December 9, 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

Milo Paz family files missing report
Despite reports that 49-year-old San Pedro pilot Jose 'Milo' Aljemiro died in a plane crash accident in October of this year, his family officially filed a missing person notice with the Belize Police Department on Friday, December 7th. Paz was reportedly flying a chartered aircraft from Panama when he apparently crash and died. But up-to-date, no body has been recovered, and no official report from The Panamanian Aviation Authorities has been issued on the incident. The missing report from the police indicates 46-year-old Ermijines Paz, Belizean Businesswoman, reported that on October 3, 2018 at 3PM, she dropped off her husband Jose Aljemiro Paz at the Airstrip in San Pedro, and up to the time of making this report, he had not been seen or heard from. Paz' wife further stated that on October 9, 2018, she received information that her husband was in an accident and died; however, there is no confirmation if he in fact is dead or alive.

PUP loses court case over the list of electors in Belize Rural South
A petition from the Belize Rural South (BRS) People’s United Party (PUP) to remove 15 persons registered to vote in the BRS constituency was dismissed by the San Pedro Magistrate Court on Wednesday, December 5th. The petition was officially presented to the court on November 21st where the PUP argued that the 15 registered electorates do not reside within BRS and were not eligible to vote in the said constituency. The defense from the United Democratic Party (UDP) strongly disputed the accusations, and after two weeks of careful analysis, the verdict ruled in favor of the defending side. According to the judgment, the objections presented by the PUP legal representation Attorney-at-Law Eduardo Aguilar failed to explain the difference between domicile and residence of the 15 electorates.

San Pedro BTIA chapter elects new board of directors during annual general meeting
The San Pedro chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (SP BTIA) installed a new board of directors during their annual general meeting. Held on Tuesday, December 4th at El Divino Restaurant, the meeting addressed the ongoing garbage issue, neighborhood watches, the possibility of a tourist information center and membership.

Another reduction in fuel prices
On Friday, November 30th in Issue 47 Volume 28 of The San Pedro Sun, we reported that the price of regular gasoline dropped to the lowest price of the year. Now, there has been another decrease in fuel prices, reducing the consumer cost for all four types of fuel sold across Belize. According to the Belize Bureau of Standers (BBS), effective Wednesday, December 5th the price of premium gasoline went down by $0.18 to $11.32, regular gasoline went down by $0.19 to $9.76, diesel went down $0.41 to $10.75, and kerosene went down by $0.55 to $8.15. With these new fuel prices, Belizeans are seeing the largest reduction for 2018.

San Pedro Second Annual Coconut Cup a success!
Island residents and visitors enjoyed San Pedro’s Second Annual Coconut Cup held at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium from Friday, November 30th to Saturday, December 1st. The Hockey tournament was organized by San Pedro Buccaneers Hockey Team and saw the participation of two teams from Withrow Park Hockey Club in Toronto, Canada and two from San Pedro Town. The Coconut Cup officially opened with a short ceremony at 4PM on Friday, November 30th. The ceremony began with students from the Island Academy School singing the Canadian National Anthem followed by New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School students singing the Belize National Anthem in different languages including Garifuna.

Rotary Club works to improve ceiling at Holy Cross Anglican School
Members of the Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye along with volunteers took part in a ceiling repair project at Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro Town from Saturday, December 1st to Sunday, December 2nd. The Project came to reality thanks to $20,000 raised with the help of the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh and the Rotary Club of White Oaks, Pennsylvania, USA, and the Rotary Foundation District. Throughout the two-days, volunteers helped in painting 201 roof boards from 9AM to 3PM. The boards are now ready to be installed in the rafters to provide the children with a cooler and a quieter environment to learn in.

Ambergris Today

Milo Paz’s Wife Files Missing Person Report For Belizean Pilot
A release form the Belize Police Department indicates that the family of Jose ‘Milo’ Aljemiro Paz, 49-year-old, Belizean, pilot of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, has filed a missing person report. Conflicting reports at the time of his disappearance, various news media services had Milo perishing in a plane crash in Panama, Central America. The police report indicates that just yesterday, Friday, December 7, 2018, Milo’s wife, Ermijines Paz, filed a report that on October 3, 2018, at 3:00 p.m., she dropped off her husband Jose Aljemiro Paz at the Airstrip in San Pedro.

Misc Belizean Sources

Ocean Academy's 11th Annual Gala
Thursday December 13. Please come support Caye Caulker's high school. Contact a student to buy tickets for dinner or for the program. If you don't know a student, private message me and I'll put you in touch with a student.

Corozal Annual Christmas Parade on December 16th
6:00pm, Corozal Central Park.

Videos & Photos of the Annual San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade!
Perfect evening for a boat parade...

Mitnal and Beliefs about the Afterlife
Mitnal is the Yucatec Maya name for the Underground known in K'iche' as Xibalba "The place of fright" . The lords of the Underground are representations of various forms of human suffering; they cause pain, sickness, fear, starvation, fear and finally death. The Popol Vuh has two leading death lords, but these two are really one: Both are called "Death," but while one is known as "One Death," the other is called "Seven Death." They were vanquished by the Hero Twins. In Yucatec Maya the leading lord is known as Yuum Cimil also known under various names such as Ah Puch . An Ah Puch is mentioned in the opening of the Book of Chilam Balam of Chumayel(Sacred Books of the Yucatec Maya) in passing as a ruler of the North, and one of the Xibalba attendants in the Popol Vuh is called Ahal Puh. The Maya had several forms of ancestor worship. They built figures containing ashes of the dead and brought them food on festival days. Alternatively, a temple could be built over an urn.

Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College wins basketball trophy
History Alert!!!! Our CEMJC Female Basketball team has won our very first basketball trophy by winning 3rd place in the national ATLIB basketball tournament. Congratulations ladies we are super proud of you'll!!! #GoStallions

Moving trash bin from Mr. Grumpy
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible". Elevation requires separation, so we separate ourselves from the Grumpy property owner who threatened to break our trash bin that we set in-front of his property today. To avoid problems with Mr. Grumpy, we did move it and the new trash bin has found its place and will serve its purpose. Of note is that the trash bin was set on the street along 5th Avenue and not on Grumpy's property. Here is the Grumpy Fish Crossing trash bin and the White Rose. Thank you Diane Handy and Losita Lee. So far, we have set up 28 drums around town. 1 has been vandalized and the other just relocated. Thanks to Deputy Mayor Otto Riverol for coming out to give us a lending hand. Keep Corozal Safe and Clean.

Tortuga Grill and Paddle Lounge Opening
Corozal - Tortuga Grill and Paddle Lounge is Opening to serve the general public on Thursday, December 13th from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Please come by and try out our food and drinks menus. Our location is in-front of Rainbow Beach & Park. Bring your family and enjoy this new service with super views of our Corozal Bay and our Cerros Archaeological Site as our backdrop. We welcome you to TORTUGA! We can't wait to serve you now. For more information, please call 629-6025. Check out our Facebook page for photos.

Youth Awards Winners 2018
Congratulations to all the National Youth Awards winners! Extremely positive role models for all the Belizean youth. 6 of the winners are from Cayo. "Congratulations to all of our 2018 winners of this year’s Belize Youth Awards! The categories and winners are: Youth in Sports MALE - James Bregal (Cayo) Youth in Sports FEMALE - Jasmin Armstrong (Cayo) Outstanding Youth in Visual Arts - David Smith (Cayo) Youth Leadership & Advocacy - Kris Miller (Cayo) Volunteerism/Community Service Award - Belmopan Youth Spiritual Program (Cayo) Fellow in Youth Development Work Award- Belmopan Active Youths BAY (Cayo)

Fruits of Belize Book Launch
The Wildfire Artzmosphere will be having a book launch for 'Fruits of Belize' on Friday, December 15th. Author Irene Keesmaat will be there to sign copies of the book. There will also be spoken work poetry. "BOOK LAUNCH = Meeting the author/photographer + consuming fruits + experiencing spoken word + making good times. Meet author and photgrapher - Irene Keesmaat & get your very own signed copy of FRUITS OF BELIZE. We invite you to join us in the name of amazing Belizean fruit, spoken word and strange journeys.... Bring a special fruit from your yard to share. Local fruit wines and sweet words ... Don't Miss! It's FREE!"

Mountain Pine Ridge Cayo Birders Club 2018
clock Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 12 AM, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. San Ignacio. Gather your 5-person team, choose your ride, polish your binos! Once you have the first three steps figured out...we will assign you an area which meets your transportation capabilities.

The Reporter

Murder at Pier One Night Club
A man was murdered at Pier One night club on Newtown Barracks in Belize City last night. The incident happened sometime around 11:45pm while Police Constable Raheem Trumbach was trying to intervene in a confrontation between Justin Burn and Ashton Middleton. A gunshot rang out and Trumbach said when he turned around he saw Asher Saunders, 20, a labourer of Baghdad Street, Belize City, on the floor with a gunshot wound to the left side of his head.

CAN BEAUTY COME FROM ASHES
And when I pray to God all I ask is Can beauty come out of ashes? Did I mention that Deadpool is one of my favourite movies? I swear Ryan Reynolds reminds me so much of me – charismatic, funny as hell, handsome. And then today I heard this song which was in Deadpool – Ashes from Celine Dion. She has a voice straight from Heaven. Kinda like this young girl Jasmine Thompson who does this cover of REM’s Everybody Hurts. Somebody sent it to me last night and wow – powerful.

WEEKEND NEWS BYTES
An American woman was robbed and raped on Thursday morning in Ladyville... A confrontation between two men at a farm in Cristo Rey Village last night has resulted in the chopping death of one... The Reporter has confirmed that a man was fatally shot at Pier One night spot on Newtown Barracks just before midnight last night... A man was knocked down and killed this morning on the George Price Highway...

Breaking Belize News

Belizean pilot Milo Paz still missing according to Police Reports
Today, the Belize Police Department issued a report informing that Jose ‘Milo’ Paz is still missing despite alleged reports that he died in a plane crash in Panama in October 2018. Yesterday, Milo’s wife, Ermijines Paz reported to authorities that on October 3, 2018, around 3 pm, she dropped her husband, Jose Aljemiro Paz, 49, at the airstrip in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

Over $4,000 stolen from cashier in Belize City
Police are investigating a robbery that occurred last night in Belize City. Nathaniel Perera,22, a cashier at Benny’s Bargain Center on Freetown Road reported that about 4:35 p.m., he was standing at the entrance of the store when a man approached him and held him up.

Police investigating murder of Asher Saunders in Belize City
Police are investigating a murder that occurred last night in Belize City. According to reports, the initial investigation revealed that about 11:45 p.m., there was a fight at Pier One when Asher Saunders was allegedly shot to the left side of his head.

Man chopped to death while trying to defuse domestic dispute
San Ignacio Police are investigating a murder in Cristo Rey Village, Cayo. According to reports, last night around 11:55, police responded to an alleged report of a murder on a farm in Cristo Rey. There, police saw the lifeless body of a man with multiple chop wounds to his body.

Pick Up Your Copy of The Ultimate Belize Bucket List
Whether you’re a frequent visitor to Belize or are making plans to head to this magnificent country for the first time, you simply must buy a copy of The Ultimate Belize Bucket List, available now from Friesen Press. Also available on Amazon and other major booksellers around the world, The Ultimate Belize Bucket List is the debut book released by Larry Waight, one of Belize’s most experienced travel experts.

Kentroy McKoy, 20, arraigned for murder of “Tazzy”
Belize City cops have charged one man in connection with themurder of Arthur “Tazzy” Flowers, 44. The accused is Kentroy McKoy, 20. On Friday McKoy was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford in Belize City on one count of murder. No plea was taken and he was remanded to the Hattieville Prison until February 20, 2019.

Man knocked down by SUV near St. Mathew’s Village
Our newsroom has received confirmed reports of a fatal roadtraffic accident. According to reports, a man was knocked down near St. Matthew’s Village in the Cayo District sometime this morning. He was reportedly hit by an SUV.

Another man shot and killed in Belize City
Last night Belize City recorded yet another murder and this time at a popular night-time hang out spot. The victim has been identified as Asher Saunders. Sometime around midnight, he was at Pier One Bar at the BTL Park when he was shot in the head.

Blogs

Belize Expat Health Insurance Advice
Expat health insurance is a common thing that people who are looking to move to Belize do research on. It can be a confusing topic and easy to fall down a deep internet rabbit hole looking for answers. I decided to reach out to a well-qualified source to help take the guesswork out of Expat health insurance options.

Videos

December 8, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

National Geographic explores Belize’s Great Blue Hole
On Sunday, December 2nd, Belizeans and the entire world were treated to a unique view of Belize’s Great Blue Hole as National Geographic broadcasted live from its bottom for two hours. The live broadcast was entitled: “Discovery Live: Into the Blue Hole” and documented a team of scientists as they explored with advanced underwater vehicles to create the first-ever three-dimensional map of the depths of the Belize Blue Hole. The team used military-grade sonar and advanced underwater video equipment that created an interactive 3D image of the entire Belize Blue Hole, a vast space that measures approximately 1,000 feet (300 meters) across and 400 feet (125 meters) deep. The Discovery Channel’s special broadcast from Belize was hosted by marine biologist Luke Tipple (who hosts Discovery’s Shark Week) and presenter Chris Jacobs (host of Velocity’s Overhauling’ and TLC’s Long Lost Family). The team further took soil and water samples to better understand the unique marine environment at the bottom of the Belize Blue Hole.

Suspected human bones found north of San Pedro Town
Police have confirmed the discovery of suspected human remains about 13 miles north of San Pedro Town. The discovery was made on Tuesday, December 4th after a search was conducted by police officers following reports of possible shallow graves on the northern side of the island. While police have confirmed the discovery, they are disregarding the rumors that they were found in shallow pits. The bones are now in police custody and will undergo forensic testing to determine if they are in fact human. The officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit, Superintendent Reymundo Reyes, indicated that during the search, they saw what looked like large potholes, but no apparent grave sites or bones were located. He added that the matter was under investigation and did not wish to comment further.

Fingerprinting system at international airport slows clearance at immigration booths
A new immigration security system implemented at the Phillip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville caused chaos on Saturday, December 1st, when hundreds of international passengers had to wait in long lines, some even missing their local transfers. The issue was an unexpected and new fingerprinting system that slowed down the process at the immigration booths, forcing passengers to wait for hours before they could be cleared. According to witnesses, immigration officers seemed unfamiliar with the new equipment, which includes picture taking and scanning the index finger of both hands. The Immigration Department is not taking blame for the inconvenience caused to the thousands of visitors, and alleges that they had used the system in the past. Unofficial reports state that incoming international flights are scheduled too close to each other, causing the queuing.

San Pedro Lions Den reservation Change
Please note The San Pedro Sun is no longer taking reservations for The San Pedro Lions Den. All den rentals are now arranged through Belize Diving Adventures. 226-3082 Everette Anderson

San Pedro Youth participate in emergency preparedness workshop
As part of the Sustainable and Child Friendly Municipality initiatives, a two-day workshop on emergency preparedness was held in San Pedro Town for primary and secondary school students. The educational activity took place on Tuesday, December 4th and Wednesday, December 5th inside The San Pedro Town Council’s (SPTC) conference room, training young children on how to deal with emergencies like fires, natural disasters, learning how to use a first aid kit, and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR. The workshop goal is to develop a plan for the island to better tackle future emergencies. On the first day, participants learned how to identify medical emergencies and how to render assistance thanks to Ashty Dennison from the Red Cross. They also had the opportunity to practice CPR in order to save someone’s life.

Maya Island Air helps CCCCC operate LiDAR mapping system
To better assess and mitigate the risk factors of hurricane storm surge and Climate Change effects, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (5C’s) has acquired a USD$2.0 Million airborne Light (Laser) Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system. The LiDAR camera is mounted in a factory new USD$605,000 Cessna 206, which Maya Island Air will help to operate and maintain. Maya Island Air’s chief executive officer Chris Sosa joined 5C’s executive director Kenrick Leslie Ph.D., science advisor Ulric Trotz Ph.D. and USAID mission director Christopher Cushing in launching the new system at the Barry Bowen Municipal Airport in Belize City on Monday afternoon, December 3rd.

Ambergris Today

Commercial Fisher Folk License Renewal 2019
The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs the public that it will commence the renewal of fisher folk licenses on January 3rd 2019. A grace period for renewals will be in place until January 31st, 2019. Fishers are advised to bring along all pertinent documents upon renewal to facilitate the process. Licensing will be conducted for San Pedro and Caye Caulker from January 21st - January 25th, 2019 at the Belize Fisheries Department in Belize City.

SICA Ministers Hold Successful Crime And Security Meeting
LXVIII Ordinary Meeting Of The Security Commission Of Central America In the capacity as the President Pro Tempore of the Central American Integration System (SICA), Belize hosted the LXVIII Regular Meeting of the Central American Security Commission. The event had participation of the delegations from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and the Dominican Republic as well as, the General Secretariat of SICA, as the Technical and Administrative Secretariat of the Commission.

Misc Belizean Sources

Ministers of Energy of SICA meet in San Pedro Tow
This morning, the Ministers of Energy of SICA commenced their meeting in San Pedro Town. The meeting was preceded by a meeting of Energy Directors yesterday.

Inauguration of the Gian C. Gandhi Building
An official ceremony was held on Thursday, December 6th, to inaugurate the Gian C. Gandhi Building in Belmopan. The building will serve as the headquarters for the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) in Belize. The IFSC was previously housed in the Sir Edney Cain Building in Belmopan. The newly renovated building was named in honour of the late attorney Mr. Gandhi, who was the first Director General of IFSC. Late Attorney Mr. Gian Chand Gandhi, S.C. was a career public officer who devotedly served Belize for over 30 years in various capacities, including Crown Counsel and Solicitor General.

Free Legal Advice in Corozal
FREE Legal Advice and Assistance coming to Corozal on Saturday, December 15th at the Corozal Magistrate Court from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

ICJ presentation in Corozal
Here is a second attempt to hold the ICJ presentation in Corozal, since the first one was postponed due to poor attendance. Lecture Series on the ICJ Referendum & ICJ will be held this Monday, December 10th at St. Francis Xavier R.C. School Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.

CMEC Groundbreaking Ceremony
The Cayo Resource and Resilience Centre groundbreaking ceremony was last week. It'll be located on the Galvez Stadium grounds, and once finished, can be used as a civic center for Cayo. It's a joint project between the GoB and the Government of Italy. "The Community Multi-purpose Emergency Centre (CMEC) will provide the residents of five rural communities and the town of San Ignacio with a central self-contained Centre that can be used both as a shelter in the event of a weather-related and other emergencies, and for other community social and sporting purposes and events.The five rural communities to be served by the Centre are Trenchtown, Kontiki, Boiton Area, Mosquitoville and Shawville.

CAWS 4th Annual Chili Cook-off
The Cayo Animal Welfare Society is having their 4th annual Chili Cook-off on Saturday, January 5th, at Remo's Roadhouse. If you want to enter your chili, let CAWS know. They'll have a silent auction, and for $10, you'll get to eat chili to your heart's content, and vote for your favorite. "Yaaaaaass! The 4th Annual Chili Cook-off is one month away! Please message us to reserve your entry in the meat or veggie categories! We will have limited entries!"

BWS and BWSWU signs MOU agreeing to new Collective Bargaining Agreement

Renewing Tour Operator Licensing Advisory

Travel Industry of Association of Florida
The BTB Travel Trade team representing Belize at this year's TIA 2018 in Miami.

U.S. Passport Services in San Pedro
Hosted by U.S. Embassy Belize. Friday, December 14, 2018 at 11 AM – 12:30 PM, Blue Water Grill. All passports will be returned via DHL/SpeedIt. The cost is BZ$33.75 payable in cash on delivery. Lunch will be available for purchase.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Small Foot, Venom, Mowgli, Predator.

Downtown Urban Garden at ACC Producing Vegetables
The Downtown Urban Garden at ACC has started to producing fruits, or I should say vegetables. We harvest three cucumbers today and the Chinese Lettuce are ready I was told. The idea of the garden is for the public to come and see it so as of the 14th of December, if you are in the area you should stop by.

South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch
Please pencil in on your calendar that the General Meetings will be held the 2nd Wednesday of every month. There will be no meeting on December 12, 2018. Please pencil in the next meeting on January 9, 2019. (2nd Wednesday of every month).

Monthly Weather Summary, November 2018
Monthly weather summaries are prepared by the climate section of the National Meteorological Service (NMS) 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. November is the last month of the Atlantic basin hurricane season. For Belize it is a month in which the climate of the country transitions gradually from the rainy season to the cooler transition period between December and January. Therefore, it is a month in which the country is affected from both tropical systems such as tropical waves and possible tropical cyclones as well as frontal systems.

NOTICE - Social Security Board Belize
We no longer require a Police Report for Card Replacement

My Autobiography: A Textbook for Children
To my Caye Caulker community. I was thinking...my book may be recommended to be read by our Caye Caulker students at the primary school (standard 3 and up) and high school students. It could serve as motivation for them to read knowing that they can totally relate, recognise the environment, and read about someone they actually know. They will learn that even as you run around as a child on the sandy streets of Caye Caulker, you can achieve the highest level of education even with all the obstacles. I can go in and personally talk with them as a class in the first week of January if you wish. Of course, all other Belizean children can relate as I speak of my journey to the other districts.

Ministerial Meeting for the Central American Agricultural Council of SICA
The Ministry of Agriculture hosted a Ministerial Meeting of the Central American Agricultural Council (CAC) in furtherance of Belize’s Presidency of the SICA. Hon. Senator Godwin Hulse, Minister of Agriculture, in his capacity as President Pro Tempore of the Council presided over the meeting. During Belize’s presidency, one of the major focuses was the implementation of a roadmap for the formulation and presentation of a Regional Agricultural Policy 2018-2030. The initiative, which was led by the Regional Technical Committee, has had the input of the Technical Working Groups, international organizations and representatives of the private sector.

Belizean Delegation hosted by Ministry of Culture of El Salvador for Seminar and Bilateral Talks
On Thursday, December 6th, representatives of Belize’s National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) participated in a seminar titled, “Rediscovering our Afro-descendent Origins in Central America: The Case of Belize and El Salvador”. The seminar was organized by the Embassy of Belize in El Salvador with support from the Central American Integration System, the World Bank and the Ministry of Culture of El Salvador. Academics from both Belize and El Salvador presented papers on topics related to Garifuna Culture and Heritage, Sociological Perspectives on Crime and Violence in Belize City, and Afro-descendants in the Salvadoran context.

Corozal Christmas Lighting Tonight
Corozal Christmas Lightening is happening tonight at 7pm in front of the Central Park. The public are invited to attend this Annual event. Stage is already up.

Corozal Community College Annual Christmas Concert 2018
Thursday, Dec. 13, 6:30pm at the Rudolph Wade Auditorium

BWS Customer Appreciation Raffle
It's BWS' Customer Appreciation Raffle. It's easy to enter. Fill out the go green form attached to your bill and send them in to any BWS' office. sign up and win with BWS!!

Reforestation of degraded areas in the Vaca Forest Reserve continues through local farmer initiative

Mexico/Belize Art Exhibition
The San Pedro House of Culture has the pleasure to invite you to the opening of the Mexico/Belize Art Exhibition on Thursday, December 20th at 7:00 PM. Live Music with Man @ Work FREE ADMISSION! Be socialble & share invitation with family, friends and colleagues. Join us as we celebrate the 4 years of the San Pedro House of Culture

Channel 7

Drug Plane Landed on Guat Side Of Sarstoon
The drug planes continue to land - and the latest is right at Belize's southern border, on the Guatemalan side of the Sarstoon. 7News has learned the sometime this morning, this Beechcraft King Air 90 reportedly landed right on the banks of the Sarstoon river - but, on the Guatemalan side. These pictures show Guatemalan soldiers guarding it - and in the background you can see the Belize side of the Sarstoon. Interestingly, the BDF patrol from the Forward Operating Base found two suspicious Guatemalan men in the area of Graham Creek shortly after the landing. Interesting because - from their appearance - they aren't farmers - who are the only Guatemalans that regularly traffic the area.

Young Mother Murdered in Cayo
A young mother was shot and killed last night in Santa Elena. 25 year old Brenda Castellanos was hanging out with her friend 35 year old Jennis August. Our information is that they were sitting in their yard on Bishop Martin Street when two gunmen opened fire in the yard. August was shot to the chest and Castellanos was hit to the rib cage and ankle. Castellanos died on the way to the hospital. Courtney Weatherburne has more. This morning, the scenes of crime team was at this Bishop Street residence collecting more evidence While neighbors wandered in the yard trying to come to terms with last night's senseless murder.

Kentroy Charged For Tazzy
On Tuesday's news, we told you how police were on the trail of the man they believe to be the shooter who senselessly killed 44 year-old Arthur "Tazzy" Williams. Tonight, 22 year-old Kentroy McKoy, the suspected gunman, is at the Belize Central Prison after he was taken to the Magistrate's Court today. McKoy is linked to the George Street area. McKoy was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford on 1 count of murder. Due to the nature of the offenses, he couldn't be granted bail, and he was remanded into custody until February 20th of next year.

85 Year Old American Dies Days After Head On Collision
An elderly American man is dead - and it may be the fault of a drunk driver. The accident happened on Saturday when 85 year old John Thomas who lives in Trial Farm Village was driving at mile 73 on the Phillip Goldson highway near Luisville village. At around 6:00 in the evening, Thomas was driving this van when he had a head on collision with a Dodge Calibre. The car - driven by 44 year old Martin Carillo - had just darted out of the "Y" intersection at Luisville and charged straight across the highway, causing a major head on impact with the van. Both drivers were trapped in their vehicles. Both drivers received major injuries plus broken legs and were taken to the KHMH. Police at the scene observed that Carillo appeared to have been drinking and asked for a blood-alcohol sample to be extracted.

A Spout InThe South
Residents of the Stann Creek District observed a curious weather phenomenon near Dangriga today. This is what they saw: a funnel from a heavy grey cloud going down to the sea. Many people sent videos to our newsroom saying it's a tornado, but, actually, it's not. The MET Office confirms that it's what's called a water spout - which is not anywhere nearly as intense as a tornado. Forecaster Francesca Wellington told us that it is caused by instability in the atmosphere - similar to thunderstorms. She said these water spouts are not that unusual, and pose no real threat to life or property. She says they usually break up as they come unto land. Eyewitnesses say this one hovered in the sky for more than a minute.

Pizza Plunderers
Last night, the owner of Don Carby's Pizza in Ladyville was robbed at gun point while he was closing up. 3 men in black, barged into the pizza parlour - which is on the Phillip Goldson Highway. One of them was armed with a firearm, and the others had a knife and an ice pick. They demanded money, and he handed over approximately $450 in cash. After that, the Pizza bandits ran off.

Manager’s Vehicle Stolen, Burnt Up
A woman's vehicle was stolen last night and found burnt up this morning. 41 year old Lisa Stanford, a Customer Service manager from Belama Phase 2 told police that last night at 8:00, she parked her 2015 Nissan Rogue on Marine Parade. She returned around midnight to find it gone. Reports to 7News are that the SUV, which is valued at $45,000 - and which she had for less than a year, was discovered completely burnt this morning in the Hattieville area. Police are investigating - but have no suspects at this time.

What About the ICJ and Equity For Guatemala?
And, tonight, we have continuing coverage of our trip to the seat of the ICJ at the Hague. Many in the public have been speculating that if the case goes to the ICJ - Belize may win based on teh strength of the 1859 Treaty and the 1931 exchange of notes - but the judges would still give the Guatemalans something for their trouble. After, that would only seem fair - if they're claiming half or more of the country - to give them just a little something. We asked two professors of international law who are experts on the court about the concept of an equitable judgement - which would give the Guats something, but not everything they asked for. Jules Vasquez has the story:.. It's called the Peace Palace - the seat of the ICJ - but does this striving for peace mean that all parties have to leave this courtroom contented?

American Woman Claims Rape
A 49 year-old American woman who lives in Ladyville claims she was raped, and then robbed of $8,2000 in cash. The cops found her at the KHMH last night, and she reported that at around 9:00 yesterday morning, she was leaving home when a machete wielding man attacked her. She claims he got into her vehicle, where he raped her. After that, he grabbed an envelope from her containing $8,200 in different denominations, and he ran off. According to reports, this is the second sexual assault report filed by this victim in 5 weeks. Police have reason to believe she had some familiarity with the attacker.

Comarades in COMISCA
For the last 6 months, Belize has been the pro-tem president of SICA, better known as the Central American Integration System. For the past 2 days, Health Minister Pablo Marin has been hosting the 49th Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (COMISCA). They have been at the Placencia Hotel and Resort discussing how best to address health issues like the lifestyle illnesses: diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. They're also focusing on reducing the high rate of adolescent pregnancy within the SICA Member States.

Remembering Gianchan
Gian Ghandi was a man of legend in the public service, the consummate mandarin and confidence man, schooled in statecraft, political intrigue and legal drafting, he was the senior legal advisor to PUP, and UDP for three decades. Officially, he served in various capacities, from Crown Counsel to Solicitor General - and then, legal advisor. And now, the Barrow Administration is honoring the very private Ghandi, who always stayed in the shadows. Yesterday, an official ceremony was held to inaugurate an a building named after him. The facility is now known as the Gian C. Ghandi Building, and it will serve as the headquarters for the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC). He was the first Director General of the IFSC.

Car Rental Owner Gets Wingle
Who wouldn't want a new ride for Christmas? Many customers of Caribbean Motors and Caribbean Tyres had their hopes up for the draw today when a new Wingle was on offer. Anyone who spent more than a hundred dollars at any of the companies got a ticket - and today the winner was drawn. But, we'd venture to say that the man who won might be the least needy. That's because it's Jay Crawford, the owner of Crystal Auto Rental - who has one of the biggest fleets of vehicles for rent and sale in Belize. Well, today he got one more, a $35,000 dollar Great Wall Wingle. A company rep told us why they did it:

Belize Ballers Back To Mexico
Over the past few years, we've been keeping you up-to-date with the community service initiatives spearheaded by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at. They have been very active in providing at risk youths with opportunities to engage in positive activities such as sports, and they've been regularly taking teams of young Belizeans to basketball competitions in Mexico. The Amadiyya teams have been performing at a very high level, and they've returned from several of these tournaments with trophies and medals. This weekend, they're returning back to Chetumal, Mexico to participate in the Gatorade Copa Bacalar Basketball Tournament. They competed last year, and came in second, and so this time around, they're pushing for gold.

B-Allah’s
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is also preparing to carry on with its own local Ahmadiyya Basketball League. It was started back in 2015, and since then, it has grown to the point where youth teams from all over the country, and Mexico are signing up to compete. Mangla told us that the 5th Season of the Ahmadiyya League will be its biggest yet: Naveed Mangla - President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community: "Right now, it's in the fifth year, and we have 3 age groups: U-15, U-19, and U-23. And in this tournament, I'm honored to say that this the biggest youth tournament or league in the country right now You would have these leagues and tournaments that are running in the cities, but you don't have a national tournament where kids are coming from all over the country..."

Remembering Buju in Belize
Jamaican reggae artist and icon Buju Banton has been released from prison in the USA after serving 8 years. The Jamaica Gleaner reports, quote, "Buju Banton has been released from prison…at the McRae Correctional institution. An officer at the institution said the entertainer whose given name is Mark Myrie, was let out earlier today. The United States embassy in Kingston is tight-lipped about when the reggae superstar Buju Banton will be returned to (Jamaica)."

Channel 5

1 Woman Fatally Shot, Another Seriously Injured
A mother of a two-year-old is dead tonight and another woman is hospitalized following a shooting in Santa Elena, Cayo on Thursday night. Brenda Castellanos, who was carrying the toddler [...]

Kentroy McKoy is Charged for Taz’s Murder
Twenty-year-old Kentroy McKoy was paraded this evening before the lower court where he was arraigned on a single count of murder, following the mid-afternoon execution of Arthur ‘Taz’ Flowers on [...]

U.S. National, Victim of Rape in Ladyville
A forty-nine-year old U.S. national was raped and robbed on Thursday morning at around nine in the morning. The woman lives in Ladyville and has had to be hospitalized. She [...]

Accused Murderer Pleads Guilty to Firearm Offences
Ladyville resident, twenty-three-year-old Jesse Mejia, on Thursday pleaded guilty to unlicensed firearm and ammunition charges in the courtroom of Magistrate Emerson Banner. Mejia was fined three thousand dollars and ordered [...]

Taxi Man’s Request for Bail Denied
Bail was denied for fifty-nine-year-old San Pedro taxi driver Noel Wiltshire. Having been charged for attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and grievous harm, Wiltshire appeared today before [...]

Suspected Arson in Big Falls
Police are investigating a house fire in the southern village of Big Falls. The fire destroyed the house of Angelina Ack, a twenty-eight-year-old bus owner. Fortunately, Ack and her two [...]

Immigration Suspends Fingerprinting at P.G.I.A. During Tourism High Season
There is a boom in tourism numbers, but the growth is causing unexpected challenges at the main point of entry. The number of visitors arriving by commercial flights has outgrown [...]

Preparing for Massive Growth in the Hotel Industry
Becoming a Belizean specialist is now part of the requirement for tourism stakeholders as they prepare for the expansion of the industry in the years ahead.  That includes hoteliers and [...]

