January 30, 2019

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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

Triple R Water Emergency Response Team and BCG assist three islanders involved in boat accident
A boat collision on the lagoon side of Ambergris Caye on Saturday, January 26th has left 57-year-old island resident John Austin with a severely injured arm and two others with minor injuries. The accident reportedly took place around 6:55PM near the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) base south of San Pedro Town, when two vessels accidentally collided. The BCG quickly responded to the accident. Also providing assistance was the Rickilee Response and Water Rescue (Triple R) along with their Evacuation team, who took the three victims to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II.

Misc Belizean Sources

PUP MOURNS THE PASSING OF ANTHONY SYLVESTRE SR.
Party Leader Hon. John Briceno and the People’s United Party express their profound sadness and deepest condolences to the family of Anthony Sylvestre Sr. The long serving statesman, public officer and consummate PUP warrior passed away this morning. Anthony, during many years of service to his Party and to the country, served as Editor and Manager of the Belize Times Newspaper, as the Party’s Secretary-General, as the Cabinet-Secretary under the Rt. Hon. George Price, and as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Defence and the Public Service. He also served as Chairman of the Public Service Commission. Those were only his official roles, since long after leaving the government service, he continued to be a valued advisor to the Party he loved, and up to the time of his death, remained one of its soldiers with an institutional memory of things governmental and political.

B&B Beverages is hiring!
Job Opportunity!

FCD Environmental Youth Group clean up
FCD Environmental Youth Group conducted a road side/river bank clean up from Benque to Succotz with the Benque Volunteer Group, supported by the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority. 42 bags of garbage were collected and properly disposed.

Zoila Gonzales and the “Building Digital Literacy and Media Responsibility in Democracies in the Digital Age” project
With the New Year comes a new “Country of the Month” profile. We’re excited to introduce you to one of our 2018 IVLP Alumna, Zoila Gonzales from Belize! Zoila is a news director for Breaking Belize News (BBN), a digital and social media outlet specializing in breaking news. She participated in our 2018 IVLP project on “Building Digital Literacy and Media Responsibility in Democracies in the Digital Age.” Zoila considers her IVLP experience to be invaluable to her career and her goal of fostering media literacy in her country. This objective is especially essential to her due to the upcoming national referendum related to Belize’s major territorial dispute with Guatemala. She says, “With the wealth of knowledge and strategies from my IVLP experience, I recognize the importance of teaming up and providing fact checks so that the public is properly informed. There is also an on-going education awareness campaign on the issue and, as media personnel, our duty must be to publish factual information on statements issued and made in Belize and Guatemala.”

Lord Smoking Shell
It was on 7 ahau 3 pop that the tree stone of time ended. [a 52-year era ended in 625 A.D.] He had become ruler 17 yrs 4 days before [A.D. 608] on 6 Kib 4 Zec. He was the youngest son of the heir to the king. His name was Lord Smoking Shell. His celestial Progenitor was the Spirit Crocodile. Lord of the east, of the province of LAMA'AN'AIN.

Great music at Palapa Bar this week
Looking for fun today? Coconut Trio Wednesday 1/30 and Thursday 1/31. Southern disposition, Coconut Trio Friday 2/1. Kelly McGuire Sunday 2/3 and the Super Bowl Live!

CONGRATULATIONS to the newly appointed Belize World Heritage Advisory Committee!
Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber welcomes new members of The Belize World Heritage Advisory Commission (BWHAC) and provided certificates of appointment. The BWHAC plays an important role in view of Belize’s most recent accomplishment of being taken off the UNESCO list of In Danger. The work of BWHAC continues to receive great support and held in high regards and commended for the work they do in ensuring that our national heritage sites are protected and preserved. The Belize National Commission for UNESCO appointed serving members of The Belize World Heritage Advisory Commission (BWHAC).

"FREDDY ACOSTA"comedy show
Princess Casino Free Zone, Corozal invites you this weekend for a belly full of laughter and entertainment with the musical comedy show of "FREDDY ACOSTA" on Friday, February 1st and Saturday, February 2nd starting at 10:00 p.m. We are always thinking of making you laugh and enjoy. Come out and have a great time at the PCFZ.

Euphoria 21 5th Anniversary Celebration
Its all excitement at Euphoria 21 this weekend, Feb. 2nd. We are doing it BIG again for our 5th Anniversary Celebration! Hosted by your favorite DJ - Mistah Geeh! 3 x $10 Belikin Products! See you there.

Birding La Milpa & Rio Bravo
Birding friends, here is the exciting Birding Trip for February. Please note that for this trip, you must confirm by Feb. 15th. latest. Don't miss out on this epic outing to the land of Crested Eagles.

Channel 7

BAL Industrial Fire Was Scary But Not Harmful
Fire officials are still processing the scene at the Belize Aquaculture Ltd. shrimp farm which is about 4 miles in on the Placencia Road. As we told you, a fire broke out late yesterday afternoon inside their processing plant. Fortunately, it did not spread to the surrounding buildings and, more importantly, no one was hurt nor affected by the fumes. Courtney Weatherburne went down south to capture the aftermath. Here is that story. The Belize Aquaculture Ltd. shrimp farm workers weren't taking any chances today; they wore masks and were on high alert patrolling and securing the premises. The industrial blaze began around 3:00 yesterday afternoon inside the processing plant. They had their equipment as well as ammonia gas tanks inside but according to an employee, they only had a limited supply of gas and fortunately the tanks didn't explode.

Man Chopped For Drunken Provocation?
At the end of yesterday's newscast we told you about reports of a chopping incident on the George Price Highway. Since then police have identified the victim as 43-year-old Elmer Salazar. Salazar was a former employee of Belize Marina and Mooring Services, but was out of a job after the project he was working on finished. He returned to the compound yesterday with the intention of finding another job, but ended up getting into a heated argument with another employee. Witness are not exactly sure what happened, but the argument escalated and ended with Salazar receiving several massive chops to the back of his neck. Our team spoke to his cousin and fellow employee about what he saw yesterday afternoon...

Detained Police Corporal Exposes Revolting Conditions in Detention Cell
Police Corporal Darrell Tutsi Usher was detained on Sunday - he and his brother, Dorian on a complaint of wounding and discharging a firearm - which we'll tel you all about shortly. They locked him up in the detention cell just like any other accused person, and the news tonight is what Corporal Usher witnessed and documented during his time in the police lockup. It is extraordinary, but we warn you, it is also repugnant - and you may find it offensive or disgusting.

Charges Dropped Against Corporal At Court
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams confirmed via text message that he has seen the post. He acknowledged the deficiencies and told us, quote, "It is something we are working on. A contractor has been engaged to do an estimate so that the area can be renovated. As soon as the estimate is obtained we will seek the funding from GOB to upgrade the area." End quote. And while that is well and good, that's not the end of it - there is also a major lapse in procedure - after all, how could a detained person, whether he is a police officer or not - have a camera - and presumably a phone during his time in detention?

Shooting Victim Marcos Zelaya Showing Improvement
Marcos Zelaya's family is optimistic that he will live. The 21 year old Zelaya was shot to the head on Complex Avenue on Saturday morning. His shooting is believed to be connected to gang rivalry in the Martins area - a rivalry which has claimed many lives since the rival gangs live adjacent to each other. Tonight Zelaya is stable and his father says he is responding to medication well.

Couple Faces Drug Trafficking Charge, DPP Refuses Plea To Lesser
A couple that was caught with 6 ounces of weed is in trouble after the DPP's office rejected the boyfriend's guilty plea. They are 24-year-old Chevon Castellanos, along with his teenaged girlfriend, 18-year-old Alexis Cardenes both of #7103 North Creek area, Belize City. On Sunday they were found in possession of 148 grams of cannabis. In court before Magistrate Emmerson Banner, Castellanos pleaded guilty to possession but not guilty to drug trafficking. Usually that's an automatic fine, but the police prosecutor, had to first check with his superior before accepting the guilty plea for the lesser charge.

Nurse Suspended In Infant Death Case
On Friday, we had an update on the tragic case of baby Dion Woodeye Jr. He's the three month old who died on New Year's Day at the Corozal hospital - after receiving inadequate care for vomiting and diarrhea. On Friday the CEO in the Ministry of Health declared that the death is the product of a failure of the system, where, health professionals quote, "don't care anymore." And that, apparently, continued after the child's death - where the regional management for the north did not put the attending nurse on administrative leave. The CEO spoke bluntly about that as another failure on Friday. Here. again, are his remarks:

Elections and Boundaries Taking Re-Registration Drive to Coastal Village
The Elections and Boundaries office is trying to get folks registered for the April referendum - and so, the office is taking its show on the road. And, the first stop is Caye Caulker. A public notice says that the Elections and Boundaries Department will be at the Caye Caulker Community Center, Caye Caulker Village from 6th to 8th February 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to accept applications for registration.

Marie Sharp Is Managing While Mourning, Deeply
Last night - all the headlines were about the murder of Michael Williams, the 58 year old son of food industry icon, Marie Sharp. It's a tragic loss for the family - but you don't know how tragic until you talk to them. It's the third loved one they've lost this month: Marie's Husband Gerry Sharp died at mid-month, and then her sister's husband, died shortly after. They had just buried him, when Michael was killed. It's an incomprehensible succession of losses - and today we sat down with Ms. Marie to ask her how she is holding up, and how she's doing. Here's her conversation with Jules Vasquez:.. Marie Sharp, Mother of deceased: "To be honest with you I couldn't believe it. I was at home alone and my brother came to break the news to me, but he just couldn't talk right, so I knew something bad had happened."

A Hairy Situation At EP Yorke?
These days many women are embracing their natural hair in all its many forms and styles. But it seems one city school isn't open to every style. People have been on a facebook rant about a so-called policy at Edward P. York regarding females hairstyles. Our understanding is that the students were told that the 'afro puff' hairstyle isn't appropriate for school and one student said that she was told that the style doesn't look good.

Bainton Gets Break At Court
54-year-old Ladyville resident Robert Bainton appeared in court to be tried for theft today. Bainton was arrested by police last January after he was accused of stealing a roll of chain link wire from the veranda of Krisner Reneau. According to reports, Reneau heard his dogs barking, looked outside and saw Bainton grabbing the wire from the veranda. Reneau chased Bainton in his car but lost him when the alleged robber ran into the bushes. The police showed up not long after, and Reneau directed them to the area where Bainton fled.

Premium Dipped Below $10, Only Briefly
The price of fuel has risen again. Just 5 days ago the cost of regular gas increased by 20 cents bringing the price up to $9.51. Now we're seeing another price hike, but this time it's premium. Today premium gas jumped up from $9.95 to $10.19. That's a 24 cent increase - and ends the brief two week run when Premium went back below 10 dollars a gallon for the first time in a year.

Channel 5

Menacing Cloud of Smoke Shadows Villages as B.A.L. Building Burns
There is an ongoing investigation into what caused the building at B.A.L. to go up in flames. The Belize Aquaculture Limited processing plant caught fire on Monday evening. Employees reported [...]

Residents Report Feeling Unwell After Fire at B.A.L.
According to the release issued by Bowen and Bowen Limited, the silver lining is that the hatchery and infrastructure including the shrimp farms were and will not be affected. This [...]

NEMO South Activated Following B.A.L. Fire
Fortunately for the residents, the danger posed by the fire and smoke at B.A.L. was not significant enough to require evacuation. That, however, did not stop the National Emergency Management [...]

A Machete Murder on the Outskirts of the Old Capital
A horrific chopping incident took place on Monday evening involving a current and an ex-employee. It ended with the murder of forty-three-year-old Guatemalan national, Elmer Yobany Salazar, who was a [...]

Why Was Johvanney Tablada Killed?
Police are tonight following all leads to crack the murder of Johvanney Tablada, the twenty-three-year-old was shot and killed in front of the house of his girlfriend on Saturday night [...]

Cheebos Goes Off on Police Department
Twenty-one-year-old Marcos Zelaya remains hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, following a brazen attempt on his life on Saturday morning.  He was reportedly riding a bicycle along Complex Avenue [...]

HRCB condemns unsanitary conditions of “piss house”
The Human Rights Commission of Belize is lashing out at the deplorable conditions of the holding cells including the toilets at police stations in Belize City. According to the H.R.C.B., [...]

HRCB to meet with Compol about deteriorating holding cells
Well, since the photos have been widely shared across social media and the H.R.C.B. fired off a press release to voice its discontent – Commissioner of Police Chester Williams reached [...]

Brothers arraigned for Aggravated Assault and Freed immediately after
Earlier you heard how interdicted cop, thirty-six-year-old Darrel Usher also known as Tutsi describe the horrible conditions at the Queen Street lock up. Well he and his younger brother, thirty-five-year-old [...]

Harpy security Guard charged for Attempted Murder
A Harpy Security Guard, Richie Mendez was today before the court for a preliminary inquiry which ended in a paper committal. It means that Mendez will stand trial for attempted [...]

ATM thieves go before the Corozal Magistrate’s Court
Three Mexican nationals are before the Corozal Magistrate’s Court for several counts of theft of the Atlantic Bank’s A.T.M.  The three are Belen Hernandez, Joscan Jaffet Hernandez and Lionel Rodriquez. [...]

An Update on Jamil Reyes’ Condition
Two weeks ago Jamil Reyes was shot in the head – and today the fifteen-year-old is still fighting for his life. His family says he needs an urgent surgery because [...]

Hilltop Headquarters of P.S.U. burglarized
The Hilltop headquarters of the Public Service Union is once again in the news tonight, not for the secret sale of the property to a Chinese businessman, but because of [...]

Over 5 Million Dollars invested in Belize’s Banana Industry
Banana is one of Belize’s primary agricultural industries, behind sugar and citrus. It brings in millions of dollars every year for the economy through export earnings. But as we’ve reported [...]

Belize exports first shipment of crude soybean oil
In other news in the agriculture sector, Belize exported its first shipment of crude soybean oil to Jamaica last week. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce announced that this [...]

Breaking News: Chopping Murder in the City
There is breaking news tonight that a man was chopped to death. This report has just come into our newsroom and we will have more on it on Tuesday. But [...]

Belize City Businessman Murdered; Family Believes It Was a Hit
There were two murders on Saturday within four hours of each other.  Tonight, the family of Michael Alexander Williams says they know that someone wanted him dead, but they are [...]

A Partygoer is Executed in a Hail of Bullets on Faber’s Road Extension
Hours before the Williams’ murder, the weekend’s first homicide took place on Faber’s Road where Johvanney Tablada was marked for dead. The twenty-three-year-old was at a party at the house [...]

Minister of National Security Questions Some Reports of Police Involvement in Suspected Drug Planes
“Contrived stories” and “conspiratorial fantasies” are words that National Security Minister John Saldivar used to describe some reports about police’s involvement in narco-trafficking in Belize. Those remarks were specifically aimed [...]

Price for Premium Fuel to Increase
On January sixteen we reported on the fifty-two cents decrease per gallon of premium fuel. But tonight, the reprieve for consumers has been short-lived since the price of premium fuel [...]

Marcos is Marked for Death in Apparent Gang Rivalry
Gun violence over the weekend, claimed the life of two persons and left two others injured.  The violence started on Saturday morning and is believed to be gang-related in retaliation [...]

Gang Rivalry Leads to Shooting in Mahogany Heights
A fifty-one-year-old man was also shot in Mahogany Heights on Saturday. Police say that sometime around one-thirty in the afternoon, security guard Rodwell Cuthkelvin was on his motorcycle when a [...]

Guatemalan National Fined $35K + 3 Years in Jail for Drug Trafficking
Police say that they’ve had a number of drug interdictions in western Belize in recent weeks. As a result, they have stepped up their response to tackle many small drug [...]

Guatemalan Woman Charged $10,000 for Marijuana Trafficking
In a separate incident, police arrested another Guatemalan national on drug trafficking charges. Police and B.D.F. were conducting a vehicular check point on the Arenal Road in Benque Viejo when [...]

Fire Breaks Out at Belize Aquaculture Ltd.
A raging fire broke out at the Belize Aquaculture Limited this afternoon. News Five has learned that fire erupted at around two o’clock. An eyewitness informed our newsroom that three [...]

A Dispute over Development in the Sea in the Caribbean Shores Goes to Court
For weeks, a developer in Belize City and the Department of Environment, have been entangled in a dispute. Businessman, Dion Zabaneh, according to the Department of the Environment has not [...]

Franz Hamilton is a Free Man
Fifty-eight-year-old Franz Hamilton can breathe a sigh of relief tonight. He has been before the court for charges ranging from sexual assault to attempted suppression of evidence.  Hamilton was first [...]

U.D.P. Says ‘YES’ to the I.C.J.
The United Democratic Party has taken the official position to support taking Guatemala’s claim on Belize to the International Court of Justice for final resolution. A release from the party [...]

An Update on P.S.U.’s Hilltop Property
Months ago, the hilltop property and home of the Public Service Union in Belmopan was sold to Simplex Designs in Corozal, owned by a Chinese businessman. The property was retailed [...]

Anthony Sylvester Sr., Dead at 73
Former Cabinet Secretary Anthony Sylvester Senior passed away this morning after ailing for some time. Sylvester Senior slipped into a coma and at the time of his death, was at [...]

Foreign National Found Dead in Belize City Hotel Room
And to a case of sudden death. Police say that the man who was found dead inside a hotel room in Belize City died of natural causes. Forty-seven-year-old American National [...]

Former Border Commissioner Says ‘No’ to the I.C.J.
Former Boundary Commissioner Lindsay Belisle is adding to the I.C.J. debate through a different perspective. Belisle, who is also an international surveyor, is supporting a NO vote and is warning [...]

Lindsay Belisle Says Going to the I.C.J. Too Risky
Belisle went further to state that the one of the discrepancies he identified in the 1859 Treaty is that the location of the Aguas Turbias does not correspond to the [...]

James Adderley: What’s Happening in Sports
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   [Highlights of the weekend in sports....]

Murder in Punta Gorda
Jordy Flores was shot several times and killed tonight. He was in front of a residence on West Street in Punta Gorda Town when he was gunned down.

LOVE FM

Deon Bruce’s case management
This morning the Court of Appeal was in session; however, there wasn’t any case being heard. Instead, the court was conducting case management for cases to be heard in the next court session. One of those cases is in regards to Deon Bruce who is wanted in the USA for murder and attempted murder. In …

Cops find gun on Antelope Street Extension
Earlier in the newscast, we told you about the murder of Elmer Salazar, though he was killed on the highway, Salazar was a resident of Antelope Street Extension. Antelope Street Extension continues to be a hot spot for the police department. Two weeks ago, 35-year-old Anthony Crawford was riding his bicycle and a gunman came …

Well known to police; Corporal Tutsi Usher in court for fighting a friend
On January 27, Christopher Faber, a barber of 7747 Madam Lizarraga Avenue, had reported to the police that he was at the house of his friend, Dorian Usher, located at 7771 Madam Lizarraga Avenue, playing cards when an altercation ensued between him and Darrell Usher. He said Darell Usher punched him several times in his …

Salvadoran National Efrain Baltazar Martinez wanted for Murder of Guatemalan
January, 2019 has seen ten men and one woman murdered with the most recent occurring yesterday evening. Investigators were called out to a murder scene at mile four and a half on the George Price Highway. Employees of the Belize Marine and Mooring Services, were embroiled in an altercation. Elmer Salazar, a Guatemalan National, had …

Amandala

Michael Williams, Sr., murdered on North Front Street
On Sunday, shortly after 12:00 a.m., police reportedly responded to a report that shots were fired on North Front Street, and when they arrived on the scene, they found the lifeless body of a man, identified as Michael Alexander Williams, 58. Williams’ body was observed in his gold Chrysler Pacifica SUV, which had a hole on the right front glass window. Police reported that Williams, a manager and resident of Meighan Avenue, Belize City, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Williams, the eldest son of businesswoman Marie Sharp, of the Famous Marie Sharp’s line of world-class habanero pepper sauces, jams and other fruit preserves, suffered gunshot injuries to the left shoulder and the left armpit.

Johvanney Tablada, 23, fatally shot at house party on Fabers Road Extension
On Saturday evening, Johvanney Tablada, 23, left his family’s home on Neal Pen Road to go to a party on Fabers Road Extension that the family of an ex-girlfriend of his was having. After leaving the party early, he received a phone call and decided to return to the party. That would be the last time Tablada’s family would see him alive. While he was in the yard at the party, someone shot him multiple times. He sustained gunshot injuries to the right cheek, neck and upper right thigh. He was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Hispanic man chopped in boatyard on George Price Highway
A man of Hispanic descent was at a boatyard on the George Price Highway, at about 6:00 this evening, when he was chopped by an assailant. The man was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital but he was declared dead on arrival.

Empress Williams, 22, charged with $2,000 theft
Empress Williams, 22, a resident of 171 Antelope Street Extension, was charged with 2 counts of theft of an amount that totaled $2,000, when she appeared today before Magistrate Emerson Banner. She pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on a bail of $1,500; her case was adjourned until March 16. The thefts occurred on January 12 and January 13. Constable Patrick O’Brien, 35, reported to the police that between January 12 and January 13, a total of $2,000 was withdrawn from his account at Belize Bank without his authorization.

Dion Zabaneh to be taken to court for defying DOE stop order
Landowner Dion Zabaneh has been unsuccessfully trying to fill his mother’s land, lot #4670, for ten days. While this may seem inconsequential, the parcel in question is actually seabed, and residents of the area where the parcel is located are concerned about losing their seafront view as Zabaneh reclaims the land. The parcel, which is listed under the name of Zabaneh’s mother, Primrose Gabourel, is located at the end of Seashore Drive in the Buttonwood Bay area. Overlooking the fact that seabed cannot be sold in Belize, the Department of Environment (DOE) is looking to take Zabaneh to court for not getting environmental clearance from the department before beginning development on the lot before attempting to reclaim the land.

Belize Bank outmaneuvered GOB over unpaid UHS debt
The Universal Health Services (UHS) debt has been bedeviling the government of Prime Minister Dean Barrow for years, ever since the first high court ruling that the government was bound by the sovereign guarantee signed by the Said Musa government, but it is a debt that the Barrow government has decided it will not honor, notwithstanding rulings from several high courts, including Belize’s highest court, the Caribbean Court of Justice. The Belize Bank has been relentless in its effort to collect payment of the debt, which has now ballooned to around 95 million dollars, with a six percent interest accruing. On Tuesday, January 22, the Belize Bank prevailed in the Supreme Court of Justice Courtenay Abel, who ruled that the business taxes that the bank owes the government can be held against the unpaid UHS debt that the Government of Belize owes the Belize Bank.

Daniel Conorquie and the Dream Ballers dominate Verdes in home opener
After dropping their season opener against defending champions, Mirage/Smart Belize Hurricanes, the Dream Ballers bounced back in a big way by blowing Verdes out of the Russell “Chiste” Garcia Auditorium by a score of 82-55. Leading the way for the Dream Ballers once again was Belizean American standout Daniel Conorquie, who finished the game with 20 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Another strong showing against the Bandits next week should have Conorquie atop the first NEBL 2019 MVP watch! American Import Delvon Henderson, 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 blocks, rose to the challenge of being the defensive anchor for the Dream Ballers, as he held his ground against the gifted Kris Frazier and the enforcer Elsworth Itza.

Cricket update
The Barry Bowen/ Harrison Parks 2019 National Cricket Competition starts with a Marathon in Bermudian Landing this Saturday and Sunday, February 2nd and 3rd, beginning at 10:00 a.m. sharp. Prizes include $1,000.00 – first place, and $500.00 – 2nd place. Cash prizes will also be given to teams, judging on their punctuality, sportsmanship and attire – $300.00 for first, $200.00 2nd, and $100.00 – third. There will be an opening ceremony.

Upstream Canoe Race winners
e Belize Canoe Association held its Quality Poultry Products Upstream Canoe Race, from Haulover Bridge to Henderson Bank in Burrell Boom, yesterday, Sunday, January 27. Sponsors for this race were: Quality Poultry Products; Universal Hardware; Peters Glass Shop; Sea Sports Belize; and AyinHa Adventure Tours. The overall winners were the NICH Male Team consisting of the trio of Efrain, Felix and Hener Cruz.

Verdes opens standings lead at Week 3 of PLB 2018-2019 Closing Season
They were tied in points at the end of last regular season, and Verdes FC and defending champion Bandits Sport are both still undefeated at Week 3 of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Closoing Season; but with their third straight victory, Verdes (9 pts) has opened a sizable standings lead over the Bandits (4 pts), who were held to their second draw in the young season. The berth in the Concacaf Champions League belongs to the champion with the most cumulative points in the Opening and Closing Seasons. Both Verdes and Bandits were tied with 33 pts at the end of the PLB 2018-2019 Opening Season, which Bandits won.

Editorial: People power, and state of emergency
With escalating disturbances, including riots, following the announcement of the Heads of Agreement on March 11, 1981, the then British governor, James Hennessy, declared a “State of Emergency” on April 2 in the country of Belize, then still a British colony; and it remained in effect until after Independence Day, September 21, 1981. No referendum was held during that period between the declaration of a State of Emergency and our Independence Day; but none was necessary. Belizeans had clearly stated “NO” to the Heads of Agreement; but they had also voted “YES” to Independence in the last general elections in 1979, when it was a pivotal issue in the campaign. So, Prime Minister George Price led Belize to Independence, and Belizeans celebrated the day, though it could have been attended with more fervor and national euphoria, had the circumstances been a little different.

From The Publisher
Shortly after a quarter of the Guatemalan people voted about ten months ago to submit their claim to Belize to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), my father, who became a passionate “yes” advocate in the first instance, began to put pressure on me to take an open and firm position on Belize’s ICJ referendum issue. His argument was that it was my responsibility to do so as the publisher of Belize’s leading newspaper. In the history of Belize, there has never been an issue such as this April 10, 2019 referendum. April 10, 2019 has been compared to June 1, 1797, when a public meeting of enfranchised property owners in the settlement of Belize voted by a margin of 65 to 51 to stand and fight against an armada which was being organized to invade by the Spanish in Yucatan. It should be noted, however, that in 1797 there was an active role being played in the discourse, hence the decision making, by representatives of the imperial British presence in Jamaica, a few hundred miles east of us.

The relentless”NO”
Former Boundaries Commissioner, Mr. Lindsay Belisle, in an article published in the Amandala on Friday last, explained, among other things, that the 1859 Treaty does not cover us for 8,867 square miles of territory. Before I go on, allow me this little story. When the Special Agreement (compromis) was signed in 2008, I opined (in my column) that we were pretty much bound to say YES. One of the most celebrated leaders of the citrus industry in our country, Mr. Denzil Jenkins, former Managing Director of Belize Food Products Ltd. (now amalgamated with the Citrus Company of Belize to form the Citrus Products of Belize Ltd.), told me that I wouldn’t have jumped out so fast with my YES if I had property in the south of the country. I believe Mr. Belisle has property in the south of the country.

Woman, 29, busted with 250 9mm live rounds on passenger bus
At about 9:30 Tuesday morning, Tiffara Leandra Usher, 29, of Hattieville, Belize District, was traveling on a passenger bus from Corozal Town to Orange Walk when she was busted with 250 9mm rounds of ammunition. The rounds were contained in 5 boxes containing 50 rounds each, which were in a bag she was carrying. Usher and the rounds were taken to the Orange Walk Town police station, where she was detained pending charges of possession of ammunition without a license, and the ammunition was deposited as an exhibit.

Marcos Zelaya, 21, “critical” after gang-related shooting
Around 10:00 o’clock on Saturday morning, Marcos Antonio Zelaya, 21, was walking on Complex Avenue, in the Lake Independence area of Belize City, when someone from inside a burgundy vehicle opened fire on him, hitting him in the back of the head, right upper shoulder and upper back. Zelaya was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was admitted in a critical but stable condition. The shooting is said to have been gang-related. Eight months ago, one of Zelaya’s brothers, Jose Zelaya, Jr., 22, was found dead in a cane field in Calcutta Village, Corozal District. The Belize City gang affiliate had been murdered.

BWS wins court case against PUC
On Friday, January 25, Belize Water Services (BWS) won its court case against the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and so, the utility company will not be required to lower its rates. In January of last year, the PUC announced that after its annual rate review procedure, it had decided that a decrease in water usage rates was in order. Those rates would dip from $17.49 for every 1,000 gallons of water to $16.37 for the same 1,000 gallons.

Accused ATM scammers on trial in Corozal Town
In November 2017, police arrested and charged three Mexican nationals with theft after they allegedly defrauded the Atlantic Bank by stealing money from the bank’s ATM machines. Police said that over $10,000 was stolen. Two months later, in January, 2018, the trio was busted stealing money from the ATM in Corozal Town and they were charged with two counts of theft, after which they were remanded. The three Mexicans are Belen Hernandez, 26; Joscan Jaffet Hernandez, 25; and Lionel Rodriguez, 31.

The Reporter

A Shooting in The South, Quiet PG Is Rocked By Violence
The Reporter has been able to confirm that the victim of a murder in PG is Jordy Flores. We are told that he was shot multiple times in front of his residence on Far West Street in Punta Gorda. Sources also tell us it is not the first time he has been targeted.

Breaking Belize News

Heartbeat of the church; Feeding program continues in Santa Elena
For three consecutive school years, the Full Gospel Church of God in Santa Elena Town has […]

Jordy Bente Flores killed in PG
A man was shot and killed tonight in Punta Gorda, Toledo. He has been identified as […]

Interdicted police officer and younger brother walk free from assault charges
This afternoon, interdicted police officer Darrell “Tutsi” Usher, 36, and his brother Dorian Usher, 35, walked […]

Sarteneja Villagers team up to tackle garbage problem
For over two years there has been a persistent garbage problem in Sarteneja Village in Northern […]

Galen University and the 91st (2019) Annual Cross Country
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

Fire destroys building at Belize Aquaculture Limited
A massive fire destroyed the offices and operation center of Belize Aquaculture Limited. The fire […]

Get your degree at Galen University!
Galen University was founded in September of 2003 and was established as Belize’s first independent […]

Belize selected as ‘Country of the Month’ by MCID Washington
Belize was selected by the Mississippi Consortium for International Development (MCID) Washington’s Country of the […]

More than just numbers: a salute to cancer warriors
On February 4, countries all over the world will take a moment to pay tribute […]

Belize: Financial Analysis 2008 to current
By Richard Harrison: Our current government, which is hell bent on dragging Belize to the ICJ slaughterhouse, has been in power since 2008; currently in its third consecutive term […]

Do Not Miss Placencia’s Sidewalk Arts & Music Festival in 2019
Before the celebration of Valentine’s Day, all roads lead to Placencia Village on February 10-11 […]

Police: Man chopped to death by coworker
Yesterday we reported that a man was found chopped to death near 4 1/2 miles […]

Candlelight vigil to be held for Michael Williams, 58
The Cycling Federation of Belize has issued an invitation to all cyclists to attend a […]

PUP mourns death of Anthony Sylvestre Sr.
The People’s United Party (PUP) is today mourning the death of one of their own, […]

Blogs

Tony Rath promotes the preservation of our Belizean heritage
Once I discovered photography, art, and imagery, I was immediately drawn to the works of Tony Rath. It was a vague sense of ‘knowing’ Tony took pictures of Belize and its people, its waters, its animals – feeling that he was an important asset to our country. It wasn’t until later in life, deep in my work with the media, that my interest went beyond the pretty images. In fact, it was the less than stellar subjects that his lens captured – coupled with a passionate story and plea to the people of Belize – that made my respect and love for Tony Rath the photographer and Belizean really grow. You must understand; there weren’t many cameras – or really, any sort of image capturing device, where I grew up. Photographs were few and far between, and the few we were gifted have become treasured collectibles in my home.

