Recent Belize News, 9/11/2018 to 9/20/2018, BelizeNews.com

Belize - Sun Country Airlines

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

Another glass pulverizing machine for San Pedro Town
With the recycling movement growing on the island, the Recycle San Pedro has obtained a third glass pulverizing machine. For the past months, Recycle San Pedro has been doing an excellent job on the island, finding ways to keep the environment clean by recycling both glass and plastic bottles. Empty glass bottles of all shapes and sizes are accepted and can be dropped off at a designated location just south of SP Hardware, next to the Garifuna Black and White Restaurant. The collected glass bottles are then crushed by the pulverizing machine, which reduces the glass into fine sand that can be used for making building blocks, bricks, pavers, and Water Filter Systems.

San Pedro Pirates draw against Belmopan Bandits
In the sixth week of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB) 2018 Opening Season, the San Pedro Pirates hosted the Belmopan Bandits in a home game at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town on Saturday, September 15th. The match was intense, with tough defense on either side that prevented scores, and the game ended in a 0-0 draw. For the next match, the San Pedro Pirates will be traveling to Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District to face Wagiya F.C at the Carl Ramos Stadium on Sunday, September 23rd. The game is scheduled to start at 4PM. For more information on how to accompany the Pirates as a fan, you can contact 623-0772.

Ambergris Today

Belize Revises Status Of Forces Agreement With The United Kingdom
On Wednesday, September 19, 2018, the Government of Belize and the Government of the United Kingdom signed the revised Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and its Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Status of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom while in Belize. Signing on behalf of the Government of Belize was Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security and on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom, the Rt. Hon Mark Lancaster, Minister of Defence.

Independence Day Message From Prime Minister Of Belize
As we prepare to celebrate the anniversary of our Independence, I have been reflecting on just how glorious an achievement it was. Consider the circumstances. We were confronted by twin, seemingly insurmountable odds: a large, militarized neighbor with an unjust and illegal claim to our country, threatening our extinction; and a colonial power reluctant to do what was necessary to help finalize our secure freedom. But we would not be deterred. And history records the tremendous persistence and skill with which Belize persevered and overcame. The nations of the world all remarked the force of our campaign. No one doubted that its triumph stamped our small country as one destined for greatness.

Government Denies ACCSD Info & Meetings On Cayo Rosario
It’s SO important to protect our Hol Chan Marine Reserve, for transparency and for our island to have a say in development here. One month ago, the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD) officially sent letters to Martin Alegria, the Chief Environmental Officer and the Chairman of the National Appraisal Environment Committee (NEAC), requesting a meeting and public information related to the deliberation process in approving the Cayo Rosario development. Both requests were denied.

Misc Belizean Sources

eBOOK Bembe Vision: Leadership Notes For The Belizean Classroom
The Image Factory Art Foundation announces the public release of a new book titled Bembe Vision: Leadership Notes For The Belizean Classroom. Researched, written and designed by Yasser Musa, Katie Usher and Lito, this eBOOK takes a different approach to examining our history, society and cultural landscape though the eyes of radical and revolutionary women across time and space. The book is designed to be a proactive and provocative tool for teachers and students to ask questions about why women continue to be left out, ignored and erased from the mainstream historical narrative, and why after decades of political independence we are still in a pathetic state as it relates to women in power in Belize. Bembe in this book has a double concept. It has a deep rooted West African meaning of community spirit of recognition going back thousands of years, and it also has a colonial context where females were called bembes or “bully women” especially in the early and mid 20thcentury labour-nationalist mobilization.

Ascenthium Playing Independence Day
Ascenthium will be performing at the Boulevard in Benque on Friday! They'll go on at 4:00pm. Ernestine Carballo will also be performing at the Boulevard that evening. "This Friday September 21st! Catch us in Benque Viejo @ Boulevard Bar & Grill! the set starts in the afternoon at 4pm! awesome Motorbikes, great rock n roll and ice cold drinks, its time to celebrate!"

Parades on Thursday in San Pedro
Thursday morning the 20th September there will be two school parades, Little Angels pre school will parade from angel coral street to caribena st onto nurse shark st back to angel coral st to their school. RC School will start at 9.00am and parade around the town. Please avoid the area or take extra care and be patient.

Institute of Archaeology at the Banquitas House of Culture
The Institute of Archaeology is present at the Banquitas House of Culture (NICH) to celebrate their 16th anniversary by presenting Maya artifacts in the context of everyday life and use, both ritual and utilitarian. Come visit us!

Belize Revises Status of Forces Agreement with the United Kingdom
Today, the Government of Belize and the Government of the United Kingdom signed the revised Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and its Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Status of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom while in Belize. Signing on behalf of the Government of Belize was Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security and on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom, the Rt. Hon Mark Lancaster, Minister of Defence. The revised Agreement sets out the new legal framework within which personnel of the United Kingdom Armed Forces will operate while in country. A number of revisions have been included to give balance to the Agreement, and to provide for an equitable approach, where appropriate, in the application of the Agreement. This is the first revision of the Belize-UK SOFA since the original in 1994, supplemented by a subsequent Exchange of Notes in 2004, which covered international training activities.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT TRAINING
Currently underway in Belmopan is a three-day Traffic Enforcement Training Workshop for Transport Officers from around the country. At the opening of the workshop which took place yesterday, September 18, Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management Honourable Edmond Castro addressed participants, organizers and presenters. The workshop covers topics such as Roles and Functions of Traffic Wardens, Motor Vehicle & Road Traffic Laws and Regulations, Checking of Road Service Permits, Executing Arrest, Justifiable Force, Use of Special Protection Firearm while on Duty, Court Room Procedure, Summary Jurisdiction & Procedure Act, Judges Rule, Criminal Procedure Rules, Case Files, and Customer Service.

Independence Day Message from the Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow
As we prepare to celebrate the anniversary of our Independence, I have been reflecting on just how glorious an achievement it was. Consider the circumstances. We were confronted by twin, seemingly insurmountable odds: a large, militarized neighbour with an unjust and illegal claim to our country, threatening our extinction; and a colonial power reluctant to do what was necessary to help finalize our secure freedom. But we would not be deterred. And history records the tremendous persistence and skill with which Belize persevered and overcame. The nations of the world all remarked the force of our campaign. No one doubted that its triumph stamped our small country as one destined for greatness.

San Pedro Independence Jump Up-Parade
Kindly take note on the parade line up for this year's Independence Jump Up Parade! Those that signed up, please be reminded that line up is at 9 a.m. at your designated area.

Bembe Vision
The stories of survival and triumph of 14 amazing Belizean ladies. This morning we presented Bembe Vision: Leadership notes for the Belizean Classroom, a graphic book designed, written and researched by Katie Usher, Lito and myself. It was a beautiful encounter and I thank five of the fourteen women featured in the book for attending. They are YaYa Marin Coleman, Briheda Haylock, Audrey Matura, Marisol Amaya and Felicita Cantun.

Trees Planted in Corozal
In commemoration of National Service Day, this morning Mayor Rigo Vellos and the Corozal Town Council in conjunction with the Corozal ITVET students, held a tree planting event at the park in front of Caribbean Tires. ITVET is officially adopting the park and a total of ten plants including 2 mahogany trees will now be dotting this area.

Belize EntreCon 2018
Beltraide has announced the date of the 4th National Entrepreneurship Convention. It'll be on Friday, November 30th. They are also doing another Business Hackathon this year. "This year’s theme 'Innovation, Society, and Knowledge Transfer as Drivers of Competitiveness.' seeks to explore the dynamics of the Entrepreneurial environment in Belize by advocating important topics such as Access to Financing, and Education and Culture. We are bringing local and international experts to share innovative strategies in how to build frameworks that foster entrepreneurial thinking, innovation and competitiveness.Entrecon 2018 will break the barriers, drive innovation and foster higher aspirations at all levels."

September Celebrations at Tourism Kiosks

Chargé Keith Gilges was out and about!
His day began with an exciting aerial reconnaissance to survey different areas of northern Belize and concluded with a courtesy meeting with representatives of the Belize Defence Force and the Belize Coast Guard.

Banquitas House of Culture 16th Anniversary
Today is a very inportant day for us here at the Banquitas House of Culture as we are celebrating our 16th Anniversary. We had the pleasure of hosting over 200 primary school students to view an exhibition titled Mayan Tools and Utensils. We would like to thank our colleagues from the Institute of Archeology; Antonio and Josue, for awesome presentations that each student and adult present today surely enjoyed while learning about Belize's incredible Mayan world. Here are a few pictures of how we spent our day.

Channel 7

Hon. Wilfred Calls BTV’s Eco-Challenge “Perverse”
Last night, we showed you the press conference that the Belize Territorial Volunteers and its allied organizations held to condemn, in the strongest terms, the treatment they received at the mouth of the Sarstoon from the Guatemalan Armed Forces. It happened on Saturday at the BTV's Sarstoon Eco-Challenge where the GAF tried to block the kayak race. PGTV news was out on the waters with the kayakers when the Guatemalan military aggressed them, and they clearly crossed over into Belizean territory to try and drive the Belizeans back. Both, the Government and the BTV, who rarely agree on anything related to the Sarstoon, say that the behavior by the Guatemalan soldiers was uncalled for, and a violation of international law and neighborly relations.

Belize Dispatches Protest Note To Gate
The first Government body to address the GAF's confrontation of the Volunteers at the mouth of the Sarstoon was the Ministry of National Security. They say that the BTV's leadership, including Wil Maheia and others, ought to have checked in with the BDF Forward Operating Base on the Belize side of the Sarstoon River mouth. The Ministry says that the BDF would have had no problem escorting them, if they were properly notified, but the BTV did not do this. Maheia insisted yesterday that not only did he inform the BDF and the Coast Guard Officers in Toledo of the Sarstoon Eco-Challenge, he did it on 3 separate occasions before the race.

Elrington Quick To Condemn Guats This Time
Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington confirmed that the existence of the diplomatic note of protest, but the biggest worry on his mind was the possibility that with the heightened emotions on the Sarstoon, there could have been an escalation of tensions between the military on both sides. In this context we note that Guatemala is beset with huge domestic struggles, and their President Jimmy Morales would seem to be only too eager for a distraction. But, back to Elrington. Whenever he has discussed any of the past confrontations between the Guatemalan military and the Belize Territorial Volunteers, has has always been very slow to cast any blame on the Guatemalans. Today, though, the Foreign Minister strongly asserted that the Guatemalans were "clearly wrong":

GOB Has Made No Concessions on Sarstoon
Reports from the eco challenge kayakers who were out at the mouth of the Sarstoon are that once again, the Guatemalan military asserted that the river is theirs, and that if Belizeans want to travel on it, they have to go all the way to Livingston to get immigration clearance to do so. Today, the media asked the National Security Minister once again, if there is any such protocol that has been discussed or established between the two countries. He said that the Belize Government would never agree to such a resolution, which puts Belizeans at a disadvantage in their own territory:

PUP Demands Sarstoon Protocol
Today, Leader of the Opposition John Briceno joined the BTV - and Elrington and Saldivar - in condemning the actions of the Guatemalan forces. But Briceno went one step further: he challenged the government to finalize the Sarstoon protocol so as to avoid future incidents on the boundary river. Briceno also commended BTV president Will Maheia for raising awareness of these Sarstoon confrontations. Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "We are very disappointed and we have been calling out the government for a very long time that we need to have a Sarstoon protocol. When we were actively involved with the work with Guatemala, we were pushing for us to sign a protocol..."

Belize and UK Sign First Status of Forces Agreement Since ‘94
And while it is no defense guarantee or representatives of the Governments of both Belize and the UK today signed a revised Status of Forces Agreement. That's the memorandum of understanding between the countries which allows the British Army Training and Support Unit Belize, BATSUB to remain in Belize. You'll remember that in October of 2015, BATSUB resumed its operations at full capacity after it had all but pulled out in 2011. Today Security Minister John Saldivar signed a renewed MOU with the UK Minister of Defense, Rt. Honorable Mark Lancaster, who travelled to Belize just for the event. Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington acted as a sort of witness, and the media was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office in Belize City. We got a chance to speak with the UK Minister about the significance of BATSUB's continued presence in Belize:

In Price We Trust
National Hero George Price died on this day in 2011, at the age of 92. Price's health had been failing in his later years but things took a turn for the worst when he fell in his bathroom and hit his head on September 14th. He passed away 5 says after he was hospitalized. National Service Day was named in his honour, and, today, the focus wasn't on the tragic circumstances of his death but about his long and accomplished life of service. Courtney Weatherburne was at the annual wreath laying ceremony this morning at the Lord Ridge Cemetery. Here's her story.

Planting Trees On Service Day
But the celebration didn't end at the cemetery. PUP Party leader John Briceno and his team went to Dolphin Park in the Caribbean Shores area to plant mahogany trees and feed residents in George Price's honor. Caribbean Shores area rep. Kareem Musa also told us about his Save Dolphin Park initiative and how it is connected to the National Service Day observance. Hon. Johnny Briceno- Party Leader, PUP: "On this day we take time to reflect on the work that Mr. Price did for us. That he served this country unselfishly and that he can always be that example of what people expect of their leaders; a person that is humble, a person that is caring, a person that loves and genuinely wants to serve the people..."

PM, From Havana With Love…
And keeping it in the nationalist spirit, Prime Minister Dean Barrow won't be here for Independence Day, and that means the National Day Address will be delivered by Acting PM, Patrick Faber. But even as he recovers from back surgery in Cuba, PM Barrow has sent his own message. It says, quote, "I have been reflecting on just how glorious an achievement (our Independence) was…We were confronted by twin, seemingly insurmountable odds: a large, militarized neighbour with an unjust and illegal claim to our country…and a colonial power reluctant to do what was necessary to help finalize our secure freedom. But we would not be deterred. And history records the tremendous persistence and skill with which Belize persevered and overcame…No one doubted that its triumph stamped our small country as one destined for greatness." End quote.

What’s The Status of ICJ Campaign?
At the top of the news, we showed you our interview with the National Security Minister John Saldivar and Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington. They were discussing the latest confrontation between the Guatemalan Armed Forces and the Belize Territorial Volunteers on the Sarstoon River. Of course, the from the Foreign Minister's perspective, these confrontations will continue to occur, unless and until Belize finds a way to resolve Guatemala's territorial claim over our country. And the mode of resolution that the Government is pushing at this time is to take the Guatemala claim to the International Court of Justice. Its been a few months now that the Government launched it's ICJ campaign, and so, the press asked the Foreign Minister for an update on how it has been going. He said that he is has been surprised by the the amount of Belizeans he's encountered so far who don't know much about the history of the claim:

Elrington Courting Controversy Again
And you'll remember that at the ICJ launch event, Elrington said, "you've got to be crazy", if you don't want to take the Guatemalan claim to the ICJ. He took a lot of public heat for that, and Elrington, who's no stranger to controversy, was being put on blast for his "refugee" comment, which he made last night at the town hall meeting on the ICJ. Today, his word choice on this topic came up, and he freely acknowledged that he has misspoken: Hon. Wilfred Elrington - Minister of Foreign Affairs: "Because I, Wilfred Elrington, am a citizen of Belize and I have rights and cares and interests just like anybody else. When I am talking I tell people, 'go to the ICJ...'

Briceno Says The British Must Pay
And responding to that controversial statement from Elrington today, Opposition Leader John Briceno was reserved, but used the opportunity re-state his confidence in a favorable judgement form the ICJ. In an interesting historical revision, he says that if anyone is made to pay or give anything to the Guatemalans, it should be the British who entered into the 1859 treaty and then failed to honor its obligation to build a road from Guatemala City to the Caribbean sea. Here's Briceno's reaction and reasoning:...

Briceno Hangs His Head For Supt. Chi
Briceno was less confident when speaking about the fate of Superintendent David Chi. The veteran officer remains in jail on remand for allegedly abetting the importation of cocaine, and conspiracy to land a plane at an unlicensed aerodrome. The Opposition Leader who is the area rep for Orange Walk Central where Chi was posted seemed to be at some pains to discuss the grim fate and alleged misdeeds of a man he knew well:..

Capital Cops Found City’s Stolen Car
Capital cops have recovered a car that was stolen in Belize City last week Thursday. Details are preliminary, but using traffic stops and checkpoints, Belmopan police found the Chevy Cruze - and arrested the man who was driving it. Investigators believe the car thief had been hiding out with the vehicle for some time. The car - which was stolen from a female coast gaurdsman was taken to Belmopan after it was stolen. The car and the suspect have been returned to the city for charges and we'll have more on this tomorrow.

Red-Handed Robbers Remanded
Today, the trio that the cops caught running out of Fantaxia Restaurant after a robbery were taken to court. 23 year old Trevor Guy, 24 year old Tyrone Guy and 23 year old Leon Westby. were charged with aggravated burglary when they appeared today before the Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser. They were also charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license for a .38 revolver with rounds of ammunition in its chamber. Tyrone Guy alone was charged with kept firearm without a gn license for a black rusty 9 millimeter pistol that the police alleged they saw him throw over a fence. They pleaded not guilty to the charges. They were remanded into custody until November 1. Police also reported that the men had attempted to steal a gold I-phone, a carton of cigarettes, a cellular phone and $7,340 dollars.

9 Years Later, Alleged Murderers Plea Down To Manslaughter
Two men charged with the murder of a Chinese apartment owner today pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. Twenty-six year old Oscar Maldonado and 32 year old Jewel Palma made their plea before Justice Colin Williams. The third accused, 27 year old Jonathan Suazo walked after the Crown entered a nolle pros in his case. They were charged with the March, 2009 murder of 59 year old Taiwanese national Tsong Ming Liou. He was the proprietor of Bachelor Inn in West Landivar and they stabbed him to death on the third floor of the building. The trio had gone there like they were looking for a job - but planned instead to rob him. They went up to his office and filled out employment forms, but Maldonado then stabbed Liou with a 12 inch butcher knife in his head, neck, chest and back. The trio fled but were caught shortly after and have been on remand for nine years plus.

Man Accused of Pier One Stabbing To Court
On Monday we told you about the stabbing spree at the Pier One Bar. It happened early on Saturday morning and left three people injured. Well, police have charged a Belize City man for it. He is 27 year old Wayne Michael Leslie, and he is accused of stabbing Keenan Faber, and puncturing his lung. Leslie appeared before Senior Magistrate, Aretha Ford this afternoon and was read charges for one count of dangerous harm and one count of use of deadly means of harm with intent to cause dangerous harm. No plea was taken and due to the nature of the offense, he was denied bail and remanded into custody at the Belize Central Prison until November 1, 2018.

Maya Center Robbers Caught
Maya Center is a small village on the Southern Highway - but last night at 8:00 it was witness to a daring armed robbery followed by a high speed chase - which, thankfully, ended up with police catching one of the bad guys. Businessman Jinhong Zhuang 31-year-old was inside his store when four men barged in; two of them carried guns. They held him up and took $2,400 dollars in cash and three cell phones. Details are sketchy on what happened next but police detained two suspects, and Found one of them with this 9 millimeter pistol with 9 live rounds.

PUDP - Who’s Responsible For Crime?
And so that's tonight's crime news, plus coming up shortly we'll tell you about two men who were shot ten minutes ago on the southside. As we have reported, the Chamber of Commerce issued a statement criticizing both the PUP and UDP for not effectively addressing the crime situation in Belize. The release states "(crime) statistics show a national problem that has escalated under PUP and UDP administrations alike. The BCCI now calls on parliamentarians on both sides to live up to their oaths of office." Well the PUP party leader says it makes no sense pointing fingers but it more productive to work together on this national issue.

Late Evening Southside Shooting
The state of emergency continues in two areas of the city - but the violence on Pen road - which is outside the zone continues. Two brothers were shot 25 minutes ago on that street - fortunately their injuries are not fatal. The two men who reportedly live at #95 Neal's Pen Road, were both injured and rushed to the KHMH. The shooter reportedly rode a motorbike and police were able to catch a man riding this cycle who is the suspected shooter. Now, the connection of the shooting to tonight's news is that it is supposedly related to the Pier One brawl. As we told you earlier one man was charged for that - and the men who were shot are reportedly the uncles of the man who was charged, Wayne Leslie.

Haylock Bus Matter, All But Over For City Hall
Last night, we told you about the latest developments in the case which the owner of Haylock's Bus Service has brought against the Belize City Council. Attorney Godwin Haylock and his father, who owns the bus company, say that Mayor Bernard Wagner and his administration usurped the authority of the Transport Board when they granted a "permit" to Philip Jones, the owner of City Shuttle, to conduct Belama runs. Of course, this allows Jones' company to compete directly with Haylock's Bus. They say that that the CitCo "permit" should be rescinded, and they've gone to the Supreme Court hoping to get judicial review of the decision. Yesterday, the attorney for Philip Jones told us that although the hearing was scheduled to start, the judge adjourned it to give the claimants more time to prepare their claim form.

The Book of Bembe's
When you hear the word "Bembe" - it's usually meant as an insult, directed against a woman who's considered a little too "extra"…she da bembe! But, that the meaning a post colonial, male dominated society gave to what is really a powerful, blessed word. And that's why the thinkers at the Image Factor have taken the word back to re-claim it as a badge of honour for bold, and unapologetic trailblazers who do not conform to men's expectations. They today released a free e-book named "Bembe Vision: Leadership Notes For The Belizean Classroom." Katie Usher who helped put the book together told us more about the Bembe backstory:

The Night For Patriots
And while those Bembe's are surely patriots - they probably won't be honoured as such anytime soon. The tribute to the more conventional Belizean Patriots was held last week Thursday at the Bliss Center. We apologize if we're a little late in featuring the recipients of this year's national awards - but here they are now, all 18 of them,16 for Meritorious Service and two for the Order of Distinction. The group includes well known names, comprising sportsmen and women such as Pops Hamilton and Shalini Zabaneh, as well as artists and musicians such as Pen Cayetano and Daniel Bennett, and business leaders including Billy Musa and Cisco Woods.

Lindo, The Joker
Dean Lindo got his Order of Belize honour at the tribute to Patriots back in 2009. For the past two nights we've been reporting on the passing of this political giant, the first leader of the UDP, and a former two term area representative for Fort George. His chief political rival, Said Musa credited him for, quote, "shifting the political paradigm in Belize..at a time when the PUP reigned supreme for decades," close quote. So, there's no doubt Lindo was a political titan, but he was also a man who loved to clown around, and come up with comedic quips. The Prime Minister - who was his nephew and namesake - told us that up until weeks before his death - he was still cracking jokes:..

Briceno Rates Lindo
Earlier this week, the PUP sent out a press release recognizing Lindo's work as a politician, statesman and attorney, and expressing the party's gratitude for a life of Service. Today Party Leader John Briceno spoke about Lindo personally:.. Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition "I consider Dean Lindo a true Belizean patriot. We may not have agreed politically, but I have always had great respect and regard for Mr. Lindo and our sympathies goes to his family and all his loved ones and to all Belizeans, because we have truly lost a giant this week."

Which Horse Will Wilfred Back?
And while Dean Lindo was the first leader of the UDP in 1974 - now the party is looking to find its fifth leader as Dean Barrow gets ready to move on. It is well known that John Saldivar and Patrick Faber are vying for the post - and there's at least one other fledgling politician, who may be a dark horse in the race. But Faber and Saldivar are on the frontline right now, engaged in countrywide tours, trying to garner as much support as they can in their candidacy. So, this afternoon, the press asked their cabinet colleague, Wilfred Elrington, about who he intends to back. He was very cagey when answering that one:

Briceno Not Buying Mexican Car Insurance
Turning now to that pesky issue of the new Mexican regulations for vehicle insurance while in Chetumal, Quintana Roo and wherever you plan to drive in our neighboring country to the north - there is now some uncertainty about just how mandatory that new insurance is. That's because Belize's honorary counsel in Chetumal says the Mexicans have not yet set up the legal framework for the insurance regulations to actually take effect. PUP Leader John Briceno told us he heard that too - and that's what he's going with:...

The Gillnet Divergence
Gillnet use by fishers is under sustained attack by conservation groups, and the Gillnet Task Force started meeting in July to "reduce the harmful impacts of gillnets." But, that doesn't necessarily mean a ban - which some conservation groups and fisheries stakeholders are calling for Yesterday, the CEO in the Ministry of the Environment told the press that they need the data before any decision is made:.. Percival Cho, CEO: "Whether or not that leads to additional closed off areas because currently there are areas where gillnets are banned within this country, or whether or not it leads to a full scale ban within our waters it will be based on evidence and data. So we will be making an informed decision."

The Styrofoam Solution
CEO Cho is also at the head of another task force, this one on the Phasing Out of Single-use Plastic Bags and Styrofoam and Plastic Food Utensils. Now, that's a tough one, because you know those products are everywhere. Cho says they are currently talking to importers and to propose substitutes to all those plastic products:.. Percival Cho, CEO: "Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change." "The task force that has been set up to execute this phase out are currently scheduling these consultations with importers, with local producers as well, and one-on-one discussions, and that is ongoing at the moment."

Channel 5

What Happens If I.C.J. Rules in Favor of the Guats?
On the eve of independence, the question of going to the International Court of Justice is front and center in the minds of Belizeans. On Tuesday night, things got a [...]

Sedi Elrington: There’s Nothing Special About the Sarstoon Island
Reports of aggression against Belizeans by the Guatemalan Armed Forces at the Sarstoon River have stirred national ire. The river is shared, or should be shared, by Belize and Guatemala, but there [...]

Belize Sends Protest Note to Guatemala
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a protest note to Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the two recent encounters between the Belize Territorial Volunteers and the GAF. The [...]

Opposition Leader: We Need a Sarstoon Protocol
Leader of the Opposition John Briceño reacted to Government’s protest note against Guatemala’s armed forces which aggressed members of the BTV and civilians on the northern channel of the river [...]

Minister of Foreign Affairs Says BTV is “Reckless and Irresponsible”
While the government is protesting the GAF, Elrington also spoke about the actions of the Belize Territorial Volunteers. He says that for the BTV to take citizens to the Sarstoon [...]

Minister Saldivar Weighs in on Sarstoon Incidents
Minister of National Security John Saldivar also weighed in on the Sarstoon incidents. He says that they have made it clear to Belizeans that in an effort to ensure safety; [...]

Father of the Nation George Price Remembered
The People’s United Party today paid tribute to one of its co-founder and Father of the Nation, George Cadle Price. Price, a national hero and leader emeritus of the P.U.P., [...]

Belize and UK Sign Revised M.O.U. for Military Training
Today, the Governments of Belize and the United Kingdom signed the revised Status of Forces Agreement and its Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Status of the Armed Forces of the [...]

Sedi Says Belizeans Don’t Know Enough
Minister Wilfred Elrington says that the ongoing public awareness campaign shows that Belizeans don’t know enough of the facts about Belize going to the I.C.J. That lack of knowledge, he [...]

Opposition Leader: “I believe that we are not going to lose any land”
Opposition Leader John Briceño is pro-I.C.J. He says that after attempting all other avenues, taking Guatemala’s claim to the I.C.J. is the only way to settle the centuries-old dispute. Briceño [...]

UK Armed Forces Minister Ssays Belize Should Vote Yes!
And so the timing of the signing of the agreement between both countries, following two aggressive incidents with the GAF in the Sarstoon, raises eyebrows. Today in an interview with [...]

Is Calaney Flowers Headed Back to Court in Death of Ex-boyfriend Lyndon Morrison?
Calaney Flowers was acquitted of the murder of her boyfriend Lyndon Morrison last year, having spent years behind bars awaiting trial. She visited the United States shortly after her release [...]

Police Operations Responsible for Drop in Major Crimes in August
The Ministry of National Security says major crimes were down by twenty-seven percent in August, when compared to July. The crime statistics indicate that one hundred major crimes were reported [...]

Breaking News: 2 Men Shot on Neal Pen Road
A shooting happened a while ago in the Neal Pen Road area. As many as eight shots were fired and two men were injured and rushed to the hospital. Police [...]

A Chinese Proprietor is Robbed in Maya Center
Chinese businessman Jinhong Zhuang reported to police that he was robbed in Maya Center Village in South Stann Creek on Tuesday night by four male persons. According to the thirty-one-year-old [...]

Attorney Audrey Matura Raises Further Questions on the State of Public Emergency
Forty plus men have been locked up since September fifth following the proclamation of state of public emergency on two neighbourhoods, in south side Belize City, where the George Street [...]

Have Known Gang Members Evaded Emergency Zones?
There have been several reports made of law-abiding persons being caught in the dragnet in respect of the state of public emergency. There is mounting concern over the abuse of [...]

6.8 Million Euros for Strengthening of Health Sector
A grant agreement between the European Union, the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization for roughly seven million Euros has been signed for a period of four [...]

Bembe Vision: Meet 14 Belizean Bembes
The next time you hear the word ‘Bembe gial,’ it would not mean that a woman is abrasive or aggressive. In fact, clarity was provided to the meaning of the [...]

Wreath Laying Ceremony for the Late Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price
Today marks the 7th anniversary of the passing of Father of the Nation George C. Price. The Right Honorable George Price was born on January 15, 1919. He died on September 19, 2011.

LOVE FM

Briceno: Cayo Rosario Project should be abandoned
In yesterday’s newscast, we reported that the Cayo Rosario project has been downsized. We also informed you that the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development will be seeking legal action in order to protect the Hol Chan Marine Reserve from damage that may come about as a result of the Cayo Rosario development project. Today, …

Briceno: the crime problem is rooted in economics
Last week the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) blamed both political parties for the wave of crime that has overtaken the nation. Furthermore, the BCCI urged both parties to set aside their political differences and unite in order to address the problem. The Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno said that the PUP …

Only area of concern for ICJ is Territorial Waters
The Education Campaign on the merits of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun. The Referendum Unit in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received funding to educate the public by every means of communication available to reach Belizeans on the topic and the literature needed to understand the unfounded claim and the history …

MOU Commits UK Armed Forces to 15 years of training in Belize
The lush rainforest and jungles of Belize combined with open savannahs and crocodile infested rivers create a great experience under the canopy not only for tourists but for military training. The concrete jungle of the UK does little to prepare the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces for battle and that is why BATSUB has been present …

Briceno: ICJ is the best option
The Belize Peace Movement is against taking the Guatemala’s unfounded claim on Belize to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Bobby Lopez, a senior member of the Belize Peace Movement, said the compromis is unconstitutional since it presumes that we could give up a part of our territory by allowing the ICJ to re-evaluate our …

Belize receives grant to improve health sector
Belize has good relations with the European Union (EU), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and that partnership has led to a grant of eight point eight million euros to improve Belize’s health sector and infrastructure. The agreement for the funds was signed today. Dr. Noreen Jack, the PAHO/WHO …

Image Factory Art Foundation launches new e-book
A new book featuring fourteen women was released today. Reporter Sitnah Blease was at the Image Factory and filed this report.

Father of the Nation honored
A number of school children joined family, friends and supporters at the grave of former Prime Minister George Cadle Price, as they marked the seventh anniversary of his death. Price, who had an illustrious political career and was known as the Father of the Nation, led Belize to its independence on September 21, 1981. Belize …

Foreign Affairs can’t help with Rejected Visa Application
A sixteen year old Belizean was recently selected to join the Barca Football Academy in the USA. But before he could reach Arizona, 16 year old Jardehl Muschamp, had to come up with the yearly sixty-nine thousand US dollars to cover the cost of the ultra-expensive football factory school which costs more than most Ivy …

Protest Note Sent to Guatemala Over Sarstoon Incident
The third annual Sarstoon Eco Challenge kayak race was held on Saturday in the one section of the country that has been a hot zone of aggression for the past few years from our neighbor, Guatemala. The border at Benque remains calm and a source of commerce and trade with the bordering town Melchor. It’s …

UPD Party Leader Race could be a 3 way race
They raised campaigns in the past that were based on similar songs and similar slogans. The Big Deal and the Real Deal versions of the Christopher Martin song about how ‘he is very, very important’ was perhaps one of the most humorous aspects of the rivalry between UDP’s John Saldivar and Patrick Faber. And while we can’t remember which one was the real or the big deal, the UDP is expecting both candidates to convince the party delegates which one would give them a better deal as the Party Leader when Prime Minister Barrow eventually retires...

Prime Minister’s Message From Havana
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is recovering from spinal surgery in Cuba and he is expected to return to Belize on Saturday. From the recovery bed, the PM has penned his Independence Day message in which he has been reflecting on our independence and how we faced a militarized neighbor with an unjust and illegal claim to our country, and a colonial power reluctant to do what was necessary to help finalize and secure our freedom.

The Reporter

BRITAIN EXTENDS TROOP TRAINING AGREEMENT WITH BELIZE
While the British today signed an agreement which will see an extension and expansion of training exercises in Belize, Minister of State Mark Lancaster states clearly that it has nothing to do with providing protection from Guatemala. Belize is a sovereign country, Lancaster explained, and responsible for its own defence. Lancaster also supported Belize taking Guatemala’s claim to the ICJ.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wilfred Elrington had filed formal protest
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent an official Note to Guatemala protesting the incursions and actions of the GAF this past weekend. But even as he condemns what he says was totally wrong, Elrington claims that the situation must be managed very carefully to avoid armed, hostile confrontation between the militaries of both countries at the Sarstoon.

Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) Wil Maheia vs Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) agressing kayak racers
In a release issued moments ago, the Ministry of National Security has blamed head of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) Wil Maheia for the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) agressing kayakers during the running of the 3rd Annual sarstoon Eco-Challenge. The release asserts that Maheia did not alert BDF elements at the Forward Operating Base about the race – “Although totally aware of the proper procedure, Mr. Maheia did not observe them on both occasions and instead proceeded along the river without a BDF escort and without informing them of his intentions, whereupon the GAF seized on the opportunity to restrain the group.