SICA’s Council of Central America Discusses Agriculture in the Region
Today, agriculture officials and ministers from SICA’s Council of Central America converged at the Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. Since Belize holds the pro-tem presidency, Minister of Agriculture, Senator Godwin [...]

Belize Wants to Expand Export Market through SICA
Coffee and citrus were also discussed at the meeting, specifically as it relates to the med-fly. But agricultural ministers are also looking at the plan of action in reference to [...]

The Police Drama Club Speaks Gender Based Violence
On November twenty-third, Belize joined the rest of the world in the official launch of the annual sixteen days of activism to stop gender based violence against women and children.  [...]

U.S. Chargé Throws Support behind 16 Days of Activism
Earlier this week, a Belize City resident was shot to the groin by his common-law wife, who had made numerous reports to the domestic violence unit. In fact, police officers [...]

$2.5 Million for I.C.J. Referendum Campaign
We are five months away from what will be one of the most important days in Belize’s history. April tenth, 2018 will be the day when tens of thousands of [...]

FinSec Says G.O.B. Not Repaying David Gegg
In late November the House of Representatives passed an amendment to the General Sales Tax Act which would basically close a loophole. The amendment came after the Caribbean Court of [...]

Int’l Financial Services Commission Finds a New Home
The International Financial Services Commission has a new home; it is the Gian Gandhi Building in Belmopan. The IFSC was previously in the Sir Edney Cain Building which underwent renovation [...]

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Heads Basketball Tournament in Chetumal
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Belize is leading a team of young athletes to Chetumal this weekend where they will be participating in a basketball tournament with teenagers from across [...]

The Grand Finale of Gimme 5!
The grand finale of a week-long of activities to celebrate twenty-seven years of Channel Five ends tonight with a bang. All week, we have treated out loyal audience to prizes [...]

LOVE FM

Agriculture Ministers of member states of SICA discuss regional collaboration
Agriculture of Ministers of the Central American Integration System, SICA, met in Belize City today. The focus of the meeting was to discuss regional collaboration in agriculture among member countries. Among the topics discussed included climate change, a regional agricultural policy and regional network markets among others. Minister of Agriculture Godwin Hulse says the conference …

Hotel Association reports good performance and projects ten percent increase in 2019
The Belize Hotel Association is held its bi-annual general meeting on Friday at the Belize Biltmore Hotel. Hoteliers from across the country have gathered to hear how the industry has been doing over the past year and where the industry is headed to in the future. Love News spoke to Ted Tejada, President of the …

Hotel Association President says the aborted finger printing system is appreciated
But the industry’s flow of operations were interrupted on Saturday as the recent fingerprinting system at the Philip Goldson International Airport caused a bottleneck. Visitors to Belize spent their first two hours in the country in a line that circled the airport while waiting to be processed. Evidently, progress brings problems and it forced Cabinet …

Fire in Big Falls
A fire occurred in Big Falls village, Toledo. Toledo Correspondent Paul Mahung reports on the incident which was allegedly caused by arson. Paul Mahung: “The home of a family of four was destroyed by fire last night in Big Falls Village Toledo. Although family members preferred not to make any comment so far about the …

PUP throws shade on new UDP Hopefuls Philoby and Finnegan
It’s less than a month before Christmas tis the season to be jolly. In Belize we have rainy and dry season as well as all year round its political season. The UDP’S Philip Willoughby and Dianne Finnegan have won the elections to become standard bearers for Port Loyola and Lake I. Willoughby’s impact specifically came …

PUP Leader on ICJ Listening Tour
On September 5th, the United Kingdom donated 1.3 million dollars to the Public Awareness and Preparedness Campaign to support the referendum on whether or not to refer Guatemala’s territorial, insular, and maritime claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The United Nations Development Program and US Government and others have donated to the fund …

Women Shot in Cayo, one Murdered
A young mother is dead and another is recovering in the hospital after they were shot last night in Santa Elena Town, Cayo District. 25-year-old, Brenda Castellanos passed away during surgery at the Western Regional Hospital while 35-year-old, Jennis August is listed as stable at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. The two women were socializing …

Kentroy McKoy arrested for the murder of Arthur Flowers
20-year-old Kentroy McKoy was arrested and charged for 43-year-old Arthur Flowers’ (MURDER UP VO) murder, which occurred sometime after 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Flowers was gunned down at the corner of Handyside and Queen Streets across from his home, where he would station himself to wash cars. The family had told Love news that they …

Ministers of Health from the region are in Belize for for COMISCA
Ministers of Health from the region are in Belize for the 49th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (COMISCA). They have gathered at the Placencia Hotel and Resort to discuss the Health Agenda for Central America and the Dominican Republic as well as the Regional Strategic …

Suspect Charged for Murder of Car Washer
20-year-old Kentroy McKoy was arrested and charged for 43-year-old Arthur Flowers’ murder, which occurred sometime after 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Flowers was gunned down at the corner of Handyside and Queen Streets across from his home, where he would station himself to wash cars. The family had told Love news that they are at a …

Taxi Driver Arrested for Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor
Twenty-two year old Emil Torres, a taxi driver of Hopkins Village who was remanded into custody on 2 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, was released on a bail today. Torres was released on bail of $5,000 and was granted bail on the condition that he does not interfere with any of the prosecution witnesses...

A Water Spout by Griga
A waterspout is a column of cloud-filled wind rotating over a body of water. Local meteorologists have said water spouts occur quite often along our coastal waters several times during the year. After four this afternoon, a water spout was visible off the coast of Dangriga...

The newly inaugurated Gian C. Gandhi Building
An official ceremony was held on Thursday, December 6th, to inaugurate the Gian C. Gandhi Building in Belmopan. The building will serve as the headquarters for the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) in Belize. The IFSC was previously housed in the Sir Edney Cain Building in Belmopan...

NTUCB prepares for new Leadership
The powerhouse umbrella organization for the country’s strongest union, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) is holding is 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), under the Theme: Workplace stress – a collective challenge. According to current president Floyd Neal, delegates from the ten Member Unions will meet at the Corozal ITVET for the two-day event, which starts on Saturday, December 8th and culminates on Sunday with the election of a new Executive Committee to serve for the next two years. ..

American Woman robbed and raped
That murder was not the only violent incident against women. Yesterday, a 49-year-old American who is a resident of Ladyville Village reported that about 9:00 a.m., while she was leaving her home, she was held hostage in her vehicle by a man who was armed with a machete. He raped her and stole an envelope with $8,200...

Amandala

UHS debt haunting GoB
Yesterday morning, attorneys representing the Belize Bank (Eamon Courtenay, S.C.) and the Government of Belize’s Queen’s Counsel, Doctor Ben Juratowitch, along with their assistants, filed into the courtroom of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin, where the bank submitted an application for an enforcement order that would allow it to collect over $95 million that the government of Belize was ordered to pay the bank in rulings by multiple high courts, which had ruled that a 2004 government guarantee for a $33.5 million loan to Universal Health Services (UHS) was a legal contract. Submissions by both sides continued all day yesterday and today, Thursday, and when the hearing concluded shortly before 5:00 p.m. today, Courtenay spoke to reporters outside of the courtroom. “I think it’s a very simple and straightforward case. The Caribbean Court of Justice has issued a certificate and the Caribbean Court of Justice has said it is a judgment and the Crown Proceedings Act makes provision for us to enforce where the government refuses to pay, and the government has refused to pay,” he said.

4 fired from Vital Statistics Unit
Four government employees who worked at the Vital Statistics Unit were served with walking papers on Monday, for their role in falsifying documents that allowed William Danny Mason to obtain a Belizean birth certificate. Mason, who is on remand at the Belize Central Prison on charges of kidnapping, murder and conspiracy to commit kidnapping and murder, was facilitated with a Belizean birth paper that listed him as being born in Crooked Tree, Belize District, to Belizean parents in the 1970s.

Shoman and Morgan cross swords at ICJ Lecture Series
The ICJ Lecture Series sponsored by the University of Belize and the Social Sector Senators held a session Tuesday night at the Sacred Heart College Auditorium, in San Ignacio, where two of the presenters, the historian and former ambassador, Dr. Assad Shoman, a proponent of the government’s “Yes to the ICJ”, and politician/businessman, Paul Morgan, a proponent of “No to the ICJ” clashed publicly. Foreign Affairs Chief Executive Officer, Alexis Rosado, presented on “The facts of the claim”, Dr. Shoman’s presentation focused on Belize’s case for going to the ICJ, and Belize Peace Movement representative, Paul Morgan, presented on the “No to ICJ” position.

Minister giving preference to Non-Belizean
A well-known roots Belizean businessman who has given great service to his country, told us that he is being denied a small parcel of land which he applied for in a village, and for which he had received approval from both the chairman of the particular village, and (initially) the government minister in the area. He said he has learned that the minister has decided to bestow “favors” on a foreigner who is one of that minister’s sidekicks. The Belizean businessman is, of course, very disappointed by the bad turn from the minister. He said the minister told him that maybe he can identify another parcel. The Belizean businessman says he has already invested in the parcel; that it suits his purpose, and he can’t see why the minister is choosing a foreigner over him.

As fuel prices dip slightly, Financial Secretary points to real growth in the economy
It may not have been a significant dip in the high fuel prices Belizeans are accustomed to paying at the pump, but the slight drop in fuel prices was noticed, and so reporters asked Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight, about it today. Waight assured the media that it was not a gesture of goodwill for the holiday season from the government of Prime Minister Dean Barrow. He said the small ease at the fuel pump was due to the fluctuations on the international oil market. “International prices as always, up and down. There has been no change in the tax for months and months and months, so we take what we take,” Waight said in response to a question about the adjustment in fuel prices.

Garifuna American Belizean pilot flies the F-22
United States Air Force major, Paul “Loco” Lopez II (commander/pilot) is the United States Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia. As the F-22 Demonstration Team commander, he is responsible for representing Air Combat Command, the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, and the United States of America at more than 20 air shows annually. He leads the 18-member F22 Raptor Demonstration Team, oversees maintenance actions performed on one of the most advanced fighter jets ever built, and showcases the Raptor’s exceptional maneuverability for more than 10 million spectators around the world each year. He is an operational F-22 pilot assigned to the 1st Operations Group within the 1st Fighter Wing.

CYDP Peace Cup quarterfinals 1st leg results; decisive 2nd leg this Saturday at the MCC
The best-of-2 games quarterfinals in the 2018-2019 CYDP Peace Cup 1st Division Tournament had its first leg of games this past Saturday, December 1, at the MCC, and the games were all exciting and competitive. There were no lopsided scores, two draws even, so the decisive second leg this coming Saturday should be a day full of football thrills for Belize City fans, who came out in numbers last Saturday.

Cycling – WW Road Race on Sunday, December 9
Weekend Warriors Cycling Club (WW) would like to invite all WW members to participate in the Road Race this Sunday, December 9. Class “A” riders leave at 9:30 a.m. from Leslie’s Imports and travel through the Boom Road to the Philip Goldson (Northern) Highway, heading east over the Haulover Bridge, to end at Airport Plaza, for 40 miles. Class “B” riders start half hour earlier at 9:00 a.m. and travel the same route.

Morales Transports 8-Ball Tournament in Cayo – CK Champs
The first-ever Morales Transports 8-Ball Tournament in Cayo concluded at CK Sports Bar in San Ignacio on Sunday, December 2, with a massive showdown between CK Shooters and Criminals. When the dust settled, it was CK Shooters who emerged as the champs. Here’s more details, as it was a best-of-two sets of matches, race-to-four to win per player, three players line-up.

PLB playoffs still on hold? City fans turn to CYDP Peace Cup
As we go to press at 8:00 p.m. this Thursday night, the word from the PLB is that the Altitude Assassins appeal has not yet been resolved by the FFB’s Appeals Board. So, it looks like another weekend of nothing from the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Opening Season, which should be roaring into its highly anticipated semifinal playoffs, but for some major bungling and indecision at the highest level of football, the FFB. This football atrocity is squarely at the feet of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB), who are in charge of the referees (the National College of Referees), and the appeals process (the FFB Appeals Board).

Article 6 was the worst of the Heads of Agreement
Guatemala has insisted that our “geography”, between the Hondo and the Sarstoon, blocks the development of a department in their country which they call, El Peten. It is a geographical truth that it would be easier, cheaper for Guatemalans in El Peten who wish to ship their goods to Europe, to do so across territory between the Hondo and the Sarstoon, than to send the goods down to their port, Puerto Barrios, in the Amatique Basin, and across the Pacific. It is clear that a “moral” right exists. Mature, civilized nations recognize this moral right and come to sensible arrangements. Guatemala, however, is not content with its “moral” status. She has, and we can say, fantastically so, declared that her rights go beyond moral. Guatemala says that her rights are “legal”. That is fantastic. One hundred and forty-four nations of the world looked at Guatemala’s “legal” claim, and rejected it, declared it bogus. This is the clear message sent when the United Nations declared that Belize deserved to be a full member of that august body.

DelmerTzib responds to Bilal Morris
Dear Mr. Bilal Morris, I write to you as a Maya descendant, responding to the article you wrote on November 14, 2018, entitled, “Garifuna soul in Education in 1900’s Colonial British Honduras.” The book review you presented expressed strong personal biases and reflections which I wish to refute. I consider them as outright insults towards the Maya people of Belize. My commentary highlights four arguments that portray your intellectual predilection—the “White man’s burden.” I will illustrate how your ideology and expressions are almost identical to the principles of a Western poem published in the late 1800s.

Without welfare system, crime-fighting won’t work — Brian Plummer
Dear Editor: Much has been said about fighting crime in Belize, but whatever strategy the government employs the situation will reach Nash equilibrium — a stable state of a system involving the interaction of different participants in which no participant can gain by a unilateral change of strategy if the strategies of the others remain unchanged. This means it will become ineffective; it might work for about two years but the criminals will adapt. It is mathematical.

Romel Cuello remembers Chendo
Dear Editor, Today, December 4, 2018, Mr. Rosendo “Chendo” Urbina was laid to rest at his property in Palmar, Orange Walk Town. “Chendo” was an educator, the “patriarch” of “A&R Enterprises” and a highly respected member of Orange Walk Town, known to be very generous to the educational section of our society. Even though “Chendo” was originally a staunch member of the PUP, when he thought his party had lost direction and was doing the country wrong, he “crossed the floor” and became a strong supporter of the UDP.

Miss Afro 1973, Dorla Lewis, on a visit 45 years later
During the black consciousness awakening period that swept through the colonial society of British Honduras in the late 1960’s to early 1970’s, when the cultural group the United Black Association for Development (UBAD) was promoting its “black is beautiful” cultural revolution, there were no difficulties finding beautiful sisters to participate in UBAD’s “Miss Afro Honduras” beauty pageant, which was the organization’s answer to the Queen of the Bay and the Miss Belize pageants, which were usually held. The first winner of the first Miss Afro Honduras pageant was Sheldon Vasquez. When Dorla Lewis walked onto Kremandala’s compound yesterday, Wednesday, she must have realized that she represented a living part of the glorious UBAD history from 45 years ago. Lewis, 62, is on a visit to Belize from New York City.

And then Mr. Okeke said—this
I was on the bus the other day – you get to see and hear, learn many things on a public transport – yes, I was on the bus the other day – sometimes there are more than fifty people on a bus, and their thoughts are as different as their faces and voices – yes, I was on a bus the other day and, it not being a hectic hour, there were vacant seats. I got one beside a gentleman who was sitting on the driver’s side, beside a window. I was barely seated when I realized that I had sat down beside one of the great, famous personages in this nation. I didn’t have to look at him to know who he was. He was in full conversation with the person in the seat behind us, and his voice is unmistakable, known across the length and breadth of Belize.

Abused girlfriend shoots her boyfriend in the groin
A woman involved in an allegedly abusive relationship took matters into her own hands when she fired shots at her boyfriend, injuring him in his groin. Tanice Mejia, 32, is now in police custody while her boyfriend, Bartholomew “Bart” Lucas, 32, is recovering in the hospital. The incident occurred yesterday, December 5, sometime after 9 a.m. during an argument between the couple at their home, which is the lower flat of a two-storey cement house at #42 corner Mahogany and Vernon Streets. The argument ended with Mejia allegedly firing three shots at Lucas, reportedly with a gun that belongs to Lucas. Lucas was only injured once, however.

Deputy ComPol refutes allegations that “Los Zetas” own Belize
Earlier this week, the news was buzzing with information of a drug plane that was meant for Belize but landed at the Chetumal International Airport after the pilot realized that the Belize police were hot on his trail. The event made the news in Mexico as well, and The Sol Quintana Roo newspaper reported that the Zetas are “The masters and owners of Belize.” “Los Zetas” are one of Mexico’s most dangerous drug cartels and the Mexican newspaper purports that they are the ones who have been landing drug planes in northern Belize over the past months.

BFCA says no to banning gillnets
The issue of whether or not to ban gillnets has been one that has been hotly debated, especially recently. Oceana, as well as the Belize Federation of Fishers (BFF), have been advocates for the banning of the nets in the name of sustainability. The Belize Fishermen Cooperative Association (BFCA) says “no” to banning, however, and they are the premier representatives of the country’s fishermen. The argument for banning gillnets is that it hinders more than it helps, because oftentimes non-target fishes and endangered sea life, such as manatees, get caught up in the nets. Also, it has been reported that many people who use gillnets use them in reserves and other areas in which fishing is not permitted.

Belize introduces diabetes self-help program
Belize has stepped up efforts to reduce the devastation of Type 2 diabetes among young people, working-class persons, and persons recently diagnosed with the disease, through a diabetes self-care program that is to be implemented shortly. An initial 1,500 persons suffering with the disease will be trained in diabetes self-care, through a community-based support program. The program is being conducted through the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Belize Diabetes Association and the Pan American Health Organization.

The Reporter

The Belize Bank this week in the Supreme Court moved to collect the $90 million UHS award owed to it by the government of Belize in a decision handed down last November by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Attorneys for both sides made arguments before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin as the bank seeks an enforcement of the award.

Pilot Reported Missing Two Months After He Reportedly Crashed and Died
Two months after he was last seen alive, the wife of San Pedro pilot, Jose Milo Paz has reported him missing. Ermijines Paz reported today that she last saw her husband on October third when she dropped him off for a private flight to Guatemala. Paz told police that Milo was scheduled to return home on October seventh, but that he hasn’t.

GOB STANDS WITH PALESTINE, DESPITE STRENGTHENING TIES WITH ISRAELIS
Despite ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the Government of Israel in the last two years, the Government of Belize issued a statement in support of the nation of Palestine, which has an ongoing territorial dispute with Israel. GOB’s release came out on November 29, in observance of International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

‘POLICE CAGEY’ ABOUT ABORTED DRUG PLANE LANDING
Today, Police had no further details to share on the events which occurred in the pre-dawn hours of last Friday, including the aborted landing of a jet carrying drugs, a shootout between the Police and men in a pickup and the abduction of two farmers. Police have even been unwilling to confirm that the three incidents in Progresso in the Corozal District are related.

EDITORIAL – December 7th. 2018
Sometimes the men and women opposed to the idea of Belize taking our case to the ICJ express the view that it is humiliating for Belize, an independent state, to subject her sovereignty to the authority of the International Court of Justice on a high-stakes claim such as Guatemala is making against Belize.

SUGAR SALES DOWN, TOTAL EXPORT EARNINGS FALL
Revenue earned from sugar exports, Belize’s largest export earner, were down in the month of October, contributing largely to an overall decrease in export revenues of 5.1 percent, according to the Statistical Institute of Belize. The SIB’s latest External Trade Bulletin showed that export earnings fell by $1.9 million from $37.1 million in October 2017 to $35.2 million.

THE EMASCULATION OF THE B.D.F : A NATIONAL TRAGEDY – PART 2
By Major Lloyd Jones (Ret’d). Combat exercises are important for any army because they allow commanders to test the soundness of their battle plans. To succeed on the battlefield; to execute any battle plan an army must be able to do three things: move, shoot and communicate. Painfully, the BDF is woefully deficient in all three.

WHAT THE ICJ WOULD LOOK AT FIRST
The buzz word (or acronym) has been and will for the next few months be the ICJ as Belizeans are asked to learn as much as they can about that highest Court in the world, the International Court of Justice, which presides over legal matters between disputing nations. Last week Thursday, the team of journalists who visited that facility in the Hague also met with various experts in the field of international law.

Breaking Belize News

Ministerial Meeting for Central American Agricultural Council of SICA concludes in Belize
The Ministry of Agriculture hosted a Ministerial Meeting of the Central American Agricultural Council (CAC) in […]

Ministry of Culture of El Salvador holds seminar and bilateral talks with Belize delegation
On Thursday, December 6th, representatives of Belize’s National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) participated […]

Common-law husband accused of arson in Toledo
Police are investigating a report of arson in Big Falls, Toledo. Angelina Ack, 28, reported […]

Student robbed in Belize City
Police are investigating a robbery that occurred yesterday in Belize city. A 17-year-old student reported […]

Transforming George Price Highway- No More “S-Curve”
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

Gian C. Gandhi building inaugurated
An official ceremony was held today, December 7, to inaugurate the Gian C. Gandhi Building […]

$100 million UHS case awaiting decision
The UHS case involving a $90 million judgement owed to the Belize Bank by the […]

Police investigating murder in Santa Elena
San Ignacio police are investigating the murder of a young woman that occurred last night […]

American woman raped and robbed in Ladyville, Belize
A 49-year-old American woman reported to police that yesterday morning around 9:00, she was leaving […]

2015 Nissan SUV stolen in Belize City
Police are investigating the theft of a motor vehicle that happened sometime last night. Lisa […]

US donates more military vehicles to Guatemala
A total of 38, J8 Jeeps were donated by the United States Government to the […]

ICJ judges speak the language of international law
Belizean journalists, last week, visited the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague in […]

Social and Cultural Research Institute holds screening of documentary on San Joaquin Fiesta
The Belize Cultural Celebrations video series is one of the National Institute of Culture and History’s […]

Young mother loses life to gun violence in Santa Elena, Cayo
A young mother from Santa Elena, Cayo lost her life last night to gun violence. Brenda […]

Blogs

Tradition and Heritage: Belizeans find ways to bring both to the modern world
One fine day in 2013, a couple from Toledo happened to be swimming in the waters of the river running through Bullet Tree Falls Village, in the Cayo District. They looked across and uphill, realizing that they were staring at a familiar sight, if in a completely unexpected location! Could it be a fully laden cacao tree?! A daughter-in-law of his happened to bring back a sack of cacao seeds for him, knowing his love of growing things. From Toledo to Cayo, a gift exchange brought forth an entire production that now flourishes under the name of Ajaw Chocolate. Our media adventure took us from the warm embrace of silky chocolate to the searing heat of a fogon, where we learned to make corn tortillas from the cooked corn to the flattened baked discs of dough. From molding dough into food, we moved to molding clay into pottery.

Delicious Traditional Food at El Fogon Restaurant
We eat lunch in town every single day. Generally sticking to two…maybe three spots. Creatures of habit. But yesterday we drove past El Fogon Restaurant on the way to an errand in the San Pedrito area and passed this specials board. I’ve been wanting to try the Tamalitos de Chaya for years! When we circled back, we parked and went in. El Fogon is named after the fire hearth – the traditional center of the Belizean kitchen. El Fogon spanish for Fire Hearth = Faya Haat in Creole They are still making their rice & beans and their stewed meats on the fire hearth. And the result is ridiculously good. The BEST conch fritters I’ve ever tasted. Seriously. Fluffy and conchy and not-oily and SO GOOD.

Videos

December 7, 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

SPHS celebrates Founder’s Day 2018
As is customary, San Pedro High School (SPHS) celebrated its Founder’s Day with an assembly on Wednesday, December 5th. The occasion commemorated the key individuals who helped establish the high school in 1971, while also celebrating Former Principal of SPHS, Rafael Angel Nuñez’ birthday. The fun assembly took place at Angel Nuñez Auditorium, with students from First to Fourth Form, teachers, and invited guests in attendance. The Founder’s Day Assembly began promptly at 9AM with the singing of the National Anthem followed by the school song. SPHS student Nayobie Rivero then delivered the welcome address. Master of Ceremonies Alex Nuñez gave a brief history of SPHS, and introduced the invited guests that played a significant role in founding SPHS. They included Celi McCorkle, Martha Guerrero, Martha Leslie, Gustavo Ellis, Ilsa Salazar, and former President of SPHS, Rafael Angel Nuñez and his wife Ligia.

2018’s Above-average Hurricane Season comes to a close
The 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season closed on Friday, November 30th, sparing Belize from any major storms. Classified as an above-average season, there were 15 named storms, eight hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. While Belize fared well, the United States of America, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries sustained more than USD$33.3 billion in damages. The two strongest storms of the season were Hurricanes Florence and Michael, with winds of 140 and 155 mph and a minimum central pressure of 939 and 919 millibars, respectively. According to the National Meteorological Service of Belize (NMSB), “The major factor that supported the above-normal activity in the North Atlantic was the presence of above-normal Sea Surface Temperatures. In the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, the normal condition was supported by strong vertical wind shear. This makes conditions less conducive for tropical cyclone development.”

Educational series on Referendum day and ICJ hosted in San Pedro Town
April 10th, 2019 approaches as the day when Belizeans will vote “Yes or No” to take the Guatemalan’s territorial claim to Belize at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Many educational sessions have been hosted across the country to educate Belizeans about this dispute and help them make an informed decision on Referendum day. In San Pedro Town, the ‘ICJ Be Informed’ session was hosted at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium on Thursday, November 29th. The presentations were facilitated by the Ambassador of Belize to Guatemala, Alexis Rosado, and former Belizean politician and author of the six-chapter book, ‘Guatemala’s claim to Belize: The Definitive History,’ Assad Shoman.

SPHS Girls advanced to the semifinals of Belize’s U-17 Inter-District Football Tournament
The U-17 San Pedro High School (SPHS) girls managed to claim victory in the quarterfinals of the Inter-District Football Tournament this past weekend. Many crucial matches took place in the U-17 and U-15 category from Saturday, December 1st to Sunday, December 2nd. With their win, the SPHS U-17 Girls advance to semifinals of the tournament. Unfortunately, despite much effort by the island’s male teams, they were unable to claim victory and thus are out of the tournament. The SPHS Girls travelled to Independence Village in the Stann Creek District to face the San Juan Scorpions on Saturday, December 1st. The match began promptly at 2PM at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium, with both teams showing strong offense. At the end of regulation time, the match was at a 2-2 draw. After moving to the penalty round, the island team managed to edge out the home team and claimed a 5-6 victory. The other female teams advancing to the semifinals are Calcutta Strikers, Black-Man Eddy’s Revolution and Vibe Alive International.

Belizean teachers could expand their capacities in United States
For the first time in Belize, largest designated US Department of State Exchange Visitor Program for teachers, Participate, is recruiting teachers from Belize to work in schools in United States for 3 to 5 years and expand their professional capacities in the next school year, beginning in August 2019. Participate’s Teacher Latin-American Recruitment Coordinator, Ronald Ramírez said “teaching abroad offers great insight for teachers around the world: “Besides the experience of working in US, Participate provides personal and professional growth and development with educational resources to become a stronger teacher, expand technological skills and have a wider perspective of global education”. Recruit process is open for next school year.

Ambergris Today

US Donates $2Mil 3D Laser For Climate Change Monitoring
In keeping with efforts to strengthen the region's capacity to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, the United States Government delivered a US $2 million Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) System to the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (5Cs) for use throughout the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. This initiative is part of the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) three-year Climate Change Adaptation Project (CCAP) implemented in partnership with the Belize-based organization.

Misc Belizean Sources

The Placencia Breeze December 2018
What’s Inside: Weh di goaan? Placencia Peninsula Happenings ... pg. 2 Put on Your Dancing Shoes for Placencia Mistletoe Ball! ... pg. 3 Belize Ocean Club Under New Management … pg. 7 From the Fire Hearth: Give the Gift of Locally Made Treats … pg. 9 New Year’s Eve: Ring in 2019 in Placencia! … pg. 11 For Fragments of Hope, Monique Lamb is the Real Miss Scuba International … pg. 12 Third Lionfish Roundup Brings in a 243 Count … pg 12 Eleven Complete Coral Bleaching Training … pg. 12 FoH Attends Conference in San Andres … pg. 12 MnM's Got a New Look … pg. 13 Placencia BTIA Membership Directory ... pgs. 15 & 18 Placencia Peninsula Map ... pg. 16-17 BZ$20,000 Raised for Humane Society at Mad Hatter's Tea Party & Auction … pg. 19 Croc Corner: Not Just the Crocs … pg. 20 Brice is Back! But not really … pg. 21 Rotary Club Updates … pg. 24 Placencia Makes Conde Nast Traveller 2019 Gold List … pg. 25 Fragments of Hope Holds Fifth AGM … pg. 26 Beat Plastic Pollution! … pg. 26 People's Coalition Pushes Golf Cart Sa See Less

FREE EYE EXAM by BelizeKids.Org for Adults & Children in San Pedro
Date: Monday, December 10 to Friday, December 14, 2018 Time: 8:30am- 4:30pm Place: Belize Vision Clinic @ Lions Den. *Bring along Social Security Card or other I.D. *Bring your sunglasses to use after eye exam.

LXVIII ORDINARY MEETING OF THE SECURITY COMMISSION OF CENTRAL AMERICA
December 6, 2018. In the capacity as the President Pro Tempore of the Central American Integration System (SICA), Belize hosted the LXVIII Regular Meeting of the Central American Security Commission. The event had participation of the delegations from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and the Dominican Republic as well as, the General Secretariat of SICA, as the Technical and Administrative Secretariat of the Commission. Discussions focused on regional security matters such as the phenomenon of criminal gangs, trafficking in persons, the Five-Year Plan for the Prevention of Violence against Women (2019-2023), and the institutional strengthening of the General Secretariat, Directorate of Democratic Security.

Caye Caulker Christmas Parade 2018
Caye Caulker Christmas Parade 2018 Date Friday, December 14. Time: 5:30pm. Central Park. Everyone is invited to join the parade. Dress your carts and light up the night! Come join the fun!!

FCD River Cleanup
December 8, 8am at the Benque Entrance to San Jose Succotz

Corozal Tree Lighting Ceremony this Saturday 8th December 2018
A lot will be happening at the opening - food, cakes, chocolates, plants, gift items, etc.

A Night in Paris
We will be hosting our first Paint Party at our New Studio this Friday Dec 7th! Come in your best Parisian attire. Price will be $50. This includes class, 1 glass of wine and light bites.

The Ultimate Belize Bucket List available for sale
This book became available for sale yesterday. Note, it will be on Amazon shortly but for right now, travelers to Belize can use the above link to get the book.

Belize Hosts Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and Dominican Republic
Belize is hosting the 49th Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (COMISCA) December 6th and 7th, at The Placencia Hotel and Resort, in Placencia village. Topics to be discussed include Executive Report of the Secretariat for COMISCA for second Semester 2018; advancements in the process of Health Regulations within the framework of SICA; proposed Health Agenda for Central America and Dominican Republic; presentation of Regional Strategic Plan for the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy in the region; Strategic Plan for Health Promotion, 2019-2025, among other important topics.

Commercial Fisher Folk License Renewal 2019
The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs the public that it will commence the renewal of fisher folk licenses on January 3rd 2019. A grace period for renewals will be in place until January 31st, 2019. Fishers are advised to bring along all pertinent documents upon renewal to facilitate the process.

Magil's delivery truck attempted robbery
An unofficial report has been made to this news shack that earlier today, a Magil's delivery truck was shot and hit several times in an attempted robbery. The report states that Corozal Police were unable to respond at the time of the shooting, due to lack of a mobile patrol.

BTIA’s 33rd Annual General Meeting is over and we now have a new leader
Congratulations to Melanie Paz from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye for being elected as the new President, and to Stewart Krohn for being re-elected as our 2nd Vice President. Here is an excerpt from parting President Osmany Salas made today: “It is a bittersweet day for me because today marks my last day on the National Board. Actually, the moment we elect our new President, the current President – my very good friend and colleague, Raineldo Guerrero – becomes the Immediate Past President, and I am effectively retired. I’m too young to retire! Something doesn’t sound right here! I thank you, Rey, for finishing up my term as President so that I could focus on other endeavours, including helping to organize the NGO community in order that we could be more effective in delivering on our sustainable human development objectives.

3 Cayo Rotarians Receive Paul Harris Fellow Award
Congratulations, Delsiemae, Bart, and Brendan! They all received the Paul Harris Fellow Award for their commitment to helping the Cayo community. "Three people from the Cayo area were honored with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship awards by District Governor Jose Antonio Interiano Torre. Paul Harris started Rotary in 1905 and the fellowships acknowledge people who serve their community in the spirit of Rotary's founding principles. Delsiemae Vernon was celebrated for her longstanding service to the Cayo community, Brendan O'Donoghue, a San Ignacio Rotarian was honored for his service to our club, and Bart Mickler received a stone in his existing Paul Harris pin recognizing his long service to our club and the Cayo community."

Picture of Maya children of Patchakan(Corozal) dancing
Patchakan in Yucatec Maya means "Behind the savannah." During the Caste war many Maya rebels belonging to the Cruzoob Maya group of Chan Santa Cruz settle in Patchakan. It’s believe that the village of Patchakan was already populated with Maya people since 1780 which would making it one of the oldest villages in Corozal.

