November 19, 2018

Enjoy your Garifuna Settlement Day!

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Letter to the Editor: A heart breaking and heart warming clean-up
Dear Editor, The clean-up of the San Pedrito road was heart breaking and heart warming. It was an emotional experience. Heart breaking because the life giving mangroves are being poisoned. Humans have deliberately put trash in the water. The mangroves are trying to grow in water that is scary to look at. The water is a strange polluted colour. It looks and is, toxic. Heart warming because there were so many hardworking people doing their best to remove this trash. They were standing in the water hand picking the trash and placing it on the road for pick up. This is not fun work. Its is simply depressing, back breaking work. Then it was either loaded into trucks or placed into bags to be hauled off. There were not enough volunteers or enough trucks. Not enough water or snacks. Not enough garbage bags or gloves. And yet the volunteers persisted. All of this done in the hot sun.

Wolfe’s Woofer: A Good Provider
“Do you remember Dolores?” Sherry asked. “She’s the girl who used to work doing cleanup for me when I had the Monkey Bites Café.” “Yeah,” I said. “She also worked for us as a maid for two days a week.” “That’s her.” “Didn’t she move back to her village on the mainland?” “Yes, but she’s back on the island. She came by yesterday looking for domestic work and I’d like to hire her for a couple of days a week. What do you think?” “It’s fine as long as she doesn’t touch any of my stuff. Anything of mine she ever touched disappeared for a week. Finding my shoes or my keys was like searching for Easter eggs.”

Letter to the Editor: A call to action for EVERYONE
Dear Editor, Warning – what follows is a rant/call to action for EVERYONE, even if you are not on the island. For the last 5 months, the BIG Garbage Clean up has been in the planning and organizing stages. HUNDREDS of hours have been dedicated to this project by only 4 determined ladies (that also have full-time businesses) and many many additional hours by others wanting to help. The task was ENORMOUS, but they took it on because the issue this island has with garbage being dumped on the roadsides is affecting our environment and it is beginning to have an effect our #1 industry – Tourism. There is NO job here on the island that does not depend on tourists continuing to come to the island, and yet no one seems to care that the first thing the tourists see as they approach the island by air is trash upon trash along the tarmac dumped on the San Pedrito Highway – not the greatest first impression after the beauty of the ocean that they’ve been photographing on the way over.

Doctor Love: Bored
Dear Doctor Love, All of my life I have been accused of lacking motivation. When I was in school, teachers sent notes to my parents telling them of my unwillingness to get involved with student activities and my disinterest in performing at any level higher than is necessary to pass. Because of this life long attitude, I find myself a single woman in my mid-twenties with not a single close friend, working a job just to pay my bills. I am simply bored with everything. I have no interest in anything other than sleeping. I don’t care what I eat. I don’t want a boyfriend. I don’t even remember ever getting excited about holidays and birthdays.

Misc Belizean Sources

Annual Christmas Bird Count 2018
It's that time of the year!!!! Okay friends, let me know who is interested in going on which one of the counts. December 8th and 9th, we will be doing a refresher for rusty birders and intro for new birders. Location will be Caribbean Shrimp Farm, Salt Creek Road, and Belize River Valley area. Dec 8th - (Saturday afternoon) 1 to 4pm classroom Dec 9th - (Sunday) 5:30am - 5:30pm all day birding.

ICJ Referendum Forum at The Corozal House of Culture
We are very grateful to all our guest who came out to be informed at The ICJ Referendum Forum at The Corozal House of Culture on November 16th 2018. There was a balanced presentation on both sides of the topic. The public has an opportunity to freely and respectfully express their inputs and points of view on the subject. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to educate on matters that are vital to our past and current history. Many thanks to our seasoned presenters Mr Roy Rodriguez Sr. and Mr Gian Vasquez. Many thanks to our moderator Dr Baldomino Barboza. Thanks to Ms Debra WilkesDebra at The Corozal House of Culture. Thanks to NICH Belize for your continual support of our efforts.Thanks to Miss Celeste Pederson for your financial support. Thanks to members of To'one Masehualoon NGO Mr Adan Palomo, Mr Faustino Yam, Ms Claridelma Sabino and Ms Loreen Maura for your support and participation. Many Thanks to CTV3 and Power FM from Orange Walk Town. Together we achieve more. En la kech a la keen.

Panerrifix: A Christmas Story
Panerrifix will be performing ''A Christmas Story' along with the Cayo Music School. It'll be at the Hilltop Basketball Court on Saturday, December 8th, and starts at 7:00pm. "Come celebrate the greatest story ever told...the story of Jesus Christ through music and song. Special guests include Chanelle Parks and the Cayo Music School. Get your tickets early from band members or inbox to reserve."

JACINTO CANEK
Jacinto Canek or Jacinto Uc de los Santos was a 18th-century Maya revolutionary who fought against the Spanish in the Yucatán Peninsula of New Spain. His sentence was carried out in the main plaza of Mérida on December 14, 1761. A good reading for us Yucatec Maya of Belize to learn more about our ancestors struggle . The Spanish conquest of Yucatán ended in the late 17th century, with the fall of the Itza people, the last group of Maya able to resist the conquistadors. However, the Mayas continued armed revolt against the Spanish into the 18th century, and after an interruption, into the early 20th century under Mexican jurisdiction. Lands owned in common by the Maya were taken and given as land grants in the form of haciendas to either the Catholic Church or to Spanish noblemen, interfering with the means of subsistence of the Maya.

Channel 5

Shooting in Belize City
A man is at the KHMH receiving treatment after he was shot tonight in Belize City. The victim was on Neal Penn Road when a man on a motorcycle approached him and fired several shots. Police are investigating...

Belize City Taxi Man Missing
Please on the lookout for 56 year old Ira Hamilton, taxi driver of 4385 Custard Apple Street, Belize City. He was reported missing by his wife. Hamilton was last seen on Friday, November 16th, driving a gold Toyota Corolla. He reportedly broke down somewhere in the Hattieville area and has not been seen or heard from since. If you have any information that can assist in locating Hamilton you are asked to call the nearest police station.

Teenager Raped in Roaring Creek
Police in Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District, are investigating a report of rape made by a 15 year old girl. Accompanied by her mother, the girl told police that sometime around 4:00 pm on November 17th she was “drinking alcoholic beverages along with her uncle and another male person when she began to feel sick.” According to the girl, she went to sleep in a bedroom and after some time had passed “the male person entered the room and had sexual intercourse with her against her will.” A medical examination certified that she was carnally known. Police have since detained an 18 year-old male person pending investigation.

Fatal Traffic Accident on the Hummingbird Highway
Thirty three year old Pedro Shol became a victim of a fatal traffic accident on Saturday evening. Police say that at around 5:47 pm, officers were called out to mike 10 1/2 on the Hummingbird where they saw Shol motionless on the ground. Shol was on a motorcycle heading towards Pomona Village when he reportedly lost control of the motorcycle and collided into a parked white bus. He was rushed to the Southern Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Reporter

Posh Family Park Coming Soon for South-side
Residents on the south side of Belize City will soon have their own stylish family-friendly park, after ground was broken for the facility on Ring Road off Western Avenue on Thursday. Mayor Bernard Wagner told the media that the City Council wanted the southside residents to have a park that is as scenic and that has amenities comparable to the BTL Park on the northside. The park will consist of barbecue stands and seating for families to have picnics and programs.

Breaking Belize News

Man shot in Belize City
A man was shot in Belize city. He has been identified as Stefan Tablada. Information to BBN is that he was socializing at a residence on Neal Pen Road when a man on a motorcycle approached and opened fire.

Dr. Simeon Coc wins UDP Toledo West convention
Today the United Democratic Party (UDP) held a convention to elect the standard bearer for the Toledo West constituency. Estevan Coc garnered 13 votes, Sylvia Hulse collected 68 votes and Senator Macario Coy gathered 1,281. In the end, Dr. Simeon Coc emerged victorious with 1,504 votes.

Police Department appeals to motorists to exercise caution while driving
In light of recent traffic accidents, the Belize Police department today issued a statement appealing to all motorists to exercise extreme caution. Motorists are reminded to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The department is also appealing to all family members and friends to do all in their power to prevent loved ones from driving or riding motorcycles if they are drinking or under the influence.

Man dies in fatal traffic accident
Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident that occurred yesterday evening. Around 5:47 pm, police went to an area near Mile 10 ½ on the Southern Highway, Stann Creek and saw the body of a man lying face up on the road. The victim was identified as Pedro Shol,33, of Valley Community.

15 year-old-minor raped in Roaring Creek; Police investigating
Roaring Creek police are investigating a report of rape. According to reports, a 15-year-old female minor and her mom reported to police that yesterday around 4 pm, she was drinking alcoholic beverages along with her uncle and another male person when she began to feel sick. According to the minor, she went to sleep in her bedroom and shortly thereafter, the male person reportedly entered the room and raped her.

Taxi driver missing in Belize City
The family of Ira Hamilton, 56, a taxi driver of Belize City is concerned about him. Hamilton was reported missing by his wife yesterday. According to reports, he was last seen on Friday, November 16, 2018, driving his 1989 Gold Toyota Corolla.

Blogs

Ear Muffs & Mule Carts: Snapshots of My Week in Belize
Each year – about this time, the weather abruptly shifts. We go from BLAZING HOT and humid to the first cold front of the year. Just a shift in wind and a few degrees drop in temperature and those who live here get out sweatshirts and thick socks and confound all the tourists. I walked the dogs in a full sweat suit the other day – right past a bunch of visitors sunning in their bikinis. Monday, breeze from the west, bright sun, temps in the low 80s Monday night was looking beautiful… But the next morning…the cold winds were starting to blow. And suddenly it was in the mid-70s with a brisk northerly wind. Kids were wearing quilted winter jackets – those driving golf carts? Wool hats and I even saw a set of ear muffs. Here are some snap shots from Ambergris Caye and Belize City – many of which I share on Facebook but…and GET THIS…some of you don’t have Facebook! SO here they are.

International Sources

Belize’s thriving Afro-Caribbean community
The boats came at dawn along the shores of the town of Dangriga on the coast of Belize. Onboard, vibrantly dressed men, women and children carried homemade flags and waved bright green fronds of coconut palm branches as they approached the shore. On land, a crowd waited, ready to cheer as feet stepped out of the boats to touch sand. On a similar morning in 1832, the Garifuna people – descendants of Carib, Arawak and West African people – made the same journey from St Vincent Island in the Caribbean, finally able to call Belize home after being turned away by the British government three times. Every year on 19 November, the Garifuna celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day, marking their arrival in Belize (which was then a British colony) and their many contributions to the Belizean landscape.

IMF concludes 2018 consultation with Belize
On November 12, 2018, the executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Belize. Belize’s economic recovery is strengthening, supported by a favourable global environment. Real GDP is estimated to have increased by 1.4 percent in 2017, and recent data indicate an acceleration in economic activity. This acceleration reflects growth in the tourism and agricultural sectors, on the back of economic expansion in Belize’s trade partners, expanded capacity, and foreign direct investment. Unemployment decreased to 9.4 percent in April 2018 from 9.7 percent six months earlier, the current account deficit narrowed to 7.6 percent of GDP in 2017 from 8.4 percent of GDP in 2016, and the financial sector is strengthening.

Is This Private Island Resort The Privatest Of All Private Island Resorts?
"There are no other neighbors – it’s just you and the views.” There are plenty of resorts, hotels and, in this modern age, Airbnbs that will boast that the experience of staying there is more 'money can't buy', more exclusive and more luxurious than any other. But on the spectrum of things that get you the closest to actually going full Branson and owning your own island in the middle of the Caribbean, we'd be willing to bet that the Gladden Island Resort is probably on the furthest extreme. Gladden Island sits in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, where it sits under the legal jurisdiction of Belize. It's little more than a remote stretch of sand and trees "20 miles off the coast of Placencia, Belize," and is shielded on all sides by the Belize Barrier Reef system. This makes it virtually inaccessible by large ships and, as such, almost untouched by human civilisation. Well, until now at least, because one company has thrown a private resort onto it.

Chinese mosquito coil denied registration due to cancer risk
Guyana’s Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) has denied the registration of “Zenden Mosquito Coil”, that is manufactured in China. The denial means that the import, distribution, sale and use of the Mosquito Coil in Guyana is prohibited. Officials say the illegally imported Chinese mosquito coils have been an area of focus for the authority for quite some time and smugglers of these products have made little to no effort to register them. The PTCCB says the process of pesticide registration allows the board to examine the toxicity characteristic of pesticide products to human health and the environment. It allows for more informed decision making regarding the import, distribution, sale and use of pesticides in Guyana.

Venezuela y Belice, los únicos países de la región que no avanzan en la erradicación de la pobreza extrema
Cada segundo que pasa, una persona se salva de vivir en la pobreza extrema. Eso significa que hay menos gente viviendo con ingresos inferiores a los 1,9 dólares diarios. En 2000, uno de cada 4 habitantes del planeta era extremadamente pobre. Para el 2017, la proporción pasó a ser 1 de cada 10, según el Informe de Metas de Desarrollo Sostenible de 2018 de las Naciones Unidas. La buena noticia es que la tendencia continuará y para el 2030 sólo el 5,6 por ciento de los casi 8.500 mil millones de habitantes del planeta se encontrarán en una situación desesperada.

Videos

November 18, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Anke Doehm’s petition to leave the country withdrawn; no new court date announced
The legal case against Anke Doehm has gone quiet after her last appearance in court on September 13th, when she sought permission from the Supreme Court to travel to the United States of America (USA) for health reasons. Doehm was to return to court later that month to find out if her application for traveling was approved. However, before the court could make a decision the petition was allegedly withdrawn. The San Pedro Sun contacted the Supreme Court in Belize City, who indicated that there is no further information on when she is to return to court. Doehm faces a charge of ‘Cruelty to a Child,’ in connection with the death of her 13-year-old adopted daughter, Faye Lin Cannon, who was found dead in her bedroom on July 3, 2017.

Ian “Lion” Gordon seeks sponsorship to participate in XX Gran Marathon Pacifico Mexico 2018
41-year-old island resident Ian “Lion” Gordon is seeking financial assistance to participate in the XX Gran Marathon Pacifico Mexico race to be held in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico on Saturday, December 1st and to Sunday, December 2nd. Gordon has been living in San Pedro Town for the past 19 years, and is originally from Belize City. Gordon is a well-known business person here on the island. In an interview with The San Pedro Sun, Gordon shared that San Pedro’s Sport Coordinator Kent Bob Gabourel was the person who pushed him to start running, which led to him participating in local marathons like the Annual Breast Cancer and Diabetes Awareness walk/run, RISE and SHINE 5k walk/run among others.

NINE MONTHS AFTER ANNOUNCEMENT, GILLNET TASK FORCE IS DEAD IN THE WATER
When the Ministry of Fisheries announced the formation of a task force to “reduce the harmful impacts of gillnets” in February 2018, it was framed as a serious step to address a long-standing issue. But time has only served to drown any hope that the Government is prepared to take leadership in protecting the more than 3,000 Belizeans who depend on sports fishing jobs and the more than 2,547 commercial fishers who do not use gillnets to fish and whose livelihoods are compromised by gillnet fishing.

Interdistrict football tournament debuts countrywide
On Saturday, November 10th the Interdistrict football tournament started countrywide, with games in both the female and male divisions for the Under 15, and Under 17 level. Two out of three games took place at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. The island was represented by both male and female U-17 teams. Although the San Pedro High School (SPHS females) and San Pedro Pirates (male) teams competed, neither team won but played out their hearts on the field against their opponents. The second leg of the tournament is scheduled to continue this weekend.

Misc Belizean Sources

21st Annual Nationals Darts Championship
Our 21st Annual Nationals Darts Championship opening ceremonies, sponsored by Guinness/ Digi and Rose Grill and bar, held right here in beautiful Caye Caulker!!!

Insights About Ambergris Caye, Belize, From a 20-Year Expat
By Karen Sands Zul. Eileen Jamison has spent 20 years living on Ambergris Caye in Belize. She is from a small city in northwest Pennsylvania where she worked as a pharmacy technician and inventory manager. She and her husband, Dan, loved to travel and shared a dream of living on an island. They visited islands from the Eastern Caribbean to the Pacific, then looked to Belize in the Western Caribbean. “The minute I set foot on Ambergris Caye, I felt totally at home,” Eileen says. She knew then and there that this would be their island. She loved the good-natured sweet people, the fact that English is the official language, the gorgeous views, and beautiful water. “I have seen lots of pretty islands,” she says, “But this one is incredibly diverse, with so many different nationalities, cultures, and religions. Folks seem to live in harmony, which I love.”

First Tropical Agriculture Conference
The first Tropical Agriculture Conference was held in Belmopan this week. They had quite a few guest speakers who are leaders in the field. Great synopsis of the conference. "It’s pretty clear that Belizean farmers can grow almost anything. Conference attendees spoke of growing melons, fruits, vegetables, and local-specific crops like inga trees and chaya plants. Roadside stands are filled with mangos, watermelons and jackfruit. Hemp is also becoming a major interest in the country, despite the high humidity that often keeps farmers at similar latitudes around the world from growing dense crops (like corn)."

Cornerstone Christmas Ball 2018
The Cornerstone Foundation is having their annual Christmas Fundraiser Ball. Have fun, enjoy some great food, and support a great cause all at the same time. It's Saturday, December 1st, and it's at the Aguada. "Cornerstone Foundation Christmas Ball. Get ur Tickets Before they're all gone. Support a worthy cause."

New airline to service Belize!
Aeromexico will service Belize twice a week! Now Mexicans will be able to experience a new destination and a curious place, Belize!

Channel 5

Armed Robbery in Unitedville; Store Owner Shoots Robber
San Ignacio police are investigating an armed robbery which occurred yesterday afternoon in Unitedville Village. The thieves targeted Yi Long Store. Fifty three year old Kui Xiang Ma told police that she was behind the counter when three men entered the store, two of them armed. One of the men assaulted a customer while another hopped over the counter and pointed the firearm at Ma. The third thief also made his way behind the counter and began putting money in a bag. Unknown to the armed assailants, forty nine year old Jiang Feng Luo was at the back of the store.

One Dead Following Horrific Traffic Accident
Twenty seven year old BDF soldier Ruben Orlando Sho died last night after a pickup truck collided into him. It happened at around 7:15pm between miles 90 and 91 on the Southern Highway. Sho was on a motorcycle when a red Ford Ranger pickup, driven at the time by sixty one year old Businessman of Big Falls Village Estevan Caliz, collided into him. Sho received severe body injuries. During the accident Sho lost his left leg from the knee down. He died on the spot. Caliz remains in police custody pending investigations.

Fire Destroys Houses In Dangriga
Fire officials in Dangriga are trying to establish the cause of a fire that reportedly destroyed three houses in that municipality. There are no reports of any injuries and the number of persons left homeless has not been ascertained.

The Reporter

WEEKEND BREAKING NEWS BRIEFS . . . .
Police have arrested and charged Gregorio Choc, 47, in connection with a traffic accident on the Southern Highway on Monday night which claimed the life of Francisco Sis, 57, a farmer of San Marcus Village, Toledo. Police say that the fatal traffic accident in Toledo last night claimed the life of a BDF soldier.

Convicted Murders Get 35 Years for Stabbing Deaths of Attorney and Wife
Milton Maza and Eli Lopez Avila have been sentenced to a prison term of 35 years for the murders of Attorney and former Magistrate, Richard Stuart, 43, and his wife, Chartered Accountant, Maria Stuart nee Fernandez, also 43 at the time of their deaths in 2010. However, because the defendants had already spent eight years on remand prior to their trial, they will spend 27 years, with effect from October 19, 2018, when they were found guilty of the double murder.

Breaking Belize News

IMF advises Belize to implement reforms to boost economic growth, reduce government debt, and strengthen the financial sector
The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Belize on November 12. The IMF says that “Belize’s economic recovery is strengthening, supported by a favorable global environment.” The IMF reports that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to have increased by 1.4 percent in 2017 and recent data indicates an acceleration in economic activity.

Belize welcomes Aeromexico
Today, Belize welcomed Aeromexico in its inaugural flight to Belize. Aeromexico is now the only airline in Mexico to offer direct service to Belize from Mexico city. The service will be available from today through to April 28, 2019.

Guns and ammo stolen from home in Roaring Creek
Police are investigating a burglary in Roaring Creek, Cayo. On November 14, Randy Gaithor told police that his home had been burglarized sometime between October 26 and November 13 while he was in the United States.

Culprit shot while escaping robbery in Unitedville, two escape
Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred yesterday afternoon in Unitedville village, Cayo. Kui Xiang Ma, 53, told police that she was inside her business, Yi Long store around 1:13 p.m. when three men entered.

BDF soldier dies in tragic motorcycle accident
Police are investigating a road traffic accident that claimed the life of a soldier from the Belize Defense Force (BDF) last night. Estevan Caliz, 61, businessman of Big Falls village, Toledo reported to police that he was driving his red Ford Ranger pick-up on the Southern highway when upon reaching miles 90 and 91, he collided head on with a black and grey Lifan motor cycle.

Justice Williams issues 35 years for the double murder of the Stuarts
Earlier this month Justice Collin Williams found Milton Maza and Eli Avila Lopez guilty of the 2010 double murder of Richard and Maria Stuart. However, yesterday Justice Williams sentenced them to 35 years in prison. Since they have spent the last 8 years in prison, they will only spend the remaining 27 years in incarceration.

Belize defeats Puerto Rico with one goal by Denmark Casey
Last night Belize’s National Team faced off with Puerto Rico’s National Team at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan. Within half hour into the game, Belize’s Denmark Casey drilled a right-footer just outside the penalty box which connected to the back of the net.

Belmopan businessman gets 6 years for abetment to murder
In September, Belmopan businessman Jahan Abadi, was found guilty of abetment to murder. But yesterday, after deliberation, Justice Antoinette Moore sentenced him to six years in prison. The charges against Abadi date back to January 2016 when he was one of the co-accused in the Bradley Paumen case.

International Sources

Secrets of the ancient Mayan Empire
Imagine walking down a jungle pathway and you turn a corner to see the ruins of a huge temple rising above the trees with a stone platform at its feet. To think that some 4000 years ago, someone stood in the exact place as you perhaps participating in a ritual ceremony! Welcome to the world of the Mayans. The Mayan civilization is probably one of the greatest pre-Columbian civilisation that extended from central America to present-day Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and southern Mexico. Here the cultural richness of Mayan architecture is seen alongside with the dense rainforests, replete with wildlife. In well preserved soil covered cities, built by an ancient Mayan empire, the temples reveal jade masks and jewellery, elaborate sarcophagi and crystal death skulls.

All about the Great Blue Hole that explorer Fabien Cousteau and Richard Branson are diving into
Unlike black holes. Blue holes form in seas, not space. They are deep sink holes in shallow marine waters, much deeper than the sea water around them, and usually have a deeper shade of blue, because of the depth. Unlike black holes. Blue holes form in seas, not space. They are deep sink holes in shallow marine waters, much deeper than the sea water around them, and usually have a deeper shade of blue, because of the depth.

Prince Charles: 70 years in 70 pictures
To mark the Prince of Wales' 70th birthday, we present an image from the Press Association archives from every year of his life.

Videos

November 17, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Island basketball player, Raoul ‘Thumpy’ Roches recovering at KHMH after traffic accident
Well-known island basketballer Raoul Roches, also known as ‘Thumpy,’ is slowly recovering at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) after almost losing his life in a traffic accident on Friday, November 9th. Roches, who plays with the San Pedro’s Tiger Sharks basketball team, suffered massive head and body injuries when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a cement wall in Santa Elena Town in the Cayo District. According to reports, Roches was driving his motorcycle from San Ignacio Town to Santa Elena Town, and after crossing the Hawkesworth Bridge, he slammed into the wall of Boiton Barbeque.

Referee Ever Corado attacked in-field during football tournament in San Pedro Town
On Sunday, November 4th, during a semifinal game of the 2018 Copa San Pedro Football Tournament, 29-year-old Referee Ever Corado was punched in the forehead by 20-year-old player Ashton Lopez of San Mateo F.C, after the referee issued a red card to San Mateo F.C goalkeeper Kia Zetina. The semifinal match was between San Mateo F.C and Vince Assassins, and it was tied at 1-1, however at minute 44, Vince Assassins player, Chris Burke nailed a goal taking a 2-1 lead. Zetina started to challenge the referee’s decision, pointing and loudly arguing, stating that it was not a fair goal. Due to his unsportsmanlike behavior, he was issued a red card and asked to leave the field. Corado told The San Pedro Sun that Zetina didn’t want to leave, and so one of the two police officers present went into the field to escort him out. It was at that instance that Lopez confronted Corado, questioning why the goalkeeper was given a red card. He explained the reason to Lopez several times and also stated that the game will continue after the goalkeeper is out of the field. Lopez left and then came back unexpectedly, punching referee Corado on the left side of his forehead, causing him a cut wound of approximately one inch and half.

Minister Edmond Castro visits site of proposed Ambergris Caye’s Barge Berthing Facility
The Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, Honourable Edmond Castro, and Ports Commissioner Merlene Bailey Martinez were on San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye on Wednesday, November 7th, inspecting the proposed development of a Barge Berthing Facility south of the island. According to a press release by Castro’s Ministry, who is also responsible for Ports around the country, they have undertaken the proposed project through a partnership between the Belize Port Authority and private sector entities on the island, particularly the multi-national company of Bowen and Bowen Limited.

Thousands of pounds garbage removed during SP BTIA clean-up in San Pedro Town
The San Pedro Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (SP BTIA) along with the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) and the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) held a huge clean-up campaign in San Pedro Town from Friday, November 9th to Monday, November 12th. The improper disposal of garbage has long been an issue on Ambergris Caye. Illegal dumping has resulted in street sides littered with large items such as appliances and old furniture, polluting our water system, marring our natural beauty and threatening the health of our environment. The goal of the SP BTIA four-day clean-up campaign was to pick up garbage from multiple locations in various neighborhoods, but due to the massive amounts of trash located in one area, the San Pedrito Highway, efforts focused on clearing the road of all trash.

Atlantic Bank International Limited denies involvement with Sanctuary Belize real estate investment scam
Atlantic International Bank Limited (AIBL) is defending itself after being associated with a multi-million dollar real estate scam via Sanctuary Belize that had apparently gone been operating for the past 15 years. The bank is denying any affiliations with the project, which allegedly took in over $100 million from multiple American investors. The real estate scam was shut down on Thursday, November 8th, by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), after operating for the past 15 years. The FTC is further charging AIBL, alleging that it assisted and facilitated the Sanctuary Belize scam. However, the bank rejects these allegations and has retained the services of attorneys in both Belize and the United States (US) to address the issue.

Ambergris Today

PIC OF THE WEEK - Waterspout captured off the coast of Ambergris Caye
Belize boasts mostly sunny weather all year round and the skies do get more dramatic during the rainy season (June to November). Water spouts are a rare occurrence around Ambergris Caye and witnessing them is a pleasure. Mother nature is so beautiful and powerful. Dick Rouss shares with us these amazing pictures of a beautiful waterspout that formed just off the coast during early morning sunrise. WOW!

Misc Belizean Sources

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Crazy Rich Asians, Blindspotting, The Princess Switch, Searching

Maya Cave Archaeology
I have a new book out on Maya cave archaeology, published with BAR. They have graciously offered to extend a 10% discount on the book to members of the Ancient Mesoamerica group. All you have to do to receive the discount is quote the reference AM18 at checkout, through the BAR Publishing website: www.barpublishing.com. The offer is good until December 11, 2018.

San Pedro Cleanup...
A Little More of the Story in Pictures ... So many people to thank for their donations of time, energy and effort, snacks (sandwiches, cookies, cake and baked goods, chips, fruit, etc), hand disinfectant, water and juice, first aid, gloves, garbage bags, vehicles and heavy equipment, and cash. Managing the Hand Washing, Snack, Refreshment & Smoke Cart didn't leave a ton of time for photographs ... Photos by Karen Brodie

Help Wanted at Black Orchid Restaurant in San Pedro
We are adding to our Great Team of Professionals. Apply in Person 2.5 Miles South San Pedro Town; Tue-Sat 1p-4p..... Line cook or kitchen experience a plus.