Breaking Belize News

United Nations confirms continuity of Ivan Velasquez as CICIG’s chief
Today was the deadline that the Guatemalan government provided to the United Nations (UN) to send […]

Belize signs status of forces agreement with United Kingdom
Today, the Government of Belize and the Government of the United Kingdom signed the revised […]

Belizeans should not provoke armed conflict in Sarstoon, says John Saldivar
Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, today issued a statement explaining the recent encounter between the […]

Independence Day message from the Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow
By Prime Minister Dean Barrow: As we prepare to celebrate the anniversary of our Independence, I have been reflecting […]

PUP Cayo Central honors George Price on National Service Day
Today marks the seventh anniversary of the passing of the Father of the Nation, George Cadle […]

National Service Day honors Father of the Nation George Cadle Price
Today marks the seventh year since the death of the Nation’s Father, the Right Honorable George […]

Transport Department hosts traffic enforcement training
Currently underway in Belmopan is a three-day Traffic Enforcement Training for Transport Officers from around the […]

Belize Network of NGOs concerned over Guatemalan encroachment into Belize
The Belize Network of NGOs (BNN) today issued a statement expressing grave concern at the encroachment […]

PUP celebrates legacy of George Cadle Price
Belizeans countrywide are today commemorating the seventh anniversary of the passing of the Father of the […]

Belize~Citizens committee declares Victory
By Richard Harrison: The Belize Citizens Committee started as an idea three months ago and today is a countrywide organization with a momentum that spooked the Government of Belize into blocking its initiative to enhance the official Independence Day […]

Blogs

Corozal Held the Battle of the Bands on Tuesday September 18, 2018
As part of the September festivities, a battle of the Band was held at the Corozal Central Park on Tuesday, September 18, 2018. everyone gathered at the Corozal central Park to witness the Battle of the Band 2018. It was the part of the September celebration in Corozal. It wasn't those types of Battle of the band where Drums are played. This entertainment was organized for the public to listen there favorite music. Reggae, salsa, reggaeton, Belizean Music, 80's music and more were played until 2am. Open Bar was sold at the event. Even food vendors came out to sell excellent food. It varied in a different style of food. Battle of the Band was my first time experiencing this year's event. It was quite a fun it was meeting the Miss Independence and hanging out with known friends. The year's band where Junior Vybzes Band, Dynamics, and Gillharry 7.

International Sources

NISOD Provides Belize Colleges and Universities with Professional Learning Resources
The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) collaborated with the Consortium for Belize Educational Cooperation (COBEC) to provide 15 Belize colleges and universities with access to NISOD's resources and benefits. "NISOD's contribution of membership resources to the Belize higher education community is truly a gift beyond measure. 15 institutions along with the Belize Ministry of Education will now be able to scale professional growth opportunities to every faculty and staff member on every campus," said Allison Martin, director of institutional effectiveness initiatives at BPCC. "We are so proud to have been a part of helping NISOD make the connection."

CENTRAL AMERICAN FIREFIGHTERS GRADUATE FROM EXERCISE CENTAM SMOKE
Joint Task Force-Bravo hosted Exercise Central America Sharing Mutual operational Knowledge and Experiences (CENTAM SMOKE) 2018-2 at Soto Cano Air Base, September 10-14, with firefighters from the 612th Air Base Squadron fire department and 30 participants from Honduras, Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador, Belize and Nicaragua. “We are very proud to be here. This is an unforgettable experience; we’ve learned a lot of new techniques that we were not accustomed to in our country but now we can implement them. We can always learn something new and we are very happy and very grateful,” said Victor Balan, a firefighter with the Belize National Fire Service.

Inside the Search for a Coral Killer
Coral reefs are dying. Sarah Davies wants to know why. On July 25, 2016, recreational divers at coral reefs near buoy 2 at the East Bank of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, 115 miles off the coast of Texas and Louisiana, noticed something strange. The coral, usually glowing with bright yellows and oranges, were pale. Colors were muted. Some were pure white. The water, normally clear at the reef’s depth of 70 feet, was cloudy. When the divers looked more closely, they saw that many of the reef’s urchins and mollusks had died. Other mobile animal species like lobsters and crabs were alive, but they had climbed to the very top of the coral colonies, as if they were trying to escape a toxic environment. “There seemed to be a depth limit, where death stopped and everything above it was alive,” says Sarah Davies, a Boston University College of Arts & Sciences assistant professor of biology and coral expert, who later examined the scene. “Below that depth there was just this blanket of death. The coral appeared to be de-skinning; its tissue was falling off, and there was this gray mat of algae that we think was sulfur-oxidizing bacteria.”

Videos

Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) and Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) encounter each other, 1.5min. Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) and Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) encounter each other on the Sarstoon river during kayak race.

VoluMax landscape test Xunantunich, 10sec. WFD supports the work of the International Department of the UK Conservative Party, the office responsible for relations with and support to sister parties around the world. From Albania to Belize, Mozambique to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the office has a truly global reach.

Healthy Living: Belize's Annual Cancer Walk, 5min. "Healthy Living" is a health & lifestyle Feature produced in Belize for News 5 Live on Channel 5. The feature has been a weekly feature in the local newscast since 2008.

Amelia Snorkeling In Belize, 2min. Caye Caulker

Flying from San Pedro to Caye Caulker, 1min. A quick, quick, quick “puddle jump” from San Pedro to Caye Caulker. Belize’s sister islands with much fun in the sun!

Más allá del MAR de Belize, 2min.

BELIZEAN POLITICAL ACTIVIST AUDREY MATURA ON BELIZE AT A CROSSROADS (PART TWO)!, 33min.

BELIZEAN POLITICAL ACTIVIST AUDREY MATURA ON BELIZE AT A CROSSROADS (FINAL PART)!, 33min. The final part of Audrey Matura exclusive three part interview; the Belizean attorney and political activist addresses the oppression of the Belizean people in Belize through a systematic political two party system that have failed to protect its people against all kind of abuses like sexual, political, economic and emotional abuse at the hands of political cronies of past and present Belizean governments.

Belize military parade 2018, 3min.

BONEFISH BONANZA BELIZE, 20min. Fly Fishing for Bonefish in Belize is feature segment of this early Fly Fish TV episode that also includes a tie of the Mantis Shrimp and a book review of "Presntation" by Gary Borger by Gary LaFontaine. Features host Terry Gunn fly fishing with legendary guide Pops on Turneffe Flats Atoll. They use small crab patterns to stalk tailing bonefish on the plentiful flats of this famous angling destination. They talk a little about gear and tactics use to wade for bonefish. In the tying demonstration Terry joins friend Will Bauer as Will ties the Mantis Shrimp imitation use for both bonefish and permit.

BELIZE, 6min.

Wildtracks Returning Spider Monkeys to the Wild, 2min. Wildtracks is a non-profit organization in Belize is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of primates and manatees in need. They have had great success with their howler monkey release program and now hope to have the same success with the spider monkeys at the center. Charlie, Duma, Mattie, Mel and Penny (Current residents of Satellite 2) are all rescued from the illegal pet trade. These five endangered spider monkeys, now a close knit family, will soon be released as part of Belize's first structured reintroduction, establishing a new population in the north east forest. This ground breaking approach used will result in a replicable model for future spider monkey releases in Belize and the region, increasing long term viability of this species.

Bourbon Street's Rain Jaudon at Palapa Bar in San Pedro, Belize, 2.5min. Rain Jaudon is performs regularly on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana and traveled to Ambergris Caye to be a part of a singer/songwriter series.

Sports Talk Show, 2hr.

ACC Urban Garden Underway, 1/4min. The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project in collaboration with Anglican Cathedral College and the Ministry of Agriculture started the construction of the first Urban Garden in the Downtown area. This initiative is one of seven initiatives the Project is undertaking this year and next year. Other projects already completed are the repairs to the St. John's Church, construction of a steel structure over the Basketball Court at Yarborough and repairs to the Court House Building.

September 19, 2018

Corozal Carnival Parate Route

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

U.S. Embassy Announces the 2018 Cohort of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program
The U.S. Embassy is proud to announce the 2018 cohort of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program from Belize. This program will take place in September-October and will bring 250 young leaders from 36 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to the United States. Belize’s 2018 YLAI Fellows are: Lorcia Moore, owner and creator of Naturally Belize Coconut Oil Products; Mervin Budram, Jr., founder of TAS Belize Limited; Fatima Chi, founder of L3G’s & Associates; and Kyle Zuniga, Developer, Creative Designer, and Marketer at BK Creative.

2018 Copa San Pedro wraps up week ten of tournament
2018 Copa San Pedro football tournament continued with eight matches at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town from Thursday, September 13th to Sunday, September 16th. The first set of matches began at 7PM on Thursday with the Golden Warriors defeating Ambergris Combined 1-0. The next match saw San Mateo F.C claiming the victory with a 4-3 score against Boca Bombers. The following day, the football tournament saw Island Warriors dominating San Pedro High School (SPHS) Girls with a 5-0 score. The 9PM match saw Los Catrachos taking an easy 5-0 victory over Ambergris Hope’s. Everyone is invited to come out to Ambergris Stadium this weekend and support their favorite team. Food and drinks will be on sale during all games.

Central America and Mexico’s Independence celebrated on Ambergris Caye
With a first of its kind colorful parade through the streets of San Pedro Town, island residents with roots from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Mexico, celebrated the independence of the nations above on Saturday, September 15th at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena. Organized by members of the island community and The San Pedro Town Council, the annual event showcased each country’s culture, folklore, food and even the artistic talents of some of the countries. Curious islanders convened around 5PM at the Central Park to view the parade, headed by Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Deputy Ruben Gonzalez, Consular Officer from the Honduran Embassy, Fredy Fernandez, along with the island’s beauty queens. The parade featured participants bearing the flags from each country, followed by uniformed performers dancing to the beat of a Guatemalan marching band ‘Ciencia y Technologia.’

‘I got the Voice’ donates $1,000 to San Pedro’s Cancer Society
A $1,000 donation was made to the San Pedro Cancer Society (SPCS) on Friday, September 14th by producers of the annual karaoke competition from San Ignacio, Cayo District, ‘I Got the Voice.’ Funds came from proceeds of the show which closed a successful third season this year. The donation was welcomed by the island’s cancer society, which collects funds to assist patients in getting treatment. SPCS Vice President, Miguel Perez told The San Pedro Sun that the contribution came at a good time, as it is slow season, and thus difficult to fundraise. However, he is glad to know that their work is being noticed across the country. “We are helping to save lives, and people like Elijio Briceño from I Got the Voice, wants to help us do that,” said Perez.

Ambergris Today

US Embassy Announces Fellowship Program For Young Belizean Leaders
Creating Economic Prosperity in the Jewel – U.S. Embassy Announces the 2018 Cohort of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program Belmopan – The U.S. Embassy is proud to announce the 2018 cohort of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program from Belize. This program will take place in September-October and will bring 250 young leaders from 36 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to the United States.

Mexican Research Vessel To Conduct Fisheries Research Work In Belize’s Waters
The Central American Organization for Fisheries and Aquaculture (OSPESCA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations along with Mexico’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Institute have embarked on a project entitled “Prospecting and Evaluation of Fisheries Resources in Central America". As a member of OSPESCA, the Belize Fisheries Department is participating in this project and has deployed a Fisheries Officer to assist in field data collection onboard a 195 ft. long research vessel “Dr.

Belize Chocolate Company Wins International Award
Belize Chocolate Company announces that the company is the winner of a silver award for their milk chocolate bar at the International Chocolate Awards for 2018 Americas competition. The 2018 Americas competition saw a record number of entries from North and Latin America and the Caribbean with over 800 products entered by 130 chocolate companies from 16 different countries.

Little Jr Miss Belize 2018 Pageant Held In Belize
Our little country sure loves pageantry and particularly in the month of September many of them take place throughout the country. Concerned Belizean Women organized a pageant which took place on Saturday, September 15, 2018 where 10-year-old Rhea Guity took the title of Little Junior Miss Belize.

Misc Belizean Sources

Presentation of Credentials
Three ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence today, September 18th, to the Governor General of Belize, H.E. Sir Colville Young, at the Belize House in Belmopan. In their address to the Governor General, H.E. Mr. Eric Mayoraz, Ambassador of Switzerland; H.E. Mr. José Renato Sepúlveda Nebel, Ambassador of Chile; and H.E. Mrs. Ana Elena Moser Cazar, Ambassador of Ecuador, conveyed greetings from their respective countries and their pleasure in being in Belize to celebrate the nation’s independence. They also expressed their countries’ interest in continuing to strengthen diplomatic relationships with Belize.

Mexican Research Vessel “Dr. Jorge Carranza Fraser” to Conduct Fisheries Research Work in Belize’s Waters
The Central American Organization for Fisheries and Aquaculture (OSPESCA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations along with Mexico’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Institute have embarked on a project entitled “Prospecting and Evaluation of Fisheries Resources in Central America". As a member of OSPESCA, the Belize Fisheries Department is participating in this project and has deployed a Fisheries Officer to assist in field data collection onboard a 195 ft. long research vessel “Dr. Jorge Carranza Fraser”, which is owned by Mexico’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Institute. The objectives of the project are to gather field data on the composition of fauna on the continental shelf and continental slope to a depth of 300 meters, produce a list of main species sampled, study the distribution of commercially important fish species, collect biological material for further analysis at research centers in Mexico...

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint “Flight Over Waterfall Island”.

Ministry of National Security Issues Statement on Recent Incident on the Sarstoon River
The Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) conducted their third annual Sarstoon Kayak Challenge on September 15th, 2018. While in the previous two years, there was no resistance from the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) during the races, there was resistance this year. The Belize Forward Observation Base (FOB) Patrol Commander reported that on September 14th, a vessel with five men and two women passed near the FOB. The patrol recognized that one of the men on board was Mr. Wil Maheia of the BTV but noted that the vessel did not stop at the FOB as has been publicly advertised and is advised for all vessels. The commander reported that the persons onboard shouted that they were not going far. The Commander also reported that the seeming intent of Mr. Maheia was to plant a flag on the Sarstoon Island. Checking in at the FOB is required of Belizeans, not in deference to the GAF, but to afford the FOB forewarning to organize properly and to adequately account for the safety of those onboard.

It is TreeTuesday and we are highlighting the Tul Che tree (Cymbopetalum mayanum)!
This endangered tree exists only in Maya forests of Central America, which is where the species name comes from. Habitat loss due to agriculture has fragmented the remaining populations and contributed to its endangered status. The flowers can be as large as up to 6cm across, and the light green, fleshy petals give the tree its Spanish name, “orejuelas” or “ear flower”. Traditionally, the dried petals of Cympopetalum species are used to flavor drinks, including ‘pinol’ as well as chocolate, throughout Central America. The flowers are fragrant and attract both insect and bat pollinators.

Clarendon Scholarships
Introducing the 2019/2020 Masters and PhD Clarendon Scholarships! Interested?

STRAWS the movie on Caye Caulker tonight
@ Community Center, September 19th, 7pm.

BHA launches new interactive Website!
Everything you need to help you plan your next Belize vacation- at your fingertips! belizehotels.org We invite you to visit our new Belize Hotel Association website at wwww.belizehotels.org to help you plan your next vacation to Belize. Here you will find an amazing selection of recommended hotels throughout the country of Belize, to suit your holiday needs, from luxury hotels to economy properties, on the beach or in the jungle.

Jump Up Group Caye Caulker
Additional to our group in Ambergris Caye the PUP Belize Rural South will be joining the Caye Caulker jump up parade at 2pm on Sept 21st. Free Shirt and drinks. Join by calling Celina Jimenez: 607-1440.

Split to Split Ferry on Caye Caulker
Split to Split Ferry Service to the North Island is available anytime during daylight hours. $10BZ each way or $15BZ round trip. Farthest distance North Island Beach or back Lagoon, old Driftwood. If you would just like to cross at split. $5BZ each way. Golf Cart $25BZ. Bicycles $2BZ.

Caye Caulker Independence Day Ceremony
On 20th of September we will be having our annual ceremony to bring in our Independence Day! We will be having a few dance and musical performances starting at 7pm at the Central Park. Raising of the Flag Ceremony Fireworks at Midnight!! FOLLOWED BY A DANCE with DJ Silva until 3am!! We will also use the court as a food court where families can sit down and enjoy food and drinks. Adult Bar Area available -we will be selling drinks all night long!!

National Colors Day Today!
Today is National Colors Day! Wear the national colors proudly and show your patriotism for our country, Belize!

Pan Yaad Belmopan
Pictures from the 2018 Belmopan Pan Yaad Steel Band Concert with Panerrifix and Pantempers. "PANYAAD Belmopan Edition 2018 was all about love. Thanks to everyone who came out to witness this unforgettable event. It wasn't without it's glitches that we plan to improve on for the next time. However the music was off the charts. Much gratitude to all our sponsors, families and friends of the band members, all band members and executive committee. Special thanks to our colleagues in the Mile 41 Reggae band, Omolewa Osain Jazz band and the dynamic Pantempters Steel Orchestra for coming on board with Us. It was truly a blessing and we felt the love. Belmopan and beyond, THANK YOU!!!!"

Belize 2018 YLAI Fellows Chosen
A hearty congratulations to the 4 Belizean leaders that were chosen to attend the 2018 YLAI in Detroit. To Mervin, Lorcis, Fatima, and Kyle: Have a great time, and bring some entrepreneurial knowledge back home. Belize’s 2018 YLAI Fellows are: Lorcia Moore, owner and creator of Naturally Belize Coconut Products; Mervin Budram, Jr., founder of TAS Belize Limited; Fatima Chi, founder of L3G's & Associates; and Kyle Kadeem Zuniga, Developer, Creative Designer, and Marketer at BK Creative.

Water Outage today along the Philip Goldson Highway
Belize Water Services informs customers along the Philip Goldson Highway that there will be an interruption in the water supply, tomorrow, Wednesday, September 19, 2018, starting at 1:00pm. The area to be affected is from Driftwood Bay to Budget Rent-A-Car on the Philip Goldson Highway.

Water Outage today in 8 Miles Community
Belize Water Services informs customers in parts of the 8 Miles Community that there will be an interruption in the water supply, tomorrow, Wednesday, September 19, 2018, starting at 1:00pm. The areas to be affected are Sunset area, Western Pines area, and Western Paradise.

Belize Birding Festival
Get excited! Here's a sneak peek at the unique festival experience Belize has to offer. More details to come very soon! Coming to you in October...

JGBB Florida Roadshow
BTB & JG Black Book South Florida Roadshow, meeting with various travel agencies in the Miami, Boca Raton, and Ft. Lauderdale areas. Agencies include those who are members of Tzell Travel Group, Signature Travel Network, Travel Leaders, and Virtuoso.

Congratulations to the Belize Military Forces!
The Belize Air Wing supports the Second Annual Military Parade in Belmopan with a flyover pass from their Defender and two Huey’s.

The U.S. Embassy is proud to announce the 2018 cohort of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative - YLAI Professional Fellows Program from Belize
This program will take place in September-October and will bring 250 young leaders from 36 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to the United States. Belize’s 2018 YLAI Fellows are: Lorcia Moore, owner and creator of Naturally Belize Coconut Oil Products; Mervin Budram, Jr., founder of TAS Belize Limited; Fatima Chi, founder of L3G's & Associates; and Kyle Kadeem Zuniga, Developer, Creative Designer, and Marketer at BK Creative. On September 17, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges hosted a networking event, themed “Building the YLAI Network—Creating Economic Prosperity in the Jewel,” introducing the 2018 YLAI cohort to previous participants, as well as representatives of the Government of Belize, local businesses, and non-profit organizations. Acting Prime Minister Patrick Faber delivered keynote remarks and engaged with the Fellows prior to their departure.

Channel 7

Court Orders Retrial For Aracely Cahueque, Vindicates DPP
The Court of Appeal has handed down an important judgment in the October 2010 murder of 18 year-old Raylene Dyer. Aracely Cahueque, the woman who police believed was the mastermind behind Dyer's killing, will have to face a re-trial for abetment to her murder. You may remember the details of this case, one of the most shocking murder stories to ever hit the evening news. Dyer was decapitated, and then, her body was dumped into a river. Police believed that all this was done to steal Dyer's 3-month-old baby, and give the infant to Cahueque, so that she could pass off the newborn as her own to her boyfriend. The infant was actually found at Cahueque's boyfriend's home; she had left the baby there with him.

State Funeral For Dean Lindo, Hon. Finnegan Praises His “Maker”
Former Leader of the Opposition and UDP Party Leader, Dean Lindo will have a state funeral, through the date has not yet been finalized. The 86 year old passed yesterday afternoon at his home here in Belize City after a long bout of illness. Today, we reflected on his legacy with his understudy - Michael Finnegan - who started following Lindo in the late 60's when he was forming the People's Democratic Movement. Finnegan, who is also his eulogist, spoke about the man who made him:...

LINDO VS SAID…
And a lot of Finnegan's political scholarship under Lindo came during the steely political battles waged in the Fort George Division. That's where am ascendant Lindo faced a young Said Musa, who he beat twice, and whom he lost to two times. So, the record shows the two were dead even, and theirs was a true political rivalry of equals, and today Finnegan said he rates them as the best ever:.. Hon. Michael Finnegan- Dean Lindo Disciple "That rivalry was a great rivalry because it was a rivalry between two political giants. In my political life I think they were the greatest..."

PM Says Back Recovering
We'll have that later, but yesterday, we also got to ask the Prime Minister about the state of his recovery from back surgery. He's still in Havana Cuba after spinal fusion surgery on September fourth. As he told us, there is, quote, "still a great degree of pain", but this time it's coming not from his spine, but form what is called "the donor site" - that's an area near the pelvis where the Cuban surgeons harvested bone to use in the spinal fusion. That basically required breaking the bone - which involves a long and painful recovery.

BTV, Ministry Respond To Guat Pushback
Last night, we showed you how the Belize Territorial Volunteers met major resistance from the Guatemalan Armed Forces at the mouth of the Sarstoon River on last Saturday. Wil Maheia and the BTV members were having their third annual Sarstoon Eco Challenge kayak race, but the GAF were simply not having it. They used their vessels to block the Belizeans from going around the Sarstoon Island, as part of their racing course. The Guatemalan gunboats steadily trailed the kayakers, allegedly attempting to cut them off and force them to turn around. And of course, Maheia, the members of his Belize Progressive Party, and all the groups connected to him are condemning the behavior of the Guatemalan Military.

Three Alleged Home Invaders Charged
The three men who police caught after a home invasion in Belize City on Sunday have been charged. They are Tyron Guy, Trevor Guy and Leon Westby. They were today jointly charged with one count of Aggravated Burglary, and one count of Kept Firearm without a gun license, Kept Ammunition without a gun license, while Tyron Guy was additionally charged with a second count of Kept Firearm without a gun license. The group - who are all from the same areas the home and restaurant they climbed into - were caught after one of the residents escaped and called police - who found them fleeing the property, guns in hand.

“Sabe” Pleads For His Son
Tonight, one father whose son was swept up in the southside state of emergency is pleading to have his son released. Gilbert Sebastian Nunez known as Sabe says his 21 year old son Shevon Nunez is being held for no reason. He wants his son out so he can finish the process of joining the BDF:.. Gilbert Sebastian Nunez, Pleas for son's release: "My son is still at prison locked down for something that he didn't do. I have no objection with the police job or what they are doing, but I know and I believe that my son is innocent. He didn't do anything out of the way..."

City Council Back To Court For Giving Bus Run
About 2 months ago, we told you about the dispute between the Belize City Council and the owner of Haylock Bus Service. Attorney Godwin Haylock wrote the Belize City Council demanding that they rescind the "permit" which they gave to bus owner Phillip Jones to run the Belama route. That put Jones' bus company in direct competition with Haylock Bus, which is owned by Godwin Haylock's father, and they contend that City Hall usurped the authority of the Transport Board, which is the only governing body that can grant road service permits to bus operators.

Doctors Huddle At Pre-Medical Congress
Today the Belize Medical and Dental Association along with its partners held its pre- medical congress at the Biltmore. It's an opening session to prepare for the official congress to be held tomorrow and Thursday. It is pretty much an event where doctors and other medical practitioners get to discuss important updates in the field. Here's more from the president. Dr. Jose Moguel, President - BMDA: "Today is a day called a pre-congress. It's the medical event that happens before the congress itself. So this is a lead up to the main event which is the 2 days following - 19th and 20th which will be the congress, the annual BMDA congress. Its 2 basic objective; one is to bring medical education to the physicians and to the healthcare workers of Belize, and second is to allow the accumulation of credit hours which is necessary for the registration and licensing of physicians and perhaps other healthcare professionals like nurses."

Daddy Turned Doctor: Man Delivers Bouncing Baby Boy
Daddy turn doctor: a Corozal man was forced to deliver his 5th child this morning before dawn. Jaime Hernandez says he had to step in because the staff at the Corozal Community Hospital didn't step up to help his pregnant wife. Here is Hernandez's account of what happened. Husband - delivered child: "When we reach at the hospital the doctors there checked my wife. They did what they had to do and the nurse and doctor told her that it's a matter of she is hungry and she wants to eat and it's just a natural pain and then they say you can go home and try to get some food to eat. I was upset, because I wanted to know why they sent my wife back home. I mean she is in pain and this is her 5th child. She knows exactly when the child is going to come or not..."

OW Will Have New Landfill
Orange Walk will have a new landfill. The Solid Waste Management Authority today took charge of 25 acres donated by ASR/BSI. That will mean the end of the dump site in Orange Walk - and now the waste will be send to this new area. Communications Officer Tyronne Chimilio told us more:... Tyronne Chimilio, Communications Officer, Belize Solid Waste Management Authority "We held this event today. It's a land transfer from ASR/BSI to the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority. The land has been entrusted to us to execute the Belize Solid Waste Management Project. It is an extension of project one and we are about to close down the open dumpsite in Orange Walk and construct a transfer station that would be servicing this community..."

Kes and Crew in Belize For 5th Annual Festival
The Soca and Culture Fest 2018 is two days away! Last year the headline act was Machel, this year it's Kes The Band. He will take the Marion Jones stadium stage along with Shal Marshall, Patrice Roberts, Rupee as well as our Belizean artists. Today we met the Soca artists at the Princess and here is what they had to say about this years fest. We also spoke to one of the promoters and Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow about the importance of this big bash.

Saldivar Flexing Like Kim Jong
And while all these Soca artists and their Belizean fans are getting ready for this mega soca party, Belmopan residents were having a celebration of their own. The 2nd annual military parade was held this afternoon. As you can see, the parade featured the Belize Defence Force Infantry, Maritime and Air Wings, the Belize Coast Guard, the Belize Police Department, some elements of the Special Forces and others. It began at 2:00.

So…You Don’t Need Mexican Insurance (Yet)
Last night you heard form the Mayor of Orange Walk, Kevin Bernard. He said he had spoken to the Honorary Consul of Belize in Mexico - who supposedly said that if you don't get that Mexican insurance you can't drive in Chetumal. Well today the Honorary Counsel told Bernard something different:.. Dr. Luis Montero Maldonado- Hon Consul México: "No person in Chetumal or no authority in Chetumal should ask for any insurance because only the institute is the one that has the ability to apply the law. Nobody else can apply the law. No patrol, no police patrol can apply the law as yet. So, if there is any patrol that is asking for the insurance it means that it is not something true. Also, you can continue coming to Chetumal and Quintana Roo without needing the insurance as yet."

Channel 5

Did BTV Intentionally Incite the GAF? BTV Says Not So!
The Belize Territorial Volunteers claim that twice on the weekend, they had a face-off with the Guatemalan Armed Force on the Sarstoon River. Today, a press conference was held to [...]

Draft Financial Report Presented to NICH Board of Directors
As we told you on Monday night, a draft report prepared by Certified Public Accountant Mark Hulse on the finances of the National Institute of Culture and History, NICH, has [...]

A Public Town Hall Meeting on Taking Territorial Claim to the I.C.J.
At eight-thirty tonight, the third in a series of town hall meetings on taking the territorial claim to the International Court of Justice gets underway at the University of the [...]

A Political Mastermind is Remembered by His Understudies
Preparations are underway for the funeral services of Dean Russel Lindo, who we are told will be offered a state funeral, due to his prominence in political life beginning in [...]

Lindo Versus Musa: A Political Rivalry for the History Books
The political rivalry between Dean Lindo and Said Musa is one for the history books. Coming from a student of the former and a close friend of the latter, Mesopotamia [...]

CitCo Versus Haylock Bus Limited Back in Court
A scheduled hearing of a suit brought against the Belize City Council and others by Haylock Bus Limited was further adjourned today to October tenth when all parties are to [...]

Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development to Sue G.O.B. for Cayo Rosario Project
The Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development is heading to court in respect of the proposed mega-tourism development on Cayo Rosario. The group says that the Government of Belize, particularly [...]

Environment C.E.O. Says Recent Visit Was Made to Cayo Rosario
According to the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development, the Department of Environment has failed to do its proper research, having only consulted once with the residents and stakeholders. The [...]

Trio Charged for Home Invasion at Fantaxia Restaurant
A trio busted by the police soon after a robbery at Fantaxia Restaurant on Queen Charlotte Street, Belize City has been charged with aggravated burglary and possession of an unlicensed [...]

Premium Gas Goes Up
There is an increase in the price of premium fuel which kicks in at midnight. The Belize Bureau of Standards says premium will now sell for eleven dollars and seventy-seven [...]

A.S.R./B.S.I. Gives G.O.B. 25 Acres of Land for Transfer Station
Twenty-five acres of land was gifted to the Government of Belize by American Sugar Refinery/Belize Sugar Industries this morning during a short land transfer ceremony at Tower Hill. Located on [...]

Phasing Out Single-Use Plastic and Styrofoam Items
Earlier this year, the government announced a Cabinet decision to reduce the use of single-use plastics and Styrofoam items over a one-year phase-out period. The intent is to decrease plastic [...]

Chetumal Authorities Enforce Insurance Regulation on Belizeans
The flow of traffic has slowed down significantly at the northern border since reports of a mandatory private vehicle insurance surfaced these past few weeks. News Five understands that authorities [...]

The 5th Annual Soca & Culture Festival; Artists Arrive in the Jewel
The fifth annual Soca and Culture Festival takes place on twentieth night as one of the celebration activities used to recognize Belize’s independence. Every year, it sees a line-up of [...]

Highlights of the Second Annual Military Parade
The Minister of National Security held its second annual Military Parade. As a highlight of the national September Celebrations, the parade featured the Belize Defense Force Infantry, Maritime and Air Wings, [...]

LOVE FM

Drunk Cop faces disciplinary measures
A police officer identified as PC Borland was suspected to be drunk outside A & R in the Corozal Free Zone. Borland, who is attached to the Corozal formation was apparently seen moving in and out of consciousness and without his uniform shirt. The Head of the National Criminal Information Branch, Joseph Myvett addressed the …

Belize Medical and Dental Association hosts three day congress
The Belize Medical and Dental Association (BMDA) in collaboration with the Maternal and Childhood Health Program of the Ministry of Health is hosting their ninth pre-congress. President of the BMDA, Dr. Jose Moguel, says the pre-congress will be beneficial for the health practitioners in attendance as well as the general public. Jose Moguel President Belize …

Police arrest man who shot woman 5 times
Dawn Parchue was shot five times while she rode her bicycle home on Croton Lane in late August. And though she was hit so many times, she continued on the journey home where she informed her family and collapsed. The police response was quick and they showed up moments after and transported her to the …

Mega project Cayo Rosario downsized
The Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development will be seeking legal action in order to protect the Hol Chan Marine Reserve from damage that may come about as a result of the Cayo Rosario development project. The group stated that about a month ago they sent a letter requesting a meeting with Martin Alegria, the …

BTV ready to take matters into its own hands
Because of the latest Guatemalan Armed Forces aggression against participants in the Eco Challenge kayak race last Saturday in the Sarstoon, the Belize Territorial Volunteers, the Belize Peace Movement, and the Northern Territorial Volunteers are challenging the Government of Belize to take action. In the event that they fail to do so, these organizations will …

Will National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan address gill nets?
Gillnets are used both legally and illegally as there are mesh size limits and site limitations for proper use. Oceana Belize has called for the ban on the use of gillnets and a ban would have an impact on traditional users. Love News asked the CEO for the Ministry of Fisheries about the plan of …

10 Million US Transfer Station to be built in Orange Walk
One of the most pressing issues facing developing countries is the proper collection and disposal of solid waste. The ASR Group which owns the Belize Sugar Industries is showing a great act as a social partner by handing over two dozen acres of land for the Government to build a transfer station for waste disposal. …

GAF’s aggression: A classic case of deja vu
The Belize Network of NGOs (BNN) has expressed grave concern over the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) latest encroachment and aggression against the participants of the Eco Challenge kayak race, which was held on Saturday. The BNN has issued a statement referring to acts of hostility by the GAF which have become commonplace and threatens the …

Governor General receives letters of credence from ambassadors
Three ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence to Governor General Sir Colville Young. His Excellency Eric Mayoraz, (VO STARTS) Ambassador of Switzerland; His Excellency José Renato Sepúlveda Nebel, Ambassador of Chile and Her Excellency Ana Elena Moser Cazar, Ambassador of Ecuador conveyed greetings from their respective countries. They also expressed their countries’ interest in continuing …

Minister of National Security says crime decreased in August
The Ministry of National Security says crime for the month of August decreased by twenty seven percent compared to July. While July saw one hundred and thirty seven crimes reported, August saw only a hundred such crimes reported. Minister John Saldivar met today (VO STARTS) with the country’s security forces, the Belize Police Department, the …

Fire in Seine Bight leaves home destroyed
A fire in Seine Bight Village has completely destroyed a wooden house. Flames engulfed the twenty by twenty wooden structure around seven thirty Saturday night. Sixty-four year old Ann Flores Castillo, the owner of the house, reported to police that she had a male tenant occupying the house, who at the time of the fire, was not present. According to reports, the house did not have any electricity. The value of the house and its contents was eleven thousand dollars.

Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow met with the Cuban Institute for Music and Agency of Rap
Belize’s Music Ambassador, Shyne Barrow has met with representatives of the Cuban Institute for Music and the Cuban Agency for Rap. (VO STARTS) He held discussions with Directors, Eileen Tegent Melendez and Ruben Marin Manning about the Cuban Government’s stance on the country’s support towards artists and its music industry.

Belize Peace Movement says No to ICJ
Earlier this year, the groups BUFERHD, the Belize Peace Movement and the Belize Territorial Volunteers publicly announced their decision to embark on a campaign against forwarding Guatemala’s unfounded claim on Belize to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Bobby Lopez, a senior member of the Belize Peace Movement gave an update on the ‘Say No to ICJ’ Campaign.

Salvadoran community in Maskall Village celebrates El Salvador’s Independence
To honor El Salvador’s Independence on September fifteenth, the Salvadoran Community, residing within the Maskall Village, along with Minister Edmund Castro, Belize Rural North Area Representative, also a resident of Maskall, gathered together on Sunday to commemorate the country’s one hundred and ninety seventh Anniversary of its Independence.

Elections and Boundaries Dept. issues new update on the re-registration exercise
The Elections and Boundaries Department continues to provide updates on the ongoing re-registration of electors exercise. According to the department, it has received a total of nine hundred and forty three applications between September 9th and 15th.

What will be the region’s response to Climate change at COP24?
Every year government representatives and environmentalists meet to discuss actions to offset the effects of climate change. It’s referred to as the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Corozal resident charged for unlicensed ammunition and possessing controlled drug
Thirty-two year old, Rojel Felipe Patt of Chunox Village, Corozal was arrested and charged after a police patrol on Chunox Road found him with four Aguila Brand, sixteen-Gauge cartridges and twenty four grams of cannabis early. According to police, when they encountered him early Sunday morning, Patt was not able to provide a valid license for the ammunition, and as a result he was charged with keeping ammunition without a gun license and also for possessing a controlled drug.

