August 19, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Island teachers and volunteers participate in the Return to Happiness program
From Monday, August 13th to Friday, August 17th a group of teachers in San Pedro Town underwent training on how to deal with students who have experienced disasters (natural or man-made) and are having issues coping with traumatic experiences. Following the recent fire in the Boca del Rio Area, the course applies the Return to Happiness (RTH) psychological recovery program and was attended by several educators from different schools on the island, as well as other public workers and volunteers. The training was made possible with the support of The San Pedro Town Council, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, along with Local Government and in conjunction with UNICEF in Belize. At the end of the week-long course, all participants received a certificate for completing the training.

Belize’s Phillip Ramsey wins Mister Jade Universe 2018
Belize’s Phillip Ramsey has won the title of Mister Jade Universe 2018 held in Guatemala City, Guatemala on Saturday, August 11th. The Mister Jade Universe is an annual pageant that seeks an ambassador who best represents the Maya culture. This year, the participating countries included Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa-Rica, Nicaragua, Belize, and Honduras. The pageant saw the contestants competing in four segments: cultural costume, formal wear (during which they made their introduction), swimsuit and gala outfit. At the end of the night, Ramsey took the title of the Mister Jade Universe 2018. Honduras’ Erick Rodriguez placed second, and third place went to Guatemala’s Oscar Constanza.

Suicide Prevention Training hosted in Northern and Southern Belize
70 social workers, childcare providers, and youth workers in southern and northern Belize have been trained in basic suicide prevention strategies. The workshop was facilitated by Assistant Professor of Counsellor Education at The Citadel College in Charleston South Carolina, Dr. Guy Ilagan, and Clinical Psychologist and Adjunct Professor at The Citadel’s Psychology – Clinical Counselling Program, Dr. Jill Ilagan. The two-day workshops were held on Wednesday, August 8th, and Tuesday, 14th in Punta Gorda Town, Orange Walk Town, and Corozal Town. During the training, participants received information and tools on how to conduct assessments to determine if persons are at a low, medium or high risk of committing suicide, as well as how to respond and monitor youths-at-risk of suicide, including important intervention skills such as safety planning and crisis response planning for all levels of suicide risk.

Misc Belizean Sources

Attempted crocodile removal
The people from Crocodile Research Institute came to the New River by Banquitas to extract the Crocodile that grabbed Bruno and to relocate it someplace else. They couldn't. Instead of 1 Crocodile, reports are that they found 9 (nine) in that area alone, all way too aggressive to handle. Needless to say at this point, better be careful by the Riverside.

Youth Football Marathon Today in Caye Caulker
Please come out and support the Youth Football Marathon Sunday at the Football Field. Game time starts at 2:00 p.m. The organizers will have cupcakes and chips and dip on sale. We will be asking for a donation of 1.00 which enables you to win a school bag with school supplies. Please support the youths!

This is a rope net of some sort. Kudos to the sensational Belizeans who saved this sea turtle from certain fate!
My adventurers found this mass floating at a distance near rocky point, Jeffrey was sure he saw a flipper and said the animal looks big and in despair so he and his step daddy decided to take a closer look.... I’m so glad he did...this poor turtle was tired and could barely come up to breathe with those heavy ropes! Thank God he was released (after putting up a little fight) and is now safe once again!

Did the Ancient Maya had Beards?
The Maya,like all Native Americans,do not have much facial hair,but many Maya men could grow beards and Mustaches . In earlier periods there are a few instances of rulers depicted with beards,goatees or Mustache . How ever in the later periods they were not seem to have been fashionable. In the 16 th century,mothers rubbed hot cloths on the faces of their sons to burn off any peach fuzz,tweezers were also used to pluck out facial hair,both men's beard and women's eyebrows.

The Reporter

4 WOMEN CHARGED – BRUTAL FIGHT OUTSIDE NIGHT CLUB
Four women have been charged for disorderly conduct with one additionally charged for aggravated assault following a brutal fight outside La Cabaña nightclub in Belmopan early Friday morning.

JOHN WOODS, PASSES ON
The Reporter extends sincere condolences to the family of John Woods. The construction magnate, philanthropist and well loved Belizean icon passed away on Friday evening. Family members say he had been ill for some time. The nation has lost a great man.

HUSBAND SHOOTS WIFE IN CAYO
Police have detained a 67-year-old man from the Cayo district for shooting his wife in front of their daughter. San Ignacio Police responded to a call at Baking Pot Ferry Road in Central Farm, where Hilderbrant Robeteau handed himself over along with a shotgun and two carriages. The daughter, Daisy Robateau, said that on Thursday around 6:30 p.m., she was speaking to her mother Rosa Aracely Gamez, 48, in their kitchen when her father walked in and without warning, opened fire.

POLICE END PHASE ONE OF BARBER TRAINING
On Friday the Belize Police Department distributed certificates of completion to 13 at risk youths who completed phase one of the departments barber training initiative. The participants completed a week-long training course at the Ramada Belize City Princess, facilitated by veteran barbers Nicholas Ara of Z’s Barbershop in Belmopan, and Winston Harris of Brick City Barbershop in Belize City.

Breaking Belize News

Julius Espat says ‘No to ICJ’
Cayo South Area Representative, Julius Espat, is recognized among his party peers in the PUP and supporters, for his personal convictions on national issues. Today, Espat took to social media to express his views on taking Guatemala’s long standing claim on Belize’s territory to the International Court of Justice. Espat says that after assessing both sides of the issue, he is convinced that ‘the risk of losing any part of our territory is too much to take.’ […]

Authorities search for killer croc in Banquitas
Authorities from several agencies are collaborating in an effort to extract and relocate a killer crocodile in the Banquitas area of Orange Walk after a video showing the croc attack and kill a dog was posted to Facebook on Monday. The video itself caused uproar on Facebook as many viewers called out the individuals who recorded the footage for animal cruelty. […]

Belize City Council claims Ministry of Foreign Affairs excluded Mayor from Taiwanese President’s planned events
President Tsai Ing-wen of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is in Belize for an official visit from August 16 to 18. The Belize City Council routinely cooperates with the Taiwan Embassy on social projects that benefit the city. However, Breaking Belize News has confirmed that Belize City’s Mayor, Bernard Wagner was excluded for all events by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. […]

John Woods passes away
John Woods, founder of CISCO Construction in Belize, passed away yesterday evening in Houston, Texas following a battle with cancer. His children announced his passing via a post on Facebook. He passed at 5:44 in the presence of his children and his family. According to his family, he passed on gently and peacefully. He had been battling cancer for some time and according to his family, the disease had overwhelmed his body. The family alsi thanked all those who had reached out to them during their difficult time. […]

Blogs

Hot Hot Sun and Sand Spurs on a Saturday Morning
This summer has been hot and sunny – but the dry dry* spell was broken a bit at the end of the week with some passing showers and last night, some downpours. This morning, the sun is blazing hot and I took our new dog Frances for her big walk. Her mix of youth and terrier means that she needs to dart after lizards and play in the brush – and for some reason, rub her face on dead things. The beach grass is FILLED with sand spurs right now. This EVIL little seeds covering in stiff prickers that are a real eye opener on your barefeet.

Videos

August 18, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

The BTB and BHA award scholarships to 10 Belizean Students
10 Belizean students were awarded scholarships from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and the Belize Hotel Association (BHA) during a joint award ceremony held at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City on Wednesday, August 15th. Among those students was San Pedro’s Maria Elizabeth Tillet, who received a scholarship from the BHA. This year’s BTB scholarship recipients include Leanna Duncan, who will pursue an Associate’s Degree at St. John’s College Junior College and Jinelle Novelo, who will pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Belize. This year’s Jean Shaw Scholarship award went to Alma Urbina, who will pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Belize. The Jean Shaw Tourism Scholarship was established in memory of the late Jean Ursilla Shaw, a renowned female tourism pioneer who played an integral part in the development of Belize’s tourism industry in her lifetime.

Three arrested and charged for Richard Foster’s murder
The murder of 74-year-old renowned British filmmaker Richard Foster did not go unsolved, as police investigation has led to the arrest of three men who were charged for the homicide. 31-year-old Andrew Robert ‘Pinkie’ Clarke of La Democracia Village, 26-year-old Derwin Lincoln ‘Big D’ Jones of Cotton Tree and 23-year-old Edmond Anthony Pascascio of Harmonyville was arraigned on charges of murder on Monday, August 13th, when they went before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser.

Recovering and rebuilding: Boca del Rio fire victims move on
Two weeks after a devastating fire in the Boca del Rio Area, the 109 displaced fire victims have secured housing within rentals across the island. A total of 22 persons affected were initially housed at San Pedro’s children’s home and community center Hope Haven, where everyone was fed for several days following the fire. As they move forward with their lives, a visit to the fire site at Boca del Rio showed some development on Thursday, August 16th, as new structures are slowly being erected by those who once lived there. On Sunday, August 12th, the last persons left Hope Haven after finding a place of their own. They all thank the non-profit organization for sheltering them when they needed it the most. Hope Haven continues to accept donations for the fire victims, which are then sent to the Pentecostal Church located across from the fire site.

Re-registration numbers are down; the cause linked to the Vital Statistic Unit
The mass re-registration exercise is two weeks away from culminating, and reports coming from Elections and Boundaries indicate that as of August 11th only 90,873 applications have been filed. The previous week, 9,320 applications were received, showing a decrease from previous weeks. The Department intended to re-register about 200,000 voters by the end of August 2018, however, that goal now seems unlikely. It is believed that the decline in the re-registration process is due to the alleged poor service at the Vital Statistic Unit, where many people have been visiting to obtain necessary documentation, such as birth certificates to re-register. The slow service has created long, slow-moving lines at the said institution, with people becoming frustrated with the delay.

Ambergris Today

President Of Taiwan Visits Belize
On Thursday, August 16, 2018, H.E. Tsai Ing-wen, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) arrived in Belize for a three-day visit, from the 16th to 18th of August 2018, on the invitation of the Right Honorable Dean O. Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize. This is President Tsai’s first visit to Belize. The presidential visit is expected to enhance mutual understanding, expand exchanges and make further progress on developing and implementing joint initiatives spanning agriculture, education, information and communication technology, medical care and vocational training.

Return To Happiness Training In San Pedro
The Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports, UNICEF along with the San Pedro Town Council have teamed up to provide training for teachers to help children ages 5 – 12 who have experienced trauma from a natural or man-made disaster. The training is called “Return to Happiness” and participants are being taught how to offer psychological therapy. Participants have been partaking in fun activities at the San Pedro High School and are being trained by professionals by UNICEF.

Misc Belizean Sources

San Joaquín Bacalar 2018
Anybody traveling to Bacalar this weekend? Meet Gillhary 7 at the la Expo Feria “San Joaquín Bacalar 2018” at Bacalar. It will commence tonight at 7pm local time.

Swirly Head Wine & Lamanai Chocolate Tasting
Swirly Head Wines and Lamanai Chocolate are teaming up again for a special tasting, and it's tomorrow night. Casa Sofia is the venue, and they'll have their incredible food for sale. If you missed the first tasting, here's your chance to sample some amazing wine and some incredible chocolate.

BECOL and FCD reach agreement
BECOL and FCD signed an agreement yesterday with the aim of enhancing monitoring activities and preventing illegal encroachments within the BECOL property at the Chalillo reservoir.

The U.S. Embassy has a vacancy for plumber!
This position is being advertised with the experience for education substitution option. Based on qualifications, applicants need only apply for one of the two available vacancies, Belmopan-2018-13 or Belmopan-2018-13-S. Please review the qualifications requirements for each vacancy before applying.

New building to be built at the corner of Cockburn Lane and Regents Street
This morning was a momentous occasion as the CEO, Mr. Yashin Dujon, of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, signed a construction contract with AM Construction Co. Ltd. for the construction of a new building to be built at the corner of Cockburn Lane and Regents Street. The construction of this new building is part of the hard components of the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project. It has been proposed that once this building has been completed, it will contribute to the project's eco-museum concept in downtown by establishing a restaurant/historic heritage site for the promotion of culinary tourism in the downtown area. The original owner of the property was Ronald F. Greenwood. The Project was hoping to restore the original house on the property, but it was too far gone and it was recommended that we replace it; however, since the architecture of the house is of significance, the Project has designed a new house with the same architectural features as the original.

Bruno mars Croc still living his “best life”
The Banquitas House of Culture, BTIA Orange Walk Chapter, Forestry department and the Crocodile Research Coalition, have been collaborating in an effort to locate, extract and rellocate the crocodile that unfortunately grabbed Bruno. At this point we are working in an effort to place strategic signs to make the public aware of crocodiles in the area. We are advising the general public to restrain from feeding the crocodiles as it pose a threat to everyone. We ask for you collaboration in ensuring the safety of everyone. Thanks.

A Belizean legend has gone home. We celebrate the life of John Woods
Dear Family and Friends, on behalf of my family thank you for all the comforting calls and notes we have been receiving. Dad passed away at 5:44pm today Friday the 17th in Houston. Mom, Sammy, Billy, Madelyn and myself were next to him. Cancer had finally overwhelmed his body and he passed away peacefully. God could not have taken him from us more gently. We will make funeral announcements as soon as we know when we can bring Papa John home.

Minister of National Security Visits Troops at Cadenas
As part of his frequent field visits to our men and women in uniform, the Minister of National Security Honorable John Saldivar visited the troops at the Cadenas Observation Post on Wednesday, August 15, 2018. Since 1993, members of the Belize Defence Force who have served at the Cadenas Observation Post have known the grueling ordeal of going up and down the mountain, atop which sits the observation post. The men and women of the Belize Defense Force have endured this hardship for years but a new initiative by the Minister will now go a long way in making conditions more bearable.

One thing that the President of Republic of China (Taiwan) Dr. Tsai Ing-Wen loves in Belize is our Marie Sharp Products!!

BEL contributions
BEL contributed over $12,000 and employees are volunteering to assist 17 programs for children in communities countrywide during July and August.

Ascenthium Plays the Bluffs
Ascenthium finally performed at The Bluffs, and it was amazing! So many great songs over the night, from head banging to classic rock. The venue was packed, and they went above and beyond with the pizzas and hamburgers. Can't wait for the next show, and the word is they might be playing there again soon. Pictures and videos. Freebird and Hotel California in their entirety. In related news, the World Culture Band will be performing there on Sunday the 26th.

On this day in Black History
Today in 1887, Marcus Garvey ( 17 Aug - 10 June 1940), was born in Jamaica. He was a black nationalist who the term Garveyism refers to. Garveyism is an aspect of black nationalism that refers to the economic, and political policies of UNIA-ACL founder Marcus Garvey. ... The movement had a major impact in stimulating and shaping black politics in the Caribbean and in parts of Africa. Garvey first visited Belize in 1921 and again in 1929 and inspired The Black Cross Nurse Association and people like Samuel Hayes, with the philosophy of uniting Blacks universally

National Celebrations Committee Stance on the Cancellaton of the 10th September Bram
The National Celebration Commission (NCC) is chaired by the Minister of Culture under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. NCC’s vision is to strengthen solidarity, loyalty and pride in National Identity for all Belizeans during the month of September as our country commemorates and celebrates two historic milestones. The Commission comprises of members from Government and Non-Governmental agencies, Statutory Bodies, Civil Societies, the Mayor’s Association, representatives from all municipalities, the Belize Police Department and Belize Defense Force. The majority of NCC funds is provided through a subvention by the Government of Belize and the remaining from donations by Private and Public sector organizations across the country. This year, a number of key partners either reduced their donations or provided in-kind support thus impacting the overall budget of the Commission.

Channel 7

Special Sitting For Madam President
Yesterday, we took you to the Philip Goldson Airport for the official welcome that the Government of Belize gave to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen. She arrived on her first official visit here to an entourage of Government and law enforcement officials who were determined  to see to it that her short stay would be pleasing and memorable as a head of state. She left from the airport and immediately headed to a suite of activities, including the award ceremony for the latest crop of Belizean students who would be going away to study in Taiwan. But, the biggest event of her official visit happened this morning when both the Senate and the House of Representatives convened for a special sitting. Our news team was there, and Daniel Ortiz reports: A few minutes before the start of today’s special event, the majority of the parliamentarians from both the House of Representatives and the Senate were already seated in the House, awaiting the arrival of the Taiwanese President.

PUP Leader Speaks On Arthur
Today’s special sitting gave the press an opportunity to interview Opposition Leader John Briceño about a few developments in his party that made the evening news this week. We told you last night that the PUP’s vetting committee has refused Arthur Saldivar’s application to run in the Belmopan convention for a second time. He believes that once again, the leadership of the party did not handle his application fairly, and so, his legal team will be going back to the Supreme Court to challenge this latest refusal. Back in June, when the press questioned him about Saldivar’s candidacy in Belmopan, Briceño was very measured and diplomatic about the reasons why the party’s national executive did not support it. This time around, Briceño stated in no uncertain terms that Saldivar will not represent the PUP in the Garden City. Here’s how that conversation went:

Is John B With The Southern Caucus on ICJ Rejection?
We also asked Briceño to comment on his party’s evolving position on whether or not Belize should go to the ICJ to litigate Guatemala’s territorial claim over the country. Yesterday, the PUP’s Southern Caucus announced that they are quote, “firmly against going to the International Court of Justice”. They say that the residents of Southern Belize have the most to lose and nothing to gain, since Guatemala claims half of Belizean territory from Sarstoon to the Sibun.  Briceño told the press today that he can understand that concern: Hon. John Briceño - Leader of the Opposition: "We have already asked Senator Courtenay and Steward Leslie to start prepare a presentation to that we can do now and meet as many of our people as possible to give them the facts, the pros for going and the against of not going, the cons..."

Re-Registration Complications
On Tuesdays newscast, we told you about the latest reports that the Elections and Boundaries Department released on the number of Belizeans countrywide who have already re-registered as voters.  At this time, only ninety thousand, eight hundred and seventy-three (90,873) persons are able to vote. That’s less than half of total number registered voters who were on the country’s voter’s list before the slate was wiped clean.  For the last 3 weeks, the trends are showing that less and less applicants are showing up at the registration centers to become re-registered. We got a chance to speak with Opposition Leader John Briceño about it after today’s Special Sitting for the Taiwanese President’s visit.

Fatal Hit & run Claims Life In North
An Orange Walk man was knocked down and killed last night. It happened around 7:30. 63 year old San Jose Cane Farmer Ermitiano Gonzalez was crossing the road between miles 63 and 64 on the Phillip Goldson Highway. That is when pickup truck driver 34 year old Freddy Nicholson ran him over, dragging him under his vehicle for several yards until he realized what had happened. When police got on the scene Gonzalez’s mangled body was still lodged under the truck. Blood samples were taken from Nicholson and he was served with a notice of intended prosecution. Gonzales leaves behind 4 sons and 1 daughter.

Husband Shoots Wife In Cayo
Couples fight all the time, but when your partner shoots you in the leg with a shotgun…you might just want to re-evaluate that relationship. That’s what happened last night in Central Farm, Cayo. 48 year old Rosa Aracely Gamez and her daughter were talking in the kitchen when her husband 67 year old Hilderbrant Robateau walked in with a shotgun and fired at her, hitting her in the left thigh. She was taken to the San Ignacio Hospital in a stable condition. Robateau handed himself in to police along with his shotgun and 2 cartridges. We will keep following this case.

Charged For Chopping Uncle
Police aren’t holding off on the El Progresso murder charge any longer. They have charged 25 year old Bartimeus Tesucum with murder. As we have been reporting, Tesecum chopped his disabled uncle to death while other relatives stood by in horror.

Security Guard Turned Criminal
You know its real bad when security guards start robbing people. That’s exactly what KBH security guard 23 year old Deon Williams did. He was caught and charged with theft and pleaded not guilty today in court before Magistrate Emmerson Banner. Williams was offered bail and met bail of 2 thousand dollars and is due back in court on October 10th. The incident happened on Wednesday the 15th. 22 year old Virginia Robinson was walking home along Newtown Barracks when a man ripped her sling purse from around her neck. She had her cellphone and $547 in her purse. She turned around to confront her attacker and saw two men. The thieves dashed off but Robinson quickly alerted the police who set chase after them. They eventually caught up with Williams. 

More Murderers Get Bail
The recent trend of Supreme Court bail for accused murderers continued today when 33 year-old Jermaine “Horse” Garnett, was allowed to go home after spending over 5 and a half years on remand at the Belize Central Prison.  He is one of 3 people who was jointly charged with the December 2012 murder of 19 year-old Raheem Requena. Viewers will remember that Requena, a 4th former from Excelsior High School, was ambushed and fatally shot 6 times while he was riding his bike on Kut Avenue. He was heading to his grandmother’s house, when the gunfire erupted, and those bullets found their mark. 1 of them injured him in the chest. 

Barbering For The Future
Today 13 boys from the Southside got their certificates in barbering. As we told you, the police partnered with Belmopan barber Nicholas Ara and City barber Winston “Brick City” Harris to show these kids the basics of pulling off a solid haircut. And it seems they caught on pretty well, so much so that the police gave the top 5 participants a complete haircut set. The police even pledged to help one of them in starting up their own barbershop. It was such a successful program that Sr. Supt. Howell Gillett got a haircut from one of the boys. We dropped by the Princess pool side for the closing ceremony.

Inspiration For Fun
And while those aspiring barbers were celebrating at the Princess pool side, the kids at the Inspiration Center were making the most of their annual Fun Day. The center catered for about 80 kids and their siblings. Today the Executive Director explained how social interaction is part of therapy for kids with diverse abilities.

To Russia With Love
And among those kids at the Inspiration center were Christopher Young and Joseph Waight. They participated in the 2018 FIFA Football For Friendship Social Program hosted in Russia. The program ran from June 8th to the 15th.. Apart from attending camps on their visit, the boys got the rare chance to attend the first World Cup Game between Russia and Saudi Arabia. That’s pretty awesome right ?! The Center’s director invited the boys to share their experience with the other kids at the fun day. Here is what they had to say. There are two categories under this program – Young Football player and Young journalist. Throughout their stay the kids get to attend training and camps related to these fields. This is the first time Belize has participated in this program. Two kids from 211 countries from around the world also attended.

The Other Side of The Tenth Bram Cancellation
Earlier this week, you heard the PUP city council explain why it's been forced to cancel the Tenth bram due to underfunding from the UDP chaired National Celebration Commission. But the commission today sent out a release to say it's not political discrimination, it's just hard times. The release explains, quote, "This year, a number of key partners either reduced their donations or provided in-kind support thus impacting the overall budget of the Commission." But that's not even the whole story. The Commission release says that all municipalities and stakeholders were asked to submit a plan of proposed activities and events they hoped to host, along with a budget. But, last week Friday, the City Council sent an email saying that they would be removing the 10thBram and Municipal Fair Playbill of September events due to budgetary constraints.

Police Investigate Street Brawl Amongst Women
If you are facebook addict or just a regular user, you probably have stumbled upon this video. It captures 4 women paired off in separate fights. It happened last night around 10 outside of La Cabana in Belmopan. As you can see, it was a nasty brawl. One woman even picked up a stone and struck another one in the head and that led to another fight. Some residents tried to pry the women away from each other but their hands were locked tight in each other’s hair. Police intervened and detained all 4 women. They all will be charged for disorderly conduct. But that’s not the end, all of them are illegal immigrants so they will also face immigration charges.

Guns and Weed off Capital Street
Belmopan police have taken guns and weed off the streets. Yesterday evening around 6:00 police found a homemade gun in Salvapan and then in Roaring Creek they found weed and a 9 mm pistol.

Hon. Saldivar To Frontier
It is well known that there is a weekly change over of BDF soldiers at the Cadenas Conservation post who stand watch over some of Belize’s southernmost territories, which sits near the border with Guatemala. It’s one of the toughest areas of the country to maintain a patrol presence, and to get there, they must travel up the Sarstoon River, with the Guatemalan Armed Forces monitoring their comings and goings.   Well on Wednesday, National Security Minister John Saldivar took the trip himself and visited the BDF troops who were posted there.  A press release from the Government says that since 1993, the BDF soldiers who have served at Cadenas have known the grueling trek to the post. They must hike up and down a steep mountain side, to get to the top where Cadenas sits and which overlooks the terrain.

Teaching Kids How To Fish, Figuratively
As we told you earlier in the week, the Ministry of Education along with its partners want to form what’s called a Parlamentary Front against Hunger and Malnutrition. It sounds fancy but the idea is simple: to get the law makes involved in the fight against hunger for kids. Now that is one part of the plan. The Ministry also wants to establish a national feeding program that benefits kids across the country. Today a workshop was held at the Ministry of Agriculture conference room to discuss the way forward in this expansion. Yvonne Codd - Health and Nutrition Coordinator, Min. of Education: "The workshop was bringing together persons from all over the districts; the workshop was dealing with how we will be able to come to achieving sustainable school feeding schools in our country. We know that a lot of times we have a whole lot of school feeding programs within the country but everybody is not together, it's not coordinated..."

Integrating Migrants Into Educations
There were more teacher trainings this week in Belmopan. The focus was how to ensure that immigrant children are properly integrated into Belize’s school system. Here is more. They also discussed the issue of irregular migration including human trafficking.

Channel 5

A Ceremonial Sitting of the House of Representatives and Senate for Visiting Taiwanese President
Dozens of reporters and television crews from Belize and Taiwan filled the galleries of the Assembly Building this morning to cover the special joint sitting of the House of Representatives [...]

Order of Belize Conferred on Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen
As part of her state visit to the country, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen was bestowed the Order of Belize during a brief ceremony on Thursday night at the Museum of [...]

Taiwan Donates to ITVET, Belize City
After the Special Joint Sitting of the House of Representative and Senate this morning, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen returned to Belize City for a brief visit of the Technical and [...]

San Jose Villager Knocked Down and Killed
A villager from San Jose, Corozal was knocked down and killed on Thursday night sometime after seven o’clock. Sixty-three-year-old cane farmer Ermitiano Gonzalez was walking along the Phillip Goldson Highway [...]

Accused Murderer Released on Bail
Accused murderer, thirty-three-year-old Jermaine Garnett is out on bail tonight. He was offered bail by Supreme Court Justice Herbert Lord to the tune of forty thousand dollars. The bail was [...]

Johnny Responds to Arthur Saldivar’s P.U.P. Lawsuit
Attorney Arthur Saldivar has brought yet another lawsuit against the People’s United Party, the same political organization to which he belongs.  The latest proceedings succeed a second rejection from the [...]

“Would You Want Arthur Saldivar to Represent You?” – John Briceño
The bone of contention between the People’s United Party and Arthur Saldivar is his moral standing.  The leadership and hierarchy of the P.U.P. are of the firmly held belief that [...]

To Go or Not to Go to the I.C.J.? – That’s the P.U.P. Question
The People’s United Party is yet to formalize its position on whether Belize should have Guatemala’s unfounded claim settled at the International Court of Justice.  While government has embarked upon [...]

P.U.P. Southern Caucus Says No to I.C.J.
The P.U.P. southern caucus has taken a firm position on the matter, emphatically saying no to the I.C.J.   That stance, however, may not be indicative of the party’s official view [...]

P.U.P. Says Re-registered Voters Fall Well Below the Previous Threshold
The countrywide re-registration exercise comes to an end on August thirty-first.  The number of eligible voters that has been recorded since the process commenced at the beginning of July, has [...]

DOE to Monitor Air Quality in Belize
The responsibility of the Department of the Environment is to protect Belize’s environment from all sources of pollution—land, water, air and noise.  And while a lot of work has been [...]

What is the Situation on Children Rights in Belize?
The United Nations International Children’s Fund held consultations this week as it works on the development of a situation analysis of children and women in Belize. The assessment and analysis [...]

13 At Risk Youths Complete Barbering Programme of Police Department
Thirteen of seventeen youths, who were at risk of getting caught up in the criminal justice system, have successfully completed a barbering programme organized by the Police Department. Over the [...]

“Parents Participating, Children Engaging, Empowering Families” at Inspiration Centre
The Inspiration Centre held its fifth annual family fun day today at its headquarters off the George Price Highway in Belize City. Catering to just over one hundred persons annually, [...]

KTV the Remix Finalist, Rachel Westby
In Thursday’s newscast, you had a behind the scenes look at two of the five finalists in season two of KTV the remix. Tonight the other three are taking the [...]

KTV the Remix Finalist, Victoria August
Victoria August started singing at an early age. She has always loved music and is particularly fond of pop. Unlike most of the other competitors on KTV The Remix, she [...]

KTV the Remix Finalist, Ines Welcome
Round out the top five in season two of KTV the Remix is Dangriga’s Ines Welcome.  Welcome has the voice of a winner, exercising her highs and lows at every [...]

LOVE FM

Man hands himself in to the police after shooting woman
Police are investigating incident in which a woman was shot. Daisy Robateau told Police she was inside her kitchen speaking with her mother, 48-year-old Rosa Aracely Gamez, when her father 67-year-old Hilderbrant Robateau came in with a shotgun. He reportedly fired a shot which caught Gamez to her left thigh. She was transported to the …

Taiwan’s President speaks of the Important Friendship with Belize
President Tsai outlined three decades of cultivated friendship that has been a substantial support to the development of Belize. She did not put a monetary figure to it, but, a few weeks ago, Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington made it clear it was in the hundreds of millions for budgetary support. And what does …

Coast Guard charged with stealing engines
A Coast Guard Officer has been charged with theft. The Officer in charge of the Corozal Customs Enforcement Unit reported that from about mid to the end of July, six outboard engines, valued at fourteen thousand dollars, which were inside a containerized warehouse were stolen. Yesterday, Police recovered two of the stolen engines. 26-year-old Daniel …

Nephew charged with murder after chopping uncle to the neck
24-year-old Bartimeus Tesecum has been charged with murder. At the start of the week, Israel Tesucum was in the kitchen with family members when Bartimeus entered and inflicted a chop wound to his head. Israel was taken to the San Ignacio Hospital where he succumbed to the injury. The police say they have no motive …

Four men have been charged with fisheries offences
Four men have been charged with fisheries offences. 24-year-old Steven Petillo, 21-year-old Oscar Williams, 19-year-old Oscar Gutierrez and 30 year-old Derrick Gorosica have all been busted at a home. Police say yesterday afternoon they conducted a search at a residence that resulted in the discovery of two thousand five hundred and ten out of season …

Orange Walk resident dies in a fatal road traffic accident
An elderly man was knocked down and killed last night in the Orange Walk District. 34-year-old old Freddy Nicholson was reportedly driving a pickup truck from Orange Walk to Corozal, when upon reaching between miles 63 and 64 on the Philip Goldson Highway he knocked down 63-year-old Ermitiano Gonzalez, a cane farmer of San Jose …

PUP Southern Caucus says No to the ICJ
The Peoples United Party (PUP) does not have an official position on whether or not Guatemala’s unfounded claim on Belize should be forwarded to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).But in April, the Leader of the Opposition John Briceno said in his personal view QUOTE “sooner or later we will have to get to the …

Bio-safety, Bio-security and Bio-waste Management Workshop
Today a workshop on Biosafety, Biosecurity, and Bio-waste management was held at the Belize Biltmore plaza geared towards the various laboratories throughout the country. It was done to reinforce the proper procedures that lab technicians need to follow in order to safeguard the health of both patients and employees. Elena Mez, Bio Safety Officer for …

September Song Celebrates
As the September celebrations are fast approaching, this weekend marks the first within the list of schedule activities planned for Belizeans as we celebrate our country at such a festive time of the year. This year the annual song competition will be held at the Santa Elena Sports Complex, where all the competitors will be …

Belize Cancer Society speaks on Child Obesity in Belize
Striving to raise regional awareness about childhood obesity among children in the Caribbean, the Belize Cancer Society along with the Non-Communicable Disease-Childhood Obesity Prevention Alliance are partnering with the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) and various different organizations in order to raise public awareness about the severity of children living with obesity. Love News spoke Heather …

Inspiration Center celebrates Fun Day
Known for treating and rehabilitating children suffering from diverse disabilities, the Inspiration Center held its fifth annual fun-day today where they hosted a myriad of family, children, friends, and volunteers who all came together to socialize as they played various games, met new friends and sang to joyous music. Today Love News spoke with Dr. Agnes Joseph who was previously the Medical Director at the center who explained what the Inspiration Center is about and how the annual fun-day, benefits families and children.

