International 2018-19. She was selected after an elegant show of beauty, glamour and culture onstage at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex on Friday, August 3rd. The pageant is the largest international pageant held in Belize, and saw the participation of beauties from all Central American countries (except Nicaragua) and Mexico. The lovely contestants were Marcia Moody of Belize, Adriana Moya Alvarado of Costa Rica, Naydin Madeline Valladares Renderos of El Salvador, Hilary Cumings of Guatemala, Mary Cruz Cardona Galindo of Honduras, Cynthia de la Vega of Mexico, and Emigdielys Arlyn Samaniego Batista of Panama. Leading the night’s events were the affable hosts Eiden Salazar Jr. and Daedra Haylock.

Massive fire leaves many residents of the Boca del Rio Area homeless
A devastating fire in the Boca del Rio area north of San Pedro Town destroyed six houses early this morning, Saturday, August 4th. The fire reportedly started shortly after 1AM, no injuries have been reported, but many persons are now homeless as the blaze destroyed everything in its path. The fire threatened to spread to nearby houses, but thanks to the efforts from the San Pedro Fire Department and the many volunteers who battled the fire for hours, a larger tragedy was avoided. Residents, however, believe that is time for local and central government authorities to look seriously into this matter and provide the fire department on the island with the adequate resources and equipment to better address such emergencies.

Ambergris Today

Man Stabbed To Death On His Bed
San Pedro Police are investigating the murder of man who was stabbed to death on his bed. According to the official police report, on Friday, August 3, 2018, San Pedro Police responded to a report on Caribena Street where they found the lifeless body of a Hispanic male lying face up on his bed with multiple stab wounds in his body. The report states that at about 7:40 p.m., Police Constable Nestor Campus was upstairs of the residence in his room when he heard a commotion. Upon making checks he saw a known male person running away from a room occupied by Carlos Valdez. The room is located on the eastern side of the residence and the assailant was running away with a knife in his hands; Campus attempted to restrain the male individual who in return attempted to stab him with the knife.

Island Blaze Leaves Over 80 Homeless Destroying 10 Structures
Due to the proximity of the homes to each other and high winds the fire spread quickly leaving ten structures completely destroyed and three partially damaged. Low water pressure from the town’s water supply also presented a problem in collecting water. Sadly not much could be done to save all the homes in the area; the fire stopped spreading where home were farther apart from each other. The fire was brought under control about 4:26 a.m., by firefighters who were assisted by civilians who came to their aid with buckets and water hoses from nearby homes. Although there were many upset that police officers were removing people from the area, Superintendent Reymundo Reyes (new Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit - Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker) stated that this was done for the safely of everyone. He said they were protecting people from the high heat, fire and extreme smoke inhalation as the conditions in the area were extreme.

Misc Belizean Sources

Mr. Carlos Valdez passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council would like to extend its deepest condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Carlos Valdez, also known as "Ninja" on his tragic passing. We hope his family finds the strength in each other to overcome this great loss. May his soul rest in peace.

CARLOS VALDEZ MURDERED ON AMBERGRIS
At 7:40 p.m., Police Constable Nestor Campus was upstairs of in his room in the building when he heard a commotion coming from another room. Upon making checks he saw a familiar face running from tCarlos “can” Valdez’s room with a knife in his hand. Officer Campus attempted to restrain the man but the suspect attempted to stab him with the knife. Campus eventually subdued the individual. The officer went into Valdez’s room and found his body lying face up on the bed, riddled with stab wounds.

Boca Del Rio Fire
Last I heard, 10 homes were consumed by the inferno. Luckily all were able to get out. It was a heartbreaking night in the Boca del Rio area and it will be a tough morning for those who are now homeless. May our community come together and help all those affected.

International Night - Ivy Queen
Night three of the International Costa Maya Festival ends with a bang as queen of Reggaeton Ivy Queen owns the stage. Openers included The Garifuna Collective and singer Marilyn Vanson.

The Reporter

Corozal family’s home sprayed with bullets
A Corozal family came under fire last night when their house was sprayed with at least nine bullets. Police confirmed the incident after they recovered nine expended 9mm shells from the scene. The Reporter understands that police have detained three persons, and that one of them has named the other two of being behind the incident and their investigations continue.

Fire in San Pedro destroys five homes
A Fire in San Pedro Town early this morning completely wiped out five houses and caused damages to three more. Police say that sometime around 1:30 am, they responded to a report of a house on fire in the Boca del Rio area and saw one house already consumed by the blaze. The fire reportedly spread to several other houses before fire fighters could contain it. Police say it took some three hours for fire fighters, with the help of residents, to extinguish the fire.

PAINTER WAS FATALLY STABBED IN SAN PEDRO TOWN
A painter was fatally stabbed in San Pedro Town last night. The Reporter has confirmed that the victim is Carlitos Valdez, 50, of Caribena Street on the island. Valdez was reportedly inside his room, located on the upper flat of a club, sometime before 8:00pm when a man attacked him and stabbed him multiple times in the chest and abdomen.

POLICE FIND ALMOST 7 POUNDS OF WEED IN SOUTH SIDE, BELIZE CITY
Police say that separate searches they conducted recently on the south side of Belize City have yielded close to seven pounds of marijuana, but that none of the searches have resulted in any arrests because no one was found in the areas where they found the drugs. They say they have labeled and deposited the drugs as “found property.”

TAIWAN DONATES TOWARD SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS
The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has donated towards Belize’s September celebrations. Last week Friday, Second Secretary at the Taiwanese embassy in Belize, Kelly Chang handed over a cheque for $60,000 to Sapna Budhrani, president of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and Co-Chair of the National Celebrations Committee.

Breaking Belize News

Digicell text services restored
Earlier today, Digicell users were not able to send or receive SMS/ text messages. Digicell informed that they were experiencing technical difficulties with the SMS service. A few minutes ago, Digicell issued an update informing all customers that the SMS services have been fully restored. […]

Digicell apologizes for SMS issue
Many Digicell users took to social media to rant about not being able to use their SMS/ text service today. Digicell has just issued a statement informing its PrePaid customers countrywide that they may be experiencing issues when sending and receiving SMS messages. […]

NEMO Minister assesses damage in San Pedro
A fire last night left 75 San Pedranos homeless. The inferno destroyed 10 homes in the Boca del Rio area. This morning, Minister of National Emergency Management and Organization (NEMO) Edmund Castro arrived in San Pedro to assess the damage by the fire. […]

Benque Viejo man stabbed to death in San Pedro
Police are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred last night in San Pedro. According to reports, around 7:40 last night, police constable Nestor Campus was upstairs of a home on Caribena street when he heard a commotion. […]

Miss Honduras crowned La Reina de la Costa Maya 2018
Last night, Miss Honduras, Mary Cardona won the crown at the Costa Maya 2018 international pageant. Cardona succeeds former Miss Belize, Michelle Nunez, who won the 2017 Miss Costa Maya pageant. Miss México took home 2nd place and Miss Costa Rica, third place. […]

Ten homes destroyed in San Pedro inferno
Police and fire officials are investigating a fire that completely destroyed 10 homes in the Boca del Rio area of San Pedro town last night. Various families have been misplaced and are today homeless after losing everything in the inferno. […]

Two more Belizean power-lifters bring home Gold and Bronze from regional competition
Two more Belizean power-lifters bring home Gold and Bronze from regional competition The Belize Power-lifting Association today informed that three Belizeans participated in the 16th North American Regional Powerlifting Championship competition in Mexico city, Mexico. […]

Belizean wins Gold Medal at Regional Powerlifting Championships in Mexico
Yesterday, Belizean power-lifting enthusiast and personal trainer, Kaylon Godoy won a Gold Medal at the 16th North American Regional Powerlifting Championship Competition in Mexico City, Mexico. The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and the North American Regional Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) brings together drug-free regional powerlifting enthusiasts in America and the Caribbean. […]

Blogs

Boca Del Rio Blaze
Ambergris was abuzz today with talk of the fire that displaced 75-84 people (exact number still to be determined) in the Boca Del Rio, San Juan area late last night. The fire broke out Just north-west of the Train Station Gym and behind Compadres bar on the lagoon side of town. The community is springing into action fast, food, clothing, and hygiene donations are being accepted at Hope Haven Shelter (across from Maya Island Air). Colleen’s Kitchen at the shelter will be providing 3 meals a day for at least a week, along with fruits and snacks for the kids. When I messaged Karen Brodie to get permission to use her devastating fire pictures, she also gave me a few details to share with you. “The blaze started around 1:00 am. It seems like it was arson according to Manuel Heredia. A fight was going on in the house where the fire started according to neighbors. It was an incredibly hot fire, literally an inferno. Even when I first got there and wasn’t brave enough to get real close I could feel the heat from it and I was worried about explosions.”

Saturday view in Corozal
Corozal Town is located in the northernmost district of Belize, the Corozal District. The town itself offers a laid-back, slower lifestyle than many bigger, busier cities or tourist-filled locations. Its proximity to the Mexican border, and Mexican city of Chetumal, makes it a great place for duty-free shopping, and also means that the bustling city life is just a short trip away for those who begin to miss it.

International Sources

The Humble Golf Cart
Golf carts by definition are a small self-propelled vehicle designed to carry two people around a golf course with less effort than walking. The idea, and first use of a golf cart is credited to J.K. Wadley, a resident of Texarkana, Texas/Arkansas, who in 1932 after witnessing a senior citizen using a three-wheel vehicle to get to the grocery store, decided it would be perfect on his local links, it wasn't. On Belize, golf carts are a major mode of transportation, and are a popular tourist rental. They've also become favorites at hunting camps, factory's, and yuppie neighborhood's where residents drive carts tagged NEV's, or neighborhood electric vehicles.

War on sharks: How rogue fishing fleets plunder the ocean’s top predator
It was billed as the biggest poaching bust in history, a monumental win for conservationists. An Ecuadorean Navy patrol vessel, guided by advanced radar and a small plane, bore down on a ship the length of a football field making a beeline across the Galapagos Marine Reserve — probably the most fiercely protected waters in the world. Filling the freighter’s freezers: 150 tons of dead sharks, most of them endangered and illegal to sell. Only small pieces off those 6,000 carcasses were actually of much value. The fins.

Videos

August 4, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Ivy Queen is on La Isla Bonita!
The queen of reggaeton is on Ambergris Caye as she is slated to perform for International Night at the International Costa Maya Festival on Saturday, August 4th! Don't miss out!!

Murder in Downtown San Pedro!
Information reaching our news room reports that one male person was fatally stabbed awhile ago at a house located on Caribeña Street. Police are processing the scene, and according to unconfirmed reports, one person has been detained.

Costa Maya International Festival has begun!
The much-anticipated Costa Maya International Festival began on Thursday, August 2nd with the preliminary Costa Maya Pageant. The evening saw the girls gracing the stage in outfits created by talented designers from their countries of origin. The beauties also participated in a short chit-chat session with hosts Deli Eiley and Horacio Louis Guerrero. One by one the beauties shared their experiences in Belize so far, endearing them even further with the public and judges (who will be revealed at the actual pageant on Friday, August 3rd).

Tres Pescados Grand Slam fly fishing tournament is underway!
15 teams totaling 40 anglers are participating in this year’s 10th Annual Tres Pescados Grand Slam Tournament taking place from Thursday, August 2nd to Saturday, August 4th on the coast of Ambergris Caye. Participants in the annual catch and release event, which is the only international fly-fishing tournament in Belize, will have the chance to win thousands in prizes, while at the same time being part of the annual charity fundraising. This year, organizers will be donating to two importance causes- the Defend Cayo Rosario campaign and to the Yellow Dog Community and Conservation Foundation.

SPTC delegation pays an official visit to Chetumal, Quintana Roo Mexico
With the purpose to highlight and showcase the tourism attractions and activities in Othon P. Blanco, Chetumal Quintana Roo, Mexico, a Belizean delegation headed by The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) made an official visit to the Mexican City from Friday, July 27th to July 29th. The invitation from the Mexican authorities is part of the sister city relationship between San Pedro and Chetumal, who visited La Isla Bonita during the ‘El Dia de San Pedro’ celebrations in June of this year. During the visit, the island delegation toured Chetumal City and the main tourist destinations of the Rio Hondo Riviera and the southern rural zone of Quintana Roo.

Ambergris Today

Costa Maya Festival Kicks Off With Packed Lineup Of Entertainment
With a very hot, lively and energetic line up of performances, the San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival kicked off last night on Ambergris Caye, Belize. The show included theatrical and lively performances by the Alma Caribeña dance group from Mexico, the explosive dance presentations by Grupo Crash of El Salvador, the cultural drumming and dancing of the Charikaniri Garifuna Dance Group of Belize and the lively sounds of Belize’s Youth Connection Band accompanied by an energetic Ernestine Carballo and Harrison “Dawgie” King; DJ Patron kept the music flowing.

Free Eye Exams By BelizeKids.Org At The Lions Den
BelizeKids.org is a non-profit organization focused on helping kids in Belize. Currently they are only on our beautiful island of Ambergris Caye but plan to expand to help kids throughout the country. Doctors are back on the island and are offering free eye exams in collaboration with the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI).

Misc Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Airstrip Update
After much anticipation, it seems the final touches are being made for our airstrip to be re open very soon.

Corozal, DigiNet is HERE & we want to celebrate with a bang!
Come out to the Corozal Central Park tomorrow August 4th from 9am - 3pm to sign up for DigiNet and enjoy FREE Installation plus NO Deposit! Already have an internet service from the other provider? Well, Make the Switch and start experiencing the fastest most reliable internet service in the country and receive 2 months FREE DigiNet Service!

Miss Honduras wins La Reina De La Costa Maya 2018
After several hours of competition, Mary Cardona captured the crown with first runner up going to Mexico. Tune in at 6 p.m. on Saturday for the full coverage of the pageant right here on Channel Five

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of July 23rd thru July 30th, 2018
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. Here are the Bonefish successes! Russ, Christine, Charlie, Russ Y, Matt N and Isaac T both caught bones right off our dock!, Bruce, Linda, Randy, Peter, Monroe, Veronica and Riley O, Patrick, Bennett & Caitlin L., Damon, Chris R, Brandon Frank & Jack, Chris D, Jeff, and Jerry got into bones out on the flats.

The Ministries of the Environment from the SICA Region will Strengthen the Inter-sectorial Cooperation to Plan Against Climate Change and will Seek to Decrease the Impact of Droughts in the Central American Dry Corridor and the Arid Areas of the Dominican Republic
In taking office today of the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Central American Commission on Environment and Development (CCAD) -the environmental branch of the Central American Integration System (SICA)- the Minister of State within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration of Belize, Hon. Omar Figueroa, together with his counterparts from Central America and Dominican Republic announced a bolstering of actions to decrease the effects of climate change, emphasizing on the drought that is affecting some of our countries.

Minister of National Security Presented with National Defense Plan
For the first time since the withdrawal of British troops in 1994, a National Defense Plan is being prepared. The first draft of this plan was presented to Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar at a two-day workshop conducted at the Coast Guard Headquarters. The National Defense Plan includes the use of all instruments of national power in the defense of Belize against any external aggression. The Plan ensures the achievement of a credible defense deterrent capability and defensive operational capacity to guarantee the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Belize. The Plan was commissioned by the Minister of National Security in April 2018.

National Trade Policy of Belize Public Consultations
In 2017, the Government of Belize through the Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT), embarked on creating a coherent and effective Trade Policy, following the development and approval of the National Trade Policy Framework (2016). The Trade Policy, guided by this framework, is envisaged to stimulate and contribute to the growth of Belize’s trade domestically and internationally. This Policy is built upon four pillars i.e: institutional strengthening, supply capacity, market access and trade facilitation. The Policy further contextualizes entrepreneurship, higher living standards, efficient productive practices, trade governance and inclusiveness and ways to build and enhance beneficial trade relations.

Miss Honduras new Reina De la Costa Maya!
Honduras takes home the grand title of winner!

International Costa Maya Festival 2018

Channel 7

Did Santander Accountant Have Sticky Fingers?
Tonight, Flavio Tzalam is in custody of Belmopan Police after he was charged for misappropriating as much as two hundred thousand dollars from Santander - where he was an accountant. Reports are sketchy at this time - but 7News has learnt that he allegedly diverted company payments for social security and income tax withholding and cashed them himself. He is charged for forgery and theft. Reports to our newsroom say he has given a statement to police accepting some wrongdoing, but, in a smart twist, is urging the company to consider setting off the amount against what he is owed in severance. He is represented by Hubert Elrington.

Two More Alleged Murderers Get Bail
Two more alleged murderers are soon going to be home after being offered bail of $40,000.00. They are 39 year old Kenneth Barrow and 35 year old Jervis Diamond Valencia. Barrow has been on remand for almost 6 years, for the murder of 19 year old Raheem Requena. Requena, a fourth former was ambushed and fatally shot in December, 2012. Valencia is charged with the murder of 36 year old Moses Gonguez who was shot and killed on municipal election night, March 4, 2015. Police shot Valencia in his neck and chest in their effort to detain him.

Felix Bros. Denied Bail But Get Expedited Trial
2 other accused murders who weren't so successful with their bail applications today were the brothers, Maurice and Emory Felix. The two are on remand awaiting trial for the May 2015 murder of Mark Gentle, and attempted murder against Gentle's mother, the late Pamela Bennett-Cumberbatch. Their attorney, Oscar Selgado, applied before Justice Herbert Lord for bail for the 2 brothers. Maurice Felix's application was heard first. Selgado attempted to convince the court that his client deserved bail after 3 years on remand, but Crown Counsel Sherigne Rodriguez objected on the grounds that the DPP's Office is prepared to expedite the case against the 2, at the court's earliest convenience.

The Wrath Of Re-Registration Rejection
For months now we've been reporting on re-registration. It's part of the awareness campaign to get voters mobilised to go to their nearest polling station and get re-registered. For some, particularly those with the least resources in rural areas, it can mean long walks or bus rides on hot days to get to that polling station. But what no one told them is that - if they show up in a shirt or blouse without sleeves they'll be rejected. That's right - it wasn't part of the information campaign - but if you do not have sleeves on your shirt or top, you cannot re-register.

Woman Fires Licensed Weapon Outside Another Woman’s Home
Shots were fired on Cedar Street last night but no one was hurt. But this wasn't any gang warfare; it was a domestic case. A man seems to have taken his common law wife - and her licensed gun - to settle a dispute with his daughter's mother. Police are calling it an aggravated burglary. Around 8:00, 41 year old Barbara Myers was at her mother's Cedar Street home with her family when a woman walked towards the front door, took a gun from her waist and pointed it at them. She then fired a single shot in the air and walked away. No one was injured but Police recovered one expended .380 shell and live .380 rounds.

Cane farmers Say Fine Print On Cane Price Breakdown Is Troubling
For a week now, we've been reporting on the fallout in the sugar industry after the very low second payment for the sugar crop came in. And many are looking to ASR/BSI - because they suspect the multinational isn't being completely on the level in how it calculates the payment for sugar. And, doubters have seized upon a shipping term - which they feel shows that ASR/BSI is shorting them. The term is FAS - it means "Free Alongside Ship"- and according to internet sources, that means the buyer is responsible for paying the ocean freight. The buyer in this case would be Tate and Lyle in the UK.

The Most Constructive Summer Camp
There is going to be a mini-rodeo at the agric-show grounds tomorrow. It marks the end of the two week agriculture summer camp. Over 200 kids from Belize City, Belmopan and Cayo participated. We dropped by today as they wrapped up the camp. I found out just how much the kids learned. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: The Belmopan police department and the Ministry of Agriculture surely hope these kids will find that happiness through the Regional Summer Camp for Youth Engaged in Agriculture. Belize City kids as well as youth from Belmopan and Cayo are participating. This week, the kids from the west got to explore nature on a field trip to Banana Bank.

Belize Gets Defence Plan
Belize hasn't had a defence plan since the British pulled out of Belize in 1994. But, one is in the works now, and nearing completion. A draft version was presented to National Security Minister John Saldivar at a workshop held at the Coast Guard Headquarters. According to an official release, "The Defense Plan includes the use of all instruments of national power in the defense of Belize against any external aggression. The Plan ensures the achievement of a credible defense deterrent capability and defensive operational capacity to guarantee the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Belize." End quote.

