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4/1/2019 to 4/10/2019
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April 10, 2019


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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

Alberto Samid expelled from Belize and sent back to Argentina
71-year-old Argentinian Alberto Samid is currently on his way to Argentina, after being expelled from Belize on Monday, April 8th. Under the watch of Belizean and Argentinian Police officers, the wanted man was escorted from San Pedro Town to Belize City, where he was processed for deportation. It is alleged that he lied to Belizean immigration authorities when he entered the country, saying that the purpose of his visit was for vacation, when in fact, he was fleeing Argentinian law. He left Belize shortly after 5PM on a flight bound to El Salvador with an additional stop in Bogota, Colombia before heading to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he is expected to arrive today, Tuesday, around 10PM Argentinian time.

Annual Masquerade Ball Fundraiser hosted at Holiday Hotel
Island residents and visitors enjoyed the third annual Masquerade Ball Fundraiser, held at Holiday Hotel in San Pedro Town on Saturday, April 6th. For a $65 admission, attendees enjoyed a variety of entertainment, casino games, delicious food, drinks, a fun live auction and a chance to win some fabulous prizes. Shortly after 6PM elegantly dressed and masked guests began arriving at the party where they were escorted to their choice of table or the casino area. Here they enjoyed delicious appetizers and casino games like Roulette, Poker and Blackjack. A cash bar kept the drinks flowing, and attendees even had the chance to participate in a silent auction.

FFB donates footballs to San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary Schoo
SPRC’s football couch Antonio Tzul, was on hand to receive the donation, which arrived via Tropic Air from FFB’s headquarters in Belmopan City. Tzul thanks FFB for the generous donation and for promoting the sport with the young primary school students. In the past, both female and male football teams from SPRC have represented the island at the annual primary schools football tournament, where they have excel in their participation.

Two weeks away from NEBL playoffs, San Pedro Tiger Sharks lands another win
With only two weeks remaining in the 2019 National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) regular season, a series of crucial games took place over the weekend as teams try to secure their spot in the playoffs. The San Pedro Tiger Sharks netted an important win and climbed the ladder to third place in the NEBL rankings after crushing Belmopan Bandits 104-68 at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium on Saturday, April 6th. The island team needs to win their upcoming game to secure a playoff berth in the tournament.

Ambergris Today

Awesome Product/Business Displays At SPHS’s Business Fair
San Pedro High School celebrated its 10th Business Fair on Friday, April 5, 2019. Senior and junior students were given the opportunity to show off their marketing skills by creating a product/business and putting it up for display and sale at the fair. There were lots of fun booths from burger huts, smoothies, elotes (corn in a cob or cup)booth, medical plazas, Water Park displays, candy shops, pastry shops, recyclable furniture and so much more; the ideas for new business ventures for the island of Ambergris Caye were free flowing at San Pedro High School's Business Fair.

Belize Medical Associates Poly Clinic At Grand Caribe Resort
Belize Medical Associates, Belize’s premier, private medical hospital and clinic announces that it will be opening a Poly Clinic in San Pedro later this year. Belize Medical Associates has a thirty year history of excellence, growth and commitment to the highest ethical and academic standards. We have seen a need for specialized medical care on the island of San Pedro, both to its local residents and to its growing tourism sector.

Misc Belizean Sources

mzz

Belize Youth Challenge
The Belize Youth Challenge is recruiting applicants for its 3rd intake! Are you up for the challenge?

Public Advisory: Classes resume as per usual on Wednesday April 10, 2019

Work at the San Juan Roundabout
Please be cautious when traveling near the San Juan Roundabout as works are taking place. Sorry for the inconvenience this may cause. We appreciate your consideration and understanding.

The autonomy and jurisdiction of the judiciary in Belize
The Belize PEACE Movement recognises the chief justice’s decision concerning the injunction of the referendum that was scheduled for April 10, as an affirmation of the autonomy and jurisdiction of the judiciary. This ruling proves that when our governance systems are respected and allowed to function that our leaders are held to the highest scrutiny of accountability and the Belizean people benefit. The BPM strongly objects to the government’s appeal and view it as an attempt to dilute the determination of the court, by filing a motion to hold the referendum on the initially scheduled date, meanwhile barring the chief elections officer from certifying the results. We view this as an intentional attempt to highjack and manipulate the ruling. This amounts to a complete and utter disrespect to not only the court’s decision but an effort to hold hostage the all-important governance mechanism of the referendum.

Band Fest 2019
Its Band Fest Week and its all happening this Saturday April 13, 2019 inside People' Stadium in Orange Walk. Who's your favourite 2019 team?

Zumba in Corozal
Join us for a Zumba session led by Alex, a Canadian certified Zumba instructor visiting us from Scotland. She has been teaching Zumba for three years to diverse groups ranging in age and ability. Though her playlist is extremely eclectic, she mostly favors Latin rhythms like salsa and flamenco, and specializes in making sure you're having fun! Date: Thursday April 11 Time: 9 a.m. Place: The Round House (the large round palapa close to Jam Rock on the beach) Cost: 10bz. All proceeds go to the Corozal Animal Program.

Food Handlers Class on Caye Caulker
April 12. 9am Caye Caulker Community Center

BTB at the Seatrade Cruise Global 2019

Holiday Hotel Easter Fest 2019!
Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 2 PM. Join us for our island-style 2 day Mega Madness event, on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday! Get those swimsuits read and tank tops! Music by Deejay Dev and DJ Callie! You don’t want to miss out on the best Easter Fest of the Island! tarting at 2pm on Saturday.

Channel 7

PM Determined to Make Way to ICJ
Tonight we should be on the eve of the biggest referendum in Belize's history, and possibly the most important vote of your lifetime. But instead, it's the April 10th. anticlimax: after one year of preparation for this single day - yesterday all that buildup was dashed when the Court of Appeal refused to hear the application to set aside a Supreme Court injunction against the referendum. That left the injunction standing and the referendum - standing by. So, the situation tonight is that government is taking this as a postponement and wants to hold the injunction in 6 - 8 weeks. But, right now that is more of a wish than an expression of will - because there is no clear path to quickly discharge the injunction, while also getting the referendum back on track - in such a way that it cannot be blocked again by the opposition.

No Referendum, Yes Classes Tomorrow
And the government has also changed its position on another decision announced yesterday. As we told you last night, despite the referendum being postponed, the Minister of Education Patrick Faber told us that Wednesday would still be a non-school day. Schoolchildren all over the land were rejoicing about that one but, by this morning that position had been reversed. This morning at 10:00 - two hours after encouraging all media to notify the public via the morning shows that there would be no school tomorrow - the Ministry sent out this slightly sheepish notice to the press: "After deliberations and consultations with the senior management team of the Ministry of Education and the Prime Minister, the MOE declares tomorrow Wednesday April 10 a school day. Kindly take note and advise those concerned."

Chief Elections Officer Speaks About Referendum Wasted Efforts
So, while your children might be disappointed that that they don't get to stay home tomorrow for a mid week break, they can't be more unhappy than the staff at the Elections and Boundaries Department. They and the many public officers who were appointed to act as oversight at the 344 polls countrywide have been labouring at a feverish pitch for months now, often working extended hours into the evenings, the nights, and even the weekends. We had an interview with Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai this afternoon to discuss the come-down from all those months of buildup. She told us that her office and the government spent over a million dollars to prepare for the referendum, only to be told less than 48 hours before the appointed date, that it has been postponed. Here's that conversation:

Tamai Explains Why
The Chief Elections Officer almost got into trouble with the court for simply trying to do her job to the best of her ability. You'll remember that in the Government's application to the Appeal court to bring the expedited appeal, the PUP accused her of being in contempt of court. That's after that now well-known email last week, which she sent to returning officers and elections clerks. She instructed those public officers to finish up elections preparations in the event that the injunction was lifted, and the referendum was given the green-light for tomorrow's date. In that email, she said, quote, "Based on legal advice, please proceed with all plans unless directed otherwise We need to be fully prepared in the event that the court informs that we proceed on April 10th."

Opposition Leader Says Do It Right
So while we have heard from the Prime Minister and the Chief Elections Officer - right now, they are just re-actor's; the actor who is in the driver's seat is the leader of the opposition John Briceno. So what is his end game? Is it just a chess match to put the government in check? And to what end? What does his strategy mean for the referendum? Does he wish to put it - as others in his party have proposed - in a 25 year deep freeze? This evening he sent out a statement saying that he supports the referendum but government has to get it right. Here's an excerpt:..

UDP Blasts PUP, So Does Sir Ronald
And while Briceno says he supports the referendum, and wants to get it right, the UDP sent out a breathless press release saying Briceno wants to do no less than, quote, "block the democratic right of Belizeans," end quote. The statement adds, quote, "The UDP denounces the PUP's zealous campaign to take away the constitutional right of Belizeans; they do NOT want Belizeans to vote on this matter - they want the politicians to decide." It closes dramatically, saying, quote, "A Referendum delayed is Democracy denied!" On a slightly more tempered note, well regarded Caribbean commentator Sir Ronald Saunders has weighed in and drawn a parallel between the Belize situation and BREXIT.

Cayo Man Brutally Executed at Home
There were two separate murders in Cayo yesterday. We start off with last night's killing of 29 year old Lloyden Bejerano. He was murdered inside his home after 11:00. Courtney Weatherburne went west to find out more. Although the front door was wide open, no one was inside this Oscar Sabido Layout area home this morning. It was left open after police canvassed the scene. Lloyden Bejerano's body was found on his sofa. He had been shot to the head and chest.

Bejerano's Mother Says Night Was Like any Other
The media also spoke to Bejerano's mother. She said she called him a bit after 9:00 last night and everything seemed fine until she got the terrible news. Here is her account. Noretta Thompson, Mother of Deceased: "His wife, she came over. First she calls me and then she asked me if I heard. She said okay I am coming over; I am going to tell you in person. So I went downstairs and I opened my apartment gate and she came up and then I open my door and we sat down and the first thing she said was that the news she had was that Smokey died. They shot him and he died. And I said what and then I started crying and I said why and she said she don't know. She said they texted her and told her that they shot my son."

Tzib Stabbed and Killed
The other murder out west happened a couple days ago but it is only until yesterday afternoon that neighbors found the decomposed body of 48 year old security guard Macario Tzib. They found him inside his Thornly Street house in San Ignacio. It was a brutal murder: his feet were tied and he was stabbed close to 8 times and his throat was slashed. There are still more questions than answers in this case. Courtney Weatherburne has the story. Macario Tzib's family spent most of the morning clearing out his house and sorting out his belongings to take with them. There isn't much left inside Tzib's house - except for the blood stained mattress where he was killed. Tzib was stabbed multiple times in the chest and his throat was slashed.

Big Coke Bust In South
Police made a major drug bust in Hopkins this evening - and they arrested a well known, but always elusive underworld figure from Orange Walk. We can't release his name yet because he hasn't been charged, but he was arrested along with three others. Here's what happened: Police had intelligence that a drug sale was going on at a house in Silk Grass Village - which is at mile 7 on the Southern Highway. They went in and found the owner along with three guests - including this notorious Orange Walk figure. Seeing the police, the owner dashed through the back door with a plastic bag which he threw in a nearby yard. Police caught him and retrieved the bag which had two kilos. or about four and a half pounds of cocaine.

COMPOL Wraps Up National Tour
Police Commissioner Chester Williams has wrapped up his tour of police stations and police facilities countrywide. It took about 6 weeks. Every week the COMPOL and his Senior Command Team took on another district. Apart from finding out about the state of the department's physical assets, the Commissioner also learned much about the morale and mindset of the officers, in the different sections, branches and headquarters.

Explaining Alifa's Role
While we had the opportunity, we asked the Commissioner about the appointment of Alifa Elrington as the new Head of the Prosecution Branch. As we told you, that branch is made up almost entirely of police officers who specialize in the prosecution of criminal cases at the Magistrate's Court around the country. The branch was being led temporarily by Superintendent Carol Tucker, the officer in charge. But now that Elrington has been appointed, what's the new hierarchy at the Prosecution Branch? Commissioner Williams said that he hopes that Elrington will be able to train the police prosecutors, and advise on how to bring stronger cases against summary jurisdiction offenders:

Mental Health on Alcohol Abuse
The Mental Health Association also had praise for Commissioner of Police, Williams, for, quote, "drawing attention to the role alcohol plays in criminal and unsafe activities in Belize." But a statement from the NGO states, quote, "this is a complex problem with mental health implications that the police cannot solve alone. Alcohol abuse and addiction blights the lives of many individuals and their families. Tackling it will involve changing societal attitudes that in Belize tend to normalize alcohol and equate drinking with enjoyment. Altering these attitudes means changing the way we discuss alcohol. The use of the euphemism "socializing" when discussing public drinking implies that persons need to consume alcohol to enjoy the company of others."

Skills for Crafts Men and Women
In mid March we told you about the program to bring Panamanian master craft-makers and stage - actors to Belize for them to train local artisans and performers. Well, that training, conducted in San Ignacio to, quote, "elevate the level of craftsmanship in Wood and Resin Handicraft and Theatre Drama" is finished. A certificate ceremony was held yesterday in Cayo and the NICH President underscored the importance of the training in Cultural Entrepreneurial Skills:

Channel 5

PM Barrow Gives Latest Update on I.C.J. Referendum
Cabinet met late this afternoon at the prime minister’s office here in Belize City, a departure from its usual meeting place at the Sir Edney Cain Building in Belmopan.  High [...]

PM Barrow Dismisses Idea of a Mutual Decision to Delay I.C.J. Referendum
The Prime Minister also told News Five that he had received correspondence from Opposition Leader John Briceño.  Briceño is requesting that the PM calls off a meeting of the House [...]

New Legislation to be Passed, but No New Referendum Date as Yet
With all the new developments in the referendum debacle and a legal prescription to fix what’s wrong with the existing act, a new date for Belizeans to go to the [...]

Opposition Leader Bashes PM; Defends Judiciary over Recent Rulings
Opposition Leader John Briceño this evening released a prerecorded video statement responding to the ruling of the Court of Appeal and remarks made by Prime Minister Dean Barrow following that [...]

M.O.E. Reverses Decision; Classes Resume on Wednesday
There will be regular classes on Wednesday, April tenth, now that the I.C.J. Referendum has been postponed. This is the latest and official comment from the Ministry of Education. There [...]

The Prime Minister and the Judiciary; Are They at Odds?
On the heels of two consecutive losses in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, the government is convening a sitting of the House of Representatives this Friday to [...]

More Monies to be Sourced for I.C.J. Referendum Campaign
Following the decision of the Court of Appeal on Monday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow told the nation that he has no doubt that the I.C.J. referendum will be held no [...]

Has Public Confidence in PM Barrow Diminished?
The Chief Justice’s decision to grant an interim injunction, effectively putting a stop to the I.C.J. referendum on April tenth, threw a wrench in the Barrow’s administration I.C.J. plans. The [...]

Lloyden Bejerano is Murdered inside His House in the Oscar Sabido Area
A man was shot and killed inside his house in San Ignacio; he is one of two murder victims in the west.  Twenty-nine-year-old Lloyden Bejerano was gunned down inside his [...]

Macario Tzib is Stabbed to Death Inside His San Ignacio House
The second murder victim in San Ignacio was Macario Tzib. The security guard’s body was discovered on Monday evening, hours before the murder of Bejerano.  But due of the state [...]

Percival Pilgrim is Acquitted of Murder
Twenty-two-year-old Percival Pilgrim was this evening acquitted of a murder in the Mayflower Street area, aka “Ghost Town,” of Belize City.  Pilgrim was charged with the murder of Edward “Ghost” [...]

I.C.J. Referendum: A Summarized Timeline
It has been an active couple of months for the country as it relates to the I.C.J. referendum. Things first got into motion with the signing of the 2008 Special [...]

Group of Friends Keeping a Close Eye on I.C.J. Events
As part of the Confidence Building Measures to keep the peace along the adjacency zone, the Group of Friends of Belize and Guatemala has been providing funding. These countries form [...]

Machaquilah Students’ Journey to P.S.E
On Monday over seven thousand students sat the first half of the Primary School Examination countrywide. There were around thirty exam centres open for students to take the national standardized [...]

9-Year-Old Critical after ATV Accident at School; Who is Responsible?
A student was badly injured at his school about two weeks ago and now his condition is taking a turn for the worse. The primary school in Georgetown Village, Stann [...]

UB Hosts Central American University Confederation
The University of Belize is hosting the one hundred and thirteenth session of the Central American University Confederation. The purpose of the regional organization is to improve the quality of [...]

Pentecostal Diocese to Hold National Revival in Belize
The Pentecostal Assembly is hosting a national crusade in Belize over the next few days. Visiting members from Pentecostal Diocese in the U.S.A. are in country to spread the word [...]

Amandala

“This government is determined to have a referendum”, PM Barrow said
Following the ruling by the Court of Appeal late this evening which turned down government’s application for an expedited hearing to set aside an interim injunction granted by Chief Justice Hon. Kenneth Benjamin last Wednesday to restrain government from proceeding with a referendum on April 10 (to determine whether to take the Guatemalan claim to the ICJ), Prime Minister Dean Barrow called a press conference and announced that “the referendum will be held between 6 to 8 weeks from the originally scheduled date.” Barrow said that he wanted to be clear about a number of things and declared, “I have tried to keep my campaign for a yes vote above partisan politics.” The Prime Minister of Belize then went on to blame the Opposition, the People’s United Party (PUP), for the legal fiasco that the ICJ referendum has turned out to be in the local courts.

February 10’s Belizean Study Circle in L.A. on the ICJ
The educational Belizean Study Circle on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) referendum sponsored in Los Angeles by BREDAA on February 10, 2019 brought to the Belizean diaspora in the United States and across the world, as well as Belizeans in Belize, by the Los Angeles-based grassroots organization BREDAA (Belize Rural Economic Development of Agriculture through Alliance), addressed the issue of whether the Guatemalan claim to Belize should go for adjudication to the ICJ. A group of Belizeans from the Los Angeles Belizean community participated in the two-hour long discussion.

BDF dynamic duo, Camilo Sanchez & Jesse August, hottest tandem in PLB at Week 12 of Closing Season
With the race to the top-4 playoffs the roughest it has ever been in this Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Closing Season, all eyes were focused on the big Week 12 match-up at the Norman Broaster Stadium yesterday between defending champion Bandits Sport and sub-champs, Verdes FC, which ended scoreless, 0-0; but it was at the MCC Grounds in Belize City that the biggest statement was being made in this low scoring PLB season, as BDF’s young twin strikers, Camilo Sanchez and Jesse August combined for 4 goals in their 4-1 win over Freedom Fighters FC from Punta Gorda. With only 2 weeks remaining in regular season, BDF FC is now smack in the middle of a tight race to the top-4 playoffs.

Fatima and Jewel Fury, Kaite and Gladiators lead group standings at Week 9 of Women’s League regular season
Only 1 week remains in the regular season of the National Amateur Women’s League (NAWL) 2018-2019 Closing Season, and it promises to be one heck of a playoff, as the leading team in each group features an outstanding striker – Fatima Romero of Jewel Fury in the South Group, and Kaite Jones of Gladiators in the North. Both Fatima and Kaite are by far the leading goal scorers in their respective Group. Kaite presently has the edge by 1 goal over Fatima, but it is probably unfair to compare their numbers, as they are in different groups and thus have different opponents. The exciting thought is, will they meet in the playoffs?

FFB welcomes return of our National Male U-17 Team; satisfied with performance in stage 1 of long range plan
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) joins the nation in welcoming back our young and talented U-17 Boys National Team, who represented us in Bradenton, Florida at the U-17 Concacaf tournament. The scores of the games contested at the tournament were not favorable for Belize. The FFB does not measure and assess the success of our team on the scores but, instead, on the capacity of our boys to adhere to a new system of playing, and sustaining it in a disciplined and determined manner.

CYCLING – WW Chief Sunday Race results – April 7, 2019
Thirty-six (36) Weekend Warriors (WW) started, and 30 riders completed the WW Chief Sunday Race for Open A/B cyclists yesterday. The race started at 8:00 a.m. and went from Leslie’s Imports to Democracia Junction and back. (Amandala Sports Ed. Note: The big race yesterday was, of course, the Junior Cross Country, won by Erick Trapp of Surge Cycling Team); second was Derrick Chavarria of Chavarria Cycling Team; and third, Mairon Munoz of Jason’s Cycling Team. We’ll have a full report in our Friday issue. This Sunday, it’s the Women Cross Country.)

Editorial: Let your vote be counted, or mentioned
The Chief Justice of Belize, Honorable Kenneth Benjamin, has issued an interim injunction to delay the referendum set to be held on April 10, in order to allow for legal arguments to be heard regarding the path followed to the referendum. The government is pulling out all the stops, so to speak, to prevent a postponement. If the referendum is postponed, and the courts find that all is in order, or there is need for just a minor procedural adjustment, the delay won’t be long. If it turns out that the matter must go before the House of Representatives, it might take some time and make for some memorable discussions and decisions.

From The Publisher
Bilal Morris, in Los Angeles, on behalf of one of Odinga Lumumba’s grandsons in London, has asked me for information on the late Odinga, who was arguably Belize’s most sensational revolutionary ever. I say “one of Odinga Lumumba’s grandsons,” because, while Lumumba fathered two children with an English wife in London during the 1960s, I believe he also fathered several children after he moved to Mali and Ghana, both West African countries, during the 1970s. I therefore presume there are more grandsons. The story of Odinga’s life would surely make a fantastic movie. But no one has ever stitched together the pieces of his life. The power structure in Belize, and the education system which it operates, surely has the wherewithal to sponsor a biography of this incredible Belizean.

That woman stole that little boy’s crown
Lord Laro, the Caribbean songster, is famed in Belize for his song “Tell Guatemala to leave Belize alone,” and he is famed across the entire Caribbean for outing what women would do if we were ever foolish enough to vote them into government¯he said that it would be all he seh and she seh, that all they’d do in government is “discuss people bizniz”. For some that was a revelation. Some of us knew that Laro was swimming on the surface, that he was missing the sinister master plan. Those of us who ducked our heads under the surface are the ones who knew the more serious reason why we did what we did when we got the ballot from the returning officer.

Sportsman Percival Flowers, Jr., drowns in Double Head Cabbage
Percival Flowers, Jr., 38, a laborer and a well-known sportsman of Double Head Cabbage, drowned in the Belize River while swimming with his friends at about 2:30 Tuesday afternoon. His body was recovered at about 5:30 that same evening. Reliable information to us is that Flowers and his three friends went to the popular swimming area at the Belize River in Double Head Cabbage known as Nurses Lounge, where they climbed a tree that was near the river, from which they jumped into the water.

Skeletal remains found behind Los Lagos
Workers in a savanna behind Los Lagos found the skeletal remains of a person, whose identity is not yet known, yesterday around 1:00 p.m. Police searched the area and some pieces of clothing and a set of dentures were found. Police said that an onsite autopsy was carried out by the National Forensic Science Service and it was concluded that the bones were those of an elderly man, and that no sign of trauma was noted on the bones.

Chaslin Garcia, 16, missing from home
Chaslin Garcia, 16, a student and resident of Girls Home in Hattieville, has been reported missing since Wednesday last, and her whereabouts remain unknown. Andrea Requeña, 44, an officer of the transitional institution, told police that after making a check on Wednesday evening, she found that Garcia was missing.

Wife of Toledo village council chairman found dead with rope around her neck
The wife of the village council chairman of Sunday Wood was found hanging by the neck from a tree at about 6:30 yesterday morning in the village. She was taken to the Punta Gorda Community Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival. Police said that no signs of violence were seen on the body and the death has been declared a suicide. Punta Gorda police said that they were called to an area in Sunday Wood, where they saw a female hanging from a tree. The woman was described as being of Maya descent, and she was identified as Lucia Salam Tush, 34, the wife of village council chairman Maximiliano Tush.

The Reporter

Man Murdered In San Ignacio – Decaying Corpse Found In Rented Room
Just before 5:00pm on Monday Police were called to Thornley Street in San Ignacio Town where they saw the decomposed body of Tzib on a bed inside a small wooden structure. The examination revealed that his throat had been cut and he had been stabbed multiple times to the chest.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Child injured in Georgetown school fair accident; father seeks assistance
A father is asking the public’s assistance to raise money to get urgent medical treatment […]

April 10th Is Not Judgement Day
Dr. Gerald Zuniga: Belize is travelling through some uncharted waters in its legal and political history. Yesterday, was again an important moment in our politicolegal history and in our history as a naton in general […]

Belize Peace Movement accuses PUP of ‘playing politics’ with referendum
The Belize Peace Movement (BPM) celebrates that the April 10th referendum was postponed, but said […]

Georgetown father needs help to save son’s life
A father from Georgetown in the Stann Creek district is asking the public’s assistance in […]

U.D.P. accuses P.U.P. of “ripping away democracy”
In the wake of the stunning events of the past week, the ruling United Democratic […]

Two shot over the weekend, one clings to life while other recovering
Two men were shot in Belize City in separate incidents which happened in the […]

US court refuses to lower bond for Belizean charged with drugs and ammo offenses
A judge in Erie County Pensylvania has refused to lower the US$500,000 bond for Jermaine E. Belgrave, a […]

Two shootings over the weekend, both victims still alive
Two men were shot in Belize City in two separate incidents in the same general […]

Ministry of Education retracts announcement; classes continue tomorrow
This morning, the Ministry of Education issued an announcement informing the public that as stated […]

Security Guard murdered in San Ignacio
San Ignacio police are investigating a murder that occurred yesterday afternoon. Around 4:45 p.m., authorities […]

Man,29, found dead with gunshot wounds in San Ignacio Town
Authorities are investigating a murder that occurred last night in San Ignacio Town. Around 11:40 […]

Wanted Argentinian expelled from Belize
Authorities took Samid to Belize City yesterday as a part of the expulsion process, and reports are that he was out of the country by day’s end […]

LOVE FM

165 students sign up under Special Needs category for PSE
On Monday 7228 students sat for the English and Science portion of the Primary School Examinations (PSE). There were 3,652 males and 3,576 females who took part in the exam. What most people are not aware that there were 165 students who were accommodated as special needs students. The director of the Examinations Unit, Nelson …

Classes resume on Wednesday as ICJ Referendum date collapses to Injunction
A life uninterrupted is perhaps a glass half full or half empty type of situation. But depending on your perspective the scheduled April 10 referendum as well as the injunction granted by the Supreme Court interrupted scheduled plans. Many public schools across the country were designated voting centers for the referendum and though it was …

City resident in Coma after socializing in Crooked Tree
Twenty-seven-year-old Elton Henry Baiza lives in Belize City but works in Crooked Tree Village. After a day of work, he decided to stay in the village and socialize on Friday night. But Saturday morning between 2 and 4 a.m. Baiza was gravely injured. Reports are that Baiza was either attacked by an individual or a …

Prison prepares for the Escape Plan
In decades gone by, there were an average of 50 escapes at the prison. That’s when it was run by the state. Since the Kolbe Foundation had taken up the mantle as the management partner of the institution, the numbers have fallen drastically. But this morning there were wide reports that residents of the Belize …

Criminals find out they Owe the Court
A well-known criminal decided to commit a crime near home. 46 year old Jason Wade, an unemployed resident of 47 B Egbert Quilter Avenue in Ladyville felt it was a good idea to burglarize his neighbor who is also his landlord. 19 year old Nasheera James reported to police that on Thursday, April 4, she …

Blogs

Caves Branch Jungle Lodge welcomes you home
Founded by the larger-than-life Ian Anderson, who was one of the first to put hospitality on the map in Belize many years ago, Caves Branch Jungle Lodge has been adored by adventure travelers for decades. Just a half-hour drive from the capital city of Belmopan along the picturesque Hummingbird Highway, the compound is nestled within a vast reserve of tropical forest along the bank of the Caves Branch River. Graced with a host of awards and recognition for excellence in the industry, from the moment you arrive, you will know why there is so much love for this jungle gem.

What I Learned About Ambergris Caye in 6 Wonderful Years
I have always enjoyed shopping for food on the island, and by the end of the second month understood where and when to obtain fresh and delicious foods. I soon learned that, other than fresh fish, almost everything is brought over by boat or barge on specific days, so those would be the times to go to the market early. It took a while to establish a bank account and understand the differences in the banking system, but it got done, and friends were made in the bank during that process. San Pedro is home to both an Irish and a French bakery as well as several wonderful local establishments that sell all manner of sweets and breads. I was thrilled to find some really good restaurants. My favorite lunch spot, Brianna’s Deli, is right downtown and serves up the best Belizean food I have ever eaten. There are several fine dining restaurants with excellent chefs, and it appears that more are on the way.

International Sourcesizz

Belizean man denied bond reduction in Erie shootout
A Belizean man’s possible gang affiliation and lengthy criminal history in his home country will keep him in the Erie County Prison on $500,000 bond while he awaits prosecution on charges that he participated in a February shootout outside the Marriott hotel on Erie’s bayfront. A judge on Tuesday rejected a request from the defendant, 36-year-old Jermaine E. Belgrave, to reduce his bond to 10 percent of $100,000.

Celine and Fabien Cousteau Dive Into Ocean Mysteries in "Legends of the Deep"
The mysteries that lurk beneath the surface of our planet's vast bodies of water rival those that are in outer space. Now in a new Science Channel series, the sister and brother team of Céline and Fabien Cousteau carry on their family legacy as they set out to uncover tales from the sea that remain shrouded in mystery and secrecy. The four-episode LEGENDS OF THE DEEP premieres Sunday, June 9 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. "We are thrilled to have Céline and Fabien Cousteau, two of the world's most accomplished underwater adventurers, on-board, reaffirming our commitment to bringing our viewers the best in ocean science and exploration," said Marc Etkind, General Manager, Science Channel.

Videos

  • Belize - February 2019 - 2nd Dive - Shark Chute, 48min.

  • Franz Schubert(1797-1828) Nocturne, Belize Virtuosi Piano Trio, 5min. Performed at Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts 18 January 2019. Belize Virtuosi Piano Trio: Bryce Young, Violin. Hiroko Kitamura, Piano. Peter Illavsky, Cello.

  • Belize Traditional Music, 2min. Belize Virtuosi String Orchestra (BVSO) perform Traditional Belizean Music

  • Raíz profunda, 5.5min. From where we see the future of the Maya of the Peninsula(Yucatec Maya) . Yucatec Maya rebels Now and Forever

  • Tonight is the finale of our show, 10-4-19!, 68min. Our host, Andre Pitts, will be joined by two young people and two Belizean Ambassadors to discuss the ICJ Education Campaign, and the recent legal developments regarding the Referendum.

  • Channel 5 Obituaries - FRANK FOSTER BURKE, 3min.

  • Channel 5 Obituaries - Clara Celina Kisling nee Douglas, 2.5min.

  • Opposition Leader John Briceno released a prerecorded video statement responding to the ruling of the Court of Appeal, 2.5min. and remarks made by Prime Minister Dean Barrow following that ruling.

  • Audrey Matura, Attorney-at-Law educated us about the Referendum Act, 60min. Audrey Matura, Attorney-at-Law educated us about the Referendum Act. She talked about the conditions under which a referendum can be called and helped us put into context the legal issues under which an injunction was granted.

  • The Belize Bus Association (BBA) - Proposed plans to improve the public transportation industry, 26min. The Belize Bus Association (BBA) talked about the proposed plans to improve the public transportation industry. They are in currently requesting meetings with Ministry officials to discuss the details. Our guests talked about their main concerns and what they see as viable solutions to the problems that plague the industry.

  • The Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the People's United Party's upheld injunction, 86min. The Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the People's United Party's and upheld the injunction to postpone the ICJ Referendum. Richard "Dickie" Bradley helped us recap and put into perspective the day's events and discussed possible next steps.

  • DJ Championship Nationals Video, 1min. Video from the DJ Championship Nationals in Dangriga. DJ Iconic is all over it. "It was a great 2019 Belikin Dj Championship Series. Congratulations to our 2019 National Champion Dj Bass and big thanks to all participants across the country. We'll see you all again next year!"