San Pedro police finds drugs and ammunition in the DFC area
A police search in the DFC Area, of San Pedro Town has led police to discover two transparent bags filled with twenty eight grams of cannabis and seven nine millimeter live rounds of ammunition in a bushy lot on Marina Drive. According to police, no one was found near the items, so they were labeled and delivered as found property.

Customs Officers discovers marijuana percels in a sack of flour
Last night customs officers handed over two parcels of marijuana weighing a total of one thousand fifty-four grams. The officers found the two parcels in a sack of flour that had been confiscated. The parcels were labeled and deposited as found property.

Man loses house to fire in Hopkins
A house belonging to forty-one year old, Clifford Augustine was destroyed by fire. According to police, around twelve thirty yesterday morning, they responded to reports of a fire on the Southside of Hopkins, where they witnessed Augustine’s property immersed in flames. The fire was extinguished by fire department personnel. The cost of damages is currently unknown as Augustine is out of the country. Police are investigating.

Young woman reports boyfriend raped her
Cayo police are currently investigating a case of rape after reports were made yesterday by a twenty two-year old woman. The woman told Police that around ten thirty on Sunday night, while at her apartment complex, her ex-boyfriend arrived and had sexual intercourse with her without her consent.

Premium to increase by seven cents
Effective midnight, the price of price of premium will increase by seven cents. The new price will be eleven dollars and seventy seven cents; up from eleven dollars and seventy cents. Regular gasoline remains at eleven dollars and four cents, diesel remains at ten dollars and sixty nine cents and kerosene at eight dollars and thirty four cents a gallon.

Amandala

Annual children’s rally held at Civic Center
The Children’s Rally, held annually as part of the September Celebrations, took place this year at the new Civic Center, and thousands of students from 31 schools from across the Belize district, attended the event. Local musicians performed at the event to keep the children entertained. The students were also given the opportunity to show their patriotism by waving their Belize flags and by singing patriotic songs. There were also competitions and raffles that gave the children the chance to win prizes such as laptops and tablets.

NTUCB threatens Mayor Bernard Wagner
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has written Belize City mayor, His Worship, Mayor Bernard Wagner, a threatening letter dated Sunday, September 16, and signed by its general secretary, Patrick Balan. The NTUCB says that the Christian Workers Union (CWU) has been seeking to represent its members who are employed by the Belize City Council, but its efforts “have been met with disregard and disrespect …” The union went on to state, “the Congress deems such actions as union-busting, and will not stand by and allow one of its affiliates to suffer such actions by any entity.

Dean Russell Lindo, S.C., first UDP leader, dead at 86
Attorney Dean Russell Lindo, S.C., who was the first leader of the now ruling United Democratic Party (UDP), passed away at 3:25 p.m. today at his Buttonwood Bay home. He was 86. Lindo’s family said that he suffered from diabetes and had heart complications. Lindo rose to political significance following the 1973 formation of the UDP when he became the party’s first leader. In 1969, Lindo went up against Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, challenging him for the leadership position of the National Independence Party (NIP), but Goldson defeated him. That defeat was devastating to Lindo and became the catalyst which propelled him to form his own political party, the People’s Development Movement (PDM)

15-year-old escapes rape attempt by kidnapper
On Saturday at about 3 p.m., a 15-year-old girl was walking on Holy Emmanuel Street, going towards La Croix Boulevard, when she was kidnapped and taken to Homeland Memorial Park on the George Price Highway. Fortunately, she eventually was able to escape her attacker. As the girl was walking on Holy Emmanuel Street, a white 4-door car stopped about 4 feet away from her with the back door open. A man who was riding a bike on the same side of the street on which she was walking then pushed her into the car, which then sped off.

At the Supreme Court, Deon Bruce gets permission to apply to the Court of Appeal
This morning, following submissions by his attorney, Anthony Sylvestre, in the Supreme Court of Justice Michelle Arana, Deon Bruce was granted permission by Justice Arana to appeal his case to the Belize Court of Appeal. Last December, Bruce had applied for a writ of habeas corpus, but Justice Arana had ruled against him. Bruce, 32, is a Belizean for whom the United States has sent an extradition request to the Belize government. The US is seeking Bruce’s extradition so that he could be tried in the United States for murder and attempted murder.

Breakdown of the re-registration process
On Friday, the Elections and Boundaries Department held a press conference at which they presented a breakdown of the data collected during the re-registration process. As of August 31, about 59.25%, or 121,496, of the voters who were previously registered, had participated in the re-registration exercise and were on the new voters list, even though the Elections and Boundaries Department had anticipated that at least 70% of those voters would have re-registered at that point. As of September 8, 122,447 Belizeans had re-registered. (The latest update from the department has indicated that between September 9 and 15, an additional 15,943 applications were received — increasing the total number of persons who have re-registered from 122,447 to 123,390).

Diana Alford says NO to GAF on way to Sarstoon Island
Reports from Toledo from Belize Territorial Volunteers leader Wil Meheia are that some 22 paddlers, 18 males (2 per kayak) and 4 females (1 per kayak) participated in the kayak paddling race – the 3rd Annual Sarstoon Eco Challenge, this past Saturday, scheduled to travel from Barranco Village to circle our Sarstoon Island and return back to Barranco, 17 miles, with a stipulation being that each team should touch the mangrove on Sarstoon Island. But Wil reported in his call to Krem WUB this morning that there was massive interference in the race by the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) launches, which obstructed the paddlers and denied all but one of them access to the Sarstoon Island.

Verdes take lead; Bandits still undefeated at Week 6 of PLB 2018-2019 Opening Season
t looks like a two-horse race at Week 6 of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Opening Season, as defending champions Belmopan Bandits SC are still undefeated, but after their contested draw with San Pedro Pirates over the weekend, arch-rivals Verdes FC have taken over the standings lead (See standings below). There were two Saturday night clashes and two Sunday afternoon encounters in the PLB Week 6 schedule.

Weekend Billiards Tournament in ‘Griga
This past weekend in Dangriga Town, the Hon. Frank “Papa” Mena Individual Pool Tournament at Aba Isieni Cool Spot had 22 players from across Stann Creek District partaking. The winners are: Enfield Coleman in first place; Cliff Usher took second place; and Edwin Vargas was third.

OWFA 1st Division Amateur Opening Season Week 2 results and standings
The Orange Walk Football Association (OWFA) 1st Division Amateur Opening Season Tournament is under way, with Week 2 games being held on Saturday and Sunday, September 15-16, at the Louisiana Football Field. In the opener on Saturday, San Francisco FC clipped Jam Rock FC, 2-1, with a goal apiece from Armando Chirinos, Jr. (67’) and Rodney Delcid (76’), after Travion Martinez (31’) had given Jam Rock FC the first half lead. The nightcap saw Palmar FC with the 3-1 win over Guinea Grass Survivors FC, courtesy of a goal each from Ivar Canche (25’), Jesus Perez (25’) and Kevin Pol (54’); while Darian Coh (36’) got the sole tally for Guinea Grass Survivors.

Editorial: Belize: a changing Guatemalan problem
Communist Russia was an ally of the United States and Great Britain during World War II (1939-1945), but shortly after the so-called Allies were victorious over the so-called Axis countries – Germany, Japan, and Italy, the foreign policy of the U.S. began to be dominated by the determination to contain the spread of communism, a belief system which had inspired the Russian Revolution in 1917 and then became the core ideology of the Chinese Revolution which triumphed in 1949. The nature of the Guatemalan republic was that it was controlled by a business/industrial and military elite which was anti-communist to the point of being fascist. The uprising in Guatemala which overthrew the military dictatorship of Jorge Ubico in 1944, however, introduced democratic tendencies into Guatemala during the presidency of Juan Jose Arevalo, who was succeeded by Jacobo Arbenz in 1951.

From The Publisher
As much as we cherish life when we are in our youth and in our prime, it is for sure that if we live long enough we begin to lose our relevance. In fact, if we live long enough we begin to lose our dignity, which is a human tragedy, from creation. As a people, the superpower Americans appear to be terrified of aging. They spend a ton of money trying to fight off the inevitabilities of time: Americans, generally speaking, want to look and behave as young as they possibly can. There are other “developed” cultures, such as Japan’s, where age is viewed as more of a blessing than a curse. In fact, most cultures which are not considered “developed,” hold their elders in esteem, for different reasons. One of these reasons is that people usually die younger in populations which are less wealthy: the wisdom of the aged is seen as valuable.

Bembe Vision: Leadership Notes for The Belizean Classroom
Dear Editor, I write this evening to share the excitement of a new publication, Bembe Vision: Leadership Notes for The Belizean Classroom. It is a book that will be free in e-format, downloadable from http://www.imagefactorybelize.com as of 20th September, 2018, the eve of our Independence commemoration. Researched, written and designed by Yasser Musa, Katie Usher and Lito, this e-Book takes a different approach to examining our history, society and cultural landscape though the eyes of radical and revolutionary women across time and space.

A smile in the Belmopan morning …
Dear Editor, Today I met up with a smile. One I hadn’t seen for a while. “Amanda” (I do not know her real name) and I approached each other on the Ring Road, in Belmopan. She had a trash receptacle in one hand, and an easy-grab tool fashioned ”kisskiss” style, in the other. Its jaws were elongated ears. The debris she snatched from the drain verge was dropped into the bag. I was on my way home from an early morning walk. Not many people were about.

With malice toward…
I don’t know that Brother Louis Wade (Plus TV) is one of those kinds of people who need to be told about the good in them. If God sees him as many of us do (me included), that brother will walk through the most important gate without being questioned. Bah, but I don’t like how Wade turns numbers to prove his views about weed. Over and over we have heard from his quarter that decriminalized weed has something to do with an increase in planes landing under cover of night in Belize. (I don’t know wherefrom he gets the numbers that more planes are landing than ever before. It is not impossible that we are in a “lull”, and the burnt planes being found are just a streak of bad luck for the narcotics traffickers)

Anke Doehm, 56, seeking court’s permission to consult doctor in US
American national, Anke Doehm, 56, who has been indicted on a charge of cruelty to a child in connection with the death of her 13-year-old adopted daughter, Faye Lin Cannon, which occurred in July 2017 in San Pedro, was in court yesterday, Thursday, in connection with a variation to her bail that she is seeking. Doehm wants to have a consultation with a doctor in the United States and wants the court to give her permission to leave the country. While applying for and receiving variation to a bail condition is a standard procedure for foreigners who are charged with serious crimes in this jurisdiction, it turned out to be anything but routine for Doehm. That is because the person who signed the surety on behalf of Doehm decided to withdraw his bail when he learned that Doehm wanted to travel to the U.S.

Three men caught after allegedly robbing Fantaxia Restaurant on Queen Charlotte Street
On Saturday afternoon, around 2:30, while the Expo was taking place at the ITVET compound, three masked men robbed Fantaxia Restaurant on Queen Charlotte Street, not far from where they live. The men: Tyrone Guy, 24; Trevon Guy, 25; and Leon Westby, 23; are well-known to police and did not get far before they were apprehended. The armed thieves entered the restaurant from the back of the establishment and tied up the four employees who were inside. They then robbed them of cell phones and other items, as well as an undisclosed amount of money.

Housekeeper busted with over 7 pounds of weed in San Pedro
Dorla Morales, 28, a housekeeper of San Pedrito, San Pedro, is in police custody after she was busted with 3,277 grams (7.22 pounds) of cannabis at about 9:30 this morning during a random search that was conducted on her at a boat dock in San Pedrito. Morales was immediately arrested and charged with drug trafficking. She has been detained pending arraignment at the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court.

Police charge Wayne Welch, 24, with shooting Dawn Parchue, 23
Police have charged Wayne Welch, 24, a plumber residing in Lake Independence, with attempted murder, dangerous harm, and use of deadly means of harm for the shooting of Dawn Parchue, also known as “Dana,”at about 11:30 Friday night, August 25. Parchue was riding from a restaurant on Mahogany Street towards her home on Croton Lane, and had reached Jasmine Street, heading toward Flamboyant Street, when a man walking toward her from Flamboyant Street took out a gun and fired multiple shots at Parchue was struck four times in her abdomen and once in her leg, and she fell off her bicycle. The gunman then ran away.

Breaking Belize News

Philippines issues advisory to citizens over state of emergency in Belize
The Republic of the Philippines has issued an advisory to its citizens who may be traveling […]

Premium gas goes up again
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) has just issued new gas prices that will kick […]

Three ambassadors present credentials to Governor General
Three ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence today to the Governor General of Belize, H.E. Sir Colville […]

U.S. Embassy announces 2018 Belizean Young Leaders for fellowship program
The United States (U.S.) Embassy today announced the 2018 cohort of the Young Leaders of the Americas […]

Ministry of National Security hosting 2nd annual military parade today
The Minister of National Security, John Saldivar is inviting the public to witness the second annual Military […]

Ministry of National Security blames BTV for Guatemalan Armed Forces encounter in Sarstoon
The Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) conducted their third annual Sarstoon Kayak Challenge on September 15, 2018. While […]

Fire destroys home in Hopkins Village
Police are investigating a fire that destroyed a house in Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District. Around 12:30 […]

Police find weed and ammo in San Pedro
This morning around 9, police conducted a search in a bushy lot on Marina drive in San […]

Customs Officers find marijuana in a sack of flour
Last night around 8, Customs Officers in northern Belize handed over 2 parcels of marijuana […]

Santa Elena student raped by Ex-boyfriend
Police in Santa Elena Town, Cayo are investigating a rape incident. According to reports, a […]

Girl, 17, almost raped in northern Belize
A 17-year-old female was almost raped on Sunday night in northern Belize. She was reportedly […]

Fifteen-year-old girls escapes kidnapping and rape attempt
A 15-year-old girl was kidnapped and almost raped over the weekend. According to Assistant Superintendent of […]

Music ambassador meets with directors from Cuban Music Institute
Belize’s Music Ambassador, Shyne Barrow, met with representatives of the Cuban Institute for Music and […]

Shooting victim, Darryl Berry, 29, wasn’t the target
Darryl Berry, 29, was shot twice to the legs while riding his bicycle on Fabers […]

PUP extends condolences on passing of Dean Lindo
Leader of the Opposition of the People’s United Party (PUP), John Briceno, and the PUP […]

Half dressed and drunk police officer to face disciplinary action
Police constable, Aldrick Borland, is facing internal disciplinary actions by the Belize Police Department. This […]

International Sources

Belize under state of emergency; Filipinos warned
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has issued an advisory to overseas Filipino workers in Belize, a country in Central America, following the recent declaration of a state of emergency due to increasing criminal and gang activities. Filipino Ambassador to Mexico Demetrio Tuason said the declaration was due to six murders recorded between August 31 to September 1. The DFA said the measure was intended to ensure the safety of the public during Belize’s National Day celebration this month.

Videos

The Acting Prime Minister Hon. Patrick Faber will continue his countrywide tour in the North!, 1min.

Travel in BELIZE 3 (Placencia) GoPro, 3min. A trip without planning, we left at 4:30 AM from Flores, Peten, Guatemala for Placencia Belize, arriving at 11:00 AM and enjoyed the beautiful landscapes of this place, highly recommended for a weekend.

2018 Military Parade, 14min.

Public Town Hall on the ICJ, 2.5hr.

Did you know that there are approximately 700 historic sites in Downtown Belize City?, 39min. Our first guest spoke to us about the work of the Downtown Rejuvenation Project to preserve these sites and to educate the populace about the importance to our history. Albert Avila, Community Liaison Officer, walked us through 27 of the historic sites and spoke a bit about their significance. He update us with the work that will commence in upcoming months to renovate Yarborough, The Human Development Building and ACC grounds.

The Scouts Association of Belize and Oceana - Riverways Clean Up, 26min. Ricardo N. Alcoser - Country Coordinator, Coastal and Riverways Cleanup, The Scout Association of Belize. Victor Sho - Sport Fishing Coordinator, Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute. Kleon Coleman - Belize District Outreach Representative, Oceana in Belize.

National Service Day - Remembering George Price, 24min. In honor of National Service Day we invited representatives of the The George Price Center to speak on the legacy of the national hero. Saidy Godette, Curator/Coordinator of the Centre, spoke of his early life and how he was able to make an impact in the trajectory of our history. She explains that National Service Day honors a fundamental truth of the Father of the Nation - his commitment to leadership through service.

Junior vybzes band at Corozal central park, 1min.

Corozal central park battle of the band, 9.5min.

Ambergris, Belize, 5.5min. Good time in Belize

SVOSH Trip in Belmopan, Belize, 4min.

Dolphins Belize, 1min. Two Dolphins join while diving Belize

Belize’s military might displayed in parade, 1.5min.

Snorkel Belize in Shark & Ray Alley + Hol Chan Reserve, 11min. Welcome back to another adventure in Belize. Brian and Cindy are snorkeling the waters with Caveman Snorkeling Tours.

An UnBELIZEable Time in Caye Caulker, Belize, 7min. A great weekend trip in Belize with fresh cheap food. Besides the mosquitoes I have no complaints whatsoever

Accion Deportiva, 60min.

September 18, 2018

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 students demonstrate patriotism during Children’s Rally 2018
Hundreds of island students gathered at the Angel Nunez Auditorium in San Pedro Town for the Annual Children’s Rally, held on Friday, September 14th. The rally is part of the September Celebrations activities held countrywide, with the purpose of promoting patriotism among Belizean children. Under this year’s theme: “Belize Da Fi Wi- Now & Forever, 8867”, attendees got to enjoy musical performances, poems, dramas, as well as inspirational speeches from special invited guests. The Children’s Rally began at 9AM with a musical rendition of the National Anthem by the San Pedro Roman Catholic School, followed by the National Prayer delivered by New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School. Master & Mistress of Ceremonies, Jorge Aldana and Ninel Pacheco then officially welcomed everyone to the event, and invited Karissa Vasquez to the podium to deliver the Welcome Remarks.

BELTRAIDE Welcomes Dr. Leroy Almendarez as its New Executive Director
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Leroy Almendarez as the organization’s new Executive Director. Dr. Almendarez will officially assume this new role on September 17th, 2018. Dr. Almendarez joins BELTRAIDE after serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Belize’s Faculty of Management and Social Sciences (FMSS), where he taught International Business, Socioeconomic Development, and Small Business Management.

Ambergris Today

Chamber Of Commerce Statement On Crime Situation In Belize
The Belize Chamber of Commerce issued a release commending those members of law enforcement involved in the interception of the drug plane and its cargo over this past weekend. The release stated that good work as such must be highly commended in hopes that the interceptions continue and are followed by rapid convictions which will quickly become the norm instead of the noteworthy exception. The release stated inregards to the crime problem continuing to plague ordinary citizens and directly impacting our economy, the BCCI comments as follows: in 2000, Belize’s intentional homicide (murder) rate was 16.6 per 100,000 persons. In 2002, that number spiked to 33.2 and has remained at that level or higher since then. This has earned Belize a spot on the top-ten list of countries with the highest murder rates in the world.

1st Ever Central American & Mexican Independence Parade
On Saturday, Septmeber 15, 2018, Island Residents enjoyed for the first time ever a Central American and Mexican Independence Day Parade. It was a short yet jovial parade that started off at Central Park and ended at the Hon. Louside Sylvestre Sports Complex. Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Island Beauty Ambassdors led the parade followed by flag bearers and dancers moving gracoiusly to the music of the marching band. Happy Independence Day to Mexico and Central America.

Misc Belizean Sources

HON. EDMOND CASTRO GUEST OF HONOUR AT SALVADORAN INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION
On Sunday, September 16th, in Maskall Village in the Belize District, members of the Salvadoran community in Belize gathered to celebrate their country’s 197th Anniversary of Independence, which was September 15th. Attendees came from communities around the country, such as Valley of Peace in Cayo and Bella Vista in Toledo. Maskall Village has a sizeable and productive Salvadoran community, the Naggo Bank Farmers’ Cooperative, being responsible for more than $2 million sales in agricultural produce annually. The first group of Salvadorans arrived in Maskall as early as 1975. Since then, they have played an important role in the life and economy of that village and the country of Belize.

Corozal Jouvert 2018
Jouvert 2018 is here! The September Celebrations Committee and the Corozal Town Council invites you!

On Thursday, September 13th, 18 Belizeans were recognized for their service and contributions to Belize at the annual Tribute to Belizean Patriots Award Ceremony held at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts. Mrs. Clare Moody and Mr. Francis "Cisco" Woods received the highest honour of the night, The Order of Distinction, while the other honourees were bestowed the Meritorious Service Award.

Corozal Battle of the Bands
Battle of the Bands Tuesday, September 18th at 7:00 p.m. infront of the Corozal Town Hall Building.

Rafael A. Guerra passes away
The Institute of Archaeology wishes to express its condolences to our colleague Rafael A. Guerra and to his family in the passing of his father, Jose M. Guerra, aka Polin Guerra. Funeral services for Mr Guerra will be held on Wednesday September 19, 2018 at Saint Ignatius Church in Santa Elena at 2 p.m and interment will follow at Carmen Memorial Cemetery. A wake will be held on Tuesday 18 September 2018 at the Guerra residence at 10 Mabel Pitts St, Santa Elena.

Hanal Pixan
Come and celebrate this beautiful Maya tradition Hanal Pixan. Maya tradition of "food for the souls" Authentic Maya Cuisine, Corozal Town Saturday October 27 @7pm

Corozal Fut Seven Association
We give you the results and standings after the semi finals. We also give you the schedule for the Finals which will be played in the 29 of September. Be sure to reach out as we will have lots to eat and drink for the entire family.

13th Rotary Wine & Cheese Party
The Rotary Club of Belmopan's 13th annual Wine and Cheese Party will be on Saturday, October 6th. The proceeds go towards the Belize Children's Project, which helps children get much needed orthopedic surgeries. Have fun and support a great cause at the same time.

Belize Fishing Report: Sept. 5 - Sept. 15th, 2018
No need to describe our bone-fishing other than just fantastic. Here are the many anglers who found success! Cristina, Mary, Judith, Tia, Marlo, Rae Ann, Elizabeth, Linda, Sher, Phoenix, Lindsay, Lisa, Kelly, Jenny, Joanne, Tammy, Karen, Deborah and Alicia. Also, congrats to Micaela and Sam, Bobbie and Chris.

Water outage today in San Pedro
Belize Water Services informs its customers in San Pedro that there will be an interruption in the water supply, today, September 18, 2018, starting at 1:00pm. The entire San Pedro Distribution System will be affected. This interruption is necessary for the installation of new District Metering Zones. Due to the upgrades, customers may experience low water pressure and/or discoloration when water is restored. Residents of these or nearby areas are advised that water supply should return to normal by 6:00pm. If they experience water supply problems after that time, they should immediately call BWS' hotline at 0-800-CALL-BWS (0-800-225-5297) to report it.

Photoshoot Escape
This event will be held at the Belize Boutique Resort & Spa @belizeboutiqueresortspa in Belize which promises to offer many outstanding locations for shooting photos and videos with some of the best models, photographers, and professionals in the industry. This Model and Photography Weekend Getaway has limited spaces for only 6 Photographers, 12 Models, 3 Videographers, 3 Makeup Artists, 3 Hair Stylists and 3 Boutiques for 2.5 days of fun while working. This is an excellent opportunity for models, photographers, makeup artists and hair stylists to shoot, network, build portfolios, gain experience, get professional instruction, support each other, gain market exposure and build lasting careers while having lots of fun.

Night Out for the Birds!
Saturday 27th October is our annual fundraiser at Corkers Restaurant in Belmopan! Tickets are $50 and all proceeds go directly to BBR. A fun filled night, ncluding silent auction, raffle, door prize, food, cash bar, quiz and music! We look forward to seeing you.

Channel 7

Girl Escapes Abductor in A White Car
Tonight, Belize City police are telling parents to be on high alert - after a man with a machete snatched a teenaged girl on Saturday afternoon - and took her in his car. It happened in the Martin's area - behind the Complex building. The very good news is that she got away - but the kidnapping has exposed the fact that there is a dangerous kidnapper on the loose - and he appears to be working in coordination with at least one other person. Jules Vasquez has more:... This is believed to be the car in which a kidnapper trapped a 15 year old girl. She was walking here on Holy Emmanuel Street heading to LA Croix Boulevard - when she was pushed into the car:

Teenager Flees Rapist
And there is also another disturbing report of sexual violence - this one in the Corozal District. It happened last night in San Andres Village - which is on the outskirts of Corozal Town. A man attempted to rape a 17 year old girl as he pushed her off her bike. Police told us more:.. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: "Last night shortly after 7:30p.m., police responded to a report of an attempted rape in San Andres Village in the vicinity of the Rudolph Wade Auditorium where upon arrival a seventeen-year-old minor who was at the time accompanied by a six-year-old riding a bicycle in that area was pushed off her bicycle by a Hispanic male person..."

Cops Catch Robbers Feeling Home Invasion
Alert police nabbed a trio of home invaders on Sunday in Belize City. The men had just tied up the 5 Chinese residents of a home above a restaurant on Caesar Ridge Road on the Yabra area. But they missed resident #6. He was in the restroom when the home invaders came in, and bolted out to call the police. There was a fixed checkpoint - and an MIT patrol - and they sprung into action - catching the armed men as they were running out of the property. Here's what happened next:.. This was the scene at Fantaxia Restaurant yesterday afternoon as police loaded the three suspects into the back of their mobile. Onlookers know the three men very well.

The Passing of a Political Titan
And, turning now from crime, we go to politics - where a titan has passed. Dean Russell Lindo died at his Belize City home after 3:00 today. He'd just turned 86 and had been ailing with a number of health issues. Lindo was the first leader of the UDP - and is widely considered to be one of the most important political figures in Belizean history. Today, from Havana Cuba where he is recovering from back surgery, his nephew, namesake and former law partner, Prime Minister Dean Barrow spoke about Lindo - who he called a towering figure in Belizean politics:…

Corozal Constable Caught On Camera, Drunk And Shirtless
A policeman is under national scrutiny tonight after a video of him went viral on Facebook this weekend. PC Borland, attached to the Corozal formation is seen on the video coming to consciousness drunk and shirtless outside A & R in the Corozal Free Zone. Today, the Head of National Crimes Investigation commented on it: ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch "There was some information circulating on the social media with a police officer who was identified as PC Borland who was dressed only in police trousers. As a result he was detained and taken to the Corozal police station where he was served with a disciplinary charges for which he will make an appearance tomorrow."

Wild Fight At Club/Dar Leaves Three Injured
And from a drunken cop to a wild brawl at a night club - police are looking for someone to charge after a melee erupted at Pier One Bar and Grill in Belize City. At 1:00 am - someone was rolling with their cell phone camera when all hell broke loose at the night spot - which is in BTL Park. Police told us that three persons ended up getting stabbed:... ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: "Police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where they observed a group of persons. Several of them had apparent injuries to the body. Some of them refused to seek medical attention, however the doctor attended to three persons who were admitted. This was as a result of a fight that broke out at Pier One where several persons were injured..."

Another Sarstoon Showdown
On Friday's news, we showed you the latest confrontation between the Belize Territorial Volunteers and the Guatemalan armed forces at the mouth of the Sarstoon River. Wil Maheia and his crew were preparing for last Saturday's Sarstoon Eco-Challenge. That involved planting a Belizean flag on the Sarstoon Island, which is a big no-no for the Guatemalans, who claim it as part of their territory. The eco challenge features kayaking racers paddling all the way from Barranco Village to the mouth of the Sarstoon. Once there, the racers make a lap around Sarstoon Island, venturing close to the river border between Belize and Guatemala, and they finish back at the Barranco pier.

Young Entrepreneurs Get Chance to Learn In the US
4 Belizean entrepreneurs are already packing to leave on Wednesday for a 5 week fellowship program in the US. They were chosen as participants in this year's US Embassy sponsored Young Leaders of the America's Initiative. The program gives these young entrepreneurs the singular networking experience that will help them take their business to the next level. The US Embassy hosted a special lunch for the successful applicants today at the Chief of Mission Residence in Belmopan. 7News was there. Here is more about the program. We also spoke to the participants about their businesses and how impactful this opportunity will be for them.

NICH External Auditor Frowns At Internal Auditor
Tonight we have some breaking news from the NICH external audit. As we have reported, the internal auditor, Roberto Matus raised many concerns about the financial goings-on at NICH during his review. Cabinet put the President on Administrative leave pending the review by external auditor, Chartered Accountant Mark Hulse, from the accounting firm of Baker Tilly Hulse. 7News has received the draft conclusion sent to the board - and it is not kind to Matus. It says, quote, "In our opinion sufficient due diligence was not applied by the internal auditor in establishing reasonableness and completeness of occurrences and transaction.

Deon Bruce Still Fighting
Belizean Deon Bruce has been sitting in jail since January 2014, when the then Chief Magistrate, Ann Marie Smith, ordered that he should be extradited to Chicago to face grand jury charges of murder and attempted murder. US Law enforcement say that in July 2010 he gunned down and killed Americans Aaron Carter and Bryan Rodgers, but ever since extradition proceedings were brought against him, he's been fighting it in the Supreme Court. So far, he's been on a losing streak, and the Supreme Court has already refused to overturn the Chief Magistrate's decision. He got good news today, however, when Justice Michelle Arana ruled that he can go to the Court of Appeal, and appeal her ruling against him.

Expo Numbers Down Again
The ITVET was swarming with people scavenging for the best deals at this year's Expo Belize Market Place. Over 13,000 people attended this weekend. But if you look at the numbers, it is down from last year's 14,000 people - which was also down from the year before. Regardless of the turnout, the Belize Chamber of Commerce is quite happy with the event. In their release it states "The 22nd Anniversary of the Expo Belize Market Place was indeed a landmark event which had the participation of 110 companies utilizing 189 booths." The release continues by saying "this year we made history in having the participation of the youngest exhibitor ever Ms. Jaelynn Crawford who debuted her company Craftastic J." The release ends by saying "The BCCI is continuously grateful for the support it receives from the Business Community, especially its members and sponsors."

The Complications of Car Insurance in Chetumal
Going to Chetumal got a whole lot more complicated in the past few weeks. That's because the Mexican authorities are now enforcing regulations which state that all private vehicles must have Mexican insurance in order to drive legally in Chetumal or anywhere in Mexico. That insurance is now available on the Mexican side for a little more than a dollar an hour, sold at $12.50 for half day, or 25 dollars for a day. The Mayor of Orange Walk Kevin Bernard has put out his own announcement on it:..

KHMH @ 23
Since May, KHMH, the country's national referral hospital, has been going through a transitional phase after part of its ceiling fell in, and exposed that the roof over a third of the hospital's building was structurally compromised. During that time, the hospital had to go into what it referred to as "emergency mode", where some of its non-emergency services had to be suspended until further notice, while contractors worked to repair the structural defects. Well today, the hospital's administration announced that those repairs are almost nearing completion, and most of the suspended services has resumed. That's just in time for the hospital's 23rd anniversary, and we stopped by to speak with the CEO about the happy co-incidence. Here's what she had to tell us:

A Book By SMART to Make Kids Smarter
Education stakeholders continue to be concerned about the performance of the country's primary school students on the PSE. This year's results show that half of the over 7,000 test takers got an "E" in mathematics, and and a third got and "E" in English. An "E" means that the test takers got an inadequate grade, somewhere around 50%. Today, the telecommunications company, Smart, joined those who want to help children to develop better reading habits. They commissioned a children's book called "Do the Smart Thing", and 3 school teachers produced short stories to be featured in it. They're all positive and fun stories aimed at captivating these young people, in a time where electronic distractions are everywhere.

Man Hit By Stray Bullet
A man was shot by a stray bullet this weekend. Last night at 7:00 29 year old Darryl Berry was riding his bicycle on Fabers Road when he was shot twice to the foot. Police told us it was a stray bullet from another argument unrelated to the victim:.. ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: "On Sunday 16th September, just after 7pm, Mr. Darryl Berry, twenty-nine-year-old of Hunters Lane, was riding his bicycle heading from Faber's Road towards the George Price Highway, just before the Puma Gas station when he was approached by a short dark-skinned male person who fired several shots at his direction injuring him to the right knee and the left leg. He was treated and then he was discharged the same night..."

Man Stabbed In Domestic Dispute
Also last night, a woman stabbed her common law husband after he allegedly punched her. At 9:00 last night, 29 year old Randy Quilter got in a fight with his 23 year old common law Jasnique Brakeman - and it ended with two stab wounds to his back. Police told us more:... ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: "Randy Quilter, twenty nine year old stevedore of that address, was engaged in a domestic dispute with his common law wife resulting in he receiving two stab wounds to the left side of his back. He is presently admitted at this moment at the KHMH."

Cops Speak On Pellet Gun Used In Robbery
Two Belize City minors were arraigned in Belmopan court today. This is after they were caught with the proceeds from a robbery last week Thursday in the Capital City. As we reported, the boys, one 15, the other 16 years old held up Taisan store on Garza Street with a pellet gun. They snatched $600 and took off. Today we asked police if they went to Belmopan with robbery on their mind:.. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch "Quick police into this investigation led to the detention of two 16 year old minors from Belize City who have since been arrested and charged for the crime of robbery. Some monies were recovered along with liquors, cigarettes and a handgun which is a pellet gun that was suspected to have been used in the commission of the crime."

Man Shot Woman Because of Earlier Argument
And, in another update to a crime story from last week, as we told you 24 year-old Wayne Welch was charged last week Friday for shooting 23 year old Dawn Parchue. Today police discussed why he allegedly did it. ASP Alejandro Cowo: "Like we had mentioned earlier she was involved in a dispute at a establishment in the Mahogany Street area with some people and as she left from the establishment that is at a distance that she was shot several times."

Man Remanded For Alleged Pistol Whipping
A Belize City man is remanded after he allegedly pistol whipped another man. Glenford Barrera, a librarian, reported to the police that around 9:30 p.m. on September 13, he was standing at the corner of Rocky Road and West Canal Street when he was approached by Christopher Hyde who pointed a 9 millimeter pistol at him and demanded money. Barrera said he refused to give Hyde money and Hyde pistol whipped him on the left side of his face and left. Barrera's injury to his face was classified as harm.

Major Crime Down Month to Month
And, despite all this crime news, the Ministry of National security says major crime is down. National security Minister John Saldivar had his monthly meeting today with the senior members of Security Forces, which includes the Belize Police Department, the Belize Defense Force and the Belize Coast Guard. They say that in the month of August major crimes, countrywide, fell by twenty-seven percent (27%) compared to July. One hundred (100) major crimes were reported in August compared to one hundred thirty-seven (137) in July.