Taiwan Presidents award Belizean students with Scholarship
As part of her state visit to Belize, President Tsai ing – Wen presented scholarships to twenty nine young Belizeans. She said she felt very honored to be present to deliver their awards. Tsai Ing-Wen, President of Taiwan: This afternoon I am delighted to be standing before you; handing out scholarships to 29 outstanding young people. The single largest class of scholarship students ever sent to Taiwan from Belize.

Taiwan’s President Speaks to Belize’s Parliament
Yesterday, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen and a large delegation landed in Belize at the Philip Goldson International Airport. After a brief ceremony and inspection of the BDF soldiers, Governor General Sir Colville Young bestowed President Tsai with the Order of Belize after a tour of the Museum of Belize. It wasn’t mentioned on the official itinerary but President Tsai also dined with the Prime Minister and his wife. Today, day two of the visit took place in both Belmopan and Belize, in the morning President Tsai addressed parliament.

Man chopped to the neck in El Progresso
A few days ago police went to El Progresso Village in the Cayo District, where they found forty-two year old, Israel Tesecum, suffering from a large chop wound behind the neck. According to the police,Tesecum was transported to the San Ignacio Community Hospital then to Western Regional Hospital where he later died due to his injuries. ACP Joseph Myvett provided more details.

Tragic fire in Camalote leaves child with severe burns
A tragic fire occurred in the Camalote Village in the Cayo District last night. When they woke up in the morning they had a home but at seven p.m. an entire family became homeless. To make matters worse, a four year old girl is suffering from second degree burns she received while escaping the inferno. ACP Joseph Myvett explains how the tragedy happened.

Amandala

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visits Belize
The China Airline plane touched down at the Philip Goldson International Airport this afternoon shortly after 2:30 p.m., bringing Republic of China (Taiwan) president Tsai Ing-wen for an official visit to Belize. Disembarking from the airline along with President Tsai Ing-wen was her delegation of Taiwanese officials. President Tsai Ing-wen was met at the airport by Belize head of state, His Excellency Governor General, Sir Colville Young; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington; and Attorney General, Michael Peyrefitte.

69 suicides in 3 years, says Min/Health
When 7-year-old Antwone Marin committed suicide in Seine Bight earlier this month, it shocked the nation and led to a lot of questions. Perhaps the most resounding question has to be: how could a child that young develop the desire and intention to end his own life? Turning for answers to the haunting questions that remain in the aftermath of that disturbing suicidal act, we asked psychiatric nurse, Eleanor Bennett, who is the Mental Health Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, for comment. “We don’t normally get them that young,” she said. “It’s very rare. I won’t say that it never happens. It has happened, obviously. But it’s very rare that you get children that young committing suicide,” she remarked. Bennett said that statistics at the Ministry of Health show cases of suicide by children as young as 12 years old.

PUP Southern Caucus says “no” to going to the ICJ
The entire southern coast and land mass of southern Belize lies directly in the swath of territory in this country that Guatemala is now claiming. The revived Guatemalan claim that will be adjudicated at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if Belizeans vote “yes” in the ICJ referendum next April 10 to submit the claim for ICJ adjudication, is for an approximate 51 percent of Belize’s national lands. The Southern Caucus of the Opposition, People’s United Party (PUP), held a meeting last weekend and “resolved that they are firmly against going to the International Court of Justice, (ICJ),” said a media release that was issued on Tuesday.

$400,000 went into preparing Belize’s volleyball team
Yesterday, the Belize Volleyball Association (BVA) held a press conference, and one of the topics mentioned, among a variety of matters that were discussed, was the costs incurred in order to get the national girls team to their second place victory in the regional volleyball championship, losing only to Costa Rica. On the panel were the coach of the team, Allan Sharp; team captain, Nenissa Ramirez; assistant coach, Lupita Quan; and Cuban coach, Esmidio Limonta Muñoz. According to Sharp, the BVA was responsible for paying for “everything,” including the services of the Cuban coaches, rental of facilities, transportation of athletes, purchase of practice uniforms, costs of practice matches, acquisition of training equipment, room and board for the athletes, team bonding activities, and the services of physiotherapists and doctors for injuries. He said the cost for preparing the girls for the regional volleyball championship amounted to about $204,000.

Dorian Pakeman bars Amandala from covering Taiwan president’s arrival
Belize’s leading newspaper, Amandala, which this week celebrated 49 years of service to the country, was prevented from going onto the tarmac at the Philip Goldson International Airport to cover the arrival ceremony for the president of the Republic of China (Taiwan), H.E. Tsai Ing-wen. Taiwan has been Belize’s friend and a country which has been “godfathering” Belize with all kinds of lavish gifts, including monetary grants, loans and scholarships to benefit our development. Upon arrival at the entrance to the tarmac, Amandala reporter Rowland Parks was told by airport security that his “name was not on the list,” so he was prevented from going any farther.

Young Belizean footballer on threshold of Barcelona dreams
For a couple more days, there is still a realistic possibility that a young Belizean football player from Mango Creek, Independence, could make a giant leap into a world of limitless possibilities, as he presently stands at the threshold of enrollment in FC Barcelona’s Youth Soccer Academy in Casa Grande, Arizona, USA. Over the past weekend, football great of Juventus and Sagitun fame, Hilberto “Hilly” Muschamp accompanied his 16-year-old son, Jardehl, to the Barca Academy Tryouts in Arizona. This was the third such camp over the past year, where the Barca Academy scouts evaluated aspiring youths, and selected the best few to enter their full time program. Having just graduated from Independence High School, after being assigned for weekly personal training under the legendary Norman “Tilliman” Pipersburgh, Jardehl was among some 68 kids from 27 states of the U.S. and 4 foreign countries who took part in the recent Barca tryouts; and Jardehl was 1 of only 3 selected and accepted to become “a member of the Barca Academy family.”

Belize cyclists medal in 2018 Junior Caribbean Championships in Bermuda
The Cycling Federation of Belize (CFB) today reported that Team Belize has brought back medals from the 2018 Junior Caribbean Championships which took place over the weekend, August 11-12, in Bermuda. In the ITT results from Saturday, August 11: In the Female race of 6.4 miles (2 laps of 3.2 miles each), Taralee Ordonez won the Silver medal with a time of 17:21:968; while Kaylyn Gillett finished 5th in a time of 18:30:266. In the Male Junior race of 12.8 miles (4 laps of 3.2 miles each), Gian Lino finished 8th, and Tevin Chaplin was 11th. The Road Race on August 12 was 50 km for females, and 80 km for males.

FFB represented at CONCACAF “C” License Coaching Course in Guatemala
The CONCACAF “C” License Coaching Course is taking place in Guatemala City with representatives from 7 Central American countries including Belize. The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) is proud to be represented by U19 male head coach, Mr. Gabriel Ramos from Independence Village, and U16 male head coach, Mr. Dale Pelayo from Roaring Creek Village. The training started on Monday, August 13, and goes through to Friday, August 17.

Dangriga U-21 Summer Bounce Tournament’s final week of regular season
The Dangriga Basketball Association (DBA) U-21 Summer Bounce Tournament, being played every weekend at the Russell Chiste Garcia Auditorium, has been a very competitive tournament, with the regular season set to finish with Week 5 games this weekend. The teams that have clinched 7 of the 8 playoff spots are: Harlem Shockers, Benguche Flames, Foreshore Pelicans, Savage Storms, Ghans Starz, Ecumenical High and New Site Raiders. Central Vipers and Independence Young Generals are fighting for the final 8th spot. They will clash this weekend in the deciding game to determine who will take that final spot.

Table Tennis – 2018 Brodie’s Annual Strong & Weak Doubles results
The 2018 Brodie’s Annual Strong & Weak Doubles Tournament took place this past Sunday, August 12, at the BES Auditorium, the home of table tennis. Competing in a Double Elimination format, 12 Strong & Weak Doubles teams began competing for this year’s title. After a full day of competition, the final results were as follows: 1st Place – Kelly Liu/Terry Su; 2nd Place – Jofny Paguaga/Mihir Karnani; 3rd Place – Wilber Titio Bientz/Colin Wu; 4th Place – Rohit Pagarani/Che Waight. Congratulations to all the winners, and a big Thank You to the sponsors, Brodies!

Editorial: Wall Street, Washington, and Belizean sovereignty
The United States of America originally comprised thirteen British colonies which declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776. In their war for independence, the Americans were supported against England by the French, a most interesting piece of history. Because of their specific colonial history, the American people and their governments tried to steer clear of exercises in the classic colonialism which had been practiced by the Spanish, the Portuguese, the British, the French, and the Dutch in Indigenous America, in Africa, and in Asia. But, as the United States grew more larger and more powerful, the U.S. felt the need to implement a foreign policy which protected and enhanced their commercial and other interests outside of the continental United States. The Americans implemented their foreign policy by establishing military bases all over planet earth. Uncle Sam does not send bureaucrats to administrate colonies: Uncle Sam intimidates the populations in other parts of the world, thus convincing, or forcing, such populations to follow America instructions and abide by American policies, such as the 1823 Monroe Doctrine.

From the Publisher
I was born in 1947 at the Belize City Hospital. Mine was the last Belizean generation to enjoy, as teenagers, the long school holidays when the holidays were basically in April and May, the most beautiful months in Belize, as opposed to in July and August, as has been the case since 1964. Belize had become a self-governing colony in January of 1964, thus becoming eligible for American foreign aid. I was 17 then, about to enter my second year at St. John’s College Sixth Form, that summer when the holidays were changed. At the time, I thought the change was to synchronize Belize’s school year with that of the United States. In the 1970s and 1980s, almost every year around April and May I would write a column or an editorial in this newspaper lamenting the change of the long holidays from April and May to July and August, the latter months being historically known in the settlement of Belize as months of rain, when the mosquito insect thrives. No one paid any attention to me, except for my dad I suppose, and after many years of vox clamantis in deserto (voice crying in the wilderness), I grew tired and now no one cares, not even myself.

Foreign investment – opportunities and danger!
Dear Editor, The results of the labor of its citizens determine a nation’s wealth. A large manufacturing base is vital, improved by the service industry. Nationalists believe in reasonable tariffs that protect the nation’s industry. Free trade is harmful to a nation’s wealth because it favors multinationals over regular citizens. Foreign investors are usually given exorbitant concessions such as tax exemption, which allows them to unfairly compete with local businesses. Multinationals are not concerned about a country’s development and the welfare of its citizens. They care primarily about making a huge profit. It weakens old nationalities and eliminates the small businessmen and favors large multinationals. The promise of more jobs, if delivered, are usually low paying jobs. Free trade functions to equalize the masses (locals) while elevating the elite and their acquiescent politicians.

BREDAA’s Bilal Morris speaks out
The Belize Government was scheduled to have some “outreach tours” in an auditorium-type format with Belizeans living in the diaspora, but in a letter addressed to “members of the Belizean community,” dated August 8 and signed by Belize Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Ambassador Francisco Daniel Gutierrez, it was announced that the format of the outreach has changed. The letter to the Belizean community states: “In an attempt to improve the outreach to the Belizeans living in the United States, the Government of Belize has decided to change the format of the ICJ tours from an auditorium session with Q & A (question and answer), to an auditorium session with Q & A to be broadcast live on an electronic platform.”

ICJ no, to go, or discontinue
The following are excerpts from the ICJ page, “www.icj-cij.org/en/how-the-court-works”. The page says, on the matter of contentious cases, that “only States (Members of the United Nations and other States which have become parties to the Statute of the Court or which have accepted its jurisdiction under certain conditions) may be parties” to such cases. The page continues, “The Court is competent to entertain a dispute only if the States concerned have accepted its jurisdiction in one or more of the following ways: (1), by entering into a special agreement to submit the dispute to the Court; (2) by virtue of a jurisdictional clause…; (3), through the reciprocal effect of declarations made by them under the Statute, whereby each has accepted the jurisdiction of the Court as compulsory in the event of a dispute with another State having made a similar declaration…”

The three times that Guatemala has tried to recover disputed territory in Belize
With the tensions of recent days between the Belizean armed forces and Guatemalan citizens settled in the area of adjacency, these events seem anecdotes of a legendary dispute. In his memoirs, former President Miguel Ydígoras Fuentes reported that, as the question of Belize was paramount for him, he decided to invade that territory peacefully on April 17, 1958. To do so, he invited the presidents of the Congress of the Republic and the Supreme Court of Justice, as well as other personalities, to visit the ruins of Tikal. Ydígoras indicated to the pilots that before returning to the capital they would take them to Melchor de Mencos. When he arrived, he asked if there was a vehicle to take a tour of the place, and then a Land Rover and a small truck appeared, which, with dissimulation, he had ordered to rent in Belize.

From police corporal to magistrate
An addition was made to the staff of magistrates this morning when former police corporal and Magistrate’s Court prosecutor Mannon Dennison, 33, was sworn in as a magistrate by the Chief Justice, Hon. Kenneth Benjamin. With Dennison, the Magistracy Department now has a total of 14 magistrates. Dennison went to study law at the University of Guyana in 2012 and in 2015, he obtained a Bachelor of Law degree. He then went on to graduate from the University of Fiji with a diploma in legal practice and he was called to the Bar in Fiji in November 2017. “It was a dream that came true”, he said after he was sworn in.

Eugene Henderson, 23, succumbs to gunshot head wound
Eugene Alexander Henderson, 23, of Burrell Boom, Belize District, passed away after fighting for his life for 63 days in the Intensive Care Unit at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after he was shot in his head in his relative’s house in Roaring Creek on the night of Saturday, June 9. Doctors who treated him gave him a 50/50 chance of survival. It was a miracle that he had survived, and his family was hopeful that he would have recovered. Information to us is that the gunman was able to enter the house to shoot Henderson because the door of the home was ajar.

Football player Darnel Mossiah, 27, banned for punching female referee
31-year-old Yuri Daniels was refereeing a football match in Libertad Village between the villages of Concepcion and San Antonio on Sunday when she was punched in the mouth after issuing a red card to a San Antonio player for unsportsmanlike behavior. The punch caused Daniels to become unconscious for ten minutes, and the wound to her face required seven stitches. The player, Darnel Mossiah, 27, appeared yesterday in the Corozal Magistrate’s Court in front of Magistrate Patty Arana, and was fined $2,000 after he pleaded guilty to one charge of wounding.

ASR/BSI responds to concerns about $11.4 mil ocean freight cost
There was great disappointment among sugarcane industry stakeholders in the country, especially in the ranks of the farmers, when the figures for the second payment for the crop were revealed. The largest cane farmers association, BSCFA (Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association), announced that the payments received thus far, for this season, did not cover their costs for producing and delivering cane to the factory at Tower Hill. The great concern among the farmers, is the increase after American Sugar Refinery/Belize Sugar Industry (ASR/BSI) released its financial report and they saw a whopping $11.4 million assigned to ocean freight costs for transportation of the exported sugarcane — costs the farmers believed were not accurate, considering that, according to the report, the sugar/molasses were sold under the “Free Alongside Ship” (FAS) agreement. Cañero leaders complained because, they said, under the FAS arrangement, the buyers, who in this case are Tate and Lyle, should pay for the freight.

The Reporter

THREE MORE SWINE FLU CASES CONFIRMED
The Ministry of Health has confirmed three more cases of the H1N1 strain of influenza (Swine Flu), but says that there is currently no cause for alarm because the number...

PLANE LANDS . . . SAME OLD, SAME OLD
As is customary when it comes to any plane that lands in any area of the country illegally, authorities claim they have no idea where it came from, what it carried or where its occupants and/or cargo ended up...

Leadership vs Follower-ship
By: Neferety Marin, - In all this talk about Political Leadership…the question must be asked. What is leadership? Does Belize have leaders? The biggestconfusion in the conversation on leadership is...

STUDENT CHARGED FOR STABBING HIS FRIEND
An eighteen-year-old student of Maskall Village was arrested and charged by Police for allegedly stabbing his friend twice to his chest during a heated argument over the weekend. On Wednesday...

Tourist Slashed During Home Invasion
A Canadian tourist asleep inside a motel room at the Mora Laguna Resort located on northern Ambergris Caye was rudely awakened by an intruder who attacked her and stabbed her...

PARK RANGERS RAID ILLEGAL CONCH STASH
Seven fishermen are in trouble with the law after they were busted with a substantial amount of out of season conch during a joint raid headed by the Belize Audubon...

STILL NO MAJOR FIX FOR LAKE I BOULEVARD
The Lake Independence Boulevard, one of the country’s newest roads connecting two major highways, has been in a state of disrepair for quite some time and with the rainy season...

Breaking Belize News

Belizean footballer selected for FC Barcelona’s PreAcademy Team
Jardel Muschamp, 16, son of Belizean football legend Hilberto Hilly Muschamp, is making Belizean football history […]

National Celebrations Commission blames CITCO for fair cancellation
Today,the National Celebration Commission (NCC) issued a statement saying that the decision to cancel the September […]

#RefugiArte Exhibition closes next week
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Ministry with responsibility for Immigration and Refugees, […]

Youths save man from drowning
Moments ago, a group of youths enrolled in the barber training course sponsored by the Belize […]

Traffic accident claims life of cane farmer
Police are investigating a traffic accident that claimed the life of a man last night. […]

Husband shoots wife in Central Farm, Cayo
San Ignacio police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred last night in Central Farm, […]

Police charge nephew for murdering uncle
On Tuesday, August 14, 2018, Breaking Belize News reported of a chopping incident that occurred […]

Coastguard officer charged with theft in Corozal
Police have charged a Belizean Coastguard officer of Corozal Town with the crime of theft. According […]

Minister of National Security visits Gracias a Dios border monument through Sarstoon River
On Wednesday, August 15, 2018, National Security Minister, John Saldivar visited the troops at the […]

Belize represented at 1st Global Robotics Olympics in Mexico
Belize is proudly being represented at the First Global Robotics Olympics in Mexico. Students from […]

National Song Competition to be held tomorrow in Santa Elena Town
The National Song Competition 2018 will be held at 8 pm tomorrow in Santa Elena Town, Cayo. […]

29 Belizeans awarded scholarships to study in Taiwan
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has announced that this year, 29 Belizean […]

Belize Territorial Volunteers calls on Opposition to make a formal stance on ICJ
The Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) yesterday issued a statement acknowledging the confirmation of the Peoples […]

Collect labels for ‘Belikin’s Onli Eena Belize’ competition
The beer company of Belize, Belikin has launched a new competition for the chance to […]

President of Taiwan receives Order of Belize Award
President of the Republic of China (ROC) Taiwan, Tsai Ying-wen, has made her first official […]

President of Taiwan is in Belize
Yesterday, H.E. Tsai Ing-wen, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) arrived in Belize for a […]

Blogs

Relleno Negro
Relleno Negro a local favorite! The black recado gives it an intriguing dark color—but don’t let the color throw you off! It’s truly a wonderful, classic Latin American dish.

Unique Hotels of Belize provide the ultimate Belize experience!
Three of Belize’s most highly regarded resorts, Victoria House, Naia Resort and Spa and The Lodge at Chaa Creek, have come together under the banner of Unique Hotels of Belize, to offer the very best in Belizean hospitality at three of the country’s most popular destinations. Collectively and individually, UHB members are committed to upholding the highest standards in Belizean accommodation. Through on-and-offsite activities and tours that highlight Belize’s unique natural and cultural attractions, exceptional dining, and impeccable service delivered by friendly Belizean staff, UHB member resorts offer an unparalleled Belizean experience.

Big Numbers for Belize Tourism & Health Care and Airline News
We just passed the halfway mark for 2018, and according to recent Belize Tourism Board numbers, the country is gaining more popularity as a top vacation destination. Overnight tourist arrivals continue to rise at an increase of 17% compared to June 2017. Cruise ships skyrocketed 57% – over 73,000 arrived by water, a huge jump from the same time last year. Of course, once people come for a day they can’t help but to want more. This was the case for 43,000 travelers, up 15% from last June. From ruins and rainforest to our spectacular barrier reef, delicious foods and beautiful souls, it is no surprise that more people are putting Belize on their vacation to do lists. It is a great thing tourism numbers are rising steadily because it generates more tacogirl flight code use. This, in turn, means that your simple travel-related action is hugely helping improve Belize health care. Which brings us to more very important numbers I have been waiting for so I could share.

International Sources

Alan Rabinowitz: Conservationist nicknamed the ‘Indiana Jones of wildlife’
Alan Rabinowitz was a zoologist who overcame a debilitating stutter to become a powerful voice for leopards, jaguars and other wild cats threatened by humans. In 2006 he co-founded Panthera, a conservation organisation that was dedicated to the conservation of big cats worldwide. As a child with a severe stutter, 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”. He went on to conquer his speech disorder to become “the Indiana Jones of wildlife protection”, as Time magazine once called him. He braved 500-mile hikes through the wilderness, vampire bats, attacks of leeches and malaria, and a plane crash in the jungle, to preserve wild cats from Latin America to southeast Asia.

Videos

August 17, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Local flights to Caye Caulker to resume ahead of schedule
There has been significant development towards the completion of the repairs at the Caye Caulker airstrip. The most recent progress between June and August of this year shows an asphalted, painted and broader runway with an installed light system to facilitate night-time landings on La Isla Cariñosa. These speedy developments in the airstrip’s renovation have prompted Tropic Air to move the resumption date of their flight services to Caye Caulker to October 1, 2018, instead of October 15th as previously announced. October, 2018 will mark a year since the Caye Caulker Airport was closed down, after local airlines, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, suspended services to the island due to unsafe conditions. After months of work, the airport is finally transforming, just in time to open for the 2018-2019 tourism season. Tourism is one of the Caye Caulker’s strongest income sectors, and the absence of a functional runway has impacted their local economy.

Belizean students participate in the First Global Robotics competition in Mexico
A team of six Belizean students are participating in the first Global Annual International Organized Robotics Challenge taking place in Mexico City, Mexico from the 15th to the 18th of August. It is expected the more than two billion youth from across the world will participate in this event that aims to ignite a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for the students. In this first edition of the competition, Belize is being represented by 14-year-old Daniela Novelo from the Ocean Academy in Caulker Caulker Village and Kent Haylock, Sergio Pech, Xavissa Molina, Dennis Gilharry, and Mohit Vanjani from the Belize High School (BHS) in Belize City. The focus of the STEM event this year is ‘Energy Impact,’ and is considered the Olympics of robotic competition.

San Pedro’s Guillermo Rodriguez is a finalist in KTV the Remix 2018
Over the past few weeks, islander Guillermo Rodriguez has charmed a karaoke-loving audience with his melodious voice to claim a spot in the finals of KTV the Remix 2o18 song/karaoke competition. This announcement was made on Tuesday, August 14th live on Channel 10 (Coral Cable Vision) Throughout the KTV the Remix season, Rodriguez has praised God, singing only Christian songs, and managed to get the audience votes at home. “Every time I sing is to give hope to those people that are lost in the world and watching the show. I am happy to have made it to finals, and I thank everyone that has supported me,” he said. KTV the Remix is a singing competition that takes place every Tuesday night at 8:30PM at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts in Belize City. Each week the participant with lowest votes is eliminated from the competition.

Ambergris Today

Gary Greif Says Belize Rural South Leadership Needs New Blood
Things are heating up within the United Democratic Party as UDP Town Councilor Gary Greif has confirmed his candidacy for Belize Rural South Area Representative against Minister Manuel Heredia Jr. In an interview with Ambergris Today Gary Greif stated that he is up for the challenge and believes that the UDP Belize Rural South is in need of new blood! “One of the main reasons I decided to run is because I believe that Belize Rural South needs someone to work hand in hand with both the San Pedro Town Council and the Caye Caulker Village Council so as to properly manage things more locally rather than just worrying about what portfolios are given to you by the government.” stated Grief.

Ricklee Response & Rescue Help Save Sailors Adrift On Ambergris Caye
It is always great to hear good news especially when lives are saved. On Monday, August 13, 2018, at around 7p.m. the South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch picked up a distress call on Channel 16 (Marine Channel) and turned for help to Ricklee Response & Rescue (RRR). The distress call was answered by RRR’s volunteer Abner Bacab, where he was informed that there was a boat on the reef and that the sailors were adrift in a dinghy. The RRR team consisting of Tuff e Nuff and Scuba School responded quickly and effectively and found the sailors in the water other out life jackets. A huge thank you to RRR and its team for responding, performing an effective search in the dark and saving the lives of these sailing visitors. Thank you to SACNW for trusting RRR and A big Thank you to Ambergris Divers for securing the dingy.

Burnt Airplane Found In The Belize Mexico Border
Belize Police are once again investigating another clandestine aircraft that was found in near the Belize Mexico Border. According official police reports, Police visited a registered airstrip in the Tres Laeguas Area at about 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday, August 15, 2018. The airstrip is located approximately 1 kilometer away from the Belize Mexico Border. Police found the wings and tail of a white in color twin-engine beach craft with the only visible registration number PR1 on the side of the said airstrip. No one was in the area at the time of the search and police continue their investigating. More on this as information becomes available.

Misc Belizean Sources

Reina's BBQ Fundraiser
Caye Caulker, 11am.

New Project underway at Cadenas OP located along the Southern Border of Belize
Since 1993 every BDF who has served at the Cadenas Observation Post knows the grueling ordeal of going up and down the mountain atop which sits the observation post. Straddled with burgens, their weapons, food and provisions, along with water and the frequent butane gas tanks, the men and women of the Belize Defense Force have for years endured this hardship. Under the leadership of Minister of National Security John Saldivar a new initiative will now go a long way in making this condition more bearable. The Minister of National Security today visited Cadenas to see the work now in progress to construct a stairway to the top of the mountain. The project is long term and when completed will have over a thousand (1000)steps.

Corozal Fut Seven Sabatina League
August 18, 2018 Schedule

Guanacaste Park Deck Refurbishment
Guanacaste National Park had its swimming deck refurbished. All the wood used to build it was from fallen trees from Hurricane Earl. Well done! Kudos to the Belize Audubon Society! "Have you been to GNP lately? Stop by and visit our new deck! Replacing the previous swim deck damaged from Hurricane Earl’s flooding in 2016, our new deck is made from re-purposed, salvaged wood from Hurricane Earl’s damage to Cockscomb Basin (under the permit and supervision of the Forest Department). The collapsed trees have been put to good use almost 2 years later to date!"

Turning a Profit While Doing Good
Are you an entrepreneur who wants to leverage your profits and have a positive impact in your community? Do you have an idea for a tech startup you think could earn you money while helping others? If you answered yes to either of these questions, join a live webchat on Tuesday, August 28 at 11:00 am EDT (9:00 am Belize Time) to learn how to run a profitable startup with a positive social impact. A live panel of experienced entrepreneurs will discuss about their own startups, how they are making a positive difference in their communities, and how your startup can do the same.

Yucatec Maya people of San Jose/San Pablo village(Orange Walk) building a Maya altar for the holy Cha Chaac
Even that in the last decades the life of the Maya of Northern Belize have change drastically. From traditional Maya houses to Cement houses, new religious groups targeting our people and western influence. The way of the Masewal continues. Many Maya Masewal of Northern Belize still do milpas. Some do small milpas or medicinal gardens in their back yards. Many Yucatec Maya(Masewal) continue doing their traditions like Cha Chaac Primicias,Hetz Mek,Wahil Kol Primicias ,Hanal Pixan ,Biix and others. Even that the surrounding is changing the Yucatec Maya have new ways of expressing their culture.

President of Taiwan Visits Belize
Today, H.E. Tsai Ing-wen, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) arrived in Belize for a three-day visit, from the 16th to 18th of August 2018, on the invitation of the Right Honorable Dean O. Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize. This is President Tsai’s first visit to Belize. The presidential visit is expected to enhance mutual understanding, expand exchanges and make further progress on developing and implementing joint initiatives spanning agriculture, education, information and communication technology, medical care and vocational training. During the first day of the president’s visit, H.E. Sir Colville Young, Governor-General of Belize, conferred the Order of Belize on President Tsai, in recognition of the valuable contributions that Taiwan has made to Belize’s development over the nearly three decades of friendship.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of Aug 1st - Aug 13th, 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 many Bonefish successes! Thomas c, Robert and Sam K, Hannah, Mike, Ken Z , Frank M , Jeff K , Jon-Mark, Ramsay S, Ryan G, Brent T, Graham C, Brian and Mike P, Paul, Max and Steve M, Susan, Sydney and Mark B, Jose D, Jim H, Eric E., Todd C Mike M, Bill W, Kevin S., Mitch k, Ryan and Hannah, Dennis T, Bob S, Craig and Michael S, and Tim M!!!.

Channel 7

Hi! President Tsai: A Special State Visit
The president of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Tsai Ing-Wen is in Belize. There was a grand celebration for her at the airport when she arrived. Courtney Weatherburne has the story. The Belizean and Taiwanese flags were raised high at the PGIA this afternoon. Below the fluttering flags, was a group of by-standers anxiously awaiting the arrival of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen. The crisp-uniformed BDF marched along to the beat of their drums. And then at around 2:40 the China airlines flight touched down on the tarmac. Governor General of Belize Sir Colville Young, Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington and Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte walked over to greet her as she alighted the plane with her grand press delegation. There was also a BDF helicopter fly over, and after that, it was all about niceties and formalities. It was a special state visit – one that Belizeans as well Taiwanese- Belizeans heartily embraced.

No Answers in Burnt Beechcraft Baron Case
What’s the deal with the twin-engine Beechcraft Baron ? Well, police can’t say because they don’t have any concrete information at this point. They say so far they haven’t found anything at the site that connects the landing to a drug operation. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On Wednesday the 15th of August shortly before 8 AM police received information of the remains of a burnt aircraft in an area southwest of Blue Creek Village known as Tres Legias where upon arrival the officers observed the remains of a burnt twin engine aircraft on the ground at a registered airstrip in that area. The scene was processed and the entire area was searched; however no other item was found in the entire area that was searched."

No Peace for Lindo’s Alley Family
Sherilee Twist and her family has gone through a lot. There still hasn’t been any closure in the case of her nephew Oswald Arnold. He went missing in May in Roaring Creek. Then, Twist’s son, Eugene Henderson Jr. died on Friday night, two months after he was shot in the head at her sister’s Roaring Creek home. Now, her husband, Eugene Henderson Sr. was shot in his arm yesterday evening at their Lindo’s Alley home. Henderson Sr. was sitting on the steps with his grandkids when the gunman came up to the gate and opened fire. Fortunately he survived the attack and he was able to shield his grandkids. He has been released from the hospital and is at home recovering. Here is what Twist had to say about all this violence plaguing her family.

Police Say Gang Conflict Caused Alley Shooting
And while Twist believes her husband’s shooting is related to the hit on their son in Roaring Creek, the police think otherwise. Police say it may be gang related. ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "At this moment we do not believe that it has to do or that it has a link to the murder of his son at Roaring Creek. This is a separate and isolated incident from the one in Roaring Creek." Reporter: "Is it then related to any gang related rivalry in that area or was it something personal?" ASP Alejandro Cowo: "Well we know that he resides in a gang area and the suspected shooter is from a rival gang so we believe it is something to do with gangs."

Biking Baracat Resident Shot to the Shoulder
One other man who survived an execution attempt on his life is 21 year-old Justin Banks, a resident of Baracat Street. Police say that at around 10 o’clock last night, they were informed of his shooting, and they found him at the KHMH suffering from a gunshot wound to his left shoulder. Today, at the police press conference, the police spokesperson told the press that at around 9:30 p.m., Banks was riding his bicycle, and when he arrived at the corner of Nurse Finley Crescent and Fabers Road 2 men rode up to him on a motorcycle and one of them opened fire on him. Here’s more from police:

Police Hold off on Charges for Killer Nephew
Last night, we took you to El Progresso where 42 year-old Israel Tesecum, a man suffering from disabilities, was fatally chopped by his 25 year-old nephew, Bartemio Tesecum. Tesecum chopped him for no apparent reason. Its a disturbing case of family on family killing, but worse than that is that other members of the Tesecum family were forced to look on in horror as the attack happened in their presence. Because of the suddenness with which it took place, they were powerless to stop it. Its a senseless crime that has no easily understandable explanation, but police are trying to put the pieces together in an attempt to bring Bartemio Tesecum to justice. Today, the press asked police to share what information they can on the incident, and here’s what they had to say:

Saldivar Not Backing Down, Files Second Lawsuit Against PUP
Arthur Saldivar, the embattled PUP politician who wants an opportunity to run in his party’s standard bearer convention for Belmopan, has been refused a second time. In response, Saldivar will bring a second lawsuit against the PUP on the premise that the vetting committee, which reviews applications from potential candidates, did not afford him the fair opportunity to be properly assessed. Viewers will remember that early in July, the PUP, whose leadership was being sued by Saldivar, relaxed from their hardline that Saldivar was disqualified from the Belmopan convention. Henry Charles Usher, the PUP’s Chairman, swore to an affidavit before Justice Shona Griffith, that the Belmopan convention would be postponed until the end of the August, and that the application process would be re-opened. The chairman further promised the court in that sworn testimony that Saldivar’s application for the convention would be considered, as if the disciplinary actions and suspension against him never occurred. You’ll remember that these were the reasons why Saldivar was disqualified the first time around.