  • Barracuda Fishing Belize, 3min.

  • Coral Gardens Belize, 6min. Snorkeling off of Caye Caulker, Belize in March 2019.

  • Belize Barrier Reef Snorkeling - San Pedro, 4min. Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Belize

  • STREETS OF BELIZE 2019, 12min.

  • Trash Talk: How Does Marine Debris Impact the Ocean, Animals, and Me?, 1.5min. How does marine debris impact the ocean, animals, and me?

    April 9, 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

    Alberto Samid transported to Belize City for possible extradition to Argentina
    Just before midday, Monday, April 8th, 71-year-old Argentinian fugitive Alberto Samid was transported to Belize City from the police station in San Pedro Town under the custody of Belizean and Argentinian police officers. Samid had been in detention since Friday, April 5th, after INTERPOL issued an outstanding warrant for his arrest indicating that he was wanted in Argentina for tax evasion and fraud. In Belize City, he will be further processed for his possible extradition to Argentina. Belize does not have an extradition agreement with the South American country.

    Belize Fisheries Department annouces closure of Queen Conch Season 2019
    The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs all fishers, and the Public, that in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2012, the Honorable Omar Figueroa, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development will declare the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) fishery closed on April 30th, 2019. This is necessary due to the realization of the Queen Conch quota. The fishing community is advised that all Queen Conch fishing activities shall cease as of this date until the opening of the fishing season on 1st October, 2019. The Belize Fisheries Department further advises Restaurateurs and the Public to use, consume and dispose of all Queen Conch meat in their possession on or before April 30th, 2019.

    Basketball Tournament coming up in San Pedro!
    Basketball fanatics are invited to be a part of San Pedro’s Basketball Tournament set to commence at R.A Nuñez Auditorium on Friday, May 10th. The basketball tournament is being organized by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), San Pedro Sports Committee and San Pedro Basketball Association. To register your team or for more information you can contact, Alamilla at 623-0772, Jamir at 608-2602or Bob at 604-9013. Interested persons are reminded that the deadline to sign-up is Monday, April 15th.

    Ambergris Today

    Public Notice - Closure Of Conch Season
    The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs all fishers, and the Public, that in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2012, the Honorable Omar Figueroa, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development will declare the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) fishery closed on April 30th, 2019. This is necessary due to the realization of the Queen Conch quota. The fishing community is advised that all Queen Conch fishing activities shall cease as of this date until the opening of the fishing season on 1st October, 2019.

    Belize Expands The Size Of Its Marine Protected Areas
    Action safeguards ecosystems while promoting sustainable fishing In a bold step for the sustainability of its fisheries and the world’s second largest barrier reef, the government of Belize has approved a plan to set aside 10% of its territorial waters as no-take marine protected areas (MPAs), nearly tripling the size of its existing zones.

    UB And Junior Colleges Convene To Advance Tertiary Education In Belize
    The University of Belize convened a historic meeting with Presidents, Deans, Principals and representatives of Junior Colleges of Belize and a couple of technical/vocational schools. This meeting held under the theme “Working Together to Advance the Education of our Nation,” was held on Friday, April 5, 2019 at the Belmopan Campus. Junior Colleges were represented from across the country and the Institute of Technical Vocational and Educational Training-Orange Walk and Cayo Center for Employment and Training. The representatives from UB included all of our Deans and representative Chairs from our four faculties, the Registrar, Senior Management, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Harrison Pilgrim.

    New Belikin Store Now Open
    The wait is finally over - the Belikin Store is now open! The Belikin Store opened its doors for business on Friday, April 5, 2019 and is located on #10 Coconut Drive right across Tropic Air's Terminal Building. This awesome new store not only offers you the best "Beer of Belize" but it has so many cool souviners and gifts. T-shirts, hats, glasses, mugs, bottle cap openers, green-eco bags and so much more. Their friendly staff, Joey Eiley, Odalie Duran and Victor Villamil welcome you with a warm and friendly staff and very eager to help you around! Be sure to stop by and take a cool beer or buy some awesome gifts!

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch Meeting April 10th
    Our monthly general meeting is coming up THIS WEDNESDAY, April 10th. Please join us if you are in town. We will be meeting at Lone Star Grill & Cantina 2-1/2 miles south. If you cannot join us, catch up on the minutes here. . . . https://sacnw.org/wp/minutes/

    Community Policing Officers visit Santa Rita Village
    On Saturday, April 6th, 2019, Community Policing Officers attached to the Corozal Police Formation, visited the Santa Rita Village and mounted new Neighborhood Watch signs at different strategic locations.

    1st Annual Coconut Festival
    The BTIA Corozal Chapter and Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College hosted the 1st Annual Coconut Festival on March 29th-30th, 2019. The festival was officially launched with the Royal Maya Wedding Re-enactment held at the Santa Rita Archaeological Site on Friday, March 29th from 7pm- 9pm. Invited guests also enjoyed the performance of the Pok-ta-Pok Fireball game along with light Mayan appetizers. On Saturday March 30th, over 300 visitors experienced a day full of activities commencing with the grand opening by the Corozal Community College Marching Band followed by booth displays, cultural performances, coconut theme actives and games.

    Congratulations to all Coconut Festival grand raffle winners

    Assistance for Maria Elena Corrales
    URGENT HELP NEEDED! Our Cristo Rey community in Corozal will be embarking in a house to house appeal, in the village, for assistance to help Maria Elena Corrales, who lost her house and everything in it, as a result of yesterday's fire. If you are out of town and would like to donate, please call the Chairlady of the village, Marcelina Che at 620-5788 to pledge your donation. Please consult with her about the type of donation needed right now. Thank you for your kind assistance.

    San Pedro Low Water Pressure for April 8-11, 2019
    BWS notice for customers in San Pedro: Low Water Pressure for April 8-11, 2019. Time: 11:00 PM - 5:00 AM daily. Area to be affected: entire San Pedro

    BWS Notice for Customers in Caye Caulker
    Planned Interruption for Wednesday, April 10, 2019. Duration: 11:00 PM (April 10, 2019) - 5:00 AM (April 11, 2019) Area to be affected: Entire Caye Caulker Distribution System

    OCEANA April E-Newsletter
    2019 has been off to a busy start for us at Oceana Belize, here's a recap of what's been happening since the year began. We hope you enjoy and it inspires you to join us on our upcoming initiatives! Click the link to view our April E-Newsletter:

    Great summer opportunity!
    Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish is looking for 20 young, energrtic and kid friendly highschool students or any teacher in town who would like to be a buddy for one of our campers/ kids with special needs this summer.Training will be provided before camp starts. You can inbox us on our page and sign up, deadline May 31st, 2019. We do sign your service as community service hours!

    San Pedro Private Polyclinic at Grand Caribe
    Belize Medical Associates, Belize's premier, private medical hospital and clinic announces that it will be opening a Poly Clinic in San Pedro later this year. Belize Medical Associates has a thirty year history of excellence, growth and commitment to the highest ethical and academic standards. We have seen a need for specialized medical care on the island of San Pedro, both to its local residents and to its growing tourism sector. Our clinic will be located in Northern San Pedro, on the premises of Grand Caribe Resort, another institution that is associated with excellence, high standards and commitment to national development.

    Corozal Town Council Easter Egg Hunt
    Saturday April 20, Rainbow Beach. Free kits for the first 100 kids!

    Corozal woman walks away alive from a serious RTA
    Late this morning at around 11:45 a.m. a traffic accident occured between miles 87 and 88 on the Phillip Goldson Highway involving a black Suzuki Sidekick bearing license plate Czl C-03122 which was driven at the time by Yuri Cob of 7th Avenue, Corozal Town. Initial investigation revealed that Ms. Cob was driving said vehicle on the Philip Goldson Highway from the northern border towards town and subsequently at that point, lost control of the SUV and veered off the right side of the road, and in the process, collided on a lamp post causing it to lean slightly. The SUV received extensive damages. Fortunately there were no serious injuries to the driver.

    14th annual Reef Fest
    Its that time of the year again to celebrate!! Yes you guessed it right!! Its Our 14th annual Reef Fest!!!!!!! Celebrated this year from May 7th-11th under the theme "Our Reef, Our Life, Our Responsibility, Get Involved!!!!

    Chef Jennie Staines - Elvi's Kitchen - San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
    Here are a few photos from a series that I did 2 years ago for a See and Taste feature for Chef Jennie Staines of Elvi's Kitchen in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Chef Jennie Staines is well known on the island and has won numerous awards for her culinary expertise. This day she prepared a delicious cocunut rice with curried shrimp.

    NICH Signs MOU with the Centro de Estudios Martianos of Cuba
    Ms. Sapna Budhrani, President of The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), and Mr. Pedro Pablo Rodriguez of Cuba’s Centro de Estudios Martianos (CEM), signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to establish an institutional cooperation agreement. Through the support and facilitation of Cuba’s Ambassador to Belize, Mrs. Lissette Perez Perez, NICH was able to communicate with the CEM in Cuba and illuminate the many similarities between the institutions. This commonality made it imperative for the creation and formalization of a relationship that will benefit both organizations.

    CALL FOR BELIZEAN FILMS ttff/19 carifesta edition
    The 14th Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) will take place in Trinidad and Tobago from August 17th to 23rd, 2019. It is a week-long regional event held every two years in a different CARICOM country. It showcases a multi-talented cultural display in the visual and literary arts, storytelling, fashion, body art, craft, theatre, dance, music, film and new media from participating countries and acts as a catalyst for the strengthening of regional integration among our Caribbean countries, artisans and cultural practitioners. The National Institute of Culture (NICH) has been asked to identify, recommend and submit up to five films from Belize to the organizers of the trinidad+tobago film festival who are curating CARIFESTA's film event in the form of a ttff/19 carifesta edition which will take place in August during CARIFESTA instead of September.

    Channel 7

    GOB Forced to Postpone April 10th Referendum
    There will be no referendum on April 10. It has been postponed 6 to 8 weeks. Government was forced to do this after they were turned down today by the court of appeal - which refused to hear an appeal of the Chief Justice's decision without the required 21 days' notice. We'll tell you all about that in a few minutes, but first to the Prime Minister who made the official announcement today that they will have to wheel and come again: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "In consequence of what happened today we will be having a referendum on Wednesday April 10th. I am in no doubt that we will be having a referendum on going to the ICJ no later 6-8 weeks from the originally scheduled date."

    The Court of Appeal Rejected GOB
    So the takeaway from that is that there will be no referendum in April 10th - in the meantime the government will go to the house of representatives, possibly as early as Friday - and also to the Caribbean Court of Justice as soon as they can to get the Supreme Court injunction lifted. And so, now, back to court, for the explanation of what forced the PM to postpone the referendum: There was an entire day of arguments in front of the judges of the Court of Appeal. Government went there to convince the panel of judges there to set the Chief Justice's injunction aside. But, the first issue that the Government had to contend with is that they needed permission from the court to bring the expedited appeal.

    AG Weighs The Possibilities
    Earlier in the day, we got a chance to speak with Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte about the progress of the legal arguments from both sides. Since no decision was made yet, The press questioned him about the possibility of the two outcomes: one in which the Government is successful, and the other - which has now happened - where the court refuses their applications. Here's how that conversation went at the midday adjournment of Court: Hon. Michael Peyrefitte - Attorney General: "There are 2 applications. One is the notice of motion for expedited appeal, and the other one is the notice of appeal for the injunction itself. The Court of Appeal must first decide if they will even hear us on our disagreement with the Chief Justice that he should have granted the injunction. The Chief Justice granted the injunction, remember, and we want the Court of Appeal hear the merits of that issue only, and hopefully reverse it in our favor..."

    Chief Elections Officer - Did AG Advice Put Her in A Position of Contempt?
    And the frenzied preparations for the referendum, which has now been postponed, placed Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai in the crosshairs of the PUP. You'll remember that email that she sent last week to all public officers shortly after the Chief Justice handed down the injunction. It said, quote, "Based on legal advice, please proceed with all plans unless directed otherwise We need to be fully prepared in the event that the court informs that we proceed on April 10th." She and her team were simply trying to be cautious and prepared in the event that the Government could reverse the injunction, but the PUP accused her of acting in contempt of court.

    Why Tamai?
    We also asked Eamon Courtenay, the attorney for the PUP Claimants, to discuss their dispute with that email from Chief Elections Officer Tamai. He said that it was important for his clients to put it before the Court of Appeal: Eamon Courtenay, SC - Attorney for the Claimants: "When an injunction is issued you are to obey it. On the say when the injunction was issued, on the advice of the attorney general, the chief elections officer ordered her staff to proceed with preparations. Now, we believe that was an important matter to bring to the attention of the court, because depending on fay you go and depending on what you do, it may amount to a contempt. The government of Belize whether it is the chief elections officer, the attorney general, the prime minister or whoever must respect an injunction issued by the chief justice..."

    The April 10th Anticlimax
    So, what happens to all the time and effort that went into preparing for April 10th? Well, from the Attorney General's perspective, it cannot go to waste. He told us that it will be very expensive for all concerned to postpone, which is why the Government was fighting so hard to keep the April 10th date. Here's how he explained why: Michael Peyrefitte: "A lot of preparation has been put into making sure this referendum happens April 10th. A lot of time has been taken away from public servants in order for them to prepare for this referendum. We have all the observers, most of them are already in country. We have everything in place for April 10th to push it back to another date and we will if we have to, but to push this back another date would cause considerable expense and just overall, you know, it would be troublesome to have it beyond April 10th. If we have to, we have to, but it would be very uncomfortable and expensive to extend it some more time. So we are trying to preserve, save some money, save some harassment and have it April 10th if we can."

    Will Postponement Slacken Domestic and Int'l Support For Referendum?
    The Prime Minister also spoke about cost today and slackening support from the international community - and we'll have those remarks later, but, firsthere's what he had to say about the PUP's so far successful campaign to block the referendum: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "All this is part of the Opposition's delay tactics and to my mind amount to an effort to stymie Belizean democracy, to deprive the people of this country of their right to choose. While I deplore what is happening on the part of the opposition and I should say what Michael Peyrefitte told me and what is given me leave to say that the leader of the opposition told him today "you can go to parliament to try to fix this" and it would appear, some people obviously think so, that it is an easy fix. But whatever you do we will oppose."

    Belizean Lawmen Locked Up Abroad
    Locked up abroad: that's what happened to 2 off duty law enforcement officers and 2 civilians over the weekend in Livingston Guatemala. On Saturday, Police Constable Fabián Laurie, and a Coast Guard Officer Seaman Pedro Colomer along with two civilians Kevin Hernández and Jerille Laurie were arrested and charged with possession of firearms and ammunition without a license. Our information is that the men went fishing down south and then later went to Guatemala where they were caught in land. According to Guatemalan reports, they were drunk and disorderly at their hotel. They were found with a pistol and a shotgun with rounds for each weapon. t causing any trouble. We will keep following this story.

    Police Officer Was Not Free To Travel
    Today the head of national crime investigation branch said that PC Laurie - had not gotten any clearance to travel, or any weapon to go to Guatemala with: We will keep following this story. IT is worth noting that some months ago, two Guatemalan lawmen were caught at the western free zone with service weapons. They were arrested, charged and remanded for months.

    Argentinian Fugitive Busted in Belize and Expelled Post Haste
    An Argentinian fugitive was flown out of Belize this evening. Alberto Samid was given an order to leave by the Immigration department and he was handed over to Argentinean law enforcement who came for him. Alberto Samid is wanted in Argentina on charges of tax evasion, corruption and abuse of labour laws. He was arrested in San Pedro on the strength of an Interpol warrant. Police told us more:..

    Recovery of Remains Still Inconclusive
    Police today spoke about the human remains found on Thursday near Los Lagos in the Belize District. The family of 82 year old Hubert Richards who went missing in November of 2017, fears the remains are his. We asked police to comment today: The Richards family says there has been no confirmation of identity.

    Warrior Shot In Bak-A-Town
    Thankfully, there were no murders this weekend. But a man was shot in the face in Be3lize City and he is critical tonight. It happened on Friday night around 8:00. Here's more: The shooting happened in a gang affiliated neighborhood.

    Man Shot In Foot Early Morning
    And there was a shooting this morning in that same general area. Fortunately the victim was only hit in his foot. It happened around 8:30 AM.

    Another Attack In Same Neighborhood
    AND there was one more criminal event in that same neighborhood. A city Tomza Gas deliveryman was robbed on Saturday morning around 10:00. Police told us more about this hold up. Insp. Wilfredo Ferufino, CIB: "A delivery man for Tomza gas was making a delivery at the corner of cemetery and Lakeview street. He had made the delivery and had gotten paid for the service and in the process of entering the vehicle he was approached by two armed men who relieved them of $600. Police are investigating that matter as well."

    Will Judicial Setbacks Taint Confidence in Yes Vote?
    Back now to the Prime Minister's press conference. WE asked him about the effect that successive losses in court have had on the "yes" t the ICJ campaign: Reporter: "This is the second court or second tier of litigation at which the government has not had the desired outcome." Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "True." Reporter: "Are you not concern about the taint that this creates, since the referendum is about going to court and we are stuck in court trying to go to court. People will may confidence and say well if you can't win here, how will you win there."

    The PSE Pressure Begins
    Over 7,000 students all over the country sat the first part of the PSE today. They had to be creative with their English paper and sharp on their Science skills for day 1. In a release it states " within the six districts there are 30 Examinations Centres, most being high schools. Principals of these high schools have been assigned as exam Supervisors and the high school teachers serve as Invigilators of the examinations. In terms of the breakdown in number of registered students sitting the exam by district, Belize has the most number with 1,924 students and Toledo has the least number with 720 students. Day 2 sitting is set for Friday May 3rd.

    NICH Con Cuba...
    For many people, the most striking symbol of partnership between Belize and Cuba is in the medical field. But NICH along with the Centro de Estudios Martianos (Martian Studies Center ) want to strengthen that partnership through research. Representatives from both institutions signed a memorandum of understanding to advance studies relating to Belize's and Cuba's shared history, art and culture. Here is more from the signing. Sapnah Budrani, President of NICH: "The signing that we have here today is an important step towards research, getting the facts together in knowing the relationship between Cuba and Belize..."

    Hattieville Resident Won 200K
    Hattieville resident Norris Gillett is over $200,000 richer tonight after he won the fantasy 5. We spoke to him off camera about his big win. Voice of: Norris Gillett, Fantasy 5: "Well when I first find out that I win cold seed run over me and the amount of energy I could not sit down none at all when the reality kick in I didn't want to sleep, when I did drop asleep, when I wake up the next morning, I wake up and I conscious that this is real I started to cry." Reporter: "Tears of joy I am sure."

    The Cost OF Postponing The Referendum
    So, as we end the news tonight - we do so with the headline story - there will be no referendum on Wednesday April 10th. Government has to re-strategize and come again. This is after the Court of Appeal said it needs 21 days before it can hear any appeal of a Supreme Court decision. So the Chief Justice's injunction against the referendum stands. To try and cure what the Chief Justice suspected may be lacking in the writ of referendum - government is getting ready to go to the Caribbean Court of Justice, to lift the injunction, and the House of Representatives to get majority support. But., at what cost? And will there be money to keep up the education and the political campaign? We asked the PM today:

    Man Beats Murder Rap
    Another man got off a murder charge today in court. 22 year old Percival Pilgrim walked free after Justice Collin Williams acquitted him of the April 2015 murder of Edward Usher a.k.a Ghost. The case fell apart when the main witness, Khadejaah Barrera, testified and said that she signed a piece of paper but she did not read it and the statement she allegedly gave to the police was not admitted as evidence.

    Caroline Cries For Her Son
    Nineteen year old Winston Gabourel, a graduate of Stella Maris School, who appears to be mentally challenged, was charged with sexual assault of a girl under the age of 16 when he was brought today before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts Anderson. She explained to the accused and her mother, who was in court, that she will not take a plea because she is not sure that he understands what is taking place.

    Channel 5

    P.U.P. – 2, G.O.B. – 0, No Referendum on April Tenth
    Both the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal were in session today as Belizeans waited anxiously for what is to happen on April tenth. Would the referendum stand?  We [...]

    A Renewed Call for a Bipartisan Approach to I.C.J. Referendum
    Opposition Leader John Briceño has taken the opportunity, following the decision of the Court of Appeal this evening, to call on Prime Minister Barrow to return to the bipartisan approach [...]

    PM Barrow: “We will not be having a referendum on Wednesday, April tenth”
    Immediately after the ruling of the Court of Appeal upholding the injunction, the Prime Minister held a lengthy press conference at the Laing Building. P.M. Dean Barrow accepted that the [...]

    G.O.B. Looks to the C.C.J. for Possible Appeal
    So what the government’s next move? More litigation….According to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, the government will be looking at the Caribbean Court of Justice for another appeal, though that appeal [...]

    G.O.B. Will “Fix” the Law
    Many observers have been asking why the Barrow Administration hasn’t taken the matter to the House of Representatives to fix what he described as the possible mischief that the Chief [...]

    Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte Outlines G.O.B.’s Appeal
    For context of the day’s proceedings, when the session opened this morning, submissions were made by the government side as to why the appeals court should hear the matter expeditiously [...]

    Chief Elections Officer in Contempt of Court?
    Was Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai in contempt of court last Wednesday when she sent out a memo following the CJ’s decision to grant an interim injunction?  Senior Counsel Eamon [...]

    Weighing the Options of a Reserved Court of Appeal Judgment
    The Attorney General also told the media that the urgency on proceeding with the April tenth referendum was simply because a great deal of time and resources has already been [...]

    U.D.P. Stalwarts Ready to Go to the Polls
    According to AG Peyrefitte, the membership of the United Democratic Party has been expressing its readiness to go to the polls.  Of course, this was prior to the Court of [...]

    Belizean Law Enforcement Detained in Guatemala for Firearm Offences
    A Belizean police officer and a member of the Coast Guard are two of four men who remain in detention in Livingston, Guatemala. The four Belizeans: thirty-three-year-old police officer, Fabian [...]

    Who Ordered the Release of 12 Guatemalan Men? FIU Speaks!
    Twelve Guatemalan nationals were released last weekend, soon after they were detained with a huge amount of U.S. dollars. The group was in a vessel near Moho Caye in the [...]

    Wanted by Interpol, Argentinean Alberto Samid is Expelled from Belize
    In the aftermath of a red alert by the International Criminal Police Organization for Alberto Samid, the seventy-one-year-old was detained in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Samid, who is wanted in [...]

    Shot in the Foot; Police Investigate Gun Violence in the City
    But is the shooting of Warrior connected to another that occurred around this morning at a barracks located at the corner of Sarstoon and Ebony Streets? Around eight-thirty a.m., a [...]

    Carmelita Resident Shot While Walking in Back-a-Town
    There was gun violence over the weekend in Belize City, both incidents in proximity of each other and in a well-known gang territory. It started as early as Friday night [...]

    Over 7,000 Students Sit Day 1 of P.S.E.
    Over seven thousand students across the country sat part one of the Primary School Examinations today. Of that number, one hundred and sixty-five students were provided with special arrangements to [...]

    Beat Down Leaves Man in Critical Condition
    A Belize City construction worker is in a critical condition after he was brutally beaten in Crooked Tree Village over the weekend. According to Elton Baiza’s family, he went to [...]

    Official Report: Rudy Morales Died from Fluid Inhalation
    There is official word on the death of Rudy Morales of San Ignacio. The nineteen-year-old had been reported missing for two days, and last Tuesday, his body was found floating [...]

    Investigations Continue into Human Remains Found in Los Lagos
    Are the human remains found in the dried up lagoon behind the Los Lagos community that of eighty-three-year-old Hubert Richards? On April fourth, just before one p.m., human bones of [...]

    Thieves Target A.C. Construction’s Payroll
    A huge sum of money was stolen on Saturday afternoon from A.C. Construction on San Pedro. Around three p.m., the manager, Carlos Jex, was targeted by armed thieves while inside [...]

    Chopping in San Ignacio Leaves 1 Man Hospitalized
    An outing in Santa Elena Town on Friday night turned violent. Two friends were out drinking, when around ten p.m., their celebration became violent and within minutes one of them [...]

    NICH and Marti Institute in Cuba to Partner on Research
    Belize and Cuba want to find out more about their historical connections. And to do this, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding today that will see intensive research, cross cultural [...]

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

    The Reporter

    ICJ Referendum In Legal Limbo – Appeals Court Let Injunction Stand
    The Court of Appeal has reached a majority decision at this time. The Court has decided the injunction will stand, and the appellants have been advised that they can take their appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice. The Appeals Court has decided it lacks the jurisdiction to deal with the matter.

    ICJ Referendum Injunction
    This morning, lead Counsel for Government, Senior Counsel Rodwell Williams spent two hours attempting to convince Justices of the Court of Appeal that it was within their jurisdiction to expedite the hearing of the application by Government to review and do away with the interim injunction of the Referendum granted by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin.

    ICJ Referendum-Injunction Appeal Takes Center Stage
    The anticipation of citizens and just about everyone else in the country is drawn to the center stage of the judicial drama of the appeal to the injunction that would postpone the ICJ Referendum from taking place on Wednesday, April 10th.

    Police Say $20K Robbery On San Pedro May Be Inside Job
    Although the information so far is not conclusive, and they say they will look at all possibilities. Police are looking at the probability of an armed robbery in San Pedro on Saturday being an inside job.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Decomposed body found in San Ignacio Town
    The decomposed body of a man was found in San Ignacio Town last night. The […]

    CCJ may be last resort; PM lashes out
    “I shall go to my grave secure in the knowledge that the Chief Justice got it horribly wrong.” […]

    Court of Appeal declines intervention in ICJ referendum case
    The chances of a referendum to resolve the ICJ debate dwindles even lower after the […]

    BBN apologizes for erroneous article on Court of Appeal’s position on participation of the press
    Breaking Belize News apologizes wholeheartedly and without any reservations for a story posted on our […]

    Conch Season closes
    The Belize Fisheries Department today informed that in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 54 of […]

    Belizeans busted in US on drugs and firearm charges
    Two Belizeans, Charles Baizar and Jermaine Belgrave will stand trial in the United States after […]

    Belize Peace Movement meets with Referendum Observer Groups
    The Belize Peace Movement (BPM) has met with observer groups from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) […]

    Family of a 3-month-baby hosting fundraiser for medical expenses
    Evie is an adorable 3-month-old baby that has been diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition […]

    NICH and Cuban Embassy sign Memorandum of Understanding
    Today, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and the Centro de Estudios Martianos, […]

    Alberto Samid transported to Belize City from San Pedro to begin expulsion process
    Last week Friday, Argentinian businessman, Alberto Samid who was wanted […]

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

    Thousands of Students sit Primary School Exams today!
    Today, thousands of Primary School Students across Belize are completing part 1 of the Primary School […]

    Belize~ Moral Objection to ICJ Referendum
    By Richard Harrison: The Efficient Breach Theory endorses the immoral behaviour of breaching a promise whenever the consequences of breach are considered to be superior […]

    Ministry of National Security issues update on Belizeans detained in Guatemala
    The Ministry of National Security (MNS) has confirmed, through Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that a […]

    Monday is ‘decision day’ for ICJ referendum
    At sometime in the next 24 hours or so, Belizeans will learn whether they will […]

    Good Samaritan assists man robbed, beaten and left for dead
    Last night villagers in Crooked Tree attended a dance after the Tilapia Festival, however, that dance […]

    Belizean nationals detained in Guatemala
    International media outlets are reporting that four Belizean nationals were detained in Guatemala. The exact […]

    Armed robbers steal $20,000 cash in San Pedro
    Two armed robbers stole $20,000 cash from A.C. Construction in San Pedro yesterday evening. Carlos […]

    LOVE FM

    Over 7,000 sit for Day one of PSE 2019
    While the nation awaited the results of the Supreme Court and the court of appeals decisions on the referendum, parents were waiting for their kids to come out of classrooms. Today marked day one of the 2019 Primary School examination. There were 7,228 students who sat for the PSE. We spoke to the director of …

    Robbers stalk out gas delivery driver
    Another robbery was reported on Saturday. This time armed robbers held up a gas delivery driver and took six hundred dollars cash from him. Police say the delivery man, Orlando Galdamez, who is employed with Gas Tomza was wrapping up a sale. Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino Crimes Investigation Branch: “ “The delivery man for Tomza Gas was …

    Another Battle lost, but not the war- Supreme Court pushes Referendum Case
    Last week, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin granted the PUP an injunction thereby postponing the ICJ referendum. CJ Benjamin based his ruling based on the request from the Prime Minister to grant writs of referendum which were not in compliance with the Referendum Act. Following that blow, Prime Minister Dean Barrow held a press conference and …

    3.4 million dollars in grant delivered to NGOs
    3.4 million dollars were disbursed in grants to the conservation community. After a careful review and selection process, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) handed the funds to the grant recipients. Cayo correspondent Fem Cruz spoke to the stakeholders who received funds to continue enforcement efforts and community development. Fem Cruz: “The Protected Areas Conservation …

    Blogs

    Eating in San Ignacio, Belize
    The collective influence of the Mestizo, Maya, and Kriol people make up the largest demographic in Belize, while the presence of Chinese and Taiwanese groups adds a different level of diversity. It was very interesting to learn that there are various Mennonite communities living in Belize. As a British colony in the past, it is the only English-speaking country in Central America, and it’s geographic position within Central America and the Caribbean also makes it stand out. Before coming here, all I knew was that I needed to try a traditional breakfast dish called fry jacks (deep fried dough) – they were delicious. Speaking of traditional dishes, I ended up discovering a new love for stew chicken with beans & rice. If you read my last post, you would know that we learned the ancient practice of making corn tortillas (read about it here). We also discovered an edible plant high in protein called chaya – which reminded me of kangkong used in Filipino cooking, and we got to buy chocolate from a local cacao producer.

    14th Annual Women's Awards
    Congratulations to all the 23 amazing women that have made a huge difference in their communities! "Office of the Special Envoy and Women’s Department close Women’s Month with 14th Annual Women’s Awards Ceremony The Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children in partnership with the National Women’s Commission and the Women's Department ended a month-long series of activities in commemoration of Women’s Month on Thursday, March 28th, 2019 at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza, where they recognized 23 outstanding Belizean women for their significant contributions to their communities.

    What do you do in your spare time?
    Here at Tropic Air, we have some pretty active employees who take advantage of all that Belize has to offer. Kenrick Duncan and Lennox Myvett, customer service agents at Tropic Air’s PGIA International terminal are two such individuals. Next Friday 12th April both are taking part in the arduous hike and climb to Victoria Peak, the second highest mountain in Belize at 3.675 feet. The three-day hike, according to Kenrick, is not for the faint hearted and requires a degree of fitness and endurance. Kenrick trains by running and both he and Lennox are no strangers to physical challenges. Just a few weeks ago in March, for the ninth year, they took part in the grueling 180-mile Ruta Maya Belize River challenge, finishing sixth in their age group and 35th overall.

    Why You Should Attend the Belize National Agricultural and Trade Show
    Belize is a relatively small country, but the National Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS) is definitely one of the biggest events of the year. Over 40,000 people head to the national capital of Belmopan to enjoy three days of music, food, exhibitions, livestock displays, and much more. First held in 1970 to commemorate the opening of Belize’s new capital, the NATS is designed to showcase the products of Belize’s farmers, craftsmen, herders, and manufacturers. Everyone who is anyone in Belize will be at the NATS to show off their goods and mix and mingle with their friends and neighbors.

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

    30 Ways to Save Money on a Belize Vacation
    Money saving tips are always handy, especially when you’re on vacation. And since travel to Belize isn’t cheap, I’m sure you’ll appreciate my list of 30 ways you can save money on a Belize vacation. However, don’t be too frugal because it might dampen your experience; so browse through the recommendations below and decide which are best for you.