Play Di Pan, Man!
And, crime was not the concern yesterday at the BTL Park for the NICH Pan Yaad concert. It played from 2:30 to 6:30 and was live on Channel 7. We leave you tonight with highlites - and join me back here tomorrow…

Channel 5

Bar Brawl at Pier One Bar Captured on Camera
A shocking bar brawl at Pier One Bar was captured on film. The video shows a group of men violently attacking each other in the wee hours of Saturday morning. [...]

Domestic Dispute Leads Wife to Stab Husband
A domestic dispute on Sunday night led to a near-fatal stabbing. Belize City resident twenty-nine-year-old Rhandy Quilter is at the K.H.M.H recuperating after he was stabbed by his common-law wife [...]

3 Men are Nabbed in a Foiled Home Invasion at Fantaxia Restaurant
There was a brazen home invasion at a popular restaurant in the Yabra area. On Sunday afternoon, the proprietors of Fantaxia Restaurant located on Queen Charlotte Street in Belize City [...]

Female Minor Claims She was Abducted and Taken to Homeland Memorial Park
A report was made to the Police over the weekend of the abduction of a minor. On Saturday sometime after three p.m., a fifteen-year-old girl reported that she was walking [...]

Group of Mexicans Detained by Belize City Police Released
Five Mexican nationals, who were detained on Thursday evening at a boutique, were released on Saturday afternoon. After being held for almost three days, forty-seven-year-old attorney Reymundo Choc, his wife [...]

The K.H.M.H. at 23!
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital turned twenty-three on Saturday. The authority at the national referral hospital, which has endured good and bad times, held a brief ceremony to acknowledge the [...]

The P.U.P. Response to BCCI’s Statements on UHS Loan & State of Emergency
The People’s United Party today reacted to a statement by the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry in respect of the U.H.S. loan motion which was taken to House, but [...]

N.T.U.C.B. Calls Out CitCo for ‘Union Busting’
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize is calling out the Belize City Council for Union Busting. The umbrella union wrote to Mayor Bernard Wagner warning that it will not [...]

An Attempted Rape in Corozal
Police also reported today on an attempted rape in Corozal. A Hispanic man is in custody tonight pending charges of assault of a female minor in San Andres, Corozal. On [...]

Caught by Stray Bullet; Police Looking for Suspect
Police are looking for a suspect in a shooting on Sunday night in which a man was injured. Twenty-nine-year-old Darryl Berry it seems was at the wrong place at the [...]

Dean Bruce Continues Fight Against Extradition Order
Thirty-two-year-old Deon Bruce has been on remand since January 2014 on a committal warrant by then Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith who ordered his extradition to face criminal charges including [...]

3 Week Later, Wayne Welch is Charged for the Attempted Murder of Dawn Parchue
In late August, we reported on a shooting incident on Mahogany Street where Dawn Parchue had been shot multiple times to the body. The attempt made on her life was [...]

Pair of Minors from Saint Martin’s Arraigned for Belmopan Robbery
Going into the weekend, we reported on the brazen robbery in Belmopan in which two minors were involved; they were caught at the bus terminal with the loot and a [...]

Housekeeper Charged for Trafficking over 7 Pounds of Weed
A twenty-eight-year-old housekeeper of San Pedrito area of San Pedro has been arrested and charged for drug trafficking. According to the report, Dorla Morales was caught red-handed at the boat [...]

San Pedro Fisherman Missing Since September 10th
A twenty-three-year-old fisherman of a Pelican Street address in San Pedro is also missing. Miguel Arroyo left home on September tenth en-route to a store and has not been seen [...]

A Giant in the U.D.P. Passes; Dean Lindo Dead at 86
Word has been received of the passing of Dean Lindo, one of the founders and a former leader of the United Democratic Party. He died at his home in Buttonwood [...]

Do The SMART Thing! Book Launched
Telecom giant, SMART Belize launched its ‘Do The SMART Thing!’ book this morning. The book, which features two short stories for primary school students, was a joint venture between SMART [...]

Draft Results of External Audit at NICH
Last Friday, the deputy prime minister Patrick Faber said that the external audit at NICH would be completed by today. From what we know the draft audit found that the [...]

Thousands Converge at ITVET for Expo 2018
Over thirteen thousands persons walked through the gates of the ITVET compound on Freetown over the weekend for the annual expo put off by the Belize Chamber of Commerce and [...]

GAF Aggresses BTV during Eco Challenge
On Friday, we reported on the planned Sarstoon Island Eco Challenge. BTV volunteers led by Wil Maheia, had gone to the area to install a flag when they were confronted [...]

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

LOVE FM

KHMH, 23 years later
The Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital is Belize’s national referral hospital. For the past twenty-three years, the institution has been saving lives and today it commemorated its anniversary with a short ceremony. Michelle Hoare has been with the institution since its inception on September 15, 1995, as a nurse manager and has risen through the ranks …

What caused the Pier 1 Brawl?
The BTL Park is one of the few child-friendly spaces in Belize City, assuming you count the Memorial Park and the Baron Bliss Lighthouse as such a space. But since the BTL Park was refurbished by the last City Council, the Pier One Bar was installed on site and it occasionally attracts a violent mix …

Shooter gets bystander instead of target
There was one shooting incident that occurred over the weekend. ASP Cowo says a gunman missed his target and the stray bullet hit Darrell Berry after seven o’clock on Sunday night. ASP ALejandro Cowo: “Just after 7pm Mr. Darrell Berry 29 year old Belizean of Hunters Lane was riding his bicycle heading from Faber’s Rd. towards …

Wife Stabs Husband
There was no body count in the country and it was, for the most part, a quiet weekend. But based on that last report on Pier One, the violence in Belize is not limited to gangs. Another stabbing incident occurred over the weekend and it occurred on Faber’s Road, inside the State of Emergency zone. …

Police Capture Attempted Rapist
There are two disturbing reports of attempted assaults on young women in the North and Central Belize. We start with the first incident in Corozal Town, where two minors, seventeen and six years old were on bicycles. And though witnesses were in the area, a man attacked one of the girls. The head of the …

Extradition Case to be Forwarded to Court of Appeal
When Belizeans face deportation, it is often a one-way trip never to return to the USA. But when Uncle Sam wants you, even if you don’t return, it means prolonged detention at the Belize Central Prison. That’s the story of Deon Bruce. He’s the Belizean that has been accused in the USA of the shooting …

Expo Belize Market Place 2018
Over the weekend, the Belize Chamber of Commerce held its annual signature trade show under the theme “Expo Belize Market Place: the place to connect, business, people and lives”. The trade show attracted almost two hundred businesses and thousands of visitors. It included both new and returning businesses. Home and Nature was one of the …

Maheia recounts encounter with GAF
Over the weekend, the Belize Territorial Volunteers held its third annual Eco Challenge. The race had a female category and male category and it left from Barranco en route to Sarstoon, but encountered some challenges along the way from the Guatemalan Armed Forces. Wil Maheia, the leader of the Belize Territorial Volunteers recounted the incident. …

Police Capture Fantasia Masked Men
Fantasia is a bar in the Yaborough area of Belize City. It was attacked by masked men who broke into the building and held up the employees. But ASP Alejandro Cowo says swift police work led to the arrest of the suspects on Sunday. ASP Alejandro Cowo: “ The same time the Expo was going …

UDP Founder Dean Lindo passes away
Dean Russell Lindo was born September 4th, 1932 and passed away earlier today at the age of 86. He graduated from New York University and Durham University in England and has practiced law since 1964. Lindo was one of the founders of the United Democratic Party (UDP) in 1973. He served as UDP leader from …

PlusTV

DPM explains what led to State of Emergency
40 alleged gang members are incarcerated at the Belize Central Prison as a result of the declared State of Emergency in South Side Belize City. The men are expected to be locked down for a period of no more than 30 days. Over 60 men who were in lockdown for the past 7 days were released after no cha...

DPM says desperate times call for desperate measures
As we have reported, there have been several concerns, particularly from lawyers defending the alleged gangsters, as well as human rights activists over the State of Emergency. Minister Faber was asked what are his thoughts about the concerns expressed. Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister: Wha...

What happens after 30 days incarcerated?
As we said, 40 alleged gangsters are currently incarcerated and will be locked up for at least a month. So, what happens after their time is up and they are released from prison? According to ACP Chester Williams, it does not end there. Williams says that Police will be doing further investigations...

Documents already drafted for more emergency zones in City if needed
Documents have been drafted for the entire south side Belize City in case a state of emergency needs to be declared in other parts of the City, says Chester Williams. That was his response to a question of potential gang outburst in other parts of the City. According to Williams, it’s simply a strok...

Fleeing gang members will be detained
Gang Members who make attempts to escape the Emergency area by fleeing to other parts of the country will be detained wherever they are found. According to Chester Williams, regulations under the state of Emergency allows for those persons to be treated just as if they were detained in the Emergenc...

DPM says Belize’s location key to nation’s drug trafficking problem
With the recent arrest and charge of two police men, a Belizean civilian, and two Mexicans in connection to the landing of a drug plane in the north, there has been much discourse regarding Belize’s fight against the drug trafficking trade. Several planes have been landed in recent months; some burn...

The Reporter

BARRISTER AND FORMER UDP LEADER DEAN LINDO PASSED AWAY
The Reporter Newspaper expresses condolences to the family of Dean Russell Lindo, SC, attorney and former leader of the United Democratic Party. Friends say Lindo passed away quietly at his home in Belize City today.

Breaking Belize News

Expo 2018 declared huge success!
The 22nd Anniversary of the Expo Belize Market Place was held over the weekend in […]

Three men busted in aggravated burglary of neighborhood restaurant
Belize City police have charged Trevor Guy, Tyrone Guy and Leon Westby with aggravated burglary. […]

Woman allegedly stabs husband after dispute escalates to violence
Police have not yet made any arrests in a domestic dispute which escalated into a […]

Former politician, Dean Lindo passes
Dean Lindo, one of the founders of the United Democratic Party (UDP) has passed away. […]

Belize Chocolate Company wins silver at International Chocolate Awards
Belize Chocolate Company located on Barrier Reef drive in San Pedro represented Belize well recently, […]

Numerous Belizeans presented Tribute to Belizean Patriots award
On Thursday, September 13, eighteen Belizeans were recognized for their service and contributions to Belize […]

NTUCB calls out City Council for union busting
Today, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) issued a statement calling out the […]

Ministry of National Security Notes Decrease in Major Crimes
A press release from the Ministry of National Security is indicating that major crimes in […]

Re-Registration figures show dismal interest from electorate
The Elections and Boundaries Department today issued an update on the ongoing 2018 Re-registration of […]

PUP lashes out at Chamber’s press release on UHS Matter
The People’s United Party (PUP) today issued a statement saying that it views with “consternation” the release by […]

Rojel Felipe Patt arrested for possession of drugs and gun
Rojel Felipe Patt, 32, a Belizean Ferryman of Chunox Village was arrested yesterday morning around 4 on Chunox […]

Three fishermen arrested for burglarizing home in Belize City
Yesterday afternoon around 2:35, police arrested three fishermen for burglarizing a home in Belize City. According to reports, […]

House destroyed by fire in Seine Bight Village
Authorities in Seine Bight, Stann Creek District are investigating a fire that destroyed a house in that […]

PG grocery store robbed at gunpoint last night
Police in Punta Gorda (PG) are investigating an armed robbery that occurred last night. According to reports, […]

Common-law wife stabs husband in Belize City
Police in Belize City are investigating a stabbing incident that left one man injured last night. According […]

NEMO Minister attends Salvadoran Independence celebration in Maskall
Yesterday, members of the Salvadoran community in Belize gathered in Maskall village to celebrate their country’s 197th […]

Owner offers $1000 reward for return of stolen vehicle
The owner of a 2017 Kia Sportage is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle. It […]

Guatemalan court orders for anti-corruption chief’s return
Guatevision reports that Guatemala’s constitutional court has ordered the return of the chief of the International Commission […]

Venezuela gets $5 billion credit line from China
According to a report from Caribbean News Now, hunger stricken Venezuela will obtain a $5 billion credit line from China...

Blogs

Belize Chocolate Company wins Silver at the International Chocolate Awards
The International Chocolate Awards founded in 2012 is an independent competition recognizing excellence in fine chocolate making. As the World’s only fully independent international fine chocolate competition, their aim is to support companies producing fine chocolate. By helping these markets to grow and develop, they also aim to support the farmers that grow fine cacao. The 2018 Americas competition saw a record number of entries from North and Latin America and the Caribbean with over 800 products entered by 130 chocolate companies from 16 different countries. Belize Chocolate Company, established in 2007, is a family owned bean to bar craft chocolate manufacturer based on Ambergris Caye. They process organic, direct trade cacao beans from small family farms in the Toledo district of Belize. Owners Chris and Jo Beaumont would like to thank all their customers for their continued support and look forward to producing more award winning Belizean chocolate.

CBC's 2018 reno's and the Sargassum invasion!!!!
This was a wild three weeks at CBC....we closed down, did a whirlwind rehab of several projects....meanwhile experiencing the absolute worst sargassum landing that anyone in the village had ever seen. It was truly a natural disaster and it was a difficult couple weeks. We were SO fortunate and grateful that the day before we reopened, the village was able to get the sargassum under control, and we had a reasonable beach for our guests. Sargassum season is "supposed" to be over - but it has continued to be a nuisance around the entire Caribbean. It has been coming in off and on for several months, quite unpredictably. It is scary how much came in - but the village has A LOT to be proud of, as the entire village came together for a clean up and made it happen with such limited resources. Here is a great (and disturbing!) video one resident took from a couple weeks ago: Please note, the normal amount of sargassum, while unpredictable, doesn't have to change your plans to travel here and CERTAINLY doesn't need to ruin your trip.

Experiential Travel: Why Belize is a Trendsetter
It used to be that the big thing for travelers was to hop on a plane to someplace remote, and then spend a week under an umbrella drinking cocktails without ever leaving the resort compound. Today’s travelers, however, seek more transformative experiences while abroad. We’re not making this up: travel news authority Skift conducted a deep dive into experience-based tourism, and found that over half of travelers are placing increased emphasis on transformative travel. Significantly, Skift also found that individuals have myriad definitions of what “transformative” can mean.

Countdown To Belize’s Independence Day – And The Celebrations Are Underway!
How time flies! Could it really already be thirty-seven years since Belize shrugged off the fetters of colonialism, embraced change, and confidently strode into the United Nations as an independent, sovereign nation founded on the hopes, aspirations, ambition and, yes, love of her people? For many Belizeans the memories are still fresh and the excitement surrounding that long awaited day very much alive – as seen in the enthusiasm already rippling throughout Belize this month.

International Sources

A Simple Life
Mennonites living in Belize exist apart from the government, with limited technology and surrounded by farmable land. When Mennonites began moving to Belize in the late 1950s, they did so for the same reason their ancestors have migrated for centuries: to live in line with their religious beliefs, including the separation of church and state, pacifism and sustainability, without interference. That means apart from the government, with limited technology and surrounded by farmable land. Mennonites, a traditionally sectarian Christian denomination, trace their roots to the Anabaptist wing of the Protestant Reformation. Today they number approximately one million worldwide, with most living in parts of the developing world, including Paraguay, India and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Those in Belize, called Old Colony Mennonites, descend from the settlers of Chortitza, the earliest Mennonite colony in Russia. Their ancestors moved from the Netherlands and what is now Poland to Russia in the 1780s, then to Canada in the 1870s, Mexico in the 1920s and, a few decades later, Belize.

7 Under-the-Radar Artists From Central America You Should Listen To
On September 15, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and El Salvador celebrated their independence from Spain, while Panama and Belize hold their own independence festivities on November 28 and September 21, respectively. It’s a time for reflection and pride in Central America, as the region uses the occasion to uplift the individual histories and rich, abundant cultures that have been born out of each of their communities. While this is an opportunity to look back, it should also be a chance to revel in the traditions that are still being created today, particularly in music. In every corner of Central America, artists continue drawing inspiration from their home countries as they carve out new spaces for themselves. In Panama, a new generation of rappers churn out songs rooted in the country’s plena tradition, while in Belize, a cadre of DJs are hoisting up an innovative electronic scene. Remezcla explored the sounds being masterminded by Central Americans across the globe and rounded up some of the acts making splashes in underground scenes everywhere.

Top 5 Best Wellness Vacations to Bucketlist Right Now
Sure vacations are essential for mental health, but they don’t have to be just about exploring a city or sitting on the sand. Wellness retreats — health for the whole body — are growing in popularity as work breaks, which is a testament not only to our growing fervor for fitness, but also a change in our travel interests. So say goodbye to the traditional vacation! Here are five hotspots we’ve found for a way more holistic holiday: Go Fishing and Photographing in Belize. Professional photographer and outdoor journalist, Jess McGlothlin is your guide for Belize Fly Fishing & Photography, an immersive cultural tour at El Pescador Resort, a world-class fly fishing lodge on Ambergris Cay. You’ll fish for bonefish, permit, and tarpon and explore Copal Tree Lodge, an organic farm and 12,000-acre nature reserve, where you’ll enjoy local food, culture and jungle adventures.

Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow Meets with Directors of Cuban Institute for Music and Agency for Rap
Belize’s Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow met with representatives of the Cuban Institute for Music and the Cuban Agency for Rap while on a personal visit to Cuba. In discussions with Directors Eileen Tegent Melendez and Ruben Marin Manning, Ambassador Barrow found that the Cuban government, through the parent Institute for Music, supports and provides space for the Agency for Rap. The Agency’s work includes symposiums for networking and exchanges with other artists from the region, building awareness about Cuban rap abroad, competitions, as well as social programmes and community outreach activities. Ambassador Barrow’s objectives were to create a link and to learn more about how the Cuban government encourages and develops artists of all genres.

Ministry of National Security Notes Decrease in Major Crimes
The Honorable John Saldivar, Minister of National Security, met today, September 17th, in this month’s meeting with the senior members of Belize’s Security Forces, which includes the Belize Police Department, the Belize Defense Force and the Belize Coast Guard. The meeting is one of the Minister’s monthly meetings held with the security forces. Present at these meetings are all the Officers Commanding from Police Precincts countrywide. In his remarks, the Minister congratulated the men and women for their recent successful capture of the drug plane in the north and for the great work done in the month of August. Of note is that in the month of August major crimes, countrywide, fell by twenty-seven percent (27%) compared to July. One hundred (100) major crimes were reported in August compared to one hundred thirty-seven (137) for the July period.

Update on the 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise
The Elections and Boundaries Department is pleased to present an update to the public on the ongoing 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise. An update is hereby provided for the period 9th to 15th September 2018. During the period a total of Nine Hundred Forty-Three (943) applications were accepted; therefore, the total number of applications received as of 15th September 2018 is One Hundred Twenty-Three Thousand, Three Hundred Ninety (123,390). The public is hereby reminded that applications for Re-registration continue to be accepted at the Elections and Boundaries Registration Offices countrywide. The opening hours are Mondays to Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Videos

Sarstoon Eco Challenge Report 2018, 5.5min.

Belize 2015-2017, 28min.

I love Howlers, 1min. There are two troops around the property. One of 7 and one of 5. And then there is a lone male who separated from the group I think this year as he is newly wandering around. Here the two big ones came together by the house. We don't bug them or feed them but they will come all the way down the trees or onto the house to drink water from the guttering. Excuse the crying Common black hawk. I was wearing our training shirt and he was wondering why I was ignoring him lol

State of Emergency - Preventing Crime Human Development Perspective, 47min. Fermin Olivera - Social Worker / Juvenile Justice Advocate

Social Security Board - Direct Deposit Update, 22min. Chandra Cansino - General Manager, Corperate Customer Relations Service

Drone view of Corozal Town, 1min.

Ramoras, 1min. Ramoras in Belize trying to catch a ride with a diver.

My Life: Summer 2018 Special Belize Edition, 16min. Video diary of Belize vacation

Little Jr Miss Belize Talent, 3.5min.

Tender Ride from Belize port to the Carnival Breeze - Part I, 16min.

Tender Ride from Belize port to the Carnival Breeze - Part II, 12min.

Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge | Belize, 7min. While I was on vacation in Belize, I made it down to the Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge and fell in love!

Caye Caulker Snorkeling Trip with Go Belize Mario Adventures, 6min. Epic Caye Caulker Day Trip from San Ignacio town. This tour takes you to the Caye Caulker marine reserve with stops at Coral Gardens, Shark Ray Alley, Tarpon Sanctuary, and Sea Horse Reserve. All snorkeling gear is provided by Mario Tours. We started our day at 5:30am in San Ignacio town, with enough time to have breakfast in Belize City and board the 9am boat with San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi. If you come by rental car to Belize City, they have a huge 24 hour parking lot for your convenience. By 10 am we were in Caye Caulker, and by 10:30 am we were on the boat with Mario and his crew of professional guides.

Our Trip to Belize! San Pedro + Belize City, 3.5min. Cave tubing, snorkeling, golf karting (yes, it's now a thing), walking through the jungle, eating termites to prove I could survive the jungle.

Best Belize Islands | CAYE CAULKER, 7.5min. Caye Caulker holds a special place in our hearts. We have visited this place over and over again and absolutely love it. I hope you enjoy it as much as us!

Work Out (Steel Pan) by Miss & Ketch #Panerrifix Belize, 3min.

Further evidence of the destructive nature of gill nets, Rescued a turtle today ( we called him Crush). Saw him floating tied up and unable to swim, After cutting off the net from his fin we realized it needed some sort of medical attention, tried getting in contact with the Hol-Chan marine reserve for assistance and others that could help this turtle but no response, they said it would take 10 minutes to get there after waiting more than 2 hours for help and realized how much distress the turtle was in, we continued to called and called but no one answered (juli was furious). I had already given up and decided to let him back out into the sea knowing we could not do anything more for it. When the marine rangers finally showed up I had already set it free but it couldn’t swim so we pointed it out to the direction

MYRNA MANZANNARES & BELIZEAN KRIOLE!, 48min. The legendary black Belizean woman, Myrna Manzanares, has transcended Belizean social work, poetry and struggle from the Los Angeles Belizean diaspora community to her repatriation back to Belize in the mid 80s to continue her never ending work of giving to people and country with all her being and sincerity. Her dynamic work in the Belizean community in Los Angeles has compiled volumes in terms of her contribution to Belizean organization in the diaspora, and her relentless 'open packie' and outspoken way of telling it like it is. Myrna was a force to be reckon with as an organizer in the Belizean diaspora in the 1980s, and transfer her knowledge as an expatriate Belizean national to Belize to further her quest for black identity, and to become an instrumental figure in the "Belize Creole Council" in Belize.

September 17, 2018

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: Mind Power
“I don’t like those grunt fish,” Linsford said. “They sound like they trying to talk and it gives me the creeps.” “Don’t throw any of them back,” Vernon said. “They good eating.” Linsford said, “I only keep them so they add up and I don’t have to buy the drinks.” The Nosenada Club was having our weekly fishing tournament. The member who catches the fewest fish has to buy the first round when we dock. The only missing member was Juan, which left me, Mario, Vernon and Linsford, whose wife had let him go with us today. “Grunts are interesting fish,” Mario said to Linsford. “They can actually talk.”

Doctor Love: A Concerned Daughter
Dear Doctor Love, My mother died six years ago, and my dad has been dating a woman for the past two years. I support them getting married, but I don’t think my father is thinking straight when he refuses to discuss a prenuptial agreement. My father and mother sold their home and business and bought the house on the beach for their retirement. It is paid for, and he is very comfortable. I don’t mean to sound like a greedy daughter, but she intends to bank the proceeds from the sale of her house “for a rainy day.” She shrugged off my suggestion of writing a pre-nup and hinted that her two grown sons and three grandchildren would be her beneficiaries when she passes.

Woman charged for Drug Trafficking in San Pedro
On Friday, September 14th, 28-year-old Dorla Morales, Belizean housekeeper of the San Pedrito Area, was charged for the offense of drug trafficking after police found in her possession 3,277 grams of cannabis. The discovery of the drug was made around 9:50AM, when police visited a boat dock on the island, where they searched Morales. The search led to the finding of the drugs on her, and Morales was then arrested and charged for drug trafficking.

Misc Belizean Sources

Missing Person, San Pedro: Police Report
On September 10, 2018 about 2:00p.m., Miguel Arroyo 23-year-old,Belizan Fisherman of Pelican Street, San Pedro Town left home en-route to a store. Arroyo has not been seen or head from since. He's of Hispanic decent 5 feet 7 inches in height, slim built, green eyes, black hair and has a mole under his right eye. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, grey 3/4 dickies pants and had on a red and white Jordan slippers. If you have any information about Arroyo please contact the Police Department 206-2022.

Grand Opening of Sailor's Lounge in Corozal
The Grand Opening of Sailor's Lounge was held yesterday, September 15th. We are now OPEN. Our location is on 7th Avenue. Come visit us and enjoy our nice and cozy atmosphere with traditional rustic decor.

2018 BCCI Expo at ITVET
Yesterday the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project participated in the 2018 BCCI Expo at ITVET.

The Reporter

UPDATE: – 5 MEXICANS DETAINED NEAR POLICE STATION ON QUEEN STREET
Five Mexicans who were detained late last Thursday on suspicion that they might be linked to last week’s hefty amount of cocaine seized, have been released. The Reporter confirmed today that the five persons – three men and two women – were released without charges on Saturday. The five were detained while shopping at the It Store on Queen Street sometime after 4:00 Thursday evening.

SAN PEDRO WOMAN ARRESTED FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING
A San Pedro woman has been arrested and charged with Drug Trafficking in connection with the discovery of over 7 pounds of marijuana. Police say they searched Dorla Morales, 28, around 9:50 Friday morning at a boat dock in San Pedro, and found the drugs on her.

3 PEOPLE STABBED DURING A FIGHT AT PIER ONE IN BELIZE CITY
Three people were reportedly stabbed during a fight at Pier One in Belize City early Saturday morning. The Reporter understands that the three victims are: Kenan Faber, 21, a stevedore of Fabers Road, Belize City, who suffered a stab wound on the left arm pit which also punctured his left lung; a 17 year-old minor of Hunter’s Lane, Belize City, who suffered a cut wound on the back of the head and an abrasion on the right arm; and Keran Miguel, 21, a construction worker of Emma Street, Belize City, who was stabbed on the right side of the neck.

Breaking Belize News

Re-districting coming soon?
Over 122,000 Belizeans have re-registered up to September 8, 2018. The re-registration process is an on-going one and the latest figures released demonstrated a dismal number of Belizeans going in to re-register. However, Belize’s Elections and Boundaries Department had previously informed that the re-districting of constituencies could only occur after a national re-registration exercise. […]

Housekeeper charged for drug trafficking marijuana in San Pedro
A Belizean housekeeper has been charged with drug trafficking in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Dorla Morales,28, was at a boat dock in San Pedro Town on Friday morning when police conducted a search and found over 7 pounds of weed in the area. […]

Mexico celebrates 208th Anniversary of Independence
Mexicans around the world are today celebrating the 208th anniversary of their country’s Independence from Spain. The celebration of Mexico’s Independence focuses on the moment the revolution began in 1810. The day is commemorated with a national holiday in Mexico and a reenactment of a historic moment from the revolutionary leaders followed by an array of Mexican cultural performances and fireworks. […]

Deputy Prime Minister Faber visits Delille Academy
On Friday, Deputy Prime Minister of Belize, Patrick Faber visited Delille Academy in Dangriga town as part of his countrywide tour. Students from Youth Rise-sponsored Security Forces Course at the academy displayed their skills for Faber. The Security Forces Course was introduced as an elective at Delille Academy in October 2017 through the Ministry of Human Development’s Youth RISE Project. […]

Miguel Arroyo missing 6 days and counting
The family of Miguel Arroyo, 23, is growing concerned about his sudden disappearance. Arroyo, a fisherman of Pelican Street in San Pedro Town left his home en route to a store on September 10th. Since then he has not returned nor have anyone heard from him. […]

Jardehl Muschamp denied US visa to attend football academy
Last month Belizean national, Jardehl Muschamp, 16, was selected to join the Barca Football Academy in Arizona,USA. However, he could not meet the US $69,000 price tag. Fortunately, he received a scholarship which covered about a third of his expenses. Yet his family has had to organize a public appeal for further assistance. […]

Three stabbed multiple times in Belize City
A bar brawl at the Pier One nightclub in Belize City led to a knife attack in which three persons were injured. BBN understands that just before 1 a.m. today the incident unfolded. Kenan Faber, 21, received injuries which punctured his left lung. K’Mar Bennett received injuries to the back of his head and right arm. While Keran Miguel, 21, received injuries to the neck. […]

Blogs

Birding on Ambergris Caye For Dummies: Migration is Coming
Birds. You wake up to their screaming (I mean singing. Charming chatter) and notice them staring at you from the trees but what are they really up to? I honestly never gave it a moment’s thought until I moved to Belize. But with age and living in one of the most beautiful natural spots in the world, I’ve not only noticed them…but I bought books…and got binoculars for my 45th birthday and took a 3 day course in birding. Belize is FILLED with amazing gorgeous shocking-they-even-exist birds. Like the harpy eagle… and the toucan – they are everywhere in the Cayo district of Belize.

Videos

When Howlers Cross Paths..., 1min.

Belize the Gateway to the Caribbean..., 11min.

Bullet Tree Summer Video, 1.5min. TPro filmed around the Mopan in Bullet Tree, and came up with a nice looking video. Worth a watch. "While taking a break from work I decided to explore my home town to see what it has to offer. i grabbed my gear and head out the Bullet Tree that is a small village in Cayo. This is what i came up with. I hope you guys enjoyed this short video!"

Who Are the Garifunas? Guatemala and Belize, 3.5min. Arriving on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala we first went to Livingston, a small village only accessible by boat. No sooner had we jumped out of our dugout and we´re greeted by a local chap who presented himself as a Garifuna. What the hell is that we thought? He looked ok so we went along and thought we´d find out along the way?

Kayak Fishing and Snorkeling in Belize San Pedro Ambergris Caye, 7min. Hey this is what we normally do in San Pedro hope you like this video and i invite you to become part of this awesome team that is team jrubio and subscribe

Scuba Diving Belize 2018 - Aggressor III - May 5-12, 2018, 28min. Scuba diving in Belize, May 5-12, 2018 on Aggressor III. Sharks, rays, turtles, fish, eels, and more Shot on GoPro Hero 4 in 1080p.

Belize Fishing Trip - El Pescador Lodge, 3.5min.

Belize Mayan Ruins ( Lamanai ), 3min.

Winging It! Takes Flight - Belize, 24min.

Belize Honeymoon, 6min. We stayed on Caye Caulker and at Black Rock Lodge near San Ignacio for our 10 day honeymoon in June/July 2018.

Belize, Nature's Best Kept Secret, 4min. 3 weeks on this Tropical Island, couldn't get any better than this!

Belize Travel Style Vlog, 3min. A quick trip to San Pedro was all I needed to fall madly in love with Belize. This small city was the perfect escape and a beautiful backdrop to showcase a few of my favorite resort 2018 wardrobe pieces

PLB Opening Season! Police United FC vs BDC FC, 2.5hr.

Pan Yaad 2018!, 12min.

Pan Yaad 2018!, 8.5min.

September 16, 2018

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

CPR and First Aid training to be hosted in San Pedro Town
Manager of Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT), Andre Carillo, told The San Pedro Sun that they are working on hosting a CPR training session on the island, as a way to give back to the community. “According to global statics, the majority of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest end up dying, due to not having people trained in CPR that can facilitate the life-saving procedure and avoid the death of that citizen,” said Carillo. “Throughout this month, we want to train as many people as we can in the various parts of the communities.” The CPR and basic first aid training in San Pedro Town are expected to take place at the end of the month. For more information and to sign up, you can contact Andre Carillo at 670-6827.

SPTC weighs in on the approval of docks and piers
The recent increase in the construction of new docks along the eastern coast of Ambergris Caye remains a hot topic among residents and businesses owners, especially those along the beach. The island’s led authority, The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has repeatedly indicated that avoiding the construction of new piers is difficult because it is out of their jurisdiction and that the Ministry of Natural Resources is the governmental entity that grants the permits to use the seabed. The SPTC explained that their sole responsibility is recommending or approving structures to be built on docks via the Building Unit, which ensures the safety of the constructions. Personnel from the Building Unit at the SPTC also stated that their responsibility is to inspect and approve structures, but the granting of permits comes from Central Government.

Misc Belizean Sources

South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch Potluck at Caribe Island
Hello everyone! It is time for our annual potluck meeting held at Caribe Island Condos under the palapa. SUNDAY!! TIME: 2 pm - 6 pm (or so) DATE: September 16 Bring a dish and a friend!

8th Belize Sailing Association Youth National Championships
The Belize Sailing Association held its 8th Annual National Championship Regatta on September 8-9, 2018. Hosted by the Caye Caulker Community Sailing Club (CCCSC) supported by the Caye Caulker Village Council. Enthusiasts and onlookers were treated to two days of sailing from the Optimist and Laser Class Boats on the beautiful Caribbean Seas due East of the Palapa Gardens. The winds on both days were a fair 9 knots, veering between 100 and 110 degrees, with a small chop in the sea presenting a fine canvas for the event on the Olympic Trapezoid course. Up for grabs was the National Championship in Optimist and Laser class. Additionally, a year round score of all four of our series ranking regattas for Optimist and Laser was completed providing our annual top sailors for each class of boat. The Optimist class had 13 sailors competing from Caye Caulker Community Sailing Club (CCCSC), Corozal Bay Sailing Club (CBSC), Placencia Sailing Club (PSC) and Ladyville Sailing Club (LSC) along with their coaches and supporters. After the first day of sailing Peter Joo of PSC was in the lead winning all three races and Adya Teck of (CBSC) was in second finishing her races with three seconds.

Miguel Angel Santos missing in San Pedro
Reported missing from San Pedro Town, Miguel Angel Santos on September 10th. Please contact Police or 6015844 should you have information on this missing person.

2nd Annual Military Parade
The 2018 Military Parade will be held in Belmopan on Tuesday, September the 18th. The parade starts at 2:00pm. and everyone is invited. "Bring out the entire family, a friend and Co-worker to witness a spectacular Parade."

Chargé d’Affaires Keith Gilges at the Expo
Great day at the Expo today! Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges emphasized the United States’ commitment to enhance Belize’s economic prosperity and welcomed several U.S. companies interested in investing in Belize. Our exchange program alumni and grantees participating in the fair further exemplified Gilges’ words. If you have not had a chance, stop by our booth tomorrow—we look forward to welcoming you!

Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project at 2018 BCCI Expo
Yesterday the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project participated in the 2018 BCCI Expo at ITVET. The Expo continues today. If you are in the neighbourhood, we invited you to drop in at our Booth #123 and take our easy History and Social Studies Quiz and win prizes. Come and learn about the project's development for downtown.

