February 27, 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

The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) Mourns the Passing of Mrs. Alice Craig
The Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, through the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) mourns the passing of a stalwart of local culture, Mrs. Alice Craig, affectionately known, as “Ms. Meg” or “Meggy”. Mrs. Craig was an exceptional woman; she was a true patriot, a collector, a historian, and unsung hero. Mrs. Craig would often visit the Museum of Belize where she would sit with staff, share good jokes and stories, speak to school children visiting for that day, but most importantly, she would check on her Collection on Display. Her valuable collection brought her much joy and she was always eager to explain what an object was, or how, and why she collected it.

Ambergris Today

Oceana Hosts ‘Fish School’ For Local Media And Communication Professionals
The One-Day Training Offered Technical Insight On Fisheries Science And Fisheries Management To Better Assist Local Media In Their Coverage Of Fisheries Related Stories Twenty journalists and communication professionals from all around the country attended the one-day training workshop entitled “Fish School”, hosted by Oceana in Belize City on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina. During the workshop, participants heard presentations from Margot Stiles, Marine Scientist and Chief of Strategy and Philip Chou - Senior Advisor, Science and Strategy, both from Oceana.

HEALTH ADVISORY - Increase In “Pink Eye” Cases In Neighboring Quintana Roo
The Ministry of Health has been notified of an increase in the number of Conjunctivitis cases (more commonly known as “Pink eye”) in Mexico, particularly in Yucatan and Quintana Roo. According to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System of the Ministry of Health of Mexico, since the start of this year up to February 5th, 2019, Yucatan and Quintana Roo have recorded double the cases at this same time compared to last year.

Misc Belizean Sources

San Pedro Blood Drive
Saturday March 2, 9am-3pm, at the Dr. Otto Rodrigues Ploy Clinic. Donors are reminded that they should not consume alcohol the day before the blood drive. They should ensure they get a good night sleep and eat a healthy iron-rich meal before donating.

Belize Welcomes the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on Chagos Archipelago
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the findings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that the right to self-determination is an established customary norm of international law. The Court found that the right to self-determination of a people is defined by reference to the entirety of their territory. It established that under international law, the right to territorial integrity is a corollary to the right to self-determination. These findings mean that any attempt to forcibly detach any part of a territory from its whole is incompatible with the right to a people’s self-determination and international law.

Ascenthium WOA Fundraiser at Soul Project
Ascenthium is having a concert at the Soul Project to raise funds so they can go win the Wacken Open Air C.A. Competition in Panama. They rock Soul on Friday, March 8th. They'll have some surprises at the concert.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: FEBRUARY 17, 2019 THROUGH FEBRUARY 24, 2019
An unusually long string of windy days kept the fishing close to the cayes and islands. Bonefish, barracuda ,and jacks provided plenty of action. Permit fishing was good despite the challenging conditions.

Carnaval Fashion Show
Carnaval Fashion Show will be depicting our traditional comparsas. Join us on Friday, March 1st, 7 pm at the San Pedro House of Culture. Come one, come all and enjoy the history of Carnaval in San Pedro.

YUUMTSILO'OB - Úuchben nukuch máako’ob
The Ancient Maya lords are representations of every aspect of Human life like birth,death,travel,trading, pregant,suicide,wild nature,agriculture,rain,creation,destruction etc .

Public consultation on Caye Caulke Submarine Cable Project
We hereby inform the General public that a public consultation will be held on March 21, 2019 6:30 PM at the Caye Caulker Roman Catholic School. Hosted by Caye Caulker BTIA.

Increase In Pump Prices for Diesel Oil and Kerosene
The Ministry of Finance announces that at midnight on February 27, 2019, the pump price for diesel oil will increase by 33 cents from $9.97 to $10.30 per gallon, while the pump price for kerosene will increase by 29 cents from the $7.45 to $7.74 per gallon. These price increases are due to a reduction in supply from the OPEC countries and are also due to geopolitical uncertainties combined with an increase in demand in North America during the current winter season.

INVITATION TO REFERENDUM MONITORS
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby informs the public that in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 20 of 2008, Monitors are allowed to observe the 10th April 2019 Referendum. As a result, the following organizations that are represented in the National Assembly are invited to appoint referendum monitors at each polling/counting station:

IDB launches cartoon and illustration contest on the future of work
The competition seeks the most creative cartoonists and illustrators in Latin America and the Caribbean; entries accepted through March 31, 2019 The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) announces the launching of its third edition of the Cartoon and Illustration Contest under the theme The Future of Work. Cartoonists and illustrators from all IDB member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are invited to participate and submit their entries by March 31, 2019 at 23:59 in Washington, D.C. time (EST).

YOUTH MAINSTREAMING
The Department of Youth Services has partnered with the Commonwealth Secretariat in putting in place a strategy for youth mainstreaming in Belize. Youth mainstreaming is a coordinated all-of-government approach that will enable equitable, social, economic, political and ecological outcomes for young people. This requires strategic youth sector initiatives that engage comprehensively and substantively with holistic, youth-centric planning processes, and that bring young people’s aspirations and voices to the forefront in national planning. Belize will in this way become the second country after Kenya to receive Commonwealth support for youth mainstreaming.

Corozal Red Cross Clothing Sale
$5 per Bag Clothing Sale. Help our Red Cross to help our community. Thursday March 14, 9am-12pm.

Brandon D. Williams, American Football tight end for the NFL Indianapolis Colts hanging out on San Pedro
at Secret Beach. Welcome to Belize and do enjoy.

Oceana hosts Fish School for Media and Communication Professionals
Twenty journalists and communication professionals from all around the country attended the one-day training workshop entitled “Fish School”, hosted by Oceana in Belize City on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina. During the workshop, participants heard presentations from Margot Stiles, Marine Scientist and Chief of Strategy and Philip Chou - Senior Advisor, Science and Strategy, both from Oceana. Among the topics the workshop covered, were overfishing and illegal fishing, the impact of climate-related changes, seafood sustainability, fish and habitat, fisheries management, fishing methods and transparency. The training also allowed those in attendance to share information and their experience, including some of the challenges they face when covering fisheries related stories.

Reef Week Belize 2019 Calendar
The official Reef Week Belize 2019 Calendar is here! Check out all the details to see which initiatives you would like to be a part of!

THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE BATTLE OF ORANGE WALK 1872
The British authorities had agreements with the Yucatec Maya(Máasewal) from the Icaiche Maya group about the interchange of prisoners . So if some one from one part did a crime or something wrong . The person would be remited to the judge or leader so they can give a punishment. Jose Maria Manzanero a Maya captain of Marcos Canul was detained and was captive along with his wife in Orange Walk town . According to the Maya Leader Marcos Canul the event went against the agreement and that Manzanero was imprisoned without a formal judgment. Canul Presented his claims but the British ignored him . The Maya General Marcos Canul stoop up with his men in Orange Walk demanding if they could give the Maya official and his wife . Instead of giving a explanation about why they were detained the British officials acted in a aggresive manner and shooted a rain of bullets in the aire. The Maya immediately attack Orange walk which resulted in Canul being wounded . Marcos Canul die after because of his wounds.

Channel 7

PG Reeling From Double Murder
Right now, Punta Gorda is on edge after the southern town witnessed a double murder last night. PG is known for its serene, laid-back way of life, but it over the last few months, gangs and elements of the criminal underworld have been infiltrating the community and causing chaos. Residents tell us that tensions had been simmering for some time now, and last night, it reached a crescendo with the gun murders of Kevin Moro and Oscar Humes. Our news team travelled there to find out what's driving the murderous violence. Daniel Ortiz reports:

Cops Pledge To Contain And Counter PG Violence
In response to this outrageous double murder, the Commissioner of Police hosted a press conference at headquarters in Belmopan this morning. He and his top commanders discussed the recent escalation of violence in the south - and what police are doing to contain and counter it. The Southern Regional Commander Sr. Supt. Sandra Bodden told the media what police have so far on this double murder in PG. Sr. Supt. Sandra Bodden, Southern Regional Commander: "Police, after receiving information visited the hospital where they observed one Kevin Pandy Moro 30 years Belizean of Punta Gorda Town and one Oscar Humes also with gunshot injuries. Unfortunately, at their arrival of the hospital Moro had already passed away..."

Two Morning Shootings Related To Night-time Murder?
And, two separate shooting incidents yesterday morning in Punta Gorda may be connected to the murders. Bodden also discussed those incidents: Sr. Supt. Sandra Bodden, Southern Regional Commander: "Police visited the Punta Gorda hospital where they observed two male persons with gunshot injuries. They were identified as Ulalio Chiac and Seferino Cho. Information revealed that both men were walking home in the Columbia Village after socializing when they were fired upon by one Robert Chen. Chen is the nephew of Ulalio Chiac with whom he had a misunderstanding previously..."

Independence Shooting Victim Dies
And, keeping it in the south, but going now from Punta Gorda to Independence village, we can confirm tonight that shooting victim, 22 year old Edward Conorquie is dead. He died this afternoon at the KHMH after receiving multiple gunshot injuries to his head and back. The Belize City resident was found early on Sunday morning thrown on the side of the road. He had been picked up on Saturday night, and police believe that someone shot him multiple times and then threw him on the side of the road - left for dead. He survived for 36 hours after the shooting.

City Men Stabbed Shannon in Hopkins
Adding to the list of crime in the south, two Belize City thieves stabbed American national, Tommy Shannon and then burglarized his Hopkins home on Sunday. Police caught the assailants charged them today. Here is what Southern Regional Commander Sandra Bodden had to say earlier this morning at the press briefing. Sr. Supt. Sandra Bodden: "Police responded to a report of an aggravated burglary in Hopkins Village. The victim was identified as a US national where he reported that two men entered his home, one with a firearm and one with a knife. The person with the knife inflicted stab wound to him. Stolen from him was his motor vehicle..."

Bludgeoned Business Owner Showing Signs of Recovery
Continuing now with the depressing spate of crime news from the south, we have court details on the men charged for that aggravated burglary in Hopkins village. The two accused men 23 year old Steve Crawford and 20 year old Carrell Sanchez, appeared in Belize City court today. They are Belize City residents and were charged with aggravated burglary, theft and handling stolen goods. They were denied bail and remanded to prison until May 30, 2019.

The Southern Strategy
So what is police going to do about all this violent crime down south? As you have seen, it is a mix of shootings, murders, aggravated burglaries, Chinese shop robberies and not to mention vehicular fires. And these crimes are mostly carried out by Belize city criminals trying to escape police pressure. Well, Commander of Operations Sr. Supt. Marco Vidal who was also at this morning's press conference says the police are already on the ground in the south and they have a strategy in place to address the crime situation. Sr. Supt Marco Vidal, Commander - Operations: "Currently as we speak we have the special patrol unit along with the special branch along with the local investigators in Punta Gorda and we are targeting the persons who we suspect are involved in the other criminal activities as you mentioned as the Senior Superintendent..."

Operations Commander On The Ground in PG
And from the big picture, to the local picture…. While our news team was in PG this evening, we encountered Deputy Police Commissioner Edward Broaster on the ground. He was there as Commissioner Williams' most senior officers overseeing police's immediate response to last night's double murder. He granted us an interview in which he discussed what steps are being taken to hopefully prevent retaliations which residents suspect will take place sooner or later: Edward Broaster, Deputy ComPol, Ops and Crime: "The Commissioner of Police wanted to have an appreciation of what's actually transpiring on the ground. hence, the reason he sends one of his most senior officers to Punta Gorda, as well as reinforcement to ensure that we quell any uprising or any situation as it relates to retaliation in terms of the violence that occurred last night and we have brought in other reinforcement to backup the Punta Gorda formation so that we can deal with the situation and reduce any more bloodshed."

Commish's Message To Criminals
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams also spoke at the press briefing today and assured residents that police will hunt down these criminals and restore peace in their communities and if that means getting rid of rogue cops who facilitate these criminals, then they will do. Here is what the Commissioner had to say. Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "I want to say to the residents of Punta Gorda as well as Mango Creek that these criminals who would leave from Belize City and go to either Dangriga and Independence they will only feel as comfortable among you to the extent that you make them feel comfortable. If it is that these people are not welcomed within your community then you have a responsibility to to let them understand that they are not going to be welcomed among you..."

Council Of Churches Comes Out For ICJ
The ICJ in the Hague came out with a blockbuster decision yesterday - and it's a case in which has a direct parallels to the Belize - Guatemala case. In what is known as an advisory opinion, the ICJ ruled that the United Kingdom should end its control of the Chagos Islands, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean - which should be the property of the country and former British colony of Mauritius. The genesis of the case goes back to 1968 when Mauritius got its independence from Britain but was basically forced to give up the islands to the British, which evicted the entire population, before inviting the US to build a military base on one of the larger atolls. Well, the court has taken a dim view of that maneuver to dismember a former colony. The court upheld the the right of all people to self-determination with their territory intact.

Belize Chinese Community Gets Ready For Referendum
And the Belize Chinese community is also educating itself to vote in the ICJ referendum. On Sunday at the Princess theatre, the community was inited to listen to an ICJ presentation - which was translated into Mandarin. The chairman of the community discussed the event and the expectations: Chairman Ou says that since the presentation members of the community have been reaching out to him to help them register to vote.

Registration In Overtime
And they will have more hours in the day to do so. The Elections and Boundaries office has announced that effective 1st March all registration offices countrywide will be opened on Mondays to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. And on the two Saturdays before the cutoff date on March 12th, offices will be opened from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. That is the 2nd and 9th March 2019. And, in other news from the Elections and Boundaries office, they are inviting local monitors to observe the 10th April Referendum. The invitation is extended to the UDP..

Vital Stats Sputtering
And while all the machinery for the referendum is now going into high gear, the Vital Statistics office sputtered today. Their system went down this morning. A public announcements says, "The Management of the Vital Statistics Unit informs the public that the office will resume normal working hours on Wednesday, February 27, 2019."

Man Got Off Murder Charge
27 year-old Orlando Salazar, who was charged with murder, attempted murder, and maim, is a free man tonight after he was told that the DPP's Office no longer wants to prosecute him for the murder 2017 murder of Windel Gibson Jr. At around 4 p.m. on August 24th, 2017, 27 year-old Windell Gibson and 25 year-old Karron Santos were in the Conch Shell Bay Fish Market, when a gunman rode up with an accomplice on a motorcycle, and opened fire on the pair. They tried to escape by fleeing into Lindo's Alley, but the assailants pursued them and gunned them down. Gibson was pronounced dead on arrival, and Santos was injured to his left shoulder.

Keeping Marine Protected Areas Under Surveillance
There are 10 Marine Protected Areas in Belize - and increasingly they are being monitored by what are called Spatial Monitoring And Reporting Tools - or "SMART" for short. That can be something as simple as a smart phone - which is used to precisely map activities in those protected areas. For the next three days, the Wildlife Conservation Society is hosting a regional workshop on the use of these SMART tools. We stopped in today to find out more:

Fuel Prices Up Again
Fuel prices have been climbing steadily in the past few weeks, and it's going up again tonight at midnight. The pump price for diesel oil will increase by 33 cents from $9.97 to $10.30 per gallon, while the pump price for kerosene will increase by 29 cents from the $7.45 to $7.74 per gallon. Premium and regular will remain stable. Government says, quote, "the frequency of fuel price changes is due largely to high seasonal demand, particularly in the aviation, construction, and tourism sectors combined with limited storage capacities which together result in a need for more frequent shipments of fuel to the country in recent months."

Belize Murder Rate Surpasses Civil War Benchmark, Every Year
Violence is the most confounding social problem of our time - and you see it every night on the news, the seemingly endless procession of violent crime. That's why all this week, we will be featuring short excerpts of Dr. Herbert Gayle's presentation from last week Friday on the failure of suppression as a strategy to reducing crime. Tonight, he discusses the civil war benchmark for crime - that when the murder rate exceeds 30 per hundred thousand. As it does every year in Belize - that benchmark has been exceeded:

Pink Eye Alert Across The Border
For those Belizeans who love to travel to Chet every other weekend or for those long holiday weekends better be mindful of an increase of pink eye cases in Mexico specifically in Yucatan and Quintana Roo. The Ministry of Health sent out a release saying "since the start of this year up to February 5th, 2019, Yucatan and Quintana Roo have recorded double the cases at this same time compared to last year. While at this time, the Ministry is not seeing an increase, persons are advised to monitor the situation...

Channel 5

Double Murder in Peini, Has Gang Violence Taken Root in PG?
A spike in gun violence has shattered the calm and peace that Punta Gorda is known for, following a heinous double homicide on Monday evening.  Oscar Humes and Kevin Moro [...]

Operations Commander Vows to Quell Hostilities in Peini
Police in Punta Gorda Town remain on high alert tonight and additional manpower has been sent in to quell what has been an escalation of gun violence over the past [...]

2 Unrelated Shootings in Toledo
There were signs that a wave of violence was sweeping through the district. Even before the double murders there were two shootings in Toledo. Police say the first incident happened [...]

22-Year-Old Succumbs to Gunshot Injuries
There is another murder victim.  Twenty-two-year-old Edward Conorquie succumbed to gunshot injuries today. He was receiving medical attention at the K.H.M.H. after he was shot in the head and back [...]

ComPol Urges the Public in the South to Cooperate with Authorities
As his deputy was in the south, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams was in Belmopan where he spoke about the growing gang-related violence in Punta Gorda. He says that that [...]

ComPol says Operations Will Target Criminals and Dirty Cops
The commissioner also told the media that they will be coming down hard on the criminals – not just to apprehend them, but to make sure that they are held [...]

Are Criminals Being Brought in to PG as Hired Guns?
The situation in Punta Gorda begs the question whether criminal elements are being brought in from out of town for use as hired guns. The notion arose in the wake [...]

Belize Council of Churches Says YES to the I.C.J.
The Belize Council of Churches has come out in favour of going to the International Court of Justice and is offering prayers for a settlement of the dispute. After carefully [...]

N.T.U.C.B. Members to Exercise Conscious Vote for April 10th Referendum
So while the churches are in the yes corner, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize says its membership is free to exercise a conscious vote.  The N.T.U.C.B. has been [...]

N.T.U.C.B. Prez Leaning to a NO Vote
But when it comes to his personal decision, Mora says he leaning toward a no. He’s been acquainting himself with past rulings by The Hague on similar cases of territorial [...]

Pump Price for Diesel to Increase
The pump price for diesel fuel is set to increase at midnight on Wednesday. It will go up by thirty-three cents, from nine dollars and ninety-seven cents to ten dollars [...]

8-Year-Old Student Alleges Assault by Teacher
Corporal punished has been banned from schools for more than a decade. In 2017, Minister of Education Patrick Faber told the media that corporal punishment in schools will not be [...]

Man Charged for Murder is Freed
A preliminary inquiry ended today in the murder case against Orlando Salazar, who was charged jointly with Joel Choco for the killing of Windell Neal. The court withdrew the charge [...]

2 City Youth Arraigned for Attempted Murder
Two city youth were arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on six criminal and indictable offenses. Twenty-one year-old Mark August and eighteen-year-old Avery Bain were read the criminal and [...]

Police Doing a Deep Dive into Victor L Bryant’s Inventory as Investigation Continues
Last week we told you that police recovered about one thousand rounds of ammunition and that five hundred more remain on the streets. The ammo is a part of the [...]

Specific Organizations Invited to Monitor I.C.J. Referendum
There are forty-three days left before the April tenth I.C.J. referendum and logistics are still being worked out. The Elections and Boundaries Department is still carrying out preparations for what [...]

2,500 Plus Electors Disallowed from Re-registering Due to Missing Docs At Vital Stats
While on Open Your Eyes, Tamai and Singh responded to concerns regarding the Vital Statistics Unit. As we have been reporting, many electors are complaining that they are being disenfranchised [...]

Vita Stats’ System Down, Temporarily
Concerns regarding the daily operations at the Vital Statistics Unit have been mounting for years. Those who have visited the Unit go through a hellish and frustrating experience.  Today, the [...]

Was There Negligence in Fatal Electrocution Case in the West?
On Monday we reported about thirty-one-year-old William Vasquez who was killed while working on a construction site on the Chial Road.  Reports are that Vasquez accidentally made contact with a [...]

2020 Will See Trade License Reform
In other news…A reform in the trade license fee is expected to be rolled out across the country in 2020. The legislation has been completed and according to Belize City [...]

Mapping the Guatemalan Claim: A News Five Flashback
Next Tuesday at eight p.m., Channel Five will be launching “Mapping the Guatemalan Claim: a News Five Flashback.”  The series will run through to the April tenth referendum and is [...]

Failure of Suppression – Doctor Herbert Gayle Lecture
On Friday night at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts, well-known anthropologist Doctor Herbert Gayle delivered a public lecture entitled Failure of Suppression. Breaking down crime and violence into [...]

Success is Community-Based Initiatives with Violence Interruption Groups
According to Doctor Gayle, the region has only one violence reduction success and that is through the concept of community policing. He is of the belief that hard-line policing is [...]

LOVE FM

Chinese Association Hosts ICJ Education
On Sunday the Belize Chinese Association held its first consultation and history lesson about Guatemala’s unfounded claim on Belize. They were treated to a history of Belize that brought them up to speed on the April 10 referendum. The consultation took place at the Princess Ramada Cinema for about 145 Chinese as well as Taiwanese …

Taxi man is stabbed and recovers in Guatemala before filing report
A taxi operator, Walter Lopez says he was robbed and stabbed by a group of men last week. Lopez told police that his ordeal began when he was working in Benque Viejo Town, Cayo District, where he picked up three men; but Lopez made the report five days after he was attacked. ACP Joseph Myvett …

Man is electrocuted and dies in Benque
Police report that one man has died after being electrocuted while doing some welding. It happened in Benque Viejo Town on Sunday morning while 31-year-old William Vasquez was doing some work. ACP Joseph Myvett: “Sometime around 10:45 AM Police was called to an area in Benque Viejo known as Chial where they observed the body …

NTUCB discusses SSB’s proposal
For some time now, Belize’s Social Security Board has been proposing an increase in benefits and contributions. Last year, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, NTUCB’s under the leadership of Floyd Neal, stated that the union was in support of SSB’s bid for contributions to increase. Love News asked the current president of the …

Where does the NTUCB stands on ICJ?
The debate on whether or not to take the Belize/Guatemala issue to the International Court of Justice, ICJ, has the country divided. The Government has declared a yes position on the matter while the People’s United Party, PUP, after wavering for some time, finally arrived at a no-vote. Organizations like the Belize Peace Movement and …

Consultations on sexual offense legislation concludes
The Belize Women against Violence in collaboration with the Building People Movement has concluded their final public consultation on a sexual offenses draft legislation. The last consultation was held in Corozal Town where they heard from community members and representatives of organizations and groups that work in the area. The organization is being assisted with …

Squatters also causing a problem for BEWU
A few weeks ago we brought the issue of the squatters in Belama Phase Four and their dilemma of having their homes broken down and having to relocate. In our initial stories, we told you that the large plot of land belongs to Fen Lan Company. Tonight, however, there is a development as we have …

TOP POLICE BRASS ADDRESS VIOLENCE & MURDERS in TOLEDO
Over the past few months there have been a growing number of violent incidents in the south of Belize, ranging from fights to chopping and shooting incidents. A family was brutally hammered during a robbery in Independence Village last week and one person is still in a coma. On Sunday, 2 persons were shot in …

Police Update Status of Recent Major Crimes
73 year old Thomas Shannon. US National who resides in Hopkins Village sustained a stab wound after he became the victim of a home invasion on Saturday night. Two Belize City residents, 20 year old Karil Sanchez from a Flamboyant Street and 23 year old Steve Crawford from Jane Usher Boulevard were found with his …

Edward Conorquie dies days after he was found severely injured in southern Belize
Belize City resident Edward Conorquie died this afternoon after being shot several times in southern Belize. Police report that the 22-year-old was found on Sunday morning on the outskirts of Independence Village, severely wounded. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch says they are yet to find out how he got to …

Amandala

Pink eye on the increase in Quintana Roo
Today, the Ministry of Health (MoH) issued a press release advising Belizeans on increased cases of conjunctivitis (pink eye) recorded in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo areas of Mexico. Quintana Roo is the state that borders Belize. The National Epidemiological Surveillance System of the Ministry of Health of Mexico reported that since the start of 2019, there has been a much higher number of cases of pink eye compared to this same time last year.