PUP Southern Caucus Says No To ICJ
The PUP southern caucus has come out swinging against the ICJ.  A rare release from the group says its members are, quote, "firmly against going to the International Court of Justice."  The release makes the argument, quote, "The Southern Caucus states that as the area of our country that stands the most to be affected in the event of an unfavorable ruling, it is an imperative that they declare their position... while Guatemala has nothing to lose and only to gain, it is Belizeans on a whole, and Southern Belizeans in particular, who have nothing to gain and everything to lose."

Babies Escape Burning Camalote Home
Tonight, a 4 year-old girl from Camalote Village and her 6 year-old sister, are very fortunate to be alive after their house caught on fire. Their mother got them out in time, but at this time, the 4 year-old is now recovering from second degree burns.  Their mother, 24 year-old Anya Na, left them inside their home to go visit a neighbor in the same yard, but that’s the time when their wooden house caught fire, and spread quickly.  At today’s police press conference, the cops told us that the two young sisters were lucky that their mother responded promptly and saved their lives:

PG Boy Stabbed to Stomach in Knife Fight
A half hour after Belmopan police were responding to that fire in Camalote, PG cops had to respond to a knife brawl among 3 male minors.  Police reports suggest that 2 of them are friends, and they were going about their business, when a third young man spotted them, and started to aggress them. He allegedly pulled out a knife, and attempted to stab one of the two companions, but they managed to turn the knife on him, and they injured him instead. Here’s what the police had to say about the incident today: ACP Joseph Myvette: "Last night, shortly after 7:30 p.m., Punta Gorda Police responded to information of a stabbing in the area of Punta Gorda. It was reported to them that 2 minors were riding on separate bicycles in the Indianvilla area where they were approached by a third person, who aggressed one of the minors.."

No one Detained in Brazen Ladyville Home Invasion
And from that knife fight in PG, we turn now to a brazen home invasion which happened in the early morning hours of Wednesday in Ladyville.  An elderly taxi-man was asleep at his home on Ocean Jack Avenue, when 3 armed burglars broke in and cleaned him out of 6 different TV’s which were installed in different rooms. Here’s what police had to say on this incident: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "On Wednesday 2018, at about 2:30 in the morning, Ladyville Police responded to an aggravated burglary on Ocean Jack Avenue in Ladyville, where they spoke to Cornelius Burke, a taxi driver, who reported that while he was inside of his room sleeping, he felt someone covering his mouth. When he opened his eye, he saw a male person standing beside him, asking where the chest was. He responded to them that he does not have a chest..."

Bella Vista Showdown Between Cop and Club Goers
And while the cops are looking for those 3 culprits from that home invasion in Ladyville, they are investigating 2 of their own from the south who are attached to the Bella Vista Police Substation.  On last Sunday, at around 1 a.m., the two officers were working inside a night club in the village when they got into a confrontation with several of the club’s patrons who were allegedly behaving disorderly. The cops were attempting to keep the peace, but according to these patrons, the officers went too far, and allegedly put a beatdown on them. Today, the Head of the National Criminal Investigations Branch told the press that an internal investigation is underway to determine if the complaints against them by the civilians has merit or not. Here’s what he had to say about the case:

Beatdown Victim Rita Davis Speaks Out
Last night we told you about the 2 cousins who were charged for wounding and aggravated assault. This is after they jumped their friend Rita Davis and gave her a beat down. Well, Davis came to our studios today to say that it wasn’t only those two. Two others including a man were part of the attack. The man pushed her down so the girls could beat her and hit her with a pint bottle in the head. She fell unconscious after the beat down. Davis says she wants all of them including the ring leader to be charged.

No Leads in Xaibe Hit and Run Case
Earlier this week, we told you about the accident in the Corozal district which claimed the life of Virgilio Mena, a resident of Xaibe Village. It happened on Sunday night between miles 74 and 75, and the cops don’t know much about what happened on the road. They found his body severely injured, and nearby, his wrecked bicycle was also discovered. It has all the signs of a hit and run, and that’s causing investigators some difficulty, since no witnesses have come forward with information that they can pursue as leads.  Today, the Head of the National Criminal Investigation’s Branch told the press today, that they are hoping that the community will help them to solve Mena’s case:

Fair is Fair: Bus Insurance for Belizeans Too
There's some border friction between Belize and Mexico on the transport front tonight. This is after a Mexican ADO bus driver was arrested for driving a bus without insurance. On Tuesday, 37 year old Eider Tun, a ADO driver appeared in Court to answer to a charge of driving a motor vehicle not covered by 3rd party risk insurance.  Tun pleaded guilty to the charge and apologized profusely.  He said that on Saturday he jumped into another bus without noticing that the isnurance was expired.

New Police Booths for the Southside
There is no easy solution to crime. No matter how many boots are on the ground or how many strategic checkpoints are set up in the city, the fight against crime will never end. But that doesn’t mean the police won’t do all they can to curb crime. So what they did is set up two new police booths, one in the Mayflower area and one at the corner of Louise Bevans and Unity Streets. They were donated by Central TV and Internet. The commander of Region One Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett told us more about the importance of these booths for crime prevention and of course, cop comfort. Sr. Supt. Howell Gillett, O.C. Eastern Division Region One: "The larger plan is to replace all the tents with booths because we're maybe in the mid of the hurricane season and the rainy season and officers continue to complain that they are exposed to the elements at the wee hours of the night..."

Channel 5

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen Arrives in Belize
The Taiwanese community in Belize turned out in numbers to greet President Tsai Ing-wen of the Republic of China (Taiwan) upon her arrival at the Philip Goldson International Airport this [...]

Another Suspected Drug Plane Burnt Up Near Tres Leguas
The charred remains of a downed aircraft were discovered in an area approximately one kilometer away from the Belize/Mexico Border.  The twin-engine beech craft was found near a registered airstrip [...]

Eugene Henderson Sr. Shot 5 Days After His Son Succumbs to Gunshot Injury
Forty-four-year-old Eugene Henderson is lucky to have escaped grave injuries when he came under attack by a lone assailant on Wednesday evening.  The shooting incident happened shortly before six p.m. [...]

Gunmen Open Fire, but Justin Banks Escapes Death on Nurse Findley Crescent
Belize City police are investigating a shooting incident during which twenty-one-year-old Justin Banks was shot by a pair of men on a motorcycle.  It is unclear whether Banks was the [...]

Thieves Make Off with Flat Screen TVs, Cash and a Vehicle in Ladyville Home Invasion
A cabdriver is the latest victim of a brazen home invasion in Ladyville where three men reportedly entered his home on Ocean Jack Avenue while he was asleep and proceeded [...]

Infant Badly Burned in Camalote House Fire
A four-year-old girl has been stabilized and will be transported to the Intensive Care Unit of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital to recover from severe burns to most of her [...]

A Machete-wielding Killer is Captured in El Progresso
A machete-wielding suspect was captured on Wednesday evening after it is alleged that he had dealt a fatal blow to the back of his uncle’s head in El Progresso Village, [...]

Professional Standards Branch to Investigate Brawl in Bella Vista
An internal investigation has been launched by the Belize Police Department to determine whether a team of officers acted outside of the law when they attempted to detain a group [...]

29 Belizeans Awarded Taiwan Scholarship
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize awarded twenty-nine Belizeans scholarships to study in Taiwan. The scholarships are funded by the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund [...]

3 More Cases of H1N1 Confirmed in the Belize District
There are three more confirmed cases of H-one-N-one. This brings the total to eight confirmed cases of the Influenza ‘A’ virus. The additional infections are from the Belize District. The [...]

Health Expert Says Prevention is Best Precaution
According to Director of Health Services, Doctor Marvin Manzanero, while Tamiflu may decrease signs and symptoms of H-one-N-one, it is not necessarily the best option to fight the illness.   [...]

P.U.P.’s Southern Caucus Says ‘NO’ to the ICJ
During a meeting held last week, the People’s United Party’s Southern Caucus met and decided to oppose going to the International Court of Justice for the Belize/Guatemala dispute to be [...]

2 New Booths Installed at Police Checkpoints
Eastern Division South Regional Commander Howell Gillett has been on the grind installing police booths across the Old Capital, particularly the south side. According to the Senior Superintendent, the purpose [...]

54 Graduate from GREAT Summer Programme
Fifty-four children from the south side of Belize City graduated from the GREAT summer programme today. The children participated in the summer programme for three weeks where they learnt a [...]

KTV the Remix Finalist – Jael August
On Tuesday night, the Bliss Auditorium was overflowing with excitement as the five finalists for season two of KTV the Remix got underway. The participants first did their rendition of [...]

KTV the Remix Finalist, Guillermo Rodriguez
Sticking it out for the men in the competition is Guillermo Rodriguez from San Pedro. The twenty-one-year-old is recognized primarily for his renditions of great gospel songs and has won [...]

LOVE FM

AH1N1 cases Declining
A few weeks ago the AH1N1 Influenza virus had surfaced in Quintana Roo and surrounding areas of Mexico. Fatalities were recorded in that region and it prompted the Ministry of Health to begin monitoring in the north of Belize. While there were Belizeans who contracted the illness, the Director of Health Services Marvin Manzanero says …

Taiwan’s President visits Belize
There are over twenty-two million five hundred people living on the island of Taiwan. So it was a major event today that the President of that country would make a state visit to Belize. According to the Foreign Minister of Belize, Taiwan has given hundreds of millions in budgetary support and maintaining friendship is necessary …

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin dies at 76
Her career spanned over 60 years, a feat very few singers have been able to achieve. She got her start singing gospel music in Detroit where her father was a pastor and signed to her first major record label in 1960; by 1968 she had established herself as a soulful powerhouse with hits like ‘Respect’ …

The Reporter

Team Belize at the 2018 Junior Caribbean Championships
Team Belize at the 2018 Junior Caribbean Championships 11th & 12th August, 2018 in Bermuda. A News in pictures photo gallery of our Junior cyclist in action.

Breaking Belize News

Young man shot in Belize City
Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred last night in Belize city. Around 9:30 […]

Belize city man shot on Lindo’s Alley
Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred last night on Lindos Alley in Belize […]

4-year-old injured in house fire last night
Police are investigating a house fire that destroyed a home and injured a 4-year-old child […]

PUP Southern Caucus comes out blazing, saying NO to the ICJ
Last week, the Southern Caucus of the People’s United Party (PUP) met to express its […]

Another plane lands in Orange Walk
Orange Walk police are investigating the discovery of another suspected drug plane in Blue Creek […]

Blogs

Why visit Corozal
Corozal is located towards the northern most region in Belize. On the map, the district is just 8 miles N of Belize City and 31 miles N of the famous Orange Walk Town. Those coming from Mexico will be happy to know that Corozal is only 8 miles south of the Mexican border. This quaint seaside town is located south of the Rio Hondo. The scenic river of Rio Hondo forms a border between Belize and Mexico. In recent years, Corozal has emerged as a touristy town and a popular place for retirement. In fact, the town’s affordable seaside properties have drawn the attentions of many property investors and buyers in America. This coastal district is set on a crystal-clear bay. However, tourists often don’t find this coastal destination as appealing as other Belize beach destinations. Corozal is also known for its ancient Mayan ruins.

International Sources

Taiwan President Arrives in Belize to Reaffirm Alliance
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in Belize Thursday as she seeks to shore up dwindling alliances in the face of pressure from China to stamp out the island’s international recognition. Belize is one of 18 countries that recognize Taiwan, with Burkina Faso and the Dominican Republic shifting diplomatic ties to China earlier this year. The Caribbean country’s decision to ditch Taiwan came after Panama, which turned from Taiwan to Beijing in June 2017. Tsai arrived in Belize for her first state visit to the tiny Central American country after a stop in the United States and Paraguay. She met privately with Belize’s foreign minister and other government officials.

President Tsai arrives in Belize, receives warm welcome
President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in Belize on Thursday afternoon and received a warm welcome in the Central American country, one of Taiwan's 18 diplomatic allies. After wrapping up a three-day visit to Paraguay, Tsai arrived in Belize City and was greeted by Governor-General Colville Young and a military salute with two helicopters and one plane flying above. The national anthems of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Belize were also played to signal the close bilateral relationship, and Taiwanese expatriates waved the national flags of the two countries to greet Tsai.

What do Cuban and Belizean fishers have in common? More than meets the eye.
Cuba and Belize are connected by more than ocean currents. They share critical ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs, and both countries have made major strides in fisheries management and coral reef conservation and are currently working to renew and strengthen their fisheries laws and policies. They also share challenges facing their fisheries—including managing complex fisheries that catch dozens of species all together—rather than targeting just one or two. I was excited to join partners from both countries at a recent intensive four day Fisheries Exchange where they learned from each other and discussed new ways to collaborate on solutions to shared challenges, including different management strategies for the ecosystem overall and for important species like lobster, conch, and many species of finfish.

Videos

August 16, 2018

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Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

RRR Water Emergency Response Team saves two sailors adrift at sea
Ambergris Caye’s Water Emergency Response Team successfully saved two sailing visitors, who were near the barrier reef drifting away in the water and without life jackets on the evening of Monday, August 13th. The team, which operates with assistance from the non-profit organization Rickilee Response and Rescue (RRR) based in Houston, Texas USA, were alerted around 7PM about the emergency out at sea. The swift response saved the sailors’ lives, who ended up in the water after their dingy started to sink. Traci Curtin of the RRR team in Houston congratulated the rescue team on the island for responding and performing an effective search in the dark and saving two lives. “A huge thank you to SACNW for trusting RRR, it could have been worse if there was no water rescue team on the island,” said Curtin. She says that the water rescue team on the island has been obtaining more equipment and resources to become more efficient.

San Pedro resident left with superficial stab wounds during home invasion
San Pedro Police continue to investigate a recent home invasion on the island that left 41-year-old island resident Christina Potvin with several superficial stab wounds. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 12th at a condominium complex north of San Pedro Town around 4AM. Potvin was stabbed as many as eight times to the head, and upper body before her assailant left her home after stealing cash from her purse. With the assistance from a neighbor, she was transported to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II where she was treated and later released.

Legends FC and Ambergris Combined Force lead after fourth week of Copa San Pedro 2018
After four weeks of Copa San Pedro 2018, Legends F.C is leading in the male category with 10 points, while Ambergris Combined Force leads the female category with nine points. The fourth weekend of football began on Thursday, August 16th at 7PM at Ambergris Stadium with G-Strikers defeating Peacemaker with a 4-1 point score. In the second match, Genesis F.C took an easy 5-0 victory against Warriors F.C. Copa San Pedro 2018 continues this weekend on Thursday, August 16th starting at 7PM, at the Ambergris Stadium. All islanders are invited to come out and support their favorite team. Food and drinks are for sale during all games.

Ambergris Today

Government Of Belize To Implement Indefinte Moratorium On Offshore Drilling
Oceana Belize happily announced on their Facebook page that the Government of Belize plans on implementing an indfeinte moratorium on pffshore exploration in Belize, the legislation is to be called “People’s Law”. “A date in history! On August 15th 2017, the Government of Belize announced the plan to implement an indefinite moratorium on offshore oil. The Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow made the formal announcement in the House of Representatives two days later..."

Misc Belizean Sources

Invest 99L
Storm track to watch...

Upcoming EXPORTBelize Training Opportunity in Orange Walk: Good Manufacturing Processes
EXPORTBelize, a unit of BELTRAIDE is pleased to presents a workshop entitled “Good Manufaturing Processes (GMP)” to be held at La Inmaculada Credit Union in Orange Walk Town on August 23rd, 2018. The training runs from 9AM – 4pm. The objective of this workshop is for companies to have a better understanding of the quality system regulations and the current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The cost of the training is BZD $30.00.

U.S. Embassy Auction this Saturday
Reminder!!! The U.S. Embassy Auction is this Saturday, August 18 at the Belmopan Civic Center! The mobile Olympian/Caterpillar generator pictured below will be one of more than 100 lots to go under the hammer. The public can view the items on Thursday, August 16 and Friday, August 17 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and before the auction from 8-9 a.m. Licensed auctioneer Noel Codd is scheduled to auction off the first lot at 9 a.m. sharp. Some items have reserves and bids only accepted in minimum of BZ$5 increments (higher for some items at auctioneer's discretion). Cash only! Buyers must pay duty to the government of Belize (rates available on auction day).

Kudos to the Placencia Seaweed Farmers for repurposing gillnets for use in seaweed farming!
Due to the high levels of bycatch, gillnetting is threatening the sustainability of our fisheries. Oceana Belize is working to phase out the use of gill nets in Belize. In the meantime, we use gill nets to make bags to grow our seaweed in!

Reecie Pollard in Concert on Caye Caulker
First time ever on Caye Caulker, a full concert to empower our own local Caye Caulkans, young and old, especially our children. Bring the entire family for over two hours of non-stop entertainment. Come sing along, have fun, and be entertained. Bring the entire family.

Malcolm X’s daughter in Hopkins Village
To experience Garifuna spirituality.

Ministry of Human Development Sponsors Suicide Prevention Training in Northern and Southern Belize
Seventy social workers, childcare providers, and youth workers in southern and northern Belize have been trained in basic suicide prevention strategies. The training workshops were sponsored by the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation, and Poverty Alleviation in partnership with Galen University. The 2-day workshops were held between August 8th and 14th, 2018, in Punta Gorda, Orange Walk, and Corozal. During the training, participants received information and tools on how to conduct assessments to determine if persons are at a low, medium or high risk of committing suicide, as well as how to respond and monitor youths at-risk of suicide, including important intervention skills such as safety planning and crisis response planning for all levels of suicide risk.

Corozal Health Fair presented by the Kidney Association of Belize
Saturday August 18th, Corozal Civic Center. Kidney disease is a complication from Diabetes, The longer you have Diabetes and you have not been diagnosed, the higher the risk of becoming early victims of the complications. This can have emotional, physical, financial, disabling, and even life threatening effects.

Bar-b-que Sale Aug. 18th in San Pedro
Hillyboo's Dock, Freedom Tours

Swirly Head Wine and Lamani Chocolate Party
The wine and chocolate tasting at Casa Sofia was a great way to see and taste the new flavors of Swirly Head wine and Lamanai Chocolate. Try them and you'll like them. Swirly Head has perfected the sorrel wine, and they also have a great starfruit wine.

Career Fair in Toledo
The U.S. Embassy supports youth employment in Toledo! Through the Embassy’s CARSI Economic Support Fund program, the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) and the Department of Youth Services, offered skill-set training to over 300 youth in Toledo over the last two years. On August 10, a career fair was held to display the new skills, link participants with potential employers, and create awareness about job opportunities in the area. Kudos to TIDE, DYS and all the participants for their hard work!

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Tag, Action Point, Super Duper Cut, Patient Zero

Renovations continue at St. John's Anglican Cathedral
As you can notice from the uploaded pictures, the roof is now completed and look like new. Works continue on the windows and doors. In the third picture, contractors continue to work at the Court House conducting repairs to the ceiling. The repairs in progress at the Cathedral and the Court House are being carried out by the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project.

The University of Belize and the National Institute of Culture & History Sign Memorandum of Understanding
The University of Belize (UB) and the National Institute of Culture & History (NICH) have formally agreed to build institutional cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The MoU signing took place at the National Institute of Culture and History in Belmopan, and was signed by the President of UB, Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat and the President of NICH, Ms. Sapna Budhrani. The MoU serves to provide a framework for understanding and cooperation between both parties. This collaboration is designed to strengthen the momentum and achievements of their common goals and functions in the perspective of national development. Both UB and NICH agreed to cooperate, wherever possible, in their collective efforts and resources, to share knowledge, expertise, data and information in order to strengthen the common interests and respective missions of the institutions.

Channel 7

Lindo’s Alley Shooting Victim Survives
A man was shot in the shoulder on Lindo’s Alley at around 5:45, but he survived. There isn’t much details at this time. Our information is that it may have been as a result of a gang feud.

It’s a Bird! It’s a plane: A Beechcraft Baron in Blue Creek
We have reported on a number of suspected drug planes that crash land in Orange Walk, specifically near Blue Creek Village. Well, another one crash landed early this morning in that same village about 12 miles northwest from the Blue Creek Police Station and about half mile from the Mexican border line. It is a twin engine Beechcraft Baron with the markings B58, and as you can see here, it was almost burnt to a crisp. Police have been on the scene searching for clues that can directly link this plane to a drug operation. But so far, they have not found any concrete evidence. As we have reported, In March 2018, another drug plane landed in this same area. It was a Beechcraft 200 Super King Air. But it was not torched. We will keep following this latest case.

Police Capture Nephew in El Progresso Chopping
In last night’s newscast, we told you about the disturbing case coming out of El Progresso, a remote village in western part of the Cayo District. It’s not a part of the country that regularly makes the newscast, but yesterday, a 42 year-old resident, Israel Tesucum, was fatally chopped by his 25 year-old nephew. A family on family killing is unsettling enough, but more upsetting than that is that Tesecum’s nephew attacked him for no apparent reason, and in the presence of his grandparents and other members of his family. Our news team travelled today to El Progresso looking for answers, and Daniel Ortiz found out today that the grieving family is as puzzled as anyone else about the cruel killing of a disabled man. Here’s that story:

Ladyville Man Jacked By Armed Robbers
A trio of armed robbers cleaned out an elderly taxi man’s home and drove off with his car. It happened in Ladyville early this morning around midnight. Ocean Jack Avenue resident 69 year old Cornelius Burke was asleep when he was awakened by someone holding his mouth and asking him where the chest is. Burke said he saw 3 armed masked men standing near him. The men then tied him up and ransacked the house for three hours. After the men dashed off, he untied himself and went to call for help. The men got away with 6 televisions, $700 in different nominations and his silver minivan.

Masked Man Ransacks City Woman’s Home
And an elderly woman was also held up last night but this time in the city. It happened around 7:30 at the corner of Mahogany and Hondo streets. 53 year old Lilian Cuellar was hanging out clothes in her yard when a man came up behind her, pressed an object against her back and told her to give him everything she has. Fearing for her life, she took the man inside. She just stood by as the robber had his pick of all he wanted in her house including her son’s licensed 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol, a $3,000 Dell laptop, $800 tablet, and a PS4 play station. While the robber was raiding her home, Cuellar only got a glimpse of him. He had a blue rag covering his mouth and nose. He was medium built, brown skin with short curly hair. Police pulled finger prints from the scene and are looking for a named suspect.

Five Year Ban for Beating Female Referee
Last night you saw our interview with referee Yuri Daniels. Daniels gave football player Darnell Mossiah a red card for elbowing another player. Mossiah then knocked out Daniels. It was a heavy blow to the face leaving her with about 7 stitches and a busted jaw and teeth. Mossiah has been charged with wounding and fined with $2,000. Apart from that, the National Sports Council sent out a release yesterday saying that Mossiah is banned from all NSC owned facilities for 5 years. Now many have taken up this issue on social media saying that the 5 year ban is not enough and that there needs to some assistance given to Daniels for the injuries she suffered. Daniels believes that should be the case as well. Here is more from her interview.

Kim Simplis Says Ban Not Enough
Today at another event we caught up with Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simplis Barrow and she weighed in on the female referee beat down. Barrow says it is appalling that no one bothered to try and help Daniels. Here is how she put it. Kim Simplis Barrow - Special Envoy for Women and Children
"It has got to stop. I know a lot of people are saying oh the fine is - I can't believe that they only fined him 2,000 dollars and he's banned for 5 years. We need to address our laws, so we need our lawmakers to look at our antiquated laws and start addressing these laws because they're not helping. What happened over the weekend is just telling all these men and all the football players if they get upset they can go punch and all we need to do is just pay 2,000 dollars and you're banned for 5 years but you know what ever a little slap on the wrist..."

A New Perspective on HIV
There is a magic pill that can delay or even prevent HIV. That was the main topic at today’s workshop hosted by Gilead Sciences along with the National Aids Commission and Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simplis-Barrow. Here is more from the event. Elizabeth Cerqueria-Murray - Senior Director, Gilead Sciences
"The reaction that I usually receive when I'm speaking with ministers of health and other key health decision makers is oh no, seems like it could promote promiscuity etc. Ministries of health and other decision makers in health understand it’s a component of prevention and that the program is quite comprehensive and specific.

OAS Celebrates at 70
The Organization of American States celebrated it’s 70th anniversary today at the Radisson. Now, this is the first time their offices have celebrated such an event but OAS Representative Starret Greene says it is a significant milestone to have been operating throughout the world all these years. We dropped by the celebration and Greene told us about the work they have done in Belize. Foreign Affairs CEO Patrick Andrews also underscored the role of the OAS in the Belize Guatemala dispute. Starret Greene - OAS Representative: "This is special, after 70 years working the hemisphere; it was thought that each member state through the OAS office should do something in commemoration of the birthday of the OAS. So this special program today which is a joint collaboration between my office which is the OAS office in Belize City and the OAS Adjacency Zone office is designed to let the people of Belize know that we are 70 years old and expect to go 70 times 7."

CEO Outlines Progress In ICJ Education
And on that note, Andrews also discussed the upcoming ICJ referendum. Here is what he had to say on the progress so  far. Patrick Andrews - CEO, Foreign Affairs: "The ICJ campaign is moving along quite nicely. I think this week the public will start hearing some more ads on radio and TV. We are basically going to be launching a series of billboards countrywide and our presentations although most of them have been geared towards private presentations are going to be shifting to public presentation shortly."   Courtney Weatherburne: "Who is a part of this ICJ campaign and is there a specific schedule in terms of going out into the public and meeting with people?"

Preparing for a President
President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) H.E. Tsai Ing-Wen is arriving in Belize tomorrow. That is a pretty big deal so everything has to be in place for this special visit. Today we saw the police doing a dry run to ensure the president is escorted safely. She lands in Belize at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon and there are a number of activities scheduled during her stay, including a special joint sitting of the House of Representatives on Friday. Foreign Affairs CEO Patrick Andrews told us how this visit solidifies Belize and Taiwanese’s close friendship. Patrick Andrews - CEO, Foreign Affairs
"Basically we have been a very important ally to Taiwan and we want to continue building on that relationship and deepening on that relationship. We have a state visit and all the regalia that that brings. She arrives tomorrow so everything has been carefully planned by the protocol office..."

Maskall Teenager Charged for Stabbing Friend
Over the weekend 20 year-old Maskall resident Samuel Torres was attacked by a friend in a disagreement that turned violent.  That friend, 18-year-old student Eric Sanchez of Maskall Village has been arrested and charged for the crime of wounding. According to police, Torres and Sanchez met on Kiskidee Street on Sunday night and began to argue then fight. Sanchez is then accused of stabbing Torres twice to the chest. This afternoon, Sanchez who was brought to court in the police mobile from the Ladyville Police Station was arraign before Senior Magistrate, Aretha Ford in Court #2. He was read a single charge of wounding upon farmer, Samuel Torres who was stabbed during an altercation at the Maskall junction. In court, Sanchez pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Women at War
Two cousins, 18 year-old Tanisha Bainton, a UB student, and 25 year-old Crystal James, landed in the Magistrates Court today for allegedly ganging up on another woman and putting a beatdown on her. The complainant, Rita Davis, reported to police that on July 27, Bainton and James jumped her in Ladyville. The women reportedly punched her several times, and when she fell to the ground, one of them grabbed and empty pint bottle clubbed her over the head with it. She was taken to the hospital and the on-duty doctor classified her injuries as wounding.

Girls Changing Gears in Bermuda
A team of junior cyclists just came back from Bermuda. They represented Belize in a Caribbean Cycling tournament and brought back medals. Here what they had to say about the experience. They were in Bermuda for about 4 days. This is the 3rd year Belize is participating.

UB/NICH: Cultural Collaboration
History is exciting! For some of us, those words don’t go in the same sentence. But the University of Belize and NICH are trying to make it so. And Representatives from both institutions committed to that effort by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. The event was held at the Institute of Archaeology in Belmopan yesterday. Here is more from the ceremony.

Fly-fishing in Barranco
Wil Maheia and Belize Territorial Volunteers are known for their border activism - and some would say border agitation. But, they also do community work, even though it’s usually behind-the-scenes. This time around however, their leader, Wil Maheia, is announcing that they are organizing a fly fishing summer camp in the village of Barranco. Maheia granted an interview to clarify that although it will be educational and fun, it also ties right back to their main objectives of border activism. Here’s what he had say to about it: Wil Maheia - Leader, BTV: "Today is the Belize Territorial Volunteers summer camp. This is not the first time that we are doing a summer camp. We done summer camps before. We had a big summer camp in the village of Otoxha the last time. And now, we're having one in the village of Barranco, and the idea is to expose the community to the resources, so that they can realize the value of their natural resources..."

Channel 5

Great Belize Productions Wins Big At 49th CBU Awards
Great Belize Production’s News Five received multiple awards on Tuesday night during the forty-ninth annual Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s Annual General Meeting which was held in Jamaica.  This company earned top [...]

Fatal Chopping: Nephew Attacks Uncle and Runs, Later Caught
A man died last night following a chopping incident on Tuesday morning. The victim has been identified as forty-two-year-old Israel Tesecum of the Seven Miles El Progresso community in the [...]

Arthur Saldivar Launches News Lawsuit against P.U.P.
Attorney Arthur Saldviar has launched a second lawsuit against the People’s United Party. Saldivar’s application to contest the P.U.P.’s Belmopan Convention was turned down twice. In the first instance, his [...]

Belize Reflects on 70 Years of O.A.S.
The Organization of American States was established in 1948, for the purposes of regional solidarity and cooperation among the thirty-five countries that make up its membership.  The international union is [...]

O.A.S.’ Many Contributions to the Jewel Are Highlighted
Throughout the programme there were testimonials of sorts on the O.A.S.’ contribution to the development of Belize, in areas including human development and the justice system.  Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin, [...]

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to Visit the Jewel
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen arrives in Belize on Thursday afternoon on an official visit of the country.  The seventh president of the Republic of China is visiting the Jewel for [...]

Any New Initiatives on the Horizon between Belize and Taiwan?
The official visit of the Taiwanese head of state is a brief one during which high-level meetings will be held with senior members of the Barrow administration.  But is Belize [...]

Introducing PrEP to the Fight against HIV/AIDS in Belize
In an effort to strengthen its fight against HIV/AIDS in Belize, the National AIDS Commission in collaboration with the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children held a [...]

SMART Hospital Project is Underway
The Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organization, with sponsorship from the Department of International Development of the United Kingdom, are hosting town hall meetings across the country [...]

Cycling Federation Welcomes Brandon Cattouse Back
Elite cyclist Brandon Cattouse has been cleared of allegations that he used performance-enhancement drugs as an athlete who participated in the 2018 Valentine Classic.  While he initially tested positive for [...]

Belizean Female Cyclists Do Well in Bermuda
Belizean athletes Taralee Ordonez and Kaylyn Gillett are back in the Jewel after competing regionally in a cycling time trial competition in Bermuda.  The young riders performed well, capturing the [...]

UB & NICH Sign M.O.U.
The University of Belize and the National Institute of Culture and History signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on matters of education, history and culture.   The agreement has [...]

Special Ed Teachers Learn About Speech Language Disorders
A three-day language disorder workshop wrapped up today in Belize City. The training which aimed to evaluate the communication disorder among diverse populations targeted thirty-nine special education teaches and rehabilitation [...]