International Sources

VRBO Gives Away a Private Island Stay in Belize to Launch the Year of the Group Getaway
Those dreaming of swapping their itchy winter wool for something scant and summery may be in for the trip of their lives. VRBO® — the website where you can rent vacation homes, cabins and condos — is offering a chance to win a vacation on a private island along with seven family members, besties or both. VRBO’s Win the Island Sweepstakes, open through Feb. 28, 2019, comes with a stay on Kanu Island, a private isle complete with an ultra-luxe, ultra-large retreat off the coast of Placencia, Belize. Kanu Island is exclusively listed on VRBO.com and newly available to rent starting this summer. VRBO partnered with Vision Properties Belize to offer the ultimate prize package, which includes a $5,000 travel stipend; a weeklong stay in the island's five beach homes; 360-degree ocean views; a private chef, personal concierge and massage therapist; and acres of blissfully quiet beachfront all to enjoy with nary a stranger in sight.

This Is Us’ Jon Huertas Takes Us Along on His Belize Vacation
Every winter, my wife and I normally plan a vacation to a tropical destination, so this year we chose the lesser traveled Central American country of Belize. In my 20+ years of traveling this amazing planet, of course, I’d heard of Belize. Being a Padi-Certified Rescue diver, I’ve had my share of conversations about diving at the famous Blue Hole on Belize’s Barrier Reef which is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest the world. Yes, I just nerded out on Scuba diving but I love it. However, this trip would be different because for the first leg of our pre-Christmas trip, we’d decided to stay at the beautiful Ka’ana Luxury Resort in the Cayo district of Belize, which is nowhere near a reef or even the sea for that matter. No, we were headed into the heart of the jungle close to the border of Guatemala. I didn’t really know what to expect.

Building a Heart for Service in Belize
For several years, Caldwell University students and staff have been volunteering in villages in Belize during winter break. They do the important work of rebuilding in a part of the Central American country where people have very few modern conveniences. This January, a group of nine students and two staff members did service in the village of San Miguel for one week. They built a partition to make a one room building into two, which now allows for two classrooms to accommodate the growing school enrollment. The manual labor is helpful to the community, but as Colleen O’Brien, director of Caldwell’s Campus Ministry Office, tells the Caldwell students, there is something more important to the experience than the actual construction work.

IC students explore Belize for cultural and environmental study
Following a night of camping in a national park in western Belize, Susan Allen-Gil, professor in the Department of Environmental Studies and Science, and her students woke up to hike to the Offering Cave, where pieces of preserved pottery from the ancient Mayan civilization could be found. This is one of the numerous experiences that Ithaca College students had during the winter 2019 Belize immersion trip, where a group of 20 students spent two weeks in the Central American country to learn about different environmental issues the country faces and experience them on firsthand. The immersion trip is concurrent with “Belize’s Rainforests, Reefs and Ruins,” a special topics environmental studies course offered every fall semester by Allen-Gil.

Videos

January 29, 2019

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

Cold front hits San Pedro and the region with force
Island residents and visitors experienced an unseasonal storm on Sunday, January 27th as a cold front made its way across Belize. Carrying winds of 5-15 knots, the cold spell made trees sway violently and caused damages to homes and properties on the leeward coast of Ambergris Caye. Classified as Cold Front No. 31 by the National Meteorological Service, the weather phenomenon not only affected Belize but the entire Yucatan Peninsula. The most affected area in Ambergris Caye was the popular tourist destination; Secret Beach. The hurricane like winds that blew southwest to west created powerful waves that damaged tables, lounge chairs and reportedly caused major beach erosion. The thatched roof palapas were also affected during the storm, and videos circulating on social media showed staff workers scrambling to secure their workplaces. So far no major damages or emergencies have been reported by the National Emergency Management Organization.

Ambergris Today

Miss San Pedro Chelsea Munoz Diagnosed With Cancer
Cancer is a disease that has been plaguing many islanders and the latest victim of this disease is Miss San Pedro Chelsea Munoz. At just 20 years of age, Chelsea is currently battling Hodgkins Lymphoma and the community of San Pedro is coming together to help her in covering medical bills. Chelsea Munoz is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing at the University of Belize. In late November Chelsea went for a doctor’s check-up in Merida regarding her lymph node on her neck and underwent surgery on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, the tumor was sent for testing and was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Triple R Response Helps Injured Man Involved In Boat Collision
Ricklee’s Response Rescue Team is actively working on the island to help in any situation possible and with their new emergency support van they were quick to assist on Sunday, January 27, 2019 when two boats collided by the Coast Guard base on the West side of Ambergris Caye. According to reports, Triple R Response was called in by the Belize Coast Guard and the RRR Evacuation Team led by Billy Leslie quickly responded to the emergency call. Information revealed that one gentleman had fallen into the water and was struck by his own boat’s propeller sustain severe injuries.

Misc Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker: If you haven't re-registered yet...
The public is hereby notified that the Elections and Boundaries Department will be at the Caye Caulker Community Center, Caye Caulker Village during the period 6th to 8th February 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to accept applications for registration. Persons wishing to apply to be registered are required to produce any of the following valid original documents.

Belize Exports First Shipment of Soybean Oil to Jamaica
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development is pleased to announce that on Thursday, January 24, 2019, Belize exported five containers of crude soybean oil to Jamaica, making this the first ever shipment of soybean oil to the region. The Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT) monitors request from CARICOM States for suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) to identify regional demand and potential export opportunities. These regionally demanded products are shared with the productive sector and the public for expression of interest to supply. Bel-Car Exports and Imports in Spanish Lookout and Northern Grains Cooperative in Blue Creek, Orange Walk District responded with significant quantities to supply the Jamaican market, and after successfully meeting their import requirements were able to export crude soybean oil.

Increase in Pump Price for Premium Gasoline
The Ministry of Finance announces that at midnight on January 29th, the pump price for Premium Gasoline will increase by 24 cents from $9.95 to $10.19 per gallon. This increase in the price is principally due to tightening global demand, reflecting extreme winter conditions in North America and Europe, together with uncertainties in geopolitical conditions in several major oil-producing countries in the Middle- East and in Latin America.

St. John Vianney Student wins NICH & Department of Youth Services 2018 Christmas Card Competition
Ms. Sapna Budhrani, President of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) visited the St. John Vianney Primary School in Belize City where she awarded a talented student for his creativity and ability to capture the essence of both “Belizean Culture and Christmas” in a single work of art. At the end of what started as a regular Monday morning assembly, Mr. Felix Southerland, the Principal of the St. John Vianney Primary School welcomed the President of NICH onto the stage to speak to the students gathered for the assembly. Ms. Budhrani was energetic, engaging and excited to share with all present that in December 2018, NICH and the Department of Youth Services held a Christmas Card Design Competition and the winner was one of the students present.

St.Francis Xavier Primary School Fair
Everyone is cordially invited to our Annual School Fair, mark your calendars, Feb 23

FCD Youth Group Clean-up
he FCD Youth Group organized a river and road clean up this weekend. They had a good turnout, and looks like they picked up a ton of trash. Beta No Litta! "River and Street Side Clean-up Campaign Friends for Conservation and Development Environmental Youth Group along with the Benque Volunteers Youth Group conducted a river and street side clean up between the areas of Benque Entrance and Succotz Village."

Póokbil iis
Who have tasted this delicacy ? Póokbil iis being eaten in one of the villages of Orange walk . Póokbil iis means "Camote Asado" .

Channel 7

Marie Sharp's Son Executed
Well-known Belize city businessman, Michael Williams was executed on Sunday morning. He is the son of icon of the hot sauce icon, Marie Sharp. Williams was shot dead on North Front Street after midnight. The family is convinced it was a planned hit but they are baffled as to why anyone would want to take his life. Courtney Weatherburne has more. Almost every day Michael Williams would be at the Marie Sharp's Meighan Avenue warehouse in the city, overseeing deliveries and carrying out other duties as the general manager. His staff enjoyed his company especially his employee of 19 years, Ismael Rodriguez who celebrated his birthday with Williams on Friday.

Man Murdered After Months of Violence Against Relatives
This weekend saw one other murder, on Saturday night when 23 year old Johvanney Tablada was killed on Faber's Road. Police are looking at several different angles to find a motive. Alex Courtenay found out that relatives of his have been targeted for months, culminating now in this killing ... 23-year-old Johvanney Tablada was shot dead on Saturday night while socializing with friends and family on Faber's Road Extension.

Grieving Father Witnessed Attempted Murder on Second Son To Be Targeted
There was also a broad daylight shooting that has left a 21 year old fighting for his life. He is Marcos Zelaya. On Saturday morning around 10:00, he was walking on Complex Avenue in the Martins Area when a gunman drove up near him and shot him several times. Zelaya is at the hospital in a critical condition tonight. We met his dad Jose Zelaya Sr. who is a well-known street figure in the area. He spoke candidly about his son's shooting and the connection to the ongoing gang rivalry in the area. Here is that interview. Jose Antonio Zelaya Sr., Father: "Me, my two nephew and my niece left from my mother's house, heading towards my home, my son stop at the corner of Mahogany and Complex and buy tacos and that is where they followed him from. My son stop and talk to me for a brief moment..."

Major Industrial Fire in Placencia Poses Significant Health Hazard to Villagers
There is a major industrial fire on the Placencia at this hour - and the fire department is warning villagers form surrounding communities to be alert. The fire is at Belize Aquaculture limited, the shrimp farm known as BAL which is right at the first major turn at mile 4 on the Placencia Road. The fire department ahs sent out a public advisory, noting that the BAL storage building is on fire, and the public hazard is it Involves unknown quantity of Ammonia & chlorine.

Businessman Held Up Right Next To Customs
A businessman was held up today in Belize City - and it happened right next to the Customs Department headquarters, a compound that should be highly secured. According to information - around midday - two men on bicycles held up a businessman, threw him to the ground - and stole his wallet. He was heard to shout for help. He didn't have much cash we are told. Police did not have a report on it when we checked this afternoon. It happened outside the main compound on the street between the Customs building and the Queen's Bond Warehouse shed.

51 Year Old Shot In Mahogany Heights
Earlier on in the news, we told you about two murders, and a near-fatal shooting in the city. Well, there was another Belize District shooting this weekend - this one happened in Mahogany Heights. Here's what the cops had to say about the shooting of 51-year-old Rodwell Cutkelvin... ASP Alejandro Cowo - Head, CIB: "The second shooting happened at about 1:30 at Mahogany Heights. Mr. Rodwell Cutkelvin, 51 year old security guard was riding his motorcycle on an unnamed street in the Mahogany Heights area, along with another male person and whilst they were traveling towards the George Price Highway a male person who was standing on the roadside fired several shots at their direction causing him to receive an injury to his right hand. He was admitted, treated and discharged on the same day."

Melchoreno Caught Con Cannabis/Crack
Police made several substantial drug busts over the weekend. The first was in Benque Viejo del Carmen on Saturday evening, where a mobile patrol spotted Melchor resident, Ivan de Jesus carrying a black bag onto a bus. After a quick search the cops found caught de Jesus trying to smuggle large quantities of both crack and cocaine. ACP Joseph Myvette told us more... ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On Saturday last sometime around 5:30pm Benque Viejo Police were on mobile patrol near the Benque Viejo bus terminal when a Hispanic male was observed with a black handbag attempting to board the bus..."

Bucket Of Compressed Cannabis in Toledo
Two more drug traffickers were busted by cops, this time in the Toledo District. Also, on Saturday evening at 5:30, PG police were conducting an anti-drug operation in the San Pedro Columbia area when they spotted two men carrying a bright orange bucket along a farm road. When the men noticed the police getting closer they abandoned the bucket and ran into nearby bushes. Police searched the bucket and found just over 13 pounds of compressed cannabis inside. The drugs were taken to the Punta Gorda Police station where they were labelled found property.

Cops Catch Weed Moving on Bus
Police found even more weed near Yo Creek. Also on Saturday Orange Walk police conducted a search on an unmarked bus. As they were searching one of the officers noticed Benjamin Ermino acting suspiciously and seemingly placing something on the floor. The cops searched Ermino and the area under his seat and found about seven ounces of cannabis. Ermino was arrested and has since been charged with drug trafficking.

Another Guatemalan With Drugs
Benque Police busted one other Guatemalan resident for drug trafficking this weekend. Ruth Naomi Ordonez was searched and caught with almost a pound of weed. ACP Joseph Myvette explained more... ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "Police officers along with BDF were conducting vehicular check point within Benque Viejo Town within the Arenal Road when they stop and conducted searches on a grey in color Nissan taxi and in that taxi was a female passenger whom searches were conducted on by a woman police constable which resulted in the discovery of a black plastic bag containing 336 grams of cannabis..."

Concerns For Villagers With Toxic Gases From Fire
Again, tonight there is a raging industrial fire at the Belize Aquaculture Limited - that's the shrimp farm at mile 4 on the Placencia Road. The greatest concern at this hour according to a Fire Department public advisory is the fact that it is the storage building on fire - and that contains an unknown quantity of Ammonia & chlorine - which are toxic if inhaled. So, There are concerns that fumes from this toxic chemicals could reach the Nearest villages Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz, which are 4 miles downwind of the fire.

Late Evening Murder Reported
We've already reported on two Belize City murders tonight - and now there is news of one more. A hispanic male was found with a vicious chop wound to the back of his head at mile four on the Western Highway this evening. The man was just identified, but we cannot release the name until his family has been notified But we do know that police have a suspect whose vehicle was just found abandoned on the Boulevard. We'll have more on this tomorrow.

Guatemalan Charged For Escape
A man who escaped from prison and was recaptured has been charged. He is 29 year old David Medina, a Guatemalan. He escaped from the Belize Central Prison on July 23, 2018. Today, he pleaded guilty to escape before Magistrate Emerson Banner. He was fined $500 and he was given until February 28 to pay. Median was captured on the same day he escaped in the bushes around the prison. Medina was serving time for four fisheries offences and an immigration offence of illegal entry. The fisheries offences were engaging in commercial fishing while not being the holder of a valid fisherman's license...

Dion's Outburst, Revisited
Tonight, the Department of the Environment is deciding whether or not it will bring assault charges against Dion Zabaneh for assaulting an environmental officer. You saw what happened on Friday when the DOE went with the GSU to enforce a stop order that had been issued 6 days earlier. Jules Vasquez looks back at the very defiant history of parcel 4670 in the Buttonwood Bay area: On Friday, the DOE had orders to arrest and detain - but he did clear out as instructed within 30 minutes.

Crazy Coldfront Whips Yucatan Peninsula From Cancun To Corozal
You're probably asking, what's with that very cold squall that swept across Belize yesterday evening aorund 5:30. Well, it's a fast moving cold fornt, but an intense one that looked like a winter ghurricane all along the Yucatan Peninsula. Here is some footage form sartenaje where the waves were wild with winds of about 25 miles per hour. Further up the coast, in Mexico those winds felled tree and caused a scare at maritime ports. Cold Front No. 31 landed in the Cancun, Playa del Carmen region Sunday afternoon with winds of 40 miles per hour.

Channel 5

An Update on P.S.U.’s Hilltop Property
Months ago, the hilltop property and home of the Public Service Union in Belmopan was sold to Simplex Designs in Corozal, owned by a Chinese businessman. The property was retailed [...]

Anthony Sylvester, Dead at 73
Former Cabinet Secretary Anthony Sylvester Senior passed away this morning after ailing for some time. Sylvester Senior slipped into a coma and at the time of his death, was at [...]

Foreign National Found Dead in Belize City Hotel Room
And to a case of sudden death. Police say that the man who was found dead inside a hotel room in Belize City died of natural causes. Forty-seven-year-old American National [...]

Former Border Commissioner Says ‘No’ to the I.C.J.
Former Boundary Commissioner Lindsay Belisle is adding to the I.C.J. debate through a different perspective. Belisle, who is also an international surveyor, is supporting a NO vote and is warning [...]

Lindsay Belisle Says Going to the I.C.J. Too Risky
Belisle went further to state that the one of the discrepancies he identified in the 1859 Treaty is that the location of the Aguas Turbias does not correspond to the [...]

James Adderley: What’s Happening in Sports
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   [Highlights of the weekend in sports....]

Chopped to Death
Belize City police are looking for the man who fatally chopped Elmer Salazar. As reported earlier, Salazar was attacked and chopped before the culprit escaped in his vehicle. This incident reportedly occurred on the George Price Highway and Salazar died while being rushed to the KHMH. He received several chop wounds to the neck. We understand that the victim’s vehicle was located a few minutes ago in Belize City. Police are investigating.

LOVE FM

Business Manager and Son of Marie Sharp Murdered, girlfriend not harmed
Last week Marie Sharp, the matriarch of Marie Sharp Pepper Sauce empire had recently buried her husband Gerry. Her time of mourning is doubled as her eldest son, Michael Williams who manages the Belize City Sales office for the company was brutally murdered in Belize City. Williams had moved his family from the Stann Creek …

3 brothers shot in separate incidents, but one killed at a Party
After 7:30 on Saturday night, a Belize City resident was shot multiple times in a yard near the police substation on Fabers Road Extension. Love News spoke to the police and the grandmother of the slain man and it seems that he is the third brother to be targeted by gunmen. Jose Sanchez: “On Saturday …

Guatemalans busted with Cocaine, Crack and Cannabis
The police department has arrested two Guatemalan Nationals for drug trafficking offenses over the weekend. A man who resides in Melchor de Menchos, Guatemala was busted with 492 grams of cocaine and 29 grams of crack while a another Guatemalan National, a woman who lives in Cayo, was caught with 336 grams of cannabis. Assistant …

Gang Rivalry is the cause of Mahogany Heights Shooting Incident
There was a shooting incident that occurred at one of the communities along the George Price Highway. The police say there is a gang rivalry as well in Mahogany Heights but the victim was able to walk away from that incident. ASP Alejandro Cowo: “The second shooting took place at about 1:30 at Mahogany Heights. …

Taiwanese drama series debuts in Belize
Taiwanese drama series, “The New World” is the first of its kind to air in Belize. The award winning series has been dubbed in English and Spanish and begins airing in Belize on Love Television in a few days. Today, the Ambassador of the Republic of China, Taiwan, Remus Li-Kuo Chen and CEO of RSV …

BDF celebrates 41 anniversary with open day
The Belize Defence Force is tasked with protecting and serving our country and has been dedicated to fulfilling their mandate for the past forty-one years. Last Saturday, the BDF commemorated their 41 anniversary with an open day, where the general public got to interact with military personnel and learn more about the BDF. Love news …

Residents of Belama Phase four will get to stay
Earlier this month, we told you about some twenty families in Belama Phase Four, Belize City, who were given eviction notice to get off lands they had been occupying for some time now. The situation was dire since these squatters had built their lives on these properties and had nowhere to go. Orson Elrington, UDP’s …

Belize exports first shipment of crude soybean oil to Jamaica
Belize has made its first shipment of crude soybean oil to Jamaica. The five containers were exported last week and were supplied by Bel-Car Exports and Imports located in Spanish Lookout, Cayo District and Northern Grains Cooperative located in Blue Creek, Orange Walk District. Over three years, EXPORTBelize, which is a unit of BELTRAIDE, and …

PUP loses a loyalist
Anthony Sylvestre Senior died early this morning at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. Sylvestre, Belize’s former Cabinet Secretary, was in a coma for almost two weeks before he passed away. Former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Said Musa, remembers Sylvestre as a stalwart and principled party supporter. Johnelle Mckenzie: “Anthony Sylvester Sr. died …

Original Gangster Witness his son’s shooting. Will there be retaliation?
The police department in Belize City has been on high alert in the Lake Independence area of Belize City after a 21-year-old man was critically injured in broad daylight. The incident involves gang related individuals and there is the expectation of retaliation as the victim was gunned down in front of his family members. Jose …

American National found in hotel days after suffering a heart attack
Police have ruled out foul play in the death of American National Jernay Rommel Cannon. The 47-year-old of California USA was found dead on Sunday night in a room at the Princess Hotel and Casino. According to Police Cannon had booked a room at the hotel for five days on January 23...

The Reporter

Man Chopped to Death Near Bravo Motors, Belize City
The Reporter has been able to confirm that there was another murder just minutes ago near Bravo Motors on the George Price Highway. We are told the victim was chopped to death.

Fire In Southern Belize At Belize Aquaculture Ltd.
Firefighters are on the scene at Belize Aquaculture Limited in Southern Belize where a large portion of the building is on fire.

Body Of Foreigner Found In Room At Major Hotel In Belize
Police are currently investigating the circumstances which led to a death inside the room of one of Belize City’s major hotels.

Breaking Belize News

Murder in Belize City
A murder was recorded in Belize City minutes ago. The victim has not yet been identified. […]

Police: Johvanney Tablada, 23, was intended target
Johvanney Tablada, 23, was gunned down just before 8:00 on Saturday night. He was socializing at […]

Boyfriend of Michael Williams’ female companion to be questioned in connection with murder
Sometime around midnight on Saturday, Michael Williams, 58, was gunned down on North Front street in […]

Taiwanese TV Show ‘The New World’ premieres in Belize
Today, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) held a ceremony for the signing of […]

Man shot in Mahogany Heights
Rodwell Cutkelvin, 51, was shot over the weekend. At around 1:30 p.m. he was riding his […]

Tracy Panton not interested in being UDP leader!
According to Tracy Panton, via a post on social media, she hopes that making an announcement […]

Guatemalan fined $35,000 and sentenced to 3 years for 521 grams of crack cocaine
A Guatemalan national has been fined and jailed for two counts of drug trafficking. He […]

American national found dead in hotel room
An American national was found dead inside his hotel room last night. Jerney Cannon, 47, […]

Guatemalan woman busted with 336 grams of cannabis
A woman will have to pay $10,000 or spend three years in prison if she […]

Ministry of Finance says fuel price hike due to ‘ uncertainties in geopolitics’ in Latin America
The Ministry of Finance announced that at midnight tonight, the pump price for Premium gasoline […]

Prices for Premium gas hiked
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) has just issued new gas prices that will kick […]

FFB calls for public support as national team prepares for big game
Last year, Belizeans from all walks of life rallied behind the national women’s volleyball team; […]

The 1992 Joint Statement – Fact Check #2
In the lead up to April 10th, there have been a lot of misconceptions and lies floating around. Recently a lot of them have been surrounding the 1992 Joint Statement. In this article, we’ll go over what the Joint Statement is, what is says, and clear up a few misconceptions. […]

History in the making – Belize exports first shipment of soybean oil to Jamaica
On Thursday, January 24, 2019, Belize made history in its budding soybean industry, exporting five (5) […]

CARICOM weighs in on Venezuelan crisis
Following a meeting last week, the Heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), are calling […]

Quality Poultry products canoe race held yesterday
The Quality Poultry Products Upstream Haulover to Boom Canoe Race, organized by the Belize Canoe Association, […]

CARICOM to ask UN to aid in Venezuelan crisis
Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Keith Rowley is the latest to lend his […]

Electricity rate hike causes delay in January bills; BEL apologizes
An increase in electricity rates by Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) became effective on January 1, […]

Re-registration booth in Caye Caulker announced
The Elections and Boundaries Department announced that it will be at the Caye Caulker Community […]

Cool weather to continue
Cool and dry weather will continue across Belize. Cloudy and cool skies with little or no rainfall […]

Fire in Caledonia, Corozal
BBN has confirmed reports of a fire up north. It occurred in Caledonia, Corozal sometime […]

Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism to study negative effects of sargassum seaweed in Belize and Caribbean
The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), which is based in Belize has started a study […]

Body found in Belize City hotel
Sometime around midnight, a body was reportedly found inside a local hotel in Belize city. […]

Blogs

Sailing, Beach Bars, and Opportunity: Belize Has It All
I had no idea when I landed on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize that it would meet every point on my checklist, with the added bonus of being an English-speaking country with a currency that is pegged to the U.S. dollar (making conversion easy). I have spent years traveling to so many beautiful islands, even sailing my own 36-foot Endeavor sailboat throughout many parts of the Caribbean. I knew when I got to Belize I had found my spot of heaven. As a licensed real estate agent in the U.S., I was able to continue my practice in Belize, selling homes to people who dreamed of a better life, just like I had. To me, this island is an entrepreneur’s dream come true. If you want to run your own B&B, or perhaps try your hand at a restaurant, beachfront bar, or coffee shop, you can easily make it happen. If you wish to retire and relax, or even write that book you have been putting off, this is the spot for you.

Belize foodie guide: where locals eat and drink
Some call Belize a melting pot of cuisines, but those who live there prefer to call it a fruit bowl, choosing the best bits of each to create their own. Nudged between Mexico and Guatemala, and influenced by significant immigration from seven different cultures – among them China, Taiwan, India and Indonesia – it’s no surprise that the food landscape in Belize is as varied as its geographical terrain. A two-hour flight from Miami, this laid-back country has the down-to-earth charm of a place that’s yet to be overly commercialised, with jungles, coastline, cities (albeit two) and farmsteads all within a short drive of each other. Rice and beans, corn tortillas, fried Jacks (a bit like a puffy savoury doughnut) and ceviche are staple dishes you’ll find across the country, and, as Belizeans like to point out, everything’s made better with a dash of rum.

Exploring Punta Gorda, Belize
Located in the Toledo District of Southern Belize, Punta Gorda is a small centre of just over 5,300 residents. We were to use that as our base for three nights as we explored the area. We stayed at the Coral House Inn, a lovely six-room property located right on the Caribbean Sea. We enjoyed the natural seaside setting with nicely landscaped grounds populated with flowers, birds, and a couple of resident cats. There was a small pool, open bar with payment via the honour system, and breakfast included with our room. I’ll devote a couple of future posts to what we learned about growing cacao in Belize and the delicious chocolate we tasted. But in this post, I’ll highlight two fantastic tourist attractions that a visit to Punta Gorda really should include.

Snorkeling and Diving at Laughing Bird Caye
Laughing Bird Caye may have a strange name, but it’s one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. Named for an island (in Belize, islands are called “cayes,” which is pronounced “keys”) that was once used by laughing gulls (Latin name: Leucophaeus atricilla) as a nesting site, Laughing Bird Caye National Park measures some 10,000 acres (4,100 hectares) in size. Inside this vast marine space is Laughing Bird Caye, which is just 1.8 acres (0.73 hectares) in size. Although the island may be small, the surrounding waters of Laughing Bird Caye National Park make this area one of the top Belize scuba diving destinations in the country. Many visitors come to the park to enjoy diving and snorkeling thanks to the crystal clarity of the water and the incredible diversity of marine life, including huge schools of colorful fish, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, rays, and manatees. Laughing Bird Caye National Park is located approximately 11 miles off the coast of the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. The island is the southernmost point of dry land located along the central lagoon of the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Rainforests of Belize
More than half of Belize’s mainland consists of dense tropical rainforests, much of it explored. A sizeable percentage of the rainforests of Belize are under government protection in the form of a national park, wilderness sanctuary, or animal refuge. The rainforests of Belize are highly diverse ecosystems home to a wide range of plant, bird, and animal species. Indigenous wildlife in Belize includes five species of big cats (including jaguars, the sacred animal of the ancient Maya), armadillos, tapirs, monkeys, and crocodiles. In addition, more than 4000 species of tropical flowers are found in the rainforests of Belize, including more than 250 types of orchids. More than 500 species of birds have been recorded in Belize, including keel-billed toucans, endangered jabiru storks (the largest flying bird in the western hemisphere), tiny hummingbirds, enormous harpy eagles, and a kaleidoscope of brightly colored birds like parrots, egrets, woodpeckers, herons, hawks, and warblers.

The National Bird of Belize
The national bird of Belize is the keel-billed toucan, one of the world’s most recognizable and iconic avian species. The toucan has a largely black body with brilliant yellow chest feathers, but it is its oversize bill that makes it such a memorable bird. Toucans have large, curved bills in a brilliant spray of neon yellow, orange, red, green, and black that they used to snatch fruit and swallow whole. Although many people are quite familiar with the way toucans look, it is the sounds that toucans emit that can be quite surprising. Many naturalists compare the vocalization of toucans to that of frogs croaking. Toucans are very social animals and are usually found in small flocks. On occasion, toucans will “fence” with their large bills or wrestle with fellow toucans.

Solo Travel in Belize – What You Need to Know
While Belize is widely known as a romantic getaway destination for weddings and honeymoons, it also has a lot to offer for solo travelers. Located just a short flight away from the United States or Canada, Belize is a tropical paradise where you can enjoy hiking through tropical jungles, scuba diving on the Northern Hemisphere’s largest reef, and exploring mysterious ancient Maya cities built thousands of years ago. If you‘re interested in doing some solo traveling in Belize, here’s what you need to know:

7 Powerful Reasons Why People Love to Travel To Belize
Just a short distance from the United States, Belize is rapidly becoming one of the hottest travel destinations in the region. Here are 7 powerful reasons why people love traveling to Belize: Although the country is small, vast swathes of the jungle are protected in national parks and animal sanctuary. Wildlife abounds in the jungles of Belize, including 500 species of birds, two species of monkeys, and large cat species like jaguars. Once the beating heart of a vast empire that stretched from El Salvador in the south to Mexico in the north, Belize has more ancient Maya ruins than anywhere else.

