August 30, 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 resorts test alternatives to tackling the Sargassum epidemic
The business community on Ambergris Caye, particularly those by the beach, is being inundated day after day with large swaths of Sargassum that choke the shores of the island. Several businesses have hired additional staff to keep their areas clean with little success. The unusual bloom of seaweed has thus forced businesses to explore other alternatives to tackle the problem. Some beach resorts have constructed test barriers made of PVC pipes to prevent the floating seaweed from reaching their beaches. Ramon’s Village has been experimenting for the past four weeks, with positive results. Manager Einer Gomez says the barriers seem to be working as expected, and their beach looks much cleaner compared to a few weeks ago.

Belize hosts meeting of Directors of Cooperation of the Central American Integration System (SICA)
Belize, as Presidency Pro Tempore of SICA, hosted its first Meeting of Directors of Cooperation of the Central American Integration System (SICA) on 28th and 29th August 2018 in Belize City. Among matters discussed, the meeting received a report on regional cooperation for the first semester of 2018, which highlighted the trend of international cooperation within SICA. The report indicated that the largest donor in the region continues to be the European Union, along with Germany followed by the Republic of China (Taiwan). Other topics discussed were the Preliminary Coordination of the XVII SICA Taiwan Mixed Commission and the coordination of regional cooperation with SICA and other regional entities.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Businessman Charged For Discharging A Firearm In Public
San Pedro Police arrested and charged William James Mulligan, 40 year-old, businessman of San Pedro Town for discharging a firearm in public. Mulligan appeared before Magistrate Aretha Ford on Monday, August 27, 2018 where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was accused of discharging a firearm on the beach in San Pedro Town and because of the serious nature of the offence he was denied bail. Mulligan was remanded to Hattieville prison where he will remain until his next court date on October 31, 2018.

US Government Counter-Narcotics Equipment Donation To Belize Coast Guard
On Tuesday, August 28, 2018, at a ceremony held at the Belize Coast Guard Headquarters, the U.S. Government transferred counter-narcotics equipment to the Belize Coast Guard and counter-narcotics equipment and a secondary entry control point to the Belize Defense Force.

Two Oceana Employees Awarded International Scholarships
Oceana in Belize is proud to announce that two of its employees have been awarded academic scholarships to study natural resource management in the United Kingdom and the United States respectively. Jacinta Gomez, Outreach Program Director, has been awarded a Chevening Scholarship to pursue a Master’s Degree in Environment and Development at the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom. Simultaneously, Belize District Field Representative Celeshia Guy will be studying towards a Master’s Degree in Coastal Science and Policy at the University of California, Santa Cruz in the United States.

The Republic Of China (Taiwan) Donates To The Governor General's Music In The Schools Program
The Belize House announced on Tuesday, August 28, 2018, that the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Colville Young received a monetary donation for the Governor-General’s Music in the Schools Programme to purchase a small consignment of musical instruments. His Excellency also received a donation of souvenir pins for use at his Annual State Reception in September. This generous donation was made by the Ambassador of Taiwan, His Excellency Mr. Charles Liu. In making his donation Ambassador Liu, pledged to continue to encourage and support musical programs in schools throughout Belize, and to renew his commitment to assist in developing and promoting the love of music and the practice of the arts.

Misc Belizean Sources

Launching of the Belize National Diabetes Self-Care Project
Health Educators received their laptops, projectors and blenders while community workers received electronic scales and will be receiving glucometer and Hp/Cardo kits along with measuring tapes to train and work with some 1,500 diabetics throughout the country of Belize. We are happy for the collaborative effort between the Belize Diabetes Association and Ministry of Health and want to say a special thank you to the World Diabetes Federation for funding this effort.

Banyan Bay’s Farmer's Market
Be sure not to miss Banyan Bay’s 1st ever Farmer's Market; this Saturday, September 1st. Vendors from across San Pedro will serve, sell, and display fresh food at the grounds of our Conference Center. It's Fresh, Fun & Local.

Help Jardehl Shine for Belize!
Hello! My name is Jardehl Muschamp. First let me tell you why I'm here, then I'll talk a little about myself. Barça Academy is a brand-new venture by FC Barcelona, one of the premier and most renowned soccer clubs in the world. It is the only U.S. Soccer Development Academy program in the United States with a full-time residential program, partnered with a top international professional team…it is the most ideal place for players to develop, both on the field and as a person among the most elite youth soccer players from the United States and around the world .

QUEEN OF THE BAY COROZAL 2018
We are surrounded by Beauty and Talent - Another wonderful and great event happening this weekend in Corozal. QUEEN OF THE BAY COROZAL 2018 - Saturday, September 1st starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Andres Campos Civic Center. Contact any Member of the Committee for tickets Amneris Casanova, Murray Nueli, Chan Ofier Casanova or any of the 5 Delegates. This a family affair you definetely don't want to miss.

Cayo BTIA September 2018 Meeting
The Cayo BTIA is having their September meeting next Thursday, September 6th, at the Cahal Pech Resort. Everyone is invited to bring their ideas for the upcoming West Fest.

Water interruption in Belize City, Ladyville on Thursday
Belize Water Services informs customers in parts of Belize City that there will be an interruption in the water supply tomorrow, Thursday, August 30, 2018, starting at 1:00pm. The areas to be affected are the East side of Central American Boulevard, from South Creek to Cesar Ridge Road and the West Side of Central American Boulevard, from Fabers Road to Cesar Ridge Road. Belize Water Services informs customers in parts of Ladyville that there will be an interruption in the water supply tomorrow, Thursday, August 30, 2018, starting at 1:00pm. The area to be affected is Lake Garden area.

Water interruption in San Pedro on Thursday
Belize Water Services informs its customers in San Pedro that there will be an interruption in the water supply tomorrow, Thursday, August 30, 2018, starting at 1:00am. The area to be affected is the San Mateo area. This interruption is necessary for the installation of a new water main. Due to the upgrade, customers may experience low water pressure and/or discoloration when water is restored. Residents of these areas in San Pedro are advised that water supply should return to normal by 6:00pm.

2018 Junior Ranger Summer Camp
The Chiquibul Junior Ranger Summer Camp has been launched with the participation of 12 children. This First camp is made possible with the support of the British High Commission Office in Belize and Belize Eco-Cultural Tours.

U.S. Embassy Online Auction
The U.S. Embassy Online Auction begins Tuesday, September 4! To view the lots, go to https://online-auction.state.gov/, scroll down the page and click on "Belmopan." Interested bidders must register on the website in order to place bids beginning Tuesday. Lots include three vehicles and a generator. Winning bidders must pay duty to the government of Belize before the Embassy will release the property to the buyer.

July 2018 External Trade & CPI, 2nd Quarter
Total domestic exports for July 2018 amounted to $32.4 million, up 14 percent or nearly $4 million when compared to exports for July 2017, which were valued at $28.4 million. Belize’s total imports for the month of July 2018 were valued at $165.6 million. This was an increase of 7.5 percent or $11.5 million from July 2017, when imports totaled $154.1 million. The most recent results from the Statistical Institute of Belize’s monthly survey on consumer prices show that as of July 2018 the All-Items Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 105.0, an increase of 0.5 percent from 104.4 in July 2017. The Statistical Institute of Belize’s preliminary Gross Domestic Product estimates for the second quarter of 2018 showed that, during the three months from April to June of this year, the country’s overall level of economic activity increased by 5.4 percent when compared to the same period in 2017.

ACES relocates croc in San Pedro
What a morning! We woke up to a call about a large croc hanging out in a small puddle in the middle of neighborhood. When we showed up on scene, sure enough there was a very large American Crocodile on the side of the road tucked in some trees, smack dab in the middle of San Pablo. This beautiful boy, measuring in at 11.5 feet, was full of energy and strength! He snapped 2 of our ropes before we were able get him controlled and safely secured! He was relocated by our rickety old golf cart to a location dense with mangrove and loads lagoon channels where he can live freely far from people.

Cuba and Belize Meet to Discuss Migration Flow
The first round of Cuba-Belize Migratory Talks finished today, August 29th, in Havana, Cuba. The two-day meeting was headed by Ambassador H.E. Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, Director of the Consular Affairs and Cuban Citizens Residing Abroad Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, and H.E. Patrick Andrews, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize. During the sessions, both delegations evaluated the behavior of the migratory flow between Cuba and Belize, including the illicit implications associated with it. It was expressed by both countries that this type of meeting is important in order to strengthen bilateral relations, as well as to implement joint actions with the objective of increasing bilateral collaboration in migration matters.

CZMAI Training in Standardization of Methodology for Marine Litter sampling; A Citizen Scientist Approach
The Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute (CZMAI) and the Belize Water Services (BWS) have partnered to conduct a workshop on the methodology for marine litter studies in Belize. The workshop entitled “Standardization of Methodology for Marine Little Sampling: A Citizen Scientist Approach”, was held on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 in the CZMAI Training Room in Belize City. The objectives of the workshop were to 1) have participants be able to identify and quantify marine litter according to standard international methodology and 2) prepare participants for the upcoming Scouts Association of Belize annual National Coastal and River-ways Cleanup. In total, sixteen (16) volunteers were trained from various organizations which included the Belize Police Department, Scouts Association of Belize, Oceana Belize and the Belize Water Services.

MINISTER OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HON EDMOND CASTRO THANKS NEMO PERSONNEL FOR QUICK RESPONSE TO TOLEDO FLOOD VICTIMS
Excess rainfall over the weekend led to flooding in Toledo, the Southern Highway at Jacintoville (8 miles outside Punta Gorda) being impassable for several hours. It also affected homes in Punta Gorda Town, specifically in Indianville, Hopeville and Magoon Area, as well as Jacintoville and Eldridgeville, some residents losing much of their personal belongings. NEMO personnel were on the ground immediately and have since distributed relief supplies to families affected. A total of 27 families have been assisted.

Ministry of National Security Addresses False Information on Social Media
The Belize Police Department is concerned about the slur of information posted on social media, purported to have been obtained by the police regarding the illegal landing of an aircraft in Belize. The Department has carefully examined the information and hereby refutes its accuracy. In March of last year, the Department confirmed the illegal crash landing of an aircraft in northern Belize. The aircraft was burnt immediately after landing, presumably by those involved in landing it. Shortly after landing, a team of National Security personnel arrived on the crash site and a search of the burnt remains revealed a notebook containing coordinates. Also found were other items believed to have been used to facilitate the illegal landing.

Meeting of Directors of Cooperation of the Central American Integration System (SICA)
Belize, as Presidency Pro Tempore of SICA, hosted its first Meeting of Directors of Cooperation of the Central American Integration System (SICA) on 28th and 29th August 2018 in Belize City. Among matters discussed, the meeting received a report on regional cooperation for the first semester of 2018, which highlighted the trend of international cooperation within SICA. The report indicated that the largest donor in the region continues to be the European Union, along with Germany followed by the Republic of China (Taiwan). Other topics discussed were the Preliminary Coordination of the XVII SICA Taiwan Mixed Commission and the coordination of regional cooperation with SICA and other regional entities.

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT DONATES VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT TO THE BELIZE COAST GUARD
The Belize Coast Guard today received equipment and assets from the Government of the United States of America valued at over US$612,000. The donation includes three small boats, a container of engine spares, boat parts and other mechanical support supplies. The donation was made possible through the Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI). This donation of equipment reinforces the US Governments continued commitment to the stability and security of Belize and Belize’s essential role in the prosperity of the region and the Western Hemisphere as a whole.

National Flag Day in San Pedro
Come raise proudly our Belizean Flag as we welcome the month of September, the month of our Independence! This Saturday at 6:00 a.m. at the San Pedro Town Hall.

Miss San Pedro 2018 Pageant
Don't miss this grand event! We kick off our September Celebrations with the ever so glamorous, the Miss San Pedro 2018 Pageant, this Saturday, September 1st, at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sports Complex. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. SHARP! The gates open at 6:00 p.m. Live performances by Marlyn Vansen! Tickets are Reserved: $25, General:$15, Kids:$5 *Note that reserved tickets are still $25 for both adults and kids.

Meet the Queen of the Bay Delegates
Happening Thursday, August 30 at Jamrock Bar & Grill beggining at 7:00 p.m - Meet the Queen of the Bay Delegates.

Power outage scheduled for Sunday, September 2 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to affect a portion of Belize City
Entire Lake Independence area including Morning Glory Street, Mahogany Street between Central American Boulevard and Sittee Street, St. Jude Street, Hondo Street; Mopan Street, Nargusta Street, Sarstoon Street, Courtney’s Crescent; Mahogany Street between Casuarina Street and Holy Emmanuel Street including Black Orchid Street, Jasmine Street, Periwinkle Street and Hibiscus Street; Marigold, Fern and Croton Lanes; Tibruce, Carnation, Heart, Scaber, and Venus Flytrap Streets; Partridge Street, Casuarina Street, Western and Electric Avenues; Violet, Police, Sunflower, Gordon, Canondate, Hyde, Raleigh, Jones, Diego, Balan and Riverside Streets; Mokay Boulevard, Complex Avenue; Cumberbatch, Gladden, Brown and Giles Streets; Lacroix Boulevard, Rootsville; Central American Boulevard, portion Cemetery Road, Daker Street, Coffin Street, Elston Kerr Street, Rosalie Street, Antelope Street Extension, Iguana Street Extension, Pelican Street Extension, Raccoon Street Extension, Sister Mary Benedict Street, Neal Pen Road Extension, Arlington Drive, Trinity Street, Unity Street, Louise Bevans Street, Freedom Street, South Creek Road, Ramsey Street, Muhammed Ali Street, Benbow Street, Rudan Street, Neal Pen Road, Haynes Street, Kraal Road, Supal Street, Boots Crescent, Monroe Street, Matura Street and Doris Brooks Street. This scheduled power outage is necessary for the Company to connect new high voltage power lines and relocate existing power lines.

National Coastal and Riverways Cleanup 2018
The National Coastal and Riverways Cleanup 2018 is only weeks away so mark your calendars and join us on September 29th as we celebrate 27 years of keeping our beaches and coastline plastic and litter free

Channel 7

Tension Mounts At NICH, More Leaks Than An Old Dorey
There was a tense air at NICH today after Cabinet dropped a bomb yesterday and approved the suspension of President Sapnah Budhrani - pending the outcome of an audit. And a review of that very same audit is what had all the NICH directors and senior staff in a meeting until 10:30 last night. President Budhrani led that meeting, going over the 57 page preliminary audit line by line and asking auditor Roberto Matus to justify certain conclusions. At the end of the meeting which ran for 13 hours - multiple sources tell us Budhrani cried - saying that she knows she is being set up and falsely discredited, and those behind it include board members and directors. Like we said, a very heavy meeting - and one where the internal Auditor was challenged on many of the conclusions in his report - which indicts Budhrani for quote, "improper financial management and apparent lack of concern to address irregularities."

Police Tighten The Northern Noose
Tonight, there is an unusual arrest to report in Orange Walk - where a mennonite from August Pine Ridge, was charged for having a .223 rifle being fitted with a scope. He is 24 year old Abram "Abe" FRIESEN and his rifle - which we are told looks something like this one we found on the internet - is licensed, but police say he put a scope on it without the authorization of the Commissioner. Now, that sounds like a pure technicality - and we'd venture to say that pretty much every mennonite in those rural areas has a similiar scope affixed to his rifle. But, police were intent on charging Friesen and we'll tell you why in a few. But, first to the details of the charge. At 9:30 yesterday morning, police went to FRIESEN's home at Camp 23 Shipyard where they found the rifle with the scope. He was detained along with a relative - who is a law enforcement officer - because he had some extended clips.

Kumar and Keyur Gone!?
In October of last year, we told you about Indian nationals Keyur Barot, and Jitendra Kumar who were suspects in a criminal complaint, but also claimed to be human trafficking victims. Their former employer Jack Charles accused Barot of collecting over sixty thousand dollars for him on September 13th., and then absconding across the Guatemalan border with his vehicle and his money and Kumar in tow. The pair were caught 10 days later in Monterey, Mexico, allegedly with 13 thousand US dollars. The SUV was found abandoned in Guatemala. Mexican authorities handed the pair over to Belize police on October first, but they claimed Charles was trafficking them - and thus went into protective custody. That's where they've been for almost a year - that is until yesterday when they were allegedly repatriated to India - starting out on a Copa flight to Panama. It's a surprise move because they were the subject of a heavy criminal investigation, and no one had ever been charged for trafficking them - so that was not established.

Off Duty Cop Springs Into Action Against Shooter With a .45
A man was shot in Belize City last night - and it led to a wild shootout. The victim is lucky to be alive, because the men who shot him used a very heavy caliber handgun, a prohibited .45 pistol. But the shooter is also lucky because an off duty police officer who was buying chicken nearby fired at the gunman. It all unfolded last night at around 9:45 at the corner of Johnson St and Cemetery Road. 30 year old Mathew Smith was buying chicken at a fast food stall when two men rode out from the Johnson street area - and one of them fired several shots at him. They were using a .45 pistol - so it was lethal firepower - but a police Corporal who was also buying fried chicken sprang into action. He pulled out his 9 millimeter pistol and fired several shots at the suspects. They ran off, while Smith was only injured to the arm. Police recovered seven .45 expended shells from the scene. Smith is in a stable condition at the KHMH.

Brodies Says Its Customers Are “Desperate” for Medicines
For the past two nights we've been reporting on a shipment of medicines that's stuck at customs. Tonight, Brodies, who imported the products from a supplier in Turkey, says it is quote, "faced with the sad realization of having to destroy ninety thousand dollars plus of high quality medications…" The company sent out a super-rare press release today saying it has been using the Turkish supplier for years, and the medications are from reputable companies like Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis, to name a few. But the labelling is in Turkish, and the new law states they must be labelled in English or Spanish. Brodies says it is willing to re-label the medicines in English or Spanish, but say the Minister is refusing to allow this.

SIB Says Second Quarter GDP Growth Was Strong
Belize's economy showed strong growth in the second quarter of 2018. That's according to the Statistical Institute of Belize which held its regular quarterly press conference today at the Central Bank. Here's more:... Angelita Campbell, Statistician II: "Contributing to this increase of 5.4%, we have the agriculture hunting and forestry contributing 1.4% to the overall 5.4%. We have electricity and water contributing 1% to this 5.4%, wholesale and retail trade contributing 0.7%, construction at 0.5% contribution and hotel and restaurants at 0.3% contribution." Last year's second quarter growth was less than 1%.

Electricity Production Was Way Up In Second Quarter
And a large part of that strong growth in this year's second quarter was the performance of the secondary and tertiary sectors, namely manufacturing and services. Here are some secondary sector highlights:.. Angelita Campbell, Statistician II: "The secondary industry, which accounts for almost 1/5 of Belize's total economy, increased by 13.4% or 12.4%. Within that sector we have the manufacturing and mining going down by 2.5% or $1.3 million. We have sugar production going up by 6.6%, we have beverages going up by 12.5%, we also have flour going up by 4%- and that is due to market demand.."

Exports Sagged, Imports Ballooned
And while GDP growth was up, the disparity between imports and exports continued to grow at an alarming rate. Put in most basic terms, form January to July of 2018, Belize imported 1.1 billion dollars in products and exports about a quarter of that. Here's a breakdown:... Tiffany Vasquez- Statistician II: "For the period January to July of 2018, Belize's imports were valued at $1.1 billion dollars. This was an increase of 3.9% or $40.4 million when compared to imports of January to July of 2017. It was observed that mineral fuels and lubricants, which accounted for 15% of total imports, was the primary contributor to the overall growth in imports, as that category rose by almost 23% or $29 million dollars. For the period January to July to 2018, Belize's total domestic exports were valued at $258.9 million. This was an overall decrease of 15% or $45.9 million when compared to exports of January to July of 2017..."

Prices Were Stable In July
Meanwhile prices were more or less stable, in July of 2018. This means that the average Belizean household experienced a 0.5 percent increase in the cost of regularly purchased goods and services when compared to the same month last year. What does that mean for your basic foodstuffs? Here's a breakdown:.. Jaqueline Sabal- Statistician II: "There were noticeable decreases observed in the average price of certain meat and fruits and vegetables. Namely the price per pound of ground beef decreased by 1.5%, the price per pound for pork chops decreased 3.3%, pig tail fell 3.1%, the steak fell 4.2% and sweet pepper fell 2.2%. However, these decreases were mostly offset by increased prices in various other food prices, namely, for example, a litre of natural milk increased 6.9%, for red kidney beans the price per pound increased by 11.7%, pineapple went up 22.4%, potato 12.1% and cabbage 7.2%."

Cost of Living Highest in OW, Lowest in ‘Griga
So what does inflation mean in your neck of the woods? Well if you lived in Orange Walk, the cost of living was higher than if you lived in Dangriga. Here's a breakdown:... SIB Representative: "Orange Walk Town reported the highest positive increase in prices. Consumers in Orange Walk Town experience the highest increase in butane cost, along with higher food and fuel prices for the month on July 2017. While Dangriga reported the biggest decrease in prices reporting a -2.2% decrease for the month. This was as a result of consumers in Dangriga experiencing below average home rental cost and lower food cost."

Belize Inflation Lower Than Regional Average
A while the cost of living may be high no matter where you live, the index shows that the cost of living is stable. Which is more than can be said for our Caribbean and Central American neighbors. Here's the regional comparison:.. SIB Representative: "In comparison to other countries in the region, Belize's 0.5% increase sits as lowest inflation rate for the month of July 2018. Dominican Republic and Nicaragua reported the highest at 5.2%, with Mexico not far behind with 4.8% and then Jamaica at 3.2% increase." Again, that doesn't mean the cost of living is lower in Belize than in neighboring countries, simply that prices in our food basket, which may be comparatively high, are just more stable.

Re-Branding Galen
Apple, Coca Cola, Nike and McDonalds are just a few examples of trans national brands. Over the years, people have connected with these brands and that connection is only intensifying as these big corporations release new and improved products. Today at the Biltmore, a Las Vegas Brand Strategist Professor Bartolomeo Bialas gave a talk on strategic brand management and how Belizean businesses can work towards being successful like these big brands. Galen University along with Chamberlain Consulting partnered on this workshop and here is more. Sylvia Cattouse, Dean of Faculty of Business and Entrepreneurship, Galen: "We had the opportunity of having a visiting professor, professor Bialas who is a brand strategy expert. He offered, he was visiting Belize and probably vacationing I suspect and he offered us the opportunity to have a brand strategy workshop and we thought instead of just having it at the university for our students, this was the opportune time for Galen University to step up and offer this to the community."

Alleged Child Molester Gets Off
He was accused of sexually assaulting a 7 year old girl by fondling the child in her private parts, but, today, the charge against 60 year old Franz Hamilton was withdrawn in the # 2 Magistrate's Court. The reason? There were discrepancies in the evidence. But the case is a little more involved, because Hamilton's bail was revoked earlier this year when he was accused of threatening the child's mother. He was charged with attempted suppression of evidence. That charge was also withdrawn.

Cops Commended for Community Work
We know all about the officer of the month awards but today at Old Belize, the police held a big awards ceremony to recognize all the officers and partner agencies who have helped in community policing initiatives. Here is more from the ceremony.

Cops Teach Kids About Court
The courtroom is the last place anyone wants to end up but today it was transformed into a fun space for a group of kids. These kids were taken to court to learn about all that happens there. It is an initiative between police and the courts. We dropped by to find out about this experience. 25 kids participated. They got certificates and school bags and supplies after the day long event.

Data. Journalism. Training.
As news reporters, we cover a number of workshops. Well, today we participated in one at the BTEC training room. The main topic was data journalism. It is an important form of journalism that uses data and technological tools to produce more accurate and compelling stories. Presenters from Columbia and Peru gave presentations on this topic via web conference. Reporters from different media houses including Channel 7 attended. Here is more. Henry Wade, Local Coordinator, Trust for the Americas: "It is part of a series of trainings that we have provided to the civil society organizations, journalists, NGO's, members of the business community etc. Today's training is focusing on data journalism so we have international experts connected from various parts of the world online through a webinar format and they are sharing with us best practices, case studies that can be applied to the Belizean context."

What’s In A Label?
And right across the room from the data journalism training, was a Beltraide workshop on proper labeling practices for small business owners. We dropped by to find out more about the importance of product labels. Nicole Zetina, Research and Analysis Officer, Beltraide: "So EXPORT Belize is a technical unit of Beltraide and to have clients send their products outside of Belize you need to have standards- labelling, packaging, you need to know your distribution channels so today we are talking about export labeling. The components of a label, the importance of a label, to ensure that your label is visible, is attractive."

BTL and UWI Give Real Meaning To Open Learning Concept
Registered students of the University of the West Indies can now access preferential rates from BTL whether mobile data or fixed internet. It's part of a progressive new deal signed today between the vice-chancellor of the UWI Open Campus and the CEO of BTL. We were at the signing of the MOU and here's what we learned about how the MOU gives real meaning to the concept of Open Learning:.. Dr. Luz Longsworth, Vice Chancellor - UWI Open Campus: "What it will do is to enable students who are studying online with the UWI Open Campus to access special rates for internet connectivity. It also will see a collaboration between Digi and the Open Campus in enabling students from other parts of Belize to access their facilities in different parts of Belize to access the internet if they don't have their own equipment or if they don't have internet connection at home. So what this means is opening up Belize a lot wider for studying with the Open Campus online."

US Cool With Coast Guard
They may have had a kerfuffle last year about the use of Coast Guard vessels as free rides for Minister John Saldivar's sports teams, but things seemed to have been ironed out between the US and the Ministry of National Security. That's because yesterday the US handed over a million Belize dollars' worth of equipment, including three small boats, a container of engine spares, boat parts and other mechanical support supplies. The vessels will facilitate operations within shallow waters frequented by smugglers.

Channel 5

What Will be the P.U.P.’s Vote for Friday’s U.H.S. Bill?
In two days, parliamentarians will be asked whether or not the Government of Belize should use monies from the consolidated revenue fund to pay the ninety-plus million dollar Universal Health [...]

Revisiting the Postponement of the U.H.S. Debt Payment
In December 2017, on the heels of a final sitting of the House of Representatives for that year, Prime Minister Dean Barrow discussed the U.H.S. debt with the media.  At [...]

Minister of Culture Patrick Faber Refutes Allegations Made Against Sapna Budhrani
This Thursday, the Board of Directors of NICH will be breaking its silence on the conundrum President Sapna Budhrani finds herself in.  On Monday we revealed the results of an [...]

Ministry of National Security Responds to Social Media Posts on Suspected Drug Plane Landings
The Belize Police Department is tonight responding to social media posts made by a Facebook account under the name “Vincent Edwards.” The sensational posts make reference to suspected drug plane [...]

Opposition Leader Criticizes G.O.B.’s Response to Suspected Drug Plane Landings
Opposition Leader John Briceño today reacted to Government’s position on what is calls ‘false information on social media.’  Briceño says that the government is not doing enough to address the [...]

Brodies Set to Lose $90,000 in Medication Due to Importation Regulation
As the issue over the importation of pharmaceuticals continues to unfold, Brodies and Company Limited, which has one of the biggest pharmacies, says that it stands to lose ninety thousand [...]

Machakil Ha Students Walk through Mud to Get to School
Machakil Ha is one of the most southernmost villages in the Toledo district and has a small population. The children from the village have to attend school at Corazon Creek [...]

Mathew Smith is Targeted While Buying Food Near Fibbers
Thirty-year-old Mathew Smith escaped grave injury on Tuesday night after being shot once in the upper right arm near the corners of Johnson Street and Cemetery Road.  The incident happened [...]

Reunited: Missing P.G. Boy Found
There is relief for the Jacobs family of Punta Gorda. That’s because their son, Robert, who had been missing, has been located. On Tuesday, Robert and Alicia Jacobs made a [...]

B.T.L. to Purchase 2 Fire Trucks for San Pedro Town
Earlier in the month a massive fire in San Pedro Town destroyed ten houses and left eighty-seven persons homeless. The fire which occurred in the Boca Del Rio Area of [...]

G.D.P. Up 5.4 Percent
The Statistical Institute of Belize says that the Gross Domestic Product went up by five point four percent. It is a relatively big growth when compared to the second quarters [...]

Jack Charles Cries Foul as Alleged Vehicle Thieves are Flown Back to India
A pair of Indian nationals was flown back to their home country on Tuesday after spending almost a year in protective custody in Belize.  Twenty-four-year-old Keyur Barot and Jitendra Kumar [...]

Abram Friesen Charged for Tampering with a Firearm
Police report today that on Wednesday, a search was conducted at the house of twenty-four-year-old Abram Friesen of Camp twenty-four Shipyard. There, the officers found a semi-automatic assault-type rifle for [...]

The National Community Oriented Policing Award Ceremony
The strategy of community policing has been met with a level of success in keeping neighbourhoods safe across the country. The approach allows the police to interact and connect with [...]

Achieving Competitive Advantage through Brand Positioning
A brand management training entitled “Achieving Competitive Advantage through Brand Positioning” was held today at the Biltmore Plaza. It was organized by Chamberlain Consulting and Galen University and seeks to [...]

A Final Webinar Session with Journalists on Open Government Ecosystem in Belize
You were first introduced to the organization last week when it held one of a series of webinar sessions at the BTEC offices at the ITVET compound in Belize City, [...]

Teaching Children About the Judicial System
Twenty-four kids from ages eight to fifteen from region one received a tour of the court houses and participated in a mock trial today. The kids were in court, joined [...]

B.T.L. and UWI Sign M.O.U. that Benefits Students
The University of the West Indies, Open Campus signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Belize Telemedia Limited today. The M.O.U. establishes the terms of a joint initiative between the two [...]

Local Company Kicked Out by Venezuelan Company to do DigiNet Works?
Has Belize Telemedia Limited hired workers from Venezuela to replace Belizeans who are installing lines as a part of the DigiNet roll out?  The C.E.O. of the company has denied [...]

LOVE FM

SIRDI hosts its annual Sugarcane Field Day
Cane farmers from the Orange Walk District gathered in Trial Farm Village for an open day that was organized by the Sugar Industry Research Development Institute. Reporter Sitnah Blease was there and filed this report. Sitnah Blease: “With the recent cost of sugar prices being extremely low, many cane farmers struggle at the mere thought …

“Promoting an Open Government Ecosystem in Belize”
Earlier this year, the Organization of American States (OAS) in collaboration with the US Embassy in Belize rolled out the “Promoting an Open Government Ecosystem in Belize” project. The project seeks to establish management practices based on openness, accountability, and easy access to public information. There were four workshops held in August geared towards promoting …

“Achieving Competitive Advantage”
Last week, Belize Telemedia Limited rebranded its main products. Many businesses used their brand to help give them the competitive edge. Today, Galen University and Chamberlain Consulting hosted a workshop to equip businesses with tools to help them use branding to their advantage. Participants learnt how to identify market opportunities; navigate high-velocity markets and the …

Cost of living up by 0.5 percent
The inflation rate for the first seven months of 2018 stood at 0.1 percent. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July, 2018 has been released by the Statistical Institute of Belize earlier today and the inflation for July, 2018 compared to July 2017 is 0.5 percent. This means the average cost of living went up …

GDP up by 5.%
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total goods and services produced by Belize within a given year. The Statistical Institute of Belize has released the data for the second quarter from April to June. Belize produced goods and services totaling $765.3 million. There is increase of $39.5 million or a 5.4 percent increase from …

Imports up by 7.5%
Imports are up 7.5 percent and domestic exports are up 14 percent for July. For tonight’s newscast we will concentrate on Imports. From January to July 2018, the United States was the country from which we imported the most. 42 percent of Imports valuing 462 million dollars came from the US. Statistical Institute of Belize’s …

Mismanagement in SIRDI and SCIB
Belize’s sugar industry has had its fair share of scrutiny over the years. Carlos Itza, the Chairman of the Sugar Cane Production Committee and a Board Member on the Sugar Industry Control Board is accusing the Director of Sugar Industry Research Development Institute (SIRDI), Marcus Osorio and the Chairman of SICB, Gabriel Martinez, of mismanagement …

Fight lands two persons in hospital
Two persons were injured in a fight on Caye Caulker last night. According to Police, 47-year-old Amado Watson and 33-year-old Kathleen Perry were along with friends socializing at a sports bar on the island when they got into an argument with other patrons. The argument escalated into a fight. Police say when they arrived on …

Quick action of police officer saved man’s life
A Belize City man is recuperating from a gunshot injury. 30-year-old Matthew Smith was reportedly buying food on Cemetery Road last night when two male persons fired several shots in his direction. Smith was hit to the right upper arm. A police officer was purchasing food at the same time and fired several shots at …

US Government donated counter narcotics equipment to Belize
The US Government has donated counter narcotics equipment to the Ministry of National Security. The equipment comes from the U.S. Southern Command and it was funded by the U.S. counter-narcotics program office at a cost of six hundred and twelve thousand dollars. This equipment will assist in the fight to counter the activities of transnational criminal …

BNE Charitable Trust & Galen University signed MOU
Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust and Galen University signed an MOU and agreement for partnership in a new “Galen Student Loan Program”. The partnership is designed to make education more viable and accessible to all Belizeans needing assistance to further their education through Galen University.

Health Ministry tells Brodies NO to Turkish Drugs
James Brodie and Company Limited has been having some issues with the importation of pharmaceutical products into Belize. Since July, 2017 a regulation was created that was stringent on imported pharmaceuticals and required a certificate of Good Manufacturing Practice from drug producers. Certain labels had to be in English or Spanish but a portion of Brodie’s imports were Turkish.

Breaking Belize News

Researchers to document the depths of Belize’s Blue Hole
A team of researchers, including scientists, conservationists and filmmakers have announced a historic expedition to […]

Belize’s export products suffering
Today, the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) release official statistics for the month of July […]

Belize sees increase in imports and exports in July
Today, the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) released its statistics for the month of […]

Police department concerned over information regarding ‘illegal drug planes’
The Belize Police Department today informed that it is concerned about the slur of information […]

Statistical Institute of Belize: Cost of Living was up in July
Today, the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) released its consumer price index survey for the […]

Ministry of National Security denies allegations of state involvement in narcotics trade
Yesterday a social media post went viral after it released purported coordinates of clandestine airstrips […]

NEMO assists flood victims in Toledo
Excess rainfall over the weekend led to extreme flooding in the Toledo District. The Southern […]

Belize Bureau of Standards to host Metrology training for its staff
The Belize Bureau of Standards is hosting a five-day training this week for its metrology […]

Will GoB pay $90 million plus for guaranteeing UHS loan?
The controversy surrounding a judgement against the Government of Belize for guaranteeing a loan for […]

Two Oceana employees awarded international graduate scholarships
Two employees of Oceana have been awarded international scholarships to pursue their graduate degrees this […]

Man sentenced to 15 years for manslaughter
Yesterday Justin Lemoth, 29, was sentenced to prison for the 2014 death of Richard Waight Jr., […]

Teenager missing in Punta Gorda, Toledo
The family of 16-year-old Robert Jacobs is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the missing teenager. […]

Blogs

Often Overlooked Place for Tacos on a Stick With a View
Because of it is slightly off the beaten path (but easy to reach) D’Office Bar and Grill is an often overlooked place. After seeing my cheap food in downtown San Pedro write up, a longtime Belize traveler and a tacogirl.com reader wrote me wanting to promote it one of their favorites. I have eaten there a few times but after seeing Kris’s picture below of tacos on a stick, I will definitely be going back soon. I’m Kris Shoemaker and I’ve been coming to San Pedro for more than 30 years now. In the spirit of full disclosure I must admit to you I am a total foodie. Over my years in San Pedro, I have come to love the culture, the people, and the food! My true love is the small local restaurants that serve Belizean dishes prepared the local way. For the past several years my “favoritest” of favorites has been D’Office.

What Fun Is ONE Stop Shopping? Errands in San Pedro
Living on an island in the Caribbean Sea for 11 years…one would think that my most frequent blog topic would be snorkeling or sunning. But my #1 is running errands. Not AT ALL what I thought of when I moved down to Belize to find a different way to live, to dial it back a bit, to “live the dream”. Despite the connotations, running errands is not a bad thing. In fact, on a good day, I LOVE it. Checking out what’s new at different shops (who got in a fresh shipment from the US or new fruit from the mainland), chatting with some of my favorite people – like Evalia and Adam at the Greenhouse or Samir and Mahmoud at Caye Mart or Maite at Harmouch Hardware and getting lunch. On a red hot dusty day, I can get very cranky, very quickly.

Iguana Trail
Our property is known for the award winning Green Iguana Conservation Project and this drink is the perfect way to cool down after seeing our iguana sanctuary! Mix the ingredients in a tall glass. You can throw it in the blender with some ice for a Frozen Iguana Trail or serve it on the rocks!

International Sources

Blue Springs native missing in Belize
A Grain Valley man fears for his mother's safety after she disappeared in Central America. Sherris Stringham, 67, went missing in Belize. Her son and daughter are worried and are trying to do everything they can to find her and bring her home safely. "Trying to grasp anything we can to hold onto the fact that she is still alive," said Matthew Hall, Stringham's son. "We are hoping that doing this interview we can get this out. Get her picture out that maybe somebody has seen something, seen her vehicle and they can contact us." The Blue Springs native recently retired and moved to Belize. Her family says after decades of driving a school bus and checking groceries at Hy-Vee, she scraped together all she had and retired to Hopkins, a village in Belize.

Migratory Talks Between Cuba and Belize Conclude
The first round of migratory talks between Cuba and Belize will conclude today in this capital after fulfilling two days analyzing the problems in this field affecting both countries. According to Ernesto Soberon, director of Consular Affairs and Cuban Citizens Residing Abroad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participants in the meeting reviewed yesterday the migratory flow, including the illegal ones associated with the issue. The meeting was fruitful in order to contribute to the achievement of orderly, safe and legal migration, Soberon, leading the Cuban delegation, tweeted. According to the official, about 647 Belizeans traveled to Cuba in 2017 and 45 Cubans traveled to Belize in an orderly manner.