LOVE FM

Youths encouraged to grow their own food
A lot of the produce we eat, in raw form, is purchased from the market. However, the Department of Youth Services is encouraging young people to grow their own food in their own backyard. Love News spoke with Renata Samuels, Communications Officer for the Department of Youth Services who said it is all about providing …

University of Belize and Love Foundation signs memorandum of agreement
In light of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between RSV Ltd., Multimedia Systems and the University of Belize in fostering a higher level of tertiary education in Belize, the Love Foundation and UB also signed another MOU arrangement to provide students an opportunity to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Broadcast and Media Communications in …

UNICEF discusses improving children’s lives
The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF is tasked with providing humanitarian and development assistance to children. In this regard, UNICEF and the Government of Belize is holding a national consultation which is examining the current situation of women and children in Belize. Paulette Wade, the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at UNICEF, says they hope to …

Truvada game changer for preventing HIV/AIDS
Last year, approximately one hundred persons died from HIV/AIDS in Belize while approximately two hundred persons contracted the infection. The National AIDS Commission is seeking ways to prevent the disease from spreading further. That is why the Special Envoy for Women and Children, Gilead Science and the National AIDS Commission met with stakeholders to sensitize …

DOE looks at ways to prevent air pollution
The Department of the Environment is tasked with the responsibility of protecting Belize’s environment from all sources of pollution including land, water, air and noise. Many countries have poor quality of air which has an adverse effect on its citizens. The Department of the Environment is taking steps to ensure that the quality of life …

Organization of American States celebrates their 70th anniversary
The Organization of American States (OAS), was formed in 1948. This year the organization marked its seventieth year of existence. The OAS office in Belize today held a special ceremony to celebrate the achievements of the organization. OAS Representative, Starret D Greene, spoke on the missions of OAS and all it aspires to do in …

Foreign Affairs speaks warmly of OAS as a Partner on Anniversary Occasion
Today representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the Organization of American States (OAS) Seventieth Anniversary ceremonies in Belize City. CEO for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pat Andrews spoke about the significance and time span of Belize’s relationship with the organization. Pat Andrews, CEO Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “All these years …

Belize competes in Junior Caribbean Cycling Championship
With our recent wins and placement in the twentieth Central American Women Volleyball Championship over the past few weeks, Belize was in great form as our athletes competed in the Junior Caribbean Cycling Championship held in Bermuda from August 11 to the 13. Taralee Ordonez placed second in the time trials. She spoke of her …

Foreign Affairs Ready to Welcome Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen
Tomorrow, will arrive in Belize. It’s quite a momentous occasion requires months of planning. An advance team from Taiwan had been scouting various locations of the visit from earlier in the week. The CEO for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pat Andrews told Love News that they have organized the state visit which will include …

RSV Ltd., Multimedia Systems and University of Belize signs new memorandum of understanding
As a country strives towards developing and reaching its full potential, it is evident that there’s always room for growth in its educational sector. As a result, the country’s national university, the University of Belize has partnered with RSV Ltd., Multimedia Systems and Love Foundation in order to foster the development of the country’s tertiary …

Man killed by his nephew
A man was chopped and killed by his nephew in the Cayo District. Police say yesterday morning they responded to an incident at mile seven in Progresso Village in the Cayo District. They were told the victim, 42-year-old Israel Tesecum had been transported to the San Ignacio Hospital.

New magistrate sworn in
Thirty-three year old former police corporal and magistrate court prosecutor Mannon Dennison was sworn in as a magistrate this morning by the Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin. With Dennison, the Magistracy Department now has a staff of 14 magistrates.

Eric Sanchez charged for wounding
Police have made an arrest in a stabbing incident that left 20-year-old Samuel Torres hospitalized. 18-year-old Eric Sanchez has been charged for wounding. On Sunday night, Torres was walking on Kiskidee Street in Maskall Village when he reportedly got into an argument with Sanchez. It is alleged that Sanchez inflicted two stab wounds to Torres’ chest.

Men charged with firearm offences
Four men from the Orange Walk District have been charged with firearm offences. Police say they were conducting a checkpoint yesterday when they searched a pickup truck with four occupants. The search resulted in the discovery of a twelve gauge shotgun along with six live 12 gauge cartridges.

Belizean Coaches attend training in Guatemala
Gabriel Ramos, the U19 male coach and Dale Pelayo, the U16 male coach are currently in Guatemala City, where they are representing Belize at the CONCACAF “C” License Coaching course. The training commenced two days ago and finishes at the end of the week. Seven Central American countries are taking part in the training.

Residents jacked in their home
Two aggravated burglaries were reported in the Belize District. 53-year-old Lilian Cuellar told the Police that before eight o’clock last night, she was doing her laundry in her yard when she felt an object behind her head and a man demanded that she hand over everything of value.

Stabbing incident sends man to hospital
A resident of Lords Bank is hospitalized following a stabbing incident two nights ago. 36-year-old Marvin Omar Rodriguez was at a gas station in Ladyville when he got into a dispute with a man who reportedly owed him money.

The Reporter

SUSPECTED MURDER CAPTURED
San Ignacio Police, allegedly with the assistance of villagers, have captured Bartimeus Tesecum in the village of Seven Miles El Progesso in the Cayo District. The farmer, 25, was wanted for the murder of his uncle, Israel Tesecum. Tesecum was chopped behind the head as he sat in his kitchen eating on Tuesday morning. He died Tuesday afternoon while receiving treatment at the San Ignacio Hospital.

ANOTHER DRUG PLANE LANDS
Just after 9:00 this morning Police were called to the Tres Leguas area west of Blue Creek where the found the burnt remains of a white twin-engine aircraft on a registered airstrip. As is always the case, no one was found in the area nor were any other Items, illicit or otherwise, found.

Breaking Belize News

Four Orange Walk residents charged for gun and ammo
Orange Walk police have arrested 4 residents from Santa Martha, Orange Walk for ‘kept unlicensed […]

Robert Welcome charged for murder
Today, police informed that cops have upgraded charges from attempted murder to murder for Roaring […]

Nephew kills his uncle in 7Miles, Cayo
San Ignacio police are investigating a murder that occurred yesterday morning. According to reports, yesterday […]

Suicide Prevention training held in Northern and Southern Belize
Seventy social workers, childcare providers, and youth workers in southern and northern Belize have been […]

UB and NICH sign memo of understanding for five years
Today, the University of Belize (UB) and the National Institute of Culture & History (NICH) […]

Libertad Revival Cup Committee removes Mossiah from competition
Today, the Libertad Revival Cup Committee issued a release to inform that due to the […]

Mossiah fined $2,000 for beating female football referee
Yesterday Darnell Mossiah, 27, pleaded guilty to wounding in the Corozal Magistrate Court. As a […]

Prominent Belizeans join the call for lifetime ban of Darnell Mosiah
Over the weekend, pictures of an injured female referee flooded social media and Belizeans condemned the act […]

Blogs

20 Teams Scurry About the Island for THE AMAZING RACE 3
Ambergris Caye’s entertainment center – the Truck Stop – has been open for less than 3 years! Last weekend, they hosted the 3rd Amazing Race. Modeled after the tv show, teams race race around the island following clues that are given after each completed task. The Truck Stop does not do anything HALF ASSED. Take a look at how COMPLEX this all is! My blog that covered the 2nd race was such a hit – so fun to play along with – that I now bring you #3. The clues seem to get more and more clever and a bit more gross.

International Sources

Canadian woman stabbed four times at Belize resort
A Canadian woman came face-to-face with death when she was stabbed four times by an intruder at her resort in Belize. Cops say that Christina Pott, 41, was asleep in her room at the Mora Laguna Resort in San Pedro early Sunday when a man broke through a window and attacked Pot. She was taken to a local hospital, treated and released. “What police have gathered so far is that she was awakened by some noise coming out of her room, and when she opened up her eyes she realized somebody was standing beside her,” Det. Alejandro Cowo told reporters. “She struggled with the male suspect, who at the time was armed with a knife, and as a result, she received the four stab wounds to the body.”

Jamaica, Belize sweep Caribbean media awards
Jamaica and Belize swept most Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) Awards that were presented during a ceremony here as part of its 49th Annual General Assembly that ends later on Wednesday. CBU said that for the first time, this year’s awards included prizes for material published in print and on digital platforms and not just on traditional radio, television and cable services. The CBU said it had also partnered with sponsors to inaugurate three new categories for the 2017 Awards, namely the Golden Conch Shell Award sponsored by Island Media, Disaster Resilience supported by UNESCO, and Coverage of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support, sponsored by the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition.

Maya rituals unearthed
Deep in the untamed lowlands, we search for artifacts buried under hundreds of years of sediment. We are excavating two ancient Maya sites nestled in the sacred landscape of Cara Blanca in central Belize. Both date to A.D. 800-900, when prolonged and severe droughts struck this region, disrupting the daily life of the Maya. These two structures – a platform teetering on the edge of a 60-meter-deep pool and a sweatbath compound – were part of a ritual pilgrimage circuit traversed by the ancient Maya to pay tribute to the rain god Chahk during the extended droughts. Openings in the earth like this pool were thought to be portals to the underworld, places where deities and ancestors resided. In previous years studying this poolside platform, we discovered a massive burning event and thousands of ceramic sherds purposely placed on the plaster floor.

Caribbean Strong
Increased airlift and new resort openings are reinvigorating tourism numbers to the region. The Caribbean is one of the world’s most tourism-reliant regions, and as such, it is crucial that it routinely enhances its product offerings. A slate of new and renovated hotels, and expanded air service to Martinique, Cuba and Puerto Rico top the list of enhancements so far this year. Meanwhile, visitor numbers are rebounding at a rapid pace in St. Maarten, which has made great strides in its hurricane recovery efforts. Here’s a closer look at travel-related news across the Caribbean to date in 2018:

The Story of... 'La Isla Bonita' by Madonna
It's one of the Queen of Pop's most catchy songs, and it always makes us want to take a trip to sunny Spain and meet our own San Pedro. But what is the story behind Madonna's classic song? What or where is San Pedro? Here's all the fascinating facts behind 'La Isla Bonita'. What does 'La Isla Bonita' mean? In case you were wondering, it's Spanish for 'The Beautiful Island'. Now you know! Who wrote 'La Isla Bonita'? Madonna co-wrote the song with her regular collaborator Patrick Leonard, with additional lyrics from Bruce Gaitsch. The song was written for Madonna's third album True Blue in 1986.

Videos

August 15, 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

Darnell Mossiah fined $2,000 for attacking female referee on-field in Corozal
On Sunday, August 12th, 27-year-old Belizean laborer Darnell Mossiah punched 32-year-old referee Yuri Daniels after she issued him a red card during a football game. On Tuesday, August 14th Mossiah was formally arraigned on a charge of wounding at the Corozal Magistrate’s Court. He pleaded guilty and was fined $2000.

Team ‘Nuh Worry Bout Nothin’ wins Grand Caribe’s 2nd Annual Deep Sea Classic
Grand Caribe held their 2nd Annual International Deep Sea Classic Fishing Tournament in collaboration with the Belize Game Fishing Association (BGFA) from Friday, August 10th to Sunday, August 12th. A total of 29 teams participated in the three-day fishing extravaganza, competing for $50,000 in cash and prizes. The tournament was a great success, and after three days of hard efforts out at sea, Team Nuh Worry Bout Nothin from Belize City captured the grand prize. Second Place went to Knotty Pirates, and Team As You Wish placed third, Trophy Hunter took fourth place and Seaductress placed fifth. On the last day of the tournament on Sunday, August 12th a large crowd of fishing fans gathered at Grand Caribe north of Ambergris Caye to support their favourite teams. All boats were back at the weigh station by 2PM and after points had been tallied, winners were announced, starting with the individual prizes.

An Evening of Food, Fellowship and Fundraising at Iguana Juan’s
Iguana Juan’s Restaurant and Bar and Chef Patrick Parmentier of Le Foo Frog Personal Chef Services and Catering (formerly of A French Touch) will join forces with a special event to raise funds for the victims of the recent San Pedro fire. A Celebration of Latin American Flavor will be an evening dedicated to fortifying community bonds through innovative cuisine and creative libations. The event, slated for Saturday, August 25, will feature a silent auction with goods from local businesses, live music and a three-course Latin American inspired dinner. All proceeds from the silent auction, as well as a portion of the dinner funds, will be donated to Hope Haven Belize for their fire relief efforts.

Jamaicans who drifted ashore on Ambergris Caye are back home safe
Three Jamaican nationals, 50-year-old Noel Samuels, 23-year-old Romeo Lewis and 44-year-old Karma Beckford are happy to be back home after being lost at sea, drifting 25 days until arriving at the shores of Ambergris Caye. The trio went out fishing off the west coast of Jamaica on June 23rd, and after their boat developed a fault, they helplessly drifted away. They arrived on the northern coast of Ambergris Caye on July 19th and it was until July 26th, when they were finally transported to Belmopan City, where the Jamaican Honorary Consul made arrangements for their return back home. In a phone conversation with Samuels, he told The San Pedro Sun that he was happy to be back home and that despite the initial hurdles they had in Belize, they have only good things to share about the country and Belizeans. “Some of my friends have been asking me about Belize and I tell them that it is a beautiful country and that we have good memories about it,” he said.

Ambergris Today

NEMO Sets To Provide Timely Alerting Protocol In Times Of Disasters
Minister of National Emergency Management Hon Edmond Castro delivered the keynote address at Official Opening Ceremonies for the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) Jump-Start Workshop, which started this morning, August 13, at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City. In his address, Hon Castro emphasized the importance of providing timely and accurate information to our people, particularly those who are most vulnerable to the effects of disasters. He thanked everyone attending the workshop, including those from government departments, non-government agencies and the media, saying they all have a key role to play in disaster management and risk reduction.

Misc Belizean Sources

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday Join us on Thursday to paint this “Lazy Day Palm Tree.”

Croc caper
Rotten apples, these culprits, steel intellectual property, displace wildlife, Dr. Tellez (crocodile research collation) her associates, and accomplices, parade a crocodile selected from the Estuary at Caye Caulker. Scarlett is the animal, now known as Padma, this international team effort was the culmination of a plot to steel the breeder, she has been relocated to a secret location. The reality is everything you ever needed to know about Scarlett is, she is the Matriarch of American crocodiles we have observed at the Estuary for 25 years. The Crocodile Research Collation, is cherry picking our research, Scarlets social media presence is the only way they were able to target her she is famous at the Estuary her every move was well documented until Ms. Tellez decided to intervein. Everything the coalition fabricated on other people’s hard work. Claiming they know this animal from observing her at the Estuary. She is the Matriarch for a biomass of island tame Saltwater Crocodile. Isolated on the island for thousands of years. This organization should be stricken from the N.G.O.'s and every publication or advocacy shunned by the conservation world. HER NAME IS SCARLETTE GIVE HER BACK!!!

FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT FRAUD ALERT1 – PHISHING SCAM
The Financial Intelligence Unit (the Fill) has been made aware of numerous "spear phishing scams" that are being perpetrated by cyber criminals and targeted towards the Belizean public. They are designed to compromise personal banking information, access accounts and credit cards and eventually siphon funds to criminal third parties. Phishing is a form of fraud in which victims are contacted typically through electronic communication such as email or text message by someone posing as a reputable individual or entity, to lure them into providing sensitive data such as personal information, banking and credit card details and passwords, for malicious reasons.

Updates on the 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise
The Elections and Boundaries Department is once again pleased to update the public on the ongoing 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise. An update is hereby provided as follows for the period 5th to 11th August, 2018. During the period a total of nine thousand, three hundred and twenty (9,320) applications have been accepted, therefore the total number of applications received as at 11th August 2018 is ninety thousand, eight hundred and seventy-three (90,873). The figures reflect a decrease in the number of applications received. Registration Centers continue to be open in all thirty-one (31) electoral divisions country-wide to facilitate the acceptance of applications for the registration of electors.

A short power outage Friday as follows
Power outage scheduled from 6:00am to 6:30am for entire Corozal and Orange Walk Districts and San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Wednesday, August 15. BEL to commission fault locator device at Westlake Substation at Mile 8 on George Price Highway.

Happening this Week - 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.

Mr. Bill passes away in Corozal
Saying goodbye to a dear friend of Corozal. The entire community of Corozal, especially the Consejo Community mourns the silent passing away of a great man and human being. May you rest in everlasting Peace Mr. Bill. Sail on..Sail!

NSAA Bath and Body Grand Opening
Bullet Tree Falls is getting a Bath and Body Shop! The grand opening if this Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm. They'll have more than just bath and body products. They'll have art, gifts, and souvenirs crafted by local artists. They are located on the Santa Familia side of Bullet Tree, right around where the pavement ends. "Announcing the Grand Opening of Belizean Made Gifts and Arts. This is the outlet for NSAA Bath and Body. You will be able to find one of a kind items for gifts, souvenirs and for the home. We will carry only BELIZE made items. Unique. Local artisans. Join us for the Grand Opening. Enjoy the river in Bullet Tree and find your place for the best of the best."

Chiangiodendron Mexicanum Highlighted on Tree Tuesday!
Belonging to the family Achariaceae, this endangered tree is the lone species in its genus. It is found in very few, disjointed locations in southeastern Mexico, pacific Costa Rica, and northeastern Bladen Nature Reserve. In BNR, fewer than 20 individuals are known. Ya’axche has monitored 4 trees in BNR since 2013. Earlier this year, we spotted a tree with flowers for the first time! However, C. mexicanum is dioecious, a rare reproductive strategy among flowering plants in which male and female flowers are found on separate trees. We did not find fruits in the following months, indicating that pollen exchange did not occur this year.

MAYA CODEX : MADRID CODEX
Most of the codices were destroyed by conquistadors and Catholic priests in the 16th century. Around 3 Maya codices survive . They have been named for the cities where they eventually settled. The Madrid Codex is the longest of the surviving Maya codices. The content of the Madrid Codex mainly consists of almanacs and horoscopes that were used to help Maya priests in the performance of their ceremonies and divinatory rituals. The codex also contains astronomical tables, although less than are found in the other two generally accepted surviving Maya codices. A close analysis of glyphic elements suggests that a number of scribes were involved in its production, perhaps as many as eight or nine, who produced consecutive sections of the manuscript; the scribes were likely to have been members of the priesthood. The Madrid Codex is held by the Museo de América in Madrid(Spain) and is considered to be the most important piece in its collection. The codex likely was produced in Yucatán.The language used in the document is Yucatecan, a group of Mayan languages that includes Yucatec, Itza, Lacandon, and Mopan; these languages are distributed across the Yucatán Peninsula, including lowland Chiapas, Belize, and the Guatemalan department of Petén.

Tropic moves up date to resume flights to Oct. 1
We are moving up the resumption date on our scheduled Caye Caulker service to October 1 (from November 15th). Cargo services and Blue Hole tours will also resume on the same day. We look forward to returning to our second home very soon!

Em WHAT is Wanaragua?
Wanaragua [also called Jankunu] is a popular masked processional rite… It is the most commonly performed and focal event of the four Christmas dance-dramas of the Garinagu of Belize... The word Wanaragua means “mask” and the ritual commonly features male dancers wearing Amerindian-influenced feathered headdresses with small circular mirrors, wire masks on which are painted the feature of a European faces, and plaid or check-patterned cotton head wraps. Costumes also include wide strips of colored ribbon word across the chest in a crossing pattern on top of the long sleeve white shirts, gloves, and knickers, knee rattles made of cowry shells, long black socks, and tennis shoes. Some men, in efforts to further amuse onlookers, dress up as hianro (women) by wearing communion or wedding veils, blouses, and skirts.

Movie Night at KoKo King
Family Movie Night once again at KoKo King, commencing as soon as the sun goes down ... Show Dogs - Max, a macho, solitary Rottweiler police dog is ordered to go undercover as a primped show dog in a prestigious Dog Show, along with his human partner, to avert a disaster from happening. * Skyscraper (Dwayne Johnson - the Rock) A security expert must infiltrate a burning skyscraper, 225 stories above ground, when his family are trapped inside by criminals. * Plus our weekly kids meals, popcorn and adult beverages for those that deserve them!

Millennials are super into birding now. Here are the best places to go birding around the world
Belize named one of best places to go birding around the world. MILLENNIALS are ruining department stores. Millennials have put an end to the diamond industry. We’ve killed dinner dates, napkins, home ownership, and even sex. But, for all things we millennials have allegedly killed, you can thank us for bringing one thing back into popularity: birding. Millennials have made birdwatching trendy again, and are keeping the industry alive. The stereotypical demographic of birders was always decidedly older, possibly retired, but we somewhat-youngsters are breaking that mold. Central American rainforests are teeming with wildlife, but Belize, the western part in particular, is really into its birds. Most hotels and lodges offer bird-watching excursions to their guests, and some like Hidden Valley Inn go as far as to host bird conservationists and let them release rare species on the property. Professional birding guides in Belize are typically young, adventurous, and extremely enthusiastic about birds, making for a relatively high energy bird-watching experience (at least in the context of being quiet enough to not scare away animals).

Senator Osmany Salas was a guest presenter at a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) workshop here in Corozal
The workshop targeted primary school teachers of the Corozal District. Senator Salas spoke about impacts of corruption and strategies to reduce corruption. Friends of Corozal United for Sustainability (FOCUS), a member of the Belize Network of NGOs, has for years now been carrying out summer CPD workshops where they help primary school teachers develop lessons on environmental learning. FOCUS is comprised of a group of individuals that seek to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development in the Corozal District

World Culture Band Playing The Bluffs
The World Culture Band will be playing at the Bluffs on Sunday, August 26th. The WCB always impress with their unique World music style.

National Poetry Competition
A poetry competition based on celebrating Belize is on. Winning entries will be read during the September Celebrations.

BTB Customer Service & Front-line Destination Training for Tour Operators, Tour Guides & Taxi Service Providers
October 1 & 2, ITVET- Belize City

Channel 7

Not “Every Pan Weh Knock”: One Less September Party
It is just mid-August but everyone has already been preparing for the ‘bashment’ month coming up. The carnival groups have already started to practice their routines and many Belizeans have already marked their calendars for all the September events they’ll attend. But one event you better forget about is City Council’s annual Municipal Multicultural Fair. It is usually held after the September 10th official ceremonies and citizens’ parade but there just isn’t enough money to host it. That’s because their budget was cut by 20 percent. Deputy Mayor Oscar Arnold told us more at a press conference this morning. Oscar Arnold, Deputy Mayor: "It’s not that we're not able to build the support from the business community. From an outsider looking in - in the previous years the tent has been gotten smaller and smaller and with this with the budget being cut by 20 percent we had to see what we could do...""

Controversy Continues on CitCo’s Bulldozer and Bobcat
We also asked Deputy Mayor Oscar Arnold about the bulldozer that magically turned up last week Tuesday. That is just one of the heavy pieces of equipment that had been missing, there is also a Bobcat. Well, Arnold gave us an update today. He says they are still trying to get to the bottom of what happened with these machines since no official police report was filed. Oscar Arnold, Deputy Mayor: "At the Mayor’s desk we received a memo outlining an analysis of the ones we got in - in a state of this repair, some of the repairs that has been done on the bulldozer were done just roughshod, not done to any technical specifications. We got it without any diesel, any fluids in there, any oil, everything was taken out, there was no battery - so that is the update on the bulldozer. We understand also that the other piece of equipment which is the Bobcat is being repaired somewhere in Unitedville.

Dean Sealed the Deal in UDP Port Loyola Convention
Last month, we told you how Phillip Willoughby was forced to resign from his government job at NEMO. He wants to run in the UDP convention in Port Loyola. Well, so does his former councilor colleague Dean Samuels! Samuels is a contract worker under Anthony “Boots” Martinez’s Ministry: Human Development. When we spoke to “Boots” Martinez last week, he said he doesn’t think that Samuels will run.  And we thought Minister Boots should know, since he is the one who endorsed Samuel's application for the Port convention. But, Boots was wrong, and to prove it, Samuels resigned this week. So, he'll now face his former city council ally Willoughby and Boots Martinez's new favourite candidate, Mike Peyrefitte. We caught up with Samuels today. He told us that, because of personal and family reasons, he procrastinated for quite a bit before deciding to run. Here’s what he had to say about why he finally made up his mind to contest the convention:

Samuels Shrugs Shoulders on CitCo Missing Equipment
This morning’s press encounter with Dean Samuels also gave us the opportunity to ask him about the bulldozer, the bobcat, and the gooseneck trailer that was supposed to be in the possession of the Belize City Council when he was in elected office, but which were missing for years. These pieces of equipment were the subject of a recent audit by the Bernard Wagner Administration, which said that the equipment were purchases, but it ended up elsewhere, and not at City Hall, for which they were intended. They were a part of a grant of $173,000 that was given by Central Government to the former administration back in 2015. That’s when the Council was creating a sanitation department to absorb over 150 employees from the private sanitation company, Belize Maintenance Limited.

Fatal Family Dispute in Cayo
A 44 year old man was chopped to death by his nephew. It happened this morning in Cayo around 10. The victim is Israel Tesecum. We will have more details as soon as we get them. We note that there is a trend in the recent violent crimes where the attackers use either a knife or machete.

Referee Roughed up by Rogue Football Players Speaks Out
We know it isn’t out of the ordinary for football players to get mad or curse out the referee for pulling out a red card. Even the sports fanatics in the audience get riled up and throw a few choice words. But it is a WHOLE other level for a player to knockout a referee especially a female one. Well, that is exactly what 27 year old Darnell Mossiah did to referee Yuri Daniels at a football game in Libertad Village. Mossiah has been fined $2,000 for this attack. Now Daniels spoke to our colleagues from CTV-3 today. She says she pulled a red card for Mossiah because he elbowed another player. Mossiah snapped and punched Daniels in the face, knocking her out. She had to get about 7 stitches and her jaw is all busted up. But despite it all, she says she won’t let this hold her back from doing what she loves.

‘Mal pago’ Stabs Man in Lords Bank
They say money is the root of all evil. Well, I don’t know about all that but it certainly was at the center of a dispute that has landed one man in hospital with stab wounds. Last night about 7:30, 36 year old Lord’s Bank resident Marvin Rodriguez was at the 24/7 gas station at the junction of Philip Goldson Highway. Another resident who owes him money, Yayo Ardon showed up and that’s when the argument started. According to the police report, Ardon stabbed Rodriguez three times to the right side of his abdomen and cut him twice to the right hand. I guess Ardon was trying to get out of paying him. Well, Rodriguez is stable at the KHMH. Police are awaiting a statement from him as part of their investigations.

MacLachlan Wants To Make Good With Farmers
For the past 3 weeks, we’ve been telling you about the financial hardship that the cane farmers in the north are facing. This is after the second payment from the mill for their sugarcane was particularly low this year. It’s a direct consequence of the world market price for sugar which is substantially lower than previous years. The world market for sugar is over-saturated with supply, and the European market has also shifted for several months now. All the sugar producing nations who sell sugar on the EU must do so in direct competition with European sugar farmers who are more efficient at producing sugar at a lower cost. Some Belizean farmers are asserting that this year’s earnings from their cane are far too low to maintain their loan commitments to their banks, and they may have to abandon the industry altogether.

ASR/BSI Tackles Freight Debate
MacLachlan also took the opportunity to address the recent controversy that has taken root over the ocean freight costs that was quoted to the farmers to get their sugar exported to the European Union. As viewers will remember, cane farmers were suggesting that the 11.4 million dollars for shipping costs that BSI/ASR was quoting in their financial report was misleading, since there is also a “Free Alongside Ship” line item on the breakdown of charges. That started to breed mistrust between some of the farmers and the millers, and there were those in the farming community who were going as far as to suggest that ASR/BSI is trying to take advantage of the farmers in the calculation of prices for sugar cane delivery. In the most recent breakdown of costs that ASR/BSI sent to farmers, the company said that for the 95,000 tonnes of raw sugar that it sold to Tate and Lyle, there was an average “FAS” price of 526 dollars per tonne.

Belizean Senators To Join the Fight Against Hunger
The "Mesoamerica Hunger Free" project was first launched in 2015 in Mexico. It was implemented in Belize and about 13 other countries. Well, it has been a success so far, feeding kids at 4 schools in the south. But Belize can do more. So today at the Mexican Institute Belizean and Mexican project partners held a press conference to announce that they are planning to form what is called a Parlamentary Front against Hunger and Malnutrition. The idea is to get Belizean senators and other politicians involved in this hunger free fight to make more of an impact. Here is more from the conference.

Teachers Learn About Literacy
So while Belize and Mexico were discussing this hunger free initiative, teachers from all over the country were at St. John’s Anglican School discussing literacy. We dropped to find out more about the training. It is a 4 day training. About 80 teachers participated.

Special Session for Special Needs Training
And another group of educators were learning tips on working with people of diverse abilities. For the next three days, partipicants will be working with specialists from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to learn how to identify certain communication disorders and work out plans to mitigate them. Executive Director of the Inspiration Center, Joycelyn Lopez, says they teamed up with the Pan American Health Organization to address this specific need from teachers:

Final Call For Re-Registration Coming Up
The Elections and Boundaries Department is reporting tonight that as of August 11th, ninety thousand, eight hundred and seventy-three (90,873) Belizeans have re-registered, and can vote in any elections.  In week 6 of the re-registration exercise, which ran from August 5th to the 11th, only nine thousand, three hundred and twenty (9,320) applicants showed up to be added back to the country’s list of registered voters. Those numbers are the lowest to date. In week 5, just 11 thousand, 500 voters re-registered, and in week 4, there were 15 thousand, 500 applications.

Attempted To Murder: Welcome Charged
As we told you, Eugene Alexander Henderson Jr. died 2 months after he was shot the head. His shooter, 19 year old Alexander Rudolph Welcome was charged with attempted murder but since Henderson died, he has been charged with murder.

Fined Fishermen Frightened By GSU
They are accused of various fishing offences but three fishermen are making counter allegations against the Gang Suppression Unit. Fisheries officers busted seven persons including a minor for possession of conch outside of the closed season and of undersized conch on August 9 at Long Caye in the Lighthouse Atolls. 26 year old Vidal Orellano, 30 year old Gilmar Patt and 5 others were charged with several fisheries offences when they appeared yesterday before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. Two of them, Patt and a 14 year old boy, were charged with possession of 285 conch during closed season and possession of 282 undersized conch.

Volleyball Girls Still High On Silver Win
Last night you saw the motorcade for our volleyball girls. Now although the team will not advance to the continental championships, President Allan Sharp says Belize can be thankful for a successful and highly praised tournament that drew record crowds to the new Civic Center. He also spoke about plans for the future of Belize volleyball.

Sharp Says Back to Reality on Tournament Expenses
President Sharp also spoke about the cost of tournament. It costs about 200 thousand Belize dollars, with another 200 thousand as direct expenses for the tournament itself – without Honduras coming. Sharp admits Government has not made any contributions to date though it has promised to do so. But given a platform for his wish list, he called for purpose-built facilities and direct funding for sporting organization secretariats. Sharp also mentioned planned direct assistance for educational expenses for members of the team.

Burton: Belize’s MVP
Sherika Burton impressed many during the tournament. Many felt she should have been named the tournament’s most valuable player. But it went to a member of the winning side. BVA president Allan Sharp is not pleased but insists that Sherika will always be MVP to Belizeans.

Fishing For Phishing Scams: Watch Out!
For weeks, we've been telling you about the email phishing scams targeting account holders at  Heritage Bank. And while Heritage sounded the alarm, email phishing scams are a widespread problem in Belize, targeting account holders at all the commercial banks, and BTL. And, there are shadowy local players who are working with international fraudsters to do the local legwork to clean out your account. It's enough to have stirred the FIU to make a rare public statement. It says, quote, "The Financial Intelligence Unit (the FIU) has been made aware of numerous “spear phishing scams” that are being perpetrated by cyber criminals and targeted towards the Belizean public.

Channel 5

Tenth Celebration Cut Short, No Municipal Fair This Year
The spirit of the annual September Celebrations has been dampened somewhat with a dismal announcement coming out of City Hall this evening.  A press release issued by the Belize City [...]

Festivities to be Pared Down, Is Party Politics Being Played with the Tenth?
In speaking with Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber this morning, News Five was made to understand that the overall budget for this year’s festivities has taken a hit, Belize City [...]

Deputy Mayor Says Budget Cut Should be Evenly Spread Across All Municipalities
A former councilor tells News Five that the yearly subsidy is approximately eighty thousand dollars.  Twenty percent less is roughly sixty-four thousand dollars.  That individual, along with Deputy Prime Minister [...]

Where is the Missing CitCo Heavy Equipment?
There are additional details coming out of an investigation into missing heavy equipment that are the property of the Belize City Council.  A bulldozer, as well as a flatbed trailer, [...]

Former Works Councilor says CITCO Received the ‘Unaccounted’ Equipment
In an interview last week, former Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley confirmed to News Five that despite having made repeated requests about the missing equipment, the Caterpillar Bulldozer, the eighteen [...]

Re-registration Numbers decrease; Frustration builds at Vital Statistic Unit
We are seventeen days away from the culmination of the mass re-registration exercise. As of August eleventh, a total of ninety thousand, eight hundred and seventy-three applications have been received [...]