    Monkey River and Manatee Watch Tour
    Belize has the reputation of being a well-preserved jewel and its beauty can be experienced through the many nature and wildlife tours. One of these experiences is the Monkey River Tour and Manatee Watch that can be done from Placencia in Southern Belize. This nature and wildlife tour involves exploring the Monkey River ecosystem, including the surrounding broadleaf forest, allowing visitors to be up close to nature and spot countless wildlife such as birds, iguanas, crocodiles, howler monkeys, and sometimes even tapirs. Additionally, the tour involves learning about the history of Monkey River Village, including a discussion of the devastation caused by Hurricane Iris in 2001.

    International Sourcesizz

    Legislation governing seizing assets gained from corruption discussed in Belize
    The government of Canada funded Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT Justice) project, and the Regional Security System (RSS) facilitated a ‘meeting to discuss civil asset recovery legislation in Belize’ March 18-19, 2019 in Belize city. The meeting brought together local Belizean officials from the attorney general’s ministry and regional experts from Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago. The meeting was chaired by regional project director of the IMPACT justice project, Professor Velma Newton and the feature address at the opening of the two-day gathering was delivered by deputy director of Canada’s Caribbean regional programme, Walter Bernyck.

    In Belize, farmers turn away from slash and burn agriculture
    For centuries, farmers have been using slash and burn agriculture to produce fertile fields for their crops. The method involves cutting down trees and woody plants in an area and then burning what's left to create nutrient-rich soil. Though it works well in the short-term, the fields become unproductive within a few years, meaning farmers have to start the process over again. It's estimated that between 200 and 500 million small farmers worldwide use the technique releasing 6 billion tons of CO2 into the atmosphere annually.

    Is Belize the next favourite for Brexit-hit UK expats?
    Ever popular with expats from Canada and the USA, Belize is now being sought out by would-be refugees from Brexit-hit Europe and the UK. Central America has been a favourite for escapees from the USA looking for an affordable, less chaotic life than that in the home country, and is now firmly on the radar of potential expats from Europe and the UK. One excellent reason is that English is spoken, thus taking away the major strain of learning a new lingo whilst adjusting to the cultural differences of your new land.

    Videos

  • Here is a recent jaguar video from our camera trap survey in the Mountain Pine Ridge!, 8sec. Check out his cute little tail wag at the end. Loving these remote video cameras!

  • Mother Nature surprised me again!, 5.5min. A Slender Brown Scorpion having a gecko for dinner! @ Gaïa River Lodge

  • A view of the Sunrise in Corozal, 1min.

  • Women in the Belize Government, 6.5min. Last week marked the end of International Women's Month, however, it does not mark the end of the efforts made by women in Belize. Janel Rodriguez highlights a group of women who have taken on very important roles in the Government.

  • South Tulsa Students - Belize 2019, 6min.

  • El Criminal ft Nes-T - Dimelo, 6min.

  • Zip lining in Belize!, 3.5min. In this video me my friends and family go zip lining I gotta Belize At Jaguar Paw in Belize.

  • Belize: Slash and burn farming, 5min. Slash and burn" agriculture involves lighting fires to clear land. It's been practiced for generations in Belize. The method makes the soil more fertile for a short time, but it also releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

  • San Pedro, Ambergris Caye beach scenes, Belize, 2min.

  • Special Olympics Belize - Fun Run 2019, 16min. Special Olympics Belize will host its annual Fun Run 2019 this weekend. Our guests shared the details of the event and how you can participate and support their efforts to promote inclusion for children with different abilities.

  • Light & Peace Basketball Foundation - Annual Dru Joyce Classic, 24min. Light & Peace Basketball Foundation is participating in the annual Dru Joyce Classic. We talked with the organizers about their selection process and how the experience impacts on the youths who participate. The games takes place on 26th-28th April in Akron, Ohio. We heard from two of this year's participants about their expectations.

  • Grace Flava with A Beat - Oil Down, 24min. It's Caricom Week and Grace Flava with A Beat took a trip to Grenada. The crew made the national dish of the country - Oil Down.

  • The Rotary Club of Belize - Jankunu Productionz presents the play Kruffy Air, 25min. The Rotary Club of Belize in collaboration with Jankunu Productionz presents the play Kruffy Air. It's a fun-filled way to support the work of the Rotary Club which includes the signature Gift of Life program. We talked with the organizers about the play and how it reflects on local culture.

  • ZIP LINING IN BELIZE! I got stuck! And went to a waterfall!!, 10min.

  • Belize, Ambergris Caye family adventures 2019, 4.5min. What an amazing place. Me and my family are already missing Ambergris Caye, Belize and its amazing people and places.

  • Prime Minister's Press Briefing. April 8th, 2019, 28min.

  • Court of Appeal rejects Goverment's hope to quash the injunction, 18min.

  • Channel 5 Obituaries - IRMA BENNETT, 2min.

  • Winners of 20th BEL Junior Cross Country Cycling Classic held on Sunday, April 7, 2019, 1min.

  • National Anthem of Belize with Belize Virtuosi, 3min. National Anthem of Belize with Belize Virtuosi String Orchestra (BVSO) performed 19 January 2019 at Bliss Auditorium Belize City, Peter Illavsky Conductor

    April 8, 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

    Armed Robbery in San Pedro Town
    Police are investigating an armed robbery, which occurred on Saturday, April 6th in the San Pablo Area. According to a police report, 58-year-old Carlos Jex, Manager of A.C Construction reported that around 3PM, he was in his office when two male persons stormed in his office with their faces covered. One of them was armed with a firearm and proceeded to rob him of $20,000 Belize dollars. Jex told police that the money stolen was the day's payroll for the workers.

    Argentinian fugitive Alberto Samid’s family arrives in San Pedro Town
    The family of 71-year-old Alberto Samid, the Argentinian fugitive who remains detained at the San Pedro Town’s police station, arrived to the island today, Sunday, April 7th. Samid’s wife Marisa Scaravíaand son, Jose Samid arrived in San Pedro shortly after midday, and before checking into a hotel, made their way to the police station on Pescador Drive. After being unable to see Samid, they left the station, took a taxi and headed south of town. His son briefly spoke to The San Pedro Sun, saying that they would be back on Monday, April 8th to try once again to speak with Samid and find out whether he will be expelled from Belize or not. He also said that they are looking to hire a lawyer, claiming that his dad is not getting proper treatment at the station, adding that his dad has health complications.

    Letter to the Editor: Spring Equinox
    Dear Editor, Ah, Spring has arrived. And those who attended the Spring Equinox event at Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Reserve enjoyed quite a show to celebrate it! The Board of Directors of MGMSAC, Ltd, thank all of you for your attendance, sponsorship, volunteerism and hard work. We hope you had a wonderful time. We hope those of you who came for the first time learned about your island Maya heritage and will return with other family and friends to experience more. The site belongs to you and Belize to share and protect for your children.

    Wolfe’s Woofer: Art Gallery
    “Here’s a list of things for you to pick for me while you’re in town,” Sherry said, as I was leaving. “You must think I’m stupid,” I said. “This list only has three things on it; bread milk and cheese. I don’t need it.” “I asked you to pick up the same three things last week and you forgot the milk,” she pointed out. “All right,” I said. “Give me the list. I’m going to visit Melody at her art gallery first, though.”

    Letter to the Editor: Traffic
    Dear Editor, Every day that I walk around town I see irresponsible drivers speeding. Everybody complains about the amount of golf carts coming to the island, but when anybody is driving, they seem to forget that there are pedestrians. Just the other day I was driving, and I overheard a tourist yelling at his wife/girlfriend "Get out of the way before they run you over!" as he pulled her by her arm. Of course, I was taking my time cruising with my wife beside me and my golf cart engine wasn't revving, and I am sure I heard him correctly, and there was no other golf cart in front of me. I have repeatedly watched as couples (sometimes with children) wait for the vehicles to pass (taxis too.... they don't give a darn...). If you take a walk you will seldom see drivers giving pedestrians the go ahead, everybody is in such a rush.

    Doctor Love: Forbidden Love
    Dear Doctor Love, When is it okay to have a crush on a married man? He’s not handsome or charming but he is sweet and funny, and he always smiles at me when he sees me. I wouldn’t think like this, but his wife is so mean to him. She talks about him like he’s the worst man in the world and never says anything nice. When he comes around, she snaps at him about things that are just silly. Even when she yells at him, he never says anything mean back. I can only imagine what she is like when they are alone.

    Ambergris Today

    Masked Armed Men Get Away With $20,000 Robbery
    Official Police reports indicate that on Saturday, April 6, 2019, Carlos Jex 58-year-old, manager of A.C. Construction in San Pedro Town, reported to police that about 3:00 p.m., that he was robbed of the company’s payroll for the workers. Jex reported that wo male persons entered his office with their faces covered, one armed with a firearm, proceeded to rob him of $20,000.00Bze. A.C. Construction is located on Coconut Drive, on the lower flat of the new Casa Picasso Restaurant; no injuries were reported and police are investigating.

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    Ministry of National Security Provides Update on Belizeans Detained in Guatemala
    he Ministry of National Security (MNS) has confirmed, through Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that a member of the Belize Police Department, Police Constable Fabián Laurie, and a Coast Guard Officer Seaman Pedro Colomer along with two civilians Kevin Hernández and Jerille Laurie were detained by police in Livingston, Guatemala yesterday, April 6th, 2019. The four Belizean men were arrested and charged for possession of firearms and ammunition without a license. It is unclear at this time what the men were doing in Guatemala but the MNS can confirm that neither of the two officers was on official duties at the time when they were arrested. All four men were transferred to the main prison in Puerto Barrios where they are awaiting trial.

    Huge Success Belize Special Olympics Family Fun Run 2019

    Clean up campaign in Ranchito, Village, Corozal!
    Thanks to all the partners who participated (Adventist Volunteers, personnel from the Ministry of Health, Community Health workers, Village Council and Ranchito community members! The support to the Belize Red Cross ZIKA Project team of staff and Corozal Branch Volunteers is well appreciated. Job well done!

    Let's Support ESTM's Ambassador Marching Band
    Coming with something unique and new ESTM Ambassador's Marching Band say they're bringing something you'll really enjoy at this year's bandfest2019 ! Vote to make ESTM Ambassador's Marching Band the most popular band by texting "11 " to 22637 (Digi) OR 8946 (SMART) . Voting ends at midnight on Friday, April 12.

    Tragedy in Cristo Rey, Corozal
    Reports coming to this media blog is that the Corrales Family from Cristo Rey has lost everything in a fire. These are preliminary reports. We will follow this sad breaking story.

    Belmopan Public Library Refurbishment
    The Tek Time fi Read youths teamed up with the Rotary Club of Belmopan to refurbish the Belmopan Public Library. Looking good. Reading is the key. "The 'Tek Time fi Read' youth wanted to give the Belmopan Public Library a make-over to make it more colorful, bright, and welcoming to children. The librarians were excited to work with us and we had a great time making it happen. Here are the before and after pictures of the results. Thank you Rotary Club of Belmopan for the materials and the Rotaract Club of Belmopan for doing the outside. Thank you to Lonnie Wall for building the awesome tree and A & R for the new builtin board."

    Bio-monitoring for this scarlet macaw breeding season has started
    Anyone interested in volunteering for a week or two please contact us at fcd@btl.net

    NUKUX TAT
    The Nukux Tat is a powerful spirit which protects the jungle and animals. He is also known as Tata Duende or el Dueño del monte. Maya elders in northern Belize always ask permission to the Nukux Tat before entering the bush to hunt or get fire wood. Also the Nukux Tat is invoked for protection while in the bush from bad air or bad spirits. Many Yucatec Maya in northern Belize also do a Primicia called Hetz Lu'um which is done for the prosperity of the land . During this ritual it is asked to the Nukux Tat and the Alux(Aluxo'ob) for protection from the K'aak'as Iik'( bad breeze ) which is believe to damage the land and those who inhabit them including human and animals. It is believed the Nukux Tat can transform into animals or even someone you know . SO DO NOT MAKE THE NUKUX TAT MAD .

    Live Comedy with Brad Reeder!
    Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 8:30 PM – 10 PM, pin Iguana Juan's Restaurant & Bar. Join us for a night of laughter with our professional comedy show starring Brad Reeder, seen on TV's Showtime, Comedy Central and Last Comic Standing. Brad has opened for Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld and Ellen Degeneres, and he has headlined regularly in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

    Coordinators of our coral nursery program, Fara Stephany Maza Brittney Garbutt
    Our conservation work is all about our future generations and we are proud to introduce you to the coordinators of our coral nursery program, Fara Stephany Maza Brittney Garbutt. These young ladies learnt to scuba dive as part of our Kids in Action program and are now starting their career in marine biology. They will be working with our members and industry partners and we expect that our nurseries program grows as they advance with their education. This inspires us more to keep our conservation programs going and we commit to provide them with all the resources and support. Join us in celebrating their future success as they commence training and lots of hard work ahead.

    Channel 5

    Robbers Net $20K of Company’s Payroll
    At around three o’clock yesterday evening, the manager of A.C Construction in San Pedro Town was robbed at gunpoint. Police report that two men entered the establishment and robbed the manager of $20, 000 which was the day’s payroll. The men’s faces were covered.

    Belizean Law Enforcement Officers Detained by Guatemalan Authorities
    According to ElPuertoInforma.com, four Belizeans were detained by Guatemalan police on Saturday night. They are thirty-four year old Kevin Edwin Hernandez, twenty-five-year-old Coast Guard officer Pedro Colome, twenty-eight-year-old Jerille Jerome Laurie, and thirty-three-year-old police officer, Fabian Laurie. The men were arrested while in the neighborhood of Marcos Sánchez Díaz, Livingston, Izabal. The National Civil Polic reports that the men caused a ruckus at a hotel while under the influence of alcohol. The men, according to the article, were in possession of a 12 gauge shotgun with three live rounds, a Smith and Wesson pistol, and sixty-nine rounds of ammunition. The men reportedly were not able to produce a license for the firearms and ammunition and as such were arrested.

    Belize City Graphic Designer Robbed
    Belize City resident, twenty-six-year-old Ruhiel Trejo was reportedly robbed of more than three thousand dollars worth of items. Trejo told police that as he exited his mother's residence at around 1:15 p.m. on Friday, he was accosted by two male persons. One of the men was armed with a firearm. The duo robbed Trejo of a black Apple I phone 7+, and two thousand dollars in cash. Police are investigating.

    Scuffle Leaves San Ignacio Man Wounded
    On Friday night, San Ignacio Police were called out to the Bioton Area on the Goerge Price Highway. There they saw fifty-two-year-old Daniel Castellanos with apparent wounds on is head. Police say that Castellanos was at home socializing with one Marco Perez when they reportedly got into an argument. Marco, it is alleged, inflicted the wounds on Castellanos with the use of a machete. Police are investigating.

    Carmelita VIllager Shot in Belize City
    Twenty-two-year-old Oswald Warrior is recuperating today after he was shot on Friday night. Police confirmed that the Carmelita Village resident was on Sarstoon Street in Belize City when about 7:15 p.m. he was approached by a man who pulled out a firearm and fired a single shot in Warrior's direction. He was shot in the cheek. Warrior was taken to the KHMH for treatment.

    The Reporter

    Lisa Shoman Threatened
    Since her decision to represent the Government of Belize in the case brought on by the People’s United Party (PUP), Senior Counsel Lisa Shoman has come under a series of online attacks, one of which even suggested that she is guilty of treason – the penalty for which is death!

    Mistress Of The Brief !
    By Major Lloyd Jones – The Barrow administration pulled out all the stops on March 27th to try and convince the Belizean people that they should vote YES on April 10th. They gleefully introduced a legal opinion of the 2001 legal opinion which was done by one of the very authors of the said 2001 opinion: a Mr. Schwebel.

    Belize City Man Shot To The Face, Survives
    Oswald Warrior, 22, a resident of Carmelita Village in Orange Walk continues to recover at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City from a gunshot wound to the left side of his face. Warrior was shot around 7:20 p.m. on May 4th while walking on Sarstoon Street in Belize City.

    Belizeans Arrested In Livingston, Guatemala
    Two members of Belize’s security forces along with two other Belizeans are currently in the custody of Guatemalan authorities after they were allegedly found with illegal firearms in Guatemala on Saturday night.

    Orchid Bay developers refute allegations made by buyers
    Following outcry from several purchasers regarding the status of their transactions with Orchid Bay in northern Belize, the developer of the project, Legacy Global Developments has informed the Reporter that there were indeed “shortfalls” under the previous management of the development but said the current team has been working diligently to rectify all issues identified since taking over the project in 2016.

    Blogs

    Lessons I’ve Learned After 5 Years in Belize
    I originally moved from cold Cleveland, Ohio, to Placencia, Belize, five years ago. My husband and I moved down to Placencia to build a boutique hotel on the beach. Five years later, we have opened a second small hotel in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and we are lucky enough to split our time between both places, which are very different and offer unique benefits. (Although you’ll find most expats have a strong preference for one or the other!) No matter where you live in Belize, there are some things that are the same. And after a solid five years here, these are the top three things I have learned: It is very, very freeing to get away from the materialistic values in North America. In Belize, there is almost no materialism, and people are not judged by what they own, have, drive, or wear. In fact it looks strange and out of place to see fancy cars, shoes, bags, etc.

    New Belikin Store Opens In San Pedro
    We’ve been watching it come together for the last few months. The store front just across from the Tropic Air terminal, in downtown San Pedro, transform into The Belikin Store. Hopefully selling all the Belikin merchandise that until now, wasn’t available to the public. Like the Belikin bandanas…and the Belikin signs. Belize lovers and man cave dwellers rejoice! Friday April 6th was opening day – and I stopped in to take a look. But let me back up a bit… Belikin is THE beer of Belize. Not the first…but for many years, the only beer available nationwide. It’s a brand synonymous with Belize.

    International Sourcesizz

    Former Pm Ingraham Heads Commonwealth Group To Belize
    FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham is now in Belize where he heads a 10-member Commonwealth Observer Group to observe the April 10 referendum to decide the territorial claims between Belize and Guatemala. #The question of the proposed referendum is: “Do you agree that any legal claim of Guatemala against Belize relating to land and insular territories and to any maritime areas pertaining to these territories should be submitted to the International Court of Justice for final settlement and that it determine finally the boundaries of the respective territories and areas of the parties?”

    Ancient Maya crop fields discovered in Mexico using LIDAR technology
    Under wetlands in southern Mexico, archeologists have found evidence of ancient Maya crop fields which were broadly used and constituted the base of a sophisticated market economy. The Maya civilization was a Mesoamerican civilization developed by the Maya peoples in an area that encompasses southeastern Mexico, all of Guatemala, and Belize, as well as western portions of Honduras and El Salvador. The most ancient evidence of the Maya civilization dates back to 1,800 B.C. However, most Maya cities flourished between the years 250 and 900 of our time.

    5 Top Diving Sites In The World For Amazing Diving Experience
    If you are an adventurist, then diving must be there in your checklist. It is full of so much of fun, thrill and excitement that you get to know only after experience this venturesome activity. Willing to explore the world’s best diving sites? We are here to help you out. The Blue Hole, Belize: It is an utterly surreal experience to witness live and diving in the Blue Hole is more thrilling than it used to be in images and videos. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will inevitably leave you spell-bounded. Though it hardly has any wildlife (nothing except a few sharks), but diving here is amazing.

    Videos

  • I.C.J. Referendum: If Not April Tenth, When?, 5min. As you heard, attorneys for P.U.P. parliamentarians and the Government went before the Court of Appeal this afternoon for case management ahead of arguments on Monday. To put things in perspective, News Five’s Isani Cayetano looks back at the interim injunction granted on Wednesday by the Chief Justice which has triggered another round of legal challenges.

  • 20TH BEL JUNIOR CROSS COUNTRY CLASSIC, 4hr.

  • Game of Thrones Theme - Ascenthium, 2min. Ascenthium was given the green light by HBO to cover the Game of Thrones Theme song. Definitely worth a listen or 2. Well done, and done in under 3 days. There's even a horse in there.

  • Skydiving into the Blue Hole, 8.5min.

  • Going to the top Tiger Fern Trail in Belize, 5.5min. Tiger Fern Trail in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize.

  • Landing in Placencia, Belize, .5min.

  • Lamanai, Belize, 14min. Lamanai is a Mesoamerican archaeological site, and was once a major city of the Maya civilization, located in the north of Belize, in Orange Walk District.

  • Nude ish Branch in Belize, 2min. My brother found this nude ish branch (Nudibranch) while he was scuba diving off the coast of Belize.

  • PLB Closing Season | Verdes FC vs Bandits SC | Live at the Norman Broaster Stadium, San Ignacio, Cayo, 2.5hr.

    April 7, 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

    Argentinian police on their way to Belize to extradite fugitive Alberto Samid
    While 71-year-old Argentinian fugitive Alberto Samid remains detained at the San Pedro Police Station, after being red-flagged by INTERPOL for a legal case in his country on fraud and tax evasion, The San Pedro Sun learned that two law enforcement officers from Argentina are arriving in Belize on Sunday, April 7th to seek his extradition. Although Belize and Argentina do not share an extradition treaty, reports are they could apply a reciprocal mechanism to take Samid back to Argentina.

    Sanitation personnel at SPTC notes a decrease in Sargassum influx
    After weeks of constant accumulation of Sargassum on the eastern beaches of San Pedro Town, the Sanitation Department at The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is reporting a decrease in the influx of this seasonal seaweed on the island. Over the past weeks, large areas of the Boca del Rio strip were inundated with large amounts of Sargassum affecting many business establishments along the coastline. Beach hotels have also been affected. However, they have opted to set barriers in front of their beaches in an attempt to keep their areas free of the seaweed.

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    LED Officer Travels to Taiwan for workshop on Eco-Tourism Promotion
    The San Pedro Town Council is pleased to announce that the Local Economic Development Officer, Mr. Jorge Aldana has recently completed a workshop on Eco-Tourism Promotion, sponsored by the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) through the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF). The workshop took place from the 13thto the 26th of March in Taipei, Taiwan, and it included intense classroom sessions, forums, field trips and an end of course final presentation. During the 14 days, Mr. Aldana gave an overview of the tourism industry and impact on Ambergris Caye, the way the island has evolved into the country’s prime tourism destination and how important the eco-system is to our tourism product. He shared good practices developed over the years, including the sustainable use of the natural resources, like the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which is one of the main sources of revenue for the island’s economy.

    Join us on Sunday, April 7, 2019 for the 20th BEL Junior Cross Country Cycling Classic
    Junior Male Route: San Jose Succotz ferry entrance > George Price Highway > Joseph Andrews Drive > Santa Elena Bridge > La Loma Luz Boulevard > George Price Highway > Central American Boulevard > Belcan Bridge > Philip Goldson Highway > one lap between Buttonwood Bay Boulevard and NAPA roundabouts> BEL Corporate Headquarters Female Novice Race Route: BEL West Lake Substation > George Price Highway > Central American Boulevard > Belcan Bridge > Philip Goldson Highway > BEL Corporate Headquarters

    "Imagining and enacting Indigenous Futures: diversity & the challenge of inclusion"
    Yucatec Maya brother Dr. Filiberto Penados presents on "Imagining and enacting Indigenous Futures: diversity & the challenge of inclusion" at The Ohio State University Department of Anthropology on April 8th, 2019.

    The Reporter

    The Dangerous Politicization of the Military
    By Nefretery Marin – By asking active-duty personnel (no less than all our heads of Belize’s security forces) to join in the Yes to the ICJ propaganda…in their own selfish, political interest, the Government of Belize, crossed an important and dangerous line. Admiral John Borland, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams and Brigadier General Steven Ortega, ought to have had more integrity and military honour. They were, however, no doubt protecting/securing their positions and their jobs.

    MOH Monitors Smoke Crisis In The North
    Health officials are on standby in several northern communities in the Corozal District following multiple reports of thick smoke emitting from Mexico that has been blanketing the affected communities and disrupting air quality for residents. The Reporter has confirmed that for the past three weeks residents in the communities of San Narciso, Louisville, San Victor, Santa Clara, San Roman, Cristo Rey and Concepcion have been severely affected by the smoke that is drifting into Belize from a burning dump site in Mexico.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    $2,000 in cash and items stolen from home in Belize City
    Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred on April 5, 2019 in Belize City. Ruhiel Trejo, 26, told police that about 1:15 p.m., he was exiting his residence with his mother, Ermelinda Bey, when 2 men approached them.

    Man, 22, shot on cheek in Belize City
    Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred last night in Belize City. Oswald Warrior, 22, of Carmelita, Orange Walk told police that he was walking on Sarstoon Street when a man approached him and shot him on his cheek.

    Woman, 36, missing in Belize City
    A 36-year old woman from Belize City has been reported missing. Cheryl Gonzales,36, reportedly left home on April 2, 2019, around 9 am and since then no one has seen or heard from her.

    Man,52, chopped to his head by friend socializing at his home
    Authorities are investigating an incident that occurred last night in Santa Elena, Cayo. Around 9:20 pm, Daniel Castellanos,52, was at his home socializing with Marco Perez when they got into an argument.

    Boat engine stolen in Punta Gorda
    Timoteo Bo reported to police that sometime between Thursday, April 4, 2019, and 6 am today, his boat engine was stolen from his warehouse on Periwinkle Street, Punta Gorda.

    Let Your Yes be Yes and Your No No
    By Delroy Cuthkelvin: Uncertainty is the mood across the nation as Belizeans endure what is (or was to be) our last weekend before taking to the polls to answer that crucial question, whether or not to go to the ICJ to settle the age old Guatemalan Claim.

    Commonwealth observer group arrives, Will there be a referendum to observe?
    Amidst the uncertainty of whether or not the April 10 referendum will actually take place, a team from the Commonwealth, which is supposed to observe the referendum, has arrived in Belize.

    USA Today features Belize in travel writing piece
    Belize’s name continues to ring bells internationally, with new travel writing articles featuring the country popping up every week. The latest, a piece published on USA Today’s Website entitled “Surprising trips to put on your bucket list,” focuses on the country’s Maya heritage.

    Interpol confirms wanted businessman detained in Belize
    Breaking Belize News broke the news last night that wanted Argentine businessman, Alberto Samid, was detained in San Pedro Ambergris Caye. Samid is wanted in Argentina for evading a significant amount of taxes for his livestock and meat shop firms.

    Court of Appeal to hear appeal of referendum injunction on Monday
    The Court of Appeal is the next stage of the fight over the April 10 referendum in which Belizeans are being asked to approve the International Court of Justice finally resolving the Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute.

    US State Department names Belize as a major money laundering and drug trafficking nation
    The United States Department of State (USDS) has cited Belize as a country for major money laundering and illicit drug trafficking in the 2019 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR).

    International Sourcesizz

    Belize: Put the national interest first
    Narrow party political ambitions frequently thwart the wider national interest in practically every country. The world is watching this play out now as a public spectacle in Britain, where the Brexit question continues to be deeply immersed in both personal political purposes and a struggle for the supremacy of one political party over another. At the end of it, Britain will be a much-diminished nation economically. It will also have little clout in the international community. But it is not in Britain alone that this tragedy of political ambition over wider national interest is being displayed. On April 3, seven days before a referendum is scheduled to be held in Belize to determine if the country should take its border dispute with Guatemala for final arbitration to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Opposition political party, the People's Unity Party (PUP), obtained an injunction from the Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin to stay it.

    After 34 years, UNLV professors still digging Maya ruin in Belize
    The ancient Central American city of Caracol was abandoned by the Maya almost a thousand years ago, but Arlen and Diane Chase can’t seem to stay away from the place. Since 1985, the husband-and-wife team of UNLV anthropologists has spent several months a year at the remote site in the jungles of Belize, excavating ruins and uncovering secrets from the region’s once-dominant civilization. The Chases just finished their 35th consecutive research season at Caracol. “Which I think is a record,” Arlen said. “I don’t think that there’s another Maya project that’s been running continuously for this long.”

    Belize’s Big Gamble
    Just 40 years ago it was still a British colony, yet Belize is now a largely unknown – and little understood – entity in the UK. The tiny, picturesque country, wedged between south east Mexico and north east Guatemala, prides itself on its biodiversity and is renowned mostly for tourism and as the home of the world’s longest barrier reef. But Belize – home to fewer than 500,000 people – is a country feeling vulnerable and divided. It is embroiled in a lingering border dispute with its much larger neighbour, Guatemala, which has long staked a claim to half of its land and significant chunks of maritime territory. A polarising referendum is due to be held on April 10 for Belizeans to decide if their tiny country should fight it out with Guatemala in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the Hague, a process which would impose a legally-binding resolution on the territorial sovereignty of the two countries.

    Belice: cómo es el lugar donde detuvieron a Alberto Samid
    Tras fugarse del país y que Interpol lanzara una alerta roja para su búsqueda, este mediodía llegó la confirmación por parte de Interpol Argentina y de la ministra de Seguridad, Patricia Bullrich, de la detención de José Alberto Samid. "El Rey de la Carne" fue capturado en San Pedro, una ciudad en la parte sur del Cayo Ambergris, la isla más grande que se ubica en el norte del país centroamericano Belice. Un lugar paradisíaco que el empresario eligió para esconderse tras fugarse de Argentina al no presentarse a la lectura del fallo de un juicio por delitos de asociación ilícita y evasión agravada.

    Tree Species of the Bald Hills Landscape
    The Bald Hills savannas of the north-central Maya Mountains transition to pine-oak forests to broadleaved rainforests, resulting in a rich array of tree species across the landscape. Learn more about the ecological principles that explain these transitions in our previous post on the Bald Hills. A major component of the Trees of Belize Project is identifying, locating, and assessing the tree species of Belize, in collaboration with local botanists and the Environmental Research Institute of the University of Belize. This accumulation of botanical knowledge will ultimately lead to a comprehensive field guide of the Trees of Belize. Here, we invite to you to learn about a few of the species identified in the Bald Hills and surrounding landscape:

    Videos

  • Loving the town view in Corozal, 2min. It was quite busy yesterday around town.

  • John Carr to run in Cayo South for BPF, 3min. The Belize People’s Front is a new political party that promises change. Their party leader is Nancy Marin and their plan is to have a representative in all 31 constituencies for the 2020 general elections. BPF has identified its Cayo South standard bearer as owner of Banana Bank Lodge, John Carr. Carr has been residing in Belize for the past 41 years with his wife and family. He is very much involved in community work and says that he is good friends with current Cayo South Area representative, Julius Espat; but, that friendship has not stopped Carr from taking up the challenge to unseat Espat. Today, Plus News caught up with Carr to hear why he decided to enter the realm of electoral politics. Here is what he had to say.

  • 2019 spring break Ncl cruise, 4min.

  • Water, 2min. A public service announcement for Oceana Belize to bring awareness to the need to protect our environment.

  • The Beauty of Burning Belize, 7min. A 14 day workshop was designed to achieve live fire operations so participants could experience leadership opportunities in wildland fires. Doing this workshop, participants learned to manage uncontrolled wildfires on the pine savannas of Deep River Forest Reserve, Belize.

  • Parasailing in Belize, 4.5min. Harvest Caye, Belize

  • Belize 2019, 3min. The Villas and Lewis Family vacation to Ambergris Caye, Belize for Spring Break.

  • UNLV Anthropology professors excavate Maya ruin site of Caracol, Belize for 36 years, 2min. The husband-and-wife team of UNLV anthropologists has spent several months a year at the remote site of Caracol in the jungles of Belize, excavating ruins and uncovering secrets from the region’s once-dominant civilization.

  • Swimming With Sharks and Stingrays in Belize!, 1min.

  • Fly Fishing for bone fish in Belize,4 min. This if one of the first trips my Father and I took together out of the country to go fishing.

  • A Slideshow of Our History - Hope Haven & SHINE in Belize, 10min. Take a photo journey of our history and accomplishments of Hope Haven Children's Shelter & SHINE Empowerment Center, located on Ambergris Caye in Belize, Central America.

  • Maya Air flight Belize City to San Pedro; Ambergris Caye, Belize, 6min.

  • BEST FOOD in San Pedro Belize - Gluten Free, 5min. In this video, Steve showcases THE BEST food from San Pedro on Ambergris Caye in Belize. There are so many incredible restaurants to check out when you are on your vacation. I review my favourite tacos, ceviche, curry, and traditional dishes from Belize. AND EVERYTHING I ORDERED GLUTEN FREE! Belize is one of the easier places to find Gluten Free options if you have celiac disease, or a gluten intolerance. Watch this video for some tips on eating gluten free in Belize!