Escalante Subdivision Cleanup this Weekend!
Continuing in the momentum of the Massive Cleanup Campaign that just ended, All residents and friends are invited to help in the Trash Cleanup Day this Saturday, Nov. 17, at 8a.m. in the Escalante Subdivision. If you can’t make it, send ur kids to help out. Cleanup crew is meeting in front of La Divina Providencia/ Hidden Treasure Restaurant at 7:45 am. Let’s build on what the BTIA, Rotary Club, The Phoenix Hotel and others are doing to try to combat this trash problem. We can lead by example and clean up our town. Show up! Even though it’s not your neighborhood this weekend, it might be the next. Gloves and trash bags will be provided.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter VIGOROUS in region
The Belize Coast Guard(BCG) and Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges embarked on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter VIGOROUS during its counter narcotic and maritime law enforcement operations in the region. The ship's captain and crew provided a tour of the vessel, showcased its unique capabilities, and discussed ways to enhance counter narcotic operations in Belize's waters. BCG continued their engagement with subject matter expert exchanges on vessel boarding procedures, safety inspection, maritime investigations, and search and rescue at sea.

John Paul II Chess Invitational
JPII JC is having chess tournament, which is free, and open to everyone, and the winner will get a scholarship. "Join us for the first annual John Paul II Chess Invitational at noon on Saturday, November 24! It's open to the public and free to enter. Grand prize is cash and a JPII scholarship. Register through the attached sign-up form.

Intro to Bird Indntification, Dangriga
Nov 25-27. At Pelican Beach Resort

ACAN
Acan is the representation of intoxication.He is identified with the local brew, balche, made from fermented honey to which the bark of the balche tree has been added.

Channel 7

6 Years in Jail for Belmopan Businessman
There is big news coming out of the Belmopan Supreme Court tonight. Jahan Abadi, a well-known businessman from Belmopan has been convicted in a trial without jury of abetment to murder by solicitation. Right now, he is prison serving the first night of a 6-year prison sentence. You may remember him as one of the co-accused in the Bradley Paumen case from January 2016. That's when he, Paumen and others were charged for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. They allegedly worked together to plant an unlicensed firearm and loads of ammunition on Paumen's Frank's Eddy neighbor, Michael Modiri. Well, evidence from his recent trial says that he actually tried to hire a hitman to kill Modiri also. DPP Cheryl-Lynn Vidal prosecuted the case against him, which began before Justice Antoinette Moore on July 18th. She called the man who Abadi tried to hire as the hitman, to testify against him in the trial.

Killers of Stuart Couple Get Decades In Jail
27 more years in prison, that's how long the convicted killers, Milton Maza and Eli Avila Lopez, will spend for the 2010 double murders of husband and wife, Richard and Maria Stuart. A week ago, Justice Collin Williams adjourned their sentencing for today. He wanted time to consider the submissions that Crown Counsel Kileru Awich and defense attorney Oscar Selgado made. Arriving at the final prison sentence, the judge noted the minimum time period for a murder conviction, the mitigation and aggravating factors working for and against the two men, the time they've already served, and the sentencing guidelines for such a case. One mitigation factor in their favor is that they had no prior violent criminal history.

Teachers Return To Classroom At ITVET
After a two day teacher sit out, things returned to normal at the Orange Walk ITVET. That's after the teachers got word from Ministry of Education officials that chronic delays in paying salary would be resolved. Luis Ramos - the spokesperson for all 15 teachers told CTV-3 what assurance they got:.. Luis Ramos - OW ITVET Staff Spokesperson: "This morning we got a call from the upper management officials in the Ministry of Education and their response is very favorable on our side and because of that we have live to our commitment that we are going back into class..."

BDF Soldier Recovering, Will Live With Prosthetic Eye
BDF Private Fidel Williams continues to recover after losing an eye in a terrible mishap. It happened at 9:20 on Wednesday at the Forward Operating Base in the Toledo District. Williams went to unhitch a BDF vessel, lost his footing, and fell face first into a submerged metal pipe, which dislodged his left eye. The surgeon had to remove his eye and it has been replaced with an artificial eye. He did not suffer other injuries. The BDF scrambled to get him to the KHMH. BDF Lt. Col. Luis Sutherland confirmed that they sent the BDF Defender with a combat medic within 20 minutes of the accident.

Robber Shot By Grocer
We apologize for that break in the news due to a power outage here in the city. A robber was shot today in Unitedville. Details are scarce but, 7News has confirmed that this man - who was caught on camera during another robbery 10 days ago in Belmopan - is the person who was shot. Reports say he tried to rob another Chinese grocer today and the owner shot him in the neck during a struggle. He was transported to the Western Regional Hospital where he is under police guard tonight.

PSU Account Of Hilltop Sale Clashed With Khalid
The Public Service Union has sent out a statement challenging Belmopan Mayor Khalid Belisle. The Mayor said that he personally reached out to the PSU in August 2017 when he learned they weren't paying their lease. The PSU says, quote, "the PSU wishes to clarify that it was in fact the PSU who initiated contact with the Mayor…on every occasion about the acquisition of title to the Hilltop Property. Furthermore, for the Mayor to state that he had an appointment to meet with the President of the PSU at 10:00 am (on) November 14th, is the furthest thing from the truth…" End quote.

Sanju, Simplex and the Santa Rita Mix-Up
Any negotiation would have to include SIMPLEX Limited, the company which now owns the Hilltop property. It was incorporated on October 9th to purchase the property for $400,000 on the following day. There's been a lot of uproar in the past few days about the company's address: which is 38 Santa Rita Layout in Corozal. Sanju Chulani swore to a declaration that the business owner Xin Ni also lives there. Last night you hear from the Amelio Lizarraga Cal. He happens to be Vice President of the Corozal Branch of the PSU and he lives at 38 Santa Rita Layout. He says there's no company headquartered there and no Xin Ni who lives or has ever lived there.

Rt. Hon. Musa Speaks On Sale Of Land He Leased To PSU
Former Prime Minister Said Musa who set up the 20 year lease for the PSU in the year 2000 has issued his own statement on the land debacle. It says, quote, "I was surprise, indeed shocked to learn that the present Belmopan City Council has sold the hilltop property…from all reports the way in which this sale was conducted and the indecent haste in which it was finalized, at an undervalued price, reeks of wrongdoing….This sale should, if not reversed, be condemned."

Preserving The Antibiotic Solution
Whenever we get sick with the flu or some infection, we want the quickest and most potent form of relief - and that's meds which includes antibiotics. But health officials say the overuse and misuse of antibiotics can lead to antimicrobial resistance. That's basically when your body becomes immune to the antibiotic. That is just part of it, the real problem is when you really need the antibiotics to heal after a major surgery, as a form of treatment for cancer chemotherapy or HIV - it won't have any effect. The World Health Organization says it is "an increasingly serious threat to global public health that requires action across all government sectors and society." Well, the Ministry of Health took action today by hosting an antibiotic forum at the Marion Jones Stadium training room. Here is more.

Celebrating Those “Preemies” Who Persevered
Keeping it on the subject of health, the KHMH says that for this year alone, it has had to care for 192 premature newborns. That's a higher number than last year, and so, today, KHMH joined the rest of the world in observing World Prematurity Day. Approximately 15 million babies worldwide, or one in 10 babies born every day will be premature, which put the infant at all kinds of health risks because his or her organs haven't properly developed. We stopped by the KHMH's NICU today, where they were preparing to receive visits from children who were born premature, but who survived, and are now thriving.

Did BCCI Ask GOB To Retrench?
Last week Friday we interviewed the president of Chamber of Commerce Nikita Usher about the phasing out of the EPZ legislation. We used the opportunity to ask him about the statements the Prime Minister attributed to the Chamber in his October 29th Press Conference. Here's what the PM said and what Usher told us in response:... Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "The Chamber of Commerce just sent me a letter about the need to do something or perhaps I should say another letter. To do something about the wage bill, about pensions - I don't know if the implication to me in fact there ought to be retrenchment and there ought to be some claw back of the magnificent salaries that we are paying to our teachers and public officers and pensioners as well must be made to feel the sting of an exercise that according to them is absolutely necessary."

BCCI Willing To Pay More For SSB Contributions, Perhaps
Usher also discussed the proposed increase in Social Security contributions. As we reported last week Thursday, Social Security is paying out more money than it is collecting, and that's mainly because the population is growing and aging. So, more benefits are being paid out from the fund, but the contributions from the Belizean public haven't been increased to meet that demand since 2003. Last year, SSB operated at a deficit of just over 10 million dollars, and if the public does not approve the increase, that deficit will balloon to a dangerous tipping point. That would cause the Social Security Fund to crash, leaving unavailable for future generations of Belizeans. So, the SSB is trying to prevent that, and the first step is to convince the public to support the package of contribution increases. Recently, they've been meeting with the social partners, including the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

An App For Health
If you have a smart phone or tablet, and you are health conscious, or think you should start making better decisions about your health, the Belize Cancer Society has an app you might want to try. It was created in partnership between the Cancer Society and the telecoms company Smart, and it was envisioned as a tool raise awareness about childhood obesity. Health experts say that 1 in every 3 child in the Caribbean is obese, and so, the Cancer Society wants to reach out to Belizean kids in the hope of reversing that trend. SMART and the Cancer Society launched this new app today at the Society's headquarters in Belize City. The creators hope it can become a life-style tool on every smart device in Belize.

Considering Dance Instruction
UWI held it's 3rd annual Vernon Leslie distinguished lecture today at the Bliss. The lecture is in honor of Belizean Vernon Leslie, the first Belizean resident tutor for UWI from the 1950's to the late 70's. In that time, he also founded the Festival of the Arts - and, in that, his legacy lives on as a showcase for young talents. The topic for today's lecture was a subject that would have been dear to him: dance education in Belize. We dropped by to find out more. Jane Bennett, Head, UWI Open Campus: "Mr. Vernon Leslie was the first Belizean resident tutor for the University of the West Indies in Belize and I always say with much pride that the University of the West Indies has been here for 70 years."

Investing Learning With The Entrepreneurial Spirit
So while UWI students were learning about dance in education today, yesterday UB business students were learning about entrepreneurship at the Bliss. It was their annual entrepreneurial symposium. The main idea is to inspire students to be self-thinkers to create their own employment. UB partnered with Beltraide's SBDC to host this symposium.

Big Settlement Day In City
Monday is Garifuna Settlement Day and, typically, all roads lead south for those who want to enjoy the music and culture of the Garinagu. But one Belize City restaurant owner wants to make basking in that rich cultural stew a little easier for city residents. Adette Tillett - who owns the Lerisi restaurant on the Marine Parade seafront has put together a highly ambitious serving of culture, entertainment and food. She told us about it:… Tillett says she will have all Garifuna foods and drinks for sale as well.

Celebrating Polyglot Culture
And while Lerisi will have its events on Sunday into Monday...today, There was a culture explosion at Nazarene High. Like so many other schools, they held their annual culture day and the students showcased all they learned about the different ethnicities, including traditional attire and even dance. While the Garifuna culture is at the forefront right now, Nazarene high teacher and students say it is important to embrace them all. The entire school participated - a total of about 500 students.

Mashing it Up At Maude Williams
And here on the southside - Maud Williams High did much the same - except theirs was a competition. The acting principal told us more:... In that competition, the Garifuna won by two points over the Creole, and the Mestizo placed 3rd.

Stoning it Down for Settlement Day On Antelope
And we leave you tonight with more music and dance, this one from last night's pre-19th bash on Antelope Street. It's an annual event organized by area rep and Culture Minister Patrick Faber - and last night they put on a show. We leave you with that on this Friday night - have a joyous 19th holiday - and join Indira Craig back here on Tuesday

Channel 5

Milton Maza and Eli Avila Sentenced to 35 Years behind Bars
The men who brutally stabbed attorney Richard Stuart and his wife, Maria to death in 2010 today learned how many more years they will be spending behind bars for the [...]

P.S.U. Repudiates Mayor Belisle’s Statements on Land Sale
The Public Service Union came out swinging on Monday when it lambasted the Belmopan City Council for secretly selling off a parcel of land within the Ring Road that it [...]

P.S.U. Says We Ain’t Going Nowhere!
On Thursday, it was revealed that the physical location in Corozal which businessman Xin Ni used to register Simplex Design Company Limited is actually the home address of P.S.U. branch [...]

Former Prime Minister Explain P.S.U.’s Hilltop Lease Agreement
Former Prime Minister Said Musa has weighed in on the matter. Musa released a statement today in which he recalls that when he was Prime Minister in 2000, officers of [...]

John Saldivar Accuses Said Musa of Giving Hilltop Away
According to Musa, he was shocked to learn that the present Belmopan City Council has sold the property to an Asian businessman of Corozal. Musa was also shocked when he [...]

Sit-Out Ends at ITVET Orange Walk; M.O.E. Commits to Address Issues
Orange Walk ITVET called off its sit-out this morning sometime around ten-thirty after teachers got some good news from the Ministry of Education. The sit-out started on Tuesday of this [...]

What’s the State of the Sarstoon F.O.B. 2 Years Later?
An accident involving a Belize Defense Force soldier stationed at the forward operating base near the mouth of the Sarstoon River is raising serious questions about the conditions of the [...]

John McAfee ‘Liable’ For Gregory Faull’s Death
The infamous John McAfee is back in the news tonight. He has been found legally “liable” for the death of his neighbor, Gregory Faull. A Florida court on Thursday handed [...]

F.B.I. Offers $20K Reward for Drew De Voursney Killer(s)
The F.B.I. is offering ten thousand U.S. dollars as a reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of the person or persons who killed thirty-six-year-old U.S. [...]

Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries Speaks Out on Gillnets Task Force
Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries fired off a release today expressing concerns over the functionality of the Gillnet Task Force, which was formed in February to reduce the harmful impacts of [...]

The Coalition Wants Answers
The Belize Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries is demanding that the Ministry of Fisheries release the composition of the members of the Gillnet Task Force as well as the list of [...]

Strengthened Protection for MPAs under New Fisheries Bill
The Fisheries Department and its partners have been revising the Fisheries Bill, which they hope to see approve in the near future. The changes aim to make the existing act [...]

WCS Hosts Global Marine Meeting in Belize
Since Monday of this week, more than twenty Wildlife Conservation Society representatives, including programme officers and country directors from around the world, have been meeting in Belize. The organization, which [...]

The Work of Glovers Reef Research Station
The opportunities to conduct research in Belize have been growing and if you ask about marine research, you’ll find out that those opportunities are endless. From mangroves to fin-fish, turtle [...]

Ensuring that Premature Babies Develop into Normal Children
Teenage girls are having babies at an early age; some as young as thirteen years have given birth. On the occasion of World Prematurity Day, there is focus on the [...]

The Cancer Society and Smart Team Up to Create a Cancer App
The Belize Cancer Society officially launched a cancer app today at its offices in Belize City. Working in conjunction with Smart, the application is available for download, in the first [...]

An Antibiotic Awareness Forum
The Belize Agricultural and Health Authority and the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization convened yet another round of discussions with stakeholders in the agricultural [...]

A 1-Health Approach to Avoiding Bacterial Resistance
According to Drug Inspector Samira Gongora, antibiotic resistance can occur in humans and animals. The long term effect of its misuse can potentially lead to the eradication of the population [...]

Happy Garifuna Settlement Day!
Activities are ongoing to celebrate the arrival of the Garifuna to Belizean shores. Here in Belize City, Lerisi Garifunaduau will be the venue for a mega concert on November eighteen [...]

LOVE FM

Antibiotic Sensitization Training
An information sensitization session about antibiotics is being held today. The training involves the Ministry of Health and it is to monitor the use of antibiotics in humans and animals. Training and sensitization has been occurring in phases. Samira Gongora, a drug inspector for the Ministry of Health and Joe Myers, the Veterinary Drug and …

A Garifuna Exhibit and Presentation to usher in Settlement Day
On Thursday night the Embassy of Mexico in Belize launched the Retrospective art exhibit which featured Pen Cayetano. The celebration of Garifuna culture continues with a celebration tonight at the Mexican Cultural institute in Belize City. The Cultural Attaché for the Mexican Institute, Diego Sapien told Love News what attendees can expect tonight. Diego Sapien, …

Commonwealth Fair proceeds go to CGEF
The Commonwealth Countries League (CCL) is a charity that hosts a number of fundraising events throughout the year. Of these, the annual Commonwealth Fair is its largest with profits designated to be donated to the Commonwealth Girls Education Fund (CGEF). The CGEF helps girls in the Commonwealth complete their secondary education in cases where the …

ORANGE WALK ITVET TEACHERS RETURN TO THE CLASSROOM
For several days this week, the teachers at the ITVET in Orange Walk were staging a go-slow, their own form of protest. They were concerned over a myriad of issues regarding contracts, as well as teachers who should be bumped up on the pay scale since they’ve completed bachelor’s degrees. The ITVET representatives met with …

Cancer Society gets APPdated
The Belize Cancer Society in collaboration with Speednet, the parent company for SMART, has launched an APP that will assist people to be more aware of the organization. The app which was launched this morning will help people to be more educated about the different types of cancer. Adelaide Sabido, Public Relations, Smart: “The marketing …

Amandala

The “fishy” sale of PSU headquarters land!
The sale of the Hilltop property which has been the headquarters of the Public Service Union (PSU) for the past 17 years is looking fishy, with the Belmopan City Council insisting that the sale is final and the union continuing to maintain that they “shall not be moved.” It had been revealed that Xin Ni, the owner of the newly formed company which purchased the PSU property, who had listed his address at the Belize Company Registry as being No. 38 Santa Rita Layout, Corozal District, had apparently falsified his address, because the person who lives at that address posted on social media that the address belongs to Amelio Lizarraga Cal, Jr., JP.

Warren Lewis, 27, acquitted of murder
A jury of 8 women and 4 men deliberated for about 3 hours and 5 minutes yesterday in the court of Madam Justice Marilyn Williams before they found Warren Lewis, 27, not guilty of the murder of Alberto Allen, 22, who was killed on August 18, 2009. Allen’s body was found at a dumpsite located at Mile 4 on the George Price Highway, opposite Cisco Construction Company. There was a bullet wound in his lower back, his throat had been slashed and a piece of stick had been shoved down his throat. The Crown, represented by Crown Counsel Rene Montero, had relied mainly on a caution statement Lewis gave to the police in which he admitted that he killed Allen because Allen violated him.

US$10,000 reward for Drew De Voursey’s killer
The bodies of Francesca Matus, 52, a Canadian national, and her American boyfriend, Drew Thomas De Voursey, 36, were found over a year ago in a canefield on the Chan Chen Road. Police say they cannot report any significant progress with this case. The United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had stepped in to assist with the case, but even they have so far not been successful in finding the killers of the couple. Yesterday, November 14, the FBI announced that they will be offering $10,000 US to anyone who can provide information leading to an arrest for the murder of De Voursey.

Steel rod pierces eye of BDF soldier
Private Fidel Williams, 25, a soldier of the Belize Defence Force who was posted for military duties at the Forward Operations Base at the mouth of the Sarstoon River, Toledo, lost his left eye after he fell off the wharf and a steel rod that was submerged in the water penetrated his left eye and damaged his eye socket. Williams was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City by air, and was admitted to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit in a critical condition.

Jefferson Jacobo, 21, committed for Supreme Court trial
At a preliminary inquiry that was held yesterday, Jefferson Jacobo, 21, a Salvadoran national charged with 2 counts of attempted murder, was committed to stand trial in the April 2019 session of the Supreme Court by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. The session begins on April 2. Jacobo is also charged with dangerous harm, wounding and two counts of use of deadly means of harm.

Young entrepreneurs showcase products at UB’s Annual Marketing Expo
The University of Belize held its 11th Annual Marketing Expo at the Civic Center today and the school’s young entrepreneurs filled the floor of the building with several booths selling a wide variety of products including pastries, drinks, hair products, hygiene products, phone accessories, and much more. The expo is an exciting and new experience for many of the students who are given the assignment to create a product for the event from the beginning of the school year. For months, these students have worked hard to perfect their products in time for the expo, and they surely did not disappoint.

Valley of Peace Christian girls and Trial Farm Gov’t boys are 2018-2019 National Primary School Football Champions
Coordinated by the National Sports Council (NSC), the National Primary School Football Championships 2018-19 for females and males were held on Friday, November 9, in Belize City at two different venues: the Marion Jones Sports Complex for the girls, and the MCC Grounds for the boys. Six female teams and six male teams, champions of their respective districts, represented the six districts of the country in the national tournament.

Flowers Sports In Education Garifuna Settlement Day Tournament 2018 results
On Saturday, November 10, Flowers Sports in Education hosted its annual Garifuna Settlement Day Football and Basketball Tournament and Dominoes games. The games started from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the St. Martin De Porres Football Field. The Football Tournament consisted of five (5) teams: Collet Strikers, Poor & Famous Culture Club, Third World, Sports In Education, and Lake-I. Football results: Under 9 (5–9 yrs) – 1st Sports In Education; 2nd Third World. Under 13 – 1st Poor & Famous Culture Club; 2nd Sports In Education. Under 17 – 1st Collet Strikers; 2nd Third World; 3rd Sports In Education.

Dangriga sports stats – T.V. Ramos Cycling Classic winners
One of the biggest sporting events on the calendar for Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations in Dangriga, the T.V. Ramos Cycling Classic, took place on Sunday, November 11, from Kay’s Cool Spot on George Price Drive. Over 80 cyclists from all over the country of Belize took part in this race, which was in 3 categories: Elite riders, which we all know as the Cross Country riders; the Junior riders; and Weekend Warriors “A” and “B” riders.

Over-40 International Football at the MCC on Friday & Saturday
International football comes to the MCC Grounds on Friday, November 16, and Saturday, November 17. For the first time in Belize, the Over-40 champion of the Casa will be hosted in a football match at the MCC. The Limers Football Club, Champions of the Casa League in Miami, Florida is visiting Belize to play Belize’s National Over-40 Champion, Kulture Yabra. The team from Miami is on a goodwill tour; having dominated the Miami Senior League, they plan to do the same to Belize. The players consist of Caribbean Americans from Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Haiti and Guyana.

After crazy Week 13 upsets, looks like a 3-team race for 2 spots in PLB Opening Season playoffs
Going into Week 13 of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Opening Season regular season this past weekend, it looked like 5 teams had a chance of grabbing 1 of the 2 remaining spots in the Top-4 semifinal playoffs. Front runners, then undefeated Belmopan Bandits SC and second place Verdes FC had already secured their playoff berths; it was only left to be decided which of the two would be seeded #1 and which #2. And, after a weekend where both suffered shutout losses, that seeding is still to be decided; but, with powerhouse Police United FC also losing by shutout over the weekend, while San Pedro Pirates FC and Altitude Assassins FC posted big wins, these 3 teams appear to be the serious contenders for the 2 remaining playoff spots, with Wagiya FC, who lost to the Assassins on Sunday, only having a very slim mathematical chance. (See updated standings below, with the 2 remaining back matches.)

Groups set for the 2018 Concacaf Under-20 Championship Qualification Stage
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) will kick off tomorrow the Qualification Stage of the 2018 Concacaf Under-20 Championship. The second round of the men’s youth World Cup qualifying competition will take place November 13-19, at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL. After an initial Group Stage that included a record number of 34 teams, the six group winners have been divided into two groups.

Stann Creek FA Week 7 results and standings
DANGRIGA, Stann Creek District, Mon. Nov. 12, 2018– The Stann Creek Football Association (SCFA) Amateur 1st Division September Tournament 2018 continued with Week 7 games on Friday night at the Carl Ramos Stadium. In the opener, South Side Warriors defeated Pomona Impacts, 1-nil, on a goal by Leston Garcia (41’). And in the nightcap, it was a 0-0 draw between Sampson Proper Fix and Hopkins Ibayani.

CYDP Peace Cup weekend game results
A total of 4 CYDP Peace Cup Tournament 2018 games were played on Saturday, November 10, at the MCC Grounds. In game 1, Coast Guard FC defeated Ladyville FC, 3-1, with goals from Shemar “Mini” Thompson (13’ & 37’) and Jason Cuevas; while Shawn Young (19’) scored for Ladyville FC. Game 2 saw Ebony Lake FC shutting out BDF FC, 3-0, with a goal each from Keiron Requena (23’), David Robateau (77’) and Luis Acosta (85’). In game 3, it was Lake-I FC with the 4-1 win over Caye Caulker Survivors FC. Lake-I goal...

Editorial: Bigotry, discrimination, and fear
In the second millennium of the Christian era, the peoples of the continent we know as Europe became arguably the most successful predator/killers in the history of planet earth. The fact that the Europeans became the best practitioners of warfare on land, sea, and then air, enabled them to acquire power over other continents and peoples, such as Africa, Asia, and Indigenous America. Thus, we read in the history books of a Spanish Empire and a British Empire. There was also a French colonial empire, and the Dutch did very well for themselves also. In the last century of that second millennium A. D., the German people made their own bid to rule Europe and to become the German Empire. They were turned back in two world wars by the British and the French, while the United States of America, populated by a neo-European people, a relatively peripheral participant in those wars, emerged from the wars with the atomic bomb, whereupon they fought a so-called “Cold War” with Russia for world hegemony in our lifetime, and now the U.S. is the planet’s singular superpower – the ruler of the world.

Should political candidates be required to be well-educated?
Dear Editor, Times have changed, and change is a constant. As we become a more progressive society, politics should be viewed as a profession which requires candidates to be well-equipped to hold a position, and be instilled with the skills, knowledge and the abilities needed to successfully lead and develop the country to its greatest potential. We don’t learn everything from books, but some basic educational knowledge and specialization should be required in all political fields. Education broadens your perspective and opinions; it helps a person to better understand the depth of any situation and develop sound solutions. Therefore, field specialization and a high level of education should be a requirement for all top-level Ministry positions.

Musings by the Curious Non-Conformist
Last week around this time, I was scrolling through my social media pages and noticed a new meme had surfaced in the consciousness of my “internet cousins.” It was conjured up from a scene of the American animated series, Dexter’s Laboratory, in which he wooed two girls with his knowledge of the French language. In the vast world of memes, however, some brilliant millennial chose to have it reflect the distinct vernacular of Belizean society. All these memes, I assure you, are quite funny, and if you need a good dose of Belizean-inspired memes do check out @belizeanriceandmemes.

The difficulty for YES if South says NO
A number of years ago, I wrote in one of my columns that if the South decides to vote NO I will have to respect that decision. As it stands today, it seems that we are very far from getting that overwhelming YES from the South. The proponents for the NO vote have made many arguments against going to the ICJ, almost none of them making the grade. Examples of weakness in NO abound. They say the compromis should have allowed for monetary payment. Really, how many times do the Guats have to say their only interest is land? They talk about the Treaty of Amiens. Mexico clearly didn’t put much stock in that treaty when she settled on the Rio Hondo as her border with Belize. They talk about the British owing for a cart road. If that were so consequential the UN would never have supported Belize’s independence in 1981.

FINLEY BISHOP! BELIZE’S KENTUCKY DERBY!
Growing up on Racecourse Street in Belize City, Belize, in the 1960s as a boy, “The Bishops” were a big time Belizean family clan of proud Belizean folks who gave us one of Belize’s finest horse racing jockeys of all times — the Warrior King, Finley Bishop. Not only was Finley one of the best jockeys that this country has ever seen in its entire history of Belizean horse racing in the 1970s, but he also went on after being dominant in Belizean horse racing to work behind the scenes of some of the big horse tracks in the United States after his migration from Belize.

Cyril Jones, 37, fatally shot in San Pedro
Several persons have been detained since Cyril Jones, 37, an employee of Belize Water Services (BWS), was fatally injured by a single gunshot on Tuesday, November 13. Jones was at his home in San Pedrito when the incident occurred sometime around 7 p.m. When the police arrived at the scene they saw Jones’ body lying face-down in a pool of blood. Half of the body was in the doorway and the other half was on the porch. Upon inspection, the police noted a gunshot wound just above his mouth.

Emerson Eagan, 27, charged with murder of “Colored”, freed
Emerson Eagan, 27, charged with the murder of Dennis Nembhard, 35, aka “Colored”, was freed of the charge when he appeared yesterday before Justice Colin Williams and a nolle prosequi was entered by Crown Counsel Killeru Awich, indicating that the Crown would not proceed with the trial. Awich entered the nolle prosequi because one of the witnesses, Elizabeth Sheran, Nembhard’s mother, who identified his body at the morgue, died earlier this year in the United States and was buried there and none of her relatives who attended the funeral wanted to give a statement attesting to the fact that she died.