Thanks to all our members and stakeholders who made an effort to attend our 33rd Annual General Meeting. We also welcome our new 2019-2020 BTIA President, Melanie Paz. Congrats to our new Executive Board Members as well. A special thank you to our Past President Mr. Raineldo Guerrero and Senator Osmany Salas for their contribution to the association. Congratulations Melanie Paz!

Channel 7

Belize Bank Asks Government To Settle Universal Debt With Treasury Bills
The Belize Bank is asking the Supreme Court to issue an enforcement order against the government, compelling it to pay the almost 100 million dollar award for the Universal Health Services debt.  This is after the Parliament voted against paying the debt from the Consolidated Revenue Fund in August. That sent the Bank back to the Court, where a cluster of local and British attorneys spent the last two days before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin arguing that Government must pay - and if not not from the Consolidated Revenue Fund - then, alternatively, with Treasury Notes - which does not require parliamentary approval.   Responding for the government side was high profile British Queen's Counsel, Ben Juratowitch - who has previously appeared at the ICJ for Belize.   After two days of arguments - the Bank's lead attorney Eamon Courtenay said he hopes the government can be forced to honour the debt.  

No Charges Yet For Woman Who Allegedly Shot Man In Groin
Tanice Mejia is still in police custody after she allegedly shot her boyfriend, Bart Lucas in the groin. It happened yesterday morning at Mejia's home at the corner of Vernon Street and Magazine Road. Mejia and Lucas got into an argument and she allegedly shot him with what is reported to be an unlicensed 9mm pistol. Police found the injured Lucas walking on Vernon street and took him to the hospital. Mejia fled the scene and was later picked up by police. Police say the DPP will determine whether charges will be brought against Mejia. Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino - CIB: "Police responded to someone being shot or someone with gunshot injuries on Vernon street. As a result police arrived on the scene and found Bartolomeu Lucas 32 year old resident of Brides Alley suffering from what appeared to be injuries to the groin area..."

Suspects in "Tazzy"� Murder Released
In other police news, the cops have no significant leads in the murder of car wash man Arthur "Tazzy" Flowers. The 3 persons they detained were not much help and they haven't established a clear motive as yet. Here is more from the Police press briefing. Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino - CIB: "The investigation yielded the detention of several persons and a vehicle and the matter is being investigated at this time." Courtney Weatherburne: "So no update on those 3 persons or the vehicle impounded?" Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino: "The vehicle is still in police custody and the investigation is still ongoing."

Francis Gill Murder Still A Mystery
Police haven't made any major headway in Francis Gill's murder either. It happened early Monday morning. Gill and his wife had just arrived at an apartment complex on the Northside and were about to get out of their car when a waiting gunman fired at them, fatally hitting Gill. Here is the update from police. Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino - CIB: "In regards to Mr. Gill murder we had several persons detained all of which were interviewed and it is not yielding any arrests in that investigation. The investigation continues." Reporter
"Still no motive has been established?"

Department of Immigration Suspends Fingerprint Scans
Over 20 flights are scheduled to land at the PGIA this Saturday - and the Director of the Immigration Department, Diana Locke, says that if there are long lines again, don't blame her staff.  That's because the Department has suspended the fingerprint scans, at Cabinet's behest.   That directive came down on Tuesday ordering the Department to stop fingerprint scans for visitors at all border stations - including the Benque Viejo and Santa Elena borders.  From the Immigration Department's perspective, cancelling the scans is opening up to a security breach - but for the decision makers in Belmopan - it's about avoiding another embarrassment like the one that played out at PGIA last Saturday when lines zig-zagged all along the airside of the airport and visitors had to queue up for two hours or more.

Paumen and Modiri, The Legal Tangle Thickens
Neighbors and enemies Bradley Paumen and Michael Modiri were back in the Supreme court today.  Modiri is trying to collect on a $300,000 dollar judgement that the court awarded him against Paumen.  You may recall that these neighbors are landlocked, and Paumen was running his million-dollar cruise tourism operation, Dark Night through Modiri's land. In 2014, Modiri sued and Justice Shona Griffith awarded him $300,000 which she ordered Paumen and his tour company to pay. That was in 2016, and Paumen hasn't paid anything.  So, earlier this year, Modiri initiated enforcement proceedings against him in the Supreme Court. But, still, no payment - as the legal wrangling over corporate configurations continued in the Supreme Court today.   Today's session ended with both sides claiming modest victories when they left the courtroom:

LiDAR Scan For Belizean Seas
On Monday, we told you how the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center - or 5 C's - headquartered in Belmopan - has acquired a 2 million-US- dollar LiDAR system for use in Belize and other CARICOM nations. That's short for Light Detection and Ranging, and its cutting-edge technology that even developed nations don't own. It allows experts to make topographic and hydrographic surveys, which basically means that they will be able to precisely map out land masses, and the depths of large bodies of water. The hope is that the 5 C's will be able to provide this service to the CARICOM nations at a fraction of the price it would cost to get it done by other international experts.  How much savings exactly? Well, at this time, the United Kingdom's Government Hydrographic Office is currently in Belize, and they will be using their own LiDAR equipment to perform surveys of half of Belize's territorial waters over the next 35 to 40 days.

Were Bone Really Found on Northern Ambergris?
Police say that a scattering of bones was found on northern Ambergris Caye.  But it remains unclear if they are human bones or not. Police say samples need to be sent for testing to confirm. Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino - CIB: "Well, the only information that I have at this point is that somewhere 13 miles north of the coast of San Pedro. Police discovered what appears to be bones, those have been retained and they will be forwarded for testing." Reporter
"Has it been confirmed if those bones are human remains?"

Major Fine for Trouble-Man Mejia
Tonight, 23 year-old Ladyville trouble-man Jesse Mejia is at the Belize Central Prison serving time and he must come up with $6,000 for court fines, or he will spend 3 years in jail. That's after he pleaded guilty to firearms offenses in front of Magistrate Emerson Banner today. The incident dates back to July of last year, when Elward McKay was shot while riding his bicycle.  Police say that Mejia was the shooter, and they set chase after him while he was attempting to flee the crime scene on a beach cruiser. They reported that as soon as he saw them, he threw a silver object into a nearby drain. They detained him, and retrieved a loaded .38 revolver. They charged him with keeping unlicensed firearm, and keeping unlicensed ammunition for the gun.

Prison For Driver The Caused Coye's Granddaughter's Death
30 years to life: that's how long Olivia Culbreath will be in prison after she killed 6 people in a February 2014 accident in LA.  Among the victims was former PUP Minister Joe Coye's granddaughter Kristen Young.  Culbreath was so drunk that she was driving east down the freeways westbound lane and she slammed into a vehicle - killing the family of 4 in that vehicle as well as her older sister Maya and her close friend, Young; both were in the vehicle with her. Here is KTLA 5 's report on today's sentencing. 

Is Low Self-Esteem Linked To Domestic Abuse?
Building Self- Esteem: that was the theme of today's 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM lecture at the Leo Bradley Library. But the presenter also covered how self-esteem affects people in abusive relationships. Here's more: Elena Carballo - Senior Library Assistant: "This morning were having a lecture aimed at building self-esteem with some domestic violence tips. We're trying to correlate - we have a lot of domestic violence going on and we think that probably it's because a lot of us don't have self-esteem or enough self-esteem to be able to walk out of certain situations. So our main focus is to try to give tips, I won't say educate, just help people to realize that I'm valuable and if I think highly of myself, I will not allow anybody to come in and take advantage of me."

BTIA elects New President
The Belize Tourism Industry Association held it's 33rd Annual General Meeting today at the Biltmore. And, as it does at every AGM, the executive updated members country-wide on what the association has been doing to push for progress within the industry.   We spoke with the Executive Director about some of the highlights from this year's AGM: John Burgos - Executive Director, BTIA: "Two main purpose that we're going to be serving today at the annual general meeting. First of all we are going to highlight all the good work we have been doing over the last 12 months, to show members the benefit that we are trying to increase for them. You know as membership association you expect to receive certain benefits and we have been expanding the number of benefits over the last 2 to 3 years.

The Placencia Is The Place For Health Ministers
Central America's Ministers of Health are joining Belize's Health Minister at his favourite Placencia Resort - the one where he got married - for the 49th Meeting of COMISCA - which is the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic. The Ministers are at The Placencia Hotel and Resort, in Placencia discussing the proposed Health Agenda for Central America and the Dominican Republic - and the Regional Strategic Plan for the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy in the region, among other policy documents.  Health Minister Pablo Marin is chairing the meeting, and at the closing tomorrow, Belize will officially transfer Presidency Pro-Temp to Guatemala.

Robbery In Santa Rita
There was another armed robbery in Corozal. It happened yesterday evening around 6:00 at a store in Santa Rita called "Fry Store." A small name, but the robbers made off with big bucks.  Police have more: Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino - CIB: "There was a robbery in Corozal, in Santa Rita on the 5th of December. Sometime around 6pm two male individuals entered the store, this would be Fry Store in Santa Rita village Corozal. They were armed at the time and only the store owner and his wife were at the establishment and they robbed the establishment of 2 thousand dollars in different denominations and they made good their escape. Police are actively seeking two suspects in regards to this robbery."

Robbers Made A Bee Line For Cash
And, in another armed robbery in the north, an employee of Bee Line employee was held up and jacked in his vehicle. It happened just outside San Jose Village - and the robbers got a huge stash of cash: Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino - CIB: "Edison Kayes a 27 year old collecting agent for B-Line reported that he was on the Phillip Goldson Highway and he was exiting San Jose village heading in the direction of Orange Walk. He was driving his vehicle and another vehicle passed him and stopped immediately in front of him causing him to stop his vehicle. Two armed individuals exited that vehicle..."

No Easy Road For Cop With Crack
And in tonight's final tale of woe from the north, the Corozal cop caught with crack cocaine at his San Narciso home won't get off so easily. As we told you, he pleaded not guilty in court and was granted bail but he has more punishment to serve. Here is more from police on this case. Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino - CIB: "Corozal police executed a search warrant at a residence in San Narciso village present at the time was Arsenio Yah, 48 year old PC attached to Corozal police with him at the residence at the time were three other family members..."

Channel 5

Belize Bank’s Attorney Warns ‘Heavens Will Fall’ If G.O.B. Does Not Honour Debt
Belize Bank’s Attorney, Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay today warned the Government that the ‘heavens will fall’ if it does not honour the multimillion-dollar UHS debt which goes back to 2004.  [...]

G.O.B. Rejects Belize Bank’s Settlement Offer
The original 2004 UHS loan agreement was for thirty-three point five million dollars, but more than a decade after, the debt is believed to have ballooned to over one hundred [...]

Bradley Paumen and Michael Modiri are Back in Court
Businessmen Michael Modiri and Bradley Paumen have been locked in a protracted legal battle on both the criminal and civil ends after a business deal turned sour a few years [...]

How Will Compensation be Determined in Paumen/Modiri Dispute?
Bradley Paumen gained widespread media attention in February 2016, when it was discovered that a contract had been placed on Modiri’s life during a land dispute involving access to Paumen’s [...]

Who Will Be Charged for Domestic Violence Shooting on Vernon Street?
Thirty-two-year-old Bride’s Alley resident, Bartholomew Lucas remains hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, recovering from a gunshot wound to the groin. The injury was inflicted by his common-law-wife, Tanice [...]

Still No Motive for Francis Gill’s Murder
Two murders were recorded on Monday in the city, within fourteen hours of each other. The first was an organized attack on Francis and Betsy Gill before two a.m. as [...]

Arthur “Taz” Flowers was the Intended Target, but Why?
By three p.m., shots rang out yet again this time at the corner of Handyside and Queen Streets. Well-known car washer, Arthur Flowers was executed, shot to the right temple [...]

Police Constable Busted with Crack Cocaine
A police constable attached to the Corozal Town Police Station has been disciplinary charged and placed on interdiction after he was busted with crack cocaine. On Tuesday, San Narciso resident [...]

$650K for Christmas Cheer Programme
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has made it quite clear that he makes no apology for the distribution of what has become the yearly Christmas Cheer. U.D.P. Area Representatives are given [...]

Teachers to be Paid Using SmartStream System Soon
Earlier in the year, it was announced that the government will begin making moves to incorporate the over five thousand teachers into the SmartStream payroll system. The Ministry of Finance [...]

Over 12 Grand Stolen in Highway Robbery
An employee of Bee Line Company was robbed of over twelve thousand dollars, the proceeds from November’s collections in the area.  The highway robbery occurred in the vicinity of San [...]

Skeletal Remains Found on Northern Coast of San Pedro
Skeletal remains have been found thirteen miles north of the island of San Pedro. During its weekly press brief today, police say that the bones recovered from a bushy area [...]

B.T.I.A. Elects Melanie Paz as its New President
Tourism continues as a top contributor to economic growth. New commercial airlines are flying to Belize from major US cities and hoteliers and restaurant owners are experiencing a boom. The [...]

Miss Universe Belize Jenelli Fraser in Thailand
Miss Universe Belize, Jenelli Fraser has been making waves in Thailand which plays host to the 2018 international beauty pageant. The twenty-eight-year-old Belizean beauty ambassador arrived in Thailand last week [...]

Merit Maker: An Easily Adaptable Drowning Prevention Strategy
In the following story we take you to Thailand. The south-east Asian country is known for its tropical beaches and world famous islands like Phuket; it’s elaborate Buddah Temples and [...]

Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Party
Hundreds of happy faces were at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall in Belize City today. The occasion was the annual Christmas Party hosted by the Salvation Army. Before proceeding to [...]

26 Anniversary of Giving Back with Gimme 5
Great Belize Production/Channel Five is celebrating its twenty-seventh anniversary this year and since its inception, the company has been working with the business community to give back to our faithful [...]

Healthy Living: Autism Awareness Seminar
It’s disabilities week in Belize. There are a lot of initiatives that are ongoing to help the public and parents of children with disabilities to understand the complexities of being [...]

LOVE FM

Financial Secretary says ICJ Funds are being disbursed properly
On September 5th, the United Kingdom donated 1.3 million dollars to the Public Awareness and Preparedness Campaign to support the referendum on whether or not to refer Guatemala’s territorial, insular, and maritime claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The United Nations Development Program and US Government donated $500,000 as well. Finance Secretary Joseph …

Fuel Dip just enough to give Hope at Xmas
It’s not quite Christmas but we are usually given a treat at the pump with a dip in the price of fuel. This year is no different and you may have noticed that change which became effective today. Kerosene dipped by 55 cents and is now $8.15; diesel went down 41 cents to $10.75; regular …

Salvation Army Spreads Joy
The Salvation Army is hosting an annual Christmas party for youths in Belize City. The nonprofit group has teamed up with the Belize City Council for the event. Love news spoke to Deputy Mayor Oscar Arnold and Salvation Army Major Joliker Leandre, Regional Commander about the initiative at this time of year. Major Jolicker Leandre: …

Belize Bank holds out hope to get its money from GOB
The Belize Bank Limited has still not been able to collect over $90 million dollars which was a judgment made by the Trinidad based Caribbean Court of Justice, CCJ, against the Government of Belize in the Universal Health Services matter. The CCJ made the judgment but left it up to parliament to enforce it, however, …

Modiri and Paumen in court again
Businessmen, Bradley Paumen and Michael Modiri have been up and down at the courts concerning several matters from criminal to civil. Once again, they were back in court today. In July, Modiri was seeking the court’s assistance in collecting three hundred thousand dollars in damages, a judgment the court had passed earlier for Paumen’s encroaching …

BTIA holds Annual General Meeting; New President elected
The Belize Tourism Industry Association, BTIA, held its annual general meeting today in Belize City. Executive director John Burgos spoke about some of the key elements of today’s meeting and the BTIA’s achievements over the past year. Executive director John Burgos: “The two main achievements that we are proud of is that we were able …

Man injured after vehicle crashed into his cycle
A man was knocked off his motorcycle on the Spanish Lookout Road Wednesday morning. Cayo correspondent Fem Cruz spoke the daughter Blackman Eddy resident Francisco Morales who was seriously injured. FEM CRUZ: Love News understand that Morales was knocked down off his motorcycle while on his way to Spanish Lookout. Laura Moralez the daughter of …

Robbers target grocery store in Corozal
In another robbery, this time on December 5th, two men robbed a store in the Santa Rita area in Corozal Town. Inspector Ferrufino says the men made off with a couple thousand dollars. Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino: “Two male individuals entered the store, this would be Fries Store in Santa Rita Village Corozal, they were armed …

Collecting agent stopped and robbed but escaped unharmed
A collecting agent, an employee of Beeline Company was robbed of over twelve thousand dollars on Monday. That is what he has reported to police, who have launched an investigation into the incident. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino provided details of what happened. Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino: “Edison Cayes a 27 year old collecting agent for Beeline reported …

Monsignor RC School Valley of Peace facing Closure
Layoffs and closures hurt at any time of year but it is most painful at Christmas time which is an occasion that families need extra not less financial opportunities. The Monsignor RC School Valley of Peace has an enrollment of 30 students. 20 students attend the morning session and 10 in the afternoon. Judith Melgar, …

Police Officer busted with drugs inside his house
Police officer Arcenio Yah faces criminal and disciplinary charges after his fellow officers found suspected cocaine in his house Tuesday. Shortly after midday police, on the strength of a warrant, searched the home of Yah and found the suspected drug. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino provided details of the search...

Finger Printing System at the Philip Goldson International Airport affects tourism sector
On Saturday, December 1st the Immigration Department began implementation of a new fingerprinting system for passengers arriving at the Philip Goldson International Airport. The process triggered a huge delay especially since there were over fifteen flights arriving to Belize on that day...

Domestic violence persistent in Lucas/Mejia relationship says Police
Thirty-two-year-old Bartholomew Lucas is recovering from gunshot wounds to his groin area after reportedly being shot by his common-law-wife thirty-three-year-old Tanice Mejia on Wednesday morning. She is now in police custody and police continue to investigate the incident...

US delivers Half a Million in equipment to CCCCC
On the third of December, the United States Government handed over approximately US $500,000 in equipment, including a state-of-art server; computer workstations; relevant software, and other equipment, to the Belize-based Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (5Cs)...

Man attacks wife with machete because of size 11 slippers
Forty-eight-year-old Elwin Pollard, a resident of 3609 North Creek Road Extension, pleaded guilty to a charge of wounding when he appeared today before Magistrate Emerson Banner. Pollard was fined $150. He was given until January 31, 2019, to pay. If he defaults on payment he will serve 6 weeks...

Breaking Belize News

Two women shot in Santa Elena town
Two women from Santa Elena town were shot tonight. Minutes after 7:00 p.m., San Ignacio police […]

Belize hosts meeting with Ministers of Health of Central America and Dominican Republic
Belize is hosting the 49th Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central […]

Advisory Opinion and Judgements at the ICJ
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has two main functions: 1.) to settle legal disputes submitted […]

BTIA hosts Annual General Meeting
Today, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) hosted its 33rd annual general meeting (AGM) as well […]

US Government improves region’s ability to generate improved climate data and information
On December 3, the United States Government handed over approximately US $500,000 in equipment, including a state-of-art server; […]

US Government continues to support Caribbean in managing impacts of natural disasters
In keeping with efforts to strengthen the region’s capacity to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, the […]

Blogs

Pantone’s Color of the Year is MADE For Belize – 2019 is About “Living Coral”
Belize – home of the second longest barrier reef in the world, brilliant golden sunrises over the Caribbean Sea and fiery sunsets over the lagoon – probably invented the 2019 Pantone color of the year. Good-bye 2018’s Ultra Violet – not my favorite color by a long shot – and HELLO warm breezed, tropical sunshine and one of the best colors in the world. (Here are last year’s photos of Ultra-Violet in Belize) It’s impossible NOT to ask the question though (and it was the first thing that Jeff asked when I told him the new color selection): Is ithis selection to celebrate the last year of “Living Coral”? Certainly not, pessimist! Can’t we just bask in the glow of Living Coral in Belize? Let’s do it. Summer mamey fruit

iTravel Belize, but Sometimes iTravel Chicago
I GREW UP WITH WGN-TV, WATCHING CHICAGO NEWS, CHEERING ON THE CHICAGO CUBS AND ENJOYING MOVIES FILMED IN THE WINDY CITY. MY DAD HAS GREAT STORIES OF HIS VISIT AND I HAVE MANY BELIZEAN FRIENDS LIVING THERE NOW. WHY HADN’T I VISITED ANY EARLIER? I DON’T KNOW, JUST BEEN BUSY TRAVELING BELIZE I GUESS. Hello Chicago! I have always wanted to visit you but thanks to United Airlines, I finally made it. The airline has been connecting Belize to the Windy City via connections in Houston and since 2014 offering seasonal direct flights, but only on Saturdays. This year United’s DAILY service to Chicago commences December 19, 2018 and runs through to March 16, 2019.

International Sources

Sun Country Airlines is another major U.S. carrier to fly non-stop to Belize
Starting on Saturday, December 22, 2018, and continuing throughout the winter season until April 20, 2019, Sun Country Airlines will fly non-stop between Minneapolis/St. Paul (airport code: MSP) to the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City (airport code: BZE). Flying time between Minneapolis and Belize City is just four hours and 25 minutes, giving residents of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest an easy way to escape the winter blues and enjoy a vacation in sunny, tropical Belize. The new Sun Country Airlines flight will operate solely on Saturdays, departing from Minneapolis at 7:05 a.m. and arriving in Belize City at 11:30 a.m. Flights departing Belize City will depart at 12:30 p.m. and arrive back in Minneapolis at 4:55 p.m. The new Belize City flight is part of Sun Country’s expansion into providing new routes to top vacation destinations in the Caribbean.

The 19 Best Places to Go in 2019
Belize featured in Conde Nast Traveler's 'Best Places to Travel in 2019' list! Just down the Caribbean coast from the Yucatan with a fraction of the tourism, this Central American country on the world’s second largest living coral reef has been buzzing with new openings that are transforming this one-time backpacker haven into a luxury destination. Much of the activity has been focused in the southern town of Placencia, a laid-back fishing village with a new air strip and the world’s narrowest main street. In the last year Itz’ana Resort and Residences, a Hemingway-inspired retreat with 50+ cottages and suites finished in boho-chic decor and vintage finds by fashion-pack favorite Samuel Amoia, and the offshore Gladden Private Island, a rustic-luxe, 3,000-foot, two-bedroom villa, have joined Francis Ford Coppola’s pioneering Turtle Inn.

Belize delegation visits Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in effort to bolster expertise in World Heritage Conservation
A high-level delegation from Belize visited Australia’s Great Barrier Reef from November 26 to 30, 2018, to exchange best practices on leveraging their reef’s iconic World Heritage status, to protect their fragile ecosystems from climate impacts and secure sustainable livelihoods, jobs and income for local communities. The visit follows a series of landmark conservation actions that led to the removal of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System from the List of World Heritage in Danger earlier this year. As the world’s most extensive coral reef ecosystem, the Great Barrier Reef is a globally outstanding and significant entity. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981 and covers an area larger than Italy. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is one of the most pristine reef ecosystems in the Western Hemisphere and was referred to as “the most remarkable reef in the West Indies” by Charles Darwin. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996.

The Best Caribbean Beaches For 2019: The Ultimate List
One of my favorite destinations in the world is the Caribbean with its warm waters, sandy shores, and great cocktails. With so much destruction during Hurricane's Irma and Maria over a year ago, I am thrilled to report most of the best beaches and waterfront hotels are back in action with quite a few of them better than before. The perfect retreat for millions of tourists worldwide, the Caribbean not only offers up an amazing escape from cold winter climates but also creates memories to last for a lifetime. Some of my finest memories include floating in the bathtub-warm waters of Aruba, sailing in the British Virgin Islands, deep sea fishing in Nicaragua and countless others. I have become a bit of a beach aficionado having personally visited most of these beaches and am excited to present my favorites for 2019. Hopkins Bay Beach: Enjoy the feeling of seclusion on your own patch of perfect beach, while being close to all the happenings of the local village. Take a kayak out to see the sunset over Victoria's Peak, one of the highest mountains in Belize.

Richard Branson dived 124 meters into the world's second-biggest sinkhole and made an unprecedented discovery
Located about 70 kilometers off the coast of Belize City, the Great Blue Hole is the world's deepest underwater sinkhole, after the Dragon Hole in China. As well as being a sizeable sinkhole, the structure is situated right in the center of the world's second-largest coral reef, the Belize Barrier Reef, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Made famous by a 1971 documentary with marine researcher Jacques Cousteau, the Great Blue Hole has been a popular spot for recreational divers ever since, but not much was known about the origins of the mysterious place. However, entrepreneur and philanthropist Richard Branson joined a team of scientists and divers to change that.

Q&A with Fabien Cousteau - star of Into the Blue Hole on DSTV Discovery Channel
Fabien Cousteau, the grandson of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, is known for his study of sharks and from 2000-2002, he was an Explorer-at-Large for National Geographic and collaborated on a TV special aimed at changing public conceptions about sharks called, Attack of the Mystery Shark. Then in 2003-2006, he produced the documentary, Mind of a Demon, that aired on CBS. With the help of a large crew, Fabien created a 14-foot, 1,200-pound, lifelike shark submarine called “Troy” that enabled him to immerse 6 himself inside the shark world, providing viewers with a rare view of the mysterious and often misunderstood creatures.

IN MEXICO FOUND AN AMAZING CEREMONIAL CENTER OF THE ANCIENT MAYA
The ceremonial center of the ancient Maya discovered by scientists in the state of Yucatan in Southeast Mexico. About the new opening of the National Institute of anthropology and history said Wednesday the Agency Quadratin, reports UNN. The age of the center, found in a cave in the municipality of Valladolid, presumably, is not less than 2,3 thousand years. On its territory there were three buildings, constructed well before the Spanish colonization, as well as several burials. Scientists believe that they may rest members of the nobility of the Maya.

Better education on CCJ role needed: Chief justice
In the wake of the referendum defeats in Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda in adopting the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the region’s final court of appeal, the court’s chief justice has admitted that more still needs to be done to educate the public about the role of the court. “I’m not worried about the referendum results in Antigua and Grenada; but what it tells us, we need more educational work,” said Justice Adrian Saunders in delivering the Maxwell Haywood Memorial Lecture Friday night at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. “So, if we don’t do that (educational work), who’s going to do it?” Justice Saunders asked. “So, if we’re going to advance, we need to know how we’re going to make our country more independent.”

Videos

December 6, 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

World AIDS Day observed with Projects Abroad Health Fair
Projects Abroad held a health fair along with other organizations at the Central Park in San Pedro Town on Friday, December 1st. The fair was intended to educate islanders on living a healthy lifestyle, as well as to observe and celebrate World AIDS Day. Many residents who attended the health fair received vital information on their well-being. Services offered included blood pressure, blood type, kidney urinalysis, blood sugar check-ups among many other options. There were also booths from various organizations who educated attendees on a variety of health practices. In commemoration of World AIDS Day, rapid HIV testing was also available.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro High School Celebrates Founder's Day
Founder’s Day was once more celebrated at San Pedro High School. The faculty, staff and students of San Pedro High pulled off another great celebration as tradition has it, San Pedro High School is always up for a celebration in commemoration of (now retired) Principal Angel Nuñez every year on December 5. Now that Mr. Nuñez has retired and now only a member of the board of directors of San Pedro High, the school has designated his birthday celebrations as Founder’s Day and have included Mrs. Martha Guerrero, Mrs. Celi McCorkel and Mrs Marthita Leslie (on behalf of Mr. Allan Forman) co-founders of San Pedro High School.

Misc Belizean Sources

Unauthorized Event advertised for San Pedro
Today thanks to Brent Kirkman, manager of Victoria House we found out that there is this company "Brightlights Promotions" who claim they are promoting an event here in Belize. They are using a picture from Victoria House, without any permission, and when contacting them, they stated that the event will take place at Portofino and another hotel here on the Island. We are unaware of this, and have zero business with this company!

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

Airborne Bathymetric LiDAR Survey in Belize
he Belize Port Authority and the United Kingdom Government’s Hydrographic Office (UKHO) are pleased to inform the public of an Airborne Bathymetric LiDAR (light detection and ranging) survey which will be conducted during the months of December 2018 and January 2019 in Belize’s waters north of Belize City, through funding provided under the United Kingdom Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme. The programme is being delivered on behalf of the UK Government by the UKHO, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), and aims to support the growth of Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) through sustainable use of their natural economic and environmental resources. Stakeholder meetings were hosted by the Belize Port Authority Headquarters in conjunction with the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute in which government and non-government agencies were briefed on the details.

RESILIENT RURAL BELIZE PROGRAMME
The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce (MED) and the Ministry of Agriculture with funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) launched a USD 20 million programme aimed to minimize the impacts of climatic and economic events on smallholder farmers while supporting sustainable market access for their produce. The launching ceremony took place at the Agricultural Show Ground in Belmopan on December 4, 2018. The MED as the Lead Programme Agency will have overall responsibility for programme implementation. The Ministry of Agriculture will work closely with the MED and the Programme Management Unit (PMU) to ensure that agricultural sector priorities and strategies are duly considered throughout Programme implementation.

GOB’s Controlled Pump Prices (Belize City) – 5th December 2018
The price for premium has been reduced from $11.50 to $11.32. Regular gas decreased by 19 cents, from $9.95 to $9.76. Diesel decreased by 41 cents, from $11.16 to $10.75. Kerosene decreased by 55 cents, from $8.70 to $8.15.

Institute of Archaeology visits Ocean's Academy
Ocean's Academy on Caye Caulker invited us to talk to them about the Maya, and what ensued was a lively discussion about their own culture. Thanks for having us.

Fabian Cousteau on Caye Caulker
Taking a 10 minute break from filming. Having an amazing cup of coffee with my new friend Digna at Sunshine Cafe on the beach. I love Cay Caulker and truly hope the local people NEVER change this beautiful island paradise !

World Trade Organization (WTO) Notification Requirements Workshop in Belmopan
One of the main principles the multilateral trading system (WTO) is founded on is transparency. Belize, as a member of the WTO, is required to notify to other members its trade-related policies, laws and measures. Providing this information allows governments, and traders in particular, to be aware of the current conditions of trade around the world. Thus, the aim of this workshop is to enhance the capacity of those directly involved in the preparation of Belize's WTO notifications. Participants of this workshop include representatives from the Directorate General for Foreign Trade, Central Bank, BAHA, the Attorney General's Ministry, BELIPO, the Belize Bureau of Standards, the Customs & Excise Department and the Ministry of Agriculture. This three day session (December 5-7, 2018) is being led by a representative of the WTO and a consultant of the WTO.

ST ANN’S DECLARATION ON CSME
WE, the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), meeting at Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago 3-4 December, 2018 on the occasion of the 18th Special Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM; Recalling the 1989 Declaration of Grand Anse which initiated the process towards the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the signing of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas in 2001, which established the CSME and the launch of the CSME in 2006; Convinced that the CSME continues to be the most viable platform for supporting growth and development in the Member States of CARICOM; Recognising the need to make it more closely attuned to the needs and priorities of Member States and contributing more visibly to growth and development and to the welfare of the people of the Community...

Methodist School Christmas Fair in Corozal
Hey, kids from Corozal, don't have nothing to do this Saturday in Corozal? Don't worry, Methodist school is having there annual Christmas Fair this Saturday commencing at 4pm..Come join this event with lots of food, snacks, soft drinks, dances, Cultural presentations and lots more entertainment. Don't miss this event.

Cayo Music School Christmas Recital 2018
The Cayo Music School is having their annual Christmas Recital on Sunday, December 16th. It'll be at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, and will start at 6:00pm. The Cayo Music School performs at many of the cultural events around Cayo, and always impress.

BULUC CHABTAN
Buluc Chabtan is the representation of war,torture and Violence.

Channel 7

Domestic Dispute Turns Very Ugly
Well known Majestic Alley street figure Bart Lucas is recovering at the hospital after his girlfriend, Tanice Mejia allegedly blasted him in the groin, reportedly with his own gun. Based on our information, their relationship was a ticking time bomb and it seems this morning, that bomb exploded. Courtney Weatherburne has more. Courtney Weatherburne reporting This morning the police were clearing and digging through this overgrown yard looking for a gun. But all police found were a pair of flip flops thrown on the lawn. And 3 expended shells inside this downstairs home at the corner of Vernon Street and Magazine Road. Our information is that

Cop Caught With Crack
A policeman has been charged for possession of crack cocaine. PC Arcenio Yah owned up to possession of the 4.3 grams of crack yesterday when police searched a house in San Narciso Village. At midday, police went to search the house for illegal drugs and found a a bag with some crack. Four persons were in the house, but 40 year old YAH told his fellow officers that the crack was his. He was formally arrested for Drug Trafficking. And though police say he fessed up in the house, today in court, PC Yah pleaded not guilty. He was granted bail of three thousand dollars and the case adjourned to Feb 24, 2019.

Ras Ruben Gets Off After All Is Said And Done
It was one of the biggest stories of 2017, when Cameron Kelvin Usher, better known as "Ras Ruben" and his son, Kelvin Usher were caught up in a commotion in Lucky Strike Village. Police say they found Ruben and son on a marijuana plantation with 121 mature plants. Kelvin Usher, who was 17 years-old at the time, ran off into the bushes after the Gang Suppression Unit arrested his father for the plantation. And then he went missing for two days - after reports emerged that the GSU shot at him. A massive manhunt and protests were launched for the sixth former and when he emerged, there was a joyous celebration at the Battlefield Park.