  • Lamanai Chocolate, Belize, 4min. This video shows you how stoneground chocolate is made in the Maya tradition in Belize. See Roger Hale of Lamanai Chocolate turn roasted cocoa beans into delicious handcrafted chocolate truffles in a matter of minutes.

  • Belize Spring Break 2019, 8min. Welcome to a little bit of my amazing week. god is so so good y’all. happy spring break:))

  • Lessons I Learned in BELIZE!, 21min. Now, this is a story all about how My life got flipped-turned upside down And I'd like to take a minute Just stay with me I'll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Belize.

  • NEBL 2019 | Dream Ballers vs Hurricanes | Live at the Russel Chiste Auditorium, Dangriga, 2.5hr.

  • Resurgimiento del sur con Vía carretera Xcalak-San Pedro, Belize, 4.5min.

    April 6, 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

    Argentinian fugitive detained in San Pedro Town
    The San Pedro Sun has confirmed that 71-year-old Alberto Samid was detained in San Pedro Town on Friday, April 5th. Samid, who is also known as 'Rey de la Carne' in Argentina, is one of INTERPOL's most wanted men. He has a pending legal case in his country for fraud and tax evasion. Earlier today, INTERPOL had warned about Samid's possible intentions to head to Belize. Hours later, he was arrested at a unit south of San Pedro Town.

    Low water pressure and shortages expected during Easter holidays; BWSL to improve their capacity production by October 2019
    As the Easter Holidays are fast approaching, yet again, island residents are reporting an increase in low water pressure and shortages, particularly during the night hours. The ongoing issue is affecting the tourism sector on the island, as many large hotels have reported full occupancy and are struggling with the situation. The San Pedro Sun reached out to BWSL and was informed that the company is currently working on their infrastructure to boost their production and remedy the situation, but that improvement in their water production is not expected to be finalized until October of this year. At such, islanders should expect water shortages and supply restrictions for the remainder of the current peak season.

    2019 Belize Expo Tattoo Festival shines a light on talent and entertainment
    The R. A. Nuñez Auditorium was filled with the sound of buzzing tattoo guns, fast-paced rap and hip-hop, guitars and drums from live musical performances and a general air of excitement over the third Belize Expo Tattoo Festival. With tattoo artists from as far as Canada, USA, Mexico and even Costa Rica, eager ink fans had a plethora of talent to choose from.

    Supreme Court’s Chief Justice grants PUP injunction, halting ICJ Referendum
    The national referendum scheduled for April 10, 2019, on whether to settle the Guatemalan claim to Belize at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been postponed after Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin granted an interim injunction sought by the People’s United Party (PUP). The decision was handed over on Wednesday, April 3rd at the Supreme Court in Belize City. A new referendum date will not be announced until a claim on the writ of the referendum is heard in its first session scheduled for Monday, April 8th. Chief Justice Benjamin noted that there is an arguable case and that Prime Minister Right Honorable Dean Barrow did not properly follow the law when he had the Governor General sign the writ to proceed with the referendum.

    2019-2020 National Budget offers little for BRS
    The 2019-2020 National Budget was approved by the Senate shortly after 5PM on Thursday, March 28th inside the National Assembly in the Capital City of Belmopan. The proposed $1.25-billion-dollar budget by the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) was heavily criticized by the Opposition, the People’s United Party (PUP) during its initial debate from Monday, March 25th through the 26th in the House of Representatives. The Opposition pointed out that the government was focusing mainly on infrastructure spending and was short on people-oriented programs. One detail that caught the attention of the Belize Rural South (BRS) constituency, particularly Ambergris Caye, was the minuscule budget designated for the number one tourism destination in the country and top revenue earner.

    Ambergris Today

    Government Of Belize Explains The Supreme Court’s Ruling On The ICJ Referendum
    On April 3, 2019, the Chief Justice Hon. Kenneth Benjamin delivered his ruling on the injunction case on the referendum planned for April 10, 2019 brought before the Supreme Court of Belize by the Opposition Party. The Opposition had asked the Supreme Court to stop the referendum because they contend that there are serious issues to be tried. The main points presented to the Court by the Opposition were:

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    Clean up Campaign in Ranchito Village
    The Belize Red Cross in collaboration with the Ministry of Health will be having a clean up campaign this Sunday April 7th at 9:00AM in Ranchito Village. The community is invited to participate. Light refreshment wills be served after.

    WHAT IS OUR MESTIZO CULTURE? Lecture by Nancy Leiva
    Long before the coming of Europeans to this part of the world, many cultures SETTLED, DEVELOPED and DECLINED in this diverse land. One of those wonderful cultures is the Maya. The birth place of the Maya civilization is spread across 5 countries- parts of Mexico, ALL of Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and parts of Honduras; together these countries make up Mesoamerica. Of course, it is highly probable that the political boundaries of today were not followed by the Maya. As we zoom into our Belize- the Maya subdivided this area into three provinces. The southern part was the Manche Chol Province, the central region was the Dzuluinicob Province and here in the north running up to about Calderitas in present day Quintana Roo lay the Chetumal (Chactemal) Province.

    20th BEL Junior Cross Country Cycling Classic
    Join us on Sunday, April 7, 2019 for the 20th BEL Junior Cross Country Cycling Classic. Junior Male Route: San Jose Succotz ferry entrance > George Price Highway > Joseph Andrews Drive > Santa Elena Bridge > La Loma Luz Boulevard > George Price Highway > Central American Boulevard > Belcan Bridge > Philip Goldson Highway > one lap between Buttonwood Bay Boulevard and NAPA roundabouts> BEL Corporate Headquarters Female Novice Race Route: BEL West Lake Substation > George Price Highway > Central American Boulevard > Belcan Bridge > Philip Goldson Highway > BEL Corporate Headquarters

    LGBT night at Sunset Lounge
    Thursday, April 11, 2019 at 8 PM – 12 AM, Sunset Lounge Coconut Drive, San Pedro. Showing some appreciation to our LGBT Family.

    Belize Defence Force Officer Selection
    Want to contribute positively to your Country? Then join the Belize Defence Force and become a member of a professional, discipline and elite organization.

    BELIZE NATIONAL RUGBY TEAM EXPANDS
    Rugby — the newest sport in Belize — is growing fast. With seven teams around the country. reaching from Orange Walk to Hopkins, and San Ignacio to San Pedro attracting new players. the desire from players to join the country’s national team has resulted in the decision to expand the team. So. following a very successful try-out event held in Belmopan, Rugby Belize Founder and President. Tony Gillings, announced a big expansion of the team. The “Belize Macaws” (as the national team is known) had their rst taste of international rugby when the Guatemalan national U19 team visited last November — the rst international rugby game ever played in Belize – and will be making their debut in the region’s world-class Cancun 7’s Festival this June.

    La Isla Carinosa Academy Talent Show Tonight
    Come out today and support this very exciting event! Food and drinks will be on sale! See you there!

    ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL BANK LIMITED: STATUS AND NEXT STEPS
    For those caught up in the Atlantic Bank situation. Here's an update from a distinguished attorney in Belize, Ryan Wrobel, spelling out what he sees as the next steps in this process.

    Officers of the Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project to Travel to Taiwan for Training
    The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development in collaboration with Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project is pleased to announce the approval of funding from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to dispatch two personnel from the Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project to receive training in Taiwan.

    Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, National AIDS Program
    We are once again inviting interested persons to apply for the vacant post below. Job Summary: The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer will be responsible to ensure the collection and analysis of HIV data, information and indicators, critical to the monitoring of the national and local response to HIV and AIDS in Belize.

    Tree Planting Ceremony at the Halston Chan Sporting Complex
    Corozal Town Council alongside Audubon Society, Oceana and Students from St. Paul's Anglican School joined hands in a Tree Planting Ceremony at the Halston Chan Sporting Complex. Mayor Rigo Vellos along with students and representatives of the different organizations planted two Mahogany Trees and three Flamboyant Trees. Taking care of our environment is everyone's responsibility.

    No football at Ricalde Stadium this weekend
    The Corozal Football Association regrets to inform all team owners, managers and coaches that all Football Games scheduled for this Saturday, April 6th and Sunday, April 7th have been postponed due to unavailability of the Ricalde Stadium.

    Special Olympics Fun Run Day in Corozol Today
    Saturday, April 6th starting at 6:30 a.m. at the Central Park.

    Four buoys for catamarans at Shark Ray Alley
    All Tour Operators please note that there are now four buoys for catamarans at Shark Ray Alley. Buoys set aside for catamarans are installed with two pins our a bigger block to withstand the tension placed on them by these larger vessels. All catamaran buoys at the Channel and Shark Ray have been marked with a red C to identify them. Operators with smaller vessels we ask your cooperation by not tying to these buoys and leaving them available for the cats. Thanks to the HC Technical team for a job well done.

    Channel 7

    Referendum Crisis Day 3: PM Calls Cabinet To Emergency Meeting
    Tonight, Belizeans in every corner of the country desperately want to know: will there or won't there be a referendum on Wednesday, April 10th?  And, tonight, even after an emergency hearing in the Court of Appeal, there are still no easy answers - in fact, there are more questions than answers. We'll tell you all that happened in court in a minute, but first we'll try to put together the pieces to get somewhere close to an answer about Wednesday.  First, we do know the government is still determined to hold the referendum and it's not sitting idly by waiting to hear what the court says.  Cabinet held an emergency meeting today at the Laing building - which went from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. 

    Court of Appeal Hearing: AG Claims PUP Is Stalling
    Again, it's an effort to try and get the referendum underway by any and all legal means.  And whIle that is happening between the executive and the legislature,, the judiciary was also tied up with the matter today. Last night, we told you that the Government was seeking an expedited hearing in front the Court of Appeal. The Barrow Administration is racing against the clock to get the Supreme Court injunction lifted, so that it can still hold the ICJ referendum next week.

    Human Remains Found in Los Lagos Area: Family Says It's Their Missing Patriarch
    Tonight, a Belize City family is sure that human remains found yesterday in Belize Rural are those of their patriarch, 83 year old Hubert Richards who disappeared in November of 2017.   The remains were found yesterday around 1:00 pm in this savanna area behind Los Lagos.  The bones were scattered across a 20 foot diameter - in an area just 30 feet away from where a human skull was found three weeks ago.   An on-site forensic examination has led Police to conclude that the bones are those an elderly adult male.

    Resignation Ruction At City Hall? Or A Poker Prank?
    Belize City councillor Ryan Eligio's facebook page lit up last night with a stunning post.  It said, quote, "I work too hard for my name and will never (neat) it up for no onewith immediate effect I will no longer be a part of this council." Close quote.  So, what's up with that?  Well, we checked with the mayor's office which said it could not comment because it had gotten no notice of resignation.  So we checked with Eligio who, quite predictably, told us that his facebook page had been hacked.  And then he told us it was a "poker prank."   He said he's a good PUP and that everything is fine between him and the mayor. 

    The North Shrouded In Smoke From Mexico
    Can you imagine being surrounded by a thick cloud of putrid smoke everyday? Well that is exactly what Corozal residents have been experiencing for the past 4 weeks. Residents from a host of communities including San Narciso, Louisville, San Victor, Santa Clara, San Roman, Cristo Rey and Concepcion are being affected. The fumes are coming from a burning dumpsite in a nearby Mexican community, Health authorities have not confirmed which community that is as yet. But residents say it is unbearable and they are desperately in need of some relief because it is affecting their health. We spoke to a concerned San Narciso resident via phone today.

    What To Do When You Find Weevils In Your Honey Bunches
    On Wednesday we told you the story about the Honey Bunches of Weevils at Tai Kong store in Cayo. The enraged customer who bought the contaminated box of cereal was charged with harm after she stoned the Chinese grocer with a calculator - that was her reacting to the Chinese grocer snatching her phone away to prevent her from recording their exchange about the cereal. It was a messy situation but now that that is in the past, going forward, how should a customer handle a situation such as this one where they purchase a tainted grocery item? We asked principal public health inspector John Bodden via phone.

    Private Attorney In Charge Of Prosecution Branch
    She's a former city councillor and a trained attorney who also happens to be the daughter of Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, and, now, 7News has confirmed that Alifa Elrington-Hyde is also the new Head of the Prosecution Branch. As viewers may know, the Prosecution Branch is in charge of preparing all criminal charges for defendants who are taken before the Magistrate's Courts. Police officers are usually the ones who lead the prosecution of those cases. They work very closely with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and crown counsels from that office, as well as the DPP herself, who often advise the police prosecutors on how to proceed with those charges.

    BEL Punishing with High Cost Of Power, But Won't Pass It To Consumers
    BEL says it's taking a lick with the price of fuel, but the utility says it doesn't want to increase your electricity rate.   On Monday the power company submitted a proposal to the PUC asking to keep the average electricity rate pegged at 41 cents per kilowatt hour for the next Annual Tariff Period, which runs from July 1, 2019 through to June 30, 2020. But, the company says it's taking pain to keep the rate pegged.

    San Roman Fire Victims Need Help
    The San Roman Fire victims need all the help they can get to rebuild their lives. As we reported, 3 thatch houses were set on fire on Sunday night leaving a family of 20 with nothing. Neither of the houses had electricity so it is believed to be arson caused by a family dispute. If you would like to help the family you can call Emilio Zabaneh at 610-5412 or put money in the property owner Juan Cucul's Holy Redeemer credit union account number 79996.

    The Art Of The Acrobat: Talk Like This, Act Like That
    "Hypocrite" - it's such an ugly word.  We would never use it - and certainly not to describe politicians - nope, that just wouldn't be fair.    We'd rather call them ACROBATS - because they flip so neatly, so effortlessly, so artfully on issues and across positions, and contortions, they can bend reasoning to fit any position acrobats, for sure. And when it comes to the ICJ it's been almost like the Cirque Du Soleil in the court of public opinion where everyone has been switching sides and positions.  Jules Vasquez has been following the show with ardent eyes, and here's his commentary:

    Hummingbird and San Marcos Rise As Primary School Champs
    Last night, the best primary school volleyballers were named national champions at the City Centre. 6 teams from every district played in the male and female competitions and at the end of it, Belize city's Hummingbird Elementary bested Toledo's San Felipe government school for the girls, and Cayo's San Marcos RC beat Belize City's Holy Redeemer in the boys category. The Female MVP was Dasialynn Thurton from Hummingbird Elementary and Emil Castillo from San Marcos RC.

    WPC Goes Home With A Proper Police Parade
    Today, the police department brought out their full colours and full forces for the funeral of WPC Sherlett Andrews. As we told you the 43 year old died under questionable circumstances after an illness last week.

    Channel 5

    Court of Appeal to Hear I.C.J. Injunction Appeal
    On Monday, the Government of Belize and the Opposition Party will go to legal war at both the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal is scheduled [...]

    Attorney General Accuses P.U.P. of Delay Tactics
    The Opposition Party has until Saturday evening to file skeletal arguments after which the hearing will be held on Monday. For the government, it is a race against time and [...]

    I.C.J. Referendum: If Not April Tenth, When?
    As you heard, attorneys for P.U.P. parliamentarians and the Government went before the Court of Appeal this afternoon for case management ahead of arguments on Monday. To put things in [...]

    Is Councilor Elijio Upset with Belize City Council?
    So what is happening at City Hall?  P.U.P. Belize City Councillor Ryan Elijio caused quite a stir on Thursday night after a post on his personal Facebook profile alluded to [...]

    Skeletal Remains Discovered Behind Los Lagos; Are They for Hubert Richards?
    The remains of an elderly man were found today near the Los Lagos community, Ladyville. It has been determined so far that the bones are that of an elderly man, [...]

    Little Barranco and the Polemic I.C.J. Vote
    Barranco in is one of the smallest villages in the country.  The quiet community is located in a remote area of southern Belize and overtime, it has generally kept away [...]

    Belize is Named as a Drug Transit Point
    Belize is among five countries that have been named as “drug transit” countries by the U.S. government in the latest International Narcotics Control Strategy Report. The other four countries are: [...]

    B.E.L Proposes to Maintain Mean Electricity Rate for 2019-2020
    The Belize Electricity Limited has asked the Public Utilities Commission to maintain the mean electricity rate of forty-one cents per kilowatt-hour from July of this year through to June of [...]

    A Fire in the City
    There was a fire this evening just before five on Freetown Road in Belize City. The fire was seen coming out of the upper flat of a concrete building with [...]

    A Double Head Cabbage Residents Back Flips Off a Tree to his Death
    Family and friends of Percival Flowers Junior are grieving his untimely death. The experienced swimmer perished in the Belize River a few days ago when he flipped from a tree [...]

    Interpol says Argentinean Fugitive Hiding in Belize
    Interpol says Argentinean fugitive, seventy-one-year-old Alberto Samid is hiding in Belize. International Criminal Police Organization issued a red alert for the Samid who is wanted in Argentina for tax evasion. [...]

    Father to Stand Trial for Sexual Abuse of his 13-year-old Daughter
    A forty-six-year-old father of Belize City will stand trial in the June session of the Supreme Court for incest of his thirteen-year-old daughter. He is accused of the sexual abuse [...]

    Inmate Charged for Sexually Assaulting a Security Officer
    An inmate who is a prison trustee, who is serving an eleven-year sentence for manslaughter, has been charged with the sexual assault of a security officer. Thirty-two-year-old David Rosalez appeared [...]

    Bird Talk with King Vulture and Harpy Eagle at the Zoo
    Earlier this week we showed you a pair of Jaguarundis who were born two months ago at the Belize Zoo. News of the birth spread quickly among the zoos across [...]

    Innovation Financial Management, Securing a Sustainable A.C.C.
    The Anglican Cathedral College held an open day showcase for its enterprising students. They showed off the creations they made to observe the theme, “Innovation Financial Management Securing a Sustainable [...]

    NEBL: Defenders Versus Dream Ballaz
    Belize City Defenders and Dangriga Dream Ballaz head to the basketball court at the Civic Centre in a do or die game. Tonight’s game will determine who moves up to [...]

    Amandala

    CJ puts April 10 ICJ referendum on pause
    The area near the Supreme Court sprang to life when members of the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) walked into the area and stopped at the steps of the court building, where they recited the National Prayer before proceeding upstairs to the courtroom of the Hon. Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin. Inside the courtroom, for a few minutes a cordial atmosphere prevailed between the opposing sides of the United Democratic Party and the PUP, until the Court Marshall entered shortly after 2:00 p.m. and placed the Chief Justice’s books on top of his raised desk. The Marshall walked out and came back in, announcing “His Lordship, the Chief Justice,” as everyone inside rose to their feet, then sat down to await the historic decision in Claim 151 of 2019.

    Barrow flip-flops on Chief Justice’s ruling
    Shortly after Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin granted an interim injunction in response to a constitutional claim by Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) parliamentarians and a PUP standard bearer to halt the International Court of Justice (ICJ) referendum that was scheduled for April 10, Prime Minister Dean Barrow called a press conference that he opened by saying, “Of course I am extremely disappointed by the ruling.” Last Thursday at Barrow’s press conference at the Best Western Biltmore Hotel, Amandala asked him whether he would respect the ruling of the court, if the court were to grant the injunction that was being sought by the claimants.

    1 killed by switchblade; 1 shot to death
    Two men who became involved in an altercation with a man they knew, on Fabers Road Extension at about 9:00 yesterday morning, beat the man with a bottle and a concrete block, but the man retaliated by taking out a switchblade with which he stabbed the two men who attacked him. He then rode away on his motorcycle. Marcos Frazer, 24, of Fabers Road Extension was stabbed in the chest and died shortly after at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. His friend, Kyle Saunders, was stabbed in the body and is currently admitted to the KHMH in a serious but stable condition.

    HBO legally enters Belizean broadcasting
    After years of having limited and unauthorized access to the popular television network HBO, Belizeans may now enjoy a more legitimate viewers’ experience with this network via their local cable providers. Today, the Belize Cable Television Operators Association (BCTVOA) met with HBO Latin America Group at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza to sign a two-year contract that would officially introduce HBO into the cable broadcasting market. Under this agreement, Belizean cable stations will now offer authorized access to at least thirty acclaimed channels such as HBO, A&E, Liftetime, Syfy, etc.

    Morgue malfunction causes more heartache for bereaved family
    The freezing system at the morgue at the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga is malfunctioning, and this has led to poor storage of bodies that are placed at the facility. We were informed that bodies placed in storage for burial at a later date are decomposing, and the loved ones of the deceased persons whose bodies are stored there are being urged to take out the bodies and bury them immediately. In some cases the hospital has taken the bodies to another facility for storage. Karen Lewis told the media that her mother, Juliana Palacio Castillo, 79, died in the Southern Regional Hospital, and when they retrieved the body to prepare it for burial they found it was in an advanced state of decomposition.

    Mayor Bernard Wagner leads delegation to Taiwan Smart Cities Summit & Expo
    Belize City Mayor, Bernard Wagner, and a delegation he led to Taipei, Taiwan, returned home over the weekend, after attending the 2019 Smart Cities Summit & Expo. Accompanying Mayor Wagner was Councilor with responsibility for Traffic, Allan Pollard; Councilor with responsibility for Public Health and Cemetery, Deltrude Hylton; and City Planner, Carla Patnett. The five-day visit included the delegation’s participation in activities and forums geared towards the development of smart cities globally.

    Belizean Alexis Chan accepted to Barcelona U19 Pre-Academy in Phoenix, Arizona
    Good day, my Belizean people! I wanna take this time to thank my sponsors for making this amazing journey possible. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Irvin N Froila Osorio, William Sandoval, Eric N Sedacy, Onofre Vellos Jr. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for the unconditional love and support you both provided me with. Thank you to everyone who kept motivating me to work hard and be better on and off the pitch, because all this wouldn’t have been possible without your help. To all the people I didn’t answer on social media, it’s because I’ve been busy grinding this weekend. I promise to get back to you all really soon.

    Corozal F.A. Youth Tournaments report for April 1, 2019
    Thanks, God, for another successful week of youth games at the Ricalde Stadium. This week marks our eighth week of the ongoing youth U-Tournaments hosted by the Corozal Football Association (CFA) under the auspices of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB). We are pleased to report that no incidents have been encountered, but we are happy to report on the sportsmanship displayed by each of the participating teams. All clubs are trying their best to ensure that they lead to semifinals.

    The Mayor Belize City Dominoes Tournament Week 3 results
    Week 3 games in the Mayor Belize City Dominoes Tournament were held on Sunday, March 31, at Rali’s Restaurant and Bar. A total of thirteen teams participated, and all games concluded with the winners reaching 3000 points. The results were as follows: Mango Tree (3002) over Port #1 (2189); Mopan Street (3016) over Dirty Rebels (2570); Third World (3000) over Another World (416); Grabs (3048) over House Bottom (1886); Backyard (3000) over Riverside (1110); and Outlaws (3038) over Truckers (1050).

    BVA 2019 Beach Volleyball Tour Stop #2 winners
    The Belize Volleyball Association’s (BVA) 2019 Beach Volleyball Tour Stop #2 was held at Kukumba Beach, Old Belize on March 30 & 31, 2019. 11 male teams and 6 female teams were registered. The winning teams were: FEMALES: 1st Place – Fatima Ramirez & Gareth Bruce; 2nd Place – Mya Musa & Ayah Safa; 3rd Place – Kelsey Balderamos & Allyana Musa.

    Editorial: A pause for democracy
    On Wednesday, April 3, 2019, the Chief Justice of Belize, Honorable Kenneth Benjamin, ruled that there was sufficient reason to push the pause button on the train rushing down the tracks, with haste that might be described as indecent, toward the April 10 referendum appointment. The delay is to allow for the court to rule on a constitutional claim brought by Her Majesty’s main opposition party, the PUP, which is fully supported by our country’s third parties, the Belize Peace Movement, and a number of highly respected independent political activists.

    Belizean tribes and the ICJ
    There’s been a lot of talking and writing, by Belizeans sharing their opinions on the decision we must make on April 10, or whenever we vote on the Special Agreement. It’s been a tense period, very interesting, and many people are still not certain about how they will vote. I have listened to everyone I got a chance to listen to, and I’ve read every opinion, every historical document I got my hands on. Yes, I am still a yes. But I’m hearing a lot of no’s around me. I have heard the observation that Belizeans in the upper brackets are more likely to vote yes, and Belizeans who are not in the upper brackets are very suspicious about the matter.

    NO case is IRONCLAD!
    I have stayed out of the fray of the ICJ debate for a long time, and it was not until the last two months, more or less, that I have publicly participated in the debate and discussion. Of course, this decision means that I have endured much trolling by the yes-ers, in particular four personalities all connected and related and not worth mentioning. Of course, it means I have been bullied and called a fear-monger and hysterical because I express my view and dare to stand my ground independently of any organization, NGO, movement, political party or enclave of fanatics. I know I have my own credibility and can stand on my own grounds.

    Our Belizean ancestors were traversing the entire Sarstoon since the 1800’s until they were required to share the river with Guatemala to comply with the 1859 Treaty.
    The International Court of Justice recently (1999) gave its determination on rivers which serves as a boundary between two states as illustrated in the case of Botswana and Namibia regarding the Kasikili-Sedudu island and the Chobe River system based on the Anglo-German treaty of July 1, 1890, 31 years after our August 30, 1859 Belize-Guatemala treaty. The ICJ after intense research, confirmed what has been known to us regarding rivers which are boundaries between states. Because the treaty between Britain and Germany regarding Botswana and Namibia did not have the word “boundary”, the ICJ had to include that in their argument regarding the case, the language of the treaty also had to be brought up to date for modern usage to assist in their ruling, for example, the thalweg which is the German term meaning “the way downward” had to be explained that it not only means “main channel” or “center of the river”.

    MINISTER DEREK AIKMAN IN MEMORIAL
    Isn’t it funny how time slips away? It appears like just yesterday that the young and ambitious political student activist, Derek Aikman, at the tender age of 19, came home to Belize from school in Florida in the United States in the early 1980s, and began to pursue a very ambitious career in politics in Belize. His youthful age never seemed to matter as Belizean young people of all colors and creed began to identify with his message of political change in a People’s United Party (PUP) dominance of political power in Belize since the 1950s under the charismatic leadership of the late George Cadle Price.

    James Gibson, 21, arraigned for murder of his cousin, Malcolm Leslie, 18
    An argument between two cousins led to the death of one of them, Malcolm Leslie, 18, and the arrest of the other, James Emmanuel Gibson, 21, on a charge of murder. Gibson, a laborer of Sandhill, was arraigned on the charge before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts Anderson, on Tuesday, April 2. No plea was taken because the offense is indictable. He was remanded until June 24.

    GAF incident on Sarstoon River results in another Belize Protest Note
    In the early hours of Monday morning, there was an incident on the Sarstoon River involving a a group of Belize Territorial Volunteers on a boat who were being harassed by members of the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF), who were traveling on two boats. The entire episode unfolded in front of Belize’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) and was witnessed by Belize Coast Guard and Belize Defence Force personnel stationed at the FOB.

    On the Sarstoon River, BTV leader Wil Maheia, the Coast Guard and BDF face down GAF
    Apart from Guatemalan civilians’ incursions on the western border, the Sarstoon River in the area of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) has become a flashpoint for the Guatemalan Armed Forces’ (GAF) violation of Belize’s territorial integrity. This is a matter for which the government’s response appears to be inadequate, even cowardly, some would say. Belizeans recall that Prime Minister Dean Barrow withdrew a Coast Guard team from Sarstoon Island, where they were on a reconnaissance mission for locating a spot to set up the FOB in 2015, when they got involved in a standoff with the GAF.

    19 Cubans and Nicaraguans found illegally in the Orange Walk District
    Eleven Cubans and eight Nicaraguans were taken into custody in Orange Walk because they were not able to present police with official permits or documents to show that they were legally in the country. Three Belizeans, the drivers of three vehicles with Belizean license plates, are also presently in custody and are being investigated by the Immigration Department and police. So far, no one has been arrested. Police said that the Cubans were found first, hiding in a cane field near the Chan Pine Ridge Road in Tower Hill, Orange Walk District, at about 2:30 Monday afternoon. The lawmen used a drone to scan the large cane fields from the sky, and this showed them exactly where to go and apprehend the foreigners.

    The Reporter

    ICJ Referendum Injunction To Be Heard On Monday April 8th. By Court Of Appeal
    Friday, April 5th. 2019The Government of Belize has requested and won the request brought before the Court Of Appeal, which has agreed to hear the case from the attorneys for

    Foreign Bus Runs Under Fire From Local Operators
    The Belize Bus Association and several taxi associations based in Belize City met at the Coastal Zone Management Authority building on Thursday afternoon to discuss and draft alternative proposals to present to the Ministry of Transport in response to discovering the Minister, Edmond Castro, had approved runs and passenger pickups for two foreign bus companies to operate within Belize.

    Editorial – April 5th. 2019
    By Mr. Henry Lawrence – This week the Supreme Court issued an injunction supporting an application from the People’s United Party to delay the long planned referendum of April 10. This referendum is to consult the voters of Belize on whether or not Belize should go to arbitration at the ICJ in response to the Guatemalan challenge. Seven days before the referendum date, the Court dropped a bombshell and issued an injunction, stopping the referendum process in full stride.

    Guats Caught and Released WHO GAVE THE ORDER?
    While not one person in a position of authority was willing to provide any official information on the release of twelve Guatemalans apprehended in Southern Belize last Friday, a source in the Ministry of National Security told the Reporter that it ‘stank to high heavens,’ and claims that the detained Guatemalans are involved in the contraband cigarette trade, and are connected to very ‘big’ persons in Belize.

    Fires in Southern Belize Leave Several Homeless
    Stann Creek Police are seeking one persons after a fire in San Roman Village, Stann Creek on Monday night has left some 20 persons of one family homeless. The owner of the property, Juan Cucul, told Police that he was asleep around 11 on Monday night when thick smoke awoke him. He said he discovered that the three thatch houses in the yard were on fire and that his efforts to extinguish them were fruitless. As a result Cucul lost everything in the blaze.

    Copycats & Lazy Reporters Invade the Media
    On Wednesday evening, eyebrows and blood pressures were raised after revelations that a post on the Reporter’s Facebook page, made just after 4:30pm from the Prime Minister’s impromptu press conference, had been copied verbatim, including a picture, by a leading media house and a popular media blog. The three identical posts, the original and the two copied, then went viral as individuals noticed and raised the alarm.