Joshua Gillett, 21, charged with attempted murder, committed to stand trial in Supreme Court
After the prosecution had submitted all of the evidence the Crown intends to rely on at the trial, Joshua Gillett, 21, a resident of Conch Shell Bay charged with attempted murder, was committed today by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford to stand trial in the April 2019 session of the Supreme Court that will commence on April 2. Gillett is also charged with dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. The charges are for the shooting of James Swazo, 45, a security guard of Ground Dove Street in the Jane Usher Boulevard area, which occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 29, 2017.

Dates set for hearing Andrew Bennett’s extradition case
Extradition cases are usually a long drawn-out judicial process that can sometimes take years before someone who is the subject of a United States extradition request is either relieved of the prospect of being extradited , or is actually extradited to face trial in the US. The case of attorney Andrew Bennett is no different from any other US extradition request making its way through the Belize judicial system. After a long adjournment, from February 2, Bennett and his attorney, Anthony Sylvestre, returned to court this morning before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser to chart the way forward in his extradition trial.

Coastal Road red hot
A 5.56 AR15 assault rifle and 47 5.56 live rounds were found by police, abandoned in a Ford Explorer on the Coastal Road, at about 12:30 this afternoon. Police said that at about 12:15 this afternoon, on their arrival in White Ridge, they saw a heavily tinted blue Ford Explorer SUV, without license plates. When they approached the vehicle, however, it sped off towards the sea near White Ridge, with the officers in pursuit.

One-eyed burglar, 52, sentenced to 6 years
Sentenced to 6 years in prison today by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford after she found him guilty of breaking into Ladyville Evangelical Primary School. Quilter has six previous convictions for similar offences. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on April 28, 2018. Police Constable Francisco Montejo testified that upon receiving information of a break-in at the school, he proceeded to the school and when he arrived there he heard a noise coming from the school building.

The Reporter

CitCo Says It’s Financial Performance is Far Better than Past Council One Year Later
The largest municipality in Belize, Belize City, is doing far better than it was a year ago under the previous Council, according to Mayor Bernard Wagner and Deputy Oscar Arnold. The municipal officials held a press conference on Thursday to present a financial report eight months into its term. Mayor Wagner used a power point presentation to show a comparative analysis of the Council’s expenses, tax collections, trade and liquor license fees and traffic revenues for the months of April, May, June, July, August and September for 2017 under the previous Council and for the same months in 2018 under his stewardship.

R.T.A IN TOLEDO ? – MYSTERY VEHICLE, HAS NO KNOWN RECORDS
Police are investigating the circumstances of a traffic accident this morning in the Toledo District involving a car that displayed no form of documentation. The green Isuzu four-door car was found overturned in a ditch near Roots Rock nightspot in Cattle Landing Village with the driver door opened but no one inside.

WHO/ WHERE IS XIN NI ? – THE MYSTERIOUS CHINESE BUSINESSMAN
Since word of the sale of the Hilltop PSU headquarters to Chinese businessman Xin Ni started circulating, a lot of people have been hoping for a word with, or at least sight of this new Belmopan landowner. But that has proved a tad bit difficult, since Xin Ni is nowhere to be found. The address listed as the home of Simplex Company Limited, the entity which now owns the Hilltop and which was registered just one day before the transfer, is #38 Santa Rita Layout, Corozal Town. But as the Reporter found out this w

EDITORIAL – November 16th. 2018
The decision which Belizeans will be called upon to make in the Referendum of April 10, 2019 to go or not to go to the International Court of Justice is perhaps the most important decision we will make since the Battle of St. George’s Caye in 1798. This one vote may well determine the future of Belize because it involves our land and our sovereignty. Let us pause to reflect on what will happen if Belize loses this opportunity to go to court to defend our land and to refute Guatemala’s claim of ownership to half of our country.

‘COKE’ UP IN SMOKE – LAW-MEN DESTROY ILLICIT DRUGS
This week the Belize Police Department destroyed some 15 bales of cocaine, with an estimated value of over US$6M that they found in an abandoned vehicle on the Coastal Road. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, explained that Police found the drugs on November 1 but had to go through a series of procedures including conducting laboratory testing to confirm that the substance was, in fact, drugs and then obtain a court order to have those drugs destroyed.

CONTROVERSY BOILS OVER SALE OF HILLTOP
When news surfaced this week that the Belmopan City Council (BCC), headed by Mayor Khalid Belisle, had sold off the Council’s property which has housed the Public Service Union’s (PSU) headquarters in that municipality for the past 18 years via a 20-year lease, it raised the ire of many people, particularly the PSU leadership, which denounced the sale and said it would challenge the decision.

Eli Lopez, 43, and Milton Maza, 32 SENTENCED TODAY FOR MURDER
Eli Lopez, 43, and Milton Maza, 32, were sentenced just now by Justice Colin Williams to 35 years imprisonment for the murders of husband and wife, Attorney Richard Stuart and Maria Stuart. The Stuarts were brutally stabbed to death at their home in 2010.

Breaking Belize News

4 armed robbers target Mango Fast Food in Belize City
Police are investigating a robbery that occurred this afternoon around 3:30 in Belize City. According to […]

Senator Valerie Woods attends Parliamentarians for Global action meeting in Ukraine
Senator for the People’s United Party (PUP), Valerie Woods is currently in Kyiv, Ukraine attending […]

Armed robbery in Unitedville, Cayo
Reports to BBN is that two gunmen entered a Chinese store in Unitedville, Cayo and […]

John McAfee found ‘liable’ for death of Gregory Faull
John McAfee, the millionaire software developer who lived in Belize and was the center of […]

Will GOB amend GST law to avoid court ruling compliance?
The Government of Belize (GOB) on Wednesday announced that there will be a sitting of […]

Despite significant evidence, accused murderer found not guilty
Warren Lewis, 27, has spent the last nine years of his life in prison. However, […]

PUP Leader: “We stand with the PSU and the land must be returned”
Last night, the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) hosted a consultation on the issue of […]

PUP hosts ICJ consultation in Cayo
The People’s United Party (PUP) is hosting a countrywide consultation tour to listen to the […]

Soldier loses an eye while on duty
It has been widely circulated on social media but we can now confirm that a […]

More shady details emerge surrounding sale of PSU’s Hilltop headquarters
The controversy surrounding the Belmopan City Council’s sale of the Public Service Union’s Hilltop headquarters […]

Boy, 14, charged with murder of father of 2
A fourteen-year-old boy was charged with the murder of San Pedro resident, Cyril Jones, 37. […]

Blogs

Belize is for the Birds
Great article about the Belize Raptor Center. Tons of amazing pictures of the birds they've been rehabbing. The article covers the story of the BRC, and introduces one to many of the birds there. Well written, informational, and definitely worth a read.
Have you ever wanted to get up close and personal with an eagle? Or have lunch with a buzzard? Hoot with the owls? Or even have a bird-day party? We did, so we did. We got personal, had lunch, hooted and partied with some pretty incredible flying creatures at the Belize Raptor Center (BRC) here in San Ignacio. We love birds, especially the colorful beauties we’ve seen here. The BRC was started in 2015 and it rescues, treats, rehabs and, in some cases, is able to release injured birds of prey. But a very special few remain at the Center, because of permanent disabilities. These “resident raptors” are a vital part of the BRC family and are the superstars of the Center’s educational efforts.

International Sources

Belize’s Watchdog Sounds Alarm Over Several Unlicensed Brokers
Belize’s financial watchdog (IFSC) today issued a string of warnings alerting investors of the recent spate of unregulated FX and binary options brokers. The newly-blacklisted firms work differently across various industries, but generally some of them pretend to be registered with the agency or copy authorized firms’ branding and logo on their website. The watchdog warned users who had trusted the firms with their investments that they might not recover their deposits.

Local community assists young women from Belize
Val Verde Regional Medical Center, a group of doctors and other members of the Del Rio community recently changed the lives of two young women from the small Central American nation of Belize. The two young women, Shayeny Uh and Leila Capo, residents of Guinea Grass Village in the Belize district of Orange Walk, thanked the doctors, VVRMC Chief Executive Officer Xochy Hurtado, Del Rio Mayor Bruno “Ralphy” Lozano and others during a ceremony Thursday in the VVRMC board room.

Belize : Climate Change Policy Assessment
Belize is exceptionally vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change. It already faces hurricanes, flooding, sea level rise, coastal erosion, coral bleaching, and droughts, with impacts likely to intensify given expected increases in weather volatility and sea temperature. Hence, planning for resilience-building, and engagement with development partners on environmental reforms, have been central to Belizean policymaking for many years, since well before Belize submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Accord in 2015. This Climate Change Policy Assessment (CCPA) takes stock of Belize’s plans to manage its climate response, from the perspective of their macroeconomic and fiscal implications.

IMF Executive Board Concludes 2018 Article IV Consultation with Belize
On November 12, 2018, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation1 with Belize. Belize’s economic recovery is strengthening, supported by a favorable global environment. Real GDP is estimated to have increased by 1.4 percent in 2017, and recent data indicate an acceleration in economic activity. This acceleration reflects growth in the tourism and agricultural sectors, on the back of economic expansion in Belize’s trade partners, expanded capacity, and foreign direct investment. Unemployment decreased to 9.4 percent in April 2018 from 9.7 percent six months earlier, the current account deficit narrowed to 7.6 percent of GDP in 2017 from 8.4 percent of GDP in 2016, and the financial sector is strengthening. The government delivered a significant fiscal adjustment in FY2017/18, with a primary fiscal balance surplus of 1.3 percent of GDP.

2018 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; Informational Annex; Debit Sustainability Analysis and Statement by the Executive Director for Belize
Belize’s economic growth has slowed over the last five years, following decades of outperforming regional peers. As in other countries in the region, a central challenge is exiting the cycle of low growth and elevated public debt. Belize’s 2017 debt rescheduling provided cash flow relief. In March 2017, the government reached a restructuring agreement with private external bondholders on its US$526 million bond (about 30 percent of GDP).1 As part of the agreement, the authorities committed to tighten the fiscal stance by 3.0 percentage points in FY2017/18 and to maintain a primary surplus of 2.0 percent of GDP for the subsequent three years. The authorities are delivering on these commitments and have made progress in implementing recent Article IV recommendations (Annex I).

Videos

November 16, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Letter to the Editor: This has to be a community effort
Dear Editor, The goal for the San Pedro Belize Tourism Industry Association (SP BTIA) 4 day cleanup was to hit multiple locations in multiple neighborhoods, but we couldn’t even finish just one road because of how bad it was. There was an army of seriously dedicated people working from 8 am to 5 pm and multiple vehicles hauling trash non-stop all day long, but the road is still covered in garbage. Literal tons of trash were pulled from the environment, but many tons still remain. The past 4 days cleaning the San Pedrito Highway, a road that is only 2 years old, was not fun, it was not easy, and it broke everyone’s’ hearts to see the severity of the trash problem on Ambergris Caye. How did this happen and why does it still happen?

SPHS Sharks win 3rd place at NSSSA volleyball championships
The San Pedro High School Sharks won 3rd place at the National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) volleyball championship organized the tournament, hosted by the Belize Rural High School at the Multi-purpose Complex in Orange Walk Town last Friday and Saturday, November 9-10. After winning the Northern Zone championship at the same venue on October 27, the SPHS Sharks represented the north at nationals. They dominated the Western Zone champions – the Mopan Technical High School boys in the consolation match for 3rd place on Saturday morning.

Maya Island Air inaugurates new terminal in San Pedro
As tourism continues to thrive in Belize, the local aviation industry has been prompted to keep up with the increasing flow of visitors by providing not only the best service in air transportation to the island, but also spacious and comfortable terminals. Thus, Maya Island Air invested in a second terminal at the John Greif II Municipal Airport, and it was inaugurated on Wednesday, November 14th, with an interactive open house for invited guests to take a first a look at the new two-story terminal facilities. The new terminal will be officially open for business as of Thursday, November 15th, accommodating even more customers in an elegant ambience with panoramic views of the tarmac and parts of downtown San Pedro. The new facility offers a spacious waiting lounge featuring mahogany and granite finishing, stunning Carolyn Carr reproductions and crystal chandeliers.

3D printed artificial reef installed at Mexico Rocks Reserve in Ambergris Caye
Hoping to find more environmentally friendly devices to attract fish, a 3D printed artificial reef, created by island visitor Sam Suchin was installed at Mexico Rocks Reserve, located inside Hol Chan Marine Reserve on Saturday, November 10th. For many years, fish aggregating devices (FAD’s), have been used to attract fishes, especially marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi. FAD’s are floating devices tethered by rope with buoys and anchored to the water bed with a drum of cement to keep everything in place to avoid drifting. According to Gil Nunez from Canary Cove, he met Suchin while he was vacationing in Belize. Suchin told him that he wanted to print an artificial reef to test out in San Pedro. “I’m always open to finding solutions that are more ecofriendly than the FAD’s or the iron objects that people put inside the water to attract fish,” said Nunez.

Ambergris Today

Belize Struggling With Battle Against Gillnet Fishing
Nine months after announcement, Gillnet Task Force is dead in the water - Fishers and fisher associations, private sector groups and NGOs warn political intransigence is compromising thousands of Belizean jobs, a 100-million-dollar industry and undermining sustainability. When the Ministry of Fisheries announced the formation of a task force to “reduce the harmful impacts of gillnets” in February 2018, it was framed as a serious step to address a long-standing issue. But time has only served to drown any hope that the Government is prepared to take leadership in protecting the more than 3,000 Belizeans who depend on sports fishing jobs and the more than 2,547 commercial fishers who do not use gillnets to fish and whose livelihoods are compromised by gillnet fishing.

Misc Belizean Sources

South Ambergris Caye Cleanup Day Nov. 17th!
SATURDAY November 17, 2018. Please come out and join the SACNW and our community to help clean up our neighborhood. We will start the day by meeting at the Patrol Station for groups and areas to be assigned. Kids are also welcome to join the beach cleanup! The cleanup should take no more than 2 hours as long as enough people participate. Garbage bags will be provided. Please bring your own work gloves. sturdy shoes. bug spray. sunscreen. tools (shovel, machete. etc.) Bring drinking water. We would also like to take this opportunity to ask the public to help us keep our neighborhood clean! Dumping any kind of trash on the side of the road is illegal and can result in penalties of up to $500 for each offense.

ACAT
Acat the Maya representation of tattooing or as some want to call it "God of Tattoo". Acat meant “reed” in Maya, Ah Cat meant “He of the storage jar” and may have been a reference to the ink of the tattoo artist.

Customer Service Training Opportunity in San Ignacio/Santa Elena
The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of BELTRAIDE is coming to San Ignacio/ Santa Elena once again! Improve your customer service skills with this two day training which covers telephone etiquette, handling customer complaints and much more!

Call for Applications is now Open for the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship
For studies in the UK in the following themes: *Science and technology for development *Strengthening health systems and capacity * Promoting global prosperity * Strengthening global peace, security and governance * Strengthening resilience and response to crises * Access, inclusion and opportunity For the application form and more information click on the link below. Completed applications should be submitted to the Ministry of the Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities, Ground Floor. Sir Edney Cain Building, Belmopan no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 19 December 2018.

TEXT 2 WIN a SCHOLARSHIP TO GALEN UNIVERSITY!
Digi Belize, in partnership with Galen University, Belize and BELTRAIDE, is inviting all DigiCell PrePaid & PostPaid customers to Text to Win a once in a lifetime scholarship opportunity. To enter, Text “1” to 946. Cost of text is ONLY $1 per entry. RULES: • Send as many texts as you wish to the number 946 daily • Scholarship can be used to pursue any Bachelors or Master’s Degree Program offered by Galen • Scholarship can also be gifted to a new or existing student Winner will be announced at BELTRAIDE’s 4th annual EntreCon 2018 on Nov 30th. Visit www.belizeentrecon.com for more information.

Garina Garifuna Museum in Libertad Village
A proud Garifuna woman, Mrs. Simeona Zuniga, who is the curator of the Garina Garifuna Museum in Libertad Village. We congratulate and support Miss Simeona on her initiative in creating and sustaining a cultural museum. In celebration of Garifuna Settlement Day her museum will be open 9-5 Friday and Saturday for viewing. Feel free to visit and support this labour of love.

A glimpse of the U.S. Marine Corps 243rd birthday celebration in Belize!
or years, Marines have been telling each other "Happy Birthday". This year, the first Marine Corps Ball in Belize was celebrated at the Best Western (Biltmore) Hotel. The Marine Corps' Birthday is a day of pride and respect, and its celebration is one of the most revered traditions in the Corps. Marines around the world celebrate what they see as their "second" birthday, the day the United States Marine Corps was born. Thank you for your outstanding service!

Barranco House of Culture Visit
Oceana's Toledo Field Representative, Analee Chuc, attends the opening of the Garifuna house of culture in Barranco, Toledo in celebration of Garifuna Settlement Day

NINE MONTHS AFTER ANNOUNCEMENT, GILLNET TASK FORCE IS DEAD IN THE WATER
Fishers and fisher associations, private sector groups and NGOs warn political intransigence is compromising thousands of Belizean jobs, a 100-million-dollar industry and undermining sustainability. When the Ministry of Fisheries announced the formation of a task force to “reduce the harmful impacts of gillnets” in February 2018, it was framed as a serious step to address a long-standing issue. But time has only served to drown any hope that the Government is prepared to take leadership in protecting the more than 3,000 Belizeans who depend on sports fishing jobs and the more than 2,547 commercial fishers who do not use gillnets to fish and whose livelihoods are compromised by gillnet fishing.

Channel 7

Company That Bought Hilltop Has Bogus Registration Address
The Public Service Union and the Belmopan City Council are still in a deadlock over the disputed sale of the hilltop property which houses the union’s Headquarters.   But, tonight, it’s the property’s new owner who is under scrutiny. Simplex Design Limited was formed on October 9th, the day before it bought the property.  It is described as a construction company with one single shareholder, Xin Ni.   In the companies Register, Simplex gives its address as 38 Santa Rita Layout in Corozal.  But, that’s bogus.  That is actually the home and property of Amelio Lizarraga Cal - who happens to be a PSU official from Corozal. Today, he posted on Facebook - and told CTV-3 by phone that no one else lives or has ever lived there other than his family:..

Sen. Valerie Woods Was Director of Dubious Sittee River Wildlife Preserve
We’ve been reporting on the Sanctuary Belize situation for days now.  That’s the real estate scam based in southern Belize which has defrauded scores of US investors.  The Federal Trade Commission in the US shut it down - after it named that company and two dozen others in a civil complaint.   But the collateral damage and contamination n Belize is significant.  We’ve already discussed the effect on Atlantic Internal Bank, but it goes even deeper.  One of the related companies named in the complaint is a non profit NGO called Sittee River Wildlife Preserve.  As we understand it this not for profit holds the 14,000 acres of land where the development was supposed to be based.  

Soldier Loses Eye In Fall
Tonight a BDF soldier is in serious condition after he had a terrible fall yesterday.  It happened at the Forward Operating Base at the edge of the Sarstoon.  Private Fidel Williams form the BDF Boat unit was unhitching a boat to go on a patrol when he slipped and fell. Police told us more today: ACP Joseph Myvett - Head, NCIB: "Sometime after 9 AM, Punta Gorda police received information of an incident involving one private Unesimo Chulum. The initial information is that he is stationed at the Sarstoon and sometime early yesterday morning he was in the process of preparing a boat for patrol and whilst on the wharf, he slipped and fell into the water where he fell on a steel which was in the water which penetrated his left eye socket. As a result he was transported to Punta Gorda where he was airlifted to Belize City."

Teenager Arraigned For Executing Father of 2 on San Pedro
37 year old father of two Cyril Jones was executed in front of his home in San Pedro Town on Wednesday night.  He responded to someone whistling from outside, and a gunman was waiting for him as he stepped out.  The killer shot him right below his nose.   Today police said an arrest was imminent: Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino - CIB, Belize City: "Well at this point I don't have any information in regards what the motive may be. The investigators are out there continuing their investigation but I don't have any details in regards to any motive. The investigation yielded the detention of several persons and there should be an arrest by the end of the day."

Man Freed After Second Re-Trial
After spending 9 years on remand at the Belize Central Prison, 27 year-old Warren Lewis is free tonight. A jury of 8 women and 4 men has acquitted him in a second re-trial of the 2009 murder of 22 year-old Alberto Allen. Allen was found dead on August 18, 2009 at a dump site, which was located at mile 4 on the George Price Highway. His killing was particularly gruesome; his throat was slashed, he suffered a gunshot to his back, and his killer or killers rammed a piece of stick down his throat.  Crown Counsel Rene Montero prosecuted the case, and his main piece of evidence against Lewis was a caution statement that he gave to police. In this confession, Lewis allegedly admitted to police that he killed Allen.

Belize Prepares For Puerto Rico
Right now, Belize’s National Football Team is preparing to play its third match in the CONCACAF Nations League Tournament.  That game is set for tomorrow and the Jaguars are going up against Puerto Rico. On September 7th, Team Belize defeated the Bahamas at home, but on October 14th, they travelled to Montserrat, for the second match, and they lost 1-nil. Like the other 35 CONCACAF countries, Team Belize wants to qualify for next year’s Gold Cup, but to do that, they have place in the top 10 in this tournament. Right now, Belize is at #18, and a lot of variables have to line up for the Jaguars to qualify for next year. But, tomorrow night, they need a blow-out victory against Puerto Rico.  This morning at the Marion Jones, the FFB, the National Team’s Coaching staff, and a few members of the team hosted a joint press conference with representatives of the Puerto Rican National Team. The media questioned the local football authorities about that game they lost last month, and about the Belize’s real prospects for qualifying to the Gold Cup. Here’s what they had to say:

CITCO Will Launch Bond, Is It Platinum or Powda?
Two weeks ago, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner wasn't forthcoming with the details about the council’s new municipal bond. But today at their 8th Month Financial Report press conference, the mayor officially announced the bond and discussed the structure. It is a $6 million bond and he says he already has a $5.6 million dollar commitment from investors. Wagner calls this bond – genius. Bernard Wagner - Mayor of Belize City: "This is a genius paper, this is not the typical salary assignment paper. The municipal paper, the purpose, to smooth out short cash flow and reduce our financing charges. We will also fund a one year interest service reserve account, the amount we are subscribing to is 6 million in denomination of 5 thousand. The term, 91, 182 days and 365 days right, very unique, genius type paper..."

Mayor Boasts of Increased Collections
Mayor Wagner also discussed the council’s financial performance between April and September 2018 and compared it with the previous UDP council’s performance in that same period in 2017. Wagner says this PUP council has done a much better job in collecting taxes and various license fees. Bernard Wagner - Mayor of Belize City: "Taxes under 2017 was 2.7 million collected, this is property taxes by the way, for us it was 2.8 million, improve by 4%. Isn't that great? Property taxes for the current year in 2017 1.2 million, for us 1.8 million, improvement 57%, that is awesome. We move on to trade licenses and the narrative continues. 2017 208 thousand collected by the previous administration by us 367 thousand..."

New Council Cuts Expenses
As it relates to expenditure, Wagner says his PUP council has significantly cut expenses which he says was just wasteful spending on the part of his predecessors. Bernard Wagner - Mayor of Belize City: "They spend 406 thousand in operating cost; we spend 327 thousand, bringing it down by 19%. Maintenance cost, this is the cost where we maintain our machinery, maintain buildings and etc. 452 thousand, we cut that by half to 56% and despite my good friend the prime minister stating that pastor will christen his pickni first we still survive. We have still survived with not one copper from the government. The difference then between us and them is clear, night and day."

No More “Social Assistance” From City Hall?
The social assistance program is one of the expenses that the council reduced. While many of their supports won’t be happy about this, the PUP City council says they simply don’t have the money for hand-outs – and that is what they say the UDP council had been doing and labeling it social assistance. Wagner and his team says they will re-assess this expenditure and create lasting programs that can benefit more people. Bernard Wagner - Mayor of Belize City: "Social assistance and contributions, we had to cut a bit but it's not something we intend to carry on but it will not be in this area. 423 thousand in social assistance and contributions, we cut that 140 thousand and we are still delivering to the people in our social assistance program. So we cut that by 67%, that is awesome."

Cutting Back The Discount
Another adjustment that some people might not be too happy with either is the discontinuation of the 20 percent discount for early property tax payment. In the past, those who paid their tax early, before its due in March and April got a 20 percent discount. Those off season inflows allowed the council to at least scrape by in the low season. Well, Wagner says that 20 percent is just too much. But he didn’t rule out a discount completely. Bernard Wagner - Mayor of Belize City: "The 20% discount program effect; what are the facts? You ask what the facts are. This is a clipping from the minutes of these meetings. I didn't make this up. This is a clipping. The mayor stated that as a norm the council offers a discount for payment on property tax. The amount, normally, is 20% prior to December 1st and 15% made through December 31st, 10% made through January 1st to March 31st..."

Making Climate Change Modifications Meaningful
For the last 2 days, the World Wildlife Fund has been hosting a climate workshop for Government agencies, and marine protected areas managers from Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.  It’s called Climate-smarting Marine Protected Areas and Coastal Management in the Mesoamerican Reef. Its aim is to educate the authorities from these 4 countries on best practices for marine protected areas management and coastal development policies in the climate change era. Scientists from NASA and the Columbia University were called upon to present their scientific data on climate change, and how it affects coastal communities. The experts also explored policy decisions they can make on issues like infrastructure, to make these communities more resilient to climate change.  This morning, we stopped by for day 2 of the workshop, and we got a few more specifics from the experts today:

Ownership of Coastal Road Narco Rides Still a Mystery
Police still aren’t saying who owns two Belize -registered vehicles which were caught on major illicit missions off the coastal highway.   The first one was a Prado found two weeks ago stuffed with a Thousand pounds of cocaine. The second was a Ford Explorer found on Sunday - stuffed with 6 heavily armed men.  Police have both vehicles impounded and know who they are registered to - but have refused to share that information with the media and have made no arrests. We tried again today at the press brief:..

No Charges In Fatal Accidents
46 year old Greg Choc has not been charged for knocking down and killing Francisco Cis. The 56 year old Cis was killed on Monday night near San Marcus Village in Toledo. Police told us more:… There have also been no charges brought in the case of 57 year old Belize City taxi-man Arthur Requena who lost his life in an accident on Monday afternoon.

ITVET Teachers Stage Two Day Sitout in OW Over Late Pay
16 Teachers at the ITVET in Orange Walk have been staging a sit-out for the past two days.  They refuse to go into the classroom to teach because of late salaries - and the 300+ students have just been sitting out as well. The problem is apparently a recurrent one - which happens every year. This afternoon, an emergency meeting was held in Orange Walk with the Teachers, The Deputy Chief Education Officer and the BNTU. A staff spokesperson spoke with the media when it was finished at 5:15:… Luis Ramos - OW ITVET Staff Spokesperson: "Well the issue is that we went on a sit out because of some of the concerns that our staff had and the last resort was to have an audience with the relevant authorities which we had today."

Pen, The Master Takes A Look Back
Garifuna Settlement Day is on Monday and tradition dictates that master artist Pen Cayetano is having his annual exhibit at the Belize - Mexico Institute.  It’s a career retrospective for the 64 year old self-taught artist and musician.  Pen told us today that it accurately depicts his evolution as a painter from when he started in the 70’s to the present:.. This exhibition open to all tonight at 7:00 pm at the Institute. Entrance is free.

A People’s Park In Lake-I
Earlier on in the news, you saw the mayor talking finance - but this afternoon he showed his softer side with the opening of a park in the Lake Independence area.  It’s off Western Avenue in an area called Ring Road. The mayor unveiled the plan and broke ground.  He told us its important to that under-served community:.. No date has been set for completion at this very initial stage. The Ring Road in that area has also been paved. 

Big Regional Meeting in Belize Next Year
The leaders of the Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors are in Belize for a 3-day session, which started today, and will conclude on Saturday.  They are planning a big conference for insurance providers from all across CARICOM. That conference takes place in the Cayo District from May 5th to the 9th, 2019. The leadership of CARAIFA is here to ensure that the logistics and planning for a contingent of about 500 participants are properly in place for next year. 