Coconut Leo gets his new bed and flooring
Today his new window was cut out. Not a bad view he’s got. Thank you to everyone who has donated. Your help has been life changing for Leo And I know how grateful he is. We still have work to do, If anyone has some paint they would like to donate, we Could really jazz up his spot. Maybe red green and gold..... just kidding.

The Reporter

EXPO 2018 – OFF TO A PROMISING START
Expo 2018, organized by the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, started off today at the IT-VET compound on Freetown Road in Belize City. Viani Reyes of the Chamber told the Reporter that this year’s Expo is the biggest yet, with well over 150 booths from throughout Belize offering special deals on commerce, services, gadgets, accessories, and food and beverage. Cellular devices and accompanying services are in high demand and Belize Telemedia (BTL) and its staff are out in full force promoting their products and services.

Family and Friends of Missing Man Form Search Party
Family members, friends and co-workers of missing Orange Walk man, Julio Estuardo Choc, 35, have formed a search party in the hopes that they will find clues of his whereabouts. Choc’s wife, Edelmira Choc told the Reporter a few minutes ago that they are focusing their search in the Salvapan area of Belmopan where Choc also had a place to stay during the week when he worked in Belmopan.

U.S. Embassy Commends Authorities on “Major Drug Bust”
On Wednesday, September 12th, the United States Embassy in Belmopan issued a press statement in which it acknowledged the recent accomplishment of Belize’s security forces in their interception of a drug plane on Sunday night in Northern Belize with over 556 kilograms of cocaine. The drug plane which allegedly departed from Venezuela with its cargo valued at over 14 million dollars was discovered on September 9th within the transshipment corridor in the Tres Leguas Community of Blue Creek Village which sits on the northern border with Mexico.

MORE BOOTS ON THE GROUND
Over the weekend of September 1st to 2nd six young black men were murdered in less than 30 hours, sending the City into a state of panic. The security forces were scrambling, trying to contain the blood bath and so, on September 4th, purportedly to prevent an outright war,acting PM Faber’s Cabinet declared a state of public emergency in two areas of the City. The proclamation itself has attracted both applause and condemnation in equal measure, it seems.

Breaking Belize News

Santa Elena Primary School welcomes new principal
Santa Elena Primary school (SEPS), nestled in the heart of the Santa Elena community, welcomed a new school principal this academic year. SEPS is home to over a thousand students and the only special education classroom in the town. Andrea Guerra, awardee of the 2016 Outstanding Teacher Award, is the new school principal. Guerra is a young and vibrant educator. […]

Guatemalan Armed Forces demand Territorial Volunteers follow ‘protocol’ at Sarstoon island
Yesterday, the Belize Territorial Volunteer (BTV) went to the Sarstoon island to plant their Belizean flag in preparation for their Kayak eco-challenge race tomorrow. But, the BTV met members of the Guatemalan armed forces who demanded that BTV follow ‘protocols’. […]

Children participate in annual school rally
Yesterday, pre and primary school children countrywide participated in the annual uniform parade. The annual parade is held in anticipation of Belize’s Independence day. Students wear their school uniforms and proudly wave their Belizean flags throughout the streets in their communities. […]

International Sources

Isaac may restrengthen in western Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico this week
Isaac may attempt to restrengthen to a tropical depression or storm while crossing the western Caribbean and entering the Gulf of Mexico this week. Isaac became a tropical rainstorm early Saturday morning, but just because it has lost its tropical storm status does not mean it should be ignored. As showers and thunderstorms pulse near Isaac, there is the potential for localized flash flooding on Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, eastern Cuba and Jamaica, as well as the islands along the northern shore of South America through Sunday.

Videos

Parade in honour of the Central American and Mexican Independence!, 8min. The parade included participants from Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico and Belize!

Central American & Mexican Independence Parade through the streets of San Pedro Town, 1.5min. The island also celebrated at function in downtown sports complex.

Top 10 Traditional Foods in Belize, 1.5min. 10 Belizean Dishes Every Traveler to Belize Must Taste

Belize City Carnival 2018, 8.5min. Join us as we relive the Belize City Carnival 2018 in stunning HD!

BELIZE AMBASSADOR TO THE U.S. FRANCISCO GUITERREZ ADDRESSES BELIZEANS ABROAD!, 10min. The feature highlights the Belize ambassador to the United States, Francisco Guiterrez's special address to the Belizean diaspora through a special visit to the Los Angeles Belizean community on Friday September 8, 2018 at the FAME Building Hall in Los Angeles, California.

Have you seen a Xoch? (Shoch) Belize Raptor Centre @1st West Fest, 4min.Belize Raptor Centre in San Ignacio official explains all about owls and other things at the 1st West Fest

Pan Yaad Belmopan Edition 2018, 33min.

Pan Yaad Belmopan Edition 2018, 3hr.

September 15, 2018

Caye Caulker Children’s parade 2018

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

Arson suspected after motorcycle destroyed by fire
San Pedro Police are investigating a suspected arson in the San Pablo Sub-division south of San Pedro Town following the questionable circumstances in which a Honda motorcycle was incinerated late on Sunday night, September 9th. The owner of the motorcycle, 21-year-old Trent Turley, reported that he left his bike parked outside his home and by early Monday, September 10th the motorcycle was discovered destroyed by fire. A golf cart parked nearby also resulted with minor damages, but it was clear that the main target was the motorcycle.

SPTC addresses unregulated beach dredging in northern Ambergris Caye
Reports from eyewitnesses stated that unidentified men had been using a backhoe, digging up sand and then loading it onto trucks and transporting it away. The destination of those trucks loaded with sand could not be determined. Mayor Daniel Guerrero was able to get in touch with the owner of the property and ordered him to discontinue the practice and to spread out the sand that had been dug back in place. The property owner complied with the order, and by Friday, September 7th the sand had been returned to the beach. He tried to justify the actions as a normal method to get rid of the Sargassum that is affecting the entire coast of the island. He alleges that nearby residents are doing the same, digging a hole in the beach and then burying the seaweed.

2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season at its peak; be prepared!
As we are at the height of the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season, meteorologists have been closely monitoring a very active season so far. One hurricane (Florence) and three tropical storms (Isaac, Helene, and Joyce) are threatening countries in the Atlantic. Meteorologists advise citizens to follow guidelines and be prepared during this active season. A hurricane preparedness plan entails knowing hurricane risks, knowing evacuation zones, assembling food supplies, preparing financially, strengthening your home and making an emergency plan.

Ambergris Today

Patriotic Children’s Rally Held In San Pedro
September Celebrations are in full swing across the Nation and on Friday, September 14, 2018, a children’s rally was held at the Rafael Angel Nunez Auditorium where hundreds of students from all across the island gathered in celebration. The San Pedro Roman Catholic School opened the event with a lovely rendition of Belize’s National Anthem followed by the National Prayer recited by New Horizons SDA School. Welcome address was delivered by San Pedro’s Children Advisory Board President, Ms. Karissa Vasquez which was followed by a re-enactment of the Battle of St. Geroge’s Caye and Independence Day skit by Ambergris Caye Elementary School.

Misc Belizean Sources

El Fogon Restaurant in San Pedro signs up to the Fish Right Eat Right Program
Fish Right Eat Right recognizes establishments that are, not only using the OurFish App to track their seafood purchases, but also promoting sustainable fishing by adhering to certain rules and regulations.Fishers will also be acknowledged for practicing sustainable fishing. Besides being in full legal compliance with the Fisheries Act of Belize, certified restaurants must also subscribe to certain best practices that promote sustainable fisheries in Belize.

Rotary Club of Corozal Raffle
Your Rotary Club of Corozal gets much of its funding for projects, such as the scholarship program from Raffles and the Cheap Sale. When you support Rotary by purchasing tickets for our Raffle you are supporting your community. We will be at Art in the Park on the 15th. Please stop by our table. We plan to be near the Rotaracts and the popcorn.

Art in the Park in Corozal
Saturday will be the 9th anniversary edition of Art in the Park...where has the time gone? I am so very delighted to have artist Alex Sanker (originally of San Antonio Village) displaying several pieces of his beautiful and sometimes controversial work! DJ Kelly will be out playing your favourite music. A very special thank you to this month's sponsor Belize Bank - Corozal Branch! Come on out for a night of art, music, food and family.

BINGO by Corozal Animal Program
FUNDRAISER FOR COROZAL ANIMAL PROGRAM (CAP) Please join us for a fun afternoon of Bingo called by our very own Teamous Newberne! DATE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3. TIME: 2 TO 4 PM. PLACE: JAM ROCK. There will be cash prizes, as well as other great prizes. 100% of the funds we raise goes to CAP! Hope to see you there! Face book: corozalanimalprogram. Hosted by Corozal Animal Program-CAP

Annual Children’s Rally Photos!

Pan Yaad 2018 FREE!!!
BTL Park, Sunday the 16th at 2PM!

The U.S. Embassy was on the road on Carnival Day!

Hilberto Miguel Tut needs our help
Good evening to One and all, my fellow friends and tour guides of CATGA. One of our fellow tour guide under the name of Hilberto Miguel Tut needs our help. I was at the hospital and nurses mentioned that we will need assistance in donating blood today. He is very low In blood. Mr.Tut is dire need of blood. To all those reading this message render any assistance. He is in the emergency ward at the Belmopan Hospital. Any help given will be highly appreciated. Thanks. God Bless

San Pedro Jouvert 2018
The San Pedro Town Council, in collaboration with Dj Debbie, bring you Jouvert 2018 at 5:00 A.M. on the 21st of September! Parade starts at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sports Complex! See you all there!

Central America & Mexico Independence Eve
Sept. 15 at the Louis Sylvester Sports Complex,Parade starts at 5pm

Career Opportunity - Belize Sugar Industries Limited
Belize Sugar Industries Limited invites qualified and self -motivated individuals to submit applications for the position of Logistics & Sea Container Management Coordinator at its Belize City location. The Logistics & Sea Container Management Coordinator is responsible to supervise, coordinate & execute all processes related to truck & sea container logistics to process sales orders to customers and deliver on-time.

Jahmundo cordially invites you to its 2nd Dart Tournament
Starting Saturday, 15th September @ 5:00 p.m. (Luck of the Draw) and Sunday, 16th September @ 10:00 a.m. (singles/doubles/mix doubles). We are having visitors from all over Belize. Come and meet new friends and The Belizean Dart Association and our loyal group of Dart players and friends who have helped us in one way or another. Registration fee $10 singles & $20 doubles. Food & beverages will be available.. For more information you can contact me through FB, phone & email. Make it a date

September 20th Concert 2018
The SISE Town Council is having their 3rd annual Independence Eve concert at the Sacred Heart College auditorium on Thursday. They have a great lineup, including Clayton Williams and Ernestine Carballo. The fun starts at 9:00pm...and ends at 4:00am. "3rd Annual September 20th Concert at Sacred Heart Auditorium. 6 Belizean Local Artists, all backed up by the most versatile band in the land: the ‘New Sensation Band’. Tickets available at the SISE town council, cayo welcome center during regular work hours or call 615 9843 or 614 8382."

Swearing In Ceremony for Peace Corps Health Volunteers 2018
Congratulations to the Peace Corps Volunteers who were sworn in today! Thank you for your service and for making President John F. Kennedy’s vision of promoting peace and friendship a reality!

PANYAAD Belmopan Edition
Belmopan very own PANYAAD the " Year For Love" on Saturday, September 15 starting at 8:00 pm at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium. See you there!

Channel 7

Faber Using PM Platform As Bully Pulpit
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber hasn't been taking his three weeks as acting prime minister lightly at all. In fact, he's capitalizing on it. He has organized a countrywide tour to, as he put it, re-connect with the people. Today at another event, we asked him about this tour and if this round of visits may be a crafty tactic to garner support in the race for party leadership. Here's his response. Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister: "In the time I have been acting prime minster, I decided to embark on a tour to just re-connect with people and it is not something for me alone. It is going to be recorded and documented so the entire government can have access to it as a way of reconnecting with what people want. Quite often when we are in our offices in Belmopan and making decisions in the cabinet and even in the national assembly we lose track of what it is people want us to do so I thought I give people an opportunity to put on the record the things that are important to them that the government needs to be working on. So I have now completed two districts the Toledo district and the Stann Creek district."

What Can The Political Directorate Do About Corrupt Cops?
We also asked Deputy Prime Minister Faber about the major drug plane bust up north. As we told you, 5 persons have been charged, including veteran cop Supt. David Chi. and a police constable, Norman Anthony. Faber discussed Belize's curse in being the prime transshipment point for narcotics in the region and also spoke on the involvement of cops in these drug plane landings. Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister: "The reason why drug planes see Belize as a target is because we are a small nation, we don't have the ability to police the borders in the manner in which we want. It is evident that planes that land here and other transshipment that goes on passes Belize in an effort to get to the United States. If we were not geographically located here this kind of trouble would not exist for us."

Suspect Mexican Picked Up Just For Parking On Street
And while the detainees are being held at the prison - the drugs remain under lockdown. They have not yet been destroyed - even though Deputy Compol Williams had said he wanted to get rid of it by the end of this week. And because the 1,225 pounds of suspected cocaine is at the Queen Street Station - police are on highest alert. And a pair of Mexicans on Queen Street may have been innocently detained because of this. Around 4:00 yesterday, they were parked in this white pickup - and because of the plates and the fact that police didn't know their business, they were taken out of the truck and detained at the Queen Street police station.

TS Issac, Going From Strength To Weakness
And, as we go into the weekend, some may be wondering what's going to happen with Tropical Storm Isaac. Well, at 3:00 this afternoon, the storm which had weakened to a Depression has become a minimal storm again with maximum winds of 40 miles per hour. But, there's not much prospect for development and the National Hurricane Center says the future of this system is unclear. It continues to move westward at 14 miles per hours, but a turn to the west-northwest is possible by late Sunday. The present forecast track seems to be taking it more towards the south of Jamaica by early next week.

Re-Registration, The Full Breakdown
Since, the start of July, when the Elections and Boundaries Department started the re-registration exercise, we've been reporting on the weekly figures. The idea is to get as many persons as possible back on the voters' roll to keep our democracy robust, and to make sure next year's ICJ referendum has a broad representation of the population. The Elections and Boundaries Department and the UNDP, have compiled data which closely tracks the trends that occurred since the start of re-registration until the end of August. So far, just over 122 thousand Belizeans have re-registered, which only 59% of the total number that was on the previous voter's list. The Elections and Boundaries authorities had set a target of 70% of the old list, but as we've shown you, voters just haven't been showing up in that kind of numbers.

Chamber Blows hot & Cold on SOE
Earlier on you heard the acting PM say he feels the State of of Emergency has done more good than harm. Well, the Chamber of Commerce weighed in today when it sent out a press release on the very polarizing public issue. The only thing is - their statement doesn't say too much about the state of emergency. Instead, the release gives a long analysis of crime trends, going back to 2002 when the murder rate first spiked to 33 per hundred thousand citizens, and has been going up ever since.

DCP Chester, The Quote Heard 'Round The Country
And the man literally at the center of the operation is Deputy Commissioner Chester Williams. He has morphed from a kumbaya community cop to stormtrooper in chief - and he's also made a claim to virtual omniscience. In a quote heard around the country, last week Williams told the press that every shot that is fired on the southside, he knows "whodunnit." The words of a southside super cop if ever there was one - and DCP Williams has been pilloried and lampooned for this meme-worthy statement. And why? Because if he knew who fired every shot - well why didn't he just go ahead and put them in jail!? And that's why Williams says he's been taken out of context. And indeed, these are his full remarks - which emphasize the difference between sound knowledge and prosecutable evidence:..

GOB Close To Finalizing Deal For Subsidized Dialysis
Turning now to health - there could be relief in sight for long suffering patients with kidney failure. These persons depend on costly dialysis treatments to stay alive. Simply put, if they don't get dialysis at least twice weekly, they will die. It's a stark reality, and it is made more grim by that fact that two dialysis sessions- which is the bare minimum for survival - can cost close to five hundred dollars a week. That's almost twenty five thousand dollars a year - just to stay alive! That's why patients with end stage renal failure have been begging government to subsidize a private programme to make dialysis treatments more affordable. Today, the acting Prime Minister announced that Cabinet is on the verge of finalizing something:..

Audits Aplenty In Faber-ville
We also asked the Acting PM about two audits of public interest in his Ministry. That's one at the National Sports Council which points to some lack of accountability, and the well-known one at NICH. Faber gave us updates on both.:.. Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister: "It is the ministry with responsibility for sports which I led that caused the audit to happen. So we are looking into things as a normal course of doing things and where there are irregularities that cannot be explained, then we will move to correct those. But the issue has been that internal audits - even audits sanctioned by the ministry itself are blown out of proportions before explanations for basic things can be given. That has to be out of place. The NICH audit as far as I know is going to be completed today and we are expecting an initial draft from the auditors today."

Infotel Rebranding For Bigger Opportunities
Infotel is a call center in Belize City that has been in business for 12 years. And while Call Centers are everywhere and they are hardly news anymore, Infotel has been experiencing rapid growth - and today held a ceremony to announce it's re-branding. John Malic told us what he feels is their difference:... John Malic, Voyse (formerly Infotel): "If you look at the tagline of our new logo its Voyse - people and technology. For us the brand represents that connection between the customer and the client and using their voice to make that connection. That's how we arrive at the new brand "Voyse." But more importantly our strategic direction for the next 5 years, we needed a refresh brand. We needed something new for our organization and that how we wanted a brand new look for the company. When we opened our doors 11 years ago under the name InfoTel, it was with 30 employees. So just for like some perspective 30 employees 11 years ago and today we have 420 employees and we also wanted a new brand to go into the future because our growth rate is forecasted to be an additional 20% growth each year over the next 5 years which is a total of about 200-300 more employment jobs here in the company."

Cops Say Wayne Welch Shot Dawn Parchue
3 weeks ago, we told you about Dawn Parchue, a 23 year-old mother, who became the victim of a bizarre shooting on the night of Friday, August 25th. She survived multiple gunshot wounds to the body, and police say that they've arrested and charged the man who they think pulled the trigger. He's 24 year-old Wayne Welch, a resident of Belize City, and he is now facing charges of attempted murder, dangerous harm, and use of deadly means of harm. He is expected to be arraigned and remanded to prison at the earliest convenience.

Another GAF Gaffe on Sarstoon Island
Wil Maheia and the Belize Territorial Volunteers had yet another confrontation with the Guatemalan Armed Forces today over Sarstoon Island, at the mouth of the Sarstoon River. As we've reported, the BTV continues to maintain a sort of citizen patrol of the island, and they go out there regularly, to sort of keep an eye on things. They went out there this morning to prepare for tomorrow's kayak race eco-challenge, and Maheia insisted that he would once again plant Belize's flag on the island.

Kids Rally 'Round The Flag
Today, well over 3,000 kids packed the Belize Civic Center for the annual children's rally. 31 schools from the Belize district were invited. We dropped by for the big celebration. Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education: "Well it is always a fun event and I am happy they are able to return the children's rally to the civic this year you know that used to be a fixture in the September calendar and we have been displaced for a number of years now and it was very heartwarming to see the children today in the civic center enjoying the wonderful facilities here and demonstrating their patriotism which is always very very good for our country."

Keeping Kids a Priority In Sports
And from the children's rally, to children in sports… Jardehl Muschamp is still trying to hold on to that dream of attending FC Barcelona's Youth Soccer Residency Academy in the U.S. We spoke to Jardehl and his dad, Hilberto Muschamp in late August when they came asking the public for financial assistance. They had to raise $83,000 Belize dollars. Well, they did get some assistance from the public : over $12,000 worth. But Muschamp had to come up with the remaining $71,000 Belize dollars. And he did, but now, the issue is Jardehl's visa. Muschamp told us today that Jardehl had been turned down twice. But Jardehl isn't the only Belizean athlete trying to advance their sporting careers. We asked Minister of Education and Sports Patrick Faber what and his ministry are doing to help these young athletes. Faber says they are doing all they can.

Mexican Police Orchestra Was Magic At Civic
And while a US visa is stress for Jardehl, going to Mexico isn't a problem for any Belizean. And Mexico showed its strong ties of friendship last night when it flew in the 65 members of the Mexican Federal Police orchestra to perform at the Civic Centre in a free concert celebrating Mexican Independence. Here's a snippet: The orchestra flew back to Mexico City after their performance for celebrations there…

Pan Time!
And while last night's musical fare had an orchestral flair, on Sunday, Steel Pan Music will be the thing. It's the annual Pan Yaad concert and you can see it live here on Channel 7 or go out to BTL Park where admission is free. To get you in the mood for it, we close with highlites of last year's concert - and remind you that you can also catch coverage of the Expo Belize Market Place live on Channel 7 starting tomorrow at 10:00. But, we leave you tonight with the players of the pans… Goodnight, I'm Courtney Weatherburne, join us back here on Monday…

Channel 5

Group of Mexicans Detained by Belize City Police
Five Mexican nationals, two men and four women, were detained by Belize City Police on Thursday evening. They are forty-seven-year-old attorney Reymundo Choc, his wife thirty-year-old Norma Gonzalez, forty-seven-year-old Victorino [...]

Acting Prime Minister Reacts to Drug Plane Bust
Acting Prime Minister Patrick Faber today chimed in on the recent drug plane landing in northern Belize for which two Mexicans and three Belizeans including superintendent of police, David Chi, [...]

Patrick Faber: “Drastic Time Calls for Drastic Measures”
The proclamation on a “State of Public Emergency” on two south side neighbourhoods in Belize City has been met with criticism from various quarters on the basis that it violates [...]

Teenage Robbers Caught Red-Handed by Belmopan Police
Two minors are in police custody pending charges of armed robbery. The two young men, one fifteen and another sixteen years old, believed to be from Belize City, were captured [...]

BTV is Turned Back from the Sarstoon by the GAF
Smack in the middle of the national celebrations there has been encounter in the Sarstoon. The Belize Territorial Volunteers, lead by Wil Maheia, was up the Sarstoon River prior to [...]

Audit Reveals More than $200,000 of Fuel Purchased from an Unauthorized Vendor
The misuse of government resources has been a recurring public complaint under both administrations. In the Auditor General’s Report for the period April 2013 to March 2014, the audit team [...]

A Demographic Breakdown of the Re-Registration Exercise
Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai today reported on the cleaning-up of the voters list during the still ongoing re-registration process. Now, Stann Creek West pulled out the biggest number of [...]

Re-registration – A Numbers Game
Has the re-registration exercise, which is set to conclude at the end of the month, met its target? According to Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission, Doug Singh, a [...]

Will Re-districting Impact Landlocked Constituencies?
The ongoing re-registration precedes a re-districting exercise which is scheduled to take place prior to the next general elections. In two Belize City constituencies, namely: Queen Square and Fort George, [...]

Prime Minister Dean Barrow Recovering Very Well
Prime Minister Dean Barrow continues to recover from spinal surgery in Havana, Cuba. On Wednesday, he received the President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, who was accompanied by his wife [...]

An Update on the External Audit at NICH
Minister of Culture, Patrick Faber, who is the chair of the board for the National Institute of Culture and History, says that he is awaiting an initial draft of the [...]

An Orange Walk Driver is Reported Missing
A missing person report has been filed by a thirty-year-old domestic of Orange Walk Town who told police that her husband, Julio Estuardo Choc left home on September ninth for [...]

How Did Belize Fair Off in CSEC?
How did Belize fair off in the 2018 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate, better known as CXC? As we reported a few weeks ago, several schools were not in receipt of [...]

Acting Prime Minister on Country Tour
Acting Prime Minister Patrick Faber has embarked on a tour across Belize which he says will reconnect him with the citizenry. Faber has visited the Toledo and Stann Creek Districts [...]

Caye Caulker Village Council Has Many Concerns
There is trouble brewing on La Isla Carinosa. A few weeks ago, the Chairlady of the Caye Caulker Village Council released an extensive letter publicly disclosing a number of thorny [...]

Area Rep Manuel Heredia Jr. Intervenes in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker Village falls under the Belize Rural South constituency which is represented by Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Junior. Heredia told News Five that he is aware of the concerns [...]

Little Junior Miss Belize Returns with a Bang
Little Junior Miss Belize is returning to the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts with a bang. After taking a two-year hiatus, the children’s pageant show is set to light [...]

Annual Children’s Rally Returns to Belize City Civic Centre
The annual children’s rally returned to the Civic Centre this morning. Primary school children from schools in the Belize District converged there to show their love and respect for the [...]

LOVE FM

Faber supports state of emergency
Belize is listed as one of the top five countries with the highest murder rate. The spike in the escalating crime has placed fear in the people and the authorities saw a need to address the problem. As a result, the Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, declared a state of emergency in two gang …

Belize plague by illicit drug activities
Belize’s central location makes it vulnerable to transnational organized crime. Despite support from the US State Department to combat the illicit drug trafficking, law enforcement still struggles with the drug war. Belize is among 22 countries identified as major illicit drug producing or transit nations by US President Donald Trump. According to Trump, Belize along …

ITVET will come abuzz with Expo 2018
The annual Expo Belize Market Place takes place this weekend at the ITVET compound in Belize City. The preparation for the Expo has been developing since January. The Expo is expected to draw a huge crowd and today when we visited the grounds many businesses were setting up their stalls. Love news spoke to Viannie …

Chamber of Commerce Speaks on the Crime Situation
The recent outbreak of violent crime and the subsequent state of emergency declared on a significant portion of Belize City has prompted the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) to air its concerns regarding the social issues which also impacts everyday commerce and trade. The BCCI points to Belize earning a spot on the …

Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai speaks voter’s list cleanup
The last re-registration exercise was conducted in nineteen ninety seven. In July of this year an attempt to clean up the voters list was undertaken. Today at the Stake Holder’s Information Sharing Session, Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai explained how they filtered deceased persons from the list. Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai: “The purpose of …

Election and Boundaries Department speaks on re-registration exercise
The re- registration of electors continues. Today the Election and Boundaries Department provided an update. Sitnah Blease reports. Sitnah Blease: “The Election and Boundaries Department held their stakeholder engagement and information sharing session on the ongoing re registration of electors exercise. Chief Elections officer Josephine Tamai shared information on the results of the reregistration exercise …

Faber is presently touring the country
Acting Prime Minister of Belize, Patrick Faber, is on a tour of the country; so far the tour has taken him to the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts. Faber is not calling it a political campaign tour, he said the purpose of the tour is to reconnect with the people. Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Patrick …

Dr. Leroy Almendarez is the new Executive Director of Beltraide
Dr. Leroy Almendarez is the new Executive Director of Beltraide. Dr. Almendarez’ appointment takes effect on Monday. Dr. Almendarez holds a Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida and a MBA from the University of the West Indies, Cavehill Campus. He brings a wide range of experience to Beltraide, having …

Robbery by pellet gun
Two minors robbed a grocery store with a pellet gun. And though it’s not considered a dangerous weapon that needs to be licensed, the charges they may face are very real. At 11:20 a.m. on Thursday, two persons entered Tai San Shop on Garza Street in the Capital. One of them took out what appeared …

Orange Walk Man is Missing
An Orange Walk resident is missing and his wife hopes that the public can aid in locating him. Julio Estuardo Choc has been missing since he left home at 6:00 a.m. on September 9. His wife Edelmira says Choc left home to go to Belmopan where he works as a driver, but his employer said …

Amandala

Kortco Belize Ltd. jacked over $800,000
At press time tonight, word to Amandala is that one person has been detained for questioning in the case of the over $800,000 robbery of a business in the Western Border Free Zone in Benque Viejo Del Carmen. Sometime between 1:00 and 2:30 on the early morning of Sunday, September 10, four masked thieves breached the chain link fence on the western side of the compound of the Western Border Free Zone in Benque and made their way to the Kortco Belize Company Ltd. building. The thieves used a portable oxy acetylene torch kit to first cut their way through the main door at the north end of the building. When the thieves got inside the building, they used their torch kit to cut through two steel doors, the second of which opened to a room which held an iron safe that reportedly contained a whopping sum of money, over BZ$800,000!

Ernest “Dangalang” Thurton, 25, convicted of 2012 dockyard double murder
Two men, Ernest “Dangalang” Thurton, Jr., 25, and Jasper Brannon, 28, were indicted for the October 25, 2012 double murder of Robert Young, 41, and Frank James, 35, which occurred at the dockyard on North Front Street, and at the conclusion of the trial today, Justice Adolph Lucas, who tried the case sitting without a jury, found Thurton guilty of the crimes. Justice Lucas has deferred sentencing to October 8, when the court will hear from prison officials, and from character witnesses, if Thurton decides to bring any to speak on his behalf. Since life in prison for murder has been ruled to be unconstitutional, a fixed-time sentence will be handed down to Thurton, who is the first person to be convicted of a double murder since the evolution of the law.

Cops “allow” Kevin Bodden, 25, to escape from Queen Street Police Station
Police’s investigation into the shooting death of Kendis Flowers, 27, a laborer of Mayflower Street, which occurred on the morning of Saturday, March 17, on Sibun Street, led to Kevin Bodden, 25, a laborer of Belize City, who fled the area when he received the information that he was a wanted man. A wanted poster was issued for Bodden’s arrest, but he could not be found. On Saturday, however, during the Carnival Road March, almost six months after a warrant to arrest him was issued, he was seen in the city watching the parade, and police arrested him and formally charged him for Flowers’ death.

Drug Plane Lands
This morning, five men, including two police officers, were taken to the court of Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford in connection with the seizure by police of a small plane loaded with cocaine reportedly worth US$7 million that landed on a road in the Blue Creek area of the Orange Walk District early Sunday morning. After Senior Magistrate Ford entered the courtroom, the five accused men stood up, and the proceedings began with the court Spanish interpreter in place for two of the accused, who are Mexican nationals. The court prosecutor indicated to Magistrate Ford that he was instructed to inform the court that the matters would be tried on indictment; therefore, no plea was taken from the accused men.

US President Trump names Belize as a major drug transit point
On the heels of last weekend’s capture of a plane that was loaded with an estimated US$7 million worth of cocaine which Belizean officials said originated in Venezuela, United States president Donald Trump today named Belize as a major drug transit point. Belize has been listed along with other major drug-producing or transit countries such as the Asian countries of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Myanmar, and the Southeast Asian nation of Laos. Closer to home, the list on the “presidential determination” includes Bahamas, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.

The disarmament question that National Security Minister, John Saldivar, dodged
Gun violence snuffed out the life of another man over the weekend on the south side of Belize City. This latest homicide in the murderous streets took place not too far from one of the two areas which have been declared to be in a “state of public emergency,” as defined by a proclamation, signed by the Governor General, which came into effect early last Wednesday morning, when security forces raided the homes of suspected gang members and carried off 100 persons, most of whom will remain incarcerated for one month—just like that—under the emergency measure now in place in two areas of the southside. By now, if you have a proper understanding of the civil war that is taking place on the south side of Belize City, you will appreciate that there are too many guns in the hands of the wrong people and there is no program or government policy in place to arrest that situation.

BzSA holds 8th Annual National Championship Regatta on September 8-9 in Caye Caulker
The Belize Sailing Association (BzSA) held its 8th Annual National Championship Regatta on September 8-9, 2018, hosted by the Caye Caulker Community Sailing Club (CCCSC) and supported by the Caye Caulker Village Council. Enthusiasts and onlookers were treated to two days of sailing from the Optimist and Laser Class Boats on the beautiful Caribbean Sea due east of the Palapa Gardens. The winds on both days were a fair 9 knots, veering between 100 and 110 degrees, with a small chop in the sea presenting a fine canvas for the event on the Olympic Trapezoid course. Up for grabs was the National Championship in Optimist and Laser classes. Additionally, a year round score of all four of our series ranking regattas for Optimist and Laser was completed, providing our annual top sailors for each class of boat.

Belize 4-0 over Bahamas in Nations League qualifier
In the Concacaf Nations League qualifier at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Friday night, September 7, Belize lived up to our higher Concacaf ranking (#24 to Bahamas #31), as the Jaguars posted a 4-0 win, despite missing a penalty and a few good scoring opportunities. Belize finally got on the score card late in first half, with two goals coming in quick succession, after left midfield/wing Nahjib Guerra navigated near the goal line twice, on the first occasion setting the inlet for Deon McCaulay (40’), who converted from point blank range, and then seeing his pass again to Deon being deflected off a defender and into the net for the second Belize goal (a Bahamas auto goal) at the 44th minute. The bright light for the Jaguars would be the two second half goals from young Krisean Lopez (80’ & 90+5’), who came off the bench and displayed poise and clinical finishing on the big stage.

Strike two for Jardehl from US Embassy
onight, a new set of outstanding Belizeans, including legendary sports men and women, are being hailed as Belizean Patriots at the National Awards Ceremony taking place at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. But yesterday, a young Belizean, standing on the threshold of dreams, received a heart wrenching “strike two” call from the US Embassy of Belize, when, for the second consecutive week, after filing all required papers, paying all required fees, providing all requested endorsement letters from local authorities as well as from the inviting school/academy in the U.S., 16-year-old Jardehl Muschamp’s application for a Student F-1 visa was turned down by the US Embassy official on duty. Last week, it was a female Embassy official doing the task; this week, a male Embassy official gave Jardehl’s dad, Hilberto Muschamp, the disappointing verdict.

Editorial: Belize: innocent and bogus at the same time
Watching television footage this week of Southside black youth packed in a holding cell at the Queen Street Police Station (they had been packed like that for more than a week), and listening to a description of their condition inside the cell by the attorney Audrey Matura, we had a flashback of imagination to how it was for our slave ancestors crossing the Atlantic Ocean in the dark bellies of British slave ships. It was, of course, worse, much worse, for our slave ancestors during the months of the so-called Middle Passage. But, the bottom line here is that this week’s television footage was September of 2018, and yes, these were Belizean human beings who were being treated worse than animals. There were other Belizeans, in positions of power and authority, who had made the decisions which created the inhumane conditions, and these Belizeans have said that they believed that they were doing the right thing, that they had no choice but to impose last Tuesday’s state of emergency on the Southside of Belize City.

From the Publisher
A few years ago I was in a conversation with Senator Henry Gordon, and I said to him, well maybe it’s about time we had another black summit, to look at the real. Henry’s response was that the first black summit, held in September of 2003, had not accomplished anything. He stopped me in my tracks. Cold. There was a lot of work put into that first, and only, Belize Black Summit, you know. Several months of planning, involving leaders of the UBAD Educational Foundation (UEF) and Dr. Ted Aranda’s World Garifuna Organization (WGO) went into the summit. I guess, looking back, we must have ended up with some feel good moments, but not much more. Still, just putting together the summit was an accomplishment in itself, unprecedented. Some people say that if you don’t have anything encouraging to say, maybe you shouldn’t say anything at all. I don’t have anything encouraging to say right here, but it’s my job to tell it like it is.