Teenager Led Cops On Chase Through City, Gets Off With Time Served
In 2010, he was involved in one of the most dramatic shootouts the city has ever seen. Jose Cocom - who was only 17 at the time - caught in an exchange of fire with police at 10:45 in the morning on a weekday in the heart of the city near the Swing Bridge. At the end of it - he was sprawled on the pavement with gunshot injuries and two passersby also recieved minor injury. Police were pursuing the teenager because of a robbery at Accents Gift Shop on North Front Street. Well, 8 years later, the now 25 year old Cocom charged with 3 counts of aggravated assault, walked out of the Supreme court a free man. That's after he pleaded guilty to the offences and Justice Colin Williams whittled his sentence of 1 year imprisonment down to time served.

Early Morning Robbers Targeted Meatpie Factory
The owners of Belizean meat pies got quite a scare early this morning, when two masked robbers tried to burglarize their place on Water Lane, but they couldn't get in. The owners declined on camera comment but told us via phone that they were preparing the meat pies around 4:00 AM when the two men arrived. They tried to pry open the front shutters but couldn't and they ran off. This is the first time Belizean meat pies has been targeted.

Harsh Words Between Assad and Paul Morgan
Harsh words were thrown last night at the Sacred Heart College Auditorium in San Ignacio. The event was the ICJ Lecture Series sponsored by "The Consortium of the University of Belize and the Social Sector Senators." It's a national tour where speakers from all three sides: yes, no and impartial present their arguments to the public. Foreign Affairs CEO Ambassador Alexis Rosado presents on the "The Facts of the Claim"; while historian Assad Shoman presents on the case for going to the ICJ, while the Belize Peace Movement and other stakeholders present the "No to ICJ" position - in this case it was independent politician Paul Morgan. Well, Shoman cut a wide swathe when he spoke about distorters and political opportunist in his address - we have this video courtesy HITZ 100 - "OYE" FM out of Cayo:

Celebrating Diversity in Disability
On Monday, December 3rd, Belize joined the rest of the world in observing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The day is set aside to promote empowerment of persons living with disabilities, and Stella Maris Primary School set aside an entire week to promote disability awareness. They were joined today by the fledgling organization which calls itself the Belize Brain Awareness Society. This organization embedded themselves at the school for several hours, so that they could provide the children with a sort of fun day, along with free medical check-ups.

Gettin An Angel To Invest
"Angel Investment": it is a form of funding where a wealthy investor provides capital for a worthy business start-up. And today at Beltraide's National Angel Investment Workshop, it was all about spreading awareness about how it works and its benefits to entrepreneurs. Here's more. Wendy Hernandez, Project Officer, Beltraide: "The Angel Investment workshop is being hosted by Beltraide in conjunction with the European Union and the Regional Center for the Promotion of Small and Micro Medium Businesses in the SICA region. What we are trying to do here is we are trying to create and ideal entrepreneurship ecosystem that promotes entrepreneurship in a more comprehensive manner and so we are trying to do this through one of the main pillars which is financing..."

Sir Sandy's Story
Everyone knows very well about nation builders and patriots like George Price and Philip Goldson. But there are others, equally patriotic and nationalistic who reside in the shadows of history, the stories untold, even as their contributions endure. One such patriot who's been sitting in the background of Belizean history is Alexander Hunter. He was the first Minister of Tourism, and he's credited with the work he did on policies to govern the Tourism Industry, Agriculture, the Sugar Industry, and the Fishing Industry. He is also described as a politician who championed the causes of the working class during his 18 years as an elected official.

Daily Inspiration
Earlier in the news, we told you about Stella Maris School's continued celebration of Disability Awareness Week. Well, at the Inspiration Center this morning, Kim Simplis Barrow, the Special Envoy for Women and Children, teamed up with McNab Visual Strategies to launch the 8th Annual Inspiration Calendar for 2019. It's an initiative to help raise funds for the Center so that it can continue to provide services for children living with disabilities. And, in turn, the children with diverse abilities who use the Center were the ones who created the drawings and paintings which are featured in the calendar itself. We stopped by today to see the new calendar, and Barrow spoke with us about the accompanying campaign to reduce the stigma and discrimination against person with disabilities. Here's what she had to say:

Rural Resilience In An Era Of Climate Change
Rural Reslience is the theme of a 20 million US dollar program designed to minimize the effects of climate change on small farmers. The idea is to support small farmers by strengthening Producer Organizations, and other links along the supply chain. With farmers losing ground in a changing landscape - we found that it's more urgent than ever at a launch today at the Agricultural Show Grounds in Belmopan :..

Capital Cops And The Kids
Belmopan and Roaring Creek police enjoyed a special Christmas lunch today courtesy My Refuge Christian Ministry. Police told us via text "This shows the close relationship between the Police and the community. Also at the luncheon (7) officers were presented with a small token of appreciation, for their commitment and dedication.

Channel 5

Shot to the Groin; Domestic Violence Victim Turns Gun on Common-law Husband
A victim of domestic violence took matters in her hand this morning; she shot her common-law-husband at her house on Vernon Street.  After the shooting, she fled in a van, [...]

Chef Cameron is Cleared of Marijuana Cultivation Charges
Cameron Usher Senior first came to prominence in September 2017 when they Gang Suppression Unit raided a weed farm in Lucky Strike, where Usher and his son Kelvin, were seen [...]

Day 1: Belize Bank Vs G.O.B. over UHS Multimillion-dollar Debt
A legal battle for more than ninety-five million Belize dollars was back in court today before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. The Belize Bank Limited is continuing its quest to collect [...]

Will G.O.B. Accept Belize Bank’s Settlement Offer?
As you heard, the Financial Secretary was ordered to discuss the Bank’s settlement offer with the Prime Minister. But according to Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte, the government has already made [...]

Accused of Human Trafficking, Honduran Woman Denied Bail
Also in the Supreme Court, a Honduran woman, who is accused of human trafficking, was denied bail by Justice Colin Williams. Lourdes Guerrero Moreno is accused of making a thirty-six-year-old [...]

The Crack Down At Vital Statistic Union
Reports emerging out of the Vital Statistics Unit today are that four employees have been terminated. The employees are accused of issuing a fraudulent birth certificated to William “Danny” Mason, [...]

Drowning in Belize: A Closer Look
Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide; it accounts for seven percent of injury-related deaths globally. But the World Health Organization says that the figure may [...]

All Fuel Prices Decrease
Fuel consumers across the country are rejoicing tonight at a decrease in fuel prices. Premium gasoline went down by eighteen cents from eleven dollars and fifty cents to eleven dollars [...]

FinSec Says Economy Experiencing Real Growth
The Financial Secretary also offered comment about the state of the country’s economy.  Earlier this year, an internal memo issued by Joseph Waight was leaked. In that memo, Waight pointedly [...]

BELTRAIDE Educates Entrepreneurship Ecosystem on “Angel Investment”
Belize Trade and Investment Development Service, in collaboration with the European Union, hosted a one-day workshop on financing options available through the Angel Investment methodology. Belize is one of four [...]

BFCA says BFF Must Stay in its Own Lane
In recent weeks, the Belize Federation of Fishers’ raised concerns about a number of developments in the fishing industry.  The federation called out the Gillnet Task Group, saying that gillnet [...]

BFCA Says No to Gillnets Ban
…and on the matter of gillnets, Fuller and Dawson say fishers are not in agreement with a ban on gillnets. They note that fishers resoundingly agreed not to get rid [...]

The Man Who Wore Khaki
Well-known Belizean historian Lita Hunter Krohn has chronicled, as well as taught the history of the Jewel for many years.  Her work as a student and scholar in the study [...]

A Day of Testing at Stella Maris During Disability Week
Disability Week is being celebrated countrywide and in Belize City today, a special clinic was being held at Stella Maris where children with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, were being examined [...]

The 2019 Inspiration Calendars and Agenda Are Now Available
The Inspiration calendar has become a feature at this time of the year for the past eight years.  It is a unique calendar that carries the work of children with [...]

LOVE FM

BELTRAIDE assists Small Medium Enterprises identify financing
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service, BELTRAIDE, hosted a sensitization session with stakeholders from the Belize Entrepreneurship Ecosystem on financing options for small and medium businesses. Wendy Hernandez, project officer at BELTAIDE, says these options are available through the Angel Investment Methodology. The initiative aims to place a mechanism of regional financing for the …

Belize Brain Awareness Society helps to bring awareness to a good cause
The Belize Brain Awareness Society is an organization base on the mental and neurological problems in the human brain. Members of the society were at Stella Maris today to interact with faculty, parents and students. According to Doris Sutherland, their members would deliver speeches, snacks, treats and free medical check-up to the kids. Doris Sutherland: …

The life and contributions of Alexander “Sandy” Hunter is told in “The Man who Wore Khaki”
A book on the life, work and service of Alexander “Sandy” Hunter was launched Wednesday. Hunter was a politician and former Minister of Trade and Industry in Belize. He retired from Politics in the 1970s and is remembered for his extensive work with grassroots people. The book “The Man who Wore Khaki” is written by …

Seniors in Belize City treated to Christmas Party at the Helpage Center
Helpage Belize City branch held its annual Christmas party this morning. Over a hundred seniors who access the institution’s services showed up to dance, sing and eat. Dalila Ical stopped by and brings you the following story about “seenagers”. Dalilah Ical: “And we can tell that these vibrant ladies took to the dance floor. They …

Police concerned over aggravated burglaries; members of a ring captured
The police department is concerned over the spike in burglaries and aggravated burglaries that have occurred in Belize City and in other districts as well. In past press conferences, investigators have indicated that they are aware of the culprits who are carrying out these activities. Deputy Commissioner of Police Chester Williams says the Department has …

LiDAR is the new game changer
Earlier this week, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, 5Cs launched its latest tool at the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport. The Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system is the new game changer in the fight against climate change. Love news spoke with Albert Jones, the Instrumentation Officer for the 5Cs who shared how the …

More boots on the streets for safer December
December is here and like every year, it is a busy month for many Belizeans as they prepare for the holidays. To ensure that Belizeans go about their merry business safely for the month, the Belize Police Department has also become busier. Deputy Commissioner of Police Chester Williams says the Department has deployed more boots …

Financial Secretary discusses the new payroll system
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Education announced that it would be using a SmartStream payroll system to pay teachers. This would mean that teachers’ salaries would no longer go through the church-state managements giving the ministry full control. Today, the Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight, told the media that the system has already been rolled …

Disability Week Celebrated in Belize City
In April the Stella Maris School in Belize City celebrated a milestone, 60 years. The school for those living with diverse abilities is also having activities for students, faculty, staff and the public all week long. It is Disability Week and Principal Karema Oshon told Love news about some of the activities that they have …

Police investigate another plane sighting, but Leader of Opposition allege corruption
If you’re a regular watcher of the Netflix series Narcos Colombia and Narcos Mexico you would know that the reality-based crime drama uses Central America as a staging ground to propel South America’s cocaine into the United States. Belize is one of several points along the narco-trafficking routes from South America to the United States. …

Port and UK conduct Airborne Bathymetric LiDAR Survey
The Belize Port Authority and the United Kingdom Government’s Hydrographic Office (UKHO) are conducting an Airborne Bathymetric LiDAR (light detection and ranging) survey from December through January 2019 in Belize’s waters north of Belize City, through funding provided under the United Kingdom Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme. The programme is being delivered on behalf of the UK Government by the UKHO, the Centre for Environment...

Man shot during domestic dispute
A gunshot rang out on Magazine Road this morning in Belize City. Residents and bystanders were in a state of alertness as months ago a man with gang relations was killed shortly after he stepped out of a clinic on that street. The concern was so great that a month ago a police booth was erected near the health clinic...

Breaking Belize News

UHS case continues in Supreme Court
Today, attorneys for the Belize Bank and the government of Belize appeared in the Supreme […]

Man shot in groin by woman in Belize City
Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred this morning in Belize City. Around 9:23 […]

Employees fired for allegedly issuing fake birth paper to Danny Mason
On Monday four employees of the Vital Statistics Unit were terminated. They are Mark Burgess, […]

World Trade Organization workshop underway in Belmopan
A three-day notification requirement workshop is being hosted by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in […]

Missing Orange Walk man found safe and well
Yesterday, BBN reported that Brian Nicholson,18, was reported missing in Orange Walk. Today, police informed that […]

ICJ lecture series to be hosted tomorrow at Independence Auditorium
A lecture series on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will be held tomorrow December […]

Majestic Alley gang boss shot on Magazine Road, Belize City
A shooting in Belize City has left one man injured. He has been identified as […]

Police officer busted with crack-cocaine
Arcenio Yah, 40, a law enforcement officer has been charged for drug trafficking. According to police reports, around […]

US $20 million project to benefit Belizean smallholder farmers launched
The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce (MED) […]

Fuel prices decrease effective today
Effective today, fuel prices will decrease across the country. According to the Belize Bureau of Standards, consumers […]

Collector agent held up by 2 armed robbers on the Phillip Goldson Highway
Edison Omar Calles,27, a collector agent for Bee Line Enterprise reported to authorities that on Monday, […]

Blogs

The Ref Wore Sandals – Hockey in Belize
Belize welcomed two Canadian Hockey teams who traveled from Toronto on Wednesday, November 28th to take part in the 2nd annual Coconut Cup Tournament hosted by the San Pedro Buccaneers hockey team. Two days of settling in (with a drink or two) saw the commencement of the tournament late Friday afternoon. The games were opened by children from the Island Academy School singing the Canadian National Anthem immediately followed by children from New Horizons School singing the Belize National Anthem in different languages including Garifuna. Both renditions were superb and brought a lump to ones throat. There were 4 teams in the Tournament, two from Withrow Park Hockey Club in Toronto and two from San Pedro Town consisting of roughly a 50/50 mix of Local Belizean and expats now residing on Ambergris Caye.

Corozal House Of Culture presents: La Fiesta De San Joaquin Documentary Launch 2018 Vol. 4
La fiesta de Sqn Joaquin is an annual Celebration held in August in Sqn Joaquin Village, Catholic Church. The fiesta culminates with ferria at the San Joaquin park. Prior to the celebration being held in the village, and because of there historical connection, many persons from San Joaquin traveled to Bacalar, Mexico for the fiesta. Under the stewardship of Mrs. Maria Agelita Magaña and community members, the village held its Fiesta in August 1967. San Joaquin Village was founded in the mid 1850's by the Magaña family who fled from La Guerra de Castas - The Caste War - in Yucatan, Mexico. Mr. Andres Magaña alomg with his wife Felipe Garcia de Magaña, and their son Vincente, travelled from Bacalar and eventuallt settled in present-day San Joaquin Village. Their safe Journey is attributed to the intercession of San Joaquin, the santa patron of Bacalar. The village was batized as San Joaquin in 1904.

International Sources

Belize featured in spanish magazine QTravel Digital!
Check out the entire 18-page spread...

Cruise Tourism a Big Threat to Belize’s Endangered Manatees
by COLETTE KASE. Visitors to Belize, a small country just south of Mexico, are so enthralled with manatees that they eagerly pay the high price of $100 or more per person, for a manatee sighting tour even though they are always warned that they may not see a single one of these elusive aquatic herbivores. But their desire to view this enigmatic marine mammal in its natural habitat might be helping push an endangered manatee subspecies further towards extinction. A beloved, but lesser known marine mammal most closely related to elephants, manatees, or “sea cows,” are bulky, slow-moving herbivorous animals who feed on water grasses, weeds, and algae. Belize is home to the largest population of the endangered Antillean manatee — a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, which ranges in the shallow, marshy coastal area and rivers of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico and is itself listed as vulnerable. The population of Antillean manatees in Mesoamerica (which includes those in Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala) is estimated to be about 2,500 with another 4,200 living in sub populations in other parts of the Caribbean and further south.

Transparent BPO to Build Belize’s Biggest Call Cente
Nearshore call center services provider Transparent BPO has announced it will build yet another delivery center in Belize, with plans to add 465 agents to its workforce in the Central American country. With 32,900 square feet of floor space, this will be the largest BPO facility in Belize. If everything goes according to plan, the new call center will be up and running by the end of 2019. The BPO provider has given the contract of constructing the facility to local property developer VP Holdings. With more than 1500 employees, Transparent is one of the largest private sector employers in the small country with extensive Caribbean coastline.

RICHARD BRANSON SAYS SEA LIFE SHOULD NOT BE KILLED, DUBS GILLNET FISHING ‘HORRENDOUS’
Investor, philanthropist, and founder of the Virgin Group Richard Branson has stated that more needs to be done to protect the ocean and its marine life. In a recent trip to Belize, in Central America, the tycoon met with the nation’s prime minister Dean Barrow to discuss strategies for ocean protection, according to a blog post by Branson. Branson urged Prime Minister Barrow to place a ban on gillnet fishing, naming the practice a “horrendous way of killing many, many, many species under the sea that should not be killed.”

Say no to the International Court of Justice
BY WELLINGTON C. RAMOS. 1. Prior to Spain Britain and the other European countries colonizing this part of the world, several nation states existed but they came and used unjustifiable force on the native citizens to take away their territories from them and colonized the entire region. 2. The Guatemalan claim to Belize is based on a treaty that was signed between Spain and Portugal in the Treaty of Tordesillas with Pope Alexander the V1 giving Spain ownership to all the people and territories in the Western Hemisphere including Belize in 1493 which is unlawful. 3. Even though Spain was given legal possession of Belize in the treaty of 1493, Spain never occupied, developed or established any form of administration in Belize.

Take in the history and pace of the Yucatán
While millions of tourists visit Mexico hotspots like Cancun on a yearly basis, there’s a little gem of a southern destination called the Yucatán Peninsula where natural beauty abounds, local surroundings are quaint and charming, and large crowds tend to avoid. The area is a lush beachside oasis with a thriving contemporary food scene, nestled in a historic area of the country. It’s the perfect locale for an intimate getaway for two or an enriching family vacation. The area of Yucatán has a varied history. Merida, the capital, came from the merging of three major cultures: Mayan, Spanish and Lebanese. This helped to weave together an intricate and interesting scene for food, the arts, and architecture (the brightly-coloured colonial buildings here are a must-see, balancing the old and the new in perfect harmony). The food landscape is just as interesting, with a plethora of restaurants and markets to sample local food like fruits and veggies (faves include dragon fruit, soursop, guava, tomatoes, chile habanero , chile xcatic, and purple onion, when in season), as well as filled cheese, a locally-made dish that is made from whole Edam cheese and is filled with pork, raisins, olives, and herbs).

7 Questions with… Blue Hole explorer Fabien Cousteau
1. Can you give us any predictions for what you expect to find at the bottom of the Great Blue Hole? I'll quote my grandfather: 'If I knew what we were going to find I wouldn't go there'… The essence of exploration is the unknown and going to see what's out there. What drives me is my curiosity to find out. Based on findings around Central America and the Meso-American reef there very well could be evidence in the Blue Hole pointing to Mayan culture, new species of sea life, and climate change evidence.

The origins of chocolate may be up to 1,500 years earlier than previously thought
“Today we all rely, to one extent or another, on foods that were created by the Indigenous peoples of the Americas,” said the Head of UBC’s Department of Anthropology Michael Blake in the study’s press release. “And one of the world’s favourites is chocolate.” Prior to the study, entitled “The use and domestication of Theobroma cacao during the mid-Holocene in the upper Amazon,” in Nature Ecology & Evolution, archeologists estimated that cacao use dated back 3,900 years and was domesticated in Central America. Researchers, including Blake, managed to redate Theobroma cacao — more commonly known as the cacao tree — back between 5,300 and 2,100 years ago thanks to three specific lines of evidence in ceramic artifacts found in Santa Ana-La Florida, Equador. These lines of evidence were the presence of cacao tree starch grains in pottery from their investigated area, residue of theobromine — a bitter alkaloid found in the cacao plant but not its wild relatives — and fragments of ancient DNA sequences unique to the cacao tree.

Un-Belize-Able! FTC Setting New Standards in Sanctuary Belize
On November 8, 2018, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) held a press conference to announce a lawsuit against what it claims is the largest real estate scam the FTC has ever encountered. According to the FTC Complaint, through false claims in its marketing materials and sales pitches, the Sanctuary Belize Enterprise (“SBE”) took in more than $100 million through its sale of lots in what was meant to become a luxury development equipped with amenities similar to American luxury resorts. On October 31, the FTC filed its complaint against Andris Pukke, the creator of the scam, and numerous other defendants. The Complaint raises several interesting issues and provides useful insight into the worldview of the new slate of FTC Commissioners, which could give us clues as to where enforcement action is heading in a number of contexts. First, the FTC sued a foreign bank for the first time. The FTC does not have jurisdiction over domestic banks. In this case, the FTC sued Atlantic International Bank (“Atlantic International”), a foreign bank with no branches in the United States and not regulated by any American financial authority.

Videos

December 5, 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

Official Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony held on Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye officially ushered in the Christmas season with the annual ‘Lighting of the Christmas Tree’ ceremony held on Saturday, December 1st at the Central Park. Organized by The San Pedro Town Council, the event saw hundreds of island residents and visitors witnessing the program that not only included the official lighting of the tree, but brought performances from different schools, the Pandemonium Steel Band and Belizean singer Marlyn Vansen. The event started at 6PM, with Miss San Pedro 2018-2019 Chelsea Muñoz welcoming everyone to the annual celebration.

Ambergris Today

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
To officially kick in the Holiday Season, the San Pedro Town Council held its official lighting ceremony of the Town’s Christmas Tree on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Central Park. It was fun-filled event which island residents and tourists enjoyed.

Hon. Edmond Castro Attends Firefighting Graduation In Cuba
Belmopan. November 30th, 2018. Minister with responsibility for the Belize National Fire Service, Hon. Edmond Castro is in Havana, Cuba, where he attended graduation ceremonies on Wednesday, November 28th, for a two-and-a-half-week firefighting course for Caribbean and Central American Countries. The training course took place from November 11th to 28th, and was attended by two fire-fighters from the Belize National Fire Service, Samuel Leslie and Victor Gabriel Menzies.

Misc Belizean Sources

Rumpopo for sale on Caye Caulker
Taking orders for delicious Rumpopo. It will be available December 16th. Inbox me your orders. $25 a quart. Every year, daddy makes his famous, delicious, mouth watering Rumpopo. This year is no different! Taking orders now!!!...$25 per quart, $35 per liter and $55 for elephant foot!! Captain Rob's Rumpopo, bringing the love of the Christmas season to your home!!! Comment below, inbox, or send him a txt at 6660788 to place ur orders. Please just remember that if u txt him and he doesnt reply right away, it's bcaz he is working on sea, but he will reply back at the end of the day, thank u!

BCVI free eye clinic Wednesday in San Pedro
Tomorrow Wednesday, December 5th - BCVI free eye clinic 8:30am - 2pm at the San Pedro Lions Den. Great opportunity to get that eye exam!

San Pedro Rotaract Club Merry Boxes
The Rotaract Club of Ambergris Caye is working with the San Pedro Food Bank to help collect non-perishable food items this holiday season! Your workplace will start off with an empty box. Every day, for 24 days, employees should do their best to bring in one item for the box. These boxes will then be delivered to people in the San Pedro community who are in need of some extra food.

Photos of the State funeral for the late Ambassador H.E. Rosendo “Chendo” Urbina in Orange Walk Town

Jambel Jerk Pit is now in Corozal
It is located next to Wicho's restaurant.

Power outages Thursday and Friday in Corozal
Two power outages 6:00 a.m. to 6:10 a.m. and 4:50 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 6th and Friday, December 7th to affect entire Orange Walk and Corozal Districts. BEL to replace poles and repair ground wires on the transmission system in the area.

Santa Photoshoot & Toy Drive
Santa Claus is coming to Belmopan for the annual Gallardo toy drive next weekend. You can have your family photo with Santa, and all they ask is that you bring donate a toy. "Its time for holiday photos with SANTA! PHOTO SHOOT & TOY DRIVE, have your kids or Family Photos taken by Monica Gallardo Photography / Belize Photography when you DONATE A TOY! Santa's Show times will be December 14th, 15th, & 17th from 9:30am - 1:00pm inside Gallardo Services and Hardware! (Time may be extended if needed) GSH will be hosting a Toy Drive and we invite everyone to help put a smile on child's face by donating a toy and spreading the Joy! All Donations will be very appreciated! So mark you calendars and we will see you there.

Lady Eagles Win ATLIB Basketball
Congratulations, Lady Eagles! They won the 2018 ATLIB Basketball tournament. The best SHJC 27-12. "Let us just brighten your morning ith some good news and good vibes! Our Lady Eagles won last night’s game 27-12 against Sacred Heart Junior College. But wait..there is more! This win gave our lady eagles their FIRST EVER ATLIB WIN. Congratulations Ladies! Hard work pays off!"

Chaktemal Indomitable
Most of us Maya Masewal(Yucatec Maya) in Belize continue living in the Kuchkabal known as Chactemal . Chactemal territory was southern state of Quintana Roo(Mex) and Northern Belize with its Capital believe to be present day Santa Rita(Corozal) . Chaktemal in Maya means The place where red trees grow. Another possible translation is: Chaac means "rain" as the lord of rain, tea means "there", and emal means "go down", that is "Where the rains come down". In answer to a demand to submit to Spain, Chaktemal chief, Nachan Can, replied that his only tribute would be "turkeys in the shape of spears and corn in the shape of arrows". The isolation from the region and the combativeness of the Maya meant that the Spaniards never achieved total subjugation and therefore did not manage to establish permanent populations. The Maya defended northern Belize for over 200 years against the Spanish and continue against the British .

The Manger is up in Corozal
Thanks to all those who showed up to help in the setting up!

Training of Trainers on the School Mental Health Literacy Program
The Ministry of Health in partnership with PAHO/WHO and the Ministry of Education is conducting a three days Training of Trainers on the School Mental Health Literacy Program. The program was developed to help schools better address youth mental health in an efficient, effective, inexpensive and pedagogical way. The hope is that the persons getting trained will then train teachers to implement the system in schools by the start of 2019 school year. Facilitators were Dr. Stanley Kutcher and Dr. Yifeng Wei, both professors of Psychiatry from Dalhousie University. For more information contact: Eleanor Bennett, Nursing Administrator, Ministry of Health

BELTRAIDE Facilitates National Angel Investment Workshop
On Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) in collaboration with CENPROMYPE and the European Union will gather with stakeholders from the Belize Entrepreneurship Ecosystem to conduct a sensitization workshop on financing options available through the Angel Investment Methodology. Participants will be provided with an opportunity to learn and strengthen skills about Angel Investment as an external funding, primarily for providing risk capital to newly established ventures. The workshop also showcases how available policies and programs on Angel Investment can positively impact the industry, SME financing and regional development in Central America, contributing to economic growth and technological advances.

Hon. Edmond Castro Meets with Belizean Students in the Republic of Cuba
On November 29, 2018, while on an official visit to Cuba, Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, met with a group of Belizean scholarship recipients who are studying at the Latin-American School of Medicine (ELAM) in Cuba. Hon. Castro hosted the evening event to hear from students and to encourage them in their studies. Firefighters Samuel Leslie of the Orange Walk Fire Department and Victor Menzies from the San Ignacio Fire Department, who had been training in Havana, also joined the group at the Embassy of Belize the share their experience. There are currently 87 Belizeans studying in Cuba.

BTIA 33rd Annual General Meeting
BTIA invites all its members and tourism stakeholders to join us on December 6th, 2018, at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City to celebrate our 33rd Annual General Meeting. Our main guest speaker, Mr. Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director of the Economic Development Council will focus on highlighting: • the critical importance of meaningful dialogue between the public and private-sector. • overview of the Economic Development Council, mandate and work to date. • EDC portfolio of business climate reforms and projects • call to action by all tourism stakeholders in public-private engagement and national development. • Elections for the new President and 2nd Vice President as well as, recognition of 2018 sponsors will be held at the meeting.

San Pedro Power Outage Sunday
Power outage 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 9 to affect entire San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. BEL to repair hotspots on transmission system.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Dec 3, 2018
The week started with great conditions and ended with windy weather. Snook fishing was good and the highlight of the week was a BIG Tarpon on the fly for Terry B. Tarpon were caught around the mangroves including a triple-digit one by Terry B.

Update on some of the initiatives going on with the Downtown Rejuvenation Project
The plants at our urban garden are growing by leaps and bounds. We are planning to have our official showing of the garden on December 13th. The concrete floor at our Cockburn lane project will soon be cast. The Human Development Building's first floor is almost completed. This building will be going three floors so we still have two more to go. Plans are being finalized for our Third Annual Krismus Eena Di Paak going under the name of the Belize Creole Brukdong Festival. We have once again joined up with KREM TV this year and festivities start from 10th December out at Battlefield Park.

20 Reasons to vote NO to the ICJ
by Hector Silva. 1. Spain never ever conquered nor did she occupy these lands, now Belize. 2. Spain was repelled three times from these Belize lands. (Chactemal, Tipu and St George's Caye.) 3. Spain abandoned her pretentions over these Belize lands and granted independence to new spain colonies. 4. Spain could not give to Guatemala what she did not conquered nor own 5. The boundaries of Belize were demarcated on January 1st, 5o 18- - ( Clayton/Bulwer ) 6. Guatemala recognized these borders in 1859 ...

TreeTuesday, Buttercup tree (Cochlospermum vitifolium)
On this #TreeTuesday, we feature the Buttercup tree (Cochlospermum vitifolium)! This small deciduous tree is an aggressive pioneer species. It can reach 15 meters in height and 50cm in diameter. It grows well in disturbed and isolated areas, even from large cuttings. The Buttercup tree can be grown as part of a living fence or an ornamental tree – flowering at the end of the dry season. The seed floss (fiber) is used as stuffing material.

Ko'one'ex !!! Ko'one'ex !!! U Xamanai Masewalo'ob tu Belize . Kux'ano'on !!!
Every one is invited to VII Festival del Pueblo in San Lazaro (Orange walk) . Come,enjoy and celebrate our Maya identity .

Channel 7

"Tazzy"� Taken Out For No Reason
Last night, we told you about the senseless, broad-daylight murder of 43 year-old Arthur Flowers, who is better known in the Belize City Downtown Area as "Tazzy". Well tonight, we know a little bit more about the victim. Flowers was a car wash man who lived on Handyside Street. He also set up his one-man operation at the Queen Street Intersection, meaning that he was killed right across the street from his house. As we told you, some time after 3:00 yesterday afternoon, Flowers was sitting on his bucket waiting for business when a gunman took aim and shot him to the right side of the head. The shooter then ran up Daly Street, where he got into a brown Dodge Neon Car, which sped off in the direction of Barrack Road. 

Police have 3 Suspects Plus Car In Murder of Wash-Man
And while the family wants answers, Police have made headway in Arthur Flowers' murder. They have a vehicle impounded and 3 persons detained. Today Deputy Compol Chester Williams told us the police are still trying to figure out the motive - because the victim was not involved in any gang rivalries. Chester Williams, Deputy Compol: "Yesterday police were called to the corner of Handy Side and Queen Street where they saw the lifeless body of Mr. Flowers. He was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head and was transported to the KHMH where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police investigation so far revealed that Mr. Flowers were standing on the corner of the lane when he was accosted by a lone gunman who pointed a gun at his head and pulled the trigger, causing the fatal injury. We have since intercepted a vehicle we believe is involved in the murder and have detained three persons who are pending investigation in that latest murder yesterday evening."

Deputy Compol Says Mex News Report About Zetas Bogus
The cocaine - stacked Hawker 700 jet has been making headlines in Belize and Mexico. And as we told you, one Mexican newspaper, The Sol Quintana Roo, stated that it's the notorious Zeta cartel that's behind these plane landings in Belize. The story's headline read "Zetas are the masters and owners of Belize". Well, that characterization didn't sit too well with Deputy Compol Williams but today he was quite diplomatic in discussing the article. Chester Williams, Deputy Compol: "I saw the article, I am amazed by it to say the least but if that is how they feel, that is how they feel I can't take away their opinion from them, whoever is the author of that article but I can say to them that in Belize we have been doing our best to be able to prevent these planes from landing in these clandestine airstrips and I think we have been doing a good job jointly with the police, coast guard and BDF."

Contraband Transport Officers Were On Wrong Highway
Those three transport officers we told you about who were caught with contraband remain on active duty tonight. Now, police and customs caught them red-handed with 14 cases of Modelo in a Transport Cruiser on Sunday afternoon near Guinea Grass. They settled with Customs and paid a fine greater than the value of the beers. But, after that gross violation of the public trust, they've just been able to carry on as normal in their job. And that's because public service regulations. The Acting Director Vallan Hyde says that though he would wish to, he cannot just take unilateral disciplinary action against these officers. He says they must go through the Public Service Commission since the men are established public officers.

Immigration Keeps On Fingerprinting For Security
Last night we told you about the extraordinarily long lines for visitors arriving at the Phillip Goldson Airport because of longer processing by the Immigration Department. Visitors had to stand in line for two to four hours, as the line wound around the airside of the airport's arrival hall. Reason? It was the first day of implementing a fingerprint system for visitors - which happened to be on a day with 17 flights arriving. It caused a lot of waiting around, but Immigration says it's not necessarily their fault. They say they flights are schedule too close together - which is what creates the queuing - which, they note, happens all over the world.