Councilor Micah Goodin stripped of his portfolio
Less than two months after taking office at the Belize City Council, Councilor Micah Goodin made public accusations about, and criticisms of, Mayor Bernard Wagner on social media. Now, less than one year since that initial outburst, Councilor Goodin has again exploded in an uncontrollable outburst at City Hall. This time, City Administrator, Stephanie Lindo-Garbutt, was on the receiving end of Councilor Goodin’s tirade. Things got so heated that the councilor had to be physically restrained and put out of City Hall. The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday.

Fake cops sentenced to 1 year
Two men, Dorian Blair, 24, and Barrington Slusher, 41, who posed as police officers, changed their plea from not guilty to guilty of a charge of pretense of an officer when they appeared today for trial before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts Anderson. They were each sentenced to 1 year imprisonment.

92-year-old woman punched in face during burglary
An elderly woman was injured during a burglary of her home in the Southern Foreshore area of Belize City. The injury was not fatal, and the woman has already been treated and released from the hospital. According to police, Marie Gardiner, 92, was home around 1:30 p.m. when a man who had gained entry into her home punched her in the face, injuring her mouth. While police were unable to say how the man was able to enter her home, unconfirmed media reports are that he broke the back door.

Activist Audrey Matura stages solidarity demonstration for Wesley College student
Attorney and community activist, Audrey Matura held a solidarity demonstration in front of Wesley College this afternoon in support of a female student who had become a victim of cyber-bullying when a video of her dressed in her school uniform and engaged in a sexual act went viral when it was posted on Facebook. In a statement to the media, Matura said the demonstration has three components. “We are launching a petition to the government to ensure that issues of pornography are dealt with legislatively, socially and through institution.

We gave our all; respect to Cuba and Bahamas!
Belize came one 3-point shot away, and two chances to make it, from securing a 1-point victory over powerhouse Cuba in the FIBA World Cup qualifying quadrangular on Saturday night at the Civic Center in Belize City. Cuba’s outstanding center Javier Justiz was sidelined for almost the last three quarters, but with a superlative effort from Jasiel Rivero, Cuba still managed an 82-80 victory over Belize. Cuba walked away with the championship trophy after demolishing Antigua last night, while Belize fought gamely, but fell to second place Bahamas in last night’s final game of the weekend quadrangular.

Women Bandits setting football record at Week 4 of NAWL
With 4 weeks of competition completed in the National Amateur Women’s League (NAWL) 2019 tournament, Jewel Fury Bandits, as the Belmopan based women team is now called, has set a record that is not likely to be broken anytime soon; and they are not finished yet. At Week 4 of the competition in the South Group, Jewel Fury Bandits have not given up a single goal yet, while they have amassed a massive total of 45 goals so far in the competition. They are the only team from either group with a perfect 4 and 0 record. (See standings below.) Two North teams are also undefeated, but Black Orchid and Verdes have each drawn a game, against each other; while in the South, Rumberas are also undefeated with one draw, but they face Jewel Fury Bandits for the first time this coming weekend.

National Beach Soccer Week 3 results, standings
Placencia Village was the venue for 3 competitive games in Week 3 of the Football Federation of Belize’s (FFB) first National Beach Soccer League 2019 competition. In game 1 at 11:00 a.m., Dangriga Beach Soccer maintained its undefeated streak, as they prevailed, 6-4, over Hopkins Ibayani. Shaking the net for Dangriga Beach Soccer were Raymond Ramos (3’ & 30’), Evan Mariano (15’, 18’ & 31’) and Ramon Olmedo (22’); while Hopkins Ibayani goals were by Wayne Ford (4’), Devanny Tillett (19’ & 29’) and Deshann Nunez (24’).

Bandits’ first loss; San Pedro Pirates take standings lead at Week 7 of PLB Closing Season
The first round is completed, and at Week 7 of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Closing Season, defending champion Bandits Sport has suffered its first loss, and the team that delivered that blow, San Pedro Pirates FC have taken over the standings lead. (See standings below.) It was a low scoring and fiercely competitive weekend in PLB action, with identical 2-1 and 1-nil scores on Saturday and Sunday.

Belize’s basketball challenge – FIBA World Cup quadrangular this weekend at the Civic
This weekend at the Belize Civic Center, our Belize National Basketball Team will attempt to reach the highest level it has ever been – the Round of 16 in the FIBA World Cup Tournament for the Americas. To accomplish that, Belize will have to emerge as one of the top two teams from this weekend’s international quadrangular which starts on Friday evening, with two games being played each night – Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Participating national teams will be from Antigua & Barbuda, Belize, Bahamas, and Cuba.

How the “South” votes should be a concern
When asked what Guatemala is claiming, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington and former Foreign Minister, Dr. Assad Shoman, and the entire ICJ team, reply that it is the entire country of Belize. When Belizeans go to vote in the referendum to determine if we are for the Special Agreement, or not for it, we will not know the end game because that has not been specified. If we agree (to support the Special Agreement), we will be consenting to defend against any and all legal claims that Guatemala might have/believes it has on Belizean territory; if we want to know what Guatemala is claiming, we have to go to court. For Elrington and Shoman, and the entire ICJ team, it is absolutely essential strategy that they put forward to the public that the Guatemalan claim will be for all of Belize.

“With the safe open, even the most honest will steal.”
Dear Editor, “The PUP thief……… fu give we” were the words an elder gentleman directed to me while discussing politics when I was but a young lad of about 18, about to start casting my vote, and he was trying to convince me that the party was doing good and I thought they were “too thief”. This was before Belize attained Independence.

A theoretical analysis: Why we MUST vote NO …
As I further scrutinize the Joint Statement, I noticed that while Belize and Guatemala were “strengthening the bonds of mutual cooperation,” apparently a disturbing revelation suddenly emerged: “Guatemala and Belize, as two sovereign States, have not yet signed a treaty between them finally establishing their land and maritime boundaries and that such a treaty is one element of the expected outcome of the negotiations.” May I ask what the other elements are? Also alluded to at the bottom of the Joint Statement is “existing reference monuments” on which the “execution and implementation will be based.” Where do these “monuments” exist? Where on paper can we find them? Or are they shrouded in mystery? They seem important!

Joe Bradley clobbered by local Guardian
Label me gullible, but I really thought Wave’s Joe Bradley was on to something, a scoop to blow the Belize Peace Movement out of the water, when he told his co-host Alfonso that he had seen a certain young lady lawyer from Nigeria, preaching in a church in Belize. Belize has a growing Nigerian population, and we definitely wouldn’t put it past Mr. Brackett, “the tire burner in front of the Guat Embassy,” to pull one to put a brake on Sedi and Assad and all their company. You’ve seen the lady in the video, the one where she gives a warning to Belizeans about the ICJ. It seems that just about everybody in Nigeria is fed up with that court after it decided in favor of Cameroon in a case between them.

Human skull found near Port of Belize compound
he skull and some bones of an unknown person were found by a maintenance worker while cleaning inside the Port of Belize compound at about 8:30 this morning. Police said that the maintenance worker for Port Authority was cleaning the compound when he saw the human remains. The skull and bones were found at the edge of the fence, not far from a bathroom.

PM Barrow blasts Supreme Court Justice Courtenay Abel
The Supreme Court of Belize and its justices are creations of the Belize Constitution and function as part of the judiciary, one of the three branches of government. The office of the Prime Minister, likewise, is also a creation of the Constitution and functions as the executive branch of government, of which the prime minister is its head. Thirdly, there is the legislative branch, which has responsibility for making the laws for the good governance of Belize.

Edward Conorquie, 22, shot and left on roadside in Independence
Edward Conorquie, 22, of Vernon Street, who was in Independence attending a social event on Saturday night, is in a critical condition in the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH)’s Intensive Care Unit, suffering from gunshot wounds in his head and back. Conorquie was found lying on the roadside not far from the Punta Negra road’s junction with the Southern Highway at about 4:00 Sunday morning by some persons traveling on the road. They rushed him to the Independence Polyclinic, where he was given initial treatment, and police were called. He then was rushed to the KHMH for further treatment.

Constable Mark Rodriguez, 38, survives traffic accident in Camalote
Constable Mark Rodriguez, 38, of San Ignacio police, is presently in the Western Regional Hospital, suffering from serious injuries to his head and arm, after a traffic accident that occurred at about 9:30 Friday night on the George Price Highway in Camalote, Cayo District. Reports to us are that the policeman, who was alone in his car, was driving from San Ignacio to Belmopan to be with his wife, who had been admitted at the Western Regional Hospital to undergo an emergency operation.

The Reporter

Man Escapes Police – Tries To Break Into House Of Police Commissioner
Police are on the hunt for a suspect who escaped from Police custody in the village of Seine Bight, he then tried to break into a house, not realizing that the house belongs to the Commissioner of Police Chester Williams. According to reports, the man escaped from a Police pickup in which he was being transported, and tried to enter the house, which was locked.

Breaking Belize News

Fire in Punta Gorda, child reportedly injured
A house in Punta Gorda, Toledo was affected by fire tonight. A woman and a child were reported to be inside the house at the time […]

Candle light vigil being held in wake of double murder in Punta Gorda
In the wake of the double murder of Kevin Moro and Oscar Humes, a candle light […]

Team NICH takes Guinness 2019 Belize River Canoe Challenge
The National Institute of Culture and History’s (NICH) team took first place in the Guinness 2019 Belize […]

Government invites Opposition, NGO’s to monitor ICJ referendum
The Elections and Boundaries Department today informed the public that in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. […]

Prices of Diesel and Kerosene go up at midnight
The Ministry of Finance announced that at midnight, the pump price for diesel oil will increase […]

Commissioner of Police to host meeting in Punta Gorda following surge in crime
In light of the recent increase of violent crime in Punta Gorda, Toledo, the Commissioner of […]

Vital Statistics inform that their system is down
The Management of the Vital Statistics Unit informs today that their system is down. The Unit […]

Belize welcomes ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on Chagos Archipelago
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today issued a statement saying that it welcomes the findings of […]

Shooting victim passes away
After fighting for his life for more than 24 hours, a shooting victim has passed away. He […]

NICH mourns the passing of Alice Craig
The Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, through the National Institute of Culture and History […]

Police: Two persons shot in San Pedro Columbia, Toledo
Police have released information on an early morning shooting in Punta Gorda, Toledo that happened yesterday. […]

Punta Gorda shooter captured by police
Yesterday at around 10:45 a.m., a police officer was on patrol on Queen Street in Punta […]

Armed robbery in Belize City
On Saturday around 7:45 p.m. police responded to a robbery at Blue Marlin’s on Coney Drive […]

Police: Unable to determine motive in Independence shooting incident
On Sunday around 5 a.m. police in Independence, Stann Creek were called to the polyclinic. There, they […]

Armed robbery in Toledo
On Saturday around 8:55 p.m. there was a robbery in Eldridgeville, Toledo. Two armed robbers entered […]

Taxi driver stabbed in Benque Viejo, Cayo
On Friday there was a stabbing incident reported in Benque Viejo, Cayo. Walter Lopez, 37, visited […]

Fire in Santa Elena, Cayo; Police and fire officials investigating
On Saturday at around 3:30 p.m. San Ignacio police reported to the calls of a fire […]

Taiwan and Governor General congratulate Scout Association of Belize for new Headquarters project
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) announced today that in collaboration with Colville Young, […]

Man electrocuted in Benque Viejo Town
On Sunday around 10:45 a.m., police in Benque Viejo responded to calls of a body found […]

Human remains found in Belize City sent for forensic test
On Friday around 8:15 a.m. police were called to the Port Authority compound in Belize City. […]

Blogs

Choose your adventure at Iguana Juan’s
With several weekly and monthly events, Iguana Juan’s Restaurant and Bar on Back Street welcomes you to enjoy food, drinks, yoga, music, a combination of it all, and more! Their delicious Reggae Brunch is offered every Saturday, from 11AM – 2PM. With the smooth grooves of Melody Man Escobar playing in the background, you can indulge in a fabulous island brunch, which comes with a variety of tasty options. Iguana Juan’s is located on Back Street (Angel Coral St), next to Superbuy and of course you can find them on social media.

Pilates and a Latte In a Surprising Location on North Ambergris Caye
Yesterday I went to Pilates in a grand space – a huge space with a lagoon view that I had no idea was even there. Located at about 4 miles north – JUST as the paved road ends, across the street from Belizean Shores Resort and my new favorite baked good-ery. I texted the number – found out that it was fine for beginners and I only need bring ME. $20bzd for the class but free for my first time. Can’t beat that. PLUS, I so wanted to look inside this mysterious palapa. Perhaps you’ve seen it – it’s fairly hard to miss when you drive by. Holy beautiful. A towering ceiling, doors that fold out to a pretty awesome lagoon view, a smooth polished wood…the perfect party spot. OH! And a basketball half court.

No Rush Adventure
If you want the perfect “chill” day, grab a few friends, head down to the Melt restaurant dock in downtown San Pedro, and set sail on the No Rush catamaran! This wonderful boat has a crew that attends to your every need and Captain Steve ensures a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable day on the water. Every time on the No Rush is magical and different. On our Belize Happy Adventure, we sailed north and enjoyed some amazing snorkeling, fresh ceviche, and enough rum punch and beer to keep us happy. We enjoyed nummy fresh fish, chicken, and a sweet potato lunch, which was served to us right on board.

Melody Man & Small World Band!
This Thursday head up to Bernie's Back for the smooth reggae sounds of Melody Man & Small World Band! Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 7 PM – 11 PM. Stop by for dinner and drinks with the show! You wont be disappointed! SEE YOU THURSDAY NIGHT! Hosted by BERNIE's BACK Bar & Restaurant

International Sources

Kurt Riley Heads To Belize On Magnum Xplosion Club Tour
The legendary DJ Kurt Riley of Jamaica will headline the upcoming Magnum Xplosion Club Tour that will be taking place next month in Belize. The tour, which kicks off on March 6, will see Riley making stops in Belmopan, Belize City and San Pedro. The Magnum Xplosion Club Tour is the most recently added element to the Magnum Xplosion series, which has ignited thousands across the region with feverish performances from soca and dancehall’s biggest names. Last year, Bunji Garlin, Ding Dong, Aidonia, Shenseea, Busy Signal and I-Octane took to Magnum Xplosion stage to deliver explosive performances, as Magnum continues to extend its magnetic energy regionally.

EU Demands Belize Remove Harmful Tax Regimes
The European Union Code of Conduct Group (Business Taxation) has warned the Government of Belize that the jurisdiction will be placed on the EU's blacklist of non-cooperative territories unless it commits to amend or abolish certain tax rules considered "harmful." In a letter to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, dated February 1, 2019, the Code of Conduct Group said that it has identified the introduction of a new preferential tax measure, namely the exemption of foreign income, as harmful under the Code Group's criteria for assessing potentially harmful tax regimes. The letter points out that while the general income tax rate in Belize is 25 percent, international business companies and firms operating in a Designated Processing Area (DPA) are taxed at a special rate of three percent up to BZD3m (USD1.46m) and at the rate of 1.75 percent above this amount.

His Invisible Footprint: A Conversation With Peter Kjellerup
We ended up in Belize, where we now have a house. Mandy and I are involved with programs related to the Waterkeeper Alliance in Belize, originated by its founder, Robert Kennedy, Jr. Now that the Waterkeeper Alliance is in place, Mandy and I are trying to get the government to preserve the bays and to protect mangroves and manatees. We are also working to preserve a 22,000-acre parcel of land that is nestled in the Maya Mountains and contiguous with several key nature reserves. Twenty-thousand of those acres is virgin rainforest, and the rest has been poorly farmed in citrus and coconuts. We are looking to rehabilitate that smaller piece and introduce native cacao as well, so that local farmers can model a more sustainable way of making a living. We believe that the impact we can have in Belize is enormous.

6 Things to Do in San Ignacio, Belize
Westjet Magazine loves Cayo. They recently ran another article, and this one focuses on some of the unique local sites found in the area. The Green Iguana Conservation Project is on the list, as is the market, Ajaw Chocolate, Kaj Expressions, Vivian's Cafe, and the new Capello's Art Gallery. A great list that can all be visited in one fun, artsy day. "San Ignacio is a small, friendly town in the Cayo District and is the perfect base to explore the nearby Maya sites. It's also filled with sights worth discovering, including an iguana conservatory and a vibrant market."

Videos

February 26, 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

San Pedro Pirates in the 1st place position on PLB charts after 2-1 win against Belmopan Bandits
The San Pedro Pirates F.C made history this weekend at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town, after defeating the Belmopan Bandits and claiming the first place position in the Premiere League of Belize 2019 Closing Season chart standings. The island team fought hard for their victory and managed to defeat the Belmopan Bandits with a 2-1 point score. This is the first time San Pedro Pirates F.C makes it to the first place position in the PLB charts. San Pedro Pirates Manager Tony Maldonado told The San Pedro Sun that they are happy with how much they have accomplished this season, and they look forward to continue giving their best.

Ambergris Today

Pic of the Week: The Early Bird Catches The Fish
San Pedro gets up early; even before the sunrise. This goes especially for our fishermen and tour guides who get ready for the day's adventures out at sea. In this picture of the week, Captain Daniel Nuñez of Tanisha Ecological Tours casts the perfect net as he searches for sardines before a day of fishing.

Belize Ministry Of Health Implements Smart Health Facilities Initiative
Eleven hospitals and health centers and a laboratory in Belize will be retrofitted to make them safer, “green” and able to continue operating during emergencies and disasters as part of the Smart Health Facilities Project, a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) initiative, financed by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (UKaid) and the European Union. The Matron Roberts, Cleopatra White, Independece II and Isabel Palma I polyclinics, as well as the San Ignacio community hospital and the Palm Center were selected to form part of the initiative, following an assessment of country priorities and the facilities’ vulnerability to disaster risks.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize attends the II Mixed Commission between Central American and the European Union
Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Patrick Andrews, represented Belize in the Political Dialogue of the II Mixed Commission between Central America and the European Union (EU), held on February 22, 2019, in Brussels, Belgium. The bi-regional political dialogue discussed themes of mutual priority to both regions, including regional integration, climate change, migration, and citizen security. Belize took this opportunity to stress the major challenges it faces arising from BREXIT and climate change. Belize further urged the EU to continue working with the Central American region to help address the urgent challenges caused by climate change and to continue cooperating in the multilateral forum on the matter. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a Joint Communication.

Extension of Registration Offices Opening Hours
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby notifies the public that effective 1st March 2019, all registration offices countrywide will be opened as follows: Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (1st to 8th March 2019) Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (2nd and 9th March 2019) This is to facilitate persons who are qualified to register and have not yet registered, and wish to vote in the upcoming Referendum on 10th April 2019. Please be reminded in order to vote in this referendum, you must register to vote no later than 12th March 2019. Persons desirous of being registered are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

Belize Receives Financial Support for National Consultations on the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has prioritized the preparation of its National Report on the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). In this regard, the Ministry will embark on a national public consultation with relevant stakeholders. Today, the Ministry received financial support from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to assist with the execution of the national public consultations. This includes support for the development of collateral materials and public presentations to stakeholders as well as other logistical costs. Receiving the donation on behalf of the Government of Belize was Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs, from H.E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize.

Increase in “Pink Eye” cases in Neighboring Quintana Roo
he Ministry of Health has been notified of an increase in the number of Conjunctivitis cases (more commonly known as “Pink eye”) in Mexico, particularly in Yucatan and Quintana Roo. According to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System of the Ministry of Health of Mexico, since the start of this year up to February 5th, 2019, Yucatan and Quintana Roo have recorded double the cases at this same time compared to last year. While at this time, the Ministry is not seeing an increase, persons are advised to monitor the situation, especially in the northern districts; keep updated through Ministry of Health advisories; and to continue proper hand-washing etiquette, which includes washing hands often with soap and clean running water to reduce the spread of this infection and any other contagious illness.

Belize to Launch its First National Trade Policy
Following Cabinet’s approval of Belize’s first National Trade Policy (NTP) in November 2018, the Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce announces the official launch of the National Trade Policy to be held at 9:00 a.m. on February 28th, 2019 at the Queen’s Room of the Ramada Belize City Princess Hotel and Casino. The DGFT with technical assistance from the Commonwealth Secretariat, and in collaboration with public, private and civil society partners have developed the National Trade Policy which is structured around four main pillars: institutional capacity strengthening; enhancement of supply and productive capabilities; increased market access and entry; and trade facilitation.

CHAN CHEN COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP
Let's Slam Dunk the Junk. Let's stop the litter and toss your garbage in a trash can. Events happening in Corozal. CHAN CHEN COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP. Date: Sunday, March 31st, 2019. Time: 9:00 a.m. Meeting Place: Chan Chen Community Center. Sponsor: Belize Red Cross Corozal Branch.

Let's Slam Dunk the Junk
Let's stop the litter and toss your garbage in a trash can. Events happening in Corozal. COROZAL BEACH CLEAN-UP. Everyone is invited to come out and help. Date: Sunday, March 17th. 2019. Time: 9:00 a.m. Meeting Place: Gazebo Shed (Round House) Miami Beach. Sponsor: Belize Red Cross Corozal Branch.

Corozal -COMMUNITY CLEAN UP DAY!
Let's stop the litter and toss your garbage in a trash can. Events happening in Corozal -COMMUNITY CLEAN UP DAY! Date: Sunday, March 3rd, 2019. Time: 9:00 a.m. Meeting Place: Skeleton Park. Sponsor: Belize Red Cross Corozal Branch.

ATHLETIC PARADE
ATHLETIC PARADE spearheaded by our Corozal youth organization U Empower will be held on Sunday, March 3rd 2019 at 2:00 p.m. starting at the Central Park. Calling on all athletes to join us this coming Sunday on a parade dedicated to our youth atletism. It is time for our talent to shine. Come join us and let's take a stand for all our Corozal athletes! U E M P O W E R

BWS NOTICE: Corozal
Low water pressure to the entire Corozal system from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday February 27th, 2019.

Public Service Union (PSU) Corozal Branch Annual General Meeting
All Branch Members are Invited to Attend on Thursday, February 28th from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. TOPIC DISCUSSION from 3:00 p.m. until. Venue: Corozal PSU Headquarters in Santa Rita, Corozal.

Land Registry Department EXPRESS REGISTRATION SERVICE on certain transactions
"The Ministry of Natural Resources, through the Land Registry Department, has introduced an Express Registration Service to facilitate the expedition of certain transactions for specific reasons. Please see the flyer below for more information".

Las Cuevas and Chiquibul Birding
Just heading out of La Milpa after a very successful trip. Now let's focus on the future. Here is your chance for another great birding trip. Some seats have been pre booked, so only 9 seats available. Off to the land of Scarlet Macaws...

2nd Belize National Research Conference
Annual conference highlighting scholarly papers under the 2019 theme "Belize’s Security: Strengths, Opportunities and Threats". The conference is designed to promote research in Belize in the areas of economics, scientific, social and technological development, and topics that may contribute to policy formulation and Belize's overall development. Apr 3 at 8 AM – Apr 4, University of Belize. Hosted by Institute for Social & Cultural Research.

SanPedro: The river is a NO WAKE ZONE !!
Guides , boaters , and especially jet skiers!! By order of Belize Port Authorities and San Pedro Town Council the river is a NO WAKE ZONE !! Please GO SLOW especially beside our newly renovated Boca Del Río beach and park !! RESPECT! GO SLOW !!!