Channel 5

Xin Ni Uses Bogus Corozal Address to Purchase Hilltop
The sensational story involving the questionable sale of choice land between the Belmopan City Council and Chinese businessman Xin Ni continues to unravel.  Tonight, the plot thickened because the Vice [...]

Belmopan Mayor Circumspect on Who CitCo Negotiated Hilltop Land Deal With
On Tuesday, Mayor Khalid Belisle hosted a press conference during which he refuted claims made by the Public Service Union.  When asked who from Simplex Design brokered the deal with [...]

Teenage Minor Held for Deadly Shooting in San Pedrito
Police believe they have cracked the latest murder in San Pedro. Late this evening, a fourteen-year-old minor was charged for the execution of Cyril Jones, a thirty-seven-year-old BWS employee who [...]

Accused Murderer Found Not Guilty
Twenty-seven-year-old Warren Lewis became a free man on Wednesday night after he was found not guilty of murder. Lewis stood trial for the 2009 killing of twenty-two-year-old Albert Allen. After [...]

B.D.F. Soldier Loses Eye at Sarstoon F.O.B.
The Forward Operating Base at the mouth of the Sarstoon River is placed at a strategic location at Belize’s southernmost border with Guatemala.  The post is manned around the clock [...]

Francisco Sis is Knocked Down and Killed near Dump
The lifeless body of fifty-seven-year-old Francisco Sis, a farmer of San Marcus Village, was observed in the middle of the Southern Highway on Monday night.  He had been fatally struck [...]

Charges Pending for BAHA Inspector after Fatal RTA near Easy Inn
Well-known Belize City cabbie, Arthur Requeña, will be laid to rest on Friday.  The taxi driver was knocked down and killed on Monday morning while attempting to cross the Philip [...]

What’s Up With Guns and Vehicle Found on Coastal Road?
There was suspicious criminal activity involving a group of heavily armed men along the Coastal Road last weekend. This occurred on the heels of a sting operation by the police [...]

Valerie Woods Clears Her Name in Sittee River Wildlife Scam
Senator Valerie Woods is away in Ukraine attending a meeting of Parliamentarians for Global Action, but when her name began circulating earlier today, in respect of a scam involving the [...]

Orange Walk ITVET on Sit-Out!
Since Tuesday of this week, ITVET Orange Walk teachers have been on a sit-out. They have been showing up to school, but have not been teaching so the three hundred [...]

Will Orange Walk ITVET’s Sit Out Continue?
When the teachers emerged from the meeting, they were hopeful.  They say they made some progress and that Ramirez-Smith documented their concerns. So, what happens next? The teachers say that [...]

Mayor Wagner Says City Council Spending Way Less
Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner announced today that the council has been able to collect significantly more income due to the council’s efficiency in revenue collection, hard stance against political [...]

P.U.P. City Council to ‘Blanket the City with the New Manhole Coverage’
The P.U.P. Belize City Council has also made plans to address the city’s manhole problem. Mayor Wagner says that the manholes will soon be covered while the council embarks on [...]

W.W.F. Tackles Adverse Effects of Climate Change
A three-day information gathering session continued today in Belize City. Climate change stakeholders, led by the World Wildlife Fund, are participating in a regional project which aims to mainstream climate [...]

Southside Belize City to get Ring Road Community Park
In the north side of Belize City, there are the B.T.L. and Memorial Parks, two social recreation areas enjoyed by city residents mainly of the surrounding areas. The Belize City [...]

Belize Jaguars Versus Puerto Rico at Isidoro Beaton Stadium
The results of an international match this Friday at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan will determine whether the Jaguars will advance to qualify for Gold Cup in 2019. The [...]

Pen Cayetano: Master Artist
The Embassy of Mexico is honouring Belizean master artist Pen Cayetano with an exhibit which opened tonight for viewing at the Mexican Institute of Culture in Belize City. The exhibit [...]

An Expo at Saint John’s College
There was no lack of creativity and innovation at the annual Saint John’s College Junior College expo. Every year, the students get the opportunity to test and expose products and [...]

LOVE FM

Pen Cayetano Celebrates a Retrospective in Art
The exhibition of “Pen Cayetano Master Artist” is being held tonight at 7pm at the Mexican Cultural Institute. It is a retrospective exhibition of the years of his contribution to Belize’s cultural art legacy. And this afternoon Love News Spoke to Cayetano about his career as an artist and the works which are on display. …

Belize Jaguars Face off with Puerto Rico
e Belize Jaguars will play against Puerto Rico tomorrow night at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan. The game is expected to be tough as it is close to a ‘do or die’ situation for both Belize and Puerto Rico if they have any chance of qualifying for the Gold Cup. Love News met the …

Spreading Awareness about Premature babies at the KHMH
To have healthy babies, proper nutrition, vitamins, and scheduled visits to the doctor are required. Yet at times some babies will be born prematurely and have some health conditions that require immediate attention. Of the 300 babies for the year, Neroli Williams the Unit Manager for the NICU unit at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital …

ITVET’s Teachers hold sit out
There is another matter unfolding in the north that has demanded the attention of the Minister of Education, Patrick Faber. The core instructors at ITVET are unhappy being on contract and they are now demanding to be a public service worker. There are several other issues on the table for those at ITVET as we …

Faber weighs in on PSU’s dilemma
Since the Public Service Union (PSU) made it public that the land their office is on was sold by the Belmopan City Council, there has been clarifications and explanations coming from all quarters including the council and the Ministry of Lands. What was also interesting to find out in this entire saga, is that the …

MOE and BNTU plan to meet again to flesh out issues
We told you of the meeting between the Education Minister and the Belize National Teachers Union in which they had agreed to move forward in settling their differences. Another meeting is scheduled in the coming days and as Minister Faber explained it, there are three primary issues that they have agreed to flesh out. Patrick …

Warren Lewis walks from murder charge
27-year-old, Warren Lewis was on remand for about eight years and had applied for bail on multiple occasions and was only successful on the third try. He is a free man today, however, as last night just after seven o’clock the jury in his trial concluded their deliberation and found Lewis not guilty of murder …

CitCo holds groundbreaking ceremony for new park
Today, the Belize City Council held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new park that the residents of the Lake Independence area will be able to enjoy. Mayor Bernard Wagner told the media that having such a park in the area will help the residents’ quality of life. Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City: “We are …

CitCo’s financial report
The Belize City Council held a press conference this morning aimed at providing the media with a report on the first eight months in office. Mayor Bernard Wagner did the presentation himself in five areas, namely, the financial report, the council’s challenges and accomplishments coupled with the way forward. Mayor Wagner says their system is …

Minister of Culture refutes claim of price discrimination
The Battle of the Drums Secretariat had expressed upset and outrage at the decision by the National Sports Council to charge them five hundred dollars per day for use of the Punta Gorda Sports Complex plus ten percent of their revenue made during the event. Chairman of the Secretariat, Darius Avila believes that they should …

Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors in Belize
The Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (CARAIFA) is hosting a conference for stakeholders in Belize in May, 2019. The member countries include: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines …

NGO’s List of Demands
Acting as the Belize Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries, the Belize Federation of Fishers, the National Sports Fishers Association, the Belize Game Fish Association, Turneffe Atoll Trust, MarAlliance, and Oceana in Belize, asserts that the continued use of gill nets in fishing is a gross disrespect to the 3,000 Belizeans who are employed in the sports fishing …

Maya Island Air has a new state of the art terminal
Appearance is everything to the people who only have one opportunity to make a first impression. Belize has made an impression as a tourism product and maintaining quality in service is paramount. With Belize fast becoming a tourist destination Maya Island Air saw the need to build a new state of the art terminal in San …

Breaking Belize News

Belize~ Thanks to British and Commonwealth
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

Fisheries organizations join hands to demand national gillnet ban
Today, a coalition of fisheries organizations issued a joint release informing the public that the […]

Soldier slips from rotten pier at BDF Outpost and receives severe eye injuries
A soldier from the Belize Defense Force (BDF) sustained a major eye injury after […]

Authorities destroy found cocaine
The Belize Police Department yesterday destroyed 1,056 pounds of cocaine. The drugs were burnt after […]

Mexican Embassy presents Pen Cayetano: Master artist exhibition
The Embassy of Mexico is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Mexican Cultural Institute in Belize. […]

Discovery channel to broadcast live from bottom of Blue Hole
Environmentalists, nature lovers, ocean experts and scientists are anticipating the debut of the expedition into Belize’s Blue hole, one of the largest submerged sink holes in the world. According to Yahoo news, the Discovery channel will broadcast a two hour special entitled, Discovery Live: Into The Blue Hole.

Blogs

Cold felt in Belize: A low tide in Corozal
This the time when the temperatures in Belize should be getting warmer and should stay in the 70's and 80's. A northern cold front approached Belize and has since been affecting us since last week Friday. And, for us 60's and low 70's in Belize is cold for us. Since the cold front, those warm jackets has since been taken out of the closets. Around the country, the heavy fog has been seen at unusual places like San Pedro Ambergris Caye. Today, I walked the bay of Corozal as far as I could walk as seen at the picture below. This low tide made me see the biggest rocks on the side of the sidewalk. I saw broken glasses on the water that has never been removed. I saw trash that was brought by the waves. I saw the fishermen out on the catching fish with a taralla. The sand was created by the small waves as the tide went low.

Maya Island Air’s New Terminal: Bling & Bagels At San Pedro Airstrip
Tropic Air upgraded and upsized their terminal in 2009 and yesterday Maya Island Air opened the doors to the larger new terminal that is opening today. And now located a few hundred feet to the south is a HUGE new cement building. And inside? HOLY MOLY. Not at all what I was expecting. Take a look. Marble, mahogany and chandelier!

International Sources

McAfee Founder Held Liable For Death Of Belize Neighbor
A Florida federal judge on Wednesday held that John McAfee, founder of the eponymous cybersecurity software company, is liable for the death of a man who owned a vacation home next to his in Belize. U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell entered a default judgment in favor of the estate of Gregory Faull in a wrongful death suit accusing McAfee of being responsible for the 2012 murder of Faull, a Florida resident who owned and vacationed in a beachfront property next to McAfee. The Florida Wrongful Death Act suit claims McAfee hired a local person to kill Faull following the neighbors’ dispute over McAfee’s “pack of 8 to 12 aggressive dogs,” which were poisoned by an unknown individual. Citing the Eleventh Circuit’s unpublished February opinion reviving the suit, Judge Presnell held that the estate's claims plausibly alleged wrongful death and ruled it was entitled to a default judgment as to liability. However, the judge rejected the estate’s request for a jury trial on damages, instead ordering that a bench trial be held in January to determine the issue.

Discovery Sets Live Broadcast From Bottom of Blue Hole
Discovery will explore a remote spot off the coast of Belize when Discovery Live: Into the Blue Hole premieres Sunday, Dec. 2. The show airs 4-6 p.m. ET. The Blue Hole is known for crystal-clear water and an abundance of sharks and sea life. Discovery said it has only been fully explored once, by Jacques Cousteau in 1971. “Venturing into the unknown as well as exploring the world with new technology in the name of science and entertainment has always been at the core of Discovery’s DNA,” said Scott Lewers, executive VP, multiplatform programming and digital media. We’re thrilled to be bringing such a major expedition to Discovery.”

Copalli: An Organic Rum Emerges From The Rainforests Of Belize
In the rainforests of Belize, caimans swim the waters, jaguars roam the land at night and the sound of howler monkeys, one of the loudest animals on earth, pierce through the dense wilderness. Marine conservation Todd Robinson began buying land here in 2005, and established the Copal Tree Lodge, a luxury resort with a sustainable focus, in Punta Gorda, just north of the Guatemalan border. Along with partner Anya Fernald, CEO of Belcampo, they began producing organic crops on the property and promoting agritourism in the area. Their latest project is Copalli Rum, an organic spirit produced at a new distillery on the resort grounds, and just released to the U.S. Market. I spoke to Fernald about the inspiration for the brand and the sustainable methods behind it.

Caribbean swamped by seaweed that smells like rotten eggs
“It was like something out of a science fiction movie,” says Barbara Hall from the office of the beachside hotel she runs in Placencia, southern Belize. “I woke up at 6am, looked out my window and realised we had a big problem. It was absolutely overwhelming.” The sight that greeted her that morning was a gargantuan tide of sargassum – a type of ocean seaweed that had swept in overnight. At sea, sargassum is an essential habitat for some marine life, but when it reaches land it rots, sucking up oxygen from the water and emitting hydrogen sulphide gas, which smells like rotten eggs. It has washed up in the Caribbean in unusually large amounts since 2011, but this year the largest volumes ever have appeared on shores from Barbados to Mexico, with piles several feet deep stretching for miles, and dozens of metres out to sea.

Loyola professor discovers new species of kissing bug
A Loyola professor discovered a new species of a “kissing bug,” known to transfer a deadly parasite to people and pets. While most cases are found in Latin America, the bug is also found in the U.S. Loyola professor Patricia Dorn has studied a life-threatening parasitic disease called Chagas for more than two decades, and recently discovered a new species during a research trip in Belize. "These parasites from the Rio Frio cave in Belize carry the deadly parasite at really high numbers," Dorn said.

17 Reasons the Caribbean Should Be at the Top of Your Travel Itinerary
The promise of sunshine and sandy shores draws travelers to the Caribbean every winter, but this year there is another reason to fly south, particularly for hotel junkies: A host of new and renovated properties are launching just in time for the holidays. While 70 percent of the Caribbean islands were unaffected by 2018’s Hurricanes Maria and Irma, others were hit hard—and many of their hotels have spent the past year renovating. Properties that were older or already had updates in the works have taken the opportunity to fine-tune their offerings (read: to make them over-the-top). “Not only have hotels in the Caribbean recovered, but forced closings allowed for some major enhancements to many properties,” says Jack Ezon, president of Ovation Vacations, a Virtuoso agency.

The case against cruises
Cruises are increasingly popular, but they raise safety and environmental concerns. This year, a projected 27.2 million passengers are expected to set sail on cruises, up from 25.8 million in 2017. Cruises are popular, increasingly so. According to Travel Agent Central, cruise-going increased 20.5 percent from 2011 to 2016. And it’s not just seniors who are interested. A study by the Cruise Line International Association found that the demographic with the highest growth in bookings is people ages 30 to 39. From 2016 to 2018, this demographic booked 20 percent more cruises. But cruises are still uniquely polarizing vacations. But there are bigger problems than being trapped in a consumerist funhouse. Ships can also be dangerous, with high sexual assault rates, frequent poisonings, and the ever-present possibility of going overboard. And, of course, cruises are horrible for the environment: Their heavy and growing use of fossil fuels means someone on a seven-day cruise produces the same amount of emissions as they would during 18 days on land. And they can damage fragile ocean ecosystems, due to practices like irresponsible disposal of sewage.

8 incredible Central America Nature Reserves you'll want to visit immediately
Central America is renowned for being home to some breathtaking natural wonders and epic national parks, so it's no surprise that the region boasts plenty of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. These reserves are given their status for creating a balanced and sustainable relationship between people and nature. The best part? You can go and explore the dramatic landscapes, and it makes for a show-stopping getaway. But with so many to choose from, where do you start?

Stakeholders to take stock of region’s sustainable energy drive at CSEF in Belize
Energy experts in the Caribbean and beyond, policymakers and the private sector representative, are among officials heading to Belize next week for the sixth edition of the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum (CSEF). The Forum will be held in Placencia, 18-21 November, under the theme ‘Clean Energy, Good Governance and Regulations’. The CSEF VI is being co-hosted by the CARICOM Secretariat and the government of Belize, in partnership with the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) and the Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR).

Videos

November 15, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

New Ambassador of Republic of China (Taiwan) Presents Credentials to the Governor General of Belize
H. E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen presented his Letters of Credence as the new ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to H.E. Sir Colville Young, Governor General of Belize. The Ambassador conveyed his country’s greetings and well-wishes to the Governor General and people of Belize. He expressed on behalf of his country their gratitude for the invaluable support and friendship shown by Belize to Taiwan on international issues. The Ambassador said that it is the hope of his government to continue to enhance ties of cooperation and goodwill with Belize.

Cyril Jones gunned down in San Pedrito Area, San Pedro Town
A family in the San Pedrito Area is grappling for answers following the murder of their beloved 37-year-old Cyril Jones, who was gunned down at his house on Tuesday, November 13th. Jones apparently received one single fatal gunshot to the face after being summoned outside his home by an unknown person. Jones’ lifeless body was later retrieved by police and transported to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police investigation at the moment has led to the detention of several persons of interest, believed to be associated with the island’s 12th murder of the year.

Redbone Fishing Tournament lands in Belize to ‘Catch a Cure’
Three days of fishing with some of the best fly fishing guides on Ambergris Caye landed some Grand Slams and Super Slams, all while raising money for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) research. The 2018 Belize Redbone Superslam fishing tournament brought down 32 Anglers from across the United States of America (USA), and were hosted by El Pescador Lodge and Villas. After three days of fishing fun, 122 Bonefish, 8 Tarpon, 12 Permit and 30 Snook were caught and released. Taking the title of Top Guide was Luis “Junior’ Acosta, who alongside anglers Bo and Justin brought in both a Super Slam and Grand Slam in just one day.

Ambergris Today

Maya Island Air Boasts New Elegant Terminal In San Pedro
Maya Island Air held a soft opening of its new terminal building (Terminal 2) in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Wednesday, November 14, 2018. The new elegant building is the latest addition to the Maya Island Air which boasts more ramp/parking space for the aircrafts, new cargo section, spacious waiting area at the ground level and a luxurious waiting area on the first floor as well as a waiting lounge verandah and a fully stocked bar. The upstairs lounge/waiting area boasts four luxurious chandeliers, comfortable seating, an amazing view of the runway to marvel at the aircrafts landing and taking off. On display inside the building are two painting replicas by local Belizean artist Carolyn Carr of Banana Bank Lodge in Belmopan.

Two San Pedranas get their Masters Degree in Education
Congratulations to Giselle Xiomarie Flores Lobos and Concha Flota two local island educators for recently graduating with their Masters Degree in Education. Both are teachers at San Pedro High School who currently hold the positions of 1st and 2nd Vice Principals at SPHS. The island community is very proud of their achievement.

Misc Belizean Sources

Officials to Embark on a “Study Tour” of Energy Sites in Belize
As a part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Energy Month, celebrated under the theme Clean Energy, Good Governance and Regulations, the Energy Unit, under the leadership of Hon. Frank Mena, Minister with responsibility for Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities, will be hosting officials from CARICOM countries for a Study Tour of Energy Sites in Belize. The visiting officials will include Mr. Albert Gordon, CEO of Guyana Power and Light; Dr. Devon Gardner, Programme Manager for Energy and Head of the Energy Unit at the CARICOM Secretariat; and Dr. Gary Jackson, Executive Director of Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE). The Study Tour will take place on the 15th and 16th November 2018. The sites will include:

Make the Most of Your Foreign Savings Account in Belize
A savings account, also known as a deposit account, is a way to safely store your assets and benefit from interest accumulation at the same time. Although many people have domestic savings accounts, having a foreign savings account also offers several concrete advantages. If you are thinking about opening a foreign savings account, find out how to do so as well as understand what you can do with your account. Before you get started, make sure you understand exactly what a foreign savings account is. First, it is an interest-bearing account. This means that you will earn interest, the rates of which can vary, depending on how much money you place in the account. Typically, the greater the balance, the more interest you can earn.

National Garifuna Council San Pedro Branch invites island residents and visitors to be part of their celebrations
Dress up and show your colors and join us every night commencing tomorrow, Thursday. Join the parade on Sunday, decorate your cart or bicycle. *Monday, November 19 (correction on flyer) Sponsored by: NGC National Branch, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and San Pedro Town Board, Castillo's Hardware, Andre Perez Casa Pan Dulce, Victoria House, Ramon's Village, Las Terrazas, Caribbean Depot.

Caribbean Culture & Lifestyle Discovery Issue #4
CC&L has released their 4th issue. The Discover issue highlights Caracol, and they interview Cayo artist Walter Castillo. "Dubbed “The Discovery Issue”, it showcases the wonder of finding the travel experience you’ve been looking for. Under the theme “Belize – A Top Destination to Visit in 2019”, the magazine has a fresh take on how and why you should visit Belize. The Discovery Issue is filled with content that will capture the imagination of readers. It will take them on the unique journey that is Belize. Read about the many opportunities to invest in Belize, how to eat like a local and how to make the best eggnog for the holidays!

Belize Tourism Board at DEMA 2018

Belize City Primary School History and Social Studies Competition
The festivities continues for the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown rejuvenation Project' Belize City Primary School History and Social Studies Competition. At the competition the winners received their school trophy, but had to wait for their individual trophy since their names and other information was going to be inscribed on it. Last week, we presented the individual trophies to their winners. Congratulation to all of them. Next week we will present the History Cup to Holy Redeemer.

ICJ or no ICJ! Information at SPHS Nov 27
Responsible information on November 27 at the San Pedro High School!! More information later but let’s get informed for our BELIZE /GUATEMALA referendum!!

Channel 7

Police Burn Another Cocaine Mega - Bust
Today 1,056 pounds of cocaine was burnt - that's the drugs that police found in an abandoned Toyota Prado on the Coastal Road earlier this month. Police had detained 12 Guatemalans and a Belizean in this case. But the cops did not have enough against the men to charge them with drug trafficking so 2 out of the 12 Guatemalans, who took the rap for the team, were fined over $100,000 dollars for a slew of firearm offenses. They paid the fines in full and the men were deported. So that case is closed. Now some might say that these men certainly got the better end of this case, but today at the drug destruction site, Commander of Operations Chester Williams says they didn't really, because the Belize police got their prized product valued at more than 6 million US dollars.

A Hitman Came To His Doorstep
A father of 2 was murdered on the doorstep of his home in San Pedro Town Last night, while his wife, children, and sister-in-law were all present. At around 7:30 p.m. 37 year-old Cyril Gladston Jones, a labourer of the San Pedrito area of the island was at home with his family. That's when someone someone whistled outside their house to get their attention. Cyril Jones reportedly opened the front door, to see who their visitor was. It was a gunman - a killer sent to carry out a hit. Police say that the gunman immediately opened fire on him, hitting him once to the face, just above his top lip. He fell on the ground, in the doorway's main entrance, which is where he died.

No Truce: PSU Pres. Did Not Meet With Belmopan Mayor
The standoff continues between the Belmopan City Council and the Public Service Union - with the council saying the Hilltop sale is final, and the Union saying "we shall not be moved." Tonight's news is that there was no meeting between the Union President Doreth Obermayer and the Mayor Khalid Belisle. Belisle told us that a meeting had been scheduled for 10:00 this morning - but Obermayer says she didn't get anything in writing inviting her to a meeting and that she would not be attending. A post on the Union's Facebook page says, quote, "The General Membership of PSU has never granted permission to meet with Mayor Belisle and no such meeting was ever arranged with him by our President." The PSU's Council of Management met today.

FBI Offers Reward For Slain American
Canadian Francesca Matus and American Drew Thomas De Voursey: it has been about a year and a half since this couple was killed; their bodies dumped in a cane field on the Chan Chen Road in Corozal. After all this time, police still haven't been able to find the killers nor make any substantial headway in the case. As we had reported, the FBI stepped in to provide assistance in solving this case and tonight, the FBI is offering a $10,000 USD reward for any information leading directly to an arrest for the murder of United States citizen Drew Devoursney.

Sarteneja Plane Not Suspicious Police Say
With all these drug planes landing in Belize especially up north, the sighting of any plane in an irregular setting gets people jumpy. That's what happened when a Cessna 150 landed on the Sarteneja airstrip this weekend. But police say so far in their investigation, this is not one of those suspected drug planes and there is nothing to connect this aircraft with any illegal activity. The aircraft is registered in the US but owned by a Mennonite businessman. The problem is that he did not get flight clearance from the department of civil aviation to fly the plane into Belize. DCP Chester Williams explained. Chester Williams, Commander of Operations: "Information was received of a plane that had landed in the Sarteneja area on the airstrip and contrary to what might have been said that it was clandestine airstrip, there is a legal airstrip and that plan did land on that legal airstrip, however the difficulty there, the plane that landed there is a registered plane out of the US and it is owned by a person who livers in Belize..."

Teaching Schoolchildren Reading, Writing and Farming?
Students at St. John Vianney and two other Belize City primary schools are learning how to grow their own food. It is called the garden-in-schools project - which Police started two years ago in Belmopan with three primary schools. Now, the project has gotten support form the Ministry of Agriculture and the Taiwanese Embassy to fund programs at St. John Vianney, St. Martin De Porres and St. Luke Methodist school. Today we were at the launch of the Vianney program and found it already underway with some eager young farmers. Chief Education Officer Dr. Carol Babb explained the national scope:..

Building Belize’s Digital Economy
And while that's an agriculture innovation for primary schoolers, today at the Biltmore secondary and tertiary students were showing digital innovation in an APP competition. It was the first such competition for students, and they had to come up with apps in three main areas: transport, vital statistics and local government. 10 school groups from across the country did surprisingly well - according to the organizer - which is the Directorate of Foreign Trade:

Belama Bus Dispute Goes To Minister
For months now we've been reporting on a bus dispute in the city. Haylock's Bus brought an action against competitor, Phillip Jones. Haylock is currently the only permit holder from the Transport Board to service commuters on the Belama to Belize City route. In July of this year, Mayor Bernard Wagner's City Council Administration granted a permit to Jones and his company, City Shuttle, to run the route in direct competition of Haylock's bus. Attorney Godwin Haylock sent them a lawyer letter on behalf of his father demanding that the rescind this permit, because from the Haylock family's perspective, City Council had usurped the authority of the Transport Board, which is the only body under the traffic laws which can grant such permits.

Hon. Musa Gets Party Support For Diaspora Amendment
And we also asked Kareem Musa to take off his attorney hat and put on his political one. He gave us an update on his proposed amendment to the representation of people act, which would allow Belizeans living abroad to vote in the referendum. He said he got the support of his party this morning: Hon. Kareem Musa, Pushing Diaspora Vote: "I actually had a meeting with my party leader this morning concerning the proposed members' bill and I am happy to announce that the party and the party leader are fully behind me on this. If you would recall the initial draft of the bill provided for those Belizeans to be able to register, but it would mean that they would have had to travel to Belize in order to register..."

Another PUP Says Delay The ICJ
And while he is fine tuning the proposed legislation, Musa has also joined his party leader John Briceno in asking for more time. He says that Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington has skewed the public perception of the ICJ issue:.. Hon. Kareem Musa: "And so you are way ahead of me Jules, in asking whether I want to go to ICJ or not, because I don't even feel as though the government is ready. The government is not even putting their best foot forward. I can tell you that in my constituency our people are getting educated, they are getting informed, but they are not happy with the way that the foreign minister is handling it. But the people of this country want to hear from the commander in chief. That want to hear from their leader.

Politics By The Book
He calls himself a historian who dabbles in history but Lawrence Vernon has done more than dabble with his latest book. It's called "A narrative of Political Parties in Belize" and it tracks the birth, rise - and some cases, the demise of more than 25 political parties in Belize's post-nationalist history. The book was launched today at the Leo Bradley Library in Belize City where the 81 year old Vernon told us that the most important consideration was to stay true to the historical record - which he extracted from the daily newspapers of that era:

BWS Lends A Hand, and Gives A Home To A Mother Of Two
A mother of two desperately in need of a new house is sleeping more comfortably with her children tonight thanks to BWS. We met Lisa Buller on Gill Street where her old run down home stood next to her new one. She told us happy is not the word for how she feels:... As part of the program, Buller had to help build homes for others.

Maya Air Puts Money Into New San Pedro Terminal
Starting next week Monday, passengers traveling with Maya Island Air to and from San Pedro, will get to enjoy the airline's brand new terminal. Today, the company invited the press for a soft launch - to experience this major new investment in its flagship destination. Daniel Ortiz reports: The terminal that is currently in use will be converted into tour operation.