Making Mental Health A Priority in Schools
Mental health: it's a word that carries a stigma in Belizean society, and hearing it, most people revert to that ugly catch-all term, "crazy". But, mental health is not a bad word, and it's as important as physical health. That's why the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education want to introduce a curriculum on Mental health in schools countrywide. It's called the School Mental Health Literacy Project. The aim is to train teachers so that they can go into the classroom, and educate their students how to maintain their mental health, and how to aid their peers who are suffering from mental illness. This morning, we stopped by the Government's workshop to introduce the curriculum in Belize, and spoke with one of the facilitators about the benefits of this program:

Police Using New Crime Analysis Techniques
Today police commanders from all formations countrywide met at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan for the 1st Computer Statistics briefing. The main objective is to gather and analyze all the crime stats and to devise a collective strategic approach to fighting crime. Deputy Compol Chester Williams told us more about what they discussed in the meeting and why it's important to have all commanders on the same page.  Chester Williams, Deputy Compol: "This morning we are having our first ever national COMSTAT as well as the official launch of the Christmas anti-crime campaign. The national COMSTAT is basically where we look at our figures countrywide based on region..."

Stopping Spillover
And a significant trend police has to monitor is the spillover of crime in other districts. As a result of anti-crime operations in the city, we have been hearing more about robberies and aggravated burglaries in other areas like Belmopan. Williams says they are aware of this and will come up with a strategy to target crime countrywide - not just south side Belize City. Chester Williams, Deputy Compol: "We have been doing a lot in Belize City particularly on the Southside to allay the crime problem that is attributed to the gang situation and so because of that we have seen an increase of criminal activity out district so now we have to also, through what we will do here today having looked at our figures...

Keeping Christmas Safe
The police will activate that anti-crime strategy this Christmas. Deputy Compol Williams told us that they will do all they can to make this Christmas safe and enjoyable for law abiding citizens: Chester Williams, Deputy Compol: "Today we will have the official launch of our Christmas anti-crime campaign and this is the time of the year when we make preparations to ensure that we police the entire country to ensure that persons who are into the celebrations of Christmas can do so in a safe environment. We also must look at four categories of people, we have the business people, shoppers, we have the party-goers and the criminals..."

17 M Airstrip on Seaside? Maybe Not?
Last night we told you about the world class Lidar system that the Caribbean Climate Change Center in Belmopan is acquiring. It will inform planning throughout the Caribbean in terms of how to situate roads and communities to avoid the effects of climate change. And perhaps fittingly the launch was held at the Municipal Airstrip - where over 10 million dollars was recently spent to build an airstrip right beside the rising sea. Dr. Kenrick Leslie seemed to think it was not such a good idea:.. Dr. Kenrick Leslie- Director, Climate Change Center: "Most of our infrastructure in the countries are along the coast and if we are to understand how sea level rise, hurricane surge and so on will impact us..."

Once More Unto The Hague
And tonight we go back to the Hague in the Netherlands.  Jules Vasquez and the rest of the media contingent are back in Belize - and that gave him some time for reflection of the city which is considered to be the home of international law and arbitration.  Jules found it to be much more than that:... Jules Vasquez reporting We've seen the ICJ - ICJ Cathedral designed like a Cathedral to The Law - its saints, the holy men of nonviolence - Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, and its high priests the men and women who hang on these walls and sit on these chairs. But to understand the court - and its distance from petty scuffling, you first have to understand the history of the Hague - the administrative centre of the Netherlands - and its third biggest city.

Amsterdam and Marijuana is Tolerance Not Law
But what we didn't mention in that story was one of the things that the Netherlands, mainly the city of Amsterdam is famous for, and that's coffee shops where weed is sold openly and in many different forms and strains. But, we were surprised to learn that it's not the enlightened choice of a liberal community - it's, again, just the pragmatism of a conservative community - which sees no purpose in wrestling with an endless "drug war":.. Jan Hennop, Journalist - AFP: "People come to the Netherlands and they think that everybody rides around on a bicycle and smoke a joint. Its not like that. Marijuana is still illegal in the Netherlands. Cultivation, selling and smoking it is still illegal. Technically speaking. But what the Dutch did was in the 1970's...."

Ascenthium Ascending
If you've been following the local underground rock and metal music scene, you'll definitely know about the rock band, Ascenthium. They're a group of 6 Belizean musicians based mostly in San Ignacio, Cayo who specialize in rock and heavy metal music. Now, their preferred genre of music wouldn't be considered mainstream with most of our older viewers - and it's not Punta, but - that doesn't make it less Belizean. So, if you're open to different kinds of music, you'll definitely be able to appreciate the mastery that Ascenthium has been able to achieve in the 9 years that the band has been practicing and performing.

John B Says UDP Plan Won't Help
Switching now to politics, PUP Leader John Briceno today weighed in on last week's announcement that Prime Minister Dean Barrow will wait until very close to the end of this term of government to step down. That's a change in plans because he was originally scheduled to step down in mid - 2019. It is widely felt that he is doing so to keep his party form splintering under a new leader, either John Saldivar or Patrick Faber. Today Briceno said it hardly matters how long Barrow sticks around, the end result will be the same:..

Sunrise At Vianney
Over the past three years, the Sunrise Rotary Club of Belize has adopted St. John Vianney primary school - assisting with fill for the swampy yard, a lunch shed, paint, and other issues. Today, they handed over 20 computers for the schools lab. We found out that it was very much in need:.. The Sunrise fundraising drives direct 100% of their profits to charitable projects.  Sunrise plans to fundraise for a much needed school building for St,. John Vianney. The school has over 600 students.

Badly Beaten Men
Our next story is from a family tired of being harassed by police. The Baizar boys are well known to the cops as being George Street affiliates. Their brother, Shakidi was recently killed which spawned an all out gang war that led to the state of emergency. But, the family says all those reputational allegations gave police no reason to barge into their mile 8 home over the weekend and put a beating on a number of them.

Channel 5

Taz is Murdered Near Majestic Alley, Police Say No Connection to Francis Gill Execution
Three persons are in detention for the murder of Arthur Flowers, a well-known car washer stationed at the Majestic Alley Taxi Stand which is located not far from the Queen [...]

Another Suspected Drug Plane Spotted in the South?
The frequency of drug planes landing in northern Belize is on the rise and cause for great concern. But tonight there is a report of a suspected drug plane landing [...]

Los Zetas and New Generation Jalisco Cartel Have Links to Belize?
The rate at which these drug planes are being landed in dirt roads is tainting Belize in the international press as a safe haven for drugs. Months ago, a Facebook [...]

Belize City Woman Charged with Drug Trafficking
A Belize City woman is tonight facing drug-related charges. Thirty-one-year-old Felicia Samuels was busted with seven parcels of marijuana by Corozal police on Monday morning. Samuels was at the Corozal [...]

Police Charge Technician for Allegedly Shooting 2 Men
Accused of shooting two men, thirty-year-old Moamar Andrew Zelaya was charged with grievous harm today by police. He was also charged with possession of a firearm, while under the influence [...]

Leader of Opposition sounds off on “Christmas Cheer”
Government will be disbursing six-hundred-and-fifty-thousand dollars for its annual Christmas cheer programme. At the last sitting of the House, Prime Minister Dean Barrow made no apologies about the distribution of [...]

90K Worth Xmas Décor Vanished under Previous Corozal Town Council
Still on the subject of Christmas cheer, the Corozal Town Council called on Minister Pablo Marin to put some of the twenty-five-thousand dollars towards its activities for the holidays. The [...]

Crime Stats: Major Crimes Up, but not in South Side Belize City
Today at its Training Academy in Belmopan, the top brass of the Police Department gathered to look at criminal activities in the country, from a national standpoint. According to records, [...]

Robberies, Burglaries – Ring of Thieves Rounded Up
In recent times, however, there has been a spike in robberies and burglaries not only in Belize City, but elsewhere across the country. The Police Department has gone on record [...]

BPD Launches Its Christmas Anti-Crime Operations
The Christmas season is here and it means criminals will be roaming the streets.  To ensure that businesses and the citizenry don’t fall prey to these criminal elements, the police [...]

C.E.O. George Lovell Says State of Emergency was a Success
During the national celebrations in September, a state of public emergency was declared on two areas of south side Belize City. Over forty persons were rounded up and put away [...]

Ballistic Vests Distributed to Police Officers
A few days ago, the top brass of the Belize Police Department was gifted five hundred pre-owned bulletproof vests by the Miami Dade Police Department through the Association of Caribbean [...]

Leader of Opposition Reflects on ‘Chendo’ Urbina
An official funeral service was held at La Inmaculada Church today for former Ambassador Rosendo “Chendo” Urbina, who was laid to rest in Orange Walk.  Urbina, the founder of the [...]

Who Will Be 2018’s Best Coast Guard Warrior?
The Best Warrior competition started today at the Belize Coastguard Headquarters. During the next four days, participating law enforcement officers will compete to test their mental and physical acumen in [...]

Libertad Security Man Falls to his Death
A security officer of Libertad Village, Corozal died from blunt force trauma to the head a week ago. On November twenty-fifth, Corozal police were called to the Corozal Community Hospital [...]

San Narciso Man Reported Missing
Concern is growing tonight for eighteen-year-old Brian Fred Nicholson of Trial Farm Village. He has not been seen or heard from for days. His mother, Clarissa Mai, told Orange Walk [...]

A National Review of Crime in Belize
The top brass of the police department gathered today in the capital for the first conference dubbed COMSTAT.  The intention is to move to a system that will provide the [...]

$1.7 Million in Green Microfinance for Belize
On Monday, the Belize Credit Union League signed a project with the Inter-American Development Bank Lab to boost climate resilience for farmers and fisherfolk through green microfinance in Belize. Under [...]

MOH Launches School Mental Health Literacy Project Training
The Ministry of Health kicked off its Mental School Health Literacy project. A training of trainers’ three-day workshop, in partnership with PAHO and the Ministry of Education, aims to help [...]

Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, Special Envoy for Women & Children, conferred with the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy from Taiwan
On December 4, 2018, Ambassador Remus Li-Kuo Chen conferred to Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, the Special Envoy for Women & Children, the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), in recognition of her remarkable contributions to promoting relations between Belize and Taiwan. The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has a deep admiration for Mrs. Barrow and her contribution in protecting the rights for women and children both in Belize and internationally. The Embassy is proud to have worked closely with Mrs. Barrow and local NGOs to empower women in pursuing their goals in life and in safeguarding the interest of children for a better future.

One of the three spheres in front of the recently completed Belize City Civic Center was damaged
Information posted on the Belize City Civic Center's Facebook indicates that the sphere was intentionally damage. "As we review our security cameras we can only express our concern and disappointment that people would take the time and effort to damage something that has become a photo spot for so many visiting the Belize City Civic Center. We would appreciate that we all take time instead to value this beautiful facility and its surroundings. Let us all work together to ensure it is somewhere we can all enjoy for a long time to come. Thank you." - Belize City Civic Center

LOVE FM

Rotary Sunrise donates 20 computers to St. John’s Vianney
Today, St. John’s Vianney Primary School was the recipient of twenty computers which will benefit the students in their educational pursuit. The donation was made possible through Rotary Club of Belize, Sunrise in collaboration with Believe in Belize and a Rotary Club in Ohio. Love news spoke with Nicola Longsworth, Project Director of Rotary Club …

BIM marks 25 years at its location
For three decades, the Belize Institute of Management, BIM, has been providing key skills for those who work in the business sector through its short term trainings. You may have benefitted from attended a training at BIM. Today, BIM’s building celebrated twenty-five years of existence with a luncheon. Love news was there and spoke with …

“Mental Health Literacy”
Research has shown that at least one out of every five persons will experience some form of mental illness in the prime of their lives. However, it is believed that with early detection it can be treated and persons can go on to lead normal lives. In this regard, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is …

Belize Coast Guard and BDF send their champions to the Coast Guard Best Warrior Competition
The Belize Coast Guard Best Warrior Competition kicked off today. The competition is in its sixth running and sees the toughest members of Belize’s security forces race each other through some physically strenuous activities. One of the organizers, Lieutenant Commander, Gregory Soberanis says the competition allows them to sift out the best and toughest of …

Opposition Leader says it doesn’t Matter if PM stays in Office till 2020
There has been much speculation as to whether or not the Prime Minister Dean Barrow should stay on until the end of his term in 2020. There is an ongoing battle for leadership between Minister of Education Patrick Faber and Minister of National Security John Saldivar. The UDP leadership had reached the national level when …

Did old sugar factory security guard fall to his death?
Police so far do not suspect foul play in the death of a Salvadoran national in Corozal. Forty-year-old Eliseo Alfaro Enriquez was found injured at the old Libertad Sugar Factory, where he works as a security guard. Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, ACP Joseph Myvett says Enriquez may have been under the influence. …

Police Detain Suspects for Car Washer Murder
On Monday afternoon, another Belize City resident was targeted and killed, this time in broad daylight and in public. Forty-four-year-old Arthur Flowers, also known as “Taz”, was shot once in the head and killed near the corners of Handyside and Queen Streets. Reports are that it was a lone gunman who then fled the scene. …

Arthur Flowers executed; family does not understand why
And while police have not established a motive for the murder of Arthur Flowers, his family says they are left confused as to who and why anyone would want the 43-year-old self-employed man dead. Flowers was executed just across the street from his home, which is where he would station himself to wash cars. One …

Leader of the Opposition Speaks out on Current Crime Situation in Belize
As we are all well aware, there is a less than three percent conviction rate for murders committed in Belize. As in the last case we just reported murders are being committed in eyesight of both police checkpoints and police stations. One of the most recent victims, Francis Gill is the brother of PUP supporter …

Leader of Opposition Comments on US Restrictions on Belize
The United States had recently informed the Government of Belize that it will impose a restriction on the country for its lack of ability to curb the incidences of human trafficking. The US State Department had sent information that it would partially punish the country for its ineffectiveness in dealing with human trafficking. The United …

Crime sees a dip nationally but Belize District remains a concern
And while there is continued concern over the crime situation in the country, Deputy Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, while not providing figures, reports a decrease in most of the country. Still, there is concern over the Belize District but not for the usual reasons. DCP Williams says there has been some shift in the way criminal elements are now operating.

Crime is a major concern for schools
As we mentioned earlier, the most recent murder in Belize City took place near the Queen Street Baptist Primary School and St. Mary’s Primary School. The challenge has been to keep our children safe from the violence that has taken over our streets. Love news spoke with Elena Smith, the President of the Belize National Teachers Union, BNTU, who said that safety is a great concern for schools.

National CompStat launched to effectively combat crime
The Belize Police Department today launched the first National CompStat, short for COMpare STATistics, in Belmopan. It is a performance management system for police departments that is used primarily to reduce crime. It is also used to achieve other police department goals. The Belize Police Department has been using the tool at a regional level...

Teenager drowns in pond in Ladyville Village
Ladyville Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a teenage boy who is believed to have drowned in a pond in that village on Monday morning. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino of the Crimes Investigation Branch in Belize City spoke of what they knew so far on Monday.

Bar fight leads to immigration status check and karaoke singer pleads guilty
A security guard who also moonlights as a karaoke singer, found himself changing his tune in front of Magistrate Michelle Trapp today. Thirty-nine-year-old Byron Villadores changed his plea to guilty to keeping a firearm and ammunition without a gun license earlier today. The incident happened four years ago on the 15th of November, 2014.

Taiwan Awards Special Envoy
The Friendship Medal of Diplomacy is a prestigious award for Taiwan. On December 4, 2018, Ambassador Remus Li-Kuo Chen conferred to Kim Simplis Barrow, the Special Envoy for Women & Children, the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in recognition of her remarkable contributions to promoting relations between Belize and Taiwan.

Amandala

Early morning execution in the city
Francis Gill, 47, a laborer of Belize City, had just driven up to his yard in Coral Grove, Belize City, at about 1:30 this morning, when multiple shots rang out and he and his wife were struck. Betzy Gill, Francis’ wife, was hit in her foot and ankle, while Gill was hit in the left side of his head. Police said that on their arrival on the scene, they saw Gill slumped over the steering wheel of his Nissan Altima car, and he was already dead. Police say that the gunman who killed Gill, and shot his wife, was lurking in the shadows, lying in wait for Gill’s arrival at his home. Police said that 4 expended 9mm cases were found on the scene.

A socialist takes the reins in Mexico
Andrés Manuel López Obrador (also known by the acronym, AMLO), the hope of millions of Mexicans who have not been getting their rightful share of the goods and services produced by that country, took over the reins in a ceremony in Mexico City at around 11:30 on Saturday morning, December 1. The 65-year-old new president, who won an overwhelming 53% of the vote in a three-candidate race earlier this year, promised, in his inaugural address, that change, true democracy, was coming to his country. AMLO had campaigned on promises to eradicate violence and corruption. He has said that his country’s free market policies were a disaster for Mexico. He has said that he would govern for everyone, but his government would give preference to his country’s vulnerable poor.

Drug plane headed for Belize lands in Chetumal
A drug plane, carrying over a ton and a half of cocaine, landed at the Chetumal International Airport on Friday morning. Reports are that the plane’s destination was Belize, but the pilot was alerted that our police were on his tail, so he diverted his plane and cargo to Chetumal, where he landed. It was around 1:30 a.m. when Corozal and Orange Walk police got word of a low-flying aircraft, which was to land near the San Estevan/El Progresso Road. When they arrived on the scene, they saw a mile-long stretch of fluorescent lights set up on either side of the road. They also saw revolving lights on the road. The presence of the police reportedly spooked the pilot of the plane, which was a Hawker Beechcraft jet, and he headed to the Chetumal Airport. After the plane landed at 3:40 a.m., without authorization, the pilot and another man allegedly ran out the aircraft with a bag at the west end of the runway, and ran into a clearing located among the vegetation of the airport.

Arthur “Tazzy” Flowers, 44, shot dead in Belize City
Just before the start of the bi-weekly police press brief at the Raccoon Street Police Station, a man was fatally shot at the corner of Queen and Handyside Streets. The man was later identified to be Arthur “Tazzy” Flowers, 44. When police arrived on the scene, they saw Flowers, a laborer with a Handyside Street address, lying on the street, bleeding from the head. Initial investigations revealed that Flowers was standing at the corner of the street at around 3:22 p.m., when a man approached him and fired a single shot. The gunshot hit him in the right side of the temple, and Flowers died at the scene.

Mayor Wagner represents Belize in Nairobi, Kenya
Belize City Mayor, Bernard Wagner, represented Belize at the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference, held in Nairobi, Kenya from November 26 to 28. Mayor Wagner returned home on Friday. The Mayor’s attendance at the conference was made possible through Ismael Quiroz, Executive Director – Economic Development Council, through the Office of the Prime Minister of Belize. The Blue Economy is a concept designed for coastal cities to maximize the full potential of their waterways so as to allow those cities to meet the sustainable development goals set for 2030, by the proper harnessing of water resources to create employment, industry, innovation, tourism, and protection from natural disasters to counteract the impact of climate change.

US slashes aid to Belize and other countries for not combating human trafficking
Within the United States’ system of classifying countries according to the efforts those nations make to combat human trafficking, Belize is among several countries which have a Tier 3 rating. This has placed us within the targeted scope of a “U.S. Presidential Determination with Respect to Foreign Government Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons,” that was issued by the Trump White House. “President Trump on November 29 granted a partial waiver to Belize from U.S. foreign assistance restrictions for those countries rated as Tier 3 in the U.S. 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report,” said a US Embassy press release on Friday. Nations which are Tier 3 are subjected to restrictions on US foreign aid, unless they get a waiver from the president, the Embassy press release explained.

Stann Creek FA 1st Division September Season nears playoffs
The Stann Creek Football Association (SCFA) 1st Division September Season is nearing its top-4 playoffs. Week 10 games were played on Friday night and Sunday afternoon at the Carl Ramos Stadium. In the opener on Friday, Pomona Impacts shut out Sarawee Strikers, 4-nil, with goals from Leonardo Valdez (38’), Raymond Peters (74’) and Floyd Tillett, Jr. (88’ & 90’). And in the nightcap, Hopkins Ibayani bombed South Side Warriors, 5-nil, with goals from Wayne Ford (28’, 42’ & 76’), Thomas Myers (88’) and Eworth Flowers (90’).

Sports highlights from P.G.
The Normalizing Committee started its first Senior Amateur Tournament on Sunday, December 2, at the Victor Sanchez Football Stadium. The results of the games are as follows: In the first game, TCC defeated Silver Creek, 4 to 1. Scoring for TCC were F. Polonio with 2 goals, and 1 goal apiece by J. Chavarria and I. Noralez. R. Coh scored for Silver Creek. In the second game, Indianville and Mavericks drew, 1 to 1. A. Logan scored for Mavericks, and Julian Cabral scored for Indianville.

Ras Mark 3rd Birthday Race results – December 2
Here are the results from Ras Mark Birthday Race for Weekend Warriors (WW) Category “A/B,” which was held yesterday. The Race started from The Upper Deck Lounge, situated on the Philip Goldson Highway just after the Los Lagos junction. The “A” class started from there and went to Democracia Junction and back via the Boom Bypass Road, for 56 miles; while the “B” class stared at 9.40 a.m. and followed, but turned at the Rockville Junction and back, for 36 miles. 40 riders started in the “A” class, with 24 completing the ride; while all 7 in the “B” class completed the journey.

FFB National Inter-District Youth Club Championships knockout quarterfinals results; semifinals this Sunday
It was one-game knockout in the quarterfinals of the FFB National Inter-District Youth Club Championships over the weekend in venues across the country. At 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium, Compre Girls from Belmopan and Calcutta Strikers from Corozal played to a 2-2 draw in regulation. Compre goals came from Roshanny Narvaez (36’) and Yessica Galicia (58’ PK), while Calcutta goals were by Dianira Lopez (30’) and Gabriela Cowo (65’). In the ensuing penalty shootout, Calcutta Strikers prevailed, 4-3. Converting for Calcutta were Dianira Lopez, Gabriela Cow, Jemily Pena and Darina Tzul; while scoring for Compre were Mikayla Munro, Yessica Galicia and Ashley Rodriguez.

Editorial: Team Belize – Unity is a must for our survival
Once Christmas celebrations are over, and the Krem New Year’s Cycling Classic 2019 is completed, Belizeans at home and abroad will suddenly start to feel the tension and the urgency of the moment in deciding what we will do on that fateful day, April 10, 2019, when our voting population will cast our individual ballots in a referendum to decide whether or not we should get on board the “Compromis” vehicle to the ICJ to “finally settle” the dispute we have apparently inherited from Great Britain with Guatemala, formerly called the “Anglo-Guatemalan dispute.” Each one of us voters will enter that booth, where none can see our mark, and cast our vote as “Yes” or “No”; and then we will wait and pray that the final outcome is good for Belize. From January on, we will more and more begin to feel the pressure of that decision. Silently, some who were stalwart “Yes’s” may begin to waver, while some formerly strident “No’s” might have second thoughts.

The ICJ and Forum Prorogatum
In our first story emanating from a visit by Belizean journalists to The Hague (from November 26 to 30) we noted that “no state can be sued if it does not consent to ICJ arbitration.” By consent it is meant that a state concedes that the ICJ has jurisdiction to decide a case. As explained by an official with more than 10 years of experience at the ICJ, consent is of utmost importance, especially because, theoretically speaking, compliance could become an issue if a state is taken to the Court against its will. Consent can be granted in three ways, but there was a fourth that developed over time in the practice of the Court. It’s called forum prorogatum, Latin for prorogated jurisdiction, and refers to State B indicating consent — after State A takes the case to the ICJ — in an implied or informal way by its conduct. Put in the words of the ICJ official, “you go along” with the proceedings and act as if consent has been granted.

New Injection of Funds for OAS AZ Office
For a few years now, Belizean officials have been highlighting efforts to maintain the Organization of American States Adjacency Zone Office open. In fact in 2016 they noted that there was an urgent need for funding. By the end of that year, the office had been reduced to a skeleton staff and some programs were cut. Annually, US$2.5 million is required for the office’s operations. The common goal of maintaining the continued presence of the OAS on the ground to assist with any conflicts that may arise saw Belize and Guatemala’s foreign ministers both approaching the Group of Friends for financial assistance.

Bare facts about leadership
The fact is that as you climb the rungs of leadership there is greater responsibility and there is greater reward. Every job is important. The henkindola man (man in the hiking straps) on a little racing sail boat is at the bottom tier on the boat. All he has to do is lean to windward when the boat heels. Of course, as in all jobs, some are better at it than others. If the henkindola man is a clumsy ox and he loses his balance and crashes into the mast just as a strong gust fills the sails of the little racing sailboat, over goes the boat and it’s out of the race. Yes, all jobs are important. But some jobs demand more, are more important. It is basic that more is demanded from people who perform jobs that demand more. Hence, there is more need for scrutiny, criticism of people who are performing these jobs. The higher monki climb, the greater the fall if he should slip. The fact is that when leaders at the top of the pack fall, fail to execute the job properly, or teef, the people who put them there, pay.

https://amandala.com.bz/news/31-members-african-methodist-episcopal-church-visiting-belize/
A 31-member delegation connected to the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church) in the United States arrived in Belize today on a missionary trip and to explore the possibilities of setting up a branch of their AME Church in Belize. The delegation is being led by AME Bishop, Ann Heading Byfield, and Moshod Evans, the pastor of Bethel African Methodist Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. “The majority of those traveling in the group came from Ann Arbor, Michigan, but there are people here from Chicago, Illinois and North Carolina,” Evans said. “They all paid their own airfare to come here.”

The Closing of the 2018 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season
Friday 30th November marks the closing of the 2018 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season. The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season was forecasted to be normal to slightly above normal in the Atlantic Basin (North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico) this year. The season turned out to be above normal, but more specifically above normal in the North Atlantic and normal over the other areas of the basin. A total of fifteen named storms and one tropical depression formed. Of these fifteen named storms, eight (8) became hurricanes and two (2) reached major hurricane status – category three (3) or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

BDF soldier injured at Sarstoon, to be fitted with prosthetic eye in Merida
Fidel Williams, 25, a soldier of the Belize Defence Force who lost an eye when the bridge at the Forward Operating Base at the Sarstoon River caved in with him, and his eye hit a spike that was protruding from a post on the wharf, has been taken to Merida, Mexico, where he will be fitted with a prosthetic eye at the Clinica Merida Hospital today. Williams’ damaged eye was removed at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital last week. After the incident at the Sarstoon, Williams was flown immediately to Belize City and rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was admitted in a critical condition.

Imports up, exports down in October 2018
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) today held its last press conference for the year, at which they spoke of the trends in the country’s trade for the third quarter. In terms of external trade, according to Statistician II, Tiffany Vasquez, imports were valued at over $193 million, an increase of 14.4%, or $24.3 million, in October 2018 compared to October 2017, when the imports had totaled $168.7 million. Purchases of imported products in the “Mineral Fuels and Lubricants” and “Chemical Products” categories contributed greatly to the increase in imports. Purchases of mineral fuels and lubricants rose by 71%, or $12.4 million, from $17.5 million to $29.9 million, because of larger quantities of regular and diesel fuels being imported, compounded by higher world market prices for all fuels. Additionally, no premium fuel was imported last October, while there were imports of that fuel this year.

Lionel Bennet drowns in Ladyville
At about 11:30 this morning, Lionel Bennet, 16, of Lake Gardens, Ladyville, was swimming in a pond in the area when he sank under the surface of the water and did not resurface. Police were called and a search was made for him in the pond. During that search, his body was recovered. During the weekly police press brief held this morning, Inspector Wilfred Ferufino said that police were alerted that a person who was swimming in a Ladyville pond had not emerged from the water after going under the water’s surface. The Deputy Commander said that police went to the area and began the search and found the body. He said that no other information was available.

The Reporter

Several Shallow Graves Found in San Pedro, with Human Bones
The Reporter has confirmed that three shallow graves have been discovered north of San Pedro along the coast. While details are scarce, we understand that bones believed to be human have also been found in the immediate area.

COROZAL COP’S HOME RAIDED, – CRACK FOUND
A Police Constable from Corozal has been arrested and charged for drug trafficking after a search of his San Narciso home turned up approximately 5 grams of suspected crack cocaine. There is no confirmation at this time of whether the search of his home today was a part of the ongoing investigation into the aborted drug plane landing on Friday.

Breaking Belize News

Brian Nicholson, 18, missing in Orange Walk
The family of 18-year-old, Brian Nicholson is concerned about him. According to police, Brian’s mom, […]

Woman arrested with over 7lbs. of pot
Police have arrested Felicia Samuels,31, of Belize City for drug trafficking. Samuels was at the […]

ICJ Lecture Series scheduled for tonight in San Ignacio
A lecture series on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is being organized by the […]

NEMO Minister meets with Belizean students in Cuba
On November 29, 2018, while on an official visit to Cuba, Edmond Castro, the Minister […]

Kim Simplis Barrow conferred with the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy from Taiwan
Today, Ambassador Remus Li-Kuo Chen conferred to the Special Envoy for Women & Children, Kim […]

UNHCR to host ‘Concerts for Compassion tour in the Americas’
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will be hosting “Concerts for Compassion Tour […]

Two men shot in San Ignacio over the weekend
Two men were shot in San Ignacio Town early Sunday morning. According to police reports, […]

Transport officers busted with contraband beers
Three transport officers are being investigated after they were busted with contraband beers on Sunday. […]

16-year-old minor drowns in pond
A 16-year-old minor drowned yesterday in a pond in Ladyville, Belize. Around 11:50 am yesterday, […]

Blogs

Enjoy Birding? Be part of the Christmas Bird Count
Christmas time is near and with it come a century old tradition of counting birds. Yes, counting birds! Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a long-standing program of the National Audubon Society and Belize is proudly joining in. This international event is in its 119th inception and is made possible by volunteers and local Audubon Societies who go out over a 24-hour period to count birds. In Belize, CBC is being organized by the Belize Audubon Society (BAS), and they say that the cooler weather makes it a perfect time for birding. Doesn’t this sound fun? We currently have 6 CBC circles: Cockscomb Basin (December 15th), Mountain Pine Ridge (December 22nd), Belmopan (December 23rd), Belize (December 30th), Gallon Jug (January 1st) and Punta Gorda (January 4th).

Belize City on the Busiest Day of the Year, Part 2…Christmas!
The build up to Christmas is here…tick, tick, tick. 21 days in case you are counting. December 1st I headed to Belize City with a list…events and markets and errands…all to get done before year end. I arrived via the water taxi (after leaving a very Christmas-y San Pedro) – but you can read about that…and the Belize City Christmas Expo in my last post. I left the Market at Caribbean Tires – and the huge tire Christmas tree and started walking along the Northern Highway. (I was moving from the left side of the red oval to the right) I stopped in Brodie’s Supermarket…and bought chocolate chips. Each bag of Nestle’s semi-sweets was $8.25bzd (plus 10% off on weekends at Brodie’s) and here in San Pedro – they are usually about $12bzd. Christmas cookie materials. I continued on to the magical Christmas world of Mirab’s department store.

International Sources

Top Destinations Across the World for a Nature Immersion Getaway in 2019
We’ve highlighted the 12 great destinations across the world, from Belize, Canada to Japan, to showcase how the trend is growing and allowing travelers to improve their brain function, reduce stress, stay active, connect with their emotions, and all-in-all give them a thrill of adventure. Ambergris Caye, Belize is home to the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere and the ultimate world-class destination, The Great Blue Hole, allowing travelers to scuba diving and/or snorkel and witness offshore atolls, several hundred sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons and estuaries, endangered species, including marine turtles, manatees and the American marine crocodile. Travelers who would like to stay above water can visit the ancient caves with significant archaeological discoveries, zipline through the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, visit the stunning Mayan temples and/or take an aerial tour of The Great Blue Hole.

It is now time for Garifuna people in Belize to seek an alternative party
y Wellington C. Ramos. When the British conquered and demolished our nation in 'Yurumein', now known as St Vincent and the Grenadines, in 1796, we were independent, self-reliant and controlling our own destinies. This was after fighting several wars against the French and the British for many years to avoid slavery, subjugation and control over us. From the time the Europeans came into this part of the world, namely, the Spanish, French and British, we were always their number one target. Why? Because we knew that the Europeans were coming into this region to take away our lands, enslave us and colonize the entire Western Hemisphere. In 1796, after the British captured our nation, they imprisoned about 5,000 of our people: men, women and children on the desolate island of Balliceaux off the coast of the St Vincent mainland.

Videos

December 4, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Special Olympics Torch arrives in San Pedro
On Monday, December 13th the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) was held in San Pedro Town, bringing the Special Olympics Belize torch to the island. The torch had been carried around the country by members of the Belize Police Department in an effort to bring awareness to children with disabilities participating in the Belize Special Olympics every year. The activity also serves as an opportunity to raise funds for the annual event. Mayor Daniel Guerrero, along with staff from The San Pedro Town Council joined the San Pedro Police Formation, members of the San Pedro Lions Club, students from primary and secondary schools along with members of the island’s Child Advisory Board in the parade. To the beat of a marching band, they marched with the torch through the main streets of downtown San Pedro.