Royal Caribbean Sports Bar Karaoke Lounge Opening Its New Location On Pescador Drive
Friday, March 1, 2019 at 6 PM – 2 AM, Across The Street OF War Paint.

The Placencia Breeze, March 2019
What’s Inside: Entertainment Guide ... pg. 3 16th Annual Placencia Sidewalk Art Fest One of the Best Yet Thanks to More Artists and Improvements ... pg. 5,14,28-29 Miniature Golf Opening Early April ... pg.7 Peninsula Speed Bumps Receive Facelift ... pg. 9 Where in the World is the Breeze? … pg. 5 Young Runners for Life Kick Off 2019 in Record Numbers … pg. 12 From the Fire Heart: The Moringa Movement in Placencia ... pg. 13 March is for Macaws … pg. 19 SandWatch Continues in Peninsula Primary Schools … pg. 20 Famous Hawksbill Turtle Finds Home at the Pointe … pg. 20 Placencia BTIA Membership Directory ... pgs. 15 & 18 Croc Corner: Which is Easier to Train? A Crocodile or a Dog? ... pg. 21 Placencia Peninsula Guide ... pgs. 22-23 Have You Heard About the Deadly New Disease Attacking Corals Right Now? ... pg. 24 FoH Distributes Educational Materials to Students in Southern Belize ... pg. 26 Rotary Club of Placencia Updates … pg. 27 Fragments of Hope Billboards Erected at Laughingbird and Moho ... pg. 30

Channel 7

Burn Victim Returns Home With a Bounce In His Step
It was one of the most remarkable stories we reported last year: 21 year old Grayson Cadle was burnt up in his Mopan Street home by a butane explosion. He was left in a bad way - second and third degree burns to most of his body and in critical condition. Within days, he was flown to a Burn Centre in the US, and 7 months later, Grayson returned to Belize on Saturday - and 7News was at the airport to greet him. Here's what we saw: When Grayson Cadle was wheeled out of the arrival hall at the PGIA, that seemed about right for a man recovering from second and third degree burns to 75% of his body.

City Man Shot Up In Independence
A Belize City man is in very critical condition tonight after he was was shot multiple times this weekend. On Sunday morning at 5:00 am, Edward Conorquie turned up at the Independence Clinic with what appeared to be three gunshot wounds to the head. A taxi-man found the 22 year old thrown on the side of the road a short time before that. Police believe that someone shot him multiple times on Saturday night and then threw him on the road - left for dead. But, somehow he survived and is at the KHMH tonight, clinging to life. The head of National Crimes Investigation told us more:

Two Men Shot in San Pedro, Colombia
And that was only one of four reported shootings in the south this weekend. Two men were shot in the Toledo District - and one of the men's nephew may be a suspect. It happened early this morning when Eulalio Chiac and Orlando Choc were shot after a confrontation in San Pedro Columbia. Police told us more:.. ACP Joseph Myvette- Head of NCIB: "Earlier in the night of Sunday, whilst at a function of San Pedro Colombia, he had a confrontation with a family member of his. Later on, whilst he was going towards his home in an isolated area.."

Brave Cop Chases Two PG Gunmen
And there was another act of violence in the south - this one in Punta Gorda, but the gunmen were nabbed by a fearless police officer. Just before 11:00 this morning two armed men pulled up in front of a woman's home on Queen Street in that southern town. One of them attempted to shoot at the house, but his gun snapped - while the other did fire three shots at the house. That alerted a police constable who was on motorcycle patrol. He set chase after the men - and one of them dropped his weapon. Police told us more:...

Imposter Cops Plea
24 year-old Dorian Blair and 41 year-old Barrington Slusher, two men who were caught pretending to be police officers, are spending their first night of a 1-year prison sentence. These two men have pleaded guilty to the offense of pretense of an officer. The incident occurred back on April 19th, 2017 at Public's Supermarket at mile 2 on the George Price Highway. At around 4:30 that day, the security guard spotted 2 men dressed in police uniforms standing on at the front entrance of the supermarket, and they appeared to be on some sort of official security detail. The security guard alerted the real police - who immediately searched them and detained them for impersonating a police officer.

Councillor Micah's Response To Being Stripped of Portfolios
On Friday, the entire City Council came out unified - basically to throw their fellow councillor Micah Goodin under the City Hall bus. Goodin was stripped of his portfolios by the mayor for a testy exchange with the City Administrator. Well, Goodin responded yesterday with an emotional Facebook post. It says, quote, "A black barefoot boy from Majestic Alley was to never rise up and fight for the poor and marginalized people of Belize City. The bigger heads loved me on the campaign trail because the common people could have identified with my struggle...

Customs Catches More Contraband Caught On The Hondo
On Friday, Customs and the Coast Guard made another sizeable seizure on the Rio Hondo. They are focusing operations in the area across form Obregon Mexico - which is a contraband hot spot. On Friday, they intercepted two vessels coming across loaded with contraband. The contraband was on two small boats with 15 horsepower engines. When customs showed up - the smugglers scrambled and one of the boats sunk. The other was abandoned and the customs officers recovered 43 sacks of lime, 50 cases big soft drinks, 21 cases assorted beer, 3 sacks Bola Roja flour, three cases of Cana Real rum and one boat and engine 15 horsepower engine.

Saddening Loss In Santa Elena Fire
A quiet Saturday afternoon turned into a fiery frenzy as Santa Elena resident Gregorio Thomas August scrambled out of his burning house. August was home alone when the fire started in his daughter's room. He and his family lost everything but they say if it weren't for a structure blocking the entrance o their yard, they could have at least salvaged some of their belongings. Courtney Weatherburne has more. Passersby looked on in shock as the gloomy grey smoke blanketed the Santa Elena Sky. The blaze started in the wooden bedroom in this house and spread quickly. Fortunately, the homeowner got out in time.

Gungulung House Fire Was Arson
Today's press briefing with Orin Smith gave us an opportunity to question him about several fires that made the news in the last 3 weeks. You'll remember week Monday's blaze in the Gungulung Area of Belize City which left a family of 12 homeless. At around 1 a.m., Luwiena Garnett, her common-law husband, her children, her mother, and her grand children all woke up to their 2 homes off Holy Emmanuel Street burning. They were all very fortunate to escape unharmed, but they suspected that some malicious person intentionally set their homes ablaze.

No Clear Cause For Mahogany Fire
We also asked police about last week Thursday night's fire in Belize City, which resulted in the Zelaya family home on Mahogany Street being completely destroyed. At around 6:00 p.m., 18 year-old Crystal Zelaya left home, and when she returned about 30 minutes later, the structure was ablaze. This family has been enduring extreme distress after 21 year-old Marcos Zelaya, her brother, survived a shooting 3 weeks ago. We asked the Fire Department if the fire was a case of arson, and here's how Orin Smith answered that one:

Getting Legal Reform For Revenge Porn
Last week, we told you about the high school student whose life was turned upside down after someone began circulating a video of her performing oral sex in her school uniform. It focuses national attention on an issue that is increasingly plaguing society. Belizean women and girls are being exposed by persons engaging in what is called revenge porn. Well, Audrey Matura has started a movement called SASEA, or Stand Against Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. She and other concerned citizens want to discourage the public from continuing the embarrassment of these exposed women by publicly circulating private images and videos.

92 Year Old Punched In Mouth During Burglary
A 92 year old woman was punched in the mouth by a burglar. It happened in Belize City yesterday afternoon in the foreshore area. At 1:20, Marie Gardener was inside her house when a thief broke in through the back door. Police told us what happened next:.. Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino - CIB: "On Saturday sometime around 1:30pm police visited Foreshore resident - they found Miss Marie Gardiner, a 92-year-old with an injury to her mouth. She was taken to the hospital and admitted for treatment..."

Bad Luck At Good Fortune Restaurant
A Chinese Restaurant on the Northside was targeted this weekend. It happened on Saturday night at Good Fortune Restaurant and Store on Blue Marlin Drive. Two men walked in, pulled out a gun and held up the shopowner and a customer. Police told us more:.. Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino - CIB: "On Saturday sometime around 7:45 p.m., police responded to a robbery at Good Fortune at Blue Marlin Drive. Upon arrival, police spoke to the owner and the proprietor at the time..."

"Ms. Meg", An Understated Legend
Tonight, we note the passing of Meg Craig, another of George Price's sisters, properly known as Alice Margaret Craig. The 98 year old died peacefully at home this morning. Though not nearly as famous as "Ms. Jane", Meg Craig's contribution to Belize's culture as a collector of living history, and a naturalist, is certainly unmatched. She had a museum's worth of history in her home - and, in her passing, it is like we have lost not one library, but many. She was a founding director of the Belize Audubon Society, and was also a member of the Cockscomb and Education Committees.

Dr. Gayle Illuminates Connection Between "Bad-Man"� & Mothers
Jamaican anthropologist of social violence Dr. Herbert Gayle held his public lecture on Friday night at the Bliss Center. The theme was The Failure of Suppression, Why and How Violence Reduction Makes Dollars and Sense. In his two and a half hours, he covered everything about violence, including the crucial mother-son bond that when it isn't there, often spawns gangsters:.. Dr. Herbert Gayle, Violence anthropologist: "First characteristic of a gang member: is an absent father and mother he has a bad relationship with. Do you think I'm joking? Call any NGO that works with gangs. Ask them for you to talk with 10 and see how many of them have a good relationship with their mother..."

LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Back in December of last year, we told you about the initiative of the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transportation and Poverty Alleviation. They want to ensure that the Government is doing its best to look after the poor and less fortunate citizens of the country. They first introduced us to the concept of social protection, where Government administrations introduce pro-poor policies and programs aimed at preventing, reducing and eliminating the vulnerabilities that less fortunate Belizeans face due to poverty and deprivation.

Fish School For Journalists
OCEANA hosted a one day media training on Saturday called Fish school. The focus was on Belize's marine ecosystem and how journalists can effectively report on topics relating to the marine environment. OCEANA Vice President Janelle Chanona told us more

IOM and Media
Also on Saturday at the Radisson, journalists attended a certification ceremony for another training they had attended in January. This training was hosted by the United Nations International Organization for Migration. We spoke to a representative about this collaboration with the media and how it fits into their plan to develop a national migration policy.

PUP Says PM Contemptuous
Last week the Prime Minister took a swipe at a Supreme Court judge. Today the opposition said he should be cited for contempt of court. A release from the PUP says, quote, "Prime Minister Dean Barrow took the "bully pulpit" of last week's Business Forum to launch a scandalous and contemptible attack against a sitting Justice of the Supreme Court. The People's United Party regards the Prime Minister's assault on Justice Abel as deliberately designed to interfere with cases actually before the Judge, to intimidate the wider Judiciary, to scandalize the Court and ultimately undermine the rule of law.

A Cabbie Stabbing
A Benque Viejo cab driver was stabbed 8 days ago. It happened on the night of 17th. February after he had picked up three passengers. Police told us how he was stabbed so that they could rob him of a few hundred dollars:.. ACP Joseph Myvette- Head of NCIB: "On the 17th of February, sometime around 8:30 pm, whilst he was doing taxi services within Benque Viejo Town and whilst in the area of the bus terminal, he stopped his vehicle for one passenger, one male Hispanic passenger who got in and then requested that he be taken to a specific area..."

Skull is Of An Adult Male
Today, police also told us more about the skull which was found last week Friday in the Port compound: Insp. Wilfred Ferrufino, CIB: "On Friday, sometime around 8:15 am, CIB personnel were called out to the Belize Port Authority compound. There they were shown what appeared to be a human skull and some other bones. It was discovered by the maintenance worker. The area was canvassed, and the bones were retrieved. They are now in the National Forensic Lab and they will be tested."

Belize Gets Busted in FIBA Tourney
On Sunday night Belize had the chance to gain one of the two shots in the FIBa tournament which was played in Belize. One of those tops spots would have meant advancing to the next round. Belize came very close against Cuba on Saturday night - within two points of pulling off an unbelievable upset. They were one game winning shot away form making history.

Celebrating Street Art
And, we close tonight with highlites of Saturday's street art festival on Albert and Regent Street.

Channel 5

Breaking News: Murder in PG
There is breaking news from the south: just minutes ago, there was a shooting in Punta Gorda. One person is reportedly dead and another injured. We’ll have more on this [...]

A Rally in Support of Cyber Bullying Laws and Teen Victim of Indecent Exposure
The disturbing issue of cyber bullying is finally taking centre stage.  Online bullying is not new, but given two well-known recent cases, it is now taking a sense of urgency, [...]

Is the PM in Contempt of Court When He Targeted a Sitting Judge?
Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s statement aimed at Justice Courtenay Abel at last week’s business forum, has been met with dismay. The People’s United Party is first to publicly interpret it [...]

Micah Responds to Being Benched from CitCo
Councilor Micah Goodin has been benched from his responsibilities with the Belize City Council, following an altercation during which he dressed down City Administrator Stephanie Lindo-Garbutt, before leaving City Hall [...]

Fire Wipes Out the August Family in Santa Elena
A fire completely destroyed a family home in Santa Elena on Saturday.  The house, located at number seven George Price Highway, just before the Hawksworth Bridge, quickly burnt to the [...]

Mayor Trapp Says Structure Had to be Demolished; the Property Belongs to the Council
Just now you heard the August family complain that the structure built in the alleyway impeded the fire-fighters’ access to the burning house. It could have been worst had the [...]

Shooting in Peini in Broad Day
There was a daring mid-morning attack on a residence in Punta Gorda Town earlier today where two men on bicycles opened fire on a home on Queen Street.  Police are [...]

Double Shooting in San Pedro, Columbia Overnight
Hours before that shooting, a pair of men, both residents of San Pedro, Columbia, received gunshot injuries just after midnight, following an altercation during an event in that southern village.  [...]

Cause of Fire at B.A.L. Still Undetermined; Fire Officials Face ‘Challenges’
Almost a month ago, the processing plant at the Belize Aquaculture Limited near Placencia caught fire. The inferno created a menacing black, thick cloud of smoke which could have been [...]

News Five Reporters Take Top Prizes in Competition by the International Organization of Migration
News Five’s Andrea Polanco and Duane Moody clinched the first and second prizes in a competition by the International Organization of Migration. The results were released over the weekend by [...]

An Electrician is Electrocuted in Benque Viejo
An electrician lost his life on Sunday morning when he was shocked to death while welding.  William Vasquez accidentally made contact with a high voltage wire and was electrocuted.  According [...]

Belizean Busted in Burbank for Stealing Batteries
A Belizean woman was arrested by Burbank Police in the U.S. for stealing car batteries. Twenty-seven-year-old Julie Perez and twenty-eight-year-old Long Beach resident Devontie Banner were both arrested for allegedly [...]

Fake Cops Get 1 Year behind Bars
Two alleged fake cops were today convicted in the lower court for a charge of false pretence of an officer. Forty-one-year-old Barrington Slusher was charged along with thirty-four-year-old Dorian Blair; [...]

Edward Conorquie Shot and Left for Dead in Mango Creek
Twenty-two-year-old Edward Conorquie remains hospitalized at the K.H.M.H., following an incident over the weekend during which he was shot multiple times near the outskirts of Independence Village, in the south.  [...]

2 Separate Shootings Reported in Belize City
There were two unrelated shooting incidents in the Old Capital over the weekend.  Nelson Gillett reported to police on Friday night that he was accosted by someone he knew.  That [...]

Good Fortune is Robbed at Gunpoint over the Weekend
A pair of armed thieves made off with almost one thousand dollars in various denominations after robbing Good Fortune at gunpoint.  The proprietor of the establishment in the Coney Drive [...]

Scout Association of Belize to Get New HQ
Ground was broken today for a new headquarters for the Scout Association of Belize. The Taiwanese Embassy in Belize handed over a cheque of two hundred thousand Belize dollars that [...]

67-Year-Old Man Needs Your Help
Belize City resident, Wilmore Joseph needs your help. The sixty-seven-year-old man is suffering from several health complications which you would find in many men around his age in Belize. But [...]

B.A.S. Founding Member ‘Meg’ Craig Passes
Founding member of the Belize Audubon Society Alice Margaret Craig passed away this morning.  Craig, who is also the sister of the late George Cadle Price, played a critical role [...]

Are You for a Phase-out Ban of Gillnets?
OCEANA Belize is encouraging individuals, companies and other stakeholders to offer opinions and data relating to the socio-economic and environmental impacts of gillnets. Several groups are calling for the ban [...]

Belizean Journalists Attend ‘Fish School’
Over the weekend, the local media participated in a one-day training workshop entitled “Fish School.” Organized and funded by OCEANA Belize, the training was facilitated by Margot Stiles, Marine Scientist [...]

The Role of Labour in Social Protection
A two-day conference on Social Protection opened today in Belize City. The conference is the second in a four-part series between the Ministry of Human Development and a number of [...]

Collaboration is Key to Help Expand Options for Poor and Vulnerable
Minister of Labour Carla Barnett, along with the World Bank and UNICEF, explains how the different parties involved can collaborate to eliminate the economic vulnerabilities of poverty and deprivation.    [...]

Cuba and the Bahamas Advance in FIBA Qualifier
The National Basketball Team will not advance to the FIBA World Cup Games to be held in 2021. Former NBA player Milton Palacio was brought in to coach the national [...]

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

LOVE FM

AMERICAN BEATEN DURING HOME INVASION
Maria Gardener was not the only victim of a ome invasion. In southern Belize, an American National was stabbed inside his house during an aggravated burglary in Hopkins Village over the weekend. Dangriga correspondent Harry Arzu spoke to the victim, Thomas Shannon. Harry Arzu: “A US National who resides in Hopkins Village sustained a stab …

Toledo Villager Shot by Nephew
A man is at the Southern Regional Hospital after he was shot early this morning in the village of San Pedro, Columbia, Toledo. According to reports, 28 year old Eulalio Chiac was at the San Pedro Columbia bazaar on Sunday evening when his nephew allegedly threatened to kill him. Hours after, as Chiac walked home …

Groundbreaking for Scout Association of Belize’s new headquarters
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Scout Association of Belize’s new headquarters this afternoon. Love News Johnelle Mckenzie attended the ceremonies and filed this report. Johnelle Mckenzie: “Today the Scout Association of Belize held a ground break ceremony for its headquarters which will be named the Sir Colville N. Young building. Several dignitaries were …

Bol Brother Vs. Brother
A dispute in the west took biblical proportions on Saturday. Though their names may not be Cane or Abel, the dispute between the Bol brothers landed one of them in a hospital and the other awaiting arrest. Cayo correspondent Fem Cruz reports. Fem Cruz: “A chopping incident in Maya Mopan Belmopan late yesterday evening left …

ELRIDGEVILLE ROBBERS ESCAPE
A daring armed robbery took place in the south in Eldridgeville. Toledo Correspondent Paul Mahung indicated the police responded in due time, however the culprits escaped with a few hundred dollars. Paul Mahung: “An armed robbery was reported last night at a Chinese business in Elridgeville in Toledo. The incident happened shortly before 9PM at …

UN Law of the SEA, BELIZE AND THE ICJ
The cost of the ICJ Campaign borne by both Guatemala and Belize is in the millions of dollars. The referendum questions revolve around laws of the land and also laws of the sea. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is the international agreement that defines the rights and responsibilities of …

Redemption and Recovery; Belize City’s Story
Assistance, as well as redemption, is the subject of our next story. Marcos Zelaya was shot 5 times several weeks ago as he was walking with family members including his father Jose Zelaya on Complex Drive in Belize City Streets. The Zelayas have had a checkered past with the city, but everyone deserves a chance at …

Cause of Mahogany Street Fire undetermined
Fire investigators are still unable to determine what caused a fire that had destroyed the Zelaya home in Belize City. Here is what Station Manager Orin SMith told the media about that incident. Orin Smith Station Manager, National Fire Service: “Investigation revealed that at least one individual had recently left the structure approximately for ten …

Senior Citizen Attacked in her Home
An elderly woman was viciously attacked in her own home over the weekend. The nonagenarian, 92 year old Maria Gardener was peacefully at her seaside home in the Southern Foreshore area of Belize City when the incident occurred on Saturday. At 1:20 p.m. Gardener was inside her house when someone broke through the back. The …

Anatomy of a City Robbery
A shop near Coney Drive in Belize City was robbed over the weekend. Though there were several cameras in and outside the establishment, and that did not deter the criminals. Love News examined the scene and brings you the anatomy of a typical robbery that you would hear about on our daily newscast. Jose Sanchez: …

The Reporter

More Shootings Down South, Another Murder & Another Shooting Victim
Another shooting has occurred in the deep south, Late this evening Feb. 25th. the tranquil and laid-back town of Punta Gorda was rocked by gun violence which has left 1 man dead and another with serious gun shot wounds.

The Mystery Of ‘Who Tried To Kill Edward Conorquie ?’
Early Sunday morning, Edward Conorquie’s battered body was found on the side of the road, near to the Independence junction. Today, he is in the KHMH in a very critical condition, and a closer examination has shown that he was shot multiple times to the head and body.

Mango-Creek Man – May Have Escaped From Murderous Captors
Edward Conorquie is now at the K.H.M.H in critical condition. Reports to this news org. indicate that he was allegedly in the company of other males in a vehicle when he jumped out and was shot in the process.

Youth Issues MUST be a Political Priority
By Nefretery Marin. On Monday, Feb 18, the president of the History Club at the University of Belize, Ms. Aleesi Chun and her friends Sydellie Leslie, Jeremiah Chioc and Abbie Godoy, organized a peace march with the help of their student government.

Breaking Belize News

Man killed in Punta Gorda, Toledo
Police are investigating a shooting that occurred tonight in Punta Gorda, Toledo. Reports to BBN is […]

PUP says PM is in contempt of court
The People’s United Party (PUP) today issued a statement calling out Belize’s Prime Minister Dean Barrow […]

Maritime Areas Act: the ‘PUDP’ bogey
By Aaron Humes: First introduced in 1992, the Maritime Areas Act continues to bedevil both major political parties a […]

Belize defeated by Bahamas, 86-72; eliminated from FIBA AmeriCup Pre-Qualifier Tournament
By Aaron Humes: The Belize National Basketball Team fought tonight’s opponents, The Bahamas, all the way but fatigue told […]

Extension of opening hours for Registration Offices
The Elections and Boundaries Department informs today that effective 1st March 2019, all registration offices countrywide […]

Increase in “Pink Eye” cases reported in Quintana Roo, Mexico
The Ministry of Health today informs that it is aware of an increase in the number […]

US Army Winged Warriors conduct training in Belize
The United States Army’s 1st Battalion 228th Aviation Regiment are in Belize conducting areial gunnery and […]

Police investigating shooting incident in Punta Gorda
Authorities are investigating a shooting incident that occurred this morning in Punta Gorda town. According to […]

Authorities demolish cement structure to give access to residents in Santa Elena
Earlier today, we reported on the challenge that the fire department had gaining entry to a […]

Santiago Castillo warehouse in Santa Elena burglarized
The Santiago Castillo warehouse in Santa Elena town was reportedly burglarized sometime last night. At this […]

Man shot in Independence
A man was shot in Independence, Stann Creek on Saturday. He has been identified as Edward […]

Man shot in San Pedro Colombia
A man is hospitalized after a shooting incident in San Pedro Columbia, Toledo Sometime around 2:00 […]

US issues sanctions on four Venezuelan governors aligned to Maduro
The United States today announced that it issued sanctioned against four Venezuelan governors aligned with Nicolas […]

Belize attends Mixed Commission between Central American and the European Union
Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Patrick Andrews, represented Belize in the Political […]

Santa Elena residents concerned over house built on pathway
A fire destroyed a house and all its contents in Santa Elena town on Saturday, February […]

IDB $15 million loan will help struggling sugar industry
Between the loss of preferential markets in the United Kingdom for sugar exports and record lows […]

Belize Youth Movement endorses new youth leaders
On Sunday, February 24, the Belize Youth Movement (BYM), the Youth arm of the People’s United […]

Fair weather to continue
A moderate easterly airflow will prevail over Belize today. Sunny skies with some cloudy spells and […]

Blogs

Transportation Options in Belize (2019) Is there Uber? - What to Expect
Is there Uber in Belize? To break the news to you nicely, there are no Ubers in Belize; however, there are several transportation options and sometimes everything is close enough that you may not even need a car. But, if you really need some wheels (or wings), below are some Belize transportation services that are rather easy to access. There are several transportation options when it comes to getting around in Belize. Your options include: Private and Shared Shuttle, Private Shuttles, & Hotel/Resort Shuttles.