    No Arrests Yet, In Armed Burglary At Sapphire Resort
    Two Canadian tourists and a security guard became victims of a horrifying aggravated burglary at Sapphire Beach Resort on Tuesday when three men and a woman entered the resort grounds, tied them up, assaulted them and stole an undisclosed amount of cash before escaping.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Wanted Argentinean businessman detained in Belize
    Information to Breaking Belize News is that Alberto Samid “Rey de la Carne”, the Argentine […]

    Man shot in Belize City
    A man was shot minutes ago on Belize City’s southside. It occurred near St. Jude’s […]

    Accused in vehicle heist fined
    Jaleel Goodger, 23, pleaded guilty to the theft of a $16,000 Saturn VUE SUV in June […]

    Injunction appeal will proceed on Monday
    Following a full day of arguments, the Court of Appeal Justices have decided that they will […]

    Prison trustee charged for indecent proposal and assault
    A Central Prison trustee, serving out an eleven-year jail term for manslaughter, is accused of breaking […]

    Father to be tried for incest of daughter, 13
    A 46-year-old father of Southside Belize City will stand trial at the next practical session of […]

    Decision to exclude media from injunction court hearing was from Court of Appeal
    As more information surrounding the ongoing appeal of the April 10th referendum injunction surfaces, our newsroom was […]

    Media barred from injunction court hearing
    Members of the media were ordered to leave the courtroom today, as the Court of Appeal […]

    American detained for 1 lb of weed in San Pedro
    An American national is detained pending charges for drug trafficking. According to reports, on April […]

    Human remains found in Los Lagos, Belize
    On April 4, 2019, authorities were called to Los Lagos Community, Belize District where they […]

    Pan American Health Organization to present recommendations for Universal Health
    The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in celebration of World Health Day 2019, is preparing […]

    Corozal police arrest 4 for weed
    Corozal police have arrested and charged four persons with the offense of possession of controlled drugs […]

    Corozal cops confiscate over 25 cases of contraband beers in San Joaquin
    Corozal police confiscated over 25 cases of contraband beers on Wednesday from a San Joaquin […]

    Belize Cable Television Operators’ and HBO Latin America Group sign licensing agreements
    The Belize Cable Television Operators’ Association BCTVOA and HBO Latin America Group have signed an […]

    BTB announces winners of photography competition
    Yesterday, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) announced the winners of its first “Take a Shot […]

    Eighteen illegal immigrants and 2 human smugglers busted in Belize
    On Monday, authorities detained 18 illegal immigrants passing through Belize, in two separate operations only […]

    McAfee says he won’t pay $25 million judgment ordered over 2012 death of his neighbor in Belize
    Former anti-virus software developer John Mcafee, says that he is not going to pay the […]

    Attorney General: Referendum process moves forward despite injunction
    Disappointed though he may be, Attorney General (A.G.) Michael Peyrefitte, who was on-hand for the […]

    Renee Wentz is US Embassy’s April Wonder Woman!
    Every month, the United States Embassy in Belize honors a Belizean woman for her arduous […]

    Government explains Supreme Court ruling on ICJ referendum
    On April 3, 2019, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin delivered his ruling on the injunction case […]

    Interpol issues red alert for Argentinian entrepreneur believed to be in Belize
    This morning, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) issued a red alert for Argentinan entrepreneur, Alberto […]

    LOVE FM

    Atlantic International Bank maintains innocence in US Federal Trade Commission accusations but faces international ramifications
    Atlantic Bank International is currently unable to process wire transfers, in and out, for its overseas customers who are in need of Belize currency. The stoppage in this service is the direct result of the Bank of New York issuing a ban against Atlantic Bank International after the US Federal Trade Commission has roped in …

    Argentinian entrepreneur sought by Interpol believed to be hiding in Belize
    The International Criminal Police Organization, Interpol, has issued a red alert as they search for Argentinian businessman, Jose Alberto Samid, who is believed to be hiding in Belize. Samid, a 71 year old entrepreneur owns a number of livestock and meat shops in Argentina. He is also a political affiliate of the Justicialist Party. He …

    Skeletal remains FOUND AND FAMILY DETAINED FOR CANNABIS
    The police say that on Thursday at 12:45 p.m., they found human remains in the Los Lagos Community. The bones were scattered in a 20 feet diameter area. The police also discovered dentures, a pair of black silk sox, and a gray t-shirt. According to a medical officer, the bones are confirmed to be human …

    Prisoner faces more time for touching female employee
    A convicted prisoner and trustee has lost his privileges and could possibly gain additional time for a crime allegedly committed while in prison. 32 year old David Rosalez is serving an 11 year sentence for manslaughter but he was taken to the courtroom of senior magistrate, Aretha Ford this morning for a sexual assault charge …

    Blogs

    Spending Easter in Belize: Fun for everyone!
    With schools and many businesses closed for the Easter weekend, this means its holiday time for both you and your little ones. A short family trip is always a great way to keep curious kids entertained over the school break, as well as to strengthen family ties and create everlasting memories. There is no shortage of child-friendly destinations in Belize. Beach picnics are always a guaranteed hit with the kids. Places like Kukumba Beach at Old Belize, or Goff’s Caye, just off the shore of Belize City, cater especially to families with children. Of course, the beach isn’t the only place to go: inland adventure is also quite fun! From exploring the many archeological sites in Belize to chasing waterfalls along the mountain reserves, your options for Easter family fun are endless!

    International Sourcesizz

    Belizeans can travel without a passport to Chetumal and Bacalar for “Semana Santa” and Easter week
    Belizeans planning to travel to Chetumal and Bacalar in Quintana Roo, Mexico can now enjoy easier access to the neighboring country with a provisional pass. This means that for the Easter week, Belizeans will not be required to carry a passport to enter the country as long as they have obtained the pass. The pass was approved by the Mexican business chamber. According to reports, the chamber decided to approve the pass because Belizean visitors represent at least 40% of total visitors to the country.

    CDB grant to help CARICOM investigate suitability of plantation white sugar for regional manufacturing

    CDB grant to help CARICOM investigate suitability of plantation white sugar for regional manufacturing
    A collaboration between the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) aims to improve the availability of data to guide evidence-based decisions about the future of sugar in CARICOM. CDB will provide a grant of US$97,488 to fund a technical study on the substitutability of plantation white for refined sugar in the region’s manufacturing sector. The findings will enhance the capacity of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) to make decisions on the CARICOM sugar regime, and will also contribute to a broader exercise being undertaken by the Customs Committee of the COTED to comprehensively review the Common External Tariff, to facilitate the transition to the free circulation of goods and a more modernised application of rule of origin.

    ICJ referendum: Belize opposition parties granted injunction
    Members of the opposition parties led by the People’s United Party (PUP) challenged the legality of how the International Court of Justice (ICJ) referendum will be processed before the Belize Supreme Court on April 3, 2019. The hearing concluded with Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin handing down his ruling in favour of the opposition parties and granting an injunction in relation to the imminent plebiscite. Belize prime minister, Dean Barrow, is planning to appeal the judge’s ruling to the Belize Court of Appeals. In opposition to this move, the PUP is calling on the government of Belize to respect Chief Justice Benjamin’s ruling and postpone the date of April 10, 2019, when the referendum on taking the territorial dispute with Guatemala to the ICJ is scheduled to be decided.

    Belize Triples Protected Marine Area, Environmental Group Says
    Belize approved a plan Friday to set aside 10 percent of its territorial waters as a protected area, tripling the size of existing reserves in the world's second largest barrier reef, according to an environmental group. The major expansion of the small Caribbean island's protected areas follows a six-year effort by international scientists and conservation groups led by Belizeans, the Environmental Defense Fund said in a statement. The coalition found zones that can protect marine habitat and allow for recovery of degraded ecosystems, while helping replenish fish stocks, the EDF said.

    Bodies Of Missing Divers Found At The Bottom Of Belize Great Blue Hole
    Lying at the bed of the Great Blue Hole are corpses of marine life, mainly hundreds of conchs. In a blog post, Bergman recalls seeing track marks of conchs trying to escape what the scientists call the Conch Graveyard. Bergman and the rest of the team also found old scientific equipment as well as GoPro with retrievable footage. Here, there are also two dead bodies of long-lost divers out of what's believed to be three people who have gone missing in the sinkhole. "We found kind of the resting place of a couple folks, and we just sort of very respectfully let the Belize government know where we found them, and everyone decided that we would just not attempt any recovery," she told in Business Insider. "It's very dark and peaceful down there, just kind of let them stay."

    The World’s Deepest Pool Will Have Hotel Rooms With Underwater Views
    Divers who are captivated by Belize’s Great Blue Hole no longer have to travel to Central America – or even the ocean – to experience the plunge. The world’s deepest pool is opening in Poland this fall and is positioned to be the perfect training spot for beginner and professional scuba divers. At its deepest point, the Deepspot poolthis link opens in a new tab is 148 feet deep and holds 27 times the amount of water of an average pool. Divers can explore overhangs and underwater cavesthis link opens in a new tab, while non-divers can watch from an underwater tunnel. Deepspot will also have conference rooms, training rooms, and hotel rooms with underwater views of the pool’s interior.

    Videos

  • Lydiane St-Onge left everything to live her greatest passion: discovering the world with her backpack, 46min. This series follows Lydiane as she discovers Belize.

  • Travel Vlog: BELIZE, 2.5min. From the Great Blue Hole to swimming with sharks, my week is Belize was nothing short of magical.

  • Going slow in Caye Caulker, Belize, 4min. If you want to know what Caye Caulker in Belize looks like, here is my video! This little island is a paradise for divers and backpackers

  • Belize & Guatemala, 18min. Chaa Creek.

  • Channel 5 Obituaries - RENE MORENO, 2min.

  • Channel 5 Obituaries - KATHLEEN GLENN "MS. DOLLY", 2min.

  • Belize Now: April 5, 2019, 24min. The Chief Justice grants injunction to postpone the ICJ Referendum, but the Prime Minister remains optimistic that the date will remain April 10th, Government signs agreement with Taiwan for Urban Resilience and Disaster Prevention Project, and our special feature on women in politics. These stories and more on this week’s edition of Belize Now. Thanks for joining us on this Friday, April 5, 2019!

  • Live Well Cayo Recap, 1.5min. A recap of the Live Well Cayo event. Fun was had by all. The 2nd event is already being planned. Pictures of the event. "The first ever Live Well Cayo Festival happened on March 16, 2019. Here's a recap of the event! A massive thank you to all the local businesses, schools, sponsors and visitors for participating in this year's event. We are glad to be able to promote healthy living, wellness and sustainable practices in this one-of-a-kind event. Next year will be bigger and better! We look forward to seeing you at Live Well Cayo 2020"

  • Belize Aggressor Liveaboard Trip - December 2018, 25min. Photo and video compilation of my trip to Belize, including Mayan ruin sites and scuba diving videos.

  • Meet the Mayan Directors of In His Footprints Ministries Belize, 8min.

  • STREET WALK - BELIZE CITY BELIZE, 16min.

  • NEBL 2019 | Defenders vs Dream Ballers | at The Belize Civic Center, 2.5hr.

    April 5, 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

    Jankunu Productionz presents ‘Belize Rewind’ in San Pedro Town
    Island residents and visitors are invited to attend Jankunu Productionz ‘Belize Rewind’ show to be held at the Paradise Theatre in San Pedro Town on Friday, April 12th. Belize Rewind is a Belizean historical and cultural immersion, depicting Belize from settlement to independence via live on-stage acting, singing, dancing and poetry. It is engaging, entertaining and interactive, and a total cultural experience. Belize Rewind tells the dynamic story of Belize from settlement to independence, through some of the pivotal points in history that shaped and defined Belize as a people and a nation. Dance, acting and song bring to life Belize’s progression from a logwood settlement and revered Maya stronghold that resisted Spanish attempts at colonization, to a British colony and eventually to independence.

    GOB Expands Marine Protected Areas in Biodiverse Offshore Waters
    On Wednesday, April 3rd, the Government of Belize (GOB) approved “The Expansion of Fisheries Replenishment (No-Take) Zones,” which will increase the total area of Belize’s protected waters from 4.5 percent to 11.6 %, according to Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). In this expansion, Belize also establishes its first protected area within its Exclusive Economic Zone, known as the Corona Reef, due to its extensive coral reef complex. The expansion is in the deep-sea area of Belize, with depths ranging from 200 to 3000 meters, which includes some of the most underrepresented habitats in the current marine protected areas (MPAs) system of Belize.

    Letter to the Editor: No Belizean Culture
    Dear Editor, I just visited San Pedro in January 2019, and I was very disappointed that there is no Belizean identity! The music is American! Most food is American, except the BBQ we found along the road, which was delicious. The new huge development by “Marriott Autograph” is being built on the backs of the Belize men that are using their strength alone to raise this monstrosity. This should be an idyllic island.

    Island mechanic dies in fatal motorcycle accident
    28-year-old Samuel Pasqual, a mechanic from San Pedro Town died early this morning April 4th, in a motorcycle accident on Seagrape Drive. Pasqual suffered severe head injuries after colliding with a cement pillar on the right hand side of the road. It is alleged that he died on the spot.

    Ambergris Today

    Fatal Motorcycle Accident On Sea Grape Drive
    A road traffic accident which occurred on Thursday, April 4, 2019, has claimed the life of 28-year-old, Samuel Pasqual, Guatemalan mechanic of San Pedro Town. According to reports Pasqual was riding his motorcycle going in a southerly direction when he lost control of his cycle and collided into a cement pillar on the right side of the road causing him severe head injuries.

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    CEO Caucus Cancer Ride 2019
    The CEO Caucus Ride is gearing up for its 4th annual fundraiser to be held on May 18th, 2019. The event has so far raised more than $250,000 over the past 3 years and the 2019 target has once again been set at $50,000. Proceeds from the 2019 CEO Caucus Ride will benefit the Dangriga Cancer Center. Persons wishing to contribute to the initiative can do so via bank deposit at Government Savings Bank branches at the Treasury countrywide, account number “C80 CEO Caucus Cancer Initiative”. Cheques can also be made out in the account name and be given to any CEO.

    FCD and BDF personnel fly over the Chiquibul Forest
    Last week PACT, along with Friends for Conservation and Development - FCD Belize and Belize Defence Force (BDF) personnel, conducted a flight over the Chiquibul Forest as part of a recently approved PACT Conservation Investment Program. The main objective of the overflight was to monitor encroachments along the western flank of the Chiquibul and Vaca areas. Observed during the overflight were evidence of agricultural encroachment and human settlement within the CF. The information gathered will be used to compare human footprint over a time gradient, evaluate the effectiveness of conservation interventions and help to devise future enforcement strategies in the CF.

    COROZAL FUNDRAISING BBQ - Saturday, April 6th, 2019 at the Miami Beach Round House
    Pickup your delicious plate from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Funds to benefit a little girl who is facing the battle with Turner Syndrome. Only $8 a plate.

    BTB ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ITS FIRST TAKE A SHOT PHOTOGRAPHY SWEEPSTAKE
    First place went to Kay Westby, who was awarded a $2,000 cash prize plus a Nikon School Online course on "Beyond the Fundamentals of Photography". Second place went to Nicole Wade, a resident of Orange Walk, who received a $1,000 prize and a Nikon School Online course on "Exploring Dynamic Landscape Photography." Kay Westby is originally from Minnesota in the U.S. who made Belize her home some 35 years ago. She is a nature lover and has been taken pictures during her daily early morning walks and kayaking trips in her home village of Placencia. Nicole Wade is a 23-year-old tour guide and nature photographer. She is originally from the Village of Crooked Tree, with a passion for wildlife and nature.

    Free dental exams at Smile Center
    The San Pedro Smile Center Clinic, located at the Holy Cross Anglican School in San Mateo, will be offering free dental exams and treatments April 8th through the10th from 8:30AM to 3PM Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The clinic is open to all Belizean children at no cost and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

    Government of Belize Explains the Supreme Court’s Ruling on the International Court of Justice Referendum
    On April 3, 2019, the Chief Justice Hon. Kenneth Benjamin delivered his ruling on the injunction case on the referendum planned for April 10, 2019 brought before the Supreme Court of Belize by the Opposition Party. The Opposition had asked the Supreme Court to stop the referendum because they contend that there are serious issues to be tried. The main points presented to the Court by the Opposition were: I. A substantive point, that the 2008 Special Agreement was illegally and unconstitutionally approved; and II. A technical point, that the Writ of Referendum (formal written order) was not done properly as per the Referendum Act.

    Destination Belize 20th Edition Magazine (Rhythms)
    Immerse in the authentic cultural adventures of Belize in the 20th edition of Destination Belize. The photo of the Half Moon Caye Natural Monument located on Lighthouse Reef Atoll, highlights the Rhythms of Belize – intoxicating and transformative, leading you to your own favorite corner of Belize.

    Belize's Wonder Women! Renee Wentz
    Renée selflessly serves Belize through teaching self-defense and counseling battered and abused women. She is a naturalized Belizean and has been working in Belize’s tertiary educational system since 2004. Since 2011, Ms. Wentz has been the counselor for the University of Belize, serving students at the Belize City and Toledo campuses. Renee is the creator and sole instructor at S.H.E. Thing Self-Defense and Personal Safety for Women and Girlsand Personal Safety for Women and Girls, the only empowerment self-defense program in the country. Currently, she is training a former student to be her assistant. Renee teaches throughout the entire country, including the cayes.

    Annual Ariel Rosado Fundraising Ride
    The 2019 Ariel Rosado Fundraising Ride will be on Saturday, May 11th. It goes from Galen to Belize. "Annual Fundraising Ride from Galen University in Central Farm to Belize City, with stops in Belmopan, Cheers and Hattieville."

    Paradise Theater playing this weekend
    Escape Room, Glass, Welcome to Marwen, Dragon, the Hidden World

    Sandy Hunter Library hosting “El Pilar and the Forest Garden Exhibit”
    The Heroes of the Maya Forest.

    2nd Annual Liberty Children's Home Kids' Easter Break
    Caliente Restaurant is proud and happy to partner with the Liberty Children's Home once again to provide a day of fun in the sun for children in need. We are asking our loyal customers to please support a great organization that is helping to promote health and happiness to our country's future generation. Anyone who is interested can help by donating non-perishable food items, beach toys, clothing, etc. Any contribution, big or small, is greatly appreciated. Please drop off your donation at Caliente Restaurant. Thank you to everyone for your support in making this a great day for the kids!

    Channel 7

    Referendum on April 10th? Government Says It Has A Chance
    It's only 6 days to April 10th. And everyone wants to know what will happen with the referendum - will it go through, or will it be postponed? Tonight, there are still no clear or easy answers - but there is new information. First, for the background: yesterday, the Chief Justice stunned the government when he granted the PUP an injunction against the ICJ referendum. It looked like a slam dunk for the opposition, but as you saw yesterday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow quickly called a press conference to say he's determined to see it happen - one way or the other - while respecting the court.

    Experienced Swimmer Drowns In Double Head
    A 38 year old father of 1 drowned in Double Head Cabbage yesterday afternoon. Percival Flowers Jr. is a well known swimmer and athlete in the village but one dive in the river cost him his life. Courtney Weatherburne has the story of a fatal freak accident. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: It is still a shock to family and friends that Percival Flowers Jr. drowned yesterday afternoon. Kimberly Flowers, Sister: "Well like they said you know the best swimmer in the world drown, no one could ever believe it but that is it." Flowers was known as one of the best swimmers and divers in Double Head Cabbage. He was also an experienced fisherman but something went terribly wrong when he and his friends went for an afternoon dip in the river.

    Did Marcus Frazier Foresee His Murder
    Tonight, Belize City police are keeping a close eye on the Fabers Road area after an explosion of violence yesterday left 2 men dead, and 3 others hospitalized in 3 separate incidents, which all occurred within a half-a-mile radius, and within 5 hours. Police believe at this time, that none of the incidents directly connected to each other, but they do believe that the underlying cause is an ongoing dispute between 2 rival groups of young men living along the Fabers Road. We start first with the killing of 24 year-old Marcus Fraizer. Yesterday, he ended up getting fatally stabbed after he and his companion, 22 year-old Kyle Saunders, allegedly attempted to jump a rival at the Tan Liang Chinese Shop.

    First A Knife Murder, Then A Gun Murder
    Several hours later, police had to return to the same area in Fabers Road for a gun murder. 40 year-old Eugene Wallace, an employee of Zitro, had recently left from work, and he went to his favorite hang-out spot beside the R&I Chinese Shop. Several of the young men from the area have sort of adopted it as their place to socialize. It should have been an ordinary evening, but, 2 gun pulled up on motorcycle and immediately opened fire on a group of young men. Wallace, and 22 year-old Zachary Knox were among those socializing, and they were hit multiple times to the body.

    Murder Victim's Brother Says He Was Not Into Gunplay
    We also spoke with Wallace's youngest brother off-camera, and he told us what the family knows about his killing. He said that Wallace stayed away from the gun violence which claimed his life last night: Voice of: Jeffrey Robinson - Brother of the Deceased: "Eugene is just full of life. He is always open and willing to help anybody. He always comes with a different vibe when he comes around, full of joy. Eugene wasn't into anything much, no lot of violence. He goes from home to work, and he comes back home. The Chinese shop where the entire incident happened, it's just one of those evenings where he decided to stop off before coming home. In that case, he never did reach home."

    Teenager Shot In Spate of Violence
    Yesterday's youngest victim of violence in the same Fabers Road area was 15 year-old Emory Williams. At around 5:30 p.m., he was at his home on Rio Grande Crescent, when someone went shouting for him in front of his house. As soon as he came out to see who it was, a gunman opened fire and shot him. Here's more from police on this case: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "Sometime in the evening, at about 5:30, again, police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where they, where observed Emory Williams, 15 years-old, with an apparent gunshot wound to the body. What police gathered so far, is that at about 5:20, Emory Williams was inside his residence on Rio Grande Crescent, when someone was calling out..."

    Speedbump Sends Man On Motorcycle Flying
    And while gun violence is an all too familiar theme in the news - recently, motorcycle accidents have been emerging as another leading cause of traumatic deaths. And there was another fatal accident on San Pedro early this morning. Police told us about the death of 28 year old Guatemalan Samuel Pasqual who hit a speedbump and careened into a cement pillar. Police told us more:... ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "This morning at about 2 a.m., San Pedro police visited the polyclinic where they observed Samuel Pascual Lopez, 28 years Guatemalan with severe body injuries.

    Police Still Looking For Resort Robbers
    And keeping it on San Pedro, Island cops have made no arrests in an aggravated burglary, which happened at the Sapphire Beach Resort early on Tuesday morning. It's a high end resort 10 miles north of the town, and armed men targeted the place - but it only had two guests, a Canadian couple. Police told us more:... ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "On Tuesday, the 2nd of April, 2019, just after 1:30 in the morning, San Pedro police visited Sapphire Resort, located 10 miles north of San Pedro Town. Upon Arrival at the said location, they conducted and inspection of the area, where they observed Mr. Oani Augustine, 29 year-old Belizean security guard, inside of an unfinished house, handcuffed to the back..."

    Atlantic Bank Speaks Up
    After months of silence, and taking major blows from the US Federal trade Commission - Atlantic International Bank's Acting Chairman today sent out a release that is a kind of like a white flag of surrender. The release refers to the Federal Trade Commission's suit in Maryland targeting all the players the Sanctuary Belize real estate scam. Teh release says, quote, TheFTC, for reasons unknown, also named Atlantic International as a defendant. Although the US Federal Trade Commission did not claim that AIBL was involved in any of the alleged telemarketing violations it asserted that AIBL: had somehow aided and facilitated the wrongdoing by offering the bank's services to prospective purchasers of lots in the development.

    More Money, More Problems For Cable
    As we've been reporting for months, the landscape of the cable television industry is changing. First, came an increase in the monthly price, and then came the removal of popular channels like STARZ and Showtime. It's part of a new reality where Cable has to become copyright compliant, and quickly. Government signed all the major intellectual property agreements last year, and copyright compliance has come to your television set. But, this big and expensive change comes at a time when internet streaming of everything from NETFLIX to youtube, to thousands of pirated channels that are being offered cheaply to consumers.

    Armenia Villager Caught With Logs
    An Armenia villager was charged after he was caught with an assortment of unlicensed lumber. 30 year old Walter Leonel Salazar was busted on Monday night around 6:25 at a Hattieville check point. Police searched the cargo truck and found 2000 board feet of assorted lumber, Salmwood and Mahogany, none of which Salazar had a license for. When he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford he pled not guilty to the charge of possession of forest produce. He was offered a bail of $2,000, which he met. If convicted Salazar is liable to pay a fine that would amount to 3 times the value of the lumber. Salazar said he was only hired to do the delivery.

    Honest Car Thief fined Not Confined
    Alleged Car thief Jaleel Goodger dogged jail time when Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford fined him $2,000 for stealing a woman's vehicle in June 2017. In court, three witnesses testified against him and he changed his not guilty plea to guilty and begged the court for leniency. His story is that his boss set him up to steal the vehicle. The evidence against Goodger was strong given that the jacking was all caught on surveillance camera. But Senior Magistrate Ford took into consideration that Goodger took responsibility for the crime and handed him a non-custodial sentence. He has to pay $2,000 plus a $5.00 cost of court fine by August 5, 2019, in default, 1 year imprisonment.

    20 Left Homeless In San Roman
    There was a fire in san Roman village in the Stann Creek District on Sunday which reportedly left 20 people homeless. It is believed to be an arson caused by a family dispute. It affected three structures - police told us more: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head of NCIB: "On Monday morning, shortly after midnight, Independence police responded to a house fire in San Roman Village in the Stann Creek District where upon arrival one Juan Cucul, the owner of the three thatch houses, reported that shortly after 11 p.m..."

    San Antonio Fire Suspicious
    Police also gave us additional details on a fire in San Antonio village which we reported on earlier this week. It happened on the evening of April second, and left a family of five homeless.. Police told us what they know. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head of NCIB: "So far we know that the contents and his entire home was destroyed by fire. At this point in time the police do not know whether or not arson is the cause."

    Silva Bus Driver Not Charged
    And police also had an update on the Silva bus accident which happened at mile 90 on Tuesday near the Santa Elena border in Corozal. A bus ran into a man on motorbike. The bus driver claims he was overtaking the motorbike, when he veered back into his lane. Police told us they have not yet made a decision on whether they will bring charges:...

    Channel 5

    Eamon Courtenay Says Timelines Need to be Set for Legal Proceedings
    There is still a number of questions as to what will happen next week Wednesday, on April tenth, following the granting of an interim injunction. Twenty-four hours after the ruling, [...]

    Will Court of Appeal Hear Injunction Case this Weekend?
    There are two hearings at play. One is before the Chief Justice and the other is before the Court of Appeal where as we said, the government is attempting to [...]

    Eamon Courtenay: “We live in a country where we have a constitution”
    Aside from filing an injunction forthwith, government is also seeking a variation of the Chief Justice’s decision which would essentially allow for the referendum to be held on April tenth [...]

    Government Prepares Itself for Worst Case Scenario
    All things considered, government is already looking at the worst case scenario which simply means that the referendum may very well be held in June, after the issue has been [...]

    Leaked Memo from Chief Elections Officer on Referendum
    With all that is taking place or about to take place in the courts; soon after the pronouncements of the Prime Minister establishing his time line for legal challenges of [...]

    HBO and Cable Operators’ Association Sign 5 Licensing Agreements
    Cable operators in Belize will now be able to legally provide thirty programming channels such as HBO, MAX, Lifetime and SyFy. This comes after the signing of licensing agreements between [...]

    Eugene Wallace is Murdered on Faber’s Road Extension
    In less than twelve hours, there were two shootings and a stabbing that left a total of two persons dead and three others injured. It all occurred within a two [...]

    Marcus Frazier is Stabbed to Death after He Attacks a Man
    The other loss of life was as a result of a stabbing as early as nine o’clock on Wednesday morning. A young man was killed during a violent confrontation at [...]

    Minor is Shot off Faber’s Road Extension
    A shooting that occurred three hours earlier is believed to have triggered the murder of Eugene Wallace. It happened on Rio Grande Crescent in proximity of the Wallace murder scene [...]

    Another Motorcyclists Perishes
    A large number of deaths have been as a result of motorcycle collisions in the past week; at least eight persons perished on major highways, including the death of two [...]

    Accident Victim Recovering at K.H.M.H. after He was Knocked Down by Bus
    There’s another victim of a traffic accident. Paraiso villager Jose Cortez is recovering at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after he was knocked off his motorcycle by a bus driven [...]

    Official Details on Home Invasion at Sapphire Resort
    On Tuesday around one-thirty a.m., two Canadian guests at Sapphire Resort located nine and a half miles north of Ambergris Caye were targeted by thieves. Joseph and Marilyn Troiano were [...]

    Eamon Courtenay Admonishes Lisa for Representing G.O.B.
    Due to the volume of news on Wednesday, we didn’t cover the following matter, which involves attorney Lisa Shoman.  Her future of attorney as a member of the People’s United [...]

    To Whom Does Lisa Shoman Belong?
    While the Leader of the Opposition is prepared to respect Shoman’s decision, she says she has not relinquished membership in the People’s United Party.  According to Shoman, the matter of [...]

    Local Bus Operators Have Had Enough with Guatemalan, Mexican Bus Companies in Belize
    Today, local bus and taxi operators met in Belize City to discuss what they say is a continued economic threat by foreign bus companies. The operators say that Mexican and [...]

    Hattieville Resident to Stand Trial for Murder of Missing Man
    Alaine Garcia, a mechanic of Hattieville, went missing and was believed to be dead but his body was never found. In May of 2018, a Hattieville resident Albert Emmanuel Jones [...]

    Sanjay Pilgrim is Acquitted of the Murder of his Friend
    After two weeks in trial, the case against undertaker Sanjay Pilgrim, accused of the stabbing murder of his friend, Carrington Bodden, concluded before Justice Colin Williams. Bodden was killed in [...]

    Was San Antonio Fire a Case of Arson?
    Meanwhile, police are investigating another house fire; this time in San Antonio Village, Toledo District.  A wooden and thatch structure, the home of Wallace Coy, was destroyed by fire. As [...]

    A Family is Homeless After Fire Guts 3 Houses in San Roman, Stann Creek
    A family from San Roman, Stann Creek remains without a roof over their heads after the place they once called home went up in flames on Monday. Three thatch houses [...]

    Special Olympics Fun Run to Be Held
    The Special Olympics annual fun run is scheduled to take place this coming Saturday. The event will be held countrywide to “foster active infusion and participation of all regardless of [...]

    Primary School Countrywide Participate in National Volleyball Championship
    Ten primary school teams today competed in the 2019 National Primary School Volleyball Championship Games. Hosted by the National Sports Council, the games were held in two locations; the Civic [...]

    Healthy Living: Behind the Scenes at K.H.M.H. Lab
    They work behind the scenes playing a crucial role in our diagnosis and care. Most often once we see blood sample drawn, we give little thought to it until we [...]

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Stabbing reported on Belize City’s northside
    There was a stabbing incident minutes ago on Belize City’s northside. Police confirmed to BBN […]

    Court of Appeal gets ICJ referendum injunction case
    The Court of Appeal will be hearing the urgent matter of overturning an interim injunction granted […]

    Argentinian entrepreneur wanted for tax evasion believed to have fled to Belize
    News outlets in Argentina are reporting that a man wanted by the country’s authorities for tax […]

    Kudos to the Supreme Court of Judicature! Bravo!
    By: Dr. Gerald Zuniga: This is historic and the message is clear. The due process and our Constitution must be respected. That is the message that the Supreme Court is sending and will continue to send. That is the message that the Judiciary Body is sending to the Executive and Legislative Bodies and that no one is above the Constitution of the land […]

    No. Guatemala has not taken the Sarstoon
    The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

    Police comments on Corozal road traffic accident
    On Tuesday at around 10 a.m. Corozal police responded to a report of a road […]

    Police: Fire in San Roman, Southern Belize was suspected arson
    Police today commented on a fire that left 20 persons homeless at the start of […]

    Deceased motorcyclist identified as Guatemalan national
    Shortly after 2 a.m., San Pedro police visited the polyclinic where they observed Samuel Pascual Lopez, 28. […]

    GSU deployed to Fabers Road after Eugene Wallace murder
    Sometime around 8 p.m. last night, Belize City police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. There, they […]

    16 Caribbean Chambers of Commerce Form Network Chamber
    Executive Directors from sixteen (16) Chambers of Commerce across the Caribbean region gathered at the Accra Beach […]

    Police say DPP will determine charges in fatal Fabers Road stabbing
    Shortly after 9 a.m. yesterday, police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. There, they observed […]

    Police say teen shooting was drug related
    Sometime around 5 p.m., Belize City police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. There […]

    San Pedro Police investigating aggravated burglary at Sapphire Beach Resort
    Police in San Pedro Town are investigating a case of aggravated burglary. Sometime after midnight […]

    Man,40, released from murder charge
    The Supreme Court has ordered accused Sanjay Pilgrim, 40, released after finding there was […]

    Albert Jones faces trial for murder of Alaine Garcia
    Hattieville mechanic Alaine Garcia has been missing and presumed dead since February of 2018 […]

    Mother who beat son taken to court
    A Belize City mother is accused of harming her son, 9, after a beating.On […]

    San Pedro man dies in fatal motorcycle accident
    A 28-year-old mechanic from San Pedro Town lost his life this morning in a […]

    Belize and Taiwan sign Agreement for the Urban Resilience and Disaster Prevention Project
    On Tuesday, April 2, 2019, Omar Figueroa, Minister with responsibility for Fisheries, Forestry, […]

    Professor from Galen University knocked down
    This morning there was yet another road traffic accident. This one happened in Santa Elena, Cayo […]

    Is Lisa Shoman finished with the PUP?
    Has former Senator, Minister of Foreign Affairs and party stalwart Lisa Shoman, representing, in this case, the […]

    Why were 12 Guatemalans with large amount of cash released?
    Last week, BBN reported that Belizean authorities busted 12 Guatemalan nationals inside a vessel with a […]

    LOVE FM

    Police investigate fires and Robbery of tourists
    The Police Department on Ambergris Caye is investigating a home invasion styled aggravated burglary. The incident could have an impact on the island’s thriving tourism industry as it affects a key stakeholder, the tourists. The police say that Sapphire Beach Resort which is located some miles north of San Pedro Town was the scene of …

    5 injured, 2 dead from Fabers Road incidents
    A kill zone is an area that is entirely covered by direct and effective fire. While the Faber’s Road extension area can’t be described as one, a small area that surrounds a neighborhood primary school resulted in shooting and stabbing injuries to 5 individuals. Love News examined the causes of the midweek violence that resulted …

    San Pedro Man dies in Island Cycle Accident
    Traffic accidents aren’t confined to the highways of the country, nor are they confined to the cities. There was a rare fatal traffic accident on Ambergris Caye. This morning at two a.m. Samuel Pascual Lopez lost his life. ASP Alejandro Cowo explained how the tragic incident unfolded.