Five Year Ban for Football Player who Punched a Female Referee
A five-year ban has been levied against twenty-seven-year-old football player, Darnel Mossiah for punching referee Yuri Daniels. The National Sports Council has condemned what it describes as a cowardly act [...]

Dean Samuels Resigns From Government Job to Run for UDP Port Loyola Convention
Former Belize City Councilor Dean Samuels has officially resigned from his government job in the Ministry of Works. He had to do so in order to contest the U.D.P.’s Port [...]

Dean Samuels says Minister Martinez Supports Him
When the media interviewed Port Loyola Area Representative Anthony Martinez last week, he expressed support for Michael Peyrefitte. But according to Dean Samuels, Martinez’s support was misplaced because Martinez was [...]

AC. Castillo says He is the Better Option for Port Loyola
Also contesting the U.D.P. Port Loyola Convention is AC. Castillo. The former disc jockey and cyclist received his official acceptance letter earlier this month and today he stopped by to [...]

BSI Invests Another $40 Million in Value Added Production
The Belize Sugar Industries has announced that it will invest an additional forty million dollars over the next eighteen months to improve efficiency and further increase value-added production to the [...]

Belizean & Mexican Parliamentarians Meet to End Hunger and Malnutrition
Mexican Senator Luisa Maria Calderon Hinojosa is in Belize to meet with the Ministers and C.E.O.s from the Ministries of Education, Agriculture, Health and Human Development. The mission is for [...]

Local School Feeding Programme to be Extended Countrywide
The Food and Agriculture Organization, better known as F.A.O., has been assisting Belize in the fight against malnutrition and hunger. Back in November of 2017, a project to improve food [...]

How did Belize get the silver medal? BVA explains
By now you’ve seen or heard of the national female volleyball team. They made history last week in the Central American Volleyball Championships when they defeated Costa Rica – a [...]

400K to prepare the team and host the regional volleyball championship!
And now to the costs. President Allan Sharp told the press today that getting to the championship and producing the result has been years of hard work that has required [...]

The Volleyball Association Needs Help!
As you heard, Sharp says that there has been some verbal commitment of some form of assistance from G.O.B. towards the costs accumulated for the association to prepare the team [...]

KTV the Remix – Who Advances to the Finals?
Who has made the cut and will compete in the finals of season two of KTV the Remix? Find out tonight right here on Channel Five as five of the [...]

LOVE FM

Belize Female Volleyball Team host press conference
The entire country was tuned in last week as the Belizean female volleyball team competed in the 20th Central American Championship. Despite losing one game, Belize had to settle for the silver medal. Costa Rica also lost one game, but due to the point system, Costa Rica won gold. President of the Belize Volleyball Association, …

ASR/BSI’s vice president speaks on Sugar Investments
American Sugar Refineries Belize Sugar Industries (ASR/BSI) has been under scrutiny after some cane farmers questioned an eleven million dollar figure on their balance sheet. Vice President of International Relations for ASR, Mac McLachlan addressed the issue at an impromptu session with the media. However, ASR’s wanted to inform the public that the company is …

Speech Disorder Workshop hosted to improve Educational Sector
The Inspiration Center in collaboration with the American Speech Language Hearing Association and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has sponsored a three day workshop. The workshop,Evaluating Communication Disorders in Diverse Populations, is targeted at teachers and children in Belize’s Educational Sector. Executive Director for the Inspiration Center, Joyceln Lopez, said the workshop will be …

NADO says Cattouse Urine Sample was not tampered with
The wheels of Brandon Cattouse’s Cycling saga has a few more turns today. Cattouse was initially tested and found to have the banned substance EPO. After arbitration was completed, Cattouse’s eligibility to ride had to be reinstated since there was doubt about the integrity of his urine sample. While claiming victory, Cattouse’s attorney, Hector Guerra …

Justices of the Peace being regulated
The Attorney General’s Ministry has made it mandatory for Justices of the Peace to verify their status by submitting relevant documents. The verification process has ended earlier this month. Crown Counsel, at the Attorney General’s Ministry, Briana Williams they intend to regulate the system. Briana Williams – Crown Counsel, Attorney General’s Ministry: “Everybody now will get …

Mexican Senator visits Belize on Mission to End Hunger
A press conference was held at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Belize City this morning. Mexico’s Ambassador to Belize, Carlos Quesnel Melendez; Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education Carol Babb; and representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization all dialogued with Mexican Senator and coordinator for the Parliamentary Front against Hunger in Latin …

Man attacked by killer bees
A Belize City resident was surprised by Africanized bees also known as killer bees early this morning. Leonard Usher Junior who lives at the Corner of Mahogany and Mopan Streets was attacked by a swarm of bees as he stepped out of his yard. Love News spoke with Usher about the incident. Leonard Usher Jr.: “Coming …

CitCo: bobcat still remains missing
Earlier this month, a special audit was conducted by the Belize City Council and it was discovered that three pieces of heavy duty machinery were missing. Following the discovery, the Council made several inquiries including writing the Ministry of Finance trying to locate the equipment. Shortly after, two of the three pieces of equipment were …

NADO says no Urine Sample Testing Until issues clarified
Pitts said NADO is getting support from the National Sports Council for a new office. We also asked him if NADO would appeal the arbitrator’s decision in the Cattouse case. Reporter: The arbitrator said that there is a possibility under the rules that you could appeal as NADO, do you intend to appeal? Dr.Michael Pitts,: …

Man stabbed in Maskall Village
A resident of Maskall Village was stabbed on Sunday night. Police went to the Karl Heuser Memorial Hospital, where they saw twenty year old, Samuel Torres suffering from several stab wounds. ASP Alejandro Cowo briefed the media on what transpired between Torres and his friend. ASP Alejandro Cowo, Officer Commanding Crimes Investigation Branch Belize City: …

Mexico to build New School in Pueblo Viejo
The press conference featuring Senator Hinojosa also provided an opportunity to be updated on another related initiative. Following the model it set with the Escuela Secundaria Técnica México, the Government of Mexico will invest in another school in Belize. This time it will be in the south at Pueblo Viejo Village in the Toledo District. Carlos Quesnel Melendez, Mexico’s Ambassador to Belize says financing will come from the Yucatan Fund and work is expected to start in the next few months…

Canadian woman stabbed in San Pedro
A Canadian woman was stabbed on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Sunday evening. Police say they went to Mora Laguana Resort, located a mile off the North Side of San Pedro, where they saw forty-one year old Christiana Pott, with four stab wounds to the body. ASP Alejandro Cowo explains what occurred on the island in an attempted burglary…

Fatal road traffic accident in Xaibe, Corozal
Virgilio Mena, of Xaibe Village in the Corozal District was found dead by police on Sunday night between mile 74 and 75 on the Philip Goldson Highway. ACP Joseph Myvett shared the details. ACP Joseph Myvette, Head of National Crimes Investigation Branch: “Where they observed the body of a male Hispanic person on the side of the highway with several cut wounds and severe damage to his head. Upon inspection of the scene a bicycle was found some forty feet away from the body…”

Municipal Fair cancelled
The Municipal Fair was introduced by the Belize City Council under the stewardship of UDP’s Mayor Zenaida Mayor in order to engage city residents in activities for September 10th. Now that a PUP council has been elected, the tradition has now come to an abrupt end. Deputy Mayor, Oscar Arnold, said the Tenth of September parade is still on schedule but due to financial constraints the municipal fair that traditionally followed the parade has been cancelled…

Vice President of ASR/BSI speaks on the FAS
In light of the recent controversy that has ensued between cane farmers and the sugar industry, Vice President of International Relations for ASR Mac McLachlan briefed the media today on the issue. He said that all contracts on sugar purchases are shared with all the cane farmers associations therefore enabling them to see what the freight elements are while also providing the final statement on all costs that have been audited…

FIU investigating “spear phishing scams”
In the wake of Belizeans receiving emails that resemble “spear phishing scams”, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has issued an alert for the public to be aware of these scams that are being committed by cyber criminals. Last month, Heritage Bank saw it necessary to close its online services for a short period since its customers were targeted by the scam …

Amandala

Three murders – 1 in Hopkins, 2 in Belmopan
Three murders occurred on Saturday, August 11, in two different localities. First, a misunderstanding between coworkers led to the death of construction worker Marcus Sanchez, 28, a resident of Hope Creek, Stann Creek District, early Saturday morning, August 11. When the Dangriga police found Sanchez, he had a large open wound on the head and a chop wound on the left side of the neck. Sanchez and his assailant were working on a construction site just outside Hopkins, and the two men also lived at a campsite not too far away. According to police, the two men had a dispute, but the nature of that dispute is currently unknown. ACP Joseph Myvette also mentioned that the men were consuming alcohol prior to the incident.

Amandala’s 49 years of dedication to Belize
Today is Amandala’s birthday. Forty-nine years ago, the United Black Association for Development (UBAD) introduced its own newspaper, Amandala, on August 13, 1969. The early editions of Amandala were printed on a Gestetner machine which was bought with money that was donated to Evan X Hyde by one of his Dartmouth professors. Members of UBAD also raised funds through events such as dances and the selling of food. When it first hit the streets, Amandala was nothing but fire, pure and incorruptible fire, challenging the colonial status quo.

Female football referee beaten over red card
Outcries of rage were posted on social media after pictures of Yuri Daniels, 31, with injuries to her face, surfaced on Facebook. According to several posts, Daniels was the referee for a football match between the villages of Concepcíon and San Antonio, and she was punched in the face after she gave a San Antonio player a red card. According to an official police report, Daniels, who is a cook of San Andreas Village was refereeing a match at 5:30 p.m. when she issued a red card to a player, age unknown, for his violent behavior towards other players.

Noewellyn Williams, 44, charged with murder of ex-common-law wife
Noewellyn Williams, 44, a construction worker of Sandhill, was arraigned on a charge of murder when he was brought today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. She explained to him that she would not take a plea from him because the offence for which he was charged is indictable, which means that a plea would only be taken when the matter is committed for trial in the Supreme Court. She also explained to him that she cannot offer him bail because of the nature of the offence, and remanded him into custody until October 16.

Second payment to cane farmers dismally low; questions emerge about transportation costs
On Wednesday, August 1, American Sugar Refinery (ASR) announced that cane farmers in the north would be getting their second payment for the 2017-2018 sugarcane crops. Farmers had already been given an initial payment of $36.02 per ton. ASR subsequently announced that the final price per ton of sugar cane for the season would be $45.47. Depending on the quality of sugar cane delivered, farmers are now expecting to receive an additional $3.81 to $6.34 per ton of sugar cane that was delivered to the factory. That payment by ASR, however, has been the subject of criticism from Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) area representative for the Orange Walk South, who is considered to be the PUP’s shadow minister of agriculture and who is also a cane farmer.

Doing business at Vital Statistics Unit requires a great expenditure of time and patience
The government department that is now known as the Vital Statistics Unit, with its primary function of issuing official birth, death and marriage certificates, has always been under the Judiciary. In fact, there was a time when the office was housed downstairs of the Supreme Court Registry, but as the country’s population continued to grow, more space had to be found to house the office and its expanding staff. Word out of Belmopan last week is that the Vital Statistics Unit will now be under the control of Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte; so too will be the Companies Registry and the office of BELIPO.

BCC/APEX Summer Basketball Tournament concludes with Final Four weekend games at Civic
Youth basketball talent was center stage at the Belize Civic Center over the weekend, as the Belize City Council/APEX Summer Basketball Tournament concluded with Final Four playoff games on Saturday and Sunday for U-12 and U-15 teams. Ten teams each in U-12 and U15 categories had started the regular competition back on July 9, with “North Side” games being played at SJC gym, while “South Side” played at Bird’s Isle. And the Final Four weekend playoff included the top 2 teams in each category from North Side and from South Side playing in knockout semifinals on Saturday, with the winners playing for the championship on Sunday.

FFB condemns referee assault
At a time when we are at a peak of celebrating the accomplishments of our female athletes, it has come to the attention of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) that a female referee, Yuri Daniels, was allegedly assaulted by a player. The incident took place yesterday, August 12, after he was issued a red card. The Federation condemns this despicable act and will not tolerate such behavior. The Football Federation of Belize and the President, Mr. Sergio Chuc, take this opportunity to express that the Federation will not tolerate or encourage violence against women. FFB is in full support of Ms. Daniels and will be sure to provide support and guidance for legal actions to be taken.

Week 2 results in PLB 2018-2019 Opening Season
Three of the four scheduled games were played in Week 2 of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Opening Season over the weekend. The Freedom Fighters FC vs San Pedro Pirates FC game has been postponed to Saturday, September 8, at 8:00 p.m. On Saturday night at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium, defending champion, Belmopan Bandits SC got a 1-nil second half lead through Mexican Hector Martinez (62’), and held on for the 1-nil victory over Verdes FC, who now include former Bandits captain, Elroy Smith, as well as former Bandits midfielder, Honduran Darwin Bermudez in their line-up. It promises to be a treat when these two clash again this season.

Lopsided scores in first leg of National Over-40 semifinals
Game 1 in the best-of-two games semifinal series in the FFB National Over-40 Tournament 2018 was played over the weekend; and it does appear, unless there is a monster upset this weekend, that the semifinal game 1 winners will clash in the finals. Out at the Ambergris Stadium on Saturday night, the San Pedro Veterans crushed the visiting Mango Creek Veterans, 3-nil, to put themselves in a commanding position for game 2 in Independence this coming weekend.

Editorial: Two traumatic tragedies
We would like to comment on two traumatic tragedies which occurred last week in The Jewel. One was the apparent suicide by hanging of a 7-year-old boy in Seine Bight, which is a beautiful seacoast village a few miles north of the more famous Placencia, and the other is the murder, apparently by Belizeans, of Richard Foster, 74, a famous British photographer and filmmaker. More than four decades ago, a teenaged boy, no more than 14 or 15 years old, hanged himself in his home near the corner of King Street and West Canal. There was a dominoes team which used to play competitively called Hillico, or Hillico’s. The team members were almost all senior citizens, including the now centenarian, Gilbert “Bertie” Ellis, Sr. It was a fine team, and the older men had introduced this teenager from the neighbourhood into their team. Their practice sessions were held on the streetside almost in front of the teenager’s home. He was the only youth on the team, and he was an excellent player. We also believe he was attending high school.

From The Publisher
When we describe a Black person as an Uncle Tom (the original “Uncle Tom” being a character in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s 1852 novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin), we mean that that person willingly submits to white supremacy, may actually collaborate with white supremacy, without any public show of regret or reluctance. (In the United States, the feminine equivalent of an Uncle Tom is described as an “Aunt Jemima.”) Over the 49-year history of Amandala (and Monday, August 13, is our 49th anniversary, incidentally,) I have written some things which at the time could have justifiably been described as “radical.” In August of 2018, however, I do not believe that it would be radical to describe a Black person who insists on rejecting the teaching of African and Mayan history to Belize’s children as an Uncle Tom.

So, it was not Sedi’s words
As one who accompanied the Territorial Volunteers’ historic expedition to the Sarstoon Island on Sunday, August 16, 2015, I don’t consider the approach of our present Foreign Affairs Minister in a favorable light where his championing of the cause of Belize versus the Guatemalan claim is concerned. I think he is too nice, to the point of condescending and acquiescing to the Guatemalan efforts to present themselves as the “good guys” and ourselves, Belizeans, as the “bad guys.” Aggressive Guatemalan armed forces and coast guard actions against Belizean citizens in the Sarstoon area are too often overlooked, or treated as minor matters, not warranting a complaint to the international media, even when the opportunity is presented to him at the OAS or UN General Assembly.

Belizeans tu daam suspicious
I spent my childhood in Belize City, my youth in Belmopan, and my adult life has been shared, some years at sea and most years in the countryside. Sports dominated my childhood and youth, up to the eve of my 18th birthday, when I put away my ferocious gene. Work has dominated my adulthood, as that great gift from God has dominated the lives of all fortunate people. I have worked for myself, I have worked for others. I’ve been an employer, I’ve been employed. I haven’t been to all the cays but I’ve been to every city, town, and village in my country. I’m just saying that I have my experiences. My experiences don’t make it gospel when I say that Belizeans are too daam suspicious. But I’ve seen Belize as much as anyone, and it is my opinion. Belizeans would have to suffer from genetic amnesia, if they didn’t harbor a hefty helping of skepticism, suspicion about the world and strangers. Yap, it is natural that Belizeans carry the suspicion gene. Lord knows that our African (slaves) and Mayan ancestors should be wary.

British filmmaker Richard Foster’s alleged killers arraigned
Police’s investigation into the death of award-winning British filmmaker Richard Foster, 74, who was the owner of Savannah Guest House at Mile 28 ½ on George Price Highway, has led to the arrest of three men — Andrew Robert “Pinkie” Clarke, 31, of La Democracia; Derwin Lincoln “Big D” Jones, 26, of Cotton Tree and Harmonyville; and Edmond Anthony Pascascio, 23. They were arraigned on a charge of murder when they appeared today before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser. She explained to them that she would not take a plea from them because the offence for which they were charged is indictable, which means that it can only be tried in the Supreme Court after a preliminary inquiry is held to determine if there is enough evidence to send the case up to the Supreme Court for trial.

Puma Coral Grove Gas Station jacked: 2 arrested
Two gas attendants working at the PUMA Coral Grove Gas Station at Mile 2 on the Philip Goldson Highway were held up and robbed by two bandits who escaped with some cash and a number of cheques. Police who responded to a report about the robbery, chased a car in which two men were traveling, and when they stopped the car, they found a loaded 9mm pistol in the men’s possession. The men were arrested and charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, which were also found in the vehicle.

Corozal branch of Quality Poultry burglarized; over $5,000 stolen
The Corozal Town branch of Quality Poultry Products was burglarized sometime last night by a thief or thieves who got away with $5,000 cash, $500 in gift certificates and about 15 cheques. Police told us that the culprits gained entry into the office by cutting the padlocks on the front shutters of the building, after which they opened the shutters and had easy access into the building, The manager of the Corozal branch of the company told police that at about 5:00 last evening, at the end of the workday, he and the staff locked the building and went home, but when they arrived at their workplace this morning, they found the locks on the shutters cut, and realized that the office had been broken into.

Man saved by police from being chopped up
A Hispanic man was saved from further injury from a machete-wielding man who was attacking him by a policeman who was in the area and saw the attack. The officer fired a warning shot, causing the machete-man to stop. He was then arrested. The incident occurred at about 5:00 Saturday evening near Benny’s apartment complex on the Philip Goldson Highway. Police reported that two men became involved in an altercation that led to a fight. One of the men pulled out a machete and chopped the other man on his right arm, and was about to chop him again when the police officer fired the warning shot.

The Reporter

Darnell Mossiah, ASSAULTED REFEREE, NOW CHARGED & BANNED FOR 5 yrs.
Darnell Mossiah, a football player who two days ago punched referee Yuri Daniels after she issued him a red card during a game, was formally arraigned on a charge of Wounding this morning at the Corozal Magistrate’s Court. He pleaded guilty and was fined $2000. In addition, he has been banned from all National Sport Council stadiums and facilities for five years. The National Sports Council, in a press release issued today, warned that “Any club or organisation who violates this ban in turn may find disciplinary sanctions brought against them.”

EDITORIAL
Belize will have no trouble at all destroying the Guatemalan myth that she inherited and now owns the land in Belize from the Sibun River to the Sarstoon when the case comes up before the ICJ. All we have to do is show that there isa long-standing treaty defining the Belizeborders with Guatemala. . Belize does not have one treaty. We have two. The 1859 Treaty signed between Britainand Guatemala is the first. The Exchange ofNotes, signed on August 26, 1931 is the second.

CITCO BLAMES NICH AFTER MUNICIPAL BRAM CANCELLED
The usual September bram that follows the September Tenth parade every year will not take place this year, and the Belize City Council says it is all the fault of NICH, which cut its September Celebrations budget. Deputy Mayor, Oscar Arnold told reporters today that the city’s budget, which NICH provides to each municipality to carry out their individual calendar of events, was cut this year by 20 percent.

Breaking Belize News

United Women’s Group condemn attack against female referee
Today, the United Women’s group (UWG), the women’s arm of the People’s United Party, issued a […]

CITCO forced to cancel municipal fair due to budget cuts
Today, the Belize City council (CITCO) issued a release clarifying their reasons for the cancellation of […]

Financial intelligence unit informs of fraud alert
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) today informed that it has been made aware of numerous […]

UDP women demand justice for referee who was attacked
The women’s arm of the United Democratic Party (UDP) issued a release today expressing […]

Fair weather to continue
The 24-hour forecast is for mostly fair and warm weather to continue with sunny […]

Over 90,000 Belizeans have re-registered
Today, the Elections and Boundaries Department issued an update on the ongoing 2018 Re-registration […]

Accused Guatemalan murderers may be in Belize
Two Guatemalans accused of kidnapping and murdering a taxi operator and a money changer […]

Blogs

Beachside Caribbean Real Estate Is More Affordable Than You Might Think In Belize
There’s barely been a better time to look at the beachside real estate market in beautiful Belize. Prices have been dropping for the past year or two, making more homes affordable no matter what your budget, whether you intend to rent or buy. And while many prefer to rent (at least at first), another great benefit of Belize is that it allows foreigners to own land and property outright—even beachfront. So, what kind of property can you expect to get, and what can you expect to pay? Here are some examples of homes both for sale and for rent…

Eco Kids Camp 2018 Day 7: Belizean Wildlife & Final Farewell
The Eco Kids Summer Camp has once again come to an end. Thanks, Chaa Creek, for once again sponsoring an amazingly educational Summer camp! "What an incredible a week of camp we've had. Huge thank you to everyone who contributed towards the success of Eco Kids camp 2018, until next time! Bringing along birds that classify as raptors, you can bet that sharp claws, giant wings and menacing eyes instantly got everyone’s attention. Getting the chance to touch and hold wings and Taxidermied birds, excitement quickly filled the air. Another topic of conversation that morning was the epic ECOLYMPICS!

This Gorgeous District is Belize's Most Overlooked Destination
Located far in the southern part of the country, Toledo District is the least visited of Belize's six districts. Yet this lovely stretch of lush rainforests and coastal lowland plains between Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea has a lot to offer for visitors. Toledo District is sparsely populated, home to around 10% of the people in Belize, but it is where a variety of different cultures can be found, including many of the living descendants of the ancient Maya people who built the cities of Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit. Other cultures represented in Toledo District include Mennonite farmers, Mestizos, Creoles, Garifuna, East Indians, and descendants of a band of Confederate soldiers who emigrated here following the American Civil War. Toledo District is primarily an agricultural district. Cacao, the base ingredient for chocolate, has been grown in Toledo for thousands of years. Today, chocolatiers such as Ixcaca, T'Chil, and Green & Black continue this rich tradition, producing fine chocolate products that are exported around the world. Many cacao farms host tours and workshops where visitors can learn to make their own chocolate.

The Importance of The Battle of St. George's Caye Day
Every year on September 10, the nation of Belize celebrates a brief encounter at sea in 1798 that forever changed the course of history in Central America. With no gold reserves and a mainland composed primarily of thick jungle and rainforest, Belize was only sporadically occupied by Spanish forces in the 17th century. A combination of the tropical climate and a fiercely resistant Maya population resisted colonization. The first European settlers were primarily loggers and former pirates from England who inhabited the coastal region. Beginning on September 3, a doughty band of English loggers with maritime support from a small British fleet based out of Jamaica took on the Spanish in the waters around St. George'sCaye, an island located just a few miles offshore from modern-day Belize City. Despite overwhelming navel superiority, the British prevailed on September 10, 1798, in the Battle of St. George's Caye, and Belize remained a British colony known as British Honduras until 1974. Today, Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America directly as a result of that historic naval battle.

Why Every Traveler Should Go Ziplining in Belize
What is zip lining? In its simplest form, it is the closest thing that most people will ever get to flying. Guided by sturdy steel cables attached to trees, participants "zip" through the jungle canopy, a unique opportunity to see the environment from a truly bird's eye perspective. Climbing up to the first platform and then stepping off into the unknown is guaranteed to get your heart racing, but zip lining is actually one of the safest activities that you can enjoy in the jungle. Securely fastened to a harness and sailing along a thick steel cable eliminates all of the risks but absolutely none of the fun. There's simply nothing comparable to feeling the wind rush in your hair as you let gravity carry you along at high speed through the air.

Decoding the Secrets of the Belize ATM Cave
One of the most mysterious archeological sites on the planet is located deep within the jungles of Belize. Now known as Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, this vast underground labyrinth was abandoned and forgotten about for more than 1,000 years. Only accidentally rediscovered in the 1980s, the cave is proving to be a treasure trove of information not just about the ancient Maya but also about climate change. It's easy to see why the Spanish and other European colonizers failed to find ATM Cave. The only way to get in is to swim across a spring-fed pool, navigate an underground river, and descend more than 400 meters (a quarter of a mile) beneath the surface. But once inside, a grand treasure revealed itself, an enormous stone sepulcher carved by ancient Maya priests out of the natural rock.

Fascinating Facts About the Lost City of Xunantunich
Thousands of years ago, the Maya empire stretched from Mexico in the north down to El Salvador in the south. They built enormous stone cities in the middle of the jungle, only to abandon them around the year 900 AD for reasons still unknown to modern archeologists. One of the largest Maya cities ever built, now called Xunantunich, was lost for centuries until it was discovered by accident when a villager in Belize came across a ghost of an ancient Maya maiden in the 1890s. At the time, Belize was still a British colony, and so an expedition set out from the capital to explore the villager's stories. They then discovered the site of Xunantunich, a Maya term meaning "stone woman". Xunantunich is unique in that it is the oldest continuously excavated Maya site in the country. One of the biggest and most impressive Maya buildings ever found was discovered in Xunantunich. Known as "El Castillo" (The Castle), it is covered in elaborately carved friezes, and remains the second-tallest tallest man-made structures in Belize. One of the figures carved on El Castillo is a three-dimensional seated person that may be the woman that the villager saw when he stumbled upon the site.

Is Belize A “Top Spot” For Retirees? Come See For Yourself
Of course, Belize has been on the retirement radar for years now, with the success stories of retirees who made the move inspiring others to consider it for themselves. And with the Belize government’s Qualified Retired Person’s program offering generous incentives such as exemption from “the payment of all taxes and duties on all income or receipts which accrue to him or her from a source outside of Belize,” moving to Belize sounds more attractive all the time. The close proximity to North America – and by extension, the UK and Europe – combined with an increase in the number of airlines and routes servicing Belize, makes getting back and forth and keeping in touch with family and friends easier than ever. And something about living in a tropical paradise makes visiting grandma and grandpa even more attractive.

Belize Banking and ATM Fees
Some ATM operators apply a surcharge (or convenience fee) to use their banking machine if you do not have an account with their financial institution. The banking machine notifies you when they apply a convenience fee. The notice will appear on the screen before you complete your transaction, giving you the choice to proceed or not. This convenience fee is not a fee from your bank, but rather from the bank that provides the terminal. (All fees listed below are in Belize currency – unless otherwise stated.)

International Sources

Scuba Diving Magazine's 2018 Underwater Photo Contest Winners
The underwater photo contest continues to be one of our favorite issues to produce here at Scuba Diving magazine. With this year's reader photo contest, you've done it again — completely blown us away. For the 14th year, we've asked underwater photographers of all skill levels to submit their best work to the Through Your Lens photography competition, and we marvel at how many beautiful images you all have shared. Pick a photo —any photo — and it could have been a contender; imagine how we felt trying to narrow them down from more than 2,100 entries to the dozen or so winners you see here.

Hayfield Spanish students experience Belize culture
This past June ten Hayfield Spanish students traveled to Belize to experience the Mayan culture, learn from the local Belizeans, and speak a little Spanish. The students, along with two Moms and their teacher, flew from Minneapolis to Dallas and finally to Belize City. The first two nights were spent in the Lamanai region of Belize where we took a boat ride to the Lamanai Ruins, saw lots of wildlife, played soccer with neighboring villagers, drank from coconuts and helped local researchers catch crocodiles. We then traveled by bus to San Ignacio where we learned survival skills in the rainforest. Though we learned what foods a person can and cannot eat in the wild, we did not fare so well against the bugs and were eaten alive!

Sanibel Sea School hosts expedition to Belize
Sanibel Sea School campers recently embarked on a 10-day expedition to Belize. Participants ages 15-18 spent three days in the rainforest before venturing to a field station on South Water Caye to explore the Belize Barrier Reef and its surrounding habitats. Belize is a small Caribbean nation in Central America. Upon arrival, the group boarded a bus for the six-hour ride to Blue Creek, a small Mayan village near the country's southern border. They stayed in rustic accommodations and learned about the plants, animals and people that call the area home. "A local shaman led us on a hike through the forest and showed us the plants traditionally used to treat different ailments, such as snake bites, dizziness and fever," Emily Roudebush said.

Belize adventure inspires APA teacher
From jaguars to Mayan ruins to stargazing on a tropical island, Parrott Academy teacher Karen Barker joined 11 other intrepid science teachers for a week-long Tropical Ecology Institute in Belize. Sponsored by the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, this institute immersed A.P. Environmental Science teacher Barker in the ecology of the tropics. Accompanied by two Belize educators, Barker and her colleagues were able to snorkel on one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. Canoeing down the Macal River, they observed a variety of tropical plants and animals. One night was spent in a jaguar preserve, created in 1984 as a model of conservation management for the large cats native to Belize. “We also visited the Belize Zoo and were honored to meet Sharon Matola, the zoo’s founder, who took us on a special director’s tour of the facility,” Barker commented.

Videos

August 14, 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

Miss Universe Belize 2018 Contestants tour Ambergris Caye
The Miss Universe Belize 2018 pageant will see the 11 girls competing in three segments: introduction, swimsuit and evening gown. Thereafter, only the top five girls will advance to question and answer segment. The questions are created based on the biography each girl submitted at the beginning of the competition. The top the three girls will then move to a final question and answer round, which will determine who the next Miss Universe Belize 2018 will be. In addition to competing in the Miss Universe pageant, the new Miss Universe Belize will also have the opportunity to travel around Belize working with different charities and will take part in a media tour both in the country and the United States. She will further receive a scholarship to The University of Belize. Belize was last represented at the Miss Universe pageant in 2016 by the vivacious Rebecca Rath.

Strengthening Belize’s Oil Spill Response Capabilities
To discuss Belize’s National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, representatives from various Government and Non-Governmental Organizations, Private Sector, and Academia associated with Disaster Risk Management and Oil Spill Response, engaged in a meeting at the Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina in Belize City from Wednesday, August 8th to 10th. 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.

Ambergris Today

Pic Of The Week - 2nd Annual Grand Caribe Deep Sea Classic
Grand Caribe Belize was the host of the 2nd Annual Deep Sea Classic Fishing Tournament, where a total of 29 registered boats participated on the three day event from August 10 to the 12. The tournament has quickly become an island favorite due to its $50,000, plus, in cash prizes that includes a $17,000 first prize payout. The winners for the 2nd Annual Deep Sea Classic Fishing Tournament 2018 are:

Fishermen Caught With Out-Of-Season Conch On Long Caye, Lighthouse Reef Atoll
On August 9th and 10th, 2018 a joint enforcement operation with Belize Audubon Society, Belize Coast Guard, Belize Fisheries Department, and Belize Police Department resulted in seven (7) fishermen found in possession of 614 market-cleaned conchs. These men will be charged for Possession of Conch during the Closed Season. Their fishing vessel and its subsequent equipment have since been confiscated.

Misc Belizean Sources

Aeromexico announces new flight to Belize
Aeromexico, Mexico’s global airline, today announced the start of a seasonal twice a week nonstop flight to Belize starting on November 17th to April 28th making it the first major Mexican commercial airline to offer such service to the country of Belize. Aeromexico’s flight 67 will be on Saturdays and Sundays. It will depart Mexico at 8:30 am and will arrive at the Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport at 10:30 am. It will depart Belize at 12:00 and arrive in Mexico at 2:25 pm. “Mexico is a fast growing market for Belize and therefore we welcome Aeromexico’s new flight as it will highly facilitate the movement of people between both neighboring countries. Belize is a country of countless attributes. Its cultural and natural wealth is virtually unmatched. Its indigenous lineage and multiple ethnic groups, excellent cuisine and friendly people, and the many historical attractions, festivals and natural wonders all makes Belize a perfect Destination, which Mexicans will surely enjoy,” said Mrs. Karen Bevans, BTB’s Director of Tourism.