Fascinating Facts About the Lost City of Xunantunich
Thousands of years ago, the Maya empire stretched from Mexico in the north down to El Salvador in the south. They built enormous stone cities in the middle of the jungle, only to abandon them around the year 900 AD for reasons still unknown to modern archeologists. One of the largest Maya cities ever built, now called Xunantunich, was lost for centuries until it was discovered by accident when a villager in Belize came across a ghost of an ancient Maya maiden in the 1890s. At the time, Belize was still a British colony, and so an expedition set out from the capital to explore the villager’s stories. They then discovered the site of Xunantunich, a Maya term meaning “stone woman”.

7 Belize Barrier Reef Facts Every Scuba Diver Should Know About
With hundreds of islands and thousands of dive sites, it’s no wonder that the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Belize Barrier Reef is a world-class scuba diving destination. If you are coming to Belize for a fabulous scuba diving vacation, here are seven important facts you should know: It’s Really Big: The Belize Barrier Reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-biggest barrier reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. The Belize Barrier Reef forms approximately 35% of the total north-south length of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System but 80% of its total area.

The best Belize snorkeling spots: Hol Chan and Caye Caulker Marine Reserves
Belize is home to some of the best underwater experiences in the world! But don’t take my word for it, check out PADI and SCUBA Travel’s website and you’ll see that Belize is listed as one of the top diving destinations in the world. Since Belize is considered a top diving destination, it only makes sense that Belize is also a contender for the best snorkeling destination in the world. And of the many places to snorkel in Belize, the best snorkeling can be done in Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, near the Barrier Reef. I’m talking about two of the best Belize snorkeling spots: the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve.

International Sources

Yucatán radio station aims to diffuse and encourage Mayan language
Radio Yuuyum DJs say language is endangered while culture is exploited. There are about 30 Mayan languages currently spoken by about 5 million people across southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras. The languages are considered endangered, according to Oxford University Press, because there are documented cases of children in some communities who are not learning them. And some Yucatán locals say interest in their language, Yucatecan Maya, is dwindling, even while tourism numbers soar in places such as Tulum, a resort town built around a sacred Mayan archeological site. There’s even a project for a high-speed train emblazoned with the name “Tren Maya” that’s in the works right now, with its proposed trajectory shredding through portions of Mayan jungle to allow tourists easier access to currently remote Mayan sacred sites. Teresa Pool Ix is a retired preschool teacher and language preservation advocate and one of the 10 volunteers that make up Radio Yuuyum, a Mayan language radio station based in downtown Mérida, the Yucatán peninsula’s most booming metropolis.

Cold front hits region with force affecting entire Yucatán Peninsula
A cold front that was predicted to hit the area landed with force that saw trees felled and maritime ports suspended before finally moving off. The storm, which effected the entire Yucatán Peninsula, landed Sunday afternoon with heavy rains and strong winds that knocked over trees and cut power several times. Cold Front No. 31 landed the Cancun, Playa del Carmen region Sunday afternoon with winds of nearly 70 km/h.

Videos

January 28, 2019

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

Kris Miller Named the New CARICOM Youth Ambassador
The Department of Youth Services under the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture announces the appointment of Mr. Kris Miller as the second of two CARICOM Youth Ambassadors to represent Belize. Mr. Miller is a 22-year-old youth leader and advocate from the City of Belmopan and is pursuing his Bachelors of Science in Social Work from the University of Belize. Mr. Miller also serves as a board member of Belmopan Active Youth and second vice of the Belize Youth for Road Safety Project. He was also one of Belize’s representatives at the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Commonwealth Youth Forum held in London, United Kingdom. Mr. Miller is the most recent recipient of the Youth Minister’s Award for Leadership and Advocacy.

Wolfe’s Woofer: Special Gift
Where’s Wood Leg?” Vernon asked. “I thought he was playing pool with us tonight.” “Don’t worry about Wood Leg Pedro,” Mario said. “He’ll always show up to shoot pool. He’s probably just out chasing some girl.” “He does like the ladies,” Vernon said. The NoSéNada Sports club was warming up for our weekly pool tournament. When a wife or girlfriend asks about one of the club members, our stock answer is “No Sé Nada,” which translates loosely as “I don’t know anything.” “Sorry I’m late,” Wood Leg said, when he arrived a few minutes later. “I was at the jewelry store.”

New Location: Arts, Crafts and Pies at The Gallery on Laguna Drive
Recently relocated to Laguna Drive, The Gallery offers visitors and locals alike, one of the largest sections of original pantings in Belize, as well as delicious homemade pies. Originally an art gallery and souvenir shop, The Gallery is now also home to the island’s dubbed “Pie Queen”. Owned and operated by Georgie and Jerry Lansing, this family business is an icon to the island community. For years they have strived to maintain high quality local arts and crafts available at their store. Today, The Gallery boasts close to 2,500 proudly Belizean made paintings as well as carved wooden or stone masks and sculptures, artisanal jewelry, and hand woven hammocks and blankets. Paintings can also be purchased in high definition canvas prints in any desirable size.

Doctor Love: Live-in Relationship
Dear Doctor Love, I am a gay male and for the first time in my life I want a live-in relationship with a man I have been dating for over a year. We are great together. We share similar ideas of nutrition, exercise, politics and religion and such. I’ve opened up with him emotionally where as previous arrangements were purely sexual and never emotional or intellectual. My question is about monogamy. While I understand that monogamy means not having physical relations with another, does it mean giving up all sexual interests other than inside the relationship?

Misc Belizean Sources

Luis Ayuso passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would also like to express its deepest condolences to the friends and family of the young Luis Ayuso on his sadly passing. We hope his friends and family may find the strength in each other to overcome this great loss. May his soul rest in peace.

Mrs. Valeria Castillo passes on
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences the Castillo friends and family on the passing of Mrs. Valeria Castillo. We hope her family and friends find the strength in each other to over come this great loss. May her soul rest in peace. Special condolences goes out to our employee of many years, Mr. Edmundo Castillo, as Mrs. Valeria was his grandmother.

8th Annual BBQ Cook Off
Today at Estel's!!!

Corozal Town Council Training Sessions
Our Human Resource is one of our most valuable assets here at the Corozal Town Council. Therefore, we have taken an important step to provide training to our employees in the areas of Interpersonal Skills, Public Relations and Team Work. Today, the Transport Department along with other employees of the Corozal Town Council recieved the first of a series of training sessions to develop and improve the manner in which we deliver services to our people.

Yo Creek Sak Xikin Poktapok team
We photographed the Yo Creek Sak Xikin Poktapok team this past summer in beautiful Cerros Sands. Did you know they are world champions in this classic sport? They will be heading to the mundial this April and are in need of your financial support! Please enjoy this cultural album celebrating Belizean Mayan heritage.

Valentine Full Moon Concert
The SISE Hoc is having a Valentine Full Moon concert on Friday, February 15th, at the Cayo Welcome Center. Grupo Jade will be performing! There will also be some karaoke, and they'll have food and drinks. "Valentine's Latino's Night/Full moon concert at Cayo Welcome Center. Feb. 15th from 7pm to 12 midnight. Bring your darling and enjoy Karaoke with your favorite star. Sponsored by Sise Town Council, SISE House of culture and Cayo Welcome Center. Food and drinks at Blended Deli, Yoli's Pizza, Bambu Tea, D'stock Burger."

Channel 5

CARICOM Delegation to meet UN Secretary-General Monday on crisis in Venezuela
Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr the Honourable Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis leads a delegation from the Community to meet with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General His Excellency Antonio Guterres on Monday morning to discuss the crisis in Venezuela. The meeting will take place at UN Headquarters, New York USA. Prime Minister Harris will be accompanied by the Honourable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honourable Peter David, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Grenada and Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, Secretary-General of CARICOM.

Michael Williams Murdered
Belize City police are investigating the murder of 58 year old Michael Williams. At around 1 o’clock this morning Williams was pronounced dead at the KHMH after he was shot while inside a gold Chrysler Pacifica SUV which was parked near Zeta Ice Factory on North Front Street, Belize City. Reports are that two men approached the vehicle and began firing shots at Williams. He was shot in the shoulder and armpit. A female was also injured during the shooting. Police are investigating

Johvanney Tablada shot dead
Twenty three year old Johvanney Tablada was shot dead last night. The incident happened at around 7:30pm while Tablada was with family and friends in Faber’s Road Extension, Belize City. Reports are that the gunman rode by on a bicycle, firing shots at Tablada. He received several gunshot wounds and died while receiving treatment at the K.H.M.H.

The Reporter

Belize’s Populist Approach
Redirecting the future of Belize’s politics is not going to be easy; the fact is however, many that would have said it is impossible two years ago…are now saying it can certainly be done. Simón Bolívar said it best when he said – “it is akin to ploughing the sea.”

Early Morning Shooting Claims Manager’s Life
The Reporter has gotten confirmation about a shooting we reported about earlier this morning on North Front Street in Belize City. The incident which happened near Zeta Ice Factory, claimed the life of a manager.

Police Find Over A Pound Of Weed On Bus; Detain Guatemalan
Police have detained a Guatemalan man in connection with a search on a bus this evening which yielded over a pound of weed. The search around 5:30 this evening on the bus, which had just left Benque Viejo Town, led Police to a parcel in a transparent bag which the man reportedly had in his possession.

Johvanney Tablada Shot Dead While Socializing With Family
The Reporter has confirmed that the victim of a shooting earlier tonight has died. Reports are that Johvanney Tablada, 23, the man who was killed on Faber’s Road in Belize night last was socializing with family and friends when he was shot.

Marcos Zelaya Targeted By Shooter Inside SUV
A man is in a stable condition after he was shot this morning in the Lake Independence area of Belize City. Police say that shortly before 10:00 this morning, Marcos Antonio Zelaya, 21, was walking on Complex Avenue when a burgundy color vehicle stopped a distance away from him and someone from inside the vehicle fired several shots in his direction.

The Ministerial Gods
By Neri Briceno. The modern post-presidential pension scheme in place for US Presidents who are no longer in office can probably be attributed to one president – Harry S. Truman. After leaving office, Truman was virtually broke except for his military pension and literally struggled financially. Upon leaving office, Truman turned down several lucrative offers for commercial endorsement and positions on corporate boards because he believed that it would diminish the integrity of the nation’s highest office.

Police Charge Man For Western Union Robbery
Police have arrested and charged a man for a robbery that occurred at Zitro International and Western Union on Tuesday. Police allege that Raheem Budram was one of two men who entered the business establishment near Mile 9 on the Philip Goldson Highway shortly before midday on Tuesday and used a handgun and a knife to rob the cashier of $1,800.

Breaking Belize News

Belize: Raise the minimum wage
By Richard Harrison: The minimum wage in Belize is BZ$3.25/hr and has not been changed since 2003. A normal 45-hour work week will net a worker BZ$148.50 per week. The minimum wage should be increased to BZ$5.25/hr

Venezuelan Embassy in Belmopan condemns attempted coup
The Belizean Organization for Solidarity with the Bolivarian Revolution (BELVEN), issued a statement this week, condemning the attempted coup d’état in Venezuela and the countries that support it. BELVEN condemned Juan Guaidó for leading the attempted coup, as well as the United States of America, Canada, the European Union and the Organization of American States for supporting that Guaidó be named Interim President of Venezuela.

Two men injured in vehicle traffic accident
Two men are alive after a road traffic accident on the George Price Highway. Sometime around 9 a.m. the men were travelling to Belize City in a white SUV when they lost control near mile 6 of the highway. Their vehicle spun across the road and collided into the highway’s metal barrier before coming to a stop.

2019 murder count almost at double digits
With the two murders last night, the unofficial murder count for 2019 rests at nine for the first 27 days of the year. Last night both Johvanney Tablada, 23, and Michael Williams, 58, were shot and killed in Belize City. They join Jaime Martinez, 23; Preston Reynold Jr., 22; Joseph Babb, 21; Howard Coleman, 58; Anita Pineda, 34; Alfonso Guy, 51; and Edinio Enso Humes, 29, as persons who have lost their lives to violence this year.

Man, 23, shot and killed on Pen Road
For months we have been reporting on a dispute between two groups that has led to several shooting incidents on Pen Road in Belize City. Last night one of those shootings ended with a fatality. Johvanney Tablada, 23, who resides on Pen Road was gunned down on Fabers Road.

Michael Williams shot and killed at midnight
Sometime around midnight, police received information of shots fired on North Front Street in Belize City. When officers visited the said location, they saw a gold Chrysler Pacifica SUV parked on the right side of the street.

Belize City man shot this morning
Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred this morning in the old capital. Marcos Zelaya,21, was walking on Complex Avenue, Belize City around 9:40 am when a burgundy vehicle stopped near him and several shots were fired towards his direction from within the vehicle.

Traffic accident leaves 4 people injured
Police are investigating a road traffic accident that occurred yesterday afternoon in Roaring Creek, Cayo. According to reports, Roquelino Castaneda was driving his red pick up truck when he collided into a white pick-up truck.

Blogs

Caye Caulker or San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)?
Just in front of the Belize coast are several islands, also called caye’s. The most famous islands are Caye Caulker and San Pedro (also called Ambergris Caye). We visited both islands and in this blow, we will tell you which of the two islands we can recommend and why! Caye Caulker is a small island less than eight kilometres long and only one kilometre wide. It is about a 45-minute boat ride from Belize City. Ambergris Caye, also called San Pedro after the only city on the island, borders Mexico. It is officially not an island but a peninsula, although you don’t notice much of that. You can reach Ambergris Caye by boat in 1.5 hours from Belize City.

Five things to do on Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) in Belize
After travelling through Guatemala for more than two weeks, we cross the border and arrive in Belize. We have decided to first visit the peninsula Ambergris Caye. Ambergris Caye turns out not to be really ‘our thing’ but in the end, we have a nice time here. In this blog, I will tell you how you can make the best of your time on Ambergris Caye. Ambergris Caye often called San Pedro after its main city, is a long peninsula right off the coast of Belize. With 40 kilometres it is one of the largest Cayes (islands) of Belize. At the top, it borders to Mexico. You can easily reach Ambergris Caye by plane or by boat from the port of Belize City. From the port, the Belize Water Taxi and Ocean Ferry Belize will take you to the port of San Pedro in 90 minutes.

Sew What! Starting Small And Growing a Business on Ambergris Caye
Sew What! is an impressive business that’s been growing on Ambergris Caye over 15 years ago. Now, with two locations, they make so much – cushions, inside and out, upholstery, window shades, awnings, boat and golf cart cushions, almost everything that can be sewed – except clothing. Owner Kate Vincent agreed to answer a few of my questions…about how she made it to Ambergris Caye and how she started a sewing, upholstery, fabric business on the island. To share what she does.

International Sources

After record Sargassum influx, CRFM initiates fact-finding study in CARICOM States with support from Japan
The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) has initiated a regional fact-finding study to document the record-breaking influx of Sargassum seaweed in the Caribbean Sea in 2018, and the impacts this phenomenon has been having on countries in the region since 2011. The fact-finding survey is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), that has coordinated official development assistance from Japan to CARICOM States for over two decades.

Ancient Maya Tomb Reveals Political Intrigue
Intriguing article about Cahal Pech. They've found some interesting artifacts, including cut conch shells and bone rings. Cahal Pech was an important Maya city. "The excavation of Burial 7 at the Maya city of Cahal Pech, Belize, has provided a new window into the world of ancient Maya politics... The graves and tombs of the ancient world have long been a subject of fascination to archaeology. The dead may no longer speak, but their bodies and the objects buried with them can tell us much about the lives they lived. A newly revealed burial from the ancient Maya city of Cahal Pech, Belize, is opening just such a window on the intrigues of elite Maya politics...

Videos

January 26, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Police Department receives laptops for their community policing unit
During a short ceremony on Thursday, January 24th, the Community Policing Unit of the San Pedro Police Formation was the recipient of five HP laptop computers along with a printer and ink toners. The equipment will be used at their ‘Drop-in Center’ within the Unit, where they will be accessible to underprivileged children to do their school work. The generous donation came courtesy of island residents Paola Tatiana Cortes and David Title, and was facilitated by The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). Students can access the center by visiting the police station Monday to Friday from 2PM to 5:30PM.

Proper garbage disposal registering an improvement on Ambergris Caye
Over the last couple of months, local authorities have seen an improvement in the way island residents and businesses are disposing of their garbage. The improper disposal of garbage has long been an issue on Ambergris Caye with illegal dumping resulting in unsightly litter across large portions of the island, polluting our water system, marring our natural beauty and threatening the health of our environment. Many non-governmental organization and businesses such as the San Pedro Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (SP BTIA), American Crocodile Education Sanctuary, Oceana Belize, The Phoenix, and even individuals, have hosted regular clean-up campaigns to raise awareness on the negative effects of illegal and improper garbage disposal on the environment.

Increase in Pump Price for Regular Gasoline
The Ministry of Finance announces that at midnight on January 25th, the pump price for regular gasoline will increase by 20 cents from $9.31 to $9.51 per gallon. This increase in the price is principally due to tightening global demand reflecting extreme winter conditions in North America and Europe, together with uncertainties in geopolitical conditions in several major oil-producing countries in the Middle East and in Latin America.

Leader of the Opposition ends ICJ listening tour in San Pedro Town
On Friday, January 18th, Honourable John Briceño, Leader of the Opposition- the People’s United Party (PUP), visited San Pedro Town, where he and his team wrapped up a nationwide listening tour on whether Belize should take the Guatemalan territorial claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). For the past few months, the tour has been aimed to listen what PUP supporters on the island are saying about the issue ahead of the April 10th national referendum, in which Belizeans will either vote for or against heading to the ICJ.

Ambergris Today

INTRO by XS Entertainment Presents MISTAH GEEH this Weekend in San Pedro
Call 614-5139 for Tickets.

BTB Joins Industry Stakeholders In Launching The O.W. Heritage Trail
As part of its ongoing efforts to develop destinations and promote the attractions and historical areas of the various tourism regions of Belize, the BTB on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, joined key industry stakeholders in launching the Orange Walk Heritage Trail Project during a brief ceremony at the Banquitas House of Culture in Orange Walk Town.

Misc Belizean Sources

Saturday power outage cancelled in Corozal
Postponed until further notice: power outage scheduled from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 26 to affect entire Corozal District.

Celebrating The BDF 41st Anniversary
& Passing Out of Recruit Intake No. 64!

Plastic bags will soon be banned
Are you ready for the ban on single-use plastics and styrofoam? It's coming to Belize in April 2019 and the Belize Department of the Environment - DOE wants you to be prepared. Here's how you can be a Smart Shopper!

Caye Caulker Lobster Fest 2019
The dates are set! June 28, 29, 30

Belize’s International Business Companies (IBC) Regime Assessed as “Not Harmful (Amended)”
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation for Development (OECD) Forum on Harmful Tax Practices (FHTP) released the results of its recently concluded meeting held in Paris from 9th to 11th January 2019. The FHTP is the body mandated to monitor and review tax practices of jurisdictions around the world, focusing on the features of preferential tax regimes. During the January meeting, the FHTP discussed and assessed the recently enacted changes to Belize’s International Business Companies Act and concluded, based on the amendments, that the regime was “Not Harmful (Amended)”. The Belize delegation to the January meeting comprised representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the International Financial Services Commission, and the Belize International Financial Services Association (BIFSA).

Laptops and Printer donated
On Thursday, January 24th, 2019, the San Pedro Town Council made a donation to the San Pedro Police Department through some kind residents of Las Terrazas, Mr. David Title and Ms. Paula Cortez. The donation consisted of an HP laser printer, toners for the printer and two brand new HP lap top computers. The donated items will be used for the Children's Center at the Police Department so that students can use for their daily home works and projects. The San Pedro Town Council would like to thank Mr. Title and Ms. Cortez for their kind donation and their interest in helping out the children of San Pedro Town.

Live and Invest in Belize Conference 2019
BelizeINVEST, unit of BELTRAIDE, attended the annual Live and Invest in Belize Conference held at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina on January 24th, 2019. The event offers real-world advice to those seeking to invest, retire and do business in Belize or overseas. It also serves as a medium in gathering stakeholders from key institutions and sectors to guide and advise those seeking to live in Belize by offering relevant information. Presentations are often delivered by those in the real estate, banking and insurance industries.

Belize Hosts EU-CELAC Workshop on Citizen Security
From 23rd to 24th January 2019, Belize hosted the joint European Union (EU) and Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC) Workshop on Citizen Security in Belize City. The event was co-organized by the EU and CELAC in the framework of the implementation of Chapter 10 of the EU-CELAC Action Plan. Experts from 31 CELAC and EU countries participated in the event, as well as several regional organizations, local governments, and civil society organizations. The workshop was the third and final activity mandated under Chapter 10 of the Action Plan and involved for the first time civil society and local governments. The topics discussed included police and border control cooperation, criminal investigation and intelligence sharing as well as the role of local governments and civil society in enhancing citizen security.

Hon Edmond Castro Addresses First Nemo National Planning Meeting for 2019
This afternoon in Belmopan, Minister of National Emergency Management Hon. Edmond Castro addressed NEMO Coordinators and Warehouse Managers from around the country at the National Emergency Management Organization’s first National Planning Meeting for 2019. Hon. Castro thanked the staff for their dedicated service in 2019 and encouraged them to continue working hard and preparing themselves to lead the way in managing whatever disaster might come our way in 2019. Main topics discussed were Tsunami Readiness Plan and Flood Planning. The two-day meeting, which started yesterday and finished this afternoon, was conducted inside the training room at the NEMO Headquarters.

Gift of Life Belize's Pediatric Cardiology Clinic

D'Sky Bistro Grand Opening Night
Chef Ennel had the grand opening for his the new D'Sky Bistro last weekend. San Ignacio is now officially a foodie town. "Thank you so much to everyone who joined us on our Grand Opening Night on January 18th, 2019. The night consisted of great food, drinks, views, laughter, happiness, marimba entertainment and warm ambience.

NICH Stakeholder Consultation
The SISE HoC is having a stakeholder consultation on Wednesday, Fabruary 6th, at 6:30pm. They are inviting anyone in the community, artist or not, who's interested in meeting with the new director and the NICH president. "Inviting the public to a special meeting in regards to culture and activities on the 6th February at SISEHOC all are invited."

Low Water Pressure today in San Pedro
BWS notice: Low water pressure to the entire San Pedro Town from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday January 26, 2019.

Channel 7

D-Day For Dion
Landowner Dion Zabaneh has been acting in open defiance of the Department of the Environment for 6 days now. He's continued to fill his mother, Prime Rose Gabourel's titled land, parcel 4670 at the western end of Seashore Drive - after he was informed of a stop order against the development. The parcel happens to be in the sea - and - DOE says it would first have to approve any such development - that is, if you can overlook the fact that the seabed cannot be sold. But Zabaneh has openly defied them - and all this week, the DOE has been preparing its legal standing to enforce the order. So, this afternoon, the DOE showed up with the Gang Suppression Unit to enforce a stoppage. Two environmental officers went to the property and one of them read the Order and thereafter, gave Zabaneh and his crew 30 mins to clear the premises. Zabaneh exploded in a fit of rage.

BWSL Beats PUC
Your water company, Belize Water Services Limited won a major victory in court today against the Public Utilities Commission - and it has a direct effect on your water bill. The background is that in February of 2018, the PUC ordered that new, lower rates were to come into effect in April of 2018. BWSL objected and got an injunction blocking the implementation of the new rates. The issue is that the PUC's review was conducted under what it called "exceptional circumstances" and BWSL argues that no such circumstances existed. BWSL challenged the new rates in court, and today, in a 32 page judgement, Justice Michelle Arana found in favour of the water company. She found that the PUC did not give BWSL proper notice of Annual Review Proceedings under exceptional circumstance. She found that the PUC acted outside its jurisdiction and the PUC must pay its costs.

Alleged Zitro Robber Remanded
Another alleged robber made an appearance in court today. 18-year-old Raheem Budran was charged for the robbery of Zitro International and Western Union earlier this week. It is alleged that Budran made off with a little under $2000 in cash in the robbery. Police were able to identify him thanks to security cameras in he office. While no shots were, Budran did hold up the employees with a gun which means he was not offered bail. He was then remanded into custody until March 27.

Ranold Released From Remanded
Ranold Hernandez has been remanded after being charged for handling stolen goods belonging to Elodio Aragon Sr., the father of the current police Minister of state. Today after 8 days on remand, he got Supreme Court bail. Hernandez was released on $10,000 bail by Justice Antonette Moore. She also ordered the San Jose Palmar resident to hand over his travel documents and agree to check in at the Orange Walk police station every Friday starting next week. Hernandez also agreed not to interfere with any witnesses. He has not been charged for kidnapping of Aragon Sr. - only handling goods stolen from his house. He is scheduled to return to court on March 16.

Evan Neal's Family Pleading For Closure
11 days ago, we first told you about 43 year old Evan Neal. He's been missing from his fishing camp on Mapp Caye in the Belize District since January 12th. That's when police found one of his workers, watchman Edinio Enso Humes shot in the head. But, there has been no sign of Neal and after almost two weeks of intensive searching the Coast Guard has told his family it cannot continue to look. Today, his brother Mark made a plea for his return:...

In Case Of Emergency
Imagine being stranded in the jungle all alone with an injured leg, or trapped in a house during a hurricane or flood - those might sound like scenes out of action movies, but these things really do happen. And personnel from NEMO, Belize Red Cross and the Belize Institute of Search and Rescue have to know how to effectively respond to these emergencies and more. So they finished up a 4 day Advanced search and rescue training and I found out more. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: Sleeping under a tent like this one for a week, braving the cold rainy nights, and not to mention constantly swatting those pestering insects, is certainly not for everyone, but this bunch handled it pretty well and made the best of this outdoor adventure.

Hapless Burglars Pry Into Prosser, Leave Empty Handed
A hapless thief or thieves ran off empty handed after they tried to burglarize Prosser Fertilizer in Belmopan. It happened sometime last night. When the workers opened up this morning they saw the bathroom grill window pried wide open. The alarm system must have scared them off before they could steal anything. We spoke to the Manager about this 3rd burglary attempt. Sonia Casey, Manager - Prosser Fertilizer, Belmopan: "What we noticed is when we came in this morning that the alarm was not armed, We didn't really make a big fuss of it, because we had a truck to off load, so we went straight into the truck, until one of the guys went into the bathroom to wash his hands, that's when we noticed the bathroom was broken into."

Honest Labels, Healthy Consumers
Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity are becoming increasingly prevalent among younger and younger populations. In an effort to combat this issue, the Ministry of Health and Belize Bureau of Standards are collaborating to develop a new labeling standard. These new front of package labels would warn consumers about the harmful ingredients in the products they buy, similar to the warning sign on cigarette packs. This legislation is still in the works, and members from the business community were invited to take part in a sensitization consultation. We went to the meeting to find out more... Jose Trejo - Director, Belize Bureau of Standards: "Today we're actually presenting to the business sector a draft Caricom regional standard that is actually being worked on right now. This standard is a labeling standard for prepackaged foods. One of the important things about this standard is that it has been a recent addition to the work that we're doing at a regional level on front package labeling..."

A Day For Customs
Officially, World Customs Day is tomorrow, but since that's a Saturday the Belize Customs and Excise Department showcased their work to the public today. The department displayed the various aspects of the job of a customs officer and the important work they do to maintain domestic stability. The slogan for this year's customs' celebration is SMART borders for Seamless Trade, Travel and Transport. We spoke to one of Custom's head strategists about how they plan to turn this year's theme into a reality... Therese Martinez - Strategic Policy and Trade Unit: "The theme for this year is smart borders for seamless trade, travel and transport. The objective is for Customs as a lead agency, a border agency and an agency that is at the front line at the border to be able to facilitate trade. The movement of goods, the movement of people and the movement of transport conveyances. And so the theme brings to us the need for us to make trade.."

A Customs Officer's Job Ain't Easy
And while it seems like the Customs Department is prepared to do what it can to keep the borders safe, it's a task easier said than done. Here's what one Customs enforcement officer told us about the difficulties of the job... Ronald Sanchez - Intel/Enforcement Officer, Customs and Excise : "We're seeing some major challenges at the moment. As you guys know the same roads that are being used for contraband are being used to transport illegal items such as drugs, weapons, ammunition even human trafficking so. It is increasing, the challenges are increasing and we're trying to step up our efforts as much a possible to see how we can combat the situation and stay on top of the game.

Saldivar Sends Shot Across "Drug Hunter's"� Bow
The BDF is celebrating its 41st anniversary this weekend, and today 98 new soldiers from intake #64 passed out. Minister of National security John Saldivar congratulate them for surviving the BDF's tough training regimen:… And Saldivar also used this national platform to take a stand for the security forces - who are often maligned for involvement with narco traffickers. Seeming to take a swipe at self proclaimed Drug Hunter Edward Martinez, he used the word "delusional":

Theater For The Thespians
In the era of 200 plus channels of cable TV, and streaming services such as Netflix, the idea of leaving your home to go watch a live play at the theater may seem antiquated. But, a new production called Belize Rewind Theater and Tapas hopes to change that - and, in fact, change the way you think about a dramatic production. They've assembled an ambitious and sweeping review of Belizean history - and we found out about it today:…

Studying Sargassum
If you were near the beach any time in 2018 there's a good chance you've encountered sargassum. The brown algae has been plaguing waters in Belize and the Caribbean for the better part of this decade, and according to the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism its presence in our waters reached an all time high last year. In order to figure out exactly how and why the sargassum is blossoming in the Caribbean, the CRFM has launched a fact-finding study with the intent of developing effective management strategies. Sargassum has detrimental effects on both the tourism and fisheries industries - two main money earners for most Caribbean countries. CRFM is set to begin regional consultations with key stakeholders in the coming weeks.

Defenderz Ready For Home
The National Elite Basketball season is in full swing - ands fans in Belize City have two teams ot choose form, the Hurricanes and the Defenderz. The Hurricanes have already played their first home opener and the Defenderz do so tonight. We visited with the team and found out about their hopes for this season.

Channel 5

2 Weeks and Still No Signs of Anthony Reneau and Evan Neal
Tonight, we have more details about one of two men who went missing off Mapp Caye two weeks ago. His name, as we have reported is Anthony Reneau and his [...]

M.O.H. to Await Nursing Council’s Decision
The Ministry of Health says that it will await the Nursing Council’s decision on the matter of the death of three month old baby Dion Woodeye. As you heard on [...]

Belizean Ambassador to O.A.S.: “The failure of the government of Venezuela is unquestionable”
The situation continues to deteriorate in Venezuela where Opposition Leader Juan Guaido claims he is the interim president and has the support of the U.S., Canada and other countries. On [...]