Gay Pride Week To Be Openly Observed in Belize
If you follow of international news, you'll know all about Gay Pride Week. It's a big event for Gay communities in developed countries, where they celebrate their identities and freedoms. Well, in Belize, UNIBAM, the country's leading gay rights organization, is announcing that they're going to publicly celebrate their own gay pride week from August 4th to the 12th. This is the second year that that they've put together a series of events for gay pride, and today, 2 of the organization's leaders, Caleb Orozco, and Simone Hill, held a press conference to explain its importance:

Section 57 Judgement Appeal Still Wending Through Court
So, while the gay community gets ready to celebrate gay pride, UNIBAM's Executive Director, Caleb Orozco, is preparing to defend his Supreme Court victory at the Court of Appeal. 2 years ago, Chief Justice Benjamin decriminalized sexual acts between 2 consenting same-sex adults. The Catholic Church was supposed to have been the litigant to challenge that substantive ruling at the Court of Appeal, but as we told you, earlier this year, the Church abandoned the case.

Laser Like A Jackhammer Breaks Up Stones
If you know one thing about kidney stones, you'll know that it is an extremely painful, debilitating and complicated condition. Typically, taking those stones out means getting cut, and having them surgically removed. But a new technique that's common in the US has now come to Belize. It's called "endo-urology" and it's done with a device called a "Holmium Surgical Laser". We went into the operating theater at the Belize Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Center to see how it works - and to profile the doctor who brought the technology to Belize:…

Read Books, Not WhatsApp Messages
Read, read, and read some more: that is wise advice we all should take and members from the Belmopan Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program want to drive it home. They are hosting their "Tek time to read" book festival tomorrow at the Belmopan Civic Center. There will be free books for kids from ages 0 to 18. The members were putting their finishing touches on their displays for the book festival when we met them today. Here's more. Trisha Stokes, Coordinator: "It is the "Tek time to read" book festival. We didn't want to say book fair because it just sounds like a fair, it doesn't really sound like for kids like festival. We wanted to take a more fun approach to reading and literacy so that we believe that if children have fun books to read it will make reading a bit more fun."

Taiwan Sweetens Celebration Spirit with Cash
Once again, the Taiwanese are assisting with funds for Belize's national celebrations. One week ago, they handed over a $60,000 checque to assist in programs and National Celebrations. President of the NICH, Sapna Budhrani, received the cheque from Second Secretary at the Taiwanese Embassy Kelly Y. C. Chang.

How To Sell to A Salesperson
RF & G insurance held a training workshop at the Biltmore yesterday. Now, everyone knows that there's no sales person as relentless as someone who sells insurance. We found out how they motivate each other:..

Armed Robbery At Western Union OW.
Last night we told you about the daring heist at an electronics store in Orange Walk where the burglars came through the roof. Well, armed robbers jacked a Western Union Office in that northern town yesterday. At around 9:00 in the morning an armed man entered her business and demanded money. Terrified, she handed over $1,370.00 dollars in cash. The man ran off and no arrest has been made.

Channel 5

Tourism Minister Breaks His Silence on Cayo Rosario Project
Cayo Rosario is back in the headlines tonight. The island is located on west Ambergris Caye and is part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve expansion where a massive development [...]

Gary Versus Manny for U.D.P. Rep for Belize Rural South
Minister Heredia Junior is a four-term area representative of Belize Rural South and has not lost an election in his political career. He has also been the Minister of Tourism, [...]

Minister Heredia Confident that He is Unbeatable
Whether Greif’s application will be accepted or not will be known next week after the party’s vetting committee meets. But disrespect aside, Heredia Junior is confident that he is unbeatable. [...]

Another NO to Arthur Saldivar Political Aspiration
There is another ‘NO’ to Arthur Saldivar; he aspired to run for the People’s United Party in the Belmopan constituency, but his application has been turned down one more time. [...]

Sedi Walks Back ‘Crazy’ Talk
Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington rubbed many the wrong way on July fifth when he used the word crazy to describe those who would vote ‘NO’ in respect of the upcoming [...]

Sedi Explains Government’s Push for a Yes Vote
Is the Referendum Unit’s education campaign being overshadowed by the United Democratic Party and government’s push for electors to vote ‘YES’ to the I.C.J.?  According to Foreign Minister Elrington, Belizeans [...]

BTV Letter of Complaint is Without Merit Says Foreign Minister Elrington
The Belize Territorial Volunteers, led by Wil Maheia, has written a letter of complaint to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.  Through that statement, the BTV is registering its concern [...]

Education Campaign to Intensify Ahead of Upcoming Referendum
The question of funding for the referendum campaign, however, remains a concern since it is a massive undertaking by the government.  Estimated to cost roughly nine million dollars, the countrywide [...]

Woman Threatened by Another with Gun in Belama
The evening news is often littered with stories of gun violence, portraying males as the sole perpetrators of incidents where other males are victims of armed assaults.  Tonight, however, there [...]

Accountant Detained in Connection with Forgery and Theft Case
There are very few details of a developing story in the Cayo District. Accountant Flavio Tzalam who has been with Santander, the Spanish company operating out of Valley of Peace [...]

No Salaries for Belmpan CitCo Workers? Admin Blames it on Revenue Collection
The Belmopan City Council is having some cash flow problems. And the most recent payroll problem will not be the last, as according to the City Council, they have been [...]

Belize City Council Consults on Urban Planning
The Belize City Council, with the help of consulting group, Grupo Innovoterra, is in the process of drafting a zoning ordinance for Belize City. It’s a document that will become [...]

Zoning Will Not Forget the Public Spaces in the City
The zoning ordinance looks on industrial and residential areas to determine the plans for the city. A big part of the planning also involved public spaces; and once the ordinance [...]

Another Store is Robbed in Orange Walk
Robbers hit another business in Orange Walk. Earlier this week, the security guard at Odette’s Home Center was held up and the thieves made away with cash as well as [...]

Who Will Be the Next Reina De La Costa Maya?
Seven beauties from Belize, the rest of Central America and Mexico are getting ready at this time to compete for the coveted La Reina De La Costa Maya pageant. It [...]

LGBTI Community Observes 2nd Annual Pride Week
UNIBAM and its partner LGBT groups are observing Pride Week in Belize from August fourth to the twelfth. It is the second time the LGBT community is observing the week [...]

No More Rainbow Flag at the U.S. Embassy in Belize? UNIBAM Weighs In
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are aiming to forbid U.S. embassies from raising “gay pride” flags, or any banner other than the Stars and Stripes. A Republican Rep is [...]

Smart Stars wrap up two-week summer camp
Young athletes completed today a two-week sports camp which tested their acumen and discipline on the football field. The camp has been held annually for over a decade by SMART [...]

Cancer Patient Needs Help
A father is seeking public assistance for his daughter who is stricken with cancer. The young girl, Sandy Carolina Maza, is hospitalized in Guatemala with brain cancer. She has been [...]

LOVE FM

Is Funding for UNIBAM Affected by Trump?
Since US President Donald Trump had tweeted anti-gay sentiments regarding transgender people serving in the military, it cast doubt as to whether the US State Department via the US Embassy in Belize would continue to be supportive of UNIBAM. The Trump administration has sent a new Charge d Affairs but Orozco believes that nothing will …

Government isn’t using US funds for “Yes” to ICJ campaign
The Belize Territorial Volunteers(BTV), led by Wil Maheia had sent a complaint letter to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, leading senators and the Congressional Black Caucus, claiming that half a million dollars sent to Belize was being misused by the Government. The funds, according to the BTV, are being used to finance a biased …

Pride Week is being Celebrated in Belize
The United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM) and the lesbian group PETAL held a press conference to discuss Pride Week under the theme “Championing a diverse and dynamic and inclusive community.” UNIBAM’s Executive Director, Caleb Orozco explained the significance of the week’s events. Caleb Orozco Executive Director,Unibam: The work of the Belize Advocacy Movement is evolving …

Breast is best
The World Health Organization and UNICEF have been championing the importance of breastfeeding. In August 1990, these organizations signed the Innocenti Declaration, which seeks to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Every year, thereafter, the first week of August is observed as breastfeeding week to commemorate the signing of the declaration. Love News spoke with Nurse …

Special Olympics Children Camp
A camp that was aimed at children with special needs ended today at the Price Barracks in Ladyville. The camp, known as Shriver’s Camp, is held annually for children with special needs engaging them in fun filled sports and activities. Special Olympics Belize established the camp with the intentions of breaking the societal blocks that …

Diginet, one year later
The internet has transformed the way in which business is done and it has turned the world into a global village. Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) is in the process of switching from broadband to fiber optic through its diginet program in order to provide even faster internet service to its customers. Vanessa Bowman, Senior Product …

Smart hosts football camp
The annual Smart Football Camp ended today with participants receiving certificates and trophies. Smart’s Public Relations and Branding Officer, Adelaide Sabido spoke to us about this year’s camp. Adelaide Sabido – Smart’s Public Relations and Branding Officer: Foremost I must mention that this is the tenth consecutive year that the camp has been running and the …

Sedi Clarifies Crazy Comment
On July 5th, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said it would be crazy not to vote “yes” during the referendum. This afternoon Love News sat down with Minister Elrington and he said that he was making personal comments regarding himself that it would be crazy for him not to vote yes, considering his knowledge on …

Is Belize with 1 China Policy or with Taiwan?
Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington echoed the responses of CEO Andrews in that the funds are being channeled through the United Nations Development Program. The Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke of the upcoming visit of the President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-Wen who will be arriving in Belize on August sixteenth to eighteenth. This has …

Minister of National Security revisits national defense plan
In April, Minister of National Security John Saldivar commissioned a national defense plan. At the end of a two day workshop Minister Saldivar was presented with a draft of the plan. The plan includes the use of all instruments of national power in the defense of Belize against any external aggression and ensures that the …

Drugs found in Belize City
Various police searches conducted in Belize City on Thursday allowed police to discover numerous amounts of cannabis. Searches done on the South side of the City, led to the discovery of approximately 2,805 grams of cannabis, however no one was found in the area and as a result, police labeled and deposited it as found property …

Firearm and Ammunition recovered in Unitedville, Cayo
On Thursday, a police patrol in Unitedville in the Cayo District, has police searching for Alexander Rios, after he was found to be in possession of an unlicensed firearm …

Aggravated Burglary in Belize City
Forty one year old, Barbara Meyers, reported to police that around 8 o’clock on Thursday night while at her mother’s house on Cedar Street in Belize City with a few of her family members, they were approached by a female who entered through the front door …

PlusTV

Shortage of Medical supplies nationwide
There is a critical shortage of Medical supplies in public health facilities across the country. Ministry of Health C.E.O Ramon Figueroa confirmed over the phone today that there is a shortage in bandages, gauze and syringes. Figueroa says that the Ministry has been facing problems with receiving ...

Another Western Union robbed
Another Western Union branch has been targeted by robbers. According to police reports, on Thursday morning, sometime around 9 o’clock, 45 year old Claudia Davila, was at her business place ,Mi Sericordia De Dios, which is a Western Union Branch located at 27 Guadalupe Street, Orange Walk Town. Tha...

Former Belmopan Mayor speaks of Citco’s current financial woes
On Wednesday, we told you that the Belmopan City Council workers and Transport officers were, once again, not paid on time. Workers told us that the issue has been reoccurring since April. On Wednesday, during their designated break, the members of the Christians Workers Union walked out of the City...

Crime and policing in Belmopan
On the first of July, the Belmopan Police Department received a new Commander. He goes by the name of Superintendent Henry Jemmoth and he has policing experience both in Belize City and San Pedro. This morning, we sat down with Supt. Jemmoth to hear what his experience has been like so far as comman...

Female shooter being sought
A gun toting female is being sought by police. According to reports, the female entered the doorway of a residence and fired a shot in the air. The report was made by 41 year old Barbara Myers, who told police that on Thursday August 2nd at about 8:00 p.m , she was at her mother’s home on Cedar Stre...

Police seeking Alexander Rios for gun charges
Police were conducting patrol in Unitedville Village, Cayo District at about 5:45 p.m., on Thursday August 2nd. They visited a creek that runs adjacent to the highway where they saw two male persons, one of whom was identified to be Alexander Rios. According to police, when Rios saw the cops, he g...

Guatemalan minor says she was forced into prostitution
A resident of More Tomorrow Village was arrested and charged for Human Trafficking of a Guatemalan minor some two months ago. The 17 year old girl told police that 60 year old Valentine Pop brought her to Belize from Melchor de Mencos when she was only 14 years old and allowed her to live with him i...

American Belizean suing for False Imprisonment
An American Belizean who resides in Tower Hill, Orange Walk is suing the Attorney General of Belize, the Immigration Department; Edgar Cano; Senior Immigration Officer, and the Belize Police Department. 63 year old Norman Kaufman filed the suit on Wednesday , July 27th, claiming false imprisonment...

British National wants Belizean nationality; says 13 years and no success
A 66 year old British National who says he came to the country of Belize with the British Army in 1971 and got married to a Belizean says that he has been unable to receive his Belizean Nationality papers...

Drug Trafficking charges for Belize City residents
On Thursday, police operations in Belize City yielded over two thousand grams of weed. Police say they searched different areas on the South-Side of the crime ridden city and collected a total of 2,805 grams of cannabis...

Belize Brain Awareness Society launched
Last Saturday, a newly formed organization held its launching ceremony. That organization is called the Belize Brain Awareness Society. The society is made up of individuals with a desire to see more awareness...

24 years later; Belize putting together a National Defense plan
The nation of Belize has been without a defense plan for the past 24 years. A press release from the Government press office issued today says, and we quote, “ For the first time since the withdrawal of British troops in 1994, a National Defense Plan is being prepared.”...

Minister of Transport and NEMO Meets Japan Parliamentary Delegation
On Wednesday, August 1, 2018, Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management Hon. Edmond Castro met with a visiting high-level delegation consisting of members of the House of Representatives of Japan and other officials...

Belmopan Bandits gearing up for Honduras team
The Belmopan Bandits Football Club Held a Press briefing at the Isodoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan today where they introduced their Players and unveiled their three new players’ Jerseys. Here is a look at the 2018 Jersey’s for the Belmopan Bandits football Club. We also took the opportunity to speak to the Belmopan Bandits head coach about...

Saldivar responds to Courtenay
Over the past two nights, we have been reporting on the People’s United Party’s internal friction between the Party’s legal advisor Eamon Courtenay and political hopeful Arthur Saldivar. The friction came about after Courtenay responded to questions presented by the media on Tuesday concerning Saldi...

Orange Walk business robbed
There was a robbery in Orange Walk town where a security guard was once again targeted. He was tied up and the business place he was guarding robbed. Police told us more. Wilfredo Ferrufino, Police NCIB: A security guard, Jose Matus, a 52 year old security guard for Odette’s Home center, which is lo...

BUFERHD seeking legal recourse
According to the law, persons who desire to participate in the National re-registration exercise are required to live at an address in Belize for a minimum of two months. Belizeans abroad are not able to meet this requirement whichhas caused the Belizeans United for Equal Rights at Home and Abroad, ...

Gas station robbers arraigned and remanded
Yesterday we told you about the arrests made by police in the robbery attempt at CP Gas station in Belize City. At today’s police media briefing, Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino gave us an update. Wilfredo Ferrufino, Police NCIB: On the 30th of July, sometime around 10am, police were called to the CP...

Police update on Belmopan chopping
On Tuesday we told you about 18 year Jose Lopez, who was chopped and robbed in the Rivera Community of Belmopan while on his way home from work. While Police informed the Media this morning that Lopez was in a critical condition at the KHMH, we were able to find Lopez at his residence this evening i...

Drowned man may have had asthma attack
Yesterday we told you about the drowning of 37 year old David Alamilla who was on a boat headed to St. George’s Caye when tragedy struck. Today, police updated on their investigation into that case. Wilfredo Ferrufino, Police NCIB: On the 1st of August, sometime around 1:30pm, police were called ou...

Authorities update on recent fires
An early morning fire destroyed the home of a family of three in Belama phase four, Belize City on Monday morning. The fire department was able to contain the fire, but not in time to save the structure. Chief Fire Officer at the Belize Fire Department, Orin Smith, told the media that the fire was s...

Questions over appointment of Honorary Consulate of Belize to Wales
British National, Arron Banks, claims that he was the Honorary Consulate of Belize to Wales for nearly two years. According to a ‘Wales Online’ article, published on July 18th 2018, the multi-millionaire British business man and political donor revealed on Twitter earlier this month that he had been the Honorary Consul for Wales on behalf of Belize from June 10, 2015, until March 15, 2017...

Police Department Receives Training on Stress, Trauma and suicide
The Employee Assistance Programme, under the Ministry of Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities, held a three-day training with the Belize Police Department at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. Sixty-eight police officers with the rank of Inspector to Deputy Commissioner...

Evangelical Garifuna Council of Churches’ annual convention
The Evangelical Garifuna Council of Churches celebrated its annual convention with a parade through the streets of Punta Gorda town last week Saturday. The three day celebration saw various representatives from Garifuna communities across Belize...

Amandala

American-Belizean suing for false imprisonment
An American man, Norman Kaufman, who became a naturalized Belizean, has filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court Registry naming four defendants: the Attorney General of Belize; the Department of Immigration; Edgar Cano, Senior Immigration Officer; and the Belize Police Department. Kaufman, a resident of Tower Hill, Orange Walk District, is seeking exemplary and aggravated damages from the court for false imprisonment. He is also seeking aggravated and exemplary damages for malicious prosecution.

Popular cabinet maker and basketball enthusiast drowns near Moho Caye
A popular and skilled cabinet maker and basketball coach of the Belama area tragically lost his life at sea yesterday, Wednesday, while he was travelling to St. George’s Caye. David Alamilla, 37, was half a mile away from Moho Caye, which is about 1/3 of a mile away from the Municipal Airport on the north side of Belize City, when a series of events which led to his drowning, took place. The disastrous string of events which claimed Alamilla’s life began when he and four of his co-workers boarded a 32-foot boat which was towing a 26-foot skiff that was loaded with lumber. According to one of Alamilla’s coworkers, Andrew Middleton, 31, they were going to use the lumber to build a bodega out on St. George’s Caye.

Belmopan City Council employees stage protest over no-pay
Workers of the Belmopan City Council and their transport officers’ colleagues have reportedly been having difficulties collecting their pay since April. Today, during their break time, over 20 workers staged a protest at the main entrance to the City Hall building. The Christian Workers Union, which represents the workers of the Belmopan City Council, has written to the Council about the matter of their members not being paid on time. In response to the union’s letter, the City Administrator dispatched a letter to the union explaining that the workers would have been paid today, Thursday. Up to midday today, however, the council has still not paid its workers.

Darwin Lara, 35, targeted in retaliation for Baby Ethany Bennett’s death
A tearful Darwin Lara, 35, a laborer of Arlington Drive, told Amandala this morning that an attack on his house, in which his common-law wife was shot above both ankles, was an act of retaliation by gang members for the shooting death of Baby Ethany Bennett, 3, of Gill Street, Belize City, who was asleep in bed with her parents when she was mortally wounded. Lara said that a gunman fired ten to twelve shots at his house at about 8 o’clock Monday night, July 23, a little over a day after Baby Ethany was shot, and one of the bullets came through the house and struck his wife just above her two ankles.

Oceana vs Shark Fishers Association
For years, there has been talk, especially by Oceana, of banning the use of gill nets in Belize, because protected species of fish, such as bonefish and tarpon, are often included in the catch of fish pulled out the water by such a mechanism. In 2016, even Belize’s Coast Guard agreed with Oceana. Admiral John Borland, Commandant of the Coast Guard, had told the media that using gill nets was a “destructive and indiscriminate practice” and that the results were “more detrimental than they are beneficial.”