The winners for the 2nd Annual Deep Sea Classic Fishing Tournament 2018
DAY 3! What an exciting weekend! Another successful tournament! Congratulations to the crew from Noh Worry Bout Notin and all the others who participated! We look forward to having you join us again next year! Its gonna be bigger, better and more exciting! The winners for the 2nd Annual Deep Sea Classic Fishing Tournament 2018 are: 1st Place - Nuh Worry Bout Notin. 2nd Place - Knotty Pirate. 3rd Place - As You Wish (Tarpon Caye Lodge). 4th Place - Trophy Hunter. 5th Place - Seaductress. Great job guys!

Power outage scheduled from 8:00am to 12:00midday on Thursday, August 16 to affect entire Placencia Peninsula
Including Placencia Village and surrounding areas, Plantation, Forest Lagoon Estate, Coconut Walk Drive, Poinciana Drive, Maya Beach, Cocoplum Development, Surfside Development, Seine Bight, and portion of Independence Village which includes Noralez Area, Malacate and Savannah Road. BEL to relocate high voltage power lines and remove hazardous vegetation in the area.

RENE R. VILLANUEVA, Ph.D. RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS UBNI AWARD AT ANNUAL GALA
Congratulations to the Chief! Rene Villanueva, we are so proud of you! Huge congrats to all the awardees and scholarship recipients! Keep making Belize proud and keep strengthening the ties between our two countries! Veteran Belizean broadcaster Dr. Rene Villanueva accepted the Distinguished Person of the Year Award on Saturday at a Gala hosted by the United Belizeans of Northern Illinois (UBNI). Celebrating their 8th Annual Awards and Scholarship Gala at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Gurnee, Illinois, the non-profit 40- member organization toasted three awardees and thirteen scholarship recipients.

Maureen Navarrete: Young Belizean Entrepreneur for August!
For the month of August, we are excited to feature Maureen Navarrete as our Young Belizean Entrepreneur! Maureen comes from a family of talented artists and seamstresses. She learned a lot from her grandmother, who was adopted as a child, by one of Belize's top designers and seamstresses, the Haylock sisters. She grew up to love designing and sewing. Maureen did not only become a very good seamstress but a fashion designer, who creates eye catching trends. Maureen's unique designs have given her opportunities to participate in various fashion shows throughout Belize over the past years. She is well known for her resort wears, bridal gowns, bouquets and baby attires.

RELIGION ENEMY OF MY CULTURE
I am a Maya teacher in my village. One of the things I teach is about our culture and traditions. Having been in the cultural field and a cultural enthusiast for decades, I now firmly believe that RELIGION is the most destructive force on our Maya culture in my lifetime. Understand that I come from a family that valued our traditions and was proud of our culture. My grandfather taught my father, he taught me and my siblings, and we have tried to teach our children. It is a much more difficult task today than it was when I was a boy. But what does Maya culture mean? Our Tradition & Culture teaches our children Survival, Respect, Dignity, Appreciation, Love and Togetherness. Maya culture is taught to us by our parents and elders, and it takes many years to fully understand our traditions. They include our attitude to our world, our village, the rain forest, our family, our community. It is our food, our marimba music and dance, our traditional dress and our celebrations. We have traditions for birth, marriage, raising children, looking after our elders and death. We have special ceremonies that ask our God for help and thank Him when he provides it.

Caye Caulker Water Outage
BWS Notice: Planned water interruption to the entire Caye Caulker from 6pm August 14th until 6am August 15.

Robotics challenge in Mexico City
Youths from Ocean Academy and Belize High School head to the robotics challenge in Mexico City.

National Championship Regatta BIZ18
September 8 – September 9 Sep 8 at 1 PM to Sep 9 at 4 PM. Caye Caulker, Belize. Hosted by Belize Sailing Association (BzSA)

Motorcade through the streets of Belize City! Congratulations!!!
Organized by Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture and National Sports Council of Belize.

SMART Health Facility Project – Town Hall Meetings
he Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), with sponsorship from the Department of International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom, are hosting town hall meetings at various locations across the country in order to obtain feedback from the public with regards to the retrofitting of various health facilities. The retrofitting of these facilities is a part of the PAHO/DFID SMART Hospital Project that is presently ongoing in various Caribbean countries and is being implemented independently in various countries in the Latin America and the Caribbean.

Air Quality Monitoring Training
The Department of the Environment (DOE) is entrusted with the protection of Belize’s environment from all sources of pollution, land, water, air and noise. As Belize develops, the risk/threat of air pollution increases. Being mindful of this, the DOE has been implementing various activities to reduce these threats and has recently contracted a consultant to strengthen the capacity of Belize’s air quality monitoring capabilities. The consultant will review and interpret air quality dataset from Belize, prepare a national air quality monitoring programme, and train government, nongovernment, tertiary level educators, and private sector personnel on air quality monitoring principles.

GOB's Controlled Pump Prices (Belize City)
Effective Date: 14th August 2018

Common Alerting Protocol Jump Start Workshop Commences
inister of National Emergency Management Hon Edmond Castro delivered the keynote address at Official Opening Ceremonies for the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) Jump-Start Workshop, which started this morning, August 13, at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City. In his address, Hon Castro emphasized the importance of providing timely and accurate information to our people, particularly those who are most vulnerable to the effects of disasters. He thanked everyone attending the workshop, including those from government departments, non-government agencies and the media, saying they all have a key role to play in disaster management and risk reduction.

Corozal BirdWatch Today
Join Us! Mangrove Park, 7:15am. August 14th.

CONCACAF UNDER 15: Dominica loses its final game to Belize in overtime.
In its fourth and final game of the 2018 Girls U-15 Concacaf champion tournament at the IMG grounds in Bradenton, Florida, Dominica went down 2-1 to Belize in overtime. The Dominicans started the game with high energy and in the 24th minute, Alanna Finn flipped a short pass to Starr Humphreys to score the game’s first goal and to put the Dominicans ahead. The Dominican defense played an excellent game causing the Belize strikers to being trapped outside on numerous occasions. In the 26th minute, the Belizeans almost equalized after a free kick hit the Dominican goal cross bar and was cleared out of danger. But the Belizean strikers kept knocking at the door of the Nature Island’s goal. Their hard work paid off for in the 36th minute they banged one in from the right flank outside the penalty box.

Belmopan Day Celebrations
Sunday was International Youth Day and Belmopan Day, and the DYS celebrated both with their information booth. Happy 48th anniversary, Belmopan! "Happy International Youth Day! The Department of Youth Services continued #youthday celebrations at Belmopan Day by giving out prizes and information on all of our units, as well as the World Youth Conference 2017 that we hosted. Thanks to everyone who visited our booth today! We enjoyed meeting all of you"

FCD’s researchers met with Guatemalan and Mexican conservationists
To outline a long term regional strategy to conserve and manage scarlet macaws.

Chiquibul Junior Ranger Summer Camp
A first of its kind!!! If you have a son or daughter keen on the ranger program, this is the opportunity. Write us at fcd@btl.net for further information. Spaces are very limited.

Amazing achievements of 4 UB interns who have worked with Ya’axché over the last 7 weeks
Monica and Amilcar took up the challenge of censusing 1249 trees in two permanent sample plots in the Bladen Nature Reserve. They worked closely with Ya’axché’s research and monitoring rangers to measure and map the location of every single tree. Also critically important was their assistance with organizing and storing the data for future censuses. The data they collected helps us understand, among other things, how tree species diversity and distribution in Belize’s “crown jewel” are changing over time. Carrie was instrumental in collating information on farmer extension support in order to develop a database that facilitates the creation of farmer profiles under the Community Outreach and Livelihoods program. The creation of this database assists Ya’axché in monitoring our impact and management effectiveness under this program.

Channel 7

“With Friends Like These”...Teenager Killed at a Bar Near Salvapan Home
A 19 year old was killed in Salvapan this weekend. Franklin Tut was out at a bar on Saturday night when another teenager who he thought was a friend cut his throat. It was a gruesome end for a young man. Courtney Weatherburne went looking for answers this weekend. Here's her story. Rosa Tut and her son Franklin would normally sit here and talk. Now she sits alone on her veranda, wishing he was there. Franklin was killed last night at Mary’s bar in Salvapan – right up the street from his home. He had just spoken to his mom a few minutes before. Rosa Tut - Mother: "I told him don’t go anywhere but I saw he was all dressed up and once he is all dressed up it means he is going out but no, he still went. I was just laying down when I see the other little boy came and said they stab Franklin."

Hope Creek Construction Worker Murdered on the Job
A Hope Creek construction worker also died a gruesome death over the weekend. 27 year old Marcos Sanches was drinking at an after work get together with co-workers. But that later led to him being bludgeoned to death. Courtney Weatherburne has the story. It doesn’t look like anyone could get a good night’s rest out here but Marcos Sanches made the best of it for the sake of his job. He and his fellow construction workers were building this house off the Hopkins Road. But his camp site became the spot where he took his last breath. He was killed sometime between Friday night and early Saturday morning. According to information, Sanches, his co-workers and their contractor were all hanging out at the site on Friday night. But things went terribly wrong when everyone went home – leaving Sanches and another co-worker alone:

Police on the Look-out for Construction Site Slayer
And police confirmed the details of the Hopkins murder and included that Sanches was also chopped to the neck. Police are also looking for a named suspect. ACP Joseph Myvett - Head, NCIB: "Initial police investigation revealed that the deceased was in the company of another male person on a construction site where they apparently had some misunderstanding where upon the deceased suffered these injuries." Daniel Ortiz: "Is this person the main suspect?" ACP Joseph Myvett: "Yes this is a main suspect and he has been named."

Ronnie Blades Took a Blade to the Neck in Belmopan
And back to Belmopan, hours before Franklin Tut’s throat was slashed, 32 year old Ronnie Daly was stabbed to the neck on Roseapple Street in Belmopan. Information is that Daly was with two other guys in a vehicle when a man called out to him. When Daly went to greet him, the man stabbed him in his neck. Here is more from police. ACP Joseph Myvett - Head, NCIB: "Shortly before 7:00 PM on Saturday the 11th of August Belmopan police was called to the Western Regional Hospital where they observed the lifeless body of a male person later identified as Ronnie Daly 32 years of Cotton Tree village with an apparent stab wound on the right side of this neck..."

Justice for Slain British Film Maker Richard Foster
Last week Friday, you heard Deputy Police Commissioner Chester Williams say that police investigators were hot on the trail of the men who they believe brutally killed the 74 year-old British Filmmaker, Richard Foster. Well police have charged 3 men for his murder. There is also a fourth man who is facing burglary charges for breaking into Foster’s home. We will tell you all about him a little later. But first, here’s what police had to say this afternoon at their bi-weekly press conference about the 3 men who they believe were Foster’s attackers: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "The Richard Foster’s murder police has since arrested and charged Andrew Clarke 31 years and Derwin Jones 26 years both for the crime of murder and abetment to murder. There's one more person in custody on Edmond Pascacio who will be charged later today in respect to that same murder."

Killer Ex-Boyfriend Noewillin Williams Charged for Murder
Also, our headline story for last week Friday’s newscast was the fatal stabbing of 33 year-old Roxanne Pop. She was killed by her ex-common-law husband in what appears to be a fit of jealous rage, and tonight, he’s at the Belize Central Prison. As we told you, he’s 44 year-old Noewelin Williams, a construction worker from Sand Hill Village, and he was arraigned today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. Again, since he is charged with murder, no plea was taken from him, and he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until October 22nd. As we reported, at around 7 p.m. on last week Tuesday, Pop and Williams were at the Boulevard Plaza on Central American Boulevard. They had just ordered food, and Pop’s family says that this was not a couple’s outing. Williams invited her out to have a conversation, in which he was attempting to convince her to get back with him.

No happy hour for Independence Cop, Officer Moreira busted with Contraband Beer
A police constable was caught with contraband beers near the western border yesterday. At around 6:30 p.m., Benque officers received information that a white pick-up truck was on the move. So, the officers set up an operation to intercept the vehicle in Succotz village. They did, and that’s when they realized that Constable Godfrey Moreira, an officer attached to the Intermediate Southern Formation in Independence, was the driver. They searched the vehicle and found 15 cases of contraband beers: 3 cases of Modelo, 3 cases of Tecate, 3 cases of Dorado, and 6 cases of Brava. The cops believe that he had only just left Arenal. Arenal is that village in the Cayo District that is famous for sitting on the Belize/Guatemala border.  The officer, the vehicle and the beers were all escorted to the Benque Police Station, and the case was handed over to the Customs Department. Today, when we brought up the case with police at their press conference, they were brief:

Eugene Henderson Passes Two Months After Bullet Blast to the Head
On June 9th, 22 year old Eugene Henderson Jr. was shot to the head at his aunt’s Roaring Creek home. Miraculously, he survived. He fought hard to try to stay alive but he had no more left in him. Henderson died on Friday night after 9:00. It was devastating for his family because they really believed he would have recovered. This morning we spoke to his mom about how it has been these past 2 months and about the shock of his death. Sherilee Twist - Mother: "Well from the day he was in the ICU, we visit him every day and see him there. He was in an induced coma. He was like just there and we visit him, talk with him. I go there every day I sing with him and I pray, I pray and pray until they said okay they will move him to the surgical ward and that is when we started to see progress in him because the doctor was telling us that is it a 50/50 chance that maybe he will regain consciousness or maybe he won’t regain consciousness..."

Full Force Ahead: Cyclist Brandon Cattouse Vindicated
Cyclist Brandon Cattouse was in hot water a few months ago when his urine sample tested positive for a banned substance known as EPO. The sample was collected after this year’s Valentine Classic. Cattouse was suspended by the Cycling Federation on the order of the National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) and the matter went to arbitration under Panama-based attorney Alberto Yelmo Bravo. Well, the result of the case is back and Cattouse is in the clear, so to speak. That’s because the doping control officer who administered the test, Dr. Michael Pitts, stored the sample in his refrigerator at home for four days before sending it to the UCLA lab in California. That result, Bravo ruled, goes against international standards for storing such samples. So Cattouse and his attorney Hector Guerra of Marine Parade Chambers take it as full vindication as Brandon maintains that he is drug-free. They held a press conference this afternoon and 7 News was there.

More Bloody Beef Between Friends
At the top of the newscast, we told you about the weekend’s stabbing murders. Well, there was another stabbing last night but this time in Maskall Village. Fortunately, the victim survived, and is expected to make a full recovery. He’s 20 year-old Maskall resident Samuel Torres. Police say that his friend attacked him. Apparently they had a disagreement that turned turned violent: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "Last night 10:50, police visited the KHMH where they observed one Samuel Torres, a 20 year old Belizean of Maskall Village suffering from two apparent stab wounds to the left side of his chest. He was upgraded to a stable condition, he's still there and what police has gathered so far is that some time about 8 in the night he was walking on Kiskidee Street in the Maskall Village where he was met by a friend that he knows where an exchange of words began and as a result a fight ensued between them where the friend unfortunately stabbed him twice to the left side of this chest."

Man Dies After Hit and Run
Police are also investigating a hit-and-run in Corozal that claimed the life of a  Xaibe villager. Last night, the cops were called out to an area between miles 74 and 75 of the Philip Goldson Highway, and that’s when they found the body of a man and a damaged bicycle.  Investigators don’t have much details about the case as yet, and today, they shared what they’ve been able to establish so far: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On yesterday’s date around 9 PM Corozal police visited an area between mile 74 and 75 on the Phillip Goldson Highway where they observed the body of a male hispanic person on the side of the highway with several cut wounds and severe damages to his head. Upon inspection of the scene a bicycle was found some 40 feet away from the body. The body has since been identified today as that of Vehelio Mena of Xaibe village - no other particulars for him as yet. Police are conducting an investigation into this matter, we are following several leads but so far no arrest has been made."

Tourist Terrorized By Knife Toting Thief 41 year-old Canadian Christina Pott is very fortunate to be alive after a burglar broke into her room and stabbed her 4 times.Pott was staying at a resort on San Pedro. It is not certain at this time if her attacker was attempting to steal her belongings, but she woke up to this knife wielding assailant who was standing in the bedroom beside her. Here’s what police had to say today about the incident today: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "The aggravated burglary happened on Sunday the 12th of August sometime after 4:30 PM. San Pedro Police responded to Mora Laguna Resort which is located about a mile off San Pedro, the north side and upon arrival they met a female by the name of Christina Adrianna Pott; 41 years old Canadian domestic, she was observed with 4 apparent stab wounds to the body. She was taken to the Polyclinic where she was admitted and she was just discharged this morning and her injuries were classified as grievous harm..."

Armed Guatemalan Caught in Caracol
A Guatemalan national was caught by law enforcement in the Caracol Archaeological Reserve over the weekend. It was in a part of the forest reserve that often attracts illegal activities that the conservationists try to prevent, and he caught the attention of the rangers who spotted him because he was armed with a loaded rifle.  Police told us more today about the detention of 27 year-old Jaime Calderon: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On Saturday the 11th of August, first rangers handed over to San Ignacio police one Jaime Calderon, 27 years Guatemalan and our investigation revealed that Calderon was inside Belize's territory in the Caracol area and at the time was armed with a 22 rifle which was loaded with 5 rounds of ammunition..."

Making Public Disaster Alerts More Effective
At the start of the hurricane season, those “June to November” commercials and public advisories on disaster preparedness may get tiring and redundant. But NEMO Minister Edmond Castro and his team say there can never be too much information when it comes to protecting lives during emergencies. So today the National Met Office and US-AID among other partners launched what’s called the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP). It is a system that will get more information out to the public in a timelier manner. Here is more from the jump- start CAP workshop. Hon. Edmond Castro - NEMO Minister: "It is basically an alert system. It's a system that will enhance our ability to inform out people nationwide throughout the country especially the most vulnerable. Io I think it is about time that we here in Belize get on-board in this world alert system and we will be able to improve on what we already been doing in our country."

Barbering for a Better Life
15 boys from different areas of the Southside are training to be barbers. Sr. Supt. Howell Gillett teamed up with Belmopan barber Nicholas Ara from Z’s barbershop and Winston “Brick City” Harris. It is a weeklong training and we dropped by today at the Princess Hotel to find out how barbering can make a difference in the lives of these young men. Sr. Supt Howell Gillett - Southside Commander: "When we go around the different neighbourhoods we find out that part of the crime problem that currently exists in the city has to do with young people not being employed, meaning young people 13, 14 up to 20 doing nothing during the day and that itself breathes crime. So these young people will learn in this week how to do a haircut and they will go on, we will try to help them open their own business, to be self-employed. I believe it will help in some way with the crime situation.

Belize Girls Football Team Represent in Florida
10 days ago, the Belize national U-15 football team left for Bradenton, Florida. They competed in the CONCACAF Girls Championship tournament. That tournament ran from August 6th to the 11th, and while they were away, the Baby Jaguars played 4 matches.  In the first game against St. Kitts and Nevis, team Belize was defeated by St. Kitts and Nevis with a final score of 4 to 3. In the second game against Martinique, the U-15 girls lost by a bigger margin of 3-nil, but by the third game, they were able to make a strong showing, defeating the US Virgin Islands with a final score of 4 to zero.

Belize Honors Volleyball Girls For Silver Win
Today was a day of celebration for the National Women’s Volleyball Team. Last week they made Belize proud after a monumental upset against Costa Rica, followed by a nail-biting victory against Guatemala, ultimately securing second place in the Central American Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship – right on our home court at the Belize Civic Center. This afternoon, the National Sports Council and Government of Belize hosted a motorcade in their honor. Here is more from that celebration.

Red Card, Busted Lip
And while those women volleyballers have set an inspiring example, one male footballer showed himself as a bully and a brute when he punched a female referee. It happened yesterday in the Corozal District when Yuri Daniels was officiating a game between Concepción and San Antonio.   She issued a red card to player Darnel Mossiah.  He didn’t like it and assaulted her, leaving the ref with this ugly facial injury. The FFB today issued a release saying, quote, “The Football Federation of Belize and the President, Mr. Sergio Chuc, take this opportunity to express that the Federation will not tolerate or encourage violence against women.

A New Opening in the Skies
Aeromexico, Mexico’s global airline, has announced that that it will start making direct flights to Belize. The BTB says that Aeromexico is the first major commercial airline from out of Mexico to offer such a service to Belize. When the flights start on November 17, 2018, it will be available twice a week on Saturday’s and Sundays. That’s the tourism high season, and those twice-a-week flights will continue until April 28th of next year. Karen Bevans, the BTB’s Director of Tourism, told us via telephone today that since the service is new, Aeromexico and the BTB are doing a joint marketing effort to see if they can generate interest in regular tourist traffic out of Mexico.

Gratitude for Garden City
The City of Belmopan turned 48th this weekend. There was a big celebration on Saturday at the Mae Gordon Park. There were a number of booths for established business, car dealerships as well as up and coming businesses. And of course there was loads of entertainment, even a greasy pole competition.

Channel 5

Hope Creek Resident Bludgeoned to Death at Construction Site in Hopkins
It was a bloody weekend across the country, with four murders recorded in three districts. Two persons were killed in separate stabbing incidents in Belmopan, a man was bludgeoned to [...]

Cotton Tree Villager Fatally Stabbed in Belmopan
There were two murders in Belmopan on Saturday night. Both victims were stabbed to the neck and later succumbed at the Western Regional Hospital. The first fatal stabbing happened on [...]

Argument between Friends Results in Fatal Stabbing in Salvapan, Belmopan
A little less than five hours later, nineteen-year-old Franklin Tut became the second victim to be fatally stabbed in Belmopan on Saturday night. It happened sometime before midnight inside Mary’s [...]

Eugene Henderson Jr. Succumbs to Gunshot Injury 2 Months Later
He was shot two months ago and ever since then, Eugene Henderson Junior has been fighting for his life.  Henderson Junior was given a fifty percent chance of survival; he [...]

4 Arraigned in Connection with the Murder of Richard Foster
There is an update to the murder of Richard Foster. The seventy-four-year-old British filmmaker, who made Belize his home forty years ago, was taken from his home at the Savannah [...]

Xaibe Villager is Victim of Fatal Hit and Run
A man was knocked down and killed along the Philip Goldson Highway over the weekend. Police say it was a hit and run that claimed the life of Virgilio Mena [...]

Police Constable Busted with 15 Cases of Contraband Beers
A police constable is facing criminal and disciplinary charges after he was found with a stash of contraband beers. Benque Viejo Police were conducting a vehicular checkpoint around five on [...]

Guatemalan Caught Inside the Chiquibul with Unlicensed Firearm & Ammunition
A Guatemalan national has been charged for having unlicensed firearm and ammunition in his possession. Police say that forest rangers discovered the Guatemalan inside Belize’s territory somewhere near the Caracol [...]

Canadian Woman Stabbed by Hotel Room Intruder
A Canadian woman was stabbed four times on Sunday around four-thirty p.m. in San Pedro. According to police, Christina Pott was asleep inside a hotel room on the north end [...]

Argument Ends with Stabbing in Maskall
An argument between two friends on Sunday night in Maskall Village has left one man hospitalized. Police say that sometime before eleven o’clock, Samuel Torres was walking in the village [...]

NEMO Minister Says Help for San Pedro Fire Victims Continues to Trickle In
Victims of the August fifth inferno which decimated ten homes in San Pedro, leaving eighty-seven residents displaced, are preparing to commence the rebuilding process.  It is expected that persons who [...]

Brandon Cattouse Is Ready to Ride Again
Popular Belizean athlete Brandon Cattouse, an elite rider, is free to participate in all sanctioned events hosted by the Belize Cycling Federation after his suspension was lifted on Friday.  The [...]

NADO’s Urine Sample – A Gross Departure from International Standards
Attorney Hector Guerra outlines the personal circumstances and experiences that Cattouse faced in light of the suspension.  According to Guerra, the steps that were taken by the National Anti Doping [...]

NADO Has Nada for an Office and Sample Storage
According to Guerra, NADO, which is represented by former Director of Health Services, Doctor Michael Pitts, is short of basic resources for storing specimen collected from athletes.  The operation of [...]

Teachers Learn New Strategies for Students to Learn How to Read and Write
The Ministry of Education is hosting a four-day literacy training for teachers from underperforming schools in Belize City, Stann Creek and Toledo.  The purpose of the workshop is to equip [...]

MoE to Include Families in Literacy Campaign
Doctor Rose Bradley was also asked why students are still struggling with reading and writing in the primary school classrooms. She says that a number of factors are at play, [...]

NEMO Introduces New Common Alerting Protocol
The importance of providing timely and accurate information, particularly to those most vulnerable to the effects of disasters, is not lost on the National Emergency Management Organization.  Earlier today, government [...]

Female Volleyball Team Celebrates Win in Style
The National Women’s Volleyball Selection is still riding the crest of a stellar performance at this year’s Regional Volleyball Championships.  Earlier today, the girl’s, their coaching staff and their fans [...]

A Female Referee is Viciously Attacked On-field by a Football Player
A female referee was physically assaulted by a football player on Sunday evening in the Corozal District where she was officiating a match between San Antonio and Concepcion Village.  According [...]

An Update in Sporting Activities across the Country
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   [Highlights of the weekend sporting activities...]

LOVE FM

Police found with contraband beer
The police had made quick breaks in the Foster case in the west and some daylight robberies in Belize City. And though we may commend the department for the quick response, some police officers don’t respect the law. Yesterday, the police were stationed at a checkpoint in Succotz Village in the Cayo District. According to …

Bowen & Bowen funded $94K in scholarships
Bowen and Bowen handed out twenty-one scholarships at its fourth annual awards ceremony. The twenty-one awards included ten secondary level scholarships, ten tertiary level scholarships, and one vocational level scholarship. The recipients were selected from among Bowen and Bowen employees’ children. Michael Bowen, the Chief Executive Officer, addressed the students and their parents at the …

Motorcade honoring Belize Female Volleyball Team
A celebratory motorcade went through the streets of Belize this afternoon as Belizeans came out to support our Female Volleyball team for their exemplary efforts and performance at the championship games played at the Belize Civic Center from August 4th to the 8th. Celebrating their big win, the motorcade started at the Marion Jones Stadium …

Guatemalan found in the Chiquibul
The Chiquibul remains the one significant place Guatemalan poachers go to mine gold, steal parrots for trade and clear land for farming. On Saturday, August 11th, Forest Rangers from the Chiquibul National Park handed over twenty-seven year old Guatemalan National, Jaime Calderon to the San Ignacio police department. Calderon was found armed in the National …

Eugene Henderson dies after fatal gunshot wound to the head
An attempt was made on the life of a Roaring Creek villager on June 9th. Twenty-three year old, Eugene Henderson was shot to the head and had been fighting for his life; however, he succumbed to his injuries on August 10th. ACP Joseph Myvett explained that Henderson’s assailant, Rudolph Welcome will face new charges. ACP …

Belmopan Day ended tragically
Belmopan Day ended tragically for Ronnie Daly Blades who attended the celebration with friends. After leaving the celebration, Blades was confronted by someone who inflicted a stab wound to the right side of his neck. Blades was rushed to the Western Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injury while undergoing treatment. ACP Joseph Myvette …

Cyclist Cattouse Vindicated
In February Brandon Cattouse participated in the three day Valentine’s Classic Tour in which he won second place. He gave the standard urine sample for doping which was administered by Dr. Michael Pitts, who is the sole volunteer representative of NADO. When the results came back to Belize in April, the samples were reported to …

Men charged for the death of Richard Foster
The murder of Emmy winning filmmaker Richard Foster has saddened friends and family in Belize and the UK. Over the weekend three men were detained and charged with Foster’s murder. It was a callous act of violence on the dual citizen. Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvett explained the motive for Foster’s murder at a …

Accident on Highway
There was an accident on the George Price Highway early this morning. The Minister for the National Emergency Management Organization, Edmond Castro says his ministry assisted by clearing the highway. Edmond Castro, NEMO Minister: “What I could tell you is that there was an accident between mile 20 and 21 this morning on the George …

Murder in Hopkins Village
We move from the Capital to the south where, twenty-eight year old Marcus Sanchez, a resident of Hope Creek Village in the Stann Creek District was found dead by Dangriga police on Saturday morning. ACP Joseph Myvett explains the severity of Sanchez’s wounds, the murder weapon, and what police believed to have transpired. ACP Joseph …

A Common Alert Protocol for National Emergency Situations
During times of national emergencies, Belize faces danger from hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes. These are some of the threats we face and in areas where houses are built close to each other, fire is also a hazard. We come a long way from pre independence days when information was shared at Battlefield Park in Belize City by word of mouth...

PlusTV

Woman stabbed to death by her children’s father
A 33 year old Punta Gorda woman was stabbed to death by the father of her three children in Belize City last night. According to reports, sometime around 7 o’clock last night, 33 year old Roxanna Pop was along with her ex-common law husband Nowellin Williams in front of Boulevard Plaza on Cent...

Daylight robbery; suspects caught
Gas stations across the country continue to be prime targets for robberies. At about 12:30 this afternoon, two men, one armed with what appeared to be a hand gun, pulled off a brazen daylight robbery at the Puma Gas Station located at mile 2 ½ on the George Price Highway. As seen in the surveillance...

Two detained for counterfeit bills
Two men were detained in Camalote Village yesterday for being in possession of counterfeit 100 dollar bills. According to 22 year old Delmi Cruz, cashier at La Posada bar located in Young Bank Road Camalote, sometime around 11 a.m., a male person walked into the establishment and ordered two beers a...

Citco awaiting the return of one more equipment
As we reported on Tuesday, two of three unaccounted Belize City Council equipment were delivered back to the council that day. The third piece of equipment is reportedly in United Ville being repaired. An email out lining the details of the day the two equipment were delivered back to the Council ha...

Accident in front of Income Tax Belmopan
A 21 year old Belmopan delivery man was knocked down in front of the Income Tax Department yesterday morning. Reports are that 21 year old Lizburn Marin was driving his Lifan motorcycle on Trinity Boulevard in the direction of the Ring Road when he decided to overtake a white pickup truck. While Mar...

PM out on personal leave
Today, Prime Minster Dean Barrow left the country once more, but this time he is on personal leave. In his absence, Hon. Hugo Patt, Minister of Natural Resources, will act as Prime Minister. Prime Minister Barrow will return to Belize on Tuesday, August 14....

Arrest expected shortly in Richard Foster murder
Investigators are making progress in the Richard Foster murder case. Deputy Commander Chester Williams told the media today that the department assigned a chief investigator to the investigation. He added that an arrest is expected to be made as early as this weekend. Chester Williams, Deputy Commis...

Corozal Quality Poultry burglarized
A metal safe containing over five thoudand dollars was stolen from Corozal Quality Poultry and Chicken Express sometime between last night and this morning. According to Manager Ingrid Vega, the business establishment was properly secured at 5:00 pm yesterday after concluding business for the day. Upon opening the store around 8 o’clock this morning...

Belmopan enforcing crime prevention measures
The Belmopan Police Department will be enforcing several crime preventative measures within the capital city and surrounding villages. Today, Plus News was informed by O.C of Belmopan, Superintendent Harry Jemotth, that effective today, the Belmopan Police Department will be cracking down on loitering, public drinking and possession of a machete or a dagger...

Jennylee Cruz is Queen of the Bay Belmopan
Jenny- Lee Cruz from Roaring Creek Village is the new Queen of the Bay Belmopan. Five worthy contestants vied for the Queen of the Bay Belmopan title inside the Belmopan Civic Center last night. At the end of the night, Queen of the Bay Roaring Creek contestant Jenny-Lee Cruz came out on top...

270 CHILDREN ATTENDS BDF VOLUNTEER BATTALION SUMMER CAMP
Over two hundred and seventy children from across the country are in attendance at the 2018 Belize Defense Force Volunteer Battalion summer camp. The camp began on Saturday august 4th and it is being held at the Xuchlin Ha Primary School in Maya Mopan, Belmopan...

Nothing New In New Orleans
Deputy Commander Chester Williams was among the number of High Ranking delegates that went to the ‘Cure for Crime’ Workshop in New Orleans two weeks ago. Today, the media asked Williams to briefly share something shared in the workshop that Belize could possibly implement. In response, Williams indicated that there was nothing new taught...