A No Vote Can Be Catastrophic for Belize
We are one hundred and four days away from the April tenth I.C.J. Referendum. The Belize Referendum Commission is the official body in charge in carrying out a proper and [...]

Wilfred Elrington: “I.C.J. Now is Just the Icing on the Cake”
Guatemala’s claim over Belize has lingered over the country and its people for more than two centuries. The territorial dispute has divided the country especially when it comes to deciding [...]

B.W.S.L. Wins Case against the P.U.C.
In court today, an interesting case came up where the government controlled Belize Water Services Limited sued the regulator, the Public Utilities Commission. The matter was before the courts last [...]

Report: Disadvantages of Gillnets Outweigh Benefits
Gillnets in Belize continue to be a divisive issue among environmentalists and fisherfolks. Earlier in the week, the Fisheries Department had to confiscate a large gill net which had been [...]

World Customs Day observed in Belize
Today, the Customs and Excise Department joined the rest of the world to observe World Customs Day. The World Customs Organization is dedicating 2019 to the swift and smooth cross-border [...]

A Customs Department Reminder
If you’ve ever travelled through the borders or pass through the P.G.I.A., you would’ve come in contact with the Customs and Excise Department. Their role is to check for uncustomed [...]

Blood Drives to Assist with the Shortage at the Blood Bank
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health confirmed a hold on some elective surgeries due to a shortage of blood supply at the blood bank. Today, when we spoke with [...]

98 New B.D.F. Recruits
Approximately eight hundred applications were submitted to the B.D.F. for Intake number sixty- four but only one hundred and thirty were invited to train. But after the first several weeks [...]

Lip Service: a Fellatio Workshop
There is a raging social media debate over B.F.L.A.’s decision to hold a fellatio workshop. The Belize Family Life Association is an N.G.O. that focuses exclusively on sexual and reproductive [...]

A Regional Initiative to Tackle Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is a challenge throughout the region so policymakers are engaging the private sector to adopt standards that will make consumers more aware of making healthy choices when buying [...]

Meet the Belize City Defenders
Week two of the National Elite Basketball League goes down tonight at the Civic Centre in Belize City. Last year’s finalist, Belize City Defenders, takes on the Belmopan Bandits in [...]

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Annual Convention
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Organization is headquartered in the U.K. But here, the international movement has been working in the community in sports and spiritual services. On Thursday, the national presidents [...]

LOVE FM

Civil Review Complaints Commission Roadshow Reaches Toledo
The Civil Review Complaints Commission was launched on the 21st of November, 2018. It is chaired by former police commissioner Gerald Westby. The oversight committee has a representative from each of the districts and the committee is mandated to make sure complaints are dealt with expeditiously. The commission is embarking on a countrywide listening tour …

Belize’s Cagey Response about Venezuela
The United States does not recognize Nicolas Maduro as the President of Venezuela. The majority of Organization of American States members voted on a resolution that did not recognize his new term in office. 8 countries abstained from voting and Belize was one of them. Belize, like several CARICOM countries, had benefited from low cost …

Fifth annual Ahmadiyya Basketball League competition
The fifth annual Ahmadiyya Basketball League competition is taking place on Sunday. The hoop dreams of youths from Belize and Mexico will converge at the St. Johns College Auditorium in Belize City. The organizers expect approximately 500 teens at the event. There will be no less than 40 teams that will participate in the competition. …

Several injured in Accident
There was a traffic accident just before 3 p.m. today. Two vehicles collided and has seriously injured one of the victims. 4 year old Victor Guzman is in a critical condition while the driver of one of the vehicles 68-year-old Sotero Zeceña is hospitalized. The other two minors, 2 and four years old were treated …

Government looks at food packaging to address non-communicable diseases
Government, through the Ministry of Health and the Belize Bureau of Standards has begun consultations on Front of Package Labelling, FOPL. The initiative is part of a larger regional effort under CARICOM. It seeks to look at new requirements for labelling of prepackaged foods in an effort to address health concerns including non-communicable diseases and …

MAPP Caye Fisher still missing-Family wants answers
43 year-old Evan Neal, a father of three who owns a fishing camp on Mapp Caye is still missing. The watchman for the camp, 29 year-old, Edinio Enso Humes, was found with a bullet to the head in a latrine on the 14th of January. Neal and another man that the police department has not …

PG Day, an Event for the Family
There are two annual events that residents of Toledo look forward to every year. The first one is the Tide Fest and the other is PG Day of Course. Toledo Correspondent Paul Mahung reports on this weekend’s PG Day Activities Paul Mahung: “Plans are in place for the celebration of PG Day this weekend in …

Ministry of Health focused on addressing issues with health care providers
The investigation surrounding the death of three month old Dion Woodeye in Corozal Town is ongoing. The nurse who was on shift has not been placed on administrative leave as she took personal leave from the job. The Nursing Council is leading the investigation and is expected to hand in a report on its findings …

HEARTS OF CHRIST Women’s Conference
There is a conference in the capital, designed to improve the outlook, confidence and faith of women. Cayo Correspondent Fem Cruz reports on the 8th annual conference. Fem Cruz: “ Over 300 ladies from Roaring Creek and surrounding villages in Cayo South participated in the eighth annual Women’s Conference hosted by Hearts of Christ Ministry. …

BDF expands with 98 new recruits
The Belize Defence Force is celebrating its forty-one anniversary and continues to grow in years and size as it added ninety-eight more soldiers to its Force. Today’s passing out was indeed a momentous occasion for the members of Intake 64, who were cheered on by loved ones, as they displayed some of what they learned. …

Belize Customs and Excise celebrates International Customs Day
A short ceremony was held this morning to commemorate International Customs Day which is being celebrated under the theme “SMART borders for seamless Trade, Travel and Transport.” The Belize Customs and Excise Department has been working closely with World Customs Organization and CARICOM’S IMPACS to put in place, practices and discipline to better secure our borders...

Amandala

PUP says “No to the ICJ”
Following a “Listening Tour” and a meeting of its executive today, the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) formally announced its position on the April 10 International Court of Justice (ICJ) referendum. PUP leader, Hon. John Briceño, flanked by the majority of the party’s standard bearers at their Independence Hall headquarters, announced that the PUP is saying no to the ICJ. Briceño, reading from a teleprompter, declared: “The People’s United Party (1) recalls the Party’s proud history of defending the rights of the Belizean people to self-determination and successfully leading Belize to political independence with all our territory intact, as defined by the 1859 Treaty; (2) deplores Guatemala’s refusal to accept the integrity of the long-established Belizean borders and its insistence on maintaining its unfounded claim to Belizean territory...

Cabinet says yes, Lindsay says no!
We do not normally editorialize in headline stories, or stories in general, but we consider an article sent to us by Lindsay L. Belisle, former Boundaries Commissioner, to be of such paramount importance – a bombshell, no less – that we feel that it is something to be shared with all Belizeans, in the diaspora as well, even though the Barrow administration has decided that they, true-born Belizeans, should not have a say in our referendum as to whether we should, or should not, go to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to settle, once and for all, the nefarious claim by our neighbor, Guatemala, to a sizeable portion of Belize, which, according to Mr. Belisle, whose credentials are impeccable, could well amount to a sizeable chunk, maybe as much as a quarter of the country.

George Bednarik, accused killer of Emmanuel Sosa, given evidence disclosure
George Bednarik, 21, a laborer of Ranchito, Corozal District, who is on remand for the shooting death of Emmanuel Sosa, 38, also of Ranchito, was brought to the Corozal Magistrate’s Court today where the evidence against him was disclosed by the prosecution. He was ordered to return to court on February 28, when a preliminary inquiry will be conducted to see if the case against him can be traversed to the Supreme Court for trial. He was then returned to prison, where he is remanded.

Cop arraigned on wounding charge for New Year’s beat-down on San Pedro
On New Year’s night, there was an incident of police brutality that was captured on video that went viral on social media — sending shockwaves and disgust across the country, as a police officer was seen brutalizing a pair of young boys, one of whom was already in handcuffs and lying on the ground. The Police Department promised to conduct an investigation and bring the rogue cops to justice. It has been a little over three weeks now since that incident, and yesterday, just before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court closed, police escorted one of their own to court so that a criminal charge could be read to him.

Fuel prices increase midnight, January 25
The Ministry of Finance announces that at midnight on January 25th, the pump price for regular gasoline will increase by 20 cents from $9.31 to $9.51 per gallon. This increase in the price is principally due to tightening global demand reflecting extreme winter conditions in North America and Europe, together with uncertainties in geopolitical conditions in several major oil-producing countries in the Middle East and in Latin America.

Kremandala’s countrywide People’s Forum on the ICJ referendum
On April 10, Belizeans will vote in a national referendum on whether or not to submit the Guatemalan claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a final, binding resolution, in accordance with the terms of the Special Agreement (compromis) treaty signed between Belize and Guatemala in December 2008. The question that voters will be asked to vote yes or no on, is: “Do you agree that any legal claim of Guatemala against Belize relating to land and insular territories and to any maritime areas pertaining to these territories should be submitted to the International Court of Justice for final settlement and that it determines finally the boundaries of the respective territories and areas of the parties?”

Cricket Corner – new BNCA Executive elected
Hello, cricket promoters, players, fans, supporters! On Sunday, January 20, the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA) held its AGM at the beautiful village of Double Head Cabbage to elect new executive officers to handle all aspects in the everyday running of the Association’s business. In past elections at the meetings, persons were nominated to fill the seats of the executive body. This year was very different, as two persons presented a slate of persons to fill the seats.

Barrack Road FC, champs; Ladyville FC, sub-champs of CYDP Peace Cup
There were no surprises in the finals of the CYDP Peace Cup 2018-2019 football tournament on Saturday, January 19, at the MCC Grounds, where Caesar Ridge FC crushed Lucky Strike FC, 5-1, to take the 3rd place prize of $2,000.00; and Barrack Road FC shut out Ladyville FC, 3-0, in game 2 of their series for a 9-1 aggregate score (Barrack Road had won game 1 by a 6-1 margin) to secure 1st place and the $5,000.00 prize, while Ladyville FC settled for 2nd place and $3,000.00. In the 3rd place opener, Caesar Ridge FC got goals from Elmore “Esky” Godoy (34’), Sydney “Buck-it” Bradley (47’), Gilroy “Bredda” Thurton (53’), Kenroy Linarez (67’) and David Flores (89’); while the only goal for Lucky Strike FC was by Fredi Estivera.

Belmopan F.A. 2018-2019 First Division Championship this Sunday
The home and away championship series of the Belmopan Football Association (BFA) 2018-2019 Amateur 1st Division Opening Tournament kicked off on Saturday night, January 19, featuring defending champions and five-time finalists Club Atletico going up against a young and upstart Roaring Creek United, who have been missing from the finals for well over three years. (The tournament commenced in October, 2018, with 13 teams.) Entering their fifth finals in three years, and strengthened by the best acquisition of the offseason in striker Tyriq “Hammer” Ciego, Club Atletico looked all set to repeat as champions...

U-10, U-13 football results from Orange Walk
The Orange Walk Football Association’s (OWFA) U-10 and U-13 2018-2019 Opening Season competitions were completed on Saturday, January 19, at People’s Stadium with third place and championship games. In the U-10 3rd Place game, San Estevan drew, 1-1, with Orange Walk Central. Keadraun Cadle scored for San Estevan, while Pedro Pineda Quinones tallied for Orange Walk Central. San Estevan won, 4-2, in the penalty shoot-out.

It will be anything but honest on April 10
The ruling UDP government, under the leadership of Hon. Dean Barrow, declared on Tuesday that its entire elected leadership (Cabinet) was supporting a YES vote in the referendum set for April 10, 2019. This could be a response to the country’s main opposition, the PUP, which had indicated that it would declare against the special agreement (to go to the ICJ). (The PUP made their NO position official on Wednesday.) Parliamentary democracy, definitely in Belize, means that whatever the ruling party proposes, the main opposition party will stand against. On the surface it does appear to be a reversal of roles, but this saga has been going on so long it all depends on where you choose to begin.

World Youth Day 2019: A Light of Hope
Dear Editor, I write to you from Panama. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has just arrived and there is great excitement. For days now the Belizean youth have been experiencing the Universal Church in a wondrous way. Youth from every continent in the world are coming together as strangers and leaving with an experience of family. Not a family of flesh and blood, but a diverse family united in Christ. The joy and love of youth meeting in the streets or singing together on the metro is contagious.

Hart Tillett remembers the “old” Mullins River and Hurricane Hattie
Dear Editor, Thanks for reprinting the piece on Mullins River by Abraham “Abe” Ramos. Like him, I too taught at the Methodist school in Mullins River, but unlike him, was there before, on the lucky side of Hattie, the hurricane he mentioned. Also, my stay was shorter, just a year, 1959-60. The RC school was still there at the time. By then a village council had succeeded town status, the only remaining evidence being the two or three disused paraffin lamps along the dirt road connecting North End to the south where our school was located.

Romel Cuello reminisces about the man “Salitas,” his history and his “bad jukebox”
Dear Editor, A couple of weeks ago I got a visit from a dear friend from long ago, Eduardo Salas. “Salitas,” as he was affectionately known, was once an iconic figure in Orange Walk. In the seventies he had the coolest spot in town, situated corner Gravel Lane and Belize-Corozal Road, with the coldest beers and a “bad” jukebox with sounds like Santana’s “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen”, “Jingo”, “Evil Ways” and “Soul Sacrifice”, Ike & Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary”, La Revolucion de Emiliano Zapata’s “Nasty Sex,” and Shirley Bassey’s “Love you Hate you”.

PAUL OF BELIZE
I WILL VOTE NO because… I am persuaded by Common Sense…. If a man comes to my door and tells me: get out of my way I have come to take over half of this house. My great grandfather left his will giving to me every piece of land in Belize City on the southside of Collet Canal. I will answer: Your grandfather never had the authority to give you what he never held or possessed. He might answer: Well, the Lord Bishop of Belize told him if he wanted it he could have it. My very cross response would be: Haul your r… out of my house! Son, bring me my bow and arrow.

Time to go
It was necessary for the politicians to have their say, and no one can shut them up when they want to speak anyway. But at this time they have to recede and allow the untainted people to come to the fore. I am, of course, talking about the YES vote. Let’s get the real sense of these guys. In 2002, when the Ramphal/Reichler Proposals were being laid on the table, the leader of the main opposition party, Dean Barrow, declared that he supported the process, but that’s where it ended.

The genocide of Africans and the Maya in Belize
Genocide is defined in Article 2 of the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948) as “any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: a) Killing members of the group; b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.” On Thursday, December 20, 2018, on Krem’sWUB Morning Show, Brother Nuri Muhammad replayed a clip in which the youth Brother Dwight Mariano had expressed his thoughts.

Keith Gaynair gets 15 years for the death of Darrell Wade, Jr.
Today, in the Northern Session of the Supreme Court, Keith Gaynair, 27, of Orange Walk Town, was sentenced to prison for the death of Darrell Wade, Jr., 18, a student of New Hope High School in Orange Walk Town. Gaynair was originally charged with murder, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter last November. Five years and six months were deducted from Gaynair’s sentence for time served while he was awaiting trial, so he has nine years and six months to serve. After serving at least 6 years of this jail time, Gaynair can apply for parole.

Accused murders Maurice and Emory Felix get Supreme Court bail
Two brothers, Emory Felix, 34, and Maurice Felix, 33, who are accused of the May 2015 murder of Mark Gentle, 27, and the attempted murder of Gentle’s mother, Pamela Cumberbatch, were released on Supreme Court bail today after a successful bail application hearing before Justice Antoinette Moore in the Belmopan Supreme Court, where they were represented by attorney Oscar Selgado. Justice Moore released the brothers on bail of $20,000 each and imposed strict bail conditions to which they must adhere. The court ordered them to attend all court hearings of their case, beginning with their next court appearance before Supreme Court Justice, Marilyn Williams, on April 2.

Isaac Teul, 16, missing from Belmopan
Isaac Teul, a 16-year-old student of Belmopan, has been reported missing from home. His family said he was at home up to 11:30 on Sunday night, when they went to bed. When the family awoke Monday morning, however, he was nowhere to be found. Teul is of fair complexion, is 5 feet 2 inches tall, of slim build, and has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a pair of grey Dickies pants and a black hoodie jacket.

Gregory Mosser, 44, arraigned for accident that killed father and son
Gregory Mosser, 44, a businessman who is the owner of Caribbean Tires of Spanish Lookout, was arrested and charged with two counts of manslaughter by negligence, two counts of causing death by careless conduct, driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention and failure to indicate on a major road, in connection with a road traffic accident that claimed the lives of Jaime Ramos, 25, and his father Manuel Ramos, 55, both laborers of Duck Run 1. Mosser was taken to the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court today, where the charges were read to him. Pleas were not taken and he was offered bail of $25,000 cash, plus two sureties.

The Reporter

A FATHERS CRY
By Mike Rudon, Sr. I was attacked by a huge tarantula this weekend in Boom. It came out of nowhere, the size of a small horse, fangs glistening – straight out of a Wes Craven movie, the spawn of a hellish nightmare. It advanced on me menacingly, as my kids screamed and cowered behind me. I swear if that had been a roach there wouldn’t have been me to cower behind because I would have been out of there in a flash, screaming all the while.

Police Charge Man With Two Counts of Manslaughter For Fatal Accident
Police have arrested and charged Gregory Mosser, 41, with two counts of Manslaughter by Negligence, two counts of Causing Death by Careless Conduct, Driving a Motor Vehicle Without Due Care and Attention, and Failing to Give Way to A Motor Vehicle on A Major Road.

EDITORIAL – January 25th. 2019
The disappearance of the young woman, Anisha Young, not seen since the morning of December eighth when she vanished after socializing with her boyfriend at a nightclub, continues to baffle and at the same time irritate her many supporters who have been following the macabre developments which led to her death.

Doing it Big With Aj Originals
If you would walk by Ashley Reid, 20, on the street and not know her personally or follow her Facebook page, you would never know that this young woman with the captivating personality and big smile is the machinery that is the driving force behind the local clothing line Aj Originals, trending locally and on the internet.

BANK GETS ITS BENJAMINS! Court Rules No Taxes for BBL
The Belize Bank may never pay business tax in this country again, almost $34 million in tax revenue a year, following a landmark ruling this week with far reaching repercussions. The case and subsequent ruling, though separate from the unsettled UHS judgement owed to the Bank by the government, may be an even sweeter victory than settling the $96 million UHS debt, as it essentially gives the bank a tax-exempt status as long as GOB refuses to pay the debt, which it has very publicly stated it will never honor.

$600K in Compensation!
The Chinese businessman that bought the Hilltop property which housed the headquarters of the Public Service Union (PSU), from the Belmopan City Council last November for $400,000; is now requesting a sum of $600,000 plus the cost of his legal fees and stamp duty as compensation for restoring the property’s title to the Union.

Students vote 55% No – 45% Yes in Mock Referendum
A sampling of students from 15 high schools from all over Belize voted 55% NO, 45% YES, to taking the Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in a mock referendum hosted by St. Catherine Academy in Belize City on Friday, January 18.

Breaking Belize News

Belize Bank wins case against Tax Commissioner, doesn’t have to pay anymore taxes
The Belize Bank, this week, won a ruling against the Commissioner of Income and Business Tax […]

BDF celebrates 41st anniversary
Today the Ministry of National Security held a ceremony in Belmopan, Cayo. The purpose was to […]

Citizen security forum concludes
This week, representatives from 31 countries from Latin America and Europe were in Belize for a […]

Bureau of Standards hosts package labeling consultation
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) met with entities such as the Belize Chamber of Commerce […]

Fate of Corozal nurse to be decided next Wednesday, says Health Director
The disciplinary committee of the Nurses and Midwives Council of Belize is preparing to deliver its […]

Lisa Shoman’s Article on the Courtney Doctrine: My reflection
By Dr. Gerald Zuniga: On Saturday, January 19th, I read an article written by Ms. Lisa Shoman on Breaking Belize News with the title “The Courtney Doctrines” posted on Friday, January 18th. Here is my reflection. […]

NEMO Minister addresses 1st National Planning Meeting
Today, Minister of National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), Edmond Castro addressed NEMO Coordinators and Warehouse Managers […]

Police find over 1 pound of marijuana in Roaring Creek
Police conducted a search in a bushy lot in the Hattieville area of Roaring Creek Village, Cayo […]

16-year-old girl missing in Bella Vista
Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating, Ashira Johana Hoppington,16, of Bella Vista, Stann Creek. […]

Raheem Budram charged with robbery
Belize City police have charged Raheem Budram with the crime of robbery. He is accused of […]

Belize silent on Venezuela divide
Venezuela, the country known for being one of the world’s largest exporter of oil and the […]

Ministry of Education warns schools of student dismissal during class hours
The Ministry of Education issued a memorandum on January 14, 2019 warning schools against the dismissal […]

ComPol Williams initiates open door policy for all Belizeans
Chester Williams has recently been named Belize’s Commissioner of Police (COMPOL). However, the attorney-at-law and career […]

Venezuela: Call it what it is- Intervention
urn on the news, a quick glance of Western media houses will show endless headlines of Venezuelan crisis. This crisis refers to a lack of basic supplies on the shelves, hyper inflated currency […]

Blogs

Birding…there’s an app for that!
eBird is a popular website and app where birders can record check lists, photos and audio recordings. The submitted data documents bird distribution, abundance, habitat use, and trends through checklist data collected within a simple, scientific framework. Birders enter when, where, and how they went birding, and then fill out a checklist of all the birds seen and heard during the outing. eBird’s free mobile app allows offline data collection anywhere in the world, and the website provides many ways to explore and summarize data and other observations from the global eBird community.

International Sources

Big success and stripped down sets
It's no secret that Boulder's Gasoline Lollipops are one of Colorado's hottest bands to be following. In recent years, the folk-punk band has accumulated success with a Red Rocks debut, a brew from Odell Brewing Company named after them and strings on strings of shows overseas. Their most recent overseas adventure took place last weekend. The band celebrated their third annual trip to Belize. Their yearly series of shows in Ambergris Caye became a thing when a fan from Denver, who owns a place called "The Dive Bar," took a liking to them back in 2016 at one of their more intimate shows in Louisville. Gasoline Lollipops' Adam Perry said that this year, roughly 100 Coloradans hopped on a plane to see their Belize shows. Until recently he was the band's main drummer. Now, he's more on the management side of things. Perry said he works for Gasoline Lollipops because he believes in the group's music and their intention behind it.

Southwest to Pull Plug on Service to Mexico City
Southwest Airlines will stop flying to Mexico City near the end of March, saying its leisure markets are outperforming this business-heavy travel destination. The Dallas-based airline started flying from Hobby Airport to a variety of Latin American and Caribbean destinations in 2015 when it opened an international concourse at the city's smaller airport. Hobby is currently the only airport offering Southwest flights to Mexico City, with four nonstops a day. "Mexico City was showing very nice improvement," Gary Kelly, Southwest's chairman and CEO, said Thursday during the company's fourth-quarter earnings call. "It's much more of a business market. And given where we are right now, we just have better business opportunities in terms of deploying that capacity. We'd love for us to be back in Mexico City one of these days."

Videos

January 25, 2019

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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

Frustrated residents demand better roads; SPTC claims they are working on the issue
Island residents in the surrounding sub-divisions of San Pedro Town are complaining about bad street conditions following recent rains. In areas like DFC, Escalante, and San Pablo several of the streets are flooded posting a challenge for students walking to school and those commuting to work. Residents are further alleging that other areas on the island are prioritized over these sub-divisions. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is denying such allegations and told The San Pedro Sun that they are currently addressing the areas in question. However, a visit to the said subdivisions shows no major improvements on the streets. Residents are adding that this is a yearly issue during the rainy season in San Pedro, and they demand a long-term solution. Mayor Daniel Guerrero admitted that they are taking longer than expected, but that following the recent rains they have addressed the deterioration in some of these streets, particularly the larger, deeper potholes. “The job is even bigger now,” said Guerrero. “I realize that DFC is really in bad shape.” Islanders are firing back that the SPTC works have been less than satisfactory. “I don’t know what they mean by fixing the roads, the streets look the same,” one resident said.

Copa San Pedro Closing Season 2018-2019 heads to third week of action
The second week of Copa San Pedro’s Closing Season 2018-2019 was full of intense matches at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. The football weekend began at 7PM on Thursday, January 17th, with Terror Squad defeating Captain G F.C 4-2. A tight match between G Strikers and Ambergris Hope’s F.C followed, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Copa San Pedro Closing Season 2018 -2019 heads to its third weekend starting on Thursday, January 24th at 7PM with Island Sharks F.C going up against Vince Assassins, followed by Legends F.C taking on G Strikers at 9PM. Games continue on Friday, January 25th, with Ambergris Hope’s facing Los Catrachos F.C at 7PM, followed by Genesis FC taking on Fambo Boys F.C at 9PM. Copa San Pedro football action will culminate on Sunday, January 27th with Caye Caulker Islanders taking on Captain G at 5PM.

Cabinet Unanimously Supports a ‘Yes’ Vote in ICJ Referendum
In its meeting on January 22, the Cabinet unanimously reaffirmed its position that a ‘Yes’ vote in the April 10th Referendum in support of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) option is the right decision for Belize to rid itself forever of the unfounded Guatemalan claim. In May 2018, it was announced that the official position of the Cabinet was that a ‘Yes’ vote ought to be recommended to the people of Belize without prejudice to individual members of Cabinet reserving their right to disagree.

Ambergris Today

Belize Brewing Company Launches New Belikin Campaign “Onli Eena Belize”
Belize City, Belize, January 23, 2019 – The Belize Brewing Company is kicking off 2019 with a new advertising campaign for its flagship brand, Belikin, titled “Onli Eena Belize”. The striking new campaign highlights the diversity and lifestyles found only in Belize and features different Belizeans whose life experiences demonstrate what makes the country one-of-a-kind.

Government Warns Schools About Sending Students Home Unaccompanied
Lately our country is seeing an alarming up rise of missing teens, it is almost on a weekly basis that the police department is sharing “missing persons” bulletins with the media. Thankfully most of them if not all are found and safely returned home. The Ministry of Education of Belize sent out a memorandum to all general and local managers, principals of government primary and secondary schools, principals of gran-aided primary schools and secondary schools addressing the sending of students home during school hours for the safety of all.

Misc Belizean Sources

Fisheries Department Confiscates Gill Net in Belize City
On Tuesday, January 22, 2019, immediately acting on a report received, the Fisheries Department recovered and confiscated an old derelict gill net in the vicinity of the Bird’s Isle area of Belize City. The gill net did not have a registration tag as required by law and no fish or any marine animal were found entangled in the gill net. It was established that the net was set by minors a couple days prior. No beach seine, trap, weir, or stop net shall be set, hauled or otherwise used for the purpose of taking fish at any place situated within a distance of half a mile from any city, township, village, settlement or other inhabited locality in Belize: the boundaries of any community.

BELIKIN DJ CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
Coming to your district!!! Starting Feb 1 in GRIGA!!!

Inauguration of The Orange Walk town historical trail
Inauguration of The Orange Walk town historical trail at the Banquitas House of Culture. Fantastic dance by Maya dance group from Louisana Government school with director teacher Mayola. Great job.

Row For The Crown, to help support Chelsea Munoz
Let’s come together, as a community, to help support Chelsea Munoz in her fight against Hodgkins Lymphoma. Get your teams together and help raise funds by taking part in a marathon row, on Sunday February 10th, at CrossFit San Pedro Town. Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 8 AM – 8 PM. CrossFit San Pedro Town - W.O.D Zone, Sea Star Street, San Pedro

Increase in Pump Price for Regular Gasoline
The Ministry of Finance announces that at midnight on January 25th, the pump price for regular gasoline will increase by 20 cents from $9.31 to $9.51 per gallon. This increase in the price is principally due to tightening global demand reflecting extreme winter conditions in North America and Europe, together with uncertainties in geopolitical conditions in several major oil-producing countries in the Middle East and in Latin America.

8-week parenting program offered through COMPAR
Six parents in Esperanza Village in the Cayo District have completed an 8-week parenting program offered through the Community and Parent Empowerment Programme (COMPAR). Through the sessions the women learned effective parenting behavior including child discipline, anger management, stress management, child development and self-esteem. COMPAR works to empower and equip parents and communities with the knowledge and skills necessary to take responsibility for the care, protection, survival and optimum development of their children. For more information on Parenting Classes, please contact the Department of Human Services at 227-7451.

Potential upcoming investments for Belize
Today the Cabinet Sub Committee on Investment (CSCI) which is chaired by the Honorable Tracy-Taegar Panton, the Minister of State of the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, is currently meeting to discuss potential upcoming investments for Belize. The purpose of the committee is to review large investment projects and conduct proper assessments and due-diligence to ensure meaningful investments and maximize benefits to the people and Government of Belize.

Belmopan Fire Station Temporarily Relocated for Construction of New Building
Construction is about to begin on a new building to replace the old Fire Station in Belmopan. Consequently, the old building is being demolished and the fire station has been temporarily relocated to the NEMO Warehouse on Sir Colville Young Boulevard in Belmopan. The public is notified that the phone lines are being switched over to the temporary location, and the fire emergency number for Belmopan and surrounding communities will remain the same. That number is 802-2311. The public can also call the general emergency hotline at 911. The construction of the new facility at the original location is being funded by the United States Government through US SOUTHCOM and should be completed within a year.

Call for Comparsa Groups for Corozal Juan Carnaval 2019
It's that time of year! Calling upon our community to join in the prelenten season's celebrations.

Pok-to-Tok Ball Game at the Street Art Festival 2019
For the first time in Belize City....the Pok-to-Tok Ball Game! At the Street Art Festival 2019 ..Saturday, February 23, Albert Street, downtown Belize City.

BEL Paper Bills Late
BEL apologizes to customers for the delay in delivery of printed bills in January, due to the approved rate change that took effect on January 1, 2019. To check your account balance, send a text to 235 with “Balance (your account number)”: http://youtu.be/ay7Xmk2qSJc or call toll free: 0-800-235-2273.

Verdes Defeat Defenders
The Verdes defeated the Defenders, 96-89, in their first game of the season. Great game. "The Verdes defeated the Defenders last night, 96-89, in a game that went both ways more than once. Looks like the magic is back, as are some of the original Ballaz members. The after party was at CK's."

Fitur 2019
FITUR is a global meeting point for tourism professionals and the leading trade fair for inbound and outbound Ibero American markets.