Rush International contingent visits the Jewel
Arriving in Belize this evening was a football contingent from Rush International, including 12 youth players and 4 adult coaches/chaperones. Among the adults are reportedly Brian Lux (Director of International affairs), Kris Downs (Global Outreach Director) and Matt Mittlestaedt (National Technical Director). The group will be in country until Saturday, August 4, and will be conducting training sessions in Belize City, Belmopan and Caye Caulker. According to the tentative itinerary provided by Rush Belize Country Director, Daniel Fabro, the group will be conducting football sessions tomorrow, Tuesday, at the MCC Grounds in Belize City from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon; and from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the GG Field in Belmopan; they get to check out the Mayan Site at Altun Ha on Wednesday morning...

Firms basketball games resume at Swift Hall
Following a break the previous weekend for the FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifying triangular at the Civic Center, the Firms Basketball League tournament resumed action this past weekend with games on Thursday, Friday and Sunday at the Swift Hall court. In the opener on Thursday night, July 26, it was Armed Forces, 72-56, over BWS Pressure. Armed Forces was led by Shaquille Crawford 18 pts 5 rebs, Raheem Zuniga 8 pts 10 rebs, Gregory Buckley 5 pts 10 rebs, and Frank Fuller 5 pts 10 rebs; while for BWS, Karim...

Belize District youths win FFB’s National U-13 Elite Championship in Belmopan
In a 3-day National U-13 Elite football tournament at the FFB Stadium over the weekend, the Belize District squad won the final in a penalty shootout against Belmopan. Selections from the 10 football “districts” of the country participated in the tournament, namely, in Group A – Belize, Stann Creek, San Pedro, Benque and Belmopan; and in Group B – Independence, Toledo, Cayo, Orange Walk and Corozal.

Inter-Office football continues at the MCC
The Belize District Football Association’s (BDFA)/McLean Insurance Brokers Inter-Office Football Tournament continues with scheduled games at the MCC Grounds: Wednesday, August 1 7:00 p.m. – City Council vs Belize Bank 8:30 p.m. – MOE Sports & Premium Wines vs BWS Thursday, August 2 7:00 p.m. – Simon Quan vs KHMH

The Reporter

EDITORIAL – August 3rd. 2018
To put it bluntly, we are disappointed in both the UDP and the PUP for not providing the leadership needed to address the Guatemalan claim to Belize with respect to the impending referendum. So far only the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs have declared themselves in favour of taking the matter to the International Court of Justice.

Chamber Concerned About Crime
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has raised concerns over the increased crime, specifically robberies and burglaries, targeting business owners over the last few months, primarily in Belize

BABY ETANA LAID TO REST
The memory of the little pink casket in a horse-drawn carriage through the streets to the Lord’s Ridge Cemetery on Wednesday will be a lasting reminder to the family and

COMMUNITY ICON DIES AT SEA
David Alamilla, 37, was pronounced dead at 2:30pm Wednesday after he suffered an asthma attack after an accident at sea. His death has shocked not only the Belama community where

Breaking Belize News

Taiwan donates $60,000 to NICH for September Celebrations
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) today announced that on July 27, 2018, it […]

Ivy Queen is in Belize for Costa Maya 2018
Ivy Queen, the diva known as the ‘Queen of Reggaeton” arrived in San Pedro, Belize […]

Police seeking woman for randomly shooting inside a family residence in Belize City
Belize City police are investigating a report of an aggravated burglary that occurred last night. […]

Alexander Rios wanted by police for illegal possession of a firearm
According to reports, around 5:45 pm yesterday, police were conducting a patrol in Unitedville Village, Cayo, and […]

Business woman robbed in broad daylight in Orange Walk
Orange Walk police are investigating a report of an armed robbery that occurred yesterday morning. […]

Belize City man arrested, charged with drug trafficking
Police yesterday arrested and charged Rayan Smith, 24, from Dolphin Street, Belize City for drug trafficking. […]

National Defense Plan prepared to guarantee the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belize
For the first time since the withdrawal of British Troops in 1994, a National Defense […]

Woman busted in drug trafficking operation in Belize City
Yesterday morning, police conducted a search at the home of Lucilla Petronilla on Santa Barbara […]

SICA Environment Ministers discuss climate change action plan for the region
In taking office today of the Pro Tempore Presidency (PTP) of the Central American Commission […]

Public consultations to be held for Belize’s National Trade Policy
Last year, the Government of Belize through the Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT), embarked […]

Fair weather to continue
The 24-hour forecast is for mostly fair weather to continue. Sunny skies with a few cloudy spells are expected today with cloudy skies tonight. Isolated showers are expected over most areas...

Blogs

Light Up Your Neighborhood: Order a Streetlight!
When my neighbor sent me this information, it seemed too good to be true. Anyone can put in an order for a street light. Or three. This can be ordered by a resort or an individual (or an organized neighborhood group.) BEL will install the light and the electricity will be billed to you. Here is the basic information: “BEL installs an LED light on the post you identify by the number (on a metal plate on each pole) and you pay only for the power consumption, roughly calculated for me at BZ$21 a month. “ He submitted his work order last month – and BEL suggests that you get in orders as soon as possible. So they can do a bulk order.

SAN JOAQUIN FIESTA schedule
SAN JOAQUIN FIESTA - The Village of San Joaquin invites you for their 52nd Annual San Joaquin Fiesta from Thursday, August 16th to Sunday, August 19th. Schedule of Events Include the Following:- 16 August - Feastday Mass at 6:00 p.m. 17 August - 7:30 p.m. - Inaugural Ceremony and Coronation, - 9:45 p.m. Live Music by Dynamics of Belize Band. 18 August - 9:45 p.m. - Live Music by Dynamics of Belize Band.

San Ignacio Market Day
It’s a Saturday morning in San Ignacio. The sun is just starting to rise, but for many the day started hours ago. Stalls are assembled, burners are lit, merchandise is laid out, and produce is unpacked. For twin towns San Ignacio and Santa Elena, Saturday is market day. There are permanent market stands, but once per week the market grows 10x its original size. Traffic is redirected, streets become one ways, and downtown is swamped with people. Keep in mind that “swamped with people” is relative in Belize. “Swamped” in Belize is totally different from “swamped” in Chiang Mai, Thailand or Cairo, Egypt. The San Ignacio market day isn’t the largest or busiest in the world but if you seek cultural immersion and a glimpse of local life, then Saturday market is the place to go.

Officially on Summer Vacation and August Events
Yesterday, after meeting the Reicks for a Coconut Leo house fund donation, my friend Jenna and I made a special trip to Escalante, just past Maria’s new shop – soon to be on Google maps. My trainer Sarah tipped me off that I should catch the last day of a special summer school and help promote it. When we arrived, teacher Apo was off getting the kids juice and a snack so Claudia showed us around and filled us in a bit on how things worked. This is a great grassroots effort by Apo, who saw a need within the community to help kids who required some extra attention. Summer school ran for two hours per day and finished for a one month break at the end of July. During the school year, tutoring will resume on Saturdays.

International Sources

The Best Caribbean Islands for 401k Participants to Retire
For most people, relaxing on the beach with their toes in the sand and a frozen beverage in-hand means they are on vacation. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Living the island life permanently after retirement is more affordable than most 401k savers would think—if only one knows where to look. 1. Ambergris Caye, Belize A half-mile offshore of Ambergris Caye—Belize’s largest island—is the Belize Barrier Reef. Part of the largest reef in the northern hemisphere, and one of the most intact thanks to Belizean government regulations, this natural wonder is home to sea turtles, manatees, over 500 species of fish and 106 species of coral.

Caribbean Builds Resilience Through Enhanced Data Collection
By the end of September 2018, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) would have installed the last of five new data buoys in the Eastern Caribbean, extending the regional Coral Reef Early Warning System (CREWS) network as it continues to build resilience to climate change in the Caribbean. At the same time, the centre is also installing an additional 50 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) across nine countries to expand the existing network of hydro-meteorological stations- yet another push to improve data collection in the region. The data will help scientists to better evaluate potential risks and impacts, and provide the information national leaders seek to build more resilient infrastructures to mitigate climate risks.

Regional transportation issues highlighted at hemispheric meeting
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) multilateral air services agreement (MASA) was among matters presented to a meeting of the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACC) directors of civil aviation, held this week in Ottawa, Canada. CARICOM Secretariat’s head of the Transportation Unit, Dr Pauline Yearwood delivered a presentation on ‘Assistance towards the Finalization of the MASA’. This agreement recognizes that the principal means of transport within CARICOM, particularly for people, is by air, and that there are several airlines operating within the region and between the Community and other parts of the world. Some of the airlines, such as Caribbean Airlines and LIAT are also national airlines for some member states. The agreement points to the importance of all stakeholders operating by common rules.

Videos

August 3, 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

33 New Divers graduate from Kids in Action Summer SCUBA Diving Camp
Ambergris Caye saw the graduation of 26 new divers who participated in the annual summer scuba diving program called ‘Kids in Action.’ The camp comprised of students and public workers, with orientation sessions at the San Pedro High School, as well as individual classes with their assigned instructors, who walked them through all the steps to become certified Open Water divers. On Saturday, July 28th, each successful participant was recognized with their certificate and saluted as a brand-new open water certified diver.

Meet the 2018-2019 San Pedro Pirates Football Club Players!
The new season of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB) got underway on Sunday, July 22nd. With fresh faces across many teams, The San Pedro Sun is pleased to introduce the players that form the San Pedro Pirates Football Club. This season the Pirates have eight new and 14 returning Pirates.

Ambergris Today

The Belize Police Receive Training On Stress Management, Dealing With Trauma And Suicidal Ideations
The Employee Assistance Programme, under the Ministry of Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities, held a three-day training with the Belize Police Department at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. Sixty-eight (68) police officers with the rank of Inspector to Deputy Commissioner, were trained in Stress Management, Dealing with Trauma, and Suicidal Ideations within the Belize Police Department.

Pic of the Week - Never Ending Battle With Sargasso!
Battling Sargasso! Gusty Winds just keep bring tons of it to our shoreline! It seems like it is a never ending battle with Sargasso! Resorts and Beach Home Owners have workers on a daily basis cleaning nup the beach but Mother Nature seems to be winning this battle. Everybody has to do their part to help keep our Isla Bonita Clean.

BTB Launches The Belizean Traveller Campaign
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is encouraging Belizeans to be a traveller in their own country during the entire month of August as part of its Belizean Traveller Campaign. And to make the invite more enticing it is offering over $25,000 in prizes that will allow six winners to enjoy a dream vacation in any of Belize’s regional tourism regions. But the campaign becomes even better with the Belize Hotel Association (BHA) jumping into the band wagon to offer numerous discounts through its members during the campaign.

Misc Belizean Sources

Corozal - Pardon the Interruption
Power Outage Scheduled from 9:00 a.m to 12:00 midday on Friday, August 3rd to affect 1st St. N, 2nd St. N, 3rd St. N, 4th St. N, 5th St N, 6th St N, 7th St. N, 8th St. N, 9th St. N, 2nd Avenue, 3rd Avenue, 4th Avenue, and 5th Avenue. BEL to relocate high voltage power lines in the area.

BEL assists 84 students through RESTORE Belize scholarships

TILAPIA LAKE VIRUS (TiLV)
The Tilapia Lake Virus was recently detected in fish farms in six states of Mexico namely: Chiapas, Jalisco, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tabasco and Veracruz. The disease was first detected since 2014 in Israel and subsequently in Ecuador, Colombia, Egypt, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines and Peru. Up to today’s date the disease has not been detected in Belize. The disease is caused by a virus named Tilapia Lake Virus. This new fish virus is known to cause death of up to 90% in farmed and wild Tilapia fish and is transmitted by the live tilapia fish, contaminated water or objects from infected fish farms. The disease mainly affects young tilapia fish.

The Belize Police Department Receives Training on Stress Management, Dealing with Trauma and Suicidal Ideations
The Employee Assistance Programme, under the Ministry of Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities, held a three-day training with the Belize Police Department at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. Sixty-eight (68) police officers with the rank of Inspector to Deputy Commissioner, were trained in Stress Management, Dealing with Trauma, and Suicidal Ideations within the Belize Police Department. The training sessions were facilitated by Associate Clinical Psychologist Chad Lambert from the University of the West Indies Mona Campus who is temporarily attached to the Employee Assistance Programme.

Minister of Transport and NEMO Meets Japan Parliamentary Delegation
On Wednesday, August 1, 2018, Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management Hon. Edmond Castro met with a visiting high-level delegation consisting of members of the House of Representatives of Japan and other officials. The delegation included members of Japan’s Parliamentary Committee on Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and was headed by Akihiro Nishimura, Chairman of the Committee. The delegation also included representatives from the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica. The discussions are generally aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and plans for the World Expo 2025 to be held in Osaka/Kansai, Japan.

International Costa Maya Festival has a A Fun Day Aboard YOLO
Thanks Island Dream Tours

Ryan Usher gets a gold medal at the NAPF 2018 Championships
Excellent news coming out of Mexico City!! Ryan Usher just placed 1st and received GOLD for his country in the open 59kg (130lbs) weight class at the NAPF 2018 Championships! We are extremely proud of Ryan, who also broke the NAPF 59kg class deadlift record!!

GOB's Controlled Pump Prices (Belize City)
Effective Date: 03rd August 2018

Core Fitness Corozal is CLOSING on September 7th 2018
We would like to thank all of our clients

View of newly paved main streets of Hopkins Village
Simply beautiful!

SAN JOAQUIN FIESTA
The Village of San Joaquin invites you for their 52nd Annual San Joaquin Fiesta from Thursday, August 16th to Sunday, August 19th. Schedule of Events Include the Following:- 16 August - Feastday Mass at 6:00 p.m. 17 August - 7:30 p.m. - Inaugural Ceremony and Coronation. - 9:45 p.m. Live Music by Dynamics of Belize Band. 18 August - 9:45 p.m. - Live Music by Dynamics of Belize Band. 19 August - 9:45 p.m. - Live Music by Gilharry 7 Band. Food and beverage, Art Work on Sale, Mechanical rides and Games for the entire family! Venue: San Joaquin Park Grounds.

Corozal - Job Opportunity for a Junior Field Technician
at Baymen Cable & Internet

New Chargé d’Affaires meets with Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber
Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges had the honor to have a courtesy meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber. Chargé Gilges and Deputy Prime Minister Faber discussed our strong partnership in the area of education, including literacy and expanding opportunities for youth across Belize.

Screen on the Green
Next Thursday, August 9 is Screen on the Green! Come watch “SING” with us! Bring your friends and family to the Governor General Field.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Book Club, Ploey, Avengers: Infinity War, First Reformed.

Barrier Reef Drive NOT closed Fri & Sat evening
Because of the Costa Maya festival, Barrier Reef Drive will not be closed Friday and Saturday evening, this is to help with traffic flow during the festival. Also please observe the street closures signs near the Festival. Thank you and have a safe festival.

Channel 7

Big Baby Back To Belize
Belize's favourite fighter, world heavyweight contender Jarell "Big Baby" Miller is back in the country. He arrived today from New York with his family and 7News met him at the airport to ask what this trip is about - and to press him a little about a public confrontation he recently had with the world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua: Reporter: "How does it feel to be home Jarrell?" Jarrell Miller, #3 Heavyweight Contender: "Can't wait, to get back. First thing I'm going to do is eat some fried chicken, panades and relax for a day." Reporter: "You came off the plane hungry." Jarrell Miller, #3 Heavyweight Contender: "Yeah. Straight up. I haven't eaten breakfast. Empty stomach when I got off the plane. It feels good to be home. I can't wait."

Police Say No Foul Play in Alamilla Drowning
Last night, we told you about the tragic drowning of 37 year-old David Alamilla, the well-known furniture builder from Belama in Belize City. Around 11 yesterday morning, he and his crew were heading out for a job on St. George's Caye. They were in a 32 foot vessell, pulling a 26-foot skiff, which was carrying a huge cargo of lumber. They were a short distance from Moho Caye when when the vessel being towed started taking on water. Alamilla and one of his co-workers were trying to raise the boat, but ran into difficulties on a rough and windy day. And that's when Alamilla suffered an asthma attack, and died, gasping in the arms of his co worker. This morning police said that they found no signs of violence on Alamilla's body...

CP Robbers Remanded
Last night, we told you about 20 year-old Tyrique Swazo, and 19 year-old Kyle Mariano Perez, the men police charged for daring robbery attempt at CP Gas Station in Belize City, which was caught on camera. Well, tonight, they are on remand at the Belize Central Prison. As we reported, at around 7:30 on Monday morning, two robbers stormed into the gas station, and attempted to rob one of the family owners. Their faces were completely visible to the surveillance camera, which recorded the entire event. The owner attempted to fight off the men, but they ganged up on him, beat in the head, and pistol whipped him. The owner, even though he was hurt, still grappled with them both until the men ran off without taking anything.

Burglars Break Into Electronics Store Through Roof
We often talk about organized crime in the city - where calculating criminals pounce on businesses with tactical precision after studying their operations. And tonight there's a similar story coming out of Orange Walk. It happened at around 1 a.m. at Odette's Home Center, which is on Main Street in Orange Walk Town. Three masked and armed men pounced on security guard, 52 year-old Jose Matus. The Manager told CTV-3 how these cunning criminals worked to neutralize all their security measures:

Shots Fired Between Rival Gangs In City
Police didn't want to discuss it today but there was a shooting in Belize City last night. It's news to us because it happened between Rocky Road and Berkley Street, which is a contested area between rival gangs that has seen violence for years. Just after 7:00, a shooter from one of the rival groups is reported to have fired as many as eight shots in the general direction of the opposing gang. Fortunately no one was hit, but a house in the area took a number of shots.

Cabbies Caught With Stolen Treasures
Two taxi men are out on bail after they were found with some valuable jewelry that had been stolen from the home of an Insurance CEO. 42 year old Robert Young and 25 year old Reginald Garay, are charged with handling stolen goods. They were found with items stolen from the Baymen Avenue home of the CEO of Home Protector Insurance, Louisa Moore. The theft happened sometime between May 21st. and July 27th when $29,220.00 in jewellery was stolen from the home.

The Tilapia Taint On Belize’s Border
Tilapia - it what's served in every fish burger and fish and chips basket this side of Melchor - in fact, you probably eat a lot more tilapia than you know. And that's because tilapia breeds plentifully, is cheap and easily farmed. But, tonight there's news that won't affect your fish burger, but it could affect the fish farm that made it. That's because the Tilapia Lake Virus was recently detected in Mexican fish farms. So far, the disease hasn't come to Belize , but if it does, it could wipe out stocks at fish farms: the virus is known to cause death of up to 90% in farmed and wild Tilapia fish.

More Than Just Justice
When someone hurts you or angers you, the last thing you want to do is sit and talk with them. Well, the concept of restorative justice incorporates that practice of bringing the perpetrator and the victim together to work things out and heal. Impact Justice is an organization out of Barbados that trains educators from different CARICOM countries on how to use this method in the classrooms. Today the Impact Justice team held a training for teachers, principals and education officers at the Biltmore. Here is more. Prof. Velma Newton, Regional Director, IMPACT Justice: "What we are actually doing here and it is important because Belize is one of the 4 countries in the region that we have reached the train the trainer stage. We have 3 Belizean teachers, 2 principals and 1 teacher who are actually conducting this training under the supervision of a facilitator from the Institute of Restorative practices in Canada."

C.A. Environment Ministers in Belize
Central American Ministers of the Environment are meeting this week in Placencia. That's because Belize is taking over the rotating leadership of the Central American Commission for Development and the Environment. Belize's minister of environment Omar Figueroa outlined the agenda Belize will push during its term of presidency:… Belize will hold the presidency for 6 months. The Ministers and their delegations have been taken to various tourist attractions, including Hatchet Caye.

Kids Shouldn’t Play With Matches
Last night we told you about the Fire on Fern Lane in the Lake Independence area. It left a family of five with nothing but the shirts on their backs. And it was all caused by playful children and idle hands. The Fire Department confirmed that for us today:.. Anyone wanting to help the family can call 602-7962.