Tips for Visiting the Great Blue Hole in Belize
Few places in the world can compare to the Great Blue Hole in Belize. Easily one of the most beautiful places in the world, this submarine sinkhole in the Caribbean is a World Heritage Site of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Of course, for me, it’s all about the diving here. The Great Blue Hole in Belize has incredible natural beauty that makes it one of best scuba diving sites on the planet.

Belize is the Perfect Vacation Destination for Canadians
If you live in Canada and you’re looking for an all-inclusive vacation packed with sunshine, beauty and a spirit of adventure, you can get it all with Adventures in Belize. Whether you’re looking for the perfect honeymoon destination, family vacation, couple’s weekend, girls’ week or any other type of getaway, Adventures in Belize can do it all. Escape the northern cold and come bask in the warm, tropical sunshine. While you’re here, experience all the exotic beauty of Belize.

International Sources

Navigating The Future Of Caribbean Vacations
It's estimated that in 2017 Americans let more than 700 million vacation days slip through their fingers. Some believe those wasted opportunities led to more travel resolutions last year and this. If so, the additional self-promises will be matched by additional new luxe destinations in one of Americans' favorite fun spots, the Caribbean.

What Richard Branson, Fabien Cousteau, And Aquatica Submarines Found In Belize's Great Blue Hole
Jacques Cousteau made the Great Blue Hole famous in 1971 when he declared it to be one of the world's best diving sites. A part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hole exists within the Lighthouse Reef approximately 40 miles offshore. Cousteau's grandson Fabien recently returned to the Hole with Sir Richard Branson and a team of explorers to capture many high-quality photos and videos of the Hole's enigmatic characteristics via a three-person Aquatica Submarine (the Stingray 500), a Roatan Institute of Deepsea Exploration Submarine (the Idabel), and sonar technology provided by Kongsberg Mesotoech. The expedition, with Aquatica's Chief Pilot and Oceanographer, Erika Bergman at the helm, was broadcast live on the Discovery Channel on December 2, 2018.

The murder of a young Manchester couple is re-examined in BBC Radio 5 Live’s latest podcast, Paradise
The series re-examines the case of backpackers Chris Farmer and Peta Frampton, who went missing while travelling through Belize in Central America. The childhood sweethearts from Chorlton were found drowned on 8 July 1978. They were last been seen on a boat skippered by an American man, Silas Duane Boston, who sailed with his two young sons Vince, 13 and Russell, 12. Boston was the only suspect. Yet he wasn’t arrested for 38 years, despite his sons claiming they had witnessed their father murder the couple. He died in custody before he could be brought to justice.

Videos

February 25, 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

Wolfe’s Woofer: Inheritance
“I’m looking for a Mr. Moses Gilfoy,” said the man who had just arrived at the construction site. “Do you know where I can find him?” “He’s in the bottom of that hole,” I said, pointing. “The workers are digging a septic tank.” “Are you Mr. Moses Gilfoy from Burrell Boom?” “Yes,” Moses said. “Who are you?” “I’m John Carruthers, a lawyer from England. Is your mother’s name Wilma and your father’s name Stanford?”

Happy Wags and Thank you Meow-y much to Saga benefactor!
US-retiree and long-time island visitor William McQueen made a US$10,000 donation to SAGA Humane Society located in San Pedro Town. This very generous donation will go towards the Spay/Neuter program, mobile vaccination clinics, and caring for our many shelter animals waiting for their new homes. Thank you, Mr. McQueen, from all the dogs and cats of San Pedro, the staff and board of SAGA, and the community!

Doctor Love: Dumped
Dear Doctor Love, I have known this boy since we were little kids and we got to be boyfriend and girlfriend last year. A few weeks ago he said he wanted to be just friends again and now he is going around with another girl. Everybody in the school knows it and I don’t want to go anymore. My best friend says she saw them kissing the other day and it hurts really bad. I know I will never be his friend again and I hate her very much.

Misc Belizean Sources

Puma Selfie
Today's Selfie Sunday is a curious puma, detected by our camera traps in the Central Belize Corridor

Taiwan ICDF Scholarship program
Belize needs more business development leaders for local and global success. Under the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship program you can apply to National Chengchi University (NCCU) for your Bachelor or Master's degree in Business Administration. Taiwan ICDF also sponsors a Master's program in International Studies at the same university NCCU. These are 3 programs #4, 5 & 6 at NCCU in Taipei, Taiwan on the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship program list. Click the link to view NCCU's admission brochure. Deadline for all applications (Taiwan ICDF and NCCU) is March 15th, 2019. In Belize, due to the time difference, you should think about March 14th as your deadline to be on the safe side, especially for the school application. Please don't wait until the last minute.

The People's Forum
The ICJ Referendum is fast approaching. The People's Forum will be held at the CWC on Wednesday, February 27th, at 7:30pm. Come out and get informed before voting. "YES OR NO? Come and get the stats, before you decide! ICJ Forum here at the Cayo Welcome Center at 7:30pm. Wednesday 27 February, 2019"

2nd Annual Belize National Research Conference
The 2nd annual BNRC will be on the 3rd and 4th of March. The 2019 theme is Belize's Security: Strengths, Opportunities, and Threats. The venue will be UB's Jaguar auditorium. "We are pleased to invite your participation in our 2nd Annual Belize National Research Conference. The Conference is scheduled for April 3 and 4, 2019 at the University of Belize, Jaguar Auditorium in Belmopan. The Conference theme is: Belize's Security: Strengths, Opportunities and Threats. Find out more here: https://goo.gl/jnD96A

Celebrating Black History Month! Free Movie and more! Hosted by U.S. Embassy Belize
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.

The Reporter

Police Intensify Drug Interdiction Efforts
An early morning Police operation in the Mile 8 community on the George Price Highway today led to the discovery of just over 5 pounds of marijuana. A search of seven targeted homes turned up nothing incriminating...

HUNTING GOOD FORTUNE ROBBERS
Police are using footage from surveillance cameras to establish the identity of two men who robbed Good Fortune Restaurant on Saturday night. The video cameras at the establishment located on Blue Marlin Drive in Belize City captured when the men entered the restaurant around 7:45 p.m. on February 23rd.

Fire In Santa Elena, Cayo
There was a fire in Santa Elena, Cayo – Saturday Afternoon, February 23rd. near the Hawkesworth Bridge, no one was reported injured, but a residential home was completely destroyed in the blaze. The National Fire Service said that their official report will be available on Monday Feb. 25th.

Third Growth Diagnostic study: Time to Improve Business Climate
In previous installments of the Business Perspective column, we have discussed the 2007 and 2015 Growth Diagnostic studies, which have identified, respectively, (lack of) access to finance and tax policy as being the major constraints to growth. Naturally, the aforementioned papers considered other variables as significant, but not to the same degree of being “binding”.

Breaking Belize News

City Councilor Micah Goodin stripped of portfolios, still on payroll
Belize City Councilor Micah Goodin has been stripped of the portfolios assigned to him indefinitely following an incident which took place at City Hall on Wednesday, in which he was reportedly involved in a verbal altercation with City Administrator Stephanie Lindo Garbutt and her driver.

The Thinking Vote and the 2020 General Elections
By Leon Westby: Good sense often struggles to prevail over basic sentiment. This is true because as humans we tend to feel far more potently than we think. Evolutionarily, this has been to our credit. Strong feeling, intuition, helps us recognize and avoid danger much faster than rational thought processes.

Sports community weighs in on upcoming ‘Big Baby’ fight
The sports community in Belize is cheering on Jarrell “Big Baby ” Millier, Belizean-American boxer who is preparing to fight for the title of World Heavyweight Champion in June. While opinions over Miller and the issues surrounding the fight differ from person to person, boxing trainers, the Belize Boxing Federation and even the National Sports Council all stand united in rooting for Miller’s victory.

Street Art Festival a success
People gathered in droves in downtown Belize City yesterday for the 9th Annual Street Art Festival hosted by the National Institute for Culture and History (NICH). The event, geared towards showcasing Belizean art in all its forms, drew a crowd way in excess of 2,000 people. Over 30 booths were featured in this year’s event spanning from the corner of Orange and Albert Street, down to the corner of Albert and Dean Street.

Blogs

Fresh Noodle Shop, Ramen 501, Opens In San Pedro
It seems as though a new bar or restaurant opens on Ambergris Caye every week. But I was particularly excited when I saw a post on Facebook announcing that Chef Toshiya – who has a Japanese restaurant at Mahogany Bay Village – was coming to the Poco Loco Food Court on Front Street in San Pedro. I had to head down and check it out. Ramen is nothing new to Belize. The CHEAP filling, salty, tasty package of kinked freezed dried noodles accompanied by a packet of MSG is ubiquitous. They generally cost about 50bzd cents each. In fact, ramen made its way into government budget discussion in 2014 – the opposition was calling the proposed budget, a “ramen budget”. MOST interesting in that article is this: “Belizeans consume 960 thousand single packs of Ramen per month”. HOLY CRAP! A population of less than 400,000! (though we have NOTHING on the Koreans!) That’s over 100 tons of ramen dry!

International Sources

Royal Marines take part in Exercise Curry Trail survival exercise in Central America
Gunners of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, based in Plymouth’s Citadel, and 30 Commando Information Exploitation Commando from Stonehouse Barracks have been on a jungle survival exercise in Central America. As the UK’s ultimate conventional warriors, the Royal Marines are likely to be the first called upon in the event of an international crisis, wherever it occurs. They must be able to safely operate in extreme climates and terrain, as well as more typical temperate environments with rolling green countryside.

New hub to increase climate action transparency in the Caribbean
A new hub for measuring, reporting and verifying climate action projects in the Caribbean has been launched. The MRV Hub, backed by the UN, is designed as a country-driven technical assistance project, with experts providing learning, mentoring and resource-sharing while helping measure and track emissions to make informed decisions that result in climate change action as well as boost transparency. Participating countries are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, the Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.

3D Printed Coral Reefs – 4 Most Promising Projects
Recently reefs around the world have been dying off, and it has become apparent that intervention is essential. The below researchers are turning to 3D printing to help in the restoration effort. This phenomenon, known as bleaching, has been destroying coral reefs across the world. Many of the world’s most magnificent and diverse reefs, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, are being reduced to these lifeless, bleached, graveyards. As the situation worsens, it becomes more and more clear that something needs to be done. Some believe that the solution lies with 3D printing coral reefs. The major benefit of 3D printing coral reefs is the flexibility with design. The technology allows researchers to mimic the complex natural shape of coral that makes it so appealing to sea life. Given rapid developments in bio-printing, it is also possible that in the near future reefs could be 3D printed from live coral.

Videos

February 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

Commencement of the Issuance of Voter ID Cards
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby notifies electors that effective Friday, March 1st, 2019, the issuance of Voter ID cards will commence by phases at the Elections and Boundaries Registration Offices countrywide. The first phase will include all electors whose application were accepted in July 2018 and subsequently approved at revision court. As stated via previous press releases, dates and location for pickup will be announced for villages. ID cards will also be distributed by Elections and Boundaries personnel at the polling stations on Referendum Day, for electors who did not have an opportunity to pick up their ID cards prior to Referendum Day.

Government is accepting written submissions regarding usage of gillnets
In an attempt to better understand the benefits, risks, threats, and impacts of gillnets, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, and Immigration advises the public that they are accepting submissions relating to the usage of this fishing tool. The information gathered will be utilized by the Gillnet Taskforce with the aid of an independent consultant and analyze the wide stakeholder input pertaining gillnet usage and the socio-economic and environmental impacts to fishing communities, fisheries resources and marine ecosystems.

Dr. Carissa Etienne PAHO Director visits Belize
Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Regional Director for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO) Doctor Carissa F. Etienne visited Belize from Monday, February 18th to Friday, February 22nd. Dr. Etienne met with stakeholders and officials like Prime Minister Right Honorable Dean Barrow, Minister of Health Pablo Marin, and other high-level officials. The focus of her visit includes PAHO’s technical cooperation with Belize and the Director’s vision for universal health and sustainable development.

Ambergris Caye Elementary School to host “A Taste of Belize” Charity Gala & Auction
All islanders are invited to Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) 4th Annual Charity Gala & Auction, titled “A Taste of Belize”, to be held at Palapa Bar & Grill in San Pedro Town on Sunday, March 10th. The aim of the fundraiser is to raise both awareness and much-needed operating scholarship funds for the school as it as a nonprofit institution. All donations to the school are tax deductible, and all proceeds will directly benefit ACES and its students.

Misc Belizean Sources

San Pedrito area cleanup
And the work continues....Part of our team was in the San Pedrito area clearing high grass and picking up trash. Also, our trucks were spreading some material on some streets that needed attention. The San Pedro Town Council asks the public to practice cleanliness. Please throw your garbage in a garbage drum. Keep your garbage drums INSIDE your yard/property, and somewhere were animals such as dogs, cats or raccoons can't tamper with it and make a mess. Let us ALL help keep La Isla Bonita Clean!

Beauty Bites Beast to show in Belize City and Corozal
This movie will be shown in both Corozal and Belize City by the filmmakers. After the movie is shown, there will be time for discussion. Please take the opportunity to come out and see this movie and have this discussion. It's a great movie! I saw it for the first time at Global Empowerment Self Defense Camp in 2017. Some of the people who sponsored the camp and were there are in the movie. Bring out anyone, men and boys need to see this as well. Next week, flyers and an event posting will be up for for now - If you are in Corozal, reserve Saturday, March 30, 2019 from 6-8pm at the Civic Center. In Belize City, put on your calendar Thursday, April 4, 2019 from 6-8pm at Gateway Youth Center. Don't Miss It!

4th Art Exhibition and Book Fair on Caye Caulker
Today February 24th 3 to 6 pm at ‘Il Baretto’

Corozal - Commissioner of Police Mr. Chester Williams together with his senior Command Team visited our beautiful Corozal Town
And they mean business. During his visit our good COMPOL did an inspection of the Corozal District Formation and held a Public Town Meeting last night at the Corozal Town Hall, which was also attended by Mayor Rigo Vellos, where our COMPOL addressed a packed hall with his four pillars of FIGHTING CRIME: 1) Crime Strategy, 2) Community Policing, 3) Community Participation, 4) Security Cameras. After his address and discussion, COMPOL listened to the Public's concerns, inputs, suggestions and the way forward for our Corozal community. Our Corozal Daily joined in standing up as the Commissioner of Police asked the gathering for a moment of silence and prayer for the late Elizabeth "Liz" Rousseau, a retired expat who was recently stabbed to death during an alleged home invasion.

SANTIAGO PECH
Santiago Pech was a Yucatec Maya leader of the Icaiche Maya. In 1875 Santiago Pech and a group of Maya marched on Holotonich and restated a prior claim to the left bank of the Belize river down to Black Creek mounth. By 1882 Santiago Pech had appointed Alcandes at Holotunich,San Jose Yalbac and San Pedro in the Yalbac area. The Yucatec Maya continued to resist the British invaders until 1930's until the BEC burn down their houses and milpas in Northwestern Belize.

Channel 5

It Could Have Been Fatal
A Belize City man is lucky to be alive today after he was attacked by a gunman last night. 30-year-old Nelson Dillett was on Waight Street, Belize City, where he was socializing with some friends in a yard. At around 8:55 pm, a male person approached him and pulled out a gun. He pointed the weapon at Dillett and a struggle ensued during which the gun went off. Dillett received a small cut wound in his left middle finger. The attacker is in police custody.

Update on Human Skull Found
A human skull was discovered by a maintenance worker for Port Authority yesterday morning in the vicinity of the Port of Belize. Scenes of crime technicians were subsequently called in to process the area and take possession of the skull. It is believed that the cranium has been buried at that location for quite some time. The remains were inspected and it is believed that it is of a male person between the ages of 18 and 30 years. The remains now await an anthropology analysis.

Belize City Taxi Driver Stabbed In the Neck
Fifty-two-year-old Antonio Pech, Belize City Taxi Driver, was stabbed in the neck last night. Pech told police that at around 10:30 pm he was at the corner of Western Avenue and Mahogany Street, Belize City when he was stopped by a female who requested his taxi service. While Pech was driving on Chetumal Street, the woman inflicted the stab wound. Pech is at the KHMH in a stable condition. The female is in police detention pending investigation.

Elderly Woman Attacked in Her Own Home
Police in Belize City are investigating a home invasion. It happened this afternoon on Southern Foreshores, Belize City. A ninety-two-year-old woman told police that was inside her house when someone gained entry to her house through the back door. The male intruder hit the woman on her mouth. She was taken to the KHMH where she is listed in a stable condition. It is not yet known if anything was stolen. Partial fingerprints were retrieved from the scene.

The Reporter

TAXI-MAN STABBED BY FEMALE PASSENGER
A taxi-driver of a West Street address, identified as Antonio Pech, 52, is recovering at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital from a stab wound to his neck which he sustained lastnight, reportedly from a female passenger. The cabbie is said to be in a stable condition and quick response from Police have led to the apprehension of the female who has been identified as a 35-year-old of a Stadium Street address in Orange Walk Town.

COUNCILOR GOODIN STRIPPED
The Belize City Council on Friday morning held a press conference to announce that first-term councilor Micah Gooding has been stripped of all of his portfolios following a situation which occurred at City Hall Wednesday. Effective immediately, Goodin’s portfolios including Management Information Systems, Youth and Sports, Training and Staff Development were all assigned to other colleagues.

Breaking Belize News

Belize loses heartbreaker to Cuba, 82-80 in second game of FIBA AmeriCup Pre-qualifier tournament
Belize national team, coached by Milton Palacio, went down 82-80 to Cuba in a nailbiter at the Belize Civic Center this evening. Jasiel Rivero, Cuba’s powerful center, led all scorers with 29 points and 9 rebounds. Belize trailed by 12 entering the fourth quarter but mounted a 9-2 run to close the gap to three points. After exchanging baskets, Elvis Olivera hit a mid-lane jumper for Belize to tie the game at 80...

Belizean busted stealing car batteries in Burbank, USA
Authorities in Burbank, California busted two people for reportedly stealing car batteries from vehicles of senior living facilities. Fox 11 report that on Friday, February 22, Burbank police noticed a vehicle without a front license plate and pulled it over. Inside the vehicle, authorities found 20 car batteries in the trunk...

International Sources

Into The Great Blue Hole
Recently, a team of scientists returned from a journey to the bottom of Belize’s Great Blue Hole after having gone down in submarines back in December 2018. This Great Blue Hole is the world’s biggest sinkhole, measuring 300 meters across and 125 meters deep (1000 and 410 feet, respectively). The team of scientists used two submarines to capture new images and footage from inside the Blue Hole. The team was also able to use sonar imaging to create a 360 degree map of the entire hole, according to chief pilot, oceanographer, and operations manager Erika Bergman. Bergman also said that one of the most exciting finds of the trip were the never-before-seen stalactites near the bottom of the Hole. Stalactites are mineral formations that hang from the ceilings of caves and hot springs.

5 Belize activities for the ultimate adventurer
For those in search of adrenaline-pumping excursions that’ll have you in awe of your fearlessness for years to come, book a trip to Belize. This small Central American country is surprisingly easy to get to, with short direct flights from major U.S. cities offered daily to the Belize City airport. Filled with lush jungles, countless islands and protected wildlife sanctuaries, it’s home to a range of animals that include the tapir, howler monkeys and the elusive jaguar. Not to mention it’s a birders paradise, boasting over 600 species. In addition, it’s a country that offers travelers the opportunity to explore both natural and cultural wonders such as the Belize Barrier Reef and the ancient Maya civilization.

Their waters wrested away, Colombia's island fishermen lament - and learn
Colombian fishermen suffer the ICJ... Casting his nylon fishing line into the waters off the Colombian island of San Andres, like generations before him, fisherman Oreste Howard points to the horizon of the turquoise blue Caribbean Sea and shakes his head. “Over there is a bank rich in fish, red snapper and lobster. The catch is very good.” “But we can’t fish there. I’m afraid to go there,” Howard laments, as his small one-engine motor boat bobs in the breeze. The fear stems from a decades-long maritime dispute between Colombia and Nicaragua involving the archipelago of San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, and nearby seas.

Videos

February 23, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

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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

San Pedro High Girls Win Second Place in NSSSA football sub championship
The San Pedro High School (SPHS) girls won 2nd place at the National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) football championships, hosted by Mopan Technical High School at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio on Friday, February 15th and Saturday, February 16th. The NSSSA’s ex-president Deon Sutherland, SCA principal Salome Tillett and other NSSSA committee members presented team trophies and individual medals to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in the awards ceremony after the finals.

Ambergris Today

Noel Wiltshire released on bail
On Friday, February 22nd, island taxi driver, 59-year-old Noel Wiltshire was released from imprisonment on a $10,000 bail offered to him by Justice Herbert Lord in Belize City. Wiltshire had been locked up after being charged for Attempted Murder, Use of Deadly Means of Harm and Grievous Harm against his ex-common-law wife 48-year-old Guatemalan National, Maria Cristino Mateo. On December 7, 2018 Wiltshire had attempted to get bail, but his application was denied and he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison. Wiltshire has denied these allegations stating that his ex-common-law wife is lying. His was granted bail on the condition that he does not interfere or communicate with Mateo either personally or via a third party.

Ministry of Natural Resources says no dredging authorized at dock by Ruby’s Hotel

Opposition protests poor service at Vital Statistics Unit
The Vital Statistics Unit in Belize City, where every Belizean citizen gets a birth certificate and other documents of identification, has come under scrutiny after thousands of Belizeans complained they could not get their birth papers. The issue has prompted the Leader of the Opposition and People’s United Party (PUP), Honourable John Briceño to protest on the ongoing problem in a show of support for the affected citizens. Not only are they unable to get their documents, but they also cannot complete their re-registration process to vote on the upcoming International Court of Justice (ICJ) referendum, scheduled for April 10, 2019.

ACES’ Alexis Lawrence is the top speller of the annual Coca-Cola Spelling Bee Zone 5 Eliminations
After spelling the word ‘inedible’ correctly, Alexis Lawrence of the Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) won the first place at the annual Coca-Cola Spelling Bee Zone 5 eliminations on Thursday, February 21st. The event was held at the New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School (NHSDA) and saw the participation of six primary schools from Ambergris Caye (Holy Cross Anglican School, Isla Bonita Elementary School, NHSDA, San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School (SPRCS), ACES, and The Island Academy) and two from Caye Caulker (Caye Caulker Elementary School and La Isla Cariñosa Academy). The annual competition was held under the theme ‘Celebrating 25 Years of Champion Spellers,’ and organized by Bowen and Bowen Limited, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture and The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC).

Misc Belizean Sources

MHDSTPA Participate in Multidimensional Poverty Index Exchange with SICA
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation is hosting a two-day informational exchange with the Central American Integration System (SICA) focused on measuring poverty, and specifically Multidimensional Poverty. The objective of the meeting is to promote and support Belize in the creation of its Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) by providing an opportunity to learn from SICA countries that have already established their MPI; namely El Salvador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. The proposed shift from the current poverty measurement which looks solely at household expenditure data — defining poverty as a lack of money — to the Multidimensional Poverty Index is in recognition of the fact that poverty is multidimensional in nature, and measurement across different areas of life other than income can provide countries with a more comprehensive understanding of who is poor as well as how they are poor.