BTB JOINS INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS IN LAUNCHING THE O.W. HERITAGE TRAIL
As part of its ongoing efforts to develop destinations and promote the attractions and historical areas of the various tourism regions of Belize, on Wednesday, 23 rd January, the BTB joined key industry stakeholders in launching the Orange Walk Heritage Trail Project during a brief ceremony at the Banquitas House of Culture in Orange Walk Town. The Orange Walk Heritage Trail Project entailed the design and installation of signs at different areas of historical importance within Orange Walk Town. These include Central Park, Fort Mundy, Fort Cairns, St. Peter's Anglican Church, School and Piedmonte Cemetery, La Immaculada Church and School, Main Street, the Barracks and Riverside, Old Hospital (Sandy Hunter Library), the Old Power Plant (Fire Station) and the Banquitas House of Culture area.

NICH Stakeholder Consultation
Are you an artists, musician, craft-maker, cultural performer, cultural organization, or just generally interested in culture? Come and meet the president and the directors of NICH and share your thoughts, concerns and interests. Wed. January 30th at the San Pedro House of Culture.

Channel 7

Health CEO Laments: "We Don't Care Anymore"�
Since the start of the year, we've been reporting on the tragic case of baby Dion Woodeye Jr.  The three month old became ill with vomiting and diarrhea early on New Year's Day. His mom rushed him to the Corozal hospital, but she says, they gave her the run around, and her infant son died. Miller said if the hospital staff had treated the case with the urgency it required, he would still be alive. Today, in a surprising turn, the CEO in the Ministry of Health agreed with her, and he did so publicly - declaring that it's a failure of the system, where, health professionals quote, "don't care anymore."  Here are his remarkably candid remarks: Dr. Ramon Figueroa - CEO, Ministry of Health: "To be frank with you it's not one individual. I refuse to blame one single individual out there..."

CEO Says Regional Management Has Been Slow To Move
And while the CEO should be congratulated for his plain-spoken-ness about the "unacceptable" level of care - there's nothing to celebrate here, a young life has been needlessly lost - and no amount of candor after-the-fact can bring little Dion back.   So, who's going to be held accountable for it?  Well, the CEO also admitted that the regional manager has been slow to act decisively in a clear cut case.  He said the nurse in question is before the nurse's council: Dr. Ramon Figueroa - CEO, Ministry of Health: "One of the individuals is being taken to one of the nursing councils. They presented the case to one of the nursing council for action. Locally we can also take action. Just yesterday we were discussing with the region that we expected that individual to be put on administrative leave.  Why it hasn't happened, I'm not sure..."

Compol Clinic?
New Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has finished setting his ducks in a row with his officers, and the department rank and file - and now he's coming to the public.  In a first and a major move for public accountability, it was today announced that the Commissioner will be opening the doors of his Belize City office to regular citizens every Wednesday, sort of like a political clinic, but for police matters.   It was introduced by ASP Alejandro Cowo today at the weekly press briefing:. ASP Alejandro Cowo - Head, CIB: "As of next week Wednesday, Commissioner of Police Mr. Chester Williams will be at this officer at Raccoon Street commencing from 9:30am and his officer will be open to the general public..."

Road Rage Ryan
If you're a driver, cyclist or pedestrian - no matter how cool and calm you may be - we know at some point, you've probably felt the urge to explode on an aggressive or inconsiderate driver.  Well, one man acted on it today - and he'll have to pay dearly for his road rage outburst. This morning during the regular 8:00 o'clock rush on the Northern Highway, construction worker Ryan Nolberto got off his bike and stoned a Russell Bus, smashing the windshield.   Bus driver Lionel Russel told police he stopped at Belize Flour Mill at mile 2 on Phillip Goldson Highway to drop off some passengers - and he saw Nolberto brandishing a stone - which he then hurled at the windshield.

Despite DOE Directives, Dion Defiant
And, in an update to a story we ran last night, developer Dion Zabaneh continues to fill parcel 4670, in open defiance of a stop order from the Department of the Environment. Today, sand truck trucks were seen on the lot again, continuing with the fill work that started last week.  We are told that work was continuing right up to newstime - with the aid of construction lights.   On Saturday, Department of the Environment went to the work site and informed Zabaneh that there is a stop order agains the project - which is filling in the sea.  But he refused to comply, and the Department is alleging that he obstructed and assaulted an environmental officer.  

Regular Rises
If your vehicle uses regular fuel you should put in gas tonight.  That's because prices are going up.  Tonight at midnight, the pump price for regular gasoline will increase by 20 cents from $9.31 to $9.51 per gallon. A release from the Ministry of Finance says this increase in price is mainly due to tightening global demand reflecting extreme winter conditions in North America and Europe. 

Roaring Creek Teen Recovering
Jahmeel Reyes: He is the 15 year old Roaring Creek boy who was shot in the head in mid-January. He was also badly beaten and then buried alive. It was a ruthless attack but he survived, and after about 2 weeks in the hospital he is at home tonight. While it is a relief for the family, they aren't getting too excited as yet because the swelling in his head hasn't gone down enough for doctors to remove the bullet which is still lodged in the back of his head. Today we spoke to his aunt via phone about his condition. Deshawn Card - Aunt: "Right now as we speak, Jahmeel was discharged yesterday around midday he got here a little after 2:00 he got home yesterday. The picture you saw on Facebook, well a video sorry was taken when he was at the hospital after he was taken off life support.."

Mosser Charged For Spanish Lookout Double Fatal
On Tuesday's news we told you about the accident that killed a father and son in Spanish Lookout. Manuel and Jaime Ramos were heading to their home in Duck Run 1, when their  motorbike collided into the side of a pick-up truck driven by Gregory Mosser. Since then police have been investigating the incident - here's what they've found out so far. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On Monday, last sometime around 6:15 pm Spanish Lookout police was called to an area on Center Road in Spanish Lookout where upon arrival they observed a black motor bike with extensive damage and a black pick up at the time being driven by one Greg Mosser 41 years, manager. There were two persons one the ground who appeared to be motionless and they were later learned to be Jaime Ramos Garcia..."

Belize Walks Diplomatic Tightrope for Venezuela At OAS
Venezuela is gripped by domestic and international crises tonight.  On the International front, the United States has recognized the opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim president.  And, domestically, the country is experiencing hyper-inflation and economic collapse.   And the OAS is caught in the middle of all this.  As the Western Hemisphere's chief regional organization, the OAS is caught between pushing for regime change, while also taking a more conservative stance of advocating for stability and citizen security.  

Kidney Failure, Contending With A Community Crisis
If you're in touch with anyone in your community, you'll know that kidney failure is more widespread than ever. That's why three years ago, the Governments of Belize and Taiwan launched the Capacity Building Project for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Renal Failure in Belize. The project is coming to an end, and today they organized a major forum to discuss lessons learned: It's called the forum on Chronic Kidney Disease - the culmination of a three year Taiwanese led project focusing on early detection and prevention of kidney disease - as well as data gathering and training for early intervention:

Reasons Behind Rowley Charges
It's been just over three weeks since the infamous video of San Pedro police brutally beating up Jamir Leal on New Years surfaced, and, as we told you yesterday, finally, charges have been brought against at least one of the cops in the video. Today the media questioned the head of CIB, ASP Alejandro Cowo, about why it's taken so long despite the video clearly showing what was happening. ASP Alejandro Cowo - Head, CIB: "Referencing the incident that occurred in San Pedro where Jamir Leal was seen beaten by an officer. On yesterday's date police arrested and charged PC Tyrell Rowely attached to the San Pedro formation for the crime of wounding."

Conserving Chiquibul with Bi-National Buy-In
Over the last two days conservation and enforcement stakeholders from Belize and Guatemala have been participating in a workshop aimed at providing better support the preservation of the Chiquibul area.  The workshop was broken down into two sections. On the first day the partners discussed methods to crack down on and prevent illegal wildlife trafficking, particularly when it comes to scarlet macaws.  And on the second day, parties from both sides of the border agreed to increased collaboration regarding the conservation management of the Chiquibul Forest,.  To further bolster the joint effort, existing strategies will be reviewed at an OAS workshop in March. 

Screening Out Those Bogus Investments
We often  hear about these mega - investment projects planned for Belize - but many of them never materialize; they're either what are known as dead raises, or con games designed to bilk investors.   And the Cabinet Sub Committee on Investment is supposed to screen those projects to make sure they are legit.   That group met today to discuss upcoming investments. In a release it states "The purpose of the committee is to  review large investment projects and conduct proper assessments and due-diligence to ensure meaningful investments and maximize benefits to the people and Government of Belize."

No Gillnets Close To Shore
Two days ago, we got news about a gillnet which had been spread out in the waters between Bird's Isle and the Yabra green. When we got there it had been moved, and, today, fisheries said they acted immediately to confiscate it.  A release says the gill net did not have a registration tag as required by law and no fish or any marine animal had been caught or entangled in it.  A fisheries investigation found that the net had been set there by some kids a few days earlier.  And while gillnets are not illegal - the law states that none can be set within a distance of half a mile from any city, town or village. 

Ahmadiyya Convention
It is not as mega as the Jalsa Salana in the UK that 7NEWS attended in August but the Ahmadiyya Muslim president says their 5th annual convention here in Belize is equally important and serves the same purpose: to educate people about the Muslim faith. The Ahmadiyya Muslim leaders held a press conference this morning to discuss this weekend's convention and two other upcoming events. First here is more about the convention as well as their very first medical camp. And the Ahmadiyya Muslim League begins on Sunday at the SJC. The commissioner told us more.

Behind The Baby Drowning
Turning back now to police news, today we learned more about the ongoing investigation into the death of a 1-year-old in Bella Vista village. The toddler was found facedown in a small pond by his mother, who had left him in the care of his grandfather. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On Tuesday, sometime around midday, Independence police responded to the report of a child at the Independence Polyclinic where upon arrival they saw a male child, later identified as Christopher Daniel Cruz, motionless and appeared to be dead..."

The Female As Smuggler
The police also gave us an official report on the young woman from Hattieville who was arrested on a bus coming through Orange Walk with 5 boxes of 9mm ammunition. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On Tuesday sometime around 2pm, Orange Walk police were on a vehicular check point where they conducted a search on a bag which at the time was in possession of one Tiffara Usher of Hattieville Village. The bag contained a transparent parcel; when opened contained 5 boxes of ammunition which when examined was determined to be 9mm ammunition. She was asked to produce a license for which she did not have one. She has since been arrested and charged for possession of unlicensed ammunition."

Robbers and Burglars Brazen
And, finally from police, we have an update on recent robberies and burglaires.  We told you about one of them yesterday where two men held up and robbed a Zitro International and Western Union office in Ladyville. The other happened on Monday where the Brothers Habet warehouse was burglarized. Police told us about the investigations so far.... ASP Alejandro Cowo - Head, CIB: "We had a robbery report which occurred at Zitro International Western Union Branch located at 9 1/2 miles Philip Goldson Highway. That is just opposite Medina's Construction at Ladyville.

Renewal For Capital Fire Station
The Belmopan Fire Station, which was built in the 1970's, will finally be demolished and replaced with a brand new base. The construction of the new building is about to begin. For now, while it is being built, the fire service will be moved to the NEMO Warehouse on Sir Colville Young Boulevard. As a notice to the public, a release states "the phone lines are being switched over to the temporary location, and the fire emergency number for Belmopan and surrounding communities will remain the same. That number is 802-2311. The public can also call the general emergency hotline at 911.  The construction is being funded by the United States Government through US SOUTHCOM and should be completed within a year.

Channel 5

Minister’s Daughter Wants Full Pay and Allowances while on Study Leave
Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington answered a number of questions today posed by News Five.  First, we asked about the leaked government memorandum which has been causing consternation. Dated [...]

Elrington Says Demanding for His Removal is Futile
The Foreign Minister also spoke on the I.C.J. referendum. This comes on the heels of a People’s Declaration released on Wednesday by the People’s United Party.  The P.U.P. announced its [...]

Minister Elrington Says P.U.P.’s “NO” Position was Predictable
According to Foreign Minister, Wilfred Elrington, the P.U.P.’s announcement on Wednesday of not going to the I.C.J. was expected.  Elrington believes that Briceño, who is on record of personally supporting [...]

Minister Elrington Speaks on Cabinet’s ‘Yes to the I.C.J.’ Position
Earlier in the week, the Government announced that Cabinet had unanimously taken a ‘yes’ position, affirming its support in settling the territorial claim at the International Court of Justice. A [...]

Is Wilfred Elrington the Future of the U.D.P.?
Could Wilfred Elrington be the future of the U.D.P. after Dean Barrow’s departure? Up to date, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber and Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, are the [...]

Nurse Goes before Nursing Council in Wake of Baby’s Death
A nurse at the Corozal Community Hospital has been taken before the Nursing Council in connection with the death of three month old Dion Woodeye, who died while waiting for [...]

C.E.O. Ramon Figueroa: “Lack of Training is Not the Cause; it is a Lack of Care!”
While that nurse is yet to find out what consequences she will face, the fact is that a baby died at the Corozal Community Hospital. C.E.O. Figueroa says that it [...]

San Pedro Officers Involved in Brutality Remain on Interdiction
Police Constable Tyrell Rowley was granted bail on Wednesday having been charged for wounding San Pedro resident, Jamil Leal. The brutality at the hands of the officer was witnessed by [...]

U.S. National Charged for the Traffic Fatality of a Father and Son in Spanish Lookout
Gregory Mosser has been charged in connection with the double traffic fatality earlier this week in Spanish Lookout. Manuel Ramos was travelling with his twenty-six-year-old son, Jaime Ramos Garcia, on [...]

Excelsior Teachers on Strike? Principal Says Not So
There’s more trouble at Excelsior High School in Belize City tonight.  Today, News Five received reports that several teachers didn’t show up to work and as a result, their students [...]

Zitro in Ladyville is Hit by Brazen Armed Robbers
Since the last police press brief on Monday, there have been little to no criminal activities reported; that is, except for two robberies that occurred in downtown Belize City and [...]

Downtown Grocery Store Targeted by Thieves
ASP Alejandro Cowo also gave brief details of an armed robbery in downtown Belize City, which occurred on Tuesday. Midtown Grocery was targeted by two men who posed as customers. [...]

Hattieville Woman Busted with Ammo
A Hattieville resident has been charged for firearm offenses after she was found in possession of a large quantity of nine-millimetre rounds of ammunition. Tiffarah Usher is tonight in big [...]

Commissioner’s Clinic to be Held Every Wednesday
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams is making himself accessible to the public. Starting next week Wednesday, ComPol Williams will be having weekly clinics for residents to touch base with him [...]

CDK Prevalent among Females, Mestizos, Obese Persons
Back in 2016, the Ministry of Health signed a cooperation agreement with Taiwan for prevention and control of chronic kidney disease. The agreement makes available expertise in health education, disease [...]

Belize Monitoring Venezuela’s Chaos
When we sat with the Foreign Minister Elrington today, we asked him about developments in Venezuela where the Opposition leader, Juan Guaido, has installed himself as the interim president though [...]

Fisherman’s Gillnet Confiscated by Fisheries Department
The Fisheries Department on Tuesday confiscated an old derelict gillnet in the vicinity of the Bird’s Isle area of Belize City. According to the Department, the gill net did not [...]

1-Year-Old Drowns in Bella Vista, Toledo
Police are investigating the drowning of a one-year-old baby boy in southern Belize. On Tuesday, Independence Police visited the polyclinic where Christopher Daniel Cruz was seen motionless. According to the [...]

D.O.E. to Find Out the Mercury Levels in Belize
How much do you know about mercury? It may not be something you think about often, but you may use a product or two everyday that contains mercury such as [...]

Healthy Living: Unhealthy Fad Diets
Did you know that every year the U.S. News and World Report and health and nutrition experts rank all the trending diets based on how healthy or unhealthy they are? [...]

LOVE FM

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community launches new initiatives
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Belize is hosting three events over the week including a basketball competition, a free medical clinic and launching its Humanity First NGO. These activities are being held in conjunction with the Jalsa Salana or annual convention. Love News attended the press conference at the Muslim Temple in Belize City where …

Canadian delegation participates in annual Muslim Convention
The Canadian Delegation is being led by Lal Khan Malik, the president of that country’s Ahmadiyya’s Muslim Jama’at. Malik spoke about the stigmatism that some people associate the religion with extremism. He explained that those assumptions are wrong while explaining the purpose of the annual visit to Belize Lal Khan Malik President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at …

JP Association invites new members, will the A.G. share the identity of new JPs?
The Justice of the Peace Association is hosting an annual general meeting for members on Sunday at the Lion’s Den in Belize City. The association is eager to bring together past members and the new members that were installed by the Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte. The association president Danny Madrid says that they intend to …

Liquor License Board to review businesses on the Entertainment Strip
In addition to being President of the JP Association, Danny Madrid also wears another cap as the Chairman of the Belize District Liquor Licensing Board. A new board has recently been formed and Madrid says that they are evaluating businesses along the entertainment strip, including Pier 1, the bar located at the BTL Park which …

An apology to Sinquest Martinez
Tonight we are doing some house cleaning as we issue an apology to Sinquest Martinez of the Belize Police Department. In our newscast aired on January 8, 2018, we aired an interview with Edward Vincent Martinez, where he mentioned Officer Sinques Martinez’s name as the head of the Corozal Police Station at the time when …

The Reporter

Elrington IGNORES John Briceño, SAYS HE MAY RUN TO BE PM
Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington told the Reporter that he has not ruled out the possibility of throwing his hat in the ring and vying for leadership of the United Democratic Party. On Wednesday the leader of the opposition ‘John Briceño’ called for the resignation of minister Elrington and indicated that the PUP would vote ‘NO’ in the upcoming April 10th. referendum, to be adjudicated by the ICJ.

Breaking Belize News

San Pedro police charged with wounding
Police constable, Tyrell Rowley was charged with the offense of wounding yesterday. Rowley’s charges are in connection […]

Regular gas prices increase
The Ministry of Finance announced today that at midnight tonight, the pump price for regular gasoline […]

Police yet to say if adults would be held liable in death of one-year-old child
On Tuesday sometime around midday Independence police responded to the report of a child at the […]

One charged for fatal RTA which killed two in Spanish Lookout
On Monday around 6:15 p.m. police in Spanish Lookout, Cayo were called to an area on […]

Belize Peace Movement says that Belize’s territorial integrity is not for negotiation
The Belize Peace Movement (BPM) today issued a statement saying that the PUP’s announcement yesterday declaring […]

Baby’s death at Corozal Hospital “should not have happened,” says health CEO; hospital faces lawsuit
Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Health, Ramon Figueroa, spoke today on the death of […]

Belmopan fire station temporarily relocated for Construction of new building
Construction is about to commence on a new building to replace the old fire station in […]

Krem Fact Check #1
Yesterday Krem held a public event so that people could air their views. In order to help them in this effort, I’ve decided to write this so as to clear up some misconceptions that came up. […]

Fisheries Department confiscates Gill Net in Belize City
On Tuesday, January 22, 2019, the Fisheries Department recovered and confiscated an old derelict gill net […]

Belize~ The ICJ in Numbers
y Richard Harrison: The use of numbers in analytical models allows one to be more precise and concise in breaking down any complex challenge into its various parts […]

UNDP and Global Fund donate new truck to Ministry of Health
Yesterday, the Ministry of Health received a brand new vehicle from the Global Fund and UNDP. […]

Belize and Guatemalan technicians meet
Guatemalan and Belizean technicians met at a working session on January 22 and 23, 2019 at […]

1-year-old boy drowns in small pond in Bella Vista
Police are investigating the drowning of a toddler that occurred yesterday in Bella Vista, Toledo. Giselli […]

Blogs

Enjoy the Best of Belize Nightlife
You may think of Belize as a place to enjoy long sunny days on the beach, scuba diving or trekking the jungle. It's true that Belize is perfect for daytime fun, but the fun doesn't stop when the day is over. In many parts of Belize, that's just when the fun is getting started. Here's our guide to the best nightlife in Belize. Where to go when the sun goes down: San Ignacio, Cayo District. San Ignacio has some of the busiest restaurants and nightlife in Belize. The action here happens mostly on Burns Avenue, where you'll find a huge collection of restaurants and bar like Tandoor, Eva’s, Serendib, and Guava Limb that all serve sumptuous meals and delicious local drinks. If it's late and you want to keep partying, head over to the Princess Hotel and Casino or the Blue Angel Night Club.

International Sources

Belizean wins trip to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival with Campari
Campari has, for the second time, engaged Belizean consumers with its ‘Win a Trip to Trini Carnival” promotion. The world’s most stylish drink has selected one lucky consumer in Belize to enjoy the fetes, revelry and colourful costumes of Trinidad Carnival 2019. Belizean Joel Stephenson has been selected as the winner of the campaign. Stephenson and his guest, Susie Anne Logan, will receive the Campari Carnival experience of two carnival costumes for Road March, airfare to Trinidad, accommodation in Port of Spain, transportation to all events, and VIP access to all Campari sponsored events in the twin-island republic for Carnival Week. Stephenson was named the competition winner when the promotion closed late last year.

Caribbean nations hesitate to recognise Venezuela's Guaidó
On January 10, 2019, the day Nicolas Maduro was sworn in as president of Venezuela for a second term, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS), at a meeting in Peru, adopted a resolution declaring Maduro’s election illegitimate and calling for sanctions. The vote on that resolution divided the OAS’ English-speaking Caribbean member states, with five nations (Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Guyana and Haiti) supporting; three (St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica and Suriname) voting against; and five others (St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Belize) abstaining.

Tracking Coral in Belize
We will be heading to the MesoAmerican Barrier Reef of Belize to document the identity, abundance and health of corals. Declining coral health is a global concern and our students will assess corals across multiple sites. Thanks to our friends at S.E.E. (Science Exploration Education) we were just awarded a Trident ROV to take to Belize for a research trip! We leave in 10 days! I am so excited!

Videos

January 24, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Police Officer Tyrell Rowley out on bail after arraigned for Wounding islander Jamir Leal
San Pedro police officer 21-year-old Tyrell Rowley attached to the island’s Quick Response Team (QRT) was arraigned at the Belize City Magistrate Court on Wednesday, January 23rd, for the offense of Wounding. Rowley and another QRT officer, Samir Medina were involved in a case of police brutality on January 1st at Playa Bar and Grill in the Boca del Rio Area. Rowley was caught on camera senselessly beating 20-year-old Jamir Leal despite being subdued on the ground. Medina stood nearby as they also apprehended Jamir’s brothers Mario and Justin following an altercation inside the beach bar. Since the incident, both officers were suspended and on interdicted awaiting trial. After appearing in court, Rowley managed to secure bail, which he met and was, therefore, let go until his next court date at the Magistrate Court in San Pedro Town on March 13, 2019.

Students and volunteers help clean up North Ambergris Caye
Over 40 volunteers, including 30 students from St. Catherine’s Academy (SCA) Wavemaker Club and St. Johns College (SJC) student council participated in a beach cleanup north of Ambergris Caye on Saturday, January 19th. Organized by SCA’s Wavemaker Club, Oceana Belize, American Crocodile Education Sanctuary and Martin John Leslie, the clean-up began at 9AM. Among the piles of garbage collected were Styrofoam products, old clothes, tangled ropes, plastic bottles, iron, wood and many other items that are harmful to the environment.

MARCH 10th, 2019 is the CUT- OFF DATE for ICJ Vote
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby reminds the public that MARCH 10th, 2019 is the CUT- OFF DATE for persons who have not yet registered as an elector and wish to vote in the Belize/Guatemala Referendum scheduled for April 10th, 2019. Register Today! “Your Right to Vote Depends on It.”

San Pedro Pirates win 3-1 against Freedom Fighters
The San Pedro Pirates F.C managed to win their first home game of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB) Closing Season 2018 -2019 on Saturday, January 19th at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. With this 3-1 victory against Punta Gorda Town’s Freedom Fighters, the island team gained three points in the tournament’s standings. The match began shortly after 7PM, and within 19 minutes of regulation time, Pirates’ Mailson Moura managed to score the first goal. The visitors responded with several attempts, but all were blocked by the Pirates’ goalkeeper Selvin Sagastume. The Pirates didn’t stop attempting to score however, and soon, Devin Burgess found his way to the net and nailed a second goal for his team. At the half-time break, it was a 2-0 lead for the Pirates.

The Gasoline Lollipops and The Alcapones blaze the stage at the Dive Bar
The Dive Bar and Sea Star Belize, situated north of San Pedro Town, held its third annual music festival from Friday, January 18th through Sunday, the 20th, featuring the Gasoline Lollipops and The Alcapones from Colorado, United States of America. The three-day festivities marked the third anniversary of the beach bar, while also celebrating owner Dough McLain’s birthday. Both locals and visitors alike enjoyed a fun-filled weekend with the best of alternative-country and authentic Jamaican Ska, rocksteady and reggae music. During the three days of the music festival, the audience enjoyed a smorgasbord of dance, food, and drinks. Gasoline Lollipops’ lead vocalist Clay Rose stated that they were once again delighted to be back in Belize, for their third annual performance. Bar owner McLain and his staff thank all the patrons that came out to their successful event. The celebration is becoming part of the island’s festivities culture, and partygoers are already looking forward to another fun weekend in 2020.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks scores first win in the 2019 NEBL season

Ambergris Today

Belize Cabinet Unanimously Supports A ‘Yes’ Vote In ICJ Referendum
In its meeting on Tuesday, January 22, the Cabinet unanimously reaffirmed its position that a ‘Yes’ vote in the April 10th Referendum in support of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) option is the right decision for Belize to rid itself forever of the unfounded Guatemalan claim. In May 2018, it was announced that the official position of the Cabinet was that a ‘Yes’ vote ought to be recommended to the people of Belize without prejudice to individual members of Cabinet reserving their right to disagree.

Misc Belizean Sources

New parking fees at the municipal airstrip
$4 daytime, $17 nighttime....

Live Well Cayo
The Cayo BTIA is having a special event which will highlight Eco-tourism, which is what Cayo is known for. It'll also focus on healthy living and wellness. The event will be held at Sacred Heart Junior College on Saturday, March 16th. "San Ignacio and the greater Cayo District is quickly adapting to the growing demand of eco-friendly and health conscious travel trends. To that end, the Belize Tourism Industry Association Cayo Chapter would like to extend an invitation to you or your organisation to be a part of the first ever, Live Well Cayo Festival. The aim of the event is to promote individuals and businesses engaged in wellness, eco-friendly, healthy living, dietary, traditional and holistic practices."

Orange Walk Heritage Trail Ceremony

Fitur 2019
FITUR is a global meeting point for tourism professionals and the leading trade fair for inbound and outbound Ibero American markets.

Design and Development Procedure for the design, planning and development of projects with the Ministry of Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has adopted to a quality management system (ISO-9001), a strategic direction that will help to improve its overall performance and provide a sound basis for sustainable development initiatives. Our Quality Management System Scope encompasses the Execution of Projects. For this purpose a Design and Development Procedure has been established to guide the process for the design, planning and development of projects with the Ministry of Tourism. The Ministry is pleased to share with you, as a project partner, the attached procedure for your records and future collaborations.

The DFC is offering building plans for some tiny homes for a very small fee
The DFC works along with the Central Building Authority (CBA) to make your home construction project easier, faster and more affordable.

Ocean Academy high school played San Pedro this past Monday
SP won 4-0.

Happening this Friday, January 25th at the Corozal Civic Center - Basketball - Basketball!

Power outage scheduled for 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 26 to affect entire Corozal District
BEL to repair device on transmission pole at substation in the area.

Hon. Manuel Manuel Heredia hands over the SITCA/CATA presidency to Guatemala
Over the past 6 months Belize held the Presidency of the CATA/SITCA Regional organizations. In the framework of FITUR, Hon. Manuel Manuel Heredia handed over the SITCA/CATA presidency to Guatemala who will preside over the upcoming 6 months. Belize's performance over the 6 month hold over was exemplary.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Widows, A Star is Born, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Grinch

Channel 7

PUP Recommends that Belizeans Vote NO to the ICJ.
The PUP made it official today - and said No to the ICJ. The party issued what it calls The People's Declaration - a brief nine point document - culminating in this statement: "the People's United Party recommends that Belizeans vote NO to the ICJ." Now, this comes as no surprise after the party issued a statement two weeks ago foreshadowing this as inevitable. But, today's declaration made it official, and marked a vary hardline for the nationalist party. Here's leader John Briceno reading out the demands this afternoon at the Party Headquarters, flanked by most of his party's 31 standard bearers:

DOE Goes To Court to File Charges Against Seabed Developer Dion Zabaneh
The Department of the Environment is taking Dion Zabaneh to court. As we have reported, last week Zabaneh started filling parcel #4670 Buttonwood Bay - the titled property of his mother Primrose Gabourel. It just happens to be in the sea at the western end of Seashore drive in Buttonwood Bay. But - even if you overlook the fact that the seabed cannot be sold - any over-sea construction requires environmental clearance. And he doesn't have that. That's why the Department Of the Environment issued a cessation order and went to serve it on him this weekend. But Zabaneh refused to accept the order and just kept on working - with truckload after truckload streaming in all weekend - right through to Monday.

Dion Defies DOE
And Dion Zabaneh is making no apologies for it. He has acted in open defiance of the Department of the Environment and today he called in to the UDP's WAVE Radio on a tirade. Here's what he told the during a discussion about his mother's oversea property:… After that, Zabaneh continued the tirade, moving unto other public controversies he has been involved in. He has told us that the injunction against the property was lifted in 2016 - so that cleared the way for him to fill it up.

PC Rowley Charged For Wounding
On New Year's night PC Tyrell Rowley delivered a power kick to the head of Jamir Leal which was felt all across the country. It was caught on camera, went viral and was featured many times in the news. But - even with all the public uproar - at first, it seemed the cop might face no criminal charge. But, now, Jamir Leal has made a complaint, and today - 22 days after the incident - Rowley was taken to court and arraigned on a single charge of wounding. 21 year old PC Rowley, a resident of Far West Street, Belize City appeared before Magistrate Emmerson Banner in the Belize City Magistrate's Court at around 2:30. He pleaded not guilty to a single count of wounding upon Jamir Leal and was offered and met bail of $1,000 dollars.