Zinc House Gutted By Electrical Overload
From that Fern Lane fire to a Belama Phase 4 blaze. 3 residents are left without a home after a fire gutted their house on Monday morning. Station Officer Orin Smith told us more. Orin Smith, Station Officer, Fire Department: "The national fire service received and responded to reports of a structural fire in the Belama Phase 4 area in Belize City. On arrival on that scene found was a 20 by 30 zinc structure elevated 3 feet off the ground that was destroyed by fire. The hot spots were extinguished by the National Fire Service, preliminary investigation revealed that the fire originated as a result of an electrical overload that resulted in the destruction of that structure."

Teenaged Construction Worker Critical
Tonight, 18 year-old Jose Lopez, a construction worker from Las Flores, Belmopan, is at the KHMH in a critical condition. The teenager was chopped by a robber. It happened at around 5:30 on Monday evening. Lopez was going about his business, when a machete thief pounced on him, and tried to steal his bike. He resisted, and the assailant chopped him several times in the head. Today, police shared more details of this ruthless attack:

From Barbados to Belize
Since May, Belize National A Football Team has been in camp to prepare for this year's CONCACAF Nation's League. This international tournament is important because 16 of the 41 football nations - including Belize - who make up CONCACAF are trying to qualify for next year's Gold Cup. 6 of the national teams, namely, USA, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama, have the highest rank in this region, and therefore they have automatically qualified for that tournament. So, that means there are 10 available slots, which the other 35 CONCACAF countries are jostling to get. They will do so via the Nations League Tournament, and football enthusiasts say that Belize has a very good chance of getting one of those 10, and qualifying for the Gold Cup.

U-15 Female Footballers Florida-Bound
So, while the Jaguars prepare for this friendly match, and for the matches in the Nation's League, Belize's National U-15 female team is preparing to depart for Bradenton, Florida, to compete in the CONCACAF Girls Championship Tournament. At today's press conference, the the FFB gave us an opportunity to meet with the U-15 Baby Jaguars who will be represent Belize in this tournament, and here's what one of their trainers had to say about their state of readiness:

Cops Learning About Stress and Suicide
68 police officers - ranging in rank from Inspector to Deputy Commissioner, received training in Stress Management, Dealing with Trauma, and Suicidal Ideations. The three day training was organized by the Employee Assistance Programme, and facilitated by Clinical Psychologist Chad Lambert from the University of the West Indies. But the mental health sessions aren't only for senior officers; throughout August rank and file police countrywide will also get their own workshop.

Crescent City Contingent Looking For The Cure
And while those police are learning about managing mental health within a stressed out department, a contingent of police, security personnel and social workers are in New Orleans to find a cure for violence in the wider community. We told you about the training two nights ago when we spoke to Deputy Commissioner Chester Williams. Today, we were provided with a group shot which shows the entire contingent, led by Minister of Human Development, Anthony Boots Martinez and his CEO Judith Alpuche, Minister of State for National Security, Elodio Aragon, Deputy Compol Williams and Southside Commander, Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett.

Fire Dept. Inconclusive on Fishermen Fire
The Fire Department can't find out for sure what started a fire at the Northern Fishermen Cooperative almost three weeks ago. Station office Orin Smith told us more:.. Security video showed a man going into the building but did not show him starting the fire.

U Turned?
There was a two vehicle collision in front of CISCO construction on the George Price Highway yesterday afternoon. A white Toyota Hilux assigned to the Port Authority seems to have been at the centre of the accident. According to reports, the driver attempted to make a U turn on the highwyay, but did not fully clear traffic. That's when a black car came from behind, and tried to swerve away - but slammed the Hilux on the driver's side. No one was seriously hurt.

Hall Charged
On Monday, we told you about the weekend accident in Corozal Town which claimed the life of 31 year-old Armando Witz. Well, police that they've arrested and charged the man who was driving the vehicle which knocked him down. As we reported, at around 6:30 on Saturday evening, Witz was riding his bicycle on College road when a Kia Sorento hit him from behind. The driver sped off, and left Witz badly injured on the side of the road where he fell. Bystanders rushed him the hospital where he remained in a critical condition for over 2 days. His injures ended up claiming his life, leaving police investigate a fatal traffic accident.

CASTRO MEETS JAPS
Members of Japan's House of Representatives are in Belize on a courtesy visit. The delegation includes members of Japan's Parliamentary Committee on Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. It was headed by Chairman Akihiro Nishimura. They met with Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management Edmond Castro. Later on they met with Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington. The delegation is also doing site visits to the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), the Belize National Fire Service, and the Belize Police Department.

Channel 5

BTV Sends Complaint Letter against G.O.B. to U.S. State Department
The Belize Territorial Volunteers has set a letter to the U.S. chief diplomat, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The BTV is taking issue on the way U.S. funding for the [...]

Belmopan Teen Lucky to be Alive, after He was Chopped by a Robber
A Belmopan resident has been released from the hospital, following a near death experience at the hands of a robber who stole his bicycle.  Eighteen-year-old Jose Lopez was viciously attacked [...]

Odette’s Home Center in Orange Walk Targeted by Thieves
There was another robbery under the cover of dark in Orange Walk Town. The popular Odette’s Home Center, at the corner of Main and Baker’s Streets, was targeted by a [...]

Still No Leads in Recent City Murders
Three-year-old Etana Bennett was laid to rest on Wednesday and funeral services are outstanding for Dean Nembhard Junior. The two are recent victims of gun violence in different areas of [...]

Police Report on Drowning of David Alamilla
Family and friends of the popular cabinet maker David Alamilla continue to reel from his sudden death. Alamilla died after a skiff he was travelling in capsized on Wednesday morning [...]

Family of 3 Homeless after Mid-Morning Blaze in Belama Phase 4
A wooden house in Belama Phase Four was gutted to the ground leaving a family of three destitute. Clarissa Webster, her common-law husband and one year old child left their [...]

Officials Say Children Set Sofa on Fire, Destroying a Fern Lane Home
Children playing with matches may have been the cause of a house fire on Wednesday afternoon that has left a family of five without a roof over its head.  That’s [...]

IMPACT Justice Teaches Restorative Practices
A two-day training course on conflict resolution for professionals who work with students began today in Belize City. The sessions are being facilitated by IMPACT Justice, a regional project being [...]

Maya Leaders Alliance and DAVCO Issue Joint Statement on CCJ’s Consent Order
Representatives of the indigenous Maya community recently appeared before the highest court of the land, in an attempt to resolve a number of legal issues with the Government of Belize.  [...]

BAHA Warns Fish Farmers about Tilapia Lake Virus in Mexico
Tilapia Lake Virus is a relatively new fish disease. It was first detected in Israel in 2014 and then later spread to South America, Africa and Asia. The disease causes [...]

Round 2: Belize Faces Barbados at Home on Costa Maya Weekend
The national team from Barbados touched down in Belize today. The Tridents are here for a return friendly match with Belize’s Jaguars. The first game was played in the island [...]

Baby Jaguars are Off to Represent the Jewel in U-15 Football
There is another sporting event in which Belize is hoping for a win. A selection of female athletes, between the ages of eleven and fifteen, is leaving for the United [...]

Go Baby Jaguars Go!!
At today’s media event, players were introduced individually, by name, on-field position and the district each hails from.  Georgina Zabaneh presented the twenty-three young athletes.   Georgina Zabaneh, Manager, Female [...]

A Camp for Special Olympics Children
Children with intellectual disabilities today converged at Price Barracks to participate in the annual Shriver’s Camp facilitated by Special Olympics Belize. It’s a unique camp whereby children from across the [...]

Belize Assumes Presidency of C.C.A.D.
In July, Belize assumed the Pro-Tem Presidency of the Central American Integrated System, SICA, for six months.  On Wednesday night, Belize’s Minister Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, and Sustainable Development, officially [...]

Healthy Living: Is Coconut Oil Good or Bad for You?
Many people who are trying to eat healthier are also looking for super nutritious foods to include or increase in their diet. Of recent, a few of our traditional foods [...]

LOVE FM

Police charged two men with attempted robbery
On Monday morning two men attempted to rob CP Gas Station at the entrance of the Philip Goldson Highway with Belize City. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino said two men have been charged in relation to that incident. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino, CIB, Belize City: “There they spoke to the manager of the gas station Mr.Nelson Ranchoran a …

Belmopan City Council Employees complained about late pay
In the Capital, some City employees are growing anxious over the extended waiting period for what should be a timely schedule for salary deposits. The Capital City Administrator, Ralston Fraser responded to the charges of tardy deposits and spoke about whether or not the City Council is financially stable. Ralston Fraser, Belmopan City Administrator: “If …

National U-15 to represent Belize at CONCACAF Games
Today, the Football Federation of Belize held a press conference to introduce the National U-15 Baby Jaguars, female football team which will be representing Belize at the CONCACAF games in Florida. Iris Centeno, the Women’s Director of the Football Federation of Belize, said she is convinced that the girls can win. Iris Centeno Womens Director …

Man sustained serious injuries during attempted robbery
Orange Walk was not the only district to have an unusual crime. The police also told us about a construction worker, Jose Lopez who is in a critical condition after he was assaulted during an attempted robbery on the street in the Capital city. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino, CIB, Belize City: “For Belmopan there was the …

Are you suffering with anxiety?
We all have been anxious going to a job interview; when meeting a potential partner for the first time; or performing for an audience. Those occurrences may be few and far between; however, when anxiety occurs more frequently, it is an illness. Dr. Marco Mendez, a Neurologist, explained the signs that may indicate your anxiety …

Police investigating Orange Walk robbery
Burglaries and robberies are typically crimes of opportunity; however, a group of men committed a well-executed heist at a store in Orange Walk Town, worthy of a Tom Cruise movie. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino explained how this group of men accomplished this “mission impossible”. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino, CIB, Belize City: “This morning, the second of August …

Drowning Near Moho Caye
A terrible tragedy occurred off the coast of Belize City, near Moho Caye on Wednesday afternoon. What should have been a straight forward towing of a vessel, resulted in the drowning of a Belize City carpenter. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino briefed the media on how the tragedy unfolded. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino, CIB, Belize City: “On the …

Impact Justice holds workshop in Belize
The Impact Justice Project is holding a workshop in Belize. The objective is to work with stakeholders to enhance justice for the benefit of women, men, youth and businesses in CARICOM member states. Chief Education Officer, Dr. Carol Babb spoke on the benefits of the workshop and the impact it will have on Belize’s Educational …

Man Charged for Hit and Run
On Saturday, July 28th, a hit and run accident occurred in Corozal. The victim thirty-one year old Armando Witz lived throughout the weekend, but succumbed to his injuries on Monday. Fast police work led to the capture of the suspect Olguin Hall. The police have charged him with manslaughter. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino, CIB, Belize City: …

Help is available for those with epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which a person develops abnormal brain activity leading to seizures or periods of unusual behavior. There are many persons living with epilepsy in Belize. Dr. Marco Mendez, a Neurologist spoke to Love News about how parents could help their children who are living with the disease. Dr. Marco Mendez …

PlusTV

Belmopan Citco workers protest; still no salary payments
Belmopan City Council workers and Transport officers have, once again, not been paid. Workers say that the issue has been reoccurring since April. So today, during their designated break, the members of the Christians Workers Union walked out of the City Council office and left their workstations to...

Man drowns when boat sinks
A 37 year old Belize City Woodworker drowned while travelling by boat to St. George’s Caye this afternoon. According to police reports, 37 year old David Alfonso Alamilla was a part of a group of workers who were travelling from Bella vista en route to St. George’s Caye in a 32 feet boat that was ...

Olguin Hall charged in hit and run accident
On Tuesday July 31st, police formally arrested and charged 31 year old Olguin Elmer Hall, a self-employed Belizean of Ranchito Village, Corozal District, for Manslaughter by Negligence, Causing death by careless conduct, driving motor vehicle without due care and attention, failure to report an acc...

Committee for Arthur Saldivar slams Eamon Courtenay
The Constituents of Belmopan and the Committee to Elect Arthur Saldivar have responded to comments made by EAmon Courteny yesterday. As we told you, Attorney Eamon Courtenay is among the number of PUP executives that Arthur Saldivar brought a law suit against earlier in June. Saldivar sued several E...

Maya Land Rights Commission responds to allegations
The Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission was established by the Government of Belize following a Consent Order of the Caribbean Court of Justice over the Maya people’s rights to customary land tenure. As we told you earlier this week, the matter was before the CCJ for a Compliance report as the Mayas...

Two persons charged in CP Gas station robbery
Police have arrested and charged two persons in connection with CP Gas station’s attempted robbery on Monday morning. According to reports, 19 year old Kyle Mariano Perez and 20 year old Tyrique Swaso were both arrested and charged jointly with one count of attempted robbery and one count of woundin...

Harry Montero charged for robbery
23 year old Harry Montero was arraigned for the robbery. A total of 3 persons have since been arraigned for the armed robbery of Harpy’s Security Company on Antelope Street Extension where a security officer was held at gun point and 2 guns along with his handheld radio were stolen. The robbery occ...

Patchakan man charged with drug trafficking
Police were conducting a mobile patrol on the Laguna Road between Cristo Rey Village and Patchakan Village early this morning. According to cops, they saw a male person riding a bicycle and when the cyclists saw the cops, he threw a black plastic bag into the nearby bush...

22 cases of Mexican beers found
The fight against contraband goods continue, especially in the north of the country. Today, a team of police officers conducted an operation on Estero Road in Patchakan Village. That is where officers found a 22 cases of Mexican beers...

16 year old reported missing
A 16 year old has been reported missing. On Tuesday July 31st, Maria Narciso Tun reported that her grandson, 16 year old Brian Gabriel Westby, an unemployed of Trial Farm Village, left home July 4th to an unknown destination and has not returned home since...

Over 70,000 voters re-registered
A total of seventy thousand and nine applications have been received by the Elections and Boundaries Department since the opening of the national re-registration exercise on July 2md. According to a recent press release issued by the department, fifteen thousand, five hundred and fifty-eight applications were received in the week of July twenty-second to July twenty-eighth...

Change of British High Commissioner to Belize
Ms Claire Evans OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to Belize in succession to Mr Peter Hughes OBE. Ms Evans will take up her appointment in October 2018. A press release from the British High Commission says that Ms Evans began her diplomatic career in 1987 and has served overseas in Jakarta, Islamabad, Dubai and Doha...

Tek Time Fi Read
Over three thousand five hundred books will be given away this weekend at the ‘Tek Time Fuh Read’ book festival inside the Belmopan Civic Center. The event is being organized by the Belmopan Junior Youths Spiritual Empowerment Project which has been in existence for the past 12 years...

The Reporter

Chamber Concerned About Crime
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has raised concerns over the increased crime, specifically robberies and burglaries, targeting business owners over the last few months, primarily in Belize

BABY ETANA LAID TO REST
The memory of the little pink casket in a horse-drawn carriage through the streets to the Lord’s Ridge Cemetery on Wednesday will be a lasting reminder to the family and

COMMUNITY ICON DIES AT SEA
David Alamilla, 37, was pronounced dead at 2:30pm Wednesday after he suffered an asthma attack after an accident at sea. His death has shocked not only the Belama community where

DID CHILD ACCIDENTALLY TORCH FAMILY’S HOME?
A fire lit by a nine-year-old under a house on Fern Lane in Belize City on Wednesday afternoon may have resulted in the total

CROOKS CAUGHT ON CAMERA CHARGED!
Surveillance camera footage of a foiled armed robbery at CP Gas on the Phillip Goldson Highway led Police straight to two Belize City men who have since been arrested and

AWICH MUST BE INVESTIGATED, CCJ RULES!
Court of Appeal Justice Samuel Awich could lose his seat following a ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) that the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) made an

BELIZE CITY LANDMARK GETS A FACELIFT
As the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project continues, St. John’s Cathedral, the oldest historic building in the area is getting some needed renovations. The Government of

CRIMINALS SOURCING WEAPONS LOCALLY
In an effort to obtain additional firearms, criminal elements in Belize City as well as other parts of the country are changing up their strategies and are now starting to

Breaking Belize News

Belize facing countrywide shortage of medication
Since the start of last month hospitals across Belize have been experiencing a shortage of medication. […]

Traffic officer busted with weed placed on interdiction
The Belize City Council has opted to put traffic officer, Stafford “Chicken” Young on interdiction with […]

Maya Leaders call for joint work plan on Maya Land Rights order
Today, the Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA) along with the Toledo District Association of Village Councils […]

Drought causes millions in losses to Central American corn crop; Belizean corn farmers feeling the pinch
A month long drought in Central America, that is expected to continue to mid-August, has caused severe losses particularly to corn farmers in Salvador and Guatemala. The unexpected drought has costed many farmers their entire harvest […]

Man chopped multiple times in the head for a bicycle
A man was nearly chopped to death in western Belize for a bicycle. He is construction […]

Police make charges in case of fatal accident
Police have charged Olguin Hall in connection with the road traffic accident that claimed the […]

Odette’s Home Center in Orange Walk targeted by criminals
Odette’s Home Center in Orange Walk Town is the latest establishment to be targeted by […]

Police: David Alamilla drowned due to ‘asthma attack’
The life of beloved Belama resident and athlete, David Alamilla, 37, was cut short yesterday […]

Two young men remanded to prison for armed robbery at CP Gas Station
Tyreke Perez, 19, and Tyreke Swazo, 20, were remanded to the Hattieville prison yesterday. They […]

Tilapia lake virus detected in Mexico; BAHA on alert
The Tilapia Lake Virus was recently detected in fish farms in six states of Mexico: […]

US Embassy’s Woman of the Month: Nilda Riverol
Every month, the United States Embassy in Belize honors a Belizean woman for her arduous […]

Police department receives training on stress management
The Employee Assistance Program, under the Ministry of Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities, held […]

Blogs

Visiting Belize City
Belize City is a port city of Belize, Central American country. The Haulover Creek River divides the city on the north and south sides and empties into the Caribbean Sea. It has a rotating bridge from the 1920s, which can be used manually and is a crossing point on the sides of the city. On the north side, the Belize Museum traces the country's history with exhibits that include Mayan artifacts. The Image Factory gallery exhibits local contemporary art. At the mouth of the Haulover Creek, is the Baron Bliss lighthouse, named after the benefactor of Belize, with its tomb on the outside. Cruises dock near the Tourism Village, which has travel agencies and commercial areas. The south side has colonial buildings such as the Government House of the nineteenth century made of wood and the Cathedral of San Juan, with its old organ of the mountains. The commercial port of Belize is to the southwest. The boats depart from the marine terminal on the north side to the nearby islands, such as Cayo Corker and Cayo Goff, known for their beaches and coral reefs.

Green Iguana Conservation Project Spa Day with BWRC
The Green Iguana Conservation Project teams with the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic (BWRC) to help Belize's Green Iguana population. The Green Iguana Conservation Project is more than just the San Ignacio Resort Hotel’s on-site tourist attraction. Each year iguanas are reared and released back into the wild, to help curb hunting pressure. Captive iguana breeding and release is technical, and the veterinary care for the iguanas is provided pro-bono by Dr. Isabelle and the BWRC team. BWRC is a local non-profit veterinary clinic and wildlife rehabilitation center. It provides free veterinary care to Belize's wildlife and key wildlife projects such as the Green Iguana Conservation Project. Dr. Isabelle and BWRC's team routinely conduct health checks and provide veterinary care as needed. Every few weeks, Dr. Isabelle's students from the Wildlife Institute bathe the iguanas, which the iguanas truly enjoy!

International Sources

US expat exodus down to cost of living and politics
An increasing number of US citizens are upping sticks and leaving for expat destinations with a lower cost of living. Expatriation from the USA isn’t just confined to expat professionals and retirees, it’s the cool thing to do for millennials and baby boomers sick of struggling to make ends meet on a decent salary and concerned about the country’s political future. Necessities are a strong infrastructure, good quality technology and a chance to start again in a new land. Nearly nine million Americans are living life to the full elsewhere, according to figures released by the US State Department. English is the official language in Belize, one reason why Americans flock to the island for recreation and eventual retirement. Ambergris Caye’s spectacular beaches and easy access to the mainland have made it the perfect spot for island life in a thriving expat community, and the cost of living suits US pensioners very well.