Cuba, Belize Reiterate Willingness to Strengthen Ties
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and Belize Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Patrick Andrews today reiterated their willingness to deepen collaboration relations between the two countries. According to a note from the Cuban Foreign Ministry, Rodriguez and Andrews -who traveled to the island for the first round of migratory talks between the two nations- exchanged on issues of bilateral and international interest. According to the Cuban authorities, during the migratory conversations, that concluded this day, the migratory flow and the illicit ones associated to the issue were reviewed.

How taking extended time off makes people like Simone Biles even better at their jobs
Sometimes a resume gap is the best thing for your career. U.S. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles took an unprecedented two years off from competition, and a year off from training, after winning four gold medals and a bronze in the 2016 Rio Games. And that time spent sunning in Hawaii and zip-lining in Belize paid off: She dominated the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Boston last week, winning gold medals in all five events — becoming the first woman to do so since Dominique Dawes in 1994. When asked how the 2016 Olympics version of herself compares to this post-sabbatical Biles, the 21-year-old champion told USA Today, “I would probably beat her,” adding, “I feel like I’m in a better place.” Her coach Laurent Landi agreed: “She’s stronger. She’s better.”

Caribbean food innovations recognised in Paris
Two Caribbean companies have been selected as finalists in the SIAL Innovation Awards 2018 in Paris, France, for their product innovation. They are Caribbean Cure Ltd of Trinidad and Tobago and Naledo Belize Ltd. SIAL is regarded as the world’s largest food innovation exhibition and hosts the SIAL Innovation Awards each year to recognise those who help to shape what we eat both today and tomorrow. Taking place in Paris from October 21-25, 2018, the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) in collaboration with the European Union is supporting 12 food and beverage producers to participate at SIAL under the Caribbean Kitchen banner.

2 to 3 tropical threats may form in Atlantic during 1st part of September
With the peak of hurricane season close at hand, there are signs that the tropical Atlantic may soon spring to life with the potential for direct impact on the coastal United States in the days ahead. People along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, as well as the Caribbean, have enjoyed an extended period with no great concern for tropical activity during August. However, things are likely to change, and that change may be rapid. "There are signs now that wind shear may drop over a significant part of the Atlantic basin over the next couple of weeks," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bernie Rayno. "In the short term, there is an area just west of the coast of Africa, near Cabo Verde, that bears watching," according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski.

Videos

August 29, 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

Brian and Percival Armstrong charged for drug trafficking in San Pedro Town
On Friday, August 24th, around 8:30AM, an operation consisting of members of the San Pedro Police Department, the Gang Suppression Unit, and the Quick Response Team resulted in the discovery of three bags of suspected cannabis. The drugs were found in a room occupied by 44-year-old Percival Armstrong and Brian Armstrong, both out of the San Mateo Area. Both were detained and subsequently charged with two counts of drug trafficking and one count of possession. The search took place in a yellow wooden house elevated about 20 feet off the ground in San Mateo. The house is split between two rooms. The first room was searched and nothing illegal was found.

Captain Shark’s is testing a machine to combat Sargassum on Ambergris Caye
The Sargassum epidemic that continues to plague the coast of Belize has prompted islanders to find a solution to contain the never-ending influx of the brown seaweed. A team at Captain Shark’s Boatyard south of San Pedro Town has built a prototype of a Sargasso skimmer to remove the seaweed from the water more easily and efficiently. The skimmer was put to the test on Saturday, August 25th, and according to its builder, it performed fairly well on its first trial. James Ritchie of Captain Shark’s shared with The San Pedro Sun that after discussing the Sargassum issue with a friend from the United States, they built a model, which is smaller than what the actual machine should be. Ritchie explained that the machine would include a set of rubber floating booms which will guide the Sargassum to the skimmer’s tooth conveyor belt.

9 Belizeans awarded prestigious Chevening Scholarships
Nine young people from Belize have been awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship by the British government to study a one-year postgraduate course in the UK. Each scholarship is valued at approximately BZ$100,000. Funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the Chevening scholarships enable outstanding emerging leaders and influencers to pursue a one-year Post Graduate degree in their field of expertise at any UK university. The programme provides individuals with a unique opportunity to develop professionally and academically, build networks, and to explore and experience the UK culture through fully-funded scholarships.

Iguana Juan’s Restaurant holds fundraiser dinner for Boca del Rio fire victims
A fundraising dinner along with a silent auction was held at Iguana Juan’s Restaurant and Bar on Saturday, August 25th, resulting in over $2,000 collected for the continued relief efforts of the Boca del Rio fire victims. The donation will go to the island’s children home and community center Hope Haven, which was one of the main institutions on the island that assisted by providing meals and lodging to some of those affected by the tragedy after the fire. The donation is expected to assist the center with the much-needed funds so they can continue providing their services. The fire left 109 residents of the Boca del Rio area homeless on the early hours of Saturday, August 4th, and since then, a large amount of humanitarian support has come from the island community, like the business sector and the local Red Cross branch as well.

Ambergris Today

Elvi’s Kitchen Hosts Garifuna Flava Of Chicago
Chef Jennie Staines of Elvi’s Kitchen says she met Rhodel and Yolanda Castillo of Gariuna Flava at the See N Taste Belize Festival in Miami back in 2015. This weekend the couple was visiting Belize and when they arrived to San Pedro, Chef Jennie had to host them for lunch at Elvi’s Kitchen. Ambergris Today first wrote about Garifuna Flava when the Chicago restaurant was featured in an episode on Food Network’s popular “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives” (Triple Ds) show which aired on May 23, 2011. A week later, a special reporter for Ambergris Today visited the restaurant and sent in his reviews. (Read Here) Originally from the culture capital Dangriga Town, Stann Creek, Belize, Rhodel and Yolanda Castillo had decided to give Chicago a taste of their Belizean culinary roots and as a result opened Garifuna Flava in June 2008. Since its inception, this cultural oasis has been attracting its fair share of attention in the windy city.

9 Belizeans Awarded Prestigious Chevening Scholarships
Nine young people from Belize have been awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship by the British government to study a one-year postgraduate course in the UK. Each scholarship is valued at approximately BZ$100,000. This year’s Chevening awardees who will travel to the UK in the next few weeks to begin their studies are: Mr Hero Balani (MSc in International Development (Globalisation, Trade and Industry)), Miss Ashley Jones (MSc in Structural Geology with Geophysics), Ms Kendra Butler (MA in Social Policy), Miss Robin Quilter (MSc in Economics, Accounting and Finance), Ms Yusleidy Chan (MA in Principles of Conservation), Miss Jacinta Gomez (MSc in Environment and Development), Miss Robin Schaffer (MSc in Education (Comparative and International Education)), Miss Sarita Bejerano (MA in Globalisation, Business and Sustainable Development) and Miss Zamira Leiva (MSc in Finance and Investment).

Misc Belizean Sources

Yabra Community Policing Headquarders receives musical instruments
On August 27, 2018, Yabra Community Policing Headquarders, Eastern Police division received musical instruments from the Youth and Community Transformation for the development of a Police and Community band.

Fraudulent Social Media Account
It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Natural Resources that a fraudulent Instagram account was created to impersonate the Minister, Hon. Hugo Patt. The public is advised that this account does not belong to Minister Patt and is in no way associated with the Ministry. Any activities or information originating from this fake profile constitutes fraud. The Ministry does not support this and hereby advises the public to not accept any request from the page and to report the account.

9 Belizeans awarded prestigious Chevening Scholarships
Nine young people from Belize have been awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship by the British government to study a one-year postgraduate course in the UK. Each scholarship is valued at approximately BZ$100,000. Funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the Chevening scholarships enable outstanding emerging leaders and influencers to pursue a one-year Post Graduate degree in their field of expertise at any UK university. The programme provides individuals with a unique opportunity to develop professionally and academically, build networks, and to explore and experience the UK culture through fully-funded scholarships.

Caye Caulker Model Sailboat Battle Regatta
And they are off to the first ever official model sailboats regatta 2008. Who will win the 2018 Model sailboat 'Battle Regatta'? Monday 10th September, Palapa Gardens, 9am-12noon.

Corozal September Celebrations Flag Raising Ceremony
The grand inauguration of the September Celebrations taking place Saturday 1st September 2018. Special performance by Local Artists the Selection of Carnival Queen 2018 and much more. Come out and support our Carnival Groups. Updates on performing artist will be posted....

Maya Heroes Day
Sept. 1, 2018. 9am @ Marcos Canul Monument, Orange Walk

6th Cayo Cancer Walk
The Cayo Cancer Society will be having their 6th annual Cancer Awareness Walk On Saturday, October 27th. It'll go from Running W to Macal River Park. They're in the process of making the t-shirts now.

6th annual Belize Bash
The U.S. Embassy congratulates Gary P. Nunn on the success of his 6th annual Belize Bash last weekend in San Pedro. “Music knows no borders. It was great to run into a Texas legend in San Pedro” – Chargé d’Affaires, Keith Gilges with Gary P. Nunn, a celebrated singer/songwriter, at the San Pedro airport.

Caye Caulker activities for September Celebration
Caye Caulker Village Council presents calendar of activities for September Celebration. Join us this Saturday September 1st as we commence the month of activities with a small parade and a few cultural presentations at the Central Park.

Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Donates to the Governor General's Music in the Schools Programme
The Belize House announces that this morning the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Colville Young received a monetary donation for the Governor-General’s Music in the Schools Programme to purchase a small consignment of musical instruments. His Excellency also received a donation of souvenir pins for use at his Annual State Reception in September. This generous donation was made by the Ambassador of Taiwan, His Excellency Mr. Charles Liu. In making his donation Ambassador Liu, pledged to continue to encourage and support musical programs in schools throughout Belize, and to renew his commitment to assist in developing and promoting the love of music and the practice of the arts.

Fake Social Media Accounts Under the Governor General's Name
The Office of the Governor-General (OGG) is aware that Facebook accounts and an email under the name “Colville Young” and colville_young@yahoo.com have been created and are active. The OGG informs the public that any pages and email address colville_young@yahoo.com purporting to be the personal or official account of, or bearing photos or personal information of the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Colville Young, are fake and unauthorized. Users are advised to disregard any requests or communication from such pages and email and especially refrain from sharing any personal information with said accounts.

The Belize Agriculture Census 2018
The Ministry of Agriculture would like to inform the public, especially farmers residing in the Cayo District, that the Agriculture Census has commenced in their area and is scheduled to end on September 20th, 2018. Farmers who have not yet registered are advised to visit their Agriculture Station in Central Farm to be counted. What is the Agriculture Census? The Belize Agriculture Census is a count of all the farmers and farm activities in Belize. It will present the state of agriculture in the country on who, what, and how much is being produced.

Fun future events in Corozal

Swimsuit photo session, Queen Of The Bay Corozal 2018
Saturday September 1,2018 Make it a date at the Andres Campos Civic Center 7p.m. Sharp And witness who will be The new Queen of The Bay

2nd Annual Maya Heroe's Recognition Day
We are gearing up for the 2nd Annual Maya Heroe's Recognition Day in Orange Walk Town, Belize on Saturday September 1st 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at The Marcos Canul Monument to the Orange Walk Battle of 1872. We will be honoring our past and present Heroes who have done exemplary work in the promotion and preservation of The Maya Heritage. To'one Masehualoon and The Northern Maya Association of Belize are most grateful to the sponsorship of The Saint Francis Xavier Credit Union in Corozal Town and Rapidito Loans in Corozal Town. We are also grateful to all the other sponsors who support and celebrate our efforts with us as we continue to preserve and promote our Maya heritage in Northern Belize.

Rotaract Backpack Project Helps 89 Students
The Rotaract Club of Benque and their partners were able to supply 89 students with backpacks and school supplies in San Jose Succotz. Here's to a great school year. Thanks, Rotaract! "An education starts with the right equipment! The Rotaract Club of Benque Viejo In collaboration with Central TV and Internet joined forces in equipping 50 children ages 5-10 with a back pack to ensure they can pursue their formation as eager and inspirational learners in their upcoming academic school year.

Counter-narcotics equipment transferred to Belize Coast Guard
Today at a ceremony held at the Belize Coast Guard Headquarters, the U.S. Government transferred counter-narcotics equipment to the Belize Coast Guard and counter-narcotics equipment and a secondary entry control point to the Belize Defense Force. The U.S. Embassy’s Senior Defense Official Lieutenant/Defense Attaché Colonel Eldridge Singleton, Belize Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Johnny Borland, and Deputy Commander Belize Defense Force Colonel Azariel Loria were on hand to formalize the handing over. This equipment reinforces the U.S. Government’s continued commitment to the stability and security of Belize, the region, and the Western Hemisphere as a whole. The equipment is part of a continued effort from the U.S. Southern Command and was funded by the U.S. counter-narcotics program office at a cost of US$612K. This equipment donation will enhance the readiness posture of Belize’s defense forces by keeping previously donated equipment upgraded, updated and effectively functional, and also enhance capabilities in the fight to counter the activities of transnational criminal organizations.

Channel 7

Cabinet Thunderclap! Sapnah Suspended
Tonight, there is big news coming out of Cabinet. At its meeting today, Cabinet members reportedly decided to place President of NICH, Sapnah Budrani on leave pending an external audit. Basically it is a suspension, and this would seem to be a major putdown for the Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber - who has publicly vouched for her integrity and fitness for the office. Last week he took it further when he said, quote, "whatever it is they accuse Ms. Budrani of they really should be accusing me of." End quote. Well, the accusation seems to be of financial impropriety - which is a charge advanced by the Prime Minister's son, Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow.

Universal Award Goes Back To House, Will UDP Pay?
There's a Special Sitting of the House of Representatives scheduled for Friday - and 7News has confirmed that the appropriations bill to pay the Universal Health guarantee will be brought back to the House. Our sources say a new bill for 95 million dollars will be tabled, to replace the last one which was for 92 million dollars. Since then, 17% interest has been running accounting for the 3 million dollar difference. And while the original bill was tabled in January - no vote was taken. But, the news is that, this time, a vote will be taken. It is expected that the Government majority will vote against paying it, leaving this rather weighty matter very much in the air.

Camalote Man Killed
A 23 year old Camalote man was executed last night in the Valley of Peace area. Roshane Jones left his friends Belmopan house last night and never returned. They found his body this morning on Farmers Road in the Valley of Peace area. He was shot to the face. Courtney Weatherburne has the story. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: Blood stained gravel and stray pieces of caution tape were all that was left on the scene of the Farmers Road murder in the Valley of Peace Area. The murder victim is 24 year old Roshane Jones. He was shot to the face and information is that he was also badly beaten before he was executed.

American Woman Missing In Hopkins
Tonight there are concerns for the safety and wellbeing of American, Sherris Stringham - who is a resident of Hopkins Village. The 67-year-old - who is originally from the US state of Missouri, was last seen on Saturday, and was reported missing yesterday. Her vehicle, a green Nissan Xterra is also missing. The X-Terra has Stann Creek license plates, C - 14628. We understand that police presently have the identity of a male person of interest who they believe may know her whereabouts. He is also nowhere to be found in the village - and, tonight, Police believe he may be in the Belmopan area.

PG Teen Missing
A teenager from Punta Gorda is also missing - and his family is pleading for his return tonight. 16-year-old Robert Jacobs left home last Friday morning. Today, his mother, Martha Jacobs made her emotional plea to him and to anyone knowing his whereabouts. Mother: "Hi Robert, wherever you are, I am begging to God for you to come back home. Vicky needs you, she can't play without you. Please Robert get back home. I love you. I am right here waiting on you. I need you so much. Anyone who see this, remember I love him and tell him that I really need him and tell you to return back home and I will know how to make it work out."

Police Knew Coordinates of Drug Plane Movements And Did Nothing?
A stir was created on Facebook today when a page attributed to someone who claims to know a whole lot about the movements of drug planes in northern Belize - posted some interesting pictures. Included in the postings are pictures from a notebook - which are supposedly the handwritten notes that the pilot of one of the drug planes - which hadn't been burned - left behind in the cockpit. The post-er claims the book contains flight plans and plane routes for each illegal drug plane along with flight coordinates of flights - and that police confiscated it and kept it as evidence but did nothing.

Ministry of Health Explains Brodies Blockade
Last night we told you about the complaints from one of Belize's biggest pharmaceutical importers, Brodies. The company has had a shipment of medicines from Turkey stuck at the airport for 9 weeks. They cannot get clearance because they don't have the certificates required under new regulations implemented by the Ministry of Health in November of last year. Today, we got a response from the Ministry of Health which says that Brodies knew the rules well enough, but didn't do what was required at their end. Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services: "They have a shipment from 5 different pharmaceutical companies. None of the companies that they had brought in met the requirements which means GMP, CPP, labels need to be in English and Spanish. Notwithstanding that, we managed to give them permission for four out of the five companies under the understanding that they are going to bring in the necessary documentation. That's two, three months ago; they still haven't brought it in..."

New Programme Will Look For Early Signs of Diabetes
We met the DHS at THE Western Regional Hospital for the launch of a National Diabetes Self-Care Programme. The idea behind the three years, 185 thousand US dollar program is to make early interventions for persons who have diabetes, before they show up at public clinics and hospitals already in a dire state. The DHS explained: Today, equipment was handed over to the persons who will be implementing the program starting the end of September. The manuals are presently being completed.

Lemoth Gets 15 Years For Taking Teen’s Life
For weeks now, we've been reporting on the case of 29 year old Justin Lemoth, who was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter one month ago in a trial without jury. Well, he was sentenced today after Justice Adolph Lucas heard pleas for mitigation from Lemoth, his attorney, Leslie Hamilton and two character witnesses. He also listened to an victim impact assessment report that was read by Crown Counsel Shanice Lovell, which was provided by Richard Waight Sr, the father of the deceased. Having considered all that, he sentenced Lemoth to 15 years today, and after subtracting 4 years and 5 months from his sentence for time spent on remand, he will only serve 10 years and 7 months.

Chevening’s Choice Students
Nine young Belizeans have been selected for Chevening scholarships to pursue Master's degrees in the UK. They are Hero Balani who will pursue a postgraduate degree in International Development, Ashley Jones who will seek a master's in Structural Geology with Geophysics, Kendra Butler who will earn her Master's in Social Policy, while Robin Quilter will get her Masters in in Economics, Accounting and Finance, Yusleidy Chan will get her M.A. in Principles of Conservation, Jacinta Gomez will get her postgraduate in Environment and Development, Sarita Bejerano will pursue an M.A. in Globalisation, Business and Sustainable Development, while Zamira Leiva will get her Masters in Finance and Investment, and our Robin Schaffer will pursue a Masters of Science in Comparative and International Education at Oxford.

Restoration For A History-soaked Cathedral
St. John's Cathedral is one of the major landmarks and main tourist attractions in Belize City - but the old church - which goes back to the 1800's is looking its age. That's why it's now part of a restoration project. Now, it's not a repair project, it's far more involved than that. We found out more when we went to mass this morning at 9:00:... St. John's Cathedral is historic - we all know that, but at over two centuries, its age is showing in crumbling masonry work and broken windows.

Capital Cops & Kids
Last week you saw Eastern Division Region 1 Commander Sr. Supt Howell Gillett along with Central TV and Internet handing out school bags and supplies to needy kids. Well, Belmopan OC Supt. Henry Jemmoth is doing the same. Scotia Bank gifted $2,000 to the Belmopan police department for them to buy school supplies for kids in the surrounding communities in Belmopan. Here's more. About 25 kids from Las Flores, Salvapan and Maya Mopan will benefit from this initiative. The cheque was made out directly to Dibary and A&R.

Jemmoth Keeping Capital Calm
And Supt. Jemmoth plans on keeping these positive initiatives going as the new Belmopan OC. He has taken up office in Belmopan for 2 months now and today he told us how it has been going so far. As you heard, Jemmoth is doing in house cleaning within the Belmopan police department and he is increasing police presence on the roads.

Sargussum floating Into Haulover Creek
For years, we've reported on the sargassum along Belize's coast in the islands, but today, those passing the swing bridge saw a whole lot coming in form the sea and floating into the mouth of the Haulover Creek. Large threads of it flowed past the swing bridge heading down-river. Boatmen say that they were able to just steer past it. Massive rafts of sargassum can be seen floating all along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

McFarlane’s Bees Still Buzzing
Last night we showed you Walter McFarlane - A Belize City resident whose roof has been infested by killer bees. On Saturday night, those bees killed tow of his neighbor's pit bulls. He's been asking the agriculture department to come and deal with the problem before someone gets hurt, and he made a public plea last night. But when we we spoke to him today they still hadn't come. The office said the staff for that were dealing with other situations including an urgent one at Wesley College - which is across form his house. Police also visited and pledged to help. We'll see if he gets that help tomorrow.

Hugo Patt, Not Me On Insta-G
He's been acting Prime Minister a few times so it might not surprise you to learn that Hugo Patt has a fancy Instagram Page and whats ot be your friend. Well, it turns out, he doesn't. A government press release says, quote, "a fraudulent Instagram account was created to impersonate the Minister, Hon. Hugo Patt." The public is advised that this account does not belong to Minister Patt and is in no way associated with the Ministry. Any activities or information originating from this fake profile constitutes fraud."

Channel 5

Murder in the West: Roshane Jones Shot Twice in the Face
A Camalote resident, Roshane Jones was found brutally murdered this morning. The body of the twenty-four-year-old was discarded in a bushy area near the Valley of Peace Village in Cayo. [...]

Sapna Budhrani Suspended; More on the Damning NICH Audits
The news tonight is that after days of inaction, the president of NICH, Sapna Budhrani has been suspended from her post. On Monday night, News Five revealed the contents of [...]

A Challenge to the Police Department on Drug Plane Landings
The transshipment of narcotics through northern Belize, particularly via unregistered aircrafts landing on clandestine runways in the far reaches of the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts, continues unabated.  In most, [...]

Why Containers of Pharmaceuticals Remain Stuck at Port
Earlier this year, we reported on a shortage of medical supplies as well as medicines. The Ministry of Health had given assurances that the shortage was been taken care of, [...]

Streamlining of Teachers to Commence at Gwen Liz
Gwen Lizarraga High School formally reopened its classrooms to approximately three hundred and thirty-five students across all forms on Monday morning, officially kicking off the academic calendar for 2018.  The [...]

Number of Teachers to Be Sent Home From Gwen Liz Still Undetermined
Aside from a reduction of teachers, resources allocated for the development of students will also be reduced considerably, since funding is set aside based on the size of its enrollment.  [...]

Guilty of Manslaughter, Justin Lemott Sentenced to 15 Years Behind Bars
Guilty of manslaughter…today, twenty-nine-year-old Justin Lemott was sentenced to fifteen years behind bars. But Lemott, who was found guilty of fatally stabbing of seventeen-year-old Richard Waight Junior in April 2014, [...]

Justice Williams Denies No Case Submission in Richard and Maria Stuart Murder Trial
The criminal trial against Milton Maza and Eli Lopez Avila continued today in the court room of Justice Colin Williams today. The two men stand accused of butchering Attorney Richard [...]

American National Missing in Southern Belize
American national Sherris Stringhan is missing. The sixty-seven-year-old who lives in Hopkins Village was last seen on Saturday, August twenty-fifth. According to police, Stringham and her vehicle, a green Nissan [...]

16-year-old Boy Goes Missing in PG
There is another missing person to report on tonight; he is a sixteen-year-old young man also from the south. Robert Jacobs has been missing since Friday morning. His parents Robert [...]

Allegations of Mismanagement at Sugar Industry Control Board
Chairman of the Sugar Cane Production Committee, Doctor Carlos Itza, is speaking out against what he describes as mismanagement at the Sugar Industry Control Board.  Doctor Itza is calling into [...]

Dr. Carlos Itza Says S.I.C.B. Should be Audited
According to Doctor Carlos Itza, S.I.C.B. manages millions of dollars every year. He says that for the cane farmers to understand the gravity of the alleged mismanagement, an audit should [...]

9 Belizeans are Awarded Chevening Scholarships
Nine Belizeans have been awarded scholarship to pursue a one-year post-graduate study in the U.K.  The Chevening Scholarship awarded by the British government offers outstanding emerging leaders and influencers to [...]

U.S. Donates $1.2 Million of Equipment to the Coastguard and the B.D.F.
About one point two million dollars in equipment was handed over today to the Belize Coast Guard and the Belize Defence Force by the U.S. government. The Coast Guard received [...]

Taiwan Donates Musical Instruments and Souvenir Pins to the G.G.
Taiwan today made a less controversial donation than rice. The Governor General, Colville Young, has received a monetary donation for his Music in the Schools Programme to purchase a small [...]

National Diabetes Self-Care Programme Launched
Today, the Ministry of Health launched the National Diabetes Self-Care Programme. It will be rolled out in the six districts for community health workers to be trained in diabetes prevention, nutrition and [...]

OSPESCA Trains for Regional Spiny Lobster Stock Assessment
The Organization of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of the Central American Isthmus (OSPESCA) is hosting a four-day workshop in Belize to train regional fisheries technicians to do an assessment [...]

LOVE FM

Killed along the Valley of Peace Road
The area is called Valley of Peace, but the Valley of Peace Road was anything but peaceful. A man was violently killed and dumped on the road and his body was discovered today. Correspondent Fem Cruz followed the trail which led to the deceased man’s home in Camalote Village. Fem Cruz: “Based on information received some …

YWCA speaks on AHRMED project within Belize
Known for providing many impactful courses and projects for over the past sixty years being in Belize, the Young Women’s Christian Association, YWCA, in May of this year, launched their new project, Addressing Human Rights for More Equitable Development, ARHMED. Today, Kiri Lizama, the project coordinator of YWCA’s AHRMED, explained what the project’s mission is …

AHRMED speaks on Gender Based Violence within Belize
The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) has a project called Addressing Human Rights for More Equitable Development or (AHRMED). And with the widespread cases of gender based violence in Belize, Kira Lizama, the project coordinator for AHRMED told Love News, the project will cover the different aspects of gender based violence among women within the …

Classes officially start next week for Gwen Liz but will all teachers be there?
While most high schools have opened this week, the situation of Gwen Lizarraga High School remains fluid tonight. Low enrollment is affecting the finances and the school will not be able to balance its expenses with a full staff for all four forms without making adjustments to the number of faculty or to the programs …

Javier Canul creates his own business, ABC Life Support
In times of crises, calling to report a medical emergency and having the urgent need for an ambulance, is the number one priority for many. At times we fail to identify, or even appreciate these first responders, who arrive to our aid, providing medical assistance. For Javier Canul, he dedicated seventeen years to the pre-hospital …

US NATIONAL MISSING
Family and friends of a 67-year-old woman from Missouri, USA are concerned for her safety. Sherris Stringham has been reported missing in southern Belize. Correspondent Harry Arzu spoke with the officer commanding Dangriga about the missing woman. Harry Arzu: Police here in the South have organized an intensive hunt for 67 year old American national …

Tips to keep you safe during a thunderstorm
Occasionally, thunder and lightning are known to accompany the rain. During these thunderstorms, children are usually afraid of the lightning and they have good reason to be, after all, it can be deadly. There are two recent cases that prove this point which took place within a span of two months. 22-year-old Jacob Weibe was …

Janelli Frazer speaks on winning Miss Universe Belize
Since nineteen seventy-five, pageantry has been a part of Belize’s history as many vied for the title of being Miss Belize Universe. After a ten year hiatus, the pageant resumed two years ago. Last Saturday night Janelli Fraser was crowned the new Miss Belize Universe. Fraser shared with us the preparations she undertook and her …

Court rejected no case submission
Eli Lopez Avila and Milton Maza’s case continued today before Justice Colin Williams. The duo is accused of the double murder of Richard Stuart and his wife, Maria. In today’s proceedings, Leeroy Banner, who is representing Eli Lopez Avila, presented a no case submission. Banner told the court that the evidence did not support a …

Shooting Victim Recovering
Lascelle Jeffords was shot to the right shoulder and the right abdomen area a few days ago. He was injured while two men attempted to steal his gun while he was on duty as a security guard at the law firm of Courtenay Coye LLP on A Street in Kings Park. His wife, Elaine Jeffords …

Cinderella Taxi Mad Men
The Cinderella Plaza Taxi Association in Belize City is in a bit of turmoil over fees owed to the Belize City Council. The fees have not been paid for years and the cab drivers are worried that they could lose their licenses or access to the Plaza area. Philip Martinez, one of the area taxi men said they tried to dialogue with City Hall, but got no results.

Mother Speaks about Slain Son
Carol Bevans told Love News she received the heartbreaking news about the murder from one of her other sons. She said the last time she saw Roshane was when he visited two weeks ago, but she spoke with him on the phone only a few days ago.

2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season not very active
This year’s hurricane season was off to an early start with Subtropical Storm Alberto forming outside the official season. We are now in the middle of the season and there is not any storm currently forming in this region. However, Ronald Gordon, the Climatologist for the MET Service advises the public to be on the alert and keep monitoring the situation.

Music and Instruments in Schools
This morning the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Colville Young received a donation for his Governor-General’s Music in the Schools Programme. The Ambassador of Taiwan, His Excellency Mr. Charles Liu made the donation (VO STARTS) for the program to purchase a small consignment of musical instruments. Ambassador Liu also gave the Governor General Souvenir pins to use at his Annual State Reception in September.

King and Queen Move to new Venue
The National Celebrations Commission has changed the venue for the September first Carnival King and Queen Competition. According to a press release from the National Institute of Culture and History, this year’s display of vibrant colors and melodious movement was previously slated to be held at the Belize Civic Centre. The competition will now be held at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex on Saturday, September first at 7:00 p.m.

Fake GG and Minister Profiles
The Ministry of Natural resources says a fraudulent Instagram account was created to impersonate (VO 1 STARTS) Minister Hugo Patt. The release says this account is in no way associated with the Ministry and any activities or information originating from this fake profile constitutes fraud. As in these cases, the Ministry is advising the public to not accept any request from the page and to report the account.

Amandala

Sapna Budhrani mismanaging NICH
An audit report at the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) leaked to the media highlights a disturbing catalogue of financial abuse that calls into question the administrative competency of the NICH president, Sapna Budhrani, who was appointed to fill the post only last month. Budhrani, who was appointed as NICH administrator, was also its director before she was appointed president of NICH. The audit report, dated August 11, 2018, was written in memorandum format by Roberto Matus, an auditor, and addressed to Edwin Alvarado, the Financial Officer for NICH, with the subject being: “Audit note concerns.”

Weekend rains cause flooding in Southern Belize
Several streets in Belize City underwent overnight flooding yesterday due to incessant rains brought by a tropical wave passing over the country, but the roads in Jacintoville, which is about 8 miles outside of Punta Gorda, were impassable. The Ministry of Transport and National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) issued a press release yesterday declaring the highway at Jacintoville, near the bridge, impassable. Motorists were cautioned against attempting to travel along the road. Fortunately, as the day went on, the flood waters slowly receded and by 10 a.m. motorists were being allowed to pass again, but with caution, since there was still some flooding on the highway and the forecast predicted more showers over the course of the day.

Oscar Mira is new PUP Belmopan standard bearer
If the applications for candidacy of all the political aspirants who wanted to run in the People’s United Party (PUP) Belmopan constituency convention yesterday, Sunday, had been accepted, it would have been a 5-way race, but the party did not accept the applications of two other aspirants, Arthur Saldivar and Jason Patrick Andrews. So in the end, it was a three-way race between three first-time political aspirants: Oscar Mira, Wiezsman Pat and Michelle Rodriguez. Despite inclement weather which blanketed Belize, almost one thousand voters showed up on the Belmopan Comprehensive High School campus to cast votes in the convention to decide who would be PUP standard bearer for the next general election.

Jenelli Fraser, 27, wins Miss Universe Belize
On Saturday night, 11 beautiful young ladies competed for the title of Miss Universe Belize at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel. At the end of the night, Jenelli Fraser, 27, was given the crown and the opportunity to represent Belize in Bangkok, Thailand for the Miss Universe Pageant. The pageant began with all 11 girls introducing themselves. Then, they were all asked the first round of questions. When asked why changing the standard of pageants was important to Fraser, she replied by saying that she didn’t have what is considered the standard body size for a pageant contestant, but she worked hard and changed her diet to become more fit. She said that she became mentally and emotionally prepared and she encouraged everyone to believe in themselves likewise.

Nicoli Rhys, 27, sentenced to 3 years for firearm and ammo offences
Nicoli Rhys, 27, was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment today by Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser after she found him guilty of keeping a firearm and ammunition without a gun license. She had given him the minimum sentence of 3 years for each offence, but he will only serve 3 years in prison because she stipulated that the sentences are to run concurrently. Three police officers testified that on May 7, 2015, while they were on mobile patrol on Dean Street, they approached Rhys and when Rhys ran, he tripped over a cement block and they saw a gun fall from the waist of his pants.

Taiwan donates money to CitCo for traffic lights
The Republic of China (Taiwan) has just made a donation to the Belize City Council. This donation comes in the wake of the recent rice donation that Taiwan has given Belize, which stirred controversy in the country. A number of persons accused Taiwan of “dumping” its surplus on Belize. Mayor Bernard Wagner received the check on Friday morning from First Secretary David Cheng-Wei Wu, on behalf of H.E. Ambassador Charles K.Y. Liu. According to CitCo’s website, the check was given to the council to assist the Traffic Department in buying traffic lights.

Firms Basketball quarterfinals results
The Firms Basketball League (FBL) held its knockout quarterfinals on Thursday and Friday last week, August 23-24, at Swift Hall. In the opener on Thursday, Dragons defeated DigiNet, 71-59. Dragons were led by Andrew Vasquez 15 pts 8 rebs 4 assts, Auburn Rivero 13 pts 6 assts 5 stls, Eyan Rene 12 pts 11 rebs 4 assts 5 stls, and Sydney “Buck-it” Bradley 11 pts; while DigiNet had Lupita Acosta with 18 pts 3 rebs, Travis Lennan 13 pts 9 rebs 3 assts, Edward Thompson 10 pts 10 rebs, and Herman Ramos 8 pts 9 rebs. In the nightcap game, Belize Bank Bulldogs got the 88-82 win over Police.

Belize U-19 gains 1 victory at UNCAF U-19 Tournament in Honduras
Belize male U-19 football selection played their final game yesterday at the UNCAF U-19 Tournament in Honduras, losing by a 1-nil score to Guatemala. The one victory for Belize U-19 was a 1-nil win over Nicaragua on Tuesday, August 21. Belize lost to Honduras, 6-1, on Sunday, August 19; and 3-1 to El Salvador on Monday, August 20. After resting on Wednesday and Thursday, Belize lost on Friday, August 24, to Costa Rica, by a 5-1 score. On Saturday, Panama beat us, 2-0. And in our final game on Sunday, our boys battled gamely, but lost 1-nil to Guatemala.

Bandits drop Police, lead standings at Week 4 of PLB Opening Season
We are yet to receive the official scoring details of the 4 games played over the weekend in Week 4 of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Opening Season. Despite the rainy weather from a passing tropical wave, all four scheduled games were completed, and defending champions, Belmopan Bandits SC now stand alone at the top of the standings, after their 3-0 win over Police United FC on Saturday night. (See standings below) The weekend started out at Ambergris Stadium on Saturday night, where visiting BDF FC recorded their first win of the tournament, as they clipped San Pedro Pirates, 1-nil.

Kulture clips San Pedro, 3-2, in game 1 of National Over-40 Finals
Kulture Yabra travelled to Ambergris Caye yesterday evening and registered a 3-2 win over San Pedro Veterans in game 1 of the National Over-40 Football Championship Finals. Shaking the net for Kulture were Rudolph “Bolo” McKoy (17’), Albert “Allie” Thurton (27’ PK) and Albert “Chicken” Arnold (58’); while San Pedro goals were by Oliver Hendricks (4’) and Jacinto Pinelo (76’). The championship will be decided in game 2 of the Finals this Saturday at the MCC:

If not “the Tenth,” then what!!??
A good friend and compadre posed the above question to me, when, after reading some revealing history on the whole “Anglo-Guatemalan dispute,” I concurred with the suggestion that we had all been set up by the English colonial masters, to erase the idea of emancipation celebrations, and instead focus on an event that had previously been of little consequence in the collective memory of our forebears – the Battle of St. George’s Caye, which reportedly climaxed on September 10, 1798. In the 1950s and 1960s in Belize City when I was growing up, “the Tenth” was the biggest thing for those of us who considered ourselves “Belize Creoles.” “Tenth” was special. It was jubilation and bramming. As primary school children, however, I can recall dreading the afternoon schools parade that had us “punishing” in the long march through the city streets under “boiling sun hot,” dressed in our white shirts and pants. The most enjoyable aspect for me was the prize that awaited us at the end of the ordeal – a “bottle of lemonade” and a “bag a ting,” which would contain some locally made pastries and sweets.

A desperate decision to save the 10th
If Sedi Elrington is worth the beard on his face he will do something to Mr. Sidley Leslie. There are a number of civilized ways for our embattled foreign minister to give the sense to this very fresh Leslie cat. That man just can’t be allowed to go free with his monstrous provocation in the Friday Amandala. All of us, from the Sarstoon to the Hondo, from Halfmoon to Benque Viejo to America, are studying the 1859 treaty, and Guatemala’s claims from Spain, and Brother Leslie ran the gamut too, but he went a step further, one giant step further, which led him to the scientology, the horoscope behind the date chosen for the referendum, and his sensational revelation that Sedi got the date ALL WRONG.

The Reporter

FRAUDULENT INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT IMPERSONATES M.N.R & MINISTER PATT
Some Quick-Footed International tricksters have tried to impersonate the Government Of Belize’s Ministry Of Natural Resources and Minister Hugo Patt. The Government of Belize is making a valiant effort, and today they notified the public that a fraudulent Instagram account was recently set up to impersonate the Hon. Hugo Patt. G.O.B further indicates that “Any activities or information originating from this fake profile constitutes fraud” and seeks the publics assistance and vigilance in reporting the fraudulent account.