New Mag Highlites Novel Destinations
Today's event in San Pedro was a double launch, because at the open house event for Maya's Terminal 2, McNab Publishing Limited introduced the 4th installment of its new magazine called Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle, or CC+ L for short. The travel magazine was launched earlier this year, and this Discovery features prime tourist destinations that are a little off the beaten path. Tanya McNab, the Visual Creative Director for McNab Publishing, told us that they want to deliver quarterly issues for the magazine, to keep travelers current and up-to-date about the best of Belize's tourism destinations:

Emmerson Finally Free
He's been waiting for a murder re-trial for 5 years now, but tonight 27 year-old Emmerson Eaghan is free of the 2009 murder of 35 year-old Dennis "Colored" Nembhard. Eaghan has had an interesting history with this case. Back in June 2009, Dennis Nembhard was gunned down and killed. His murder appeared to be a senseless killing, and it was preceded by an altercation between his 12-year-old nephew, and another 12 year-old boy. Reports were that when Nembhard went to inquire about the dispute, he was pursued by an assailant who fatally shot him in the back.

Channel 5

Murder in San Pedro; BWS Employee is Executed
A thirty-seven-year-old San Pedro resident was executed on the veranda of his home on the island town. Cyril Jones was shot in the face on Tuesday night around seven-thirty when [...]

Coastal Road Cocaine Haul is Incinerated
A convoy of vehicles book-ended by wailing sirens made its way along the George Price Highway this morning, en route to a location out west where a sizeable amount of drugs [...]

Who Landed Suspicious Aircraft in Sarteneja?
When a suspicious single-engine aircraft touched down at an airstrip in Sarteneja over the weekend, residents who are wary of constant drug activity taking place in the north believed that [...]

P.U.P. Licks Out at Belmopan Mayor Over Questionable Land Sale
The People’s United Party has weighed in on the land dispute involving the Belmopan City Council and the Public Service Union.  In a release issued earlier today, the opposition party [...]

A Course of Action to Recover Hilltop
On Monday, P.S.U. President Doreth Cayetano-Obermayer told the media during a press conference that they have always been under the impression, aside from supporting documents, that the land in question [...]

Department of Transport Denies City Shuttle’s Application for Belama Bus Run
Owner of City Shuttle, Philip Jones, is accusing the Department of Transport of unfair practices and discrimination of a political nature. Jones wants to provide transportation services to and from [...]

Philip Jones Threatens Court Action against Department of Transport
According to Musa, the decision of the Department of Transport will be appealed and based on the minister’s decision, it will be decided whether the matter will be taken before [...]

P.U.P. Supports Kareem Musa’s Member Bill
Aside from being an attorney, Kareem Musa is also an elected politician who represents the Caribbean Shores constituency for the People’s United Party. Musa has drafted a piece of legislation [...]

Kareem Musa Not Happy with I.C.J. Referendum Campaign
The media also asked Kareem Musa whether or not he believes that Guatemala’s claim over Belize should be taken to the International Court of Justice for resolution. Musa’s political leader, [...]

Maya Launches its New San Pedro Terminal & 4th Edition of Caribbean Culture & Lifestyle Magazine
Today, McNab Visuals, in partnership with Maya Island Air, held an open house in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The purpose of the event was two-fold: it allowed for McNab to [...]

Belize City Family Receives Newly Built House
Hand in Hand Ministries today delivered house number three hundred and sixty-one to a Belize City family. The house, valued at seventeen thousand dollars, was built for Lisa Buller and [...]

UB Holds 11th Annual Marketing Expo
The University of Belize’s eleventh annual marketing expo unfolded today inside the Civic Center in Belize City. The multipurpose complex was bustling with marketing students who were challenged in creating [...]

Lawrence Vernon Launches “A Narrative of Political Parties in Belize”
Librarian and author, eighty-one-year-old Lawrence Vernon today launched his latest piece of literary work. “A narrative of Political Parties in Belize” looks at the history of twenty-six political parties in [...]

A Competition for App Developers
Today, app developers from across the country gathered in Belize City for the first annual ‘Belizean Apps for Development Competition. The competition was organized by Directorate General for Foreign Trade [...]

An Agriculture Conference for Belizean Farmers
The first annual Tropical Agriculture Conference is being held at the National Agriculture and Trade Show Grounds in Belmopan.  The event hosted by Regeneration International and Regeneration Belize commenced with [...]

LOVE FM

Police failed to assist mother and son
A mother and son were allegedly assaulted by Chinese business owners and police never responded to their emergency call. Toledo Correspondent, Paul Mahung has the story. Paul Mahung: A Punta Gorda resident remains concerned about what she claims is an assault that could have turned fatal for her and her young adult son. A very …

“Belizean Apps for Development Challenge”
The Government of Belize, via the Ministry of Trade and Commerce has engaged young people in a competition to test their Information Technology skills. Through the activity dubbed the “Belizean Apps for Development Challenge”, the Ministry seeks to encourage young developers to come up with innovative applications in three areas. Berisford Codd, the Trade Economist …

Cyril Jones is the latest murder victim
The gun violence in Belize is still an area of crime that authorities are working to combat. Until then there will be murders and shootings to report. Tonight, we tell you of the death of 37-year-old, Cyril Jones of the San Pedrito Area of San Pedro Town. Jones met his demise last night in his …

Police destroy drugs
We saw the drugs found on the Coastal Road destroyed today but what we are yet to see is the person or persons who will be held accountable for such a large shipment. Police officers especially Compol Allen Whylie were in good spirits at a press conference held on Friday, November 2, when they reported …

Over 400 parcels of cocaine destroyed
Last week rumors circulated that some of the cocaine from the major bust on the Coastal Road had gone missing. The rumor was that the drug was not yet taken into the exhibit room and that they were being held in the training room until processing was completed. Senior police officials denied the rumor and …

“A Narrative of Political Parties in Belize”
Lawrence Vernon is a career librarian. Vernon was appointed to the National Library Service in 1956 and his mission has been to strengthen and expand the public libraries network in Belize. Today at the Leo Bradley Library, Vernon released a book he has written called A Narrative of Political Parties in Belize. Vernon spoke to …

Single mother receives new home
Hand In Hand Ministries delivered a new home to a single mother earlier today. The Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) was the main donor for the home. Love News spoke to Lisa Buller who received her keys today from the BWSL and Hand in Hand Ministries. Lisa Buller – Home Owner:“I’m very happy about it, …

Exhibit showcasing Pen Cayetano’s body of work
Delvin “Pen Cayetano’s Master Artist exhibit is being curated at the Mexican Cultural Institute on Barrack Road in Belize City. It is one of the many activities being held in conjunction with the celebration of Garifuna culture. Cayetano’s body of work dates back to the 70’s when he emerged as a painter, singer, songwriter, percussionist …

Do you know what Gender Socialization is?
The term Gender Socialization may sound unfamiliar to most Belizeans but it is actually something that all Belizeans have been affected by. That is because the term refers to what constitutes appropriate behaviors and attitudes based on someone’s sex, meaning a boy or a girl. Studies show that it leads to inequalities in the lives …

UB hosts annual entrepreneurship expo; university president calls it a success
The University of Belize has announced that in collaboration with the Social Sector Senators, it will be conducting lectures on the ICJ. The speakers will include Assad Shoman, a Belizean historian who earlier this year, released his book titled “Guatemala’s Claim to Belize”. Other presenters included representatives of the Belize Peace Movement and key stakeholders. …

Deputy Commissioner of Police: Plane that landed in Sarteneja did not have clearance
Talking about planes and clandestine airstrips, there was a report a few days ago of a plane in Sarteneja that had managed to remain grounded for hours before police responded. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams says there’s more to it than that. …

Taiwan continues to assist in the development of Belize
During her visit to Belize in August, President Tsai Ing-Wen spoke at the National Assembly and emphasized the importance of education and technical and vocational training. As a follow up to that commitment, 6 Belizean students …

Soldier stationed at FOB in critical condition
A soldier of the Belize Defence Force is in critical shape following a freak accident on the Sarstoon. It happened about one o’clock this afternoon at the Forward Operating Base; Private Fidel Williams was on duty and was walking on the pier when his foot hit a deteriorated plank that subsequently fell apart causing Williams to fall. …

The Reporter

ANOTHER DRIVE-BY-MOTOR-CYCLE MURDER IN SAN PEDRO
Five persons, one of them 14 years old, have been detained for questioning in the murder of Cyril Jones, 37 on Tuesday night. Jones was at home in the San Pedrito Area with his wife and children just after 7:00pm when they heard a whistle from outside the door. Jones allegedly went to look outside and that’s when he was shot to the face.

Breaking Belize News

Cold front affecting Belize
The National Meteorological Center today informed that a cold front is affecting Belize. Cloudy skies with […]

Three Belizeans headed to Barbados for regional services week activities
Two Belizean fashion designers and a record label owner will be representing the country in Barbados […]

MOH talks diabetic blindness with healthcare professionals out west
The Ministry of Health held a workshop in Belmopan today, the third in a countrywide […]

Illegal logs seized by Forestry Department
Yesterday morning, police and personnel from the Forestry department went to Shipyard camp 2, an […]

FBI offers $20,000 reward for murderer(s) of Drew Devoursney
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is offering a $10,000 USD reward for information leading […]

SMART donates to BERT for CPR project
SMART gave its support to the Belize Emergency Response Team’s (BERT) “Hands Only CPR” initiative […]

Police-led urban gardening project comes to Belize City Schools
Today, three Belize City primary schools, St. John Vianney R.C., St. Martin De Porres R.C. […]

Officials to embark on a “Study Tour” of energy sites in Belize
As a part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Energy Month, celebrated under the theme Clean […]

Police continue investigations into shooting death of San Pedro man
Police are investigating a murder that occurred last night in Ambergris Caye. Around 7:40 PM, […]

6 Belizean students participate in 2018 Vocational Training Project in Taiwan
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) today announced that 6 Belizean students from […]

STEM® hotels appointed hotel management company at Belize Ocean Club
STEM® has been appointed as the management company of Belize Ocean Club, Resort and Adventures, located […]

Cyril Jones, 37, shot and killed last night
Sometime last night there was a murder reported in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The victim […]

John Saldivar says PUP has the fault for Hilltop issue
Belmopan area representative, John Saldivar today issued a statement sharing his version of events regarding the […]

Villager shot by police to be charged with string of offenses
On Saturday, police shot an Independence villager in the foot while responding to reports of an […]

Blogs

First ever Corozal Diabetes Association Walkaton 2018 held at the Corozal civic Center
Today, November 14, 2018, Corozal Belize Diabetes Association held there First Annual Diabetes Walkaton campaign at the Corozal civic Center. Invited guests, schools and the general public all gathered at 1m at the corozal Civic Center. Local singer Ernestene Cabrallo came to perform her music talent at the event. 16 year old Angel Gutierrez from San Jose village class of 3 form at Escuela Secundaria Mexico, Designer of the logo for the diabetes association won this years logo. This event was to teach younger generations to stay healthier in there daily life's, eat well in general and do exercise daily. Here's an interview below about how Diabeted should take seriously.

International Sources

When the motherland calls
After my parents and I became naturalized United States citizens, they saw little reason to return to Belize. My first trip back was at 27 years old. I had just quit my job as a senior corporate executive and moved from New Jersey back to California to figure out who I was. I climbed down the staircase from the plane and walked on the runway, engulfed by damp, warm air. In the one-room airport, I handed my passport to an officer. “Welcome home!” he said. In Belize, the stereotypes I encountered in the U.S. didn’t apply. No one assumed I was a Latina from my Hispanic surname. No one expected me to be fluent in Spanish, either. English is the official language, a holdover from its history as a British colony. Belize is also far more Caribbean than Latin, as was my upbringing. My family is multiracial, but primarily black. Like me, Belize belongs to Latin America but doesn’t quite fit in.

Central America – a region in turmoil
How has it gotten so bad in Central America to the point where nearly every country is either gripped with a severe crime and murder rate, or has migrants flowing outward towards Mexico to the north, headed to their final destination of America in what has been coined as the “Migrant Caravan”? Not since the height of the Cold War and prior to the fight for independence has the region of Central America: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama gone through so much but most attention has either been focused on the growth of Mexico, their neighbour to the north, and Venezuela, the oil-rich country to the south.

Videos

November 14, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

2018 Copa San Pedro Champions are Ambergris Combined Girls and Vince Assassin
After several months of football action at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Combined Girls and Vince Assassins claimed the championship for the 2018 Copa San Pedro Football Tournament on Sunday, November 10th. The third-place position matches were held on Friday November 9th. The first match was in the female category, which saw San Pedro High School (SPHS) Girls going against Island Warriors. At the end of the game time, it was a clear victory for SPHS Girls, who, with a 5-2 score took the third place.

Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye receives visit from its District Governor
Jose Interiano, the Governor of Rotary’s International District #4250, which includes Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, visited Ambergris Caye Rotary Club on Saturday, November 10th. The District is made up of 72 Rotary Clubs, 10 of which are in Belize, and Interiano visited them all during his stay in the country. On the island, he met with the local club and offered his advice on how to continue succeeding in their upcoming projects. The official one day visit concluded with a dinner/presentation at Aji Tapa Lounge/Restaurant north of San Pedro Town.

Ambergris Today

Nominations For San Pedro Person Of The Year 2018
It's almost that time of the year - To honor one admirable individual for his/her hard work and dedication in making a difference in our community. NOMINATE the individual you think is deserving of the Person of the Year 2018 Award in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. You can nominate more than one person; fill out the form and share for others to send in their nomination. Thank you!

H.E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen – New Ambassador Of Republic Of China (Taiwan) To Belize
H. E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen presented his Letters of Credence as the new ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to H.E. Sir Colville Young, Governor General of Belize. The Ambassador conveyed his country’s greetings and well-wishes to the Governor General and people of Belize. He expressed on behalf of his country their gratitude for the invaluable support and friendship shown by Belize to Taiwan on international issues. The Ambassador said that it is the hope of his government to continue to enhance ties of cooperation and goodwill with Belize.

Misc Belizean Sources

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint “Join Me?”.

The Ministry of Natural Resources Clarifies Statement by The PSU
The Ministry of Natural Resources hereby addresses the statement made in a press release dated Sunday, November 11, 2018, issued by The Public Service Union (The PSU), relating to a transaction between the Belmopan City Council and a third party that was “expeditiously facilitated” by the Ministry. The transaction referred to by The PSU satisfied all procedural requirements and there were no legal impediments to its processing, which was completed in seven (7) days. The Ministry was not involved in any attempt to relieve The Public Service Union of its rights. The PSU has since exercised the option to place a caution on the Hilltop property in light of its unregistered lease. This caution was received by the Ministry on Friday, November 9, 2018, and the registration was completed on Monday, November 12, 2018.

BTEC, BELTRAIDE completes Soft Skills and Customer Service Training with Mahogany Bay Village
On Friday, November 9th 2018, The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of BELTRAIDE completed a 2 week training for the staff of Mahogany Bay Village in San Pedro. The training encompassed a week of soft skills which covered professionalism, work ethic, communication skills and one week of customer service which focused on handling customer complaints , telephone etiquette and more!

ICJ OpenForum at the Corozal House of Culture
You are invited to be part of a conversation that affects you personally as a Belizean at heart. Nov. 16, 6:30pm.

Metal Haven VIII Rocked
Another incredible night of metal. Ascenthium, SonicBrew, Verge of Umbra, and many others rocked the Cancha Marshelleck. Jose Berrera got some great shots too. Pictures on fb.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of Nov. 4th - Nov. 11th, 2018
Sunny days and light winds made for good sight casting. El Pescador was honored to host the 2018 Redbone Belize Superslam Tournament raising money for Cystic Fibrosis research, lots of wonderful friends, great fishing, and lots of funds raised for this terrific cause! All of us here look forward to helping again with this worthwhile cause when they return in 2019.

Water Outage in San Ignacio Thursday
Belize Water Services informs customers in parts of San Ignacio that there will be an interruption in the water supply Thursday, November 15, 2018, starting at 1:00pm. The areas to be affected are Kontiki area, Shawville area, and Boiton area. This interruption is necessary for the installation of a new water main. Due to the upgrade, customers may experience low water pressure and/or discoloration when water is restored. Residents of these or nearby areas are advised that water is expected to be fully restored by 6:00pm.

Water Outage in Ladyville Thursday
Belize Water Services informs customers in parts of Ladyville that there will be an interruption in the water supply, Thursday, November 15, 2018, starting at 1:00pm. The entire Vista Del Mar area will be affected. This interruption is necessary for the installation of new water mains. Due to the upgrades, customers may experience low pressure and/or discoloration in the water supply when water is fully restored. Motorists are being advised of the following street closures: (i) both lanes of Conch Crescent and (ii) Barracuda Drive. Customers are being advised that water is expected to be fully restored by 6:00pm.

Outreach Education Campaign
FCD and Balam’s Environmental Educator in Peten has undertaken over 1,000 surveys in 20 communities to understand knowledge and behaviour towards river conservation. This is in preparation to an outreach education campaign.

ACES at the San Pedro Cleanup
The goal for the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) 4 day clean up was to hit multiple locations in multiple neighborhoods, but we couldn’t even finish just one road because of how bad it was. There was an army of seriously dedicated people working from 8 am to 5 pm and multiple vehicles hauling trash non-stop all day long, but the road is still covered in trash. Literally tons of trash were pulled from the environment, but many tons still remain. The past 4 days cleaning the San Pedrito Highway, a road that is only 2 years old, was not fun, it was not easy, and it broke everyones’ hearts to see the severity of the trash problem on Ambergris Caye. How did this happen and why does it still happen? Why do so many so blatantly disrespect the island that provides us our livelihood? How can we reverse this behavior before it is too late?

Murder in San Pedro
Thirty seven year old Cyril Jones was reportedly shot to death tonight while in San Pedro Town. Jones was at home when a man on a motorcycle appeared and fired several bullets in his direction. More details to follow...

Proposed bill is a slap in the face for natural born Belizeans and citizens of Belize who live abroad
By Wellington C. Ramos. The Bill that Kareem Musa is proposing does not go far enough for natural born Belizean citizens and other citizens who live in the United States and abroad. This is because natural born citizens and all the citizens of Belize are entitled to their constitutional rights whether they live in Belize or abroad. The three months residency requirement that was placed in the People’s Representative Ordinance is only there to prevent voters from voting in constituencies where they do not live but, despite this provision, this is taking place in Belize now. There is also proof that many Belizeans have been allowed to register and vote in constituencies where they do not live, despite the residency requirement. Also, many of our elected representatives do not live in the constituencies that they represent. The UDP and PUP governments of Belize have and continue to grant Belizean citizenship to Guatemalans. This is unconstitutional, while denying their natural born citizens and other citizens that same right to register and vote. To grant citizens who are not natural born or citizens of Belize a right to vote is criminal.

COMISCA Meeting in Belize City
In an effort to continue to advance the position of human resources of health professionals within Central America and the Dominican Republic, the technical committee for the development of Human Resources under COMISCA is holding its 13th meeting in Belize City today and tomorrow. The agenda over the next two days will include lines of action to identify gender gaps in health careers, reviewing and approving of proposals to further improve careers in health in the region and present levels of the Human Resources for Health observatory. For more information on this meeting, contact: Andrei Chell, Health Planner, Policy Analysis Planning Unit, Ministry of Health

JOB VACANCY at Chunox St. Viator Vocational High School for and AGRICULTURE TEACHER (Full-Time)
Minimum qualification required is a Bachelor's Degree in the subject area. Renumeration will be in accordance with Salary scales approved by the Ministry of Education. Send letter of application and resume, with two (2) recent letters of recommendation and two Certified copies of the following documents: a. Diploma b. Teacher License c. Social Security d. Birth Paper e. One (1) certified copy of Transcript f. One (1) original and one (1) certified copy of police record

San Pedro: New Traffic Signs on Sea Grape not in use yet
You may have noticed some new traffic signs on Sea Grape Drive, these signs have a cross on them indicating that they are not yet in use. We will inform drivers when the new traffic flow system will begin. Thank you.

Calling all artists and artisans to participate in Cayo Art Festival!!
Calling on all artist and artisans interested in registering to participate in the Cayo Art Festival on December 8th,registration is now opened until November 23rd.

It is TreeTuesday and we are highlighting the tree Cinnamomum bladenense!
Cinnamomum bladenense was first collected in Belize in 2012, and in 2017 the tree was determined to be a species new to science! This tree was found growing in the Bladen Nature Reserve by plant ecologist Steven W. Brewer and Ya’axché botanist Gail Stott during the establishment of a permanent sample plot in the reserve. The name honors the location where it was found, in order to stress the importance of protecting the watershed and the unique flora and fauna of the Bladen branch of the Monkey River. Fewer than 10 individuals are known from the steep and rocky limestone slopes of the reserve. Three other Cinnamomum species exist in Belize, but this tree differs from closely related species by its relatively small flowers and its presence on limestone slopes. The inner bark has a chemical odor like bathroom cleaner.

ITZAMNÁ
Itzamná represents creation of the world and universe . Also writing,science and divination . The word "Itz" seems to be a sacred liquid (like water,sap,semen and blood ) and also sorcery . Itzamna can mean "Wise wizard" .

A few images from Day 1 and Day 4 of the San Pedro Cleanup
I am sure I heard Captain Conch say Illegal Dumping Has to Stop NOW! We have a garbage transfer station. What is stopping you from using it? A few images from Day 1 and Day 4

Channel 7

Why Did The Belmopan Mayor Sell Out PSU HQ?
Khalid Belislie has been the mayor of Belmopan for three and half years. And in that time - the laid back mayor of our laid back capital has been able to steer clear of national controversy. But, tonight he's in the thick tangle of a dispute that definitely has legs. Mayor Belisle is the one who signed off on the deal to sell the Public Service Union's Hilltop Headquarters to a Chinese-owned company for $400,000 dollars. Why did he do it and what was he thinking? That's what we asked him today in Belmopan at a press briefing. He explained that the problems started in 2017 when the council reviewed its municipal landholdings and found that the PSU's hilltop was one that had long defaulted on its lease payments:

Lands Minister Says His Dept. Played No Part
The lands department under the Ministry of Natural Resources is also under scrutiny in the PSU land case. The PSU suggested that there was some collusion within the lands department to get the transfer finalized and recorded so swiftly. Well today, Natural Resources Minister Hugo Patt granted an interview to 7News where he clarifies that the lands department had nothing to do with the sale or purchase of the hilltop lot. All they did was document the transaction at the registry department. Here is that conversation with Minister Patt. Hon. Hugo Patt, Minister of Natural Resources: "It wasn't incumbent on us as a Ministry particularly speaking about the registry department to find out who the particular parcel of land is being sold to or transactions would be there and the onus on us is just to register a particular transaction. The lands ministry and the registry section of our ministry does not in any way get involved of who is selling or who is buying."

NTUCB Heaps Scorn on BMP City Council
And, caution is just what the National Trade Union Congress of Belize says the Belmopan Council threw to the wind when it sold the land. A breathless release calls the sale, quote, "Unfathomable, morally repugnant, counter-productive, ill- considered, unconscionable, (and) scandalous…" The release goes unto say, quote, "The NTUCB considers it bone-chilling that the Belmopan City Council chose to target a venerable institution such as the PSU....NTUCB stands in full solidarity with PSU in demanding that the Belmopan City Council reverse course and restore Hilltop to the PSU." End quote.

Farmer Killed Crossing Road
When we left you last night it was with the news that there had been a fatal accident in San Marcus village, not far from Punta Gorda. We have the details tonight. At 6:05 46 year old Gregorio Choc was driving this Ford Ranger from Dump to Punta Gorda. Between miles 12 and 13, he knocked down 57 year old Francisco Sis. The San Marcos farmer was crossing the the highway when he was knocked down. He sustained facial and body injuries and died on impact. Choc was taken into police custody.

BAHA Driver Knocked Down And Killed Cabbie
And while that accident in Toledo claimed the life of a 57 year old, in the city, it was a 56 year old Cab driver that was run over and killed. Arthur Requena, a well-known Belize City taxi man, was hit by 40 year-old Cristo Rey Villager Diovan Cesar Tzib near mile 2 on the Philip Goldson Highway yesterday, some time around 11 a.m. Requena was crossing the road between the Matalon Building and Easy Inn when he was struck by Tzib's pickup truck - which belongs to BAHA. He died shortly after. We are told that police have retrieved and reviewed surveillance video footage from businesses within the area to determine just how the accident took place.

Thieves Burgled Boots’ Office
Last night, thieves broke into the constituency office of UDP Port Loyola Representative Anthony "Boots" Martinez. The office is right off Faber's Road and has a watchman who stays inside the building during the night. But, the watchman claims he didn't hear anything when someone gained entry to the building and stole three computers, along with application forms for the Southside Poverty Alleviation Project. Martinez says the thieves didn't take anything else of value. He adds that he finds it very odd that the watchman didn't hear anything. As for what was stole - Martinez said the computers only contained files with political and constituency information.

Mango Creek Cops Catch Suspected Robbers
Independence Police have been quick to detain four men after a brazen robbery last night in the heart of the village. It happened at Jian store at 7:45 when four masked men dressed in black, one of them with a 38 revolver held up the couple who owns the store. They helped themselves to the cash register which had 600 dollars. Plus they stole an iPhone X, a bottle of alcohol and a chain. It was all caught on surveillance cameras and police have four men detained tonight. The four suspects - who are from Belize City - are believed to have gone to Independence to commit the robbery and then caught a bus headed back towards Dangriga. Police got a tip and called their Dangriga counterparts who found them on the bus 6 miles from the Dangriga junction. We understand some money was recovered.

Cops Shot Troublemaker in Foot, That Didn’t Stop Him
Independence Police have also charged a man who they shot this weekend. On Sunday Police were responding to a complaint of an aggravated assault. They found Rodwel Arzu on the street resisting arrest and disrespecting the officers. Police shot him in the foot - and he continued to give them a hard time. Eventually a friend of his came on a motorbike and convinced him to go with the police. He will be charged for aggravated assault with a firearm, resisting arrest and other offences.

Guarding Against Gillnets on Turneffe
The last time that gill nets made the news, was at the end of July. That was when it became public knowledge that the Fisheries Department was favor of keeping gill nets for traditional fishermen, even though organizations like Oceana Belize and the Coast Guard are in favor of phasing out this practice. While it appears that the Government hasn't made up its mind on how it wants to deal with this controversial issue, for the managers of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve it's simple. The law says that gill nets are not supposed to be used in any part of the Belize's territorial waters that make up the reserve. Those co-managers are the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association or TASA for short.

Wilfred’s Warning For Sarstoon Senators
As we told you last night, senators Osmany Salas and Mark Lizarraga accompanied the Belize Territorial Volunteers to the border marker known as Gracias A Dios via the Sarstoon River. Although the weekend expedition went without incident, today, Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington said he didn't think it was the best decision simply because there is always the possibly for a hostile and life threatening confrontation with Guatemalan Armed forces. Elrington re-emphasized his caution on these Sarstoon trips. Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "My own view is that the Belize Defense Force who absolutely have to use the Sartsoon should never stop going to the Sarstoon, those Belizeans who are intrepid, who are fearless, who are adventurous, who want to go can also go too, it is simply my thought though that given the attitude of the Guatemalans it may not be the safest thing to do, we can't say what the Guatemalan military or Guatemalan government will perceive as being provocation."

The Double Risk of Diabetes and Blindness
Diabetes leads to a host of serious health complications. One of them is blindness, and today the KHMH along with the UK led Vision 2020 Links program held an awareness training on diabetes retinopathy. The training was for physicians and doctors to be able recognize when a person with diabetes is going blind, to able to properly check, diagnose and treat or refer the patient. We found out more about the training. Ellen Heinemann - Program Coord., Vision 2020 Links: "Its actually initiated by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the UK and we link various hospitals from low income countries to UK links. So, to special hospitals, our hospitals predominantly, that they can support the links in each of the individual countries. So, we run these workshops in different countries, in South Africa and the Caribbean predominantly and we normally bring the relevant link..."

Moe’s Pizza By The Sea Moving For A January Opening
Construction resumed last week on Moe's Pizza on the Sandlighter's Promenade. This is after a stop order from the Department of the Environment halted work for three weeks. As we understand it, the Department of the Environment has instructed the developer Haisam Diab to do basically what any builder would do: contract with Waste Control for garbage disposal, hook up to the sewer mains, and pipe all grey water into the sewer mains. The DOE also assessed developer Hiasam Diab with a $500.00 monitoring fee. Diab is planning for a mid - January opening. The project generated some political scrutiny when it was thought that the City Council had sold Diab the land. It is actually a lease - where the council will own the building at the end of the lease.