The 2019 Prime Minister’s Business Forum: “Embracing Innovation for Economic Prosperity”
The 2019 Prime Minister’s Business Forum was held today, February 21, under the theme: “Embracing Innovation for Economic Prosperity”. This forum is a signature event organized and hosted by the Economic Development Council and provides the private-sector an audience with the Prime Minister to table and directly address business climate concerns and recommendations toward an improved service delivery by the government to the business community.

Crocodile Research Coalition Sign Competition
The youth of Seine Bight are leading the way for change! Yesterday, CRC organized along with Seine Bight Running Club and the Seine Bight Village Council to create awareness signs about trash and pollution to keep Seine Bight clean and green. CRC held a sign contest and 6 winners were chosen (winners + 1 guardian will be taken out on a late afternoon/early evening boat cruise around Placencia Lagoon). So many other kids still wanted to contribute to the cause so many more signs will be made- the enthusiasm for change and educating community members about proper waste disposal from some of these kids is nothing but inspiring! Thank you to Patrick Gonzalve and The Flying Pig as financial support from the Poker Run Fundraiser helped jump-start this initiative!

2 New Rotary Clubs in Cayo
Rotary has cause to celebrate: There is a new club in Benque, and the SHC Interact Club was officially launched. Rotary clubs are known for their community service projects, of which they've had more projects in Belize than one can count. They're already planning more. Congratulations, Rotary! "It was a big day for Rotary in western Belize yesterday and our Club as a sponsor. The Interact Club of Sacred Heart College was officially launched with 24 members in a lovely pinning ceremony and refreshments. Thank you Office Gurus for the donation of the pins!

Consular Spotlight!: Lizet Aldana
Lizet Aldana is a Consultant with MC Consultancy: Sexual Health and Development in Orange Walk. She trains members of the military, police, and healthcare providers to raise awareness on the importance of human rights-based care for all persons, without discrimination. Last year, Lizet traveled to the United States and the Dominican Republic to proudly represent Belize at the “HIV is Not a Crime” training organized by the Global Action for Trans-Equality (GATE) consultancy and the Sero Project. Lizet provides technical services to local and regional entities, such as the LAC Regional Platform (ViaLibre) and the Research Triangle Institute (RTI International).

Hospitals and health centers in Belize are set to become more safe “green” and resilient to natural disasters
Eleven hospitals and health centers and a laboratory in Belize will be retrofitted to make them safer, “green” and able to continue operating during emergencies and disasters as part of the Smart Health Facilities Project, a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) initiative, financed by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (UKaid) and the European Union. The Matron Roberts, Cleopatra White, Independece II and Isabel Palma I polyclinics, as well as the San Ignacio community hospital and the Palm Center were selected to form part of the initiative, following an assessment of country priorities and the facilities’ vulnerability to disaster risks. The Western Regional Hospital, the Northern Regional Hospital and the Southern Regional Hospital, as well as the Punta Gorda and Corozal Community hospitals and the Central Medical Laboratory will also form part of this initiative.

Corozal Bay Watch Newsletter
The first issue of our new quarterly newsletter Corozal Bay Watch is out Check it out now to learn more about SACD's current work and what we're doing to make sure that Corozal Bay can be enjoyed by future generations to come.

Beauty Bites Beast - " The Missing Conversation About Ending Violence"
Date: Saturday, March 30th, 2019. Place: Corozal Civic Center. Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Cost: $5Bz Students - $10Bz Adults.

TOURGUIDE COURSE !!
San Pedro Tourist Guide Association,Please make an effort to be at the San Pedro Junior College Tuesday February 26 at 7pm for an orientation!!

WÁAY- BELIZEAN MAYA LEGEND
The wáay also spelled as Huay is a Sorcerer who can transform into an animal while asleep in order to do harm,or else the resulting animal transformation . The plural of Wáay is Wáayo'ob . Between the Yucatec Maya of Belize the most common are the Huay K'eek'en and the Huay Peek' . The Huay K'eek'en is a sorcerer who transforms into a large pig to do mischievous acts like destroy properties and harm people . Another common Huay is the Huay Peek' which is sorcerer who transforms into a large black dog to destroy property,eat livestock and profanate tombs in the cemetery . Many of us grew up hearing this stories of the Huay K'eek'een and Huay Peek' in Northern Belize .

San Pedro, This Week's Events
SATURDAY!! I'd like to say that Saturday is the best day on the island - but all the days are Saturday on this island.. -The Market at Banyan Bay Suites 10am -Bingo at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar -90's party at INTRO by XS Entertainment -Live music The Truck Stop Brent Butcher , Palapa Bar and Grill Keith Cameau -Karaoke at Melt Cafe and Beach Bar 7-11pm

Channel 7

City Hall Takes Stand Against Mad - Micah, Stripping Him Of Portfolios
Last night we told you about the major incident at City Hall where councillor Micah Goodin had a blow-up with the City Administrator - and then got into a loud shouting match with her driver.  And all this happened right at City Hall.  For Goodin, it's not the first time he has exploded into a tantrum at City Hall - the last time it was against Mayor Bernard Wagner.  Now, it's the city's top administrator - and today a unified council took a stand against him.  They came out for a rare unified press conference to announce that - because of his conduct - the first term councillor was being stripped of all portfolios.  Here's the whole story:..

Do As I Say, Not As I Do?
And while the hammer is now coming down on Goodin, the truth is in a political organization like the City Council - there are few who don't try and bend a few corners.  That's because the elected councillors have voters who depend on them - and even the mayor got caught feeding into that system.  We asked him about the public purse as piggy bank problem today: Jules Vasquez: "Is it that Mr. Goodin was just incapable of comprehending the financial realities of the council that it is not a piggy bank where you can just go and take out money as you wish?"

Granny and Grandson run Over On Way To School
An 86 year old woman and her grandson were knocked down in Belize City this morning.  It happened at the intersection of Dean Street and Amara Avenue- an area which has seen pedestrian accidents before.   And that's just what happened with 8 year old Nickolia Tun, and his 86 year old grandmother, Gudelia Estephan who was walking her to school.   Security video from a nearby business shows exactly what happened when they tried to cross the street: This woman and her grandchild were almost halfway across Amara Avenue when the driver of this red truck hit them. The impact sent them tumbling over on the pavement. She was taking her grandson to St. Ignatius School.

Two Weeks Later, Man Dies From Brain Injury
Two weeks ago, 66 year-old Alfredo Gonzalez from Buena Vista Village in the Cayo District was shot in the head and left to die on the street. Gonzalez was heading home on his bicycle when two men attacked him and opened fire.  Well, he died from those injuries at 6:30 last night.   A post mortem found that he had multiple organ failure due to massive brain damage from the gunshot wound to the head. Police have made no arrests and have no motive.

Human Skull Found in Dead-Man Zone
A human skull was found by the Port of Belize this morning.  Around 8:00, the police were called about this skull near the Customs building at the end of Caesar Ridge Road.   It's way too early to have any indication of the origin, but those with some knowledge of forensics say it appears to be a very old sekeletal remain because its has been stripped of all human tissue. 

Much-Targeted Family's Home Burns
Just over 3 weeks ago, 21 year-old Marcos Zelaya, a resident of Belize City, was almost killed after a gunman ambushed and shot him shot him in the head. He continues to recover, but tonight, the Zelaya family is back in the news after their home on Mahogany Street was completely destroyed by a fire. Crystal Zelaya left the house around 6:00 and when she returned 30 minutes later, she found it ablaze. The entire structure, and all of the family's belongings were destroyed.

Accomplice of Alleged Police Shooter Gets Bail
2 weeks ago, we showed you that brazen broad daylight shootout between police and 2 civilians on Coney Drive. It left 1 police officer grazed to the shoulder in the exchange of gunfire. Well, tonight, 23 year-old Clifton Allen, one of the men who was charged for that incident, is out on Supreme Court bail. Justice Herbert Lord released him on bail of $10,000. On the afternoon of Wednesday February 6th, police set chase after a gunman who was on the motorcycle with another man. While he was trying to escape on foot, the gunman fired shots at police.  Police fired back at the shooter, and the sound of more than a dozen gunshots terrified civilians in the area.

Taking A Stand
SASEA - That's the name of  Audrey Matura's movement against sexual violence. It called " Stand Against Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. And Matura is calling everyone out to stand with her on Monday at midday in front of Wesley College. Here is more about the demonstration. Audrey Matura - Attorney: "Well basically the demonstration of solidarity so we are a double playing on the word demonstration because people think about demonstration as negative but you also can use it as a demonstration showing of solidarity but we intentionally did the double play because silently we are also demonstrating against all the violations against women and children especially recently we have had so many cyber bullying, revenge porn, cyber shaming, a lot of domestic violence..."

Refurbishing Pisshouse
And while Matura and her group are taking a stand, one police officer who took a stand against the hideous Queen Street Detention Cell could be facing disciplinary charges as early as next week. Reports say Corporal Darrell Tutsi Usher will be charged for violating the police department's media policy. But, Usher was also a whistleblower and he blew that whistle loud enough for everyone to hear. And, likely because of all the adverse attention that police got the conditions in the cells, today we saw work had started to refurbish the facilities to bring them up to minimum standards.

In PM Really Ready For E-Government?
Last night you saw a whole lot of the Prime Minister on the news - making headlines for his remarks against a sitting Supreme Court judge - among many other things. But, what we didn't have time to bring you was the event where he made all those remarks. That's the annual Prime Minister's Business Forum.  It was held under the"Embracing Innovation for Economic Prosperity" - but by the end of the day, the PM made it clear there was a limit to the amount of innovation the pubic sector could embrace.  Jules Vasquez has the story:

Man Accused of Attempted Murder With Vehicle
Since he's taken up office, Police Commissioner Chester Williams has stressed that domestic incidents have now emerged as a leading cause of murder - and that police will take them more seriously. He's talking about cases like a recent one in San Pedro where a man rammed into a lamp-post, while his ex common law wife shielded herself behind it.   59 year-old Noel Wiltshire, a taxi driver of San Pedro Town, was today released on Supreme Court bail after being remanded for allegedly trying to run over his ex common-law wife with his vehicle. 

Football From The Roots To The Fruits
A week ago, we told you about the vision that the Football Federation of Belize has for the sport under the leadership of President Sergio Chuc. They want to move on from the stigma of negative publicity that the 2 previous FFB Administrations struggled with. And more importantly, they want to see that Belize's football reaches a higher level of professional play. To do this, the FFB has been focusing on developing football at the grassroots level. They want to start training the next generation of footballers through early development.

Hawke Correction
In last night's news, we told you that Belize's Former Solicitor General, Nigel Hawke had abruptly resigned from the office of the Solicitor General of Guyana. That was a report from the Guyanese News Paper, Stabroek News. But it might be fake news.   We've since found a Jamaican article in which Hawke has demanded an apology from Stabroek, asserting that the article was "intended to create mischief" and had multiple errors in fact. Another news article out of Jamaica says, that Hawke, quote, "regrets that there was some form of linkage drawn to the issues which arose on Wednesday during the appeal challenging the ruling of the High Court in the no-confidence motion cases

Lionfish Yum
Yesterday we told you about the first ever lionfish management strategy. We also showed you what the Belioness jewelers group is doing to control the lionfish population. Well, of course, you can also eat Lionfish to get rid of some of them. We spoke to a Chef yesterday at the event who prepared lionfish panades and patties for the guests. They sure were tasty.  Chef: "We have a case at the BTL park and every Friday I do lionfish tacos right and it's been very good, the feedback I get is very awesome. People say it's a poisonous fish, not it's not.

Former CARICOM PM's On Venezuela
The political situation in Venezuela remains very volatile, and many fear that it could be coming to a head soon with the imminent possibility of some type of US-led intervention.  The White House has said all options are on the table suggesting the possibility of military involvement.  And there could be a flashpoint this weekend when Venezuela's us-backed opposition plans to push into the country with tons of humanitarian aid and medicine that Maduro's security forces have blocked.

Harpy No More
26 year-old Harry Montero and 2 minors: a 16 year-old and a 17 year-old are free tonight of a robbery charge after they were acquitted in a Magistrate's Court trial. Police couldn't prove that they robbed the Harpy's Security company last year.
According to police, on July 26, 2018, they allegedly went to the security firm and stole to handguns. The arresting officers formally reported that they caught all 3 men in the Lord Ridge Cemetery; they were trying to flee from the pursuing officers. The men were intercepted, and handcuffed, and the weapons were allegedly retrieved off the ground where they had been thrown.

Channel 5

Micah Goodin Benched Indefinitely Following Tirade at City Hall
Flanked by his team at City Hall, Mayor Bernard Wagner today announced that he was relieving Councillor Micah Goodin of his responsibilities at City Hall which including staff development and [...]

Micah Goodin Sidelined Indefinitely, but the Door Remains Open for His Return
So what is the fate of the wayward councilor going forward?  He is duly elected, therefore Micah Goodin cannot be terminated from the Belize City Council.  Despite measures taken against [...]

Does the Good Councilor Need Counseling?
It is not the first time that Goodin has thrown a temper tantrum. In April 2018, the politician fell out with Mayor Wagner, resulting in harsh criticism of his leadership [...]

Pickup truck mows down a minor and his great-grandmother!
A road traffic accident in the city has left a minor and his great-grand mother in the hospital. Police say forty-nine-year old Martin Franklin Reyes was driving at the corner [...]

Safety issues at the intersection King Street and Amara Avenue!
As you heard just now – that accident injured an elderly woman and her great-grandson. The intersection of King Street and Amara Avenue is one of the busiest in the [...]

What we need is enforcement, says Works C.E.O.
The barriers along mile two on the Philip Goldson Highway in Belize City sparked a heated debate after pedestrians are constantly hopping over the barriers to get across. Earlier in [...]

A Single Mother Loses Her Job Because of Faulty Police Record
A single mother of six is without gainful employment tonight after losing her job at a call center on Thursday due to an error on her police record. According to [...]

What’s Next for Terminated Mother?
According to Gideon, she was fired from her job because the human resources manager does not believe her story, notwithstanding the evidence she has provided.   Tiffany Gideon, Complainant “I [...]

Fire in City; Family says it was the work of arsonists.
On Thursday night, a fire destroyed a wooden house off Mahogany Street in Belize City. Firefighters were called out to Mahogany Street where they saw a twenty by thirty wooden [...]

A Human Skull is Found Backa Port
A human skull was reportedly unearthed by a dog this morning in the vicinity of the Port of Belize.  Residents in the area were alerted to the discovery when the [...]

Nigel Hawke did not resign as Solicitor General
Stabroek Newspaper of Guyana has retracted a report on the purported resignation of Nigel Hawke as Solicitor General. The newspaper has corrected the story following confirmation by Hawke that he [...]

Jordan Burns to stand trial for the Murder of Carlton Morreira
Months ago, eighteen-year old Jordan Akeem Burns, was charged for the murder of thirty-four-year old Carlton Jarrett Moreira which occurred on May twenty-third 2018, through a back street in the [...]

Police make an arrest in Tuesday night’s shooting
Nineteen-year-old Keenan Young, a music producer, appeared before Magistrate Khadeen Palmer and was arraigned for use of deadly means of harm. Since the offense was allegedly committed with the use [...]

“Corruption will be with us always”, says PM
On Thursday, the Prime Minister’s Business Forum was held under the theme, “Embracing Innovation for Economic Prosperity”. One of the guest speakers at the event was Linner Viik. He is [...]

Corruption Also Involves Private Sector Partners
Corruption is not only a problem that many governments have been battling. Corruption has found its way in not only the government department and ministries but also in the private [...]

Former CARICOM Leaders Say International Law Must be Respected
Former Prime Ministers of Caribbean community including Belize’s Said Musa have expressed concerns about maintaining the Caribbean as a peace zone. Musa along with Jamaica’s P.J. Patterson, Barbados’ Owen Arthur, [...]

ICJ Referendum Will Not Be Delayed, Says PM Barrow
The People’s United Party along with several other political and activist groups has been calling on the government to delay the April tenth I.C.J. referendum. There are numerous complaints from [...]

2018 Experienced Positive GDP
During Thursday’s economic forum, the Prime Minister boasted about the encouraging outlook of the economy. According to P.M. Barrow central government recorded a primary balance of not less than two [...]

But much remains to be done…
While the Prime Minister boasted a positive G.D.P. growth in 2018, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry says that much more needs to be done in terms of taxes. [...]

Comprehensive National Transportation Master Plan Completed
According to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, “the ever-expanding and constantly upgrading national road network is literally paving the way for accelerated growth.” Many more major road works are expected to [...]

“We are currently nowhere blacklisted”, Says PM
With respect to the financial and banking sector, Prime Minister Dean Barrow says that ‘innovations including the establishment of a Secured Transactions and Collateral Registry as well as a Credit [...]

Council of Ageing launches ‘Directory of Services’
The Council of Ageing is observing its sixteenth anniversary. They are celebrating this milestone under theme of “Celebrating Partnerships”. On Thursday they met at the Biltmore Plaza to make plans [...]

LOVE FM

Micah no longer Good Enough for City Hall
The Belize City Council held a press conference this morning in full force of all councilors standing firmly in solidarity with Mayor Bernard Wagner’s decision to remove all responsibilities from elected councilor Micah Goodin. The mayor says that Goodin requested funds for initiatives and though those items were not budged for the current fiscal period, …

Former Regional Leaders Pledge Support for Venezuela
Millions of people are suffering from hunger, victimization and unemployment in Venezuela. As recent as this morning, humanitarian aid has been blocked from entering the country at its border with Brazil and at least one person has died as a result. It may seem quite a distance away from little Belize, but the wider ramifications …

O.G. says House Burned Down after Private Conversation Publicized
Jose Zelaya lived in the home with his son and daughter. The single dad was not at home as he was attending to his injured son at a different location. His daughter left the home to buy at a shop and by 7 on Thursday night and by the time she returned home the house …

Nikolai Escapes Hurt but Grandma still Hospitalized after being Knocked Down
This morning during after 8:30 a.m. an eighty year old grandmother and her 8 year old grandson were knocked down as she was taking him to St. Ignatius Primary School. The incident at corner of Dean Street and Amara Avenue was caught on the security camera in front of Tenchtronics electronic store. Love News spoke …

Amandala

New legislation for cyber-bullying
ol uniform, engaging in a sexual act with an older man, has taken a toll on the life of the minor involved. Perhaps, though, equally shocking is that this young girl was not the only person to have her privacy violated in such a way over this past weekend. The leaking of pornographic pictures and videos via any sort of technology has been widely deemed as cases of cyber-bullying. In the wake of these recent instances, Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte, who was on Stake Bank island attending groundbreaking ceremonies held yesterday by Stake Bank Enterprise Limited (SBEL) for the first ever cruise ship docking facility for Belize City, spoke to the media about a new legislation that his ministry has in the works to protect the victims of cyber-bullying.

Venezuelan Ambassador visits Amandala
Maduro, has been under sustained pressure for some time now, and that pressure became more intense last month, when the United States recognized the Opposition leader, Juan Guaidó, who had declared himself the country’s interim president. Several other countries, including Britain, followed the US lead and also recognized Guaidó. Notwithstanding its many challenges, the Maduro government continues to function and recently dispatched a new ambassador to Belize a month ago.

Roy Lord, Jr., 31, fatally shot in the head
Just before midnight last night, a man was executed in Belize City shortly after leaving his home. Roy Gilbert Lord, Jr., 31, left his girlfriend’s residence on New Road and was walking to Tropicana, a casino facing the BTL Park in Newtown Barracks, to pick her up from work, when his killer approached him on Wilson Street. The gunman pulled out his firearm and opened fire in his direction, hitting him multiple times in the head and back.

Alleged “cocaine cowboy” rearrested
Three charges (one of them drug trafficking for 5 kilograms of cocaine) that had been brought against Peter Schmidt, 39, and Carlos Lopez, 35, but had been struck out, were yesterday reinstated against Schmidt, who appeared before Magistrate Emerson Banner. Lopez, the second accused, has not yet been rearrested.

Groundbreaking ceremony held for Stake Bank cruise ship docking facility
History was made today as Stake Bank Enterprise Limited (SBEL) held its groundbreaking ceremony for the first ever cruise ship docking facility for Belize City. This highly talked-about cruise port will be only a short 10-minute boat ride from Belize City. The state-of-the-art docking facility at SBEL will be able to accommodate four of the world’s largest cruise ships simultaneously. The actual island will facilitate the tourists from those ships with tours, shopping, and cultural attractions. There will also be beaches and a Mayan-themed water park.

Another Belizean student gets volleyball scholarship to Canada!
Twenty-one-year-old Daril Avila, a talented volleyball player and student at the University of Belize, will be leaving the country later this year to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science at Concordia University of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. Concordia is a member of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), the same conference that Bryton Codd and Karym Coleman are currently playing in with Briercrest College, and where Francis Hauze is headed to play for Medicine Hat College in September.

Belize’s basketball challenge – FIBA World Cup quadrangular this weekend at the Civic
This weekend at the Belize Civic Center, our Belize National Basketball Team will attempt to reach the highest level it has ever been – the Round of 16 in the FIBA World Cup Tournament for the Americas. To accomplish that, Belize will have to emerge as one of the top two teams from this weekend’s international quadrangular which starts on Friday evening, with two games being played each night – Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Participating national teams will be from Antigua & Barbuda, Belize, Bahamas, and Cuba.

Table Tennis comes to St. Martin’s Primary School
The Belize Table Tennis Association (BTTA) has initiated a table tennis program at the St. Martin De Porres Primary School. On Tuesday, February 12, the BTTA was at the SWIFT HALL, where they demonstrated and allowed students to participate in table tennis. The objective will be to conduct two sessions at the school, three times per week. Sessions will be from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., catering to the lower division students in the beginning.

Belize’s Bryton Codd wins ACAC South Rookie of the Year 2018-2019
We would like to take this opportunity to send big congratulations to one of the founders of BK Volleyball Foundation, Mr. Bryton Codd, on winning the ACAC South Rookie of the Year Award. Bryton spearheaded a fast paced Briercrest attack to a playoff spot in the tougher South Division in the ACAC! He finished the season with a monster stat line of 352.5 points on 290 kills, 46 aces and 16.5 blocks.

Cricket Corner – Some teams getting warm
Pleasant day to all cricket players, fans and supporters! Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA), the Harrison Park’s 2019 Cricket Competition continued over the weekend. Thanks for this year’s sponsor, Bowen and Bowen. According to stats reaching me, there were all very good games played. To start, let me take you to Rancho Dolores, where Northern Spirit of Sandhill went up against home team Western Eagles. Northern Spirit took to bat first.

Editorial: Billboard disrespects Philip Goldson
The proponents of the YES vote in the upcoming referendum have for some time now been in the downward spiral associated with people who deceive. Week after week they introduce new strategies to convince the Belizean people, to win them over to a YES vote. Too many of these strategies are a reminder of the lesson, O what a tangled web we weave, when we first practice to deceive. One new strategy is the use of giant signs, billboards, and one of these might have taken us to rock bottom. This downward spiral got underway with a head of steam when the Foreign Minister discussed the possibilities, all that would transpire if we voted NO in the referendum. His most consistent outcome was a disastrous military invasion of our sacred territory. The Foreign Minister could only see deadly gunboats from Guatemala staring us down, and an end where we are refugees packing our earthly belongings on our backs as we walk the earth searching for lodging in another country.

A theoretical analysis: Why we MUST vote NO to the ICJ rabbit hole
Many Belizeans continue to be puzzled by the constant drumbeat of YES to the ICJ being promoted, not just by the Government of Belize, but their surrogates (lawyers and past Foreign Ministers among them) who continue to wax poetic about Belize having an “ironclad case” therefore we must go. To be clear, no ethical attorney should ever give a client, let alone a nation, ironclad reassurances simply because…no amount of brilliant lawyering can predict, or get inside the head of a judge or jury to determine how individuals may think, or rule on the merits of a case. None!