Breaking Belize News

BNE and Galen University sign Memo of Understanding
Today, the Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust, (BNECT) and Galen University signed an MOU and agreement […]

GOB warns of fake Facebook pages using Governor General’s name
The Office of the Governor-General (OGG) today informed that fake Facebook accounts and an email under […]

U.S. Government donates Counter Narcotics Equipment to Ministry of National Security
At a ceremony held at the Belize Coast Guard Headquarters today, the United States Government transferred […]

Taiwan contributes to Governor General’s Music Program
The Belize House announces that this morning Governor-General, Colville Young received a monetary donation for the Governor-General’s […]

GOB warns of fake Hugo Patt Instagram page
Today, the Ministry of Natural Resources informed that they have been informed of a fraudulent […]

Body found in Valley of Peace, Cayo
According to reports, a body was found this morning on the Valley of Peace road, […]

American woman reported missing in Hopkins
An American woman has been reported missing in Hopkins, Stann Creek. According to reports, Sherris […]

Nine Belizeans awarded prestigious Chevening Scholarships
Nine Belizeans have been awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship by the British government to study […]

San Pedro businessman remanded to prison
San Pedro business man, William James Mulligan, 40, spent last night at the Hattieville prison. That […]

Minor takes rap for robbery at gas station in Caye Caulker
Yesterday we reported that a minor and Belize City resident, Daniel Hughes were charged with the […]

Street figure jailed for three years for unlicensed gun and ammunition
Notorious street figure, Nicoli Rhys, 27, is back in prison. He will spend the next three […]

Accused drug traffickers walk free after police a no show in court
In court yesterday, Peter Schmidt, 37, and Carlos Lopez, 33, walked free from firearm and drug […]

Mental patient remanded to prison for chopping police man
Mental patient, Zebidee Morter, is currently at the Hattieville prison. He will remain there until November […]

Blogs

Cahal Pech, a Quick Overview
Nine Belize has a short and sweet article about Cahal Pech on their website. Such a nice, and important, Maya archaeological site. Worth a read. On a ridge inside the town of San Ignacio there is a small ancient Maya space known as Cahal Pech. Its physical space may seem small to the visitor today but its political and social reaches may have been all throughout the downtown and the heart of San Ignacio Town. Excavations at this site started in the early 1950’s and consistently from them all the way to today. Each summer the Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance (BVAR) still comes in to do the very important research at the site. Satterwaite, Gordon Wiley, Joseph Ball, James Garber, and Jaime Awe are names of archaeologists and specialists who have done research at the site.

International Sources

Is there a correlation between lack of Atlantic hurricanes, significant weather elsewhere?
There may be a correlation between a lack of hurricanes in the Atlantic and above-average storminess elsewhere in North America and the Pacific Ocean off of the West Coast. While the Atlantic Basin has been relatively quiet so far this summer, the eastern part of the United States was struck with historic rain and Hurricane Lane was part of a flurry of tropical activity in the eastern Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii. Dr. Joel N. Myers, president and founder of AccuWeather and former professor at the Pennsylvania State University, has studied global weather patterns for decades and speculates that these events may be interconnected.

The face of Pacal the Great: Archaeologists unearth rare 7th century mask showing Mayan ruler in his old age
Known as Pakal the great, K'inich Janaab Pakal I was the ruler of the Maya city state of Palenque over 68 years until he died in 683AD. Archaeologists have discovered an ancient stucco mask thought to depict the face of the Mayan ruler ‘Pacal the Great.’ The remarkable 7th century artifact is unlike most such treasures as it represents the king in his old age, with visible wrinkle lines. Pacal ruled from the time he was just 12 years old, until his death at the age of 80. Researchers unearthed the mask during excavations at the Palenque archaeological site in the Mexican jungle.

Sapodilla or Chicle tree
It is #TreeTuesday and we are highlighting the Sapodilla or Chicle tree (Manilkara chicle)! Sapodilla belongs to the family Sapotaceae. Besides M. chicle, two other Manilkara species are found in Belize. All have edible fruits (sapodilla), produce a lot of sap, and are otherwise very similar to each other with minor differences in the flower shapes. All three are referred to as chicle and/or sapodilla. Mature trees can be recognized by tall, straight trunks and machete scars.

2 to 3 tropical threats may form in Atlantic during 1st part of September
With the peak of hurricane season close at hand, there are signs that the tropical Atlantic may soon spring to life with the potential for direct impact on the coastal United States in the days ahead. People along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, as well as the Caribbean, have enjoyed an extended period with no great concern for tropical activity during August. However, things are likely to change, and that change may be rapid. "There are signs now that wind shear may drop over a significant part of the Atlantic basin over the next couple of weeks," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bernie Rayno.

CIMH says C'bean wet season won't be very wet
The Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) says as the region transitions from the dry into the wet season it is not forecast to be excessively wet in countries like Belize and several other Caribbean countries. CIMH, which coordinates the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), said with September to November usually being the wettest part of the year “there is a forecast for slightly lower potential for long-term flooding than usual at this time, however, flash flood concern is expected to peak in the coming months”. “Usually out of 91 days in September, October, November, there are about 35 to 50 wet days. Some rainfall may be drier than usual throughout the region except Bahamas and Cayman Islands, with fewer wet days across the region except for a small increase in in the Guianas,” the CIMH said.

UNESCO launches the website for the International Year of Indigenous Languages (IYIL2019)
The International Day of the World's Indigenous People's is well-timed for UNESCO to launch a special website dedicated to the International Year of Indigenous languages (IY2019) which will be commemorated by UNESCO’s members and partners throughout 2019. The website will contribute to raising the awareness about this International Year and about the urgent need to preserve, revitalize and promote indigenous languages around the world. There are some 6.000-7.000 languages in the world today. About 97% of the world’s population speaks only 4 % of these languages, while only 3 % of the world speak 96% of all remaining languages. A great majority of those languages, spoken mainly by indigenous peoples, will continue to disappear at an alarming rate. Without appropriate measure to address this issue, the further loss of languages and their associated history, traditions and memory would considerably reduce the rich tapestry of linguistic diversity worldwide.

TWO OCEANA EMPLOYEES AWARDED INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Jacinta Gomez and Celeshia Guy off to earn Master’s Degrees in natural resource management Oceana in Belize is proud to announce that two of its employees have been awarded academic scholarships to study natural resource management in the United Kingdom and the United States respectively. Jacinta Gomez, Outreach Program Director, has been awarded a Chevening Scholarship to pursue a Master’s Degree in Environment and Development at the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom. Simultaneously, Belize District Field Representative Celeshia Guy will be studying towards a Master’s Degree in Coastal Science and Policy at the University of California, Santa Cruz in the United States.

Carnival King and Queen Competition venue changed to the Marion Jones Sporting Complex
The National Celebrations Commission would like to alert the members of the media and the public of the change of venue for the September 1st Carnival King and Queen Competition. This years display of vibrant colors and melodious movement was previously slated to be held at the Belize Civic Centre. The competition will instead be held at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex on Saturday September 1st at 7:00 PM.

Videos

August 28, 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

Jenelli Fraser is Miss Belize Universe 2018-2019
The new Miss Universe Belize 2018-2019 is 27-year-old Jenelli Fraser from Belize City. Fraser charmed the judges and audience in all four segments during the pageant held at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City on Saturday, August 25th. Fraser will represent Belize at the 67th annual Miss Universe Pageant to be held in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday, December 16th. This year’s pageant saw 11 women competing: Christalyn Castillo, Ashley Reid, Kiah Pastor, Alicia Banner, Jenelli Fraser, Jessica Flores, Kayla Awe, Kelsey Tillet, Nicole Hamilton, Selena Urias and Shante Morgan. Via her social media account, Fraser expressed her happiness at becoming the country’s beauty ambassador, stating that she will continue to work hard to represent Belize. “I look forward to my journey with my team and the organization as we build on presentation skills, public speaking, modeling, education about world issues, and whatever else that it takes to get Belize recognized for its greatness! Belize is my home, and I am proud,” she posted.

Call for Nominations: The Commonwealth Youth Development Award 2019
Nominations for next year’s Commonwealth Youth Development Award are now open for exceptional young persons who are making an impacting difference in their communities. This year’s theme ‘Safe Spaces for Youth’ focuses on protecting young people’s dignity and safety while helping them to make valuable contributions to development work, particularly in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A total of sixteen finalists will be shortlisted from four Commonwealth regional categories: Africa and Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and Canada, and the Pacific, who will be awarded £1,000. A winner will be selected from each region receiving an additional £2,000. One exceptional entrant will be awarded the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year for a total award of £5,000.

Ambergris Today

Atlantic Bank Warns Customers Of Phishing Scam
Atlantic Bank Limited has released a statement to its customers warning them about phishing scams occurring. Emails are being sent and stating that your online account has been locked and you need to click a link to regain access – this is FRAUDULENT! If you have clicked on the link, you are advices to contact your nearest branch as soon as possible, this should be changed immediately as well.

Captain Sharks Introduces The Sargassum Eliminator In San Pedro
Mexico just invested millions of pesos on their sargassum problem; they are installing barriers along the entire Yucatan peninsula from Cancun to Chetumal to divert the seaweed away from their beaches and into an area where they can more easily remove it. Things could look dreadful for Belize; will all that tonnage of sargassum be pushed our way and suffocate us even more?

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held For Coast Guard Station In Bacalar Chico
On Friday, August 24th, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a Coast Guard Patrol Base in Bacalar Chico, north of Ambergris Caye. After operating in the area for over three years under foot patrol, Coast Guard Officers will soon have a base for day- to- day operations.

Misc Belizean Sources

NEMO MINISTER ADDRESSES DISASTER ASSESSMENT & NEEDS ANALYSIS WORKSHOP
Minister of National Emergency Management Hon Edmond Castro this morning addressed organizers, facilitators and participants at a one-day Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA) Workshop currently underway in Rural Belize District. Hon Castro thanked them for their dedication and sacrifice for the safety of their communities and the nation. He said their role and mission are demanding, but it can also be very rewarding. “If you love people, your reward will come through the satisfaction you get from knowing that you are instrumental in helping them to put their lives back together after the impact of a disaster.”

Third National Validation Exercise
The National Validation Exercise for Belize’s 3rd National Report to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was held today, 27th August 2018 at the George Price Centre in Belmopan. During the meeting, participants worked on the review of Belize’s draft National Report in relations to the implementation of the accepted recommendations under the 2nd Cycle of the UPR completed in 2013.

Seven acre cacao agroforestry plot at Lower Dover
Ya’axché has met with Bill and Madelline Reynolds, owners of the 100 acre Lower Dover Private Protected Area, to discuss the implementation of a 7 acre cacao agroforestry plot at the site. We will be utilizing our expertise in climate smart agriculture, like we have at the agroforestry concession within Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve, to develop the cacao agroforestry plot. We are excited for this opportunity to share our work at this private protected area located at Unitedville, Cayo District.

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint “A Village At Sunrise.”

Updates on the 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise
The Elections and Boundaries Department continues to update the public on the ongoing 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise. An update is hereby provided as follows for the period 19th to 25th August, 2018. Registration Centers continue to be open until the 31st August, 2018 for all thirty-one (31) electoral divisions country-wide to facilitate the acceptance of applications for the registration of electors. During the period a total of eight thousand, five hundred and seventy-five (8,575) applications have been accepted, therefore the total number of applications received as at 25th August 2018 is one hundred and nine thousand, five hundred and eighty-nine (109,589).

FIREARMS & SECURITY EXPO
Date: 1st September 2018, Time: 8 am. Place: Hattieville Gallery Range.

BELTRAIDE Survey
The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of BELTRAIDE aims to be Belize's lead centre for industry specific workforce development by providing demand-based and user-friendly programmes that will develop and sustain a quality workforce. As such, we are conducting a short survey to gather information on possible trainings to conduct this year. Please take a few moments to complete and let us know what trainings you would like BTEC to offer.

September Celebrations 2018 Launch
Sunday August 26th, His Worship Mayor Earl Trapp and the San Ignacio - Santa Elena Town Council hosted the Launch of the September Celebrations 2018. The Launch was attended by His Excellency Sir Colville Young, Governor General of Belize, who conducted the inspection of the Belize Defence Force Guard of Honour. Other honorable guests included Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Celebrations Commission, Hon. Patrick Faber. Hon. Orlando Habet, Area Representative for the Cayo North East, represented the People’s United Party, several members of the House of Representatives, Chief Executive Officers, members of the San Ignacio – Santa Elena Town Council, other invited guests and members of the public were in the audience.

Channel 7

Robbers Went For Law Firm Security’s Gun
It made the headlines on Friday when an armed man shot a security guard in front of one of the most high profile law firms in Belize, Courtenay and Coye LLP. Tonight, we can confirm that by all indications are that they were after the guard's gun - fortunately he survived the multiple gunshots. At 5:38 on Friday evening, 53 year old security guard Lascelle Jeffords was on duty at the law firm in the King's Park area when two men darted out of a tinted and unlicensed Kia Sportage. One of them ran to him with a gun - and demanded his firearm. Our information is that Jeffords didn't give it up so easily, and he got into a struggle with the gunman. That is how Jeffords ended up being shot to the shoulder and stomach. This picture from the security video shows the gunman pursuing him and firing at close range.

Young Mother Survives Four Shots
A 23 year old mother was shot multiple times on her way to her aunt's Croton Lane home; fortunately she survived. The victim is Dawn Parchue. It happened on Friday night around midnight in the St. Martin's area. Her aunt says Parchue had left her home to run an errand and she was shot on her way back. But, it wasn't just one shot, police say she was shot four times to her stomach, and once to the leg. Still, even with all those injuries, Parchue still managed to ride back to her aunt's house. Parchue's aunt spoke to us off camera today. Voice of: Aunt: "She was coming from up the street that direction when the shots ring off, all of us were sitting on the verandah. When I see her coming I… she came from up there yes riding a bike, coming here with 5 shots, 4 in the stomach and 1 in the leg. She told us she got shot but her mother didn't believe her and when we saw it was true, she was not joking, she did get shot."

Cops Have No Suspects For Parchue
Police have a similar story on the Croton Lane shooting. They also confirmed that it could be related to an altercation Parchue had earlier that Friday at a Mahogany street restaurant. Here is more from the police press briefing. ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC, CIB, Belize City: "Police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where they observed Dawn Parchue of Croton Lane. She was seen suffering with apparent 5 gunshots wound to the body; 4 to the chest area and 1 to the right foot."

Alleged Cocaine Cowboys Ride Off Into Sunset
It made huge news in December of 2017, when police busted 37 year old Peter Schmidt and 33 year old Carlos Lopez with 5 kilos of cocaine in a knapsack, and a pistol in the back seat of a rented SUV. Police said at the time that it was sophisticated operation which had them trailing the men in the upscale Buttonwood Bay area. Well, there was no sophistication today when the case just fell through in court. The case was set for final adjournment today and when the arresting officer failed to appear, attorney Ellis Arnold submitted that his clients did not have a case to answer. Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford upheld the submission and struck it out. According to reports, the main witness did appear but she came to court after the case was struck out.

Pharma-shortage!
There's a very long list of prescription drugs which pharmacies are having a hard time getting unto their shelves after the imposition of strict new labelling standards by the Ministry of Health. And it is having an effect on those who need these products for their everyday health and wellbeing. The dispute is mostly about a certificate of Good Manufacturing Practice. We told you about this last year, when the Ministry made it a requirement in the law. Because of how international pharmaceutical distribution is structured, this certificate is sometimes difficult or impossible to come by because the manufacturer is not the distributor of the product.

Two Pitbulls Killed By Swarming Bees
Killer bees killed two dogs over the weekend in Belize City. It happened on Cemetery Lane where a troublesome hive of bees swarmed four dogs; but two of them - pit bulls - were chained while the other two, pot-lickers were loose and ran off to escape the bees. The pit bulls couldn't and they died under attack from the swarm. It's caused some very hard feelings in the neighborhood because the hive is in a neighbor's property, tucked into an awning. Today, it was still there when we visited, and Walter McFarlane says he's been calling agriculture department - but no one came to deal with it:...

Re-Reg Numbers Continue to Sag
This is the last week of re-registration, so we hope that you're planning to get out to your center this week and do your duty. Last week, only 8,575 persons did go out, which is the lowest turnout yet. That's down form the week before when 10,141 persons went to re-register. So, up to Saturday August 25th, a total of one hundred and nine thousand, five hundred and eighty-nine (109,589) have applied to re-register. That's way below projections - so the Elections and Boundaries Department and this station are urging you to go out this week. Re-registration ends on Friday 31st August, 2018 in all thirty-one electoral divisions country-wide.

Gang Figure Convicted
He's known to police as a gang figure, and Nicoli Rhys will spend three years in prison - while he is pending trial for murder. Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser today sentenced the 27 year old to 3 years for kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license. This dates back to May of 2015 when police say Rhys ran from them and tripped over a cement block. That's when a loaded nine millimeter pistol fell from the waist of his pants. In his defence, Rhys denied that he was at the scene. He said that he was in Belmopan at the time and that the police made up the entire incident. But in giving her decision Chief Magistrate Fraser said that she found it hard to believe that the police would make up a story like that without any reason and Rhys has not given a reason why they would.

Minor Cops A Plea For Robbery
Police have charged a 19 year old and a minor for the Back Bridge Marina gas station robbery on Caye Caulker. As we told you on Friday, police caught them red handed after the robbery. Two of them, one with a firearm, held up the attendant and robbed him of approximately $2000 in cash and a cordless phone. Police were quick to respond and recovered a firearm, a cordless phone, $500 US and $1100BZ in cash. Here's more: ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC, CIB, Belize City: "Reference the robbery at Caye Caulker, Caye Caulker police arrested and charged Daniel Hughes, 19 years old of Aloe Vera Street and a minor for robbery and kept unlicensed fire arm and ammunition. They were taken to San Pedro magistrate court this morning."

The Boca Block Burner, Lessons Learned
The Boca Del Rio block fire victims are still trying to get their lives back together. And the San Pedro town council is doing its best to help them. While that is important, putting a more effective fire response plan is also critical. We caught up with the San Pedro Mayor on Friday at the Coast Guard patrol base ground breaking ceremony and he told us about his plans to improve that system on the island. Daniel Guerrero, San Pedro Mayor: "We are still working. We are still trying to look after them. We know that they have to start all over and its coming along and it comes apart from the victims - when it comes to the fire, we have a group that we are working together to get some mobile pumps. Even though government is getting 2 new fire trucks. But we are doing our own and we will be training the tour guides."

Police Charge Mentally Unstable Man
And police may also need to improve their response when dealing with mentally unstable persons. This was brought into sharp focus last week when a Seine Byte man in the middle of an episode chopped a police officer who was trying to subdue him. As this cell phone video shows, the man - now known as Zebedee Martir - was flailing the machete, and suddenly lunged at a Police officer - chopping him in the back of the head. Police proceeded to fire a number of warning shots, eventually shooting him in the leg. Obviously, it could have been a lot worse - and two men could have lost their lives.

The South Was Awash In Rain
There was heavy rain across Belize over the weekend - but nowhere was it as heavy as the south where as much as 8 inches of rain fell. On Sunday morning, the Southern Highway was flooded over at Jacintoville, which is 8 miles outside Punta Gorda Town. But, within a few hours, the waters subsided and the area was passable again. These drone images from PGTV also show the road to Barranco which was flooded by the rains.

Freak Storm Up-Ended Home
And apart from rains, there was also a freak storm in Punta Gorda Town last night. It uprooted a mahogany tree in Beatrice Bo's yard, and toppled her house. One person was inside the house when this happened but they were not hurt.

No Surprises: Belmopan PUP Select Mira
Arthur Saldivar was denied an opportunity to run in Sunday's PUP convention in Belmopan, which left the path wide open for the favourite, Oscar Mira. In a division with more than nine thousand registered voters, only 940 voters went out to vote at the Belmopan Comprehensive School campus, which the PUP blames on the rainy weather. Here's the official results as presented by the party chairman:...

The September Season Begins
The official opening for the September Celebration season was held at Falcon Field in san Ignacio on Sunday. Courtesy TNC channel 10, here are a few of the speeches:...

San Pedro Businessman Remanded For Firearm
Tonight, a San Pedro business man is sweating it out at the Belize Central prison after he was charged with an offence for which there is no bail. 40 year old William James Mulligan was taken to court late this evening and arraigned before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. He is charged for discharging a firearm in a public place on the beach of San Pedro Town. His Attorney was Estevan Perrera and he pleaded not guilty. No bail could be granted since the offense fails under section 16 of the firearms act and he was remanded into custody at the Belize Central Prison until October 31, 2018.

Channel 5

Details of alleged Financial Irregularities Under Sapna Budhrani Unearthed at NICH
There are new damning details that point to financial irregularities and mismanagement at the National Institute of Culture and History. The new president, Sapna Budhrani, is at the centre of [...]

Woman shot five times in Belize City!
There were a number of shootings in the city on Friday. A Belize City mother of one was one of the shooting victims.  She was hit five times just after [...]

Brigade Security Officer Recovering After Shooting at Courtenay Coye Law Firm
A vehicle believed to have been used in a shooting on Friday evening has been impounded by the police. Just before six o’clock, a pair of robbers targeted the security [...]

Oscar Mira elected as PUP’s Belmopan Standard Bearer
After being postponed twice, the P.U.P.’s Belmopan convention proceeded as schedule on Sunday at the Belmopan Comprehensive High School. Three candidates put their names on the ballot: Michelle Rodriguez, Wiezsman [...]

Belize Agro-productive Sector Group questions rice donation from Taiwan
A donation of rice from Taiwan has come under fire from the productive sector. The ten thousand sacks of grain were delivered on August twenty-second to the Minister of Human [...]

Accused Murderers of Richard and Maria Stuart Take the Stand
Two men charged for the 2010 murder of Richard and Maria Stuart took the stand today before Supreme Court Justice, Colin Williams. Milton Maza and Eli Avila López both proclaimed [...]

Still No Arrests in OW Double Hit on Triminio & Calderon
The murders of Junior Triminio and Christopher Calderon remain unsolved, despite investigators impounding a vehicle believed to have been used in the flight of their killers. The deadly shootings took [...]

Seine Bight Villager is facing charges of Aggravated Assault and Wounding
Zebedee Martir, who allegedly suffers from mental illness, is facing charges of Aggravated Assault and Wounding. He is accused of injuring a police officer on duty in Seine Bight Village. [...]

109,589 Registration Applications Received, So Far
Four days are left until the mass re-registration exercise concludes on Friday, August thirty first. Latest figures show that as of August twenty-fifth, one hundred and nine thousand, five hundred [...]

Accused Murderer Sentenced to Prison for Firearm Offences
In the magistrate’s court, the notorious twenty-seven-year-old Nicoli Rhys was sentenced to three years in prison today by Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser. He was found guilty of kept firearm and [...]

Duo Freed of Criminal Charges After Arresting Officer Fails to Appear
Two men charged with drug trafficking and possession of firearm and ammunition without a gun license were freed of the charges today. They are thirty-three year old Carlos Lopez and [...]

Southern Belize Experiences Flooding
On Saturday night, torrential rains caused a portion of the Southern Highway to be impassable. Pictures show the bridge in Jacintoville, eight miles outside Punta Gorda Town, flooded with about [...]

Jenelli Fraser is Miss Universe Belize 2018
Belize has a new beauty ambassador. She is twenty-seven-year-old Jenelli Fraser from Belize City who on Saturday clinched the title of Miss Universe Belize. The beauty queen was crowned after [...]

September Celebrations Officially Launched
The official ceremony for the launch of the September Celebrations was held on Sunday in San Ignacio at the Falcon Field. The launch, which kicks off the celebrations for the [...]

Celebrations Launch: Mayor Trapp says 8,867 [square miles] dah fu we!
Since the launch of the celebrations was hosted in San Ignacio, Mayor Earl Trapp also spoke at the ceremony. Mayor Trapp shared why Belizeans should celebrate the season and defend [...]

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

LOVE FM

Stuart’s accused murderers: Prosecution closed case
In 2010, attorney Richard Stuart and his wife, Maria, were viciously stabbed to death at their home located in West Landivar in Belize City. The prosecution closed its case against Eli Lopez Avila and Milton Maza after calling nineteen witnesses to the stand, including a DNA expert. The matter is being heard before Justice Colin …

Union President Attends Meeting on Gwen Liz
It is the start of the new school year. Tuition has been paid, books have been bought and students are beginning to flood the classrooms. But the situation for Gwen Lizaragga High School is still grim as low student enrollment and the reasons for that are currently being examined. The school management is facing tough …

Guard Shot at Prominent Law Firm
There were two shooting incidents in Belize City on Friday night. Just before 6 p.m. a security guard, assigned to 15 A Street in the Kings Park area of Belize City was shot while on duty. Love News was on the scene shortly after the shooting. Jose Sanchez: “A Street in Kings Park is prominent …

Shooting Victim is a respected Family Man
But who is Lascelle Jeffords. Apparently, he is a well-loved and respected member of the community. One of the founding partners of Courtney Coye LLP and Elaine Jeffords spoke to Love News about the Christian man who is in recovery. Elaine Jeffords, Wife of Lascelle Jeffords: “My husband Lascelle Jeffords; he has been doing security …

Woman shot while riding home
The weekend proved to be brutal for another Belize City resident. Early Saturday morning after midnight, a woman was gunned down as she was trying to go home. Jose Sanchez reports on the violence that followed the woman home. Jose Sanchez: “The police indicated an argument at a restaurant on Mahogany Street on Friday night …

Oscar Mira emerges victorious as Standard Bearer for PUP in Belmopan
The People’s United Party is also celebrating as it has a standard bearer for the Belmopan constituency. There was much drama heading into the convention as the party had to fight off multiple challenges from attorney Arthur Saldivar who was hell bent on having his name appear on the ballot. After Saldivar lost his latest …

Freak storm, downed trees and damaged properties
This weekend saw a lot of rain across the country. In Punta Gorda the rain came with some force and a freak storm destroyed a house last night. Paul Mahung has the story. Paul Mahung, Love FM: “Owner of the damaged house Beatrice Bo who lives in another nearby building spoke of the incident.” Beatrice …

Police Give Update on Double Murder
The double homicide of Junior Triminio and Christopher Calderon is still a priority case for the police Department. Both men were executed as they exited a football tournament at the Louisiana Government School Football Field on Zericote Street in Orange Walk Town. Calderon is suspected to be collateral damage as Trimino, with his close association …

Torrential rains cause flooding down south
Over the weekend, steady rainfall caused flooding in several areas. Minister of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), Edmond Castro says things are returning to normal. Edmond Castro – Minister of NEMO: “Well the water has receded from the Halacte area, the Barranco Road and the other spot on the road and what we noticed …

Cayo hosts opening of September celebrations
For many Belizeans at home and abroad, the month of September is not only considered the most festive, but also the most symbolic to our country’s past. Historically, September marks the anniversary of the Battle of Saint George’s Caye, where the Baymen fought hard for our land, while also marking the anniversary of Belize’s Independence, …

Belize Agro-Productive Sector Group speaks on recent rice donation to Taiwan
Taiwan’s recent donation of rice to Belize, is seemingly still making headlines nearly an entire week after, as many Belizeans are still grappling with their stance on the acceptance of the country’s “kind gesture”. A lot has since been spilled, as various concerns are made of how this current surplus of Taiwanese rice will negatively affect our country’s local rice industry …

Man sentenced to 3 years
Twenty-seven year old Nicoli Rhys, who was charged with the murder of 31 year old taxi driver Luis Moh, was sentenced to three years imprisonment today by the Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser, after she found him guilty of kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license. She had sentenced him to three years for each offence but she stipulated that the sentences are to run concurrently so, he will only serve three years …

Schmidt and Lopez walked from charges
Two men, 37 year old Peter Schmidt and 33 year old Carlos Lopez, who were charged with drug trafficking for 5.06 kilograms of cocaine and possession of firearm and ammunition without a gun license, were freed of the charges when they were struck out today by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford for want of prosecution. Today the arresting officer failed to appear in court and attorney Ellis Arnold submitted that his clients did not have a case to answer …

109,589 applications received for Re-registration exercise
This is the final week that registration centers will be opened in all thirty one electoral divisions to facilitate re-registration. For last week, the Department received eight thousand, five hundred and seventy five applications. The total applications received …

Breaking Belize News

109,000 Belizeans have re-registered
The Elections and Boundaries department today issued an update on the ongoing 2018 Re-registration of Electors […]

Belize City man and minor charged for Caye Caulker robbery
Police have arrested Belize City resident, Daniel Humes, 19, and a minor in connection with the […]

Police say Dawn Parchue shot after argument at restaurant
Dawn Parchue remains hospitalized after she was shot multiple times just before midnight on Friday. Police […]

Police say shooting at Courtenay Coye Law Firm caught on cam but no arrests yet
Belize City police are yet to make an arrest or identify suspects in the Friday evening […]

Belize Agro-Productive sector concerned over rice donation
Today, Belize Agro-productive Sector (BAS) group issued a statement in relation to the rice donation […]

Third national Validation Exercise held today
The National Validation Exercise for Belize’s 3rd national report to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) […]

Disaster assessment workshop underway in Sandhill, Belize
Minister of National Emergency Management, Edmond Castro this morning addressed organizers, facilitators and participants at […]

New School year begins for High School students
This morning, thousands of proud Belizean parents took their high school students to begin their […]

Belize opens consulate in Chicago, USA
Many Belizean-Americans gathered yesterday in downtown Evanston, Chicago to witness the opening ceremony for Belize’s […]

“Get used to getting banned,” says sports Minister
Speaking on Belize’s recent suspension of Belize’s National Anti-Doping Organization, Sports Minister Patrick Faber told […]

Blogs

Sun Splash was held on August 26, 2018 at Corozal Rainbow Beach Park
On Sunday August 26, 2018 Sun Splash was held at was held at the Corozal Rainbow Beach Park. It commenced at 9am concluded at 9pm. During this time there where playing football, Karate, banana Boat Ride, and Bull ride game at the same time. This events concluded at around 3pm. During this time djs where playing hype songs until the main concerte began. Dj cash king and Dj Absolute where at the event playing great music. At around 4pm, Easy classic from Orange Walk came out on stage to sing classical rock music. This Classical music that was played on stage was not those crazy rock music you hear on youtube. it was those positive classical rock music. And, nothing bad you heard but a positive music was being played.

Who is Belize NOT for? 8 things to know before you move or come to Belize
While this can be considered a controversial blog - after 5 years of reading countless reviews, blogs, commentary, and posts about Belize - and who is a great fit and who doesn't like it - there is a clear picture that I felt might be helpful to share - for those looking to vacation or move to Belize, as you can't get a real feel for a place until you visit. It is helpful to read an honest and non-marketing post about this topic - because it is a lose-lose if someone comes to Belize and it is not for them. There is no place in the world that is a great fit for everyone, but when you find the right place, it is heaven - and many find that is true for them in Belize. I'd love to hear feedback from others to add to this list! 1.) Belize is not for people who are very sensitive to heat and bugs; Belize is a tropical climate and it is HOT year round - some people love this and pick Belize for this reason - there are days where there can be little wind, which can bring out the bugs - and a person who is a good fit for Belize heads for an over the water bar/restaurant (where there is always a breeze and no bugs), takes a dip, goes to Secret Beach or a local pool, or finds shade and a hammock

How to Have a Perfect Family Vacation in Belize
A multi-generational getaway requires lots of adventure for the young and young-at-heart. Here in Belize, expect fun for the whole family as you go horseback riding through the jungle, climbing ancient Maya temples, and careen across the forest canopy on zipline. Another favorite for everyone looking to get their hands dirty is the stunning ATM Cave. Famous for its series of archeological artifacts and ancient skeletons, it’s also an adrenaline rush: visitors wade across underground rivers, squeeze through tight crevasses, and round dark corners. For a more relaxed outdoor adventure, head into the jungles on a hike, where you and the family can discover the gorgeous birds of Belize. Further afield, Belize’s barrier reef—the largest outside of Australia and our famous Blue Hole beckons. Its pristine waters, teem with wildlife, making for an unforgettable diving and snorkeling experience.

Top Reasons to Visit Belize in the Fall
Savvy travelers know that fall is one of the best times of the year to visit Belize. At a time when many people are heading back to school or work, vacation destinations like Belize see fewer visitors. But unlike North America where fall is a time of increasingly cold weather, Belize continues to enjoy warm, sunny weather throughout the season. Here are some great reasons to visit Belize in autumn:

Belize in November: Weather, Places to Visit & Activities
November might be a month of increasingly cold nights across Canada and the United States, but the average daytime high in Belize is a beautiful and sunny 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 Celsius). The clear blue skies, balmy temperatures, and exciting festivals going on throughout the month of November make it the perfect time to visit. On your November vacation in Belize, you can enjoy activities such as:

Why You Should Visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary
Belizeans put their own unique Caribbean spin on things, and so the Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS) might be better described as a vast nature preserve that is home to black howler monkeys, known locally as "baboons". Belize is home to many national parks and nature preserves, but what makes CBS such a special place is how it is operated. A genuinely community-run, grassroots commitment to keeping Belize wild and beautiful, CBS is the perfect place for visitors to get introduced to native fauna. Measuring approximately 20 square miles of the Belize River Valley, CBS is much more than just a wildlife conservation area. Several indigenous Creole villages are located within the sanctuary and the entire community works to protect the forests and rivers. Years of grassroots conservation efforts have succeeded in attracting one of the largest Yucatan black howler monkey populations in the world.

Visit Tikal from Belize
One of the most photographed sites on the planet, the soaring temples of Tikal in Guatemala were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Believed to have once dominated much of the region during the heyday of the ancient Maya civilization, Tikal is one of the best-preserved and largest Maya city-states ever discovered. Tikal is a Maya term meaning "City of Echoes," an apt name for this vast stone complex in the jungle that measures more than 21 square miles (55 square kilometers) in size. Most famous for its seven enormous temples, including Temple IV which rises more than 230 feet (70 meters) into the air, Tikal was once home to a population of more than 100,000 people. Other significant features include the "Mundo Perdido" (Lost World) ceremonial complex adjacent to the temples, ball courts, and enormous causeways.

Top 5 Mayan Sites to Explore in Belize This Fall
Looking for some exciting new ways to learn about history? Belize has more than 600 ancient Maya sites, the most of any country in the MesoAmerican region. Here are 5 majestic Maya sites you should definitely visit in Belize this fall:

International Sources

Lord Ashcroft wins at CCJ to get Belize judge investigated
Lord Michael Ashcroft has succeeded in his attempts to have sitting Belize appellate judge Samuel Awich investigated for misbehaviour and possible removal from office. The matter had already been going on for six years when earlier this year, after having exhausted all of the legal options in Belize, and losing in the country’s court of appeal, Ashcroft took the matter to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in June. His complaint against Justice Awich was first aired in July 2012, when he and Dean Boyce, who was then the director of Ashcroft’s British Caribbean Bank, wrote a letter to the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC). They complained that Awich should not have been appointed to the Court of Appeal in Belize and that the Belize Advisory Council should launch an investigation into Awich’s conduct when he was a Supreme Court judge, Belizean media reported.

Videos

August 27, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Wolfe’s Woofer: Scary Sounds
We took a break from shooting pool and Mario called, “Hey, Juney! Come have a drink.” When Juney Cho sat down with us Mario asked, “Where you been, man? We ain’t seen you in months.” “I been hiding out,” Juney said. “Hiding out from what?” “I heard the scariest sound in the world. I was lucky to get away from it and I been hiding so I don’t hear it again.” “That’s crazy,” Mario said. “You don’t have to be scared from sounds.”

Development continues to threaten turtle nesting on Ambergris Caye
As the 2018 sea turtles nesting season continues, Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) personnel have been monitoring what seems to be a very active season. Despite this year’s activity, marine biologists at HCMR are concerned that new construction/development and improper garbage disposal have destroyed a few nests, and now threaten the future of the nesting grounds. The annual sea turtle nesting season normally runs from May through November, and most of the nesting usually takes place in Robles or Rocky Point Beach, several miles north of San Pedro Town. The main nesters are Loggerhead and Green turtles, with the Hawksbill making rare visits. HCMR Marine Biologist Kirah Forman told The San Pedro Sun that so far, they can confirm over 40 nests on Ambergris Caye. However, that number could have been higher if it was not for development.

Doctor Love: Red Flags
Dear Doctor Love, I have been living with my twenty-two-year-old boyfriend for three years, and things have been good until about six months ago when I started to notice small changes in him. He started staying late at work almost every night, or after his shift is over, he would go out for a drink with his friend. I mentioned to his friend that they were going out a lot and his friend looked confused and asked me what I meant. My boyfriend became easily irritable. He also stopped being romantic. We used to have sex almost every day, but now it is almost never. I kept telling myself I was too suspicious but now he is guarding his phone at home. He carries it wherever he goes, even to the shower. When he laid his phone on the table at breakfast, and I picked it up, he freaked out. He stormed out of the room, and when he came back, I asked him why he didn’t want me to see it. He handed it to me and said for me to go ahead and look.

Misc Belizean Sources

Environmental Education Training
FCD undertook a first part training for environmental educators that would prepare them to develop their public outreach action plan 2018-2019.

A new Miss Belize has been selected. Congratulations, Jen Fraser!

PANYAAD Belmopan Edition 2018
The Panyaad steel band music festival will be happening at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Saturday, September 15th. Panerrifix, Pantempers Steel Orchestra, Mile 41 Reggae Band, and Omolewa Jazz Band will all be performing. "Tell your neighbour and your friend. This is the "Year for love" Tickets go on sale on Monday 20 August. Ticket outlets: Winsgtop Belmopan, Peppers Pizza Belmopan and from band members. PANYAAD Belmopan Edition 2018. It's gonna be lit!!!"