Sports Council Capitulates Quickly To Battle of the Drums Demands
The alarm went out this morning that Punta Gorda's prize festivity, the Battle of the Drums might have to change venues, or districts at the last minute. President of the Battle of the Drums Darius Avila sent out a thousand word press release this morning accusing the National Sports Council of giving it a raw deal on a high price to rent the PG Sporting Complex. Avila says the NSC was charging them $500 a day plus taking 10% of their door sales. Avila argued that was, quote, "highly prohibitive to a charitable organization that is seeking to raise funds to invest in programs, projects and activities that are beneficial to the community."

A Special Guest For Settlement Day
If you're one of the thousands of Belizeans who are southbound for this weekend Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations, the National Garifuna Council has organized a treat for music lovers. They've invited Zamfir Adams, a calypsonian from the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to perform at several events which make up a part of this week's calendar of events which leads up to Garifuna Settlement Day. Adams has quickly gained popularity in the Garifuna Nation after he won this year's Calypso Monarch competition in Trindad for his hit song, "Hail Garifuna".

SMART Supports BERT For CPR Trianing
Right now, the Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT) is conducting a training for school children countrywide on how to administer CPR to persons having a heart attacks. September was celebrated as CPR month in Latin America and Caribbean, as a member of the American Heart Association, BERT trained just over 3,000 students in their program called "Hands Only CPR" in the Corozal, Orange Walk, and Belize Districts. They want to continue in the other 3 districts, but they need funding. And so, they are accepting donations from members of the business community to carry on.

“Rights” Activity Book For Kids
Express yourself with rights: that is the name of NCFC's first rights based activity book and CD package. It was launched today at the Bliss Center and launch coordinator Lindburgh Smith told us why this book is very important and still relevant today. Lindburgh Smith - Former IEC Officer, NCFC: "We, as the group of Ambassadors decided well, since we don't have anything local. Why not produce something local for the first time that can teach rights using the Belizean contacts to... and that would be fun and so we sat at the table and we drafted this masterpiece today "Express yourself with rights" which has a multidimensional approach..."

Is the Political Playing Field Level For Both Sexes?
And while that activity book is to get children involved and engaged, what about women in politics? They make up more than 50% of the population, but women make up less than 7% of the representation in the House. And, in terms of political candidates, the PUP will end up with one for the 2020 general election, while the UDP may only end up with two - so that is three out of a total of 62 candidates. That's a dismal 5%. So, what is it with women and politics? Is there really a glass ceiling? OR is the game made so crooked by those male politicians that only they can thrive in it?

Hon. Wilfred Didn’t Support Nephew OJ
And the man in this case is OJ Elrington. While many big shots in the UDP did support him, his uncle Wilfred didn't. Wilfred Elrington congratulated his nephew on his win but admitted that he didn't support OJ in any way. Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "I wish him all the best, politics is a tremendous amount of sacrifice, many times we do not think about it but it is a tremendous amount of sacrifice especially for people who are not independently wealthy, it is a tremendous undertaking and I wish him all the best."

Will Hubert Tow The Party Line?
And while Wilfred didn't support, OJ's father, former UDP minister, Hubert Elrington did. That should be automatic, but Hubert Elrington has been hyper critical of the UDP for about…the last two decades - and his support of any UDP is never automatic. But he did support his son:.... Jules Vasquez, reporter: "We know that Hubert Elrington has been offside with the UDP for many years. Will he support you and will he keep his famous and mouth in check, because you know Hubert his mouth doesn't have any boss."

Channel 5

Belmopan City Council Defends Sale of Hilltop to Chinese Businessman
The Hilltop headquarters of the Public Service Union in Belmopan was sold off a month ago unknown to them. The new owner is a Chinese businessman from the north who [...]

Mayor Says P.S.U. Never Returned to Negotiating Table
According to Mayor Belisle, were the P.S.U. to have honored the agreement, a significant portion of what is outstanding would have been cleared.  The property, which was valued at no [...]

CitCo Open to Help Identify New Land for PSU Headquarters
Mayor Belisle did not confirm if the land was paid for in cash and neither could he provide details as to how Xin Ni was aware of that the land [...]

Atlantic International Bank Limited Denies Any Wrongdoing
Atlantic International Bank Limited denies any wrongdoing. The bank was named in a civil complained lodge in the U.S. courts after the Federal Trade Commission shut down the multimillion-dollar ‘Sanctuary [...]

Emerson Eaghan Freed of Murder Charge
He was charged with murder in 2009, but tonight, twenty-seven-year-old Emerson Eaghan is a free man. He walked free on Monday following a decision by Supreme Court Justice, Colin Williams.  [...]

Battle over Battle of the Drums Venue in PG
The annual Battle of the Drums Competition, aside from Garifuna Settlement Day, is one of the most anticipated events on the November calendar.  Every year, hundreds of spectators travel down [...]

Cooler Heads Prevail Over Battle of the Drums Controversy
Late this evening, Minister of Culture Patrick Faber intervened in the matter, giving verbal assurance to the secretariat that the fees being charged by the National Sports Council will be [...]

RTA Claims a Life in Toledo
A man was knocked down and killed on Monday evening in the Toledo District. Police say Francisco Sis, a resident of San Marcos Village, was crossing the southern highway between [...]

A Game of Political Chess between Patrick Faber and John Saldivar
Both John Saldivar and Patrick Faber want to assume leadership of the United Democratic Party when Prime Minister Dean Barrow vacates the post.  Saldivar and Faber have been running a [...]

Dealing with Diabetes and Blindness
Known as one of the most deadly non-communicable diseases, diabetes can cause an array of life complications. One of those complications is diabetic retinopathy, or simply, blindness.  Today, the Ministry [...]

‘Express Yuh Self with Rights’
For the past two years we’ve been reporting on a volunteer group called the Convention on the Rights of the Child Ambassadors. They represent an arm of the National Committee [...]

Establishing Rugby in Belize
Football, basketball and track and field are sports that are well known in Belize among athletes and aficionados. Now there is rugby, a discipline that is physically and mentally challenging [...]

Belize Versus Guatemala in Rugby International Friendly
The Belize national rugby team is currently preparing to face off against the national team from Guatemala on November twenty-fifth at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in Belize City. After [...]

Entrepreneurship Road Show Kicks Off
Thinking of a business idea, creating a business plan and transforming that plan into a real and viable business can be difficult to successfully accomplish. With the aim to create [...]

CitCo Hosts a Women’s Empowerment & Leadership Session
The Belize City Council partnered with the Global Entrepreneurship Network to host a Women’s Empowerment and Leadership session to help build the capacity of female entrepreneurs. It is part of [...]

The Secret Behind Being A Successful Business Owner
The Global Entrepreneurship Network works along with men, women and children and fosters entrepreneurial skills. The session also featured several successful career women such as Attorney Margaret McKenzie and Carpe [...]

C.C.J. Declares Guyana ‘Cross Dressing’ Law Unconstitutional
Today, the Caribbean Court of Justice handed down a landmark decision that may have effects in countries who have subscribed to the C.C.J.  The C.C.J. ruled that the law in [...]

A Donation for BERT to Teach Students CPR Techniques
BERT received a much needed donation of six thousand dollars courtesy of Smart at its offices off Coney Drive today. But the donation was not for ambulatory services or to [...]

LOVE FM

Farmer killed in Tragic RTA
A man from the Toledo district was killed in a tragic road traffic accident. The victim was identified as a San Marcos Villager, Francisco Sis. Toledo correspondent Paul Mahung spoke to the officer commanding the Toledo Police Formation who says they have their suspect. Paul Mahung: “A fatal traffic incident yesterday evening claimed the life …

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in Belize
In Belize, diabetes is one of the top five causes of death. In this regard, the Ministry of Health is focusing on improving its primary health services in an effort to help persons overcome this disease. A workshop was held today where healthcare providers were equipped with the tools to improve lives. Dr. Baxter McLendon …

Murderer walks because death could not be confirmed
A man who was previously convicted of murder is now free following in what is certainly one of the strangest moments in court. 27-year-old, Emerson Eagan (EMERSON EAGAN VO) was charged with murdering Dennis Nembhard in 2012. He was sentenced to life in prison. Eagan appealed and on the first of November, 2013, the Belize …

“Express yuhself with Rights”
The United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of a Child, CRC in 1989. A year later, Belize became the fifth country to ratify the CRC since then we have made several strides to ensure that children’s rights are protected. It is essential not only to have children’s rights protected, but also that children …

Not all may be lost for PSU
Today Belmopan City Mayor Khalid Belisle said the Council has collected on the sale of Hilltop to Simplex Design Company Limited. But it’s a sale that has come with much trouble. The Public Service Union has stated categorically that they will “not be moved” from that property and has lodged a caution on the sale. …

BERT gets funding to Teach CPR to students
BERT is an American Heart Association (AHA) authorized training center. AHA’s mandate is to raise awareness about heart attacks and cardiac arrests. This year BERT participated in the association’s CPR month. BERT’s goal to raise awareness comes from international research that shows 8 percent of people who suffer cardiac arrests outside a hospital, receive care …

“National Entrepreneurship Road Show” stopped in at ACC
Last week, BELTRAIDE launched its National Entrepreneurship Road Show in commemoration of the National Entrepreneurship month. The road show was in the north last week, where it made stops at several high schools including Corozal Junior College and Escuela Mexico. Thereafter, it headed to the West stopping at Sacred Heart College. Love news caught up …

TASA working to keep gill-nets out of marine reserve
In Belize, there are many who depend on the sea to provide work and food. As with everything, there are regulations and policies in place in order to preserve the industry and to ensure that it is maintained for future generations. While fishers are allowed to use gill-nets, it is not to be used in …

Choice Bank case goes to Case Management
Choice Bank’s license was revoked by the Central Bank of Belize. Choice Bank is suing the Central Bank. Choice Bank’s claim against the Government of Belize and Central Bank went to case management today. Eamon Courtenay who represented Choice Bank explained what happened during the case management session that went before Justice Courtenay Abel. Eamon …

Atlantic International Bank says it has done nothing wrong
Yesterday, Atlantic International Bank spoke up regarding the major Sanctuary Belize scam, saying that they have done nothing wrong. The Federal Trade Commission in the United States has fingered Atlantic International Bank in a civil complaint. The FTC had only just shut down the real estate scam via a Federal District Court in Maryland, USA …

PSU places a caution on Hilltop property
The press conference held yesterday in Belmopan by the Public Service Union has spurred a response from the Belmopan City Council late in the evening and a clarification from the Lands Department this morning. The Ministry of Natural Resources disputes the report by the PSU that the land sale done to a Chinese businessman was expeditiously facilitated …

Amandala

OJ Elrington ousts Dr. Carla
The ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) held a contested constituency convention today, Sunday, at the ITVET campus in which three candidates ran for the spot of standard bearer for the Freetown constituency. Less than one hour after the polling closed at 5:00 p.m., a crowd of energized supporters of the candidate Orson J. Elrington erupted in euphoric noise, ringing out his name in loud voices, chanting, “OJ fu Freetown; OJ fu Freetown.” As Elrington, a first-time political aspirant, walked from behind the counting area, he was swept up in the embrace of a throng of his youthful supporters. Within minutes, he was beaming into the lights of television cameras as he made remarks about his victory and the convention he had just won, sending the woman he has successfully challenged, Senator and Minister Dr. Carla Barnett, into political retirement.

Taxi driver Arturo “Chiney Man” Requeña, Sr., 56, dies in traffic accident
A traffic accident which occurred this morning around 11:00 took the life of 56-year-old taxi driver Arturo “Chiney Man” Requeña, Sr. , who was knocked down at Mile 2 1/2 on the Philip Goldson Highway as he was attempting to cross from one side of the highway to the other. When police arrived on the scene they saw Requeña lying on the road suffering from bodily injuries. He was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, but he died shortly after while receiving treatment.

Right under the PSU’s nose!
The Public Service Union (PSU) of Belize has begun mobilizing its members countrywide today after its Belmopan branch discovered that their headquarters was sold by the Belmopan City Council to a Chinese businessman who had registered his construction company at the Belize Companies Registry on October 9 — just a day before the company purchased lot # 6061, the PSU headquarters, for $400,000, a price that is well below the last valuation of the property. At a press conference this morning, the PSU Belmopan branch vowed, “this is our headquarters and we shall not be moved.” In 1998, the building known as Hilltop was an abandoned structure when the PSU Belmopan branch was searching for a place to locate its headquarters. Elections were around the corner and the PSU approached both the United Democratic Party and the People’s United Party about getting a building for its Belmopan headquarters, according to Hubert Enriquez, a former official of the union at the time.

Basketballer Raul Roches, 21, critical at KHMH
Raul Roches, 21, a resident of Ontario, Cayo, who is a well-known basketball player in the National Elite Basketball League, is fighting for his life in the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH)’s Intensive Care Unit after he suffered massive head and body injuries in a road traffic accident at about 3:00 this morning in Santa Elena. Roches was driving his motorcycle from San Ignacio to Santa Elena and was heading off the Hawkesworth Bridge into Santa Elena when he lost control of the motorcycle and crashed into the cement wall of Boiton Barbeque. The motorcycle then skidded into the wall of the Highway Super Store, causing Roches to fall off the motorcycle and onto the pavement, which resulted in severe injuries to his head and body.

BNTU and Ministry of Education begin charting a way forward
Five days ago, the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) marched on Belmopan in a show of determination and strength, but today in Belize City, the union met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber, and a team from the Ministry of Education, to begin discussions over the unresolved issues that prompted the union’s protest and rally last week. BNTU National President, Senator Hon. Elena Smith, briefed reporters after the meeting this afternoon at the Marion Jones Sports Complex. Hon. Smith told reporters that today’s meeting was held to chart a way forward on the matters pending between the government and the union, “to look at Proposal 22 and the hardship allowance.”

UB launches 2 new programs
Yesterday, Thursday, November 8, the University of Belize (UB) launched two new programs at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina. The first is a Bachelor in Statistics program, and the second is a certificate program in Geographic Information System (GIS). The Statistics program is a 4-year program and it was formulated after UB reviewed their curriculum, specifically their Math program, and noted that there is a need for coursework in statistics. According to Julianne Pasos, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at UB, in an interview with 7News, the program encompasses economic statistics, and demographic statistics, along with other statistics courses that were developed in partnership with the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB).

After crazy Week 13 upsets, looks like a 3-team race for 2 spots in PLB Opening Season playoffs
Going into Week 13 of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Opening Season regular season this past weekend, it looked like 5 teams had a chance of grabbing 1 of the 2 remaining spots in the Top-4 semifinal playoffs. Front runners, then undefeated Belmopan Bandits SC and second place Verdes FC had already secured their playoff berths; it was only left to be decided which of the two would be seeded #1 and which #2. And, after a weekend where both suffered shutout losses, that seeding is still to be decided; but, with powerhouse Police United FC also losing by shutout over the weekend, while San Pedro Pirates FC and Altitude Assassins FC posted big wins, these 3 teams appear to be the serious contenders for the 2 remaining playoff spots, with Wagiya FC, who lost to the Assassins on Sunday, only having a very slim mathematical chance. (See updated standings below, with the 2 remaining back matches.)

Groups set for the 2018 Concacaf Under-20 Championship Qualification Stage
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) will kick off tomorrow the Qualification Stage of the 2018 Concacaf Under-20 Championship. The second round of the men’s youth World Cup qualifying competition will take place November 13-19, at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL. After an initial Group Stage that included a record number of 34 teams, the six group winners have been divided into two groups. The three team groups will be composed as follows:

Stann Creek FA Week 7 results and standings
The Stann Creek Football Association (SCFA) Amateur 1st Division September Tournament 2018 continued with Week 7 games on Friday night at the Carl Ramos Stadium. In the opener, South Side Warriors defeated Pomona Impacts, 1-nil, on a goal by Leston Garcia (41’). And in the nightcap, it was a 0-0 draw between Sampson Proper Fix and Hopkins Ibayani.

CYDP Peace Cup weekend game results
A total of 4 CYDP Peace Cup Tournament 2018 games were played on Saturday, November 10, at the MCC Grounds. In game 1, Coast Guard FC defeated Ladyville FC, 3-1, with goals from Shemar “Mini” Thompson (13’ & 37’) and Jason Cuevas; while Shawn Young (19’) scored for Ladyville FC. Game 2 saw Ebony Lake FC shutting out BDF FC, 3-0, with a goal each from Keiron Requena (23’), David Robateau (77’) and Luis Acosta (85’).

Nuts and bolts of The Jewel’s democracy re: ICJ
As the referendum date approaches for Belizeans to decide whether or not to go to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for “final and binding” arbitration on the Guatemalan claim to Belize, this newspaper has been considering the role we have been playing, and the role we will play, in this whole process as we move forward to April 10, 2019. If you think about it, this is a process which began with the signing of the Special Agreement in 2008 between Guatemala and Belize. Ten years ago most Belizeans did not pay a lot of attention to the Special Agreement, because we were drained by almost four years of intense domestic politics which had begun with the G-7 Cabinet rebellion in August of 2004, and culminated with the change of government in February of 2008, and because we had become jaded when it came to the Guatemala issue.

Romel Cuello checks the Social Security Board
Dear Editor, The Belize Social Security Board wants some more of our hard-earned dollars. They are claiming deficits in money collected to money spent. A couple years ago they had so much money that the politicians were drooling over it. Last we heard they had $400 million in the bank. At minimum 2% interest per annum you are supposed to be getting at least $8 million per year. What about other investments they have made? Can the contributors get proper accounting for all the surplus years before they are asked to come up with more?

More real disappointment from the anti-weed
Mr. Neri Briceño, on the heels of his article a couple weeks ago (For Real … Johnny? in the Reporter), an article in which he castigated J Briceño for suggesting we explore the legalization of marijuana, followed up with another disappointment, titled, “You too Pablo?”, the core of which is a condemnation of Pablo Marin’s (the Minister of Health) “meeting, soliciting or encouraging investment” in “marijuana or hemp production and cultivation.” In his commentary on the J Briceño suggestion, Neri pointed out that the status quo (which is illegal marijuana), was a failure. He wrote: “The strategy [decriminalization] has been a liberal approach to the strict marijuana and drug control laws that has clearly not worked.” But he offered no solutions. He just condemned the candle that J Briceño was trying to light.

Don’t be intoxicated by power – The Green Machine means solidarity
Sleepy Belmopan greeted us with a dense fog. The bus did not stop off at Xaibel for a bathroom break, so getting off the bus was fast, in a dash. Belmopan was going about its usual slow pace, with pockets of people at the terminal. Some ate tacos and tostados at the market square; others walked towards Belmopan Comprehensive School. Today, Belmopan welcomed acquaintances from all over the country: the teachers of Belize. Belmopan is the nation’s capital, located along the Belize River in Central Belize. It is the seat of government, and those who sit in Cabinet to make decisions convene here every week. The National Assembly sits on Independence Hill, and those who pass laws must come to this “honourable house” regularly. Symbolically, politically, and pragmatically, therefore, the capital city is the best place for teachers to pay a courtesy call on November 7, 2018.

GARIFUNA SOUL IN EDUCATION IN 1900S COLONIAL BRITISH HONDURAS!
Within two readings of the seminal book, “To Educate A Nation: Autobiography of Andres P. and Jane V. Enriquez”, by the noteworthy Belizean Garifuna writer Jeremy Enriquez, yours truly had to dig deep spiritually so as to understand what it was like for those legendary Garifuna educators of the 1900s Belize who partnered with the Catholic Church in the former British Honduras to establish a world-class educational system. The pioneering work to educate a nation like Belize since then that was so painfully but spiritually built by Garifuna male teachers, through the help of their strong and dedicated women, brought light to darkness in the jungles of British Honduras (Belize) among the indigenous Mayas of the San Antonio Village of Belize’s Toledo District.

The facts not mentioned
He further clarified that since Guatemala has already declared their non-adherence to the treaty, the minute Belize votes to give the ICJ judges the power to redefine our boundaries, this ipso facto also signifies our non-adherence to the immutable borders that the treaty had established. Therefore if we vote “yes to the ICJ” in the upcoming referendum it is farcical to argue that the 1859 Treaty will be our impenetrable shield against the Guatemalan territorial claim. So then, if we vote not to go to the ICJ in the April referendum, what if any are our other options? To start with, we could display all the documentary video evidence we have recorded of the Guatemalan Armed Forces aggression and brazen violation of our territorial waters in the Sarstoon. These could be shown to the members of the General Assembly at the United Nations. And since these actions are paramount to an act of war by Guatemala, we could justifiable ask the General Assembly, in the interest of peace, to vote on a resolution to have the ICJ give an Advisory Opinion on the validity of our borders with Guatemala as were established by the 1859 Treaty.

Coastal Road red hot
A 5.56 AR15 assault rifle and 47 5.56 live rounds were found by police, abandoned in a Ford Explorer on the Coastal Road, at about 12:30 this afternoon. Police said that at about 12:15 this afternoon, on their arrival in White Ridge, they saw a heavily tinted blue Ford Explorer SUV, without license plates. When they approached the vehicle, however, it sped off towards the sea near White Ridge, with the officers in pursuit. When the vehicle reached the seaside, the officers saw six men dressed in black and armed with high-powered rifles escaping into the nearby bushes.

One-eyed burglar, 52, sentenced to 6 years
Edward Quilter, 52, a laborer of Ladyville with vision only in his right eye, was sentenced to 6 years in prison today by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford after she found him guilty of breaking into Ladyville Evangelical Primary School. Quilter has six previous convictions for similar offences. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on April 28, 2018. Police Constable Francisco Montejo testified that upon receiving information of a break-in at the school, he proceeded to the school and when he arrived there he heard a noise coming from the school building.

Samuel August, Sr., 35, arraigned on murders of his son and ex-mother-in-law
Samuel August, Sr., 35, the former Belize City Council backhoe operator who allegedly committed the unspeakable crime of killing one of his three sons and his ex-mother-in-law with a backhoe, has been charged with two counts of murder. In addition, police also charged August with one count of robbery for a late-model car which he stole and badly damaged, and in which he allegedly attempted to commit suicide. Police brought August to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court this morning, and after a brief time in the court’s holding cell, August, with both hands and feet shackled in chains, walked slowly to the courtroom of Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford.

Security guard and friend shot by thieves who robbed gas station
Andre Gomez, 42, a security guard of Burrell Boom, and his friend, Dennis Barkley, 18, were in the CDS Gas Station compound located on the Burrell Boom Road, where Gomez was performing security guard duties for Saturday night, November 10. At about 1:00 Sunday morning, three armed men entered the compound and held the two men up at gunpoint. Two of the culprits went into the office, which they ransacked as they searched for money. They then stole some coins and small items, but in total, less than $200 was stolen.

UB LAUNCHES 2 NEW PROGRAMS
Yesterday, Thursday, November 8, the University of Belize (UB) launched two new programs at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina. The first is a Bachelor in Statistics program, and the second is a certificate program in Geographic Information System (GIS). The Statistics program is a 4-year program and it was formulated after UB reviewed their curriculum, specifically their Math program, and noted that there is a need for coursework in statistics. According to Julianne Pasos, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at UB, in an interview with 7News, the program encompasses economic statistics, and demographic statistics, along with other statistics courses that were developed in partnership with the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB).

The Reporter

N.T.U.C.B ADDS ITS MUSCLE BEHIND P.S.U TO REVERSE THE SALE OF PSU H.Q
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (N.T.U.C.B) has come out strongly in support of the Public Service Union following revelations that the Belmopan City Council has sold the PSU Headquarters in Belmopan to a Chinese national.

ANOTHER DRIVE-BY-MOTOR-CYCLE MURDER IN SAN PEDRO
There are reports of a murder a short while ago in San Pedro. The victim, reportedly shot to death, is a resident of the San Pedrito area. He has been identified as Cyril Jones, 37, who was at his residence when he was killed by a gunman who allegedly arrived on a motorcycle. Policemen are currently still at the scene. We’ll have more information as we get it.

BELMOPAN CITY COUNCIL ISSUES STATEMENT ON SALE OF PSU HQ
The Belmopan City Council issued a statement late yesterday in response to the Public Service Union (PSU) and the sale of the property where the PSU has its Headquarters. However: The president of the Public Service Union spoke to THE REPORTER NEWSPAPER by telephone and contradicted most or all of the statements in the Belmopan City Council’s letter below.

Breaking Belize News

Ministry of Natural Resources rebuts PSU’s claims
The Ministry of Natural Resources today issued a statement to address claims made by the […]

Donovan Tzib served with Notice of Intended Prosecution for fatal traffic accident
Donovan Tzib, a senior quarantine inspector has been served with a Notice of Intended Prosecution for a […]

Police investigating fatal accident which claimed life of farmer in Toledo
Police in Toledo District are investigating a traffic accident that claimed the life of a man […]

Carla Barnett calls for ‘new politics’ in Belize
The United Democratic Party (UDP) on Sunday hosted a convention to elect a standard bearer […]

Women activists disappointed with Freetown convention outcome, chastises political parties
On Sunday, November 11, 2018, the United Democratic Party (UDP) hosted a convention to elect […]

Taxi driver knocked down and killed in Belize City
A 56-year-old taxi driver was knocked down and killed yesterday in Belize City. The accident […]

Basketball player in critical condition after tragic traffic accident
On Saturday, November 10, 2018, BBN reported on a traffic accident that left a basketball […]

Dr. Carla Barnett withdraws from politics
On Sunday, Carla Barnett contested the United Democratic Party (UDP) convention for the Freetown Division. Barnett […]

Man dies in horrific traffic accident in southern Belize
Last night a road traffic accident was recorded in the Toledo district. About 9 miles away […]

Blogs

Garifuna Settlement Day – A chance to learn about a vibrant people
The vibrant culture of the Garifuna people graced our shores in 1832, and every year on November 19th, Belize honors their arrival with a holiday. November is a celebration of drumming, dancing, laughter and an appreciation for one of our more colorful ethnic groups. Re-enactments tell the story of both the survival and flourishing of a resilient people, descendants of Arawak Indians and African slaves. All across the country, various activities are planned for the weeks leading up to the big holiday, and San Pedro Town is no exception. Besides Cultural Sundays, complete with live music and dancing at the Central Park, there will also be a fashion show on November 10th. November 12th through the 16th will be Cultural Awareness Week, and the grand finale for that week will be a fun Garifuna Translation Contest!

Heartbreaking and Heartwarming
As some of you know from Social Media and the San Pedro Sun, Ambergris Caye just underwent a 4-day massive clean up organized by the Belize Tourism Industry Association with assistance from American Crocodile Education Sanctuary, Oceana Belize and San Pedro Town Council. The most important and first was the San Pedrito “Highway” which has been a longstanding area of trouble. I first remember starting to document the garbage in that area back in 2012 but it was there a long time already. I also remember coming home in tears one day after being asked to go there and take progress pics, and I watched a big yellow dozer spreading the trash around for landfill. It broke my heart. The areas listed below were also scheduled to be cleaned depending on how progress went on the areas before them.

International Sources

The Caribbean Court of Justice loses again — this time with voter apathy and distrust
Grenada and the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda both faced a major referendum on the choice to adopt the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as their final appellate court — which would require a constitutional amendment — or retain the current Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, the final court of appeal for the United Kingdom's overseas territories and Crown dependencies (as well as various Commonwealth countries). In both jurisdictions, the voter turnout was low, but the majority of those who did vote rejected the CCJ. The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission posted the official results online with 48 percent in favor of the CCJ. In Grenada, where 28 percent of eligible voters showed up, CCJ support was slightly less at 45 percent. This was the second time in the past two years that Grenada has put this issue to a vote, with the same result.

Stakeholders to take stock of region’s sustainable energy drive at CSEF in Belize
Energy experts in the Caribbean and beyond, policymakers and the private sector representative, are among officials heading to Belize next week for the sixth edition of the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum (CSEF). The Forum will be held in Placencia, November 18-21, under the theme ‘Clean Energy, Good Governance & Regulations.’ The CSEF VI is being co-hosted by the CARICOM Secretariat and the Government of Belize, in partnership with the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) and the Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR). The Forum is one of the premier events that is being held during CARICOM Energy Month. A CARICOM biennial event, CSEF provides the opportunity for key stakeholders to take stock of the current state and realign their outlook on the pursuit of a sustainable energy pathway within the Region.