The Reporter

SALVAPAN ARGUMENT OVER A BICYCLE ENDS IN MURDER OF 19 yr. OLD
A squabble over a bicycle on Saturday night in Belmopan ended when Franklin Tut, 19, was stabbed in the neck with a broken bottle. He died shortly after. The altercation happened at Mary’s Bar in Salvapan just after 11:30pm. Tut’s killer, allegedly another youth, is on the run from Police but has been identified by witnesses. We’ll have the full story in this Friday’s edition of the Reporter.

SERIOUS ASSAULT ON REFEREE AT FOOTBALL GAME IN COROZAL
There are reports of an assault on a female referee at a football game on Sunday in Corozal. Yuri Daniels, a resident of San Andres was officiating a game between Concepcion and San Antonio when she was attacked and beaten by a player on the San Antonio team after she issued him a red card.

Breaking Belize News

Department of Environment implements air quality monitoring training
The Department of Environment (DOE) is implementing various activities to reduce the threats to Belize’s environment. […]

SMART Health Facility Project – Town Hall Meetings
The Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), with sponsorship from the Department […]

Woman referee assaulted during a football match
Belize’s National Football Team has issued a statement on the assault of a female referee […]

Friend stabs friend in Maskall village
A man remains hospitalized after he was stabbed by his friend over the weekend. Sometime after 8 […]

Woman stabbed during attempted burglary in San Pedro
San Pedro police are investigating a case of aggravated burglary which left a Canadian woman injured. […]

Hit and run victim dies in Corozal
Shortly after 9 o’clock last night a man died in an apparent case of hit and run. […]

Police-constable busted with 15 cases of contraband beers
Police Constable, Godfrey Moreira, is the latest police officer to be busted with contraband beers. […]

Shooting victim succumbs after two months in the hospital
Eugene Henderson, 23, has been fighting for his life since June 9th when he was shot in […]

Lake I and Port dominate CITCO summer basketball tournament
This weekend the Belize City Council held the championship games for its summer basketball tournament. […]

Reformed street figure killed in Garden City
Reformed street figure, Ronnie Daly, 32, was killed just before 7 o’clock on Saturday night. According to police, […]

Authorities confiscate large amount of conch
The Belize Audubon Society, the Belize Coast Guard, Belize Fisheries Department and the Belize Police […]

International Sources

UAE Ambassador attends Belize consulate opening
Ahmed Hatem Al Menhali, UAE Ambassador to Mexico, attended the inauguration ceremony of the Belize Consulate in Tijuana, at the invitation of Arturo Pérez Behr, Consul-General to Baja California. The ceremony was attended by members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Mexico.

Illegal fishing, harm to Amazon forest linked to tax havens - study
Scientists called on Monday for greater transparency over the use of tax havens by companies involved in activities that have harmed the world's oceans and the Amazon rainforest. In a study published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, they said many firms involved in illegal fishing worldwide used tax havens to register their vessels, while investments in farming that has damaged the rainforest often flow via offshore accounts. Seventy percent of fishing vessels implicated in illegal, unreported and unregulated catches had been registered at some point in a tax haven, led by Belize and Panama, the scientists wrote in the journal.

Are you ready for the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season?
It’s now the peak of hurricane season in the Atlantic basin. Hurricane season officially begins June 1, and generally, the peak is from mid-August to the end of September. During this time, conditions are typically ideal for strong and quick-moving tropical storms, hurricanes and depressions, said AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski. Kottlowski said almost 80 percent of all tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin form during this short time period. Two main factors are at play: a combination of low vertical wind shear and ocean water temperatures at their highest. “The warm water does two things: It creates the lower pressure and allows the atmosphere to be more unstable,” said Kottlowski. “You have a better chance for thunderstorms to develop coherently around any rotating feature.”

Videos

August 13, 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

3rd Meeting of the Belize-Guatemala Joint Commission
The III Meeting of the Belize-Guatemala Joint Commission was held on August 9th, under the auspices of the Organization of American States (OAS), headed by the Commissioners of both countries, the Ambassador of Belize in Guatemala, H.E. Alexis Rosado; the Ambassador of Guatemala to Belize, H.E. George de La Roche; with the accompaniment of Mr. Manuel Washington Abdala, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the OAS for Belize- Guatemala matters.

Doctor Love: Spoiled Princess
Dear Doctor Love, I am engaged to a girl who is very materialistic. She is the only daughter, and her father has always given her everything she wants. Now that we are talking about getting married she says I can’t be so cheap if I want her to be my wife. I work two jobs to save money every month. I don’t have a good education but I think by saving a little bit every month I can make a good future and when I am older I won’t worry about not having money. My girl always gets mad at me because I won’t go to my savings account and get money for her to buy things, like a new phone. Her phone is only a year old, so I said she doesn’t need a new one. She got mad and didn’t talk to me for almost a week. She also doesn’t like where I live and wants me to move to another place that costs more a month.

US Master’s Degree student researches “Plastics in Paradise”
You may have noticed me around town this summer; I was the girl with the notebook in my hand asking a lot of questions about garbage. For those of you I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting; hi I’m Megan. I spent five weeks in San Pedro researching plastic consumption, waste management, environmental effects, community recycling programs, government initiatives, and individual vs. business behaviors. This research was undertaken in part to fulfill requirements for my master’s degree in Applied Anthropology but also stemmed from my prior experiences in San Pedro. After spending the summer of 2016 in San Pedro, I realized not only how diverse and unique this community is but also that there is so much more happening that tourists will never truly see or understand.

Misc Belizean Sources

Seven fisherman arrested for out of season conch fishing
On August 9th and 10th, 2018 a joint enforcement operation with Belize Audubon Society, Belize Coast Guard, Belize Fisheries Department, and Belize Police Department resulted in seven (7) fishermen found in possession of 614 market-cleaned conchs. These men will be charged for Possession of Conch during the Closed Season. Their fishing vessel and its subsequent equipment have since been confiscated. The operation then led to a further search in the dense mangrove on Long Caye, Lighthouse Reef Atoll which resulted in the discovery of 1,916 market-cleaned conchs. The abandoned conch was then labeled as found property.

Choice Bank Liquidation Process Moves Forward
Choice Bank Ltd., which issued cards for the defunct FirstchoicePay.com alternative for adult payouts, has launched a website explaining the next steps for former clients as it liquidates assets. FirstchoicePay, which debuted in spring 2017, was an immediate success when it launched. The platform supported the transfer and payment of various currencies, including the U.S. dollar, the British pound, the euro and the Japanese yen. It offered pre-paid Mastercard accounts and global bank transfers. But a little over a year later, Choice Bank told accountholders that it was forced into a “liquidity-constrained position” and suspended all withdrawals from deposit accounts.

New River Quest FREE ENTRY contest
FREE Entry up for grabs!!

Belize's Three Angelfish Species
Angel Spotting! I was happy that we saw all three species of Angelfish on today's dives (Gray, French and Queen) This is a composite of photos from today.

Guatemalan Found with weapon in Chiquibul
A park ranger on patrol in the Chiquibul National Park, encountered a Guatemalan National. After searching and speaking to him, the man has been identified as 27 year old Jaime Leonel Felipe Calderon, a laborer from San Jose Las Flores, Guatemala. He had one .22 rifle along with five .22 live rounds. He detained Calderon and found the ammunition in a transparent plastic bag in his right pants pocket. Calderon has been detained and is expected to be charged for having weapons and ammunition without a license and illegal entry into Belize. At 4:40 p.m., on 10.8.2018, the Park Ranger handed over Calderon to the police.

Help needed at Habanero Grill on Santa Rita
A few blocks past the bus terminal.

Grand Caribe 2nd Annual Deep Sea Classic Fishing Tournament
Sunday was the last day of the 2nd Annual Deep Sea Classic Fishing Tournament sponsored by Grand Caribe, Belize in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye! Here are some random photos of the tournament, we picked up courtesy of Belize Game Fish Association, Uprising Tours and Grand Caribe Belize.

Chiquibul Junior Ranger Summer Camp
The Friends for Conservation and Development are having their first annual Chiquibul Junior Ranger Summer Camp. It's for kids between the ages of 10 and 12, and the camp will go from the 28th through the 31st of August. "A first of its kind!!! If you have a son or daughter keen on the ranger program, this is the opportunity. Write us at fcd@btl.net for further information. Spaces are very limited."

Another great group of new tourguides !!
Congratulations guys !! 53 long days but you did it!!!

The Reporter

POLICE MAKE ARREST FOR SHOCKING MURDER OF BRITISH NATIONAL
Police have formally arrested and charged two men for last week’s murder of well-known British national Richard Foster. On August 11th, Andrew Robert Clarke 31 Belizean laborer of Democracia Village and Derwin Lincoln Jones 26, unemployed of Cotton Tree Village were formally charged for the crime of murder and abatement to commit murder which occurred on August 7th.

A ‘COTTON-TREE VILLAGE MAN’ STABBED TO DEATH IN BELMOPAN
A fatal stabbing earlier this evening in Belmopan has claimed the life of a Cotton Tree resident. Credible but unconfirmed reports are that Ronnie Blades was stabbed to death in front of Wing Stop Belmopan.

Breaking Belize News

Mother of 3 stabbed to death by jealous ex in Belize City
On Thursday night, Roxanna Pop,33, a mother of 3 kids was along with a man at a business place on Central American Boulevard in Belize City when she was stabbed multiple times in her abdomen. On Friday, police arrested and charged, Pop’s ex-common law husband, Llewellyn Alexander Williams, 44, of Sandhill, Belize for the crime of murder.

Blogs

Day Two of Three of the Grand Caribe Deep Sea Classic
I am no fisherman. I dabbled at it as a kid…bobbers and Sunfish with my brothers…but it just didn’t stick. I don’t have that primal urge…the hunter gene. And I am horrible at mono-tasking and patience…my mind tends to ping all over the place. I don’t think I’ll ever be a fisherman. And while I’ve learned a great deal about flyfishing thru my boyfriend and his business, Cayo Frances Farm & Fly, the sum-total of my knowledge about deep sea fishing hovers around zero. BUT when I saw this sign hanging in town and the CASH AND PRIZES AMOUNT OF $50,000? I had to know more. ,And after seeing photos on Instagram of some really crazy looking fish…I wanted to stop by in person to catch the action. Here are some of the photos from Day One. 29 boats. 3 from Mexico. About 10 from Belize City and a few from Southern Belize. The rest from Ambergris Caye.

International Sources

Taiwan's President leaves for Paraguay and Belize
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has begun a Latin American tour. She is visiting Paraguay and Belize amid mounting diplomatic pressure from China to isolate her administration. Both Latin American nations maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan. At a news conference before her departure on Sunday, Tsai stressed her resolve to resist recently increased pressure by China to isolate Taiwan from the international community. She will also address the National Assembly in Belize.

Caribbean nations and businesses launch $1bn low carbon development drive
More than 40 businesses and 26 Caribbean countries have joined together in support of a $1bn project to create the world's first 'climate smart zone' and help fast track low carbon development across the region. Covering an area of one million square miles and more than 40 million people, the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator comes backed by $1bn from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which originally made the funding pledge at French President Emmanuel Macron's One Planet Summit last year.

Videos

August 12, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Gary Greif confirmed to contest Manuel Heredia Jr’s BRS seat in the UDP
San Pedro Town Councillor Gary Greif is confirmed to contest the United Democratic Party (UDP) convention against incumbent Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr., for the Belize Rural South seat in the upcoming General Elections 2020. Greif’s approval of his candidacy was confirmed on Saturday, August 4th. Since then, both Heredia and Greif have shared their thoughts with the media. Greif believes that BRS needs new blood and that he has a healthy chance to beat four-term Heredia, who stated that Greif’s ambition to take over his seat may cause the end of his young political career. Heredia calls Greif’s application for standard bearer ‘disrespectful’. According to him, there is always a time for everything, and Greif should have waited.

Wolfe’s Woofers: House Hunting
Dave and I followed his real estate agent in my golf cart as he looked at several different properties. “I’m not really sure about buying a house from an agent,” he said. “This one is so young and she doesn’t seem that smart to me.” “What other option do you have?” I asked. “I could always build a house and do the contracting myself. What do you think of that idea?” “I don’t like to give advice,” I told him, “but I’m going to make an exception in this case. I’ll give you my Rule of House Building.” “And what would that rule be?”

U.S. Senior Advisor for Central America Meets with PM Barrow and FM Elrington on Nicaragua Crisis and Other Regional Security Concerns
On August 8, 2018, U.S. Senior Advisor for Central America Ambassador Todd Robinson met with Prime Minister Rt. Honorable Dean Barrow and Foreign Minister Honorable Wilfred Elrington to discuss our common concerns over the breakdown of law and order in Nicaragua and other regional security issues. Ambassador Robinson’s stop in Belize was the first in his regional trip to coordinate joint efforts to support the OAS working group to promote a peaceful and democratic outcome to the ongoing crisis in Nicaragua as agreed upon in an OAS resolution adopted on August 2, 2018. Ambassador Robinson will also visit El Salvador and Costa Rica.

Ambergris Today

Miss Belize Universe Pageant
The lovely contestants of the Miss Belize Universe Pageant are on the island and gearing up at Pink Boutique! Be on the look out for these lovely ladies as the tour our beautiful island! Be sure to say hi, they are more than willing to snap a selfie with you!

Misc Belizean Sources

2 charged for the murder of British filmmaker Richard Foster
Police confirmed that Andrew Robert Clarke, a 31-year-old of La Democracia Village and Derwin Lincoln Jones, a 26-year-old of Cotton Tree Village have been charged for the crime of Murder and Abetment to Commit Murder. According to reports, police are seeking a third suspect. Foster was taken from his Savannah Guest House and stabbed as many as ten times before his body was dumped in the Rivera area of Belmopan. Police say that his killing was motivated by robbery.

Perseids Meteor Shower
Sunday night is supposed to be the peak night for seeing the Perseid meteor shower. August 12, 13 - Perseids Meteor Shower. The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by comet Swift-Tuttle, which was discovered in 1862. The Perseids are famous for producing a large number of bright meteors. The shower runs annually from July 17 to August 24. It peaks this year on the night of August 12 and the morning of August 13. The thin crescent moon will set early in the evening leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

Ronnie Blades Murdered
Sometime after 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 11th, Ronnie Blades was stabbed and killed in the Capital, Belmopan.

Benque Neighborhood Watch Summer Program
August 20-24, 8am-11:30am

Fisherman arrested for out of season conch
On August 9-10, 2018 a joint enforcement operation with Belize Audubon Society, Belize Coast Guard, Belize Fisheries Department, and Belize Police Department resulted in seven (7) fishermen found in possession of 614 market-cleaned conchs. These men will be charged for Possession of Conch during the Closed Season. Their fishing vessel and its subsequent equipment have since been confiscated. The operation then led to a further search in the dense mangrove on Long Caye, Lighthouse Reef Atoll that resulted in the discovery of 1,916 market-cleaned conchs. The abandoned conch was then labeled as found property.

NOW HIRING!
Warehouse Assistant - Bowen & Bowen Ltd, Corozal

Wine & Paint Night
A unique Wine and Paint night is being organized by the Rotaract Club of San Ignacio. It'll be next Saturday at the Cahal Pech Resort. "The Rotaract club of San Ignacio is excited to collaborate with @artist_griffith and bringing wine and paint night to the west. Join us Saturday, August 18th at Cahal Pech for a fun paint session. Limited spaces are available so call and book a seat (All items will be provided) Wine and Sangria will be on sale."

FCD's Karst Management Unit conducts further mapping training
For volunteers in preparation for mapping of cave system in Chiquibul.

V.S. Naipaul, Who Explored Colonialism Through Unsparing Books, Dies at 85
V.S. Naipaul, the Nobel laureate who documented the migrations of peoples, the unraveling of the British Empire, the ironies of exile and the clash between belief and unbelief in more than a dozen unsparing novels and as many works of nonfiction, died on Saturday at his home in London. He was 85. n many ways embodying the contradictions of the postcolonial world, Mr. Naipaul was born of Indian ancestry in Trinidad, went to Oxford University on a scholarship and lived the rest of his life in England, where he forged one of the most illustrious literary careers of the last half century. He was knighted in 1990.

Channel 5

Murder in Cotton Tree Village, Cayo District
News Five has just confirmed that a man was viciously stabbed and killed in Cotton Tree. The name of the victim is being withheld at this time, but information to our newsroom is that the fatal stabbing occurred about an hour ago and police are still out in the village processing the scene.

1 Held for Brazen Home Invasion, Shooting of Eugene Henderson Jr., Shooting victim succumbs to gunshot injury
Murder: shooting victim Eugene Henderson Jr. succumbs to gunshot injury at the KHMH on Friday night. Henderson Jr. was shot to the side of the head as he slept on a sofa during a home invasion in Roaring Creek back in June 2018. His mother and sister have since confirmed to News Five that he passed away after 9 p.m on Friday.

The Reporter

ALLEGED GAS STATION ROBBERS INTERCEPTED IN GET AWAY VEHICLE
In less than two weeks Puma Coral Grove Gas Station located on the Phillip Goldson Highway came under attack by robbers, but this time police quick response led to the apprehension of the men who are suspected to be the culprits. Although Lijahman Young 25 and Ryan Rhaburn 21 have not been formally charged with the robbery they were busted in the suspected get-away vehicle and in possession of a 9mm pistol along with an extended magazine containing 30 mm live rounds of ammunition.

TWO HOUSES BURN IN SANTA ELENA, – Reduced to Ashes
Two houses, located on George Price Avenue in Santa Elena Town were scorched by fire and reduced to ashes early this morning. There were no reported injuries but house owner Geronimo August 68 completely lost his two storey board structure measuring 30 by 40 ft and another cement structure measuring 10 by 10. According to police reports the fire raged out of control around 1:20 a.m. on August 11th and is taught to have been caused by a candle which was left in one of the rooms.

SELLING RUM AND WOMEN’S BODIES
By Deborah Mencias-McMillan and Lisa M Shoman Sex sells…everything from body lotion to rum. We know that. But does that make it right? The advertising budget for any alcohol product is significant. Rum producers sell rum by emphasizing their product’s distinctive qualities. And using sex to sell rum is as old as rum, and maybe sex. Using sexy women to sell rum is an unabashedly carnal business. Women have pouted, poured sinuously, undulated around and writhed pleasurably for rum and spirits for eons.

QUALITY POULTRY PRODUCTS IN COROZAL BURGLARIZED
A thief or set of thieves who burglarized Quality Poultry Products in Corozal Town by cutting off a padlock from off a shutter is now on the run with over $5,000 cash, gift certificates and several blank checks. Reports gathered by police from the Ingrid Vega, manager of the establishment located on 3rd Street is that around 5:00 p.m on August 9th, the establishment was properly secured after conducting business for the day. On the following day August 10th, around 8:00 a.m when the staff returned to the establishment they discovered that the store was burglarized by someone who cut off a padlock from one of the shutters.

GOB announce motorcade for volleyball team.
The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Education recently issued their congratulations to the Belize National Volleyball Team on winning the silver medal during the 20th Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship. In honor of the team’s recent achievements and stellar performance displayed during the five-day tournament the governement will be hosting a motorcade through the principal streets of Belize City on August 13th, 2018 starting at 2:30 p.m. at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. The release states, ‘It is noted with great pride by the government that the country offered overwhelming support to the team during the games and so commends the nation for uniting in this regard.”

PG woman stabbed to death in Belize City
A callous stabbing in front of a popular establishment on Central American Boulevard in Belize City last night has claimed the life of a woman. The now deceased has been identified by police as Roxana Pop 33, Belizean of Punta Gorda Town who was pronounced dead by doctors at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital around 7:08 p.m. on August 10th, 2018.

San Pedro Fire Victims Receive Assistance
The huge losses caused by Saturday morning’s fire in San Pedro and the dire plight of those left homeless and without possessions have not gone unnoticed or unanswered; since then several organizations and private businesses have come to the aid of the victims and have offered basic assistance and shelter. Fifteen of the 87 displaced persons are being housed at Hope Haven – a children’s shelter that has redirected its focus for this week to the needs of the fire victims, many of whom are also children.

British Filmmaker Brutally Murdered – One Man Detained!
On Thursday morning Police confirmed that based on statements and descriptions given by witnesses, they have detained one man, a resident of Mahogany Heights, for questioning in the callous murder of world renowned British filmmaker Richard Foster, 74. The well-loved resident of Mile 28.5 on the Phillip Goldson Highway was found dead Tuesday night in the Rivera Area of Belmopan, the same day he was reported missing and one day after Police suspect he was abducted from his home.

Breaking Belize News

Police charge 2 men for murder of Richard Foster; seeking 1 more
Today, police arrested and charged Andrew Robert Clarke,31, of La Democracia village, Belize and Derwin Lincoln Jones,26, of Cotton Tree village, Cayo for the crime of murder and abetment to commit murder. Clarke and Jones are being accused of kidnapping and killing British filmmaker Richard Foster. […]

Man stabbed to death in Belmopan
BBN has received confirmed reports that a man was stabbed to death tonight in Belmopan. The […]

Christian Varela charged for drug trafficking
Corozal police intercepted a passenger bus at the corner of 7th Avenue and College road in Corozal Town yesterday morning and conducted a search. Police searched Christian Varela, 19, however, nothing incriminating was found on him. […]

Police find weed inside a bus
Yesterday evening, police were conducting a vehicular checkpoint in Sandhill Village when they searched a passenger bus and found 3.35 pounds of weed inside a bag. […]

Police find 13 pounds of weed in Belize City
Yesterday morning, Belize City police conducted a search in the area of Set Site, Belize City. There, police found (8) parcels of cannabis weighing a total of 13.4 pounds. […]

Quick police response lead to apprehension of gas station robbers
According to reports, yesterday, around 12:27 pm, two gas attendants at PUMA gas station in Belize City were robbed. The attendants told police that two men, one armed with a gun, demanded money from one of them. […]

Guatemalan National detained in Chiquibul National Park
Police are investigating a report of an armed Guatemalan found inside the Chiquibul National Park. According to reports, yesterday around 4:40 pm, a park ranger handed over Jaime Leonel Felipe Calderon, 27, a Guatemalan of San Jose Las Flores to San Ignacio Police. […]

City Council’s summer basketball tournament concludes this weekend
This weekend the Belize City Council is approaching the end of its summer basketball tournament. Councilor with responsibility for Youth and Sports, Micah Goodin, told us more. “For the last five weeks we have engaged 240 children, 24 from each Belize City constituency under the age of fifteen years, ” he said. […]

Brandon Cattouse cleared of doping allegation
Elite cyclist Brandon Cattouse was vindicated from allegations of using a banned substance yesterday, following the decision handed down from the single arbitrator of the Regional Anti-Doping Organization. […]

Blogs

4 Healthy Cheap Food Options From $3 – $15
I often get emails from readers planning their trip and wanting to know where to find cheap local food. Aside from mentioning a few places, I always tell people to look around for the “hole in the wall” spots. Although generally, people consider it moderate to slightly expensive, you can eat well at a healthy price. All four low-cost meals I am going to mention today can be eaten onsite but I often opt for takeout. Another thing they share in common is that they are all located right in the middle of town. (Pricing in Belize currency.) Albertina’s, Norma’s Deli, Feliz Pollo, Juvinies Ceviche Bar, Laguna Azul Deli.

International Sources

5 Countries Where You Can Retire on the Cheap
Millennials, you won’t be surprised to hear that our saving for retirement… isn’t going so great. And while it’s nice to think that we’ll be able to turn this tide around, the reality is for many of us that just might not happen, and we’ll have to look for other alternatives in our golden years. That could mean pulling up your roots and moving to another country. Or maybe you’re already fed up with the grind and want to take your job mobile and live super inexpensively starting now. 1. Belize: Between English being the country’s first language, incredible temple ruins, gorgeous blue waters, and the fact that you can quite comfortably live there for $1,000 USD a month — and much less, if you’re willing to be especially thrifty — Belize has a lot to offer the budget-conscious over-65 set. These are just a few of the reasons it tops our list of inexpensive places to retire.

Videos

August 11, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro woman charged for beating 10-year-old child
30-year-old Nicole Polonio, a resident of San Juan area of San Pedro Town, has been charged with grievous harm after allegedly beating a 10- year- old female child on Saturday, August 4th. Today Friday, August 10th she appeared before Magistrate Emerson Banner in Belize City. Polonio pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on a bail of $3,000. Her case was adjourned until October 16, 2018. The incident was reported by the child while accompanied by a community rehabilitation officer, who reported to the police that Polonio accused the child of stealing money and squeezed her neck, then threw her on a mattress on the floor and beat her. The child was given a medico-legal form and she was examined by a doctor, who classified her injury as grievous harm.

Thanks to donations, San Pedro spared from medical supply shortage affecting Belize
Medical centres across the country are on the verge of running out of medicines due to a shortage of pharmaceutical products. This was confirmed on Wednesday, August 8th by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Since last week, all hospitals have been affected by this shortage in their supplies. However, San Pedro’s supplies are still at a healthy level due to the continued donations the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic receives from different organizations, such as the Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye. Chief Executive Officer at MOH, Dr. Ramon Figueroa confirmed that there is also a shortage of bandages, gauze, and syringes. Figueroa claims that it is not his Ministry’s fault, but the private supplier. “We are in the process of purchasing some items for right now,” said Figueroa.

Ambergris Today

III Meeting Of The Belize-Guatemala Joint Commission
The III Meeting of the Belize-Guatemala Joint Commission was held Thursday, August 9th, under the auspices of the Organization of American States (OAS), headed by the Commissioners of both countries, the Ambassador of Belize in Guatemala, H.E. Alexis Rosado; the Ambassador of Guatemala to Belize, H.E. George de La Roche; with the accompaniment of Mr. Manuel Washington Abdala, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the OAS for Belize- Guatemala matters.

Misc Belizean Sources

South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch Potluck Sept 16th 2pm
It's that time of year again when we gather together under the Caribe Island palapa for food and fun! Meet us on Sunday, September 16th beginning around 2 pm. SACNW will have beer, sodas & rum in exchange for a donation. You bring a dish. Caribe Island is at mile 2.5 Turn at Marin's market - you will see the palapa near the sea. Park your cart on the side of the road and join the fun!

The Prime Minister Departs the Country on Personal Leave
The Office of the Prime Minister informs that Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow left the country today, August 10, 2018 on personal leave. During his absence, Hon. Hugo Patt, Minister of Natural Resources, will act as Prime Minister. Prime Minister Barrow will return to Belize on Tuesday, August 14, 2018.

Realize Project
Realize is a not for profit organisation in Belize that promotes and supports the inclusion of individuals with disabilities. This month Realize launches Education 4 All, in partnership with UNICEF. The project will offer training, information and resources to families and teachers to promote the inclusion of children and young people in school.

Miss Independence Corozal Pageant
The Corozal Town Council cordially invites you to attend the spectacular Miss Independence Corozal Pageant event to be held at the Corozal Community College Auditorium on Saturday, August 25th 2018 starting at 6:00 p.m . Ticket locations will be announced shortly!!! Don’t miss it.

Khalydia Velasquez Yougest Player to Score in FIFA Tourney
Congratulations to Ms. Khalydia Velasquez, 11 years of age for setting a record for Belize as the youngest player to score in an officially sanctioned FIFA international tournament. Let's show Khalydia and all the U-15 baby Jaguars how proud we are!

Invitation to BIDS for the purchase of fertilizer and lime amendments for the productivity enhancement of banana farms in Belize

Queen of the Bay Sashing
Ladies and Gentlemen are you ready to meet the 5 beautiful Queen of the Bay delegates?? Join us at Tony's Inn & Beach Resort for the Sashing ceremony where the delegates identity will be reveal. presence of Our very own official photographer Pablo Garcia Photography will be at the venue. "Its a gala Night"! A Night you Can't afford to Miss.

Maya first to touch down on Caye Caulker
Today Maya shuttled BAA Executives and Contractors and it’s executive team whom visited the site to inspect the runway and facilities and meet with residents. It was a successful inspection. Congratulations to the Ministry of Tourism and Department of Civil Aviation, The Belize Airports Authority, The Caye Caulker Village Council and the residents of Caye Caulker. Maya looks forward to returning service to Caye Caulker when the aerodrome reopens in September. Captain Solomon Williams is the first pilot to make touch down on the renovated aerodrome in Caye Caulker . Thumbs up to you Captain!

Zeta Purified Water and Party Ice, Ranchito Corozal
Zeta Corozal in Ranchito proudly announces its 24/7 self service purified water dispenser for $1.75 per every five gallon refill. The water is purified after undergoing reverse osmosis through RV treatment plant, ozonation and ultra violet process removing all bacteria, contaminants and other impurities. Follow the instructions displayed on the window and you are good to go! Will accept $1.00 coin, $.50 coin and $.25 coin. Come and try our brand new self serving purified water dispenser. If we are closed, you can still get your Zeta Purified Water, anytime!

Vacancy at BEL
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for a System Administrator in the Information and Communication System Department (Belize City).

Vacancy at BEL
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Technician I in the Distribution Department (San Pedro).

Environmental Agents of Change Program Finishes
The Environmental Agents of Change Summer program in Calla Creek has finished. Thanks, Department of Youth Services, for making this wonderful event happen! "Calla Creek Village has a population of a little over 500. Educating our people in our villages in topics such as climate change, proper waste management and in the importance of environment conservation is essential. The one issue that we can handle without any external help is waste management and waste reduction. To begin with, keeping our immediate surroundings clean should be the primary target. Given that the Department has been approached by the village council with the issue they are having with garbage. The department has decided to conduct an Environmental Agents of Change summer program for four days for young people in the village."

Aerial tour of Southern Belize
This week, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges had a unique opportunity to appreciate Belize's breathtaking nature during an aerial tour of Southern Belize. He is especially grateful to the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - SOUTHCOM (SPMAGTF-SC) Air Command Element (ACE) for organizing this trip, which allowed him to see remote parts of the Jewel and witness firsthand the country's rich and diverse nature, as well as some of its ecological challenges. These flights help refine the SPMAGTF-SC's procedures as they prepare to respond to natural disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean, working shoulder-to-shoulder with their Belizean colleagues.

Channel 7

Mother of 3 Stabbed To Death In the Street
A 33 year old mother of 3, Roxanne Pop, was stabbed to death by her ex-common law. It happened around 7:00 last night in front of the Boulevard Plaza in Belize City and was caught on surveillance camera. Police have charged the ex-boyfriend, 44 year old Sandhill resident Noewelin Williams. Williams had been trying to convince Pop to get back with him but she didn't want to. That is what led to the ruthless attack. I spoke to Pop's family today and they say even though they knew that Williams was abusing Pop throughout their relationship, nothing could have prepared them for this tragic end. Here is that story. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: What may have seemed like a couple's evening outing at the Boulevard Plaza was really a volatile situation that led to the death of Roxanne Pop.

Slain Mother Was Loved At Her Workplace
We also spoke to Pop's co-workers at Cartridge Recycle on Neal's Pen Road. Pop had been working there since March 2017 as the cook and office cleaner. She fit right in as part of their family. We spoke to one of her colleagues who was like a daughter to her. She shared a few happy moments they had together and also how stunned she was when she found out about Pop's murder. Ashley Foster- Co-worker: "Well, when she first started, she was shy I would say. There wasn't any real connection. In June I had lost my mother to leukemia. So, that is when she started to get more closer to me. She started to tease me, you know, she is going to be my mom here at work and she would tell her kids, her sons and her daughters that she has a Belize City daughter now..."

Police Say It Was A domestic Dispute
We got a chance to speak to police about this troubling case as well. They confirmed that it was a domestic dispute and that Williams stabbed Pop because she did not want to get back with him. DCP Chester Williams- Commander of Operations: "Yesterday evening sometime after 7 pm police were called the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Upon arrival they saw one Roxanne Pop who had multiple stab wounds. She was being treated and later succumbed to her injuries. Police quickly investigated the matter and learned that Ms. Pop had an encounter with her ex common-law in the area of 88 shopping center. That encounter led to him inflicting the stab wounds to her and her subsequent demise."

Gunmen Robbed Puma; Police Caught Suspects
Police were quick to apprehend a pair of suspects after a Belize City gas station was robbed in broad daylight. At about 12:27 two gunmen ran into the Puma Gas Station compound at mile two on the Phillip Goldson Highway. One of them was armed and he held up the attendant - and the other also cleaned out his pockets and they ran off into a waiting Dodge Caliber. Around 1:00 pm, a police mobile saw a similar vehicle driving fast in the Lake Independence area. They set chase and caught it at the corner of the George Price Highway and Chetumal Boulevard. Inside, they found two men linked with a well known city gang, and a 9 millimeter pistol with extended clip containing 30 live rounds.