Ambergris Today

The Caribbean Coconut Cup Hockey Championship
The Caribbean Coconut Cup Hockey Tournament took place this past weekend on Friday, November 30 to Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the San Pedro High School Auditorium. It was a fun and exciting experience for many as they cheered on Belize's local team, San Pedro Buccaneers and Canada's finest, Canada's Tropical Knights. Here are some pictures for your enjoyment.

Special Olympics Torch Parade In San Pedro
The Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics made it to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, on Sunday, December 2, 2018. This torch is paraded around the country by the police and other law enforcement officers in an effort to garner special attention to children with disabilities and the Belize Special Olympics, raising funds for the same organization. The torch was paraded through the streets of San Pedro on Monday, December 3, 2018, carried by Mayor Daniel Guerrero and escorted by members of the San Pedro Police Department, San Pedro Lions Club, and students of San Pedro High School, San Pedro RC School, the San Pedro Child Advisory Board and Isla Bonita/SPHS Marching Band.

Misc Belizean Sources

Commencement Order - New Registers of Electors
The Elections and Boundaries Department is pleased to inform the public that pursuant to Section 9 of Representation of the People Act, the New Registers of Electors prepared as a result of the 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise (2nd July 2018 to 30th September, 2018) come into force effective 30th November, 2018 by virtue of a Commencement Order published in the Gazette. The public is further informed that upon the coming into force of the New Registers of Electors, the old registers of electors shall stand repealed.

Ministry of Human Development Hosts Conference to Strengthen Social Protection System
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation is hosting a Social Protection Conference entitled “From Flaws to Floors” from December 3rd to 7th, 2018. The conference comprises three events over the course of five days: “From Flaws to Floors” is the first in a series of conferences planned for 2018-2019 to increase the knowledge of national and civil society partners on key areas of social protection and explore a vision and path towards the development of a comprehensive and sustainable social protection floor for Belize.

Belize's Wonder Women! Michelle Ashanti Williams
For the month of December we are proud to announce that Michelle Ashanti Williams is our Belize Wonder Woman! Ms. Williams is an experienced yoga teacher trained in many forms of yoga like traditional Hatha, Trauma Informed, Children’s and Restorative Yoga. She credits Yoga, Mindfulness, Therapy and other forms of wellness for her ongoing recovery from depression and anxiety. Michelle is also the proud founder of ROC - Rhythm of Change Belize (ROC), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and implementing activities that bring forth individual, social and environmental changes in Belize. It promotes peace-building in order to create better communities in Belize. Her accomplishments where recently showcased in a documentary titled, “The Power of Yoga.”

AH MUZEN CAB
Ah Muzen Cab is the representation of Bees and Honey.

Banyan Bay Market Dec. 8
The Market is designed to bring business entities, local vendors and artisans under one roof, offering their goods and services to the San Pedro Community, at bargain prices. Shop for organic items, fresh baked breads, meats, scrumptious pizzas, local fine art, exotic sushi specials and many more... Held twice a month or every two weeks, the Market is seeing a rising trend in its visitors and vendors wanting to participate. We look forward to seeing you all for our high season Market Days! Join us bi-monthly from 10am to 1pm!

Preparation for Corozal Tree Lighting Ceremony
A group of Corozalenos are heading out to the Central Park Tuesday evening/night at 6:00 pm, to assist the Corozal Town Council, in setting up the decorations in preparation for the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday Night. Please join us in this community effort. See you there!

ANNUAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS BELIZE
On Monday, December 3, 2018, Mayor Daniel Guerrero along with some participating schools: Ambergris Caye Elementary School, San Pedro R.C. School and the San Pedro High School, paraded the streets in town with the Special Olympics Torch that arrived in San Pedro on Sunday, December 2, 2018. The Annual Torch Run is spearheaded by the San Pedro Police Formation.

Caye Caulker Town Hall on the Referendum and the ICJ
Dec. 17th, Central Park, 7pm

Two Teaching Vacancies at Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico (ESTM)

COROZAL ROTARY CLUB RAFFLE TICKET SALES
A reminder, the members of the Rotary Club of Corozal are selling Raffle tickets to support our projects. The most important project is the Scholarships awarded to students that could not afford to go to high school without assistance. We are reaching out to everyone to please support your local Rotary Club by purchasing a ticket or two.

ICJ Lecture Series at SHC
Assad Shoman and other experts will be at the Sacred Heart College auditorium today, December 4th, at 7:30pm, to inform the general public about the upcoming referendum for the ICJ. All are invited to attend, learn about the issue, and ask any questions they might have.

FCD celebrated its 19th Annual General Meeting yesterday
We remain thankful for all the support from funders, sponsors, members and friends for helping us achieve conservation success for the 2017-2018 period.

Pandemodium Steel Band Christmas Concert
It is going to be Pandemodium at the Bliss on 13th December as steel band music entertains starting at 7pm. Kids $10 and adults $15.00. Two adults pay only $20.00.

MAYA CODEX OF MEXICO
Grolier Codex (sometimes referred to as the Sáenz Codex or the Maya Codex of Mexico) is a pre-Columbian Maya codex that first came to light in the 1970s. Its authenticity has since been disputed, although recent scholarship tends to support the view that it's a genuine old document. In 2018, a team of scientists from Mexico's National Institute for Archeology and History publicized the conclusion of a series of chemical tests that had found the ink used on the Codex to be pre-Columbian, dating the document to the period between 1021 and 1154 CE. This would make it the oldest surviving Maya codex. The Codex is believed to have been created by a scribe during the "difficult times" when both Chichen Itza and Tula were falling into decline .

'INNO’ON - LA OH club'
The 'INNO’ON - LA OH club' held a social gathering for the members at the Mae Gordon park. This gathering was filled with laughter, cheerfulness, enjoyment and simply being connected with each other through team building games. Not to forget, delicious Maya food was also enjoyed with warm cacao. Nothing could be more excited than the fun games among the members even though some did not want to be soaked in water. It was just fun being among these young, vibrant and aspired set of individuals with such a rich and diverse ancestry of a Mopan, K'ekchi and Yucatec Maya. We look forward to more excitement this coming year, this is just the beginning!

Fashion Fusion 2018 Fashion Show
Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 6 PM – 10 PM, Belize City Civic Center. Fashion Fusion is a grand fashion show extravaganza which showcases the next generation of Belizean fashion designers, invited international fashion designers, models, makeup artists, hair stylists, talent and more. This is a grand fashion show where professionals from the fashion, modeling and entertainment industry come together to bring you an amazing world class Fashion Show like no other. This collaborative effort is to help raise awareness about our growing fashion, modeling and talent industry in Belize. This is an event to put Belizean fashion designers, models, makeup artists, hair stylists and talent on the international map to be seen. Belize let's show them what we got!

Channel 7

Innocent Man Murdered A Block From Biggest Police Station
There are 2 separate and unrelated murders in Belize City to report tonight, and they both happened today, within 15 hours of each other. We start our newscast tonight with the the broad daylight killing of 44 year-old Arthur Flowers. It happened this afternoon, sometime after 3:00, at the corner of HandySide and Queen Streets. Sources tell 7News that Flowers, who is known in the area as a car wash man known as Tazz, was at the corner of the street with his bucket. The shooter had reportedly been on Handyside Street for a short time, and it is believed that he was looking for gang affiliates, since this street is considered to be part of Majestic Alley turf.

Drug Plane Had Huge Cocaine Haul
Tonight, much more is known about that aborted drug plane landing which happened in northern Belize on Friday morning. First of all, the jet had over three thousand pounds of cocaine on board, Mexican newspaper reports say. That's a value well into the tens of millions of dollars. Police foiled the landing in Belize, and then the Hawker 700 jet requested permission to land in Chetumal. After landing, eyewitness reported that they say the pilot run off with a piece of luggage and abandoned the plane. Today, police told us how they foiled it and who else got caught up in the outlaw behavior by the narco's allies here in Belize.

Man Who Survived Losing A Limb is Murdered
In our headline story, we told you about the daylight murder which took place late this afternoon, in Downtown Belize City. Well, at around 1:00 this morning, a killer executed 48 year-old Francis Gill at his home in the Coral Grove area of Belize City. You may remember Gill, since he was featured in our newscast 2 years ago, as the amputee who was persevering even after he lost a leg in an incident in 2014. In that aftermath of that stroke of misfortune, Gill had become an advocate for persons struggling from disability. But, that positive influence is gone tonight, after a shooter waylaid him at his apartment on Barracuda Street, and killed him before he could exit his vehicle.

Transport Officers Caught Smuggling
A shadow of shame is hanging over the Transport Department tonight after officers were caught smuggling contraband beer this weekend in a transport cruiser. It happened on Sunday afternoon at Tower Hill Village by the Guinea Grass Junction. A joint customs and police patrol had specific information that this Toyota Four Runner was moving contraband. They stopped and searched the cruiser and found 14 cases of Modelo canned beer. Three transport officers were inside: two from the city and one from Sandhill. They were detained and taken to the Orange Walk Customs office where they were given the option to settle or fight the charges in court.

Implementing Fingerprint System Causes Huge Lines At Airport
Things went very crazy at the Phillip Goldson International Airport on Saturday. The Immigration Department used that day, December first to implement a fingerprinting system for arriving international passengers - and it caused huge lines, enormous delays and many missed local connections. The problem? This fingerprinting slowed down the process and there were 17 flights arriving on Saturday. That's right, 17! And that left visitors arriving in the country to spend two to as many as four hours in line.

Living In The Lidar Era
The 5 C's Center, known as the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre today launched a 2 million US dollar LiDAR System. It's cutting edge technology and we found out more at the launching today:.. Jules Vasquez- Reporter: "How does it feel to know that the 5C's is now on par with NOA and NASA in terms of having this technology available at its disposal?" Dr. Leonard Nurse- Chairman, 5C's: "Well, it is a singular honour for the 5C's, I believe, to be able to acquire this technology. There are many developed countries that do not own or have this technology themselves. So, to be able to pull this off, I think we owe a debt of gratitude to the executive director Dr. Kenrick Leslie because he is the one who almost single handedly, with his skills and know-how relating to Lidar technology, he is the one who piloted this process and saw it through from start to finish."

Teen Drowns In Bze. Rural
A teenager drowned today in the Ladyville area. It happened this morning - and police told us more:... Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino - CIB: "So far what we have is that this morning sometime around 11:50 am Ladyville police were called out to an area in the Lake Garden area of Ladyville. They had received a report that while swimming an individual went under the water and did not resurface. Checks were made in a pond in that area and with the assistance of police a body was retrieved; that of 16 year old Lionel Bennett. That is all the information that we have at this point."

Two Men Lose Life In Fatal Collision
And two men were killed this weekend in a fatal accident up north. It happened near the contraband hotspot of San Victor. Police told us more:.. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "Yes there was a fatal traffic accident in San Victor Village on Saturday. Corozal police responded to San Victor Village shortly after 7 pm on Saturday where, upon arrival, they observed a red Toyota van being driven by one Jose Coc, 27 years of San Narciso Village. Coc reported that, whilst enroute to San Narciso Village, a motorcycle coming from the opposite direction swerved into his lane causing a head on collision..."

Double Shooting in San Ignacio
And, two men were shot in San Ignacio this weekend. Police said it happened on Sunday morning at 3:35 AM:.. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On yesterday's date sometime around 3:35 am, San Ignacio Police responded to an area on Hudson Street San Ignacio town where upon arrival they met one Christopher Hudson of a Belize City address with what appeared to be gunshot injuries to his right hand and his right side..."

Reinforcing The Social Safety Net
This week, the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation, and Poverty Alleviation is hosting a conference on social protection called "From Flaws to Floors". The Ministry is seeking to provide better, more stable aid to poor and less fortunate citizens of the country. Readily available examples of the Government already doing this include the Boost Program, and the Food Pantry program. Social Protection is defined as a series of pro-poor policies, both public and private, which are aimed at preventing, reducing and eliminating the vulnerabilities to poverty and deprivation. But Government's pro-poor programs are not enough. And so, GOB is partnering with UNICEF, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Bank, and Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), to find out best practices in other parts of the world, and what technical advice that these organizations can provide on the topic.

More Bulletproof Vests For Cops
Today the Commissioner of police handed out another 100 + bulletproof vests. It's a program coming out of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police which asked the county of Miami Dade for a donation of used vests. They gave gave Belize 200 last year, and 500 this year. The Compol says each officer will be responsible for his or her one:.. Allen Whylie - Commissioner of Police: "I think approximately at least over 100 as the officer said receives vests. Today 500 was received. The emphasis as I had indicated last week was on the operational units, the front line officers, the first responders and then we will also be doing the same thing in each districts. In each districts there are a quick response team that are the first to respond for any call for assistance in terms of major incidents and then we will also be looking at the relief personnel's who would ordinarily be the first responders in terms of preventative patrols."

The Mexican Spin On Drug Planes
Earlier you heard Deputy Commissioner of Police Chester Williams boasting about Belize police being better than the Mexicans because they forced a loaded drug jet to land in Chetumal. Well, here's what the Mexicans say. Weekend newspapers all indicated that the aircraft was to land and leave its cargo in Belize - and The Sol Quintana Roo newspaper even went as far as declaring that the Zetas are [quote] "The masters and owners of Belize". The report further states that the Zetas are the ones who have landed nearly a dozen planes throughout mostly northern Belize, over the past months.

Channel 5

Taz is Executed in the Old Capital
While the city streets were quiet over the weekend, today two persons were murdered in a span of fourteen hours. The latest murder victim was executed this afternoon just two [...]

A Couple Is Ambushed in Deadly Shooting: Francis Gill is Shot and Killed
Hours earlier, a Belize City couple was ambushed as they returned to their apartment on Coral Grove after midnight. A gun man, who waylaid them, opened fire instantly killing Francis [...]

Belize Authorities Investigate Aborted Plane Landing
New details surfaced over the weekend regarding the drug plane which attempted to land in Belize early on Friday morning. Approximately one thousand five hundred kilos of cocaine were confiscated [...]

Leader of the Opposition Weighs In on Suspected Drug Plane Landings
When we caught up with Leader of the Opposition John Briceño, we asked him for comment on the recent landings of suspected drug planes in the north. Briceño says we [...]

2 Men Perish in Traffic Accident in Northern Belize
Two men lost their lives over the weekend as a result of a road traffic accident. They are twenty-nine-year-old Jose Bacab of San Pablo Village and thirty-six-year-old Samuel Gonzalez of [...]

Shooting in San Ignacio Town Leaves 2 Men Injured
There were two shootings over the weekend. Two men were hospitalized early on Sunday morning after shots were fired on Hudson Street in San Ignacio Town. It happened at around [...]

Canadian Man Shot, Beaten, Tied and Robbed
A seventy-one-year-old Canadian man was shot, beaten and tied up over the weekend. Pierre Blais was entering his Toyota Eco car at his residence in Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek, [...]

Dianne Finnegan is the New U.D.P. Standard Bearer for Lake I
Activist Dianne Finnegan and wife of Minister Michael Finnegan of the Mesopotamia Division, was elected U.D.P. standard bearer for Lake Independence. While small in numbers for the sprawling constituency, Sunday’s [...]

Ramon Witz is Back in Cayo South for the U.D.P.
There was also a new U.D.P. standard bearer elected in the Cayo South division, but actually he’s a former area rep. Three persons contested to be the caretaker for that [...]

Boots Martinez: Barrow to Take U.D.P. into 4th Term in Government
Minister Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez confirmed today that he was among a group of U.D.P. politicians who held a meeting with PM Dean Barrow prior to last Tuesday’s cabinet meeting. The [...]

Johnny B: PM Staying On Signals No Confidence in U.D.P. Party Leader Hopefuls
So while that the leadership bid is an internal U.D.P. matter, today we asked Leader of the Opposition what he makes of the PM’s decision to demit office until his [...]

Who Will Replace PM Barrow as Leader of the U.D.P.?
In early November, Martinez came out in support of Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte, who was considered the dark horse who would have gone head to head against DPM Patrick Faber [...]

John Briceño Says G.O.B. Needs to Address Human Trafficking
Last week we reported on the US Government’s decision to cut non-humanitarian aid and non-trade assistance to Belize. United States President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum which listed Belize [...]

Eugene Reneau Freed of Rape Charge
A former BWS employee walked from a rape charge today after more than four years awaiting trial. Fifty-six-year-old Eugene Reneau was accused of raping a twenty-seven-year-old woman in March 2014 [...]

AFP Journalist on Settling Territorial Disputes at the I.C.J.
The AFP, or the Agence France-Presse, is an international news agency with over fifteen hundred journalists contributing to its twenty-four-hour news coverage from across the globe. The AFP has one [...]

Weed in the Netherlands
Another question the journalists sought answers for was about the liberal use of marijuana in the Netherlands. It was not so common in The Hague; in fact, it was hardly [...]

Establishing a Comprehensive Social Protection System in Belize
A five-day conference kicked off today in Belize City. Policy makers are attempting to strengthen what is in place to eliminate poverty among the various pockets of the vulnerable populations. [...]

CCCCC launches its LiDar System
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, through the U.S. AID-funded Climate Change Adaptation Programme, launched its Light Detection and Ranging system today in Belize City.  The system, known as LiDAR [...]

FCD Holds 19th AGM in San Ignacio
Friends of Conservation and Development held its nineteenth annual general meeting on Sunday in San Ignacio Town.  The AGM, which was held at the San Ignacio Hotel Resort, was well [...]

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

LOVE FM

Canadian national shot at home during robbery
Two men were shot in separate incidents. The first happened on December first when retired Canadian National Pierre Blais was shot outside his home. Police say they believe he was a victim of robbery. ACP Joseph Myvett: “They reported to the Police that sometime around 7:30 AM on the said date that whilst he was …

Credit Union League gets $850,000 US for climate resilient project
The Belize Credit Union League Ltd. (BCUL) has signed a project with the Inter-American Development Bank Lab (IDB Lab – formerly the Multilateral Investment Fund) to boost climate resilience of farmers and fisherfolk through the green microfinance in Belize. Under the Caribbean EcoMicro Program, BCUL and three of its credit union affiliates – St. Francis …

Man is murdered in front of wife; she escapes with injuries
One man is dead following an early morning shooting in Belize City. Francis Gill and his wife were targeted as they arrived in the compound of an apartment complex on Barracuda Street. Shots were fired and Gill was fatally wounded. His wife, Betzy Gill was injured. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino of the Crimes Investigation Branch provided …

GOB takes steps to strengthen its social protection system
Social protection is an essential component of public policy and the government is seeking to strengthen its social protection system to help those who have fallen on hard times or lift persons out of poverty. In this regard, a five-day workshop is being held geared towards accomplishing this end. Mark Antrobus, the Social Planner at …

Belize Audio Visual Industry Association ready to represent the A/V Industry
The Belize Audio Visual Industry Association (BAVIA) had been dormant for some time but it reemerged in 2017. A year later, BAVIA held its annual general meeting on Saturday. BAVIA represents people who work in the audio visual industry. Love News spoke to BAVIA’s President, Tareek Young about what BAVIA hoped to gain for the …

Boots Martinez Supports Dianne Finnegan in Lake I
The Minister of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez using his skill as an analyst, also gave his opinion on the Finnegan win for UDP Lake I. Honorable Anthony Boots Martinez: “I am the Minister responsible for women and children and so I am so excited for Miss Finnegan. I welcome her …

Dianne Finnegan will Represent UDP in Lake I
The United Democratic Party (UDP) held a convention in the Lake Independence Constituency yesterday. 4 Candidates, Samuel Cutkelvin, Jason Edwards, Dianne Finnegan, and Cecil Jenkins competed in the convention. The polls at the Sadie Vernon High School opened at 9 and closed at 5 p.m. on Sunday. At approximately six p.m. UDP Chairman Alberto August …

Police officers receive bullet proof vests in time for Christmas Anti-crime campaign
The first group of police officers received their bullet proof vests today in Belize City, just as the department commences its Christmas Anti-crime campaign. The vests are part of a donation of five hundred that was made to the Belize Police Department by the Miami Dade Police Department in the US. Commissioner of Police, Allen …

Belize Police thwart drug plane landing in northern Belize
A series of events last Friday in Northern Belize has prompted police to investigate what appears to have been an attempt to land an aircraft. In a first report, police found portable fluorescent lights along the San Estevan/Progresso Road, then police came under fire and finally one man reported he was intercepted by armed men, …

Two men die in motorcycle incidents in Corozal District
Two men have died in a motorcycle accident that happened in the Corozal District on Saturday night. Police say 36 year old Samuel Gonzalez of San Juan Village, was driving a motorcycle along with Jose Bacab when they collided into a van that was driven by 27-year-old Jose Coc. ACP Myvett provided more information. ACP …

Plane Destined for Belize makes emergency Landing
Another flight also with some relation to Belize is also in the news tonight. A plane in Honduras made an emergency landing shortly after take-off from the Toncontin Airport in Honduras. The plane which has been identified as a Piper PA 31 Cheyenne took off from Tegucigalpa around 9:16 this morning.

Car Washer Murdered
About 3:30 this afternoon a man was shot and killed at the corner of Handy Side and Queen Streets. People on the scene said his name is Arthur Flowers. The man washes cars by trade. And he was at the corner when residents in the area say when a vehicle had idled nearby on Handy Side Street. A man got out and the car drove a short distance ahead and waited for him.

Man who protected his brother in fight, found guilty of manslaughter
Forty-six-year-old Phil Staine, who was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter will be sentenced on the thirteenth of December. Staine was convicted of the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Denver Villafranco, a BDF volunteer who passed away on January 17, 2015. Today Justice Adolph Lucas set the date for sentencing after he heard pleas for mitigation from Staine, his sister Tanisha Jones and his attorney, Bryan Neal.

Three Women learn to light up their Village with Climate Smart Tech
Reusable and clean energy are two of the focal points of every national discussion on climate science and adaptation to climate change. Rather than use carbon-based fuels which emit greenhouse gases, solar energy provides a clean alternative with a minimal environmental footprint.

The Reporter

DRUG PLANE ABORTED LANDING IN BELIZE – MEXICAN LAWMEN FIND 1.5 TON OF COCAINE
Mexican media is reporting that they have confiscated over a ton and a half of cocaine after a drug plane aborted its landing in Belize on Friday. Based on information received, local authorities were deployed to the Progresso Road early Friday where they saw lights placed on both sides of the road.

Breaking Belize News

Police issue official report on afternoon murder
Police have just issued an official report on the murder of Tazzy formally known as Authur […]

FCD hosts 19th Annual General Meeting
Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), a non-governmental conservation membership organization held its 19th Annual General […]

Guatemalan authorities order investigation for possible link between Christian pastor and drug peddler
Christians may recognize the name, Cash Luna. That is because Carlos Enrique Luna Arango is a […]

“Tazzy” killed near Majestic Alley in Belize City
About two hours ago there was yet another murder on Belize City’s north side. This […]

Ministry of National security issues statement on drug plane that landed in Chetumal
Belize’s Ministry of National Security has issued a statement on the drug plane that was […]

Plane destined for Belize makes emergency landing in Honduras
This morning, a plane destined for Belize had to make an emergency landing in Tegucigalpa, […]

Belize’s National Rugby team launched
The first official national rugby team of Belize was launched on November 9, 2018, at […]

Man chopped with a machete while leaving bar in Pomona
Just before 5 a.m. on December 1st, there was a chopping incident at a bar […]

2 dead in horrific traffic accident in San Victor, Corozal
Just before 8 p.m. on the night of December 1st, there was a fatal road […]

Ministry of Human Development hosts conference to strengthen Social Protection System
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation is hosting a Social Protection […]

Belize Credit Union League partners with the IDB Lab and Global Affairs Canada to pilot Green Microfinance project
The Belize Credit Union League Ltd. (BCUL) has signed a project with the Inter-American Development […]

Fair weather to continue
The 24-hour forecast is for mostly fair and dry weather to continue. Sunny skies with […]

Two masked men ambush and shoot Canadian man in Southern Belize
On Saturday a Canadian national was the victim of gun violence in Belize. He has […]

Art Exhibit launched at John Paul II Junior College in Benque
John Paul II Junior College (JPIIJC) opened its second annual art exhibition on Friday, November […]

Belize~ Why did PM Barrow decide to stay until 2020?
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

Drug plane with over a ton of cocaine destined for Belize lands in Mexico
Our newsroom has received confirmed reports that a drug plane destined for offloading in Belize […]

Francis Gill, 47, ambushed and killed in Belize City
Belize City resident, Francis Gill, 47, is the country’s latest murder victim. At 1:30 am […]

Blogs

Real Estate In Placencia: Find Your Own Beach Paradise
It took just one trip for my husband and I to commit to living in Belize. Specifically the idyllic little village of Placencia. It sits at the tip of a peninsula and we were sold as soon as we began the drive down this 19-mile spit of land. At the start of the peninsula is Maya Beach, an area that looks like Florida way back before development, with thatch roofs, simple wood homes on the beach, palm trees, and hand-painted signs. The water here is vivid blue, the beaches white sand. The palms sway in the breeze. And with the Caribbean to one side of the peninsula and a tranquil lagoon on the other, it offers waterfront property and vistas on both sides. Along with Maya Beach there are only two other small villages on the peninsula. The other two are the Garifuna village of Seine Bight, and Placencia itself, at the southern tip.

Flying over the Great Blue Hole
At 9:00 A.M sharp, Miss Eden Cruz from Belize Concierge greeted us at the Tropic Air office at the airport. She introduced us to 3 Japanese guests who would be accompanying us on the tour. She gave us a short briefing about the Blue Hole and the tour we were about to embark on. The aerial tour to the Blue Hole takes 1 hour roundtrip. You fly east from Belize City to Lighthouse reef where the Blue Hole is located. When we were all comfortably seated, the pilot moved the plane unto the runway. I glanced over at Luis and we both had the biggest smiles on our faces. The plane took off and we were greeted with a new perspective of Belize City. I did not realize that the city was that big. A few minutes into the plane ride, the pilot pointed to a heart shaped island off the coast of Belize City. I definitely saw the heart shape. Here’s a picture. Can you see it? After circling the Blue Hole, we were taken to a shipwreck south of the Blue Hole. A rusty cargo ship was on the reef. The waves were hitting it. It was an interesting view. However, I could not help but think of the corals that were damaged when the ship found its resting place. Yet, the submerged parts of the ship is probably home to various aquatic animals today.

Explorer Series: Andee Moh, Tour Guide
“When visiting Belize, expect the unexpected,” says tour guide Andee Moh. Born and raised here in the Cayo District, Andee has been exploring the vast landscape of Belize ever since he was a child and has learned that anything goes when it comes to nature. And his experience has not gone unnoticed. In 2018 he was nominated by the Belize Tourism Board as “Tour Guide of the Year” among 7 other tour guides throughout all of Belize. We are so proud to have him on our team. We sat down with the explorer to find out what inspires and keeps him going on the job. The things that I enjoy the most as a tour guide are meeting guests on a daily basis, being able to share my culture and most importantly seeing different places; places that a lot of Belizeans have not seen or are not able to see on an everyday basis. I personally feel that as a tour guide, I have a very important role to be an ambassador for Belize and for the beauty and treasure that we call home.

What It’s Really Like To Dive The Great Blue Hole of Belize
Rated by French marine biologist Jacques Cousteau as one of his top 10 dive spots on the planet, people from around the world continue to visit Belize in order to dive the Great Blue Hole. Sometimes known as the Blue Hole of Belize, the Blue Hole gets its name from its naturally dark blue waters. Surrounded by the lighter-colored waters of Lighthouse Reef approximately 43 miles (70 km) from Belize City, the Belize Blue Hole is perfectly circular in shape, measuring 984 feet (300 meters) across and 354 feet (108 meters) deep. Formed by the rising waters of the last Ice Age some 15,000 years ago, the Belize Blue Hole is a giant sinkhole filled with gothic wonder and magnificent stalactites. Once little known except by local fishermen, today the Belize Blue Hole is considered the gold standard of diving in the country. Off limits except to experienced divers with at least two dozen dives under their belt, the Belize Blue Hole is completely unlike any other dive site in the country. Whereas other dive spots are known for being “color” dives replete with a kaleidoscope of fish species and exotic fauna, the Belize Blue Hole is known as a “dark” dive.

Nature in Belize
Perhaps the greatest attraction in Belize is the country’s pristine nature. Belize is predominately a rural country that is just a bit smaller than the state of Vermont but with less than 400,000 residents. Just a short flight away from the United States and Canada, Belize is an English-speaking country where travelers can explore rainforests, jungles, mountains, waterfalls, caves, caverns, rivers, islands, and the largest coral reef system in the northern hemisphere. Half of Belize’s territory is composed of dense rainforest, 80% of which is protected by law as a national park, wilderness sanctuary, or conservation area. Much of the rainforest has never been explored, and these pristine landscapes are home to a dizzying array of wildlife, including jaguars, armadillos, tapirs, giant iguanas, crocodiles, monkeys, and ocelots. The rainforests of Belize are also home to hundreds of different bird species.

The Amazing Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley
One of the top diving and snorkeling sites in Belize is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. A protected national park, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve gets its name from the Mayan term for “little channel.” This is because the reserve is located on a natural cut in the reef (known as a quebrada) that allows marine life to transit between the inner and outer portion of the reef. Measuring just 75 feet (23 meters) across and 30 feet (nine meters) deep, this natural passageway in the reef sees an astonishing diversity of marine animals, including sharks and rays that feed on fish transiting the area. The total area of the reserve is approximately three square miles (8 square kilometers) divided into four zones: The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is located approximately four miles (6.4 km) south of Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize. Because it is easily reachable from San Pedro (the capital of Ambergris Caye), it makes for a popular day trip. A number of private operators operate out of San Pedro and provide guided dive and snorkel trips to the reserve.

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. In the United States, all four of the nation’s biggest airlines now fly to Belize, making it easy to find affordable tickets. Southwest, United, Delta, and American Airlines now fly non-stop to Belize from more than a dozen major cities. Canadians, too, can now find affordable airfare to Belize. Both WestJet and Air Canada now fly non-stop to Belize from Toronto and Calgary. Note: All international flights into Belize land at the Philip Goldson Airport (code: BZE).

Getting to Belize From Europe
Due to Belize’s location in Central America, there are no non-stop flights to the country from Europe. The good news, however, is that it is now easier than ever for people in Europe to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in Belize. As a former British colony, Belize has always been a popular destination for Britons. American Airlines now offers direct flights to Belize that depart from London’s Heathrow Airport and make a stop in Miami, Florida before continuing on to Belize. Flights to Belize depart four times per week from Heathrow and have only a short layover in Miami before continuing directly to Belize City.

5 Awesome And Cheap Backpacking Destinations in Belize
For many years, it was difficult and time-consuming to get to Belize. But now, all of the biggest airlines in North America fly to Belize, making it easy to find very affordable tickets. If you’ve ever wanted to come to Belize and explore this magnificent country, here are five awesome and cheap backpacking destinations: The “new” capital of the country, Belmopan is like no other city in Belize. Founded in 1970, Belmopan has a highly organized city plan, a magnificent parliament building that resembles an ancient Maya temple, and a lot of cool things to see and do. The second-largest city in the country, San Ignacio is the gateway to the country’s west. San Ignacio is the perfect stopping point before heading out to visit ancient Maya ruins, national parks, or outdoor adventures like river canoeing, zip lining, and cave tubing.

Belmopan City – The Smallest Little Capital in the World
Tucked in a cute little corner of Central America and many times missed by most viewers of any map of the isthmus, Belize is famous for a few things….. its natural and lush rain forests, the largest cave system in Central America and of course the world renowned Great Blue Hole but what is amazing and something that most people do not know is that Belize owns one of the smallest capitals of the world! Smack in the center of the country, Belmopan has a population of just around 20 thousand residents. At the time and because of its location, many people worked in the city by day and went home to other towns by night. In many ways, this is still true today with the majority of the day population being workers from Belize City, San Ignacio and other areas.

The Hummingbird Highway in Belize
Belize is a spectacularly beautiful country, and there are few better ways to explore it than by enjoying a scenic drive along the Hummingbird Highway. The Hummingbird Highway is a modern, paved, two-lane roadway that was inaugurated in 1994. The Hummingbird Highway measures approximately 53 miles (86 km) long and connects Belmopan, the national capital, to Dangriga on the southeastern coast. The Hummingbird Highway offers a panoramic view of all of the different landscapes in Belize. Starting in the west, the Hummingbird Highway passes through the northern part of the Maya Mountain range, crosses several scenic rivers, and passes through fragrant citrus orchards before ending just a short distance from the beach outside of Dangriga.

5 Interesting Caves to Explore in Belize
The unique geology of Belize means that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of caves across the country. Indeed, Belize has the highest concentration of caves in all of Central America. Many of these caves were used by the ancient Maya to conduct some of their most important religious ceremonies as the Maya believed that caves were a gateway to the world of the gods. Here are five of the most interesting caves to explore in Belize:

Fascinating Facts About the Lost City of Xunantunich
Thousands of years ago, the Maya empire stretched from Mexico in the north down to El Salvador in the south. They built enormous stone cities in the middle of the jungle, only to abandon them around the year 900 AD for reasons still unknown to modern archeologists. One of the largest Maya cities ever built, now called Xunantunich, was lost for centuries until it was discovered by accident when a villager in Belize came across a ghost of an ancient Maya maiden in the 1890s.