Pedal by Pedal – Report of Chief’s Thursday Race of September 13, 2018
Twenty-five riders, comprised of 15 Elites and 10 Weekend Warriors (WW), took off at 5:40 a.m. today in what turned out to be a blistering pace, as the wind pushed us towards Hattieville. By the time we cleared Burdon Creek Bridge at Mile 6, some damage had already been done, as many riders had been dropped. By this time, there was a 2-man breakaway running up front, with the big name Elites chasing them furiously. As we turned around at Hattieville, the wind was now in our face, and hit us like a ton of bricks. This caused the peloton to slow down, while the 2 front runners, Byron Pope and Herman “Hijo” Requeña had excellent cohesion, and managed to stay away, taking 1st and 2nd place, respectively.

Remembering the 2008 financial crash, amid 2018 concerns …
Dear Editor, A worldwide, financial disaster occurred when investment bank Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy on September 15, 2008, becoming one of the largest fatalities in the 2008 financial crisis. It is the 10th. anniversary of this financial crisis. I am asking, is another eminent? Markets, despite their communal expertise, are apparently fated to repeat history as illogical enthusiasm is followed by an equally illogical despair. Episodic bouts of turmoil are the inevitable result. The last 40 of global financial crises verify the cyclical nature of the boom-and-bust cycle of the global economy and a general trend to disaster.

Sedi Elrington no longer cutting edge
Understand, it will happen to everyone if they live long enough. I don’t have a direct line to Claudia Cayetano, so I can’t ask her the pertinent questions. Kathy Esquivel has some knowledge of these things but I wouldn’t expect her to talk. In the land of the blind the man with one eye is king. In the absence of the experts, the least inexpert is a sage. From my observation, and a little research, no longer being at the top of one’s game can be caused by age-degenerative diseases, mental life traumas (aka stress), physical life traumas (blows to the head), and “sedentarism.” That last one, the doctors won’t call it out because there’s no money in it for them. The sedentary life just happens to be the worst enemy of all animal life. A couch potato is a rotten potato.

Musings by the Curious Non-conformist
I’m sure we all know that our beautiful Belize is about to celebrate its 37th year of Independence! We gained this status of independence peacefully, unlike any of our Central American neighbors, who have a history marred by full-blown civil wars and genocide. We gained it through strategic negotiations, acting in pursuance of our human right of self-determination and staunch nationalism, something the Father of The Nation, Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, called the “peaceful and constructive revolution.” We, the people, have for a long time been asserting ourselves as an independent nation. I say this because we have been a full member of the CARICOM community since 1974, almost a decade before the country’s greatest, collective achievement in 1981.

What is the Puebla Panama Plan?
The Puebla Panama Plan (PPP) is defined as a sustainable and integral development project, created and proposed by Mexican president Vicente Fox. It is directed to the southern states of Mexico, (Campeche, Chiapas, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Veracruz and Yucatán) and the Central American countries (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama). It proposes to re-launch the Mexico-Central America cooperation, consolidating the commercial opening scheme, managing resources for infrastructure of common interest, strengthening and expanding the institutional mechanisms for policy coordination.

Victor Hernandez, 18, charged for accidentally killing coworker
On Monday of last week at about 10 p.m., Jeffrey Hernandez, 21, was cleaning the inside of a cement mixer at his worksite at AP Enterprise Cement Block Factory when the mixer was accidentally turned on, crushing him between the blade and the inside of the machine. His cries alerted his co-workers, who turned off the machine and found a critically wounded Hernandez inside. After about 2 hours, personnel from the National Fire Service and BERT were finally able to extract him from the machine, but the injuries to his midsection were too severe, and he died while being rushed to the hospital.

Premium Wines robbed of over $57,000
On Friday, September 7, Premium Wines, a well-known store at 166 Newtown Barracks that specializes in the sale of fine wines and other liquors, was raided by robbers who looted the store of an assortment of items and cash which together totaled $57,785.25 in value. The robbery occurred during broad daylight, at around 10:30 a.m. When police arrived about 15 minutes later, the manager of Premium Wines, Maria Price, 49, told them that she was inside the store talking with her employees when three men entered the business.

Steven Gomez, 23, sentenced to 11 years for manslaughter
A prison sentence of 11 years was imposed today by Justice Francis Cumberbatch on Steven Gomez, 23, a resident of Unitedville, who was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter in the Belmopan Supreme Court on July 16. Justice Cumberbatch had actually sentenced Gomez to 15 years in prison, but he subtracted 4 years from the sentence, which was the time Gomez had spent on remand. The conviction and sentence are for the death of Victor Vargas, 37, aka “Mico”, a father of four who was fatally stabbed during a fight that occurred in Unitedville around 3 a.m. on August 16, 2014.

Almost 100 men being held at Raccoon Street and Queen Street “Piss Houses”
Last week, Statutory Instrument (SI) no. 49 of 2018, which declared two gang neighborhoods on the southside of Belize City as public emergency areas, was signed and came into effect. SI 49 of 2018 gave security forces wider powers to arrest and detain persons in the declared areas: George Street and Banak Street. Last week, Deputy Police Commissioner, Chester Williams, told the media that by means of the emergency powers, persons can be detained for up to one week, before they are told the reason for their detention. Yesterday, Tuesday, while on our way to attend a Ministry of National Security press briefing, we passed near the holding cell area of the Queen Street Police Station, also known as “Piss House”, and those detained appealed to media workers to take up their cause.

The Reporter

Police Charge Plumber with Attempted Murder of Woman
Police have arrested and charged Wayne Welch, 24 with Attempted Murder, Dangerous Harm and Use of Deadly Means of Harm upon Dawn Parchue, 23. Parchue was shot multiple times in the upper stomach and once on the right foot shortly before midnight on August 25, while riding a bicycle towards a relative’s house on Croton Lane, Lake Independence area in Belize City.

ORANGE WALK MAN MISSING
A family from Orange Walk Town is worried about their loved one who went missing on September 9 without a trace. Julio Estuardo Choc, 35, reportedly left his house around 6:00 that morning enroute to Belmopan, where he is employed as a driver. He never arrived on the job as has not been seen since then.

Police Charge Minor for Large Stash of Weed, Ammo
A youth finds himself facing possible jail time after a Police raid of a passenger bus Wednesday evening on the George Price Highway yielded over 12 pounds of marijuana and several rounds of ammunition. The discovery happened around 5:45pm during a check point set up at mile 64. Police say the weed, which weighed 12.7 pounds, and the seven .38 bullets were inside a kit bag that was on a seat beside the youth.

GRINS AND GIGGLES
By: Mike Rudon Jr. - I was at the press conference held by the Police top brass, including the Police Minister and his Deputy Minister, this week. They trotted out everybody they could spare to share in this joyous occasion – a little, itty bitty plane with drugs intercepted, after about 10 large jets (that we know about) landed successfully without Police interception ...

YOU HAVE THE POWER !
By Nefretery-Marin. The Government of Belize faces very serious challenges -lawsuits, global competition in loan/grants and in trade; locally they are challenged by crime, the drug trade, political infighting, corruption and many other pervasive societal stresses. Our people are not satisfied with the level of progress, quality of life, healthcare, economic opportunities, safety and the blatant lack of leadership.

SKILLS MISMATCH IN BELIZE, Part 2
In the last Business Perspective we had commenced a conversation on the skills mismatch, as measured via the skills mismatch index (SMI), a tool that helps us gauge whether the “gap” between the supply of skills and the demand for those skills is narrowing or widening. And, when calculated using country-level data for working-age population and employed, the SMI indicates a welcomed downward path.However, as was discussed previously, it is worth looking at the SMI a bit closer...

EDITORIAL, September 14th. 2018
All of Belize’s border problems stem from the one act by President Jorge Ubico who wanted to undo the border treaty which the Government of Guatemala signed with Britain in 1859. Ubico thought that by renouncing the treaty he could undo the border markings which had been agreed upon. He did all that a Guatemalan dictator was able to do. He renounced the treaty. He leaned on the Constitutional Court to declare that Guatemala is no longer bound by the 1859 treaty. He also had the Guatemalan Congress declare that Belize was now the 21st. district of the Republic of Guatemala...

DID CARTEL COME FOR THEIR COCAINE
As we go to press tonight, there are reports that five Mexican nationals are in Police custody after they were detained on Queen Street in front of the IT Store sometime after 4:00pm this evening. Details are sketchy and Police are tight-lipped, but we have confirmed from multiple sources that the men were spotted as they parked a white pickup with Mexican plates in front of the store and went inside to buy...

TOP COP IN ‘ORANGE WALK’ CHARGED
Just before midday today, Orange Walk’s top cop, Superintendent David Chi, a veteran with over three decades on the force, was taken to Magistrate’s Court and charged, along with Police Constable Norman Anthony, another veteran cop, with Conspiracy to Land a Plane on an Unauthorized Aerodrome and Abetment to Import Cocaine into Belize...

Breaking Belize News

Vehicle reported stolen in Belize City
The owner of the above car is seeking the public’s assistance in locating his vehicle. The […]

NEMO Southern Coordinators meet with NEMO Minister
While in the south on Wednesday, September 12, Minister of National Emergency Management, Edmond Castro met […]

Win a chance to rappel for free at West Fest
Visitors who attend Cayo’s first ever West Fest, being held tomorrow at the Macal River Park […]

Wayne Welch charged for shooting woman 5 times
Today, police arrested and charged Wayne Welch, 24, for shooting Dawn Parchue. Parchue was shot on […]

Annual Belize Market place expo commences tomorrow
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) will be hosting its annual Expo Belize Market Place […]

Orange Walk man reported missing
The family of 30-year-old Julio Estuardo Choc, a driver from Orange Walk, is worried about him […]

Chamber of Commerce weighs in on Belize’s Crime Situation
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) today issued a statement commending the members of […]

Vehicle valued at $16,000 stolen in Georgeville, Cayo
Police are investigating the theft of a motor vehicle in Georgeville Village, Cayo District. Ramonita Hyde, 46, […]

BELTRAIDE Welcomes New Executive Director
Yesterday, the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) announced the appointment of Dr. Leroy Almendarez […]

Audrey Matura lashes out at Chester, chastizes BBN
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize News […]

Career writer, Adele Ramos, wins Zee Edgell Award!
In less than one year, career writer, Adele Ramos, has snatched yet another major award. This […]

Steven Gomez guilty of manslaughter!
Steven Gomez was charged for killing Victor Vargas in 2014. However, in trial before Justice Francis […]

Teens busted after robbing Belmopan store with fake gun
This morning Belmopan police are attempting to bring charges against two minors who robbed a store […]

Another accused murderer gets bail
Accused murderer, Edward Barona, 38, is out on bail after four years on remand at the […]

Blogs

Anglers Restaurant and Bar: a place for fishermen and folks to enjoy
The newest eatery in town has opened on back street (Angel Coral Street), and it is offering tasty seafood and other Belizean dishes. Proprietors are well known San Pedranos Giovanni and Maribel Marin, and they happily hosted friends and invited guests during the grand opening on Friday, September 7th. Following an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, Giovanni Marin welcomed attendees and thanked them for their support. A long time entrepreneur, Marin is a great lover of the sea and appreciates the contribution of fishermen to our island. Anglers certainly is unique, with an underwater theme depicting the marine world throughout the establishment. The floors feature different types of fish, and beautiful fish images airbrushed by Marin adorn the counter of the well-stocked bar. Anglers Restaurant and Bar counts with several flat screen TV’s throughout the restaurant for viewing pleasure.

Jaw Dropping Views: Belize’s First Department Store Opens Soon & My Tropic Flight
Seriously. I was taking a tour of the new Mirab’s Department Store. A gorgeous jaw droppingly gorgeous building on the Northern Highway. A few minute taxi ride from the municipal air port in Belize City. It was like pulling up to a Nordstorms in California. Complete with the immaculate landscaping and tall date palms. Three stories of bright modern chandeliers, mirrors and dense carpets, tufted upholstery, sparkling appliances, towering escalators and a huge bank of gleaming elevators. There is a MASSIVE toy section, a luxurious shoe department for both men and women (with a store room that is about the length of San Pedro’s Front Street).

International Sources

Ancient altar reveals Mayan 'Game of Thrones' dynasty
1,500 year old Mayan altar discovered in a small archeological site in northern Guatemala is drawing comparisons to popular fantasy drama television series "Game of Thrones" for its descriptions of the Kaanul dynasty's political strategies aimed at bringing entire cities under its control. The altar, carved out of limestone and weighing around one ton was found at the La Corona archeological site in the jungle region close to the borders with Mexico and Belize, Tomas Barrientos, co-director of excavations and investigations at the site told journalists. Barrientos said the altar was found in a temple and showed King Chak Took Ich'aak, La Corona's ruler, "sitting and holding a scepter from which emerge two patron gods of the city."

Isaac may restrengthen in Gulf of Mexico next week
There is the potential for Isaac to strengthen to a tropical storm or hurricane while crossing the western Caribbean and entering the Gulf of Mexico next week. Isaac became a tropical rainstorm early Saturday morning, but just because it has lost its tropical storm status does not mean it should be ignored. "The key will be how much wind shear Isaac encounters along the way and if Isaac manages to avoid much interaction with large land areas such as Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba," Kottlowski said. Wind shear is the increase in wind speed with altitude or over horizontal distance. Strong wind shear can prevent a tropic storm from forming and cause a hurricane to weaken. A small amount of wind shear can vent a tropical storm or hurricane and cause it to strengthen. "Some minor fluctuation in organization and strength is likely over the Caribbean into early next week, but it is from Tuesday on, as it nears and passes through the Yucatan Channel, that we really have to keep an eye on it," Kottlowski said.

10 Central American Poets You Should Be Reading
From the early days of modernismo with Rubén Darío to the revolutionary movement in El Salvador with Roque Dalton, Central America has a long legacy of poetry. However, like many other things across the isthmus, this rich history is not visibly seen by the public. Now, thanks to the internet and internal push for cultural representation, a new generation of Central American poets are drawing from multidisciplinary practices to expand the genre. Through self-publishing, teaching, community organizing, and international festivals, these poets – some up-and-coming, others more established – are changing the landscape of the craft across these seven countries. Adele Ramos is a woman of many talents. The Belize-based journalist, TV producer, painter, fashion designer, and poet has not only enriched her country with her own work, she’s also used her platform to boost the work of other poets. “Adele led the poetic renaissance in Belize (2005-2006) as the founding president of the Belizean Poets Society (renamed the Belizean Writers and Poets Society),” her website reads. Learn about her work here.

Mayan ‘Game of Thrones’ altar discovered
The Kaanul dynasty’s political strategies aimed at bringing entire cities under its control have earned it comparisons with the hit television series. A 1,500 year old Mayan altar discovered in a small archeological site in northern Guatemala is drawing comparisons to popular fantasy drama television series “Game of Thrones” for its descriptions of the Kaanul dynasty’s political strategies aimed at bringing entire cities under its control. The altar, carved out of limestone and weighing around one ton was found at the La Corona archeological site in the jungle region close to the borders with Mexico and Belize, Tomas Barrientos, co-director of excavations and investigations at the site told journalists. Barrientos said the altar was found in a temple and showed King Chak Took Ich’aak, La Corona’s ruler, “sitting and holding a scepter from which emerge two patron gods of the city.”

Scientists to assess health of seas around Central America
Mexican and Central American scientists will evaluate fishery resources, fish distribution and biodiversity of the Caribbean and Pacific oceans, said the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Friday. A team of 22 scientists will work on an investigation vessel, the Dr. Jorge Carranza Fraser, to set sail on Monday from the city of Puerto Progreso, Yucatan state in southeastern Mexico. The investigation will evaluate 7,500 nautical miles (some 13,890 kilometers) of the Caribbean and Pacific oceans surrounding Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. The team aims to gauge the health of fisheries against current fishery productivity, measure ocean temperatures, oxygen levels and salinity to check their results against satellite images.

Bahamas vs. Belize: 'I Don't Think The Score Indicated How Well We Played'
Last week, 16-year-old Mario Johnson got to enjoy the best of the two scenarios when the men's team played their first game of the CONCACAF League of Nations. In his starting role, the six-foot, 2-inch, 160-pound Johnson gave up two goals before he went down with an injury and the Bahamas eventually lost 4-0 to Belize. Johnson, an 11th grader at St Andrew's School, got started playing soccer about 10 years ago, but because he was considered "too fat," he was sent into the goal post. "I feel good because I know I work very hard," said Johnson about his progress in his transition. "After they pretty much forced me to play keeper, I just lived up to the role." "I don't think the score indicated how well we played. It was a different play, but I felt we were ready.

New York City’s Garifuna Community Preserves Its Rich Culture Through Food
The Garinagu – plural for Garifuna – have a rich history, reflected in many ways, particularly through food. The savory, multi-step – sometimes multi-day – creations echo the complex, yet beautiful background of a people who have survived being uprooted and exiled from St. Vincent to settle along Central America’s Caribbean coast. For Bronx native Catherine Ochún Soliz-Rey, preserving Garifuna traditions and culture is a passion. The women’s empowerment coach and influencer invests a large portion of her time expanding Wabafu Garifuna Dance Theater, a collective founded in 1992 by her mother, dancer Luz F. Soliz, that preserves the richness of the culture and history through dance, music, and storytelling.

Videos

Panerrifix Steel Band invites you to PANYAAD Belmopan Edition (Year For Love), 22min. Julietta Burrowes - Director, Panerrfix Steel Band. Ian Courtenay - Manager Pantempters Steel Orchestra. Performers: Kieran Brannon, Ylani Arzu, Leojon Pott.

Belize Tourism Industry Association - 1st Ever West Fest, 21min. Talia Tillett - BTIA Membership Officer, Michael Fuller - BTIA Cayo Chapter, Carolyn Wade - Sales Manager Karl H. Menzies.

The conversation on the State of Emergency proclamation - Human Rights, 44min. The conversation on the State of Emergency proclamation continued today with Attorney and Human Rights Committee member, Audrey Matura. She compares the proclamation to preventative detention and explained how this move violates the human rights of persons detained and further compounds the strained relationship with these communities.

Children rally primary school was in corozal town, 7min. All schools across corozal came to participate in the rally.

Videos of the Annual Children's Rally,

Belize Road Trip, 17min. Driving Belize

Models Photographers Photo Shoot Escape, 30min. Will Moreno - Professional Photographer

Bruk It Down Jenny - Toxic Relationship, 25min. Jenny Lovell - Mental Health Professional

Illa's Pastries - Creol Bread & Bun Dough Packs, 26min. Ill's Turner - Illa''s Pastry

Travelers Cocktails - Party Drinks, 11min. Jordan Ramclam - Mixologist

The Belizean National Anthem as performed by the Policia Federal Band of Mexico, 3min. What a stunning rendition of our National Anthem!!

Mottled Owl, 1/2min.

Corozal Pre-School & Primary School Children's Parade 2018, 3min.

Vehicles Going To Belize, 8min. Ever wonder what it would take to uproot and move to a boat-access-only off-grid property in Belize? Well, we have no clue. But we're going to figure it out!

September 14, 2018

Ko'one'ex kanik Maaya T'aan (Let's learn Yucatec Maya)

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

Lennox Samuels facilitates Journalism Workshop with Belizean Media Corps
During his visit to Belize, journalist Lennox Samuels facilitated a journalism workshop with the country’s media corps at the University of Belize in Belmopan City on Saturday, September 8th. Present at the workshop was Jeanelle Mencias and Miriam Longsworth from the Government Press Office, Michelle Sutherland, Benjamin Flowers and Marion Ali from The Reporter Newspaper, Alindy Marisol Amaya and Melody Wagner from Kremandala, Sitnah Blease from Love FM, Courtney Weatherburne from Channel 7, Hamerlin Flores from The San Pedro Sun Newspaper, Alford Grinage, Linden Flowers, Luis Castellanos, Alejandro Cowo, Wilfredo Ferrufino, Hortence Hernandez and Jenny Bonilla from the Belize Police Department (BPD), and University of Belize (UB) students/aspiring journalists Charleston Gladden, Leila Oh, Agatha Petkau, Roger Hyde and Tracey Sangster.

San Pedro Pirates defeat Freedom Fighters 4-3
On Sunday, September 9th the San Pedro Pirates F.C travelled to Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District to face Freedom Fighters in a previously delayed match of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB). The island team claimed victory with a 4-3 score, gaining three more points in the PLB chart and moving to the fourth spot in the tournament standings. For the next match, the San Pedro Pirates will be travelling to Belmopan City to face the Belmopan Bandits at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Saturday, September 15th. The game is scheduled to start at 8PM. For more information on how to accompany the Pirates as a fan, you can contact 623-0772.

Large drug bust in northern Belize leads to internal police investigation; Belize remains in US list of major drug transit nations
The northern district of Orange Walk made headlines on Sunday, September 9th, after Belizean authorities made a $14 million Belize dollar drug bust after intercepting a suspected drug plane shortly after 9PM in the Tres Leguas area of the Blue Creek community near the Mexican border. During the bust, Belizean security forces comprised of police officers and the military came under fire from the alleged drug traffickers for almost an hour before detaining two Mexican and two Belizean nationals, one of them a member of the Belize Police Department. After the shootout, police confiscated a small Cessna single-engine aircraft originating from Venezuela stocked with 26 bales of cocaine weighing about 1,223 pounds. The large drug bust exemplifies why Belize is considered by the United States of America (USA) a major drug transit or illicit drug producing nation.

Ambergris Today

US President Trump Places Belize On List Of Major Drug Transit Countries
As Belize is placed on the list of major illicit drug producing/transit countries, The US Embassy commends the country on its latest drug bust of approximately US $7 million worth of cocaine. The United States President Donald Trump has declared 21 nations, including Belize, as a major illicit drug producing/transit countries.

Belize Ocean Club Assists School In Seine Bight
Belize Ocean Club Partners With St. Alphonsus RC School - “Resort continues to make good on its Committed to Community initiative!” Earlier this summer, employees of Belize Ocean Club (BOC) happened upon several teachers from St. Alphonsus RC School in Seine Bight, standing in the unforgiving midday sun, soliciting donations from passing drivers to assist with the school’s rehabilitation needs. From that chance encounter, a partnership was formed, with the very popular resort pledging much needed assistance to the school. Earlier this month, employees from BOC’s maintenance department completed the installation of four wooden doors and did finish work to two other doors, which were previously donated by another selfless donor.

Misc Belizean Sources

TROPIC AIR IS ADDING FLIGHTS TO CAYE CAULKER!
In order to connect Caye Caulker with the 4:30pm(ish) arrivals of Southwest Airlines from Houston, American Airlines from Dallas and WestJet from Calgary, we have added a new #daily Belize International Airport (BZE) to Caye Caulker (CUK) flight. This is in addition to our current schedule, and flights commence October 1. The flight is bookable now, and the details are as follows: Flt#2216 Departs: Belize International (BZE) @ 5:30pm Arrives: Caye Caulker (CUK) @ 5:40pm P.S Since we are getting this question a lot. As Caye Caulker Airstrip now has lights. Darkness will not be an issue with the timing this flight.

San Pedro Independence Jump Up-Parade
Sign up now! Join the parade and show how much you love Belize!

CPR training to students in Corozal
The month of September is CPR month and as a training center for the American Heart Association, the Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization specializing in pre-hospital care in the form of emergency response and transportation. BERT will be providing CPR training to students at the Corozal Methodist School on 1st Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and at the Christiline Gill Seventh Day Adventist School in the Potzal Area from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. tomorrow Thursday, September 13th, 2018. This training is not open to the public but free of cost to the students. This is one initiative to give back to the community. The more bystanders that are trained, they can in turn help in saving a life. For more information contact Leon Seguro at 615-9124.

Public Notice
The Ministry of Natural Resources advises the public that effective September 13, 2018, a cell phone number and/or an email address is required when filling out any application to conduct transactions at the Ministry. This is in an effort to provide a more efficient system to notify the public of the completion of their application.

Arrival of Mexican Police Orchestra in Belize
The Mexican Federal Police orchestra arrived in Belize today, September 13th, at 11:50 a.m. on their Boeing 727 aircraft. The orchestra is to participate in the “Winds Orchestra of Mexico Concert” at the Belize City Civic Center today at 7:00 p.m., in commemoration of Mexican Independence Day. The orchestra will return to Mexico City after their performance this evening. Heading the team is Lic. Luz María García Rivas, Director General of International Police Affairs, who is representing the Commissioner of the Federal Police of Mexico. This visit demonstrates Mexico’s commitment for continued cooperation in areas such as culture and law enforcement with Belize. There are 65 musicians plus their equipment thus the reason for traveling in their own aircraft. The team needs to depart Belize back to Mexico today for their Independence Day celebrations tomorrow. No commercial flight was available for such a schedule. Hence, they are traveling in their official aircraft.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Sicario, Star Wars: Solo, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Skyscraper.

Channel 7

Two Lawmen Arraigned
Tonight two veteran lawmen are behind bars at the Belize Central Prison - and they are charged for landing the drug plane on Sunday night in Blue Creek, Orange Walk. Today, after a brief back and forth, police took decisive action and charged both Superintendent David Chi and PC Norman Anthony, along with the 2 Mexican nationals caught on the scene, and Blue Creek resident Peter Friessen Jr., who was picked up nearby. They were all arraigned in Belize City today - and our news team was at court on the frontline. Daniel Ortiz narrates today’s arraignment of all 5. Here’s that story: Before he was accused of being involved in narcotics trafficking, the press and public had known Senior Superintendent David Chi as a senior cop, speaking with the press about crimes of urgent national interest.

DCP Explains Charges
So while the arraignment was happening at court, DCP Chester Williams was at the bi-weekly press conference discussing Supt. David Chi’s charges. Williams also outlined the charges against PC Anthony and the two Mexicans. DCP Chester Williams - Commander OPS: “I am not going into the specifics as it relates to the information that led to Mr. Chi’s arrest. We can confirm that yes Mr. Chi and PC Anthony have both been arrested and charged in respect to the landing of the plane in the northern communities of the Orange Walk District. Also charged along with them are two Mexicans, one is Eli Figueroa Nunez, and the other is Azariaz Manzano both Mexicans and a Belizean Peter Friessen.

Capital Cops Catch Teenaged Robbers From City With Cash
Belmopan cops pounced on a pair of kid robbers this morning. Around 11:30, the boys, one 15, the other 16 years old held up Taisan store on Garza Street with a fake gun. They snatched $600 and took off. But a review of the store’s surveillance footage coupled with quick police response led cops right to the boys who were sitting comfortably in a taxi at the terminal. As you can see from this video, police are searching the boys as well as a schoolbag one of them had. Police say they recovered the $600 and the fake gun. Police say the boys will be charged tomorrow morning.

DCP Chester Cares About The Lawful, Not The Lawless
It is day 8 of the State of Emergency in Belize City and as we told you last night, all the detainees have been given written reasons for their detention. Again, those grounds are as follows: "That you are engaged in acts prejudicial to public safety and public order, or the instigation of such acts and more specifically that you are engaged in gang activities, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, and murder". So in total 40 men have been provided these written statements and have been sent to prison. That’s 30 from the George Street gang and 10 from Banak

Williams Responds To Human Rights Critics
Now while the release of some of the detainees might seem like an act of mercy and compassion, there are a few people who simply can’t see it this way. As you heard last night, attorney Audrey Matura- Shepherd is against the enforcement of these emergency powers. She said that the rights of the detainees are being violated and that the conditions in which these men are being held are inhumane. Last week you also heard from the Human Rights Commission who says the government pressed the state of emergency panic button prematurely. Well, today Williams responded to all those critics. He says that under this state of emergency, the law abiding citizens are safe and that the detainees are not being treated any differently than any other prisoner.

State of Emergency Not A Permanent Solution
So in the face of those critics and skeptics, Williams firmly stands by his decision to enforce the state of emergency. He says he is under no illusion that this is a permanent solution but he has hope that it will defuse those simmering gang tensions and decrease crime in the city. DCP Chester Williams - Commander OPS: “We have been trying a lot; we have had patience with these different groups. I in particular, I took time late at night doing interventions, mediations with them and try to get them to understand that the way of life they are living..."

What Next After 30 Days?
So fast forward to after the lockdown period..what happens after all the men have been released ? Well, Williams says it doesn’t end there. Police will continue to investigate and more than likely re-arrest some of these men and charge them. Here is how Williams put it. Courtney Weatherburne: “What happens after the 30 day lockdown and as you said, if needs be you will extend this period as well, but many people are wondering what will happen next, is there a plan in place after these men are released?” DCP Chester Williams - Commander OPS: “Well as I have said before within the first 30 days, we will be looking at the investigations in respect to the offenses listed in the notice they got.

How Can Police Stop Gang Extortions?
And one of the aspects of that peace is putting an end to extortion. Deputy Commissioner Williams has said that some gang members make a living off extortion. But will the state of emergency stop that? That’s what the press asked Williams today:… Reporter: “Last week you had mentioned that a gang member had told you that he had extorted business persons.” DCP Chester Williams - Commander OPS: “He said live from extortion.”

11 More Years For A Killer
Turning now to news from the court, 23 year-old Steven Gomez, the man who stood trial for the August 2014 killing of Unitedville resident, Victor Vargas has been found not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter. Trial judge Francis Cumberbatch has decided that he will spend 11 more years in prison.
The full sentence is 15 years, but the judge subtracted 4 years, due to the time spent on remand. In August of 2014, in Unitedville, Vargas and Gomez got into a fist fight, and while they were struggling on the ground, Gomez pulled a knife and stabbed Vargas twice to the neck and the head. He ran down the street saying that Gomez was his attacker.

City Council Rejects CWU Narrative on Union Busting
On Tuesday the Christian Workers Union held a press conference where they accused the City Council of union busting. That’s after the City Council blocked them from attending a meeting with staff with a last minute email - when the request went in 5 days earlier. The CWU is representing a dozen of the city’s cemetery workers - who were complaining about subsistence payments. Today the Council held a press conference to give its side of the story. Mayor Bernard Wagner said the message to the CWU was sent at the last minute - because the council was busy:

What Next For Percy?
And the city may have another slight labour issue - but this one at the management level. The council is moving long time Traffic Manager Kevon Jenkins to the Sanitation Department effective next Monday. And so we asked what will happen to the current Sanitation Manager Percy Murillo? The mayor says he’ll cross that bridge when he gets there:.. Jules Vasquez: "What will happen to the sanitation manager Percy Murillo? We know he is a quite visible UDP and he has supported the previous council in all its campaigns. Will he be sent home?"

Mayor Agrees Tenth Needs Help
And, finally from the council tonight, we asked the Mayor what he thought of the Tenth Parade. We’ve been airing it live on Channel 7 for decades now - and thought Monday’s 2018 edition was one of the weakest we’ve seen. We asked the Mayor for his take:.. This was the 220th anniversary of the Battle.

One Of The Big Guns Is From Salvador
Turning back to today’s press conference, police say that one of the very big guns police found in San Ignacio last week - the cops say one of them can be traced back to Salvador:… Jospeh Myvette - OC, HNCIB: "The weapons were processed; further investigation into the matter has revealed that one of those weapons were stolen from the Salvadorian military some time ago whilst checking through our regional system and we will continue to do that throughout this investigation. Some questionable or known figures to the police live within that immediate area where the weapons were found; hence the reason for the testing and those weapons were submitted to the forensic department for further analysis."

Bail For Barona, Accused Murderer
38 year-old Edward Barona, who has been on remand awaiting trial, became the 24th accused murderer since last year to get Supreme Court bail. His petition went before Justice Francis Cumberbatch today, and the judge heard submissions from his attorney Oscar Selgado. He told the court that Barona, a resident of Kraal road, was arraigned for the murder of 25 year-old Byron Estrada on June 27, 2013. He was then indicted in the Supreme Court on September 2014, and in the 4 years since, the state has not done anything to bring his case to a trial date. Selgado also asserted that Barona maintains his innocence, and he is confident that at the conclusion of his trial, whenever it actually takes place, he will be exonerated.

Mexican Police Jet Touches Down, But Why?
There was alarm across Belize when this plane landed in Belize this morning - and pictures started streaming across social media. It’s an all black jet, with the words “Policia Federal” emblazoned on its side. With all that’s happening related to the drug plane landing, many jumped to the conclusion that the Mexican Police were here in force to regulate! Well, turns out that’s just fanciful thinking. The Boeing 727 is carrying the 65 member Mexican Federal Police Orchestra - not their anti-narco unit. They arrived arrived at 11:50 this morning for the “Winds Orchestra of Mexico Concert” at the Belize City Civic Center.

Channel 5

2 Mexicans & 3 Belizeans, including Senior Officer, Arraigned for Blue Creek Drug Bust
Three Belizeans and two Mexican nationals were arraigned in court this morning on charges relating to a drug plane that landed on September eleventh in Tres Leguas, near Blue Creek, [...]

Chester Defends Month-long Incarceration of Gang Members
Forty persons including adults and minors who police have determined are gang members have been transferred to the Hattieville Central prison where they will be locked up until the end [...]

Law and Order to be Maintained Upon and After Release of Gang Bangers
Amid the ongoing public discourse on the state of emergency in parts of Belize City is a fear that upon release, there is potential for aggrieved gang members to retaliate [...]

Top Cop Says Paperwork Has Been Drafted for Entire South Side
With a state of emergency in effect for two south side neighborhoods, are other Belize City gangs laying low or is there potential for a flare up elsewhere? When asked [...]

Placencia Villagers Battle Sargassum Invasion
Tonight we have part two of our report on Sargassum. Aside from San Pedro, residents of the Placencia Peninsula are battling with the awful stench of decaying Sargassum that has [...]

Anke Doehm Wants to Travel to the U.S. to Visit Doctors
Anke Doehm returned to court today seeking a variation to her bail conditions so that she can travel to the U.S. to visit with her doctors. But even as that [...]

Ernest Thurton Jr. Found Guilty of Double Homicide
On Wednesday, Supreme Court Justice Adolph Lucas found twenty-five-year-old Ernest Thurton Junior guilty of a double homicide, but has reserved sentencing until October eighth. Thurton was charged with the murder [...]

Shane Vellos Wants Justice after Police Officer Broke His Arm
Two months ago, Placencia resident Shane Vellos stopped by our office to share his experience of police brutality. Vellos was locked up after he was accused of theft, but later [...]

Mexican Federal Police Orchestra Arrives to Perform in Belize
The landing of a Mexican police plane at the Philip Goldson International Airport caused a stir earlier today. The plane is a Boeing 727 which brought the Mexican Federal Police [...]

Asian Businessman Robbed on September Tenth in Armenia
An Asian businessman was robbed at gunpoint on Monday morning in Armenia Village. According to the owner of Yung Xing Store, a duo of men entered his place of business [...]