Compol Chester Goes Back To 8 Hour Shifts
Last night we told you about the petition being circulated in the police department to block the new Commissioner form going back to 8 hour shifts for Eastern Division cops. For a few years now, these officers have been on 12 hour shifts - which they have gotten to prefer because after four days of work, they get four days off. The 8 hour shift doesn't give them that luxury - this the opposition to bringing it back. Well, Compol Chester wasn't going to cave to a petition - and, today, he met with Eastern division officers and told them he's decided to go ahead with the 8 hour shifts. His Deputy Edward Broaster told us why. We have the audio portion of his interview laying down the law:...

Police Association Supports Reversion to 8 Hours
The police would also provide transportation to those officers living in the West so that they don't have to hitchhike. Still, it's not a popular move - after all, those 4 days off cane be pretty sweet! But, Compol Williams didn't just have to push it through - he got support from the police themselves. In a remarkable turn, by this afternoon, after meetings where Williams explained his reasoning for changing the shift system, the Police Association, which comprises of the roughly 2000 cops between the ranks of Constable and Sergeant, spoke to the media about why they support the change. Cpl. Eldon Arzu - President, Belize Police Association: "The association's position is straightforward. As the commissioner of Police, by virtue of the constitutions he does have the authority to make changes as it related to the shift system..."

Reasoning For Regional Security
There was a high level, regional citizen security workshop at the Biltmore today. It was packed with representatives from the Community of Latin American and Caribbean nations, known as CELAC. Courtney Weatherburne found out what it was all about. Courtney Weatherburne reporting Guatemalan encroachments in the Chiquibul and other protected areas, Human trafficking, Contraband And the drug trade, these are a few of the major border issues that Belize faces. But not only Belize, the entire region. And today members of the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States gathered at the Biltmore to discuss those issues and more at a Citizen Security workshop. It's the closing workshop in a series of consultations and it is the first time it is being held in Belize.

Guatemala Snubs CELAC Meeting
There are 33 CELAC member states but not everyone attended including Guatemala, they were a no show. While it is worthy of note, Ambassador of Belize to the European Union Dylon Vernon says we shouldn't read into it too deeply; they have their reasons. H.E Dylan Vernon, Ambassador of Belize to the European Union and Belgium: "It is one of the few countries not here today. Invitations were issued and there is no explanation to why they ae not present. There could be various reasons."

Guat and Bze Hold Bilateral
And while Guatemalan officials didn't show up for the CELAC workshop, they are meeting with their Belizean counterparts in Guatemala at a bilateral meeting. National Security Minister John Saldivar told us more. Hon. John Saldivar, National Security Minister: "At this present time we have our officials from the Foreign affairs ministry and the Ministry of national security in Guatemala looking at these issues including the possibility of starting the ground work to some sort of protocol at the Sarstoon so we are having those bilateral talks at this time and we will keep the nation posted if anything comes out of that."

Another Unattended Infant Drowns
Another unattended infant has drowned - this time it's in Bella Vista village in Stann Creek. On Tuesday, one year old Christopher Daniel Cruz, wandered into a pond close to the house and drowned. His mother, 23 year old Giselli Osgalla, told police that she went to wash and left the baby in the care of 50 year old Nestor Cruz Sr. He lost track of the toddler, and he drowned.

Ruthless Robbers Pounce on The Last Store Still Open On Albert St.
Last night we told you about the robbery of a new grocery store right next to our studio. It is Midtown Grocery - one of the very few businesses that remain open on Albert Street after dark. And they paid for it last night when - as shown on this security video - two men posed as customers and went to the cooler to pick up some items. But when they came back to the counter one of them wearing a hoodie pulled out a pistol and held up the storeowner - while the other went into the cash drawer. Our reports say he grabbed about $1,500 dollars. Reports say that one of the men was caught shortly after - but police did not have details today.

The Many Hazards of Mercury
It is a recommended practice to read the labels and ingredients on food items and other products. Well, one ingredient you should look out for is mercury. We have reported on several health advisories warning consumers to slow it down on eating certain species of fish because of the high mercury level. Well, today the DOE along with its partners held the first session in preparing for the project entitled "Development of Minamata Initial Assessment in the Caribbean -Belize. It's all about minimizing the impact of mercury on humans and the environment. Courtney Weatherburne has more. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: This metallic liquid is Mercury also known as quicksilver. It is a chemical element and it can be found in several everyday products such as fluorescent light bulbs and batteries, even in some cosmetic products.

Bowen and Belikin Go Big With New Campaign
Fresh off the heels of the new year, the Belize Brewing Company is launching a new Belikin campaign called 'Only Eena Belize". The campaign launched today with the reveal of 4 mini-documentaries highlighting the diverse lives of Belizeans from around the country. After the event we spoke to some of the company execs about the campaign and what to expect from Belikin in 2019. Michael Bowen - CEO, Bowen & Bowen: "The inspiration was about telling Belizean stories, about telling the stories of the individual. Many times we talk about Belize in a broader sense but it's about Belizeans who make Belize what it is. And so our campaign was really to put them forward and show how great of a country Belize actually is."

A Rash of Robberies
Police reported 2 robberies yesterday. The first happened at 10:00 am the Zitro International & Western Union office in Ladyville. Security guard, Evan Cain saw two men open the door. One pointed a gun at him while the other held up another man inside the office and demanded money from the cashier. Fearing for her life, the cashier handed over $1800 cash in different denominations. The second reported robbery happened at around 9:00 last night in Belmopan. According to Samsung Restaurant owner Lisa He, two masked men entered the restaurant and pointed what looked like a gun at her, her daughter and an off-duty cop that was present. He said she and her daughter ran to hide in different rooms, while the cop fled after a scuffle.

The New Plan For Eastern Division
The Eastern Division - which is the police department's largest and hardest formation to police has a new commander. He is Senior Superintendent Alden Dawson - who comes in from the Rural area. He will be backed up by Superintendent Daniel Arzu who takes over the hotspot, which is region one or the city's southside. Dawson and Arzu yesterday told us that making eastern division safer for residents is their top priority:.. Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson, OC - Eastern Division: "My main thing was to come back and work with every officer that is under my command with an intention to keep the crime down as much as possible."

Deputy Broaster Supports Compol Chester
ACO Mariano meanwhile is expected to be promoted to Deputy Mariano to take care of administration. He joins the other deputy Edward Broaster who is in charge of operations. But how will Broaster work along with long time adversary Williams? The two have had a tense, hostile, even combative relationship over the years. Broaster says it's about being professional:.. Edward Broaster, Deputy Commissioner of Police: "As far as I am concerned, I have no issue with the Commissioner of Police. No one can ever say that I had made any comment publicly against Mr. Williams, ever. So I don't know where that came from."

Minister Praises Police Compol
And National Security Minister John Saldivar has joined the chorus of support for the new Compol. He today praised him for his approach to policing. Hon. John Saldivar, National Security Minister "I think there is no secret that the new Commissioner is a very hands on commissioner, very operationally sound and grounded. He is a man that is always on the ground. We are hoping that that attribute he brings to the department is going to help us in our moving forward in our fight against crime."

Rivers Revisited
Yesterday we told you about 4 men who were arrested and charged with drug trafficking and possession of controlled drugs. Two of those men pleaded guilty to possession and another one pleaded guilty to possession instead of drug trafficking, while the other two walked away free. Well, one of those who walked away free was not satisfied with the charges brought against him specifically. Jason Rivers spoke to us today about why he feels he was charged unfairly. Jason Rivers - Says his charges are unfair: "To what the court report said was false, because the amount of weed whe they seh they found and weh they charge me with weh deh mih ah ker me da station fa da 16.9 grams and deh mek it look like I only woulda get charge fi that. And deh want add on my name to a next weed weh deh say deh find behind the house."

Channel 5

P.U.P. Says NO to I.C.J. in People’s Declaration; Demands Removal of Minister Elrington
The People’s United Party has taken its formal possession on the April tenth referendum. Following a series of nationwide consultations and a meeting of standard bearers of the thirty-one constituencies, [...]

Minister Saldivar Says He Long Decided on a “Yes to I.C.J.”
On Tuesday, cabinet approved a consensus position of a YES vote, which means that the lines are clearly drawn between the two main political parties.  In a release, the government [...]

Income Tax Commissioner’s Refusal to Set-off Belize Bank’s Business Tax Debt Unlawful
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin was scheduled to deliver his decision today in the matter of the Belize Bank Limited versus the Government of Belize. The Bank has been fighting tooth [...]

PC Tyrell Rowley Arraigned for New Year’s Day Beat Down of San Pedro Resident
Twenty-two days after San Pedro resident Jamil Leal was brutality beaten, a police officer, twenty-one-year-old Tyrell Rowley, was today taken to court. Rowley was charged for wounding and following his [...]

Police Put in Place Protocols to Intercept Drug Plane
Belize’s name came up recently during “El Chapo” Guzman’s trial in a New York courtroom in relation to cocaine.  In 2018, we reported on an increasing number of drug plane [...]

DCP Broaster on Crime Fighting Strategy
With the shift in the command of the police department, Edward Broaster moved up to the Deputy Commissioner of Police with responsibility for national operations.  Broaster held that position once [...]

A Live Crime Centre to be Installed
Broaster also spoke about the plan to erect a live crime centre in Belmopan that will be used to address criminal activities on the streets. Several units of the department [...]

The Story of a Woman Living with HIV for 12 Years
In 2017, there were two hundred and twenty-three new cases of HIV in Belize, mostly among young males. During the first few weeks after a person contracts HIV, the viral [...]

U.D.P. Standard Bearer Ivan Williams Says Santa Cruz Has No Lots Committee
U.D.P. standard bearer for Stann Creek West, Ivan Williams, says that he will travel to Belmopan and lobby for the residents of Santa Cruz in order for them to receive [...]

Stann Creek West Area Rep Weighs In on Santa Cruz Land Issue
Weighing in on the matter is P.U.P. area representative for Stann Creek West Rodwell Ferguson. According to Ferguson the only person who has the authority to issue land is the [...]

Police to Revert to 8-Hour Shifts
Since his ascension as Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams has been connecting with the rest of the department. Today, he made a stop at the Queen Street Police Station where [...]

A New Strategy to Tackle Domestic Violence
There were one hundred and forty-four murders in 2018; thirty-eight of those were directly related to nightclubs or bar incidents. The rest was split between gang rivalries and domestic disputes. [...]

EU-CELAC Workshop on Citizen Security Opens in Belize
The third in a series of the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States workshop on citizen security is being held in Belize. The two-day event [...]

Minister of National Security Says ComPol Can Deliver on his Commitments
Earlier this week, the Commissioner of Police Chester Williams said he intended to reduce the murder count to below one hundred per year. The last time that happened was in [...]

10-Year-Old with Brain Tumour Fighting to Live
A ten-year-old Belize City boy is fighting to stay alive. Jaylen Trevan Young was diagnosed with Brainstem Glioma four months ago, in September 2018. The cancerous tumor is growing rapidly [...]

Belikin Launches ‘Onli Eena Belize’ Campaign
Bowen and Bowen, through their Belikin brand, launched a new multimedia campaign called ‘Onli Eena in Belize.’  They say the campaign will celebrate Belizean spirit and tell stories that are [...]

LOVE FM

Saldivar explains his position in relation to going to ICJ
After a very long time of waiting on the Leader of the Opposition to declare a position for the People’s United Party regarding the ICJ and after hearing him waver from a yes to a maybe and now a no; it is anticipated that internal battles within the PUP will come to a stop, for …

Can new Commissioner curb crime?
A solution for the crime situation in Belize is still no where in sight. With the new Commisioner of Police recently sworn in there is hope especially since he has taken over at a very crucial time when crime is on the rise. He has told the media that he will be approaching the issue …

Mercury – a serious health hazard
You may be wondering what are the effects of Mercury on the human body? Mercury, a highly toxic chemical element, is found naturally in air, water and soil. In large quantities, mercury can cause a number of complications, and it is a threat to the development of babies in pregnant women. Tahlia Ali Smith Project …

Government on track with phasing out single use Styrofoam products
While many are counting down to the ICJ Referendum, there is also the phasing out of Styrofoam products which will take place in April 2019. Many consumers, vendors and wholesalers will be affected by this move. Reporter Dalila Ical has a story on where we are with less than three months to go. Dalilah Ical: …

Stop order issued on land reclaiming in Belize City
The Department of the Environment has issued a stop order to the reclaiming of a parcel of land along Seashore Drive in Belize City. That parcel is number 4670 and was being filled by Dion Zabaneh. The land, we understand is owned by Zabaneh’s mother. It is not the first time that he has been …

A 28 year old from Southern Belize is missing. Have you seen him?
A mother’s love is one of the deepest bonds any person can experience in life. It’s expected when children grow, that they would leave the fold but when problems arise, it’s the parent who they can return to. A mother from Silk Grass Village in Stann Creek District had travelled to Belize City to search …

Sugar crop sees a not so sweet start
The sugar crop is about five weeks into its season and sugar cane farmers are already not too happy. Farmers called into our news studio today saying that their cane is not being milled on schedule. According to the farmers, they normally make at least one delivery to the factory per day from Sunday to …

Police Association says Majority of Officers Applaud new Working Hours
Officers who rank from constable to sergeant, by virtue of the Police Act, are members of the police association. That’s approximately 2,000 members that the President of the Police Association, Corporal Eldon Arzu represents. Corporal Arzu has only been in the position for less than two weeks and the issue of the working hours was …

No More Hitch Hiking for the Cops?
The Commissioner has also tackled another quality of life issue that is long distance transportation. If you travel along the highways early in the morning, on the George Price Highway you will see police officers standing on the roadside by Trinity Methodist as well as at other spots along the Philip Goldson Highway. Officers who …

THE PEOPLE’S DECLARATION “NO TO THE ICJ”
The National Executive of the People’s United Party met today at Independence Hall on Queen Street in Belize City to review and solidify its position on the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Party Leader, John Briceno had spent the last few months on a national listening tour which led him to the southern and western …

Police Hours are amended
Under the previous commissioner of Police Allen Whylie, the police department had instituted a 12-hour shift for the Belize District. But the hours of work are shifting again after some officers had spoken of the quality of life issues...

Belize Police Department gets new vehicle
It is sometimes referred to as Corporate Social Responsibility and today that was just what Atlantic Insurance and Atlantic Bank displayed when they handed over a brand new 2019 Ford Ranger to the Belize Police Department...

Paul Munnings charged with aggravated assault
Forty-nine year old Paul Munnings appeared before Magistrate Emerson Banner, where he pleaded not guility to aggravated assault. Munnings was released on bail of two thousand dollars and his case was adjourned until March 23. The incident occurred on January 21, where the complainant, 30-year-old, Tiffany Saragossa, a school teacher, alleges that she was assaulted by Munnings who is her ex-boyfriend...

The Reporter

PUP-OPPOSITION LEADER John Briceño MAKES MAJOR STATEMENT ABOUT ICJ REFERENDUM
This afternoon, after a meeting with all PUP Area Representatives and Standard Bearers, and a meeting of the National Executive, PUP Leader John Briceño presented what he referred to as a People’s Declaration stating that “the People’s United Party recommends that Belizeans vote NO to the ICJ.”

BRAZEN BURGLARY AT BROTHERS-HABET @ MILE 4
Police are investigating a burglary at the Brothers Habet warehouse located at Mile 4 on the George Price Highway. According to Police, on Monday morning they were called to the scene where a representative of the company reported that burglars made off with almost $16,000 worth of items ...

Breaking Belize News

PUP: The People’s Declaration
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize News. […]

PUP says No to ICJ; Calls for removal of Sedi Elrington
The People’s United Party (PUP) hosted a press conference minutes ago requesting several demands and […]

Bus passenger busted with unlicensed bullets
A woman was busted with unlicensed ammunition yesterday afternoon. She has been identified as Tiffara […]

Zitro International robbed at gunpoint
Just before midday yesterday, police received reports of a robbery in progress, at Zitro International […]

Belize has some ambitious tourism targets for 2019 says BTB Marketing Director
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is pushing to build on the immense success the industry […]

Man robbed while repairing his tire
Orlando Garcia, 56, reported to authorities that yesterday at 3 p.m. he was fixing his […]

CITCO officials visit Wagner’s Youth Facility
Belize City Councilor and youth activist, Micah Goodin, visited the prison yesterday. He was joined […]

Taiwan and Belize to host forum on ‘Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention’
The Government of Belize (GOB) and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have announced that their […]

Belize Brewing Company launches new Belikin “Onli eena Belize” campaign
Belize Brewing Company (BBC) is taking a people-centered approach to its new ad campaign entitled […]

Woman from Lords Bank reported missing
A woman from Lords Bank in the Belize District has been reported missing. Arlene Gordon, […]

International Sources

Venezuela: Trump recognises opposition leader as president
Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaidó has declared himself interim president of the beleaguered South American country, in a dramatic escalation of efforts to force President Nicolás Maduro from power. The move was immediately welcomed by the US and Canadian governments. Donald Trump said he would use the “full weight” of US economic and diplomatic power to push for the restoration of Venezuela’s democracy.

La Crosse teachers swap a week of winter for research in Belize, bring their students through Skyp
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse researchers Gretchen Gerrish and Megan Litster couldn’t bring local middle and high school students on their field expedition to Belize, so they did the next best thing: They brought their teachers. La Crosse Design Institute teachers Maggie McHugh and Katy Weber Skyped into class on Tuesday through a satellite internet connection from a Smithsonian field station in the Caribbean Sea. They reported results from the first of several experiments designed in part by their students and answered questions about their first days on the island.

Videos

January 23, 2019

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

Carpentry and Mechanical Internship Program launched at Royal Caribbean Resort
Aimed at capacitating youth interested in the vocational fields of Carpentry and Mechanics, an Internship Program was officially inaugurated on Friday, January 18th in San Pedro Town. The initiative is the effort of island businessman, Yorham Shostari of Royal Caribbean Resort, in collaboration with the Area Representative and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr. It is set to start in February, with participants ages 16 and up eligible to apply for an internship lasting four months. Only two candidates will be selected for each internship period. During the short inauguration ceremony, Shostari and his daughter Lee-el gave an overview of the program. It is free of cost, and participants will work in the workshop adjacent to the resort, six days a week from 8AM to 5PM, with lunch provided. According to Lee-el, the internship program is a way of giving back to the community and establishing an even closer relationship with the island’s work force. “Persons interested in carpentry or mechanics should take advantage of this opportunity to improve their skills and become great contributors to the society’s growth,” said Lee-el.

San Pedro collects 23 pints during successful emergency blood drive
Sunday, January 20th saw an emergency blood drive being held in San Pedro Town, and a total of 23 pints of blood were collected. Originally scheduled for March 2019, the event date was moved up in order to assist island resident Daryl Kennedy, who is in urgent need of blood as the country faces a drastic shortage. From 9AM to 3PM, potential donors made their way to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, where personnel from the Belize Blood Bank, along with volunteers from the Belize Red Cross, San Pedro Branch welcomed them. The volunteers also held a dollar drive in the downtown area, collecting $192.81 in cash.

Ambergris Today

Kris Miller - New CARICOM Youth Ambassador
The Department of Youth Services under the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture announces the appointment of Mr. Kris Miller as the second of two CARICOM Youth Ambassadors to represent Belize. Mr. Miller is a 22-year-old youth leader and advocate from the City of Belmopan and is pursuing his Bachelors of Science in Social Work from the University of Belize. Mr. Miller also serves as a board member of Belmopan Active Youth and second vice of the Belize Youth for Road Safety Project.

Misc Belizean Sources

Placencia Blood Drive by Rotary Club
Feb. 4, 9am-4pm, Placencia Health Clinic by St. Johns School

2nd Annual BELIZE INVESTMENT FORUM in Houston
If you happen to be in the area, mark the date! The Belize American Chamber of Commerce (BACC), in Partnership with BELTRAIDE & BelizeINVEST, the Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), & in collaboration with the Greater Houston’s “Tri-County Regional Black Chamber of Commerce” (TCRBCC) is proud to present the 2nd Annual BELIZE INVESTMENT FORUM (BIF) on Thursday February 28th, 2019 at the INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTER (ITC) in Houston, Texas, USA. For more info Contact: Houston@BelizeAmericanChamber.org

The Books of Chilam Balam(The sacred Books of the Yucatec Maya)
The Books of Chilam Balam are handwritten, chiefly 17th and 18th-centuries Maya miscellanies, named after the small Yucatec towns where they were originally kept, and preserving important traditional knowledge of the indigenous Maya . Many of them contain information which were copied from ancient Maya codices . The Maya wrote the Books of Chilam Balam as a necessity of preserving knowledge for the future generations after many codices where destroyed by the Spaniards. Written in the Yucatec Maya language and using the Latin alphabet, the manuscripts are attributed to a legendary author called Chilam Balam, a chilam being a priest who gives prophecies and balam a common surname meaning 'Jaguar'. Some of the texts actually contain prophecies about the coming of the Spaniards to Yucatán while mentioning a chilam Balam as their first author. The best-known prophecies are those of the return of Kukulkan .

Cabinet Unanimously Supports a ‘Yes’ Vote in ICJ Referendum
In its meeting today, January 22, the Cabinet unanimously reaffirmed its position that a ‘Yes’ vote in the April 10th Referendum in support of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) option is the right decision for Belize to rid itself forever of the unfounded Guatemalan claim. In May 2018, it was announced that the official position of the Cabinet was that a ‘Yes’ vote ought to be recommended to the people of Belize without prejudice to individual members of Cabinet reserving their right to disagree.

Exchange visit FCD Belize
With support from the British High Commission, Belmopan an exchange visit was made with personnel from the Belize Forest Department, CONAP, Balam, Foro de Justicia Ambiental and FCD to discuss strategies to address illegal wildlife trafficking.

Channel 7

UDP Revs Political Engine For "Yes"� To The ICJ
Two weeks ago - the Opposition PUP announced that it will say "No" to the ICJ. Well, today, the Dean Barrow Cabinet - according to an official release - quote, "unanimously reaffirmed its position that a 'Yes' vote in the April 10th Referendum is the right decision for Belize." This follows up on a collective position first announced in May 2018, where the caveat was that a 'Yes' vote, quote, "ought to be recommended to the people of Belize without prejudice to individual members of Cabinet reserving their right to disagree." Well, it seems, they have now agreed to agree. Today's release makes it clear, quote, "All members of Cabinet are now fully convinced that Belize needs to take this matter to the ICJ and put an end to this unfounded claim once and for all."

Father And Son Die In Fatal Accident
Two families are torn apart after a fatal accident in Spanish Lookout. A father and son were killed in a collision yesterday evening around 6:00. The victims are father 55 year old Manuel Ramos and his son 24 year old Jaime. Courtney Weatherburne has the story. It was too late for the Ramos'. By the time the ambulance arrived on scene, they were already dead. Jaime Ramos and his dad Manuel were heading to their Duck Run 1 home when they T-boned a Ford Ranger Pickup.

Compol Chester Meets With All Officers
He took over command two weeks ago, and, today, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams held an All Officers Conference. He met with every cop at the rank of Inspector and above at the Training Academy in Belmopan. That's 135 cops, and he told the media that he is trying to get everyone reading from the same song sheet: Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "You would know that the all officers press conference was a feature for policing for years, but over the past couple of years we have not had an all officer's conference in quite some time. Under my administration it is my intention to bring it back the way it used to be and all officers conference will be held every 6 months. Today main message is basically to enlighten the officers on the new changes in administration..."

To Reduce Murders, Police Will Focus On
And while Compol Chester says he won't victimize, truth is, if he wants to be seen as a difference maker, he won't have time for petty grievances. The political directorate and the public want to see a significant decrease in major crime - and they want it quickly. To achieve this, Williams says police will be targeting gangs, domestic violence and night clubs:.. Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "As a department we cannot and will not allow the masses of the country to be held hostage by our minority..."

How To Purge Corrupt Cops
The other major issue for the public is corruption in the police department - recently demonstrated by police officers charged for active involvement in the landing of narco-planes. But, with only two officers criminally charged in a vast web of corruption and facilitation of narcotics shipment - the police have to do more to win back public confidence. Williams says that without evidence there is only so much that can be done:

Police Went Looking For Another Plane
And, again on Sunday night, police were again called out to the Progresso road - which has been the site of many drug plane landings. Williams says they responded but found nothing:... Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "I don't know about an attempted plane landing in Progresso. I know that yes there was information of a low flying aircraft and we had responded the way we normally do and that aircraft did not landed. As it relates to plane landing in Crooked Tree, there is no such information."

Police Take Charge of Joint Operations and Intelligence Center
And now the local tracking mechanism for those drug planes is under police command. The Joint Operations and Intelligence Center is rotating command from the BDF to the police. Williams discussed this change: "I will first and foremost say that Col. Amoa has been at JIOC for over 2 years which is the tenure of the coordinator and during the time that he has been there he has done an exceptional job in coordinating operations and how we respond to these clandestine plan landings and so forth..."

Conch Shell Fire Was Electrical
Yesterday we told you about the fire that left a Conch Shell Bay family without a home. There were conflicting reports about the cause of the blaze. The mother of the homeowner whose was there at the time said it was an unattended stove fire while authorities said it may have been an electrical issue. Today we have the official report from the National Fire Service... Orin Smith, Station Officer, National Fire Service: "Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was the result of an electrical fault. The structure, I understand, was receiving an electrical drop that might have resulted in that fire."

Gaynair Gets 15 Years
An Orange Walk resident was today sentenced to 15 years for the manslaughter of a student he stabbed to death in 2013. In October of last year, 30 year old Keith Gaynair was found guilty of manslaughter for killing 18 year old New Hope Student Darrel Wade Jr in 2013. Wade was stabbed three times as he was heading home from school. Gaynair was sentenced to 15 years in prison but five years and four months were removed for time served leaving a total of nine years and eight months left on his sentence. Once half his sentence has been served Gaynair will be eligible to apply for parole. Gaynair was represented by attorney Richard Dickie Bradley, while Jaime Burns and Shanidi Chell appeared for the prosecution.

Man Pleads Guilty To Weed, Friends Get Off
Yesterday police, assisted by a K-9 unit, searched the home of 34-year-old Jason Rivers. Nothing was found inside the house or on the person of Rivers, or his younger brother Gildon and associates Fitzroy Miles and Delvin Lopez, who were present at the time. However the K-9 unit did pick up the sent of cannabis coming from Rivers' vehicle. After a quick check, police discovered about 4 ounces of weed hidden in the rear wheel of the vehicle. All four men were arrested and appeared in court yesterday where they were charged with possession of controlled drugs.

Bullets On A Bus
A Hattieville woman was busted with ammunition on Tillett's Bus. Police stopped the bus between miles 55 and 56 on the Phillip Goldson Highway as it was heading to Orange Walk from Corozal. They searched a female commuter form Hattieville and they found 5 boxes with a total 250 rounds of 9mm ammunition. She was detained, cautioned and escorted to the OW police station and is pending charges of kept ammunition without a gun license.

Customs Modernizing
The Customs and Excise Department is in the preliminary stages of rolling out its new Advanced Cargo Information System. Today Customs, with the help Caricom partners, held a sensitization workshop for involved parties. We spoke to representatives from both organizations about the new system... ACIS is expected to significantly speed up the Customs process.

Police Petition Challenges Chester
Earlier in the news, you heard the new Commissioner of police talk about the big issues of unity in the senior command, major crime, and corrupt cops. But the details of administration is a tall task unto itself. And right now Compol Chester is facing his first wave of resistance with a petition that's going around. It started after Williams proposed returning to the 8 hour shifts. Currently Police are on 12 hour shifts with four days off. The new system would change that to 8 hours shifts for 7 days with two days off. Williams discussed why he wants to change it - despite resistance:

Police Command Needs Will For Change
And while he battles through that, Compol Williams has to be operating and implementing at multiple levels - beyond just basic policing. We asked him about the police's apparent inability - or incapacity - to implement new programs:...

Chester, Started From The Bottom
And while Williams tackles those tough issues - don't expect that ever present smile to turn into a frown anytime soon. That's because - like the song says - he started from the bottom as a 17 year old village boy who hadn't even gone to high school. Now, 27 years later, he's the top cop. Williams reflected on it today:..

Artists For Cuba
On Saturday a group of 5 Belizeans will be traveling to Cuba to participate in solidarity activities in Havana. Alex Courtenay spoke to members of that group to find out the details of the trip... Alex Courtenay reporting: Teachers, artists and activists - all words that best describe the delegation of Belizeans traveling to Cuba at the end of this week. The group will participate in the conference of the Equilibrium of the World in Havana as well as take part in several activities and discussions to demonstrate their solidarity with the fellow Caribbean nation.

Midtown Grocery Robbed
And - before we leave tonight - there was a robbery just a few minutes ago on Albert Street - right next to our studio. It happened at an Indian-owned store named Midtown Grocery - which just opened a couple months ago. Well, they were robbed about half an hour ago - but all the details aren't known yet. We note that - in a sharp contrast from many years ago - this is now one of the only stores open on the entire Albert Street downtown area after 5:00 pm. Police usually keep a strong presence in the area during daylight hours - after a spate of robberies early last year.

Channel 5

Video Images of a Drug Plane Landing in the North are Leaked
Two weeks ago, drug plane whistleblower, Edward Vincent Martinez held a press conference in Belize City providing details of illegal landings in the Jewel. While his commitment to a follow-up [...]

Rogue Cops Will Not be Tolerated
The new ComPol, Chester Williams has been making his media rounds and connecting with the department he is now heading and depending on to carry out his agenda to reduce [...]

No Victimization under ComPol Chester Williams’ Leadership
In his exit speech last week, former ComPol Allen Whylie spoke about the undermining of his authority and the rivalry within the department. Whylie ranted that the media and the [...]

Double Traffic Fatality in Spanish Lookout
A father and son lost their lives in a double fatality in Spanish Lookout. Manuel Ramos and his son, Jaime, were on motorcycle heading home to their families when they [...]

Cabinet Takes a Definitive Yes to the I.C.J.
Ahead of an anticipated announcement by the People’s United Party on the I.C.J, cabinet re-affirmed its YES vote for the April tenth Referendum. As far as we know, the United [...]

Santa Cruz Farmers Up in Arms Over Sold Land
We have been reporting on land dispute in the southern village of Santa Cruz where some thirty farmers are up in arms after they were told that the land they [...]

Santa Cruz Village Expansion Project Has Villagers Divided
A meeting is being held tonight in Santa Cruz Village by U.D.P. Stann Creek West Standard Bearer Ivan William concerning the village’s expansion project. Williams says the purpose of the [...]

Fisherman Sets Up Gillnet Near Belize City
Fisherfolks remain divided on the issue of gillnets. There are groups such as the Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries who are vehemently opposed to the continued use of gillnets.  On the [...]