Drought May Hold Secret to Mysterious Maya Collapse
Around 900 C.E., the Maya quickly, and for the most part, mysteriously, vanished. Though some members of their society would continue living in the area, the great cities lay for the most part abandoned. The all-consuming jungle quickly rose back up, swallowing the ruins of an entire civilization. How it happened is the subject of much debate, though few certainties have emerged. Warfare, for one, seems to have become more common toward the end, and there’s evidence that a drought struck during that same time period. The actual impacts of the drought are less clear, however, as researchers have only been able to pick out a correlation between the two events thus far. Now, a new study lends a little more weight to the drought hypothesis. It shows that rainfall during the end of the Maya Classic period, the time of their collapse, was roughly cut in half.

The best and hassle-free places in the world for a second passport
With fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi, accused in the PNBNSE fraud case, having acquired citizenship in the Caribbean nation of Antigua & Barbuda, the investment linked residency and citizenship programmes offered by various countries around the world have come under the scanner. Many immigration experts, in fact, feel that there is a trend among high net worth Indians to look for opportunities across the globe to either set up businesses or expand existing ones, for which they avail themselves of investment linked immigration schemes. Belize retirement: This Caribbean nation has a retirement programme with an average annual income requirement for retirees of $24,000, which is not too high by north American standards. The other advantages are no taxes on worldwide income and the possibility of operating businesses out of Belize, ideal for senior citizens from US and Canada, including those of Indian origin.

Climate Change May Bring the Nassau Grouper’s Moonlit Orgies to an End
Just before a full moon ascends over the Caribbean, Nassau groupers congregate by the thousands in winter and early spring to lace the water column with eggs and sperm. One such bacchanalia in the Bahamas in 1971 included an estimated 30,000 to 100,000 of these four-foot-long, brown-and-white-striped fish getting their freak on. Bull sharks visit this spawning frenzy too, in the hopes of an easy meal, as do gigantic whale sharks who can’t resist all that fresh caviar. Trouble is, after decades of overfishing, just 10,000 mature Nassau groupers remain, and their spawning spectacles can’t occur just anywhere. The fish, which can weigh as much as a bulldog, breed only in a narrow band of temperatures, from about 74.2 to 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 27 degrees Celsius). According to a study published by Erisman and lead author Rebecca Asch in the journal Diversity and Distributions, climate change could cook the Nassau grouper’s orgies out of existence.

Videos

August 2, 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 PLB Season Opens; San Pedro Pirates FC lose 1-0 to Police United FC
The San Pedro Pirates F.C hosted the Police United F.C for their first match in the 2018 opening season of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB) at the Ambergris Stadium on Saturday, July 27th. The island team fought hard to win their first home game of the season, but at the final whistle, the visiting team managed to take a 1-0 victory. The match began shortly after 7PM, with both teams determined to start their season right. With lots of crosses and passes on the field, it wasn’t until minute 36 that Police United’s Amin August found his way and netted a goal for his team. The ball was then equally controlled by both teams, with no score in sight. The first half came to an end with the Police United F.C leading 1-0.

Ambergris Today

Celebrity Spotting: Miss USA Sarah Summers Vacations In Belize
There is one more beauty queen on La Isla Bonita duing Costa Maya Festival week but she's not a pageant contestant. Miss USA 2018 Sarah Rose Summers, is vacationing in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and through her Instagram stories, Sarah has expressed how excited she it to visit Belize. She arrived on July 30 along with a friend and is staying in North Ambergris Caye at the Sundiver Beach Resort. Sarah Rose Summers is an American model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss USA 2018. As Miss USA, she will represent the United States at Miss Universe 2018.

Change Of British High Commissioner To Belize
Ms Claire Evans OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to Belize in succession to Mr Peter Hughes OBE. Ms Evans will take up her appointment in October 2018. Ms Evans began her diplomatic career in 1987 and has served overseas in Jakarta, Islamabad, Dubai and Doha.

Closure Of The Shark Fishing Season
The Belize Fisheries Department informs the public that in accordance with the Fisheries Regulations (Chapter 210’s, Revised Edition 2003) and Statutory Instrument 78 of 2011, the shark fishing season is closed from 1st August to 31st October of any year. The public is advised to comply with the stipulated Fisheries Regulation below: 1)No person shall take, buy, sell, possess, or export shark meat or fins during the period 1st August to 31st October in any year.

Misc Belizean Sources

Elections and Boundaries Department Notice on the Updated 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 Saturdays.

BTB Belizean Traveller campaign
The Belize Tourism Board had a press conference to officially launch its Belizean Traveller Campaign on Wednesday, 1 August at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel. Belizean Traveller aims to create and promote awareness of Belize’s tourism regions and to encourage Belizeans to be travellers in their own country.

Belize's Wonder Women! Nilda Ninette Sosa Riverol
We are proud to announce that for the month of August, Nilda Ninette Sosa Riverol is our Belize Wonder Woman. Besides being a mother of two boys, ages 8 and 4, 33 year old Nilda Riverol is employed by the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service BELTRAIDE since September 2011. As a person who was humbly brought up in the once village of “Las Flores”, now a community that forms part of the City of Belmopan, Nilda is very passionate about the work she does, as she believes that the impact and positive change we want in our economy is not the responsibility of one individual but the collective efforts of an active and supportive ecosystem, and those are the efforts she advocates for.

Sunrise drumcall in honor of all African Ancestors who perished in the journey to this land ... Emancipation Day 2018
UEF and it's community partners commemorate the day Slavery was no more....

Miss Costa Maya 2018 Delegates Official Photo Shoot at Caribbean Villas Resort & Ramon's Village Resort
Photos by Jose Luis Zapata

The Holy Cha Chaac
Maya people from San Jose and San Pablo in Orange Walk preparing the food for one of the most important traditions for the Yucatec Maya in Belize the Holy Cha Chaac . The Way of the Masewal .

Caye Caulker Airstrip update
Painting lines, markers & identification numbers are being painted on the paved airstrip.

Caye Caulker Youth Football Camp
The Caye Caulker Village Council under the leadership of Mr. Henry Lopez have embarked on a Youth Football Camp. Mr. Henry Lopez has taken time out to train and strengthen the skills of these youths three times a week. Mr. Lopez went to purchase uniforms for six teams which is being financed by the CCVC. Mr. Lopez has also seeked coaching assistance from Mr. Austin Lopez, Mr. Selvin Echavarria, Mr. Javier Chevez, Mr. Cecilio Gallego, Mr. Harry Young and Mr. Enrique Ramos. These six teams will compete in a tournament which will commence this coming Sunday. We humbly ask the Community to come out this Sunday to support and cheer on these young footballers.

Miss USA 2018 Sarah Rose Summers in San Pedro
Celebrities have always love Ambergris Caye, and this time the island is honoured with the visit of Miss USA 2018 Sarah Rose Summers, who is vacationing on La Isla Bonita!

Belize Educational Service Group (BESG )from National Tsing Hua University "NTHU" Taiwan visits Benque
Yesterday, 31 July 2018, the Belize Educational Service Group (BESG )from the National Tsing Hua University "NTHU", Taiwan paid a courtesy visit to our Benque office for the second year. Last year, the NTHU donated computers, laptops and projectors to various organizations and DYS was donated two computers and a monitor to assist our youths with the work they conduct at the Benque resource center. For that we once again thanks BESG for their contribution which has and continues to be of great help to our children and youths with their work and research.

Development of a Work Plan to Address Maya Customary Land Rights
The Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission (hereafter the “Commission”) was established by the Government of Belize to facilitate the implementation of the Consent Order of the Caribbean Court of Justice (the “CCJ”) in Maya Leaders Alliance v. the Attorney General of Belize, [2015] CCJ 15 (AJ) which seeks to protect the rights of the Maya people arising from customary land tenure. The Commission recognizes the importance of a work plan to guide the implementation of the order. As such, the services of an expert consultant with extensive experience in dealing with indigenous peoples’ issues at both regional and international levels, inclusive of the drafting of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, of which Belize is a signatory, was contracted.

The 2nd Annual Deep Sea Classic Tournament
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye - Only 8 Days Away! The 2nd Annual Deep Sea Classic Tournament hosted by Grand Caribe Belize, is fast approaching and promises to be better than ever! Register now for the chance to win $50,000 BZD in Cash and Prizes!

Vacancy: BTB Senior Licensing Officer
he Belize Tourism Board is looking for a business professional to join its dynamic organization in the role of Senior Licensing Officer. The Officer will process applications, communicate with stakeholders on these applications, maintain an accurate database on registered stakeholders and contribute to the smooth running of operations within the Business Development Department, among other duties. For the full list of responsibilities and qualifications visit our website. Submissions can be sent to the email below: Human Resource Director Belize Tourism Board vacancy@belizetourismboard.org

September Celebration at the 2018 Expo
Get in the mood for the September Celebration at the 2018 Expo on the 15th and 16th at the ITVET compound. Visit the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project's Booth #122 and play games and win prizes. All children visiting the booth will receive a free helium balloon. Come and meet the Project Team and learn more about projects happening around downtown.

2018 History and Social Studies Competition
The Belize City Primary School History and Social Studies Competition is an initiative created by the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project to promote our history and culture among our youths through education and excitement. Fifteen Belize City Primary School swill compete on October 26th for the coveted History Cup and to gain bragging rights of being the best in History and Social Studies. The 2018 competition will be the third year of this exciting competition.

Jicara/Calabash Lantern Workshop
Take advantage of the Jicara/Calabash Latern Workshop that will take place at the Banquitas House of Culture conference room on August 4th 2018; from 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m . Call us at 322-0517 to find out more information on this unique workshop that will teach you to turn this natural object into a beautiful decorative lamp.

Channel 7

Well Known Furniture Builder Dies At Sea
A well-known Belama area furniture builder died at sea this morning. Just after 11:00, 37 year old David Alamilla was heading to St. George’s  Caye with his crew for a job on a 32 foot boat, which was towing a 26 foot skiff, both loaded with lumber. Police say that 1/2 mile away from Moho Caye water entered Alamilla’s boat through a side door - causing it to sink.   Alamilla and his team tried to get the boat afloat but, then, he had an asthma attack. He died in his co-workers arms. This evening we spoke to the co-worker who had been working for Alamilla for 16 years. He recounts Alamilla’s tragic end. Andrew Middleton - Co-worker: "Heading to St. George's Caye, we were going to work out there, build a bodega, then one of the boat, we were carrying the lumber and that sink..."

CP Gas Robbers Charged
Last night we told you how - based on the circulation of a surveillance video - police had found two suspects for the CP Gas Station attempted robbery.  Well, today they were charged and tonight we can tell you that they are 19 year old Kyle Mariano Perez, and 20 year old Tyrique Leon Swaso. They were jointly charged for Attempted robbery and Wounding. Swaso was additionally charged for the crime of Damage to Property for breaking the glass door.  On Monday morning at 7:40, the pair entered the gas station unmasked and tried to rob the owner who put up a heroic fight to try to fend them off.

Thousands of Residents Along Northern Highway Lose Water For 24 Hours
Thousands of Belize City residents living along the Philip Goldson Highway, had the major inconvenience of no running water for almost 24 hours.  Belize Water Services Limited says that it was due to a break in their main water lines, which happened during their infrastructure works yesterday. Currently, BWS is spending 4.5 million-dollars to upgrade their supply system under the Philip Goldson Highway. That project is running at the same time as road works by Cisco Construction.  And yesterday, BWS encountered a series of challenges which lined up perfectly for their delivery system to fail for an entire day.  That caused Belize City residents living on Princess Margaret Drive, Coral Grove, West Landivar, Buttonwood Bay, Belama phases 1 to 4, and Bella Vista to go without water anywhere form 12 to 24 hours. 

Family in Fern Lane Fire Left With Only Shirts On Their Backs
There was a fire in Belize City early this afternoon - and, tonight, a family from the St. Martin’s area has no roof over their heads and only the clothes on their backs because of it.  We found out more on Fern Lane today:… Ezbert Ramclam - Fire Victim: "Me and my girl was upstairs in our house and we smell smoke so when we smell smoke, like we never paid it any mind at first but when we really smelled smoke, me and my girl run downstairs. So when we run downstairs a chair that was under the house got big flame with fire on it. So me and my girl gone and we start pull it to put it behind the yard to make the house no catch but we could have not haul it, I needed one more man power and we could have haul it to the back.

Corozal Hit and Run Driver Charged
Police have charged the man who they say knocked down 31 year old Corozaleno Armando Uitz on Saturday - leading to his death on Monday.   31 year old Olguin Elmer Hall from Ranchito Village, Corozal was slapped with a slew of charges, which include: manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct, drove motor vehicle without due care and attention, failed to report an accident and failed to stop and render aid. Today Hall was arraigned in court where he was offered bail of $12 thousand dollars. Uitz was the father of a 7 year old; his funeral was held today.

Cops Catch Contraband Coming Through “Estero” Again
Many times on this newscast, we’ve told you about the contraband hotspot named Estero, which is a about 3 miles outside of Patchakan on the banks of the Rio Hondo.   Today police were in the area doing patrols when they found a stash with (22) cases of Mexican beers, namely “Barrillito” and “Superior”. And then, at around 8:30 they saw 33 year old Bernaldo Cantun from Patchakan riding a bike. When he saw the cops, he threw away a plastic bag.  When police retrieved it, they found 1.1 kilos or two and a quarter pounds of weed inside. He was arrested and charged for drug trafficking.

Alleged Gun Robber Harry Montero Back To Court
Twenty-three year old Harry Montero was back in court today. Last week Thursday, police say they caught him and two minors in the Lord’s Ridge Cemetery after they had allegedly robbed Harpie Security of two .38 pistols.   On Monday he was charged with kept a firearm without a license and today he was charged for robbery.  When he appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford, Montero pleaded not guilty. He was denied bail and returned into remand - where he had been from Monday.  The minors - who police shot - have already been charged and gotten bail because of their injuries. 

Remembering The Time
Exactly 180 years ago today, descendants of the Africans brought to these shores rejoiced and sounded the trumpets and beat the drums of freedom. That's because in 1838, the British Act of Abolition of Slavery took effect in Belize and other territories in the Anglo-Caribbean. Today the UBAD Foundation is holding several events on their 5th annual commemoration of this day of Emancipation in Belize. We took a look back at a bit of history as it relates to African heritage in Belize and spoke to UBAD's guest of honour for this year's Emancipation Day. Slave Bunks and Slave Auctions, more than 200 years ago these and other inhumane practices  were imported to Belize as a result of the growing logwood industry in old British Honduras. And with it came elements of the vibrant African culture That today are reflected in society and on the faces of former slaves' great great-great grandchildren.

The Come-Back from Maya Land Rights Commission
On Monday’s news, you heard Cristina Coc, the spokesperson for the Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcaldes Association, harshly criticizing the Maya Land Rights Commission for the way it has been implementing Maya Customary Land Rights. Coc asserted that the Commission has not engaged the Maya communities in good faith negotiations on how best to carry out this process. The Maya keep going to the Caribbean Court of Justice to complain about the Government and the Commission, saying that they aren’t making any real efforts to implement the court’s judgment, which is now 3 years old.  The latest complaints are about a draft work plan that the court ordered the two sides to collaborate on. The Maya say that the Commission has made unilateral decisions which they believe are counterproductive. 

The Battle For PUP Proprietorship: Arthur Swipes Back At Eamon
Last night, you saw the stinging remarks that PUP Legal Advisor Eamon Courtenay made against Arthur Saldivar, who’s trying to litigate his way into the PUP’s Belmopan standard bearer convention. Courtenay minced no words when he said that Saldivar needs accept that the party doesn’t want him as a standard bearer, and that his lawsuit to force the leadership’s hand is “misguided”.  We contacted Saldivar last night and this morning requesting an interview, which he initially agreed to, but later in the day, he said that his committee was meeting to discuss a response, and that they would get in touch with us later. Well, they did so this evening by way of a press release which reads, quote, “

BTB Wants Belizeans To Discover Their Own Country
An all expensive paid vacation: wouldn’t we all want one of those? Well, now you have an opportunity to win a free perfect getaway trip within Belize. The BTB launched its Belizean Traveler Campaign today and, in the end, 6 lucky Belizeans will win a $4,000 grand prize. Here is more on how you can win. Jocelle Stephen - Marketing and PR Manager, BTB: "So today we are really excited to share with the public that we are launching what we are calling the Belizean Traveller Campaign and it is based on the premise that we know that it is important to promote tourism all year round. International tourism is seasonal, there is the off season, there is the peak and there is the off season but we need to have heads in bed throughout the year so obviously the numbers are increasing, we see a lot of international tourists are coming, it is an attraction.

The Essential EMT’s
Many of us can’t bear to see a drop of our own blood from a needle prick or a cut –but Emergency Medical Technicians  see it all – a lot of oozing blood, fractured limps, gunshot wounds, you name it. And for some BERT EMT’s they have been on the job for almost 20 years. So today, to celebrate BERT workers, they held an open day at their headquarters off Coney Drive. We dropped by. Susan Ferguson - Acting Operations Manager, BERT: "So today we are celebrating our 20th anniversary here at BERT and we are having an open day to celebrate this milestone." Courtney Weatherburne: "So what activities do you have here for today?"

Best CA Female Volleyballers Converge on Belize
The Belize Volleyball Association is getting ready to host the 20th Edition of the Women’s Central American Volleyball Championship. It’s a 7-day international tournament where national teams from all over Central America, including Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama will all converge at the Belize Civic Center, starting on Saturday. The Volleyball Association is promising that local fans of the sport will get to see it played at the highest level in this region.  The Association says that the Belizean athletes have been training hard for months, and they are as prepared as they can be for this tournament.

Sporty Kids At Smart Camp
Between 70 to one hundred kids participated in this year's Smart Stars Summer Camp program. Kids from 4 to 15 years of age, both male and female, were taught the basics of football over the course of a 2 week training program. They were drilled by local star athletes under the guidance of coach and camp coordinator Stanley “Jordan” Reneau. Today we stopped by to speak with their main sponsor who has been hosting this event for the past ten years. The summer camp program ends on Friday when prizes and medals will be awarded to some of the outstanding youth athletes.

Taking a Progressive View on Controversial cane Second Payment
Last week we told you about the disappointment in the Sugar Industry after the second payment came in.  It was very low, and the largest growers’ group, which is the Sugar Cane Farmers - was looking for someone to blame, namely ASR/BSI.   But the Progressive Sugar Cane Producers association struck a distinctly different note today.  They say that the second payment is low but not unexpected based on the global reality.  Their statement says, quote, “this is bad news for all cane farmers and with ninety (90) percent of sugar production being sold on the basis of low global market prices, then we- the tree association and the mill - with support from the government of Belize, must work together to successfully survive in this economic environment.

Inspiring Stories From Needs Based Scholarships
On this newscast we cover a lot of scholarship ceremonies, but the I AM BELIZE program is probably one of the most unique. It reaches into the lives of kids who may not have gotten a chance to go to high school at all. As we found out today, they’ve got dreams to remember. Along with the 23 other recipients, they will be fully funded under this needs-based scholarship with books, uniforms, and tuition and have access to additional support services to push them through high school.

Channel 5

Cabinet Maker David Alamilla Drowns At Sea
A well-known businessman died today at sea. Thirty-seven-year-old cabinet maker David Alamilla drowned near Moho Caye when the boat he and four of his workmen were traveling on capsized. The [...]

Coast Guard Responded to Capsized Boat
Alamilla’s body was brought to an area by Dolphin Park around one-thirty this afternoon before it was taken to the morgue at the K.H.M.H.  The Belize Coast Guard responded to [...]

Fire on Fern Lane Leaves Family of Five Without a Roof Over Its Head
A homeowner and his family lost everything in an early afternoon fire on Fern Lane in Belize City. Ezbert Ramclam was in the upper flat of his wooden house when [...]

Baby Etana Is Laid to Rest at the Lord Ridge Cemetery
The death of three-year-old Etana Bennett, another innocent toddler who has fallen victim to the senseless gun violence that continues to plague our society, has once again galvanized residents of [...]