Seized Cache of Weapons in San Ignacio Traces Back to Salvadoran Army
A cache of firearms and ammunition was seized in an area of San Ignacio Town last Thursday. The hidden supply of weapons and marijuana was discovered in an overgrown property [...]

Belize City Council Says CWU’s Allegation of Union Busting is Inaccurate
The Belize City Council says that allegations of union busting made by the Christian Workers Union are inaccurate. Earlier in the week, CWU President Evan ‘Mose’ Hyde made the allegation [...]

Mayor Bernard Wagner Says Staff Members Will Be Paid Subsistence
The dispute between the Belize City Council and the Christian Workers’ Union is based on complaints made by staff members who said that the council refused to pay them subsistence [...]

Will CitCo’s Sanitation Manager be Fired?
In a few weeks, Traffic Manager for Belize City, Kevaughn Jenkins will be transferred to the Sanitation Department. He will be the new manager of that department, taking over the [...]

Medical Tourism Consultant Makes Allegations Against Southern Emergency Services
Last week we reported on the donation of a fully equipped ambulance by the Rotary Club of Edmonton, Canada in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Dangriga. The medical van [...]

Joy Smith Seeking Legal Advice to Recover $16,000
Joy Smith says that based on the agreement, she is asking for sixteen thousand dollars owed to her for the work she put into the development of the EMT service [...]

Healthy Living: Get Your Child’s Eyes Checked
School children are now settling back in the classrooms so if you didn’t, it is still a good time to check their eyes for any emerging vision problems. There are [...]

LOVE FM

DCP. Chester Williams voices his thoughts on the state of emergency within the South Side of the City
Despite the various voices about constitutional rights from the Bar Association of Belize, the Human Rights Commission and attorneys on behalf of their clients about the State of Emergency, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams is still not deterred. He stands firm with the decision which was made and believes it to be the best …

Deputy Commissioner
Many prominent gang members or questionable south side residents who are known to the police tried to flee their neighborhoods after it was made known that the south side of the City was on a thirty days lockdown. Today, however, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams also spoke on what occurs in instances such …

DCP. Chester Williams spoke on gang activity since the state of emergency has been active
Many prominent gang members or questionable south side residents who are known to the police tried to flee their neighborhoods after it was made known that the south side of the City was on a thirty days lockdown. Today, however, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams also spoke on what occurs in instances such …

Escape covict said to be hiding in Belize City
On Tuesday, we reported that twenty five-year old Kevin Bodden, who was charged for the murder of Kendis Flowers, which occurred on March seventeen, had somehow escaped police custody. He somehow got away while being escorted to the bathroom by an officer of the Queen Street Police Station. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police, Alejandro …

Police spoke on robbery occurring in Armenia Village
While many Belizeans celebrated their tenth of September holiday, that wasn’t the case for the owner of Yung Shing Store, in Armenia Village. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvett said the store owner was robbed by two men. ACP Joseph Myvette: “Shortly after opening his store two male persons entered. One of dark complexion and …

Hurricane Isaac Heads West
There are a few named storms in the Atlantic and the one that has the attention of the weather forecasters in Belize is Isaac. Deputy Chief Met. Officer, Derrick Rudon says Hurricane Isaac has entered the Caribbean and is heading west. Jose Sanchez: “I know that the people are aware of Florence in the states …

Deputy Commissioner of Police speaks about the method of detention of City Men
As the controversy continues on whether men have had their constitutional rights abused, the method in which they were arrested is also being questioned. Instead of the men being weeded out before being arrested, as a result of their gang affiliations or criminal actions, it wasn’t until they were in police custody after approximately a …

DCP. Chester Williams speak on methods used while carrying out the lock down
As the controversy continues on whether men have had their constitutional rights abused, the method in which they were arrested is also being questioned. Instead of the men being weeded out before being arrested, as a result of their gang affiliations or criminal actions, it wasn’t until they were in police custody after approximately a …

DCP. Williams speaks about charges incurred to those involved with the drug plane
The former Officer Commanding Orange Walk Police, Superintendent David Chi and Police Constable Norman Anthony are behind bars at the Belize Central Prison. On September 9th, law enforcement authorities made a major drug bust in the Tres Leguas area of the Orange Walk District. Superintendent David Chi and Police Constable Norman Anthony were placed on …

What is the status of the detained men at prison?
The status of men who were detained is still undefined. They have not been charged with a crime and according to some it is simply a form of preventative detention. They have since been sent to the Belize Central Prison. According to Audrey Matura Shepherd, this is all being done without any respect for their …

Deputy Commissioner of Police states what to expect after state of emergency
Many Belizeans have been asking what will happen at the end of the thirty days period of the state of emergency. Deputy Commissioner Williams addressed that concern earlier today …

Police finds an assortment of weapons in Shawville, San Ignacio
San Ignacio Police conducted a joint operation in the Shawville area of San Ignacio Town last week Thursday where they found an assortment of weapons. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvett gave an update about the cache …

ACP. Joseph Myvett provides update Kortabacco Burglary
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvett also updated the media on the burglary at Kortobacco Limited, a distributor of cigarettes, located inside the Western Free Zone that occurred over the weekend …

CitCo set the record straight
The Belize City Council held a press conference to set the record straight as it relates to its cemetery workers. Earlier this week, the Christian Workers Union (CWU) voice its displeasure with the Belize City Council after the Council denied their representatives access to a meeting which concerns the union members who work for the Council …

Winds Orchestra Lands in Belize
The Mexican Federal Police orchestra arrived in Belize today on its Boeing 727 aircraft. The “Winds Orchestra of Mexico Concert” is being held tonight at the Belize City Civic Center at 7:00 p.m., in commemoration of Mexican Independence Day which is on September 16th. The 65 member ensemble heads back to Mexico City tonight to prepare for the official celebrations on September 16th …

Woman goes home to ransacked house
A resident of Belize City was shocked to return home and find her house ransacked. On September 11, 38 year old Kovenka Rodriguez James left home after 7:30 a.m. and returned at 6 p.m. When she returned to the building on Valerie Garnett Street, she realized many electronic items and jewelry were stolen from the home …

Minor busted on bus with drugs and ammunition
A commuter on a bus got a free one-way ticket to the Wagner’s section of the Central Prison courtesy of the Belize Police Department. On Wednesday, at a vehicular checkpoint at mile 64 on the George Price Highway, officers decided to check a commuter bus …

The Reporter

5 MEXICANS DETAINED NEAR POLICE STATION ON QUEEN STREET
The Reporter has confirmed that five Mexicans parked in a white pickup truck just down from the Queen Street Police Station were detained minutes ago by Police. While details are scarce at this time, Police sources say that the men will be taken into custody at this time.

VIDEO, – ROBBERY AT TAISAN SHOP ON SOUTH RING ROAD
Earlier today Taisan Shop on South Ring Road in Belmopan, was robbed at gunpoint by two men. Thanks to quick Police work, the robbers were apprehended shortly after as they tried to board to bus at the terminal.

Breaking Belize News

“All is well with CWU,” says CitCo
The Belize City Council says that it has resolved its issues with its cemetery staff represented […]

OAS Passes Resolution on Recent Events in Nicaragua; Belize abstains
Belize has chosen to abstain from voting on a motion passed at the Organization of American […]

Nimord Fitzgibbon charged with attempted murder
On the afternoon of September 2, Belize City resident, Akeem Lopez came under gunfire. He was […]

Police find high powered rifle and other weapons out west
It never made the news but on September 6th police recovered a high powered rifle and […]

Armed robbery during September 10th celebrations
Police are investigating a case of armed robbery out west. According to reports, on September 10th, […]

Alleged murderer of gang boss on the run for four days and counting
In March of this year, reputed Ghost Town Gang boss, Kendis Flowers, was shot dead on […]

Father appeals for son detained and transported to prison
Sebastian Nunez, a father of four, took to the media yesterday in an emotional fashion. His son […]

Chester Williams: 110 gang members detained, 40 sent to prison
Since the activation of the Public State of Emergency in the George and Banak Street areas, 110 […]

Chester Williams calls out Audrey Matura for “distorting information”
Activist and attorney-at-law, Audrey Matura, has been making media rounds, in respect of the public state of […]

Mexican Police Orchestra arrive in Belize
The Mexican Federal Police orchestra arrived in Belize today, September 13th, at 11:50 a.m. on […]

Innocent until proven guilty, says COMPOL
On Tuesday morning, the Ministry of National Security hosted a press conference to inform Belizeans of […]

Peter Friessen and 2 Mexicans charged for major cocaine bust
Yesterday, police formally charged the Belizean man and the two Mexican men found near the aircraft […]

Police officer detained near drug plane is released without charges
Police officer Norman Anthony attached to Blue Creek, Orange Walk was detained on Sunday night near […]

US Embassy commends Belizean authorities for major drug bust
The United States Embassy in Belize today issued a statement commending Belize’s security forces for the […]

International Sources

Veterinary college partners open new clinic at Belize Zoo
The wild residents of the Belize Zoo have a brand-new veterinary clinic that will serve the medical needs of everyone from Sparks the tapir to Chiqui the jaguar. Members of the College of Veterinary Medicine celebrated this milestone with zoo staff when the clinic opened this summer. Since 2012, the college has made biannual visits to the Belize Zoo to collaborate on the clinical care of its residents. “[We are] now poised to provide exemplary nutrition and veterinary services for our wildlife, as well as vital training and capacity building for both our zoo keeping staff, and local and international wildlife care partners,” said the zoo in a Facebook post about the opening. “We were thrilled to be able to highlight this wonderful partnership by honouring the driving force behind it: Dr. George Kollias Jr.”

Belize offers expat retirees the perfect lifestyle
Relaxation, cultural diversity and a warm climate all make Belize the perfect destination for expatriate retirees. White sands, azure seas, sunshine and a relaxed lifestyle all come to mind when Belize is mentioned, making the island nation the perfect retirement hub. Financial requirements aren’t excessive, and immigration via the Qualified Retired Person Programme offers perks such as exemptions for import duties and taxes on goods as well as income and receipts. Better still, expat retirees’ don’t pay income tax on their pensions and investment incomes. Qualifications for the programme include being over 45 years of age and having a minimum income of $2,000 per month, roughly the amount of a couple’s US pensions. The visa doesn’t give residency, but does allow coming and going without the need for a second visa. Working is allowed, as long as it isn’t paid for. After a year’s living on the island it’s possible to apply for permanent residency simply by visiting the Immigration office in Belmopan City.

From kayaking with whales in Quebec to spotting toucans in remote Belize: Lonely Planet reveals the best spots to see 300 of the world's most amazing creatures
A fascinating new photo book reveals the ultimate places for spotting your favourite animals. The A To Z of Watching Wildlife, published by Lonely Planet, was written by acclaimed British biologists Amy-Jane Beer and Mark Carwardine and in total, 300 'exciting and unusual creatures' are featured. The experts provide details around each critter and reveal some of the lesser-known places on the map where travellers can find them. Scroll down for a sneak peek of the new tome - a round-the-world safari from the comfort of your chair...

Videos

What to eat in Belize - Food in Ambergris Caye - Some of San Pedro's dishes, 8.5min. We booked an Airbnb really close to downtown San Pedro. (Luz and Dale where our Airbnb hosts).The island is absolutely amazing and the people are lovely.

kayak sailing in Belize, 1min. Kayak sailing in Belize - with the wind in your sail, you can sit back, relax and watch the scenery go by.

I Got The Voice Season 3 Finale, 3hr.

Belize History Association National Lecture, 2.5hr. Belize Disputes Guatemala's Claim, Jaguar Auditorium University of Belize

September 13th,2018 TRIBUTE TO BELIZEAN PATRIOTS, 71min.

Awesome Belize COCONUT ART WORKSHOP pt3&4, 17min. Art and Artist are in demand when you have what's needed in the market place. OFFICES, HOTELS, MOTELS, GUEST HOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS AND FINE HOMES all need DECO ART. See how it is made by first time participants... ENJOY and ADOPT A WORKSHOP for your STUDENTS, EMPLOYEES or MEMBERS.

Peeling coconut with fillet knife!!!, 2min. WE NEVA HAD A MACHET SO I USE MY FILLET KNIFE TO GET THE JOB DONE.

September 13, 2018

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

The San Pedro Sun

2018 Copa San Pedro heads to week 10
During the ninth week of Copa San Pedro 2018, ten matches were played at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town from Thursday, September 6th to Sunday, September 9th. The football weekend kicked off on Thursday, September 6, at 7PM with Genesis F.C dominating Warriors F.C with a 6-1 score. Talal F.C then won with a 2-0 score against San Mateo F.C. The current standings in the female category have Ambergris Combined with 18 points, followed by SPHS Girls and Island Warriors with 12 points each. Ocean Girls have six points and at the bottom of the chart is Golden Warriors with three points. The tenth week of Copa San Pedro 2018 starts on Thursday, September 13th at 7PM. Everyone is invited to come out and support their favorite team. Food and drinks will be on sale during all games.

Literacy Day celebrated at SPHS
Belize observed International Literacy Day on Friday, September 7th under the theme “Literacy and Skills Development.” Annually celebrated on September 8th, Friday’s event served as a reminder to those who gathered at the R.A. Nuñez Auditorium that reading is a fundamental block in life. Organized by the Ministry of Education, the Education Office in San Pedro and the San Pedro Town Library (SPTL), Literacy Day at SPHS saw a brief ceremony and skills showcase. By incorporating community engagement, organizers hoped to show the Standard Six and high school students how skills can be developed through literacy. Kyle Miller of the Department of Youth Services, alongside SPHS student Faith Noel, hosted a brief ceremony which included the singing of the National Anthem, a prayer by Guillermo Rodriguez, and warm welcome by the SPTL’s Eden Velasquez.

New FAO project seeks to strengthen fisherfolk organizations in seven Caribbean countries
September 11, 2018 (Bridgetown, Barbados) – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will launch the Developing Organizational Capacity for Ecosystem Stewardship and Livelihoods in Caribbean Small-Scale Fisheries (StewardFish) project this week. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of fisherfolk and their organizations to better participate in the governance and management of the shared living marine resources in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems (CLME+ region) to enhance their livelihood opportunities. Targeted countries are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Ambergris Today

Belize Police Investigating Two Of Their Own For Cocaine Bust
The Belize Police Department is currently investigating two of their own after the landing of a drug plane carrying over $7million US worth of Cocaine on Sunday, September 9, 2018 in the Tres Leguas Area in Orange Walk. The Police Department issued a press release confirming having received information on the possible involvement of two of their own. Commissioner of Police, Allen Whylie has ordered and internal investigation into the recent drug plane landing in Northern Belize. An investigation team has been launched and is being headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Robert Mariano.

Ministry Of Health Receive $30,000 For Wellness Parks
On Tuesday, September 11, 2018, Hon. Pablo Marin, Minister of Health received another generous donation from the Republic of China (Taiwan) for additional Wellness Parks. $30,000 was officially handed over to the Minister of Health for Wellness Parks to be created in the Capital City of Belmopan and San Ignacio Town. Wellness parks create healthy communities and play a fundamental role in enhancing the physical environments in which we live in. It provides good health for people of all abilities, ages, socio-economic backgrounds, and ethnicities. It helps reduce obesity and incidence of chronic disease by providing opportunities to increase rigorous physical activity in a variety of forms.

Misc Belizean Sources

Shipstern Mennonite Tour
And today we feature our 'Mennonite Tour'! Where guests ride in a horse & buggy, then dive into the actual life of the Mennonites, for a day! This is by far one of our popular tours.

Historic Maritime Travel in Belize Exhibit in Corozal
You are kindly invited to the launch of the All Aboard Exhibit, Thursday morning beginning at 9:30 am. The exhibit takes a historical look at maritime travel in Belize. We are also very delighted to be unveiling a replica fishing boat; the "Yanisi" by master craftsman Mr. Basilio Cruz. The replica will go on permanent display showcasing the beauty and importance of the fishing industry.

Social Security Board Notice - Attention all Employers
Information regarding your responsibility as it pertains to the Direct Deposit service.

Chargé d' Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges, toured the northern districts of Corozal and Orange Walk
And met with stakeholders of the sugar industry, local politicians, and executives of the Corozal Free Zone. He got an opportunity to learn about developments and challenges in the two districts, make new friends, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of northern Belize.

Belize Disputes Guatemala's Claim Lecture
This Thursday ~ Lecture entitled "Belize Disputes Guatemala's Claim." Jaguar Auditorium University of Belize. 9:30am-11:30am. Sept. 13th.

2nd Annual Military Parade
The Ministry of National Security invites all Belizeans to its 2nd Annual Military Parade on Tuesday, September 18th at 2:00 p.m.!

Prime Minister of Belize Meets with President of Cuba
The President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, accompanied by Cuba’s First Lady, Lis Cuesta, and Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parilla, met with Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, his wife Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, and Ambassador of Belize H.E. Annie Burns, in a frank and friendly exchange on areas of common interest. The group discussed challenges, achievements and cooperation between the countries. In particular, President Díaz-Canel described the granular process of public consultation across Cuba over the Proposed Constitution. He confirmed that public consultations were taking place in factories, schools, and other central meeting places in order to ensure broad participation. Members of the public are able to propose new points for consideration, as well as suggest amendments. This process is also open to Cubans abroad. The President, Foreign Minister, and other members of the National Assembly of Cuba have regular participation in robust town-hall-style debates.

Take part in the World Standards Day 2018 design competition!
Hosted by the Belize Bureau of Standards. (Belizeans Only) If you had a magnificient piece of technology at your disposal, what problems could it solve in Belize and how can you use standards with it? It's time to use your creativity at its best and draw a unique short comic to win some amazing prizes.

Delegation representing Belize & The Belize Canoe Association at the 2018 Pan American games in Halifax, Canada
(Left to right: Amado Cruz, Rudolph Gentle, Avis Guydis and Chris Guydis)

Bullet Tree GREAT Summer Camp Closing
Pictures from the GREAT Bullet Tree Falls Summer Camp closing ceremony. "The GREAT Summer Camp in Bullet Tree was a huge success. They had the closing ceremony at the Immaculate Conception primary school. Corporal Medina, from Bullet Tree, did a fantastic job organizing the event. Chief Rosado gave the closing address. Thanks to everyone that made this happen!" Pictures on fb.

Little Miss Jr. Belize
Saturday September 15th, Bliss Center. 6pm.

Internship with the Belize Raptor Center
There are exciting internship opportunities for professionals from abroad to work with our colleagues at the Belize Raptor Center. BRC does excellent work in the rescue and rehabilitaiton of Belizean birds of prey, and complements this with intensive public outreach and environmental education on behalf of our feathered friends. Check them out and contact them today!

Channel 7

Three Charged For Drug Trafficking
Last night, we gave you extensive coverage of the capture of a drug plane in northern Belize, loaded with over a thousand pounds of cocaine, valued at around 7 million US dollars. Since then, a senior police officer has been placed on leave pending investigation into his possible involvement in the landing of the aircraft. But while the investigation into the actions of Superintendent David Chi is still early, police are moving forward with criminal charges against the men caught at the scene. The Belizean has been identified to us as Peter Friessen Jr., a carpenter from Blue Creek Village in the Orange Walk District. He has a Mennonite name, but his features are Mestizo, because his father is a mennonite, and his mother is of Hispanic descent.

Police Constable Released Without Charge
And while three men have been charged, 52 year old police constable Norman Anthony has been released. In a press release yesterday, police said he was, quote, "detained in a vehicle heading in the direction of the landing site (and) has been suspended from duty by the Commissioner of police." End quote. Anthony was stationed in Blue Creek where there plane landed. He is now on active suspension. Today, Bradley discussed his release:...

Compol Says PC Innocent Until Proven Otherwise
But while the Constable Anthony was suspended at the directive of the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie, the Compol was quick to point out yesterday that Constable Anthony is innocent, until proven otherwise. He spoke generally about the widespread perception that police are involved as facilitators for the narcos:.. Allen Whylie, Police Commissioner: "In terms of police suspected involvement, we have good and we have bad in the department, just like the rest of the society and whilst I cannot say that that constable is involved, an investigation has been launched. You must remember that he is presumed to be innocent. He wasn't found at the airstrip..."

What About All Those Other Planes?
And while the investigation into possible criminal wrongdoing by police continues, the US Embassy is applauding police for a job well done. A release issued this evening says, quote, "The U.S. Embassy commends the Belize security forces for the…major drug bust…This operation, which was a collaboration between the Belize Police Department and the Belize Defence Force, shows the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and other security agencies to combat criminal organizations.

Men Detained Under State of Emergency Do From Detention Cell To Prison
Last night, we took you into the Queen Street Police Station - to show you the holding cell where over 60 men had been in detention for 6 days. They were detained under the state of emergency that has been declared for 2 areas of Belize City. Additionally, the cops say that they are a threat to public safety, either through their supposed involvement in criminal gangs, or their participation in illegal activities, such as firearms and drug possession.

Chilling Holdup In Armenia
We've gotten all too used to seeing armed holdups of Chinese grocery stores in Belize City, and other municipalities - but tonight, this one is from a store in Armenia Village on the Hummingbird Highway. At 8:45 on September 10th., 47 year old Cheng Jui Loa was inside her shop when two men barged in. One of them wore a motorcycle helmet and had a knife, while the other had on a fake dreadlocks hat, and had a chrome 9mm pistol. In a chilling video, the man with the gun is seen pulling along the helpless shopkeeper, looking out of the store's door.

TS Isaac Heading Towards Western Caribbean
The tropical hurricane zone is hyperactive right now, with four named storms and one developing system out there. But, of greatest concern right now to the Caribbean is Tropical Storm Isaac, which is tonight heading for the lesser Antilles. The storm has been on a westerly track from it became organized into a syStem - and that is expected to continue leading it right to the area between Nicaragua and Belize. But, while that's the bad news, the good news is that the system does not seem to be developing. Derrick Rudon at the MET Office told us more:..

CITCO Snaps Back At CWU
Last night, we showed you the press conference hosted by the President of the Christian Workers Union. They complained that the Belize City Council continues to disregard and disrespect their role the resolution of industrial disputes between City Hall as employers, and the employees whose interest the union is obligated to protect. Well, after the media kept pressing the Belize City Council for comment, they finally released a statement this evening.

Chamber Scolds Parliament
Weeks after Parliament voted not to pay the 95 million dollar Universal award to the Ashcroft Alliance, the Chamber of Commerce today issued a statement criticizing both sides of the House. A punchy and slightly preachy statement says, quote, "The Chamber…condemns the ugly political drama that played out in Parliament on Friday, August 31st. when parliamentarians convened apparently with no clear intent to constructively resolve the decade-old UHS debt saga. The self-serving charges and childish rhetoric thrown tastelessly around our dignified National Assembly on that day, served only to further impoverish our nation. The indisputable fact is that neither side is exempt from blame. This debt is a specific example of the carelessness and irresponsibility of our leaders toward the country they are elected to lead."

Man Convicted of Double Murder
A man was convicted of a double murder today in the Supreme Court. Justice Adolph Lucas found 25 year old Ernest "Dangalang" Thurton Jr. guilty of the murders of 50 year old Robert Young and 41 year old Frank James. James and Young were shot and killed in 2012 at a dock yard on North Front Street. The main witness for the Crown was Kurt Pech, who lived at the dock yard. He testified that James and Young were cleaning fish when Eric Martinez, aka "Junior H" arrived with a firearm in his hand - accompanied by Thurton. He said Martinez put James and Young to kneel down and he asked them about a stolen bicycle. Pech says he went to lock up in his house when he saw Thurton take the gun from Martinez. He then heard several gunshots and saw both men dead.

Police: Nimrod Shot Algernon
Last week we told you about the shooting of ALGERNON Akeem LOPEZ - who was shot on Pen Road - in the midst of a very violent weekend. Well, police have charged the man who they say shot him. He is NIMROD FITZGIBBONS. The 26-year-old was taken to court today where he was charged with attempted murder before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. Fitzgibbon was remanded into custody until December 17. While he was in court Fitzgibbon referred to an incident that occurred on June 10 in which he was shot his legs. He said a bullet is still in his right calf.

Convalescing In Cuba, PM Barrow Meets President Díaz-Canel
Prime Minister Dean Barrow had back surgery in Cuba 8 days ago - and, apparently, he's already well enough to take visits from guests. A government press release today announced that the President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, accompanied by his wife, Lis Cuesta, and Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parilla, met with the PM and his wife Kim Barrow last night in Havana. The release says they had a, quote, "frank and friendly exchange on areas of common interest. The group discussed challenges, achievements and cooperation between the countries….The two leaders expressed a desire to strengthen the already close ties between their two countries. They agreed that greater cooperation would be especially useful in the political arena, tourism and trade."

To Claim Carnival Supremacy
Last night, we told you about the winners of the this Years Carnival Road March, which happened last Saturday. Well today, we got a chance to speak with leaders from Titan Mas Band, which is the back to back winner in the Senior Category, and the Junior first place winners, Collet Royal. Here's what they had to say about the work they put in to get the victory:

Carnival Craziness In J’ouvert
And while that senior diplomat felt safe to play Carnival this year - we didn't see him in the J'ouvert - which is like Carnival - in the dark of the pre-dawn - with riotous revelers - all awash in mud. It's a special event, and this year, we found it was much smaller than previous years. But that unmistakable spirit of reckless abandon was still there - as the revelers showed us:

Play Than Pan For Free
So, the carnival and all its craziness is behind us now, but the Celebrations month rolls on. Coming up this weekend in Belize City are the Chamber Expo and Pan Yaad. It was announced yesterday that the venue for Pan Yaad has been changed to the BTL Park on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Best part is, it's also free. Today, the PR Officer for NICH told us that you can get to enjoy live steel drum music from 3 groups for free.

Channel 5

Gang Members Trooped to Hattieville Ramada Under Emergency Powers Detention Order
Seven days ago in the dead of the night more than one hundred purported gang members from the Mayflower/Banak and George Streets were detained and placed in c ells at [...]

Will Gang Bangers Be Allowed Visitation at the Central Prison
The state of public emergency which has been effected in the George Street and Mayflower neighborhoods waives certain constitutional rights enjoyed by the citizenry of those respective communities. With the [...]

Human Rights Commission Continues to Monitor Legal Process of State of Emergency
The Human Rights Commission of Belize late this evening issued a letter to the Commissioner of Police, seeking a report and status of prisoners held as a result of the [...]

Where Does Kolbe C.E.O. Stand on State of Emergency?
As you’ve heard, the legal fraternity, including the Bar Association and the Human Rights Commission of Belize, has weighed in on the state of emergency that has been declared in [...]

Taiwanese Government Advises its Citizens to be Vigilant in Belize
Still on the State of Public Emergency, the Taiwanese Government has issued an advisory to its citizen living in Belize to exercise caution. The advisory was issued on Monday by [...]

3 Persons Charged for Drug Plane Bust
Police have charged three persons in connection with Sunday drug bust. They are Peter Friesen Junior, a Blue Creek resident along with two Mexican nationals, Eli Figueroa Nunez and Azarias [...]

Police Constable Freed Without Charges in Drug Plane Landing
While three persons are charged, Police Constable Norman Anthony was released sometime before ten p.m. on Tuesday, after being held in detention since Sunday evening in connection with the landing [...]

U.S. Embassy Commends Belize on Weekend’s Drug Bust
The fourteen-million-dollar drug bust of a plane that came from Venezuela was achieved through cooperation from security agencies in the region. Today, the U.S. Embassy in Belize is commending Belize’s [...]

F.I.U. Involved in Kortobacco Heist Investigation
More than eight hundred thousand Belize dollars was stolen from Kortobacco Belize Limited on Sunday in what could possibly be the biggest, well calculated and successfully executed heist in Belize’s [...]

The Smugglers of the Benque Free Zone
According to investigators, the burglars that stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Kortobacco Belize building in the Benque Free Zone gained access into the compound from an opening [...]

18-year-old Charged for Causing the Death of Jeffrey Hernandez
There is an update to the story of a construction worker who was killed by a cement mixer. Eighteen-year-old San Carlos villager, Victor Hernandez has been charged for causing the [...]

Huge Amounts of Sargassum Invade San Pedro’s Beaches
For the past months, Caribbean and Latin America countries have been feeling the negative effects of massive amounts of Sargassum which have washed up along the coastlines. Tons of Sargassum [...]

Belizeans Living in North & South Carolina Brace for Hurricane Florence
Belizeans living in North and South Carolina in the United States are bracing for the impact of Hurricane Florence. Belize’s Ambassador to the U.S., Daniel Gutierrez, issued an advisory to [...]

Chamber of Commerce Slams the House of Representatives on UHS Loan
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry has issued a release on the U.H.S. loan motion for ninety-five point six million dollars and increasing which was taken to the House [...]

Belize City Council Responds to CWU’s Allegations
On Tuesday, CWU President Evan ‘Mose’ Hyde came out swinging against the Belize City Council accusing the council of union busting. The claim comes after the council denied CWU’s request [...]

A New Poetry Book is Released
An anthology of poems written by Belizean American, Flora Emelda Anderson Chestnut was officially launched today at the Image Factory in Belize City. Quiet Moments; Rejuvenation of the Soul is [...]

4th Regional Coordination Meeting of the International Telecommunication Union
The issue of digital transitioning from analogue is taking place in many countries. It involves the conversion to a new system from analogue terrestrial to digital terrestrial. In the Caribbean, [...]

LOVE FM

Can CitCo’s behaviour negatively impact PUP at the polls?
The Christian Workers Union has accused the Belize City Council of not paying subsistence to their cemetery staff, who work outside the city limits. Evan Moses Hyde Jr., the President of the CWU, told the media yesterday that the Belize City Council’s refusal to allow the CWU to be a part of a meeting that …

Are gang members’ rights being violated?
A week ago, the Ministry of National Security, John Saldivar declared a State of Emergency in two areas of Belize City. The state of emergency was deemed necessary after a bloody weekend claimed at least six lives. The state of emergency was signed by the Governor General and published in the Government Gazette. As a …

Proceeds from Book Launch goes to Saint Mary’s School Feeding Program
Poet and author of the anthology, Quiet Moments Rejuvenates the Soul, Flora Anderson-Chestnut, launched the second edition of her poetry book today, at the Belize Image Factory. This particular book launch received special recognition, however as proceeds from the books purchased will be donated to the Saint Mary’s School Feeding Program. Anderson-Chestnut explained more about …

PUP to hold an ICJ Campaign
The Government of Belize has already embarked on a Public Awareness and Preparedness Campaign to ensure that its citizens are informed about Guatemala’s claim to Belize in order to prepare them to vote in the upcoming referendum, which will decide whether Belize will go to the International Court of Justice, (ICJ). Late last month, the …

Employment can nip crime in the bud
According to the Statistical Institute of Belize, the unemployment rate has increased from nine percent to nine point four percent. This is a cause for concern. Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno, said that there is a need to increase the main services to create more jobs. John Bricenio Leader of the Opposition: “ We …

Briceno says Government must seriously address the drug plane problem
Several suspected drug planes have landed in the Orange Walk District. For some time now, persons and the contents associated with these planes have eluded law enforcement. It was different this time around with the recent drug plane that landed in Blue Creek. Police were able to intercept the plane and to capture those involved …

US places Belize on its major illicit drug producing nations
Belize is among 22 countries identified as major illicit drug producing or transit nations by US President Donald Trump. The President is quoted as saying the reasons countries are placed on the list is the combination of geographic, commercial, and economic factors that allow drugs to transit or be produced, even if a government has …

Prime Minister Barrow met with the President of Cuba
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is presently in Cuba seeking medical attention. While there, the Prime Minister met with the President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Lady, Lis Cuesta, and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parilla yesterday. The two leaders discussed challenges, accomplishments and cooperation between the countries and a desire to further strengthen the already …

Police Constable under Suspicion for Drug Plane Landing
On the top of the news we told you about the suspension of the Officer Commanding the Orange Walk Formation and the resident constable for Blue Creek, Norman Anthony. Though his name was not called at today’s press briefing, incidents involving him were discussed. 45 persons were detained in Orange Walk in August and according …

Top Cop faces allegation of involvement in Drug Plane Landing
A plane with millions of dollars in cargo was captured over the weekend and similarly in the past with a drug plane on the Southern Highway, a police officer was captured near the landing site. But there is breaking news tonight that is shaking the very foundation of the police department as the investigation is …

Breaking Belize News

Belize Ocean Club partners with St. Alphonsus RC School for school rehabilitation project
Earlier this summer, employees of Belize Ocean Club (BOC) met several teachers from St. Alphonsus RC […]

PM Dean Barrow meets with Cuba’s President
The President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, accompanied by Cuba’s First Lady, Lis Cuesta, and Cuba’s […]

Chamber slams both parties for “political drama” over UHS loan
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) today issued a statement condemning the “ugly political […]

Pine Ridge Neighborhood Watch group donates to San Ignacio Police
Today, the Pine Ridge Neighborhood Watch group donated $1,500 to the San Ignacio Police formation. The […]

Police confirm reports of plane hovering over Blue Creek
Yesterday, the Ministry of National Security held a press conference to inform Belizeans on the bust […]

Four active storms in the Atlantic
The 2018 Atlantic Hurricane season is off to a busy start with four active named storms […]

Accused murderer escapes from police custody
After six months of police investigation into the murder of reputed boss of the Ghost Town […]

Chinese store in Armenia robbed of over $6,000
Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred on September 10, 2018, in Armenia Village, […]

NEMO receives donation from Harvest Caye
Minister of National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), Edmond Castro this morning received a donation of […]

Trump declares 21 countries as major drug ‘hubs’ including Belize
United States President Donald Trump, via a presidential determination, has declared 21 nations, including Belize, […]

Belizean man fighting legal status to remain in UK with family
A man originally from Belize, Darren Harrety, who has spent almost his entire life in […]

Blogs

Cycling Dreams: Keion ‘Cavendish’ Robateau
While Belize’s top sport seems to be football, there are a number of other sporting disciplines that athletes enjoy training for. One such sport is cycling. Growing up, I knew that every Holy Saturday, my grandmother would tune up her little battery operated radio, playing loudly as it can as commentators talked about the big ‘Cross Country Cycling Classic”. Without fail, after that day, if a Belizean won the ‘garland’, little boys would jump on their bicycles and start ‘training’ to be like ‘Charlie Lewis’ (a repeat Belizean champion in the glory days). One such race introduced My Beautiful Belize to an inspiring young man, Keion Robateau. He participated in the first-ever Elijio Panti Cycling Race held in San Antonio, blazing through the winding hills of the course, taking the majority of the station prizes and of course, the title of champion. All that, with a big smile on his face. We had to find out more about the impressive 22-year-old.