    National Security and Compol comment on the 15 Guatemalan and the 49K US
    Last week Friday, the Belize Coast Guard caught fifteen Guatemalan Nationals in four boats in southern Belize along Moho Creek. The Coastguard uncovered 3 bundles of US currency with 49 thousand US dollars and smaller denominations of Guatemalan quetzals. Typically when more than 10 thousand Belize dollars enter the country, the Financial Intelligence Unit must …

    Murder CompStat shows dip in gang areas.
    Winning. That’s how the Commissioner of Police Chester Williams described the murder rate when comparing the statistics to the same quarter in previous years. Of the 31 murders so far, a shift had occurred in the suspected reasons as less were gang related. The Compol held a computer statistical or CompStat or meeting with regional …

    Grenade found in a plastic bag under a rock
    Police officers in Benque Viejo Del Carmen found a grenade late yesterday evening. It is unclear what the circumstances are that the grenade was found. But we are informed that it was found under a rock in a black plastic bag. Commissioner Williams say the BDF is examining the grenade to determine its type and …

    “DUTTY FIRE WATER” MAKES COMPOL TARGET LIQUOR LICENSES
    13 of the murders for 2019 are related to alcohol consumption. The Compol said that it’s time for the police officers to put an end to public drinking because it’s against the law. He said officers need to step up patrols of night clubs and discourage loitering but it seems that the Compol is about …

    Blogs

    Bacalar Chico & A Trip All the Way Around Magical Ambergris Caye
    Here is the trip that we took almost all the way around the island. 20 miles up…and 20 miles back. And there is NO better way to get a sense of AMAZING Ambergris Caye. So much in one day. Here is our day – starting with meeting Panny at 9am at his dock in town. Panny Arceo is an amazing guide. AMAZING. His boat is small and comfortable – perfect for a group of 4. He was born and raised on these water and has 10,001 stories about fishing them as a child – he knows every single nook and cranny of this deceptively huge island. Since we are relatively familiar with the west side of the island, we headed up to the Bacalar Chico Ranger station – which is also the Maya site of San Juan. (#1 on the map)

    How Living In Belize Differs From Vacationing In Belize
    If Belize has always been a vacation spot for you, the thought of moving to “the Jewel” probably crossed your mind at least once. But vacationing in Belize and living in Belize are two different things. As long as you can reconcile the dream from the reality you can make a good life for yourself. Hundreds of thousands of people vacation in Belize every year. Many stay in resorts with all their needs catered to. Places with fancy restaurants, infinity pools, and all the amenities they desire. In keeping with those desires, many say they want to come back one day to live in Belize. It’s a natural reaction.

    Lessons from Cayo: Can a friendship survive four days in the jungle?
    After living here in Belize for a few years, many of our friends an family have visited and we are always looking for new places to explore. So when our friends from Illinois planned a return trip, we decided to explore the Cayo District. Only a few hours drive from crystal blue beaches of Placencia to the lush jungle, Maya ruins, and farmland of Cayo. Headed from Placencia, our first stop was Maya Sky waterfalls, thru Belmopan an into San Ignacio. Lots of great pictures, beautiful mountains, narrow roads, even more narrow bridges at times, but the perfect way to see all this country has to offer. Arriving late afternoon just in time to catch the end of the Saturday market, still giving them an idea of what a bustling market this is on an early Saturday morning.

    International Sourcesizz

    CSU 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast: Slightly Below-Average
    A slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season is likely in 2019, said the hurricane forecasting team from Colorado State University (CSU) in their latest seasonal forecast issued April 4. Led by Dr. Phil Klotzbach, with coauthors Dr. Michael Bell and Jhordanne Jones, the CSU team called for an Atlantic hurricane season with 13 named storms, 5 hurricanes, 2 intense hurricanes, and an Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) of 80. The long-term averages for the period 1981 - 2010 were 12 named storms, 6.5 hurricanes, 2 intense hurricanes, and an ACE of 92. The CSU outlook also predicted the odds of a major hurricane hitting the U.S. were about 48% (the long-term average is 52%). They gave a 28% chance for a major hurricane to hit the East Coast or Florida Peninsula (the long-term average is 31%), and a 28% chance for the Gulf Coast (the long-term average is 30%). The Caribbean was forecast to have a 39% chance of seeing at least one major hurricane (the long-term average is 42%).

    Belize: Put the national interest first
    By Sir Ronald Sanders. Narrow party-political ambitions frequently thwart the wider national interest in practically every country. The world is watching this play-out now as a public spectacle in Britain where the Brexit question continues to be deeply immersed in both personal political purposes and a struggle for the supremacy of one political party over another. At the end of it, Britain will be a much-diminished nation economically. It will also have little clout in the international community. But it is not in Britain alone that this tragedy of political ambition over wider national interest is being displayed. On April 3, seven days before a referendum is scheduled to be held in Belize to determine if the country should take its border dispute with Guatemala for final arbitration to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the opposition political party, the Peoples’ Unity Party (PUP), obtained an injunction from the Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin, to stay it.

    Videos

  • Group of youth voters from the Belmopan and Cayo - First participation in the electoral process, 54min. We invited a group of youth voters from the Belmopan and Cayo area to talk to us about their first participation in the electoral process. They are students of the University of Belize in the Faculty of Science and Technology. They shared their views on everything from the effectiveness of the campaign messaging, publications and signage and spoke of how it impacted their decisions for the ICJ Referendum on April 10th.

  • Trade license laws and regulations, 40min. The Ministry of Labour, Local Government & Rural Development in collaboration with the Mayor's Association and the Economic Development Council is in the process of reforming trade license laws and regulations. The objective is to eliminate inequitable charges across municipalities. Our guests spoke to us about how they are working to standardize the way trade license are calculated nationally.

  • A motorcycle accident claimed the life of a man in the early morning hours in San Pedro, 45sec. According to reports Samuel Pasqual, 28-year-old mechanic, died from injuries he suffered from a traffic accident on Seagrape Drive around 2:00am, Thursday, April 4, 2019, when he lost control and crashed. We are told he received head and body injuries and died shortly after.

  • The Minister of Tourism in Mexico has moved the entire Ministry to Chetumal City, 4.5min. To strengthen tourism in the southernmost states of Mexico. Of interest is that he is willing to explore the possibility/idea to build a bridge linking Ambergris Caye with Mexico. Very interesting!

  • Meet Perla and Shadow – the littlest jaguarundis at the Belize Zoo, 5min. How much do you know about the jaguarundi? These small cats are native to parts of North, Central and South America. They are not just commonly found in the forests of Belize, but there’s also a growing exhibit in captivity at the Belize Zoo. Today, we found out why many zoos around the world want two of the youngest jaguarundis born at the Belize Zoo. Reporter Andrea Polanco reports.

  • Filter of Hope - Belize, 3min. College of Charleston Cru - Spring Break 2019

  • National Primary School Volleyball Championships | at The Belize Civic Center, 2.5hr.

  • Quash playing with my ballys dog, 1/2min.

  • Tonight on Let's Talk our host, John Mencias, examines the very recent developments concerning the ICJ Referendum, 70min.

  • Channel 5 Obituaries - ROSALIE THERESE STAINES, 2.5min.

  • Talk Ah Di Town April 4, 2019, 50min.

  • Dancers at Mary Hill R. C. School, 5min. Golden performance. Thanks to all these amazing dancers. Thanks to all their coaches and their parents.

  • Let's all vote for our CCC Marching Band, .5min. Marching Band says they're ready to come back to get another win. Come see them and the other bands at the People's Stadium in Orange Walk Town on April 13. Vote to make Corozal Community College the most popular band by texting " 6 " to 22637 (Digi) OR 8946 (SMART) . Voting ends at midnight on Friday, April 12.

  • Over the last 3 years alone, BWS has designated a team to these areas and invested over $820K in infrastructure improvements, 4min. During this period, we have installed 15,000 feet of new mains, providing water to 180 new households. BWS’s investments have included the installation of larger watermain pipes and the upgrade and replacement of aged infrastructure in coordination with the Town Council’s street improvements. These BWS works have provided improved water supply and pressure in the area. BWS will continue to highlight it's upcoming works in other areas. Belize Water Services.... Delivering Water and more...

  • 2019 Miss Universe Belize, 3min.

  • Belize Rainforest Reserve March 2019, 1.5min.

  • Vliegen over de Blue Hole in Belize, 3min. Onze hoofdredactrice Marleen maakte een rondreis door Belize. Tijdens haar reis merkte ze dat bijna geen één reiziger het eiland Caye Caulker voor de kust van Belize kende. Al na vijf minuten op het eiland, besloot ze dat ze dat wilde veranderen. Dus maakte ze een mini-serie, met de leukste activiteiten op Caye Caulker.

  • Snorkelen in Caye Caulker, Belize, 4min. Tijdens haar rondreis door Belize, merkte onze hoofdredactrice Marleen dat bijna niemand die ze tegenkwam Caye Caulker kenden. Ze reisde af naar dit eiland voor de kust van Belize en werd verliefd. Ze besloot haar reis vast te leggen om andere reizigers te laten zien hóe relaxt Caye Caulker is. En maakte deze mini-serie.

  • EXPLORING THE MAYAN TEMPLE ( Altun-Ha in Belize!), 15min.

  • Belize District Spelling Bee Finals Apr. 4, 2019 Bird's Isle Belize City, 2hr. Belize District Spelling Bee Finals Apr. 4, 2019 Bird's Isle Belize City

  • Handline fishing still works., 1min. "When we fish sustainably, we can always fish!

    April 4, 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 Invaders trailing behind at the 2019 NAWL Closing Season
    Week eight of the 2019 Closing Season of the National Amateur League (NAWL) saw yet another loss for the San Pedro Invaders. The island team was defeated in an away game at the Ricalde Stadium in Corozal Town against Corozal Scorpions on Sunday, March 31st. This latest match, which ended in a 4-1 score, leaves the island girls in the fifth position in the tournament standing, with only five points overall.

    BTB hosts annual Media Mixer
    The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) shared its 2018 accomplishments and insights with the Belizean media on Friday, March 29th during their annual Media Mixer at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City. The event started at 5:30PM inside the Tapir Room and saw members of the media and the BTB mingling and discussing how best to continue working together during 2019 while strengthening their relationship. Opening the floor and officiating the event was host BTB’s, Raphael Martinez. He held an interactive session in which some of the participants won fabulous prizes. Afterward, there was a formal presentation in which some of the members from the BTB presented on the achievements the organization has recently accomplished.


    With the aim to promote reading to island children, a Little Free Library was installed in the DFC Area ittle Free Library in San Pedro Town on Friday, March 29th. Little Free Libraries are small wooden boxes set up in public spaces used to encourage children to read and share their favorite books with their community. It operates under the honor system that you take a book, and you leave a book, this way the content of the boxes is constantly changing.

    San Pedro Pirates win 2-1 against Altitude Assassins
    The San Pedro Pirates F.C managed to nab yet another victory during the 11th week of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB) Closing Season 2019. With this 2-1 victory against Altitude Assassins, the island team remains at the top of the PLB chart with 23 points overall. The match began shortly after 7PM at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town on Saturday, March 30th. Determined to win, Altitude Assassins scored their first goal at minute three of the game courtesy Anthony Linarez. With the early scoring, the pressure grew for the Pirates, as island residents demanded a goal. But a strong defense from the opposite team prevented the Pirates from netting a goal, and the first half came to an end with Altitude Assassins leading 1-0.

    Ambergris Today

    Northern Belize Affected By Burning Dumpsite In Mexico
    The past several days have been tough for residents of Northern Belize, primarily villagers in the Corozal District as heavy smoke has been reaching the area and causing many to be affected health wise. Ministry of Health Issued an advisory on the severe smoke affecting Northern Communities. The Ministry of Health has been alerted of severe smoke affecting the communities of San Narciso, Louisville, San Victor, Santa Clara, San Roman, Cristo Rey and Concepcion in the Corozal District for the past three weeks. An Investigation into the matter revealed that the disturbance is being created by smoke drifting into Belize from a burning dumpsite in Mexico.

    BTB Announces Winners Of Its First Take A Shot Photography Sweepstake
    On Wednesday, April 3, 2019, The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) announced the winners of its first Take a Shot Photography Sweepstake held from February 15 to March 15, 2019, which focused on Culinary and Birding categories. First place went to Kay Westby, who was awarded a $2,000 cash prize plus a Nikon School Online course on “Beyond the Fundamentals of Photography”. Second place went to Nicole Wade, a resident of Orange Walk, who received a $1,000 prize and a Nikon School Online course on “Exploring Dynamic Landscape Photography.”

    SPHS Science Fair All About Reducing, Reusing And Recycling!
    San Pedro High School held its annual science fair on Friday, March 29, 2019 at the R. Angel Nunez Auditorium under the theme “Reinventing the future by reducing, reusing and recycling”. Students prepared for several months finding just the right project to bring awareness on pollution and to find ways on how to reduce it. Students in second, third and fourth form displayed their projects in various booths where judges Kristin Marin, Armando Moralez, Roberto Canche and Martin Alegria had a tough decision to make to find winners for the fair.

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    Knitting a closer community in San Pedro
    Exciting news! The San Pedro BTIA is putting together an island-wide neighborhood watch committee! This group will work with each of the island neighborhoods to assist in setting up your neighborhood watch. The first step is get the word out. Please fill out the short (less than 1 minute) survey below and share with others on social media, what'sapp, text, etc. - everyone that lives on the island of Ambergris Caye is asked to respond.

    San Pedro Power Outage April 4
    Power outage scheduled from 6:00am to 1:00pm on Thursday, April 4 to affect Pescador Drive, Angel Coral Street, Ambergris Street, Caribeña Street, Nurse Shark Street, Pelican Street, Buccaneer Street, Tarpon Street, Almond Street, portion Black Coral Street, San Pedrito including Crocodile Street, Gutten Street, Tropic Wave Street, Glitter Street and Water Lane Street; DFC Area including Mar de Tumbo Drive, Sea Grape Drive, Villa Drive, Escalante Subdivision and Mosquito Coast. BEL to replace utility poles and relocate power lines in the area.

    BELIZE FISHING REPORT: MARCH 24, 2019 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2019
    Nice weather all week provided plenty of opportunities and produced several "firsts" on a fly. Conditions were excellent for sight casting both from the boat and wading. Good weather helped produce some nice permit on the fly.

    CEO Caucus Cancer Ride
    SAVE THE DATE ... May 18th, 2019 ... annual CEO Caucus Cancer Ride! It's that time of the year, when we come out, support and raise funds for Cancer Society!

    Expansion of Fisheries Replenishment (No-Take) Zones
    Cabinet approved a joint proposal from the Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development, and the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, to increase the area of fisheries replenishment zones in Belize’s waters in order to protect important fish spawning sites and to further ensure the sustainability of the fisheries sector. Replenishment zones (also referred to as no-take areas) are a globally recognized fisheries management tool used to protect habitats where important biological functions occur, such as spawning, in order to safeguard the reproductive capacity of fish species.

    Neutral discussion about the ICJ Referendum on Caye Caulker
    Please join us and His Excellency F. Daniel Gutierez Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America & Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States on April 4th at 7 p.m for a neutral discussion about the ICJ Referendum at the Community Centre.

    Grand Caribe Birdathon on April 13th
    Grand Caribe is all set!!! Are you ready? You can use Google Earth to create an accurate map of your Birdathon circle. Here is one made for Grand Caribe in San Pedro. The north end is Grand Caribe and their south end is around Mahogany Bay. They are doing their Birdathon on April 13th and have also reinforced their team with a Caye Caulker contingent. Looks like they will tear this thing down. How is your lodge and team looking?

    Belize Tourism Board's UK luxury FAM

    Belize Rewind in San Pedro
    Phenomenal Entertainment Belize Rewind, the first of many productions to come, tells the story of Belize from settlement to independence via original songs, beautiful dance, creative poetry and intense drama with just the right touch of comedy. The cast is instrumental in bringing the play to life.

    Ya'axché Conservation Trust receives grant
    We are grateful for receiving a small grant from The Trust for the Americas through an Open Government Ecosystem Belize initiative. The seed funding of US $5,000 is to support the pillars of Open Government and foster citizen participation and public accountability in our jewel. We will be utilizing the funds to improve crop production yields using climate-smart agricultural practices within the Maya Golden Landscape. We congratulate other organizations that were successful in securing seed funding.

    The Nukux Tat and the Yucatec Maya in Belize
    Nukux Tat also known as the Tata Duende is a goblin . The Tata Duende is a famous legend common to the Yucatec Maya(Maya Mestizo) culture . In Yucatec Maya is known as 'Nukux Tat' , The name Tata is a maya word meaning "grandfather" or "Old" and Duende is spanish for"Goblin" also known as "el Dueno del monte" considered as a powerful spirit that protects animals and the jungle. Many Yucatec Maya ask permission to the Nukux Tat before entering the Bush or before entering to hunt.

    The Market | Half Marathon Party
    Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 8 AM – 2 PM, Banyan Bay Suites. We have pushed our Market from March 30th to April 6th to coincide with Alaia Foundation's 1st Half Marathon & 10K Fun Run. Join the fun and cheer on your fave runner!

    Government of Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) sign Agreement for the Urban Resilience and Disaster Prevention Project
    Yesterday, Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019, Dr. Hon. Omar Figueroa, Minister with responsibility for Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development (MFFESD) in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) held an Agreement Signing Ceremony for the project entitled “Belize Urban Resilience and Disaster Prevention Project”. The agreement is for the implementation of a three-year program aimed at strengthening overall flood preparedness and prevention through enhanced technical capabilities in the application of technology (e.g. GIS and Remote Sensing), applying advanced monitoring techniques to develop a flood early warning system and delivering training courses relevant to this activity; implementing controls in flood-prone areas through improved structural measures; and raising awareness and knowledge of disaster prevention and preparedness to those at risk.

    Registration of Importers of Biodegradable Single-use Plastics
    Any persons or companies who are importing or planning to import biodegradable single-use “plastic” food containers, utensils and grocery bags are being asked to contact the Department of the Environment (DOE) by April 12, 2019. The DOE is in the process of establishing a registry for the importers of biodegradable single-use items that are alternatives to the plastic items that have been targeted for the national phase-out. This registry is necessary to ensure that importers will meet the legal standards being established for biodegradable items.

    MINISTRY OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT YOUTH POVERTY SURVEY
    The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation (MHDSTPA) has teamed up with U-Report Belize to get input from youths (13-29) on what poverty means to them. The results of the survey will be utilized in the Multidimensional Poverty Workshop to be hosted by the MHDSTPA in June 2019. The objective is to understand poverty and identifying the factors needed to improve household standard of living minimizing poverty in Belize. Interested youths can participate in two ways…

    Sizzling Football Action in Corozal
    Sunday Edition continues with the Under 10 - Under 13. These games never disappoint. Please support these kids and their teams. It has been a wonderful journey for all of them. Bless them.

    2019 NATIONAL PRIMARY SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT FINALS
    Tune In Today or be there Live! Thursday April 4th! Primary School Volleyball Finals! You don't want to miss it! Only on The National Channel.. Join volleyball fans from across the country as the top school teams from each district compete in the 2019 National Primary School Volleyball Tournament in Belize City. Catch all the action, this Thursday- April 4th, Live on TNC10. Exclusively on Central TV & Internet.

    Channel 7

    CJ Grants PUP Injunction Against April 10th Referendum
    Tonight, the ICJ referendum is in limbo - and no one can say for sure whether it will or won't happen as scheduled on April 10th - which is next week Wednesday.  This is after an earth shattering decision this evening by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin.  He granted the PUP an injunction restraining Government form going ahead with the referendum.  But, still, that doesn't mean it won't happen - and, at this hour, there are more questions than answers.   And we'll address all of it for you tonight, to try and get some clarity if you should get ready to vote "yes" or "no" next week.  

    Counsel For GOB Says It's Only a Postponement
    On the other side, lead Attorney for the Government, Lisa Shoman said the PUP has only successfully managed to get the referendum postponed, and nothing else as yet.  Speaking on the judge's ruling, she also asserted that the PUP had no success with their main legal arguments. Here's how she explained why: Lisa Shoman, SC - Attorney For GOB: "I'm a bit disappointed. Of course, I want first of all to emphasize that we succeeded on the first ground. That is the Chief Justice said that there is no serious issue to be tried..."

    PM Says Lost A Battle, But Not the War, Pushes Forward to April 10th
    And while the lawyers for both sides have a clinical perspective - and even the government attorney have sort of accepted a postponement of the referendum, not so for the Prime Minister!   This evening at an emergency press conference, hastily called after the earth shattering judgement, the Prime Minister said he was floored at hearing the judgement, but is determined to somehow still have it on April 10th.  Here's his plan:

    Is Referendum Vote Without A Count Tenable?
    So, as you heard the Prime Minister explain, now that the Government is restrained by the injunction, they are already making counter-maneuvers to possibly get around it and push on with the ICJ referendum next week, as planned. Here are attorneys for both sides speaking on that approach:  Lisa Shoman, SC - Attorney For GOB: "We are asking for 2 things at this point, applying to the court for a variation. And we've indicated that the variation would be, since nobody know's whether it's yes or no, let's go ahead with our referendum on April 10th, but the Chief Elections Officer wouldn't certify the results..."

    Was The Writ Wrong?
    And the PUP successfully argued to the Chief Justice that the Prime Minister didn't properly follow the law when he sent the Writ to the Governor General for a signature.  A technical defect in the writ of referendum was what ultimately convinced the Chief Justice to grant the injunction.  Today, the Prime Minister said he followed the advice of the Chief Elections Officer: Jules Vasquez: "Sir if you could speak on the alleged procedural effect that you brought the writ under - I'm not expert in it but what we heard in court, 2-1D - when it is being argued..."

    High Court Hail Mary?: PM Thinks Judge Can Pull Thru With A Decision By Tuesday
    So now, only the Chief Justice can determine if there will be a referendum on April 10th.  He's having a hearing on Monday April 8th, and if he gives a judgement by the 9th - and it favors the government - then the injunction will be lifted, and the referendum will go through.  That's a lot of if's - and today the Prime Minister said he has confidence in the CJ: Jules Vasquez: "Are you disappointed - we know you've been very outspoken about the performance of the bench but are you disappointed that the judge in the balance of interest would stop this huge locomotive which is called the ICJ referendum, which has been going down the mountain for so many years."

    PUP PO'd With Lisa
    Lisa Shoman will remain government's lead counsel in this case - which has earned her the ire of her party, the PUP.  Today, her former colleague in the Senate, who's now arguing across the table from her, says Shoman has made her decision: Eamon Courtenay, SC - Attorney for the Claimants: "It seems to me, very clear. She has made common cause with the UDP. She is now working with the UDP. She's now being paid by the UDP. She is for the UDP. There are consequences for your decisions and your actions. That's all I am going to say about Miss Shoman."

    PM Will Stay The Course With Shoman As Lead Lawyer
    But, despite the slings and arrows from her former colleagues, Shoman is undaunted, and with everything now moving full speed ahead to Monday's hearing, the Prime Minister says she will continue to lead the charge: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister: "If there is anybody else who can come in and get up to speed on the double - we would clearly look at that because this is of such an earth shattering importance that the more hands on deck, the better.."

    PUP Leader Says Not Time to Gloat
    And while the UDP Leader is firm about Shoman's leadership of the case, her party leader Briceño was vague about the implications for her.    But, he was more forthcoming about the favorable outcome of this injunction hearing. He said that he will not gloat: John Briceño - Leader of the Opposition: "Certainly, I don't think it is time to gloat. We're standing up for the Belizean people. But I want to make 3 basic points. 1 is about legality, certainty, and respect. Legality, we've been saying from the beginning that this whole process that the UDP has taken is illegal, Secondly, there must be certainty in what we are doing..."

    Honey Bunches of Weevils?
    A 27 year old mother of 4 has been charged with harm for attacking a Chinese grocer in Tai Kong store in Cayo. But there is one heck of a back story to it.  I all happened on Monday in San Ignacio at Tai Kong Store on Joe Andrews Drive.   As you can see in the cell phone video that she captured, Khandie Young went to the store to buy a box of Honey Bunches of Oats. She returned shortly after because she found weevils crawling inside and all over the cereal bag. Young demanded that the store owner replace the box of cereal and be reimbursed the $20 she had to pay for a cab to go back to the store.

    Compol Mum On US Cash Returned to Guats
    On Monday, we told you about the issue in PG where the coast guard arrested 15 Guatemalans entering the Toledo District. They had 40 thousand US dollars and 11 cell phones.  The Coast Guard handed them over to police, and the cops released them with the money.;Today, the Commissioner inaccurately stated that it was dealt with at the police briefing and didn't want to go any further: Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police: "I believe that matter was dealt with at the press conference on Monday, the matter is still being looked at this time."

    CEO Says 40K USD Was Legit
    Today, the CEO in the Ministry of National Security was more forthcoming.  He said the police concluded that the men were on legitimate business so the 40 thousand US dollars in cash was returned to them: Felix Enriquez - CEO, Ministry of National Security: "It is concerning, I heard of it, we were actually in a planning session on Saturday when we got the for the defense side, it was the coast guard that discovered them and naturally the coast guard handed them over to the police..."

    Crime Down In First Quarter of 2019
    Today Commissioner of Police Chester Williams met with all commanders from formations countrywide. They gathered at the Belmopan Training Academy for another edition of the Computer Statistics Briefing COMSTAT. The commanders discussed the crime figures for the first quarter of the year and how they will bolster their collective response to crime. Now as it relates to the number so far, Commissioner Chester Williams says it's not that bad but there is definitely more work to be done. Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police: "I can say from the first quarter our figures are looking quite well, yes it is not where we want it to be and as the commissioner I demand a lot from my people..."

    The Mysterious Death of a WPC
    Woman Police Constable Sherlett Andrews died in the hospital last week Thursday under questionable circumstances.  The 47 year old was definitely ill, but what made her so?  She claimed it was insecticide they sprayed in the mold and insect filled Magistrate's court cell.  Today, the Commissioner of Police addressed the issue of her untimely passing: Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police: "The matter with Ms. Andrews, her death is a great loss to us. I knew her personally and she had been at the courts for quite some time. I just want you to understand that the cell that is being spoken of is not the cell at the police station but at the magistrate court..."

    Grenade Type Not Known
    Compol Williams also discussed yesterday's discovery of a grenade in Benque Viejo by the riverside.  He said nothing is known conclusively at this time: Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police: "There was a joint operations in Benque between elements of the special patrol unit and mobile interdiction team and the team went an conducted a search at the water pump area and that search yielded one live grenade. the BDF bomb expert was called in who went and retrieved the grenade and it is currently being held by the BDF and we expect to see what is the origin as well as what is the capability of that device."

    On The Subject of Security
    NICH, UB, Galen and the University of the West Indies organized the 2nd annual Belize National Research Conference. It was held this morning at the UB Jaguar auditorium in Belmopan. The main topic was security and the keynote speaker was Ministry of National Security  CEO Felix Enriquez. We found out more. Nigel Encalada - Director, ISCR: "This year's topic is Belize's security, opportunities and strengths and threats. It is one of the strategies as I have said earlier, we are working on to aid the development of the country..."

    Society Shuns Special Needs Kids
    Frequently on the news, we tell you about the good work that the faculty and staff at Stella Maris School do to educate special needs children living with disabilities. They prepare them for life as an adult, focusing on education, but also on preparing them live as comfortably as they possibly can with special needs in mainstream society.
    But, the staff at Stella Maris says that the sad reality is after these children with disabilities graduate and move on to become young adults, the Belizean society fails them, turns their backs on them.

    Sanjay Acquitted For Murder
    A man was acquitted of murder today. Forty year old undertaker Sanjay Pilgrim, who was charged with the murder of 45 year old Carrington Bodden was acquitted today by Justice Colin Williams in a trial without jury.  Justice Williams ruled that 3 confession statements Pilgrim gave to the police were not admissible as evidence and with that the Crown, represented by Senior Crown Counsel Shanice Lovell, closed its case.  Justice Williams said that he was not persuaded that any of the confessions were given voluntarily.

    The Comedy of Kruffy Air
    The Rotary Club has teamed up with Belize's leading theater company, Jankunu Productionz to premier a hilarious play called "Kruffy Air."  You can guess from the name that it will be side-splitting laughs from beginning to end.  Sandra McKay told us why you need to see this play: Again, all the proceeds will got to a charitable cause.

    Dealing With The Science Not Symptoms of Flooding
    Flash floods ripped through Cayo in 2017, and the Mayor and Area Rep responded by asking the Taiwanese for technical help to figure out how to be more ready next time.  They set up a pilot program named "Construction of Flood Warning Capacity in Belize".  It studied Digital Elevation Models as well as Flood Potential Maps to get to the science, rather than the symptoms of flash floods.   Now, the project will bring in resources to design suitable infrastructure and an early warning system.  The Cooperation in Urban Resilience and Disaster Prevention Project was signed yesterday afternoon at the George Price Centre.

    Channel 5

    Referendum Train Stopped Dead in Its Tracks!!
    There is a major upset for the government in respect of the I.C.J. referendum that was scheduled for next week Wednesday. In a packed courtroom, a ruling was handed down [...]

    A “Strange” Request to Proceed with Referendum, Nonetheless
    Last Wednesday, during the prime minister’s press conference where he unveiled a revised legal opinion by former I.C.J. President Stephen Schwebel, attorney Lisa Shoman added her two cents to a [...]

    PM Barrow Says He’s Extremely Disappointed with Injunction
    The monkey wrench that has been thrown into government’s I.C.J. timetable has undoubtedly upset its plans to proceed with a referendum next Wednesday.  In fact, while it did not anticipate [...]

    A New Plan is Hatched, PM Barrow Introduces another Legal Strategy
    PM Barrow has outlined a three-pronged approach to tackling the latest obstacle in government’s path to the I.C.J. referendum.  That impromptu plan of action includes an application for a reworking [...]

    Worst Case Scenario – a Short-term Postponement of I.C.J. Referendum
    The Court of Appeal is also an immediate first option in the wake of the Chief Justice’s milestone decision; that application being signed before C.J. Benjamin could properly exit his [...]

    PM Still Optimistic About Referendum Turnout Despite Massive Legal Blow
    Government’s high-speed train to the I.C.J. referendum has collided into an unforeseen blockade and there is no telling what impact, if any, that sudden crash will have on the momentum [...]

    The Western Border Community Has its Say on the I.C.J. Referendum
    Traversing the Sarstoon is a tense and perilous journey. The Guatemalan Armed Forces are there to impede Belizeans from freely travelling upstream so Belizeans require escort from the B.D.F. and [...]