Ranchito Resident Charged for Fatal RTA in Corozal Town
The driver of a vehicle which knocked down Armando Uitz, a Corozal resident, is facing a slew of charges. Thirty-one-year-old Uitz sustained head and body injuries and succumbed on Monday [...]

Chinese Businessman Found Dead in his Benque Viejo House
A well-known Chinese businessman was found dead inside his house in Benque Viejo del Carmen on Tuesday. He was last seen alive on Sunday and his wife and family members, [...]

BWS Explains Water Outage in the Belama Area
Belize Water Services has been undertaking a massive infrastructure project in line with the construction of a stretch of road along the Phillip Goldson Highway from the Haulover Bridge to [...]

BWS C.E.O. Says Water Mains Are Being Upgraded
According to Chief Executive Officer Alvan Haynes, Tuesday’s water crisis was compounded by another fourteen-inch main breaking in Ladyville.  Haynes explained to the media this morning that the work is [...]

Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission Responds to Cristina Coc’s Complaints
Maya communities in Toledo do not exist in isolation. This is what the Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission says. In response to bold comments made by MLA Spokesperson Cristina Coc [...]

Belizean Citizen Detained in Mexico for Carrying Endangered Marine Life
A Belizean citizen was detained in Mexico last week for attempting to transport various endangered marine species to China. The identity of the man, who is of Chinese descent, was [...]

Corozal Man Caught with 2lbs of Marijuana
A Corozal man was arrested and charged with drug trafficking. He is thirty-three-year-old Bernaldo Cantun, who was caught with nearly two point five pounds of marijuana this morning at around [...]

Corozal Police Find Contraband Beers
Police officers in the Corozal District also conducted an operation today on the Estero Road in Patchakan Village. The official report says that the team of police officers discovered twenty-two [...]

2 Persons Charged For Attempt Robbery of CP Gas Station
Nineteen-year-old Kyle Mariano Perez and twenty-year-old Tyrique Leon Swaso have been jointly charged for the crimes of robbery and wounding. Investigators believe that Perez and Swaso are the two persons [...]

BERT Celebrates 20TH Anniversary
Two decades ago, the Belize Emergency Response Team was formed with a mission to serve the ‘emergency medical needs of the Belizean people through active volunteerism and education. One of [...]

B.T.B. Offers Paid Vacation Worth $4,000 to 6 Lucky Persons
Do you want to go on an all expenses paid vacation worth four thousand dollars?  If your answer is yes then listen closely because the Belize Tourism Board is giving [...]

Smart Stars Summer Camp Molds the Future of Football in Belize
The Smart Stars Football Camp is underway at the M.C.C. Grounds.  For the past eight years, Smart has been fully sponsoring the camp so that over sixty children from across [...]

XX Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship to be Held in Belize
The Twentieth Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship will be held in Belize City starting on Saturday, August fourth. The Belize National Team says it is ready and eager to begin [...]

27 Students Awarded “I am Belize” Scholarship
Twenty-seven new students received Restore Belize Scholarships for four years of high school.  The “I am Belize” scholarship programme is running for eight years with the support of several corporate [...]

CTV3

LOVE FM

Water Shortage hits City and Villages
There was a serious water shortage that affected portions of Belize City and villages on Tuesday. The areas affected included: Princess Margaret Drive, West Landivar, Biscayne Village, Gardenia Village, Sand Hill, the Mile 13 community, Los Lagos, Lords Bank and Ladyville. Water access has been restored and because the heat has been murderous this summer …

Multi-million Dollar Upgrades made to Improve Water Services
There were major works being undertaken by the BWSL and the saying goes progress brings problems. So while many had criticized the company, it was a planned water outage that got affected by other factors as the CEO Alvan Haynes pointed out. However, as Love News found out, major upgrades to a system from the …

Emancipation Day
August 1st is celebrated as Emancipation Day. Though the Slavery Abolition Act 1833, ended slavery to most of the British Empire, only slaves below six years old were freed. Anyone from ages 7 to adult were then categorized as “apprentices” and required to work, 40 hours per week without pay. This was because the owners …

EQUIP trained teachers to better deliver
The Ministry of Education through its Education Quality Improvement Program (EQUIP) held a workshop which had the participation of teachers from Corozal Junior College, Belize Adventist Junior College, the University of Belize and St. John’s College Junior College. The workshop looked at how to effectively teach Mathematics, Science and Language Arts. Love News spoke with …

Fire leaves family homeless
A Belize City family is homeless tonight after their home was destroyed by fire. The bungalow structure on Fern Lane was gutted this afternoon during the blazing summer heat. Love News spoke with Ezbert Ramclam, the distraught home owner, about what transpired. Ezbert Ramclam Fire Victim: Me and my girl were upstairs and we smelled …

Be a tourist in your own country!
Belize has been attracting many tourists every year to our little jewel. Tourists come to explore our Mayan sites, enjoy our beautiful beaches and snorkel with the sharks. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) wants more Belizeans to be tourists in our own country and that is why it launched the Belizean Traveller Campaign 2018 at …

BERT, 20 years later
The sound of sirens tend to cause alarm to many people who are peering on any situation from a distant. But for a family that faces sudden illness or injury the sound of sirens means help is on its way and that usualy means BERT is there to save the day. Today, the Belize Emergency …

Belize to host Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship
Belize will be hosting the 20th annual Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship beginning this weekend. The president of the Belize Volleyball Association, Allan Sharp along with the team’s coach and captain, encourages all Belizeans to bring their family and friends along, to show support for the Belizean team, as they volley against their competitors for …

Restore Belize helping students to realize their dreams
Restore Belize continues to make a difference in the lives of Belizeans. Today Restore Belize handed out twenty-seven scholarships that will give students the opportunity to further their education. The keynote speaker, Sheryl Terry, the Deputy Director for Public Relations at Belize Water Service Limited, charged the students to stay the course. Sheryl Terry Deputy …

Minister Edmund Castro met with delegates
Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, Edmund Castro, today met with a high level delegation consisting of members of the House of Representatives of Japan and other officials at the Edward Laing Building in Belize City. The meeting was aimed towards strengthening the bilateral relations. The team discussed the plans for World Expo 2025 …

Corozal resident released on bail for hit and run
31-year-old Olguin Elmer Hall of Ranchito Village in the Corozal District has been charged in connection with a hit and run incident that occurred this past weekend. Hall was reportedly the driver of the vehicle that knocked down 31-year-old Armando Witz as he was riding his bicycle on College Road on Saturday...

PlusTV

CCJ rules that Justice Awich is to be considered for investigation by JLSC
Earlier today, the Caribbean Court of Justice ruled that the Belize Supreme Court Judge, Justice Awich, is to be considered for investigation by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC). In a joint letter dated 17 July 2012, Dean Boyce of British Caribbean Bank Ltd and Lord Michael Ashcro...

More cases of H1N1 reported in Belize
Two additional confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus were reported in Belize City yesterday. That now brings the total confirmed cases to five. On Friday, the Ministry of Health confirmed three positive cases of HINI Influenza in the Corozal District. The cases included two males who had recently travel...

Senate Select committee draft report almost ready
The first draft report of the Senate Special Select Committee should be completed sometime this week. The Committee was established to investigate incidents of corruption highlighted in the Auditor General’s Special Audit Report of the Immigration and Nationality Department. Following a year’s worth...

Jasmine Alert Program celebrates 6 years
The Jasmine Alert Program celebrated its 6 year anniversary today. The Program is Belize’s only Child Kidnapping Emergency Warning System, which was formed on July 3s1st, 2012. Today, a brief ceremony was held in Belize city, not only to celebrate the program’s 6th year in existence, but also to str...

Eamon not happy with Arthur Saldivar
Attorney Eamon Courtenay is among the number of PUP executives that Arthur Saldivar brought a law suit against earlier in June. Saldivar sued several Executive Members of the People’s United Party after his application to represent the party as a Standard Bearer in Belmopan was rejected. Saldivar ...

18 year old chopped in face for bike
An 18 year old Belmopan resident was chopped and robbed in the Rivera Community of Belmopan while on his way home from work. The incident happened sometime around 5:30 p.m. yesterday. 18 year old Jose Lopez told us that while riding his bicycle in the area, he got into close proximity with four men,...

No cooperation from witnesses in Dean Nemhard murder
Last night we told you about the death of 22 year old Dean Nemhard who was reportedly shot to the head by an unknown male person while he was socializing on Berry Street on Friday Night. Yesterday, Inspector Alejandro Cowo told the media that police are working to determine if Nemhard was the origin...

Project manager robbed of payroll
Over nineteen thousand dollars were stolen from a Belize City Project Manager while he was on his way to leave pay roll at his work site. 35 year old Jaime Dominquez reportedly left his worksite in Belama Phase 2 around 3 p.m. on Friday en route to Bella Vista. On his way, he picked up his 59 year o...

Waste control robbed again
At yesterday’s police briefing, ASP Alejandfro Cowo updated the media on some of the robberies that took place in Belize City over the weekend. One of those is the case of the robbery of 41 year old Brian Smith, Belizean Security Guard for SOS Security Firm. On Friday July 27th at about 3:00 a.m.,...

Concepcion villagers receive land lease titles
issued by UDP Corozal North Area Representative, Hugo Patt, who took over the Ministry of Natural Resources from Dr. Carla Barnett last month. The Ministry is known for prolonging the issuance of documents. Well, according to Minister Patt, his team went into the Ministry to fix that issue...

Store Manager fights off robbers
The CP Gas station at half a mile on the Phillip Goldson Highway was targeted by two masked men, one armed with a gun. The thieves stormed into the gas station’s convenience store and attempted to rob it of its cash...

Richard Oneal charged with attempted murder of Michael Tesecum
Police have arrested and charged one person in connection with the July 11th shooting of Michael Tesecum. 41 year old Micheal Tesecum was shot multiple times while walking on Tibruce Street that fateful night...

Man searches for food for stray animals
Often times when we speak about stray animals, we talk about the inconveniences and troubles they cause in our communities; but yesterday we met a man whose love for stray animals goes beyond the stigma attached to them. 55 year old Oscar Heredia has spent the last decade of his life digging through...

Deputy Compol attends training workshop in New Orleans
Deputy Commissioner of police Chester Williams left the Country once again on another training work shop. A couple weeks ago, Williams attended a training in Uruguay with High Ranking officers of various Nations. Yesterday, Williams told the media that he would be leaving the country for a week to b...

Irianna Leiva is the winner of the Miss East Indian Cultural Pageant
Two weeks ago we told you about the Miss East Indian Cultural Pageant that was being organized by the Corozal Organization of East Cultural Heritage (COEICH). The event was held on the 28th of July at in Corozal Town. Miss Irianna Leiva from Orange Walk was officially crowned Miss East Indian Beliz...

New Art Gallery in San Ignacio
A new art gallery was opened in San Ignacio town on Sunday. The art Galley showcases art pieces from artists across Belize. The venue is also equipped with four art studios fashioned for four full time artists. We spoke to Louis Cappellos, owner and manager of the gallery. Louis Capello, Art Gall...

Breaking Belize News

Japan’s Parliamentary Delegation visiting Belize
A high-level delegation consisting of members of the House of Representatives of Japan accompanied by […]

One dead as boat capsizes off the coast of Belize
Police are investigating a drowning incident that happened today around 1:30 PM. According to reports, […]

Belize gets ready to host Central American Women Volleyball Championship
Today the Belize Volleyball Association (BVA) held a press conference at the Belize Civic Center to […]

Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission clarifies allegations of ‘non-consultations’
The Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission \was established by the Government of Belize to facilitate the […]

BERT celebrates 20 years anniversary
The Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT) celebrated its 20th anniversary today with an open day at […]

New British High Commissioner to Belize appointed
A new British High Commissioner to Belize has been appointed. Claire Evans OBE ( Order of […]

Suspicious cyclist busted with cannabis
A man busted with weed in northern Belize has been arrested and charged. According to police […]

Police find over 20 cases of contraband beers in Patchakan Village
Police today found 22 cases of Mexican beer on Estero Road in Patchakan Village, Corozal District. […]

Man, 31, charged in fatal hit and run in Corozal
Yesterday, police arrested and charged Olguin Elmer Hall,31, of Ranchito Village, Corozal for the fatal hit […]

Teenager from Trial Farm missing
The family of Brian Westby,16, of Trial Farm, Orange Walk District is concerned about him. Westby’s […]

New game in town: Mega Bonanza
There is a new game in town, the Mega Bonanza raffle. The raffle consists of 100 prizes worth a total of $30,000.

Businessman found dead in Benque Viejo
A businessman was found dead inside his home last night in the Hills of Promise area of Benque Viejo town.

Blogs

YOLO Takes You To the Crystal Clear Blue Waters of Ambergris Caye
I went on Island Dreams’ tour – The Chill Cruise – a few days ago. And if you love snorkeling, sunning, fun, great cocktails (or fresh fruit spritzers with lots of lime), really REALLY good food, a very smooth ride and endless aqua blue, sandy bottomed swimming? This is the day trip for you. YOLO! The day started with a briefing and then…out to sea.

International Sources

14 Private Islands You Can Actually Afford To Rent For Family Vacations
When you think of private islands, what comes to mind? Likely an aspirational faraway land of mega-yachts and business tycoons, movie stars and royals. Setting foot on a private island — let alone vacationing on one — seems completely out of reach. 1. Little Peter Oasis, Belize: The bungalow on Little Peter Oasis can house four people, so it’s a great option for a family or a pair of couples. While there, guests can fill their days with a variety of complimentary activities like snorkeling through your private reef, paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing, or swimming in the private lagoon. If that’s not enough, you can book scuba excursions, offshore fishing and tours of Mayan ruins for an additional fee. The all-inclusive package (including a private helicopter transfer from Belize City) starts at $5,995 for five days and four nights.

Bacalar, Mexico: The secret spot that’s as beautiful as the Maldives
I’D HEARD whispers from fellow travellers of a mythical little town on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast, boasting Maldives-blue water, no crowds, and a substantially cheaper price tag. Seduced by descriptions that likened it to a Caribbean island paradise, we swiftly ditched the tequila-soaked clubs of Cancun and Tulum and chanced the bus ride south to this rumoured nirvana called Bacalar. The first thing I noticed as we arrived was the distinct lack of ocean. Situated 340km south of Cancun International Airport, near the Belize border, Bacalar is 20km from the coast. The dazzling depictions that lured us here come from a vast freshwater lagoon that the town overlooks, fed by underground springs. But with the sun sinking behind us, there was no such oasis in sight, nor our hotel.

Jaw-Dropping Swimming Pools Set to Make a Splash in the Caribbean
From an infinity pool perched on a 25-foot limestone cliff in Turks and Caicos to a glass-edged pool that appears to sit atop the Atlantic Ocean in Bermuda, these pools alone are worth traveling for. Debuting as the FIRST Marriott International Autograph Collection property in Belize, Alaia Belize will feature the country’s FIRST suspended rooftop pool with an exquisite floor design and overlooking the tranquil Caribbean Sea. Designed to highlight the splendor of its natural surroundings, the swimming pool will complement Belize’s laidback lifestyle with a cozy lounge area, stylish firepits and lush landscaping.

Mexico wins international Maya ball tournament
The international cup of “Pok ta pok“, the ballgame of the ancient Maya, took place recently in Yucatán, an exact representation of this sacred game which origins date back to the year 1,400 BC. The national teams from Honduras, El Salvador, Belize, Guatemala and Mexico competed, countries where this game was developed and practiced by the ancient Maya in pre-Hispanic times. The Mexican team won this international cup that is part of the celebrations of the Maya New Year, the 8th year of Baktún 14.

Videos

August 1, 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

One case of H1N1 Flu confirmed on Ambergris Caye
The Ministry of Healthy (MOH) has confirmed five cases of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) in Belize as of Monday, July 30th. One of the cases is from San Pedro Town, where it was reported that a female has contracted the disease. The other infected persons are within the Belize and Corozal Districts. The cases appear to have an origin in Mexico, as the affected persons stated that they recently travelled to the neighbouring country. According to Gough, all five infected persons are in a stable condition after being treated at their respective health centres. “The treatment included Tamiflu, and then the patients were discharged,” said Gough. “All the patients are fine right now.” No H1N1 epidemic is expected to occur as long as the sick receive treatment.

Tropic Air announces acquisition of two more aircraft
Tropic Air announced today that it expects to take delivery of two Cessna Grand Caravan EX’s. These aircraft are equipped with Garmin avionics, weather radar and air-conditioning. Expected delivery is within the month of August. “These aircraft represent a BZ$14,000,000 vote of confidence in the continued growth of tourism in Belize and in the expansion of Tropic Air,” said John Greif III, President. “The Caravan is the right aircraft for Tropic as it allows us to serve all domestic airstrips within Belize. It also is the most technologically advanced aircraft in its class. We love its performance and passengers love it for the air-conditioning and comfort.”

Ambergris Today

National Garifuna Council Attends Afro Descendant Women’s Encounter In Guatemala
Five National Garifuna Council (NGC) representatives attended the First Afro descendant Women’s Encounter which was held in Guatemala from July 25 – 27, 2018. The Women’s Encounter will be an annual event that seeks to bring together all relevant entities committed to the advancement of Afro descendant women in Central America. The Belize delegation included NGC President, Sandra Miranda; Assistant Secretary and Chair of the NGC Women’s Committee, Melissa Zuniga, NGC Secretariat, Fidelis Mejia; Vice President of NGC Hopkins Branch, Barbara Nunez; and NGC Founding Member, Phyllis Cayetano. The delegation participated in discussions that focused not only on the development of Afro descendant, Afro-Central American, Afro-Caribbean and Garifuna women in Honduras, Guatemala and Belize, but also identified challenges that these women still face in their daily lives.

The Fight Against Gillnet Fishing Continues
Oceana calls for the release of all relevant data on gillnets to support informed decision making On Friday, July 27th, 2018, Oceana wrote to Fisheries Administrator Beverly Wade to request all relevant data related to the use of gillnets in Belizean waters, including the list of licensed gillnetters. It is our position that this data should be available to the public, as it is our collective right as citizens of Belize to be fully informed about who is accessing our shared natural resources and how they are doing so.

Misc Belizean Sources

International Costa Maya Festival
We are just a few days away from the 2018 International Costa Maya Festival and tickets are already going fast! Don't be left out of this weekend's festival activities! Purchase your seasons pass tickets at only $120BZD adults and $70BZD for children, at one of several outlets on the island today!

SUPPORT $5 PER BAG SALE FUNDRAISER
Good morning everyone! The sun is shining, the birds are singing and we are back at it! This Friday JUSTICE FOR OUR BABIES - COROZAL is having a $5 per bag sale! All clothes for kids, men and women! Full your bag for just $5! Come on out and support this fundraiser to help purchase for the back to school drive!

Tek Time fi Read Book Festival
The Tek Time fi Read Book Festival is this Saturday at the Belmopan Civic Center. Reading is fun, and definitely sets kids up to be great students. They'll have many free books there to choose from. Thanks to everyone that made this happen.

Bullet Tree Environmental Summer Camp Finishes
The 1st No- Plastic, No-Styrofoam Kids Summer Camp finished its 3 weeks run in Bullet Tree. The kids did many clean-ups, learned a lot about sustainability, and made a lot of art. Their mandalas are now on the bleachers at the Bullet Tree football field. "Yesterday was the official closing ceremony of our successful 1st No- Plastic, No-Styrofoam Kids Summer Camp, 2018. These were 3 intensive, learning, enriching weeks for the kids, the parents, our organizing team, our facilitators and off course for myself. I am very, very thankful to all the persons who came together to make this camp a reality.

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint this fun turtle!

2018 Wedding Salon, New York
Belize well represented at the 2018 Wedding Salon, New York.The Wedding Salon is a consumer expo that attracts thousands of engaged couples, celebrities, socialites and industry professionals who are looking for wedding destinations to get married, renew their vows or to spend their honeymoon.Belize lends itself as a great destination for weddings and honeymoon which was evident when we conducted our first-ever Belize Wedding & Honeymoon Extravaganza and Romance FAM. This show not only attracts thousands of couples, but New York remains a top destination where travelers to Belize originate.