Videos

November 13, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Belmopan Bandits fall 1-0 to San Pedro Pirates
In the 13th week of the 2018-2019 regular Season of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB), the San Pedro Pirates claimed victory over current champions Belmopan Bandits on Saturday, November 10th. With their 1-0 score victory, puts the Pirates are now in second place the tournament standings, with 19 points total. For their last match of the regular season of the PLB, the San Pedro Pirates will be playing a home match against Wagiya F.C on Saturday, November 24th. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30PM at the Ambergris Stadium. All islanders are invited to come out and support the island team.

IX Meeting of the Belize-Mexico Mixed Commission on Technical and Scientific Cooperation
Delegations from the Governments of Belize and Mexico met on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, for the IX Meeting of the Belize-Mexico Mixed Commission on Technical and Scientific Cooperation. The Meeting was held within the framework of the Basic Agreement for Technical and Scientific Cooperation between Mexico and Belize signed in Mexico City on November 23, 1995. The Meeting evaluated the results of the VIII Scientific and Technical Mixed Commission program from 2014 in which there was a 50% completion rate of implementation. It also approved a subsequent work program for the next two years consisting of 10 activities under the three pillars of Agriculture, Geography and Economy.

Belize Enters Agreement with the Human Trafficking Institute to Enhance the Capacity of Belize’s Specialized Human Trafficking Unit
On Thursday, October 25, 2018, The Belize Police Department and the Human Trafficking Institute entered into an agreement to partner in building the capacity of Belize’s Specialized Human Trafficking Unit that was formed earlier this year. This agreement was signed by the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie, in Washington, D.C. Upon signing the agreement, Commissioner Whylie said. “I am very pleased to be here to sign this memorandum of understanding, which will see the resources and the assets of the Human Trafficking Institute and the Belize Police Department working together in terms of improving our efforts on the issue of slavery and human trafficking.”

Ambergris Today

Belize To Enhance Capacity Of Human Trafficking Unit
The agreement provides for office space for members of the specialized unit, as well as staff of the Institute, who will provide ongoing technical investigative assistance in trafficking in persons (TIP) cases. The space will also serve as a secure and private location for interviewing TIP victims and witnesses, collecting evidence, and planning operations. In addition, the agreement helps ensure the specialized unit has the essential tools and resources it needs to carry out proactive human trafficking investigations, including a designated vehicle to aid the specialized unit in its care for TIP victims and investigation and prosecution of TIP cases.

American Retiree Found Dead On North Ambergris Caye
On Thursday, November 8, 2018, at about 10:28 p.m., San Pedro Police visited Sapphire Beach Resort, approximately 10 miles north of San Pedro Town. Upon arrival, police found the motionless body of, Larry Alan Pfrifer, 60-year-old, retired American lying face up on a sofa in the living room. Police also observed blood coming out from his nose and mouth. Initial investigations revealed that at 9:45 p.m., on Thursday, a security officer was conducting his routine patrol around the compound of the resort when he discovered the deceased lying in the sofa motionless. No signs of violence were observed on the body. The body was transported to Belize City awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Misc Belizean Sources

Dance and Reggae Wrap 13th Belize Int’l Film Fest
Mexican films and shorts dominated the winners of the 13th Belize Intl. Film Festival on Sunday in a brisk closing ceremony punctuated by pulsing reggae music performances by the likes of Ras Indio & Boss Lady, Ernestine Carballo and Jah Art. The event was broadcast live on local television station, Channel 5. “Guerrero,” Ludovic Bonleux’s harrowing documentary about the disappearance of 43 students and the protests that paralyzed the Mexican state, won best film in the festival’s Collective Memories section. “You wouldn’t know it, but it’s a feel-good musical,” quipped juror Dan Mirvish, co-founder of Slamdance, who presented the award.

New Ambassador of Republic of China (Taiwan) Presents Credentials to the Governor General of Belize
H. E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen presented his Letters of Credence as the new ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to H.E. Sir Colville Young, Governor General of Belize. The Ambassador conveyed his country’s greetings and well-wishes to the Governor General and people of Belize. He expressed on behalf of his country their gratitude for the invaluable support and friendship shown by Belize to Taiwan on international issues. The Ambassador said that it is the hope of his government to continue to enhance ties of cooperation and goodwill with Belize. The Governor General graciously received the credentials of H.E. Chen and expressed his hope for continued cooperation and a strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Belize Enters Agreement with the Human Trafficking Institute to Enhance the Capacity of Belize’s Specialized Human Trafficking Unit
This four-year agreement outlines a shared financing structure between the Belize Police Department and the Institute for the office space and designated vehicle. The Belize Police Department and the Institute will share the costs of the vehicle throughout the four years of the agreement; the Police will assume increasing responsibility for funding the costs of the office space. The signing of this agreement signifies the commitment of the Belize Police Department and the Government of Belize in the fight against the scourge of trafficking in persons.

Mar's Caribbean Gardens Restaurant in Corozal Grand Opening November 16th
New Corozal location.

Belize Diabetes Association Corozal fundraiser
Participate or sponsor as our town, villages, schools, organizations, businesses and individuals walk on November 14, 2018 to give Diabetes a voice in Corozal. It is not just a fundraiser, it is a day of awareness for our loved ones. You can now start placing your Tee Shirt orders with the winning design by ESTM student Angel Gutierrez with this years' World Diabetes Day theme "The Family and Diabetes". All sizes S,M.L.XL. XXL also available. Stop by the office, email, text, call, or leave a message if no answer at 624-4476.

Children’s Week in San Pedro
Children’s week is celebrated from the 18th to 24th of November The international theme this year is “2018 - children are taking over and turning the world blue.” If you are live a community member of Ambergris Caye, you are good reader, have time and love children, we need your help. We want you to read a story for our pre-school students on Children’s Day!

Water outage in Dangriga Wednesday
Belize Water Services informs its customers in parts of Dangriga that there will be an interruption in the water supply Wednesday, November 14, 2018, starting at 1:00pm. The areas to be affected are 1st New Site, 2nd New Site, and Monument Site. This interruption is necessary for the installation of a new water main. Due to the upgrade, customers may experience low water pressure and/or discoloration when water is restored. Residents of these or nearby areas are advised that water supply should return to normal by 6:00pm.

The Cebada Caves Cordoned off
The Cebada Caves are known to be the third set of caves in the Chiquibul Cave System. Karst Management Unit staff have cordoned the area to prevent any impacts inside the Cave.

K'inich Ahua
K'inich Ahua also known as K'in Ahua is the representation of the Sun . In Yucatec Maya K'inich Ahua can be translated to "Lord of the sun" .

Monthly Weather Summary, October 2018
Monthly weather summaries are prepared by the climate section of the National Meteorological Service of Belize. The NMS of Belize maintains a network of over 25 weather stations that are situated primarily in the agricultural regions of the country. Temperature and rainfall are read at 9 am each morning and the rainfall total read at this time represents the accumulated rainfall for the previous day. October is typically the wettest month for the country of Belize. Systems that usually affect the country during this month include tropical waves and Tropical Upper Tropospheric Troughs (TUTTs). On occasions a tropical cyclone may affect the country during October. Cold fronts often affect the country during this month as well.

"The Ultimate Belize Bucket List" by Larry Waight
The Ultimate Belize Bucket List - The New Travel "Bible" for Belize: Until a decade ago, there were very few international flights into Belize, and much of the country was a remote wilderness only visited by the most intrepid travelers. Today, a lot has changed, and Belize has risen to become the fastest-growing vacation destination in Central America visited by British royalty and Hollywood celebrities. In response to this growing surge in tourism, lifelong Belize resident and travel professional Larry Waight has just published The Ultimate Belize Bucket List. Containing over 100 tips from a true insider, The Ultimate Belize Bucket List serves as an all-in-one "travel bible" for anyone considering visiting the country. Unlike other guidebooks that are written by authors who visit Belize for a couple of days every few years, The Ultimate Belize Bucket List is authored by a man who was born and raised in Belize with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry.

Belmopan City Council Statement on Public Service Union Headquarters
The Belmopan City Council (BCC) takes this opportunity to clarify statements made by the Belize Public Service Union (PSU) as it relates to their headquarters in Belmopan. The building used for the PSU headquarters is situated on Parcel No. 6061 owned by the BCC and was first leased to the PSU in 2001 for a term of 20 years at the rate of $500 per month. Subsequent to the signing of that agreement, a new lease was signed in 2003 for a term of 20 years with a monthly rental in the amount of $500 with an option to purchase upon completion of the contract. All payments made over the course of the lease would then be applied to the purchase of the property if the Union chose to exercise their option to purchase.

Road repair in San Pedro
The San Pedro Town Council is currently conducting repairs on a section of the road on Coconut Drive, directly in front of Carlo & Ernies Runway Bar. We apologize for the inconvenience that this my cause. We kindly ask to take this matter into consideration on your daily commute. Also, you are welcome to use the west road from San Pedrito leading to the San Pablo area.

Delivering wheelchairs w/Kenny & Alfred
While other members of the Club worked on prepping for the Governor's dinner these three Rotarians, Kenny Vanjani, Julio C. Dominguez and Alfred Hambsch drove from village to village delivering wheelchairs to local men, women, and children that would not be mobile without the chair. This service to our community is one that warms the heart and makes all we do worthwhile.

Changes in the ecosystem of lagoon between Progresso and Chunox Villages
I wish to raise some attention of the environmentalists and conservationists into this operation. For years I have been flying back and forth between Corozal and Ambergris Caye. This is the first time that I am noticing that something really unusual is happening to this inland lagoon system. Vegetation around has change, the color of what once was a beautiful lagoon has change to a milky color and I see that parts of lagoon is beginning to dry up. Can the dredging, land reclamation that is happening next to it a possible cause? If so, who is monitoring this operation and who is documenting the notable changes in the ecosystem of this lagoon? It is one of the lagoons between Progresso and Chunox Villages and can be found on the Pueblo Nuevo Ferry - Progresso Village road.

Contingency Planning Workshop for Small Accommodations | Caye Caulker Accommodations only

National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) Congratulates Miss East Indian Culture Belize 2018, Iriana Leiva, on her Achievement at the Miss Divali Nagar Queen Pageant in Trinidad & Tobago
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) takes this opportunity to congratulate Ms. Iriana Leiva on her accomplishment of placing as 2nd Runner Up and winning Best Hair Style at the Miss Divali Nagar Queen Pageant in Trinidad & Tobago. We also congratulate the Corozal Organization of East Indian Cultural Heritage (COEICH) on the wonderful showcase of culture and pageantry that was displayed during the Miss East Indian Cultural Pageant 2018 held earlier this year. Ms. Leiva displayed the knowledge, talent and abilities which earned her this year’s crown and the right to represent Belize in the Multinational Miss Divali Queen Pageant. As a part of her responsibilities as Miss East Indian Culture Belize, she travelled to Trinidad and Tobago to represent Belize in the “Divali Nagar Queen Pageant”.

Channel 7

Teachers Union and Educ. Minister Meet
Last week Wednesday, we took you to Belmopan where 1300 teachers and supporters demonstrated. They were flexing to show the Government and the Ministry of Education that they were serious about their concerns, such as teacher hardship allowances, Proposal 22, and commuting allowance for teachers. On that same day, the Deputy Prime Minister announced that he was willing to meet with the union's leadership to start de-escalating tensions. The BNTU said on the following day that they would take him up on his offer, and they met this afternoon at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. Those closed door talks lasted for several hours, and when they exited, the two sides were measured and careful in their comments, a distinction from the hardline they were taking just days earlier.

Sinister Criminal Forces Moving on Coastal
Two weeks ago police made a bust of a thousand pounds of cocaine on a runway off the Coastal Road. It was waiting to be transferred - most likely to an aircraft that circled but never landed. So, the Coastal Road and its environs are known to be used by drug traffickers. And that was reinforced yesterday at midday when a two man police patrol came upon a small army of outlaws. They were northbound from Dangriga. The Head of National crimes Investigation told the media what happened next:...

Big Fuss Over Sarteneja Plane, Nothing Illicit Proven
And while police can't say if that group was getting ready for a plane to land, the fact is, all of Belize is on the lookout for narco-planes. That may be why some alarm was raised this weekend when a Cessna 150 was spotted in the seaside village of Sarteneja, Corozal. The single engine aircraft was around for 6 hours, but police could not make an intercept. Assistant Commissioner Myvett explained:

Man Run Over While Trying To Cross Road
A man was killed in a road accident in Belize City today. 56 year old cab driver, Arturo Orlando Requena was knocked down as he tried to cross the Phillip Goldson highway. It happened within City limits, right between the Matalon Building and Easy Inn. Police explained that he was trying to get the attention of a relative who he had dropped at Easy Inn:... ASP Alejandro Cowo- OC, CIB: "Sometime after 11 in the morning police visited 2.5 miles on the Phillip Goldson Highway, almost in front of Easy Inn Hotel, where they observed a male person lying on the ground with severe injuries to the body. The male person was transported to the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital where he died shortly afterwards. He was identified as Mr. Arturo Orlando Requena, a 56 year old taxi driver..."

B-Ball Player Still Unconscious After Accident
And, tonight there are prayers for a well-known basketball player who crashed early on Friday morning. Police say Raul Roches is unconscious after ramming into a wall on his motorbike. ACP Myvett told us more:.. ACP Joseph Myvette- Head of NCIB: "On Friday San Ignacio police responded to information of a traffic accident sometime around 2:40 am where they saw a dark skinned male person on a motorcycle in an unconscious state on the ground. Initial investigations revealed that one Raul Roches of Ontario Village was travelling East, across the Hawksworth bridge, when he seemingly lost control of the motorbike and crashed into the wall of the highway superstore that was on the other side of the bridge, causing him to go unconscious..."

Belmopan Citco Sells PSU Land, PSU Says It Shall Not Be Moved
Tonight, the PSU's long standing hilltop headquarters in Belmopan is no longer theirs. The City council sold the land to a company called Simplex Design Limited. I went to their press conference today to find out how it got to this point and what the PSU is prepared to do get back their land. Here is that story. It's not much to look at - just an old, ramshackle building, but to the Public Service Union members It's their treasured hilltop home and it has been so for almost 20 years. It's home to the Belmopan Sports Council as well, they just recently expanded their storage area. But all that changed in early October when the City Council sold the hilltop property for $400,000 to a newly registered company Simplex Design LTD. The owner of the company is Corozal resident Xin Ni.

Two Men Shot In Gas Station Robbery
There was a robbery, followed by an abduction and a shooting yesterday morning at CD's Gas Station on the Burrell Boom road. Police told us today that 42 year old security guard Andres Gomez and an 18 year old neighbor were held up by 3 armed, masked men. ASP Cowo told us more: ASP Alejandro Cowo- OC CIB: "Just after passing the Burrell Boom Bridge, police arrived and observed a blue in colour four door car on the road side. At about 10 ft. away from the car a male person came out from the bushes. Police observed him as having bruises to the face and also two apparent gunshot wounds on both feet. Also, at about 100 ft. away from the vehicle police managed to find a next person by the name of Dennis Bartley who was suffering from 3 apparent gunshot wounds; one to the stomach, one to the right leg and one to the left hand..."

Atlantic International Rejects FTC Finding, Says No Wrongdoing
Atlantic International Bank says it did nothing wrong. The Offshore Bank has been named in a civil compliant from the Federal Trade Commission in the United States. Last week, the FTC asked a Federal District Court to shut down a real estate scam called Sanctuary Belize. The FTC says Atlantic International, assisted and facilitated in the Telemarketing Sales Rules violations (for Sanctuary Belize)…and that the offshore bank knew, or reasonably should have known, that its acts in furtherance of its unlawful coordination with Sanctuary Belize… substantially affect the United States."

Arizona Woman Sues Sanctuary Belize
And today a local attorney took a suit against Sanctuary Belize to the Supreme Court of Belize. Steve Perrera is suing Sanctuary's related company the Sitee River Wildlife Preserve on behalf of a client from Arizona. Coleen Strom says she invested fifty thousand dollars in Sanctuary and got scammed. Perrera told us why they were in court today: Steve Perrera - Attorney for Land Scam Victims: "It's a claim for the return of funds that she has paid to developers in the development commonly referred to as the Belize reserve which is owned by Sittee River wildlife reserve. Today what has transpired is that the matter was adjourned to give the defendants an opportunity and time to provide us with information as to what's occurring on the larger scale in the US and what's the situation on the ground with respect to the development."

Lawyers Could Suffer in AIB Account Freeze
And while that is the story of just one Sanctuary Belize investor - there are as many as three thousand others who have invested much more money. Perrera also sued on behalf of another client last year. His client won - but has not gotten paid and has had to go to court to seek enforcement. And while that is only a small part of the fallout from Sanctuary Belize - another is that the US accounts of Atlantic International Bank have been frozen. Perrera says that could affect local attorneys who use AIBL for escrow accounts:..

A Fierce Fight in Freetown
Last week all the political buzz was about the UDP convention in Port Loyola. This week's Freetown convention was much more understated - but there was still a lot at stake. 7News was there and we kept the political pulse through the course of the day into night:.. Its convention season for the UDP and the flag was hoisted high at the ITVET on Sunday. The mood was much more relaxed than the previous weekend's Port Loyola convention. We didn't see any lines to vote. Dr. Carla Barnett was appeared to be in a hectic work-mode. Freddy Cantiliano was hustling votes at the gate and even running them down. While OJ Elrington was mugging for photos with supporters. A sharp contrast and a luxury likely afforded because Lee Mark Chang was pounding the pavement for him. Along with the Deputy Prime Minister was also visibly working: Both candidates had strong visibility of supporters on the ground - but numerically, Elrington had more people in his shirts:

Can Carla Survive In Senate?
So now that Dr. Barnett says she will not offer herself for political office again, will she be pushed out of the senate? That upper house is often seen as grooming for upcoming politicians, a stage for them to sharpen their public profile. We asked Faber if he will push for OJ Elrington to take her seat:

Choice Bank Sues Central Bank
The news in the past few days has been all about Atlantic International Bank. But, in June it was about another international Bank. Choice Bank had its license revoked by the Central Bank - and a receiver was also appointed. Now, choice is suing the Central Bank. The case management was held today before justice Courtney Abel in the Supreme Court. Their attorney Eamon Courtenay told us what came out of this preliminary hearing:.. Eamon Courtenay- Choice Bank Attorney: "This was the Choice Bank claim against the Government of Belize and the Central Bank, in which the Central Bank applied to stay the proceedings, because they've said that we had appealed to the Appeal Board and that we should await the outcome of the Appeal Board's decision..."

COMPOL Turns To US For Help with Human Traffic
Belize continues to try to get out of that "Tier 3" human trafficking status. Last week, Police Commissioner Allen Whylie was in Washington DC, where he signed an agreement for the Belize Police Department and the Human Trafficking Institute. The Institute will train the officers who make up the department's Specialized Human Trafficking Unit, which was formed earlier this year. A press release from the Government says that the agreement provides for office space for this specialized unit, and the staff of the Human Trafficking Institute, which will provide ongoing, technical investigative assistance in trafficking in persons cases.

Taiwan Has New Ambassador
Belize has a New Taiwanese Ambassador. He's Remus Li-Kuo Chen, and he will succeed the former ambassador, Charles Liu, whose term in Belize ended rather abruptly last month. The new ambassador presented his credentials to Governor General Sir Colville Young. At the ceremony, he discussed his country's gratitude to Belize for its support and friendship on international issues, and he added that his government hopes to continue to enhance ties of cooperation and goodwill with Belize.

BTB By Boat with Senators
The Belize Territorial Volunteers has recently been acting as chaperones to persons interested in taking trips to Belize's southernmost borders, especially through the disputed Sarstoon River, which the Guatemalan Armed Forces have been enforcing control over. Yesterday, the border activist organization took a contingent of Belizeans, including Senators Osmany Salas and Mark Lizarraga to the border marker known as Gracias A Dios via the Sarstoon River. The BTV reports that the BDF stationed at the Forward Operating Base at the mouth of the river was very kind and welcoming, but that friendly greeting was not forthcoming from the Guatemalan military, right across the river on the Guatemalan side.

Another Traffic Fatality
At the top of the news we told you about a 56 year old who was knocked down and killed in Belize City. Well, this evening at 6:20, there was another traffic fatality - but this one in the Toledo District. A man was knocked down and died on the spot near San Marcus village, which is close to Punta Gorda. We'll have more on this tomorrow.

Channel 5

P.S.U. Headquarters is Sold Off to Asian Businessman by Belmopan CitCo
The Public Service Union is confirming that its headquarters and land in Belmopan have been secretly sold off on the cheap and the union is not taking it quietly. The [...]

Cooler Heads Prevail! B.N.T.U. and Minister of Education Meet
The Belize National Teachers Union, five days after marching on Belmopan in protest of the Ministry of Education, has met with Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber and cooler heads seem [...]

Will Teachers’ Pay Get Docked After Demonstration?
Will protesting teachers be docked a day’s pay for last Wednesday’s demonstration?  Senator Elena Smith told the media that it is their hope that the respective managements will not deduct [...]

Patrick Faber Points Finger at Media for Ministry/B.N.T.U. Miscommunication
Interestingly, the Minister of Education blamed the media for, (Quote) “stirring the mud between the union and government.” (Unquote)  Faber also says that the meeting was amicable and cordial.  Both [...]

American National Sues over “Sanctuary Belize” Multimillion-Dollar Scam
On November eighth, the Federal Trade Commission revealed that a multimillion-dollar real estate scam had been operating in Belize for fifteen years. The scam was swiftly shutdown by the F.T.C., [...]

Scammed Investors Won Case against Sittee River Wildlife Reserve
The case brought against Sittee River Wildlife Reserve by Colleen Strom over the Sanctuary Bay scam was not the first and might certainly not be the last. Previous to Strom’s [...]

Central Bank of Belize Looking Into the Scam
The U.S. indictment named several persons and companies as it relates to a civil complaint lodged against Sanctuary Belize, Andris Pukke and other associates including Atlantic International Bank Limited.  It’s [...]

OJ Elrington Secures U.D.P. Nomination in Freetown Division
The ITVET compound on Freetown Road in Belize City was the venue for yet another round of convention under the U.D.P. banner.   Three candidates Fredy Cantillano, Doctor Carla Barnett and [...]

Francis Fonseca Posts about U.D.P. Convention in Freetown
Since 2003, Francis Fonseca has been the undefeated area representative for Freetown Division, winning that division even at a time when the People’s United Party was unpopular. Fonseca posted a [...]

Dr. Carla Barnett Quitting Politics after Sunday’s Defeat
According to Doctor Carla Barnett, the results of Sunday’s convention mark the end of her political path. While she is leaving politics, Barnett hopes that other women would run for [...]

What’s Dr. Barnett’s Future within the U.D.P.?
Barnett first entered politics in 2015 when she was endorsed as the U.D.P. candidate for Freetown, but she was bested by Francis Fonseca in the last General Elections.  Barnett was [...]

U.D.P. and P.U.P. Hold Simultaneous Conventions in Separate Divisions
In other political news….the U.D.P. also held a convention in the Stann Creek West Division. Labour Commissioner Ivan Williams emerged victorious with one thousand two hundred and twelve votes. He [...]

Choice Bank’s Lawsuit against G.O.B. Moves Forward in Court
Earlier this year, Choice Bank Limited launched a lawsuit against the Minister of Finance as the first defendant, Central Bank, and the Attorney General as the second and third defendant. [...]

High-Powered Rifle and Ammo Seized; Police Looking for 1 Suspect
Did police foil yet another drug operation on the Coastal Road? Over the weekend, police spotted and pursued a number of persons traveling in a SUV near White Ridge on [...]

A Suspected Drug Plane or a Legit Aircraft in Sarteneja?
At today’s press briefing, police say they can’t say if a plane flying up north was involved in any illicit activity because there is no evidence to support that.  The [...]

Taxi Operator Perishes in RTA
There was a fatal road traffic accident in the city today. Fifty-six-year-old taxi operator, Arthur Requeña was knocked down on the Philip Goldson Highway in front of the Easy Inn [...]

Thieves Hit Cayo Primary School Six Times in One Year
St. Matthew’s Government School in the Cayo District has been preyed upon by thieves more times this year than it has ever been since opening its doors to the children [...]

Armed Burglars Strike CDS Gas Again
Armed, masked burglars hit C.D.S. Gas twice in one month and police blame a ring of thieves targeting the Ladyville and surrounding villages. The gas station on Burrell Boom road [...]

No Response from 9-1-1 Line for CDS Gas Burglary Call
Owner of the C.D.S. Gas, Stephen Bisset, says he also believes the robbers are the same ones who robbed the gas station a month ago. Bisset, who is out of [...]

18 Year Old Charged for Pen Road Shooting
An eighteen-year-old Belize City resident has been arrested and charged for the attempt made on the life of Damien Leslie, which occurred last Wednesday on Neal Pen Road in Belize [...]

Gillnets Confiscated from within the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve
Over the weekend, five gillnets were removed from the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, located some twenty miles off the coast of Belize.  Recently, a report circulated that illegal gillnets were [...]

More Enforcement Needed to Address Gillnets in Belizean Waters
The use of gillnets have been a perennial issue and Cabinet has formed a task force with relevant partners to address the sustainability of fishing practices in Belize and the [...]

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

LOVE FM

Traffic accident leaves man unconscious
A traffic incident on the Hawksworth Bridge in San Ignacio Town, Cayo District has left one person in an unconscious state. The media learnt more about this incident at today’s press brief. ACP Joseph Myvette: “Initial Investigation revealed that one Rowell Roches of Ontario Village was traveling eastbound across the Hawksworth bridge when he seemingly …

“To Southside with Love”
Earlier this year, the ongoing crime on the southside of Belize City led the Government of Belize to declare a Public State of Emergency for two areas. Last Saturday, there was a different type of intervention to address the crime situation this time it came from the church. The Belmopan Nazarene Church partnered with the …

Women’s Empowerment Training
A Women’s Empowerment and Leadership Session was held this morning at the Belize City Council in commemoration of Global Entrepreneurship Week. The participants were able to hear inspiring speeches about how to make it in business. Love News stopped by and spoke with Councillor Javier Castellanos, with responsibility for Economic Development, Small Business, Trade and …

MOE Allegedly Committed to working with Union
A few minutes later, Minister of Education Patrick Faber spoke to the media. He seemed to have put some of the blame on the media for the bruised relationship with the BNTU. Blame aside, Faber says the ministry and the union have both committed to solving the issues. Minister of Education Patrick Faber: “The meetings …

Traffic accident sends man to the hospital
It was a year ago that four men died in two separate traffic incidents, which occurred on St. Margaret’s bridge. These incidents had spurred urgency in getting the bridge upgraded. Those upgrades, however, proved useless on Saturday night as it was the scene of another fatal incident. The media asked police officials for a report. …

BNTU cautiously optimistic about negotiations with Ministry of Education
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) and the Ministry of Education have made very little progress so far in ironing out their differences but following today’s meeting there just may be a positive way forward. Teams from both the BNTU and the Education Ministry, led by their leaders President Elena Smith and Minister of Education …

Another plane landed in the north
We have seen a good number of drug planes landed in Belize for this year. Unfortunately majority was only discovered long after its contents were removed. Recently, via a joint operation, authorities had managed to seize some drugs in the north and more recently a silver Toyota Prado was discovered with over four hundred kilos …

4 Families evicted and homes demolished in Ladyville
Several families were affected by the removal of their home and business structures in Ladyville Village, Belize District over the weekend. The over five make-shift wooden structures were placed there by squatters who had already been ordered by the court to relocate. Love News went looking for the details. Jose Sanchez: “70 year old Jose …

Light & Peace Foundation holds out hope to play semi-pro basketball
Over the past ten years, Light and Peace Foundation has been helping to mold and develop youths by keeping them positively engaged in basketball. They are now ready to take their game to the next level by having these youths play semi-pro basketball by joining the National Elite Basketball League. Love news spoke with Troy …

Police confiscated a vehicle and weapons on Coastal Road
Police were in hot pursuit of a vehicle and its passengers on the Coastal Road yesterday at around midday. It was another case of no one being arrested or charged but weapons were confiscated. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvett explained what transpired. ACP Joseph Myvett: “Police were conducting patrols on the Coastal Road and …

16 calls and no police response to robbery turned shooting incident
Long after closing hours, extreme violence was brought upon two men who were at the CDS Gas Station on the Boom Road. The gas station closes at 6 p.m. but at 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning, the watchman Andres Gomez was performing his duties on site. He was not alone, as a neighbor from a home at an adjacent property, Daniel Tillett was keeping him company.