    C.E.O. Enriquez on Sarstoon Incident: “Why Are We Surprised?”
    On Tuesday, we showed you the encounter between a News Five team on an excursion in the Sarstoon and members of the Guatemalan Armed Forces. While the Belizean vessel and [...]

    Live Grenade Found in Benque
    A joint operation between officers attached to the Special Patrols Unit and the Mobile Interdiction Team led to the discovery of a grenade in Benque Viejo del Carmen. On Tuesday, [...]

    Who Authorized the Release of 12 Guatemalans and Vessel?
    Twelve Guatemalan nationals were found with over fifty thousand U.S. dollars in cash in the southern waters of Belize last Friday.  The men and their vessel were in the Moho [...]

    Murder Stats & More for First Quarter of 2019
    The number of murders in the first quarter of the year has gone down by a significant percentage. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams provided the breakdown today in Belmopan. So [...]

    Security Cameras to Help in Crime Fighting Strategy
    Today, the Police Department convened its national COMSTAT; it’s a forum where commanders from across the country would provide a report card on the operations, including crime stats from their [...]

    Churchgoers Protest Detention of Pastor in Bella Vista
    A church leader, who reportedly entered the country unlawfully, remains in the custody of the Immigration Department in Punta Gorda and this morning his flock traveled all the way from [...]

    The 2nd Belize National Research Conference
    The second Belize National Research Conference was hosted inside the Jaguar Building at the University of Belize, Belmopan. It is part of a strategy among tertiary level institutions and the [...]

    Meet Perla and Shadow – the littlest jaguarundis at the Belize Zoo
    How much do you know about the jaguarundi? These small cats are native to parts of North, Central and South America. They are not just commonly found in the forests [...]

    G.O.B. Signs Belize Urban Resilience and Disaster Prevention Project
    The Ministry of Environment is looking to implement a three-year project to build Belize’s preparedness and response to extreme weather events. The project will look at flood preparedness and prevention [...]

    The Reporter

    Belize Enters A Chasm Of Uncertainty, ICJ Referendum Stayed By Chief Justice
    At 2.15pm this afternoon in courtroom No. 1 the Chief Justice of Belize, Kenneth A. Benjamin entered the packed courtroom which was standing room only, with many members of the PUP, the media and other concerned Belizeans. The Chief Justice granted the claimants request for an injunction to the ICJ Referendum that is scheduled for April 10th.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Leaked memo from Chief Elections Officer informs staff to carry on with preparation for referendum despite injunction
    Our newsroom is in possession of a leaked memo from Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai, […]

    One dead, one hospitalized after stabbing
    Sometime today Marcus Frazier, 24, and Kyle Saunders, 22, allegedly attacked a man at a […]

    Both sides find positives in court’s injunction decision
    Rarely have they been adversaries, but Senior Counsels Eamon Courtenay and Lisa Shoman both seemed […]

    Several people shot on Fabers Road, Belize City just now
    There was a shooting in Belize City minutes ago. It reportedly occurred on Fabers Road. […]

    Girl, 16, goes missing from Transitional Girls Home
    A 16-year-old girl who is a resident of the Transitional Girls Home is missing. Today, […]

    PUP calls on GOB to respect court ruling
    The People’s United Party (PUP) is calling on the Government of Belize (GOB) to respect […]

    Diver drowns in Double Head Cabbage
    Reports to our newsroom are that a diver drowned around 5 this evening. The person […]

    Government expands Marine Protected Areas in Biodiverse Offshore Waters
    The Government of Belize has approved “The Expansion of Fisheries Replenishment (No-Take) Zones,” which will […]

    PM disappointed with ruling by CJ granting injunction against referendum
    Prime Minister Dean Barrow held a press conference this evening following the landmark ruling by […]

    Calling Belizean filmmakers
    The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) is looking for Belizean-made short films to […]

    Esperanza infant traveling in capsized canoe passes away
    On March 29, BBN broke the news of an incident in Esperanza village where two […]

    Man, 18, missing in Cayo
    An 18-year-old is missing in Cayo and his family is asking the public for assistance […]

    “Bamboo Basti” passes through Belize on ride through 34 countries
    Sebastian “Basti” Gutmann, a German environmentalist, is on a mission to ride around the world […]

    Government vehicle overturns and burns
    A white pick up truck belonging to the Government of Belize and being used by […]

    ComPol and female officers at odds over hair regulations
    Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, and some female members of the Belize Police Department are […]

    Cabinet approves expansion of Fisheries Replenishment (No-Take) Zones
    Yesterday, Cabinet approved a joint proposal from the Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and […]

    Mexican writer joins Belize for Book Week 2019
    Mexican editor and writer, Óscar Benassini, is in Belize joining in the celebration of Book […]

    Fire leaves 20 people homeless in Southern Belize
    Our newsroom has received reports of a fire in southern Belize. It occurred in San […]

    LOVE FM

    THE PM SAYS 3 APPROACH STRATEGY TO CJ’s INJUNCTION ON REFERENDUM
    Following this afternoon’s decision from the Chief Justice, Prime Minister Dean Barrow held an impromptu press conference at 4:30 this evening on the stairs of the Laing Building. The PM said that he was disappointed in the decision but he says it was only the battle lost today not the war. He says the current …

    What led to PC 831’s Death? Was it toxins at the Courthouse?
    Woman police constable number 831 Sharlettt Andrews passed away at the end of March, 2019. Andrews was stationed at the Courthouse in Belize City when she fell ill and was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where she eventually passed away. Prior to her passing, Andrews complained about chemicals being sprayed in the cell …

    Cubans and Salvadorans Illegaly Enter Belize
    On April one at two thirty p.m. the police department in the Orange Walk District received a report about foreign nationals acting suspiciously and being transferred from one vehicle to the next in bush close to the Belize Sugar Industries along the Chan Pine Ridge Road. The police department sent a team of officers including …

    Blogs

    Hopkins Belize Travel Guide
    Belize City may technically be the capital of the Central American paradise, but Hopkins is arguably the nation's heart and soul. That's because its very character is synonymous with Belize's best qualities: a gregarious and laidback atmosphere, easy access to both the world's second largest barrier reef and a variety of different nature reserves, and a diverse mix of compelling and unique cultures. Sitting in the wake of both the Caribbean Sea and the Maya Mountains, Hopkins is the ideal place for setting off on adventures in Belize. There are no other settlements that offer as much access to as many of the most popular excursions in Belize. And despite being home to a modest reputation of roughly 1,500 people, that location has made Hopkins one of the most popular hubs of activity in the country for visitors.

    International Sourcesizz

    Southwest Seat Sale from now until Thursday, April 11th
    Book by 4/11. 21-day advance purchase required. Nonrefundable. Seats, travel days, and markets limited. Blackout dates apply. Fares valid only on nonstop service, unless otherwise indicated. International travel valid 4/23/19 – 5/16/19 and 8/20/19 – 10/31/19. Points bookings do not include government fees from $5.60 per one-way flight.

    McAfee says he won’t pay $25 million judgment ordered over 2012 death of Belize man
    John McAfee of anti-virus software fame has been found liable and ordered by a federal judge to pay $25 million in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the estate of a Belize man. But McAfee has said he won't pay. "I have not responded to a single one of my 37 lawsuits in the past 11 years," McAfee said in his "formal response to the media" issued shortly after the judgment was announced. "They have all been frivolous, even though judges are required to decide for the plaintiff if I do not respond. I refuse to play the legal extortion game aimed at America's wealthy class." McAfee argued in his response issued on his Twitter page that "over $200 million" in judgments have been handed down against him in those 11 years but that he has no assets, is "unable to pay a single penny to any of them" and "it is a truly mute point."

    Napa fifth grader aims to make a difference on humanitarian trip
    Napa fifth grader Arabella Gerosa is headed to Belize next week but she’s not going on the usual spring break kind of “vacation.” Arabella, 10, and her father, Phil Gerosa, will travel to the Central American country to spend five days on a humanitarian mission to build a center for disadvantaged women, one that will also serve as a residence for girls who are rescued from sex trafficking. The father/daughter team decided to donate their time and efforts after going on a similar mission trip to Panama in 2016. “It was a real adventure,” said Arabella. “I like that we helped people,” she said.

    Explorers Discover A Deathly Mystery At The Bottom Of The Great Blue Hole
    The Great Blue Hole off the coast of Belize, an inky blue marine sinkhole surrounded by a coral atoll and crystal clear waters, is an explorer’s paradise. The dream of exploring this geological oddity was recently realized by an expedition team made up of scientists, filmmakers, Richard Branson, and Fabien Cousteau, the grandson of French explorer Jacques Cousteau who first brought notoriety to the Blue Hole in the early 1970s. Along with many scientific insights and stunning photographs, the team also came across something particularly sinister at the bottom of the marine sinkhole: the bodies of long-lost divers. “Mostly it was quiet and dark down there,” Erika Bergman, National Geographic Explorer and submarine pilot, told Newsweek. “We also encountered the resting place for two of the divers who’ve been lost in the hole. We notified the local authorities, and everyone agreed to leave them undisturbed. They are at peace.”

    Videos

  • Belize Spring Break 2019, 17min.

  • 2nd Belize National Research Conference, 60min. The 2nd Belize National Research Conference at the Jaguar Auditorium at the University of Belize. University of Belize in collaboration with partners will be hosting the Belize National Research Conference on 3-4th April at the Jaguar Auditorium in Belmopan. We previewed a few of the research that will be presented at the conference. Our guests shared their findings and how they feel their research will impact their fields. Today the researchers talked about the use of folklore to teach cultural and societal norms, promoting the use Creole as a formal language in modern Belize and understanding the relationship between math efficacy and math anxiety. On our couch:

  • Mark Lizarraga, Senator for the Private Sector, 63min. The Revenue Appropriation Bill 2019/2020 was debated in the House of Representative last week. Mark Lizarraga, Senator for the Private Sector, provided his commentary on the budget which he explains does not support economic growth nor does it support the long-term plan of the government outlined in their previous Horizon 2030 strategy.

  • The Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI), 27min. The Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) is promoting sport fishing. They educated us about the two sport fishing legislation passed as well as their work to implement licensing options for fishers. They also spoke of the upcoming Easter Goff's Caye Excursion. The Beach Bonanza Pt. 1 takes place on April 7th and boards from the Radisson dock at 8:30 am. On our couch:

  • Richard "Dickie" Bradley, Attorney-at-Law, 72min. Richard "Dickie" Bradley, Attorney-at-Law, weighed in on the national conversation about taking the territorial claim to the ICJ. He shared his perspectives on the various legal opinions and why he believes the constitutional challenge is necessary.

  • University of Belize - Belize National Research Conference, 39min. University of Belize in collaboration with partners will be hosting the Belize National Research Conference on 3-4th April at the Jaguar Auditorium in Belmopan. We previewed a few of the research that will be presented at the conference.

  • Here's a look at the burning area at 4 mile lagoon, 1min. I saw burning bush at four mile lagoon this morning. And. Main this thing is a problem. They shopuld do something about it. Send fire fighter or something. Now I have allergies because of this.

  • The Bottle Movie Trailer, 2.5min. The trailer for The Bottle is out! The moviewas filmed entirely in Belize, and mostly in Cayo. It's funny and dramatic, and you'll know most of the actors. Daniel Velazquez has another Belizean hit on his hands. "Belizean movie, shot and produced, local cast and crew."

  • Boa III - Crawl Cay (Belize Inselform), 21min. Heute gibt es mal etwas ganz besonderes unter den Boa Constrictor Imperatoren, nämlich die Crawl Cays, eine Inselform die bei Belize liegt. Diese Tiere waren vor ein paar Jahren noch recht verbreitet, meist aus der Bonny, bzw. Stöckl Linie.

  • Birds in Belize 2019, 12min. Birds in Belize 2019, a record of birds 'captured' with my new Nikon Coolpix P1000 between Feb 1st and Mar 15th. Our trip started on Ambergris Caye. From there, we progressed to the Placencia area, then down to Punta Gorda and the Toledo District, then North. We spent a few enjoyable days at Belize Bird Rescue - BBR - where we saw an amazing array of parrots and other birds and met some bird enthusiasts, and spent our last week up in the San Ignacio area. We discovered that Spanish Lookout is a great place for birds, and that Green Hills Butterfly Ranch is also a haven for Hummingbirds, and other birds in the surrounding jungle!

  • Mayan Temple Ruins, Belize, 5min. Mi experiencia en. ¡Espero que se lo disfruten!

    April 3, 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

    Copa San Pedro 2019 Closing Season heads to Semifinals
    After several intense weekends of football action at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town, only four teams have managed to make it to the semifinals. The teams that are still contenders in the run for Copa San Pedro 2019 Closing Season championship are Los Catrachos F.C, Legends F.C, Fambo Boys F.C, and Caye Caulker Islanders F.C. Copa San Pedro 2019 Closing Season Semifinals begins this weekend on Thursday, April 4th starting at 7PM. The first round will begin with Los Catrachos F.C taking on Fambo Boys F.C and Caye Caulker Islanders F.C going up against Legends F.C. The second round of the semifinals playoffs will be played on Sunday, April 7th starting at 5PM with Legends F.C versus Caye Caulker Islanders F.C and Fambo Boys F.C facing Los Catrachos F.C. All islanders are invited to come out and support the island teams in their football tournament. Food and drinks will be on sale during all games.

    Digi Belize Opens new store in San Pedro Town
    Digi Belize held a ceremony to officially open their new store in San Pedro Town on Saturday, March 30th. The new Digi Store is located on Coconut Drive inside Wings Plaza. The event saw a large crowd of guests, Digi representatives, and island residents. The ceremony began shortly after 9AM with the singing of the National Anthem followed by a short prayer delivered by Pastor Clive Welsh. Mistress of Ceremony Janine Salazar then invited Digi Customer Service Lead Ricardo Acosta to deliver the welcome address. He officially welcomed everyone to the grand opening and thanked them for their presence.

    Aggravated burglary reported at northern Ambergris Caye beach resort
    San Pedro Police are investigating an aggravated burglary which occurred after 1AM on April 2nd at a beach resort some ten miles north of San Pedro Town. The assailants are alleged to be four Hispanic males, who overpowered the security guard, gained access into one of the units where two Canadian Nationals (male and female) were staying. After tying them up, the culprits proceeded to ransack the unit, taking an undisclosed amount of cash among other valuables. The four assailants also took a golf cart and a motorcycle, which were later recovered by police. It is believed that the culprits may have left the island early in the morning.

    SPHS celebrates Science Fair 2019!
    San Pedro High School (SPHS) students showcased their knowledge during their annual Science Fair at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium on Friday, March 29th. The school’s auditorium was filled with several project booths that focused on this year’s theme: “Reinventing the future by reducing, reusing and recycling.” The 2019 Science Fair officially opened with a recycling fashion show. Afterwards attendees visited the various booths where students explained their experiments, research, observations and conclusions of their project to the spectators. The projects focused on various ways on how different things can be recycled and reused.

    Tropic Air Wins The Travelers’ Choice Airlines Award in the Specialty & Leisure Category in Latin America
    Tropic Air announces that it has been recognized with the Travelers’ Choice Award in the Specialty and Leisure Category in Latin America in the 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards for Airlines. This is the first time any airline in Belize has won any award from TripAdvisor. "This award validates the hard work and dedication of the 360 Tropic Air employees who have exceeded our guests' expectations throughout their entire travel experience with us," said John Greif III, President of Tropic Air. "We are honoured by this award and its recognition is cherished. It makes us strive to continue the work of enhancing, investing in, and improving the experience for all our customers,” said Steve Schulte, CEO of Tropic Air.

    Ambergris Today

    New Digi Store Opens In San Pedro
    Digi Belize officially inaugurated its New Digi Store on Saturday, March 30, 2019. The New Digi Store is located at the Wing's Building on Coconut Drive. Island residents enjoyed awesome deals and Top Up at the new store during the inauguration. Be sure to drop by and check out their new office as they are currently having awesome promotions on phones and much more.

    Ramon’s Village Celebrates Einer Gomez’s 25 Years Of Service
    In the spring of 1987, Richard Headrick, purchased Ramon’s Reef Resort. Ramon Nuñez was already on site welcoming guests and running the hotel. Richard had plans to expand the hotel over the next several years and knew Ramon would need help. He also recognized right away that Ramon’s true gift was in dealing with the guests. So a bargain was struck. Ramon would remain as General Manager and his responsibility would be to hug the ladies and kiss the babies. Richard would find someone to work with Ramon and handle the daily operations. Well that was easier said than done. After several years and several attempts, Ramon’s niece Aida Nuñez came along. We thought she might be the one and then she decided to get married and move to the UK. At her recommendation an interview was arranged with a young man named Einer Gomez.

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    San Pedro Power Outage April 4
    Power outage scheduled from 6:00am to 1:00pm on Thursday, April 4 to affect Pescador Drive, Angel Coral Street, Ambergris Street, Caribeña Street, Nurse Shark Street, Pelican Street, Buccaneer Street, Tarpon Street, Almond Street, portion Black Coral Street, San Pedrito including Crocodile Street, Gutten Street, Tropic Wave Street, Glitter Street and Water Lane Street; DFC Area including Mar de Tumbo Drive, Sea Grape Drive, Villa Drive, Escalante Subdivision and Mosquito Coast. BEL to replace utility poles and relocate power lines in the area.

    BTIA General Membership Meeting
    Caye Caulker BTIA & BTIA Invite you to a General Membership Meeting, April 5, at Vega Inn on Caye Caulker. 6:30pm-10pm.

    Dallas Vacationers seek Travel and Adventures in Belize
    The Belize Hotel Association, represented by our 2nd Vice President Barbara Hall and Board Director Sherry Constantino attended another of the Travel and Adventures Show series, last weekend. This was the first time that the BHA was promoting our members at the Dallas Travel and Adventure Show, that took place on March 30 and 31, at the Dallas Market Hall in Dallas Texas. This show was chosen by the BHA because of the non-stop flight available from Dallas to Belize, and easy connectivity is always a big factor for travelers.

    LOST PUPPY:
    In the Banana Beach area south of San Pedro Town. Please call 607-1621 if you have information.

    Pancake Brunch with the Easter Bunny in San Pedro
    Mark your calendar for this super fun family event at the Lions Club! Saturday April 10, 8am-2pm.

    Paint N Splash
    See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint “Senior Turtle”.

    Ministry of Health Issues Advisory on Severe Smoke Affecting Northern Communities
    The Ministry of Health has been alerted of severe smoke affecting the communities of San Narciso, Louisville, San Victor, Santa Clara, San Roman, Cristo Rey and Concepcion in the Corozal District for the past three weeks. An Investigation into the matter revealed that the disturbance is being created by smoke drifting into Belize from a burning dumpsite in Mexico. In an effort to get control of the burning, the Ministry of Health has made a formal report to the Subdirectory of Environment in Chetumal to have the matter addressed.

    Open letter to resident representative ad interim UNDP
    We at the Belize PEACE Movement (BPM) trust that your organisation, tasked with providing technical support toward ensuring that adequate awareness and preparedness for the national referendum is realised, remains abreast of all that is transpiring concerning the impending referendum scheduled for April 10, 2019. This correspondence serves as the BPM’s official complaint regarding reports we have received from across the country of personnel dressed in the decal of the UNDP, interviewing citizens as to their likely vote.

    Bullet Tree River Clean-up
    The FCD Environmental Youth Group teamed up with the Positive Environmental Group to do a river clean up in Bullet Tree. A big thanks to all that helped make the river a nicer place. Betta No Lita! "FCD Environmental Youth Group joined forces with the Positive Environmental Group (PEG) in a river cleanup which was carried out at Bullet Tree Falls. The river cleanup was a success and we want to thank PEG for inviting us."

    2nd Belize National Research Conference
    April 3,4. Jaguar Auditorium University of Belize Belmopan Campus.

    Channel 7

    Father Rescues All But One From River Drowning
    On Friday we told you about the toddler who got swept away in the river after the dory his family was in capsized. It happened on Friday morning in Esperanza Village in the Cayo district. The baby, 2 year old Mark Landero, was responding well over the weekend but this morning things took a turn for the worse. He died at the KHMH. But his father, David Landero believes that the KHMH is to blame for his son's death. Courtney Weatherburne reports. Today the waters of the Macal river in Esperanza Village looked calm and inviting but on Friday morning, there was a strong current that capsized a dorey with a family in it. David Landero, his wife and about 8 other relatives including his kids were heading to his grandmother's funeral on the other side of the river when they went overboard.

    Missing Teen Found Drowned
    The body found in Benque yesterday evening has been identified as 18 year old Rudy Morales. But according to the post mortem, he drowned, he wasn't killed. The results don't show any sign of foul play. We spoke to the family in the Kontiki area of San Ignacio this morning. Nehemias Canto, Brother in law: "He went Saturday night at a fair in Benque and from there he went missing. We didn't see him this whole weekend." Reporter: "We understand the family began looking for him ?"

    Mechanic Hid Hydro in Gas Tank
    Last night around 11:40, It was no April Fool's bust when police found 45 pounds of weed in a Calcutta Mechanic's vehicle. The accused drug trafficker is 40 year old Joel Recinos and the vehicle was parked at his house. Police searched his Ford- 150 truck and found 20 parcels of weed stuffed inside the gas tank. Recinos was charged with drug trafficking. He pled not guilty in court today and was granted bail of $25,000 dollars.

    Watchman Critical After Run Over By Bus
    A man is in critical condition tonight, after he was knocked down by a bus in Corozal today - near to the Santa Elena border. He is a 49 year old watchman from Paraiso Village, Jose Eliseo Cortez. According to reports, Cortez was heading to Corozal from the border and was about a mile out of Corozal Town, when he was hit by a Silva's bus. Reports say the Silva's bus was headed in the same direction and it tried to overtake Cortez but ended up hitting him. Her survived the impact, but suffered major injury and is at the KHMH tonight in critical condition. We'll have an update on this tomorrow.

    Charged for His Cousin's Murder
    A 21 year old has been charged for the murder of his 19 year old cousin. It's that case we told you about last night in Sandhill where Leslie accused Gibson of plotting against him, and lashed his cousin across the head with a two by four. Gibson retaliated by stabbing Leslie in the chest, and the knife went right into his heart. He died on the spot. Police said self defence could be a possibility so they sent the file to the DPP. That office advised them to charge Gibson for murder. He was arraigned and remanded today as he covered his face. The cousins grew up close together and lived on the same extended family property in sandhill. They are the sons of two brothers, and, now, one is dead, the other in jail.

    Cops Use Drone to Bust Human Smuggling Operation
    Orange Walk Police used a drone camera to bust an apparent human trafficking operation yesterday afternoon. It happened on a sugar road between the BSI Factory and Chan Pine Ridge. At around 2:30, police got a call that illegal aliens were seen moving in the area. The police coralled a drone camera from BSI to scan the area. That led them to a pair of SUV's parked in the bush. One of the vehicle owned by someone suspected to be a human trafficker from Santa Cruz village. When police searched the bushes, they found 8 men and 3 women who said they were Cubans.

    Attorney Faces Death Threats for Doing Her Job
    Last night, we took you to the Supreme Court for an injunction hearing in the case from the PUP. They are trying to delay the ICJ Referendum, which is scheduled for next week Wednesday. The Government and, indeed, the entire nation, have been preparing for this referendum for months now, but if the PUP is successful tomorrow, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin could order the Government to postpone it until further notice. That's if he is convinced that the PUP parliamentarians who take issue with the 2008 Special Agreement have a legitimate case.

    A Mighty Weighty Matter Before CJ
    But, beyond these unfortunate death threats, tomorrow is a pivotal day in the case that the PUP have brought to challenge the 2008 Special Agreement to go to the ICJ. The judge has weighty legal arguments to consider before he decides whether or not he will grant the injunction and stop the referendum. Yesterday's case ended about an hour before the start of the news, and so, we were not able to closely examine a few of those arguments that the two sides made in the injunction hearing. Here now is Shoman explaining what are some of the legal issues that the Chief Justice is currently reviewing:

    Judge Schwebel Studies the Case for Guatemala
    And while you've heard the legal arguments before the Supreme Court, we turn now to the arguments that Guatemala may make before the ICJ - if the case goes there. Last week in Vermont, Jules Vasquez asked Judge Stephen Schwebel the former president of the court, about three arguments which the Guatemalans may use to lay claim to all or a part of Belizean territory:.. On September 15, 1821, what was known as the Captaincy-General of Guatemala - comprised of modern day Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica - declared independence from Spain. It became the United Provinces of Central America in 1823. Guatemala, with the largest population was the dominant force within the republic.

    Vascianne Says No Play on Uti Possidetis
    And the Belize Bar Association's International Law expert Stephen Vascianne had also touched on this principle of international law called "uti possidetis." He did it in his 42 page legal opinion and he went over it when he addressed a public forum held by the bar association. That was two weeks ago - and he spoke to the gather via Skype from Jamaica. Here's what he said:... Stephen Vascianne, International Law Expert: "You can have a treaty which has a provision that fails and yet still you retained boundary arrangements that are set out in the treaty..."

    Fire Leaves Family Homeless
    Tonight, a family of 5 from San Antonio Village in the Toledo District is homeless after their house burned down completely. It happened at around 5:00 this evening, and our colleagues from PGTV were on the scene shortly after the blaze was discovered. The homeowner told them in an interview that he, his wife, 2 children, and his grandfather lost everything:

    Police Find Grenade
    Reports at this hour are that police have found a grenade in Benque Viejo. It was found this evening, on the banks of the Mopan River. Police teams - acting on intelligence dug into a hole under a rock, where they found a black plastic bag with a grenade hidden inside. The BDF bomb expert was called to assess it. Police believe that grenades can be acquired in Melchor form underground sources.

    Competition Between Bus Companies Turning Criminal?
    On this newscast, we've told you multiple times about what we call the bus wars. That's where the competition for customers is so fierce on the road, that bus drivers from rival companies end up racing to try and scoop up as many passengers as they can, to steal commuters from their rivals. All this creates for dangerous driving practices, putting commuters at risk. But, one bus owner says that a rival company recently took it to a new level. Bert Ramos of Ramos Bus Company runs the Ladyville route every day, and he says that on last Saturday, criminals attacked his bus driver, and put a beatdown on him, while he was on the job .

    ComPol Tours Police Force
    Police Commissioner Chester Williams is wrapping up his Tour of police stations and facilities all across the country, where he inspected the specialized units, sections, branches and headquarters. Williams used the tour to familiarize himself with the assets and facilities that the department has at hand. The ComPol and his senior command team also heard from the rank and file about their concerns.

    Caye Crooks Hold Up Resort
    Two tourists and the watchman were held up at a resort on the north end of Ambergris Caye early this morning. It happened at Sapphire Beach Resort around 1:30 am, where four hispanic men first held up the security guard, Uwanie Augustine. They blindfolded him and took the keys to the resort. They then entered a room where two Canadians were guests. They were tied up and the men went through their belongings searching for cash. They left -stealing a motorbike and a golf cart, along with some cash.

    Channel 5

    A Dozen Guatemalan Men Detained in Belize
    According to reports, twelve Guatemalan men were detained by the Belize Coast Guard on Friday afternoon. It happened in Moho River, Toledo District. We understand that the men were detained with a large amount of cash in US dollars and Quetzales. The men were escorted to the Punta Gord Police Station where the monies counted in their presence. It reportedly amounted to more than forty thousand US dollars and more than two thousand Quetzales. The men were also found with eleven mobile phones. The Belize Police Department has yet to release details of the men's arrest.

    Police Investigate Death of Sandhill Villager
    Police are investigating the death of nineteen-year-old Malcolm Leslie who was pronounced dead on arrival on Saturday afternoon. Police report that at around two o'clock, James Gibson was on his verandah when "he was allegedly approached by Malcolm and an argument ensued between the two of them". According to police, Leslie allegedly "lashed James across his face with a piece of wood". "As a result of James allegedly stabbed Malcolm", police say. Gibson was detained by police shortly after.

    Revisiting Sarstoon Island Ahead of I.C.J. Referendum
    News Five’s reporters have been deployed to various border communities to test the pulse of Belizeans as we prepare for that historic vote on April tenth which will decide if [...]

    Jalacte and the I.C.J. Vote – Out of Sight, Out of Mind?
    Next stop: Jalacte, a bordering community of some eight hundred residents. The experience there is much different. People from both sides of the border cross unimpeded; there is no immigration [...]

    James Gibson is Arraigned for His Cousin’s Murder in Sand Hill
    Twenty-one-year-old James Emmanuel Gibson was today arraigned in the courtroom of Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts-Anderson for the weekend stabbing murder of his cousin, Malcolm Emmanuel. The customer care representative was [...]

    Family Mourns Death of Rudy Morales
    The Morales family of San Ignacio is grieving the untimely death of one of their own. The nineteen-year-old went missing over the weekend and on Monday afternoon; the family’s worst [...]

    4 Armed Robbers Target San Pedro Resort
    There are reports of an aggravated burglary at a resort on northern Ambergris Caye. News Five has received information that four armed, masked men targeted the Sapphire Resort located nine [...]

    A Major Drug Bust in Corozal
    A well-known mechanic from Corozal is in big trouble with the law tonight after he was busted with over forty-five pounds of cannabis. Police are reporting that on Monday night [...]

    Man in Critical Condition after Collision with Bus
    A man is in the K.H.M.H. in a critical condition tonight after he was involved in a road traffic accident. According to reports, forty-nine-year-old Jose Cortez of Paraiso village was [...]

    Fire in San Antonio, Toledo Leaves Family Homeless
    A resident of San Antonio, Toledo and his family are tonight homeless, following a fire earlier today which destroyed a pair of structures in the village.  Wallace Coy was returning [...]

    WPCs Must Keep Hair above Shoulder
    The Belize Police Department is enforcing a regulation in the Standing Orders which has some women police officers up in arms. The department is implementing its code of ethics outlined [...]

    ComPol Williams: “Don’t Agree with Rule? Seek Employment Elsewhere”
    News Five understands that at least one woman police officer has sought legal advice and is considering challenging the matter in court. Commissioner Williams says that anyone who does not [...]

    Gian Gandhi said Possibility of Territorial ‘Adjustment’ by the I.C.J. Cannot Be Ruled Out
    Eight days from now the public will vote either YES or NO to determine Belize’s next step to address Guatemala’s claim over the country. As the day nears, opposing camps [...]

    Seaweed Farming: A Sustainable, Alternative Source of Income
    With the help of Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association, the Fisheries Department and the Nature Conservancy, a group of fishers are exploring the economic benefits of seaweed farming.  About a dozen [...]

    Muffles College High School Fails to Reinstate Female Teacher, Ignoring TSC’s Ruling
    Muffles College High School in Orange Walk Town has yet to reinstate the female teacher who was placed on administrative leave, despite the ruling of the Teaching Services Commission. The [...]

    N.G.O. Community and Senators Step Up for Lisa Shoman
    Cyber bullying and threat of violence are not limited to the viral release of pornographic material on social media.  It has also taken root online in the buildup towards the [...]

    Murders Down for 1st Quarter of 2019
    Since the beginning of the year to the end of March, there have been thirty-one murders recorded across the country. According to the Ministry of National Security, the Belize Police [...]

    Police Department to Crack Down on Public Drinking
    The police department is focusing more on preventing deaths caused by excessive drinking. But for the department to be successful in its endeavour, the root causes must be addressed. ComPol [...]

    ComPol Chester Williams Concludes National Tour
    The Commissioner today concluded a national tour with an event at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan City. The event included an inspection of law enforcement units and a presentation [...]

    Belize Gets Ready for REDD+
    Forests still cover about thirty percent of the world’s land area, but they are disappearing at an alarming rate. And because deforestation causes almost twenty percent of global emissions, the preservation [...]

    ComPol Williams Concludes National Tour
    Commissioner of Police Chester Williams today concluded a national tour with an event at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan City. The event included an inspection of law enforcement units and a presentation session and open discussion with Williams. According to the department, the Commissioner's tour is a "national strategy of familiarization, information sharing on the way forward of the BPD".