Pibil, tacos, bbq — whale of a party
Patrick Faber has his numerous baggage, but this fresh breeze blowing over our land, from the Caribbean, has me thinking only of triumphs, good times, and what I’m reminded of today is one of this gentleman’s great moments, a glorious trip to Corozal Bay with families in the Collet Division. I think there’s only one better way to spend Krismos Cheer money, and that is for ham and turkey and toys (for children) for families that aren’t having a good money flow for the big birthday celebration.

The Governor General can’t be and shouldn’t remain silent
Ever since the inception of Belize as an independent, constitutional, parliamentary, democratic nation with 8,867 sq.mls., inscribed in our Constitution, our Governor Generals have not exercised to its fullest their constitutional prerogatives. There are many evidences of this asseveration since September 21, 1981 when we became an independent nation recognized by the consortium of nations, the United Nations. It was that we baptized our Constitution crafted by a group of citizens who had this new nation in and at heart. Many had made oaths to respect and honour our Constitution. The Spanish man would say “Allí está el detalle.”

The Special Agreement is unlawful and unconstitutional, attorneys say
The Special Agreement, aka “the Compromis,” signed between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of Guatemala in 2008, and which became a treaty between the two countries, is unconstitutional and therefore illegal, according to a team of lawyers who have been researching the constitutional principle of the separation of powers. With less than two months remaining before Belizeans are scheduled to go to the polls in a national referendum on April 10, to determine whether or not to settle the Guatemalan claim at the International Court of Justice, the Special Agreement is about to be challenged in a massive lawsuit which will seek to have the court declare it unconstitutional.

Chief Elections Officer says voter ID cards will be ready in time for ICJ referendum
On April 10, Belizeans are expected to vote in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) referendum on whether or not Belize should submit Guatemala’s claim to the ICJ for a final and binding resolution. The ICJ referendum will be the first national balloting exercise since the re-registration of voters took place to clean up the voters’ list last July. On Wednesday, February 20, Belize’s Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai, confirmed that at the end of January there were 134,349 registered voters whose names had made it onto the official voting list.

Police press release playing “catch-up” with suspected drug plane landing
A suspected drug plane landed in northern Belize on Monday, according to an online post on social media, but police did not report on the incident until today, Wednesday. In their report, however, the police backdated their release by one day. The police release is dated February 19. Interestingly, when we called Corporal Hortense Hernandez, the police press officer, yesterday, Tuesday, inquiring about the suspected drug plane landing, we were told, “I cannot confirm nor deny allegation of that. I have no information, but if and when I get the information it will be shared with the media.”

Belizeans attacked and robbed in Mexico
Five Belizeans were attacked and robbed of their belongings on Sunday, February 17, in Acayucan, a city in Veracruz, which is located in Mexico. The robbers stole their travel documents, cash, and other items, and as a result the Belizeans found themselves unable to travel back to Belize. The men, who were auto dealers, were towing several vehicles from the US to Belize. While they were in the hills, they were attacked by about 8 or 10 men.

The Reporter

Editorial – February 22nd.
By Mr. Henry Lawrence – It is deeply distressing to learn that there are many Belizeans who will not be able to receive their voter registration cards on time for April...

COME HELL OR HIGH WATER To the Referendum We Go!
Prime Minister Dean Barrow said he is not willing to entertain the idea of delaying the upcoming referendum for any reason. This despite public concern and a protest on Monday...

No Charges Yet Following Three-Vehicle Fatal Crash
The investigation into last Thursday evening’s fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of Marcia Lopez near the Airport junction has still not yielded any charges against any of the...

Leaked Video Sparks Protest
Sexually explicit local videos, among them one of a 15-year old female student of Wesley College, has this week sparked important discussions about the need for urgent legislative measures to...

Priest Hell-bent on Clearing His Name
On Wednesday, Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte explained that anybody who has sexually assaulted a minor in Belize, would be pursued and prosecuted to the full extent of the law, not...

TRAGEDY FOR JOSE ZELAYA
The life of Jose Zelaya Sr., 42, has been marked with nothing but tragedy lately, with the recent murder of one of his sons, the attempted murder of his other...

Serial arsonist in Punta Gorda?
Police in Punta Gorda have stepped up their surveillance efforts and patrols at night and are seeking the public’s full cooperation in an effort to nab a suspected serial arsonist that might have been responsible for torching multiple vehicles in that jurisdiction over the past couple of days.

2 People Knocked Down On Amara Av.
At approximately 8.49am this morning, 2 people were knocked down whilst crossing the street on Amara Avenue near the intersection with Dean Street. As you can see in this security camera video by a neighbor, 2 people appear on the left side of the street, one of them seems to be a school age child with a backpack.

Human Skull Found Near The Port Of Belize
The Reporter has been reliably informed that a human skull has been found somewhere in the area of the Port of Belize. Sources say it was discovered because a dog dug it up.

THE REPORTER – FACEBOOK – EDITORIAL
The Reporter is pleased and proud to notice that, particularly on our Facebook page which has grown tremendously, we continue to be held to the highest standard of journalistic ethics. We would like to see this continue.

Breaking Belize News

Belize and Cuba win basketball openers; clash of the titans set for Saturday night
Belize comfortably defeated Antigua and Barbuda 96-70 in the matinee game of the 2019 FIBA […]

PetroCaribe Office in Belize to close next week due to fears of US Sanction
Alba PetroCaribe Belize Energy Limited (APBEL), the company in Belize that buys fuel from the […]

GOB to seek its own legal opinion on the special agreement
Following the release of a legal opinion by three attorneys from the People’s United Party […]

Belize’s foreign debt hovers just below 100% of GDP; average Belizean now owes approximately 9 thousand dollars
Belize continues to struggle to meet its debt obligations as according to the Government’s own figures, […]

Implementation of UNCAC ‘an ongoing process’
The Government of Belize continues to slog along in the process of implementing the United […]

“GOB doing the best it can with registration for referendum vote,” says PM
Prime Minister Dean Barrow addressed concerns this week about persons not being able to register […]

5 former prime ministers of the Caribbean issue joint statement on Venezuela
Five former prime ministers of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries of Jamaica, Belize, Barbados, and […]

PM files official complaint against Supreme Court Justice
Prime Minister Dean Barrow said this week that he has made a formal complaint about […]

Ministry of Human Development participates in Multidimensional Poverty Index Exchange
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation is hosting a two-day informational exchange […]

Residents in San Jose Succotz concerned of discrepancies in water bills
Numerous complaints from residents of San Jose Succotz have reached our newsroom suggesting discrepancies in […]

PM defends Imer Hernandez contracts
Prime Minister Dean Barrow came to the defense of contractor Imer Hernandez, the nephew of […]

Trade license reform coming in 2020
Businesses countrywide can look forward to more predictability with regards to paying their trade licenses […]

Why I will vote Yes on Referendum Day (Part 1 of 2)
By Osmany Salas, Senator: Seven weeks from now, on April 10th, Belizean voters will be asked to make one of the most important decisions of their lives – to vote Yes or No to the ICJ. […]

“Former UDP Council did not budget for furniture for new CitCo office,” says Mayor Wagner
The renovations to the Down Town Commercial Center are almost complete, however, the Belize City […]

2 persons injured in road traffic accident
Two persons walking on Amara Avenue in Belize City were knocked down by a vehicle […]

Minister of State, Carla Barnett meets with Benque Viejo’s Town Council
On Wednesday, February 20, 2019, Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour, Local Government […]

UDP National Organization of Women says YES to ICJ
The United Democratic Party (UDP) National Organization of Women (NOW) have unanimously voted to support […]

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

Human skull discovered near Port of Belize just now
Authorities in Belize City are processing a scene near the Port of Belize where a […]

Blogs

Xibalba Cave watches over us
Ever feel like somebody’s got their eyes on you, at all times? Throw that feeling in while navigating a dark cave, full of nooks and crannies. Now imagine our Maya ancestors using those spaces for sacrifices, hoping for rain from Chaac (rain god). Thousands of years later, combine the thrill of discovery and exploration, with the knowledge of the acts that took place in these cavernous spaces, and the sight of a face staring at you from the entrance is guaranteed to give you a thrill (or twenty!) We enjoyed a guided tour with Isael Mai through Xibalba (place of fear) cave, located in the Dr. Elijio Panti National Park. Full of fantastic information about flora and fauna, history and fun facts, Isael kept us engaged as we hiked up and down hills, past streams, and through the cave.

International Sources

Winged Warriors maintain combat capabilities in Belize
The air hangs quiet and humid over a jungle landscape glowing only by the light of stars and fireflies that decorate the scene; the night would be like any other in the small country of Belize, except for the distant lights of U.S. Army helicopters and their M-240H Machine Guns. After the sun went down earlier, a UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook rose up to take its place. The 1st Battalion 228th Aviation Regiment headed out to maintain their combat capabilities amongst their busy schedule of humanitarian and anti-trafficking efforts in Central America. “We’re in Belize to conduct aerial gunnery training and do expeditionary operations which is part of our mission tasks,” said Maj. Christopher Daily, 228th Avn Regt. executive officer. “We’re also here to continue joint operations with other countries. It gives us the opportunity to operate in a complex situation, be able to set up and run different operational cells and figure out how to do business if we need to deploy forward.”

14 Exceptional Caves That Bring the Subterranean World to Life
CAVES! THERE’S NOTHING LIKE DESCENDING into one to remind you just how vast and fascinating our world is. Big, small, deep, shallow, natural or hand-crafted, the best caves are physical manifestations of the spirit of mystery and exploration. “Exploring Actun Tunichil Muknal in Belize is a surreal experience for sure. It holds Mayan skeletons and broken bits of pottery within its depths. Plus, exploring the cave (via a guided tour) is a ton of fun.”

Videos

February 22, 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

Copa San Pedro heads to seventh week of action!
Copa San Pedro’s Closing Season 2019 football tournament continues to entertain islanders with intense matches at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. After six weeks of action, the current standings have Los Catrachos F.C and Legends F.C at the top of the chart with 15 points each, followed by Caye Caulker Islanders F.C with 14 points and Fambo boys with 10 points. Following the top four teams are Terror Squad and G Strikers with nine points. Captain G’s has eight points, and Vince Assassins have seven points. Yet to make it on the chart are Genesis F.C, Ambergris Hope’s and Island Sharks. Copa San Pedro continues this weekend starting on Thursday, February 21st at 7PM. All islanders are invited to come out and support the island teams in their local tournament. Food and drinks will be on sale during all the games.

San Pedro Invaders draw 1-1 against Royal Maya Hill
San Pedro Invaders hosted Cayo’s Royal Maya Hill for the fifth week of Belize’s National Amateur Women League (NAWL) Closing Season 2019 at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town on Saturday, February 23rd. The intense match saw both teams fighting for a win, but at the end of the game time, it was a 1-1 draw. For their next match, San Pedro Invaders will be traveling to Belize City to face the Black Orchids on Saturday, February 23rd. The game is scheduled to start at 4PM at the MCC Grounds.

Photos: Annual Coca-Cola Spelling Bee Zone 5 eliminations

American investment manager Brent Borland pleads guilty to Placencia International Airport scam
American investment manager 48-year-old Brent Borland has pleaded guilty to running a US$21.9 million fraud in Belize between 2014 and 2018. Borland admitted to falsely telling dozens of investors their money was going to be used to construct an international airport in Placencia southern Belize, promising them double-digit rates in returns for their investment. Borland, a principal at Borland Capital Group, was first charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in New York City, New York, USA on May 16, 2018, for misappropriating close to $6 million from investors. The SEC alleges that from 2014, Borland sold more than US$21 million worth of promissory notes to a large number of investors. They were told that their funds would become a bridge to finance an international airport in southern Belize.

San Pedro Pirates win 1-0 against BDF
For the sixth week of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB) Closing Season 2019 the San Pedro Pirates traveled to Belize City to face Belize Defense Force (BDF) on Sunday, February 17th. The island team won with a 1-0 score over BDF, managing to remain in the second place position of the PLB rankings for the second week consecutive. The San Pedro Pirates F.C and Belmopan Bandits are technically tied for the first-place position in this week’s standings, with 12 points each. For their next match, the San Pedro Pirates F.C will be playing at home, facing the Belmopan Bandits on Saturday, February 16th. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30PM at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. Everyone is invited to come out and support the island team in their home match.

Ambergris Today

Alexis Lawrence Of ACES Wins Spelling Bee Zone Eliminations
The annual Bowen & Bowen Ltd. Zone Eliminations Spelling Bee competition took place today, February 21, 2019, at the New Horizon SDA School Chapel where Alexis Lawrence of Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) proved to be the top speller amongst 16 other participating students. Caye Caulker Elementary School and La Isla Cariñosa Academy of Caye Caulker joined six schools from Ambergris Caye in the spelling competition that included Holy Cross Anglican, School, Isla Bonita Elementary School, New Horizon SDA, The Island Academy and Ambergris Caye Elementary.

Belize Fisheries Department Launches Belize National Lionfish Management Strategy
It has been 10 years since lionfish (Pterois volatinas) was confirmed in Belizean waters and over the course of the decade, considerable efforts have been made to address the threat of the lionfish invasion in our waters. On Thursday, February 21, 2109, the Belize Fisheries Department in partnership with Blue Ventures, launched the Belize National Lionfish Management Strategy 2019-2023. This document outlines the design and implementation of an integrated approach to lionfish management.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow Holds Business Forum
It has been 10 years since lionfish (Pterois volatinas) was confirmed in Belizean waters and over the course of the decade, considerable efforts have been made to address the threat of the lionfish invasion in our waters. On Thursday, February 21, 2109, the Belize Fisheries Department in partnership with Blue Ventures, launched the Belize National Lionfish Management Strategy 2019-2023. This document outlines the design and implementation of an integrated approach to lionfish management.

Issuance Of Voter ID Cards To Commence In March
The 2019 Prime Minister’s Business Forum was held Tthursday, February 21, under the theme: “Embracing Innovation for Economic Prosperity”. This forum is a signature event organized and hosted by the Economic Development Council and provides the private-sector an audience with the Prime Minister to table and directly address business climate concerns and recommendations toward an improved service delivery by the government to the business community.

Misc Belizean Sources

Commencement of the Issuance of Voter ID Cards
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby notifies electors that effective Friday, March 1st, 2019, the issuance of Voter ID cards will commence by phases at the Elections and Boundaries Registration Offices countrywide. The first phase will include all electors whose application were accepted in July 2018 and subsequently approved at revision court. As stated via previous press releases, dates and location for pickup will be announced for villages. ID cards will also be distributed by Elections and Boundaries personnel at the polling stations on Referendum Day, for electors who did not have an opportunity to pick up their ID cards prior to Referendum Day.

Attorney Leeroy Banner represents Father Oliver Smalls and all accused are innocent until proven guilty. Therefore Smalls is innocent. Attorneys are perhaps the only group of people with men and women that can be added to the phrase “_________can’t live with them and can’t live without them.” They are the people who best understand the system and have shaped opinions outside of politics. They are the gladiators of the arena. However, this week and apparently last week too, instead of throwing swords to a ravenous horde of media, Banner threw pepitos. Many ate them, but to me, I only heard the cracks of his press release with each annoying pepitos pop.

Belize District Zone 5 annual National Spelling Bee results are as follows:
1st Place - Alexis Lawrence of Ambergris Caye Elementary School. 2nd Place - Nicholas Lausen of The Island Academy. Alternate Speller - Angelina Worthington of New Horizon SDA School. Congratulations to all the participants.

The Institute of Archaeology at the Sacred Heart College Science Fair!

International Mother Language Day February 27th 2019
Inno'on la oh will be celebrating for the second time the International mother language day february 27th 2019. your welcome to join us at ub jaguar auditiorium from 9:30-12.30. You will also hear our beautiful indigenous langueges of Belize like Maaya t'áan(Yucatec Maya),Mopan Maya and Q'eqchi Maya .

Sunday Jazz Brunch
Every Sunday, until Apr 28 at VIEUX Carr'e CAFE' SEVEN SEAS RESORT, San Pedro.

The 2019 Prime Minister’s Business Forum: “Embracing Innovation for Economic Prosperity”
The 2019 Prime Minister’s Business Forum was held today, February 21, under the theme: “Embracing Innovation for Economic Prosperity”. This forum is a signature event organized and hosted by the Economic Development Council and provides the private-sector an audience with the Prime Minister to table and directly address business climate concerns and recommendations toward an improved service delivery by the government to the business community. It is also an opportunity to showcase public sector reforms and projects directly aimed at facilitating the private-sector's ability to grow and innovate.

Movie Night at KoKo King
FAMILY FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIES: Movies commence after dark!! Paddington 2 (PG) - Instant Family (PG13) - Kids meals and popcorn available - FULL Duna menu available, plus adult beverages!

Yard Sale for South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch
We are having a yard sale, planned for May 11, 2019, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. Kevin Owen has arranged for us to use the lot next to his business, Island Pool Supply, behind the Gas Station. It is a great location. How can you help? We need your discards! You can start collecting those items you no longer want or need and donate it for our yard sale. Items like clean or gently used clothing, any and all household items, jewelry, bedding and/or linens, kitchenware, tools, sporting equipment, artwork, furniture, books. Deliver your treasures to Susan between April 27 and May 4. Please call her at 634-5678 before making your delivery to arrange a time.

Hon. Carla Barnett Meets with Benque Viejo del Carmen Town Council
On Wednesday, February 20, 2019, Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour, Local Government & Rural Development, Dr. Senator Hon. Carla Barnett held a working meeting with the Benque Viejo del Carmen Town Council, which was led by Mayor Marconi Sosa. Mayor Sosa thanked the Minister for her visit with the Council. He provided an update on the work of the council to improve the management and administration of the municipality, which includes delivery of services such as garbage collection and keeping the municipality clean, as well as strengthening revenue collection.

La Ruta Maya Launch Party 2019
The 2019 La Ruta Maya is just 2 weeks away. The Launch Party will be on Thursday, and will be the biggest one yet. They'll have Supa G, TR Shine, XBand, and the New Sensation Band. They'll have fireworks too.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Serenity, Instant Family, Possession of Hannah Grace, Spiderman, Into the Spider Verse

Channel 7

PM Takes Public Swipe At Supreme Court Judge
Tonight the Prime Minister is making headlines for taking a public swipe at a Supreme Court Judge. On January 22nd, Supreme Court Justice Courtney Abel made a ruling that raised eyebrows: he said that business taxes which the Belize Bank owes the government can be held against the unpaid UHS debt that Government owes the Bank. That's the 90 plus million-dollar award that the Caribbean Court of Justice has ordered the government to pay the Bank. Parliament has voted against appropriating funds to make the payment.

PM Says It's Not The Judgement, It's The Treatment
And, speaking to the press after the Business Forum, the Prime Minister elaborated on his issues with Justice Abel and government's complaint to the CJ: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "This was despite the Belize Bank's stock offset which deprive the treasury of approximately 14.1 million dollars. I thought carefully about this and I must say the judicial decision that enabled this is absolutely going to the challenged, especially since it came in circumstances where the bench appeared not just heedless of, but downright rude to the crown and its law officers..."

The Imer Hernandez Hemorrhage of Political Capital Continues
And that same kind of sliding figure - to mean "nayli all" is what could be said about road works contracts being awarded to Imer Hernandez. A spreadsheet circulated to the media today shows that between 2015 and 2018, Imer Hernandez Development Company has received over 200 payments from the Ministry of Works, totaling in the tens of millions of dollars. All this for a contractor whose works have been known to be less than stellar. It's making news this week, because on Monday, Hernandez's Company got another prize contract of 20 million dollars to pave 10 miles of the Western Highway.

Hasta La Vista Alba Petrocaribe
And while the Hernandez hemorrhaging of political capital is never a happy subject for the PM - neither was the public announcement that Belize must now close the door on an old friend, Venezuela. We're talking about APBEL, the joint venture company that government had with Venezuela's state owned oil company, PDVSA. Recently, the US imposed sanctions on Albanisa, a Nicaraguan joint venture company with PDVSA. And, although APBEL, which once imported thousands of gallons of fuel from PDVSA, is now dormant, the PM says it will be formally closed next week:..

Did CITCO Staffer Manhandle Micah?
The PUP Belize City Council is trying to recover from a bruising and quite dangerous event yesterday. Multiple, reliable reports from within the council tell us that there was an angry confrontation which ended with one of the political staffers assaulting councillor Micah Goodin. The report we have received is that Goodin was choked in the stairwell. Reports tell us that the whole uproar started when Goodin went to the office of the City Administrator querying the release of funds for a program he was organizing. But, there's quite a queue to get payment, and our reports say, the councilor was not happy being at the bottom of the stack for a project which the council caucus had already approved.

No Leads In Lord Murder
Police have no leads nor motive in Roy Gilbert Lord's murder. He was the well-known Lords Bank resident who was executed on Monday night in Belize City. Lord was on his way to pick up his girlfriend from work, when a gunman pulled up on him. Police gave us the official report at the bi-weekly press briefing. ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: "On Monday, February 18th, 2019, just before midnight police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where they observed Roy Gilbert Lord, thirty-one years of age, a Belizean of Lord's Bank area, Ladyville Village..."

Another Plane Mystery
Going now to the Orange Walk District, police don't have much to go on when it comes to the remains of the burnt aircraft in that district. Here's what Cowo told us today: ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: "Orange Walk Police visited a farm road about eighteen kilometers southeast of Blue Creek Community where on that road police found the burnt remains of a single-engine aircraft and about a quarter kilometer from there police found several containers, some of them containing suspected aviation fuel. At the time of police's arrival, there was no one in the area and no one has been detained so far."

Ruthless Robbers in Independence
And heading down south to Independence, 3 Chinese Game shop owners where attacked and robbed by a hammer-wielding man. Cops told us more about this incident ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: "Independence police visited an area where they visited this Chinese game house namely 'Gameshop" where they observed 3 of the proprietors suffering from several injuries to their bodies. They were transported to the southern regional hospital and thereafter one was brought to Belize City..."

More Robbers in Mango Creek
And proof of that came when another Chinese business was targeted in Independence. Robbers held up July Store and stole money and electronic items. Here's more from police. ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: "There was a robbery on Tuesday the nineteenth in Independence Village where Mr. Wen Quong Yian, he reported that whilst inside of his store, July store, sometime after 1:30 p.m., two male persons entered his business establishment, one of them armed with a firearm and one with a machete. One of them was wearing a mask and as a result they robbed him of five hundred dollars cash, a cell phone and an Ipad. Thereafter the two male persons made good their escape."

How Much Is The Hawke Worth?
The last time that Nigel Hawke made the news was last year December, when Prime Minister Dean Barrow confirmed that his contract as Solicitor General was not going to be renewed. With that tenure finished, Hawke returned to his home country of Guyana. Tonight, news coming out of Guyana says that he resigned as Solicitor General of that country after a very short stint. The Stabroek Newspaper out of Guyana reports that 2 days ago, he resigned with immediate effect. That's after his boss, Basil Williams, the Guyanese Attorney General, allegedly took a tongue lashing from the Guyanese Court of Appeal for what was described as glaring errors in documents submitted to the court.

Castro Invokes Disney's Timon and Pumbaa To Make A Pedestrian Point
Should there be a pedestrian overpass on the Northern Highway near DK Supermarket? That's what the City Council said after 23 year old teacher Marlena Mortis was killed straddling the barriers in the road, as folks do every day at all hours. Today, the Minister of Transport said putting an overpass will do no good:.. Reporter: "Saying he is holding to that position and hoping that the ministry will consider putting those crosswalks. You thoughts?"

Lionfish, the Long View
For 10 years, since the invasive Lionfish species appeared in Belizean waters, we've been reporting on the threats and opportunities this presents. The threat is that they feed off local reef fish which can harm the reef ecosystem, so Belize needs to reduce the population of lionfish. And that's where the opportunity comes in: Belizeans have to find wayy to consume and create using the colorful and quite tasty fish.