Apartment Invader Nabbed
Frank Smith is the man who police say invaded a Cuban Nurse's apartment on the Northside of Belize City on Tuesday. The 34 year old is charged with aggravated burglary for that apartment invasion where he also punched the resident, Rosa Aurora Unas Zorilla and stole items to a total of five thousand dollars. From there, he allegedly broke into two more apartments, and for that he was charged with two counts of burglary. This evening, Smith was unrepresented before Magistrate Emmerson Banner and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Alleged Gas Station Robbers Get Bail
They were allegedly caught on camera during a brutal failed robbery at CP Gas, but tonight 19-year-old Kyle Perez and 20-year-old Tyrique Leon Swazo are out on bail. Their bail application was heard this morning before Supreme Court justice Herbert Lord. Their attorney Dickie Bradley suggested to the court that the firearm used was a toy gun, but Justice Lord wanted to hear directly from the suspects as to why he should grant them bail. Swazo said, quote, " The gun was a fake gun why you think the man fight back?" which, pretty much sounds like an admission of guilt.

Suspected Foster Killer Could Soon Be Charged
Police could charge someone for Richard Foster's murder as soon as this weekend. The British film-maker was kidnapped form his home at mile 28 and a half on Tuesday morning. His body was found that night- he had been beaten and stabbed to death. Police say the motive was robbery. His pickup and his guns were stolen. Now, sources say investigators have had a breakthrough in the case. Deputy Compol Chester Williams suggested as much today: DCP Chester Williams - Commander of Operations: "The foster investigation is being headed by Inspector Aban who is from Belize City, CIB support. He was appointed the chief investigator, as he is a senior investigator..."

Brandon Cattouse Cleared Of Doping Charge
It was huge news in April when elite cyclist, Brandon Cattouse tested positive for a banned substance, named EPO. That's the stuff that Lance Armstrong was using, and Brandon is one of Belize's top cyclists, so it was really a stunner. But, tonight, that finding has been annulled - and Brandon has been freed from doping allegations. The Anti-Doping Tribunal of the Regional Anti-Doping Organization of Central America today issued a judgement, saying, quote, that Mr. Brandon Cattouse, quote "must be cleared of any responsibility regarding the urine sample collected on the 11th of February 2018 because it has been stored in a manner that does not protect its integrity…"

Counterfeit Bills In Circulation
Police say you should be on the lookout for counterfeit currency in circulation, specifically 50 and hundred dollar bills. Last night in Camalote, at La Posada Bar, a man paid for three beers with a hundred dollars bill. The cashier made 87 dollars change for him - only to realize later that the hundred dollar bill was bogus. The note carries the serial number DB690605. We are told that fake fifty dollar notes are also in circulation - so be extra careful when accepting these - and make sure to look for the security features.

The Mystery of the Disappearing/Re-appearing Bulldozer
As we showed you two nights ago, the City Council got back its bulldozer which had been missing for some years. But, just how did they get it back? But the current PUP council and the former UDP Mayor pointed to Minister Anthony Boots Martinez. He flatly denied any knowledge of the whereabouts of the bulldozer and said he never had possession of it. But, an internal report from the council paints an intriguing picture. Works Manager Menjivar says he got a call from one Mr. Malic - who has his compound on the highway. Menjivar claims Malic told him, quote, "the guys just drop off the equipment, come for it." End quote. The equipment was later delivered to the council's works compound.

PM Traveling
Prime Minister Dean Barrow departed the country today on personal leave. The Government does not specify the nature of his trip, but notes that he will return on Tuesday, August 14. In his absence, Hugo Patt will hold over as Acting Prime Minister.

BTL’s Scholarships Going Strong
Since 1991 BTL has been offering full high school scholarships to deserving young students. And continuing the 27 year old tradition today, BTL welcomed 25 new students into the program with an award ceremony at the Raddison. Here's what the company's CEO had to say to the recipients and their parents who attended: Rochus Schreiber - CEO, BTL: "It is with gratitude and a humble spirit that we, as the largest operator in the country, have the opportunity, and we have also the obligation to help, and to provide and support the families in Belize, and provide support to deserving, young talented minds in their ongoing development, on a journey to become fully fledged members of our society. It's with great joy that we can offer 25 scholarships this year, which goes on top of almost 600 members of the Belizean society who have received the scholarships so far..."

Cops Finding Special Cases For Scholarships
And while BTL is funding 25 kids in its own annual scholarship program, the company is also teaming up with the police department, the Ministry of Education, Price Waterhouse Coopers the Belize Bank to provide scholarships to 7 more needy students. Now, you may have noticed that it is very unusual for the police department to be getting involved in a scholarship program, but Deputy Police Commission Chester Williams and his team saw it fit to provide an opportunity for these at-risk children from Belize City who all show scholastic potential. Here's what he and the representatives of the partnering organizations had to say to the kids who have been selected for this new scholarship program:

Bail For Another Alleged Murderer
Today another alleged murderer got the very rare Supreme Court bail. He's Daniel Myvette, and he has been on remand at the Belize Central Prison for 8 and a half years. Myvette was arrested and charged along with 2 other men back in February of 2010. Police say that the trio was responsible for the murder of a security guard at the Biltmore. After waiting 5 years for his day in court, he was tried, but his co-defendants were acquitted. When it came time for the jury to decide on him, they could not come up with a verdict, and so the case ended in a hung jury. A retrial was ordered, and that is still pending.

Woman Charged For Beating Niece
A 30 year woman was charged for allegedly beating her 10 year old niece. Thirty year old Nicole Polonio, a resident of San Juan area, San Pedro, allegedly accused the child of stealing money. The complains alleges that she squeezed the girl's neck, then threw her on a mattress on the floor and bit her. The child was given a medico-legal form and she was examined by a doctor who classified her injury as grievous harm. Polonio was charged with grievous harm in court today. She pleaded not guilty and was released on a bail of $3,000. Her case was adjourned until October 16. The incident occurred on August 4 in San Pedro Town.

What Is the Cure For Violence?
Two weeks ago we showed you the group of police, politicians, security personnel, and social workers who were in New Orleans to learn about Project Cure. It's a program to stop the spread of crime by using a public health model, treating it like Doctors would a disease; they go directly to treat the infected and affected persons to stop the spread before it becomes an epidemic. Deputy Compol Chester Williams was the most senior police officer in the contingent and he told us what he learned and what can be applied in Belize.

Hon. Boots Says Cops Can’t Cure Violence
And while Deputy Williams wants the police and social workers to join up, Minister of Human Development Boots Martinez who attended the meeting had a completely different take. He says the course demonstrated police cannot be mediators because of the conflicts of interests between peace-making and law enforcement. Martinez said an NGO must do it:... Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez, Minister of Human Development: "As pointed out to us the politician and the police are not too welcomed in terms of at the forefront of those projects and so if they were to be successful and they are successful...""

PUP Joins Jose Mai Chorus
The PUP has now come out on the side of the cane farmers against ASR/BSI on the issue of Free alongside Ship prices. The PUP says, quote "it has learned that Santander is paying cane farmers in the West $55 per ton of delivered sugarcane. Farmers in the North are now asking the question why is BSI/ASR paying a whopping $10 less per ton? Both companies sell their sugar in the EU and world market yet there is a big difference in payment per ton of delivered sugarcane." End quote.

Grayson Had Birthday In Hospital
Burn victim Grayson Cadle is steadily recovering in a US Hospital. Today, he celebrated his birthday at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. The nurses in the burn unit got him a cake and sang for him:… Again, he is showing steady signs of improvement. We'll keep following Grayson's progress. As we reported, Cadle was badly burnt when a butane leak ignited and caused a massive blast at his apartment on Mahogany Street. He received burns to 70% of his body. His emergency trip to the US was made possible by the Burn Victim Fund, at Belize Bank Account #: 1386 6801 0120001.

Channel 5

PG Woman Stabbed to Death in the City; Ex-Common-Law Husband Charged
A mother of three from Punta Gorda, who moved to the city a year ago, was senselessly killed on Thursday night. The suspect is her babies’ daddy.  Roxanna Pop was [...]

Robbers Nabbed Minutes after Gas Station Hold Up
The spate of armed robberies continued this afternoon in the city when two men held up two gas pump attendants at PUMA Gas Station on the Philip Goldson Highway. Security [...]

Quality Poultry in Corozal Burglarized
There was another robbery of a business house overnight in Corozal Town.  Quality Poultry Product and Chicken Express was jacked sometime after five o’clock on Thursday evening when the store [...]

Chester Williams Says That Cops Are on Top of the Robberies
A total of one hundred and fifty robberies were reported for the first six months of 2018. This is an increase of fifty-two robberies when compared to the same period [...]

CitCo Contemplates Suing Over ‘Unaccounted’ Equipment
Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner is back in the country. He returned today after spending some days in London for the Jalsa Salana Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. [...]

Cyclist Brandon Cattouse Cleared of Doping Allegations
Popular Belizean cyclist Brandon Cattouse is exonerated of charges that he has been using performance-enhancing drugs as an elite rider.  His vindication comes after it was initially confirmed that Cattouse [...]

More Info on Patricia Hinkson’s Dismissal from Vital Stats Office
The Vital Statistics Office is functioning with a new director, following the abrupt departure of Patricia Hinkson, who was given her marching orders late Tuesday evening.  The reason behind Hinkson’s [...]

PM Barrow Out of Country on Personal Leave
Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country today on personal leave, according to a release from his office. Also noteworthy is that Hugo Patt, Minister of Natural Resources, will again [...]

Top Crime Investigator Leads Foster’s Murder Investigation
One more issue on crime…a top crime investigator has been assigned to the murder of seventy-four-year-old Richard Foster. Inspector Aban is leading the investigative team with the hopes to make [...]

Mayor Wagner Speaks on Visit to Ahmadiyya Convention
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the United Kingdom held their annual convention called ‘Jalsa Salana’ earlier this week. The event which pulls thousands of Muslims from all cross the world [...]

Tate and Lyle Should be Paying for the Freight, Not Farmers says P.U.P.
There seems to be a widening rift between cane farmers in the north and the millers, American Sugar Refinery/Belize Sugar Industry. It has to do with the cane price estimates [...]

B.S.I. Rep. Responds to Assertions Made by Jose Mai
This evening, the Cane Farmers Relations Manager for A.S.R./B.S.I., Olivia Avilez, stopped by News Five to clarify the miller’s position on the matter. She contends that the charge is much [...]

Meet the 25 Recipients of the B.T.L. Scholarship Programme
A number of students today received financial support to fulfil their educational goals. Belize Telemedia Limited issued twenty-five scholarships to students who met the criteria for the awards. Most are [...]

Belize Police Department Issues 7 Scholarships
Over on Queen Street, seven teenagers received full scholarships for one-year of studies courtesy of the Belize Police Department. A short ceremony was held at Precinct Three this afternoon where [...]

Refs and Asst. Refs Participate in FIFA’s RAP 2018
The Referee Assistant Program 2018 is being held at the Princess Ramada Hotel Casino. The one-week training is organized by the Football Federation of Belize in collaboration with FIFA.  The [...]

Music Camp 2018 Comes to an End
A two-week music camp came to an end today at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts. The camp saw the participation of more than fifty music lovers who learned to [...]

LOVE FM

ASR/BSI responds to Jose Mai’s allegations
There is controversy once again in the sugar industry as some farmers are claiming that there is some discrepancies in freight expenses American Sugar Refinery’s Belize Sugar Industries (ASR/BSI) claimed. Reporter Sitnah Blease spoke with a representative from the company. Sitnah Blease: Earlier this week Love News spoke to Jose Mai the Area representative for …

Another Gas Station targeted by robbers
Lately the northside of the city has been targeted by thieves. At least two vendors, one near Smart on the highway, and on Coney Drive have been robbed. But they also targeted CP Gas Station last week, and today thugs went after another business. The robbery occurred shortly before one o’clock this afternoon at the …

Mother of three murdered in Belize City
Roxanne Pop is the latest murder victim. Pop was killed by her ex-common law husband. Just before seven o’clock last night, Pop was seated around a table at a popular establishment with her ex common law husband when he reportedly stabbed her multiple times. The young woman was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, …

Police Give Scholarships to Deserving Youths
In the late 90’s and early 2000’s politicians showed appreciation to the communities by building neighborhood basketball courts. Those small community spaces still thrive, but if you watch Love News you’d know that the most recent and positive trend isn’t basketball courts, but scholarships. Just about every few days we share the good deed that …

Belize National U15 Females are achieving Milestones
The Belize National U15 Female selection traveled to the USA on Friday, August 3rd. They are participating in the U15 Girls Championship CONCACAF Tournament in Bradenton, Florida. Assistant Secretary-General for the FFB, Luis Pena says the team has played several games and some milestones were made. Luis Pena, Assistant General Secretary: “One we played against …

“It Takes a Village” to Stop Crime
The police Commander of Operations Chester Williams went to New Orleans on official police business to dialogue with a group called Cure Violence. That group takes on the approach that violence is a disease and must be treated and cured. Williams did not return with any elixirs of good health but says the strategies used …

Suspect expected to be charged for Richard Foster’s Murder
Emmy winning filmmaker Richard Foster was killed after his home was robbed earlier in the week. The criminals made a wide distance for the police to cover from the Savannah home in Democracia to where his vehicle was found in Mahogany Heights. His body was found Tuesday night, close to the river in the Rivera …

Quality Poultry Burglarized
The Corozal Branch of Quality Poultry Chicken was burglarized. The manager of the business located on Third Street, told Police they left the business properly secured yesterday evening. (VO STARTS) She said when they came in this morning, they found that someone had cut the padlock off the shutter, entered the building and stole a …

Belize-Guatemala Joint Commission
The III Meeting of the Belize-Guatemala Joint Commission was held on August 9th, under the auspices of the Organization of American States (OAS), headed by the Commissioners of both countries, the Ambassador of Belize in Guatemala, Alexis Rosado; the Ambassador of Guatemala to Belize, George de La Roche; with the accompaniment of Mr. Manuel Washington …

Counterfeit notes circulating
The weekend is coming but you need to be vigilant when you’re making your purchases on market day or if you’re socializing at night. Counterfeit currencies are circulating once again. On Thursday, a cashier at La Posada bar in Young Bank area of Camalote village was duped by a purchase made at that establishment. According …

Burn Victim slowly recovering on Birthday
The butane tank explosion on Mahogany Street in Belize City, critically injured 21 year old Grayson Cadle. Cadle had to be rushed out of the country to receive medical treatment since he had burns to seventy percent of his body.

Ministry of National Security prepares for Referendum
The Minister of National Security John Saldivar held a meeting with senior members of the Belize Defence Force, the Belize Coast Guard, and the Belize Police Department at the Belize Coast Guard base in Belize City on Thursday.

Women’s Volleyball Team Gets Victory Parade !
Thousands of Belizeans filled the Belize City arena on Wednesday night to show support and solidarity for our National Women’s Volleyball Team as they competed against Guatemala our neighboring country, battling for the title of the Twentieth Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship. Our girls dominated the court, challenged the competition, fought the hard fight, and in the end came out victorious. Epitomizing the unity and fierce loyalty we have for our country, Belizeans rallied with the team as we all experienced the unwavering emotions throughout the entirety of the arena when we realized that we had won. Our Belizean fans expressed their overall feelings on the game.

Amandala

Choice Bank sues Central Bank for damages
According to court papers we have received, the Central Bank of Belize is being sued by Choice Bank; and not only that: also named in the lawsuit as defendants are the Minister of Finance as first defendant (Prime Minister Dean Barrow) and the Attorney General as third defendant (Michael Peyrefitte). Yesterday, we asked, via an email, if the Central Bank, which is named as the second defendant, had any comments now on Choice Bank’s lawsuit that was filed at the Registry of the Supreme Court by attorney Eamon Courtenay, SC. In one of the quickest responses we have received from the Central Bank, we were told, “Regarding the referenced subject, please note that the matter is being addressed by the Central Bank’s attorneys. The Central Bank has no further comment at this time regarding the subject matter.”

Vital Statistics Unit closed Wednesday; director suddenly fired
Wednesday, August 8, was not a public and bank holiday in Belize, but if you visited the Belize City office of the Vital Statistics Unit at the corner of Hydes Lane and New Road, you would have come upon a sign which read: “The Vital Statistics Department will be closed the 8th August, 2018. Kindly note that the system is presently being serviced. Service will resume on the 9th August, 2018, 8:00 a.m.” There was no announcement on the radio and television stations on Tuesday night to alert citizens about the closure. People from the districts were especially inconvenienced because they travelled all the way to Belize City just to find out that the office was closed.

Shazam! Missing CitCo heavy equipment “re-appears”
This afternoon, two pieces of heavy duty equipment that had gone missing from the Belize City Council for almost 3 years were mysteriously towed to the Council’s Works Department compound on the George Price Highway. The equipment was towed on a vehicle owned by one of Minister Anthony “Boots” Martinez’s “lieutenants.” The heavy duty equipment, which went missing during the tenure of the former United Democratic Party (UDP) City Council, led by former mayor, Darrell Bradley, and which had been listed as unaccounted for in an internal audit by the present People’s United Party (PUP) City Council, were returned after a mysterious phone call that hastily arranged the delivery.

Belizean fans rush Civic to ride volleyball women to victory over Guatemala
Volleyball is not our national sport, but you couldn’t tell yesterday evening after nightfall, as international volleyball fever apparently took over Belize City, and a record crowd of over four thousand fans poured into the Civic to support our national women volleyball team in their medal bid in the final game of the 20th Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship against the Guatemala national team. Despite gusty winds and sprinkling rain from a passing tropical wave after nightfall, fans lined up the entire length of the Civic Center outside western corridor to buy tickets, and traffic slowed to a crawl as vehicles filled the Civic parking lot and adjacent spaces on Central American Boulevard. Belize against Guatemala in any sport is a cause for excitement in Belize, and the medal situation indicated, according to Belize Volleyball Association (BVA) president Allan Sharp in a radio promotional interview that morning, that a victory was sorely needed for Belize to have a chance at the gold medal, after a history making performance on Tuesday, defeating perennial champion, Costa Rica, 3-1.

Costa Rica reigns on as Central American women’s volleyball champion
Costa Rica extended their 25-year reign of Central American women’s volleyball by winning the 20th Central American women’s volleyball championship at the new Civic Center in Belize City. Costa Rica won their 14th consecutive title by points, after they finished in a three-way tie with surprising teams of Belize and El Salvador: each with 4 wins, one loss at the conclusion of the tournament. When all game statistics had been calculated, Costa Rica won the gold, Belize claimed the silver, and El Salvador took home the bronze. Belize has pulled off the amazing feat of rising from seventh place at the last tournament to Central American sub-champion, even handing the reigning champion a 3-1 defeat!

Belizeans win gold and bronze at powerlifting competition in Mexico
The Belize Powerlifting Association (BPA) recently sent three of its athletes to compete in the 16th Annual North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) 2018 Championships held this year in Mexico City. The competition took place from August 1 to 5, and Belize came home with three gold medals and one bronze. The competition is sanctioned by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and it is meant to give power-lifters in the region a chance to compete regionally in order to prepare themselves for the IPF’s World Championships that are held every year. The competition is open to any country whose powerlifting federation or association is recognized by the NAPF, and that has nominated athletes to compete. Apart from Belize, athletes from Mexico, Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Panama also competed.

BCC/APEX Final-Four FREE basketball games this weekend at the Civic
The Belize City Council (BCC) Summer U-12 & U-15 Basketball Tournament, which got under way back on Monday, July 9, after an all-day Marathon on July 7, had a total of 20 teams (ten U-12 and ten U-15) participating, ten from “North Side” and 10 from “South Side,” with South Side games being played at Bird’s Isle, and North Side games at SJC Gym. At 12 players per team, that is 240 players involved in the tournament. North Side teams were: Freetown, Fort George, Pickstock, Caribbean Shores, and Albert (just to balance off at 5 teams each, though geographically on the south side of town.)

Can Belize make the Top 10 in inaugural Concacaf Nations League qualifying phase?
Well, our women have climbed into the top echelons of Central American volleyball, with their splendid showing this past week in the 20th Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship, defeating the reigning champion, Costa Rica, on our way to a silver medal in the tournament. In a few weeks’ time, our men’s National Football Team will play the first of four matches in the qualifying phase of the inaugural Concacaf Nations League tournament. Of the 34 participating Concacaf teams, the Top 10 will qualify directly to the 2019 Gold Cup, which begins in September 2019.

Belize Baby Jaguars record first international win at CONCACAF U-15 Girls Championship in Bradenton, Florida, USA
The Belize National U-15 Female Selection is representing Belize in the CONCACAF Girls Championship that is being held in Bradenton, Florida, USA from August 6-11, 2018. Results from the tournament so far include a defeat against St. Kitts and Nevis with a final score of 4-3 during their first match, and a second loss against Martinique with a 3-0 score. Today, the Baby Jaguars celebrate their first international win, defeating U.S. Virgin Islands with a final score of 4-0.

Belize, 1-0, over Barbados in international friendly
We were awaiting an official FFB release on last Saturday night’s international friendly at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro, where reports are that Belize won, 1-0, over Barbados. This result was today confirmed by the FFB secretariat; Belize’s goal was by Krisean Lopez at the 79th minute. There was no live telecast of this game, as attention was focused on the 5-day Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship being played at the Belize Civic Center over last weekend, from August 4-8.

Lame duck?
The very first time in our modern political history that Belize had a lame duck government, which is to say, a national government that everyone knew was doomed to be voted out of office at the very first opportunity, was in 1996, we would say. The United Democratic Party (UDP) Cabinet Ministers of Prime Minister, Dr. Manuel Esquivel, themselves knew what was going to happen as soon as general elections were called, so much so that they cynically decided to stay in power three months longer than their five-year term limit. Looking back, we can see now that Dr. Esquivel’s government had made itself serious enemies from both Belize’s boardrooms and Belize’s bases, from the socio-economic top to the socio-economic bottom. One would have thought that that Esquivel/Barrow administration would have been less arrogant and less venomous than it was, since their margin of victory in June of 1993 had been razor thin, and the UDP had actually polled 2,000 fewer votes than the defeated PUP had.

From The Publisher
Honesty Is Usually the Worst Policy Or Confessions of a Political Failure. The Bible really didn’t tell us the whole truth. It said blessed are the poor, for they shall inherit the earth, when it should have said blessed are the rich, for they actually OWN the earth. Blessed are the meek, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Well, maybe. But blessed are the bold, for theirs is the kingdom of RICHES. Dishonesty began with the Bible. If there is one thing you will learn in politics, it is that honesty is usually the worst policy. Honest politicians are politicians who are out of office, and out of office politicians are failures. If things are bad, don’t tell them how bad, or they will panic. If things are good, don’t say how good, or they will become complacent or, worse, greedy. Never tell dumb, boring, or ugly people that they are dumb, boring, or ugly.

INJUSTICE IN BELIZE & THE JUSTICE & REPARATIONS CONVENTION!
In the advent of the Emancipation Day commemoration in Belize gone August 1, 2018, the most relevant question to be asked right now is what the hell happened to “The Justice & Reparations Convention” organized in Belize on October 10, 2014 at the University of Belize in Belmopan, Belize to address slavery and reparations for the injustices of slavery in Belize? There has been a deafening silence since then, and it appears that this movement has not moved and advanced beyond since its celebratory formation in Belize four years ago. Why do we Belizeans start things that we never finish? Why does it appear that we keep on reinventing the wheel, so to speak, and just keep on going around and around in a circle without any just objective?

These gods
I’ve never had a dream in which I woke up and found myself in America, but there are some things on which I have to yield to them. I just love how every day is open day on political leaders. Indeed, every day should be open day on every leader, from baby league to Boy Scouts to big league, and yes, on political leaders. Maybe we should add, for political leaders, every day, and Sunday tu. Somewhere in one of those Shakespeare plays, there’s a line about greatness being thrust on people. Leadership should never be handed to anyone. Leadership is something that should be earned. One should pass certain tests to gain the title, tests to ensure that one is capable, has the capacity to get the job done. It is not that one will never fail. It happens to the best. But in passing the tests, one will have earned the chance to be dog at the top.

BELIZEAN DIASPORA RESISTANCE SINCE THE 2008 INFAMOUS COMPROMISE!
One year before this memorable photo was taken on Sunday, April 27, 2009 in the Los Angeles Belizean community in Los Angeles, California, of the present three-term United Democratic Party (UDP) government led by its Foreign Minister Wilfred “Sedi” Elrignton, the Belize government went on to sign the insidious “Compromis” with the government of Guatemala in 2008 to take the Anglo-Guatemalan claim for adjudication to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The reserved Belize ambassador to Washington, Nestor Mendez, who has now become a big shot in the controversial Organization of American States (OAS), is seen here delivering his message to the Belizean diaspora about their importance and all that to the nation-state of Belize.

KIMANI KENYATTA!THAT BELIZEAN SOUL BROTHER!
Belize City in the 1960s and 70s was a soulful little place. A predominantly black city in the heart of the former British Honduras, whose descendants came from the depths of the British colonial mahogany camps. And whose ancestors and descendants alike were taught to dream beyond the narrow confines of its city walls, to become revolutionized kinds of minds like Kimani Trapp-Davis, who had left Belizean shores to then return home with a kind of ancestors’ spirit that appeared strange but somewhat liberating to many who connected with it. There was a club in Belize City at the corner of West and Glynn Street called, “Harlem Square”, that used to serenade some memorable 1960s and 70s black music from off the Top 10 United States musical charts.

Internationally renowned British filmmaker murdered
Internationally acclaimed British photographer and filmmaker, Richard Foster, 74, was reported missing on Tuesday, from Savannah Guest House, his business and home, after the caretaker of his property found the house ransacked. On Tuesday, around 9 p.m., tragically, his body was found in the Rivera area of Belmopan. Foster, a British national, had lived in Belize for many years with his wife, Carol Foster. Since Carol is currently in the US, Richard Foster had been living alone when it appears that he was kidnapped. Carol tried to call Richard on Monday night around 8:00, and she grew concerned when she got no response. She then asked Glen McFadzean, the caretaker for the guest house, to check on him.

“I’m a victim of obeah,” Ladyville man tells court
Edison Humes, a resident of Marage Road, Ladyville, charged with theft of a bicycle and damage to Government property, pleaded guilty to both charges when he appeared today before Magistrate Emmerson Banner. He told Magistrate Banner that he was pleading guilty with an explanation, which was that he was the victim of obeah, and that a woman he recently picked up was “burning candle” on him. Magistrate Banner asked him if he believed that the obeah would stop if he was sent to prison, and he said “no.” He begged Magistrate Banner to give him a fine instead of a custodial sentence because he would be able to pay, due to the fact that he cleans fish every day at the fish market at Conch Shell Bay.

Alejandra Elizabeth Valiente, 14, of Belize City, reported missing
Alejandra Elizabeth Valiente 14, a student of Morning Glory Street, Belize City, was reported missing today by her mother, Wendy Valiente, 30, a self-employed Guatemalan national. Wendy reported that Alejandra left home yesterday for an unknown destination, but she suspects that she was headed to Punta Gorda Town. Alejandra is of Hispanic descent, about 5 feet tall, weighs about 90 pounds, and has long, black hair, dark brown eyes, thin lips, a small nose, and small ears. She was last seen wearing long, black jeans pants and a blouse of unknown color.

Ernest Thurton, Jr., aka “Dangalang,” charged with double murder, testifies
On Tuesday, August 7, after the Crown closed its case, Justice Adolph Lucas informed Ernest Thurton, Jr., 25, on trial for double murder, of his three rights — the right to remain silent, the right to give a statement from the dock, and the right to swear on the Bible and testify from the witness stand. He explained to Thurton that if he gave a statement from the dock, neither he (the judge) nor the Senior Crown Counsel, Shanice Lovel, would be able to ask him questions. Justice Lucas also explained to Thurton that if he gave sworn testimony, he, Justice Lucas, would be able to ask him questions and Senior Crown Counsel Lovell would be able to cross-examine him.

Breaking Belize News

Police investigating burglary at Quality Poultry Products in Corozal Town
Police are investigating a burglary that occurred at Quality Poultry Products and Chicken Express in Corozal Town […]

More than a silver medal, Team Belize’s volleyball victory is historic
Belizeans at home and abroad cheered as the National Women’s Volleyball team bested our Central American […]

Police searching for man who used fake money at a local bar in Camalote
Police are searching for a man who used fake money at a local bar in […]

PUP questions freight charges by BSI/ASR
Today, the opposition, People’s United Party (PUP) issued a release questioning the freight charges by […]

PM Barrow departs country on personal leave
The Office of the Prime Minister informed today that Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the […]

Nominate an ocean hero today!
Oceana yesterday announced that nominations are now open for the 2018 Oceana Ocean Hero Award. […]

BTB and BHA award scholarships to 10 Belizean students
Ten Belizean students received scholarship awards from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and the Belize […]

Blogs

My Old Stomping Ground & CONSTRUCTION!!!! A Walk From San Pedro Town South
For almost 9 years I lived south of San Pedro. For a few years at the Belize Yacht Club, now called the Island Yacht Club. And then another mile or so south at a place called Royal Palms. And I hardly ever get south of town. So I decided to take that walk – I hadn’t done it in 2 years? Since Hurricane Earl. Here’s what I saw as I headed south from Blue Water Grill. I think you’ll be as shocked as I was by the NUMBER OF PROJECTS! HOLY CHANGE! I estimate about 400 rooms coming on-line over the next few years. Just south of Blue Water Grill – practically touching it. The Diamante project.

International Sources

My journey to Belize
We arrived in Belize on June 30th. This was my first time being out of the country, so it was a bit overwhelming to say the least. But I knew that God would never send me directly into harm when I’m there to do his work. And for that week, we all were safe in his hands as we ministered to the children of Belize City. We were each responsible for different age groups. I volunteered to teach the pre-teens because I firmly believe that’s the important point of your life, where you decide what kind of person you want to be. So it was my job to teach them the Gospel and to help them on the right path. However, there was a part of me that also wanted to make the children smile. So I decided to pay them a little visit as Spider-Man, and they were in disbelief that he came all the way from New York to greet them.

Raise the Roof’ mission a success
Well, we did it again! A team from Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church in Sperryville was able to play a significant part in building a small church in Belize — for the second time. This latest project involved helping put up the support beams for the new roof of an expanded church building. The team of 10 members had two goals in this summer’s mission to Belize: The first was to lead a Vacation Bible School in Belize City. They returned to a church building where in 2006 a similar mission team from Reynolds added doors, window grates and painted. So, the first joy of this trip was reacquainting ourselves with the pastor, his wife and five sons. The sons, several now married, enjoyed seeing a photo album from 2006, and even seeing their church in the Rappahannock News from that time. One of the pastor’s sons, seven years old at the time of the first trip, is now a youth leader and musician at the Iglesia Bautista de Galilea (Baptist Church of Galilee.) The reunion was a high point for all involved.

How Massive Drought Ended The Mayan Civilization (And Why We Already Knew That)
Most people don't think of the Americas when they think of the "medieval" (or "Middle Ages") but that's beginning to change. The Mayan civilization, for example, flourished for over 700 years between roughly 200-900 CE - from the heyday of the Roman Empire past the fall of the Carolingians. Most people know of the Maya from current popular tourist destinations, such as Tikal in Guatemala or Chichen Itza in modern-day Mexico, but this linked system of city-states stretched across most of Central America. Some centers, such as Caracol in modern Belize, could have held as many as 100,000 residents at their height. But then, by around 1000 CE, Mayan civilization dramatically contracted and new buildings all but ceased in certain areas. Why? A new article in Science thinks it has the answer: radical climate change. The study by a cluster of climate researchers at the University of Cambridge and geologists at the University of Florida concluded that a massive drought, with a decrease in annual precipitation of between 41-54%, occurred at the end of the classical period (ca. the 9th century CE), devastating crops and making the land all but uninhabitable.

Improving influenza virus detection in Latin America and the Caribbean
Laboratory specialists from eleven countries across Latin America and the Caribbean have received training from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in a bid to improve the detection of influenza viruses circulating in the region. The international course on molecular diagnostics of influenza is part of “a joint effort to better prepare ourselves to deal with the flu,” said José Narro Robles, Secretary of Health of Mexico during the inauguration ceremony for the training, which took place in Mexico City from August 6 to 10, in partnership with Mexico’s Institute of Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference (InDRE).

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