Juanita Ical Becomes First Woman Alcalde to Sit on TAA Executive
On Saturday the traditional handing over of the leadership of the thirty-nine Maya villages took place in Punta Gorda, Toledo. In total, seventy-eight First Alcaldes and Deputy Alcaldes were elected [...]

Toledo Alcaldes Association Discusses I.C.J. Referendum
A recent telephone survey is pointing to an increasing number of persons who are against taking the claim to the I.C.J. for final resolution. Cabinet today endorsed a YES vote, [...]

National Fire Service: “Cause of Fire on East Collet Canal is Electrical”
On Monday we reported on the fire that destroyed one small wooden home in the Conch Shell Bay area. A mother and her daughter were living at the house up [...]

Climate Change and Belize’s NDCs
Belize National Climate Change Office is responsible for the coordination of Belize’s national, regional and international response to Climate Change. This entails some sensitization, as well as reporting on and [...]

ComPol Williams Hosts 1st All Senior Officers’ Conference
It’s been a while since senior police officers from across the country would converge to be debriefed and plan strategically for the future. Today, the first all-senior officers’ conference under [...]

ComPol’s Overall Crime Fighting Strategy
One of the biggest challenges for the police department is what seems to be a never-ending battle against crimes, particularly murders. It has been the Achilles’ heel for most commissioners [...]

New South Side Commander on Tackling Crime
As we’ve reported, the changes within the command of the police department have seen Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett now in charge of the Special Patrols Unit of the Police Department. [...]

2-Day Workshop for Customs, Shipping and Airlines Agents
The CARICOM IMPACS, with support from the European Development Fund have been working with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development to implement the Advanced Cargo Information Systems in [...]

LOVE FM

Cabinet says “YES” to ICJ
It’s Tuesday and that means that Government’s Cabinet members were in session in Belmopan this morning. We don’t ordinarily hear what is discussed in these meetings unless there is some resolution or pressing issue decided on; which is the case in this instance. While it comes as no surprise, it is official that the Cabinet …

Amandala

3 remanded for suspected ATM card scam
Three men, all of them foreigners, were charged with two counts of preparation to commit a crime when they appeared today before Magistrate Patricia Arana. They are Edgar Vargas, 36, a Colombian national; Luis Marroquin, 24, a Peruvian national; and Juan Espinosa, 35, a native of Chile. When asked to state their occupation, all three classified themselves as businessmen. Magistrate Arana did not take a plea from them because the offences will be tried on indictment. The prosecutor objected to the granting of bail to the men on the ground that the men are flight risks and if they were granted bail, they would not return to court.

4 tourists robbed at Mayan site, El Pilar
Four tourists were robbed yesterday afternoon, January 20, at the El Pilar archaeological site, which is about 7 miles southwest of Bullet Tree Village. Although there were reports that the robbers were Guatemalan, police have not confirmed that. When police arrived on the scene around 12:30 p.m., they met Teddy Waight, 39 — the tour guide who had been with the tourists when the incident occurred. Waight told them that he was conducting a tour of the Mayan site with two American and two Canadian tourists when the robbery took place.

Young killers of elderly Maskall man to be sentenced on Feb. 1
Two men who have been on remand for the murder of Maskall villager Ervin Morales, 61, appeared in the Supreme Court of Justice Colin Williams today for sentencing after they pleaded guilty last month to the lesser charge of manslaughter, but they will have to be brought back to court on February 1 for sentencing. Six years ago, when Clive Geban was charged with Morales’ murder, he was a 19-year-old teenager and his accomplice, Roberto Rodriguez, was so young his name could not be mentioned in the news because he was a 14-year-old minor.

Domestic, 51, and chef, 37, busted with cocaine in Dangriga
Karen Valentine, 51, a domestic of Dangriga, and Marlon Palacio, 37, a chef of Gumagarugu Road, Dangriga, have been arrested and charged with drug trafficking, and they have been detained pending arraignment at the Dangriga Magistrate’s Court. We were told that there is no magistrate in Dangriga until Friday, so Valentine and Palacio remain detained until Friday, when they will be taken to court.

Family loses house to fire
A woman, her mother, her three children, and her cousin are all homeless after a fire erupted at #40 East Collet Canal sometime after 8:00 last night. No one was injured, but all their belongings were destroyed in the fire. There were 3 plywood structures in the yard, and the fire started in the structure closest to the street — a structure that was only about 12X13 feet in size. According to police, the owner of this structure, Candice Wade, 26, was at her neighbor’s house when someone told her that smoke was coming out of her house.

Is Wagiya for real? Week 2 results and standings in PLB 2018-2019 Closing Season
They ranked 7th of 8 teams, with the worst Goal Difference (-15) at the end of regular competition in the last Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Opening Season; but with the completion of Week 2 in this PLB 2018-2019 Closing Season, Wagiya Sporting Club is in the top 4, and is the only team yet to concede a single goal so far this season. (See standings below.) They held defending champion Bandits Sport scoreless in the season opener last week; and yesterday they dropped BDF FC, 2-nil, at the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga.

BDFA First Division meeting tomorrow at MCC
A release last week Tuesday from the Belize District Football Association (BDFA) called on all teams “interested in participating in the Second Leg of the BDFA First Division to a meeting at the MCC Grounds on Tuesday, January 22, at 5:00 p.m.” The release continued that “the winner of this tournament will be awarded a cash prize, trophies and medals and, more importantly, will get an automatic berth to the FFB National Amateur League Championship.”

Packed venues and excited fans welcome in the NEBL 2019 basketball season
The much anticipated National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) 2019 season surely lived up to the hype for its opening weekend, as all three games witnessed packed auditoriums and raucous fans cheering on their favorite squads. All 3 games were decided by single digit points, with Cayo fans getting a treat to the first over-time game this season.

Chief Sunday Race results – January 20, 2019
Here are the results from Chief Sunday Race held yesterday from Leslie’s Imports (with a roll-out to Old Belize). The race, for Open A/B/Elites, started at 8:00 a.m. and went to Mile 35 and back to Old Belize, for 59.8 miles. Forty-five cyclists started the race, and forty of them finished. Finishing order was: 1st Place – Nissan Arana (Westrac Alliance, 2:28:11); 2nd Herman Requeña (Santino’s, 2:28:17); 3rd Shane Jones (Westrac Alliance, 2:29:39); 4th Angel Tzib (Westrac Alliance, 2:29:58); 5th Brandon Cattouse (Smart, 2:30:03)...

Editorial: We’re not that young
It’s quite the popular saying: Belize is a young country. It’s about 40 years since we became an independent nation and our poverty rate keeps going in the wrong direction. We’re not going to turn that dismal fact around just because we are eighty years old. It will happen because we did the things we had to do, to make progress. How did Taiwan become one of the world’s top economies and how long did it take them to do it? Like most countries, Taiwan’s economy was based on agriculture. The government reformed land policies so that their farmers got land, and they made sure they got the equipment and other inputs they needed so that they could maximize the productivity of their fields. Taiwan, taking a page from the British, provided huge subsidies for irrigation and drainage projects, and farm roads.

From The Publisher
The broad masses of us Belizeans now know, beyond a doubt, that something has gone seriously wrong in Belize, at least for us native Belizeans, since independence. The stark evidence of our socio-judicial collapse is the fact that our young men have been murdering each other, with basic impunity and seemingly indiscriminately, for more than the last quarter century. The irony of our present situation is that the class of Belizeans (non-working class) who argued most vehemently against independence for Belize may have been the ones amongst us who benefited most, who have climbed, in fact, to an elite financial status where they live apart from the chaos on the ground and do not appear all that troubled by it.

OJ’s disgraceful threat of a lawsuit
There are times when I’d rather say what’s on my mind to a tree, or a farm animal, or just a couple close confidential friends while we are sharing a few drinks. It’s just an uncomfortable game for me to get so up to anyone. But what do you do when you see someone or some people shredding the chances for your country? The way our country is set up, a lawyer has all the run in the world, and if that lawyer also happens to be a politician they are absolutely in an advantageous position. It’s just absolutely despicable the way these lawyers and politicians hide behind/take advantage of the law. The life and deeds of a politician are public property because character is essential in a leader. Yes, it is wise for a politician to defend his reputation against all accusations. But hiding behind the law for every little misdemeanor is a dishonorable defense for people who aspire to lead.

Tyrone Fitzgibbon, 30, a fisherman, remanded for arson
Tyrone Fitzgibbon, 30, a fisherman of 44 A Dolphin Street, was charged with two counts of arson when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. No plea was taken from him because the offences are indictable. The prosecutor, Sergeant Macedonio Sanchez, objected to the granting of bail to Fitzgibbon on the grounds that there is the likelihood that Fitzgibbon might interfere with witnesses if he were granted bail and there is a strong case against him.

Owner and patrons of Latinos Barber Shop held up and robbed
At about 7:45 Saturday evening, the Latinos Barber Shop located on Cemetery Road was held up and robbed by two thieves who escaped with cash and cell phones. During the weekly police press brief held this afternoon at the Raccoon Street Police Station, ASP Alejandro Cowo said that Ezekiel Miranda, 39, a barber and owner of the Latinos Barber Shop, and a customer were in the shop when two men, one of whom was armed with a firearm, entered the shop. The armed bandit pointed the gun at them and demanded money.

Falling branch kills Pedro Perez, 43
Pedro Perez, 43, a Guatemala national who was a worker at the Maya King Banana Farm on the Southern Highway, was cutting down a tree Saturday morning when a branch from the falling tree landed on him, causing him to suffer massive head and body injuries. Workers who saw what happened rushed to help him, and the branch was taken off him. Perez was rushed to the Southern Regional Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.

Woman grazed by gunshot
A woman was injured by a gunshot on Saturday, January 19, at around 2:40 in the afternoon. According to police reports, June Willoughby, 49, of Belize City, was standing in front of a Chinese-owned store on Ebony Street when she heard several gunshots. Shortly after, she realized that she had been grazed on the right foot.

Breaking Belize News

Cabinet unanimously supports a ‘Yes’ Vote in ICJ Referendum
The Government of Belize announced minutes ago that in a meeting held today, the Cabinet […]

Cornell Vet school engage in activities at The Belize Zoo
Over the last two weeks, The Belize Zoo (TBZ) hosted Cornell Vet School and the […]

3 ATM scammers from Colombia sent to Hattieville Prison
Three Colombian nationals are on remand at the Belize Central Prison after police caught them […]

Benque Viejo represents at World Youth Day
Six students and two teachers from John Paul II Junior College (JPIIJC) met the President […]

Father and son die in road traffic accident in Spanish Lookout
A father and son from Duckrun 1 lost their lives last night in Spanish Lookut, […]

Get the blow by blow with BFLA for Valentine’s Day
To help women spice up their love life this Valentine’s Day, the Belize Family Life […]

ComPol Williams says he hopes to keep murder count below 100
Today, during his appearance on Krem’s Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes, Commissioner of Police (ComPol) […]

Belizean artists, teachers and community activists stand in solidarity with Cuba
A group of Belizeans; Yasser Musa (artist/teacher), YaYa Marin Coleman (community activist/media worker), Katie Usher […]

Over 2 pounds of cannabis found inside bus
Early yesterday morning, police conducted a search on a comuters bus in San Jose, Orange […]

Great things coming to Lake-I Blvd, says DPM
Since late last year, drivers in Belize City traveling on Lake Independence Boulevard were given some […]

Blogs

Belize; one of the last strong-holds for the White-lipped Peccary
A new study by Wildlife Society Conservation Program (WCS), El Colegio de Frontera Sur, Washington State University USA and other key regional partners has found that the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), one of the last large herding mammals of the Americas, has been eliminated from 87% of its historical range in Mesoamerica. Thought to be the ‘canary in the coalmine’ for Mesoamerica’s forests due to their ecological sensitivity, their loss could indicate the beginning of the end for Central America’s wilderness. Already lost from El Salvador, the white-lipped peccary is now confirmed to be the most endangered ungulate mammal in the region, and at risk of extinction in other countries. Stable and large populations can now only be found in two of Mesoamerica’s five largest and most intact wildernesses: the tri-national Maya Forest (Guatemala, México and Belize), and El Darién in Panama. However, 20 of 29 assessed populations are either significantly smaller or highly threatened and are rapidly becoming isolated. The report demands urgent attention to avoid further national extinctions

Monday Blues as a Cold Front Passes over Ambergris Caye
Yesterday, as many in the north were chiseling the ice from their cars in the US and Canada, the cold front dipped as low as Belize. Coldest temperature recording yesterday in the US: Seagull Lake, Minnesota -35F, Boston, 5 degrees, NYC, 4 degrees. Orlando’s temperature was 38! Belize dipped precariously into the mid to high 60s. It actually felt lovely outside – the wind wasn’t as strong as it has been with previous cold fronts – and the low humidity felt great. Everything was blue and sparkling. I took a bunch of snapshots while running around town. And then some later on my way to and from book club. A look at January in Belize – first a “Belizean thermometer”. It is COLD when your coconut oil turns solid. (It melts under 76F)

Meeting a Crocodile
One of the most fascinating things we’ve done since moving to San Pedro is spend an evening with the “crocodile wranglers”, Chris and Christina, looking for crocodiles in the island’s mangrove habitats. To be absolutely clear, they won’t be hunting crocs. Instead this well informed, and dedicated, young couple study them, do community outreach about them, and educate visitors about the need to save these remarkable creatures. They work for an organization called ACES - American Crocodile Education Sanctuary. What Chris and Christina (and their team) will do is take you out, beginning just after dark, on their twenty-foot Carolina skiff affectionately known as the “Swamp Thing” and with your help, search for crocodiles.

Unforgettable National Parks and Protected Areas in Belize
For a small nation, the amount of land the Belize government has allocated to parks is unprecedented, and about 50-percent of Belize is protected by one environmental law or another. We’ve chosen just 10 of the best. Each offers a unique experience you may not find elsewhere in Belize.

International Sources

BELIZE GREAT BLUE HOLE: WORLD’S BIGGEST OCEAN SINKHOLE HAS PLASTIC AT BOTTOM
Richard Branson has found plastic at the bottom of the world’s biggest ocean sinkhole. The billionaire dove into the abyss with Fabien Cousteau, the grandson of French explorer Jacques Cousteau, and National Geographic explorer Erika Bergman at the end of last year. In a blog post about the trip, he has said the discovery of bottles at the bottom of the Great Blue Hole shows the great need to “get rid of single use plastic,” adding that it has become the “scourge of the ocean.” Branson went to the Great Blue Hole last month and broadcast the dive on the Discovery Channel. In a subsequent blog post, Branson wrote: “We travelled about 10 minutes in the submarine into the Blue Hole and then started edging down the wall of the hole. The first thing we came across was a massive wall of giant stalactites, which were breathtakingly beautiful.

La Crosse teachers swap a week of winter for field research in Belize, bring their students through Skype
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse researchers Gretchen Gerrish and Megan Litster couldn’t bring local middle and high school students on their field expedition to Belize, so they did the next best thing: They brought their teachers. La Crosse Design Institute teachers Maggie McHugh and Katy Weber Skyped into class on Tuesday through a satellite internet connection from a Smithsonian field station in the Caribbean Sea. They reported results from the first of several experiments designed in part by their students and answered questions about their first days on the island.

Ancient Maya Tomb Reveals Political Intrigue
The graves and tombs of the ancient world have long been a subject of fascination to archaeology. The dead may no longer speak, but their bodies and the objects buried with them can tell us much about the lives they lived. A newly revealed burial from the ancient Maya city of Cahal Pech, Belize, is opening just such a window on the intrigues of elite Maya politics. In the latest edition of the journal Latin American Antiquity, Anna C. Novotny, Jaime J. Awe, Catharina E. Santasilia, and Kelly J. Knudson, describe and analyze this elite burial from Cahal Pech making use of an assortment of traditional archaeological methods, osteological analyses, and epigraphic studies.

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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

Ambergris Today

CEO In The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs On Working Visit To Mexico
On Thursday, January 17, 2019, H.E. Patrick Andrews, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize, met his counterpart H.E. Maximiliano Reyes Zuñiga, Undersecretary for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs of Mexico (SRE) to discuss various issues, including trade and Belize’s relations with Guatemala.

Ambergris Today Awards Nayobie Rivero Person Of The Year 2018
It is our distinct pleasure to endorse and introduce Ambergris Today’s Person of the Year 2018. After reviewing all the notes of nominations, we zeroed in on our youngest awardee, 15-year-old Nayobie Rivero whom we are convinced is very deserving of this prestigious award. Nayobie is daughter of Marcia Rivero daughter of Mersedes Flora and Armando Rivero son of Emilio Rivero and Norbella Rivero. She first got into the spotlight when at the tender age of seven when she won the title of Miss Chiquitita of San Pedro. The pageant built up her self confidence and her aspirations to be involved as a leader in her community. Remember the March in Solidarity against Child Abuse down the streets of San Pedro? Nayobie was right there in support and as a child leader.

Misc Belizean Sources

Last night was in the Maya Calender chi'ibal Uh. Day of the total eclipse
"Everything walks and passes ... because the observation of the plot of the stars has its purpose, from whence,guarding us,the Gods watch us - the Gods that are bound in(the cycles of) the stars ." The Books of Chilam Balam(The Sacred books of the Yucatec Maya,The book of Chilam Balam of Chumayel)

Solar eclipses in the May Dresden Codex
The Dresden is one of the prehispanic codices that consigns and calculates more completely the eclipses in its time. Of Maya origin, some of their folios (50-58) are dedicated to these astronomical phenomena, from which time and place of manifestation can be found, as well as possible variations. In the lower left part of this sheet an eclipse is represented by two figures, one black and one colorless, representing the Sun and the Moon about to be devoured by a snake.

Cut-Off Date for Registration-Belize/Guatemala Referendum
Belize City. January 21, 2019. The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby reminds the public that MARCH 10th, 2019 is the CUT- OFF DATE for persons who have not yet registered as an elector and wish to vote in the Belize/Guatemala Referendum scheduled for April 10th, 2019.

Ambassadors Present Letters of Credence at Belize House
This morning at the Belize House, the Governor General of Belize, H.E. Sir Colville Young, received letters of credence from H.E. Mr. Samir Nmeir, Ambassador of Lebanon; H.E. Mr. Librado Augusto Orozco Zapata, Ambassador of Peru; and H.E. Mr. Gerardo Antonio Argote, Ambassador of Venezuela. The High Commissioner of Canada to Belize, H.E. Mrs. Rita Rudaitis-Renauld, also paid a courtesy call on the Governor General. The Ambassadors all expressed their wishes for strengthened and continued relations with Belize during their tenure. For his part, the Governor General thanked the ambassadors for their friendship and contributions to Belize, and extended wishes of peace and prosperity for their countries.

GAMING CONTROL BOARD NOTICE
The Gaming Control Board of Belize would like to remind all gaming machine licensees that their licenses will expire on the 31st March 2019. Licensees wishing to renew their licenses are asked to submit their application forms to the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce in Belmopan no later than Thursday, 31st January 2019. For more information or for application forms, contact us at the Ministry.

Kris Miller Named the New CARICOM Youth Ambassador
The Department of Youth Services under the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture announces the appointment of Mr. Kris Miller as the second of two CARICOM Youth Ambassadors to represent Belize. Mr. Miller is a 22-year-old youth leader and advocate from the City of Belmopan and is pursuing his Bachelors of Science in Social Work from the University of Belize. Mr. Miller also serves as a board member of Belmopan Active Youth and second vice of the Belize Youth for Road Safety Project. He was also one of Belize’s representatives at the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Commonwealth Youth Forum held in London, United Kingdom. Mr. Miller is the most recent recipient of the Youth Minister’s Award for Leadership and Advocacy.

Cut-Off Date for Registration-Belize/Guatemala Referendum
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby reminds the public that MARCH 10th, 2019 is the CUT- OFF DATE for persons who have not yet registered as an elector and wish to vote in the Belize/Guatemala Referendum scheduled for April 10th, 2019.

First ever satellite transmitter on an American crocodil
After years of dreaming and planning the CRC, the CRC, in collaboration with Belize Forest Department and Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) has deployed the first ever satellite transmitter on an American crocodile in Belize, a great way to initiate the countrywide American crocodile population survey. This historic moment marks an epic step forward in monitoring this species in the wild here in Belize for future conservation and management plans, in addition to mitigating human-crocodile conflict. The adult male known as TK421, came under CRC’s rehabilitation program and his time of release lined up perfectly in the initiation of the countrywide American crocodile countrywide population survey with a donated satellite tracker. We look forward to sharing our findings and updates on TK421 with our supporters and followers, so stay tuned. If you are interested in sponsoring another transmitter or if you would like to make a donation to cover monthly satellite transmission data ($40BZ/month) contact the CRC for more information! And a special thank you to The KEEP, and Dr. Mia from the Stann Creek Animal Hospital!

Institute of Archaeology Poetry Contest
Recently we had a poetry contest, to capture the essence of Belizean archaeology. The winner was Melissa Chiac, with her piece, A Brush in the Present.

ICJ discussion Thursday evening in San Pedro
On Thursday January 24th The San Pedro Town Public Library will be having an ICJ discussion at 5:30 pm. We are inviting the public to be apart of this discussion.

Official opening of the Orange Walk Town Heritage Trail
The National Institute of Culture and History through the Institute for Social and Cultural Research in partnership with the Belize Tourism Board is delighted to announce the opening of the Orange Walk Town Heritage Trail. The trail highlights places of cultural and historical importance within the historic centre of the town with the overall aim of creating public awareness among community members and visitors. Informational signs have been installed at ten locations: Banquitas House of Culture, Main Street, Old Barracks/New River, La Inmaculada Church, Fire Station, Fort Cairns, St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Central Park, Sandy Hunter Library, and Fort Mundy. We cordially invite YOU to attend the official opening of the Orange Walk Town Heritage Trail on Wednesday, 23rd January, 2019. A short ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Banquitas House of Culture Parking Lot.

Channel 7

How They Scammed Scotia
Three South American men who stole from Scotiabank ATM's have been charged with two counts of preparation to commit a crime. They were arraigned this afternoon. They are Edgar Vargas Vaca, Juan Espinoza Saavedra and Luis Marroquin. They went before Magistrate Patricia Arana. She did not take a plea,because the offences are indictable. The prosecutor objected to bail on the ground that the men are flight risks and if they are granted bail they will not return to court. Magistrate Arana agreed and she denied them bail and she remanded them into custody until March 27. So now that the ATM skimmers are behind bars, how did they do it? And what can you do to protect yourself from this scam? Courtney Weatherburne has the story.

Stop Order Issued for Parcel On Sea, Developer Just Keeps Filling
On Friday night's news we told you about the controversy surrounding a parcel of land, #4670 that's being filled at the western end of Seashore Drive in the Buttonwood Bay Area of Belize City. Much of the parcel is over the sea - and it's been a subject of dispute for at least 13 years. That's when area residents first stopped Dion Zabaneh from filling the land - which is in his mother's name. Well, after leaving the project dormant since 2006, Zabaneh started filling again last week - which caused consternation amongst those residents who will see their sea frontage turn into someone's back yard. After many calls to Belmopan, The Department of the Environment issued a cessation order on the project and went to deliver it at the site on Saturday.

Assad Shoman Stakes Out For A Yes Vote with New NGO
He's the public champion and most fervent fighter for the "Yes To The ICJ" campaign, and Assad Shoman is now taking his campaign to another level with a new non governmental organization called Citizens for the Defence of Sovereignty. A release announcing the group says its immediate focus is the referendum on the ICJ. The release says, quote, "In this situation where the two major political parties have taken conflicting positions on the issue and where the people are being constantly bombarded by falsehoods and dishonest arguments designed to create fear and confusion, the nation calls on citizens to stand up for the rights of the people and the nation.

Was Conch Shell Fire Started By Stove or Electricity?
Today 26 year old Candice Wade and her family are recovering after losing most of their possessions to a fire on Sunday. Wade was away from home when the fire occurred, but her mother Sharon Bennett was there. Bennett told us that she was cooking when she got distracted and took her eyes off the stove. When she looked back, the fire had was already out of control. And while that's her account, police had a different take. Here are both sides of that story:... ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City "Sometime after 8pm police visited number 40 East Collect Canal where upon arrival they were met with fire department personnel where they observed a small plywood house measuring about 12x13 feet totally engulfed in flames. After a short while the entire plywood house was destroyed by fire and it's contents..."

Bandits Prey On El Pilar
El Pilar is a Maya site in the Cayo District that runs right along the Belize Guatemala border. And for years it has been a security risk - because bandits from Guatemala slip across to the Belize side - rob tourists and then escape to the other side. It looks like that's what happened on Sunday afternoon. The Head of National Crimes Investigation told us more:... ACP Joseph Myvette, Head, NCIB: "On yesterday's date sometime around 12:20PM `San Ignacio police received a call and proceeded to the El Pilar Mayan Site which is located some 7 miles southwest of Bullet Tree Village. Where upon arrival they met one Teddy Waight, 39 years old tour guide who at the time was accompanied by 4 tourists; 2 Americans and 2 Canadians. He reported to the police that sometime during the course of him doing his tour, he then visited a shed which is on the compound of the Site where 2 hispanic males were seen sitting..."

Pair of Robberies In City
Thankfully, there are no murders to report from the weekend, but the city was not crime free. In today's press briefing CIB's ASP Alejandro Cowo told us about a couple robberies. ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "We had two robberies. The first one occurred on Friday. It was just about 2:30pm when Mr. Dennis Arragossa an employee of Cisco was about to enter his residence at number 5 Bocotora Street when he was approached by a male person who placed a gun at him and demanded to hand over his belongings. As a result he handed over a napsack which contained the sum of $5000 in cash."

Ebony Street Shooting Sparked By Gang Rivalry
And while we said there were no murders this weekend shots were fired in the Back-A-Town area. According to reports shots were heard by residents around Sitee and Ebony Streets. It does not seem like the intended targets were hit, however there was a victim. 49 year-old June Willoughby was grazed by a bullet on the right foot and taken to the hospital. Here's what police had to say about the incident... ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "There were several shots fired at Ebony Street. There was a victim that received a gunshot graze, however that person - up to now has not made a report to the police."

Felix Brothers Bailed on Third Attempt
The brothers 32-year-old Emory and 34 year-old Maurice Felix have been trying to get bail for murder for months now and they were finally successful today. Today in the Belmopan Supreme Court Justice Antoinette Moore granted them bail for a murder and attempted murder which occurred in 2015. In their third attempt at it - they were granted bail of $20,000 dollars. We don't know for sure if they met that bail, but it was granted with stringent conditions where land documents must be presented and they were place on curfew, among many other requirements. The brothers must also report to the Racoon Street Police Station twice a week.

Family Not Forgetting Anisha
On Saturday night, Anisha Young's family and friends assembled at Pound Yard Bridge and they made their way to the Battlefield Park where they had a vigil for Young. It continues to be a very difficult and emotional time for her relatives because they still can't locate her remains. The family along with search party lead Jose Espat have done their share of private investigation and searches but there's still no sign of her remains. The family and police have only found clues such as the wristband, skin particles and a weave which were buried in a shallow grave in Maskall Village. Here is a snippet from the vigil.

K-9 Sniffs Out Weed In Hidden Compartment
Peddlers find all kinds of ingenious ways to traffic weed - and one man had his hidden so well that only a K-9 cop could find it. Last night in Belize City, a joint police team stopped a 23 year old driving a taxi. The cops found nothing but the K9 picked up the smell of weed. And sure enough, when police closely checked the area that the dog was sniffing, they found a a secret compartment below the cup holder. That's where they found 6 parcels of weed weighting 149 grams or 5 and a half ounces. The driver was charged for possession or controlled drugs with intent to supply.

Willoughby Tackles Port's Land Problems
Phillip Willoughby is the UDP Standard Bearer for Port Loyola - and tonight, he's telling residents of the Port to come to him if they need to get their land papers straightened out. Now, if you know anything about the social milieu in Belize, you'll know that getting land documents is a huge problem. Well, Willoughby is tackling it head on. In a press release he says, quote, "we are calling on those residents…who have concerns about land issues to call me at 615-9793, visit my office at Rogers Stadium or direct message me on Facebook." That's pretty bold if you know how many tough land issues there are out there! We asked him more about it today:..

Willoughby and Boots Make Peace
And if you see Willoughby cutting about with confidence in Port - it's because he says he has made peace with the current area rep Anthony Boots Martinez. He says they meet regularly: Phillip Willoughby, UDP Port Loyola Std. Bearer: "Let's clear this up right now. The convention has come and that has gone. Minister Martinez and I have spoken I believe since the convention every other day. We try our best to network with each other. We work with each other. We support each other. We are one party at the end of the day and it is to serve the ultimate good and it is for us to maintain the Port Loyola seat for the party and we believe that our collaboration will ensure such."

Kendis Is A Hit on MSNBC
Belizean American news anchor Kendis Gibson made his debut this weekend on MSNBC. He is the news network's weekend anchor after the moved over from ABC News where he was a host of "America This Morning." On MSNBC, he is expected to anchor the 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. hours on both Saturdays and Sundays. In Kendis's first appearance on the left leaning news network on Saturday afternoon, he didn't seem to miss a beat, appearing smooth, telegenic and in his element.

Naming New Youth Ambassador
22 year old Belmopan resident Kris Miller is now a CARICOM Youth Ambassador. The Department of Youth Services appointed him. In a release sent out today it states "He is youth leader and advocate and is pursuing his Bachelors of Science in Social Work from the University of Belize. Miller also serves as a board member of Belmopan Active Youth and second vice of the Belize Youth for Road Safety Project. He was also one of Belize's representatives at the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Commonwealth Youth Forum held in London, United Kingdom. Mr. Miller is the most recent recipient of the Youth Minister's Award for Leadership and Advocacy."

Clinics Come Through Up North
Last week the Ministry of Health inaugurated two much needed health centers in the Northern Health Region of Corozal. The clinics, located in Sarteneja and the San Pedro - Cristo Rey area, were financed through a $1.7 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank and will help to provide basic primary healthcare to about 4000 people. Officials from the Ministry spoke to the media during the unveiling. Hon. Dr. Angel Campos - Minister of State, Health: "Well as you know, we at the Ministry of Health want to expand our coverage in all of Belize and expanding NHI is one of the priorities that we have between myself and Minister Marin. He started it, expanding it into Corozal Bay and Corozal North. This will be another center that will help Corozal North."