The Reporter

Flooding and Killer Bees Threaten Different Belize City Neighborhoods
The flooding caused by incessant rains accompanied by a strong tropical wave and a swarm of bees posed threats today to families in two different neighborhoods in Belize City. In Belize City, low-lying areas were submerged in several inches of water. In the Lake Independence area, some residents of Electric Avenue found themselves in dire straits when their homes and belongings were threatened by rising waters. In another area of the City, on Cemetery Lane near the Yarborough Cemetery, a swarm of bees attacked two dogs that were chained in a yard. The residents grew concerned for children who normally play in the area. They appealed for assistance via social media but by 6:30 this evening, the bees were reportedly still there.

OC DENIES POLITICAL INTERFERENCE IN POLICE HANDLING OF DOMESTIC DISPUTE
Political interference was not involved in the way San Ignacio police handled a couple of domestic disputes that resulted in a shooting recently, Officer Commanding the San Ignacio/Santa Elena Police Formation, Supt. Richard Rosado told the Reporter. Rosado told us on Saturday that “someone is trying to create mischief,” when we informed him that we had received a report alleging that a man who is currently remanded for shooting his common-law wife during a domestic dispute, had been previously detained for assaulting his wife with the same weapon, and that the weapon was seized by police but given back without any charges laid after a politician had intervened.

Breaking Belize News

Oscar Mira wins PUP convention in Belmopan
Retired military officer, Oscar Mira, is the People’s United Party (PUP) standard bearer in Belmopan. At today’s convention in Belmopan Comprehensive High School, he was able to secure 653 of 940 votes. In second place was Michelle Rodriguez, the wife of former Stann Creek West Area Representative, Melvin Hulse. […]

Southern Highway re-opened at Jacintoville
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is advising motorists that the water is steadily receding at Jacintoville, 8 miles outside Punta Gorda, where the road had earlier been made impassable due to overnight flooding. […]

Southern Highway still impassable
Motorists are advised that the Southern Highway is still impassable at Jacintoville, 8 miles outside Punta Gorda Town, as a result of flooding overnight. Personnel from the Ministry of Works, Department of Transport and NEMO are on the scene monitoring and managing the situation. […]

Jenelli Fraser wins Miss Universe Belize 2018
Jenelli Fraser has won Miss Universe Belize 2018. Fraser was crowned as the new Miss Universe Belize last night at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City. She was crowned by former Miss Universe Belize 2016, Rebecca ‘Bex’ Rath. […]

Flood alert issued for Southern Belize
Belize’s National Meteorological Service is informing that a flood alert has been issued for Southern Belize. NEMO also issued an advisory this morning of flooding of the Southern Highway on Mile 8 in Jacintoville, Toledo. The National Met Service is forecasting moist and unstable conditions to continue. […]

Southern Highway impassable due to flooding
Today, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) informed the public that the Southern Highway by Jacintoville, Toledo is flooded. The highway is currently impassable at Jacintoville which is 8 miles outside Punta Gorda Town due to heavy rains. […]

Blogs

A Paradise Where Life is Carefree…and Healthcare Can Be Free Too
Paradise is what you make it…and for many people, their paradise is life in Belize. They can have the Caribbean Sea, palm trees, sea breeze…all the things that come with a tropical lifestyle, for a fraction of the cost of back home. They can have all the amenities in havens like Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, or San Pedro. Grocery stores with everything they need; sports bars where people sit beneath a canopy of authentic thatch; diving and snorkeling; boating and fishing aplenty. These places are truly tropical paradises for them. Others have a different idea of paradise. I found mine in the district of Toledo, on the southernmost coast of Belize. Members of my expat community here love the untouched, untamed area where we dwell, surrounded by thousands of acres of treasured jungle and centuries of tradition. We are among the free-spirited, proudly-independent occupants of “The Forgotten District,” sandwiched perfectly between the Caribbean Sea to the east and the wild lands and mountains to the west.

Corozal Town Council Present's Corozal Miss Independence
August is coming to an end in Belize and September celebration are starting to be felt across Belize. One of the famous event held in Belize is Beauty Pageant across Belize. Usually, at this time of the year, pageants across Belize is being held on different districts on different dates. Locals are anxious to see who are their competitors in their own town. All Corozalenos where invite at the Miss Corozal Independence Pageant 2018. It was held at CCC Auditorium on Saturday August 25, 2018. It commenced shorty after 7pm and people had already filled the chairs. All who reach at the pageant cheared for their favorite . During the pageant there was several dance group, Miss Bernadette Gilharry performing, an singer, and a young lady playing the Piano. Miss Corozal 2018 competitors where: Ms. Ashely Gonzalez, Adriana villegas, Ms Gabriela Delcid, Ms. Clishara Gibson, Ms Barbara Valdarez. The five delegates had several categories to have Most to reach the finals. Ar, the end of the Show, Ms. Adriana Villegas won Ms. Corozal Independence 2018-2018.

International Sources

Belize opposition embraces ICJ referendum over Guatemala claim
Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) officials met last week in Belize City to discuss several national issues, including the national referendum slated for April 10, 2019, on whether or not Belize should participate in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) dispute resolution over Guatemala’s territorial claim to Belize. The PUP said it will step in to coordinate the national education process “since the government is not fulfilling their responsibility for a national education campaign”. The embrace of the referendum is a sharp about face for the PUP, as it has up to now been vehemently opposed to the governing United Democratic Party’s then position of sending the dispute to the ICJ via a proposed referendum.

The Maya’s Mystifying Collapse – Has the Truth Finally Been Uncovered?
Nothing is mightier than an empire at its peak. Great civilizations, awash in traditions, culture, knowledge, technology, riches and the raw power to make global changes have altered history and shaped the face of the earth throughout time. So how do these epic societies crumble so fantastically? When it comes to the Maya of Mesoamerica, it’s still a puzzle. They were so mighty that we marvel at their historical footprint today. So what strange circumstances ended with the downfall of the Maya civilization? Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Florida put forth in a recent study in the journal Science what may be part of the solution to this thousand-year-old question. Based on measurements of water trapped in the rock at Lake Chichancanab in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula where the Maya were based, they have determined that the annual precipitation amounts lowered, decreasing “between 41% and 54% during the period of the Maya civilization’s collapse, with periods of up to 70% rainfall reduction during peak drought conditions, and that relative humidity declined by 2% to 7% compared to today.”

Videos

August 26, 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

Sargassum continues to plague the Caribbean, including Belize; tourism industry affected
The Sargassum seaweed crisis continues to affect the coasts of many countries within the Caribbean Sea, southern Mexico, and the Central American region. Belize continues to struggle with its share, and efforts on Ambergris Caye to contain the non-stop influx have resulted in the removal of approximately 1,764 tons of Sargassum from the beginning of February to August of this year. The works by The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), covers an area of approximately one mile, beginning from the public library, across the Roman Catholic Primary School, and north to the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge by Boca del Rio. Local authorities have concentrated on removing the daily accumulation of Sargasso within the town core area, particularly on the Boca del Rio beach. SPTC personnel in charge of the clean-up stated that the community, particularly the business sector, has been helping to clean up other parts of the island, particularly in front of their establishments. However, all efforts to keep the island free of the seaweed seems to be fruitless.

Kyrone Vasquez competes at Mr. Quintana Roo physique competition
19-year-old island resident Kyrone Vasquez represented Ambergris Caye and Belize at a bodybuilding competition on Saturday, August 18th in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. He was one of 22 competitors, and at the end of the event, he walked away with the fifth-place trophy and an unforgettable experience. Vasquez is a fitness instructor and personal trainer at Belize Fitness in San Pedro Town, and over the past eight months, he prepared to participate in Cancun. He competed in the Men’s Physique division, and even though there were top competitors in the event, Vasquez told The San Pedro Sun that he was confident, focused and proud to be representing his country. Vasquez has been bodybuilding for the past four years.

Residents report squatter south of town; builder says Minister Heredia gave authorization
Residents along the Seagrape Drive south of San Pedro Town are complaining after an alleged unauthorized structure is under construction in their neighborhood. They say that the house is erected on a road that leads to other houses in the area and believe it does not meet all necessary building requirements. A visit to the area revealed that the house belongs to businesswoman Felisa Aguirres, whose house burned on July 1st near the San Marcos Area. She admitted that even though she did not receive approval from The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), she has full authorization and support from Area Representative Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr., who assisted her after she ended up homeless.

Misc Belizean Sources

Pan American Cocktail Competition in Havana Cuba
1st Place & 2nd Place Winners of Belize's 1st National Bartenders Cup 2018 are departing BELIZE today to go and Represent Belize at the Pan American Cocktail Competition in Havana Cuba.

San Pedro - Belize Defence Force head to head game preview and prediction
On the 26 August 2018 at 01:00 UTC meet San Pedro vs Belize Defence Force in Belize in a game that we all expect to be very interesting. Both teams try to perform well in Premier League. This general info table below illustrates best the game details about the upcoming clash.

PANYAAD Belmopan Edition 2018
The Panyaad steel band music festival will be happening at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Saturday, September 15th. Panerrifix, Pantempers Steel Orchestra, Mile 41 Reggae Band, and Omolewa Jazz Band will all be performing. "Tell your neighbour and your friend. This is the "Year for love" Tickets go on sale on Monday 20 August. Ticket outlets: Winsgtop Belmopan, Peppers Pizza Belmopan and from band members. PANYAAD Belmopan Edition 2018. It's gonna be lit!!!"

Guatemalan authorities visit the Chiquibul
Led by the Forest Department, a contingency of Guatemalan authorities visited the Chiquibul to understand challenges faced in the protection of this forest.

The Reporter

POLICE SAY SECURITY GUARD WAS SHOT FOR HIS GUN
Police say that security officer, Lascelle Goldburn Jeffords, 53, who was shot while on duty at Courtenay Coye and Associates yesterday evening was shot for the gun assigned to him. The attack happened sometime after 5:00pm, while Jeffords was performing duties inside the law firm’s fenced yard. Two men ran up to Jeffords and tried to steal the gun. After a short struggle with the culprits, Jeffords managed to run from them but not before they unleashed a volley of shots at him.

WOMAN SHOT MULTIPLE TIMES, HANGS ONTO LIFE
A woman was shot multiple times just before midnight last night on Croton Lane in Belize City and she is reportedly in a critical but stable condition. The Reporter has confirmed that Dawn Parchue was shot four times in the stomach and once in the leg while she was riding on Croton Lane towards Oleander Street.

Saldivar Loses Round 2; PUP Will Hold Belmopan Convention Sunday
Justice Courtney Abel of the Supreme Court this afternoon dismissed the application for an injunction, filed by Attorney Arthur Saldivar, to postpone the People’s United Party’s (PUP) planned Belmopan Convention this Sunday. Saldivar had grounded his claim on the issue of bias on the part of the PUP’s Vetting Committee which reviewed his application as a candidate.

Breaking Belize News

New canoe race announced in Northern Belize
A new canoe race is being advertised in Northern Belize. The 1st annual New River Quest is scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 14, 2018, during the Pan-American Holiday weekend (Sun-Mon) in October. The race is a 2-day 2-person canoe competition commencing in the New River Lagoon at the Hill Bank Field Station and will enter the New River, and pass along in Orange Walk Town for the night’s camp. […]

Tropical wave brings rains to Belize
An increase in moisture and instability is expected later today as a tropical wave approaches Belize. According to the National Meteorological Service of Belize, cloudy skies are expected along with some showers, thunderstorms and periods of rain. […]

Woman, 26, missing in Belize City
The family of Joy Camille Morris,26, of Tigris Street, Belize City is seeking the public’s assistance in locating her. Joy’s sister, Shernel reported to police that on August 23, 2018, she left home and has not been seen since. […]

Police investigating shooting at Courtney’s Law Firm
Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred yesterday evening in Belize City. Around 5:50 PM yesterday, police went to Universal Health Care and saw Lascelle Goldburn Jeffords,53, a security guard with multiple gunshot wounds to the body. […]

Police investigating shooting in Belize City last night
Police are investigating a report of a woman who was shot last night in Belize City. According to reports, shortly before midnight last night, Dawn Parchue was riding her bicycle on Croton Lane, Belize City when a lone gunman approached her. […]

Coast Guard Operating Base to be built in Bacalar Chico, Ambergris Caye
Yesterday, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a Coast Guard-Forward Operating base in Bacalar Chico, north of Ambergris Caye. After operating in the area for over three years underfoot patrol, Coast Guard officers will soon have a base for day- to- day operations. […]

PUP rejects Skeen for Dolores
On September 2, the People’s United Party (PUP) will have its standard-bearer convention for the Belize Rural Central (BRC) constituency. However, Rene Skeen, an aspiring politician, will not be participating in that convention. […]

Woman shot multiple times in Belize City last night
Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred last night in the St. Martin de Porres area of Belize City. According to reports, Dawn Parchue was shot multiple times. […]

International Sources

Canadian Marathon Canoe Nationals
Three Belizean paddlers are competing at the Canadian Marathon Canoe Nationals in Sudbury, Ontario this weekend. Amado Cruz, Chris Guydis and Rudolph Gentle will be doing several races over the next few days.

Videos

August 25, 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

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Coast Guard Station in Bacalar Chico
On August 24th, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a Coast Guard Patrol Base in Bacalar Chico, north of Ambergris Caye. After operating in the area for over three years under foot patrol, Coast Guard Officers will soon have a base for day- to- day operations. Approximately a mile and a half from the Mexican border, the Bacalar Chico Coast Guard Station is an ideal location for the prevention of cross-border criminal activities such as drug trafficking, weapon trafficking, and illegal fishing. Operationally, the Coast Guard seeks to minimize the impact of criminal activities. The strategic importance of their presence in Bacalar Chico as law enforcement is to provide stability for economic prosperity.

Atlantic Bank Limited installs a second ATM in San Pedro Town
As of Wednesday, August 22nd, San Pedro Town has a second Automated Teller Machine (ATM) for the local branch of Atlantic Bank Limited (ABL). The new ATM is located on Pescador Drive, at the main building. With population growth, island customers have long been clamoring for another ATM to relieve the stress on the single ATM machine that ABL had. Customers had to wait in long lines – especially on pay day – sometimes only to find out that there is no cash left by the time it’s their turn. Even though customers can withdraw from inside the banks, the external ATMs target the residents and visitors who cannot access the bank until after hours.

Taiwanese President’s state visit strengthens relations with Belize and provides assistance in education, infrastructure, and food
Taiwanese President, Dr. Tsai Ing-Wen paid an official visit to Belize from Thursday, August 16th to the 18th, strengthening the current diplomatic relations between her country and Belize. During her visit, she attended a Special Joint Sitting of the House of Representatives in the Capital City of Belmopan and committed to continue investing in Belize in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure, and education. Before President Wen left on Saturday, August 18th, Belize saw the approval of financial assistance for the renovation of the library at the Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET) center in Belize City, followed by the donation of 10,000 sacks of rice from Taiwan on Wednesday, August 22nd.

To better protect Belize’s environment, the EIA process is under review
The use of national land for private means is a growing concern for the Belizean population, especially for those who advocate for sustainable development and environmental conservation. With the booming tourism industry, some developers have pushed the boundaries of environmental compliance with their design of new hotels and resorts, and some projects have even flown under the radar of the Department of the Environment (DOE). One of the most controversial elements of development in Belize is over-the-water-structures and the privatization of beaches and docks. By law, the seabed and all reservations along all water frontages including rivers and the sea, commonly referred to as the 66-feet reserve measured from the high-water mark, are classified as national lands, and are the property of the State and should be freely used by the public. In some cases, there seem to be exceptions to this rule.

Orange Walk Black Mambas continue to lead Belize’s 2018 Inter-District Rugby 7’s Tournament
The third round of the Belize Inter-District Rugby 7’s Tournament was held this past weekend on Sunday, August 19th at the Governor General Field in Belmopan City. Currently leading the tournament is the Orange Walk Black Mambas with 32 points. They are followed by Kings Park Scorpions with 22 points and San Pedro Hammerhead Sharks with 18 points. The championship round of the tournament is scheduled for Sunday, November 25th in Belize City. Everyone is invited to come out and support their favorite team. Food and drinks will be on sale during the games.

Misc Belizean Sources

Fundraiser for Mr. Felipe Gallego (Mr. Happy) on Caye Caulker
As many may know Mr. Felipe Gallego affectionately know as Mr. Happy is ill and currently in the hospital. The family needs assistance in covering medical expenses. We would like to proceed with a fundraiser but are in need of all items for a bbq and bake sale. Mr. Happy is father to Cecilio Gallego who is currently coaching Rainbow Runner. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. We are aiming for next week Saturday Sept 1st.

Youth Leadership and Communications Training
The Corozal Children Advisory Body and youths of the Department of Youth Services participated in Day One of the Leadership and Communications Training. When asked their view of the exercise to identify the key elements for their press release, the young persons reported that it is quite a challenging task as it is important to be accurate in usage of words and to protect the credibility and image of the organization as the release expresses a view and make recommendations for actions.

Harpy Eagle at Biological Research Station
Happy news from BFREE this week as a Harpy Eagle was spotted at our Biological Research Station. This time the Harpy was seen near the Cacao Discovery Center yesterday, August 23rd. Thanks to our visiting researcher from UCDavis, Eyob Solomon for the photos!

Fish Right Eat Right in San Pedro, Caye Caulker next week
On Monday August 27, to Wednesday August 29, 2018, representatives from the Fish Right Eat Right Program will be visiting restaurants in San Pedro and Caye Caulker for signing up to the initiative. Tell your favorite restaurateur to look out for us. Customers will be able to see those establishments that are part of the program that will allow us to be able to eat seafood in Belize for generations to come.

BELIZEAN TRAVELLER 2018 CAMPAIGN GRAND FINALE TODAY
The Grand Finale for the BTB’s Belizean Traveller Campaign will be held this Saturday, 25th August from 4 pm to 8 pm at the BTL Park. The Belizean Traveller campaign is a BTB initiative to encourage Belizeans to be travellers in their own country. As part of the campaign, over $25,000 worth of prizes will be given away that will allow six winners to enjoy a dream vacation in any of Belize’s six regional tourism regions. These winners will be selected during the Grand Finale on Saturday. There will be live entertainment from the General Supa G. Other performers will include Kenny G Gladden, the Belize National Dance Company and the Barranco Roots Garifuna Group.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Coast Guard Station in Bacalar Chico
Today, August 24th, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a Coast Guard Forward Operating Base in Bacalar Chico, north of Ambergris Caye. After operating in the area for over three years under foot patrol, Coast Guard Officers will soon have a base for day- to- day operations. Approximately a mile and a half from the Mexican border, the Bacalar Chico Coast Guard Station is an ideal location for the prevention of cross-border criminal activities such as drug trafficking, weapon trafficking, and illegal fishing. Operationally, the Coast Guard seeks to minimize the impact of criminal activities. The strategic importance of their presence in Bacalar Chico as law enforcement is to provide stability for economic prosperity.

Atantic Bank Notice of phishing
Please note that Atlantic Bank will never ask you to update your information by email.

The Commonwealth Youth Development Award 2019: Call for Nominations
Nominations for next year’s Commonwealth Youth Development Award are now open for exceptionally young persons who are making an impacting difference in their communities. This year’s theme ‘Safe Spaces for Youth’ focuses on protecting young people’s dignity and safety while helping them to make valuable contributions to development work, particularly in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A total of sixteen finalists will be shortlisted from four Commonwealth regional categories: Africa and Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and Canada, and the Pacific, who will be awarded £1,000. A winner will be selected from each region receiving an additional £2,000. One exceptional entrant will be awarded the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year for a total award of £5,000.

Chargé d'Affaires of US Embassy visits San Pedro
On Friday, August 24th, 2018, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. of the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, his Excellency Keith R. Gilges made a courtesy visit to the San Pedro Town Hall where he met with Mayor Daniel Guerrero. Welcome to Belize your Excellency.

Here is the Calendar of Events for this year's September Celebrations in San Pedro!
Save the Dates!

Dinner night with Miss Independence delegates, Mayor and Council representatives.

Mosquito Prevention on Caye Caulker
If you have any ponds around you property please call CCVC at 226 0043 so they put down abate to prevent hatching of mosquitoes.

CROCODILE SIGHTING AT ORCHID BAY
Persons in the area of Orchid Bay have reportedly seen a crocodile lurking in the sea along one of the beaches since Sunday. Witnesses say that the crocodile appears to be between 5 to 6 feet in length. We believe that the public should be made aware and exercise caution when approaching this area.

Rediscover Your Glow - San Ignacio
Pictures from Vanessa Awe's Rediscover Your Glow Tour here in San Ignacio. It was held last month at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Chantae Chanice Guy was her stage model for the demonstration. Looks like a lot was learned.

The Belize BTB team and JGBB conducting a roadshow in the Washington area

Channel 7

Security Guard At Prominent Law Firm Shot
A security guard was shot in front of the Courtney - Coye law firm an hour ago. Tonight we can confirm that he was shot at least two times, but, fortunately, he survived. It's huge news because that is one of the most high profile law firms in Belize, and it is in what is considered a very safe residential neighborhood. Equally important is that it is across the street from the Guatemalan Embassy - and the Honduran Embassy. Tonight, here's what we know based on surveillance video and what area residents told our team at the scene. A green Kia was seen circling the block before the shooting. Then on the second time around the block, it pulled up, two men came out - one from the front seat and one form the back. They reportedly went directly after the security guard and fired multiple shots, possibly as many as five.

Supreme Court Stops Saldivar, Not The PUP
Today, one of the partners in that firm, Eamon Courtenay was in the Supreme Court arguing a controversial case. That's the hearing where Arthur Saldivar asked the Supreme Court to stop the PUP from holding its Belmopan Convention on Sunday. As we've been reporting, the PUP has thrice rejected Saldivar's application to run as a PUP candidate for Belmopan. So, if the PUP wouldn't give him a fair chance, Saldivar asked the courts to intercede. But he wasn't just asking for a stay on the convention, Saldivar had 14 points he was challenging the PUP on. Mainly, he said his candidacy wasn't given a fair chance because of outright bias in the vetting Committee.

Alleged Elderly Attacker Eugene Tillett Gets Bail
He is accused of robbing an elderly man in his driveway, but, today in the Supreme Court, 41 year old Eugene Anthony Tillett, managed to secure bail. His attorney had to fight for it, but in the end he was unable to post bail, so he remains on remand tonight. Here's what happened in court: his attorney Dickie Bradley presented arguments to Justice Herbert Lord, as to why his client who has a rap sheet of more than 10 pages should get bail. In the end Bradley was successful in securing bail but the Prosecutor for the DPP's office, Janelle Tillett showed the court that the defendant owed the court over $5,000.

Police Find Stolen Pickup
Police have recovered a pickup that was stolen during a home invasion on Thursday morning. That's when four masked men broke into a West Landivar fourth story apartment, tied up the 24 year old woman who was home, and then stole two guns, and the Nissan pickup which was parked downstairs. Well, today the pickup was found on Faber's Road - minus they keys. We're told that even though the robbers stole the DVR with the security recordings and threw it downstairs where it got wet in the rain, some images have been recovered which could lead to the identity of the suspects.

Coast Guard To Establish Fixed Presence On Northern Ambergris Caye
So many times on the news, we've told you about the drug gangs of San Pedro, and all the murders fueled by their rivalries. A lot of those rivalries stem from wet drops which the cartels throw in the waters north of the island for their Mexican counterparts to pick up. But, the sea has no borders and those wet drops do often float into Belizean waters - causing murderous violence to erupt in the battle for those drugs. And the border area of Northern Ambergris Caye is remote, as much as 20 miles north of San Pedro - and because of that it is also largely un-policed. But now, the Coast Guard will erect a Patrol Base in Bacalar Chico. I went there today to find out more about it:..

Bail for 21st and 22nd Alleged Murderer in 11 Months
Another alleged murderer has gotten bail. 22 year old Ernesto Vasquez is the 21st accused person to get bail in the past 11 months. He is charged with the murder of 30 year old Herbert Bodden, and was offered a bail of $40,000 today by Justice Herbert Lord. Vasquez's attorney, Oscar Selgado, submitted that Vasquez has been on remand for 3 years and no date has been set for his trial. Selgado submitted that the delay was unreasonable and it was a violation of his right to a trial within a reasonable time. The Crown, represented by Crown Counsel, Janelle Tillett, did not object to bail. Bodden, an auto mechanic, was shot and killed in broad daylight on February 26, 2015, on Cedar Street while he was lying on the street repairing a vehicle.

BTL Launches The “Digi” World
We're already used to BTL's Digicell mobile phone service. But now BTL is re-branding and will use that DIGI prefix to cover all its services. We found out more at a grand launch today at the Civic Center:.. Jules Vasquez reporting: The new brand is Digi - and it's the single flagship name and logo under which BTL will now offer all its services. Rocus Schriber, CEO - BTL: "We are the company that is now building fiber to the home. We are going to deliver ICT services. We are delivering cloud computing and we are expanding internationally. For the first time we are selling to our neighboring countries. So this is the right time for us to look at what will be the name for these new services. What will be the umbrella brand that will make it easy to recognize that these services belong together and they are all coming from the same source. All these services rely on digital technology and therefore Digi."

Cops Caught Caye Caulker Thieves Red-Handed
Police were able to catch two thieves in Caye Caulker right after a robbery. It happened yesterday afternoon at the gas station which is on the Back Bridge Marina. Tow men, one of them with a firearm, held up the attendant and robbed him of approximately $2000.00 in cash and a cordless phone. Police were quick to respond and strung up the two thieves in no time. They recovered a firearm, a cordless phone, $500.00us and $1100.00bz in cash. Both men will be charged.

Sahar Went Far For Jalsa Salana
On August 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 200 acres of Hampshire land in East Worldham, England was transformed into a convention center for the 2018 Jalsa Salana. Jalsa Salana is a massive event that the Ahmadiyya Muslims host to bring awareness about the positives that Islam has to offer. Our very own Sahar Vasquez attended the event as a journalist and here is the story she brought back. Sahar Vasquez reporting: September 11, 2001- 2,977 people were killed in 9/11 April 15, 2013- 264 people were wounded in the Boston Marathon Bombing. June 12th, 2016- 49 people were killed in Orlando night club shooting. These are just a few of the most gruesome terrorist attacks to ever be recorded and those responsible for the deaths of countless innocent men, women, and children were all muslims.

Security Guard Survives Shooting
And, as an update on our headline story, there's a little more information on the security guard shooting at the Courtney Coye law firm. First, the security guard survived and is receiving surgery - he has reportedly lost a lot of blood. Second, we know that the KIA used in the shooting was green, tinted and had no license plate. It was seen circling the block before the shooting. Then on the second time around the block, it pulled up, two men came out - one from the front seat and one form the back. They reportedly went directly after the security guard and fired multiple shots, possibly as many as five. The security guard was armed and they may have been trying to take his gun.

Coast Guard Patrol Base Coming in Early 2019
And in an update to the story on the Coast Guard Patrol Base we ran earlier, here are a few important footnotes. First, you saw that ground was broken - but work is not scheduled to start until the end of September. After that it will take 5 to 6 months for completion.

Shyne Says Stipend, Not Salary
And, in an update to a story we ran last night, today Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow told us that he is not paid a salary by the Ministry of Finance, he is paid a stipend from NICH. He agreed that the money may come from the Ministry of Finance, but he says it goes to NICH who then pays him. Secondly, he added that he is not a government employee, he does the work of the music ambassador on a voluntary basis, for which he is given a stipend to conduct the functions of his office. As we mentioned last night, It's an issue because those who are paid out of the public purse cannot run for politics. Culture Minister Faber says he is paid that stipend by the Ministry of Finance.

Channel 5

Security Guard at the Law Offices of Courtenay Coye is Shot in the Attempt Robbery of his Weapon
There was a late evening shooting today.  Just before six o’clock this evening, the security guard at the law offices of Courtenay Coye was shot and rushed to the Karl [...]

Arthur Saldivar Loses Court Battle Against the P.U.P.
The People’s United Party will not have to deal with Attorney Arthur Saldivar anytime soon and that’s because the second lawsuit he filed against the party was thrown out in [...]

P.U.P.’s Belmopan Convention to Proceed Uninterrupted
The Belmopan convention proceeds this Sunday as planned with Weizman Patt, Michelle Rodriguez and Oscar Mira. So is this the end of the Arthur Saldivar/P.U.P. saga?  There is a default [...]

Robbery at Caye Caulker Gas Station; Robbers Apprehended Shortly After
There was a robbery today in Caye Caulker, but quick police action helped to capture the two thieves and recover the stolen items shortly after the incident. It happened around [...]

Police Inching Closer to Finding Out Who was the Driver in Double Fatalities Down South
Siblings Anthony and Jamie Archer perished on impact during a deadly road traffic accident along the San Antonio Road in the Toledo District on the evening of July twenty-fourth.  The [...]

A New F.O.B. to Be Erected at Bacalar Chico
The top brass of the Belize Coast Guard headed today to Bacalar Chico, a national park. The occasion was the groundbreaking ceremony for a forwarding operating base at the strategic [...]

Exploring Half Moon Caye
It is the furthest island point east of mainland Belize and the country’s oldest protected wildlife site that is famous for diving and birding. Half Moon Caye Natural Monument of [...]

Local Buses Must Pay for Vehicle Insurance in Mexico
Local bus companies running excursions to Chetumal, Cancun and other destinations within the state of Quintana Roo are required to purchase vehicle insurance in order for them to traverse carriageways [...]

Some Bus Companies Agree to Purchase Insurance in Quintana Roo
According to Castro, if Belizean auto dealers are required to purchase insurance when traversing from Texas to Mexico, then it is only fair that bus owners and drivers purchase insurance [...]

Miss Universe Belize; Who Will Represent the Jewel in Thailand?
On Saturday night at the Biltmore Plaza in Belize City, eleven delegates will vie for the title of Miss Universe Belize in hopes to represent the Jewel at the Miss [...]

Shots Fired Backa Port
There is an increased police presence in the Port Loyola neighborhood tonight.  Shortly after six o’clock this evening, police were summoned to an area on Trinity Street following reports of [...]

Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez: “I Don’t Care What Darrell Bradley Says”
Port Loyola area representative Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez gave a fiery response to the media when he was pressed about the third piece of missing equipment which belongs to the City [...]

‘Boots’ Still Supporting Michael Peyrefitte for Port
The media also asked Minister Martinez about Dean Samuels, the former Belize City Councilor, who is contesting the U.D.P. Convention in the Port Loyola Constituency. Samuels publicly announced his candidacy [...]

Solid Waste Wants You to Recycle at Home
The Solid Waste Management Two Project, valued at ten point two million dollars funded by the Inter-American Development Bank, is being rolled out across the country since 2016. The project [...]

CXC Results in Belize
The results for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate, better known as CXC, have not been officially released to the media and the public as yet. But some schools in southern [...]

Rene Skeen Rejected by P.U.P. for Belize Rural Central
At a meeting of the national executive of the People’s United Party on Wednesday, Rene Skeen, a well-known resident of Ladyville, was also rejected from running in Belize Rural Central. [...]

Rebranding of B.T.L. Services & Products
Belize Telemedia launched a campaign to reinvent itself under one brand which is designed to attract and appeal to new customers. The services and products offered by the telecom will [...]

B.T.L. is Expanding Services, but even to Cable TV?
With the upgrade of its infrastructure and network, B.T.L. is also looking at becoming a cable service provider. Cable Television is a system that will allow for television programmes to [...]

LOVE FM

Mai speaks on ASR/BSI investing in new tugboat
Earlier this week American Sugar Refinery’s Belize Sugar Industries announced that it had purchased a sixty foot tug boat to increase its efficiency in transporting sugar. Yesterday, Jose Mai, who is also the PUP’s shadow minister for agriculture spoke negatively about the one point two million dollars investment. Jose Mai: “Macdan made an announcement to …

BTL rebrands
Belize Telemedia Ltd. is undergoing a rebranding exercise. The launch of the rebranding of the company’s services is being done under the new name Digi. CEO Rochus Schreiber spoke of the new strategy. CEO Rochus Schreiber: “It is not only important that we do a new brand. It will actually also create new value and save …

Minister Anthony Martinez speaks on missing City Council equipment
For the past few weeks, a lot has been said by the current Belize City Council, in regards to the three pieces of heavy duty equipment, which was reported missing after a special audit was done. Since then, several queries had been made to the Ministry of Finance and the previous city council about the …

Saldivar fought the PUP and lost, but said it was worth it
The PUP Belmopan Convention will take place in two days with only three candidates: Weisman Patt, Oscar Mira and Michelle Rodriguez. Arthur Saldivar’s last ditch effort in court to force his Party to accept him as a candidate was a failure. Saldivar was back in court today as he continued his fight to represent the …

Minister Anthony Martinez speaks on Dean Samuel’s candidacy
Four individuals have thrown their hats into the UDP convention for Port Loyola. Initially it appeared that former city councilor Dean Samuels had gotten the nod from the current area representative, Anthony Boots Martinez but in politics things keep changing and now Martinez has thrown his support behind Attorney General, Michael Peyrefitte. Martinez shared what …

The PHAST methodology
The Belize Red Cross currently has a program sponsored by the American Red Cross. It comes under the Red Cross’ project for strengthening partnership through accountability and transparency. According to Ian Glory, the Master Facilitator for the PHAST Program, it is being carried out in 16 communities in the vicinity of the Belize District. Currently,they …

The Belizean Traveler Campaign
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) launched the Belizean Traveler Campaign at the beginning of August with over $25,000 in prizes and dream vacation packages. Because the purpose is to encourage Belizeans to tour the country, the BTB partnered with the Belize Hotel Association and its members to offer discounts for the duration of the campaign. …

New Solid Waste Management Project Two
The Belize Solid Waste Management will be constructing transfer stations in Placencia and Punta Gorda. This is a part of the new Solid Waste Management Project Two. , Tyronne Chimilio, the Communications Officer and he explains the significance of the project. Tyronne Chimilio Communications Officer: “One of the key aspects of this project is that we …

Forward Operating Base will help curb crime
The Coast Guard will soon have a Forward Operating Base at Bacalar Chico, north of Ambergris Caye. A ground breaking ceremony was held today for the Forward Operating Base. A contract has been signed with Victor Aldana to construct the base within four months. The design of the facility is to house 16 officers. It …

Police Catch Caye Caulker thieves
There was a robbery on Caye Caulker. About 2:30 p.m., yesterday 50 year old Luis Choc was at the Caye Caulker Gas Station located on the Back Bridge Marina. The 50 year old pump attendant said while he was working at the gas station, two men robbed him. One of the men had a firearm …

Ernesto Vasquez gets bail for murder
A man who was charged with murder three years ago is receiving temporary freedom until he has his trial in court. In February, 2015 thirty year old Herbert Bodden, a mechanic, was shot and killed on Cedar Street while he was lying on the ground, repairing a vehicle. In April, 2016, twenty-two year old Ernesto Vasquez was charged with Bodden’s murder …

Amandala

9-year-old girl dies after being struck by lightning
There are reports coming out of Toledo that a little girl died after being struck by lightning. Although very few details are available at this time, reports indicate that Sylvia Bol, 9, was standing under a cohune tree for shelter from the rain while her mother was washing clothes in a nearby creek. The lightning that struck her caused severe burns all over her body. Bol was pronounced dead just after 5 p.m. There was another student who was standing nearby who also suffered minor injuries.

Taiwan’s rice donation angers farmers
Yesterday, Wednesday, The Republic of China (Taiwan), through the “Taiwan Rice Donation for Humanitarian Relief” project, donated 10,000 bags of rice, weighing 22 pounds each, to the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation. This seemingly innocent gesture has sparked controversy in the country. Hon. Anthony “Boots” Martinez, Minister of Human Development, Social Transformation, and Poverty Alleviation, who received the rice, expressed his appreciation for the rice, while Hon. Jose Mai, PUP area representative for Orange Walk South, is singing a different tune, saying that this donation hurts Belize more than it helps it.

Belizean Darnelle Flowers, 17, shot dead in Chicago
Shortly before midnight this past Sunday, police in Chicago, USA, found two bodies in a field in the Golden Gate neighborhood, near 131st Street and Rhodes Avenue. The Chicago Tribune quoted authorities as saying that the bodies had already started to decompose. Both bodies reportedly had gunshot wounds. One of the murdered persons has been identified as Darnelle Flowers, a 17-year-old Belizean whose grandmother, who lives in Belize City, told us that he had been living in Chicago with his mother and brother for almost a decade. Flowers was found along with Raysaun Turner, 16, an American.

The trial of the Stuarts’ accused murderers winds down
The Supreme Court is officially on vacation break until it opens for the September session, but for Justice Colin Williams there is no break, as this morning his court convened for the continuing trial of two men accused of the October 17, 2010 double murder of attorney Richard Stuart and his accountant wife, Maria Stuart. This morning the court heard from the last witness for the prosecution, Compton Patrick Beecher, a forensic expert at the Caribbean Genetics unit of the University of the West Indies. This morning, Beecher testified via teleconference from Jamaica.

AME Church to begin missionary work in Belize
For the first time, the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) is coming to Belize to begin missionary work in the country. Since this is a first, two pastors, Pastor Mashod Evans from Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Pastor John White II, the founder of the Immanuel Temple in Pembroke Pines, Florida, stopped by our office to speak about the church and the work they do across the world. The AMEC was founded by a slave, Richard Allen, who bought his freedom. He founded the church after he saw that American Methodists were segregating their church members based on race. In 1794, he created Bethel AME and he went to court in 1807 and 1815 for his congregation’s right to exist as an independent institution.

Tamira Orellano Martinez, 32
From the tender age of seven, when she made her first public appearance on the softball field in Camalote, at the village’s annual summer camp, Tamira had a star beside her name. She had the outward gifts of athletic talent and good looks. But what was within her is what set her apart. Tamira had heart, and pride, and a joyful spirit, and a very special smile. She might not have been as athletically gifted as her two brothers, Wayne and Oliver Wiltshire, but on the field her star was no less bright. She had a steady glove and a good bat, and played all six positions in the diamond well. She won a number of championships with her village club, and represented Belize as a junior and as a senior player.