6 Great Reasons to Treat Your Family to a Belize Vacation
What’s more gut-wrenching than bundling your kids into boots, coats, mittens and hats to send them off to school in winter than hearing your child plead: “Mom, how come we can’t go on vacation like Bobby’s family? He got to pack a bathing suit and sunscreen and it’s freezing outside!” Of course, you could beat Bobby’s family to the Caribbean by planning your own warm and sunny adventure—-a holiday that’s probably badly needed by every family member. Where to go? To the family vacation capital of the western hemisphere, Belize. Need reasons? These six are just the tip of the iceberg—-make that the top of the palm tree!

International Sources

‘If not now when’ – Prime Minister Rowley of CSME
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government were challenged to move the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) forward by Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley. Speaking this morning at the start of their 18th Special Meeting which is focused on the CSME at the Hilton Hotel in Port of Spain, the host Prime Minster posed the question, “if not now, when; if not us, who?” The two-day meeting is looking at increasing the rate of implementation of the CSME and making sure the benefits are available for Community nationals. The meeting is being chaired by the current chairman of CARICOM, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness.

CCCCC and governments of Belize and Italy break ground for multi-purpose facility
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), in collaboration with the governments of Belize and Italy, held a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a community multi-purpose emergency centre (CMEC) in San Ignacio, Belize, on Wednesday, November 28, 2018. The project “Reducing the Carbon Footprint of San Ignacio and Five Surrounding Villages in the Cayo District” is being implemented as a collaborative effort by the government of Belize and the CCCCC with financial support from the government of Italy. Approximately 25,000 residents in San Ignacio and surrounding villages are expected to benefit directly from the project at completion.

Videos

December 3, 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: I Hate Parrots
“Oh, come on,” Sherry said. “We’re only going to be there for a little while.” “No!” I said. “I hate parrots. They’re noisy and rude and I’ve already had too many bad experiences with them in my life.” “She’s my friend,” Sherry told me. “I promised her we would come over because she is so proud of it. Now, you be nice to her.” Half an hour later we were in the golf cart on our way to see Myra’s new talking parrot. “This is Skittles,” Myra said, when she brought the bird out to us on the porch. “Say hello, Skittles.” “You’re a pretty lady. Pretty lady,” the parrot said to Sherry. “Are you a good boy? Are you a good boy?” he asked me. “Oh, that’s cute,” Sherry said.

Letter to the Editor: Thanks to the Ministry of Education
Dear Editor, The Minister of Education and his Executives were gracious in their support of the teachers. I want to publicly and personally thank them. The real problem was and still is that the Teaching Services Commission makes new policies or rules without sufficient consultation with partners and then enforces those polices or rules before teachers and managers can adjust to the policies or rules. The no back pay policy? or rule? is really hurting teachers and is unfair. I thought that the Teaching Services Commission did not have the authority to make policies or rules. Mistakes have been made and will be made by the human beings who work with the Teaching Services Commission, the general managers and the local managers.

Doctor Love: Out and About
Dear Doctor Love, With the love and support of my partner, I recently came out to my family as gay. Almost all of them were very accepting but it came as a shock to learn that my mother is homophobic. I didn’t notice it when I was growing up, she never made comments or shunned homosexuals, but she is very upset that I have “chosen this lifestyle” as she calls it. My mother has told me that she prefers my partner does not come to our family Christmas dinner. The unmarried cousins and nieces and nephews are welcome to bring boyfriends or girlfriends, but my mother feels that bringing my same-sex partner will make some of the family uncomfortable. None of the family has said that to me, only my mother has shown that attitude.

Misc Belizean Sources

The Legend of the Blue Hole Monster
“It was HUGE!” Cap’n Ray declared. “The monster arched … and dove … at an incredible speed,” Chris Biagi said. “The water became turbulent”, noted George Strauss. “The creature had a snake-like head with large red eyes that looked like flashlights” recalled Marisol of her strange encounter with what must be the longest sea creature alive. Four people, three Americans and one Venezuelan, a woman, were out diving by the Blue Hole for fun. All four of them saw an unusual sea creature which, for size and elusiveness can compare with the Loch Ness Monster of Scotland. Scientifically, if other independent documentation can be obtained, the Blue Hole Monster could become one of the great biological discoveries of marine life.” The descriptions which follow are taken from the affidavits of the eye-witnesses themselves. The charts and diagrams are from Cap'n Ray's pen.

Maya children of Patchakan(Corozal) dancing the U Pool K'eek'en

Channel 5

Man Chopped Three Times To The Head
About 4:30 a.m on Saturday Police visited the Southern Regional Hospital where they observed Hilbert Smith, 23-year-old Belizean laborer of Pomona Village in the Stann Creek District, suffering from two chop wounds on the back of the head and one on the forehead. Smith told police that he leaving a bar in Pomona Village when he got in an argument with another man who inflicted the injuries. Smith remains in a stable condition.

Canadian Man Shot And Beaten
Police are investigating a near fatal shooting incident which occurred yesterday morning. At round 7:40 am, 71 year old Pierre Blais, a retired Canadian residing in Hope Creek Village in the Stann Creek District, reported to police that he was about to enter his blue Toyota Eco car when two men with their faces covered approached him. One was armed with a firearm and pointed the gun at his head. He fired a single shot which caught Blais behind his left ear. The other attacker hit Blais with a baseball bat, injuring Blais on his left knee and left arm. The two men later tied up Blais and later searched the residence. The men escaped in his car through the Coastal Road where they lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a ditch. Blais is in stable condition. Police are looking for the two suspects.

Alleged Attackers Shot in Cayo
On 2.12.2018 about 3:35 am., Police responded to a report of a shooting incident on Hudson Street, San Ignacio Town. Upon arrival Moamar Zelaya 32-year-old, Belizean technician of Esperanza Village, reported that he and his brother were assaulted and as a result he fired shots at the attackers which resulted in Christopher Hudson, 28-year-old Belizean laborer of Belize City, sustaining injuries to his right hand and a graze to his side and Germaine Pandy, Belizean laborer of Far West Street, San Ignacio, sustaining injuries to his right elbow. Both were admitted in a stable condition. Police investigation continues.

The Reporter

LAKE I CONVENTION UNDERWAY
The race to elect a United Democratic Party Standard Bearer for the Lake Independence constituency is currently underway at the Sadie Vernon High School compound in Belize City. Polls opened at 9 this morning and will be closing at five. Sources on the ground say that the crowd has been trickling in slowly and it is estimated that only 400 persons have cast their vote so far. That number is quite low when compared to the 3000+ voters in that constituency.

MISSING MAN BELIEVED DEAD IS FOUND ALIVE
Nerry Montenegro, the man whom family members believed to have been found dead in the New River in Orange Walk has been found alive and is now back at home. After four days of being reported missing, Orange Walk Police found Montenegro on Thursday night wandering on the San Estevan Road. Apart from injuries to both of his feet appearing disoriented Montenegro was fine.

USHER SECURES BAIL
Belmopan resident Darrell Usher, 32, who was arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate court on Thursday on as many as 22 counts of criminal charges for allegedly running over five persons with a vehicle has been successful in securing Supreme Court bail.

BLUE HOLE EXPEDITION UNDERWAY
Today marks the occasion of the much-anticipated live dive expedition and broadcast from the bottom of the Great Blue Hole. The two-hour event will be streamed live at 3 pm Belize time or 4 pm EST on Discovery’s Facebook page and TV Channel. The expedition will feature Richard Branson and ocean conservationist Fabien Cousteau who are going to answer questions live from the sanctuary of a submarine at the bottom of the Blue Hole.

MINISTRY PROVIDES UPDATE ON PRIVATE WILLIAMS
The Ministry of National Security is reporting that despite losing an eye on November 14th at the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base (FOB) Private Fidel Williams is in good health and spirits and is now in Merida undergoing an assessment for a prosthetic eye replacement. A press release from the Ministry notes that Private Williams departed the country on November 29th to undergo an overall assessment and is expected to return over the weekend.

Breaking Belize News

Ramon Witz wins UDP Convention in Cayo South
Ramon Witz, the former area representative for the Cayo South Division won the UDP convention for that division today. Witz received 839 votes, Ralph Huang received 428 votes, and Ramon Aleman received 111 votes.

Dianne Finnegan wins UDP convention in Lake I
Dianne Finnegan has won the UDP convention for Lake I. Finnegan received 273 votes while Samuel Cutkelvin received 6 votes, Jason Edwards received 228 votes, and Cecil Jenkins received 232 votes.

Blogs

Belize City on the Busiest Day on the Year, Part One
December 1st – I’d been jotting down events for that date for the last few months. International Day of Yoga, Belize City Christmas Expo, Shopping Downtown, a Christmas tree lighting. Add on some errands that I needed to run: pick up Jeff’s Angiogram CD at the Cardiology Center, head to the pharmacy, pick up at The Framing Shop….and I had a FULL day planned., When I hopped on a JAM PACKED water taxi yesterday at 10am on a bright sunny blustery morning – I realized I wasn’t the only one headed to Belize City for the day. Below are two maps from the Moon Guides…that show where the water taxi comes in…and the surrounding area. And then the greater Belize City area. I’ve marked up a bit…where I was. To give you a sense.

Videos

December 2, 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

SP BTIA and SPTC commit to a cleaner San Pedro
Following the San Pedro Belize Tourism Industry Association’s (SP BTIA) Big Garbage Clean-up campaign on November 9th through the 12th, SP BTIA Chairwoman Tamara Sniffin and SP BTIA member Karen Brodie met with Mayor Daniel Guerrero. On Wednesday, November 21st, the trio reviewed the success of the clean-up campaign and discussed plans for better trash management on the island. The SP BTIA team also appealed for a solid commitment from Mayor Guerrero and San Pedro Town Board in addressing the situation. In the meeting, SP BTIA mentioned that during the four-day clean-up campaign illegally disposed of trash was easily identifiable as to its origin. It became apparent that many businesses on the island are hiring individuals with trucks to dispose of their garbage, but the trash never makes it to the Transfer Station.

Cabinet approves Belize’s First National Trade Policy
On Wednesday, November 27th, members of the Cabinet approved Belize’s first National Trade Policy. The Policy is an outcome of the July 2016 National Trade Policy Framework, which has been developed following an extensive nationwide stakeholder consultation process. Coordinated by the Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce, the Policy has been developed with technical assistance form the Commonwealth Secretariat under its flagship program the Hub and Spokes Program, aimed at Enhancing Trade Capacity Development in the African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (ACP). Through this program, Belize has benefited from the expertise of a Trade Advisor who provided integral support throughout the process of developing the Policy.

ACCSD lobbies stakeholders for support against Cayo Rosario Development
The Board of Directors for the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD) held an informative luncheon on Tuesday, November 27th for key tourism and business stakeholders on the island. Hosted by Matachica Resort, more than a dozen individuals were updated on the progress ACCSD is making in preventing the controversial development of Cayo Rosario located within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. First to speak was ACCSD Board member and President of the San Pedro Tour Guide Association Billy Leslie, who reviewed the history of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the part ACCSD played in expanding the reserve in 2015. “We saw that this area on the leeward side of the island, the shoals, the mangrove islands, and bajos were essential to the health of the Hol Chan ecosystem and an important area for the fly-fishing industry. We worked closely with other agencies on the island along with local and national government to make it happen. Our goal was to prevent unsustainable developments like the one approved for Cayo Rosario from ever happening.

Taiwan helps Belize digitize Motor Vehicles License and registration system
The laid-back and tranquil lifestyle of Sanpedranos has changed over the years, as the occasional electric golf cart has given way to an increasing number of gas-powered vehicles, particularly larger vehicles such as sedans, taxi vans, and trucks have been imported on to the island. Despite the flag-stone paving of the principal streets, San Pedro now suffers many of the traffic ills which plague other urban areas, including traffic jams. Regulating this new traffic environment will become easier as Belizeans can now more easily register and license their motor vehicles through a new digital computerized system, which the Government of Belize began implementing with the technical support and financial assistance of the Government of the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan in June 2017.

Misc Belizean Sources

An Active and Destructive 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Ends
Despite pre-season predictions of an average to below-average year, the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season was above average by most measures, with two U.S. hurricanes—Florence and Michael—causing unusually high death tolls and catastrophic damage in excess of $10 billion each. The 2018 tally of activity in the Atlantic was 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes, 2 intense hurricanes, and an Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index of 129. The 1981 – 2010 seasonal averages were 12.1 named storms, 6.4 hurricanes, 2.8 intense hurricanes, and an ACE of 105.6. The 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and ACE index of 129 this year puts 2018 in the upper third for all of these quantities since the satellite era began in 1970. The amount of activity in 2018 stands in stark contrast to seasonal forecasts that had called for a near- or below-average season. As explained in a weather.com analysis, this was due in part to two factors: the absence of anticipated El Niño conditions, and a significant warming of the tropical Atlantic in September, near the peak of the season. A record number of subtropical storms also pushed up the total number of named storms.

The Blue Hole Natural Monument will be closed as of 10:30 am today, December 2nd, 2018
The Belize Audubon Society would like to inform all stakeholders that the Blue Hole Natural Monument will be dosed as of 10:30 am on Sunday, December 2^' 2018 for the remainder of the day. This has become necessary to facilitate the international event of Discovery Channel's into the Blue" Blue Hole Expedition. We request the cooperation of the general public to practice restraint and civic responsibility; loitering in or around the Blue Hole Natural Monument will also be prohibited. Belize Audubon Society rangers will be present on-site to monitor the activity of the Blue Hole Natural Monument in preparation for the Blue Hole Expedition. We encourage the public to participate as viewers during the live broadcast of Discovery Channel's into the Blue" Blue Hole Expedition by tuning in to their television stream, as well as a live stream on Discovery's Facebook page. For updates and more, contact us through Belize Audubon Society's Facebook page.

Sir Richard Branson and his team meet with the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow
Before they go exploring Belize's Blue Hole, Sir Richard Branson and his team made a courtesy call on the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow. The expedition will be broadcast live on Discovery Channel on Dec. 2 starting at 1 p.m. Local Channel 69 San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in San Pedro
Videos and photos

Cayo Arts Festival Opening Night
The 2018 Cayo Art Festival is next Saturday, December 8th, at Falcon Field, and on Friday, the SISE House of Culture will have some opening night festivities, and will launch the associated art exhibit. Everyone is invitied to come and see some amazing art from local artists. "INVITING ONE AND ALL TO CAYO ART FESTIVAL EXHIBIT OPENING NIGHT ON THE 7TH DECEMBER, COMENCING AT 7:00PM.!!!!"

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY!!!
The U.S. Embassy is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for Guard Supervisor. The U.S. Mission in Belmopan provides equal employment opportunity and fair and equitable treatment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation

Peters Bram Night
The Peters Bram Night is the opening night of the Brukdong Creole Festival.This opening night is to honor Mr. Peters and his contribution to the Brukdong music in Belize. The event beginnings at 7:00pm at Sector 51 in Tourist Village, Belize City. There will be delicious Creole food, featuring: rice and beans with pork knuckle, seafood serre and various curry dishes. The entertainment will start with a colorful Sambai drumming and Fire Dance. Next, fantastic Brukdong music from the Peters Band and amazing Terry di Brukdong gyal and her Creole dancers and band. COME PREPARED TO DANCE!

San Pedro Tourist Guide Association Stakeholders meeting ( all guides )
Tuesday December 4th 2018 6.30pm at SPHS conference room!!! Interesting topics all are invited !!! Tourguides, Touroperators , and sales personnel!!

Breaking Belize News

Traffic accident on the Philip Goldson Highway
BBN has received confirmed reports about a traffic accident that happened on the Philip Goldson Highway a short while ago. At the moment, we are unable to confirm if the accident is fatal, however, a source informed our newsroom that the victims have been rushed to the hospital.

Blue Hole Natural Monument closes tomorrow to the general public
The Belize Audubon Society issued a statement today informing all stakeholders that the Blue Hole Natural Monument will be closed as of 10:30 am on Sunday, December 2nd, 2018 for the remainder of the day. According to the statement, this has become necessary to facilitate the international event of Discovery Channel’s “Into the Blue” Blue Hole Expedition.

New Mexican President takes office
Andrés Manuel López Obrador, 65, takes office as the new Mexican president today after winning that country’s election in July of this year. Obrador enters office with control of both houses of the Mexican Congress.

Orange Walk man feared dead found alive
An Orange Walk man who had gone missing was feared dead after an unidentified dead body was found in the New River in Orange Walk on Wednesday, however, he was found alive. Nerry Montenegro, 42, from August Pine Ridge village had not been seen by his family for four days and was reported missing by his mother on Tuesday.

Body found in New River still unidentified
The body of a man found floating in the New River in Orange Walk on Wednesday remains unidentified as police have been unable to positively identify the badly decomposed body. The body was apparently eaten by crocodiles and was found without both of its arms. Police say the face was severely disfigured.

Videos

December 1, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Belize’s U-17 & U-15 Inter-District Football Tournament 2018 kicks off
Both U-15 and U-17 male and female teams from San Pedro Town traveled to Belize City to compete against teams from the mainland on Saturday, November 17th. They are participating in the Inter-District Football Tournament which is heading into its third round. The first match started at 2PM at the MCC Grounds, with U-17 San Pedro High School (SPHS) Girls going against St. Catherine’s Academy girls. Throughout the entire match, the island played their best and came out victorious with a 1-0 score. The third round of the football tournament is scheduled to take place during this week. SPHS girls will go against San Juan Scorpions. The game is scheduled to start at 2PM at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village Stann-Creek District on Saturday, December 1st. In the U-15 male category, Sea Wolves will play against the Corozal Invaders at the Ricalde Stadium in Corozal District, starting at 2PM on Saturday, December 1st.

Nayobie’s Hope for Children Project assists baby Leo Chan by collecting bottle caps
Nayobie’s Hope for Children Project held a dollar and tapitas (bottle caps) drive for Baby Leo Chan Jr., who is currently battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the Hospital General in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico. During the drive, a total of 7,440 tapitas and $1,005 were collected in San Pedro Town on Saturday, November 24th. Baby Leo Chan Jr. is from Orange Walk Town, but his story resonated across social media with several island residents joining his cause. For every 1,000 bottle caps collected, the family will be granted ONE chemotherapy session through the #TapitasxSonrisas system, an initiative from the Alianza Anticancer in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico.

The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust commends progress achieved in Belize to tackle blindness caused by diabetes
The Chief Executive of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust (the Trust), Dr Astrid Bonfield CBE, met with the Government of Belize and leading eye health experts to thank and commend them for their efforts to prevent blindness caused by escalating rates of diabetes across Belize. In Belize, as a result of the Trust’s programme, through the Government’s leadership and by building on the services provided by the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired, Belize’s public health system has now been significantly strengthened to prevent more people with diabetes from losing their sight.

John McAfee allegedly sued over Gregory Faull’s murder
It’s been six years since the murder of retired American national Gregory Faull with no convictions to date. Faull was killed on November 21, 2012, and his family has maintained that his neighbor at the time, software mogul John McAfee, is responsible for his death. McAfee is still wanted in Belize for questioning by the San Pedro Police. In most recent news, McAfee has allegedly been found legally “liable” via a default judgment made on Wednesday, November 14th in a Florida, USA district court as part of a five-year legal battle by Gregory Faull’s estate.

Misc Belizean Sources

Discovery LIVE: Into The Blue Hole Broadcast times
Sir Richard Branson and Fabien Cousteau travel to the bottom of Belize's Blue Hole. Discovery Channel. Eastern Time (ET). SUN DEC 2, 4:00PM. MON DEC 3, 7:00AM. - TV GUIDE

Former Ambassador of Belize to Mexico passes away
The Government of Belize extends its condolences to the family and friends of former Ambassador of Belize to Mexico H.E. Rosendo Urbina Sr. Ambassador Urbina's impact on the business sector can never be overstated along with his contributions to the tourism industry as a Director at the Belize Tourism Board.

Belizean Delegation to Attend Inauguration Ceremony for New Mexican President
His Excellency Sir Colville Young, Governor General of Belize, will head the Belize delegation attending the Inauguration Ceremony for the new Mexican President, H.E. Mr. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, on 1 December, 2018 in Mexico City. The Belize delegation will also comprise Honorable Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Major Eric Neal, Jr., Aide-de-Camp for the Governor General. Mr. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, of the Morena party, ran as a candidate in the presidential elections as part of the Juntos Haremos Historia Alliance and was elected by voters on July 1, 2018. Obrador won in a landslide, carrying 31 out of 32 of the country's states.

CIZIN
Cizin, also spelled Kisin means in Maya “Stinking One” , Cizin is the representation of earthquake and death, ruler of the subterranean land of the dead. He may possibly have been one aspect of a malevolent underworld deity who manifested himself under several names and guises (e.g., Ah Puch, Xibalba, and Yum Cimil). In pre-Conquest codices, or manuscripts, Cizin was frequently depicted with the representation of war in scenes of human sacrifice. One aspect of the dualistic nature of the Maya religion is symbolically portrayed in the existing codices, which show Cizin uprooting or destroying trees planted by Chac . Cizin is often depicted on pottery and illustrated in the codices in the form of a dancing skeleton, holding a smoking cigarette. He is also known by his death collar, the most prominent feature of which consists of disembodied eyes dangling by their nerve cords. After the Spanish Conquest, Cizin became merged with the Christian devil.

Castillo's HardwareBlack Friday Sale Extended to Dec 1.
We have extended our Black Friday Deals for Tomorrow Saturday December 1, 2018. Come and take advantage of our huge discounts and get ready for Christmas!!

Project Abroad’s Health Fair and National Testing Day

Commencement Order - New Registers of Electors
The Elections and Boundaries Department is pleased to inform the public that pursuant to Section 9 of Representation of the People Act, the New Registers of Electors prepared as a result of the 2018 Re-registration of Electors Exercise (2nd July 2018 to 30th September, 2018) come into force effective 30th November, 2018 by virtue of a Commencement Order published in the Gazette. The public is further informed that upon the coming into force of the New Registers of Electors, the old registers of electors shall stand repealed.

Update on Private Fidel Williams
The Ministry of National Security (Defence) takes this opportunity to update the Public on the medical condition of Private Fidel Williams who was involved in an incident on November 14th, 2018, at the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base. Since the incident, Williams had undergone a surgery at the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital where the affected eye was removed and was kept under observation by the Ophthalmologist, after which he was transferred to the Force’s Medical Center in Ladyville. Private Williams departed Belize on November 29th, 2018 to Clinica De Merida where he will undergo an assessment for a prosthetic eye replacement.

Hon. Edmond Castro Attends Firefighting Graduation in Cuba
Minister with responsibility for the Belize National Fire Service, Hon. Edmond Castro is in Havana, Cuba, where he attended graduation ceremonies on Wednesday, November 28th, for a two-and-a-half-week firefighting course for Caribbean and Central American Countries. The training course took place from November 11th to 28th, and was attended by two fire-fighters from the Belize National Fire Service, Samuel Leslie and Victor Gabriel Menzies. Hon. Castro conveyed tremendous gratitude and appreciation to the Cuban Government and People for their continued, invaluable contribution to the development of Belize and other Caribbean nations.

Sustainable Child Friendly Municipality Initiative
I feel a sense of accomplishment, but I feel more proud of living on this island that has embraced me. Since 2014, Ambergris Caye adopted the Sustainable Child Friendly Municipality Initiative. Four years later, we have finally got our first baseline assessment. It was hard work, dedication and constant none-stop grinding. The children who have been a part of this process are my driving force while my technical steering committee is my helping hands. The town council has made significant efforts in reaching where we are now. Mayor Daniel Guerrero is a champion in the SCFM initiative in Belize - after all, it was his vision that is coming into fruition - to work towards making San Pedro Child Friendly, thus dedicating efforts to make this island we all love, a better place where our children can live in safer environment in order to become better citizens.

Channel 7

Northern Cops Foil Suspected Drug Plane Landing
There was another plane landing but this time, it landed at the Chetumal airport. And before that, police found a crashed truck in Corozal near the Pueblo Viejo ferry. Now, how are these two incidents connected you ask? Well here is what we found out. Around 2:00 this morning, Orange Walk and Corozal police got information that a plane would be landing near the El Progresso road in Corozal. When police responded to the area, all they found were edge lights set up on the road, about a mile long on either side, ready for a plane landing. But Corozal police got word that trucks were seen in the area and they went looking and caught up with a truck about to cross the Pueblo Viejo ferry.

Montenegro’s Merry to have Nerry Home
The Montenegro family is relieved tonight because Nerry is home safe and sound. Our information is that Orange Walk police found Montenegro wandering about last night around the San Estevan Road near Banquitas. He had injuries to both his feet, was starved and seemed disoriented. But besides that he was fine. He has not been able to say where he was or what happened. As we told you, Montenegro went missing on Sunday night. Now, police have to go back to the drawing board to find out whose body was found in the New River in Orange Walk.

Injured Soldier in Merida for Prosthetic Eye Replacement Exam
Private Fidel Williams is in Merida for further eye treatment and examination. He left yesterday. Williams was at the Forward Operating Base on November 14th. He went to unhitch a BDF vessel, lost his footing, and fell face first into a submerged metal pipe, which dislodged his left eye. In a release sent today it states "Since the incident, Williams had undergone a surgery at the KHMH where the affected eye was removed and was kept under observation by the Ophthalmologist, after which he was transferred to the Force's Medical Center in Ladyville." It continues by saying that doctors from the Clinica De Merida will assess Private Williams for a prosthetic eye replacement. His appointment is set for today. He will return over the weekend.

BPO Worker Recounts Escape from Burning Bus
Last night, we told you about the Transparent BPO bus which spontaneously caught on fire. It happened at around 6:45 yesterday morning between Miles 8 and 9 on the Philip Goldson Highway. The driver, Branson Rhaburn, had only just stopped for another employee, and he was moving off, when suddenly, the engine caught on fire with everyone onboard. As viewers may imagine, it caused widespread panic with the employees onboard running for the back exit. Very fortunately, nobody was seriously hurt, but today, we managed to catch up with one of those passengers who was inside the bus when they started smelling smoke.

No Bail Before Trial for Danny Mason’s Accused Accomplices.
They face three separate sets of charges for a murder and a pair of kidnappings as well as conspiracy. With the first trial due in just a few months, co-accused Terrence Fernandez and Ashton Vanegas appeared this morning before Supreme Court Justice Collin Williams seeking bail. But after some back-and-forth the judge ruled against them. Fernandez and Vanegas, along with Keiron Fernandez, Ernest Castillo and ringleader William "Danny" Mason, are due in March of 2019 at the Supreme Court, and Justice Williams could not find any reason to let them out before then. The judge also ascribed delays in the hearing of the case to the defense, despite arguments against that. But the end result is that none of the so-called Mason gang is leaving prison for the Christmas season. We have reaction from defense attorney Herbert Panton.

Minster Hulse Addresses Uncle Sam’s Aid Cut
Last night we told you that US President Donald Trump has determined that Belize, among other countries, will get their "non-humanitarian" and "non-trade" financial aid cut. That's because Belize is among the nations that they've labelled as tier 3, meaning that from the US Secretary of State's perspective, our country, among other nations, is doing the poorest job of trying to combat human trafficking. That decision was made public yesterday via a memorandum that the President issued to the US Secretary of State. The memorandum reads, quote, "I determine that the United States will not provide non-humanitarian, non-trade-related assistance to the Governments, until such governments comply with the minimum standards or make significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with the Act." End quote.

South African Journalist Talks ICJ Reporting in Hague
Today, on the last day of the media tour of The Hague in the Netherlands, the press contingent met with a South African journalist who covers the ICJ for one of the largest news agencies in the world. He has a firsthand perspective, but he's not an international law expert - just a reporter who attends all the court's major cases. He told the press group what he knows and believes about the ICJ as an experienced observer:

Top CXC Scorers Honored
This morning, 588 high school graduates countrywide travelled to Muffles College in Orange Walk for the 24th Annual CXC Award Ceremony. As viewers are aware, the event is held to celebrate the achievements of the brightest young minds who scored the highest grades on the CXC examinations. This year, those 588 all received CSEC Certificates of excellence, which is the biggest number of awardees so far. 7News was at the Muffles College Auditorium today, and we got a chance to speak with the Chairperson of the CXC National Committee about the new, emerging trends among 4th formers who keep trying to break the current record number of grade ones in the CXC exams. Here's what she told us:

Hulse Down with Daddy Dean as PM
Today's award ceremony gave us an opportunity to ask Minister Godwin Hulse about Tuesday's Cabinet Meeting, in which the decision was endorsed that Prime Minister Dean Barrow would remain as Prime Minister and as Leader of the United Democratic Party all the way up until the 2020 General Elections. That dramatically alters the UDP leadership's trajectory. The original plan was that PM Barrow would retire early, and that Deputy PM Patrick Faber would ascend to the highest Government office going into the 2020 general elections. Thereafter, Faber and National Security Minister John Saldivar would have battled it out in a UDP leadership convention several months prior to that. But, the Prime Minister is not going anywhere until the end of his Administration's current term in office, and today, the press asked Minister Godwin Hulse to comment on the change of plan. Here's what he had to say:

Tracey Panton Joins the Barrow Bandwagon
We also asked another UDP Minister about PM Barrow staying on. Tracey Taegar Panton endorses the decision and says if it isn't broke, don't fix it. Hon. Tracey Taegar-Panton, Minister of Trade: "That is not a new decision. That decision was taken at our national convention where our Deputy Prime Minister was elected and it was agreed at that time that leadership convention for the UDP would not happen before January of 2020. The Prime Minister thought he would not be able to stay because of the troubles he has had with his back but he is on the mend and he feels he presents a voice of reason and stability and there is no need to rush to change anything at this time."

Edwards Hopes to Deliver Double Knockout in Convention with ‘Big Baby’ Miller
So while that's the UDP affairs on the larger scale, on a smaller one, the UDP will have it's standard bearer convention in Lake Independence this Sunday. It is a three-cornered race between Diane Finnegan, former City Council employee Cecil Jenkins, and former City Councilor Jason Edwards. Finnegan would appear to be the frontrunner to move on to challenge P.U.P. incumbent Cordel Hyde. But as Edwards told us when we caught up with him today during final campaigning, he has an ace in the hole - or rather two. The first is his long-standing work in the area and the second is a heavyweight endorsement - from his brother-in-law and undefeated boxer, Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller. Miller is in Belize and making a visit to support Edwards and the plan is to deliver a double knockout on Sunday.

BELIZE ENTRECON: An Entrepreneurs Paradise
Today we met Trade Minister Tracey Panton at the 4th annual entrepreneurial convention called "Belize EntreCon". It is the final event to end off entrepreneurship month. We dropped by to find out how this crucial an event like this is for young entrepreneurs. It was a one day event.

It’s all about the Kids: Triple Ministry Collab. for New Tracking System
Last night we told you about the child labor detection workshop, well the Ministry's of Health, Human Development, Education along with UNICEF are working on a tracking system of their own, but it is to identify children who are not getting all the primary care services. The project partners met at the Biltmore to discuss the details of this system and we found out more.

Food for HIV/AIDS Patients
Today the AIDS Commission donated 5 food packages to 4 organizations whose primary role is to support persons living with HIV and AIDS. The organizations include Hand in Hand Ministries, Belize Family Life Association, Collaborative Network for persons living with HIV and AIDS and Empowering Youth Belize Movement. Tomorrow is celebrated as World AIDS day but the Commission wanted to get an early start with this handing over. We found how important good nutrition is for HIV/AIDS patients.

Christmas Dollars Rolling for Hopkins Fantasy Five Winner
So we have seen a man drive away with a 2019 Toyota Rush and now a Hopkins resident has walked away with over $200,000 in fantasy 5 winnings - just in time for Christmas. We met the lucky winner at BRADS this morning but she preferred to speak off camera. She told us how she found out that she won and what she plans to do with her winnings.

Yoga for a Better Life
The third annual Belize International Yoga Festival gets underway early on Saturday in Belize City. The discipline of yoga is quickly becoming popular in Belize and the gathering of trainers and practitioners from around Belize is designed to bring everyone together to enjoy soulful moments of wellness, healing, relaxation and reflection. The festival is a time for positive interactions which is vitally important for the well-being of our community. It is also the signature fundraising event for the nonprofit Rhythm of Change Belize (ROC) which works with youth. We get more from organizer Michelle Williams and two participating trainers.

UDP Senator Says Information Available for Road Works Project
In this week's Senate debate $14 million dollars more from rehabilitation of the George Price Highway and Roaring Creek Bridge between Belmopan and Santa Elena Towns was approved despite questions about where it was actually going - to acquisition of land along the highway for widening it, or for other reasons. Senator for the Business Community Mark Lizarraga, a long champion of financial prudence especially in matters of works, complained among other things that the contract for the actual works was not presented in the National Assembly for scrutiny, mentioning that he had even contacted the Inter-American Development Bank, financiers of the project, for assistance, to no avail. Attorney General Senator Michael Peyrefitte contended that the information is just a phone call away - to him. Here is what Peyrefitte said in the House and Lizarraga's response in a conference call with reporters afterward.