Belizeans Saw The Blood Moon
Belizeans got to witness a pretty neat astronomical phenomenon last night. It's called a super wolf blood moon. The super means it was closer to earth and appeared slightly larger, the wolf means it was a January full moon, and the blood means it was a full lunar eclipse which left the moon a dark, ruby red for almost an hour. What caused this weird red glow? Well, during such an eclipse, the Earth, moon and sun align and the Earth blocks the sunlight from reaching the surface of the moon, leaving the lunar surface in shadow. When the central part of the Earth's shadow, covers the moon, the only red scatters of light from the sun reach the moon, casting that orange glow.

The Problems At El Pilar
Earlier on in the news we told you about the Sunday afternoon robbery of some tourists at El Pilar. In 2014 Daniel Ortiz went there and found a web of security issues with bandits on both sides of the border: The El Pilar Archeological Site, It's a Maya Ruin just about 11 miles outside of San Ignacio Town. The problem is that this Temple Site sits both in Belizean and Guatemalan Territory.You can climb on top of one of the ancient ruins, look out in the distance, and see Guatemala.

Channel 5

3 South American Nationals Arraigned for ATM Scam
Three suspect ATM scammers, all South American nationals, were arraigned in the Belize Magistrate’s Court this afternoon. Chilean Juan Espinosa Saaveria, Colombian Edgar Vargas Vaca and Peruvian Luis Robles Marroquin [...]

Police Were Monitoring South American Nationals and Have Evidence
Police say that they are in possession of sufficient evidence to have brought charges against the South American trio. According to police, at least one of the men has visited [...]

Notorious Felix Brothers Get Bail for Murder
In the Supreme Court in Belmopan, after a third attempt, the notorious Felix brothers were finally granted bail for murder and attempted murder.  Emory and Maurice were given bail of [...]

Customs and Coast Guard Seize 14K in Contraband Goods
The Customs Department and Belize Coast Guard carried out a joint operation on Friday morning at a contraband hotspot near San Victor Village, up north. The operations netted a big [...]

Coast Guard Finds Gun, Ammo and Weed on Northern San Pedro
There was another bust by the Coast Guard in another hotspot. It happened on Sunday morning about eighteen miles north of San Pedro Town. That patrol led to the discovery [...]

Land Meeting in Santa Cruz Village Gets Dramatic
A meeting in Santa Cruz Village, Stann Creek, got tense among residents over the village’s land expansion project. In 2017, one hundred acres of land were identified to grow the [...]

Santa Cruz Village Chairman Alleges Political Interference
The primary purpose of the meeting was to address allegations of political interference. Chairman, Christopher Budna and Vincent Scott are alleging that U.D.P. Stann Creek West Standard Bearer, Ivan Williams, [...]

Fire Destroys 1 House; Was It Caused by a Candle?
Fire destroyed a house in Belize City on Monday night. The blaze was seen coming out of the house after seven-thirty that night in the Conch Shell Bay area. A [...]

Belize City Shooting Victim Won’t Cooperate with Police
There was a shooting over the weekend on Ebony Street, Belize City for which several persons remain in police custody. But that is as far as it goes because according [...]

The Frustrating Long Lines at the P.G.I.A.
If you’ve been at the Philip Goldson International Airport on a Saturday then you might have noticed the long lines of international visitors attempting to enter the country.   The snaking [...]

A New N.G.O. to Focus on the I.C.J.
A new N.G.O. has been formed, primarily for the I.C.J.  It is called Citizens for the Defence of Sovereignty and one of its members is Assad Shoman, a YES proponent [...]

Tourists Robbed at El Pilar Archaeological Site by Alleged Guatemalan Bandits
Four American and Canadian tourists were robbed at gunpoint of their belongings and money at the El Pilar Archaeological Site in Cayo. The Maya monument is located about seven miles [...]

Cisco Contractor Relieved of $5000 in Armed Robbery
There were only a few violent incidents that occurred over the weekend in Belize City. Robberies continue to be a perennial challenge that the Police Department has been grappling with. [...]

Barbershop Robbery; Thieves Escape with $310
On Saturday night police also responded to a robbery on Cemetery Road in south side Belize City. Latino’s Barbershop was targeted by armed thieves who relieved two men of three [...]

Muffles College High School Teacher Remains on Administrative Leave Over Leaked Nude Pics
A female teacher of Muffles College High School remains on administrative leave. Nude pictures of the teacher were leaked in December, prompting the administration of the school to request the [...]

Willoughby to Host Land Consultation in Port
Philip Willoughby is the U.D.P. standard bearer for Port Loyola going into the 2020 General Elections. Willoughby is getting a head start and hosting consultations with the constituents and working [...]

Willoughby Making Himself Worthy to Replace Boots
It has been over two months since he defeated Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte, AC Castillo and former deputy mayor Dean Samuels and went on to win his bid for the [...]

March 10th is Last Day to Register for Referendum
If you want to vote in the Belize-Guatemala Referendum on April tenth of this year, the Elections and Boundaries Department says that the last day to register is March tenth.  [...]

Learning to Report on Migrant Related Matters
Global statistics indicate that there are more than two hundred million international migrants who have decided to leave their birth country in search of a better life. Migration is one [...]

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

Sixteen-Year-Old Student Reported Missing
Sixteen-year-old Isac Teul, a student of Belmopan City, has been reported missing. He was last seen on Sunday night when he reportedly retired to bed. "Teul is of a clear complexion, about 5feet 2inches tall, slim built, black hair, and has brown eyes. He was last seen wearing grey Dickies pants, and a black hoodie jacket", police say. If seen please call 911,922 or any Police Station.

LOVE FM

Tourists Robbed at Gunpoint at El Pilar
The El Pilar Archeological Reserve consists of 5,000 acres and on 120 acres, lies 25 plazas and hundreds of buildings. El Pilar translates into Water Basin, is a unique site that that sits near the Belize-Guatemala border. It’s located 7.5 miles north of San Ignacio. Over the years, bandits from Guatemala have successfully evaded capture. …

Glenn Avilez: Winner of Christmas Card Cover Contest
This morning was a proud moment for St. John’s Vianney Primary School in Belize City as one of the students was awarded by the National Institute of Culture and History. 12-year-old, Glenn Avilez, a standard six student, won the NICH and the Department of Youth Services Christmas Card Cover Contest. Avilez was given a plaque …

IOM hosts media workshop on migration
The number of migrants worldwide has increased recently on a large scale basis as we have seen with the Central American Caravan which is the source of controversy in the United States of America. A migrant is a person who moves from one country to another to live; and when the reason for their relocation …

Trio charged with preparation of a crime
After possibly fleecing lots of money out of ATM machines in Belize, the trio were caught last week and had their court hearing today. 24-year-old, Peruvian, Luis Miguel Marroquin; 35-year-old, Chilean, Juan Alfonso Espinosa Saavedra and 36-year-old , Colombian, Edgar Jhovany Vargas Vaca were before Magistrate Patricia Arana where they were charged with preparation of …

Phillip Willoughby, “Man of the People” will fix Land Issues in Port
The United Democratic Party (UDP) standard bearer for the Port Loyola Division, Philip Willoughby is not waiting for Area Representative Anthony “Boots” Martinez to retire from politics to begin to responsible for the constituency. Willoughby has been holding consultations with the people of the area and he says the people have made it clear that …

$5,000 taken in Belize City Robbery
There were two robberies that occurred in Belize City over the weekend. In one of the incidents, the thief stole over five thousand dollars from the victim as he was about to enter the place which he was staying. Assistant Superintendent of Police, Alejandro Cowo, the officer in charge of CIB for Belize City indicated …

Barrage of Bullets on Ebony Street
The former capital has been mostly quiet. Though no one was shot or killed, there was a barrage of gunshots on Ebony Street. A woman was grazed but declined to report the incident to the police. However, officers were in the area on patrol and according to ASP Alejandro Cowo, they have detained suspects for …

Citizens for the Defence of Sovereignty wants you to vote Yes to ICJ
The Prime Minister Dean Barrow had an ace in four former Peoples United Party Foreign Ministers to support the Government’s pro-ICJ campaign. While they may not be attached to the referendum unit, at least two of them have embarked on their own campaign to forward the case to the International Court of Justice. Assad Shoman …

Brothers Emory and Maurice Felix granted bail
Emory and Maurice Felix are no longer remanded to the Belize Central Prison. The brothers are still facing a murder charge but for now they are out on bail. The duo appeared before Justice Marilyn Williams today and were granted bail of twenty thousand dollars each and a surety of the same. In early August …

Blood Moon Rises over Belize
A lunar eclipse appeared Sunday night and it was dubbed a “blood moon”. It was visible from all of North to South America. If you went outside your home last night, the blood moon was visible in the night sky. Since this full moon was expected to be one of the largest of 2019, NASA …

The Reporter

Fatal Traffic Accident In Spanish Lookout
The Reporter has received information that two persons have died after the motorcycle they were on collided into a vehicle. Details are still sketchy, but we understand that the accident happened moments ago in front of Caribbean Tires on the main Spanish Lookout Road.

Coast Guard Patrol Find Weed And 9mm Pistol On Ambergris
On Sunday, a Belize Coast Guard Infantry Marine patrol in the area of Northern Ambergris Caye seized a 9mm pistol along with 21 live rounds and 5,069 grams of marijuana. The unit of the BCG was conducting a routine patrol near the Tranquility Bay area about 18 miles north of San Pedro Town where they made the discovery.

Tourist & Guide Robbed At Maya Site In Cayo
Police are not saying if robbers who targeted 4 tourists at the El Pilar Mayan Site are believed to be Guatemalans, but would say only that they fled the scene in the direction of the border...

BARBER ROBBED AT GUNPOINT
A barber was robbed at gunpoint in Belize City last night. Xequiel Miranda, 39, who owns Latinos Barber Shop at 114 Cemetery Road told Police that sometime around 7:45 last night...

Breaking Belize News

16-year-old student from Belmopan missing
A 16-year-old student from Palm View Extension in Belmopan City was reported missing today. Isac Teul […]

Ambassadors Present Letters of Credence at Belize House
According to a release from the Government of Belize, H.E. Sir Colville Young received letters of […]

Cool weather to continue
The 24-hour forecast is for fair and cool conditions to continue. The sea state will […]

Kris Miller named new CARICOM Youth Ambassador
The Department of Youth Services under the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture today […]

Belize Peace Movement congratulates St. Catherine’s Academy for mock referendum
Today, the Belize Peace Movement (BPM) issued a release to congratulate the Saint Catherine’s Academy (SCA) for spearheading a very successful debate and mock referendum. The mock referendum was held last week Friday. […]

Belize~ Were all negotiations tried and failed?
By Richard Harrison: One of the principal reasons given by Assad Shoman for why Belize should vote yes to take the disputed Guatemalan claim over Belize to the ICJ…is that “all negotiations were tried and failed”.

Blogs

Guest Blog - A quick adventure in Cayo - Bird Sanctuary, Rock Farm Guesthouse, and more!
One of the perks of living in Belize, is that when we have a couple of days off we are able to enjoy other parts of this beautiful country. We needed to go to immigration in the capital city of Belmopan first. We spent one night at Rock Farm Guesthouse. Which is also the home of Belize Bird Sanctuary. Only a 15 minute drive from Belmopan. It was the perfect place start. Having your coffee on the porch as the birds are starting their day is not only an amazing site, but the sounds they make are amazing to listen to. From there went headed to San Ignacio, a charming city in the hills of the Cayo district. We had a great time just relaxing by strolling down Burns Avenue where there is a nice pedistrian street with shops, bars and restaurants.

Gladden Spit & Silk Caye Marine Reserve
Just a few miles offshore of the Belizean mainland lies the vast archipelago of the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest coral barrier reef system in the Western Hemisphere. Located on the outer edge of this reef is the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes MarineReserve (GSSCMR), a protected conservation area that is ideal for enjoying snorkeling and scuba diving. The GSSCMR measures over 25,000 acres (10,500 ha) in size and is located approximately 22 miles (36 km) due east of the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. Managed by the Southern Environmental Association, a local NGO, this area is one of the healthiest and vibrant marine ecosystems on the Belize Barrier Reef. Gladden Spit is a small strip of uninhabited land that lies at the southernmost tip of a sunken atoll (a coral structure that formed around dry land but is now underwater). The shore of Gladden Spit continues towards a short underwater shelf with steep drop-offs to depths of over one mile, making it a popular destination for certain kinds of diving.

10 things to pack when traveling to Belize
Belize is a fascinating country and is Mother Nature’s best kept secret snuggled between Guatemala and Mexico and bordered by the Caribbean Sea, this is as tropical as it gets! Let us walk through this list of Must-Packs for your upcoming vacation in tropical paradise! Travel Documents – These are the most important things you need to pack before leaving for your Adventure in Belize. Passport, driver’s license, plane tickets and travel itinerary (if you have one) should all be tucked away in a secure and easily accessible area, such as your carryon or purse pocket. Bug Spray – This is a must when packing for Belize, remember, you are visiting the tropics and there is a high chance of bug bites. Pack a bug spray or cream and let’s be of the safe side. If you forget to pack it, don’t worry, most convenient stores around the country sells bug spray.

The Beers of Belize
Something about the hot sun and balmy weather in Belize makes this jewel of a country the perfect place to enjoy a cold brew. And yes, while imported beers from around the region are available, no visit to the country should be considered complete without sampling some of the beers of Belize. There is only one domestic brewery in Belize: Belikin Beer, which is based in Belize City and uses the iconic Temple of the Masonry Altars from the ancient Maya site of Altun Ha as its logo. Indeed, “Belikin” is the Maya term for the Belize River which provides all of the water for the brewery. Belikin’s motto is “Onli Eena Belize” which is Creole for “Only in Belize,” as the company is immensely proud to be entirely owned and operated by Belizeans.

The Best Time to Visit Belize for Whale Sharks
Belize is a world-famous mecca for scuba diving and snorkeling thanks to its massive barrier reef system (the second-largest in the world), crystal clear waters, and abundance of marine life. But one of the rarest and most beautiful animals in the ocean’s waters only visits Belize once a year. Whale sharks are not whales in the true sense of the word. Instead, they are the largest fish which have ever existed. Whale sharks can grow to up to 41 feet (12 meters) in length and weigh up to 47,000 pounds (21 tons), roughly double the size and weigh of a semi truck. Despite their huge size, these sharks pose almost no danger to humans because they are filter feeders.

Belize: A True Melting Pot Society
When it comes to Belize, many people think of the offshore islands replete with palm trees or the incredible diversity of colorful wildlife on the mainland. But one of the best reasons to visit Belize on your vacation is to experience the different cultures in the country. Thanks to the long centuries of British rule, English is the official language of Belize, but don’t be surprised to hear a medley of different languages as you travel up and down the country, including Spanish, Mayan dialects, Garifuna, Plattdeutsch (an old-world dialect of German), Chinese, and Kriol. Many different ethnic groups have immigrated to the country over the past two centuries, adding their unique languages to the mix of tongues spoken in Belize.

Cahal Pech Maya Ruins – What You Need to Know Before You Visit
Located just across from the modern-day town of San Ignacio in western Belize, Cahal Pech is one of Belize’s most unusual ancient Maya sites. The name “Cahal Pech” means “Place of the Ticks” in the local Maya dialect, but the original name for the site is unknown. Local Maya herders nicknamed the site Cahal Pech in the 1950s because much of the surrounding area was used for pasture. Cahal Pech sits high above a bluff that overlooks San Ignacio Town and the Macal River, and the panoramic view from the site is one of the finest in the country. It is believed that Cahal Pech is one of the oldest Maya sites in the region, first built more than 3,200 years ago. The site was built as an exclusive residence for the ruling elite of the ancient Maya world. Today, only the core area of the royal palace has been excavated, a series of seven interconnected plazas that include temples and ball courts.

Caye Caulker Belize
Caye Caulker is a small island located five miles (eight kilometers) off the coast of the Belizean mainland. Often described as Ambergris Caye’s hipper, younger sibling, Caye Caulker’s unofficial motto is “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem.” Far less built up and crowded than Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker has managed to successfully hang onto its roots as a laid-back destination popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Caye Caulker is home to one of the liveliest Lobsterfests in the country where locals and visitors alike spend three days every summer celebrating the opening of the lobster fishing season with music, dance, drinks, and lots of savory lobster dishes. On Caye Caulker, there are no cars. To get around, locals use golf carts or bicycles to negotiate the dirt roads. Caye Caulker is far from glamorous or glitzy, which is one of the reasons why it’s such a popular destination for nature lovers.

Mystery of Belize’s Blue Hole is Solved
One of the world’s great marine mysteries was solved last month when a team of explorers became the first to dive to the bottom of the Belize Blue Hole. The historic dive occurred during an expedition by Virgin Airlines owner Richard Branson, Fabien Cousteau, and a team of ocean scientists. The Belize Blue Hole has fascinated explorers, divers and travelers for centuries. The famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau was the first to bring it to popular attention when he dove it in 1971. Now, his grandson Fabien Cousteau has solved the riddle his grandfather posed decades ago.

International Sources

Sustainable, self sufficient supply of water for the Tourism Industry in the Yucatan
Water scarcity is growing globally with already over 4 billion people who live without access to sufficient, high quality, fresh water. It is expected that this number will only increase in the near future, with a rising water footprint and stagnant availability of water due to climate change making the situation even worse. The result is that communities, industries, private islands, SIDs (Small Island Developing States), hotels and municipalities can’t take water for granted any more. For this reason, water management is one of the utmost importances, in order to assure there will be enough fresh water available for future generations. In the area of Quintana Roo this is no different with already over 96.000 people who suffer from a lack in access to enough fresh water, while both the population and tourist sector keep growing fast. As part of their studies International Entrepreneurship and Development at the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands (Europe) Pascalle Jansen, Koen Verloop and Marijn Leidelmeijer, have therefore taken on a project; they are conducting research and providing information regarding Sustainable Water Management in the area of Quintana Roo.

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January 21, 2019

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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

Guest Editorial: 100 Years of George Cadle Price
Today marks the 100th Anniversary of the birth of the Right Honorable George Cadle Price on January 15, 1919. The man who we now call the Father of the Nation was not always universally revered nor was he uniformly prized for his just achievements during his lifetime. In fact, it was not until after his death on September 19, 2011, that the tributes and praise came pouring in, from a grieving nation in which all then realized the extent of our loss. Today is one of celebration and commemoration for the life of one remarkable man, who with a singular vision and a determination of purpose, held our hands and walked with us to our independent destiny, to achieve the birth of a sovereign nation, with its territorial integrity intact.

Wolfe’s Woofer: Child’s Play
“Oh, thank you so much,” Melody said, when I reached her house. “I hate to ask you to babysit but Davin is busy with football. You’re the only one I could call on such short notice.” “I like to spend time with my grandchildren,” I said. “I’m taking the baby with me,” she said. “So, Grayson is the only one you have to care for.” Grayson peeked around his bedroom door. “Hi, Grandpa,” he said and disappeared back into the room. A little girl’s head peaked around the door. She said,” Hi, Grandpa,” and disappeared back into the room. “Who was that?” I asked.

What’s New: American Franchise Losers Bar and Grill prepares to open new over-the-water bar in San Pedro Town
Losers Bar and Grill-San Pedro is a country music-themed bar set to open in San Pedro Town in the Boca del Rio beach area. Over the past few days, the over-the-water bar has been hosting soft openings, to guests and the general public. Losers are part of a family of bars based in Nashville, Tennessee USA. Once open, the bar will offer classic eats, drinks and great country music performances by popular singers to get you off your seat and dancing the night away. The over-the-water bar and grill has a unique set-up within its spacious building. An island in the center of the thatch-roofed building merges the bar and kitchen into one mutual operation. Patrons can enjoy their favorite drink, while they watch their food being prepared right in front of them.

Doctor Love: Jewel of Denial
Dear Doctor Love, I dated a guy for a few months, but it didn’t work out. We parted on good terms and he went back to his long-time girlfriend. A month later I was invited to a wedding and I was going to wear a very special necklace that my grandmother gave me for graduation. It wasn’t in my jewelry box and I couldn’t find it anywhere in my room. I’ve only worn it once and it means a lot to me because my grandmother died just after she gave it to me. A few weeks passed and my cousin sent me a photo of my ex’s girlfriend and she was wearing the necklace. She had posted pictures of herself on social media and it is obvious it is the same necklace. It has ways to identify it and I have photos of me wearing it for my graduation and the card my granny gave me, so I can prove it is mine.

Misc Belizean Sources

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 11am-1pm Thursday to paint part 3/3 in “The Mighty Jungle” series. (**note the time change, just for this week)

Omar 'Coach' Moreno passes away
The sports community of San Pedro Town is mourning the loss of Omar 'Coach' Moreno. He unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, January 19th. A candle light vigil to honor the football coach was held inside the Ambergris Stadium later that day. Moreno is known for having greatly contributed to the development of young footballers on the island. The U17 San Pedro Pirates football team is one of the teams benefited from his wisdom and love for the sport. The many he trained have vowed to continue improving the sport on the island in his name. The San Pedro Sun joins the community in this sad moment, and sends its deepest condolences to the family of Coach Omar.

Picture of the red moon by Belize Scoop

FREE educational session by Dr. Andre Joel Cervantes in Corozal
On Saturday, February 2nd at 3:00 p.m. we invite the general public at 3:00 p.m. at the Corozal Town Hall for a FREE educational session by Dr. Andre Joel Cervantes, Belize's top Neuro and Spine Surgeon. Theme: "Back and spine injuries..causes prevention and treatment" If you have a job that puts you at risk we invite you .

Go Green Corozal!
Helping people and businesses adjust to the ban on single use plastics and styrofoam. Jan 26, at Mama Lowe's by Central Park.

9 BALL SCOTCH TOURNEY in CONSEJO
Sponsored by Millenium Restaurant in Consejo Village on Wednesday January 30th & Thursday January 31st, 2019 starting at 10:00 a.m. It's all for a good cause, have some great fun, win some $$ and raise funds to refurbish the table at the New Millennium! Entry is $2Bz per person. If you have a team great, if not we will pair you with a partner. **We only have spots for 32 people** REGISTER TODAY!!

CAP CASINO ROYALE FUNDRAISER
Featuring Poker with Lindsay Marot as Dealer Extraordinaire .January 31st 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at The Upper Room (formerly known as GLB) on Ferry Road in Corozal - Take the main highway towards Tony’s Inn, make a left turn, stay on that road until you see the pond, take a right, take your first left onto Ferry Road, stay on that road until it bears right and then make the first left continuing onto Ferry Road. The Upper Room will be on the right hand side of the road. Hosted by Corozal Animal Program (CAP). Come Join in the fun! There is a $20.00 buy in - half of your buy-in will go to CAP for fundraising and your winnings are your own. Come out and support this great cause and help us make a difference! FOOD AND DRINKS AVAILABLE TO BUY

Burns Avenue Valentine's Bash
The Super Furia Band will be performing at the Burns Avenue Valentine's Bash. It'll be on Saturday, February 9th, from 7:00pm to midnight. "Free, Free, Free Admission! Grand Valentines Bash! Featuring SUPER FURIA BAND, Only on Burns Avenue. February 9th from 7pm to 12 midnight. Sponsored by Tandoor Restaurant and Bar, Eva's Restaurant and Bar and Serendib Restaurant and Bar. Come with your love."

FBB Accepting Applications for 2019-20 Partner Schools
Full Basket Belize has 40 scholarships to award this coming year, and they are asking schools to register as partners so they can allow their students to apply for the scholarships. "Full Basket Belize is pleased to announce the opening of the application process for our Full Basket Belize Scholarship Program’s 2019-20 Partner Schools.

The League Of Mayapan (Luub Mayapan)
According to the Books of Chilam Balam the sacred books of the Yucatec Maya .Kukulkan the Native prophet reach to the Yucatan Peninsula in Katun 4 Ahua which is 987 years of our era . K'uk'ulkan taught love and abolished human sacrifice between the natives . His name was Ce Acatl topiltzin Quetzalcoatl the Maya called him K'uk'ulkan which means "The Plumed Serpent " . Kukulkan reach Mayab or Maya which was the name of Yucatan peninsula before the Europeans came . Kukulkan wisdom impress the lords and they respected him . The people lived in conflict but Kukulkan convince the lords to build a new city and he named it Mayapan, meaning "Standard of the Maya people". According to the Books of Chilam Balam when the city of Mayapan was build the people became known as Maya . The word Mayab or Maya can mean "Few ,Not many" or also "The choosen people " . Kukulkan lived among the Maya for some time and then continued his journey through Mesoamerica. The Books of Chilam Balam speak about the prophecies of the return of K'uk'ulkan .

The legend of Sac-Nicte and Canek
Sac-Nicte means white flower. She was born in Mayapan: the powerful alliance that lived in peace—Mayab, Uxmal, and Chichen Itza. Canek means black serpent, a brave prince with a kind heart. When he turned 21 years of age, he was chosen as king of Chichen Itza. That same day he met princess Sac-Nacte. She was 15 years of age. Both quickly fell in love; however Sac-Nicte was destined to be married with young Ulil, prince of Uxmal. The legend says that a young adviser to the princess told Canek that Sac-Nicte would be waiting among green flowers and that it would be necessary to fight for her, before destiny fought against them.

Channel 5

Fire in Belize City
A fire broke out at around 8 o’clock Sunday night in Belize City. It happened in the Conch Shell Bay Area and we understand that at least one house was destroyed. There are no reports of any injuries. More details to follow.

Tourists robbed at El Pilar
Reports reaching News 5 are that tourists were robbed while they were visiting the El Pilar Mayan Site. Details are still forthcoming but we understand that the perpetrators are not Belizeans. El Pilar is located north of Bullet Tree Falls in the Cayo District about 10 Kilometers from San Ignacio. Town.

A Skills Training Programme for Single Mothers of Orange Walk East
Bernard is also the P.U.P. standard bearer for the Orange Walk East constituency. He has also been working on a skills training programme that is being offered to single models across the division. Bernard says that the entrepreneurial training is to help the thirty-plus persons into becoming independent. According to Bernard, during his campaign, this was one of the main concerns by the constituents.

Belize City Woman Shot
Forty nine year old June Willoughby received a gunshot graze on her left foot yesterday afternoon. Willoughby was standing in front of a store on Ebony Street when she heard the sound of several gunshots. She later realized that that she was injured. Willoughby was taken to the KHMH where she was treated. Police are investigating.

Road Works in Orange Walk to Improve Quality of Life
There are a number of road works taking place in Orange Walk. It is part of the town council’s street infrastructure project for that northern municipality. As Mayor Kevin Bernard told News Five recently, there are both contract works and individual paving of streets undertaken by the council itself. The road works will improve the quality of life for residents.

The Reporter

Foreign Minister Says Settling Border Dispute Is Only Way Of Dealing With Narco-cattle Ranching
Settling our border dispute with Guatemala is the only solution to other problems, such as Narco-cattle ranching, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington told reporters this past week. Over the past two years, Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) has monitored the level of infiltrations within the Chiquibul and has noted that there were several cattle ranches in the forest reserve.

Breaking Belize News

Fire in Conch Shell Bay, arsonist caught
A house was set ablaze in Belize City minutes ago. The house has been identified as a bungalow in the heart of Conch Shell Bay which belongs to the Wade family. Police and fire officials arrived on the scene immediately.

4 Tourists robbed at gun point by ‘Guatemalan Bandidos’ at El Pilar Archaeological Site
Four tourists were robbed at gunpoint by 2 ‘Guatemalan Bandidos’ at El Pilar Archaeological Site today. Sometime this afternoon, the group which had been staying at a resort in Bullet Tree Village, Cayo opted to visit the El Pilar Maya site. That was where two armed assailants from Guatemala emerged and demanded they hand over their possessions or die.

Woman grazed by bullet
A woman is lucky to be alive after she was grazed by a bullet yesterday afternoon. Sometime after 2:00 p.m. June Willoughby was standing in front of a Chinese store on Ebony street when she heard several gunshots.

Latino’s barber shop robbed at gunpoint
There was an armed robbery in Belize city yesterday. Xequiel Miranda, 39, reported to police that he was inside Latino’s barber shop on Cemetery Road at about 7:45 p.m.

Of Human Dignity, Privacy and the Right to Work.
By Lisa Shoman: When we drafted the Constitution of Belize in 1980/81, we put some important safeguards for citizens in the preamble and body. Things like the right to human dignity, the right to belief (or not) in a personal Creator, the right to privacy, and the right to work. The matter of the Muffles College teacher who was asked to resign after nude photos of her were leaked and distributed, (allegedly without her knowledge or consent )raises all these safeguards.

Belize featured as top “voluntourism” destination
For many travelers, getting away to an exotic destination on a nice lazy vacation is enough, however, more and more travelers are looking for experiences to leave them feeling fulfilled. With this growing wave, ‘voluntourism’, as it is being called, has started attracting visitors to Belize, according to an article by the UK’s Daily Mail.

Prime Minister Barrow speaks out against foreign intervention in Nicaragua and Venezuela
During his visit to Cuba at the invitation of the Cuban President, Prime Minister Dean Barrow voiced his opposition to foreign intervention into the internal affairs of countries such as Nicaragua and Venezuela. “Interference is a threat to peace. You should not try to interrupt the government that is right now in Nicaragua. What is needed is to promote dialogue,” Barrow said in a statement on Cuban national television.

International Sources

The mystery of the Belize Blue Hole has now been solved
From the skies, Belize’s Blue Hole is something to marvel at – a natural wonder that’s remained a mystery for many years. But after a recent expedition into the depths of the Blue Hole, we finally know what lies at the very bottom. Last month Virgin founder Richard Branson and ocean conservationist Fabien Cousteau embarked on the very first submersible dive to the bottom of the hole, broadcasting the mission on the Discovery Channel. When they reached the bottom of the hole via Aquatica submarine, they were met with a wall of stalactites – caves that were originally formed on dry land.

Mayan mystery SOLVED: 1,400-year-old 'ghost from past' sculpture REVEALED
The Mayans were a civilisation known for their architecture, mathematics and astronomical beliefs, who date back to as far as 2000BC. Many of their impressive constructions can still be seen in the jungles of southeast Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and western parts of Honduras. Archaeologists are constantly racing against time to get their hands on a precious piece of history before local looters swarm in. In 1973, the Merrin Gallery in New York sold a door lintel hacked out the temple roof at the site of El Zotz, in northern Guatemala. Dating back to between 550AD and 650AD, the sculpture depicts a standing male figure carrying a diagonal ceremonial bar. The El Zotz lintel was removed by looters who significantly damaged the piece by hacking away the back of it with a hatchet to reduce its weight.

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