Dangriga sports stats
The final week of regular season in the Dangriga Basketball Association (DBA) Summer Bounce Tournament included games on Friday and Saturday, August 17 and 18, at the Russell Chiste Garcia Auditorium. In the National Over-40 Veterans league semifinals return matches over the weekend, at the MCC Grounds on Saturday, Kulture Yabra won once again over Benque, 7 goals to 3. Goal scorers for Kulture Yabra were Kevin Roland with 5 goals (he also leads this tournament with goals), and Edward “Lilly White” Rubio and Albert “Chicken” Arnold got one apiece; while all 3 Benque goals were by Julio Ayala. This victory automatically takes Kulture Yabra to the finals. (They had won game 1 by a 4-1 margin, for an aggregate score of 11-4.)

Pedal by Pedal – Chetumal’s Race of Sunday, August 19, 2018
It seems even Chetumal is mirroring the Weekend Warriors’ birthday races, because this past weekend almost 40 riders lined up for Omar Gomes’ birthday race in Chetumal. There were 3 Categories: the Elite Riders, 18 to 39; the Masters, 40-49; and the 50 Plus Riders; but we all rode together. Although it is a disadvantage to the older riders, they do have the one advantage that an older rider could win a younger riders’ PRIZE; and that is exactly what happened! The race started at 8:30 a.m. on the 2 Mulas Circuit, which is by the seaside facing a hard cross wind. We did 20 laps, for a total of 35 miles.

“The sky is the limit.” Go for it, Jardehl!!
Proud father, Hilberto “Hilly” Muschamp was overcome with emotion this morning when Krem WUB host Evan “Mose” Hyde asked if he had pondered the magnitude of the achievement of his son, Jardehl, in being selected as one of only 3 among a group of 68 who had travelled from 27 different states of the U.S. and 3 other countries besides Belize, to be invited “to join the Barca Academy for the 2018/2019 school year” and become a member of their “U-17 PreAcademy team.” A successful shrimp farm manager in Mango Creek, Stann Creek District, and a football legend in his own right, Hilly, after observing the budding talent in his son, had directed his personal resources to get him to the prestigious Barca Academy Tryouts, August 10-12, in Casa Grande, Arizona, USA. He had previously enlisted no less than the legendary Norman “Tilliman” Nunez/Pipersburgh to work with Jardehl one-on-one in preparing him for the Tryouts...

Undefeated Police and Bandits clash in Week 4 of PLB 2018-19 Opening Season
In the Week 3 results reported in our Tuesday issue, we noted some uncertainty about a couple goals scored in the BDF vs Verdes game at the MCC. The Premier League of Belize (PLB) made some adjustments to its earlier report, and so here goes: Verdes FC won, 4-2, over BDF FC at the MCC Grounds on Sunday, August 19. Verdes goals were by Roberto de Silva (30’), Collin Westby (45’) and Nahjib Guerra (64’) along with a BDF own goal by Leon Cadle (OG 39’). BDF goals were by Victor Moralez (46’) and Orland Trapp (88’).

From the Publisher
Two weeks after we returned from the States in January 1972, I went to visit a friend and supporter. Well, this brother was really more of a NIP than UBAD. He just didn’t like or trust the government at all. That day when I went to see him, he seemed excited, and halfway through our conversation he became mysterious and secretive: “Look in there and take out what you see,” he said in a lowered tone of voice, pointing to a cupboard. I did as he instructed and drew out a long cylindrical object wrapped in a BEACON newspaper. “Open it,” he said. I opened it. “It’s dynamite,” he said, “the dynamite from Airport. I have a whole box hereand I know where to get the rest.” While I was in the States, the PWD depot at the Airport had been burgled and dynamite was lost. “Do you know how to explode this?” I asked. “Yes, all you have to use is a battery,” he answered.

1779, between 1773 and 1798
Belize has been celebrating September 1798, the Battle of St. George’s Caye, for 120 years. The question now is, it appears to this newspaper, how much preparation, with respect to eradicating ethno/social discrimination and bigotry, has Belize been doing to forge the national unity necessary to survive next year’s existential crisis? Before we proceed, let us declare, and insist, that this essay is not an attack on the Battle of St. George’s Caye and those who are cut from the Loyal and Patriotic Order of the Baymen cloth. Almost forty years before it was discovered and publicized by the young Evan X Hyde in 1969 (KNOCKING OUR OWN TING), information about an epic slave revolt on the Belize Old River in 1773 had been published in Sir John Alder Burdon’s Archives. This essay, however, is not focused on that revolt per se. As it is, we don’t believe anyone here has ever seriously focused on the 1779 Spanish raid on St. George’s Caye, and there is where we now want to go.

The philosophy of profit over people
Dear Editor, The present world population is 7.6 billion as of August 2018 according to the most recent United Nations estimates. This is a testament of the success of human beings. From a biological perspective, we have been able to reach unprecedented population and still increasing with no end in sight. NASA plans to make oxygen from the atmosphere of Mars. Human beings are planning to take our species to populate distance planets in the future. In Belize people are more down to earth and care more about their quality of life, but everything is connected. In our modern world everything is changing. The world of work will definitely change; it is just if we manage the change for the benefit of the majority or for the benefit of the few.

Let’s change the referendum date
Dear Editor: We will celebrate Independence Day on September 21 because that was the date we achieved independence in 1981. Likewise we celebrate the 10 September as the date we won the Battle of Saint George’s Caye in 1798. Now our Government has set April 10 next year as the day we must decide the course of our country’s fate by referendum. Let us therefore consider the substance of this singularly important event in an attempt to adequately classify its nature and to decide if the date chosen is appropriate. We will begin by outlining the facts that have brought us to this critical historical juncture.

Flowers Bank 14 must have been – local white
History records the arrival of the Flowers Bank Fourteen, to break the tie in the vote in 1797, the vote that cemented the modern state called Belize, which lies in the heart of Central America and the Caribbean Basin. If you had no evidence to the contrary, if all you had to go on was present day Belize, you’d have to believe the Fourteen were local whites. It is as night follows day in a land where the only females were black (speaking of the earliest days in the settlement), that the white ancestor (slave master) took women from among the black ancestor (slaves) to co-habit with. These unions produced brown children, male and female, some slave and some free.

How the Guatemalan Claim has eroded the Nationalist values of George Price’s People’s Uuntied Party (PUP)!
As the Southern Caucus of the People’s United Party (PUP)rebelled within the ranks of Belize’s most prominent and accomplished political party against the insidious “Compromis” signed in 2008 by the Barrow administration to take the age-old, unfounded and illegal Guatemalan claim to the impartial International Court of Justice (ICJ) for adjudication, the memory of the PUP’s most beloved Party Leader, and Father of Belize’s Independence, George Cadle Price, and his 1989-1993 historic Belize government visit to the Los Angeles Belizean community comes to mind. Flanked by his Cabinet Ministers — Glenn Godfrey, Sylvia Flores, and Vildo Marin, as well as the BREDAA representatives — Nuri Akbar, Orland Bishop and Hubert Pipersburgh, who to his left and his right sat in composure, Mr. Price delivered one of the most historic speeches by any Belize government Prime Minister to the Belizean diaspora.

Economic principles are scientific, political principles sentimental …
Over the years there has been a lot of discussion in the business community and government about tax reform. Those two words are so powerful. They can create wealth and economic growth or can create a society of wealth for a few. The Government has the ultimate power of decreasing or raising taxes. Over time the most likely scenario is increased taxes. The Government of Belize generates most of its revenues by taxations. To list a few of the taxes: Import Duty, Revenue Replacement Duty, Environmental Tax, Social Security payments, Property Tax, Airport Exit Tax, Stamp Duty, Foreign Exchange Tax, GST, Business Tax, Income Tax, PAYEE taxation, late payment penalties, Hotel Room Tax, Fishing License, Forestry License, Driver’s License fees, building permits, garbage collection fees, Rider Tax local airlines, Trade License fees, Liquor License fees, car license fees … And the list goes on.

http://amandala.com.bz/news/taiwan-presidents-visit-minister-elrington-disrespected-belize-city-council-mayor/
During the recent visit of Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen, the Belize Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington, area representative for the Pickstock constituency, did not see it fit to invite the Mayor of Belize City, or members of the Belize City Council, to participate in ceremonies that were held in Belize City. It would have been nice if the Mayor had presented to the Taiwan president the symbolic key to historic Belize City when she and her entourage landed at the Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson International Airport. It would have been nice, the decent thing, for the Belize City Mayor, or the Deputy Mayor if the Mayor was not available, to have been invited to one of the functions held in the old capital. Instead, the Foreign Minister chose to disrespect the Belize City Mayor and his PUP council, and the people who recently elected them.

Unique Ramclam, 4, flown to Shriners Hospital for burn victims
At about 7:00 on Wednesday night of last week, Anya Nah, 24, braved a raging fire at her home in Camalote to rescue her 4-year-old daughter, Unique Ramclam, who was in bed sleeping, and also her young son. Unfortunately, Nah wasn’t able to pull Unique from the flames before the little girl had suffered 2nd degree burns to most of her body. Unique was rushed to the Western Regional Hospital, where she was given initial treatment, after which she was rushed to the intensive care unit of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

NADO in Belize suspended after missing 3 consecutive meetings
Belize’s National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) received tough news after missing its third consecutive regional meeting. The Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO), which is formed by representatives of Central America, has suspended Belize for its absences. Last week, RADO met in Cuba and Belize’s representative, Dr. Michael Pitts, failed to attend. This is the third time he has failed to attend, and NADO is facing the consequence, which they learnt from a letter addressed to Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Sports, and Hilly Martinez, president of the National Olympic Committee.

Mexican officials enforce Mexican road regulations and requirements: no insurance, no entry
Belizean buses and vehicles carrying goods into Mexico must now acquire Mexican insurance to travel to Chetumal, or to drive on Mexican highways and roads. The requisite insurance is about $1,000 USD per year, which can be bought at the Corozal northern border. Enforcement of the requirement began last week. Joel Chan, 32, a bus driver of Valencia’s Bus Service from Orange Walk, told us today that an agreement had been made between Belize, Mexico and Guatemala that granted permission to Belizeans to drive to bordering towns in Mexico (and Guatemala) without insurance. He said this arrangement had been in place for years; however, the law has been changed and the Mexicans are now requiring that buses and vehicles carrying goods must be insured to travel on their roads. He said that vehicles which have the Mexican insurance will not encounter any problems.

The Reporter

EDITORIAL -August 24th. 2018
If the people of Belize had the power in their hands to make the Guatemalan claim go away for all time, would they take it? Or would they say, as ...

CRIME: A TAX ON THE ENTIRE ECONOMY
“Crime acts like a tax on the entire economy: it discourages domestic and foreign direct investments, reduces the competitiveness of firms, and reallocates resources, creating uncertainty and inefficiency”—(Claudio Detotto and ...

COURAGEOUS
By: Mike Rudon Jr. Just this week, I almost lost my life at the hands of a bunch of women in a bus about to leave Belmopan. There I was, ...

OW on High Alert after Gangland Execution
On Wednesday Junior Triminio, 34, was laid to rest in Orange Walk Town, his bright blue coffin escorted to the cemetery by family and friends wearing shirts with his picture ...

LIGHTNING STRIKES CHILD IN TOLEDO
A girl, age nine, was struck by lightning while sheltering from rain today and died; while her older sister who stood three feet away survived with minor abrasions. The incident ...

JAILBREAK IN INDEPENDENCE
A brazen jailbreak in which three prisoners managed to escape from the Independence Police Station last night during a massive thunderstorm remains under investigation by Police, and a manhunt for ...

SALDIVAR WANTS PUP…PUP DOESN’T WANT HIM!
The Court battles and public embarrassment between attorney Arthur Saldivar’s and the People’s United Party (PUP) over his candidacy in Belmopan is nowhere near the end, after Saldivar filed a ...

Taiwan Dumps Surplus Rice on Belize Local Rice Producers Cry Foul
Rice farmers, as well as members of the opposition People’s United Party (PUP), have raised concern about a recent donation to Belize from the Taiwanese government in the form of ...

Breaking Belize News

Arthur Saldivar loses legal claim against PUP
Attorney-at-law, Arthur Saldivar, has lost a claim against the People’s United Party (PUP) in the […]

Nominate someone for the Commonwealth Youth Development Award
Nominations for next year’s Commonwealth Youth Development Award are now open for exceptional young persons […]

Belize City police donate weed eater to youths
Today, the Eastern Division Region One police formation donated a weed eater to 10 youths […]

Atlantic Bank warns of phishing scam
Today, Atlantic Bank Limited issued a release to inform all its customers of an on-gong […]

Caye Caulker police detain 2 robbery suspects
Police are investigating a robbery that occurred yesterday in Caye Caulker village. Luis Choc, 50, […]

9 year old killed by lightning in Toledo
A nine-year-old student died yesterday after being struck by lightning in Southern Belize. According to reports, […]

Blogs

Jesse James Style Adventure Caye Caulker
It was a hot sunny day and my Canadian travel buddy Eskimo Pie aka Cathy and I made it to the 10:00 am water taxi just in time. It was her last day in Belize so I wanted to plan a special getaway so I enlisted the help of my Caye Caulker correspondent B. Flood (Brad). He could not have done a more amazing job.I wanted to start off with a few pictures that show the peaceful and magical side of the island. As we did our golf cart tour, the three of us were lost in the moment and filled with a sense of peace and adventure. The rest of the world was a million miles away, which was my goal when I was planning the trip. Mission accomplished big time. It was definitely a spur of the moment Jesse James style thrill speeding down the new runway at the Caye Caulker Airport, So was driving down the barge dock with barely enough room to turn around.

Mechanical rides are here in Corozal
Hey, kids looks who is back in Corozal, the mechanical rides are back. It are located at the civic center in Corozal. It they started to set up the Mechanical earlier this week at the Corozal Civic Center. Usually, at this time in the month of August the Mechanical rides are set up. They come to Corozal of the year a week after san juaqin fiesta rides and one week before school opens the rides are set up a the civic center for kids to enjoy. They stayin corozal for about one to two weeks. Surprisingly, This rides gets filled with childrens on the first night. There are rides from all ages. Colorful different rides are set aside by its size. Some with musical entertainment, or crazy ferris wheel, and that spinning Hurricane ride, and some winning marble games, or the trampoline and much more. Foos will be available at the place.

How I Began to Become a Bird Nerd on Ambergris Caye
Yesterday was my very first day of birding class. OFFICIAL birding class. I’ve dabbled a bit. I camped out in the amazing Chiquibil Forest Reserve to guard fledgling scarlet macaws – twice. I’ve been birding at gorgeous Hidden Valley Inn to see some rare birds – ones that people visit Belize to see – the orange-breasted falcon, the King Vulture and swallow tailed kite. All in some of the most stunning landscape in Belize. And I’ve seen some great birds on Ambergris Caye – especially while driving back and forth to town and at the camp on Cayo Frances. Crazy ones like a great horned owl sitting on a wire – the beautiful roseate spoonbill and impressive wood stork – chacalacas and yucatan jays chit chattering the morning…and my favorite olive throated parakeets.

International Sources

Submersible Company Aquatica Submarines Announces Historic Expedition to the Bottom of Belize's Blue Hole Fall 2018
The deep azure mysteries of the sea will soon be uncovered as leading submarine and subsea technology company Aquatica Submarines announces a historic expedition to the bottom of Belize's Blue Hole this Fall 2018. The expedition brings together Ocean Unite co-founder and Virgin Group founder, entrepreneur and philanthropist Richard Branson, Aquanaut, documentary filmmaker and ocean conservationist Fabien Cousteau (grandson of the famed oceanic explorer and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau), and submarine partner the Roatan Institute of Deep Sea Exploration (RIDE). Aquatica has also enlisted a team of scientists, explorers and filmmakers to share the beautiful mysteries that await at the bottom of Belize's Blue Hole. Multiple submersibles will descend to the bottom of the Blue Hole to collect scientific data, focusing on a complete sonar scan of the interior.

Videos

August 24, 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

Caye Caulker Police arrest two in gas station attempt robbery
Police in Caye Caulker have apprehended two of three male persons that tried to rob the gas station located on Calle al Sol Street on Thursday, August 23rd. The third person managed to escape, but police are actively searching for him on the island. Anyone with information that may lead to his arrest can contact the Caye Caulker Police Station at 226-0242. There is no preliminary information on the incident, but according to unofficial reports, the failed attempted robbery took place around 2:30PM, when three armed men stormed inside the gas station and demanded cash from the cashier. As they were getting ready to escape, police showed up and caught two of them as they were about to leave via a nearby dock. Witnesses say that the assailants threw their weapons in the water, but police were able to retrieve them. The two thieves were then escorted to the police station pending charges.

Cayo Espanto employees trained in Tourism Watch Program
The National Auxiliary Police Department held a Tourism Watch Program training at Cayo Espanto Island Resort, located three miles from the coast of Ambergris Caye on Friday, August 17th. The program is designed to train employees on better ways to react to crime situations. According to National Auxiliary Police Coordinator, Rudolph Orio the Tourism Watch program is a one-day training that is facilitated to business employees, teaching them how to handle certain incidents and improve their safety. “The program is something like the neighborhood watch programs, however, this one focuses more on protecting our tourism industry,” said Orio, “Throughout the day, employees of the resort learn about observation skills, how to react to situations, techniques and much more.” Orio also stated this training is open to all businesses of San Pedro Town, as well as across the country.

Fifth week of Copa San Pedro 2018 sees Boca Bombers in the lead
The fifth week of Copa San Pedro 2018 saw eight fierce matches at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. The football weekend began on Thursday, August 16th at 7PM, with Genesis F.C winning 3-2 against San Mateo F.C. They were followed by Young Strikers, who demolished Peacemakers with a 15-4 point score at 9PM. Copa San Pedro 2018 continues this weekend, starting on Thursday, August 23rd at 7PM, at the Ambergris Stadium. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy a weekend of football.

San Pedro’s Guillermo Rodriguez places third at KTV the Remix 2018
Hundreds of Belizeans across the country attended the finals of KTV the Remix 2018 song/karaoke competition held at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts in Belize City on Tuesday, August 21st. Taking the title of KTV the Remix 2018 and the grand cash prize of $10,000 was 17-year-old Victoria August from Belmopan City. Second place went to Rachel Westby from Belmopan City, and San Pedro’s Guillermo Rodriguez placed third, winning a trophy, cash prize of $2,000 among other gifts. The three judges of this season, Jenny Lovell, Rhojani Perriott, and Chris Bradshaw also delighted the crowd with a special performance. The stage then saw the last two finalists, San Pedro’s Guillermo Rodriguez and Victoria August delivering their final performance.

Ambergris Today

Sargassum in San Pedro
It's a HUGE problem in ALL the Caribbean. While other countries seem to have it worse that here in Belize, it just got a bit more serious this week on Ambergris Caye. Here are pics shared by island residents Ilda Guerrero, Simon Backley and Araceli Blease on their Facebook profiles. WOW! Sargasso entering the Boca del Rio and moved all the way to the back lagoon as far as the New Sunset Boardwalk and Terminal.

Misc Belizean Sources

"Heroes Day of the Maya"
Dia de Los Heroes Maya - Abuelita Anselma Yam. 103 years old of Patchakan Village, Corozal is to be recognized on "Heroes Day of the Maya" to be held in Orange Walk Town on September 1st, 2018. At the young age of 18 Abuelita Yam began to work as a midwife and through out all her life, she has dedicated this service to many people. Moreover, she is a proud Yucatec Maya who has always maintained her Maya Culture alive. Hats off to Abuelita Ancelma Yam. Courtesy Faustino Yam

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of Aug 14th - Aug 21, 2018
Another week of delightful weather and good fishing to go along with it. When it comes to bonefish El Pescador is hard to beat. So almost a given. This week was no different. Bones all around. Eleven anglers/angler teams found success this week with our permit. Tarpon were brought to the boat by four anglers. Shoutout to Rick P. who was able to pull off a Grand Slam as well!

Turtle Rescue Tale!
Late Wednesday evening a turtle was rescued from being entangled in a ghost fishing net in the Corozal Bay Area. Oceana’s Corozal Field Rep was contacted and took the turtle in for the night until it could be transported to Hol Chan first thing this morning via Tropic Air. Upon arrival, “Flipping the turtle”, as he was dubbed, was assessed, tagged and declared safe for release by our friends at Hol Chan. He’s now free and living his best life in our beautiful marine waters! Kudos to everyone involved for getting this guy back in the wild!

Movie Night at KoKo King
FAMILY FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHT - STARTS 6 PM - We are showing the following movies: DUCK DUCK GOOSE (PG) - A bachelor goose must form a bond with two lost ducklings as they journey south. OCEAN'S 8 (PG13) - Debbie Ocean gathers an all-female crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City's yearly Met Gala. Popcorn, marshmallows, and full dinner menu available!!

Caye Caulker Children Fun Drive Raffle
It is the Caye Caulker Children Fun Drive Raffle get your tickets today!

Submission of Hotels Checklist for Accommodation Facilities on the Placencia Peninsula
The Department of the Environment (DOE), in conjunction with the Belize Tourism Board, has engaged in an initiative to regularize existing hotel/accommodation facilities to obtain Environmental Clearance. In an effort to facilitate the process for application submissions and respond to any queries, officers of the DOE will be stationed at the Placencia Village Council’s office from September 5-7, 2018 during normal working hours. Owners of hotel/accommodation facilities in the area are asked to fill out the hotels checklist in advance and submit the completed checklist with accompanying documents (copy of land tenure and authenticated survey map, copy of company documents and copy of processing fee payment receipt) to the officers stationed at the Village Council’s office on these dates, instead of having to travel to Belmopan.

Summer 2018 came to an end this morning for highschools in Corozal
Parents where excited seeing there child go to school. From form 1 - 4 are set to come in different dates for Orientation Day in Corozal. CCC E.S.T.M and San Pedro High Have a date below. And, across Belize all have different dates to start normal classes for 2018-2019. Today, both school from E.S.T.M. and CCC. did there Orientation day. Meanwhile, all primary school are to return back to classes on Monday September 3, 2018 countrywide. CCC Orientation day is shown on the picture below. And, E.S.T.M Orientation Schedule is shown below:

Corozal Sun Splash Karate Connection 2018
Sunday August 26th. 5-A-Side Football Game, Entertainment: Ernestine Carballo, DJ Absolute, Gilharry 7

Structurals assessment and its impact
The San Pedro Building Unit Team has commence its first of many to come structurals assessment and its impact on the Island's environment and educational empowerment of the Residing populace.

BECOL/BTL 2018 Basketball Tournament
The upcoming SSBA basketball tournament will start Friday, September 28th, and will take place at the Sacred Heart auditorium. Contact Mark O'Brien or Elvis Usher for more information. They have the tournament rules online. "SSBA basketball tournament. U13, U17, U21, seniors, O35 and females. Commencing end of September 2018. Get your teams ready"

September Celebrations 2018 T-Shirts
The 2018 September Celebrations are about to begin, and Miguel Cardona has some locally designed and printed t-shirts to commemorate this year's Independence Day. They're only $19.95. Contact Miguel for more information. Happy 37th, Belize!

Images from our Cartoon Art workshop
As a part of this year's 'Summer Arts Program 2018'. In these sessions participants learned varying methods of creating cartoons with emphasis on the 'Stop Motion' skill. Students learned about the elements of developing a storyboard, transitions and using software to animate the sketched art.

Channel 7

Farmers Say “Reject The Rice Donation”
Last night we showed you Taiwan’s donation of 220,000 pounds of rice valued at a quarter million Belize dollars.  It’s a gift to the Ministry of Human Development for distribution to charitable feeding programs.  Well, tonight, that gift is the subject of controversy. Rice farmers in the north say they have their own surplus which they are stuck with and this influx of rice is only going to hurt them more.  PUP Shadow Minister of Agriculture Jose Mai told us why the farmers are upset with the Taiwanese and GOB: Hon. Jose Mai - PUP Shadow Minister of Agriculture: "Actually I was pretty much flabbergasted when I saw the news last night that Taiwan donated 5 containers of rice to the government and handed it to Mr. Martinez's ministry; everybody shares the same views and everybody is surprise at such donation..."

Home Invasion in High Rise Apartment
4 masked robbers raided a West Landivar resident’s high rise apartment early this morning. The 24 year old female resident, who asked that her identity not be disclosed, was awakened by noises in her 4th floor University Drive apartment. When she went to look, she saw the 4 men. They tied her up and then ransacked the place. Police told us more at their bi-weekly press briefing. ACP Joseph Myvett - Head, NCIB: "This morning shortly after 4 am Belize city police responded to the scene of an aggravated burglary on University Boulevard in Belize City where upon arrival a 24 year old legal assistant who occupies the 4th floor or upper flat of the building reported to them that shortly after 3:15 am this morning she heard a noise inside her apartment..."

Well Known Figure Charged For Robbing Elderly Man of 15k
While police are investigating that West Landivar aggravated burglary, they have charged a man in another armed robbery that happened on Monday on Landivar Street - also on the northside. He is 41 year old Western Avenue resident Eugene Tillett - who is well known to police and the courts.  As we told you on Monday, the victim is 79 year old Harold Williams. Williams pulled into his driveway in his Honda CRV near his house when Tillett allegedly broke the glass window of his vehicle and snatched an envelope with $15,000 in cash from the senior citizen. Here is what police had to say on Tillett’s arrest.

OW Cops Closing in On Broad Daylight Hitmen
And in another update to a crime story, Police found a vehicle that may help them get a step closer in solving Sunday’s brazen double murder in Orange Walk. As we have reported, 34 year-old Junior Triminio and 19 year-old Christopher Enrique Calderon were at a kids football tournament at the Louisiana field when masked gunmen ambushed them, killing them in front of the field. The gunmen left in a white Jeep Compass.  Police told us a bit more about this vehicle they have impounded. ACP Joseph Myvett - Head, NCIB: "There is no update however we are following several significant leads. I believe we do have a vehicle impounded so far and we have senior investigators following up this matter at this time."

Belize Buses in Chet Need Mex. Insurance
If you are planning on going to Chetumal on bus, before traveling, you should check if the bus driver has Mexican insurance because he won’t be able to cross the border without it – leaving you, the passenger, with the additional cost and stress of paying a taxi into Chetumal. That’s exactly what has been happening at the border these past few weeks.  And, whether you like it or not, the bus insurance is a legal requirement that both Belize and Mexico had agreed to – one that is only now being enforced. Today we spoke to Mexican Ambassador to Belize Carlos Quesnel and he told us that there is no need for any issue; bus drivers on both sides of the border just need to follow the law and all will be fine. Here is how he put it.

Prisoners On the Run In Independence
3 prisoners are roaming free after they escaped from police custody in Independence. It happened sometime between 8:00 and 9:00 last night. Apparently, the men broke the lock on the cell door and snuck out undetected. Here’s more from police. ACP Joseph Myvett - Head, NCIB: "Police reported that 3 prisoners who were on remand and were taken back to independence police station for court hearing sometime during that time made good their escape and they are Selvin Lenarez, 20 years, Gregory Flowers, 25 years and Kendall Flores, 22 all of whom were remanded for the crime of burglary." Reporter: "Are these individuals considered to be dangerous?" ACP Joseph Myvett: "No they are not considered to be dangerous as they were charged for burglary. A man hunt is currently on to recapture those escaped prisoners as well as there is an ongoing investigation in relation to the escape."

Cop Chopped In South
A machete wielding mentally challenged man chopped a police in the head. Fortunately the police got away with just a really bad cut. The incident happened this morning around 9:30 in Seine Bight Village. Residents called the police this morning because Zebedee Martir was flailing the machete around in the village. But when police got there they had to shoot him in the arm to subdue him. Here is the police account. ACP Joseph Myvett - Head, NCIB: "Seine Bight and Placencia police responded to an incident of a male person making chopping motions at several villagers in Seine Bight village. As a result police encountered one Zebedee Martir, a mentally challenged patient who at the time was in possession of a machete. He was approached by police who tried to convince him to put down the machete and in the process he suddenly approached one of the officers..."

The Road To Reassuring RADO is Long
Last night we told you about the international sporting embarrassment for Belize. The Regional Anti Doping Organization has suspended our National Anti Doping body. RADO took the decision last week after the Belizean Representative missed the third consecutive meeting of that body.   Yesterday, in a letter to the President of the National Olympic Committee and the Minister of Sports, the Regional Chairman said that Belize can lift the suspension by “convening an extraordinary meeting of the members of the Advisory Board of the RADO-CAM”. That will be expensive and today the sports Minister lamented that whatever it costs, they will have to respond to the crack of the whip from an international body:…

Shyne Slammed Sapnah, Faber Calls It “Unfortunate”
We also asked Deputy Faber to comment on the recent eyebrow raising interview from Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow. He challenged the competence and integrity of NUCH President Sapnah Budrani.  This is after Faber, as Culture Minister, had expressed full support for Budrani two weeks earlier.  
So did Shyne step out of line against his party’s #2 man?  Today, the Deputy didn’t get personal; he only said Shyne’s remarks were “unfortunate”:… Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Culture: "I have the utmost confidence in Sapna Budhrani's leadership there. Now that leadership might go well for some people who have an agenda."

Hon. Boots Blasts Former Mayor Bradley
And while there’s tension between Deputy Faber and Aspirant Barrow, there’s also intra-party beef between Minister Anthony Boots Martinez and former Mayor Darrell Bradley. Two weeks ago when a PUP City Council audit on missing equipment pointed to Minister Martinez - Bradley backed them up.  He said when he was Mayor he also could not get his hands on the same equipment and thought that Minister Boots was responsible.  Here’s what Bradley had to say and the angry response we got from Martinez today:… Darrell Bradley, Former Mayor (August 7th, 2018): "We had a problem in getting the piece of equipment we believe that he was the person responsible for turning the equipment over to us. It was never transferred to the council and at the time it was our impression that the minister was responsible for that transfer."

Dean Samuels Doesn’t Have Boots’ Support
And keeping it on UDP internal disputes, what will Port Loyola Area Representative Anthony Boots Martinez do now that Dean Samuels is running in the Port Loyola convention? Martinez - who was grooming Samuels for a few years - had originally endorsed the former city councilor, and then dropped him when Mike Peyrefitte expressed an interest.  Two weeks ago, Martinez told us he believed that Samuels would not be running after all.  But last week, Samuel turned that prediction on its head when he said that he will run - in what will now be a four man convention..   Martinez responded today:… Hon. Anthony Martinez - Port Loyola Representative: "I said I believe that Mr. Samuels might not run, that was my honest belief because it was said to me."

PUP Area Rep to ASR/BSI: Shugga Pride? Shoulda Shame!
And the political candor continues with the PUP’s Orange Walk South Representative Jose Mai.  He’s an agronomist and a cane farmer who’s been consistently critical of ASR/BSI.   So, it wasn’t surprising today when he blasted BSI’s acquisition of a 1.2 million dollar tug - which can pull far more weight than the present fleet of tugs.  The vessel will be named “Shugga Pride” - but Mai says it’s a shameful investment:… Hon. Jose Mai - PUP Shadow Minister of Agriculture: "How will this reduce the cost of local handling? Does the investment of a 1.2 million dollar steel tug; will that reduce the cost of local handling? And the answer is they don't know so why invest in it? We leave it as it is. My view is that they hold this local handling close to their chest and they don't want to let it do.."

A Bi-Partisan Bram
There’s been a whole lot of politics in the news tonight - and mostly it’s been about disputes that politicians are having.   But out next story is a welcome break from that.  It’s about a rare show of political unity and bi-partisan cooperation.   It comes after the PUP City Council as forced to cancel the 10th. September Bram due to a lack of funding form the UDP controlled September Celebrations Committee. The Chairman of the Committee is Patrick Faber who says every municipality’s September money got cut - owing to reduced sponsorship to the sTate.  

Bze-Mex Tourism MOU
In our last segment, you heard Mexican Ambassador Carlos Quesnel address the bus insurance situation. Well, while that is unfolding at the border, on the official level, Belize and Mexico have committed to work together in advancing the tourism sector in Belize. Today the Mexican ambassador and representatives from the Belize Tourism Industry Association signed an MOU at the Mexican Institute. We were there to find out about this important collaboration. H.E Carlos Quesnel - Mexican Ambassador to Belize: "For us this an important moment, we have been working on this instrument that we were talking about for at least a year and we finally are here with Mr. Guerrero and Mr. Burgos to sign today a memorandum of understanding between the Embassy of Mexico and the Belizean Tourism Association. We know that tourist bring benefit to both the people of Mexico and Belize and we are ready at the embassy to work together with BTIA in building and promoting the construction of the capabilities in the tourism sector."

The Demise Of Gwen Liz High
Teachers may have to be sent home at Gwen Liz High School and today Education Minister Patrick Faber was critical of those within the School who have brought it much negative publicity. The effect of that is now being felt as enrollment has plummeted - so much so that teachers may have to be sent home.  That’s because the Ministry only allots payments for teachers based on the number of students, and with enrollment falling now below 400 - there isn’t enough funding to pay the current roster of teachers.  Faber lamented what has happened to a high school in his Collet division:

Contraband Cop Still On Duty
Independence Constable Godfrey Moriera has been charged for the 15 cases of contraband beer he was caught with in Succotz - but remains on duty. Here is what police had to say. ACP Joseph Myvett - Head, NCIB: "He was fined a total of $6,000 by the customs department and he has since been charged disciplinary and is currently before a disciplinary tribunal." We have heard grumblings from the south that Moreira was blatantly caught in an act of illegality - yet remains on duty as a law enforcement officer. 

Driver in Double Fatal Still Unknown
One month later, Police still can’t confirm who the driver was in the fatal San Antonio road accident that claimed the life of two brothers: Jaime and Anthony Archer. Here is what police had to say. ACP Joseph Myvett - Head, NCIB: "We can say that both persons were released from the hospital however upon visiting the families, Mr. Romero can’t speak and he can’t see at this point in time so we are unable to ascertain who the driver was however our investigation have led us to say that Mr. Romero had called his sister, one Kenisha Romero on the date in question in order to borrow her vehicle. As a result the vehicle was given to him by another family member who was at the home, so he was the person who had left the home driving the said vehicle that was involved in the said fatal road traffic accident."

Cops Give School Supplies
Eastern Division police and Central TV and Internet have teamed up again, this time to hand out 500 school bags to needy south side kids. We were there for the handing over at the Raccoon Street police station. The kids also got some school supplies that will go a long way with the upcoming school year.

Channel 5

Patrick Faber Defends NICH Prez: but CWU Also Comes Out Against Sapna Budhrani
NICH President, Sapna Budhrani, has come under fire for her performance, or lack of it, at the job she took over in April.  Earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister [...]

Patrick Faber: Shyne Barrow Not an Employee of NICH
But has the musical ambassador lost his place in challenging the appointment of Budhrani by the DPM, who is a senior member of the United Democratic Party, which he wants [...]

What’s G.O.B. Gonna Do About RADO Suspension?
The Regional Anti-Doping Organization has suspended Belize’s National Anti-Doping Organization.  This happened on August fourteenth, following another absence by Belize’s rep Doctor Michael Pitts at a meeting of the Advisory [...]

Faber Confirms Situation at Gwen Liz; Teachers to be Affected
Minister of Education Patrick Faber confirmed today that a number of teachers will not be returning to the classrooms at Gwen Lizarraga High School. That high school, which falls within [...]

What’s the Fate of Lorna McKay as Gwen Liz Principal?
Gwen Lizarraga High School remains in disarray, despite a new school year kicking off on Monday.  That disorganized state is due in part to a protracted issue involving Principal Lorna [...]

A Woman is Latest Victim of Early Morning Home Invasion in West Landivar
Turning to crime…a twenty-four-year-old woman is the latest victim of an aggravated burglary which happened during the predawn hours of this morning.  The young lady, a legal assistant employed by [...]

Eugene Tillett Charged for Robbery of Elderly Bank Customer
Investigators have not recovered any of the money stolen from seventy-nine-year-old Harold Williams at his home on Monday afternoon.  They have, nonetheless, made significant inroads in catching up with one [...]

Police Shoot a Mentally Challenged Machete-Man in Seine Bight
Seine Bight police shot a mentally challenged, machete-wielding man this morning after he turned his cutlass on an arresting officer.  Zebedee Morter was shot in the right forearm after he [...]

P.U.P.’s Jose Mai Says Taiwan’s Rice Donation Will Hurt Local Producers
Taiwan’s rice donation on Wednesday has some local rice producers up in arms. This is according to the P.U.P.’s Orange Walk South Area Representative, Jose Abelardo Mai.  Mai says he [...]

Minister Anthony Martinez Defends Taiwan’s Rice Donation
Defending Taiwan’s rice donation was Minister Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez. The Minister says that anyone would prefer cash donation but in this case, the ten thousand bags of rice was donated [...]

A Vehicle is Impounded Following Weekend Double Murder in Orange Walk
Junior Triminio was laid to rest on Wednesday in his hometown of Orange Walk.  His memorial service and funeral procession was attended by family and friends, including close associates who [...]

3 Prisoners on the Run, Following Escape from Independence Lockup
A trio of suspected burglars is on the lam tonight, having escaped from lawful custody on Wednesday in Independence Village.  Selvin Linares, Gregory Flowers and Kendale Flores absconded during a [...]

PC Moreira Faces Disciplinary Tribunal for Contraband Beers
Police Constable Godfrey Moreira is facing internal discipline after being fined a hefty sum by the Customs Department for a stash of contraband beer found in his possession on August [...]

Municipal Fair is Back on September Celebrations’ Calendar
The Municipal Fair is back on the list of events for the September Celebrations Calendar following a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber and Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner. [...]

No Room for Politics in Municipal Fair
There’s a perception that the United Democratic Party focuses on the tenth, while the People’s United Party concentrates on independence. So was that political divide at play between the Belize [...]

Recyclers Are Gifted School Bags for the New School Year
The Belize Solid Waste Management Authority made its annual donation to about twenty-two recyclers. In the small token of appreciation, each recycler received one school-bag with supplies. While gifting a [...]