The Invasive, Predatory Lionfish Can Also Be Lovely
Also at the launch was a Sarteneja based jewelers group that is doing its part to control the lionfish population. Courtney Weatherburne spoke to the Vice Chair of Be-lioness. These are just a few selections from the Belioness jewelry collection. They are all crafted from the fins or body parts of lionfish. And there is nothing fishy about them because the 14 talented jewelers have perfected the art of transforming these scaly creatures into artistic pieces.

The Hicatee Lowdown
Last night we told you about the hicatee bust. Well today, fisheries supervising officer Hampton Gamboa gave us more details. It happened on Tuesday night around 8:00. Police searched a vehicle at a check point on the western highway and found 8 hicatee. The 7 persons in the vehicle were fined. Here is more from Gamboa. The group was fined $4,000 for both offenses. They are: (1) fishing of female Hicatee turtles greater that 17.2 inches and (2) transporting in any vehicle more than five turtles.

Teachers At OW School Stage Sit-out
Students of Bishop Martin High School are tonight unsure whether they will be having normal classes tomorrow, and in the days to come. That's because a contingent of teachers at the school have decided to stage a sit-out as a type of industrial action against school management. The teachers say that they learned last year that 7 of them have supposedly not been legally employed at the school, even though they've been dutifully working there.

Gayle Says Suppression Solution Not Working
Crime and violence: it dominates the news almost daily. The immediate response of the state has been to increase paramilitary policing operations in the hopes of suppressing crime and violence. It works for a few weeks and months, and then, crime spikes once again. The authorities say that this is the usual ebb and flow, the action and reaction between law enforcement and lawlessness. But how can such violence be accepted as normal?

The Vital Truth About Vital Stats
All this week we've been reporting on the difficulties that the PIUP is having with the Vital Statistics Department. The opposition argues that many thousands of Belizeans stand to be left disenfranchise because the department is not moving quickly enough to process their voters registration in time for the referendum. Today the Prime Minister said that Vital Stats is apprised of the urgency of the situation and is doing its best to work with even the most difficult cases:..

PM Will Get Legal Opinion to Counter the PUP's
Speaking generally about the ICJ referendum, the Prime Minister discussed the legal opinion put forward by three PUP attorneys - and held back on his criticism. He discussed this within the general context of assessing Belize's readiness for the referendum:.. Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow- Prime Minister: "The fact that these three gentlemen have done, what appears to me, to be an extraordinary amount of work- and I must congratulate Anthony Sylvester, whom I gather is doing most of the heavy lifting- because the case, I didn't read it in any great detail but, as I saw it, it was well set out, it was well researched, ultimately to me, entirely unpersuadable..."

On The Ground With The Yes Vote
And while the PM handles ICJ matters at the policy levels, on the ground his area representatives and standard bearers are out trying to rally that yes vote. We asked one of the UDP's three term representatives how it's going: Hon. Edmonf Castro- UDP Area Rep, Belize Rural North: "In the beginning I said I will wait to get the information, educate myself on the issue and then I will make a decision. When you guys asked me a year ago that was my answer. So, I spent time to get the information and we are going around my constituency providing the information to our people so that they can make an informed decision on a yes vote, so we can put this Guatemalan dispute, once and for all, behind us."

Maskall, Let There Be Water
And keeping it in Belize Rural North, we also asked Castro about the situation in Maskall. Reports out of his home village tell us that the water supply had been out for two weeks - a tremendous inconvenience to villagers. That;S what we got yesterday, but when we asked about ti today, he seemed very ready to answer:..

All Indians, No Chief At Fire Dept.
And from the villager water system, to the man in charge of the water pumps on the fire trucks there's been no fire chief for 8 weeks since Ted Smith reached retirement age. Castro seemed in no rush to find a new chief:...

The Big FIBA February Dance
Tomorrow night, the Belize National Basketball Team will be competing in the 2nd round of the FIBA World Cup Americas qualifiers FIBA World Cup Championships, which will be played right here at the Belize City Civic Center. The team is hoping that the general public will come out and support them, so that they can enjoy the full benefit of home-court advantage. The tournament is a big deal because if Belize places first or second, they advance to the next round of the Tournament where they will meet the powerhouses of the hemisphere. But first, Team Belize has to take on Cuba, the Bahamas, and Antigua and Barbuda in this round.

The Mystery of the Mexican
There's been quite a bit of furor raised about last week's detention of Mexican Gonzalo Herrera Castilla in San Pedro. He's a former Mexican government official who served in the Ministry of Public Management in the Mexican State of Quintana Roo - and Mexican media reports say he is wanted for the offense of 'Illicit use of Power.' Police detained him in Belize last Thursday for illegal entry and suspected money laundering. We are told the FIU was looking at 14 thousand US dollars at his home for the possibility of money laundering. But, after holding him unlawfully for 5 days, he was released on Tuesday - facing a minor immigration charge.

Man Shot on McKay
And in the final bit of police news tonight, a Mckay Boulevard resident was fortunate to escape with only minor injuries after a man fired at him, causing him to crash into a fence. This happened on Tuesday night around 9:00. Police told us more. Police say this shooting stems from a dispute between both men.

Mencias and 86 Others Want BEL Top Spot
Almost 100 people have applied for BEL's soon to be vacant post of CEO. That's according to the Prime Minister. We asked him today if one of his star appointees will get the job:.. Reporter: "Is there any truth to John Mencias running Belize Electricity Ltd.?" Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "I know that John Mencias has applied to become CEO at Belize Electricity Ltd., but so have 86 other persons. So I dont know how that will go."

Channel 5

PM Barrow says Supreme Court Justice Dismissive of Crown Counsels
Prime Minister Dean Barrow hosted the 2019 Prime Minister Business Forum today. About three hundred guests from the private sector were at the Civic Centre when the PM used the [...]

Imer Hernandez “is entitled to and will continue to bid for contracts.”
Imer Hernandez is not only a relative of the former Deputy Prime Minister, but also a very vocal and strong supporter of the United Democratic Party so it is no [...]

PM says Imer Hernandez Won IDB Contract Fair & Square
As it relates to the recent contract that Imer Hernandez was awarded by the Inter-American Development Bank, Prime Minister Dean Barrow says that the tender process is done pursuant to [...]

Contractor General Post Vacant Due to ‘Stupid’ Law
In the absence of a Contractor General, contracts awarded by the Government are currently being sent to the office of the Solicitor General for revision. Godwin Arzu’s contract was not [...]

‘Blackaz’ Killer is Still on the Loose
In the crime blotter…the murder of Roy Lord remains an open investigation after police were forced to release a suspect in their most recent homicide case.  The thirty-one-year-old was shot [...]

Abelardo Castilla Remains Free on La Isla Bonita Despite Interpol Listing
A pair of men, both of whom are Mexican nationals, has been fined by customs and immigration authorities in Belize, even though one of them is wanted by Interpol for [...]

Remains of Suspected Drug Plane Found in OW District
The charred vestiges of a small single-engine aircraft believed to be a drug plane was found in a remote area of the Orange Walk District earlier this week, on Tuesday.  [...]

Industrial Action by Teachers at Bishop Martin High School
A sit-out started by seven teachers has morphed into full industrial action by all teachers at the Bishop Martin High School in Orange Walk. Today, the entire teaching staff was [...]

PM Praises Joint Legal Opinion, But Says It’s ‘Unpersuadable’
Attorneys Anthony Sylvestre, Richard ‘Dickie’ Bradley, and Kareem Musa say the 2008 Special Agreement is invalid. The trio of lawyers published a thirty-eight-page Joint Legal Opinion that calls into question [...]

PM Barrow says Challenge to GST Amendment Can’t Happen
Aside from an appeal of the Belize Bank ruling by Justice Courtenay Abel, Prime Minister Dean Barrow says that the government also has plans to challenge lawsuits filed by tour [...]

Bye Bye Alba Petrocaribe
Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro is hell bent in not allowing U.S. aid into the country. The embattled president closed Venezuela’s border with Brazil on Thursday until further notice amid a [...]

Nigel Hawke Resigns as Solicitor General of Guyana
The appointment of Nigel Hawke as Solicitor General of Guyana was short-lived. Hawke served in that capacity here in Belize for about four years, exiting the post in December of [...]

2019 Prime Minister’s Business Forum: “Embracing Innovation for Economic Prosperity”
The annual Prime Minister’s Business Forum was held today at the Belize City Civic Centre. The Prime Minister’s presentation lasted about twenty-five minutes and while his statements about a sitting [...]

Jovy Carballo is Shot at During Ambush on Raccoon Street Ext.
A resident of Lake Independence is lucky to have escaped serious injury when he came under gunfire a long way from home on Tuesday night.  Thirty-two-year-old Jovy Carballo was driving [...]

July’s Store is Robbed in Mango Creek
A store owner was robbed in Independence Village on Tuesday afternoon by a pair of thieves armed with a handgun and a machete.  Wen Quong Yian was relieved of five [...]

Dr. Gayle Back to Deliver Lecture on Crime and Violence
Renowned anthropologist Dr. Herbert Gayle is back in town and will be delivering a public lecture on Friday at the Bliss Institute.  Dubbed the Failure of Suppression, why and how [...]

P.U.P. Councilor Micah Goodin Involved in Kerfuffle at City Hall
P.U.P. Councillor Micah Goodin was allegedly involved in a kerfuffle on Wednesday night at City Hall. Reports are that the young councilor allegedly aggressed the City Administrator and had to [...]

National Lionfish Management Plan 2019-2023 is Launched
Since 2008, we’ve been reporting about the Lionfish. And if you’re wondering why ten years later we are still talking about – well, that is because this fish is impossible [...]

Fisheries Department Talks Hicatee Regulations
On Monday, a police patrol near mile thirty-two on the George Price Highway intercepted a vehicle transporting eight live hicatees. The turtles were confiscated and released back into the wild. [...]

Stake Bank, an Inch Closer to Become a Reality
It took years to move from the drawing board to its ground breaking, but the Stake Bank project is finally on its way. On Wednesday, the symbolic launch of the [...]

The National Basketball Team is Ready to Take on Antigua, Cuba and Bahamas
The national teams from Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba and the Bahamas are in Belize for the qualifying round of the FIBA World Cup games that is taking place at the [...]

St. Luke’s Methodist Primary Gets a Playground
The Rotary Clubs of Edmonton, Canada and Belize gifted the Saint Luke’s Methodist Primary School with a playground.  The outdoor recreational space is fitted with swings, slides and ladders for [...]

Healthy Living: Kidney Association Fundraiser
It’s the place many people turn to when they are in a crisis. That’s because when someone is faced with a sudden diagnosis of kidney failure and needs emergency dialysis [...]

2019 Prime Minister’s Business Forum is currently underway at the Belize City Civic Center
The purpose of the economic forum is to chart a course for public/private collaboration on the development of the country.

LOVE FM

Police say Mexican Nationals released
The police also gave an update on the case of the two Mexican nationals, forty year old Manuel Villanueva and fifty year old Gonzalo Albelardo Herrera Castilla, who were busted in San Pedro Town on money laundering and customs charges. Castilla, who is from Chetumal, Quintana Roo is also wanted there on local charges. However, …

Police updates City Murder and Shooting at Press Briefing
The Officer in Charge of CIB also briefed the media on the murder of Roy Lord which happened just before midnight on Monday in Belize City. ASP Alejandro Cowo: “Police visited the KHMH where they observed Roy Gilbert Lord 31 years of age. A Belizean of Lords Bank Area, Ladyville Village. He was seen with …

Man with Hammer Goes Wild on Owners of Game Room
Assaults have occurred with guns, machetes and knives. Rarely do we hear of other tools being used in the commission of a crime. But in Independence Village, guns are not as accessible. The officer commanding CIB explained that three businessmen were assaulted by a man wielding a hammer. ASP Alejandro Cowo: “At about 10:30 PM …

Plane Torched after Landing
Last week Thursday we were showed a video a plane circling a field. At the time the police said it was a crop duster. We didn’t hear anything more about it until today. After removing the cargo, the pilot disappeared at the plane was torched. ASP Alejandro Cowo, the Officer Commanding the CIB said that …

The Reporter

The Huge Stake Bank Project & Cruise Tourism – Part 3
Exactly 7 months ago, The design and planning illustrations were released to the media and THE REPORTER highlighted the business opportunities and impact of the huge project called Stake Bank. Today developers and designers, financiers and dignitaries, Cabinet members past and present, distinguished guests and media were invited to the groundbreaking of what promises to be a spectacular cruise port destination in Belize, just minutes from the mainland.

Breaking Belize News

“Belize Rural North will vote ‘Yes’ to the ICJ,” Says Castro
Area Representative for Belize Rural North, Edmond Castro, said that he is confident his constituency will […]

Belize City Mayor wants pedestrian ramps on the Goldson Highway, Edmond Castro disagrees
Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner thinks that the Central Government should install more pedestrian crossings along the […]

“Maskall water problems solved,” says Edmond Castro
Maskall Village on the old Northern Highway has been without running water for two weeks, an inconvenience […]

Another eight weeks until Fire Service gets new chief
The Belize National Fire Service has been without a Fire Chief for over eight weeks, following the […]

Prime Minister’s Business Forum 2019 held in Belize City
Around 300 members from the public and private sectors gathered at the Belize Civic Center today […]

Dr. Herbert Gayle on violence reduction and the “failure” of suppression
By Aaron Humes :Anthropologist and social researcher Dr. Herbert Gayle of Jamaica is back on Friday with another presentation […]

Notice: Phone service interruption for Government departments and Ministries
The Ministry of Finance, Assets, and Utilities Management Unit inform all ministries and departments in Belmopan […]

Muy’Ono Hospitality assumes management of The Placencia Resort
Muy’Ono Hospitality, an innovative management company for resorts and tour operators in Belize announced today […]

Stake Bank developers break ground on new cruise port facility
The developers of the Stake Bank Cruise Port broke ground on the island yesterday at […]

International Mother Language Day 2019 commemorated in Belize
Today, International Mother Language is celebrated under the theme: “Indigenous languages matter for development, peacebuilding and […]

Time to start eat lionfish!
By Aaron Humes: The invasive red lionfish has been an unwelcome guest in Belize’s maritime waters since 2008, overwhelming […]

Thieves rob July Store in Bella Vista
Police are investigating a robbery that occurred on Tuesday, February 19, in Bella Vista, Stann […]

Authorities find 70 containers with aviation fuel and burnt plane in Blue Creek, Orange Walk
Authorities are investigating the illegal landing of an aircraft that touched down on Tuesday, February […]

The Governor General Can’t Be and Shouldn’t Remain Silent
By Dr. Gerald Zuniga: Ever since the inception of Belize as an independent, constitutional, parliamentary, democratic nation […]

Female minor raped in Belmopan
There is another disturbing report of abuse of a young girl, this time coming out […]

Authorities warn of illegal harvesting of Hicatee turtles
On Monday, February 18, the police mobile patrol intercepted a vehicle transporting a total of […]

Health CEO looking at ways to keep nurses in Belize
Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ramon Figueroa, said that the ministry […]

Government says that Imer Hernandez contract was approved by IDB
The Government of Belize (GOB) today issued a statement in relation to concerns raised by […]

Belize outperforms Cayman Islands in tourism growth
Belize has outperformed the Cayman Islands in terms of tourism sector growth, according to a […]

PUP attorneys say Special Agreement needs parliamentary approval
Signed ten years ago, the Special Agreement between Belize and Guatemala was reached in Washington […]

Blogs

K's Diner
If you want to enjoy a little southern food while visiting Ambergris Caye, K’s diner is the spot. This little gem is conveniently located right next to Tropic Air. It recently opened with a scrumptious menu and will satisfy all of your southern cookin’ appetites. From the fried chicken, shrimp and grits, to the milkshakes, you can’t go wrong. The playful atmosphere, with the high top tables, and the spinning stools, has all the fixin’s to ensure a great time for any tourist. Stop in and say hello to the owner, Holly Haynes-Boren, or as we know her here on the Caye: “BELIZE Island Girl”.

International Sources

Belize Telecommunications Industry Revenue, Sales and Growth Rate 2019-2025
MarketResearchNest.com adds “2019 Future of Belize Telecommunications Market- Trends, Outlook and Growth Opportunities of Mobile, Fixed Landline and Broadband Markets”new report to its research database. The report spread across in a 65 pages with table and figures in it. The Belize Telecommunications report – 8th series from OGAnalysis provides a complete view of the Belize telecom ecosystem along with trends and growth factors shaping the future of the market.

Videos

February 21, 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 Lions Club meet with Nicaraguan Past District Governor
Members of the San Pedro Lions Club (SPLC) participated in an informative meeting at the Lions Den in San Pedro Town on Sunday, February 17th. The session was facilitated by Past District Governor Gilberto Alcoser from Nicaragua, who enlightened the club members and encouraged them to strengthen their resolve to serve. The training began shortly after 11AM with a lively discussion on how to serve communities, meet humanitarian needs and encourage peace. Other topics discussed were transformation of the environment, child care, battling diabetes, eradicate poverty, and many other projects that fall under SPLC.

Marie Sharp’s and U.S Embassy partner to fight gender-based violence in Belize
To create awareness and help the fight against gender-based violence, the Embassy of the United States of America (US) in Belize hosted the launch of ‘Pure Love,’ Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods Ltd brand-new Pineapple Habanero Pepper sauce on Thursday, February 14th. This partnership aspires to combat said abuse by having all proceeds from the pepper sauce sales benefit Haven House, a non-profit domestic violence shelter in Belize City directly benefiting victims of gender-based violence.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks fall short against 2018 NEBL Sub-champions
The San Pedro Tiger Sharks fell to the Dangriga Dream Ballers on Saturday, 16th in their attempt to clinch first place in the ongoing 2019 National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) Tournament. This loss places them in second place, where they had been for the past weeks. This is the second defeat the island team has experienced since the beginning of the season. They currently have three wins and two losses with a total of eight points accumulated in the current standings.

Ambergris Today

Submission Period Open For Public To Submit Information In Relation To Gillnets
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration advises that it is accepting submissions from the public relating to the use of gillnets in Belize’s waters.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize Excites Visitors at the Los Angeles Travel and Adventure Show!
The Belize Hotel Association was at the Los Angeles Travel and Adventure Show on February 16 and 17, 2019, promoting our members and the country of Belize. BHA Representatives, Past-President Leisa Carr- Caceres and 2 nd Vice-President Barbara Hall, were extremely busy speaking with show attendees who were very interested in Belize, and the many activities that our country has to offer. The delegates reported that there definitely was a high interest from the attendees to travel to Belize and many visitors were seeking packages that offered jungle and sea vacations, or packages that included hotel and tours to make their planning process easier.

"Roma" showing Feb 21
Mexican Cultural Institute, 6:30pm.

Orthopedic Surgery Mission
at KHMH Feb. 24, 8am

GOB Offers Clarification on Contract for Rehabilitation of George Price Highway Section III
In response to statements and concerns raised by the media regarding the tender process of contracts issued by the Government of Belize, the office of the Solicitor General hereby offers clarification. In reference to the recently signed contract for the rehabilitation of the George Price Highway Section III, the tender process is done pursuant to the procurement policies of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which can be found online. The Evaluation Committee responsible for the process is comprised of public officers, but the Government of Belize (GOB) does not set the requirements for who will be awarded the contract.

Illegal Harvesting of Hicatee (Dermatemys mawii)
On Monday, February 18th, 2019, the Police Mobile Patrol intercepted a vehicle transporting a total of eight (8) live Hicatees (Dermatemys mawii) near Mile 32 on the George Price Highway. In coordination with the Fisheries Department, a total of seven (7) persons have been served with a summons of intended prosecution. It is expected that they will be charged for: (1) fishing of female Hicatee turtles greater that 17.2 inches and (2) transporting on any vehicle more than five turtles. The Hicatee turtles are endemic to the region and found along the coastal lowlands of southern Mexico, northern Belize and Guatemala. The Hicatee turtle has been listed as a critically endangered species by IUCN, and since 1993 Belize has implemented laws to ensure their conservation and long-term survival. The Department urges the public to comply with the fisheries regulation.

Audrey Matura organizes Rally in support of Wesley student
Matura says “It’s official - demonstration this Friday! Date: 22nd February, 2019 Time: 12 to 1pm. Assemble time starts at 11:30pm.... disperse by 1:30pm Place: in front of Wesley College Attire: anyway you want but good if you use white or bring a white banner Message: bring your posters or T/shirts denouncing sexual abuse and violence and demanding laws to protect against revenge porn, cyber bulling and the like! It will be a peaceful event but your presence is required so this young lady knows we support her and for the school to know we expect only the most humane and compassionate treatment.

Guatemala's Claim To BELIZE
Corozal Public Library invites the Community to Join a discussion held every Friday @ 5:00pm based on the book "Guatemala's Claim to Belize" by Assad Shoman

Dr. Mayelin Contreras at Archangel Medical Center
On Saturday March 2nd, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Mayelin Contreras will be giving consultation at our medical center from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Specializes in: Prevention and control chronic kidney disease, Recurrent urinary tract infection, Nephrotic syndrome, Passing protein or blood in the urine, Follow up for patient undergoing heamodialysis. Monitoring patient waiting for kidney transplant and treat transplanted patient. Please feel free to inbox or call for an appointment at 602-7084.

Kumbh Mela 2019
The Government of India invites Mrs. Sylvia Gilharry Perez, President of COEICH to represent Belize in joining representatives of all the other countries to visit India and participate in Kumbh Mela on 22 February, 2019 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The primary objective is to create awareness of this symbol of Indian culture. The festival is the largest peaceful gathering in the world . Mrs. Perez will grace the event with her presence in India. Her presence in this extravaganza is highly valuable. She will also be granted the opportunity to meet with His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India.

FCD aerating bokashi
FCD Field technicians at Vaca plateau aerating the bokashi which will be used for improving soil nutrients. Bokashi is a Japanese word that means “fermented organic matter”.

Virtuoso Travel Week with BTB

Kids Zone at the Street Art Fest
Belize City's Child Advisory Body would like to invite everyone to their Kids Zone at the Street Art Fest. There will be FREE Kitemaking and Face painting and Trampoline jumping. Also come sign up for our 9th March Kite Contest! Date: Saturday February 23rd, 2019 Time: 2:00pm - 6:00 pm Location: Bishop Street (Next to Scotiabank)

PEEK' AND THE KASKABAL
There was a dog whose owner always hit him, that is why Kaskabal, who was the spirit of evil wanted to take advantage of the circumstance to take a soul with him . The Kaskabal told the dog to escape from the mistreatment of his master because probably his owner did not want him . The dog refused saying that he would not commit such betrayal but the spirit insists to convince him and for that the dog would have to give him the soul to leave . In exchange for that he asks for a bone for each of the hairs that he has in his body . The dog ordered Kaskabal to start counting. He counted until the dog remembered his master and jumped so he would lose count saying he could not stand the fleas . So he had Kaskabal count a hundred times . Until the Kaskabal told the dog that he was tired and that it was better to stay with his soul . Kaskabal learned the lesson that it was easier to make deals with humans to take away their souls than with animals.

Thursdays are a huge party night on Ambergris Caye for whatever reason...here are some of tonight's events!
-Infamous Chicken Drop at Wahoo's Lounge Belize -Wine Down Thursdays at Marbucks Coffee House -Karaoke at Melt Cafe and Beach Bar -Sushi night at Blue Water Grill - San Pedro, Belize -Paint Thursdays (afternoons) at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar Paint N Splash -1/2 off pasta at Nook Restaurant & Cocktail Bartique -Live music at Palapa Bar and Grill, Fido's Beach Bar

Channel 7

Father Smalls "Credible Allegation of Abuse", What Does It Mean For Church-State?
On Monday, Catholic Priest, Fr. Richard Smalls made headlines and history, when he was named the first Catholic Priest in Belize who had been linked to "credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors." He was named by the Parish of Richmond Virginia in the US, but he has been here in Belize for decades. And, the Catholic Bishop of Belize, Larry Nicascio said in a release that he is duty bound to report Father Smalls to the Vatican and to remove him from serving in any ministry here in Belize. While Father smalls has rejected the allegation - and says he passed a lie detector test to disprove the allegation 50 years ago - the issue has raised a hornet's nest of speculation - finally bringing Belize into an international scandal plaguing the Catholic Church.