On this #TreeTuesday, we are highlighting the Mortoniella pittieri tree!
This tree belongs to the family Apocynaceae (the same as My Lady), but it is distinct enough to be the only species in the genus Mortoniella. This tree has no common name, and in fact the species is so unusual it was described twice (given 2 scientific names) by the same person in the space of nine years. Later, the two species were realized to be the same. M. pittieri is found in the NE part of Bladen Nature Reserve, central Nicaragua and in a small area on the Costa Rica/Nicaragua border. The large gaps in its distribution are puzzling but could be due to wind dispersal of seeds during hurricane events.

Children of Yucatec Maya descent from San Lazaro,Orange walk reenacting the Caste War
Did you know that during the Maya Social War(Caste War) the Yucatec Maya tribes of Yalbac defeated the British in December 21,1866 . The battle is known as the Battle of San Pedro Yalbac . Panic struck British colonist in Belize City ,causing the Lieutenent Governor to flee offshore . Children of Yucatec Maya descent from San Lazaro,Orange walk reenacting the Caste War during el festival del Pueblo 2015 .

Elections and Boundaries Department Notice: Re-Registration of Electors-Registration Centers
The general 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 9:00am to 7:00pm Monday’s to Friday’s and from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday’s.

Closure of the Shark Fishing Season
The Belize Fisheries Department informs the public that in accordance with the Fisheries Regulations (Chapter 210’s, Revised Edition 2003) and Statutory Instrument 78 of 2011, the shark fishing season is closed from 1st August to 31st October of any year. The public is advised to comply with the stipulated Fisheries Regulation below: 1)No person shall take, buy, sell, possess, or export shark meat or fins during the period 1st August to 31st October in any year.

Luncheon with the delegates vying for the title of Miss Costa Maya Intl
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Councilors Hector Alamilla, Gary Greif and Gabriel Nuñez had a luncheon with the delegates vying for the title of Miss Costa Maya Intl. 2018 along with the reigning Miss Costa Maya 2017, Michelle Nuñez. They were all graciously hosted by Secret Paradise Beach Bar & Grill, with a buffet of lobster, fish and shrimp fingers just to name a few, and of course delicious frozen drinks to beat the heat!

COROZAL 501 DARTS TOURNAMENT
Jah Mundo cordially invites you to its first Darts Tournament competition starting Saturday, 4th August at 7:00 p.m. (Luck of the Draw) and Sunday, 5th August at 10:00 a.m. (singles/doubles/mix doubles). We are having visitors from all over Belize. Come and meet The Belizean Dart Association and my loyal group of dart players who have helped us in one way or another. Registration fee $10 singles & $20 doubles. Food & beverages will be on sale. For more information you can contact us through our facebook page or email jahmundo38@gmail.com. Make it a date!

Sir Colville Young graciously received Mr. Keith Gilges
Today, the Governor General of Belize Sir Colville Young graciously received Mr. Keith Gilges, our new Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., and warmly welcomed him to Belize. The U.S. Embassy looks forward to continuing the strong partnership between the United States and Belize.

Ya'axché Open House
We had a blast at the Ya'axché Open House as we celebrate 20 years working within the Maya Golden Landscape in southern Belize! We are forever grateful for the continued support of the communities, partners, donors, friends, staff and board of directors. Thank you! Here are a few shots from the event.

Channel 7

CCJ Scolds JLSC, Says It Should Have Investigated Justice Awich
Samuel Awich is a Justice of the Belize Court of Appeal, but, tonight, he is under scrutiny. This after a ruling handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice this morning. The CCJ has ruled that his past conduct while he was a judge of the Supreme Court, is to be investigated. That's because the Ashcroft Alliance has argued that he is unfit to be a judge of the Court of Appeal. This is an old dispute that dates back all the way to May 2012. That's when Prime Minister Dean Barrow recommended that Awich should be elevated from the Supreme Court to the Court of Appeal, much to the displeasure of the Bar Association of Belize, and the Ashcroft Alliance.

Eamon To Arthur: You’re Not Wanted In The PUP
Today's press encounter with Courtenay gave the press an opportunity to ask him about the lawsuit that PUP politician Arthur Saldivar has brought against his party. Saldivar is attempting to be accepted as a candidate in the Belmopan Standard Bearer's convention, but his first application was not even considered. He asserts that his party is being unilateral and unfair, and that they aren't following the party's constitution properly. His lawsuit is sort of on pause right now, so that the PUP's vetting committee can review the applications from him and other interested candidates who would want to apply a second time.

Albert Wagner, Charged Under Anti-Gang Law
Today, 23 year old Albert Wagner became the first person charged in the magistrate's court under the new anti-gang laws passed in March. The offense is possession of a firearm for the benefit of a gang. He was read that charge along with two others, namely possession of a firearm without a gun license and discharging a firearm in public before Magistrate Michelle Trapp. Wagner pleaded not guilty to all charges - but there's no bail for a firearm offence, so he was remanded until September 28.

Mother of Shot Minor Responds To DCP Chester
Since Thursday we've been reporting on the two minors - aged 16 and 17 - who were shot by police. But, they weren't accused of a minor crime; police say they chased them down after they stole two guns from a security firm. Deputy Commissioner of Police Chester Williams yesterday said that the minors were shot while police were pursuing them. When asked about the fact that both appeared to have been beaten - DCP Williams said, that, under the circumstances, they are lucky to be alive. However, the mothers of the two minors have a different opinion of how things played out. We spoke to the mother of the 17 year old who explained to us why she firmly believes her son's rights were violated. She asked to appear off camera and to distort her voice:

Gracie Rock Rebounding
The community of Gracie Rock got quite a scare yesterday when they heard a big boom and saw some large rocks being hurled at them from the nearby quarry. As we told you yesterday, some community members were alarmed by the situation because, although explosions are common in the area, due to the work at the quarry, this is the first time that stone debris reached dangerously close to their homes and children. National Aggregates Ltd has been operating at the quarry for five years but blasts have been happening at the site for well over 60 years. Since taking over, from the previous company in 2013, National Aggregates has made over 238 blasts and this is its first incident. But, one can be too much when it comes to human safety, and the company accepts responsibility and has agreed to repair the damages and build two reinforced bunkers in the community for an added layer of protection should their be any future anomalies.

Driver Can Expect Upgraded Charges In Hit & Run Death
Last night we told you how hit and run victim, 31 year old Armando Uitz had died from injuries he sustained in an accident on Saturday evening. Uitz was riding his bicycle on old College Road in Corozal Town, apparently on his way to visit his girlfriend. He was knocked down by an oncoming SUV, a Kia Sorento, which fled the scene. Police found it on Monday morning in Ranchito inside a garage. It was processed and then impounded at the police station. Police have not officially charged the driver but the charges, apart from failing to stop and render aid, would now be expected to include manslaughter by negligence.

Cops Have Suspects For CP Gas Foiled Robbery
Two men have reportedly been detained for questioning in connection with the robbery of CP Gas Station on the Phillip Goldson Highway. The suspects, reportedly from the Antelope Street, were identified when the footage went viral and was circulated on the media and to Whatsapp newsgroups. Police got a tip and detained two men who resemble those in the video. Yesterday morning at 7:40, they entered the gas station unmasked and proceeded to try and rob the owner who put up a heroic fight to try and fend them off. The young robbers ganged up on him, beat him on the head and pistol whipped him - but he didn't give up, and continued to fight them off. They pushed his mother to the ground, and then were forced to run off without taking anything.

Teenager Chopped and Robbed
A teenager was chopped and robbed in the Rivera area of Belmopan. The report is that yesterday evening around 5:30, 18 year old Jose Lopez was heading to his San Martin home on his bicycle when a black man came up to him and chopped him in the temple. The man then snatched Lopez's phone and rode off with his bike. Lopez is in a stable condition. This is just preliminary information, our information is that Lopez hasn't made an official police report as yet.

Getting Used To H1N1 in Belize
There are five confirmed cases of the h1n1 flu virus in Belize - three confirmed in Corozal and now an infant in San Pedro and and adult in Belize City. Today, Dr. Ethan Gough, who is the Head of Epidemiology Unit said that so far the spread is under control. He also told us who need to be on alert: Dr. Ethan Gough, MOH Epidemiologist: "The people who really need to be concerned are people who have any underlying co-morbidities. So, if you have diabetes, that's not controlled, or if you have some cardiovascular illness, if you're immuno- compromised because you have an HIV infection or because you're taking other medications that suppress the immune system, the very old who are already having a weaker immune system because of their age, likewise the very young, so less than 5 years old, less than three years old, pregnant women, those are the categories of people that are at higher risk for complications..."

OCEANA Calls For Accountability On Gillnet fishers
Last week we told you about the first meeting of the Gillnets Task Force. It got off to an unexpected start, after the Fisheries Department put out a position paper saying that gillnets should stay. That goes against the position of the Coast Guard, the Federation of Fishers and Conservationists who hold firmly that gill net fishing is destructive to marine life. Presently, there are still over a hundred fishermen who are licensed conduct gill net fishing. Oceana Belize is now agitating to get all the data on the use of this type of fishing in Belize, and they want the Fisheries Department to release that information publicly.

Jasmine Alert, 6 Years Later
Jasmine Alert: It was launched in 2012 in memory of 16 year old Jasmine Lowe. Lowe was kidnapped and brutally murdered in Cayo. Over these 6 years, the founder Patrick Menzies along with his team have dealt with a number of missing and abducted children cases, the most notable one being the January 2017 case involving Chunox resident Anaseily Gonzalez. Her father allegedly kidnapped her and took her to Mexico. But it's through Menzies' work with the Mexican authorities that they were able to find Gonzalez. Well, Menzies hopes to have more successful cases such as this by bringing on key partners. Today Menzies held a press conference to talk about re-invigorating the program. Patrick Menzies, National Executive Director, Jasmine Alert "Today what we are doing is one recognizing and celebrating our 6th year anniversary and we are also talking about a couple marriages that are occurring.

Senate Special Select Grappling With Mountain of Work
Earlier in the newscast, you saw Eamon Courtenay speaking on the latest judgment coming out of the Caribbean Court of Justice. We also asked him about the final report that the Senate Special Select Committee is trying to prepare following the last year's Senate Hearings on Immigration. You'll remember the 13-month marathon of hearings that dominated the evening news every Wednesday. Allegations and counter allegations of corruption and hustling at the department between 2011 and 2013 were discussed in surprisingly candid detail. But, it appears that the Senate Committee Members underestimated just how much work it would take to review those hundreds of hours of testimony they witnessed.

Progress With Peace In the Park
Restore Belize says that last Saturday's Peace in the Parks family day program at the Yarborough Green was just a start to creating safe spaces for Belize City children. Communications Robin Schaffer told us more about last Saturday's event:.. The event was held under the theme "A Belize That is Safe for Children" and was funded by the Taiwanese Embassy.

The Rush-ians to Belize
The Rush Fest International Youth Soccer Camp is held in Colorado, USA every year around July. Last year, the Warriors FC, the local club associated with Rush International, represented Belize well in the U-13 tournament. However, for a lack of funding Rush Belize didn't go to this year's fest. Nevertheless some members of Rush International did come to Belize to meet with young football enthusiasts. The contingent of 16 persons arrived in Belize yesterday and today they attended the Smart Stars Summer Camp, at the MCC grounds in Belize City. They stopped in for one day to work with kids as part of an ongoing training tour in Belize and Honduras in an effort to reciprocate the cultural exchange.

Karate Kelly Coached Cops In Mexico
Grandmaster Ray Kelly from the House of Shotokan is well-known for his intense karate and kickboxing classes, but he is also a certified defense tactic instructor. This weekend he took those skills to Mexico where he conducted a one day training for one of the police units. Today he told us about the importance of this cross border connection as it relates to improved law enforcement. Shihan Kelly, Defensive Tactic Instructor, House of Shotokan: "It was a one day training an 8 hour training which consist of various different portions of training in defensive tactics."

Chester Looks For The Cure in New Orleans
And while Kelly was in Mexico teaching police there, the #2 Cop Chester Williams is in New Orleans learning how to cure violence. He's attending an event organized by a group named just that, Cure Violence. They treat violence just like doctors treat an outbreak of a disease: they go to the infected person, and try to cure him or her before he spreads it, and before it turns into an epidemic. For a man who manages Belize City's violence epidemic every day - yesterday we asked him what he hopes to learn:..

Channel 5

CCJ Ruling: Court of Appeal Justice Samuel Awich is to be considered for Investigation
The Caribbean Court of Justice today handed down a ruling that can potentially affect the fate of Samuel Awich as a Justice of the Court of Appeal. The ruling is [...]

Hit & Run Victim Dies; Driver to be Charged with Manslaughter
Hit and run victim, Armando Uitz passed away on Monday afternoon at the K.H.M.H, less than forty-eight hours after he was knocked down on College Road in Corozal Town.  The [...]

Injured Teen Gives His Version of Police Arrest for Harpy Security Robbery
Deputy Commissioner of Police Chester Williams confirmed on Monday that two of the three young men who allegedly robbed Harpy Security on Antelope Street Extension were shot while fleeing.  But [...]

Mother of Injured Teen Refutes ACP William’s Statements
The teen’s mother also weighed in on the matter and she was not happy with comments made by Deputy Commissioner Chester Williams.  She says that her son has no reason [...]

Brenda Augustine Says Police On Duty Choked Out Her Son at Queen St. Station
There is another case of alleged police brutality to report on tonight, following an incident on Monday evening at the Queen Street Police Station.  Brenda Augustine, a single mother of [...]

Did Female Officer Add Insult to Physical Injuries After Dustup?
Aside from the officers choking out her sons, Augustine alleges that a female officer, also on duty, assaulted her verbally.   Brenda Augustine, Alleges Police Brutality “Now when time I [...]

70K Re-registration Applications Submitted, So Far
As of Saturday, July twenty-eighth, a total of seventy thousand and nine applications were received by the Elections and Boundaries since the re-registration exercise begun on July second. Fifteen thousand, [...]

Gill Nets: Are they Helping or Hurting the Fishing Industry?
The continued use of gillnets by some fisher folks is stirring controversy in the fishing industry. OCEANA Belize is set against the use of this gear saying it affects the [...]

The PUP Doesn’t Want Arthur Saldivar, Says Eamon Courtenay
Earlier this month, Attorney Arthur Saldivar submitted a second application to the People’s United Party to contest the party’s Belmopan convention at the end of August. This was after the [...]

Senate Select Committee Report Nears Completion
For more than twelve months, the nation tuned in every Wednesday to see and hear what would be revealed during the testimony of dozens of witnesses by the Special Senate [...]

Price of Diesel Fuel Decreases but Not For Long
The new price for a gallon of diesel is ten dollars and fifty-three cents, a decrease of twenty-two cents in Belize City. But while that is good news for motorists, [...]

Tropic Air announces fourteen million dollar investment
Tropic Air announced today that it has made a fourteen-million-dollar investment in two aircrafts. The airline says that it has acquired two Cessna Grand Caravan EX that come equipped with [...]

Jasmine Alert Celebrates Six Years
The brutal killing of Jasmine Lowe in 2012 and the outrage that followed when the sprightly schoolgirl was found dead birthed Belize’s version of the U.S.A’s acclaimed Amber Alert. Named [...]

Security Firms Are Being Targetted for Guns!
There has been a series of attacks on security guards around the city and elsewhere. Well, according to police, the criminals are targeting security personnel to get their hands on [...]

Miss Universe Belize: 11 Delegates, But Only 1 Will Walk Away with the Crown
Preparations are well underway for the upcoming Miss Universe Belize Pageant. Of the eleven young ladies from all over the country one will walk away with the crown and go [...]

Rush International Donates To Young Football Stars
For the past several years, the Smart Football Camp programme has been attracting children between ages four and fourteen to develop their football skills. The camp began on July twenty [...]

KTV the Remix: It’s All About the Performance
Get in the grove for Motown…that’s the genre for tonight’s KTV the Remix, live from the Bliss. The list of singers is now down to seven, who the public have [...]

CTV3

Mexican Lifeless Body Found In Progresso Village
The Police also shared what they know so far of the dead body found in Progresso Village on Saturday. The elderly male Mexican national was found along an off road in the village, but authorities say foul play is not suspected. Joseph Myvette, Head of NCIB: “On Saturday shortly before 8pm police was called to an area in Progresso Village where they observed the lifeless body of an elderly Hispanic male person later identified as Isabel Martinez...”

Slight Decrease In Diesel Fuel At The Pumps
Tonight, there is a bit of good news for Belizean consumers as GOB announced a minimal decrease in the price for Diesel at the pumps. The decrease will come into effect today at midnight and will see a deduction of twenty-two cents. Here in Orange Walk Town the decrease will drive the price for Diesel from ten dollars and eighty-four cents to ten dollars and sixty-two cents.

Elections and Boundaries Releases Its Latest Figures
The Elections and Boundaries Department released its latest figures relating to the number of electors who have made it to re-registration centers across all seven municipalities. According to their figures in the past week, fifteen thousand five hundred and fifty-eight Belizeans applied at thirty-one centers countrywide.

LOVE FM

Gracie Rock villagers survive Quarry explosion, Company says only small rocks
On Monday Blasts sounded in Gracie Rock Village and residents were quite upset as rocks pelted yards, the football field and the Community Resource Center. Some critics say it was just a few rocks and not a big deal but the residents disagree. Several residents are employed by the quarry so they do not want …

UDP Chairman says Reregistering Supporters is going well
Since July 2, both the Peoples United Party and the United Democratic Party have been actively participating in the re-registration process. Yes, it is the responsibility of potential voters to take the time to locate the appropriate documents and register in the constituencies in which they currently live. Some people believe that politicians should not …

New Advocate for Diabetes says time to lower cost of Dialysis Treatment
Diabetes is often referred to as one of the silent killers of people around the world and that is also true in Belize. There are many advocates for awareness and one of the strongest is the Diabetes Association of Belize. While many people are silent about being affected by it, some realize there is a …

Oceana and Shark Fishers Association caught in a battle over gillnets
Oceana Belize is on a mission to phase out the use of gillnets, since it does not lend itself to sustainable fishing. In a letter to the Fisheries Administrator Beverly Wade, Oceana requested a list of licensed gillnetters and related data. Janelle Chanona, Vice President of Oceana Belize explained why gillnets should no longer be …

CARICOM holds workshop in Belize
CARICOM is holding a three-day workshop in preparation for an upcoming United Nations conference that will seek to establish terms of a treaty to preserve biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction. Love News spoke with Lois Young, the Permanent Representative at the Mission of Belize in New York who spoke about the importance of …

Jasmine alert commemorates sixth anniversary
Today, the Jasmine Alert celebrated its sixth anniversary. The Jasmine Alert was launched in 2012, in memory of Jasmine Lowe who was murdered in the Cayo District. Her death made it clear that more measures needed to be put in place to protect our children. Love News attended the launch and spoke with Patrick Menzies, …

PlusTV

Dean Nemhard is Friday night’s murder victim
A 22 year old man is the latest victim of murder in the Old Capital. 22 year old Dean Nemhard was reportedly shot to the head by an unknown male person while he was socializing on Berry Street at about 11:55 p.m. on Friday Night. Nemhard reportedly received one gunshot wound to the left side of the ...

MLA and TAA at CCJ for compliance report
Representatives of the Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcaldes Association on the one side and the Government of Belize were back in court today. It has been three years since the April 2015 consent order was given to demarcate and register the boundaries of indigenous lands in the South of Be...

Corozal man critical following hit and run
A hit and run in the Corozal District has left one man in a critical condition at the KHMH. Reports are that around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, 31 year old Arnando Witz was riding a beach cruiser bicycle in the middle of College Road when he was hit by a Kia Sorento from behind. The driver did n...

Omero Campo’s alleged kidnappers send another request for ransom
On Friday we told you that The Reporter newspaper reportedly received an email with a message and a ransom request to be delivered to the family of Omero Campos. The email was from Campos’ alleged kidnappers. Campos has been missing since June 17th, more than a month ago, when he left his home in S...