500 School Bags for Belize City Children
Summer is winding down and parents have begun making all preparations to fully equip their children for the new school year. For some parents, this is a challenge given their [...]

Mexicans to Train Belizeans in Hospitality Services
Today, the Mexican Embassy in Belize signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Belize Tourism Industry Association to cooperate on training local hospitality workers to offer better services in the [...]

Healthy Living: Working Moms Who Successfully Breastfeed
If you’re expecting or a new mom, you may have noticed that breastfeeding – specifically exclusive breastfeeding – is being promoted all over. Celebrities, health officials, all the baby sites [...]

LOVE FM

Complaints against the President of NICH continue to mount
Sapnah Budhrani, the President of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) has been under attack ever since taking that post. The latest attack came from the Music Ambassador, Shyne Barrow who expressed concerns over Budhrani’s ability to function in her dual role as President and Administrator of NICH.Today, the Minister of Culture, Patrick …

Rejected Candidate says Dolores will not win Rural Central
The Arthur Saldivar situation with the Peoples United Party (PUP) is threatening to start over with another member of the PUP. The Belize Rural Central convention was set to occur in September. Rene Skeen and Chris Coye had both expressed interest in the area and Skeen said he started his campaign from December, 2017 and …

Workers of the Belize Solid Waste Management gifted with school bags from the company
Central TV isn’t the only company that is showing social responsibility. The Belize Solid Waste Management, held a fundraising drive for the children of the Belize City Recyclers. The company’s Communication officer, Tyronne Chimilio says it’s a yearly initiative to help its employees with the start of the new school year. Company’s Communication officer, Tyronne …

Mexico’s Ambassador urged Belizean bus owners to comply
Belizeans can be seen frequenting Chetumal by the busloads especially on weekends and holidays. Recently, Belize’s buses have been barred from going across the border without insurance. Mexico requires insurance for foreign vehicles but the law has only been recently enforced. The Ambassador of Mexico to Belize, Carlos Quesnel Melendez explained to Love News that …

Jose Mai speaks on Belize receiving the Taiwanese Donation
One of the voices speaking out against the Taiwanese rice is area representative for Orange Walk South, Jose Mai. Jose Mai Area Representative Orange Walk South: “There is cost to it; as a matter of fact I think he mentioned that the value of that rice is $125,000 US. That is $250,000 Belize dollars; when you …

Minister of Human Development speaks on Taiwanese rice donation
Last week, the arrival of the Taiwanese president, Tsai- Ing Wen was a celebrated, national event with promises of continued investment in scholarhips, hospitals and infrastructural development. This is a new week and Belizeans are not too keen on a recent donation from Taiwan to Belize. Yesterday, Minister of Human Development, Anthony Martinez received ten …

Masked Men Invade Woman’s Apartment
A home invasion occurred early this morning in the West Landivar area of Belize City. A woman in her twenties woke up to several men wearing mask and gloves in her apartment on the third floor. The building has cameras on each floor facing the stairs and the entrance of the property. Assistant Commissioner of …

Escape from the Police Station
Three men on remand for burglary escaped from the police station in Independence Village. They were awaiting a court date but it seemed that they took advantage of the harsh weather conditions last night. ACP Joseph Myvett says that they have launched a manhunt for them. ACP Joseph Myvette: “Escape of three prisoners from the …

Police making progress with double homicide case
The police department is making progress into its investigation regarding the murder of Junior Triminio and Christopher Calderon. The duo was gunned down on Zericote Street in Orange Walk Town following a football match. According to the head of the National Criminal Investigative Branch, Joseph Myvette, they have traced the vehicle used in the homicide …

GOB rescues September bram
A week ago, the Belize City Council announced that tenth day bram was cancelled due to insufficient funds. Deputy Mayor Oscar Arnold stated that the budget which the Council normally receives from the National Celebrations Commission for the festivities was cut by twenty percent. In a turn of events, Patrick Faber, the Chairman of the …

Mentally Challenged Man Chops a Cop
A mentally challenged man was making threats this morning in Seine Bight Village. The cops tried to speak to him and calm him down, and unfortunately at nine thirty-five this morning he chopped a special constable. ACP Myvett says that the officers detained the suspect after he chopped the Special Constable.

500 Backpacks for Kids
In addition to combating crime, the police department’s strategy calls for deeper relations with the communities that each department serves. They have awarded young people who have participated in the Du Di Rait Ting program and have also used the Community Policing Unit as a daily communication tool with residents in at-risk areas. On occasion they partner with businesses to give scholarships to students and today they delivered school supplies to kids who participate in their programs.

How many Belizean students pass CSEC?
Reports coming out of the Caribbean are that as many as eleven thousand students across the region who sat the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) failed. Love News was made to understand that Belizean students who sat the exam already received their results. We had contacted the CXC Registrar for a summary of Belize’s performance but she told us they are still in the process of compiling the results.

Mexico to help boost Belize’s Tourism Industry
Tourism is one of the driving forces of the Belizean economy. With assistance from Mexico, the service industry in this sector can be improved. In this regard, Belize and Mexico signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will allow for Belizeans working in the tourism industry to receive further training from Mexico.

Mayor Vellos shared his council’s accomplishments
In March, Rigo Vellos captured the hearts of Corozal Town residents and became the Mayor of that municipality. As a result, he was able to break the UDP’s four term reign in that municipality. Vellos shared with Love News some of his council’s accomplishments since taking office.

Breaking Belize News

Eugene Tillett charged for robbing senior citizen of $15,000
Police have arrested and charged Eugene Tillett, 41, for the offenses of robbery and damage to […]

Mentally challenged man shot after chopping policeman to his head
A mentally challenged patient was shot by police in Seine Bight Village this morning. He has […]

Three burglars escape police detention
Police are seeking three escaped prisoners who escaped custody during a thunderstorm last night. The men […]

PUP Deputy Leader says Minister Martinez acting “like mange” for rice donation
Jose Mai, the PUP’s Deputy Party Leader, today held a press conference on Taiwan’s rice […]

GST staff gives back to the community
Staff members from the General Sales Tax (GST) Office in Belize City partnered for a […]

Police constable busted with contraband fined
Last week we reported that police constable, Godfrey Moreira, was busted with 15 cases of […]

Aggravated burglary on University Boulevard
Belize City cops are investigating a case of aggravated burglary which occurred this morning. The […]

Department of Environment commence initiative for submission of hotels checklist
The Department of the Environment (DOE), in conjunction with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), has […]

Police impound vehicle used in Orange Walk double murder
Police are yet to make any progress in the double murder of Orange Walk gang […]

John Paul Junior College conducts Leadership adventure
Thirty-four students and teachers of John Paul II Junior College (JPIIJC) in Benque Viejo del […]

PUP launches ICJ campaign
Yesterday, the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) held a national executive meeting at Independence Hall […]

PUP leaders to “vote their conscience” on ICJ
Yesterday, the national executive of the People’s United Party met in Independence Hall, Belize city […]

Blogs

Visiting San Pedro Ambergris Caye
San Pedro Town is Ambergris Caye' main and only town. This is where the bulk of the island’s eateries, shops, nightlife and businesses are located, and where hustle and bustle reigns. The beach here is a sandy sidewalk at best, but the water and views are still beautiful and numerous docks dotting the shoreline provide ample swimming opportunities. San Pedro’s inhabitants are majority Mestizo, and the island has the largest number of US expats in Belize. The growing town has cobblestone and paved streets, pounded daily by golf carts or bicycles and increasingly, automobiles. Though it receives the largest amount of tourism year-round than any other part of Belize, making it a more expensive area, San Pedro retains a local Belizean feel that is not likely to dissipate anytime soon with its local arts, authentic cuisine and yearly traditional festivals.

Videos

August 23, 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

Miss San Pedro 2018 contestants involved in traffic accident in Mexico
Mexican news outlets reported a traffic accident involving Belizeans on Monday, August 20th between Playa del Carmen and Chetumal Quintana Roo. Some of the persons involved in the incident were four of the five contestants of the upcoming Miss San Pedro Pageant: Seleny Borges, Janelly Aban, Daisy Martinez, Chelsea Muñoz, as well as the reigning queen Virginia Vasquez, and four chaperones, Shamir Guerrero, Andy Nuñez, Yakarelis Hernandez and Councilor Flora Ancona. While the Belizean delegation did not present any serious injuries, everyone was taken to a nearby medical center for further check-ups. They returned home on Tuesday, August 21st sound and safe.

Third blood drive of the year registers a decrease in potential donors
Saturday, August 18th registered the lowest blood drive in San Pedro Town, with only five pints of the vital liquid collected during the third blood drive of the year. Held by the Belize Red Cross, San Pedro Branch, the drive took place at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, where volunteers and personnel from the Belize Blood Bank welcomed potential donors from 9AM to 3PM. The drive attracted a good amount of islanders willing to donate blood, however, not everyone qualified. Some tested positive for certain allergies such as penicillin and other medications and were dismissed as potential donors. After carefully screening each donor, only five qualified to donate, making this latest blood drive the lowest this year.

Ambergris Today

Miss San Pedro Contestants In Traffic Accident While Visiting Mexico
Four contestants of the upcoming Miss San Pedro Pageant 2018, including the reigning Miss San Pedro and four other chaperones, were involved in a traffic accident while returning to Chetumal from Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, on Monday, August 20. None of them were seriously injured but passengers of the vehicle that crashed into theirs were taken to a nearby hospital. The passengers in the van included Miss San Pedro Contestants Seleny Borges, Janelly Aban, Daisy Martinez, Chelsea Muñoz, (Faith Noel Edgar was unable to attend) Miss San Pedro 2017 Virginia Vasquez and chaperones Shamir Guerrero, Andy Nuñez, Yakarelis Hernandez and Councilor Flora Ancona. The van was a chartered rental that took the group to Playa del Carmen for the delegates to shop for their evening gowns and enjoy a tour of the area.

Misc Belizean Sources

The Beach Monks featuring Dennis C. Wolfe II Live @ Wayo's Wednesday Night
7-10pm! Get Ready for a wild night!

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

Police officers in Chetumal Tuesday afternoon were operating out of their own jurisdiction
Elements of the state patrol with the economic number S-4 made their August checkpoint stop with all units going to the free zone of Belize to ask for the traditional bite, unfortunately this type of actions are what tarnish the good work done by the Secretary of Public Security by Rodolfo del Ángel Campos. This state patrol makes foundries that only the Federal Police are competent and regardless of the risk dares to stop cars on the federal highway without anyone saying anything, thus damaging the image of police corporations. Tourists and taxi drivers in the area reported that the elements of today's shift stop them under any pretext to ask for drivers for refreshments, when the officers themselves know that their jurisdiction is in place and run the risk of being reprimanded for practicing this improper activity.

Empty fire truck at 5am in San Pedro
Fire truck was left empty without anyone inside the truck. it was seen by a witness at 5am in san pedro ambergris caye.

Miss Corozal Independence Pageant This Weekend!
You don't want to miss this event. One of the best organized beauty pageants Corozal will witness. Please support our beautiful candidates. The September Celebrations Committee Corozal and the Corozal Town Council cordially and sincerely invite you to attend this spectacular event to be held at the Corozal Community College (CCC) Auditorium this Saturday, August 25th 2018. Gate opens at 6:00 p.m. Pageant begins at 7:00 p.m. See you there.

Belize’s 37 years of independence remains haunted due to the Guatemalan claim
By Wellington C. Ramos. When Belize became an independent nation on September 21, 1981, there were some Belizeans who felt that the Guatemalan claim will eventually end. However, there were others who said that, even if we became independent, Guatemala will still continue to claim our country. The second group of Belizeans was right. Looking at the facts of our history, I can safely say that even the British felt that way and this was the main reason why they wanted us to accept the heads of agreement that they proposed to us by Nicholas Ridley on March 11, 1981, prior to our independence. The Belize people at home and abroad totally rejected those proposals because they felt that it was the same as the 17 Webster Proposals that an American diplomat proposed to Britain and Belize in 1968 to end the territorial dispute.

Taiwan Donates 10,000 Bags of Rice to Ministry of Human Development
The Republic of China (Taiwan) has donated 10,000 bags of rice to the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation through the “Taiwan Rice Donation for Humanitarian Relief” project. The donation, comprising five containers filled with 22-pound bags of rice was formally handed over to Minister of Human Development, Hon. Anthony Martinez, at ceremonies held today, Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at the Port of Belize. According to Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, H.E. Charles Liu, the donation was made possible due to the bountiful harvest of rice in his country and the Taiwanese Government is happy to share with those in need in its sister country Belize.

Cayo September Celebrations 2018 Launch
The SISE Town Council will be launching the September Celebrations this Sunday, August 26th, at Falcon Field. The fun starts at 1:30. The Los Hijos Del West and the New Sensation Band will be performing. It'll be fun for the entire family. "THE NATIONAL LAUNCH OF THE SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 26TH AT THE FALCON FIELD PARK. IT ALL BEGINS WITH THE OFFICIAL CEREMOMY AT 1:30PM FOLLOWED BY ENTERTAINMENT TILL MIDNIGHT WITH MUSIC BY LOS HIJOS DEL WEST MARIMBA BAND AND THE NEW SENSATIONS BAND. BOUNCY HOUSES AND TRAMPOLINES WILL BE THERE FOR THE KIDS AS FOOD & DRINKS WILL BE ON SALE!!"

2018 BCCI Expo
The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project will be at the 2018 BCCI Expo at the ITVET on September 14th and 15th. Visit our Booth learn more about the Downtown Rejuvenation Project and win lots of prizes. Ila's Pastries will be at our booth with lots traditional Creole sweets and pastries on sale. We will be giving away free helium balloons to the kids. You can find us at booth #123 near the US Embassy's Booth.

Goldson House and Belize Council for the Visually Impaired Hold Two Day Summer Camp on 23rd and 24th of August
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) through The Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR) and The Goldson House for Democracy and Patriotism to host a two day summer camp with the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI). The Goldson House has been collaborating with the BCVI since 2017 when it hosted their first joint Summer Program. This year's program will take place from August 23-24, from 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Children from BCVI and the surrounding areas will be joining us and others are invited to explore "Using our Senses to Tell Stories". The Goldson House, located at 82 Orange Street Belmopan, is collaborating with Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) to have a presentations on: Listening, Story Creation and Story Telling, Exploring the Senses of Touch and Taste, Using our Senses to Better Describe Things, and a BCVI Presentation on How to Read Braille. Children who are visually impaired will be at the summer camp along with the employees of BCVI. The camp will be free of cost. Interested adults and children are invited to come and learn about the challenges of the blind in our society and get perspective on the sensitivities of the blind in Belize.

Annual Maya Heroes Day
You are cordially invited to the annual Maya Heroes Day ceremony and presentation on September 1st, 2018. Honor us with your presence as we acknowledge the struggles of our ancestors, celebrate our forgotten heroes, and strive to keep our identity alive. Following the short ceremony, we will be having a cultural presentation on Arthur Street . Come to see our Yucatec Maya culture of Northern Belize .

Channel 7

Arthur Again With The PUP
The PUP's National Executive had a meeting this afternoon at Independence Hall, and it had two important agenda items to discuss. We'll tell you about both, but the item making headline news tonight is that the Executive invited Arthur Saldivar to address them on his candidacy for the Belmopan Convention that has been denied twice now. Since last Friday, we've shown you the back and forth between Saldivar and the leadership of the party after this second denial. Opposition Leader John Briceño's comments from last Friday suggested a final and resolute "no" to Saldivar's candidacy. But, the executive requested his presence, and he showed up out of courtesy. After he was given his opportunity to speak, the executive deliberated for a third time on whether or not to allow him to run in this Sunday's convention.

PUP Launch Its Own ICJ Campaign
The other big agenda item from this afternoon's meeting of the PUP National Executive was the party's own ICJ education campaign for their party supporters. Opposition Leader John Briceño announced it last Friday, and today, the rest of the party discussed it in greater detail. Today, the Chairman of the Party said that they felt it necessary to do this especially because, from their perspective, the Government is failing in its responsibility to carry out a proper national education campaign: Henry Charles Usher, Chairman - PUP: "The second important item on today's agenda was the beginning of the ICJ education campaign. As you may recall as well the party leader had enunciated a roadmap for the party's participation where this ICJ education campaign was concern and we are going to start that education campaign next month and carry it right through until December..."

Despite Treasure Sick Out, Public Officers Will Get Paid
Hundreds of public officers are on edge after news went out yesterday that three supervisors at the Treasury's payroll office in Belmopan had all called in sick at the same time. Today, the Financial Secretary Joe Waight called it a coincidence, but sources tell us that it's a sickout triggered by labour issues brewing in that office. But, media reports stated that their absence left the payroll unit on standstill because of the simultaneous sick leave. It's cause for anxious concern, because the unit has to complete payroll by Thursday - for it to be paid out by the middle of next week.

Police Flood Orange Walk For Underworld Figure’s Funeral
Police from the MIT, the SPU and the GSU are in Orange Walk tonight to keep the town on lockdown after Sunday's daylight double murder. The cops fanned out into the streets this afternoon to ensure that there was no incident during the funeral of Junior Tremenio - who was buried in a coffin signifying his gang affiliation. The funeral passed without incident and - much to the relief of Orange Walk residents - he has been buried. Police must now maintain that presence to contain any retaliation, since Treminio was killed by a rival gang.

Black Eye For Belize, NADO Not Recognized
Tonight, Belizean sports has an international black-eye because the National Anti-Doping body - known as NADO - has been suspended. The decision was taken last week at a meeting of the Regional Anti-Doping Organization, RADO in Cuba. Belize's Rep Dr. Michael Pitts did not make it to the meeting - reportedly due to illness. But, it's the third time Belize has missed this meeting - and RADO says that's strike three. In a letter to the Minister of Sports Patrick Faber and the President of the National Olympic Committee, Patrick Faber, the Chairman of RADO Dr. Saul Saucedo says, quote, "The members of the Advisory Board of the RADO-CAM express their concern about the absence of the representative of Belize in the meeting of the Advisory Board of the RADO-CAM, this year being the third time that he does not participate consecutively."

New Sugar Tug In Country
Last week, we showed you the announcement from BSI/ASR that it was going to invest 40 million dollars more into Belize's sugar industry to increase its capacity to produce higher quality, direct consumption sugars. The industry is hurting from the low world market prices for raw sugar, which makes up the bulk of sugar produced in Belize. And so, ASR/BSI is hoping to increase the production of more DC sugar because it fetches a higher market price. And, to make the old system of raw sugar production and transportation more cost effective and efficient, they've also purchased a new 1.2 million dollar tug boat. The 1.2 million dollar vessell arrived in the country last week Monday. Built in 1980 in Louisiana the "Crosby Pride", will now be renamed "Shuga Pride".

Taiwan Rice Harvest Bounty Leads To Rice Donation
Taiwan has one less international ally this week after Salvador switched to China, but the island nation's generosity to Belize continues. Today in Belmopan, the Taiwanese Ambassador donated 10,000 bags of rice to the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation. That's five containers filled with 22-pound bags of rice . The ambassador said his country had a surplus:... H.E. Charles Liu- Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize: "We want to share with you, when we have a surplus, when we are able to, we want to be here with you. So, that is the reason. This is the first time that we have 100 metric tons of rice; that is 10,000 bags of rice."

ZIKA No Longer A Significant Public Health Threat
In 2016, ZIKA burst unto the scene as the latest mosquito borne health scare to reach Belize. In addition to making you very sick, ZIKA was of greatest concern to pregnant mothers, because it could cause brain defects in unborn children. It was confirmed in Belize in May of 2016 - and since then we haven't heard much about it. That's because health experts at the Caribbean Public Health Agency say that - after monitoring the 26 countries in the Caribbean, they can say that transmission of the ZIKA virus has been interrupted:...

Academy of Football Dreams
It's every football boy's dream to become the next Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. Well, 16 year old Jardehl Muschamp might be closer to that dream of being the next big name in football. But he needs your help. Muschamp got a partial scholarship to attend FC Barcelona Youth Soccer Residency Academy in Arizona, USA. His father says it is a very big deal - but at a very big price. Now the family has to come up with the $83,000 Belize to foot the bill of the partial scholarship and they are asking for donations. We met Muschamp and his dad today. Hilberto Muschamp, Father: "We just wanted to give Jardehl an opportunity to showcase his talent so we had him lined up to go to an ex-coach of mine to try out for a team and that didn't work out and when that door closed we start looking on internet and we found the Barca Academy in Arizona, and so I enroll him online and we made all the traveling arrangements and we took off thinking we were just going to try our luck...

CARICOM Talks To Parliamentarians
CARICOM is famous for its bureaucracy and one of the instruments of that is the CARICOM Strategic Plan 2015-2019. It, quote, "lays out the strategy for an essential repositioning of the Community to secure the future in a rapidly changing and often challenging global environment." We don't know about all that…but the CARICOM Results-Based Management System - known as RBM - held a workshop in Belmopan today to sensitize parliamentarians about it. Here's how it works within the Belizean context:

Trinidad Shakes Under Earthquake
A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Venezuela yesterday - and it was felt strongly in nearby Trinidad and Tobago. The quake caused structural damage to buildings in Trinidad and other Caribbean islands as far south as Guyana. Caribbean 360 reports that "residents of Venezuela, as well as other Caribbean countries including Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines, reported seeing buildings and vehicles swaying, telephone polls fall, walls collapse, and floors crack as the shaking continued for well over a minute."

Education To Reduce Natural Resource Exploitation
This morning, Program For Belize, the NGO which manages the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, awarded 6 scholarships to students living in communities near to the conservation area. The reserve which they manage is located in Southern Orange Walk all the way down to parts of the Belize River Valley They want to assist those needy families with deserving children who are attending high school. Their reasoning is that if these young villagers are educated, they will do less exploitation of the natural resources that make up a part of Rio Bravo, and that decreases the pressure on the reserve. We got a chance to meet a few of the awardees, and here's what they had to say:

A Name Marker For A Monument
Over the weekend, the Belize Territorial Volunteers and the Northern Territorial Volunteers went back to the Gracias a Dios Border Monument. They had been there four years ago to clear the monument - this time they want back to emblazon it with a new Belize plaque. Here's that moment:.. The last plaque is believed to have been removed by Guatemalan Vandals.

Channel 5

National Anti-Doping Organization in Belize is Suspended
There is grave news tonight that affects the sporting associations. That is that the National Anti-Doping Organization in Belize has been suspended in the wake of the recent case against [...]

P.U.P.’s National Executive Meets with Arthur Saldivar
The Arthur Saldivar/P.U.P. saga continued today with a meeting between the political aspirant and the party’s national executive. Saldivar, who is desperately fighting to contest the P.U.P. Belmopan’s convention this [...]

Arthur Saldivar: “I Am Not a Petulant Child”
The meeting took place at the party’s headquarters on Queen Street where we found Saldivar waiting for the decision of the national executive. He says he is standing up for [...]

P.U.P. Decides It Will Take a Conscience Vote on the I.C.J.
The People’s United Party’s National Executive today also took a decision on whether it will support taking the territorial claim to the International Court of Justice.  Recently, the P.U.P.’s Cayo [...]

More Details Emerge on NICH President Sapna Budhrani
NICH President Sapna Budhrani remains in the hot seat after being called out in the media by Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow who threw her under the bus for her appointment [...]

Price for Premium Gasoline Goes Up
The prices for a gallon of premium gasoline increased at midnight on Tuesday. It went up by ten cents putting the new price at eleven dollars and seventy cents. The [...]

Tough Times Ahead for Gwen Liz High School
Classes are set to begin next week at Gwen Lizarraga High School, where as we reported on Tuesday night, the new academic year is full of challenges and uncertainty. All [...]

Belmopan Teen, Victoria August Wins KTV the Remix, Season II
The Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts was bursting at the seams on Tuesday night for the grand finale of KTV, the Remix, even as social media lit up and [...]

Belizean Youth Football Accepted to Barça Academy
A young football athlete from the south is the first Belizean to be accepted in a prestigious and renowned football academy. Sixteen-year-old Jardehl Muschamp plays a forward position on the [...]

Jardehl Needs Your Help to Live His Dream
On Tuesday morning, the Muschamps received the great news that Jardehl was also selected for a partial scholarship to attend the football academy in Arizona. That financial assistance is to [...]

Programme for Belize Changing Lives through Scholarships
For the fourth consecutive year, Programme for Belize has awarded scholarships to high school students. Six students were selected based on their needs, determination to complete a secondary education and [...]

Where is the Marine Litter Coming From? CZMAI Wants to Find Out!
Marine debris can be found in any ocean of the world, along coastlines, beaches, rivers and other waterways. It is a growing problem for both humans and marine life, around [...]

A.S.R./B.S.I. Acquires Tug Boat Valued $1.2Million
Belize Sugar Industries Limited has acquired a tugboat valued at one point two million Belize dollars. The tugboat now renamed “Shuga Pride” will be used to transport sugar one hundred [...]

Open Government Ecosystem; Will It Happen for Belize?
The Open Government Ecosystem in Belize is a system that encourages direct and constant communication between governments and citizens so as to promote transparency and democracy. In essence, the approach [...]

Free Gospel Concert in Roaring Creek with Blessed Messenger
Trinidadian Gospel Artist Blessed Messenger is in Belize for a free concert in Roaring Creek Village on Thursday night. The concert which is being put on by the Hearts of [...]

Woman Charged with 87 Counts of Theft is Freed of the Charges
For four years, a cloud of uncertainty hung above thirty-three-year-old Marsha Gillett as to whether or not she would be spending time behind bars. But tonight, the Belize City resident [...]

4-Year-Old Camalote Fire Victim Flown Out to Shriners
The Burn Victim Mercy Fund has stepped in once again to assist a minor who received severe burns to the body last week. Before midday today, four-year-old Unique Ramclam was [...]

10,000 Sacks of White Rice Gifted to Belize from Taiwan
Belize produces rice, but today, a donation of ten thousand bags of rice was made to the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation through the Taiwan Rice [...]

LOVE FM

A standard method to remedy marine litter
The Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) along with Belize Water Services (BWS) are discussing how to identify and quantify marine litter. This will be done using a standard methodology, which was adopted from the Litter Sampling in the Environment Field Guide for Citizen Scientist. Victor Sho, the Sport Fishing Coordinator for the CZMAI …

PUP to conduct education campaign on ICJ
The PUP Chairman, Henry Charles Usher said that the PUP is disappointed in the way that the Government of Belize is dragging its foot as it concerns the education campaign on the International Court of Justice. Furthermore, Usher added that the PUP will be embarking on its education campaign next month. Henry Charles Usher – …

Taiwan donates ten thousand bags of rice to Belize
It seems the secret is out and the world knows how much we Belizeans love our rice and beans. Perhaps that’s why the Republic of China (Taiwan) through their “Taiwan Rice Donation for Humanitarian Relief” project, donated ten thousand bags of rice to Belize. Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize Charles Liu made the presentation on behalf …

PUP to determine Saldivar’s faith
Attorney Arthur Saldivar has been in the spotlight for the last two months as his hopes of being the next Area Representative for Belmopan seems more unlikely as each day passes by. First he has to convince the party that has rejected him twice and whose leader has said he has a few screws loose. …

PUP Candidates prepare for Belmopan Convention
In four days the Peoples United Party will decide who will be their representative for the Capital, Belmopan. The convention should have been held in July but it was postponed in a chess move to stave off any embarrassing court judgment that could have resulted from Arthur Saldivar’s application for an injunction to stop it. …

Radios to Reach Villages in Times of Disaster
NEMO has definitely been examining the gaps in strategy and equipment. The hurricane season is upon us and perhaps the most significant tool that keeps people alive during the storm is communication. And as you are aware, there are parts of the country that are drop zones or have little signal on a bright, sunny …

Belizean students return from ROBOTICS Competition in Mexico City
Those NEMO radios could be child’s play for a group of students who has just returned from Mexico City. Students from the Belize High School represented Belize at this year’s First Global Challenge 2018. The aim of the competition was to demonstrate how science and engineering can solve the many challenges that humanity is currently …

Summer camp to be hosted for the visually impaired
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), through the Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR) and the Golden House for Democracy and Patriotism, will be partnering with the Belize City Council to host a two day summer camp for the Visually Impaired (BCVI). The camp is scheduled to start tomorrow at the Goldson …

BSI invests in new tugboat “Shuga Pride” to increase loading efficiency of sugar
Last week Vice President of International Relations for American Sugar Refinery (ASR), Mac McLachlan, announced a fifty million dollar investment the company would be making in the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI). The company has announced that it purchased a (VO STARTS) sixty foot tug boat, “Shuga Pride,” which boasts a whopping one thousand, two hundred …

New Fire Engines and Station Upgrades
The National Fire Service could definitely put to good use some funds from BNE but it is getting some charity from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). In early August, a massive fire in the Boca Del Rio area of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye leveled six homes and displaced 109 residents. It took …

BNE Charitable Trust invests $600,000
Belize Natural Energy (BNE) and the Government of Belize partnered to form the BNE Charitable Trust. The BNE Charitable Trust held its seventh annual General meeting today at its headquarters in Belmopan. Chairman of the Trust, John August said six hundred thousand dollars has been invested in communities across the country for this financial year …

PUP Candidates say the Saldivar Saga is behind them
Though there is another threat of legal action from Arthur Saldivar, who was rejected twice as a potential candidate, Oscar Mira and Michelle Rodriguez say that the Arthur Saldivar saga is now behind them. Reporter: Do you think that Mr.Saldivar or the PUP would cave in to another postponement ? Oscar Mira, Contesting PUP Belmopan Convention: “I don’t believe so. I have spoken to the PUP secretariat …”

Programme for Belize gives scholarships to deserving students
Programme for Belize awarded six students scholarships to further their high school education. The total cost of the scholarships is four thousand dollars. Executive Director for Programme for Belize, Edilberto Romero told Love News that the selected recipients are from the communities located in the vicinity of Rio Bravo …

Former Minister says Re-registration is important for the ICJ decision
When some people retire, they tend to do less office work and gain a little weight from all that free time. But for one former minister of government, retirement from public office has meant more flipping work and not an ounce gained. Former Area Representative for Stann Creek West, Melvin Hulse has been assisting to reregister people from the villages in his district since day one the re-registration exercise …

The Reporter

Garifuna Collective Gets Ready for WOMEX
The Garifuna Collective, one of Belize’s most renowned music groups, received $30,000 in donations this week to help with their expenses in attending the World Music Expo (WOMEX), being held in Las Plamas de Gran Canaria, Spain this October. Of the donations, $20,000 came from Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) while $5,000 came from the Belize Tourism Board and $5,000 came from the Office of the Music Ambassador. Shyne Barrow handed over the donations to the Garifuna Collective at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, accompanied by representatives from BTL and the BTB.

Hijos del West Return from Taiwan
This week Hijos del West, the Marimba cultural group based in Benque Viejo del Carmen, returned from a month-long trip to Taiwan where five of their members represented Belize at the Yilan International Children’s Folklore and Folkgames Festival. The contingent returned to Belize on Tuesday, having done two performances a day, seven days a week for the duration of their stay in Taiwan.

Breaking Belize News

Taiwan donates 10,000 bags of rice to Ministry of Human Development
The Republic of China (Taiwan) has donated 10,000 bags of rice to the Ministry of Human […]

10 persons killed countrywide since August 1
Since August 1st there have been 10 murders across the country of which 8 were […]

Sub Umbra Floreo exhibit taken to Dangriga
The Belize National Library Service information in collaboration with the Friends of EL Pilar are […]

Belize City Council gives back to children of deceased employees
Since the start of this year, the Belize City Council has lost 11 of its […]

Belizean teen killed in Chicago
Belizean national, Darnelle Flowers, 17, was found dead in a field near 131st Street and Rhodes […]

Candice Miller sues city council for wrongful termination
Candice Miller was terminated from her post as City Administrator shortly after the People’s United […]

Trouble at Gwen Liz, 17 teachers to be terminated
There is trouble brewing at the Gwen Lizarraga high school in Belize City. An estimated […]

Belize~ The Power of Example
“Example” is very powerful in all of our lives. Many times, the people who “tell” us what not to do….are the very same ones who give us the “example” to do those very same things. […]

Blogs

Birthday Lunch at Beautiful Blue Water Grill
Yesterday I turned 45. Now I can think less about 45 (the President of the US is being referenced more and more by his number) and more about me, me, me. I think it’ll be a good year for me…perhaps not so much for him. We did a few things yesterday but I took a bunch of photos of the fabulous birthday lunch that I celebrated at Blue Water Grill. Their lunch menu – which has changed a bunch over the years – is SOOOO GOOD. I used to consider BWG a favorite – an always recommended spot for dinner – but the lunch! Once they added all the delicious salads…and the poke bowl with fresh tuna…and the pork belly tacos? I’m hooked. Plus….the view ain’t bad. Here are my photos from yesterday’s lunch.

International Sources

12 Universities That Accept the Most International Students
Interested in undergraduate programs? Check out this article to learn about 12 U.S. schools with the highest international student acceptance rate for international undergraduate applicants!

Ancient Mayan Clearcutting Still Impacts Carbon in Soil Today
Even 1,000 years after a forest regrows, the soil beneath still won’t hold as much carbon as it once could, a new study suggests.. There’s a popular notion that the ancient Maya lived in total harmony with the land, leading a sustainable lifestyle that took only what they needed from the vast tropical forests surrounding them. But that’s not really the case. The Maya deforested large swathes of land, cutting down trees in order to plant fields of corn, for firewood and for building their monumental temples. When a massive drought struck around 900 A.D., it’s believed the society did not have the forests and other resources to fall back on, leading to the end of an empire. But it turns out in the intervening 1,100 years, the impact of that resource depletion can still be felt. Maddie Stone at Earther reports that a new study shows that clearcutting has impacted the soil’s ability to store carbon, a finding that has big implications for modern societies.

Jamaican tourism minister calls for regional collaboration to counter climate change
Jamaica’s tourism minister, Edmund Bartlett, has called for collaboration between Caribbean media interests, and public and private sector entities to develop strategies designed to strengthen regional resilience to the impact of climate change. He noted that Jamaica and the wider Caribbean have a major stake in how the climate change phenomenon is dealt with, adding that “we do not have to look very far to see why.” The minister pointed out that regional economies are predicated on climate-sensitive industries and sectors, such as tourism and agriculture. “The Caribbean’s increasing vulnerability to climate change is evident in higher temperature, rising sea level and increased hurricane intensity that threaten the lives, property and livelihood of the millions of people throughout our region,” Mr. Bartlett added.

Videos

August 22, 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 Pirates dominate Altitude Assassins 4-0
For their second match of the Premiere League of Belize’s (PLB) 2018 Opening Season, the San Pedro Pirates F.C travelled to Independence Village, Stann Creek District, to face the Altitude Assassins F.C (Placencia Assassins) at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium on Saturday, August 18th. The island team was in control of the ball throughout the match, and at the end of the game time, it was a clear 4-0 victory for the Pirates. For their next match, the San Pedro Pirates will be playing at home at the Ambergris Stadium on Saturday, August 25th against Belize Defense Force. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30PM. All islanders are invited to come out and support the home team. Food and drinks will be on sale during the game.

Huston Alvarez, Cocono Bwai and Ernestine Carballo win at the National Song Competition 2018 and Corozal wins as Host Municipality for 2019
The Santa Elena Sports Complex was the venue for the National Song Competition 2018 where twenty-two (22) competing performances backed by the Gilharry Seven Band excited the audience on Saturday, August 18th. Three (3) performers vied for first place in the Junior Belize Song Category, six (6) competed in the Senior Carnival Song Division and thirteen (13) entrants challenged each other in the Belize Song Category. This year saw the crowning of two new Champions and the re-crowning of the Senior Carnival Song Champion!

12-year-old Jeffrey rescues and releases tangled Olive Ridley turtle
On August 17th, a family outing turned into a heroic rescue when 12-year-old Jeffrey McPherson realized that a ‘lump’ floating at sea was actually an Olive Ridley turtle in distress. Jeffrey and his family were enjoying a drive up north just before Rocky Point on northern Ambergris Caye when they saw the floating mass. Jeffrey told his stepfather Ezekiel Larios that he was sure he saw a flipper, and worried that it was a large animal in despair. They both decided to take a closer look and realized that it was a turtle tangled in a web of ropes. Jeffrey’s mother Debbie shared the incredible news on her social media page, sharing how thankful the family was that they chose to look closer. She says that the turtle was tired, its shell cracked, but it was still feisty, fighting his rescuers for a little bit while the ropes were removed from around it. Thankfully, once liberated, the turtle swam quickly away to freedom. “The ropes alone weighed about 12 – 15 pounds,” said Debbie.

Ambergris Today

Kyrone Vasquez Represents Belize At Mr. Quintana Roo Physique Competition
Ninteen-year-old Kyrone Rene Vasquez has a lot to be proud of today. He only started a serious regimen for bodybuilding training eight months ago and this past week he traveled to Cancun, Mexico to participate in his first competition. He came back to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize with a 5th place trophy and plenty of experience to keep him going. Kyrone Vasquez was in competition on Saturday, August 18, in Cancun at the Mr. Quintana Roo 2018 where he competed in the Men’s Physique category. He was the youngest among 21 other competitors, and the only Belizean, might we add. Kyrone said he pushed and worked even harder these past few months to improve his physique in preparation for the competition.

12-Year-Old Jeffrey Rescues Entangled Sea Turtle
Jeffery McPherson and his family were on a fun picnic trip in North Ambergris Caye near Rocky Point when they spotted something trapped in a big net on the beach. He said he saw some flippers and decided to rush over the area to see what it was. To Jeffery’s surprise they encountered a sea turtle entangled in a thick and heavy net. Jeffery immediately helped the struggling sea creature that looked so scared and kept fighting them, he commented. After a bit of struggling to remove the net, they were successful in setting it free and back out at sea. Jeffery says he was extremely happy that he was able to save the life of such a beautiful animal.