AG Says If There Are Complaints Against Priests, Bring Them Forward
And while the raising of a credible allegation of abuse of minors against a Catholic Priest has raised those considerations for the entire church - state enterprise - what about the impact of this in the wider society? What happens if the credible allegation of abuse is substantiated and Father Smalls did commit a crime? A notice to Parishioners on Sunday from the Bishop says "I ask your prayers for the victims and request that anyone who may have been harmed by Father Smalls to please contact the chancery at 227-2122 and the civil authorities." The man in charge of a large part of those civil authorities is the Attorney General, Michael Peyrefitte. Today, he stressed that anything which alleged happened in the US cannot be prosecuted here:..

Faber Urges Public To Desist From Spreading Vids Violating Privacy and Children's Rights
The media also pressed these two Ministers on another matter of child abuse - and that's cyber-bullying. The issue has come to the fore after a video of a Belize City high school student performing oral sex in her school uniform was circulated this weekend. It's what's called revenge porn and it has wreaked havoc on the young lady's life. Her family has decided to take her out of school for the time being - to spare her having to deal with the aftermath of that kind of unwarranted exposure. Today the Education Minister made a public plea to stop this type of shaming:

Will Belize Get Cyber Bullying Legislation?
And while the Education Minister is urging the public to stop sharing other people's private content, the attorney General has to try to find ways to effectively criminalize it. Today he discussed the challenges trying to police the electronic ether: Hon. Michael Peyrefitte - Attorney General: "We have been working on it for some time. We have been working on it to ensure that not only can we capture when it happens, or capture when these videos - especially with minor - are put into the public or even made, but we have to make sure that we are able to tie it to a particular individual. Many times, when people get caught electronically, they claim they were hacked. They claim that someone stole their computer..."

Remains of Brunt Drug Plane Found In Blue Creek Area
Turning now to other news, another drug plane has landed in Belize - and when police found it yesterday, not much was left; it had been burned to nothing. This one landed in the northwestern Orange Walk District, near Tres Leguas - a very short distance from Mexico - we are told. Police say they visited a farm road about 18 kilometers Southeast of Blue Creek Community, and found the charred remains of a single-engine aircraft. Nearby police found 3 aircraft seats, three 50 liter containers and twelve 20 liter containers full - but full of aviation fuel. We are told these items were concealed in the bushes - along with landing lights. But no one was found in the area - and police don't have much to go on - as to whether it was dropping off or picking up drugs.

Finally, A Stake Bank Groundbreaking
We first reported in the possibility of a cruise port with a docking facility at the Stake Bank Caye in 2006. It's an island owned by Mike Feinstein which is 6 miles off the Belize City Coast - and it promises to be the first Cruise Port in the Belize District with a berthing facility - meaning that cruise ships can pull right up and there would be no need for tendering. But the promise has been lost in legal, political and financing battles for 13 years - and for a long time, it seemed to be a sure thing, but just never materialized. Matter of fact, there was even an act of parliament with bipartisan support to push it through...but until today, there were no shovels in the ground. But, this morning, ground was actually broken on the mega million dollar project which promises to re-map the face of cruise tourism in the Belize District. Daniel Ortiz reports:...

Ships On the Horizon, but No Money In Pockets of Independent Tour Guides
And while there were four cruise ships on the horizon today, towering above the turbulent waters, back here in the city, tour guides near the Fort Street Tourism Village said that they were getting no business at all. We saw many of them idling around, and they say it's been like this all week - even with four ships in Port. The problem? Well it may have to do with this advisory from Carnival cruise lines. It warns cruise passengers and says that the US Embassy has issued an alert for Southside Belize City including St. John's Cathedral. It advises tourists to remain n tourist areas and discourages the rental of scooters or jet ski's...

Squatters Pushing Into Maya Mountain Reserve
We have reported on a number of Ya'axche Conservation Trust initiatives. They are well known for their work with the Trio Farmers Association in cacao harvesting in the Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve. Well, the group has been suffering in silence as squatters take over the land in the reserve. It has been happening for years and it is only getting worse. The Trust invited the media to get a first hand look at the real situation at the reserve. Courtney Weatherburne reports. Courtney Weatherburne : "We are in an area within the Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve, 7 miles from Trio Village. It buffers the Bladen Nature Reserve and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. It's the only reserve in the country that has agro-forestry concession. But over the last 3 years' squatters have settled in this area and their activities are a direct threat to that concession agreement..."

Encroachment Taking Its Toll on Wildlife
All this activity is also snuffing out the possibility of having a rich wildlife population in the reserve. Community Outreach Director at Ya'axche Conservation Trust told us more about this reality. Gustavo Requena, Community Outreach and Livelihoods Director: "Also the great potential for other income generating activities such as ecotourism in this area, because there is a lot of biodiversity. Prior to having this concession, we had timber extraction and that was a direct threat to the biodiversity. Now, because of the sustainable agricultural practices that are being implemented in this area, we have the scarlet macaw, tapir, jaguar, monkeys..."

ASR/BSI Gets IDB Invest Back in Belize
Today in Orange Walk ASR/BSI signed an agreement with the IDB for a unique investment partnership. The agreement is with IDB Invest which is the private sector arm of the IDB - its first appearance in Belize since 2006. They are funding an agribusiness project to support farmers and the mill as BSI moves towards the production of Direct Consumption Sugars. We found out more today:

Is CARICOM Coning Around To Plantation White Sugar?
And while this should put ASR/BSI in a better position to produce and exports direct consumption sugars - the question is, will CARICOM buy those sugars. ASR/BSI's Mac MacLachlan says it's an interesting test for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy: Mac McLachlan, VP, International Relations, ASR Group: "Its a travesty in my view that market demand within Caricom countries of 300,000 on sugar - 200,000 tons of sugar is imported from Guatemala, Colombia and other destinations and yet we are forced along with other Caricom producers to send our sugar off to somewhere else to be refined..."

CARICOM and King Sugar
Agriculture Minster Godwin Hulse says that if CARICOM can't get this right, then the whole idea of a single market and economy is in jeopardy:... Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Agriculture: "I will say this without apology to any of my Caribbean colleagues, ministers included. I have said time and time again, the only reason all of us who look like us are here is because the English brought us to the Caribbean to cut sugar cane and to be indentured servants. And if in 2019, we can't sell sugar into the Caribbean, what's the point of the CSME? So sugar to me is the premiere product. No ifs, buts or maybes..."

Putting Potatoes in Perspective
We also asked Minister Hulsse about the recent controversy over potatoes. First, the potato farmers of Orange Walk South complained that they couldn't find a market for their potatoes. And then their PUP area rep says they couldn't sell all the potatoes. Hulse responded today: Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Agriculture: "This ministry has sat with potato producers, before my time and since my time, to try to get this to come to a balance. The problem is one, we don't have the necessary storage and harvests come in at the same time..."

Belize Turns Cold Shoulder To Refugees?
We also spoke to Hulse in his capacity as Immigration Minister. His Ministry is currently processing literally thousands of applications for asylum. He told us that it;'s a balancing act figuring out how many refugees Belize will accept:.. Figures from US Immigration say that in 2018, less than 100 Belizean deportees were sent back

A Vision For Vital Stats
On Monday afternoon, the PUP went to picket the Queen Street office of Vital Statistics Unit on behalf of their constituents in the rural parts of the country. The PUP says that hundreds of Belizeans have come complaining to them that Vital Stats has unreasonably delayed in producing their important documents. The Attorney General acknowledges the breakdowns that used to take place at Vital Stats, he asserts that there has been significant reforms since he took over, and that the PUP is downplaying the significance of all the positive changes. He also accused them of trying to use Vital Stats as a platform to further their anti-ICJ campaign.

Cops Help The Hicatee
We've told you before about how special and rare Belize's Hicatee turtles are - and how sustainably they have to be hunted. Well police out a dent in the illegal harvesting of these special creatures when they caught 8 live Hicatees near Mile 32 on the George Price Highway. A release doesn't say when but, in coordination with the Fisheries Department, a total of seven persons have been served with a summons of intended prosecution. It is expected that they will be charged for: (1) fishing of female Hicatee turtles greater that 17.2 inches and (2) transporting on any vehicle more than five turtles.

GOB Says It's IDB and Imer
On Monday's news, we told you about the latest contract that the Ministry of Works has signed with Imer Hernandez Development Company for the continuation of the George Price Highway Rehabilitation Project. It's valued at a little over 19 million dollars, and Imer Hernandez's company will be responsible for road rehabilitation works for about 10 miles of road from Blackman Eddy Village to the roundabout in Santa Elena Town, in the Cayo District.

Lisa Shoman Comments On, Differs With PUP Colleagues
Last night, we told you about the legal opinion that the attorneys Anthony Sylvestre, Kareem Musa and Dickie Bradley have produced on the 2008 Special Agreement in which Belize and Guatemala have agreed to submit Guatemala's claim to the ICJ. They say they've done extensive legal research on the Special Agreement, and from their opinion, the Government has made a major misstep. Among other issues they point to, these attorneys say that the Government has failed to take the Special Agreement to the entire legislature, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Periods With Re-Usable Pads?
Sanitary pads and tampons - it's not a subject you hear about too often on the news - but the "Days for Girls" organization and a Rotaract group from Edmonton Canada today pushed that issue to the forefront. They're here in Belize to talk about that subject of reusable feminine hygiene products. Now that might sound unhygienic, but they explained that it makes menstruation more manageable for those who cannot afford sanitary products. We caught up with them giving some public education at ACC today:

Channel 5

Remnants of another Drug Plane in Blue Creek
The area of Blue Creek in northern Belize continues to be a hot spot for drugs and illegal plane landings. Police have confirmed that another illegal aircraft, likely a drug [...]

Mexican National, Wanted by Interpol, is Detained and Released in Belize
There’s been a major arrest in Belize of a Mexican national wanted by Interpol. News reports from Mexico say that a former government employee, Gonzalo Herrera Castilla has been detained [...]

The Attorney General Says No Priest is Above the Law
The scandal involving well-known Catholic priest Oliver Smalls has taken many by surprise, including those in his flock who attend service at La Inmaculada Parish in Orange Walk.  Smalls is [...]

Government Says It’s Concerned about Wellbeing of Students in Light of Scandal
As it concerns the church-state system of education, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber has also weighed in to say that while there are merely allegations being made against Father Smalls; [...]

A Tough Time for Wesley Student Coping with Cyber Bullying
The most shocking of the sexual images circulated over the weekend involves a fifteen-year-old student of Wesley College, in uniform. She has since taken a leave of absence from school [...]

The Attorney General Weighs In on Urgent Need for Cyber Bullying Legislation
The wholesale distribution of pornographic images over the weekend on social media has raised the issue of cyber bullying and the urgent need for legislation to be passed to combat [...]

Minister of Education Denounces Cyber Bullying
While the Attorney General is looking at ways to combat cyber bullying through the passage of legislation, Minister of Education Patrick Faber says it is equally important to discourage the [...]

Lisa Shoman says Special Agreement is Indeed Legal
A thirty-eight page document presented as a Joint Legal Opinion on the legitimacy of the Special Agreement signed between Belize and Guatemala in 2008 has been put forward by a [...]

Is the Joint Legal Opinion Flawed?
According to Senior Counsel Shoman, the 1859 Treaty serves as somewhat of a default setting and says that the argument in the Joint Legal Opinion is premature and flawed.   [...]

“An Academic Argument” says Lisa on I.C.J. Referendum Not Being Binding
Despite its imminence, there are those who argue that the I.C.J. referendum is not binding and it’s merely a consultative process.  One of the final cases heard before the Privy [...]

The Glut of Potato Supply in the Country
Turning to glut in potato supply in the country.… The Chief Agriculture Officer, Andrew Harrison says that Belizeans consume over three point five million pounds of potato annually; one hundred [...]

Will There Be Rotting Potatoes in the Fields Once Again
But the question remains…. will farmers be left once again with rotting potatoes in the fields due to the glut on the market? Agriculture Minister Godwin Hulse says that it [...]

What’s Up at Vital Stats Unit? AG Explains
On Monday, the People’s United Party picketed the Vital Stats Office in downtown Belize City, criticizing the government department for the many hiccups and hurdles in accessing its services.  The [...]

Kenrick Longsworth to be Tried for Attempted Murder
Kenrick Longsworth, the son of Lavern “Antichrist” Longsworth, was today committed to stand trial at Supreme Court for the attempted murder of Kadeem Myers, who was shot on the eve [...]

Cops to Stand Trial for Extortion
Two cops have also been committed to stand trial for extortion of five thousand dollars from a mother and son duo. Corporal Marvin Salam and Constable Anthony Blair are accused [...]

A $15 Million Investment to Transform the Sugar Industry
The local sugar industry is transitioning from a raw sugar producer to a manufacturer of direct consumption sugar. It’s a move that American Sugar Refinery, started almost two years ago [...]

Lobbying for Preferential Pricing of Sugar in the Caribbean
The millers and the government have been working feverishly to lobby CARICOM to allow preferential pricing for direct consumption sugars in the Caribbean. As it currently stands, Belize, Jamaica and [...]

Stake Bank – A Step Closer to Becoming a Reality
Stake Bank Cruise Port is one step closer to becoming a reality, following a groundbreaking ceremony this morning for the construction of a premier docking facility for cruise ships in [...]

The Negative Impacts of Illegal Farming, Cattle Ranching on Cacao Farmers
Cacao farmers in Trio Village are living the negative effects of illegal cattle ranching and farming due to the lack of action by the Lands Department. Ya’axche Conservation Trust, which [...]

Does the Lands Department Care about Trio’s Cacao Farmers?
It has been three years since the Ya’axche Conservation Trust has been attempting to get the attention of the Lands Department to address the serious issues plaguing the Trio Farmers [...]

MOH Launches HR Health Strategic Plan
The Ministry of Health unveiled a human resources health strategic plan. The plan is to ensure that there is equitable distribution of appropriately and skilled workers in the health sector. [...]

GHG Emission Workshop Aims to Create National Mitigation Plan
Today the National Climate Change Office held a workshop in Belmopan to look at Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Assessment with their stakeholders. The objective is to help the country conduct a [...]

LOVE FM

NGO tackles sexual offenses legislation
Belize Women Against Violence has begun work on sexual offenses laws reform. The organization is being assisted with the drafting of these laws by Leslie Mendez, Attorney-at-law. They have held public consultations in Belize City, Punta Gorda, Dangriga and Orange Walk Towns and are expected to conclude these by the end of the month. These …

IDB Invest funds part of phase two of sugar expansion project
The Belize Sugar Industry, BSI/ASR Group today signed a loan agreement with IDB Invest that will contribute to phase two of the Direct Consumption Sugar Expansion Project. The project seeks to improve the factory’s production capacity of food grade sugar, increasing the value on the international market. This ensures that Belize’s sugar remains viable and …

High school girls introduced to reusable feminine product
The Rotaract Club of Belize City, in collaboration with members of the University of Alberta Rotaract Club of Canada today provided a group of high school girls at the Anglican Cathedral College with reusable feminine towels. While the use of reusable feminine hygiene towels, which are popularly known as pads, is practically unheard of …

Ministry of Health launches strategic plan
The Ministry of Health has launched its strategic plan for 2019 to 2024, which focuses not on the services, but on the medical personnel providing the service. The plan is dubbed, a new approach to improving the health sector, which in recent times has come under criticism for inefficiencies and shortcomings. Dr. Ramon Figueroa, the …

Rotary Club of Edmonton donates playground to St. Luke
Apart from academics, it is very essential that a child is provided with opportunities to play since there are certain skills that can only be learned by socializing and playing. In this regard, the Rotary Club of Edmonton in Canada outfitted several schools with playgrounds here in Belize. Today, St. Luke Methodist Primary School was …

AG says PUP’s protest was Politricks
On Monday, the Peoples United Party area representatives and standard bearers marched at the Belize City office for the Vital Statistics Unit. The slow pace of the unit to process death certificates and birth papers are well known to be the one of the slowest processes and congested spaces you’ll ever meet in any government …

Deputy PM says Bishop made the right to remove Smalls
1517, the priest and scholar Martin Luther nailed a piece of paper to a church door containing the 95 revolutionary opinions that would begin the Protestant Reformation. In a modern age, Luther’s 95 Theses would have been posted on the internet. And in a similar fashion, on February 13, 2019, the Most Reverend Barry C. …

If a priest breaks the law, he will be prosecuted
We asked the Attorney General, Mike Peyrefitte if the various religious institutions should inform the country regarding allegations made about members of the clergy before shipping them to Belize. He said the church’s decision to recall Father Smalls has nothing to do with the government. But if a priest breaks the law, he will be …

Government crafting cyber bullying legislation
In addition to the student, a teacher in Orange Walk was also asked by her administration to leave the school after intimate images of her were also publicized on social media that is also in addition to several other cases in the past few months. That is why there has been several calls by members …

Education Minister Speaks about Wesley Student Situation
A high school student of Wesley has been out of class since a video of her engaging in sexual activity in her school uniform was dispersed on social media. According to attorney Audrey Matura, the teen’s family has asked her to have time to deal with the trauma. This Friday Matura has received a permit …

Stake Bank Ground Breaking
take Bank is a project that had as many twists and turns in its development as any Disney themed ride. The project was given parliamentary approval in 2014. The exclusivity issue for the Fort Street Tourism Village was an issue, but that had been resolved. Therefore in August, 2017, the Government signed “Definitive Agreement” with the Feinstein Group to build the Stake Bank Cruise Docking Facility. The developer Mike Feinstein

A blood drive for the south
There is a planned blood drive for southern Belize. Toledo Correspondent, Paul Mahung has the details. Paul Mahung: “ A blood drive event due to not having surplus blood in store for emergency is planned in Punta Gorda. Organizer of the event is the Belize Red Cross acting Chairperson Andrea Coc.” Andrea Coc: “The Belize …

Fire Management in Terrestrial areas
Members of the Nature Conservancy in the United States are in the Toledo District working with locals on fire management. Nature Conservancy manages protected areas throughout the US and are collaborating with Thomas Gomez and Sons with an objective to protect areas from forest fires. Toledo Correspondent, Paul Mahung, met with the delegation and filed …

Imer Makes it Rain millions, again and again
Yesterday we told you of the nineteen million dollar contract that was awarded to Imer Hernandez for the rehabilitation of section three of the George Price Highway. While Hernandez is no stranger to the media and neither are contract awards from the Government of Belize, it did beg the question, ‘why is he still allowed …

Police destroy large cache of drugs collected in the Belize District
The Police Department destroyed a large cache of drugs today. The routine process is one that should be held every six months by the various formations. Today’s destruction was executed by the formations in Regions one, two and three of the Belize District. It does not include drugs confiscated by the San Pedro and Caye …

The Reporter

Suspected Drug Plane Landed Late Monday Night
The Burnt Remains Of A Suspected Drug Plane Was Found Tuesday Morning Feb. 19th. By Police Near Blue Creek. Information on a suspected drug plane which landed behind Blue Creek on Monday night is still not conclusive, but we can tell you that “all we have been able to confirm is that no drugs were found when authorities got to the scene Tuesday morning, and that aviation fuel was left behind”.

Breaking Belize News

Ministry of Health launches five-year human resource strategic plan
Today, the Ministry of Health (MOH) unveiled its Human Resources for Universal Health Strategic Plan for 2019-2024. The plan, entitled “A more efficient and robust health workforce by 2024,” focuses on […]

Thieves take over $1,500 in household items
Police are investigating a burglary that occurred in Belize city. A woman reported to police […]

Authorities find burn remains of suspected drug plane
After weeks of suspected drug plane sightings, police have found the burnt remains of a small […]

Government warns of water shortage in Rural Belize
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development today informed residents of Corozalito, St. Ann’s, Santana […]

BNTU to host ICJ educational forum
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) will host an education forum on the issue of […]

Belizeans, Imagine you just E-voted?
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

National Garifuna Council engages in ICJ education campaign
The National Garifuna Council today issued a statement informing that it has embarked on an […]

NCFC warns sharing child pornography can lead to imprisonment
With the increased circulation of nudes and revenge porn recently, several entities have stepped to […]

Wanted Mexican fugitive found money laundering in Belize
A former public officer who worked in Quintana Roo, Mexico is in hot water. He […]

Roy Lord’s murder believed to be case of mistaken identity, says family
Yesterday we reported on the death of Lords Bank villager, Roy Gilbert Lord, 31. He […]

Jamar “Hungry” Neal and Kerun Miguel remanded to prison for armed robbery
Last Thursday we reported an armed robbery at Kum Hua Shop on Daly Street in […]

Blogs

Update On the Road North
My usual trip to town (from 7 miles north) was taking about 50 minutes. 7 miles! So I am BEYOND excited to see that repair work has started again. It started about a week ago…and has made its way down from NORTH. Currently at about 5 miles north – around Mata Chica Resort and Rojo Lounge and heading south at about 1/2 – 3/4 miles a day. It’s like Christmas in February. And I’ll add my 2 cents because…well…that’s what I do. This really needs to be done twice a year. The last 5 or 6 months have been rough on everyone – tourists driving to Secret Beach or to resorts north and to residents up my way.

International Sources

8 Amazing Things You Didn’t Know About the Great Blue Hole
To access it, you must travel by boat from islands and port cities that are more than an hour and a half away by boat. It’s isolated and remote, but it draws dozens of curious observers every day. The Blue Hole is more than 300 meters (984 feet) across and 125 meters (410 feet deep). For comparison, an American football field is 360 feet long, including both end zones. Two Boeing 747 aircrafts could fit in the Blue Hole, with room to spare. When you travel to snorkel or dive the Great Blue Hole, you won’t be disappointed to know what you’ll have plenty of other dive sites along the way. That’s because the Blue Hole is part of a larger reef system, which is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hole itself lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, an atoll that is the easternmost part of the barrier reef system.

Belize: Human rights advocate wants allegations against priest further investigated
Human rights advocate, Audrey Matura, says the decision by a United States newspaper to include the name of a Belizean priest in a published list of 42 Roman Catholic priests accused of sexual abuse of children should be further investigated. “We got to break the silence. I think there is some truth to something happening and we cannot pretend we are ostrich and bury our head in the sand and pretend that it is not happening. It is happening,” said Matura, who is also an attorney.

The Creation of the Blue Hole 3D Sonar Ma
The new year has brought a time for reflection as Aquatica Submarines celebrates a highly successful expedition to the Blue Hole of Belize. Spending almost three weeks onsite from 27 November to 13 December 2018, the team was able to safely conduct over 20 dives into the Blue Hole taking a variety of people down to experience its splendor. The world was able to share in this experience through a two-hour live broadcast from the Blue Hole on The Discovery Channel that featured Sir Richard Branson, Fabien Cousteau and Aquatica’s Chief Pilot, Erika Bergman. The team also supported the production of a forthcoming documentary featuring the Expedition by INE Entertainment, to be released in late spring 2019.

Five Facts About Caribbean Food Security
According to the FAO, between 2005 and 2017, the proportion of undernourished persons in the Caribbean region declined from 23.3% to 16.5%. Given this success in meeting global hunger targets and based on projections for lower food prices and rising incomes, the United States Department of Agriculture has predicted that food security in the Caribbean will improve over the next decade. Although heartening, these numbers mask a case of extreme vulnerability, both from the perspective of public health and the economy. For example, while it is extremely promising that countries like Barbados have a rate of undernourishment of less than 5% (FAO) it must also be noted that Barbados has the highest prevalence of diabetes in the Americas, and double the world’s affliction rate.

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