International Sources

Diaz-Canel meets with Prime Minister of Belize
The President of the Councils of State and Ministers, Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, met this Tuesday evening with Dean Oliver Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize, who is visiting Cuba. Granma newspaper reports today that in an atmosphere of cordiality the two leaders exchanged views on the positive progress of bilateral relations and ratified the decision to continue strengthening political and cooperation ties between the two nations. They also discussed issues on the regional and international agendas. The Cuban President was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.

What to Plant to Attract Hummingbirds
September is a time of transitions, especially here on the Cape. Summer visitors have transitioned back over the bridge. Our kids transition back to school, our beaches and parks transition back to local ownership. And perhaps more than in any other month, transitions in the bird world are everywhere evident, from the exodus of northern songbirds to the arrival of the first winter sea ducks. But few transitions are sadder than the loss of our hummingbirds, those kinetic clowns of flowery suburban backyards. Every mid-September, our hummers point their bills south and buzz off to Central America. Despite our enticements of nectar-filled feeders and flowers still in bloom, their instinct to move on is strong, and by months end they’ll nearly all be gone. From October to March they will take up residence in an orange or cashew grove in Belize, a dry Pacific forest in Mexico, or a suburban neighborhood in Costa Rica, where they’ll mingle with dozens of tropical hummingbird species, and visit exotic flowers totally unfamiliar to New Englanders. But some of those flowers are probably more familiar than you may realize.

ANCIENT MAYA ROUTINELY CAPTURED JAGUARS, PUMAS, AND OTHER CATS KILL IN BRUTAL SACRIFICE RITUALS
New findings from the Maya city of Copán in Honduras have shed light on the role of wild animals in ancient Mesoamerican society. In a paper published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, a team led by anthropologist Nawa Sugiyama from George Mason University argues that human-animal encounters in the region were much more extensive than previously thought. Wild animals played a significant practical and symbolic role in ancient Mesoamerican culture according to evidence dating back to the first half of the first millennium and the civilization at Teotihuacan in what is now central Mexico. Animals, such as pumas and jaguars, were used by elites as symbolic displays of status and power; killed in ritual sacrifices or harnessed as resources to be eaten or turned into other products.

Geography & Environment graduate student receives CSU Trustees’ Award
Salma Abdel-Raheem grew up watching her mother raise her and her two siblings alone, all while learning English and committing herself to years of study to become a doctor. That dedication earned Abdel-Raheem a California State University (CSU) Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement, the CSU’s highest recognition of student achievement. For her master’s thesis, she’s creating digital maps for a diverse community on St. George’s Caye, a small island off the coast of Belize, a connection facilitated by her advisor, Professor of Geography & Environment Ellen Hines. Abdel-Raheem visits the island to organize meetings with residents, mapping out their shared understanding about their surroundings: everything from traditional boundaries to development projects to protected mangrove trees. Those maps can then form the basis for decisions about the future of the community.

This sea creature is following the scuba divers like a lost puppy… cute
A couple of scuba divers in Belize, Central America, were returning from a dive to their boat when they met a baby shark, vastly different from how we perceive the adult ones, and the little creature approaches the divers like a lost puppy. The divers also could not resist from giving the shark a little affectionate scratch on its back.

Videos

San Pedro | Best Beach in Belize?, 8min. Our epic Central America trip brings to Belize and it's beautiful island of Ambergris Caye. We explore the town of San Pedro, renting a golf kart in search of the popular 'Secret Beach'. Is it still a secret?? Is it the best beach in Belize?

Expo 2018, 28min.

Mexicans Showcase 2018 At Belize Civic Center, 28min.

Richard "Dickie" Bradley - Perspective on the State of Emergency declared last week, 51min.

The Belize National Senior Men Cricket Team - Regional ICCT20 Qualifier, 14min. Jaron Pakeman - Player, Belize National Senior Men Team. Walton Banner - Co-Captain, Belize National Senior Men Team. Jeremy McCullough - Manager, Belize National Senior Men Team.

Do the Smart Thing Book Launch, 23min.

Breathtaking footage of earth's most ancient creatures, 2min. This video shows three different sea turtles in their natural habitat. The first is a massive Loggerhead that has come to the reefs of Belize in search of females. He will cruise along, eating large conch shells which he can crush in his massive and powerful jaws, but his true goal is to find a mate.

Flying inside Hurricane Florence, 2min. Here's what it's like to fly through Hurricane Florence...

DIVING TACKLE BOX SAN PEDRO BELIZE 120918, 3.5min.

Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project (Belize), 5min. The main reason for Belize’s low productivity in sheep production is that the quality of breeding sheep is poor. This, in turn, is due to the fact that the paddock at Central Farm, which supplies sheep to farmers, is very small, with a further lack of basic facilities and equipment adding to the poor efficiency of breeding activities, as a result of which production cannot meet the needs of farmers. The management and technology of sheep feed is also poor, and there has been a failure to maintain pure breeding lines. Farmers lack any means of exchanging information, and lack feeding- and management- related know-how. Pasture and feed management are also poor.

Belize Trip 2014, 11min.

REEF Trip Belize 2018, 4.5min. Exploratory REEF trip Belize 2018. Objectives included lion fish hunting, searching for the social wrasse and the blue hamlet.

Belize Chart Review - British Admirality WGS84, 2min. Belize Chart Review - British Admiralty Chart WGS84 (best served with a rum ration)

Sports Talk Show, 2hr.

September 12, 2018

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 honors 220th Battle of St. George’s Caye with a new beauty ambassador and a patriotic parade
San Pedranos celebrated the 220 th anniversary of the Battle of Saint George’s Caye on Monday, September 10 th with the official coronation of the recently elected Miss San Pedro Chelsea Muñoz and a uniform parade. Despite inclement weather threatening to dampen the celebration, islanders proceeded with the program of events, starting at 10AM with an official ceremony at the Central Park. Under a light rain, a multitude of students and citizens witnessed the official coronation of Muñoz as the new Miss San Pedro 2018-2019. Following the coronation, Mayor Daniel Guerrero delivered a few remarks reminding residents of the importance of the holiday. He cited this year’s national celebration theme ‘Belize Da Fi Wi-Now and Forever, 8867,’ and mentioned that thanks to the Battle of St. George’s Caye, which took place on the 10 th of September 1798, Belizeans today have a country. Guerrero invited everyone to continue the legacy of our Forefathers, the Baymen, who over 200 years ago fought for the freedom of what is now Belize, from the invaders of the Spanish empire.

Carnival Road March 2018 brings together thousands of Belizeans
Despite the recent spike in crime in Belize City, thousands of patriotic and carnival revelers came out on Saturday, September 8 th to enjoy the annual Carnival Road March 2018. The anticipated event is part of the September Celebrations and features a grand parade with creative and elaborate patriotic costumes. Carnival participants had been in the festive mood since early on Saturday, as they took part in the morning jouvert hours before the carnival parade. The road march started from the Central American Boulevard at the entrance of the city shortly after 1PM. Thousands of spectators, including some from Ambergris Caye, lined up along the parade route to witness hundreds of dancers make their way under high heat and humidity to Princess Margaret Drive and into the Marion Jones Sports Complex.

U.S. Embassy Energy Forum
On September 6, the U.S. Embassy hosted an Energy Forum “Spotlight on Belize’s Electricity Sector” in Belize City. The forum was an ideal opportunity for government and private sector representatives from both countries to learn each other’s priorities, explore items of mutual interest, and highlight areas for development in the electricity sector. Chargé Gilges stated the U.S. government’s commitment to ensure the energy security of the United States, our partners, and our allies by supporting the diversification of energy sources and supplies, noting that “a strong and prosperous Central America and Caribbean region also strengthens U.S. national security.” Minister Mena emphasized that the ideas presented at the forum were not only “inspirational but aspirational” as “energy systems are integral to all parts of modern life.”

San Pedro graduates new fly fishing and tour guides
On Thursday, September 6th a group of island residents, including commercial fishermen, were recognized with certificates for completing a three-month course in tour guide and fly-fishing training. During a special ceremony held inside the The San Pedro Town Council conference room, Mayor Daniel Guerrero, along with Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr., Director of Tourism at Belize Tourism Board, Karen Bevans, Miguel Alamilla representing Hol Chan and president of the San Pedro Tour Guide Association, Philip ‘Billy’ Leslie, were on hand to congratulate the new tour guides and wish them well in their new venture.

Ambergris Today

New Restaurant Pays Tribute To Belize's Fishermen
Opening this past weekend in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize is the island's newest themed restaurant that pays tribute to Belize's fishermen/anglers, as well as delivering a delicious menu highlighted by seafood dishes. Anglers Restaurant Bar is the brainchild of Sanpedrano, island resident Giovanni Marin who has been an entrepreneur on the island for quite some time now. His restaurant picks on his love of the sea and growing up in a family full of fishermen and tourist guides. Anglers Restaurant Bar is located on the corner of Angel Coral and Tarpon Street (Back Street) on the second floor across from A & R store. The restaurant is a family oriented establishment that serves food and offers drink specials on special occasions. It has large, flat-screen tv’s throughout the establishment for patrons to enjoy viewings of sports and special events; special sporting events will call for their large projected screen and invited DJs.

Caye Caulker Municipal Airport Is Back In Action
Residents fo Caye Caulker are the happiest with the inauguration and reopening of the Caye Caulker Municipal Airport that took place this past weekend, Friday, September 7, 2018 after almost a year of it being closed for repairs. After a long wait, Caye Caulker residents were pleased with the announcement of the opening of the island’s airport once again. The airport is now nw of the latest, most modern municipal airports in the country. Substantial work was done to the runway’s shoulders and the laying of thousands of yards of geogrip to provide greater earth stability. Over 24,000 cubic yards of filling material was also spread and compacted.

San Pedro Celebrates The 220th Battle Of St George’s Caye
Chelsea Munoz was officially crowned San Pedro 2018 on Monday, September 10, 2018. The rain did not dampen the mood of the school children came out to parade. Outgoing Miss San Pedro 2017, Virgina Vasquez handed over the crown, band, cape and scepter to our new Miss San Pedro Chelsea Munoz in a brief ceremony that took place at Central Park at 10am. Chelsea was joined on stage by the other four Miss San Pedro contestants. They then led the parade around town followed by Minister Manuel Heredia, Mayor Daniel Guerrero the San Pedro Town Council Staff. After the parade, it was fun in the sun as the Town Council held a Beach Party at Central Park with plenty of music, food. Happy 220th Battle of St. George’s Caye Belize - Hip, Hip, Hurray!

Misc Belizean Sources

CARIBBEAN BROADCASTING UNION WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS FROM GUYANA AND BELIZE
The Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) has welcomed two (2) new members to its ranks. The Guyana National Broadcasting Authority and the Belize Press Office joined the regional body’s membership which spans twenty-one countries and territories in the Dutch, English, French and Spanish Caribbean. The Authority, which regulates Guyanese television, radio and cable services, came on board as an associate member. The Belize Press Office also joined as an associate member. The BPO produces weekly television news magazines as part of its responsibility for media relations and information dissemination for the government of Belize.

Public Town Hall on the ICJ
Come ask your burning questions! All Belizeans are invited to the 3rd in a series of town hall sessions on the taking the Guatemalan Dispute to the International Court of Justice. Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Referendum Unit, will be responding directly to your questions and concerns. Don't miss this opportunity to have your voice be heard. Tuesday, September 18 at 8:30 PM – 10 PM, UWI Open Campus, Princess Magared Drive, Belize City, Belize.

Energy Forum “Spotlight on Belize’s Electricity Sector” in Belize City
On September 6, the U.S. Embassy hosted an Energy Forum “Spotlight on Belize’s Electricity Sector” in Belize City. The forum was an ideal opportunity for government and private sector representatives from both countries to learn each other’s priorities, explore items of mutual interest, and highlight areas for development in the electricity sector. Chargé Gilges stated the U.S. government’s commitment to ensure the energy security of the United States, our partners, and our allies by supporting the diversification of energy sources and supplies, noting that “a strong and prosperous Central America and Caribbean region also strengthens U.S. national security.” Minister Mena emphasized that the ideas presented at the forum were not only “inspirational but aspirational” as “energy systems are integral to all parts of modern life.”

For the month of September, we are excited to feature Crystal Jean Lopez as our Young Belizean Entrepreneur!
Crystal spent her first five years on the island of Tobacco Caye where she was inspired to paint and draw. She painted her first mural along with another colleague for the Belize Coalition and OCEANA Make a Wave Foundation. After finishing school in 2016, her talent in painting became a means of income for her and her then three year-old child. Since then, she has worked on countless murals and commissioned paintings, and she has volunteered her talents for children and worthy causes. In 2017, the Dangriga Town Council honored her as an outstanding woman in art. At the beginning of this year, Crystal officially registered her business. She is the proud owner of Crystal Creations.

Wellness Parks
Additional Wellness Parks coming soon through the kind financial assistance of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Today an additional $30,000 Belize dollars was officially handed over to the Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin to assist in the creation of Wellness Parks to be created in the capital City of Belmopan and San Ignacio Town.

Carnival 2018 Photos
Carnival in Belize City

Wildtracks Newsbrief
Our most recent newsletter has just gone live! Welcome to Wildtracks in September! August has been busy, with howler monkey releases and post-release monitoring ongoing in Fireburn, and manatees on soft release in the lagoon. There is still time, however, to enjoy the tequila sunrises and tropical night skies, the roars of the howler monkeys as they stake their claims to their territories and the casual chatter of the Wildtracks Team as they work to prepare the animals in rehabilitation for life back in the wild.

Updates on the 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise
The Elections and Boundaries Department is pleased to present another update to the public on the ongoing 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise. An update is hereby provided as follows for the period 3rd to 8th September, 2018. During the period a total of nine hundred and fifty-one (951) applications were accepted, therefore the total number of applications received as of 8th September, 2018 is one hundred twenty-two thousand, four hundred and forty-seven (122,447). This figure indicates a drastic decrease in the number of persons applying to be registered.

San Pedro Independence Eve BLOCK Party!
Let us all bring in Belize's Independence on Thursday, September 20th at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sports Complex starting at 7:00 p.m. Come enjoy the music from Caribbean Roots Band and from San Pedro's very own DJ's - DJ Debbie, Deejay Dev, Dj Bigz, Dj Hypastatic, Dj Patron and Jamir. Also, don't miss the 21 Gun Salute, the Flag Raising Ceremony and a spectacular Fireworks display at midnight.

Hamilton Youth Poets Poetry Weekend
The Hamilton Youth Poets are visiting Cayo at the end of the month, and there will be 3 fun events. A Poetry Face Off will be on Friday, September 28th at the Soul Project. On Saturday, a Write-a-thon will be held in the morning at Hode's, and a book launch in the evening at the Soul Project.

Channel 7

Senior Cop Sidelined Pending Drug Plane Investigation
The big news this weekend was the bust of a drug plane in northwestern Belize with over a thousand pounds of cocaine on board - but the huge news tonight is that a senior cop - the officer commanding Orange Walk is being investigated for involvement with the drug plane landings. Superintendent David Chi - who has been in charge in Orange Walk going on three years was sent home today. An official police release says, quote, "Chi has been relieved of his command…and placed on administrative leave pending the investigation into his possible involvement in the illegal landing of this aircraft."

Over 1K Lbs of 'Caine on Drug Plane
This evening's police statement says, quote, "information has surfaced the possible involvement of police officers in the illegal plane landing…in northern Belize on September 9th." And indeed, there was; tonight a police constable is detained along with three others who were caught along with a plane that carried over 500 kilos of drugs. That was the biggest event of the weekend: bigger than carnival or tenth. And that's because after 10 months of regular drug plane landings in Belize - finally(!) the police caught one. It happened on Sunday night - and Jules Vasquez has the full story: On Monday at 11:15, a convoy of police pickups blocked off New Road and pulled into the Queen Street station

Was There Another Plane?
Now, in spite of this very large bust that happened on Sunday night, there are persistent reports that another plane landed in the Blue Creek area 24 hours later on Monday night. The press asked the police about it:... Reporter: "I've received information that there was another aircraft landing in Blue Creek around 7:30pm, can this be confirmed?" DCP Chester Williams: "We have received information that a plane was flying low, yes. And we deployed to the area and the plane never did touch down. It took off."

Six Days in Lockdown and No Charge, Detainees Fed Up
But first….two sections of Southside Belize are about to enter their second week of being under a state of emergency. And tonight scores of men from the George Street and Banak Street areas are still held in police custody. Today, on our way to the police press conference at the Queen Street station, we had to pass in front of the holding cell - and the men in there pleaded for our attention. Jules Vasquez tells us what he heard from them:.. This was the sound of the eruptive fury and frustration for the George Street men detained since last week here at the Queen Street station. We only got in a few words with them - but they noted said they hadn't yet been told what they were being held for. Last week the Deputy Commissioner said they would be told after 7 days:

Almost Half A Mil USD Taken in Free Zone Heist
We've reported from time to time on the robust tobacco trade at the Western Free zone near the Benque Viejo Border. Container fulls of Chinese cigarettes are imported every month into the zone - and then smuggled into Guatemala. It's an illicit trade and the sales are often in cash - US dollars, which are impossible to bank. So, the companies who deal with this trade are stuck with large sums of cash. And this weekend, well - prepared, organized criminals used their arc welder and torched their way into the offices of Kortobacco Ltd. and stole almost half a million US dollars from a deposit room. Police told us what they know so far: Jospeh Myvette- OC, HNCIB: "On Sunday the 19th of September shortly after 4:30 am Benque Viejo police was called on to the Western Free Zone, the Core Tobacco Company, where upon arrival they observed that the metal door for the building was torched off..."

Benque Cab Driver Caught Laundering Cash
In what may be a situation related to that cash based tobacco trade - a Taxicab from Benque Viejo was caught in Sandhill on Friday. Two men were heading north with large amounts of US dollars concealed in their car - they had a total of $66,000 US currency, $705 Belize currency and 15 quetzales.. Police told us more:... ASP Alejandro Cowo- OC, CIB: "Police intercepted a vehicle driven at the time by Mr. Walter Jonathan Hercules, a 35 year old Belizean businessman of #10 Old Bank Road in Benque Viejo. This happened while police were conducting a check point at the Sand Hill police station on the Phillip Goldson Highway. They intercepted this vehicle that at the time was driven by Walter Jonathan Hercules and was accompanied by Mr. David Cruz..."

A Murder Despite State of Emergency
The 10th of September holiday weekend in Belize City was a lot more peaceful than the preceding weekend, when 6 murders occurred in 30 hours. But, still, a 24 year-old man was murdered and it has the appearance of another gang-related murder. He's Anthony McDonald, who lived on Guerrero Street in the Port Loyola area, but he was killed on Baldwin Drive, which is just off Neal Penn Road. Street sources say that he was affiliated and very friendly with members of Southside Gang, but several months ago, he moved in with his girlfriend who lives on Raccoon Street Extension. At around 8:50 p.m., on Saturday night, he was walking Baldwin Drive, and he was approaching and Neal Penn Road, a short distance from where his girlfriend lives.

Businessman Critical After Lovely Lane Shooting
And while McDonald was clearly the intended target of that execution, tonight, 43 year-old Jing Hui We, a Chinese Belizean from Mahogany Street is clinging to life after a gunman fired at his employee and missed. It happened at around 12:20 yesterday afternoon on Lovely Lane - a gang affiliated area, when the 10th of September parade was finishing. The victim, who is also known by his customers as "Ivan", was in his pick-up doing rounds, and he was leaving Lovely Lane after making a delivery at a shop on that street. While they were passing a bushy empty lot, a shooter took aim at his employee, Rogelio Selgado, and opened fire.

Kendis Killer on the Run
A high profile suspect escaped from police custody. He is 25 year old Kevin Bodden. But let's begin the story from his detention. After 6 months of searching, police finally caught him on Sunday. Bodden was charged with murder, attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and wounding in connection to the mid-march killing of Ghost Town gang boss Kendis Flowers. But the joy of capturing him was short lived when he slipped away from police yesterday morning. Police told us more about this major slip up. ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC, CIB: "I know Sunday Mr. Kevin Bodden who was wanted for the murder of Kendis Flowers which occurred in March was detained and charged. However early Monday morning he escaped from the cell block from precinct 3."

One Robber Caught In Premium Wines Jacking
Going back now to Friday's big story - police have charged one man for the big money armed robbery at the Premium Wine and Spirits liquor store in King's park. As we reported, three men - wearing no masks - got off with over fifty thousand dollars. Police told us that they slipped into the store when a legitimate customer was buzzed in:... ACP Alejandro Cowo- OC, CIB: "While they were inside of the establishment along with other costumers, three male persons entered the establishment and held them out at gun point. During the robbery, one of the male persons pointed the firearm at the costumers and the persons working there. They went away with three cell phones and a total amount of $57,000 worth of cash in Belize dollars..."

A Chopping In Camalote
A man was attacked on a restroom run outside his Camalote home. It happened on Thursday night around 10:00. The victim is resident Daniel Sotz. Here is what police had to say about this case. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, NCIB: "Police responded to the residence of Daniel Sotz in Camalote Village where he was found with multiple stab wounds. He was then transported to the Western Regional Hospital in a critical condition but he has since been stabilized and a statement has since been recorded from him."

Machete May Have Caused Corozal Lightning Strike
A 65 year old Corozal woman was apparently struck by lightning. Delia Aguilar didn't survive the strike. It happened on Sunday morning around 10:30. Aguilar was doing some yard work with her machete at her Ranchito village home when she was struck. Her daughter went to the back yard only to find her mother's dead body. The machete and wet conditions may have acted as conductors for the lightning strike.a

CWU Versus The City
On last week Wednesday's newscast, we told you about the dispute between the Belize City Council and its cemetery staff. These are the city employees who dig and build graves at the Eternal Garden Memorial Cemetery. Last week Wednesday, the cemetery staff refused to work because the Council denied their request for subsistence, which they think they are entitled to. When the press brought up the topic to Mayor Bernard Wagner, he insisted that the issue was resolved, and that the Cemetery staff would get their subsistence whenever they are entitled to it. Well, the Christian Workers Union, which represents the 12 of the 13 Cemetery staff being affected, says that the Council's handling of this dispute is a classic example of the strained relationship that the union and the City continue to have.

Re-Reg Numbers Dip Even Further
The Elections and Boundaries Department has released its latest voters re-registration stats, and the figures say that there was a major fall in the number of Belizeans who applied. From September 3rd to September 8th, which was the first time during the exercise that the Department moved back to their regular offices, only 951 Belizeans went to re-register. Those fewer than a thousand applications, brings the total number of re-registered voters to one hundred twenty-two thousand, four hundred and forty-seven (122,447).

Will Belize Go Digital?
Many have gotten rid of those old analog television sets and replaced them with the flat screen HD TV's. While Belizeans have made the switch individually, there hasn't been a national transition. The broadcast standard stipulated by the Belize Broadcasting Authority is still analog. Nonetheless, representatives from Belize's telecommunications sector were still very much involved in this year's 4th Regional Coordination meeting. It was held at the Biltmore and this is the first time Belize is hosting the meeting. We stopped by to find out more.

A Very Special Constable
The long weekend was for the tenth festivities, but what made it memorable was that police finally caught one of those drug planes. And more than that, at least two police officers have been implicated: Constable Norman Anthony was acting suspiciously near the scene, while Orange Walk Commander Superintendent David Chi has been placed on administrative leave pending, quote, "the investigation into his possible involvement in the illegal landing of this aircraft." And on the periphery of all this is another far less noted development. Last week, when Chester Williams was acting Compol, police detained a special constable, who was a prominent member of the Orange Walk Quick Response Team, or QRT. He wasn't charged, but he was removed from the QRT.

Titans Win Again
The hype and revelry of Carnival Road March 2018 has come and gone. But while the road ready onlookers have great memories to walk away with, the winners of the road march have their title and cash prizes. In the junior category, 1st place went to Collet Royal. They got $7,000, Black Pearl came in 2nd place. They walked away with $5,000 and Soca Massive came in 3rd and took home $3,000. Now in the senior category: Titans topped all the bands and got $10,000, second place went to Soca Moca, they walked away with $6,000 and third place went to Mother Nature. The band got $4,000 cash prize. In a NICH release it states "This year's Carnival was a vibrant display of color and merriment for the many carnival bands, floats, impromptu revelers and on-lookers." Most importantly, it passed without any major crime. Tomorrow, we'll show you what the juveey looked like.

Tenth Speakers Lament Crime, Boots Buckles In Street
And while the Carnival had the swing, the "thing" was really the tenth. At the official ceremony, municipal and national leaders could not avoid current affairs and crime: After the official ceremony, we saw the parade, and we can tell you, it was one of the weakest and smallest we've ever seen. But, still, the tireless Port Loyola Representative Boots Martinez added some spectacle and colour to an otherwise unremarkable event. Martinez has not missed a tenth parade in more than a decade.

Channel 5

Supt. David Chi & PC Norman Anthony Suspended for Huge Cocaine Bust
Police have confirmed late this afternoon that a senior officer has been placed on a five-day administrative leave beginning today pending further investigation into a huge cocaine bust over the [...]

A Major Drug Bust in the North; 26 Bales of Cocaine, a Daring Shootout and 2 Policemen Implicated
The suspension of Chi and Anthony follows a fourteen-million-dollar drug bust on Sunday. A small aircraft originating from Venezuela was confiscated by police in the Tres Leguas area, Blue Creek [...]

Ministry of National Security Commends Civilian Vigilance for Spotting Drug Planes
Chief Executive Officer George Lovell, of the Ministry of National Security, says that the illegal landing of aircrafts in northern Belize prompted the police department to ramp up anti-drug operations [...]

ComPol Categorically Denies Any Relation to Norman Anthony
Is Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie related to disgraced Police Constable Norman Anthony? It’s a claim that he categorically refuted during a press conference earlier today, admitting that while the [...]

Was Social Media Whistleblower Spot-on In His Charge of Police Involvement in Drug Activity?
While police were busy in Belize City securing the seizure of the bales of cocaine and detaining the quartet believed to be involved in the landing and offloading of the [...]

Major Heist: US$406,000 Stolen from Kortobacco Belize Ltd.
A major heist took place in the wee hours of Sunday morning at the Benque Free Zone at the Western Border. Masked men targeted Kortobacco Belize Limited and stole more [...]

Anthony McDonald is Gunned Down in Belize City
The carnival road march went off without bloodshed, but around nine on Saturday night, a Crooked Tree resident was shot and killed on Baldwin Drive. Twenty-four-year-old Anthony McDonald was wounded [...]

Wanted City Resident is Charged for the Murder of Kendis Flowers, but Escapes
In mid-March of this year, reputed Mayflower Gang Leader Kendis Flowers was executed, shot once to the eye on Mahogany Street, not too far from where he lived on Mayflower [...]

Benque Residents Charged for Money Laundering US$65,000
The Police Department may have intercepted yet another illegal drug activity on Friday. Word to News Five is that the department received a tip on the movement of two Benque [...]

Rape Allegation in Corozal
A twenty-six-year-old Corozal resident was allegedly raped by a friend of her husband. The woman claims that on Saturday night, she was socializing with her family and went to bed [...]

1 Charged, 2 Others Sought in Robbery at Premium Wines
There is an update to the brazen robbery of Premium Wines on Newtown Barracks last Friday. More than fifty-four thousand dollars in cash were stolen from the business by three [...]

Stabbed While Heading to the Bathroom; Daniel Sotz Recovering
Two persons were detained and then released following a stabbing incident in Camalote Village over the weekend. The victim Daniel Sotz was injured when he was attacked and stabbed multiple [...]

Man Clings to Life after Near Fatal Shooting on Lovely Lane
A Belizean Chinese national is tonight clinging to life at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital following a shooting on Lovely Lane after the citizen’s parade on Monday. It is believed [...]

CWU Accuses CitCo of Union Busting
Last week, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner told the media that the dispute between the council and the cemetery staff who are a part of the Christian Workers’ Union was [...]

CWU President Says Members Need Representation
CWU President Evan ‘Mose’ Hyde says it is the duty of the union to represents its members during all disputes or at the request of the members. He says that [...]

Arson Reported in Crique Sarco Village
Punta Gorda police are investigating an arson which occurred over the weekend. It happened in the village of Crique Sarco at around three-thirty on Saturday evening. Police say that the [...]

Re-registration Update: 122,447 Applications Received So Far
An additional nine hundred and fifty-one re-registration applications were received by the Elections and Boundaries Office during the period September third to the eight. This is the lowest figure recorded [...]

220th Anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye Commemorated
One of the highlights of the September Tenth Ceremony at Memorial Park was the coronation of Belmopan’s Jenny Lee Cruz as the national Queen of the Bay. This year, the crowning [...]

The Winners of the 2018 Carnival Road March
Saturday’s Carnival Road March featured ten bands, five in the senior and the remaining five in the junior category. It started at the corner of Neal Pen Road and Central [...]

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

LOVE FM

Mexico Celebrates its Independence with a free concert
Belize is celebrating its independence on the 21st and its neighbor in the North, Mexico celebrates its independence day on September 16th. But in advance of that date, embassies around the world will celebrate on Thursday, September 13th. Love News spoke to Diego Sapien, the Cultural attaché for Mexico’s Embassy in Belize who says the …

Camalote villager stabbed late Thursday night
A Camalote Villager was gravely wounded and the police department is unable to explain why. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvett, Daniel Sots was stabbed multiple during a violent episode last week Thursday night. ACP Joseph Myvette: “According to his account is that he had reached home shortly after 8pm on the said …

“Building Healthy Communities for Everyone”
“Building healthy communities for everyone” is the theme for Wellness Week. Dr. Jorge Polanco, the Non-Communicable Diseases Focal Point for PAHO said that wellness is key in promoting health. Dr Jorge Polanco NOn Communicable Diseases Focal Point: “Promoting wellness should be an underlying strategy. This was the original idea when it was born in the …

Manager and Customers of Premium Wines and Spirits held at gun point
Everald Sambula (VO STARTS) was charged with three counts of robbery when he appeared before Magistrate Emerson Banner. Police believe Banner is one of three men involved in robbing Premium Wines and Spirits located on Newton Barracks. Around ten thirty, last Friday forty-nine year old, Maria Price, the Manager of the establishment reported to police …

Belize celebrates 220th Anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye
The September celebrations are taking place under the theme “Belize Da Fi Wi Now and Forever 8867”. Amidst the celebrations, lie Guatemala’s claim to our sovereignty. Some Belizeans are eager to resolve the matter; however, many question whether taking the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) would be the best solution. During the …

Man shot while delivering on Lovely Lane
McDonald was not the only victim of violence over the long weekend. A man remains in critical condition after he was shot yesterday. Thirty five year old, Jing Wu, of Mahogany Street, Belize City was apparently making a delivery on Lovely Lane with a passenger, Rogelio Selgado, when he was shot. ASP. Alejandro Cowo indicated …

CitCo and CWU at odds over workers subsistence
The Christian Workers Union (WCU) and the Belize City Council remain at odds over the issue of subsistence. As we reported last week, the CWU has been trying to sit down with the Belize City Council to discuss subsistence for workers when they have to work outside city limits. Evan Mose Hyde Jr., the President …

Man gunned down on Saturday night, dies
While the police try to police themselves, the Ministry of National Security has been working on a strategy to keep Belize City crime free. Last week there was the declaration of a state of emergency in two areas of the city. Although measures are being put in place, it was not enough for a 24-year-old …

Cayo residents arrested and charged with money laundering
Thirty five year old, Walter Hercules and twenty five year old, David Cruz, both residents from Benque Viejo Del Carmen, in the Cayo District appeared in court today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where they were charged after being arrested at a police check point in the Sand Hill Village last week Friday. Assistant Superintendent …

Kortobacco Limited robbed of over 406,000 US Dollars
Kortobacco Limited, a distributor of cigarettes, located inside the Western Free Zone was a victim of a major heist, when over four hundred six thousand dollars US dollars were stolen on Sunday. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvett, shared the details. ACP Joseph Myvette, National Crimes Investigation Branch: “According to police information the security guards …

Kortobacco
On Sunday 25-year-old Kevin Bodden was charged for the murder of Kendis Flowers who was shot and killed on March 17th. It appears somehow Bodden managed to escape from police at the Queen Street Station. Assistant Superintendent of Police, Alejandro Cowo said Bodden was being escorted to the bathroom when he managed to evade the officer …

Breaking Belize News

Authorities confirm police involvement in drug plane landing
Today, just following a press conference held by the Ministry of National Security regarding Sunday night’s […]

Re-registration numbers decrease drastically; all Belizeans encouraged to re-register
The Elections and Boundaries Department today issued another update on the ongoing 2018 Re-registration of […]

Taiwan donates $30,000 for Wellness parks
Today, Belize received another generous donation from the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Ministry of […]

U.S. Embassy hosts Energy Forum
On September 6, 2018 the United States Embassy hosted an energy forum, “Spotlight on Belize’s […]

Carnival road march champions announced
The Carnival Road March 2018 was held on Saturday September 8. This year’s Carnival was […]

Belize to be reviewed by Civil and Political Rights Committee
Belize is one of several countries, including Belarus, Bulgaria, Guinea and Sudan, being reviewed at […]

Authorities: Police presence will increase in Orange Walk
Today, the Ministry of National Security confirmed in a press conference that they will […]

Authorities: Drug plane bust was not due to leaked coordinates
This morning, the Ministry of National Security held a press conference in the old […]

COMPOL: Police officer arrested in drug plane bust not involved in Narco-Trafficking
This morning, the Ministry of National Security held a press conference in Belize City […]

Blogs

The 2018 Uniform Parade Through the HOT Streets of San Pedro
September 10th. The first national Holiday in a month that feels like one long holiday in Belize. Yesterday celebrates a small crew of Brits and their slaves ousting the pesky Spanish once and for all in 1798 – the Battle of St George’s Caye. Yesterday was the Uniform Parade. My phone told me it was 82 degrees. Add 100% humidity – it did start raining briefly – and about 18 degrees to that temperature. September is RED HOT. Umbrellas (for sun and rain) were handed out to the pageant queens – and the kids…all in their school uniforms roasted in the sun. It’s a September tradition and MAN. Do I love a parade.

Videos

Sea turtles at Naia Resort and Spa - Placencia, Belize, 1.5min. On the critically endangered list, the Hawksbill turtle is one of three turtle species found in Belize. The Naia team was privileged to catch a glimpse of a mature female laying her eggs on our beach.

Intro to Fuckry Talkshow, 2hr.

The lightening in corozal and rain yesterday, 3.5min.

House Hunters International - Going Big in Belize, 30min.

2018 BELIZE CARNIVAL - Full Parade, 52min.

Belize September Festival Weekend - Nailah Blackman Performing Live, 15min. Nailah Black an performs all her hit songs at Belize September Festival Weekend in Belize; September 2018.

Belize Travel Diary 2017, 11min.

Police Check Point Talk Show, 60min.

September 11, 2018