Misc Belizean Sources

CRC update about tragic croc incident in Orange Walk last week
This past weekend the CRC assisted Belize Forest Department (FD) in addressing an incident involving a crocodile that was filmed attacking and killing a dog from a river's bank even though there were people close to the dog (American and Morelet's crocs in Belize are relatively timid and shy, and would rather stay away or hid from people, as well as not show themselves when they are about to attack). We are a resource and do assist FD in the removal of truly problematic or habituated crocodiles, and part of our relocation/removal process it to take the time with community members to determine why the incident happened (find the root of the problem) in order to mitigate future human-crocodile conflict. The behavior displayed by the croc in the video was uncharacteristic of American and Morelet's crocs, and indicative of an animal habituated to people. The CRC and FD discovered the crocodile had been fed by people every afternoon (same time as the incident). And after further investigation we also found that some businesses and residents were both feeding and handling other crocs throughout the area.

On this #TreeTuesday, we are featuring the Strangler Fig (Ficus popenoei)!
Strangler Figs belong in the Moraceae family, the same as mulberry, breadnut, breadfruit, and jackfruit. If you’re familiar with any of these plants, you know they have a lot of sap – this is a characteristic of the family. Strangler Figs are unique. They start off their lives as epiphytes, growing on the surface of another plant but getting water and nutrients from the air, water, and debris. The seeds are dropped by fruit-eating bats, birds, or monkeys into the canopy of a host tree. The young fig sends long roots down to the ground. Some of these enter the soil, and others wrap around the host's trunk. The fig begins growing very quickly after its roots touch the soil. After several years, the roots that are wrapped around the trunk fuse, and begin to "strangle" the host tree. The fig becomes a strong competitor for sunlight and nutrients, eventually killing its host and leaving the fig with a hollow trunk.

Updates on the 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise
The Elections and Boundaries Department continues to update the public on the ongoing 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise. An update is hereby provided as follows for the period 12th to 18th August, 2018. Registration Centers continue to be opened in all thirty-one (31) electoral divisions country-wide to facilitate the acceptance of applications for the registration of electors. During the period a total of Ten Thousand, One Hundred and Forty-One (10,141) applications have been accepted, therefore the total number of applications received as at 18th August 2018 is One Hundred and One Thousand, and Fourteen (101, 014). The public is hereby reminded that the present Registration Centers will be opened up to 31st August 2018.

Decorated trash bins installed in Corozal
This past Saturday August 18th, we installed three more decorated trash bins in front of the round house and the mini football field along Miami Beach. We need about 4 more drums to complete the entire 1st Avenue from Rainbow Beach to the end of Miami Beach. These three drums were donated courtesy of your humble servant in conjunction with Corozal Bayside Realty, Corozal Daily and support from the Corozal Town Council. If you are interested in donating a drum, please inbox us or call us at 602-2126.

Power outage in San Pedro on Sunday
Power outage scheduled for 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 26 to affect entire San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and Bomba Village. BEL to replace poles for transmission lines, install lightning arresters, conduct maintenance and testing of equipment, install a circuit breaker at the Maskall Substation, conduct line maintenance on the distribution system and remove hazardous vegetation near distribution lines in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

Los Hijos del West Farewell Taiwan Concert
Pictures and videos from the last concert the Los Hijos del West played in Taiwan. They had a great time representing Belize at the '2018 Appropriate International Child Play Art Festival.'

Corozal Inauguration Ceremonies of the September Celebrations
All are invited to the inauguration Ceremonies of the September Celebrations in front of the Corozal Town Hall. Soca Fete, Carnival Queen, DJ Face Off, live performance by Local Artist and other invited guests. Dance to the vibrant sounds of Dynamics of Belize and much more. Food and Drinks will be on sale, support our local Carnival Groups. All are invited!

11th Zone 4 Neighbourhood Watch Program
The 11th Zone 4 Neighbourhood Watch Summer Program in Benque has started. This year’s Summer Program theme is “Empowering youths, through safe spaces”. Our officers from our DYS Benque Center are facilitating session and helping with the summer program along with our volunteers from the Benque Volunteers Youth Group. The Summer Program is free of cost for attendees where they are engaged through activities; including arts & crafts, sports, educational lectures, and implementing community policing programs such as the GREAT program. Youths enjoyed a full week of free activities, materials, snacks, juice, games with prizes and daily engagement of discussion of life skills for the youths.

GOB's Controlled Pump Prices (Belize City)
Effective Date: 22nd August 2018

Queen of the Bay Sashing Ceremony
Sunday, August 26 at 6:30 PM, Belize Biltmore Plaza. 3½ Miles Northern Highway, Belize City.

Burial of Deceased in Approved Cemeteries
The Ministry of Health would like to remind the public that the burial of deceased family members on private premises is prohibited by the Public Health Act. Every undertaker conducting burials on behalf of a family is also expected to adhere and only ensure services provided for approved cemeteries, in compliance with Public Health Act Chapter 40 Section 30 (1) of Laws of Belize. The public is also being reminded, that where families have interest in establishing a private/family cemetery outside service areas, an application must be submitted to the Ministry of Health for review and approval by the Director of Health Services. The Ministry advises the public that anyone found in violation of the Act will be prosecuted under the Public Health Act Chapter 40, and anyone guilty of the offence is liable to a fine of $1000.

Feasibility Study and Detailed Designs of the Philip Goldson Highway Miles 24.5 – 92
The Ministry of Works (MOW) takes this opportunity to inform the public that a Feasibility Study and Detailed Designs of the Philip Goldson Highway Miles 24.5 – 92 is currently ongoing. In an effort to ensure timely and successful implementation of this study, topographical surveys will be conducted along the above-mentioned route; requiring access to your property. With the authority vested in the Chief Engineer under Chapter 232, Section 12 and 19 of PART III of the Laws of Belize (Revised Edition 2000), let this serve as notice of entry to your property to conduct the aforementioned survey. This survey is proposed to commence after seven (7) days of service of Notice and continue thereafter until completed. The Ministry of Works (MOW) thanks you in advance for your cooperation.

2nd Annual Corozal Bay Bikers Fest
November 17, 2018. Pin this date and get those Bikes RRRReady!!!

Corozal - Flea Market!
Flea Market at Farmer's Market! Saturday, August 25th, starting at 6:00 a.m. Get the best bargains and deals!

Cappello's Art Gallery Grand Opening
San Ignacio has a new art gallery, and they have some really nice artwork there. It's the new blue building on West street. "San Ignacio's newest art gallery, Cappello's ART Gallery Belize, had its grand opening on Sunday. They have some incredible pieces of art in there. Way more than just paintings, although many of those are displayed. The gallery will highlight 4 Belizean artists, and has separate studios for each of them. The gallery is located next to the Tia Maria Hotel on West street, and was built specifically to be a gallery. Revolution Artistry was there showing off her skills as a makeup artist."

Virtuoso Travel Week
Virtuoso Travel Week is the ultimate annual global travel community event. Exclusive to the Virtuoso network, Virtuoso Travel Week focuses on the evolving marketplace conversation between Virtuoso advisors, their clients, and preferred suppliers, with advisors making a “buying trip” on behalf of their clientele.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Oceans 8, Hereditary, Adrift, Little Mermaid

Old Harley's Warehouse on Regents Street to be torn down
Whether you think the old Harley's Warehouse on Regents Street near Brodies is a piece of history or an eyesore, take a good look at it because it will soon be gone. As we understand, the owner has decided to remove the dilapidated building. Something new will replace the old building, but the owner is not sure what it is yet. The Harley's Store, which was situated on the property where Scotia Bank is currently, was one of the major department stores in downtown along with Brodies in the early to mid 1900's. It was destroyed by fire in 1953 and was rebuilt; however, was destroyed again by Hurricane Hattie in 1961 and never reopened.

Gillnets: Are we drowning our future?
If we fish sustainably, we can always depend on the sea as a source of food and livelihoods!

Channel 7

Ambassador Shyne Slams President Sapnah
About 5 weeks ago, we showed you our interview with Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, who was discussing the appointment of Sapnah Budrani who is now the president and administrator of NICH. There have been quite a number of complaints about her management style, and there are those who have suggested that she is not qualified to hold two of the most senior posts in that organization. Her critics were complaining that it was improper for her to be the acting president of NICH, while still holding the post of administrator, because she would be accounting to herself for decisions which also included finances. Her ministerial boss, Deputy PM Faber, attempted to put those concerns to rest when he came out in full support of her leadership. He even suggested that part of the grumbling about her also included personalities who were attempting to undermine her leadership.

OW Braces For A Gangster’s Funeral
Tomorrow security will be high in Orange Walk as the town prepares for the funeral of slain gang figure Juniour Triminio. The 34 year old was killed along with an affiliate, 19 year old student, Enrique Calderon in a dramatic and terrifying street execution on Sunday evening in Orange Walk Town. It happened across the street from a kids football tournament and has shaken town residents. Footage circulated on social media shows that the 34 year old will be buried in a gangster's coffin, full blue to reflect his gang affiliation - of which, the coffin describes him as a general. Many Orange Walkenos may shake their heads at the sight of that, not knowing how to contextualize such symbols - since these are Belize City gang affiliations imported into that Northern town.

Police Puzzle Over Drug Planes
And while Aragon says he cannot discuss police intelligence, he also couldn't say much about the eight drug planes that have been found abandoned or burnt in the north since November of last year. It's a troubling public security issue, but police haven't been able to share any coherent public information about what's driving the narco-traffic this way and how it is fueling local drug related violence. Most of it has been centered on the Orange Walk District, but Aragon would only refer elliptically to drug organizations, shying away from using the word cartels:..

Pickup Flips While Dodging Cyclist
There was an accident early this evening at mile eight on the George Price Highway. A Ford Ranger extended cab, veered off the road and flipped at mile eight. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Around 4:00, the driver was traveling from Punta Gorda to Belize City. He says he was only driving thirty miles an hour when a bicycle rider tried to dash across the road to avoid his pickup and an oncoming vehicle. To avoid a collision with either the bike or the oncoming vehicle - he swerved away and ended up off the road where he hit a lamppost which snapped. From there his vehicle rolled over a few times and ended up on its cab. The driver told us he had no injury. He blames it on the bicycle rider.

Belizean Boran Darnelle Murdered In Chicago Killing Spree
A 17 year old who spent his childhood in Belize has been brutally murdered in Chicago's killing spree. Darnelle Flowers - who is the son of Melanie Reneau - was found shot to death in a wooded area on the Far South Side of Chicago on Sunday at midnight. Flowers - who was known as "Bibby" - had gone missing on Friday night along with 16 year old Raysaun Turner - who was also found dead. The double murder is said to be gang related, and could have been a robbery. The Chicago Tribune reports that "Darnelle Flowers had been arrested by Chicago Police seven times before his death on charges related to weapons, carjacking and battery.

Bus Fuss Leads To Belizeans Stranded At Chetumal Border
Fewer Belizeans are traveling to Chetumal - and it's because of a bus situation which has emerged ever since a Mexican bus driver for ADO was arrested in Belize earlier this month. As a result of that, since last Wednesday, Belizean buses have no longer been allowed into Chetumal without insurance coverage from a Mexican insurance company. None of them have that, so no bus has been able to take Belizean passengers directly into Chetumal. Those travelling to Chetumal by bus must now disembark in the Free Zone area, and hire a taxi into Chetumal. It's a frustrating and costly process which has discouraged Belizeans from the travelling. And it has begun to show in the numbers.

Week 7 Re-Registration Numbers Ticked Upwards
The Elections and Boundaries Department says that up to Saturday, One Hundred and One Thousand, and Fourteen (101,014) persons had applied to re-register. That's after Ten Thousand, One Hundred and Forty-One (10,141) applicants showed up to register in week 7, which ran from August 12th to the 18th. Week 7's numbers were a little better than week 6's which - at nine thousand, three hundred and twenty (9,320) applicants - was the lowest so far. And week 8 started out a little bumpy in the Mesopotamia division where at the Grace Primary registration center - the exercise had to be taken outside. Seems the school administration needed to start cleaning in time for the new semester - so they were pushed out.

A Month’s Marimba Music-Making in Taiwan
'Los Hijos Del West' Marimba band are back from their 1 month visit to Taiwan. They along with performers from all over the world took the stage at this year's Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival. Courtney Weatherburne went to welcome them at the airport and the band leader told her how life changing this experience was for them. "Los Hijos del West" are the most celebrated Marimba band in Belize. The group has been together for 5 years and have performed all over country. But there is nothing like performing on a grand international stage. That's exactly what the group did at the Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival in Taiwan.

A Belizean In America’s Orchestra
For many of you, the first things that come to mind when you hear the word orchestra are classical music and the sharp and animated moves the conductor makes with his baton as he is directing. It is more of a European thing. Well, the Orchestra of the Americas adds a delightful flavor of music from Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Belize among many other countries in the Americas. Violin Coach from the National Youth Orchestra of Belize represented Belize on this year's European tour. We met up with her today. Cindy Burgos, Violin Coach, National Youth Orchestra of Belize: "So we did a two week residency in Poland at the Penderecki Music Center. So that is a place where it was custom built just for musicians and orchestra's so we spent two weeks there working with the best conductors and coaches for an orchestra..."

Saldivar Family Swipes Back At Saldivar
"Even the devil has his followers" - that's what Opposition Leader John Briceno had to say about Arthur Saldivar on Friday. He confirmed that his party's national executive has rejected Arthur Saldivar's application to run in the upcoming Belmopan standard bearer convention. Well, an open letter written in the name of the Saldivar family is directed to Briceño to complain that he has been unfair in his remarks. Their letter begins with an immediate condemnation of what they see as Briceño failing to demonstrate that he has, quote, "the character of an individual with the skills to lead a nation".

Another PUP Against The ICJ
Last week, we told you how the members of PUP's Southern Caucus have strongly declared that they are against Belize going to the ICJ to resolve Guatemala's territorial claim over Belize. That's in stark contrast to Opposition Leader John Briceño's personal view that the ICJ is the best option that Belize has at this time, to resolve the dispute once and for all. Well, PUP Cayo South Area Rep Julius Espat has posted his opinion on Facebook, and he agrees with the Southern Caucus that Belizeans should say "no" to the ICJ.

Taiwan Loses Another Ally
Last week, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen was in Belize as part of a tour of South and Central America. But, while she was shoring up support with friendly nations, her country continues to lose its precious few allies. It was reported last night that El Salvador has broken relations with Taiwan and established ties with mainland China. It is the fifth diplomatic ally that Taiwan has lost to China since President Tsai, came to power in 2016. Taiwan is now left with only 17 allies, or countries that recognize its Independence.

Shyne Comes Thru With Corporate Cash For Collective
At the top of news, we showed you our interview with Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow, who was discussing his disapproval of the new NICH President. That opportunity to speak with Shyne presented itself when he, and representatives from BTL and BTB hosted a joint press conference to announce that they've raised $30,000 to donate to the Garifuna Collective. Two months ago, the Music Ambassador and the Garifuna Collective announced that the group was selected to perform at WOMEX, the World Music Expo which will be held in the last week of October in Spain.

Shooting Victim Shaphan to Virginia For Care
As we told you in mid-July, shooting victim Shaphan Domingo needed to raise funds to get 3 very important surgeries. He was shot in 2007 and his legs had to be amputated. It has been a struggle for him since then but an organization out of Richmond Virginia called Global Surgical Expedition has committed to pay for the 3 procedures once Domingo comes up with the money for his ticket. Well, it looks like he did raise the money he needed because he flew out this weekend to Virginia. His family and friends from the ONE STRUGGLE Group wish him well. We will keep following his progress.

A Helping Hug
The local charity organization, known as Group Hug, distributed backpacks with school supplies to 240 deserving students on Saturday. It's their 4th annual Back-to-School Backpack Drive, and the distribution took place at the Memorial Park in Belize City and at the community basketball court in Hattieville. Group Hug The organization was aiming to distribute 200 backpacks, and they were well over their target, making this year's drive a success. Group has been doing its community work since 2015, and in that time 840 children have benefited from the backpack drives.

Police Say City Robbery Spree Deeper Than September Money
As we've been reporting - robberies have been on the rise - and they seem to be getting more and more brazen. Yesterday we saw an armed robber methodically track a 79 year old man who was coming for the bank with 15 thousand dollars- and pounce on him as the elderly man pulled into his driveway. Yesterday, the press asked police if the need for school money and September money is driving the robbery spree. The head of CIB said it's bigger than that:...

The Sound Boys and Girls
And finally, tonight, here are the winners of Saturday's National Song Competition. In the Junior Belize Song Category, Huston Alvarez Jr., from Stann Creek, won first place with his song "Our Belize". Brishel Magdaleno and Shakira Welcome, representing the Cayo District, won second place with "Belize Da Fu We", while Toledo's Amiri "Prince" Gentle's "Soca Warrior" was awarded a special cash prize for his contribution.

Channel 5

Tings Dread Da Gwen, Are Teachers Going Home?
It is not the first time that we have covered the administrative woes at Gwen Liz High School. Tonight, there are reports that a number of teachers are to be [...]

Belizean Teen Murdered in Chicago
A Belizean teenager was killed over the weekend in Chicago. Seventeen-year-old Darnelle Flowers, left Belize seven years ago, but he and his sixteen-year-old classmate, Raysuan Turner went missing on Friday. [...]

Orange Walk Police continue investigate Double Homicide
Police in Orange Walk continue their investigation into the double homicide of Junior Triminio and Christopher Calderon. The duo was gunned down on Zericote Street in Orange Walk Town on [...]

No Arrests in Copycat Robberies
The armed robbery of seventy-nine-year-old retired educator, Harold Williams, on Monday afternoon downstairs of his home at the corners of Dunn and Landivar streets is presumably the result of the [...]

More Suspected Drug Planes Landing in Northern Belize
The unauthorized landings of private aircrafts in northern Belize, primarily in the Orange Walk District pose a grave national security threat to the country.  Since the beginning of the year, [...]

Intercepting Drug Planes are a Matter of Intelligence Gathering
According to Elodio Aragon Junior, the efforts of the police department are compounded by the fact that criminal networks are often in cahoots with other members of law enforcement.  There [...]

Belizean Licensed Vehicle Involved in Accident in Mexico
A Belizean woman was among four persons injured in a traffic accident near Playa del Carmen. According to reports from the area, she was travelling in a van that was [...]

Is Sapna Budhrani qualified to be President of NICH?
Is Sapna Budhrani qualified to be the President of NICH? That’s what most people were asking when she was swiftly elevated to president of the National Institute of Culture and [...]

NICH slow in support of Garifuna Collective’s WOMEX showcase – Music Ambassador disappointed!
And according to Shyne Barrow, Budhrani has not been cooperative with him. Barrow says he is disappointed that the president has dragged her feet on securing funds for the Garifuna [...]

Garifuna Collective off to Spain for WOMEX 2018
Back in June, we shared the good news that the Garifuna Collective was selected to perform at the WOMEX Showcase to be held at Grand Canary Islands, Spain, in October [...]

But They Need Your Help In Getting There
And so to get to Spain, the Garifuna Collective needs more funds. Al Obando, the long time road manager of the band, says that while they have not been back [...]

Salvador cuts ties with Taiwan
Taiwan’s President, Doctor Tsai Ing-wen concluded a visit to Latin America which included a three-day stop in Belize. She headed back to Taipei on Saturday, but first stopped over in [...]

Who Will Win KTV the Remix, Season II?
All is in place over at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts where the grand finale of KTV, the Remix, gets underway at eighty-thirty with a red carpet segment. [...]

PUP’s Julius Espat says NO to the ICJ
P.U.P.’s Cayo South Area Representative, Julius Espat, has taken a firm ‘NO’ to the I.C.J.  Espat announced his position on the matter on Saturday via his Facebook page. Having considered [...]

BTV Re-installs Belize Plaque on Gracias Adios Border Monument
Two years ago, in 2015, a plaque with the name ‘Belize’ which had been installed on the Gracias Adios Border Monument down south was reportedly stolen. The plaque was installed [...]

Ten More Days Until Mass Re-registration Concludes
Ten thousand, one hundred and forty-one registration applications were received by the Election and Boundaries Department between August twelfth and eighteen. This is a slight increase when compared to the [...]

Los Hijos Del West Return from Taiwan International Folkloric Festival
Marimba musical group, Los Hijos del West, returned to the Jewel today after a spending a month in Taiwan. The group, including Ian Yacab, Christian Archila, Emil Hernandez, Luis Quiroz [...]

LOVE FM

Garifuna Collective provided with monetary support for the trip to WOMEX
As the Garifuna Collective prepares for their trip to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, for the World Music Expo (WOMEX), several organizations have stepped out in garnering support for the group. Today Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and the Office of the Music Ambassador announced that they have donated a sum …

A vacation nightmare
Bridgette Boegner will be turning forty this month and she decided to celebrate by taking a vacation in Belize. Boegner and her girlfriend came to Belize on Saturday looking forward to an amazing time, but instead their vacation turned into a nightmare. Love News spoke with Boegner who said that they had a minor accident …

Workshop to strengthen Belize’s ECD Data Management
Research has shown that what transpires in a child’s early childhood has the possibility of influencing that child for the rest of his or her life. As a result, UNICEF is working to ensure that children receive a good start in life. In this regard, UNICEF in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry …

Retired Belizean held at gunpoint was robbed of $15,000
Retired Belizean, Harold Williams, had an unforgettable experience yesterday, when he we was approached and held up at gun point in his vehicle by three men who robbed him of an envelope containing around fifteen thousand in cash. ASP Alejandro Cowo explains more. Asp Alejandro Cowo: He handed over the envelope containing $15,000. Thereafter the …

Three year old drowns in Bella Vista, Toledo
Twenty-five year old Arturo Mas and his family are mourning the tragic loss of three year old, Benjamin Mas. On Sunday the child fell in a well in Bella Vista Village in the Toledo District. The child was transported to the Independence Poly Clinic; however by the time they arrived, he had already died.

Hijos del West Marimba group back from Taiwan
After spending an entire month performing at the Yilan International Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival in Taiwan, the Hijos del West Marimba group returned today, where they were greeted by family and friends. The founder of the group, Ian Yacab spoke to the media about his experience. Founder of Group Ian Yacab: It was a …

Shyne speaks on NICH presidency
The Music Ambassador also spoke to the media about a letter he sent ot the then Director of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), Sapna Budhrani. In the letter Barrow recorded his discontent in her leadership and the various positions that she was in control of. He states that he still stands firm …

A Song Competition for the ICJ
The re-registration exercise is the first step towards securing a vote in the 2019 referendum about whether or not Belizeans want to forward the case of Guatemala’s unfounded claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Though there is no unifying voice as the PUP and the UDP are expressing different views. However the education …

Why do so many love relationships turn violent?
Domestic violence occurs within a number of homes in Belize and while women are usually the victims, that is not always the case. It is sad that one who loves another so intimately can then commit such violence acts against that person. In Belize we have seen it happen far too often. Just this month …

Police Minister says we all need to do our part to stop crime
A double homicide occurred in Orange Walk Town on Sunday evening. At the end of a football event for teens, a group of men walked outside the Louisiana Government School stadium and a masked man pulled up in a white vehicle and fired at least a dozen shots which killed 34-year-old Junior Triminio and 19-year-old …

Regular Narco Planes on Clandestine Airstrips
Belize is one of several points along the narco-trafficking routes from South America to the United States. The creative drug traffickers employ every method to conceal the drugs into various household items like tiles and stuffed toys. However, when passing through Belize, they tend to use planes because our airspace, like the ground, isn’t well protected...

A $1,000 fine if you bury your dead in unapproved spaces
Burying the dead can be costly and the Ministry of Health intends to tax anyone who violates its health codes. Anyone who violates those codes will be prosecuted under the Public Health Act and can be charged one thousand dollars if a court finds them guilty. According to a press release sent from the Ministry, burial of family members on private residences, is against the law...

Amandala

Jealousy leads to murder
Early this morning, a woman lost her life after she was choked to death by her common-law husband while they were staying at a hotel in Independence. Mariela Alpuche, 34, and Arturo Rodriguez, 48, both residents of Trial Farm in Orange Walk, were in their hotel room around 2 a.m. when they got into a dispute. Although the nature of the dispute is unknown, the disagreement led Rodriguez to choke Alpuche until she stopped breathing. After the incident occurred, Rodriguez informed Alpuche’s family members, who were in the adjacent room, of what had happened.

Two executed in Sugar City
At about 5:30 yesterday evening, Junior Treminio, 34, and Christopher Enrique Calderon, 19, two friends who both resided in Orange Walk Town, were socializing with others in front of a house on Zericote Street, not far from the Louisiana Football Field in Orange Walk Town, where the Mundialito football competition was being played, when a vehicle drove up and stopped, and a man wearing a ski mask on his face came out of the vehicle, armed with a pistol, and fired shots in the direction of Treminio and his friends. There was confusion as the men scrambled for cover, and Treminio and Calderon ran into the nearby yard, but the gunman ran after them and shot them several times. The gunman then ran back into his vehicle, and it sped away.

Candice Miller, former City Administrator, files wrongful termination claim for $498,135
When the Supreme Court re-opens for its September session, one of the cases that will go into case management early in the session is the claim against Belize City Mayor, Bernard Wagner, and the Belize City Council, by Candice Miller for wrongful termination. Mayor Bernard Wagner is named in Miller’s lawsuit as the first defendant and the Belize City Council is named as the second defendant. Miller’s court paper is dated July 11, 2018. In their response to Miller’s claim, however, the Belize City Council filed a counterclaim on August 10, 2018 for one million dollars, because CitCo is alleging that she failed in her duty to file a defense in a sanitation company claim against the Council that resulted in a million-dollar default judgment against the Council.

John Woods passes at 75
John Charnley Woods was a 27-year-old pilot who came to Belize and made himself at home, carving out his own unique place in his new home and leaving an impressive legacy of his life’s work when he passed away on Saturday, August 18, 2018 in the United States. Woods, the son of Anne and William Woods of Houston, Texas, was 75 at the time of his death. When he first came to Belize, he was the manager of a spice farm that was located in St. Ann’s Village, located on the old Northern Highway, in the vicinity of Maskall Village. On the day he arrived in Belize, Woods met Martha Ordonez at Barclays Bank, and six months later, they were married.

A good name is better than money
I have seen the Belize Press Office’s response to Amandala’s article regarding the arrival of Republic of China (Taiwan) president Tsai Ing-wen, and I do not intend to waste my time responding in toto. There are a few points, however, that need clarification. The release said that “An information officer in the Press Office contacted every major media house in Belize in an effort to provide [Mr. Hoare] with the aforementioned list. A representative from the Amandala could not be reached.” Really? Our offices were open all that day, Thursday. Our office phones were not malfunctioning. My phone was not malfunctioning. Our reporter’s two phones weren’t malfunctioning. So, how could we not be reached?

8-Ball Billiards in Belize – a veteran reflects
I remember coming back home in 1984, trying to find a pool room where I could play some billiards; and Mike’s Club was recommended to me, only to find out that Mike’s Club was only for carom. So I took it upon myself, bought a billiards table, and put it downstairs of my home; and, to my surprise, the guys started showing up; and I started having weekend tournaments for individuals. Then, Mr. Isaac Ranguy from Punta Gorda got in touch with me. He brought a team of seven players to compete against seven players from Catt’s Place, Belize City. This was history in the making. (P.G.’s team was named Challengers.)

Undefeated at Week 3, Police and Bandits clash this weekend in Week 4 of PLB 2018-19 Opening Season
Already, three weeks have gone by in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Opening Season, and Police United FC is on top of the standings with a 3 and 0 record, followed closely by defending champions, Belmopan Bandits SC, who have 2 wins along with a season-opening draw (0-0) against the now struggling BDF FC. (See standings below.) Week 3 games began with a Thursday night affair, followed by one game on Saturday and two on Sunday. At the Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Thursday night, it was the Belmopan Bandits SC, 5-nil, over winless Wagiya FC, with goals coming from Georgie Welcome (3’ & 68’), Luis “Baaka” Torres (6’), Rony Sanchez (38’) and Norman Anderson (88’).

Belize selection to Honduras for UNCAF U19 Tournament
Today, the U19 selection left to Honduras to represent Belize in the UNCAF U19 Tournament. They will be playing a total of 6 games, the first being on August 19 against Honduras, and the last on August 26 against Guatemala. They are scheduled to return on Monday, August 27. List of players: #14 Alexander Darren Scott; #5 Allan Escott Barillas; #2 Andir Zamir Chi; #7 Davis Myrick Marshall; #22 Devin John Nunez; #8 Donell Eric Arzu; #4 Enfield Nelson Nunez; #10 Gabriel Fitzgerald Ramos; #18 Horace Cyril Avila; #17 Izon Ainsley Gill; #16 Jarrel Jamaal Young; #3 Jefton Raymond Hubert Apolonio; #11 Jesse Amin August; #9 Jonard Dillon Castillo; #4 Joseph Anthony Ramirez; #1 Kerry James Gonzales; #12 Tyreek Tyrone Muschamp; #1 Warren.

Over-40 Finals game 1 this Sunday in San Pedro
In the National Over-40 veterans league semifinals return matches over the weekend, at the MCC Grounds on Saturday, Kulture Yabra won once again over Benque, 7 goals to 3. Goal scorers for Kulture Yabra were Kevin Roland with 5 goals (he also leads this tournament with goals), and Edward “Lilly White” Rubio and Albert “Chicken” Arnold got one apiece; while all 3 Benque goals were by Julio Ayala. This victory automatically takes Kulture Yabra to the finals. (They had won game 1 by a 4-1 margin, for an aggregate score of 11-4.) Today at the M.A. Stadium in Independence, San Pedro Vets won over Mango Creek Vets, 2 goals to nil, both goals by Oliver Hendricks. (San Pedro had taken game 1, 3-0, so the aggregate score is 5-0.)

Softball Federation announces Women’s National Championship next weekend, August 31 – September 2
The Belize Softball Federation is hosting the XXVIII Women’s National Championship from Friday, August 31 to Sunday, September 2 at Rogers Stadium. The following teams (from the respective associations) have qualified for the 2018 National Championship: Stann Creek Association – Independence United and Silk Grass Royale Girlz. Cayo Association – Belmopan Bandits and Unitedville Rebels United. Belize Rural Association – Double Head Cabbage Unity and Burrell Boom Orchid Girls. Belize City Association – Digicell and Belize Bank Bulldogs.

Editorial: From red or blue, to yes or no
Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) Leader, Hon. John Briceño, suddenly finds himself in a bit of a pickle. The PUP has 12 area representatives sitting in the House of Representatives, and 6 of these are now on record as advocating a “no” vote where the International Court of Justice (ICJ) referendum next April is concerned. Mr. Briceño has been on record as supporting a “yes” vote. On the KREM Radio/TV Sunday Review on Sunday morning, August 19, PUP executive official, Bill Lindo, claimed that it was actually 8 of the 12 PUP House members who have gone “no.” If that were so, it would increase Mr. Briceño’s discomfiture immeasurably, because it would mean that he could theoretically be replaced by as Leader of the Opposition by a majority vote of the PUP representatives, which would be very embarrassing for Mr. Briceño. Even if we discount Mr. Lindo’s claim and stick with 6 as the number of those in the “no” camp, Mr. Briceño is in an unenviable position, because 3 of the 5 PUP area representatives who are not in the “no” camp are in the Said Musa camp, which is known to be consistently unhappy with Mr. John.

From The Publisher
One of my wife’s friends has a saying that goes like this, “There’s a wheel within a wheel.” In other words, at any given time there are various levels of intrigue taking place with respect to any subject or situation. The game is not simple or straightforward. One of the reasons the UBAD movement lasted so long, relatively speaking, was because, as leader, I had spent three years in the United States and had been exposed to the wheels within the wheels. I had serious appreciation for how skilful and sophisticated the enemies of the people were, and I never, ever underestimated them. Even in the United States itself, you know, it was many years after various black and activist movements had been infiltrated, sabotaged, and tricked into fighting against each other that the details of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Counter Intelligence Program (COINTELPRO) began to emerge.

Long school holidays in April and May/Johnny Woods, RIP
Greetings, Mr. Editor, Please allow me to respond to Mr Hyde’s “From The Publisher” column of Aug 18, 2018. Mr. Hyde, I would like to refute your statement that no one but your dad paid attention to your lamentations about the changing of Belize’s long school holidays from April/May to July/August. Unless by “no one,” you mean those in a position to do something about it, I beg to differ. Although I am about a decade your junior, I was fortunate enough to catch the last couple of years of the April/May holidays. Growing up in rural Belize, I distinctly remember the difference when the July/Aug summer break kicked in.

Dimas D. Sansorez writes
Dear Editor, People are saying that the Sarstoon incidents are just the beginning of the breaking up of Belize as we know it. That the government of Belize pushing for the International Court of Justice is a clear indication of this. People are suspecting a deal between the leaders of Guatemala and Belize. The argument being circulated is that the ICJ never declares 100% for the winner and will look for a way to appease the loser. Government wants a yes vote but is not stating clearly what is being sought and what is to be expected. Stating that a no vote would mean losing our international support is bull.

San Antonio Road good: Smithsonian Street bad
Dear Editor, The residents of San Antonio Road in Orange Walk Town are very grateful to GOB for the paving of this road, so we can breathe freely without inhaling tons of dust in the dry season, or carrying pounds of mud on footwear when rainy. Smithsonian Street connects unto this thoroughfare, and because this street is not paved, each time a vehicle comes onto the road from this street, it brings lots of dust and debris along with it, deteriorating the beautifully paved road. This road should serve us for many years, but with this problem, its pavement existence will be cut drastically.

A united Canada without the Monarchy
For half a millennium the hands of destiny were at work subjecting the natives of the Caribbean region to the harshest acid test of endurance and survival. The great Belizean people weathered all difficulties. It has been a long journey for Belize. The nation is in the final leg of this journey and at the cusp of the choice to slough off the last vestiges of colonial legacy to become a great republic. These facts can very well become part of the preamble to the new constitution of the Republic of Belize, further stating that Belizean people, without harbouring any bitterness and resentment of the past, hereby set forth the new constitution that requires at all times a Belizean national be the president and head of state of the Republic of Belize.

Too much tourism brings problems
It would turn one’s stomach if one were to imagine what’s inside the belly of those floating beasts, those bilges filled with water contaminated with oils and lubricants and spilled diesel and detergents and soap, and waste from people. Squeamish isn’t always good because on some matters you can’t play the ostrich. We have to know that there is effective monitoring of those massive ships, these floating towns with 2,3,4,5 thousand people on board. We need to make sure that the waste on those ships stays on those ships, not leak into our waters. How does Harvest Caye handle the load? Those little cayes weren’t made for that quantity of traffic. Are Placencia and Seine Bight safe from the toxins and the algal blooms that result from effluent, liquid waste that is dumped (or seep) into the sea?

The rise and fall of the chicle industry
Production multiplied, from 45,000 kilograms in 1917 to over one million by 1925, reaching a peak of roughly two million in 1929. During this period, a Cruzob worker could earn more than three hundred pesos a month for the seven-month season; furthermore, he did not live a hard life of exile like the foreign chicleros, but simply worked the trees in his neighborhood in time left over from the cornfield. His had been a moneyless barter society, practically speaking; there were no pockets in his baggy white pants, his people had no tradition of saving, and the money was not long in his hands. By word of mouth the good news spread, and those ubiquitous merchants to Latin America, the Lebanese and the Chinese, loaded their pack mules and headed into the forest. At first they offered traditional goods, including shotguns, pistols, and ammunition; then luxuries, like whiskey, canned goods, cigarettes, silk shirts, and jewelry; and then novelties of the new age — sewing machines, flashlights, phonographs, anything that would catch the native imagination, at any price.

Jermaine “Horse” Garnett, 33, charged with murder, released on $40,000 bail
Jermaine Garnett, 33, aka “Horse”, one of three men charged with the murder of Raheem Requeña, 19, was released on a bail of $40,000 that was offered to him by Justice Herbert Lord on Friday, August 17. The bail was granted on the condition that Garnett is not to be seen on the streets between the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. on each day until the matter is disposed of. Garnett also has to report to Mahogany Street Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until the case has concluded.

Yuri Moralez, 23, dies in traffic accident
Yuri Moralez, 23, of Bullet Tree, Cayo District, died on Friday night, five days after being admitted into the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), with massive head and body injuries that he suffered at about 8:30 last Sunday night, when he ran into the rear of a parked vehicle while he was driving his motorcycle on Joseph Andrews Drive, in San Ignacio. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvette told us today that the vehicle is owned by Edgar Garcia of San Ignacio. Moralez was thrown off the motorbike after it hit the vehicle, and he landed on the pavement, as a result of which he became unconscious and suffered massive injuries.

Armed robbers wait for man near his home after bank withdrawal; seize $15,000
A broad daylight robbery occurred today sometime before 1:30 p.m., and the robbers got away with a whopping $15,000. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police, Alejandro Cowo, retired Belizean Harold Williams, age unknown, was driving into his yard at the corner of Dunn and Landivar Streets when three men approached his vehicle. One of the men, who had a firearm, hit the window of the car, shattering the glass.

Daniel Howard, 33, accused pedophile, remanded to prison
Daniel Howard, 33, a man who his mother, Doris Child, said is mentally challenged, was denied bail when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford and was arraigned on two counts of sexual assault for alleged acts he committed on the same day against two female victims, both of whom were 8 years old. Howard pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was remanded into custody until November 1. Because Child said in court that her son has a mental problem, Magistrate Ford ordered that he be given a psychiatric evaluation while he is in prison.

The Reporter

Offshore Banking in Belize is Dead, Says Panamanian Offshore Expert
“The whole Belize financial system is dead for offshore operations. Nobody will trust a bank in Belize after this,” Panamanian offshore banking specialist, Dr. Giovanni Caporaso Gottlieb told the Reporter this week. Gottlieb represents several account holders of Choice Bank, whose banking license was terminated by the Central Bank in June. Choice Bank filed a lawsuit against the Central Bank last week via its attorney in Belize, Eamon Courtenay. The suit also named Minister of Finance, Dean Barrow and Attorney General, Michael Peyrefitte as defendants.