Woman cut several times by ex- boyfriend
A woman was stabbed in her home in Independence Village. According to police reports, on Saturday July 28, at about 8 p.m., 38 year old Kimberly Bol, a Belizean Secretary of Independence Village, reported that while she was at her home, her ex-common-law-husband entered her home without her permis...

Belizean police clueless about possible Sinaloa Cartel connected incident involving Belizean
A Belizean believed to have strong ties to the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico was detained by Mexican authorities in Chetumal last week Wednesday. Dioney Rolando, also known as ‘El Nene’, is reportedly an employee of Zurizaday, the alleged operator of the Sinaloa Cartel in Chetumal. ‘El Nene’ and 4 Mexic...

First person to be charged under new gang legislation
A Taylors Alley Gang member caught in the act of firing a gun in the rival neighborhood of Linda’s Alley is the first person to be charged under the new Gang Legislation. Reports are that Belize City police officers were on mobile patrol when they responded to the sound of gunshots on Linda’s Alley....

Mexican national found dead; no foul play suspected
An elderly Mexican national was found dead on a feeder road in Progresso Village. According to reports, sometime around 8 p.m. on Saturday night, police officers visited the area in Progresso Village where they found the lifeless body of Isabelle Martinez. Martinez has been...

Project manager robbed of payroll
Over nineteen thousand dollars were stolen from a Belize City Project Manager while he was on his way to leave pay roll at his work site. 35 year old Jaime Dominquez reportedly left his worksite in Belama Phase 2 around 3 p.m. on Friday en route to Bella Vista to leave pay roll..

Waste Control Compound security guards robbed
There have been several other robberies across the nation this weekend. 41 year old Brian Smith, Belizean Security Guard for SOS Security Firm, reported that on Friday July 27th at about 3:00 a.m., he and a co-worker were on duty at Waste Control Compound located 3 miles on the George Price Highway .

Security guards are high targets of criminals
Last week we told you that two minors and another male person were apprehended by Belize City police officers while trying to escape the scene of a robbery they had allegedly committed. According to reports, sometime around 6:30 last Thursday night, 34 year old security guard Dion Gentle had just arrived at his office at Harpie Security on Antelope Extension when he was approached by two male persons, one of whom placed a firearm to his head and robbed him of several items.

Gas station security guard robbed
In another case of a security guard being targeted, On Friday July 27th, 20 year old security guard Bernard Humes was on duty at Puma Coral Grove Gas Station located at 1 ½ Miles Phillip Goldson Highway. That is when three male persons wearing masks approached him and escorted him to the front of the gas station. The video shows Humes with his hands in the air as the armed men have him lead them to the businesses door.

Robbery in Belize City junk yard
On Friday we told you of a robbery that happened in Belize City when persons were purchasing vehicle parts. Police have since released further information. 32 year old Byron Barrera, a Belizean Body works man, was at Kevin’s Junk yard located on Cedar Street sometime around midday on Friday afternoon.

Woman robbed and punched in the face
A woman was robbed and punched in the face in Hopkins Village. 22 year old Roxanne Crawford, a Belizean waitress of Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District, reported that on Sunday July 29th, at about 8:15 pm, she was walking on the main road of Hopkins Village when she was approached by a Hispanic male person who had his face covered.

Piracy near Long Caye
36 year old Jimel Williams, a Belizean Boat Captain and Tour Guide of Belize River Lodge, reported that on July 12th at about 5:30 p.m., he was fishing onboard Skiff with the name “Belize River Lodge # 5” on the south end of Long Caye. Along with him at the time was American Tourist, Dan Wilcox. The men were approached by two male persons on board a dark brown aluminum skiff...

Amandala

Swine flu back in Belize
Earlier in this month, Quintana Roo had confirmed over 20 cases of the H1N1 influenza virus and at least 3 deaths because of it. On Friday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Belize issued a press release saying that three cases of H1N1 had been confirmed in the Corozal District. Two of the cases are men who had recently travelled to Merida, Yucatan, and the third case is that of a pregnant woman who resides in Chetumal. According to the release, the cases were confirmed Friday afternoon by the Central Medical Lab in Belize City.

Belize welcomes Professor Bayyimah Bello
For several years now, the United Black Association for Development (UBAD) Education Foundation (UEF) has been sponsoring a guest lecturer to commemorate and honor Belize’s African ancestors on the anniversary of Emancipation Day, when slaves in the English-speaking Caribbean were freed on August 1, 1834. The theme for this year’s Emancipation Day is “Free Your Mind,” and the UEF guest lecturer for this year’s Emancipation Day activities is Professor Bayyimah Bello, a Haitian historian, teacher, writer and humanitarian worker who has traveled extensively in Africa for almost two decades and is also a professor of history at the State University of Haiti.

Lincoln Gomez, 23, ends up with 6 months for manslaughter
After he had heard pleas for mitigation and given an assessment of the aggravating factors, Justice Colin Williams made some deductions which resulted in the prison sentence of Lincoln Gomez, 23, who was charged with murder but had pleaded guilty to manslaughter, being reduced from 15 years to 6 months, effective from today’s date. Gomez’s attorney, Richard “Dickie” Bradley, in his mitigation plea, said that Gomez was 15 years old when he committed the offence, and that he accepted an offer from the Crown to plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter and saved the court from what might have been a lengthy trial, because there were 10 to 11 witnesses.

Belizean caught trafficking endangered marine life in Mexico
Reports coming out of Mexico are that a Belizean man was caught trafficking marine life through the international airport of Mexico City. He was attempting to board a flight to China when he was caught. Mexico News Today reported the story, but did not mention the man’s name. However, they did mention that he was at the airport when police detected the smell of fish. When they inspected the man’s suitcase, they found 88 dried seahorses, two bags of sea cucumbers, and two bags of fish bladders.

“El Nene” from Sinaloa Cartel captured in Mexico
The Sinaloa Cartel is an international cartel that is involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and other forms of organized crime. On Thursday, July 26, reports out of Mexico were that one of the cartel members in the area was captured in Chetumal – and he appears to be a Belizean. According to several online reports, on Wednesday night around 10 p.m., Dioney Rolando, 24, who goes by the alias “El Nene” and who the reports say is a Belizean, was driving a blue Nissan pickup truck with four other persons inside, who were only identified in Mexican reports as Manuel M.P. and Abel “A” from Chetumal, and Oscar Joel F.D. and Ulises “R” from Mexico City. They were headed towards the airport and tried to avoid a police checkpoint. Their suspicious behavior led the police to chase after them.

Oceana vs Shark Fishers Association
For years, there has been talk, especially by Oceana, of banning the use of gill nets in Belize, because protected species of fish, such as bonefish and tarpon, are often included in the catch of fish pulled out the water by such a mechanism. In 2016, even Belize’s Coast Guard agreed with Oceana. Admiral John Borland, Commandant of the Coast Guard, had told the media that using gill nets was a “destructive and indiscriminate practice” and that the results were “more detrimental than they are beneficial.”

Rush International contingent visits the Jewel
Arriving in Belize this evening was a football contingent from Rush International, including 12 youth players and 4 adult coaches/chaperones. Among the adults are reportedly Brian Lux (Director of International affairs), Kris Downs (Global Outreach Director) and Matt Mittlestaedt (National Technical Director). The group will be in country until Saturday, August 4, and will be conducting training sessions in Belize City, Belmopan and Caye Caulker. According to the tentative itinerary provided by Rush Belize Country Director, Daniel Fabro, the group will be conducting football sessions tomorrow, Tuesday, at the MCC Grounds in Belize City from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 no...

Firms basketball games resume at Swift Hall
Following a break the previous weekend for the FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifying triangular at the Civic Center, the Firms Basketball League tournament resumed action this past weekend with games on Thursday, Friday and Sunday at the Swift Hall court. In the opener on Thursday night, July 26, it was Armed Forces, 72-56, over BWS Pressure. Armed Forces was led by Shaquille Crawford 18 pts 5 rebs, Raheem Zuniga 8 pts 10 rebs, Gregory Buckley 5 pts 10 rebs, and Frank Fuller 5 pts 10 rebs; while for BWS, Karim Thompson had 15 pts 8 rebs, Alejandro Baptist 13 pts 5 rebs, and Robert Jefferies 6 pts 7 rebs.

Belize District youths win FFB’s National U-13 Elite Championship in Belmopan
In a 3-day National U-13 Elite football tournament at the FFB Stadium over the weekend, the Belize District squad won the final in a penalty shootout against Belmopan. Selections from the 10 football “districts” of the country participated in the tournament, namely, in Group A – Belize, Stann Creek, San Pedro, Benque and Belmopan; and in Group B – Independence, Toledo, Cayo, Orange Walk and Corozal. The Belize team was undefeated in the round-robin group phase, before going on to the knockout semifinal and final rounds. We will have a more detailed report in our weekend issue.

Inter-Office football continues at the MCC
The Belize District Football Association’s (BDFA)/McLean Insurance Brokers Inter-Office Football Tournament continues with scheduled games at the MCC Grounds: Wednesday, August 1 7:00 p.m. – City Council vs Belize Bank 8:30 p.m. – MOE Sports & Premium Wines vs BWS Thursday, August 2 7:00 p.m. – Simon Quan vs KHMH

Editorial: Carnival and Centenary in context
About fifteen or twenty years ago, Carnival, introduced around 1975 into Belize City, was becoming bigger than Centenary itself, which is the annual celebration of the Battle of St. George’s Caye fought in September of 1798. Before Carnival became so big, Centenary celebrations began annually with the selection of the Queen of the Bay, around the end of August. A series of events followed, such as singing contests, cultural shows, athletic contests, and so on, which culminated with the Citizens’ Parade on the Tenth of September. Around 1958 or so, the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) began to de-emphasize the Battle of St. George’s Caye (although a copy of the 1959 National Day Celebrations program in our possession, a program organized by the Belize City Council, included a “pilgrimage to the tomb of Simon Lamb”), and de-emphasize the overall Baymen’s Clan atmosphere. The PUP crowned a queen who was called Miss Belize Independence, and their program of events culminated with a march on the Tenth of September, which became known as National Day on the PUP calendar.

From The Publisher
I was the eldest of nine children. My mother did everything right to raise me the “proper” way. She sent me to piano lessons when I was seven. I was forbidden to play ball in the streets or in other people’s yards. I was pretty much a protected child. My first real peek at the real world, the “forbidden” world, took place at Edwards Park. This forbidden world was the Dunlop football team, and where they came from I hadn’t the slightest idea. Mr. Cassian Aspinall (he’s now a proofreader at Amandala), a teacher in the Methodist school system from those days in the 1950’s, has told me that the core of the Dunlop football team came from Ebenezer, a Methodist primary school in the Freetown area of Northside Belize City.

Those who count the votes …
Dear Editor, In reading the Editorial of July 28, two things occurred to me, one being the presidential election that installed con man Trump in the U.S. “White House”— there’s a term ironic by definition! —and the other is the situation with the ICJ and the upcoming vote. I don’t often find myself in agreement with crazy Joe Stalin, but he knew what he was talking about when he said: “The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything.”

Pristine going from Haulover Creek and Belize River
The Wikipedia says it is believed the Haulover Creek got its name “from those who had to ‘haul’ their cattle over the creek with ropes prior to the construction of the swing bridge in 1922.” Ordinarily, okay, almost every day, the creek, which divides Belize City north (side) from Belize City south (side), is a dead body of water. There is nothing pretty about it. No one is tempted to drink from it. On the hottest of days you seldom see any kids splashing about in it. I know there was a time when the creek had activity, plenty fish. I don’t know the names of many fresh water fish, but I heard people call some of them – pupsi and tuhba and kraana. I know the one called sheep head (sheepshead). That’s a fish with black and white stripes and the shape of a porgy. And of course there were a lot of a notorious fish that is called kyatoh.

Gungulung resident, recovering from previous gunshot wounds, dies after being shot again
At about 4:30 on the evening of April 10, Dean Nembhard, Jr., 22, an unemployed resident of Holy Emmanuel Street, in the Gungulung area of Lake Independence (Lake I), was walking on Holy Emmanuel Street when a gunman came up and shot him twice in his abdomen. Nembhard was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) and was admitted to ward. He was released last month, June, about 60 days after he was shot. However, at about 11:00 last night, less than a month after he was discharged from the hospital and one week after celebrating his 23rd birthday, Nembhard was shot and died shortly after he was rushed to the KHMH.

CCJ holds compliance report hearing regarding Mayan land rights
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) held a hearing this morning via teleconference between its Port of Spain, Trinidad, headquarters and the Belize Supreme Court, where representatives of the Mayan Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcalde Association squared off with Government of Belize representatives regarding a compliance report. In April 2015, the CCJ gave a consent order to demarcate and register the boundaries of indigenous lands in the southern Maya villages. Coming out of today’s hearing were five actions that must be taken and a dispute mechanism which must be signed within two weeks. The authority that will deal with disputes should be appointed by October 1, 2018.

Leslie, Baptist and Meighan not guilty of James Noralez’s murder
This afternoon, in the Supreme Court of Justice Colin Williams, three men: Tyrone Meighan, 24; Brandon Baptist, 29; and Orel Leslie, 29; were found not guilty of the November 2012 murder of ex-Belize Defence Force soldier James Noralez, 28. The not-guilty-of-murder verdicts came two hours and fifteen minutes after Justice Williams painstakingly read his judgment, highlighting the shortcomings of the prosecution’s circumstantial case against the accused men and characterizing its key witnesses as being “unreliable, unbelievable” and its main witness as having an interest to protect and as someone who clearly “struggled with the truth.”

Police shoot security company robbers – 2 minors
Two of three thieves were shot by police as they tried to escape after robbing a supervisor of Harpie Security Company. The thieves had stolen two .38 Special Smith and Wesson revolvers and a handheld radio. The two wounded robbers, minors, were taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where they are being treated under police supervision. The two injured robbers are a 17-year old minor, of Maskall Street, Belize City, who was shot in the right leg; and a 16-year-old minor of an East Collet Canal address, who was shot in the right upper thigh.

The Reporter

SMART TECHNOLOGY – CAN IT WITHSTAND THE TEST OF TIME ?
Six years ago, Marine Protected Areas managers in Belize tested and gave the nod of approval for use of the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool, SMART in our country. The tool, originally developed for terrestrial monitoring, helps in collecting important Protected Areas enforcement and monitoring data that can steer management and legislative decisions for conservation and environmental sustainability. MPA managers from the Wildlife Conservation Society, and its partners working in the African landscape, began to develop what is now known as SMART, many years ago, to help them track their efforts as they manage the various protected areas.

Breaking Belize News

Jasmine Alert program celebrates 6th-year anniversary
. Today, the Jasmine Alert initiative marked its 6th anniversary with a press conference at the […]

Shark fishing season comes to a close
The Belize Fisheries Department today informed that in accordance with the Fisheries Regulations of Belize (Chapter 210 […]

Re-registration Centers for August, 2018
Today, the Elections and Boundaries department issued a list of Registration centers that will be open to […]

New York Post says Belize is top destination for retirees
In an article from the New York Post, Belize is featured as one of the top […]

China urges US to decline Taiwan President’s stop in Los Angeles
Yesterday, Breaking Belize News reported that Taiwan’s President, Tsai Ing Wen is scheduled to visit Belize […]

Over 70,000 Belizeans have re-registered
Today, the Elections and Boundaries Department issued an update on the national re-registration exercise for the […]

Tropic Air announces acquisition of 2 more aircrafts
Tropic Air announced today that it expects to take delivery of two Cessna Grand Caravan EX’s. […]

Belize~ Unity and Freedom of Choice
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize News. This […]

Hit and run victim dies while receiving treatment
Armando Witz, 31, has succumbed to his injuries received in a case of hit and run. […]

Ministry of Finance: Fuel prices will rise (again)
The Ministry of Finance announced yesterday afternoon that the pump price for Diesel Oil will decrease […]

Blogs

8 out of 10 White People Do Not Do This On Vacation…
According to a recent golf cart joyride study done within a two-mile radius south of San Pedro town by the Madison Group, 8 out of 10 people do not wave at strangers while on vacation. Speaking of friends and being friendly, a couple of girls decided to plan a boat trip for about eight of us. Everyone was ready for some Caribbean sea time and it was also a great opportunity to keep enjoying lobster season. The adventure started with catching lunch – lobster and crab. A few of us reminded the boat crew that we were not interested in anything too small.

A feeling of September Celebration in Belize
Starting on National Day and culminating on Independence Day, two weeks of city-wide patriotic celebrations keep the locals dancing in the streets. The Belize Carnival, a street festival held on the month of September, sees Belizeans doing colorful costumes and dance to Caribbean beats. The September Celebrations are a pair of holidays in Belize only eleven days apart. Battle of St. George's Caye Day (alternatively, National Day), 10 September, celebrated since 1898;Independence Day, 21 September, celebrated since 1981. A calendar of activities has traditionally been held every year centred on both events.

International Sources

Change of British High Commissioner to Belize in October 2018
Ms Claire Evans OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to Belize in succession to Mr Peter Hughes OBE. Ms Evans will take up her appointment in October 2018.

Belize Is Latest Test Ground for Luxury Development and Environment
Belize, a small Central American country with a Caribbean shoreline and dense jungle, is slowly shifting its global reputation from a destination suitable for paradise-seeking backpackers and the occasional celebrity home to a luxury hotspot that provides world-class service with intimate access to nature and indigenous communities. Within the travel industry, the cruise lines have best taken advantage of the destination’s relatively virgin landscapes with nearly three-quarters of Belize’s 1.4 million annual visitors arriving by cruise ship for day excursions. That’s starting to change with a number of hospitality players from global corporations to individual hoteliers investing in the future of the market and luxury consumers’ perception of it.

Belize Supreme Court judge to be considered for investigation
n the case of Dean Boyce, British Caribbean Bank Ltd., and Lord Michael Ashcroft KCMG versus the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Tuesday issued a judgment stating that a 2012 complaint against Justice Awich, now a judge in the Court of Appeal, should be properly considered by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC). This paves the way to allow the JLSC to refer the complaint to the Belize Advisory Council, which would then investigate whether the judge should be removed from office.

Living off the forest
The Selva Maya extends across parts of Belize, Guatemala and Mexico. The huge tropical forest has been under threat for years from climate change, illegal logging and clearing for farming. But with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), ever more voluntary protected areas are being established. Nuevo Becal is one of them. The community there now tries to use its 51,000 hectares of land sustainably. Instead of clearing forest to farm and raise livestock, they protect it and make a living by selling honey, nuts and other forest products.

More Americans are fleeing to cheap faraway places
From millennials to baby boomers, more Americans are ditching their jobs or retiring — and then fleeing overseas. A whopping 8.7 million Americans are living in other countries, based on US State Department figures. And that number is only rising. The appeal? An increasing number of places with strong infrastructure, good technology and — a major selling point — a much lower cost of living than in the United States. We tapped the expertise of five people familiar with expat life to find out the best countries to consider. Maybe it’s time to think about making that big move. “Belize has been quickly rising as one of the top destinations for retirees,” says Daniel Wilhelm, publisher of Escape Artist. He believes Belize stands out from other low-cost Latin American locations because it is the only one where English is the national language. His favorite location is Ambergris Caye, which “provides the ideal island life that retirees dream about,” with gorgeous beaches, easy access to the mainland and a vibrant expat community. Here, a couple could live nicely on $2,000 a month, including rent, utilities, going out to dinner two to three times a week and doing day trips like scuba diving once a month.

'Coral Whisperers' Look For Genetic Clues In Their Quest To Save Reefs In Biscayne Bay
They call themselves the coral whisperers: a global band of scientists working together to save the world's coral reefs. Several of the scientists were recently in Miami to study the coral reefs in South Florida over the course of a two-day conference with the Pew Marine Fellows Program. Their research—from labs in Hawaii to Boston and Belize—comes at time when the combined impacts of ocean acidification, water pollution, and climate change, among other stressors, threaten nearly 75 percent of the world's coral reefs.

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