Pen Cayetano Exhibit
All things Garifuna are celebrated in the month of November. However, it’s also the quality of this particularly Belizean artist that makes him stand out to the Embassy of Mexico. The embassy refers to Pen Cayetano as one of the quote “most representative artists of the last quarter of the century in Belize.”

The Reporter

POLICE INVESTIGATE ALLEGED ‘GANG OF THIEVES’ OPERATING FROM LADYVILLE
Police believe that a gang of thieves operating out of Ladyville has been carrying out all the robberies in the area, including the latest at CDS Gas located in Burrell Boom. In the process of robbing the station three men abducted the security guard and another man who was with him, took them in the guard’s vehicle down the road to where a getaway vehicle waited, and shot both men where they sat to the rear of the vehicle.

P.S.U CALLS EMERGENCY MEETING, TRYING TO REVERSE SALE OF HQ
The executives and members of the Public Service Union are up in arms today as they received confirmation that the Belmopan City Council sold their headquarters to a chineese owned company. The Public Service Union of Belize called an emergency meeting today in which it condemned the sale of its Hilltop headquarters by the Belmopan City Council. The Council transferred the property to Simplex Design Company Limited on October 10th for the sum of $400,000.

EXECUTIONS SAVES LIVES
By: Nefretery Marin. Our once peaceful paradise has now become the country with the world’s highest murder rate per capita. The types of gruesome, cold murders and the frequency are only becoming worse. This while Belize is currently one of the few countries to still have the death penalty, by hanging, in our Constitution. While no executions have been carried out since 1985, Belize continues to support capital punishment. Belize has voted against all four U.N. General Assembly resolutions for a global moratorium on executions, most recently in 2012.

SEVERAL ARMED MEN ESCAPE FROM POLICE AFTER HIGH SPEED CHASE
Police are reporting that six heavily armed men escaped detention yesterday after a high speed chase on the Coastal Road. Acting on information received of armed men on the Coastal Road, at around midday Sunday Dangriga Police responded and saw a dark tinted blue Ford Explorer which sped off.

ANOTHER SUSPECTED DRUG PLANE LANDED IN SARTENEJA AREA
Police are investigating another plane landing in Sarteneja today. Sources say that the plane landed at the airstrip in Sarteneja this morning and by the time Police and BDF responded it had already departed. No information has been released officially, but we’ll keep following this story in an attempt to get official confirmation.

Orson ‘Oj’ Elrington WINS AT UDP FREETOWN CONVENTION
The media spoke to Orson ‘Oj’ Elrington following the announcement that he had been victorious. Elrington received 630 votes, while Barnett got 470 votes and Cantillano got 53 votes.

Breaking Belize News

Belmopan City Council responds to PSU statement
This evening, the Belmopan City Council (BCC) issued a release to clarify the statements made by […]

PUP condemns sale of PSU land in Belmopan
The People’s United Party (PUP) issued a release this afternoon stating that it condemns the actions […]

Francis Fonseca congratulates Orson Elrington on convention victory
This morning, Freetown area representative, Francis Fonseca extended congratulations to the newly elected United Democratic […]

Belize welcomes new Ambassador of Republic of China (Taiwan)
Today, H. E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen presented his Letters of Credence as the new ambassador of […]

Another accused murderer gets bail
Accused murderer, Jorge Vidal, 37, was granted bail on Friday before Justice Collin Williams in the […]

Belize enters agreement with the Human Trafficking Institute to enhance Specialized Human Trafficking Unit
On Thursday, October 25, the Belize Police department and the Human Trafficking Institute entered into an agreement […]

PSU calls out Belmopan City Council for “dishonorable act”
The Public Service Union (PSU) today fired off a statement announcing that it would hold a […]

High powered rifle and ammo found in vehicle; occupants escaped
Around midday yesterday, police received information about a vehicle on the coastal road with heavily armed […]

Blogs

Labour: To Build A Maya Empire Part 1
People from all over the world visit the Maya area. Many come to Belize, Central America and they witness amazing when they enter the jungle and come face to face with history. Most noteworthy in these cities we find, temples, palaces, ball courts, intra-city roads, altars, stelae, barrios, and plaza groups. All built by the greatest ancient civilisation in the America’s. As we walk around these ancient cities, the likes of, Cahal Pech, Xunantunich and Altun Ha, its important to realise the human investment in these cities. After all, these infrastructural projects were not built by UFO’s. They did not just grow out of the earth by wish – they were built by hands. Built without the use of beasts of burden and managed with the power of religion, political management and in instances, by force.

A STRANGE RELIGION AND THE ANCIENT MAYA
Before there was man, there came light into the universe. Explosive, bright, unending light. It triggered the earth to bubble over and in many cases collapse, expand and recreate itself. We live in one of those recreated space and time of the existence of the very universe today. Time, that mystical, untouchable thing seems to lead all our human lives and it pulls, pushes and prods us into doing. Most of us obey. Some refuse to be led by the unseen. In early Europe, Asia, Africa, India, and the Mediterranean area, there were gods. There were gods everywhere. There were gods for many things we can imagine or tangibly see in our daily lives. A god for rain, sunlight, moon, agriculture, wind, love and all the great blessings and terrors man has witnessed. Then something happened in early Europe. Thought. There was a time when in early Europe gods were everywhere. Then thought came into “style”. Not that men were not thinking everywhere in the world, or in Europe, but Europe affected the America’s dramatically and tragically throughout history after 1492.

Tips for Solo Travellers Visiting Belize
Whether you’re a seasoned pro at solo traveling or are heading out into the world for the first time by yourself, one of the best places to visit is Belize. Many solo visitors like to visit Belize outside of the major holidays like Christmas and Easter. If you come during the “off season,” you can save on lodgings, and airfare is often cheaper as well. Some of the best months to visit when it’s less crowded are January, February, and after Easter. And don’t worry about meeting people or making friends! Belize is world-famous for its friendly locals. Belize is still far enough off the beaten path that it feels like a small town. And with everyone speaking English, you’ll never have any problems striking up a conversation. If you’re flying into Belize, you’ll land at the Philip Goldson Airport. It’s sometimes called the Belize City Airport, but it’s actually located about nine miles north of Belize City in a village called Ladyville.

How to Travel to Belize on a Budget
Belize is an amazing and exotic getaway destination, but the good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to travel to Belize. If you’ve been interested in visiting Belize but were worried about affordability, we’ve provided this handy guide for exploring this astonishingly beautiful country on a limited budget. If you skip expensive imported food like Oreo cookies or fancy restaurants, you can eat very well on a limited budget in Belize. Belize has a thriving roadside food culture where you can easily fill up for $5 or less on local favorites like fry jacks (a kind of puff pastry), rice and beans, tamales, tacos, and Caribbean-style chicken. There are also lots of mom and pop restaurants serving up delicious helpings of fresh-caught seafood and other savory treats.

Garifuna Music Showcased at Belize’s “Battle of the Drums”
This year, the Battle of the Drums will be held on the weekend of November 17-18, 2018. Troupes from around Belize as well as nearby Guatemala and Honduras will compete in five different genres of Garifuna drumming. Garifuna drumming is a traditional music style that blends traditional African instruments with indigenous Caribbean rhythms. Garifuna music is generally very high-energy and involves the tremendously skilled playing of handmade drums forged from local hardwoods and covered in animal skins. The Garifuna have been drumming for hundreds of years, and drumming is an integral part of their culture. The Battle of the Drums festival begins at 7:30 p.m. and will last all through the night as sweaty troupes of exhausted drummers are slowly winnowed down until the winners are declared. And for spectators who want even more, the Belize Garifuna Musical Festival will begin on November 18, 2018, at 6:00 a.m. immediately after the Battle of the Drums has concluded. The Garifuna Music festival will showcase a wide variety of modern Garifuna musical styles, including punta rock, punta, gunjei, paranda, and hungu hungu.

Cahal Pech Maya Ruins – What You Need to Know Before You Visit
Located just across from the modern-day town of San Ignacio in western Belize, Cahal Pech is one of Belize’s most unusual ancient Maya sites. The name “Cahal Pech” means “Place of the Ticks” in the local Maya dialect, but the original name for the site is unknown. Local Maya herders nicknamed the site Cahal Pech in the 1950s because much of the surrounding area was used for pasture. Cahal Pech sits high above a bluff that overlooks San Ignacio Town and the Macal River, and the panoramic view from the site is one of the finest in the country. It is believed that Cahal Pech is one of the oldest Maya sites in the region, first built more than 3,200 years ago.

Hiking in Belize – Great For Your Heart, Mind, and Body
Belize is just a short flight away from North America, but its exotic wildlife, unparalleled natural beauty, and thriving eco-system make it truly a world away. In Belize, the sound of birds and the perfume in the air from hundreds of flowering plant species are far more common than the hustle and bustle of modern life in the United States and Canada. That’s why Belize is one of the best places in the world to unplug, relax, and unwind. Although it may not sound glamorous, one of the most popular activities in Belize is hiking through the jungle. Far from any wireless internet signal, shopping mall, or noisy highway, the jungles are, instead, an oasis of natural beauty, color, and tranquility. Everywhere you look, you’ll spot incredible examples of nature at its finest, ranging from elusive jaguars to tiny frogs and insect that make the jungle thrum with energy.

What Is the Climate Like in Belize?
If you had to describe the climate of Belize in one sentence, you could say that it’s very similar to South Florida. Officially, Belize is a sub-tropical country that enjoys warm weather year-round, gentle trade wind breezes, and a mean humidity of around 83%. Unlike North America, Belize only has two seasons, often referred to as the “dry” season and the “green” season. The “dry” season is also the “high” season for tourists, roughly corresponding to winter in North America but featuring long stretches of sunny days and delightfully warm temperatures. The “green” season is the “low” season, roughly corresponding to summer in North America but without any significant elevation in temperatures.

International Sources

Islands and cities including Haiti and Belize could be flooded by water from melting ice sheets even if global warming targets are met, experts say
Islands and cities could be flooded with water from melted ice sheets - even if global warming targets are met, experts say. Glaciers in both Antarctica and Greenland may still defrost despite dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from transport and industry. Previously, in the Paris Agreement, 195 UN member states agreed to limit the rise in global average temperature to less than 2°C (3.6°F) - ideally 1.5°C (2.7°F) - above pre-industrial levels. But a new review of computer models, including those from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), found warming above 1.5°C may still be 'catastrophic.'

Severe food insecurity plagues Latin America and the Caribbean
The Panorama of Food and Nutrition Security 2018, published last week, highlights the alarming rates of obesity and hunger across the wide spectrum of Caribbean and Latin American countries. The report, prepared jointly by the regional division of four UN agencies: FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation), the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Food Programme (WFP), highlights that, in Latin America, 8.4 percent of women live in severe food insecurity, compared to 6.9 percent of men, while indigenous populations generally suffer greater food insecurity than non-indigenous people. In ten countries, children from the poorest 20 percent of households suffer three times more stunting than the richest 20 percent.

Videos

November 12, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Wolfe’s Woofer: Close Call
“I wasn’t doing wrong,” Vernon said. “I was just talking to the girl, but Yolanda thought I was up to no good and gave me holy hell.” “That’s the way wives is,” Mario told him. “She’s gonna believe the worst anyway.” “Gentlemen,” Reverend Will said, “It is best to follow the advice of the Bible. In First Thessalonians it says, ‘Abstain from all appearances of evil.’” The members of the Nosenada Eight Ball and Darts club rolled their eyes at each other. We were having our Saturday morning breakfast at Señora Avila’s taco stand when Reverend Will invited himself to sit with us. The club members aren’t very religious, and we were hoping he would go away and preach somewhere else.

Doctor Love: Losing my Lunch
Dear Doctor Love, Each time we come back to the island my husband and I are invited to dinner at a friends’ house. She is a sweet person, but she keeps a horribly dirty house. The floors are literally sticky from ground-in food and spilled drinks. There are clothes lying around everywhere, smelly trash sits in bags on the floor, and once, I think I saw a dead mouse under the sink. The cats, about four of them, walk all over the counter and on top of the fridge and the litter box is never cleaned. My friend is getting offended because I always come up with a lame reason to be busy that night, but I am running out of excuses. In other words, I am not as sickly as I am making her believe.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belmopan Farmer's Market
The Farmers Market is at the open space right next to Blue Moon Restaurant every Friday morning from 7am to 1pm. Stallholders are all producers and small farmers selling a wide variety of produce and handicrafts. We do not have traders buying from Mexico and Guatemala which makes the farmers market different from the general market in Belmopan. Amongst the things you can find are artisan cheeses, baked goods, fresh meats, local wines, fruit and vegetables, wood carvings, fresh flowers and plants, and wonderful hot donuts. Come and see us next Friday.

Corozal Remembrance Day
Today various organizations along with the Corozal Town Council came together today on Rememberance Day to honor the Brave men and women who sacrificed their lives so we could live in a peaceful environment.

Corozal Christmas Bram 2018
Sunday, December 23, 2018 at 5 PM – 10 PM, Central Park, Corozal. Colcha presents Corozal's Signature Christmas Bram 2018! A great opportunity to come out and enjoy a fun family friendly evening. The event will feature local talents, dances, music and food to to fill your senses with joy and happiness! A feature of the event will be local black cake, rumpopo and the famous chicken foot ceviche tasting competition. See you there!

We received reports of a broad daylight airplane landing at the Sarteneja airstrip
Local police are seemingly investigating the unauthorized plane landing. It is reported that by the time Police and Belize Defence Force personnel arrived at the scene, the airplane had already taken off. There is no official release of this recent daylight plane landing.

Belize Diabetes Association Corozal "Family and Diabetes" Walkathon
Rain or shine, be part of our walk, Ernestine Carballo is giving a voice to diabetes on World Diabetes Day November 14 in Corozal. Be part of this global event. Belize Diabetes Association Corozal "Family and Diabetes" Walkathon. 1 pm Wednesday November 14th, 2018. World Diabetes Day. Starting and ending at Andres Campos Civic Center. For info 624-4476.

The Reporter

WEEKEND NEWS WIRE – WEEKEND NEWS WIRE
Aspirant for Freetown Dr. Carla Barnett says that opponent Orson ‘Oj’ Elrington may appear to have more people in his corner at the Convention, but that’s because her people are out working on the ground. Elrington is supported by Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, while Barnett is supported by Minister of National Security John Saldivar.

POLICE INVESTIGATE DEATH OF AMERICAN NATIONAL
San Pedro Police have launched an investigation into the death of American national Larry Alan Pfrifer, 60. Pfrifer was found dead with blood coming out of his mouth and nose inside a room at the Sapphire Resort located ten miles North of San Pedro town on November 8th. While Police say that no signs of violence was observed on the body, authorities have classified the incident as a “death investigation,” pending the result of a scheduled post-mortem examination.

Breaking Belize News

Ivan Williams wins UDP convention in Stann Creek West
Today the United Democratic Party (UDP) held its standard bearer convention for Stann Creek West. Ivan Williams was declared the winner with 1,212 votes. Maracario Augustine came in second place with 241 votes.

Suspected drug plane makes landing in Belize
Reports to BBN is that another suspected narco-trafficking plane was spotted in Northern Belize. This time the plane reportedly stopped on a clandestine airstrip in Sarteneja, Corozal. However, when police and military officials arrived at the scene, the plane had already left.

Alex Balona wins PUP convention in Cayo Central
A convention to elect a standard bearer to represent the People’s United Party (PUP) in Cayo Central for the next general elections was held today in Santa Elena Town. Vying for the position was former senator Collet Montejo and newcomer Alex Balona. After the ballots were counted, Balona emerged victorious.

OJ Elrington wins UDP convention in Freetown
Today the United Democratic Party held its standard-bearer convention in Freetown. When the final ballots were counted, Orson “Oj” Elrington, was declared the winner. He collected 630 votes. In second place was the former standard-bearer, Dr. Carla Barnett with 470 votes. Freddy Cantiliano collected 53 votes.

Fallen police officer laid to rest
Yesterday, the family of police officer and member of Squad 87, Osbourn Martinez and the Belize Police Department bid farewell to the fallen officer. A service of thanksgiving was held at Sacred Heart Church in Dangriga and then the state funeral went through the streets of Dangriga and to the cemetery for interment.

PUP Cayo Central convention underway in Santa Elena Town
The convention for the People’s United Party (PUP) to elect a standard bearer for the Cayo Central division is currently underway at the Santa Elena Primary School. Supporters of the PUP have been steadily entering the polls to vote. Former Senator, Collet Montejo, and San Antonio resident Alex Balona are contesting the convention.

2 Belizean Senators visit border monument
Belizean Senators, Osmany Salas, and Mark Lizarraga yesterday visited the Gracias a Dios border monument. The senators were accompanied by Wil Maheia of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV). This morning Maheia shared a video with the media that shows the group being escorted by the Belizean Law Enforcement Authorities as well as Guatemalan Armed Forces.

The Ultimate Belize Bucket List – The New Travel “Bible” for Belize
Until a decade ago, there were very few international flights into Belize, and much of the country was a remote wilderness only visited by the most intrepid travelers. Today, a lot has changed, and Belize has risen to become the fastest-growing vacation destination in Central America visited by British royalty and Hollywood celebrities. In response to this growing surge in tourism, lifelong Belize resident and travel professional Larry Waight has just published The Ultimate Belize Bucket List.

Blogs

My Favorite Property on Ambergris Caye is Open: Tuto Belize
Back in May I headed over to my neighbor’s property to take a few photos. My neighbor’s property is epic – an overused word but fitting for this spot on this ever growing island. 2000 feet of basically untouched beach front on North Ambergris Caye, 8 miles. Take a look at some of the photos and some of the history…I’ve been admiring Tuto ever since I moved next door. What makes it so special is that on all those acres of beautiful cleared land, there are coconut trees…and gardens. Oh…and some chickens. And until just recently just one larger but quite basic wooden house and a few more small structures. Until now. NOW you…we…can stay there in one of the four casitas that George Alamilla (medical salesman turned gentleman farmer) has JUST opened.

First Annual Belize Birding Festival
The 1st annual Belize Birding Festival was last weekend, and Belizing.com was there to get some pictures of the event. They have a nice article about the festival. "A recap of the first annual Belize Birding Festival. Bird watching is fast becoming a popular activity in Belize, for both visitors and locals alike. To date, over five hundred and eighty bird species have been recorded in the country. Although Belize is considered a small country, it is certainly blessed with big birding. Belizing.com was proud to be in attendance at the first ever Belize Birding Festival, held in Belmopan City on October 27, 2018."

Diabetes Wellness Fair
While the Diabetes ride was this weekend, the Diabetes Wellness Fair is Tuesday, and the Diabetes Walk is on Wednesday. The wellness fair will be at the Belmopan market, and the walk will be around the Ring Road.

International Sources

Caye Caulker, Belize: 5 reasons to visit the idyllic island
A jewel in the Caribbean Sea, Caye Caulker, Belize is the true definition of “island vibe.” Found in Ambergris Caye off the country’s east coast, the tranquil island is so tiny that you can walk around the whole thing in about an hour—barefoot, naturally. Surrounded by the spectacular Belize Barrier Reef which is the second longest in the world, it’s the perfect base for underwater adventures, such as snorkeling with sharks in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and scuba diving in the famous Great Blue Hole. Or simply sit back, relax and soak up the sunshine while being hypnotized by the idyllic surroundings. Here are some of the top things to do in Caye Caulker, and five reasons why you should go.

Videos

November 11, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Island’s biggest clean up campaign underway: Help still needed!
With only two days remaining in the San Pedro Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association’s (SP BTIA) big cleanup campaign, more help is needed. The campaign kicked off on Friday, November 9th with energetic volunteers and workers tackling the island’s uncontrolled garbage problem. Since then over 700 bags and 40 truck loads of garbage have been collected from primarily the San Pedrito and Boca del Rio Areas. The cleanup campaign continues on Sunday, November 11th and Monday, Novemver 12th. Island residents are urged to come out and support this cause to get the island clean. Only with the help of volunteers will this campaign be successful and Ambergris Caye return to being La Isla Bonita!

BNTU rallies, sends strike warning to Ministry of Education
Due to a series of increasingly contentious negotiations with the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) held a demonstration rally through the main streets of Belmopan City on Wednesday, November 7th. Those rallying are demanding the MOE provide hardship allowance for schools in remote communities and agree to Proposal 22, which speaks of the Ministry paying 100 % benefits to teachers and support staff of grant-aided secondary schools.

Misc Belizean Sources

Please do your part to clean La Isla Bonita!
This has been my view for the last two days while volunteering at the big BTIA four day garbage clean up on Ambergris Caye, Belize. Isla Bonita is not so Bonita at the moment, and it’s heartbreaking. What’s being loaded on the truck in the one video is just a portion of the stuff collected yesterday from one section of the road. I lost count of the water heaters, refrigerators, and other large household appliances that were picked up. We have two more days, and we still need volunteers.

Thank you Ramon’s Divers!
On behalf of the students and teachers of the both NRMP 1001 (Conservation of the reef) classes of the San Pedro Junior College (SPJC) we would like to say a big thank you to Ramon’s Divers for providing a free guided trip to Hol Chan Marine reserve on Saturday October 27th and Saturday November 3rd 2018. For the past 2 years Ramon’s Divers have been providing these trips to the students free of cost. These trips serve as an important component of the conservation of the reef course where students get to experience and understand the value and importance of conserving our marine ecosystems. /s/ Hol Chan Marine Reserve, SPJC and NRMP 1001 Students

RIP PC Osbourne Martinez
PC Osbourne Martinez was laid to rest today in Dangriga Town. Martinez was fatally shot earlier this month while he responded to an arm robbery at Belcove Hotel on Regent Street West in Belize City. Three persons have been arrested and charged for his murder.

RTA On The Hummingbird
Reports reaching our newsroom are that there was a road traffic accident earlier tonight on the Hummingbird Highway. We understand that two pickup trucks were involved in a head-on collision near the St. Margaret Bridge.

How pretty does the renovation of Red Ginger in Belize look?

SISE Town Council New Website
The SISE Town Council has a new website up. Find out more about the council, and information about Cayo on it.

SISE HoC Garifuna Celebration
The SISE House of Culture is celebrating Garifuna Settlement Day on Friday, November 16th. They'll have drumming, music, food, and fun. The celebration starts at 9:00am, and ends at 5:00pm. "SISEHOC NICH IN COLLABORATION WITH THE NATIONAL GARIFUNA COUNCIL INVITES ONE AND ALL TO SISEHOC ON THE 16TH OF NOVEMBER FROM 9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM.SEE YOU THERE!!!!!!"

THESE ARE A FEW SNAPS COMING IN, OF THE INFORMATION EVENT HELD TODAY IN SAN IGNACIO, TO ANSWER QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE ICJ and the GUATEMALA CLAIM OVER BELIZE
Interesting Youth Rally at the Welcome Centre in San Ignacio led by the Nancy Marin Youth Foundation. It was so good to hear both sides of the ICJ referendum- to go or not to go. The panel included Hon. Hector Silva, UB Prof.Cesar Ross, Mrs. Nancy Marin and Ms. Burgess. It was so wonderful to have seen young people getting involved in poetry, music and singing. There was also an open mike time for anyone to ask questions or give comments. I took some time to put in my comment was as well. I believe we need more of these kinds of open mike session and where both sides can be present to educate the public, respecting each other's opinions. I commend Prof Ross for his historical perspective. This is the beginning of a series of events that will be held in the days ahead. The PULSE FEELING at this session was a resounding NO to the ICJ. At the same time, I was told, that there was a Large House Party, on the outskirts of San Ignacio, where a Poll was taken, and again, there was a resounding NO vote to the ICJ was the result.

K'UK'ULKAN
K'uk'ulkan in Yucatec Maya means "Plumed Serpent" or "feathered Serpent" . Kukulkan represent life, motion, laughter, health, sexuality, and the arts and crafts of civilization, such as farming,music etc . Kukulkan is closely related to Q'uq'umatz of the K'iche' Maya and to Quetzalcoatl of the Aztecs. Little is known of the mythology of this pre-Columbian deity. Although heavily Mexicanised, Kukulkan has his origins among the Maya of the Classic Period, when he was known as Waxaklahun Ubah Kan the War Serpent, and he has been identified as the Postclassic version of the Vision Serpent of Classic Maya art. The return of K'uk'ulkan is mention several times in the Books Of Chilam Balam (The Sacred books of the Yucatec Maya) . Also the Books of Chilam Balam talks about the reaching of Kukulkan in human form in the Maya lands in the year 987 of our era .

South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch Meeting
Please join us this Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at Lone Star Grill for our next General Meeting! We will begin at 7:00 am at the Patrol Station. Bring a neighbor or a friend! See you there!

The Reporter

TO SOUTHSIDE WITH LOVE
Over 50 members from the Belmopan Nazarene Church mobilized today through the Rocky Road and George Street neighborhood in South-side Belize City in an effort to positively influence the community and gang members. The first episode of “To South-side with love” got under way this morning when church members, under the escort of police officers descended on the respective neighborhoods and into homes giving away groceries, lending a listening ear and offering prayers and guidance to those who were in need.

MULTIPLE DRUG SEIZURES IN COROZAL
Yesterday (Nov. 9th.) police made multiple drug seizures in the Corozal district resulting in the detention of two person pending drug charges. According to Police, the first bust was made at the Northern Border and led to the detention of taxi driver Theodore Augustine, 53. Police say that around 6:20 a.m. on November 9th, Augustine was driving across the border when a Custom Officer executed a search inside his vehicle and discovered five parcels of suspected cannabis amounting to 5,633.23 grams.

SAMUEL AUGUST ARRAIGNED FOR 2 COUNTS OF MURDER
Samuel August Sr., 44, was officially arraigned today in the Belize City Magistrate court on multiple charges including two counts of murder for which he was denied bail and remanded into custody at the Belize Central Prison. August was unrepresented in court and Magistrate Aretha Ford explained to the accused that the murder charges for the death of Samuel August Jr. and Louise Young were indictable offenses and therefore no plea would be taken from him.

CHILD RAPED IN BELMOPAN BY STEPFATHER
The Reporter has confirmed that a child, 4, was allegedly raped by her stepfather, 44, in Belmopan. Sources say that the mother would routinely leave the child in the care of the stepfather when she leaves the country. It is alleged that an aunt of the child found out what had happened and took her to the Belmopan Police Station on November 5.

Breaking Belize News

Accused murderer walks
Benque Viejo resident Jorge Vidal appeared in court yesterday and was granted Supreme Court bail for murder. Vidal is accused of murdering Hortencio Contreras on December 31, 2005. In 2013, Vidal had been acquitted of the murder charge at the Bemopan Supreme Court.

Belize to host 6th CARICOM Sustainable Energy Forum (CSEF)
The 6th CARICOM Sustainable Energy forum (CSEF) will be held in Placencia, Stann Creek from November 18-22, 2018. In the promotion of true partnership and brotherhood, Belize, the leader in renewable energy among the CARICOM states, is hosting Suriname’s Minister of Natural Resources, Regilio Dodson, and Guyana’s Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.

Belizeans participate in Coconut Shell Handicraft training
Over the last week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia held a workshop to train Belizean handicraft artisans in using coconut-based materials. The training was held from November 5-9, 2018 at the ITVET compound in Belize city.

Atlantic Bank to host Christmas Loan Fair
With only 46 days left to Christmas, Atlantic Bank Limited is prepared to offer the best interest rates for the season. The Atlantic Bank San Ignacio Branch will host their annual Christmas loan fair on November 24, 2018. Customers are invited to come and find out more about their convenient repayment terms.

Traffic accident in Santa Elena leaves man clinging to life
Ontario resident and well-known basketball player, Raul Roches is fighting for his life at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH).

Videos