EARTHQUAKE – USGS 7.3 Yaguaraparo, Venezuela, NEAR TRINIDAD
An earthquake measuring 7.3 by U.S.G.S at Yaguaraparo, Venezuela, and approximately 130 miles west of Port Of Spain, TRINIDAD occurred at 3.31pm Today. Details of this BREAKING NEWS will be

The Path to Glory
Belizean fans delighted in the Central American volleyball silver medallists’ victories at the Civic Center last week, but few saw the many years of painful hard work, dedication, discipline and sacrifice that made their success possible. The girls’ mental toughness, their will to win, was molded in the crucible of pain and defeat. Assistant Coach Lupita Quan, owner of the Stars Volleyball Club, has been involved in the training of many of the girls on the team, and she described the not so easy path to their victory.

BNTU INVESTIGATES REPORT OF TEACHER TERMINATION
President of the BNTU Elena Smith says they are currently in the process of gathering information on a situation brewing at Gwen Liz High School in Belize City, although officials are being tight-lipped. There is confirmation that the Board has recommended the termination of teachers based on drastically reduced enrollment, but Smith says they will have to get more specifics before deciding on a plan of action. We’ll have more information as this story develops.

ARAGON TALKS ABOUT DRUG PLANES
Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security Elodio Aragon Jr. told the Reporter on Monday that the recent trend of suspected drug planes landing in northern Belize is an issue that needs to be seriously addressed before it becomes something of an even bigger nature in the near future. Since the beginning of the year, while numerous wrecked aircraft have been found abandoned on private airstrips and on deserted roads, Police have never been able to make any arrests or offer any direct intelligence on what they suspect were the cargoes on the aircraft prior to their unauthorized and suspicious landings in Belize.

BTV Installs Plaque at Gracias a Dios Despite Guatemalan Shadow
The Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) successfully installed a plaque at the Gracias a Dios border marker in Southern Belize, despite the presence of the Guatemalan Armed Forces on their way to the site. The expedition left Punta Gorda at 7:30 Saturday morning and got clearance from the Belize Defense Force (BDF) stationed at the Forward Operating Post along the Sarstoon River. About a minute into their boat ride down the Sarstoon, the Guatemalan Armed Force (GAF) pursued them and followed closely behind the Belizeans, but they did not stop.

Wounded Referee Needs Specialist Treatment
Wounded football referee Yuri Daniels needs advanced dental-related treatment following an assault last week Sunday by a male football player during a game she was officiating. Daniels told the Reporter on Monday that she discovered upon her dentist visit that she needs to see a Maxillofacial Specialist, who is someone that specializes in injuries in the head, neck, face, jaws and the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, jaws and face. Daniels shared that she needs to undergo a panoramic X-ray that would determine if she has suffered any damage to the Palatine nerves, which run across the roof of the mouth and line the membrane of the nasal cavity.

Breaking Belize News

Premium gas inches up
Today, the Belize Bureau of Standards issued a release on new gas prices which take effect […]

Tropical wave to affect Belize tonight
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is reporting that a weak tropical wave is crossing the […]

PUP to hold convention in Belmopan, Saldivar denied again
. After much delay and controversy, the People’s United Party (PUP) will hold its standard-bearer convention […]

7.3 magnitude earthquake shakes Venezuela; also felt in several surrounding countries
This afternoon, a massive 7.3 magnitude earthquake shook Venezuela. According to reports, the quake was also […]

Music Ambassador and private sector donate to Garifuna Collective
The Office of the Music Ambassador, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) […]

Hijos del West Marimba group back from Taiwan
The Benque Viejo-based Marimba cultural group, Hijos del West, returned to Belize today, following a […]

Health ministry warns of unauthorized private cemeteries
The Ministry of health today issued a statement to remind the public that the burial of […]

Ministry of Works issues notice on on-going feasibility study on the Philip Goldson Highway
. The Ministry of Works (MOW) today informed that a Feasibility Study and Detailed Designs of […]

No need to hide, Mexican city legalizes outdoor sex
People in Guadalajara Mexico can now legally engage in sexual acts and exhibitionism in public, […]

Over 100,000 Belizeans have now re-registered
The Elections and Boundaries Department today issued an update on the ongoing 2018 Re-registration of […]

El Salvador drops Taiwan for China
Taiwan, the small island nation whose president, Dr. Tsai Ing-Wen, made a diplomatic visit to Belize last […]

Blogs

Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle, the official in-flight magazine of Maya Island Air, releases its Fall Issue
Earlier this year we announced our partnership with McNab Publishing to bring you our first official inflight magazine entitled, Caribbean Culture & Lifestyle: The Belize Edition. The publication was developed with the aim of being a leading authority on Belize and Caribbean travel news. Inciting curiosity and excitement in the hearts of readers by curating an outstanding collection of print and web media, the content focuses on people, places and culture, sharing the most inspiring narratives. To be found in the back seat pockets of our planes, at our terminals, as well as in hotel rooms country wide, it is a finely crafted magazine that is published four times a year. Expect to read the very best in travel news, tourism industry trends and an array of interesting lifestyle articles.

Living an “Unplugged” Life
Simply put, living an unplugged life means living a life disconnected from technology such as Television, Internet, Netflix etc.and from devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets and video games. The potential of addiction and loss of human interaction due to digital communication is by far more evident now than before. People have developed addictions to all types of technology – with smartphones being the most common. With the addiction to smartphones comes further addiction to Social Media sites. When access to either is unavailable, it leads to reactive depression and anxiety. We need to let go of our dependence on technology; hence, practicing to live an unplugged life.

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

San Joaquin Fiesta: a religious and social celebration in Belize
The San Joaquin Fiesta is one of the prized manifestations of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Belize. Its celebration highlights the community history of San Joaquin Village, Corozal and features both a religious and social component. The fiesta celebrates the patron saint of the community, San Joaquin, and the village’s origins which is strongly tied to the Caste War. San Joaquin Village was established in the 1850s by refugees escaping the war. Their safe journey from Mexico to Belize was attributed to saint San Joaquin. The San Joaquin Fiesta comprises of a torch run from Bacalar to San Joaquin, novenas, a mass, and culminates with a grand fair. During the fiesta, persons from all over Belize make pilgrimage to the San Joaquin Catholic Church where they visit the saint to offer adoration. The fiesta also features traditional dances, music and food.

International Sources

Powerful earthquake in Venezuela sends shock waves to Trinidad and Tobago
Buildings in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas were evacuated Tuesday after a powerful earthquake was recorded off the northeast coast of the country, sending shock waves as far west as Bogotá, Colombia, and as far east as Trinidad and Tobago. The U.S. Geological Survey said a 7.3-magnitude quake struck 12 miles northwest of Yaguaraparo, Venezuela. The U.S.G.S. recorded its depth to be 76 miles. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said at 6 p.m. there was no threat of a tsunami as a result of the earthquake, after a preliminary report that “hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 300 km of the earthquake epicenter.” The earthquake was also felt strongly in Trinidad and Tobago, and much of the eastern Caribbean including Grenada, Guyana, Barbados and as far north as St. Lucia. There were no reports of damages in Grenada and Guyana, where people ran out into the streets in pandemonium to see utility poles shaking. In Grenada, there was a report of a landslide.

Beijing scores win as El Salvador cuts diplomatic ties with Taiwan
China’s “dollar diplomacy” campaign to win over the handful of small countries that still offer diplomatic recognition to self-ruled Taiwan has scored another victory with El Salvador’s decision to switch its allegiance to China. After the Communists won the Chinese civil war in 1949, the losing Kuomintang (KMT) under Chiang Kai-shek fled to Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as its sovereign territory and says as a breakaway province it has no right to formal diplomatic ties with any other country. The vast majority of the world’s nations recognise mainland China and these are tough times for Taiwan’s international profile. Taipei can currently claim Belize and Nauru among the 17 countries with which it has formal diplomatic ties.

THE ANCIENT MAYA CALLED ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER AND KILLED SCIENTISTS
On the causes of decline of ancient civilization archaeologists and historians still argue. Researchers at McGill University believe that the ancient Maya contributed to the erosion and impoverishment of soils in the tropical forests of the Yucatan Peninsula. This was the cause of death of civilization. It is known that in the ninth century ad the Mayans experienced a strong decline. The sharp decline in the population, the outflow of population from the cities and the destruction of water supply systems… Scientists suggest that the Mayan civilization disappeared as a result of environmental disasters caused by deforestation, spread of agriculture and building of cities.

Videos

August 21, 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

Ambergris Caye Rotaract Club participates in self-defense training workshop
Several members of the Rotaract Club on Ambergris Caye and other island residents learned some self-defense techniques on Saturday, August 18th, during a self-defense training course provided by Mixed Martial Arts trainer Martin Dawson of Dawson’s Pit Fighters Training School. The activity is part of an ongoing professional development agenda, spearheaded by the island’s Rotaract Club, aimed at helping young adults in different disciplines. The self-defense session taught participants basic fighting techniques to better prepare them in any given vulnerable situations.

240 students benefit from 4th annual Group Hug back-to-school backpack drive
On Saturday, August 18th, Group Hug distributed backpacks, all filled with school supplies, to 240 deserving students who were in need. The distribution marked the completion of our Fourth Annual Back-to-School Backpack Drive. The backpacks were distributed in Belize City at the Memorial Park, and in Hattieville at the Community Basketball Court. The beneficiaries were awarded on a needs basis, after being identified/recommended by schools, civil society organizations, social agencies, Group Hug members and colleagues. According to the President and Founder of Group Hug, Andre Pitts, “This year’s backpack drive was another huge success. We were aiming to solicit and distribute 200 backpacks and were thrilled that we surpassed that target by putting together 240 backpacks!

Ambergris Today

San Pedro September Celebrations Calendar Of Events
The National Celebrations Committee of Belize has released its September caledar of events for the entire country of Belize. Below is the calendar of events for San Pedro!

Misc Belizean Sources

GlobalGiving 2018 Photo Contest: Vote for Belize Bird Rescue
Here's a great way to support Belize Bird Rescue without digging into your pockets! Just one click can make a difference!

A view from Corozal Town
A Sunday view in Corozal. It was very active day. lets also keep corozal clean for new tourists to come visit in town. new trash bin been installed for people to use. one of things I saw was the motorcycles riding around town. Every sunday the ice cream truck passes around town in corozal. I saw young boys playing basketball. and, marquesityas has been selling at the park.

Fidus Dog Show
Pictures from the Fidus Dog Show, which was at the NATS grounds last week. Proceeds went to CAWS and the Belmopan Humane Society.

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint this “Pelican By The Sea”.

Consular Spotlight! Fragments of Hope, Belize!
In May 2018, Dale Godfrey and Avelino Franco traveled to Jamaica through the United States on transit visas issued by the U.S. Embassy as part of a reciprocal exchange trip for coral restoration practitioners. Dale and Avelino traveled to the Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary with Mariko Wallen and Lisa Carne from Placencia-based NGO Fragments of Hope (FoH) to teach their Jamaican counterparts coral out planting methods FoH uses in Belize. FoH has been actively working on reef restoration in Belize for over a decade and is happy to be able to share their best practices thanks to a grant from the GEF Small Grants Programme and the OAK Foundation. Keep up the great work Dale and Avelino!

Summer Arts Program 'Exploring Art'
Check out how some awesome kids spent their Summer at the Museum of Belize. Images from our Summer Arts Program 'Exploring Art', where some very creative participants learned theory and practice of the Abstract and Impressionism Art forms.

Coconut Leo moving home again soon
Coconut Leo will soon be able to move out of Pedro's Hotel (which he was grateful for being hosted at) and into his own home. The guys are working hard. Coconut Leo is very happy with his new home. Not done yet, but soon. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible.

Government of Belize Press Office Responds to the Amandala Article Regarding the Arrival of President Tsai Ing-Wen
The Government of Belize Press Office takes this opportunity to refute the fallacious story published by the self-proclaimed independent leading newspaper in Belize, the Amandala. Dorian Pakeman, Director of the Government of Belize Press Office, did not bar the Amandala or any other media house from attending the arrival ceremonies for President Tsai Ing-Wen at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) on Thursday, August 16th, 2018. There are major discrepancies between what actually happened and the Amandala’s account of the events. On Thursday, August 16th, 2018 at 8:46 AM, the Press Office was forwarded an email by Mr. Enrique Hoare, Operations Manager at PGIA, requesting a list of names for members of the press who would be attending the arrival ceremony. An information officer in the Press Office contacted every major media house in Belize in an effort to provide Mr. Hoare with the aforementioned list.

ICJ Song Competition
The Office of the Music Ambassador is having an ICJ Song Competition. Create a song about how you feel about going to the ICJ. You could win $2000. Express how you feel about going to the ICJ to settle Guatemala’s unfounded claim to Belize!!! *deadline September 26*

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Cash Flow Management & Budgeting (Accounting Series: Part 4) this Thursday August 23rd in Belmopan.

Certified First Aid / CPR course in Corozal
August 21 and 22

Friends Concert
The Friends Concert will be on September 1st at the George Price Centre. They have an all star lineup planned for the event. It's the perfect family event to kick off the September Celebrations. "For 1 night only. Come and experience Jamaican Saxophonist Camal Bloomfield and friends from Belize treat you and your family to lovely music at George Price Center Belmopan, Belize. FRIENDS line up includes your Songbird Jackie Castillo, young Xayah Cooper, saxophonist Allan McCoy, Percussionist and Deejay Red One, Yours truely and a Special Surprise Guest. Hosted by Kenrick Gabourel ( Kenny G ) of Blue Steel Sound and More FM Belize 99.5 & 107.1 FM . Endorsed by Belmopan Nazarene Church , PLUSTV BELIZE, plus radio, Belizean Artist MUSIC B.A.M.

Winners of the National Song Competition 2018
Huston Alvarez, Cocono Bwai and Ernestine Carballo win at the National Song Competition 2018 and Corozal wins as Host Municipality for 2019. The Santa Elena Sports Complex was the venue for the National Song Competition 2018 where twenty-two (22) competing performances backed by the Gilharry Seven Band excited the audience on Saturday, August 18th. Three (3) performers vied for first place in the Junior Belize Song Category, six (6) competed in the Senior Carnival Song Division and thirteen (13) entrants challenged each other in the Belize Song Category. This year saw the crowning of two new Champions and the re-crowning of the Senior Carnival Song Champion!

NOTICE OF SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL BWS GENERAL MEETING
Belize Water Services Limited will hold its Seventeenth Annual General Meeting at the SCA Multipurpose Mercy Center, Marine Parade, Belize City on Friday, August 24, 2018 commencing at 7:00pm sharp. For registration purposes please bring along your Shareholder Identification Card or any other form of ID. Dividend cheques can be collected at our Belize City branch office during normal working hours until August 23, 2018 and at the AGM on August 24, 2018. All cheques not picked up by August 24 will be mailed.

INTRO TO BIRD IDENTIFICATION IN SAN PEDRO
Super excited for this class starting on Friday...feeling the need to get my feather on! Time to brush up on my birding! Can't wait!

240 STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM GROUP HUG’S BACKPACK DRIVE!
This year’s backpack drive was another huge success! We were aiming to solicit and distribute 200 backpacks and were thrilled that we surpassed that target by putting together 240 backpacks! The excitement of the recipients and the gratitude of their parents remind of us why we do what we do, and we recognize that a lot of children – and even adults – simply need a little support and encouragement to realize their full potential and abilities. We thank our sponsors; the many individuals, especially youth, and the dedicated corporate citizens who continue to respond positively to our calls for support.

Channel 7

Broad Daylight Narco-Hit Outside A Kid’s Football Tournament
The weekend ended violently in Orange Walk Town with a double murder which happened just outside the crowded Louisiana football field where kids were playing in a football tournament.  But the trophy ceremony for the winners was interrupted by the sound of more than a dozen gunshots which were fired right outside the football field’s main gate. Two of the tournament’s fans, 34 year-old Junior Triminio and 19 year-old Enrique Calderon, had gone outside to eat, and that’s where masked gunmen ambushed both men, and killed them right n front of the football field. 

Police Account of Double Murder
Police say that as many as 16 shots were fired in this brazen execution - the likes of which has not been seen since the days of Rambo-town in the 80’s. Here’s the police account:… ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "So far the police was able to gather that both deceased persons was socializing with a group of other persons sometime around 5:20 PM when a white jeep approached the area and a male exited the jeep who was armed with a hand gun and wearing a ski mask and began firing rounds into the crowd. As a result both persons were injured and they ran into a nearby yard in an attempt to escape but was followed by the shooter who continued shooting. Thereafter he then made good his escape in the same white jeep that he had arrived in..."

The Return of Rambo-Town
And while that is what police know about what happened out there on Sunday - what do they know about the background to this execution, and the underworld forces that are driving such a brazen, public killing? That’s what we probed the country’s lead investigator for answers on: Jules Vasquez: "Is this what would be called a gang related murder or narco murder?" ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "At this point we do not know, but we know for certain that Mr. Triminio had several cases of drug trafficking before the courts and we know that he does associate with a group of persons who we consider to be gangs. We have also put in an additional team of major crime investigators in the north to investigate these incidents."

OW East Area Rep. Said Shots Too Close To Home
Area representative Elodio Aragon has a unique perspective.  It happened right outside a tournament he sponsored; he was there and it was in his division.  He told us that it struck too close to home:.. Hon. Elodio Aragon - Minister of State, National Security: "This is the last thing you would have expected on a most splendid day. The sun was shining, the kids were having fun, the parents are out there supporting their kids, you couldn't have asked for a better day; for us to have ended in such bloodshed out there and it is so sad for our community. As I said this concerns me because that is my area and I feel for it especially because that is about two stone throws from my house and it concerns me as much as it has affected our community. Definitely I have asked the police department to really look into this thing; I know there is a lot of work that has to be done but the police department has been tasked to continue to work on these things."

Man Murders Common-Law
And tonight, that is not the only bad news Orange Walk is grappling with.  A woman from Trial Farm village - just outside of the town - was murdered early this morning - and, tonight, her husband has been charged for it.  Around 2:00 this morning 48 year old Arturo Rodriguez and his common law 34 year old Maria Yazmin had a dispute inside an Independence Village hotel.  He ended up choking her to death.  Police told us more:… ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "Our initial investigation revealed that Mariela along with her common-law husband was staying at a hotel room in Independence when apparently a domestic dispute ensued resulting in Mr. Rodriguez choking Mariela which resulted in her death."

Man Remanded For Shooting Wife
And, in Cayo, police have charged a man for shooting his common law wife last week.  Here are more details:… ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On Thursday the 16th of August, one Hilly Robateau visited the San Ignacio police station sometime around 7:30 PM and reported to the police that he had a domestic dispute with his wife and was a result of that he shot his wife. He then handed in his licensed 16 gauge shotgun and 2 cartridges to the police. As a result the police visited his home which is located in Central Farm on the Baking Pot Road where upon arrival the investigation revealed that Rosa Gamez was in her kitchen conversing along with her daughter when the accused Mr. Robateau entered sometime around 6:30 PM and fired a shot from his shotgun which caught Rosa Gamez who is his common-law wife to the left eye.

Two Young Men on Motorbike Die In OW Collision
We’ve already told you about the 3 residents of Orange Walk Town who lost their lives violently this weekend as murder victims. Well, 2 more died yesterday afternoon in a traffic accident on the San Juan Road. 18 year-old student Kairo Cob, and his cousin, 24 year-old Henry Cob, were traveling on a motorcycle when they collided head-on into a white Ford Ranger Pick-up.  The pick-up truck driver, 33 year-old Hernan Cortez, told police that he couldn’t avoid the accident because the young men were attempting to overtake a tractor, and they swerved into his lane. At the point of impact, They were both flung from the motorcycle into a nearby canefield, and they died on the scene from injuries they suffered in the collision and the fall.

Elderly Man Tracked and Jacked By Robbers In Driveway
Just after midday today in Belize City an elderly man was robbed of a large amount of money.  It happened on Landivar Street in the King’s Park area.  Harold Williams had just come from Scotia Bank on the Phillip Goldson highway - and, it appears he was being watched by robbers. As he rolled into his driveway, the robber slid into the yard, and pounced on him.  His wife asked  to appear off camera and told us what happened next:.. Voice of - Wife of robbed Victim 
"I heard the gate open. When I heard the gate open I said, 'okay, he is back.' And then I heard a bang. When I came down the guys from the cable company, I wouldn't recognize them, they said...

Cops Say They Got 15k
Today, police told us that a large quantum of cash was involved in the robbery:.. ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB, Belize City: "When he was about to enter his premises he was approached by three male persons armed with a firearm. One of them knocked on the window of his vehicle and as he opened it the person pointed the firearm at him and demanded an envelope that he had. He handed over the envelope containing $15,000. Thereafter the three male persons got on a vehicle. The identity of the three suspects is unknown at this moment. What we understand is that he had just left from the bank on the Phillip Goldson Highway, Scotia Bank, and was proceeding to his residence which was just a matter of 10 to 15 minutes. Apparently the persons were already waiting for him at his residence."

Infant Drowns In Well
A 3 year old lost his life when he drowned in a well yesterday afternon.  It happened in Bella Vista village.   No one was supervising three year old Benjamin Mas when he was playing in the yard and fell into a well. Police told us more:..

A Giant Passes…
And turning now from all that crime news, tonight we note the passing of a very well known and widely loved Belizean. 75 year old John Woods died on Friday in Houston - with his fmaily surrounding him in a home setting.  He died from complications of cancer - after a long battle. John Woods came to Belize in 1969 as a pilot and as a manager of a spice farm  and later started Cisco Construction in the mid 70’s.   He and Martha Woods had a family of five.  And while his company Cisco is well known in Belize, Woods will be most remembered for his philanthropic work.   He spoke about his spirit of optimism in an I am Belize profile:

They Sang It Best
The National Song Competition was held on Saturday on San Ignacio. Here are highlights:.. The event was held at the Santa Elena Sports Complex where there were twenty-two performances.  Three vied for first place in the Junior Belize Song Category, six (6) competed in the Senior Carnival Song Division and thirteen (13) battled it out in the Belize Song Category.   We’ll tell you who the winners were tomorrow.

They Gave The Gift
Rotary Gift of Life from Belize teamed up this weekend with the Gift of Life organization out of Florida to provide 96 Belizean patients with medical consultations. We’re told that it was a very long weekend for the visiting medical practictioners, Dr. Elisa Suh, and Dr. Daniel McKenna, who are based in Tampa, Florida.  And of those 96 patients, 4 of them were able to get medical attention not normally available in Belize. The doctors teamed up with KHMH for the use of their Cath Lab, and 2 of those patients were able to be properly diagnosed.

Storeowner Survives Shot To Chin
A Chinese storeowner is lucky to be alive after he was shot in the chin and the neck in an attempted robbery.   It happened in Lord’s Bank on Friday night.  Around 8:40, 38 year old Xiang Quan Chen was tending his store when two men tried to rob him through the Burglar bars.  Police told us what happened next:.. Miraculously, Chen is expected to survive the gunshot injuries - and could be released from the hospital later this week.

Man Dies One Week After Motorbike Collision
A man died five days after he crashed into a parked vehicle.  23 year old Yuri Jeovani Moralez crashed into a parked SUV on last Sunday evening while he was riding his motorbike.  Police told us he died on Friday:… ACP Joseph Myvett- Head, NCIB: "Police responded to the scene of an accident on the San Juan road in the Orange Walk district where one Hernan Cortez reported to them that whilst travelling in the San Juan road, he observed a tractor coming from the opposite direction. Just before reaching him he observed two persons on a motorcycle who overtook the tractor and collided into him. According to him, he did everything in order to avoid the accident but unfortunately the riders collided into him and were flung from the motorcycle...""

Channel 5

Back-a-Town Crips Gang Boss and Associate Killed in Orange Walk
A double murder has shaken the Orange Walk community. Tonight the leader of the Back-a-Town Crips Gang, thirty-four-year-old Junior Triminio and nineteen-year-old Christopher Calderon, believed to be Triminio’s associate, are [...]

Murder in Independence: Husband Chokes Wife to Death
A woman was killed by her husband in the early hours of this morning inside a hotel room where they were vacationing.  Mariela Alpuche Rodriguez was choked to death in [...]

An Elderly Man is Followed Home and Robbed of a $15,000 Withdrawal
A trio of armed thieves followed an elderly man to his house on Landivar Street in Belize City. Fortunately, Harold Williams was unharmed, but the thieves got away with thousands [...]

Will Spate of Armed Robberies Be Abated in September?
In recent months, there has been an escalation in the number of robberies across the country, particularly in Belize City, where thieves continue to prey on anyone, including the elderly.  [...]

Fatal RTA Claims the Lives of 2 Cousins
A fatal traffic accident claimed the lives of two cousins in the north. Kairo and Henry Cob, both from San Victor in Corozal, died just after midday on Sunday. The [...]

Bullet Tree Resident Perishes 5 Days after Motorcycle Collision with Parked Vehicle
A third person perished on Friday after a traffic accident which occurred over a week ago. Yuri Moralez was riding his motorcycle when he crashed into a parked vehicle on [...]

3-year-old Drowns in Well in Bella Vista Village
There was further lost of life over the weekend. A toddler died on Sunday after falling into a well in Bella Vista Village, Stann Creek District.  Three-year-old Benjamin Mas drowned [...]

Chinese Grocer Shot During an Attempted Robbery
On Saturday night, Xiang Quan Chen was shot inside his shop in Ladyville. According to police, just after eight-thirty, thirty-eight-year-old Chen was inside his shop, Guan Ying on Marage Road, [...]

Charges Are Yet to Be Brought Against Cabana Women Brawlers
Charges are yet to be brought against a group of women who were engaged in an all-out brawl outside of La Cabana Nightclub recently.  The incident which was caught on [...]

A Mid-Afternoon Fire in San Ignacio
A fire ignited at an abandoned house on Joseph Andrews Drive in San Ignacio. The blaze erupted after three o’clock this afternoon across from the Falcon Field Park in San [...]

Ransom for Kidnapped San Narciso Businessman Still Being Demanded
Businessman Omero Campos was abducted from his farm near San Victor Village on Father’s Day in June.  The San Narciso resident has never been seen or heard from since, despite [...]

Street Law, a New Course to be Introduced in 6 Schools
Six high schools are preparing to participate in a programme known as street law as a new course to their curriculum. The addition is expected to start in January 2019 [...]

Farewell to President Tsai Ing-wen
The president of Taiwan, Doctor Tsai Ing-wen, concluded a visit to Belize over the weekend. Doctor Ing-wen was afforded all the trappings of a state visit including the convening of [...]

The Winners of the National Song Competition are Revealed
Over the weekend, on Saturday, the 2018 National Song Competition was held at the Santa Elena Sports Complex in the west. There were as many as twenty artists who competed [...]

Prominent Belizean John Woods Passes
On a somber note, prominent Belizean, seventy-five-year-old John Woods of Cisco Construction passed away on Friday in Houston, Texas, U.S.A.  Woods was not just an extraordinary businessman; he was a [...]

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

LOVE FM

National Energy Information System being developed
As Belize embraces sustainable development methods moving forward, it is imperative to know how to use different energy sources that are at our disposal to get the optimum use. Equally important is to minimize the negative effects on the environment. In this regard, the Ministry of Public Service, Energy & Public Utilities in collaboration with …

Gift of Life Project saves another life
The Rotary Gift of Life held clinics this past weekend at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. Heidi Hess who has been coming to Belize for the past seventeen years spoke about the program. Heidi Hess: Gift of Life is a Rotary based program where we identify children that have heart problems that …

Double Murder in Orange Walk
What was supposed to be an evening of competition and jubilation ended in tragedy yesterday in Orange Walk Town. The finals of the mundialito competition sponsored by Minister Elodio Aragon took place at the Louisiana Football Field. However, just before the winners could be awarded, mayhem ensued as the game was also the setting for …

John Woods, popular businessman dead at 75
As the news of John Woods passing spread many were deeply saddened, especially those whose lives he impacted. Woods was a successful businessman, a Rotarian and a philanthropist. Robert Usher, President of the Rotary Club of Belize shared some of his accomplishments. Robert Usher – President of Rotary Club: John has done so many things in …

Saldivar demands an apology from Briceno
Attorney Arthur Saldivar and his family are demanding an apology from the Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno. In an interview on Friday, Briceno was asked to comment on Saldivar’s maneuver to try and get on the ballot for the PUP convention in Belmopan. John Briceno – Leader of the Opposition: I believe that as party …

Police Minister speaks about Violence in Orange Walk
ARAGON ON MURDER The sporting event at the Louisiana Government School Football stadium yesterday was called the Aragon’s Mundialito 2018. The main patron of the event was Orange Walk East Area Representative Elodio Aragon Jr. who is also the Minister of Police. He has everything at his disposal to seek justice for that community. Minister …

Belizean youth killed in Chicago
From a news article posted by ABC 7 Eye Witness News, a seventeen year old Belizean, Darnelle Flowers and sixteen year-old Raysuan Turner were found dead with several gunshot wounds to the body last night in a field on East 131st Street in Chicago. They had been reported missing for days.The article states that yesterday …

Husband Kills wife on Family Vacation
A couple from Trial Farm Village in the Orange Walk District set out to have a family vacation in Independence Village, but early this morning it ended with the murder of the wife and arrest of the husband. Love News spoke to family members who have yet to fully grasp why the murder occurred. Jose …

Attempted robbery in Ladyville Village
A businessman is recuperating from injuries he sustained during an attempted robbery. Thirty-eight year old, Guang Quan Chen was inside his store in Ladyville Village on Saturday night when he was attacked. ASP Alejandro Cowo shared the details. ASP Alejandro Cowo: Mr. Chen was inside of his business shop Guang Ying located on #10 Mirage …

Group Hug helps the underprivileged children
Group Hug, an organization created to help children and people in need, provided two hundred and forty deserving students within the Belize District, specifically Belize City and Hattieville Village with backpacks containing school supplies. The students were chosen on a needs basis and they were recommended by their schools, civil society organizations, social agencies and …

Two dies in Orange walk Accident
Two men were killed in a road traffic incident on the San Juan Road in the Orange Walk District. The incident which occurred about twelve thirty yesterday afternoon, involved a pickup truck and motorcycle. The driver of the vehicle was Ornan Cortez. Joseph Myvett says the deceased were cousins …

Road Traffic Accident in San Ignacio proves fatal
A man who collided into a parked vehicle has died. Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvett said last week Edgar Garcia had parked his vehicle on Joseph Andrews Drive in San Ignacio when the incident occurred …

Shooting in Central Farm, Cayo
Last week, we reported on an incident in which 67-year-old Hilderbrant Robateau shot his common-law-wife to the thigh. According to ACP Joseph Myvett, the shooting was a result of a dispute between Robateau and his common-law wife …

The Reporter

EDITORIAL – August 17th. 2018
Belizeans have been giving the ICJ a bad rap because they mistakenly believe that the court took the easy way out in resolving the dispute between Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador over ownership of three islands in the Gulf of Fonseca. The ICJ ruled that Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua are to conjointly administer sovereignty over the Gulf of Fonseca. El Salvador is to have the islands of Meanguera and Meanguerita and Honduras is to have sovereignty over El Tigre Island. Nicaragua did not get any island to control.

Mariela Yazmin Alpuche KILLED BY HER HUSBAND
Mariela Yazmin Alpuche, 34, was murdered sometime between 1:00am and 2:00am this morning by her husband, Arturo Rodriguez, 48. Police say that the couple was in room #3 at the Panting Hotel in Independence when they got in a fight and Rodriguez choked her to death.

SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS – EVENTS & SCHEDULES
CHECK HERE – For the September Celebrations events and schedules. Including entertainment sites and details. LIVE STREAM and VIDEO Highlights.

Breaking Belize News

Man charged for murdering his wife
This morning, Orange Walk resident Mariela Yazmin Alpuche was strangled in a hotel room in Independence […]

Man remanded to prison for shooting common-law wife
Today Hilderbrant Robateau, 67, was remanded to court after shooting his common-law wife in front of […]

Three year old boy drowns in well
A three year old child was reported dead yesterday. He has been identified as Benjamin Mas. […]

Government Press Office responds to Amandala’s claim it was banned from press event
The Government of Belize Press office today issued a release refuting the claims made by the […]

Chinese businessman shot twice in attempted robbery
A Chinese businessman remains hospitalized in a critical but stable condition after an attempted robbery. He […]

Man robbed of $15,000 in broad daylight
Harold WIlliams, was robbed of $15,000 in broad daylight this afternoon. Sometime around 2:00 p.m. he […]

Two cousins dead in traffic accident up north
Two cousins are dead after a fatal road traffic accident in the Orange Walk District. […]

Man dies after crashing into parked car
After fighting for his life for five days, Bullet tree resident, Yuri Moralez, 23, passed away. […]

Police: No charges yet for man that killed common-law wife
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvett, today weighed in on a case of domestic abuse […]

Two men shot dead outside Lousiana football field in Orange Walk
Orange Walk police are investigating a case of double murder after two men were shot […]

Taiwanese President pledges more assistance to Belize
Taiwanese President, Tsai Ing-Wen, who visited Belize last week and was welcomed by parliamentarians at a […]

Woman allegedly killed by jealous husband
A woman was allegedly killed by her husband in a jealous rage this morning. She is […]

Amandala claims it was banned from covering arrival of Taiwanese President
The Amandala Newspaper, in its latest issue, claims it was banned from covering the arrival […]

Blogs

Ten Misconceptions BUSTED about Traveling To Belize
I moved to Belize just over 11 years ago. And still, when I visit the states, I will get quizzical looks when people ask me things “how’d you get so tan” or just “where do you live”? I live in Belize. Even if he has heard of it, most people are vague on the specifics. It’s in Central America. Yup. Between Guatemala and Mexico. And…shucks. Belize is a small country – less than 400,000 people with one of the lowest population densities in the world. And most visitors have never met a Belizean before. There are only a handful of Belizean restaurants in the US (and isn’t food the way we learn about lots of cultures?) So most people don’t know that Belize isn’t just a beach vacation in the Caribbean or another crowded, dangerous spot in Central America. Here are some of the misconceptions about Belize – a crazy special country that I recommend EVERYONE visit.

Corozal District
The Corozal District of Belize is the country's northernmost district, and it borders Mexico along it western and northern borders. The capital of the district is Corozal Town, which sits on the Corozal Bay. Corozal Town is just 9 miles from the border of Mexico, and visitors here can head into the Mexican city of Chetumal to do a little shopping and such should they desire. Between these parts of Belize and Mexico, tourism is on the rise, and there are many delights to be discovered should you choose to include the Corozal District in your Belize vacation plans. This area of Central America has quite a rich Mayan heritage, and visiting ruins is among the top pursuits associated with Belize Corozal tours.

International Sources

Mexican Caribbean sees sargassum barriers placed from Cancun to Chetumal
After a delay, the first sargassum barriers have been placed in the sea which will eventually run from Cancun to Chetumal. The Secretary of Ecology and Environment of Quintana Roo, Alfredo Arellano Guillermo, says the government has begun working with the Chetumal company Goimar Logistics and Services with seaweed barrier placements in the sea. “The project consists of the installation of a system of containment barriers that will be placed along 27 kilometers of the state coast from Cancún, head of the municipality of Benito Juárez in the north, to Chetumal Bay, head of the municipality of Othón Pompeyo Blanco to the south,” he said.

GoStudents builds up believers in Belize
Oklahoma students from several churches joined together on a GoStudents trip July 20-27 to share the Gospel with several villages in Belize, which is in Central America. The group of students split into two teams, and each group would start the day by traveling to a village to lead children in a Vacation Bible School (VBS). In each village children were able to participate in songs, watch skits from stories in the Bible, make a craft and play games. The Belize team visited six villages, holding a Vacation Bible School at each location, and performed the ‘Freedom’ drama in five of these villages.

Ancient Mayan civilisation 'was WIPED OUT by deforestation'
Carbon reserves in Central American soils are still affected by the trees they were chopping down more than 1,000 years ago. The downfall of the mysterious people who flourished in the steamy jungles of present-day southern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala has been debated for years. Climate change has been blamed. Trees use sunlight to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and store it as carbon in the form of wood. The study of sediments from three lakes supports this theory. It shows the amount of time the greenhouse gas remained stored in soils in Guatemala and the Yucatan Peninsula was shortened by deforestation undertaken by the Maya.

Mexican Caribbean launches unified Tourism Board
The State of Quintana Roo, one of Mexican top tourism hotspots encompassing 11 world-renowned destinations, has launched a unified Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board to oversee promotional efforts for less traveled destinations such as Chetumal, Bacalar, and Isla Holbox. From Mayan ruins to multi-color lagoons and eco-friendly sanctuaries, these off-the-beaten-path destinations check off all the boxes for adventurous and selective travelers. Chetumal, the state capital, known as the gateway to Belize, boasts some of Mexico’s most enchanting Mayan archeological sites such as Dzibanché, Kohunlich, Kinichná, and Oxtankah. These small ruins offer an intimate experience away from the crowds. The nearby village of Calderitas provides fresh fish and restaurants along the water’s edge. A walk along Boulevard Bahia in Chetumal is also an enjoyable experience. Nightlife around the boulevard starts when the sun sets and food stands, carnival rides and artisans light up the streets.

Revealed: The tragic face of a Mayan woman who died at the bottom of a sinkhole 14,000 years ago: Scientists reconstruct 'Eve' from remains found in an underwater cave
Scientists have recreated the face of a Mayan woman who met her untimely end nearly 14,000 years ago at the bottom of a sinkhole. The remains of Eve, or ‘the Woman of Naharon,’ were discovered hundreds of feet beneath the surface in an underwater cave in Mexico’s Sistema Naranjal in the early 2000s. Using forensic facial reconstruction techniques, researchers have now revealed what she may have looked like in life. She was about 20-25 years old when she died.

Videos