PUP Senator Says Equal Blame for Telecommunications Fiascoes
Last night we showed you the seeming slip of the tongue by Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte in responding to Business Senator Mark Lizarraga's brief presentation on the INTELCO settlement deal with GDG Acquisitions LLC. He referred to "six PUP's" in the Upper House, though did not call any names - but the inference seemed clear. The Government has agreed to pay five million dollars for equipment that it says was limited and never worked, but it faced as much as 44 million in debt. There was much derision from the Government side about those days, but does the now Opposition People's United Party own up to what happened with INTELCO, the brainchild of former Minister Glenn D. Godfrey? Opposition Senator Valerie Woods said sure - as long as this administration owns up to theirs.

Church Senator Speaks on Change in Divorce Law
And finally from the Senate tonight, a less contentious issue that still attracted a healthy share of debate. The Supreme Court of Judicature Act is being amended to make provisions allowing petitions for divorce by consent of parties in non-contentious proceedings. Typically it takes up to three years for petitions to move through the courts, which is the only place in Belize where divorces can be obtained, but the time is now being cut to one year if both parties agree. Within the general agreement, Churches Senator Ashley Rocke, a Baptist pastor, raised his voice to call for more to be done to help families, especially men, build their marriages rather than destroy them. But as Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte acknowledged, sometimes man must take asunder what God has put together.

RIP Rosendo
Right now, the UDP and the Orange Walk community is mourning the death of Rosendo "Chendo" Urbina. He was a well-known businessman and UDP politician from that town, who rose to prominence when he challenged the PUP's John Briceño for the Orange Walk Central constituency. Informed persons told us that he had a long battle with cancer which he lost last night. This morning, the press asked UDP Senator Godwin Hulse about Urbina, and he said that the man known as "Chendo" was one of those old-school politicians you don't see much of in today's political arena:

A Belizean Castro in Cuba
On Wednesday two Belizean firefighters graduated from a two and a half week course in Cuba for responders from the Caribbean and Central America. There to cheer on participants Samuel Leslie and Victor Gabriel Menzies was Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, Edmond Castro .A Government press release says the Minister conveyed tremendous gratitude and appreciation to the Cuban Government and People for their continued, invaluable contribution to the development of Belize and other Caribbean nations. Before returning to Belize today, the Minister also visited with Belizean medical students studying in Cuba.

Christmas Lights in Downtown Belize City
And from Cuba, back to Belize for the annual tree lighting ceremony at the Mule park in downtown Belize City - a fitting start for the Christmas season. The ceremony began at 5:30 and we spoke to Deputy Mayor Oscar Arnold about this Christmas tradition.

Channel 5

Suspected Drug Plane Hovers over San Estevan, Abandoned in Chetumal
A suspected drug plan was attempting to land somewhere in San Estevan Village sometime around two o’clock this morning. Reports are that Orange Walk police disrupted the landing and the [...]

Minister Hulse Says It Was the Prime Minister’s Decision to Stay Longer
U.D.P. Leader Dean Barrow will remain as Prime Minister until the year 2020, which is when the next general elections will be held. PM Barrow had initially announced that he [...]

Minister Hulse Disagrees with U.S. Gov’t Cutting Aid to Belize
We also asked Minister Godwin Hulse about U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision not to provide non-humanitarian, nontrade-related assistance to the Government of Belize. The determination is based on Belize’s ranking [...]

Charged for Killing Her Sister; Isela Cano Out on Bail
On Monday, Isela Cano was charged and arraigned for the manslaughter of her sister, twenty-six-year-old Honduran national Keidi Ramirez. It is believed that Cano and her parents restrained Ramirez during [...]

Alleged Murderers of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas Denied Bail
Two men charged for the brutal murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas were today denied bail by Supreme Court Justice Colin Williams. Ashton Vanegas and Terrence Fernandez were among five men [...]

Accused of Running Over 5 Persons; Darrell Usher Gets Supreme Court Bail
The Supreme Court also dealt with other bail applications. One in particular that stood out was that of Darrell Usher. The thirty-two-year-old was charged and arraigned on Thursday after he [...]

Missing Orange Walk Man Found Alive
The man believed to have been found dead along the New River is alive. Forty-two-year-old Nerry Montenegro is at home in August Pine Ridge Village tonight after being missing for [...]

E. P. Yorke High is 1st & 2nd in 2018 CSEC Exams
Hundreds of students from across the country gathered at the auditorium at Muffles College in Orange Walk Town for the annual national awards ceremony for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificates. [...]

Strengths of Belize’s Case to the I.C.J.
On April tenth, 2019, Belizeans will be tasked to make one of the most important decisions of Belize’s young history.  That decision to take the territorial dispute with Guatemala to [...]

Belizeans in The Hague
A one week of coverage from The Hague, Netherlands concludes today.  News Five’s Marleni Cuellar and eight other media colleagues from seven media houses and the government press office have [...]

Elquin Hernandez Detained for 4 Days; Attorney Says His Rights Were Violated
One more thing from the local courts….earlier this week, Belmopan resident Elquin Hernandez was remanded to the Central Prison in Hattieville for the murder of Jermain Sanker. Sanker was executed, [...]

Government Will Be Diligent in Screening Foreign Investors
After a number of fake investors slipped through the net, the Government of Belize says it is working to strengthen the review process for those who seek to establish businesses [...]

Belize’s Economy Benefited from Sanctuary Bay Scam
Millions of dollars were scammed from persons who invested heavily in securing a prime parcel of land in Sanctuary Bay, by a convict carrying out the operation from behind bars [...]

ENTRECON 2018: Knowledge Transfer and Innovation: Drivers of Competitiveness
Small and micro business owners converged today in Belize City at the annual entrepreneurship convention. The event provides the sector with information on how to tap into opportunities and grow [...]

A National Trade Policy to be Launched
Cabinet has approved a national trade policy that will be officially launched in January. While some entrepreneurs have been able to sell their products to the region and elsewhere, many [...]

Rosendo Urbina Passes On; Colleagues Reflect on His Contributions
Orange Walk Town has lost one of its most prominent members. Former politician, teacher and businessman, Rosendo Urbina Senior passed away on Thursday night. The founder of A and R [...]

Remembering Andy P 10 Years Later
It has been ten years since renowned Belizean musical icon Andy Palacio passed away.  Despite his untimely death in 2008, Palacio’s legacy in world music remains intact.  This weekend, friends [...]

Know Your Status
World AIDS Day is celebrated globally on December first; the occasion is used to encourage persons to get tested and prevent the disease.  On this the thirtieth anniversary, there are [...]

2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Spared Belize
The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season has ended and there is a sigh of relief in Belize. The season was forecasted to be normal to slightly above normal in the Atlantic [...]

Sugah City’s Central Park is ready for Christmas
Orange Walk Town Council is getting ready for Christmas! Today, we found the Council’s employees hard at work getting the Central Park ready for the holidays. The council is hosting [...]

LOVE FM

US President grants Belize a partial waiver on foreign assistance restrictions
It’s not the high worldwide ranking murder per capita for Belize, nor the low murder conviction rate. But Uncle Sam is clamping down on dollar diplomacy in Belize. Belize is along a narco-corridor from South America to the USA and has had minimal effect on the drug trade but has managed to collect a few …

Ministry of Education awards top performers of the 2018 CSEC/CAPE examinations
Belize City resident Alexandria Nichole Fermin is the 2018 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate’s (CSEC) most outstanding candidate. She and over 500 students across the country received their certificate of excellence this morning at the Twenty-Fourth annual CXC National Awards Ceremony in Orange Walk Town. Dalila Ical has more. Dalila Ical: “The two top performers of …

LXJ Code UM Plus: Hackathon’s champion
LXJ Code UM Plus is the winning team of the Hackathon competition. The announcement was made at Beltraide’s Entrecon, which was held today at the Best Western Plus Biltmore Plaza. This year’s participants were tasked with developing an app for the healthcare profession. Adriana Villegas of LXJ Code UM Plus told us about their winning …

ENTRECON
ENTRECON is an annual event where stakeholders from across the country in the entrepreneurial community merge and share ideas about how to develop and innovate Belize’s business culture. It’s being hosted by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Monique Usher, the Acting Manager for the SBDC Belize explained what participants would receive from their interaction …

Really cool products highlighted at ENTRECON 2018
This is the fourth year that the SBDC is hosting the national entrepreneurship or ENTRECON Convention. Beltraide and the Minister of Trade and Commerce refers to it as the entrepreneurial ecosystem where businesses and government agencies can help each other to get ahead. Love News took a look at Entrecon and a few of the …

Fantasy Five Winner of $345k
There is a new Fantasy Five winner. Sisters Carla and Molly Rubio from Hokpins Village won the 345,000 dollars Fantasy Five jackpot. Love News caught up to the Rubio sisters when they received their cheque at Brads this morning in Belize City. Sister Carla: ““I got some money sent to me from my daughter in …

Minister says Sanctuary Belize was unfortunate
Sanctuary Belize was described by the US Federal Trade Commission as the largest real estate fraud the agency has ever uncovered in its history. The land scheme fraudulently took hundreds of millions of dollars from investors in the USA and Canada. It is another indictment on doing business in Belize, though the perpetrators were mostly …

Businessman and politician Rosendo “Chendo” Urbina passes
Businessman and United Democratic Party politician Rosendo “Chendo” Urbina has passed away. Mister Urbina passed away on Thursday night. He was Belize’s former Ambassador to Mexico and was also a former standard bearer for the UDP in Orange Walk Central. Urbina had contested the 2008 General Election against PUP Leader and Orange Walk Central Area …

Accused murderers denied bail
Ashton Vanegas and Terrence Fernandez who have been accused along with William Danny Mason for the decapitation of Pastor Lewellyn Lucas, which occurred in 2016, filed bail applications through their attorney Herbert Panton. The duo bail applications were heard this morning in the Supreme Court before Justice Colin Williams. Panton told the court that six …

Ministry developing a Child Tracking System
The Ministries of Health, Human Development and Education are meeting to work on an Individual child tracking system that would have universal services for children. Neulin Villanueva, Deputy Chief Education Officer explained how the collaborative effort would work. Neulin Villanueva, Deputy Chief Education Officer: “This is a third in a series of workshops where the …

2018 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season Comes to a Close
Today is the closing of the 2018 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season. The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season was forecasted to be normal to slightly above normal in the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico this year. The season turned out to be above normal ...

Amandala

San Felipe vendor murdered in Pomona
ha Gonzalez, a mother of seven from San Felipe, Orange Walk District, who sold tamales, cheese and other items for a living, was recovered from a latrine pit in Pomona Village, Stann Creek District. Gonzalez had been reported missing by her family since Friday, November 23, after she left home to sell food she had made, but never returned. The body of Gonzalez was taken to an area on the Burrell Boom-Hattieville Road, in the Belize District, where an onsite postmortem exam was carried out yesterday by Dr. Mario Estradabran and his team. At the conclusion of the procedures, the doctor certified that Gonzales’s death was caused by stab wounds to her chest. Police believe that after Gonzalez was killed her body was wrapped in a tarp and thrown into the pit.

Orel sues Belize Central Prison
Many individuals who go to prison sometimes endure all kinds of violations and remain silent, then slip back quietly into society after they have repaid society for their crime; but Orel Leslie is different. Leslie has become the first person to take out a constitutional claim against the Kolbe Foundation-managed Belize Central Prison. Leslie’s constitutional claim opened this week in the Supreme Court of Justice Courtenay Abel and he was the first person to take the witness stand. In his claim, Leslie is relying on seven affidavits in which he carefully catalogued what he endured behind the prison walls.

Guatemalan left Ra-yo holding the bag
Signing as recognizance for someone whose freedom has been taken away by the criminal justice system is a very serious undertaking, because if the person fails to show up for his/her court case, the court will look to the person who signed as recognizance. The person who signs will either have to put forward the money to pay the court or risk going to prison. Veteran freelance court reporter, Roy Davis, is walking a thin line between keeping his freedom and going to prison because he signed as recognizance for a Guatemalan man who, when his case came up, only appeared in court once and has since disappeared.

BFF condemns GOB interference in TASA
ince 2012, the Turneffe Atoll has been Belize’s largest marine reserve, and it has been co-managed by the government as well as by the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA), a non-governmental organization (NGO). The Belize Federation of Fishers (BFF), an organization that represents fishermen associations across the country, is alleging, however, that since 2016, TASA’s board members may have been acting outside of the laws that govern NGOs by appointing two senior GOB officials as executive members. It should be noted that, according to the NGOs Act, Chapter 315 of the Laws of Belize, NGOs, such as TASA, “shall be independent of Government control in its operations and management.” Yet, Lindsay Garbutt, Director of Civil Aviation, sits on the board as the chair, and Beverly Wade, the Fisheries Administrator, is the vice-chair.

Maya Ch’orti’ Environmental Leader Found Dead in Guatemala
The Indigenous Maya Ch’orti’ environmental activist Elizandro Perez, who led a local resistance against a mining company in his community, was found dead Wednesday morning in his home. Perez, 36, was head of the Indigenous Maya Ch’orti’ Council, a member of the New Day Central Indigenous Campesino Ch’orti’ organization, and one of the most visible faces of the legal battle against Cantera Los Manantiales, an antimony mine just 400 meters away from his house in Olopa, Chiquimula, eastern Guatemala.

Is Special Agreement Too Vague?
The general or liberal nature of the definition of the Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute in the December 2008 Special Agreement or Compromis to take the case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), has been the subject of criticism since its signing. According to Article 40, paragraph 1 of the Statute of the Court, a special agreement often negotiated for years, must indicate “the subject of the dispute and the parties.” Additionally, the Rules of the Court at Article 39 (2) state that the notification accompanying the Special Agreement will indicate “the precise subject of the dispute and identify the parties to it” if that is not already apparent in the Special Agreement.

Table Tennis – 2018 brothers HABET Team League concludes
The 2018 Annual brothers HABET Team League came to an end yesterday after two weeks of competition. This year, the event took on a different competition format in which all divisions played a round robin format, with a playoff for the winner of each division at the end. A total of 14 teams took part in the competition this year. 1st Division had 5 teams; 2nd Division had 6 teams; and 3rd Division had 3 teams, comprising of both male and female players.

Sports highlights from PG
The PG Dominoes Competition playoff games begin this weekend as follows: On Friday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m. – Police vs Hard Knocks, happening at University of Hard Knocks; and finally on Saturday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m., Cemetery vs Green Fence, happening at Green Fence Bar. The Normalizing Committee (of Toledo Football Association) kicks off its first Senior Amateur Tournament on Sunday, December 2, at the Victor Sanchez Football Stadium, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

FFB National Inter-District Youth Club Championships for Male U-15, Female U-17 and Male U-17 reach quarterfinals stage
We’ve waited a long time for this one, and finally this year, the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) secured the FIFA funding, and is delivering on a promise to conduct nation-wide youth football championships, which will help to showcase as well as enhance the development of our young football talents. Male U-15, Female U-17 and Male U-17 club tournaments were first conducted in each of 10 “football districts” of the country, namely – the 6 geographical districts of Belize, Cayo, Orange Walk, Corozal, Stann Creek and Toledo; along with 4 other identified football areas, namely: San Pedro, Belmopan, Benque Viejo and Mid-South (the Placencia area).

BECOL/DIGINET Cayo basketball standings
Below are the standings, in the different divisions, with 2 weeks remaining in the regular season of the San Ignacio/Santa Elena Basketball Association’s (SSBA) Becol/Diginet Basketball Tournaments 2018.

Editorial: How Europe enriched itself
The news this week that the University of Glasgow in Scotland had made a large reparations grant (200 million pounds) to the University of the West Indies came as a pleasant surprise to this newspaper. We had not expected the Europeans ever to acknowledge their enslavement/rape of Africans except in scant and infrequent rhetoric. Amandala congratulates The UWI and its Vice-Chancellor, Sir Hilary Beckles. Meanwhile, it was evident this week that a team of Belizean journalists flown to The Hague in the Netherlands (Holland) by the United States Embassy in Belize to tour the International Court of Justice, were awed by the majesty and grandeur of the buildings and infrastructure they saw. When it comes to slavery and colonialism, the predator Dutch have always flown under the radar. Compared to the British, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, for example,the Dutch have practically gotten a free pass. Why this is so, it is hard to say, but the Dutch arguably inflicted as much damage on people of color in Asia, Africa and the Americas as any of the four European examples we mentioned in the previous sentence. The Dutch were pirates, enslavers, and colonizers.

From the Publisher
There were some extraordinary minutes on PLUS TV on Tuesday morning when Don Hector Silva and Ms. Sandra Coye kept calling the station, one after the other, the other after the one, one after the other … The hosts, Pastor Louis Wade and Mr. Carlos Santos, sat back and graciously allowed the two senior citizens to flow, interact, and, dare I say “preach”? Belize is a tiny society. Apart from going to university for three years in New Hampshire, a state in the United States, I’ve never lived anywhere else. For the life of me, I cannot imagine how anywhere else in the world could be as provoking as Belize where pressuring people of quality to compete against each other is concerned. Belizeans love to promote duels and contests between top ranking individuals.

Stella Maris teacher dies
Dear Editor: In your November 23 issue, there were two tragedies on the front page. One was a tragic murder-suicide, right in PG; the other was the death by heart attack of a Stella Maris teacher, after her arrest at work, for a BZ $2,000 unpaid fine. In the Stella Maris case, I am saddened by the retention of a ‘debtors’ prison’ law in Belize. How can sending a person to jail, with loss of income and perhaps one’s job, possibly help the debtor to pay his/her debt? I have visions of a poor parent languishing in prison in Medieval times, their family starving, until they sold themselves and their families into slavery to pay the debt. In Canada, creditors can garner wages, seize assets or the debtor can make an offer of partial payment (consumer proposal). But, there is no debtors’ prison. (I shudder at the thought.)

Romel discusses Muffles College in 1967, 1968
Dear Editor, In September of 1967 we started our first year of high school at the old Muffles College Compound at the corner of Muffles and Park Street, in front of La Inmaculada Primary School, in Orange Walk Town. It was the first year of the Mercy Sisters management, no Latin or public speaking classes, and Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry became Modern Mathematics. In January of 1968, fifty years ago, if my memory serves me right, we moved to the new Muffles location in what is now San Andres Street in the Otro Benque area. Only two buildings and the convent were there, surrounded by high bushes and accessible by little roads known as “picados.”

Boledo better than compound interest
From the oldest grampa to the leelest baby, we all know the impact of compound interest on principal. Left to its own devices, compounded interest is the absolute worst curse that can happen to the purse of an individual or nation. It can bring a nation, or country, to its knees. The clear victory for Boledo is a solid, consistent 30% gouged from every dollar, out of which take comes a little share for vendors on the ground, and to pay the $2million tax agreed to with Godwin Hulse, for the government of Belize.

The Factoids exposed
The esteemed Dr. Assad Shoman has counseled that we should not be persuaded by the illogical arguments the proponents of the “No to the ICJ” have endlessly repeated until they are falsely accepted as facts. While it is true that some of the reasons for voting “No” advanced by those of the negative persuasion are obviously “factoids”, the same can also be said of those arguments being used by those advocating the Government’s position. The following are salient examples of these. They contend that if we agree to go to the ICJ by voting “Yes” in the 10 April 2019 referendum, then the court will have only one option. They will simply be obliged to confirm the unchangeable position of our boundaries with Guatemala that were established by the 1859 Treaty.

The etymology of the name BELIZE
According to legend (no proof available) the name Belize is a corruption of the name of one Peter Wallace, a buccaneer who sometime in the 1600’s was driven from the island of Tortuga by the Spaniards. He then sailed west, arriving at the mouth of what is now the mouth of the Haulover Creek (not the mouth of the Belize River), where he set up a camp.It is alleged that the Spaniards called the “river” Valis or Balis; this legend is attributed to the Dominican priest Fray Jose Delgado. There is also the suggestion that Belize is derived from the French word “Balise” or “beacon.” E.O. Winzerling, in his book “The Beginning of British Honduras 1506-1765,” suggested that French corsairs were in the area before 1600 and others have suggested that they used to mark channels through the mangrove with “beacons”.

Understanding the ICJ Referendum Question
From surveys and polls taken to date on the question to be asked at the upcoming International Court of Justice (ICJ) referendum, it is frightening to note that most Belizeans do not know the question that will be asked of them to vote on at the upcoming referendum on April 10, 2019 and of those who are familiar with the question, the majority of them do not understand the question. Obviously, this is as a result of the failure of the Yes-to-the-ICJ campaign to properly educate Belizeans on this most vital question they are being asked to vote on at the April 2019 referendum. As a matter of fact, even the YES campaign presenters themselves have difficulty explaining the question and when pushed for clarifications we get answers that make very little sense, like – we require Guatemala to submit any and all claims to prevent them at a later date from bringing up any other claims...

Prison CEO comments on former inmate’s lawsuit alleging constitutional rights violation
n the Supreme Court of Justice Courtenay Abel, a civil suit got underway this morning in which the Belize Central Prison is being sued by a former inmate who alleged that the prison violated his constitutional rights when he was a prisoner on remand. This is the first time that the prison is being sued by an inmate in connection with the implementation of its administrative policies and internal rules. The case opened with the claimant, Orel Leslie, taking the witness stand. Leslie, who is being defended by attorney Audrey Matura, was cross-examined by Senior Counsel, Philip Zuniga, who is representing the prison along with Crown Counsel from the Solicitor General’s office, Agassi Finnegan.

Angry boyfriend knocks down girlfriend and her relatives
Several persons are recovering from various injuries after they, and a relative of theirs, were knocked down by that relative’s “angry boyfriend” in a black SUV at 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 27. Fortunately, all the victims are alive, and the angry boyfriend, Darrell Usher, 32, is in police custody. According to police, when they arrived on Cemetery Road in Belmopan, they saw Jessica Sagastume, 37; Jorge Peña, 14; Blanca Choc, 37; Javier Choc, 18; and Kadejah Habet, 11, on the ground, and they were told that Usher, Sagastume’s boyfriend, had driven into them.

PM Barrow shelves early retirement plan, announces he will finish term
The timetable for the early retirement of Prime Minister Dean Barrow as leader of his ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) has changed; instead of retiring early enough to give his successor a shot at controlling the reins of government ahead of the November 2020 general elections, Barrow will stay on until his term ends. That announcement came yesterday, Tuesday, via an unusual government press release captioned: “Prime Minister Barrow to Remain in Office Until 2020.” “Cabinet at its meeting today, November 27th, discussed the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) current trajectory heading towards the 2020 general elections,” said the government press release in its opening paragraph.

1-year-old baby dies from unknown illness in Santa Cruz
A tragic story has been reported of the death of a 1-year-old baby girl in Santa Cruz Village in the Stann Creek District. The baby, Ofelia Na, began to suffer from an unknown sickness on Sunday, and by the time the child’s family got assistance on Monday afternoon, it was too late. Ofelia’s mother, Hilaria Na, told 7News in an interview that the baby had a fever and flu-like symptoms since Sunday, but was feeling better on Monday morning. By midday, however, she started feeling sick again.

The Reporter

ROCKY ROAD BLAZE CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL FAULT
A fire which is believed to have originated in the bottom flat of a concrete and wooden structure at the corner of Plues Street and Rocky Road on Tuesday morning has displaced two families and left nine persons in need of basic necessities. Just a couple minutes short of 8:30am black smoke was seen coming out of the two storey structure and by the time fire personnel raced to the scene the fire was already blazing and licking away at the lumber. While they labored for close to 45 minutes nothing could be done to save the structure and the interior and all of its contents were reduced to rubble.

GOB SETTLES GLENN GODFREY LAWSUIT FOR $5 Mil.
The Government of Belize has agreed to settle its ongoing legal battle in United States’ Courts with Glenn Godfrey’s GDG Acquisitions LLC, for $5 million. Prime Minister Dean Barrow raised the motion at the House of Representatives meeting on Friday that GOB settles the lawsuit for US$2.5 million. Godfrey was seeking some US$22 million for telecommunications equipment leased under the Said Musa Administration of the People’s United Party.

BELIZE/GUATEMALA LAND DISPUTE IS HISTORIC
While it is commonplace for neighbouring countries to have border conflicts; if the Belize/Guatemala land dispute were to wind up before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) it would be a claim for the ICJ’s history books; that’s because there has been only one other case brought before this Court where one country is claiming almost half of another. That is the Venezuela vs. Guyana dispute, which is over Guyana’s Essequibo region, which encompasses two thirds of the former British colony, since US oil giant Exxon Mobil discovered oil in disputed waters off its coast in 2015.

WOMAN CHARGED FOR KILLING SISTER
Independence Police have have charged Isela Cano 23 for manslaughter in connection with the death of her older sister Keidi Ramirez which occurred last week Tuesday. Over the weekend police announced that the charges of manslaughter was brought against the Honduran National of San Juan Village as a result of a decision which was handed down by the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) which did not find enough evidence to support a murder charge.

GONE TOO SOON… BUT NOT BEFORE MAKING HER MARK
Features are normally about people who are still among our midst, but this one young lady accomplished so many goals and displayed so much positivity in the 22 years that she lived that I felt she deserved acknowledgement for it posthumously. The sudden death in September of US soldier Adrienne C Barillas, (Private First Class) is still shrouded in mystery, with the results of the post mortem examination pending even two months after her passing at Camp Humphreys military base in South Korea, where she was assigned.

MAN APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN EATEN BY CROCS
Police have located Nerry Montenegro, the man believed to have been half-eaten by crocs in the New River on Wednesday. So now the hunt is on to identify the remains found. The body pulled from the river had no arms and the face had been eaten

ALLEGED KILLER CAPTURED & CHARGES, NATION OUTRAGED AT SENSELESS MURDER
Police have formally charged Christopher Anthony Bradley, 21, for the murder of Orange Walk resident Marta Gonzalez, 68. Bradley appeared before a Magistrate in Independence Village on Thursday, and was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until his next court date in 2019.

EDITORIAL – November 30th. 2018
A lot of people still do not understand the important role that the ICJ can play in favour of Belize. Some people still think that we can ignore the new initiative by Guatemala, which is to invoke the powers of the ICJ to put hurt on Belize. Stripped down to her fundamental root claim, Guatemala is asking the ICJ to rule that Guatemala has the legal right to erase the international boundary line which she agreed to in 1859 and confirmed as recently as 1931.

ACQUIRING LAND PUSHED UP PRICES, – SAYS WORK’S MINISTER
Minister of Works Rene Montero says that the Government of Belize has to borrow some $14 million from the Inter-American Development Bank to add to an existing $54 million loan for upgrades to the George Price Highway, because it needs to acquire land to finish the project.

THE EMASCULATION OF THE B.D.F : A NATIONAL TRAGEDY
By: Major Lloyd Jones (Ret’d), – The Belize Defence Force (BDF) was formed in 1978 after much agitation by the Hon. Philip Goldson who felt that Belize could not possibly go to independence without its own army. Thirty-seven years after our independence and forty years after its formation, the BDF still cannot defend Belize against Guatemala; not even for three days!

HEALTHCARE IN CAYO SOUTH COMATOSE, SAY JULIUS ESPAT
Area Representative for Cayo South, Julius Espat is calling on the Government of Belize to urgently conduct an assessment of the healthcare needs of the Cayo district. Espat rose at the last meeting of the House of Representatives to speak on a matter of public importance to note that there are 13 villages, home to an approximate 20,000 residents whose healthcare needs are underserved.

Breaking Belize News

US Embassy in Belmopan issues statement on Belize listed as a human trafficking nation
Today, the United States Embassy in Belize issued a statement on President Donald Trump’s determination […]

New registers of electors come into effect today, Nov 30th
Today, the Elections and Boundaries Department issued a statement informing the public that pursuant to Section […]

American and Nicaraguan detained for illegal gun and ammo in San Pedro
Today, police conducted searches at a house in San Pedro Town. Inside the house, police found […]

Edmond Castro Attends Firefighting Graduation in Cuba
Minister with responsibility for the Belize National Fire Service, Edmond Castro is in Havana, Cuba, […]

GOB extends condolences on passing of Rosendo Urbina
The Government of Belize today issued a statement extending condolences to the Urbina family on the […]

Unidentified human remains found in New River
The body of a man was found floating in the New River in Orange Walk on […]

US cuts aid to Belize over Human Trafficking Tier 3 ranking
United States President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum yesterday to the Secretary of State listing […]

Belizean Delegation to Attend Inauguration Ceremony for New Mexican President
His Excellency Sir Colville Young, Governor General of Belize (GG), will head the Belize delegation […]

Pomona man charged for murdering Orange Walk woman
Christopher Bradley,21, of Pomona, Stann Creek has been charged for the murder of Marta Gonzalez,68, of […]

AFP Journalist speaks on tolerance of ‘marijuana’ in the Netherlands
Marijuana is generally illegal in the Netherlands. However, there is a concerted tolerance for the drug […]

UDP politician passes away
Rosendo “Chendo” Urbina, former standard bearer for the UDP in the Orange Walk Central division has […]

Police officers to receive special discounts at Central Drug Store
Yesterday, the Eastern Division, Region One Commander, Howell Gillett signed a one year agreement with […]

Ministry of National Security issues statement on medical condition of Private Fidel Williams
The Ministry of National Security yesterday updated the public via a statement on the medical […]

Blogs

Feliz Cumpleaños Fruit Lady Maria y Muchas Sorpresas
Surprising Fruit Lady Maria! My friend Jenna commented the other day that it was Maria’s birthday. For those who do not know she is a favorite fruit lady to many worldwide. At 68 years young Maria Valdez is an incredibly hardworking and generous woman. She has great skin, 67 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and several pets. We both agreed it would be good to get her a small treat so set out to buy her some flowers yesterday morning. My friend Dennis who had just landed the day before also came with us. We headed off to The Candle Garden first and picked out some pretty yellow chrysanthemums with a bit of baby’s breath and green. Next, we went treasure hunting for a nice vase at the local San Pedro Recycling pile – I think many of the fancier booze bottles make great flower vases or lamps. We instantly scored a lovely clear patterned glass Patrone bottle, and I washed it up nice. We ran into Brad Reeder there. He and his wife Shannon own Iguana Juans Restaurant and Bar. When he saw what we were doing he joined in with a keen eye for the best looking vases, and I got a couple for future flower gifting.

Never What You Expect: My Life in Belize
A while ago I wrote a post called 15 Things No One Told You About Living in Belize – and then I updated it again a year or so later. It’s a list of ideas that keep growing. Because the thing that I didn’t really GET when I moved down here in 2007 – just to TRY IT for one year to see if it would work – is that I was moving to a different country – in a different part of the world – where everyone has grown up differently than me. A different culture. Different. One of the BIGGEST changes is that my days are NEVER as I plan. In New York my alarm starting blaring at 4:45am each morning. I got up in the dark put on my suit and heels and headed to work. My job was challenging and crazy and varied but…I don’t know. My life was predictable to some degree and I didn’t even realize it. Comfortably predictable in ways I just took for granted.

Belize makes it to Best Trips 2019 List
Did you visit Belize in 2018? If you didn’t, you might need to consider it for your 2019 trip says National Geographic (Nat Geo). Belize has landed in the 14th spot of Nat Geo’s Best Trips 2019 list. What an honor! From underwater attraction to ancient ruins and every type of sub-tropical terrain you can imagine, Belize has it all! But what really sets us apart on the list is our people’s perseverance to protect and preserve our natural environment. ” In June 2018 the Belize Barrier Reef System, which Charles Darwin deemed “the most remarkable reef in the West Indies,” was removed from the UNESCO World Heritage site danger list. The turnaround is due to extraordinary ocean protection and restoration measures, such as a moratorium on maritime oil exploration, tougher regulations to safeguard mangrove forests, and a planned government ban on single-use plastic-foam cups and plastic products by Earth Day 2019.

Corozal Belize Bank Business Expo 2018
The Belize Bank Corozal branch is having there 2018 “Belize Bank Business Expo” right now on Friday November 30, 2018. It is being held infront of the Corozal Belize Bank Branch office. The event saw there street Lane closed for traffic as the different businesses of Corozal set up their booths in efforts of promoting their products and services. And from what you can observe the inclement weather proved toThe Belize Bank Corozal branch is having there 2018 “Belize Bank Business Expo” right now on Friday November 30, 2018.

How to Plan an Unforgettable Island Getaway to Caye Caulker
Looking for a relaxing, unique vacation? Your search could begin and end with Caye Caulker, a speck of land about 20 miles off the coast of Belize. The tiny island (actually, it’s two small islands, and how they were divided remains up for debate) is a perfect getaway for travelers looking for something new. There’s great scuba diving, plenty of restaurants and cars are prohibited. The island is only five miles long, so tourists and residents get around by walking or biking. If Caye Caulker sounds like a great spot to you, here are three things you should know about traveling there.

International Sources

Researchers Headed to the World's Largest Sinkhole aka Mayan Gates of Hell
Two Boeing 747s could fit inside, with room to spare. umanity has a knack for labeling ocean phenomena as “great.” We have the dying Great Barrier Reef, the massive Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and who could forget — the Great Blue Hole. The space-bound Sir Richard Branson and ocean conservationist Fabien Cousteau are taking a submarine to the teal waters of the world’s largest sinkhole on December 2. About 40 miles off the coast of Belize City in Lighthouse Reef, the team will venture to the bottom of the “Great Blue Hole” on a mission to collect data for scientific research and raise awareness about climate change and ocean health.

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