    Amandala

    D-Day for Belize: Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.
    Battlefield Park on the Regent Street side was packed with supporters of the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) as five parliamentarians and a standard bearer began to walk toward the Supreme Court. They were soon joined by other executive members of the party as they made their way to the courtroom of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Following three hours of submissions before the Chief Justice from the two sides, the claimants and the government attorneys, the Chief Justice thanked both sides for their submissions and announced that he would hand down his decision on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.

    Cousin kills cousin in Sandhill
    An argument between two teenage cousins led to death in Sandhill. Malcolm Leslie, 19, a laborer of Sandhill, was stabbed twice in his chest by James Emmanuel Gibson, 18, after he, Gibson, was hit by Leslie with a piece of wood in his face, causing a wound over his eyes. Leslie was rushed to the hospital, but died shortly after. Gibson was also taken to the hospital, where he was treated and later released. Gibson has since been detained pending investigation.

    Fisherman fined $3,000 for one bullet
    Shane Morgan, 42, a fisherman of 6785 Western Avenue who was charged with keeping ammunition without a gun license after he was found with one live 9-millimeter round, pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts Anderson. Because Morgan saved the court time by pleading guilty and it was his first offence, Senior Magistrate Anderson invoked a proviso and spared him a custodial sentence. She fined him $3,000 and she gave him until November 30 to pay.

    Hermelindo Ical, 30, chopped to death in Armenia
    A volunteer soldier of the Belize Defence Force, Hermelindo Ical , 30, also a farmer of Armenia, was found at about 6:30 this morning lying on the roadside in some bushes not far from his house. He had been chopped in the head and body. His body was then taken to the morgue at the Western Regional Hospital. Ical was found by a man who was walking on the road in the area and called police.

    Popular radio and television personality Rosalie Staines, passed away
    Rosalie Staines, the host of the radio and television talk show Open Paki, has died. Staines, who has been battling a debilitating illness for some time reportedly passed away at her sister’s Los Angeles home. Staines was active in many spears of Belizean life and was regarded by many as a social activist. Facebook is flooded with many pictures of Staines in her many roles as she was full of life and energy.

    Hardcore politics: the dying breed of Belizean politicians
    As I watched the budget debate in the House this week, I was struck by the behavior of some of our mostly male-dominated, elected leaders, ironically being corralled by a lone female House Speaker trying to keep their behavior in check. On the UDP side, some of these hardcore politicians appeared polished, while others not so much, which made me wonder why a leader would choose to have some of the latter on his ticket as representatives of his government?

    BDF grabs 2-1 road win over Verdes; joins wild scramble to top-4 PLB Closing Season playoffs
    With their home team, BDF FC in last place at the end of Week 8 in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Closing Season, Belize City football fans had all but given up hope of seeing any playoff action this season; but, after 3 straight victories, which included against defending champion Bandits Sport and sub-champion Verdes FC, BDF FC is now poised at Week 11 for a real run at a possible playoff spot. Indeed, with just 3 weeks remaining in the regular season, the top-4 playoff spots are very much “up for grabs” among 7 of the 8 PLB teams.

    NEBL reg. season winding down as teams try to squinge into playoff contention
    The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) hosted three games over the past weekend along with the All Star Night on Saturday. Three weeks remain in the NEBL regular season, after which only 4 teams will advance to the playoffs. Below are the standings, where teams are ranked based on the points they have accumulated so far. The variation in standings is due to the fact that all teams have not played the same number of games.

    Women’s League scoring race tight at Week 8 of Closing Season
    Two weeks remain in the regular season of the National Amateur Women’s League (NAWL) 2018-2019 Closing Season, and 3 teams from each group are already guaranteed a playoff spot, with only 1 spot in each group not settled yet (See team standings below); but where the race is hot is for the Goal Scoring Title, and it has become a “two horse” race between Gladiators’ Kaite Jones and Jewel Fury’s Fatima Romero. In fact, considering that the competition is different in the two groups, there should probably be a scoring champion award for each group. (See scoring leaders table below.)

    Editorial: Caracol Road should be scaled down
    If we judged the financial health of Belize by the streets in the cities and towns that tourists are encouraged to walk on, and the places that they are encouraged to visit, we would say that our country belongs in the category occupied by the well-off and rich. Albert Street and Seashore Drive in Belize City, and Burns Avenue in San Ignacio Town, are scenic and in spots prosperous. San Pedro, Placencia, and the Island Resorts, are places only the wealthy, or people who were born there, can afford. A lot of regular folk live in Caye Caulker and Hopkins, but these are places where the property values are beyond the pockets of most Belizeans.

    What yes KNOW and no BELIEVE
    Belizeans who are going to vote NO in the referendum on April 10, if the government or the court don’t postpone it, believe, are of the conviction, that if Belize says YES to the Special Agreement we are going to lose either land or rights, or both. They have their reasons for their arguments, how they arrived at their conclusion. This is how they rest, and that is that we are going to regret forever and ever, giving the green light for the judges at the International Court of Justice to consider our border and sovereignty. Belizeans who are going to vote YES in the referendum on April 10, if it is on April 10, KNOW that Guatemala will get a diplomatic victory over Belize if we vote NO. What they KNOW is that a NO vote will give Guatemala a boost over us.

    The Government’s blast from the past
    Despite the megabucks being spent by our Government and our disingenuous” friends” to brainwash and railroad the electorate to vote “Yes to the ICJ,” the most recent polls still indicate that the overwhelming majority of voters will vote “No” in the April 10 referendum. Nonetheless, logic indicates that our adversaries will continue to do all in their power to ensure that a “Yes” vote prevails in the upcoming referendum. At the local level, political fortunes and aspirations for national hegemony are at stake and on the international plane, superpower foreign policy objectives. Also, there is strong evidence to suggest that the financial interests of important multinational companies committed to the unbridled harvesting of our valuable natural resources in the disputed area are on the line.

    Kyle Murillo, 31, arraigned for abducting ex-girlfriend
    Kyle Murillo, 31, a maintenance worker of Louise Bevans Street who allegedly abducted his ex-girlfriend, was charged with unlawful imprisonment and harm when he appeared today before Magistrate Christina Perera. Murillo pleaded not guilty to unlawful imprisonment. He wanted to plead guilty to harm, but he was not satisfied with the facts of the case that were presented, so Magistrate Perera entered an equivocal plea of not guilty. Murillo was offered bail of $4,000 and his case was adjourned until May 10.

    Leevon Lewis, 43, dies after being hit by cousin in Mile 8 Community
    According to police, Leevon Lewis, 43, of Belize City, was hit on his temple by his cousin during an argument at about 11:30 yesterday morning, and he fell backwards and hit his head on the edge of a parked vehicle’s tailgate as a result. Lewis then fell to the ground and became motionless. He was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. The cousin who hit him has since handed in himself to police.

    Luis Cruz, 19, dies in motorcycle accident
    Just a few days after the sixth person was killed in separate motorcycle collisions, another life was lost in yet another motorcycle collision. This time the life taken was that of Luis Enrique Cruz, 19, a San Ignacio student. Reliable information to us is that about 6:30 last evening, Cruz was traveling on his motorcycle on Loma Luz Boulevard when he lost control of the bike, which slammed into the left side of a vehicle that was coming from the opposite direction, causing him to fall off the motorbike.

    Walter Loyo, 28, succumbs after fighting for his life after collision
    Walter Loyo, 28, who was involved in a motorcycle collision at Mile 8 on the George Price Highway, in which he suffered massive head and body injuries, died this morning at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after fighting for his life for about eight days at the Intensive Care Unit at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Police said that at about 2:30 Sunday afternoon, March 24, Loyo and his fiancée, Zinnia Ayala, 20, were traveling on a motorcycle on the George Price Highway, from Hattieville to Belize City...

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Network of NGO’s denounce bullying
    The Belize Network of NGOs (BNN) issued a statement condemning the threats of violence against […]

    Grenade found in Benque Viejo
    Reports to our newsroom indicate that this afternoon around 4, authorities were conducting operations and […]

    National Security Minister applauds Police Department for decrease in crime
    Today, the Minister of National Security, John Saldivar extended congratulations to the Commissioner of Police, […]

    Post mortem confirms that Rudy Moralez died of drowning
    The body of Rudy Moralez was retrieved yesterday afternoon from the Mopan River in Benque […]

    COMPOL wraps up countrywide tour
    Today, Commissioner of Police (COMPOL), Chester Williams wrapped up his countrywide tour of the Belize […]

    Corozal mechanic detained for drug trafficking
    A Corozal mechanic has been detained pending charges of drug trafficking. Around 11:40 last night, […]

    Senators denounce threats of violence against Attorney Lisa Shoman
    By Social Sector Senators: We, the Social Sector Senators, wish to make a pointed call for respect and tolerance for all in Belize irrespective of their personal positions on any matter, and do hereby strongly condemn any threats of violence against Attorney Lisa Shoman. […]

    Latest ICJ forum to Honor “The Flowers Bank 14”
    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, despite the pending court case which may or may not postpone […]

    Threats of Violence Against Attorney Lisa Shoman
    Former parliamentarian, diplomat and current attorney Senior Counsel Lisa Shoman has been the target of […]

    Corozal villagers may have to consider relocating temporarily
    The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reached out to Mexican authorities asking them to address the […]

    Have you gotten your new ID?
    The Elections and Boundaries Department informs electors of the final phase for the issuance of […]

    The ICJ Fever: Countdown to historic referendum
    With only 8 more days to Belize’s historic national referendum, the public awareness and education […]

    Foreign Affairs Minister to host presentation on ICJ at Ambergris Caye
    Belize’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Wilfred Elrington, is hosting a presentation on whether or not to […]

    Blogs

    Sights of Belize #1
    Late March 2019

    Caye Caulker Belize Travel Guide: What to See, Do, Costs, & Ways to Save
    There's plenty to see and do in Belize. Destinations like Placencia, San Ignacio, and Hopkins Village are thriving hubs of culture and activity that only become even more lively as tourists pour in for the vacation winter season. But if you're looking for something more off the beaten path, Caye Caulker offers everything you could want and more. Which is to say, Caye Caulker offers a whole lot less than its more popular and populated contemporaries. Caye Caulker is little more than an island located off the coast of Belize property right in the Caribbean Sea. Underneath is a complex network of underseas caves. The Caye itself is four miles long at its widest point, and the single settlement constitutes only a mile in width.

    International Sourcesizz

    These eco-shoes are made with sargassum seaweed and plastic bottles
    Guanajuato company has developed a sole using seaweed, while it uses PET plastic for the upper part of the shoe. In Quintana Roo, sargassum seaweed is a curse, but for a Guanajuato inventor it has the potential to become environmentally friendly footwear. A new line of eco-shoes — made with recycled plastic and sargassum — has been designed by the firm Renovare, which had already spent several years experimenting with PET plastic. Renovare founder Jorge Castro Ramos told the newspaper El Financiero that it took the company five years of trial and error to reach the stage where it could obtain clothing-grade textile fibers out of recycled plastic bottles.

    Bodies of Divers Found at the Bottom of Belize’s Great Blue Hole
    The Great Blue Hole, a giant ocean sinkhole off the coast of Belize, is a beautiful and mysterious sight. Now, researchers working on an expedition of the sinkhole have released the first 3D maps of its interior and a minidocumentary on their submarine trip, including how they found mysterious marks and the bodies of long-lost divers at the bottom of the chasm. “Anything that fell into the hole decomposed until that process used up all of the oxygen below 290 feet,” Bergman told Newsweek. “That means that below the hydrogen sulfide (H2S), there’s no oxygen and anything that falls down there now is preserved.”

    Videos

  • The Business Perspective on Love, 112min.

  • There's something a bit,,, (odd),,, with this toad I came across, 2min. Missing feet,, that's right! Also it's front left foot only had 2 toes,, it didn't show in the video though. Maybe some kind of deformity, or it survived something crazy!

  • Ladies Night at Pedros Inn - San Pedro, Belize, 3.5min. Hey Everyone, I am taking you to Ladies Night at Pedro's Inn on Ambergris Caye. Every Wednesday, crowds of people pile into Pedro's for late night drinks and dancing.

  • Belize bonefish, 3min. Nice little Belize bonefish on a 6 weight Moonlit Fly fishing Nirvana Glass rod. These fish are so much fun!

  • Here is a throwback from Belize, 21min.

  • Jankunu Productionz presents "Belize Rewind" | San Pedro we’re coming!!!!!!!!!!, 1min.

  • The 'ICJ Referendum' is just 8 days away!, 60min. On 10-4-19, our host, Andre Pitts, was joined by High Comissioner Perla Perdomo, and Ambassador Oliver Del Cid. The panelists will be responding to many questions that have been asked, and will simply the expert Legal Opinions.

  • Dolphins, 1min. Joined by Dolphins while diving Belize

  • Barton Creek Cave Belize, 15min. We were fortunate to stay at Mike's place at the Barton Creek cave Reserve in Belize. It was hot outside but we were able to cool off by diving into the water. The zip lines were awesome! We totally recommend a visit if you are in Belize!

  • Diving The Big Blue Hole in Belize, 14min. Diving the Big Blue Hole on a guided trip! Not a lot of fish but lots of cool formations and some sharks! Went down to 138 ft!

    April 2, 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

    Isla Bonita Elementary School celebrates 4th Annual Science Fair
    Isla Bonita Elementary School (IBES) held its 4th Annual Science Fair at their school campus in San Pedro Town under the theme: “Brilliant Minds Building Tomorrow’s Future Through Ingenuity.” On Friday, March 29th, a large crowd of parents and students made their way to the school campus to view some amazing science projects. From 9AM to 1PM, the IBES students presented their group efforts on different topics taught in their science curriculum. The upper-division booths saw experiments on eclipses, electricity, energy, and global warming. The lower-division students delighted the attendees with their knowledge on living things, matter, machines, and magnets.

    Ambergris Today

    Life Of Early Fishermen On Ambergris Caye
    In Belize City they were described as men with their opened up shirts and rolled up pants; but that was only in appearance. Their lives were notably different. The early fishermen between 1930 to 1950 were equipped with three pieces of equipment - hand lines and hooks, cast nets and seine nets. His job commenced at 5 o'clock early morning when he paddled his dory to a good fishing site sometimes midway between the shore and the reef, the "quebrado" or channel at the reef, or any spot long the reef. There were also some great fishing sites in the lagoon or leeward side of the island especially where there were "posas" or sinkholes. Once there, the fisherman would stick a pole in the sand or mud to fasten his canoe or to an anchor, usually a small rock. His bait would be either conch or sardines and if his luck was good, in an hour or two he would have a bucketful or rather a sackful of fish.

    Third Annual Tattoo Expo A Total Success!
    The Third Annual Tattoo Expo was in full swing this past weekend, March 30 and 31. The buzz of the tattoo guns filled the air as tattoo artists from as far as Panama, USA and Mexico joined their artist brothers from Belize in participation of the Third Annual International Tattoo Expo. Hundreds gathered at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium enjoying the two-day tattoo expo. It is said that once you get inked there is an irresistible urge to get more tattoos. Well, there was sure a lot of tattooing taking place; there was lots of artistry work to admire, food and drinks on sale and lots of cool memorabilia to purchase.

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    Belize opposition parties challenge legality of ICJ referendum agreement
    By Wellington C Ramos. In the Supreme Court on Monday, April 1, lawyers from the opposition political parties in Belize will challenge the United Democratic Party (UDP) government’s compromise agreement that gave way to a scheduled International Court of Justice (ICJ) election to be held April 10, 2019. They are claiming that our foreign minister Wilfred Elrington, violated their constitution for signing an agreement with Guatemala to take their territorial claim to Belize to the ICJ for a final resolution.

    Curassow Selfie!
    If there is one species that loves to take selfies on our camera traps, it's the curassow! We regularly get 20 - 30 photos of a curious curassow (or two!) hanging out in front of the camera trap.

    Caye Caulker Lobster Fest
    We are proud to announce that this year for 'Dancing Under The Influence' dance on Saturday night, we are bringing for the very first time to #Belize, the most versatile DJ in the Caribbean - Renowned DJ/ remixer / mixing engineer for artists such as Machel Montano, Bunji, Patrice Roberts and others - we present to you Dj Scratch Master.

    Open Forum on the ICJ in San Pedro
    Get your last-minute ICJ questions answered. by Hon. Minister Elrington. Wednesday, April 3 at the Lions Den.

    Community Meeting, San Joaquin Community Center
    April 11, 7-8pm

    Ranchito Community Cleanup
    April 7, 9am at the Community Center

    CEMJC Annual Open Day 2019
    April 12, 9am-2pm.

    4-A-Side Football Marathon - Miami Beach. Sunday April 7th

    Corozal Town Council Municipal Spring Bazaar
    April 15, 8am-5pm.

    Stacey Joy Playing Hode's
    Stacey Joy, the singer, song writer, multi-instrumentalist, will be performing this Saturday night at Hode's. You can check out her music on her website. She's reminiscent of Sarah Mclachlan, and has a new album out. "Some days we all need a lift. Join Us for this soulful evening !!"

    BTB Scholarship Opportunities for 2019
    Click here to download the forms to start the application process

    Comedy Movie Night at the Truck Stop
    Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at 7 PM – 9 PM. The movie that put alternative hair gels on the map! That's right, this week we're showing the comedy super-classic THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY, starring Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz. From the writer/director of Best Picture-winner GREEN BOOK! (Disclaimer: while that fact is crazy and true, this movie has absolutely nothing in common with "Green Book")

    THE AMAZING RACE
    THE AMAZING RACE” will be held on May 25th 2019 starting at 6am at Xunantunich It is a day featuring a series of activities designed to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage team building. This fun filled event was created by the Belize Cancer Society San Ignacio Branch to raise funds to assist cancer patients. The Amazing Race is NOT a relay race, all participants must complete all activities. Registration will be open for the dates of: March 25th to April 30 2019 Registration fee is $500.00 BZE per Team. refreshments and fruits included. Participants must be over 16 years old to participate in the race. Twenty teams will be registered; each team must have six members ( at least two must be females) . A puzzle or activity must be completed by all teams at each stop point to be able to advance the race to the final stop point. Each participant must bring their own BICYCLE (No specific type is needed) and LIFE JACKET

    El Pilar and the Forest Garden Exhibit
    April 4, Sandy Hunter Public Library in Orange Walk.

    NewBook: Maya Salt Works
    In Maya Salt Works, Heather McKillop details her archaeological team’s groundbreaking discovery of a unique and massive salt production complex submerged in a lagoon in southern Belize. Exploring the organization of production and trade at the Paynes Creek Salt Works, McKillop offers a fascinating new look at the role of salt in the ancient Maya economy.

    The Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) is inviting applications for the Post of Marine Reserve Ranger
    This is an exciting career opportunity to become part of a professional cadre of Reserve Rangers tasked with ensuring the protection of our natural assets and marine life within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

    Book it!
    Book Week 2019 happens this week in Belize City, Belmopan and San Ignacio.

    Exhibit “From Dispute to Referendum”
    On Thursday 21 March 2019, the BHA sponsored part of the travel cost for students form St. John’s College High School and Our Lady of Guadalupe Primary School to view the exhibit “From Dispute to Referendum” at the Goldson House in the City of Belmopan. The students were engaged and had many questions on the treaties that have established the boundaries of Belize. We encourage teachers, schools and NGOs to contact the BHA or NICH to schedule a tour of the exhibit.

    Channel 7

    CJ: Go or No on ICJ Referendum?
    We won't know until Wednesday - two days from now - whether the Chief Justice says "Go" or "No" to the April 10th referendum. That's what came out of court late this evening after a quite dramatic day. The drama came from the hundreds of protestors the PUP had outside, making the CJ know that they wanted him to grant an injunction, putting a hold on the referendum. And in the court, there was also some measure of drama. the CJ's courtroom was near standing room only for the hearing of the injunction in the ICJ referendum case. Attorney for the government side, Lisa Shoman spoke to the press when it was done to give us a recap:

    Hundreds Holler No at the CJ
    As we told you, what happened in court was only one part of the story. What happened outside with the PUP's protestors was the other, and leader John Briceno told us why they were there:... Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "These are Belizeans that want to express their dissatisfaction with a government that refuses to listen to them. We had no need to be here today if the government would have only cooperated with us, because as from far back as 2016 I've been saying that when it comes to the issue of the Belize/Guatemala claim or the unfounded claim that Guatemala has on Belize - that is something that we ae supposed to be working with together, both parties. That we are supposed to be united as Belizeans..."

    Body Found, Feared to be Missing Teen
    A dead body was found in Benque this evening, and tonight police are trying to confirm the identity. The corpse was found in a body of water, and appeared to have been recently killed. The cops fear it could belong to a teenager who went missing a few days ago. But, tonight police would only say, quote, "we are awaiting the proper identification process before releasing any information (is released). So, there's no confirmation, but police have been following up on a missing 18 year old in the Cayo district. Rudy Moralez left home on Saturday for a party. Police told us that he was seen since that time, but only briefly:..

    PG Cops Play Catch and Release with Guatemalans Carrying 40k USD
    PG Town was abuzz this weekend after police did some catch and release with a crew of Guatemalans - but police refuse to comment on the case. The coast Guard intercepted the crew of 15 on Friday afternoon. They were caught in Moho Creek aboard 4 vessels. When the coast guard searched them, they found 3 bundles of US currency, some quetzales, and 11 cell phones in a knapsack held by the leader of the group - who is reportedly from Livingston.

    BDF Volunteer Butchered in Armenia
    Armenia villagers woke up to an awful scene this morning: the body of 30 year old BDF volunteer Hermelindo Ical was thrown on the side of the road. Ical had been hacked to death. Courtney Weatherburne went to the village on the Hummingbird Highway to find out what led to this killing. Here is that story. Courtney Weatherburne reporting This morning Hermelindo Ical's relatives were searching in the grass for one of his fingers. It was severed in a violent chopping episode. They didn't find it but earlier this morning around 5:00, another resident found Ical's mutilated body thrown here on the side of the road.

    Cops Have No Motive for Chopping Death
    And police aren't sure what happened either. They are following leads and questioning suspects to establish a motive in Ical's murder case. Here's more from the the bi-weekly press briefing. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch : "So far police knows that the deceased along with 2 male persons were socializing at a bar in the village and the last time he was seen alive was sometime around 9:30 pm last night. At this point we are following several leads. We have two persons in custody who we are questioning in relation to this investigation."

    First Cousins Killing in Sandhill
    A brawl between first cousins in Sandhill village this weekend resulted in one them being fatally stabbed to the chest. It happened at around 1:30 on Saturday afternoon when James Gibson was his house when his first cousin Malcolm Leslie came and started to accuse him of plotting against him. Things escalated quickly from there. Here's what police say happened next: Alejandro Cowo- OC CIB: "Malcolm Emanuel Leslie had a discussion which lead to an argument while he was at a house at 19 miles Sandhill village with one of his cousins whose name is James Emanuel Gibson. As a result, a fight ensued between both of them where it is alleged that the deceased lashed Gibson with a piece of board over his face causing an injury. As a result, Mr. Gibson turned and stabbed Mr. Malcolm Emanuel Leslie."

    Family Grapples with Cousin Killing
    And while police wait for instructions from the DPP - the family of the two cousins isn't sure what's next. The deceased Malcolm Leslie and the accused James Gibson are in the same age range, grew up on the same family property and are the sons of two brothers. But, according to his aunt, the young men had very different personalities, and something just went inexplicably wrong on Saturday afternoon:.. Voice of: Jennifer Leslie, Aunt of Deceased and Accused: "Malcolm is a little boy who plays football, anything that you ask him to do he does but he has a little temper. He is easy to get ignorant but James, on the other hand, is an easy going fellow. So, I really don't know what possessed them for that to happen."

    Lee Van Lewis Dies After Punch by Cousin
    And, it was also a cousin on cousin misunderstanding that led to the death of 42 year old Lee Van Lewis. Yesterday evening, the 8 miles resident was fishing with his relatives at the mile 12 pond on the Western Highway when Lewis and his cousin got into an altercation. According to the report, Lewis hit his cousin first and the cousin struck back, sending Lewis tumbling. He hit his head on the bumper of a vehicle that was parked there and went unconscious. He never regained consciousness and he died. Now it sounds like a freak accident but some of Lewis's relatives aren't buying that story at all. They say the relatives who were there are not disclosing the full details of what happened. We spoke to Lewis' sister this evening and she told us that all she and the family wants is the truth.

    Mother of Deceased Only Wants Apology
    Lewis's mother says she just wants an apology and an explanation from the relative who gave her son the blow that proved fatal. She says Lee van was her baby:... Marie Lewis- Mother of Deceased: "Lee Van is my baby. When I say he is my baby, I love him, he knows how to cook, he knows how to do everything. He loves his children. Jules, I wouldn't want no murder or charges or anything like that because I think they are family. And I think that when that happened it is like me and you are playing and maybe my hand catch you the wrong place and something happen..."

    DPP Will Decide Charges for Lee Van Death
    Now, in this case, the police again have a dilemma. From the statements they have gathered, there was no intent to kill - but, nonetheless, a man died. Cowo said the matter will go to the DPP. He discussed the case and the dispute that led to the death:.. ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: "They were having a fishing party somewhere between twelve and thirteen miles on the George Price Highway when an argument ensued between the deceased and another family member, where one of the family members punched Mr. Lee Van Lewis causing him to lose balance and hit his head on the bumper of a vehicle that was parked while they were at the pond fishing."

    ROSALIE STAINES...
    Tonight we note the passing of colorful television personality, Rosalie Staines. She died on Friday, March 29th, five days after her 71st birthday - after a long illness. Staines started the Belize Business Bureau, but was best known for the 16 years she hosted the "Oapn Paki" talk show. Rosalie's style was all her own and her exuberance for all things Belizean was always front and center. She will be missed by many fans for that inimitable style and energy. A Memorial Mass will be held for her this Saturday, April 6 at St. Joseph Church.

    Citizens Say Don't Play with ICJ
    At the top of the news, we told you about the injunction hearing in front of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. He's currently deliberating on whether or not he will stop the April 10th ICJ referendum. Several PUP parliamentarians have gone to the court to challenge the Special Agreement that the Governments of Belize and Guatemala signed back in 2008 to settle the territorial dispute at the ICJ. They assert that the Government failed to properly ratify this treaty in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and from their perspective, that makes the Special Agreement defective.

    Mile 8 Motorcyclist Succumbs to Injuries
    He was the driver of a motorbike that had a massive collision with a barrier on the road at mile 8 last week Sunday. 28 year old Walter Lobos had massive injuries and his passenger 20 year old Zenya Ayala died on the spot.

    Police Have Suspect for Dangriga Murder
    Police say they have one suspect for murder of Dangriga resident 48 year old Carlos Noe Reyes. He was killed last Thursday night when a man stormed into his house and shot him 8 times, while his friend, 30 year old Israel Pimentel was shot once. Police told us about Pimentel's condition and the murder investigation today: ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch "Pimentelo is at the Southern Regional Hospital in a stable condition. So far we are following several leads and we are seeking one suspect in relation to this murder."

    Machete Mayhem, Another Village Chopping
    Earlier we told you about a fatal chopping. Well, there was also a non-fatal one, but the victim is critical. It happened in Franks Eddy Village off the Western Highway. Police say the attacker became the victim as he too was chopped. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch "Belmopan police responded to information of a chopping incident in Franks Eddy Village where upon arrival, they met one George Jones who was seen with several chop wounds to the head and body..."

    Police Press Charges for Last Week's Fatal Accidents
    And, finally tonight, police have charged two persons for three of the traffic fatalities which occurred last weekend:

    Channel 5

    Chief Justice Hears P.U.P.’s Application to Stop I.C.J. Referendum
    With the April tenth referendum inching closer to the date, the Chief Justice today heard an application for an interim injunction brought by the People’s United Party. This afternoon the [...]

    Shoman says There is No ‘Separation of Powers’ Issue
    Courtenay also argued that the Special Agreement, read on a whole, is an attempt by the executive to empower the International Court of Justice to amend the country’s constitution as [...]

    Does Special Agreement Empowers I.C.J. to Amend Belize’s Constitution?
    The attorneys for the P.U.P. did not give comments after the hearing; instead opting for after the decision to be delivered on Wednesday by the Chief Justice. In his arguments [...]

    Argument between Cousins Ends with Fatal Stabbing in Sand Hill
    A violent incident in Sand Hill, Belize District, involving two relatives, ended fatally for Malcolm Leslie. On Saturday afternoon, Malcolm was stabbed to the left side of his chest by [...]

    Murder in Armenia; B.D.F. Volunteer Chopped to Death
    A B.D.F. volunteer was found dead the morning around six-thirty on the Hummingbird Highway. The thirty-year-old had been chopped to death and left on the roadside in Armenia. Police say [...]

    Missing Rudy Morales Found Floating in River
    Eighteen-year-old Rudy Morales went missing days ago and his family and the police had issued a missing person’s bulletin. Well, the news tonight is that his body was found floating [...]

    12 Guatemalans Are Detained, but Later Released in the South
    Police normally report about drug busts, small or big, contraband beer and the sorts, but tonight, they are tight-lipped about an incident in the south.  Since Friday, there have been [...]

    P.U.P. Supporters Protest at Battlefield Park
    While the Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin heard arguments after the P.U.P. filed an application for an interim injunction to halt the referendum on April tenth, outside the courtroom the P.U.P [...]

    2 Burrell Boom Primary Schools Targeted by Thieves
    Thieves hit two schools in the rural community of Burrell Boom, disrupting the ability of teachers to smoothly carry out their functions today. Investigators believe that it is the same [...]

    Fishing Trip Turns Deadly among Relatives
    Another person lost his life over the weekend and police are looking at it as a death investigation.  A fishing trip turned deadly on Sunday when one cousin punched another [...]

    Second Victim in 8 Mile Accident Succumbs
    Last week, we reported on the death of seven persons as a result of vehicular collisions; four were motorcyclists. Tonight, we can report that another person has perished as a [...]

    1 Person Sought for Dangriga Murder of Carlos Noe Reyes
    There is finally an official comment from police on the murder of Carlos Noe Reyes. The forty-eight-year-old fisherman from Citron Street in Dangriga was fatally injured in a shooting at [...]

    Driver Served with N.I.P. for Fatal RTA on Loma Luz Boulevard
    At this afternoon’s press brief, police also issued official comment on the fatal road traffic accident in the west that claimed the life of nineteen-year-old motorist, Luis Cruz. Last Thursday [...]

    A Near Fatal Chopping in Franks Eddy Village
    Aside from the murder in Armenia, there was another chopping incident in the west, but luckily the victim survived the attack. It occurred in Franks Eddy Village on Sunday afternoon. [...]

    Catholic Management Explains Where Teachers’ Contributions Are Going
    For the past two weeks we’ve shared several stories about the plight of Holy Angels School in Pomona Village in Stann Creek. Since we broke the story, the school has [...]

    Bishop Martin School Board Agrees to Hire ‘Emergency Teachers’
    The Board of Trustees at Bishop Martin High School has decided to hire ‘emergency teachers’ in order to normalize the school’s operations. In the past two weeks, classes were disrupted [...]

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

    The Reporter

    Murder In Armenia Village, Police Say, Not Robbery
    Police say that robbery was not the motive in the killing of Armenia resident Hermelindo Ical, 30. Ical was found on the side of the road in Armenia early this morning April 1st., he was chopped to death.

    A Challenge To The April 10th. Referendum Heard In The Supreme Court
    Early this morning the crowd began to gather near the eastern edge of the Battle Field Park in downtown Belize City, and by the time the courts opened at 9am there were hundreds of spectators gathered near the Supreme Court to witness the drama of the challenge to the April 10th. referendum.

    A Mother Mourns The Loss Of Son After Fight Ends In Death
    A mother is grieving the loss of her son after a family outing turned tragic. Leevan Lewis, 43, died on Sunday after he was hit by his cousin and fell to the ground and became unresponsive, It is rumored that he may have hit his head on the open tailgate of a pickup when he fell.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Post Mortem Examination: Rudy Moralez drowned
    The body of 18-year-old San Ignacio resident Rudy Moralez was found this afternoon in the […]

    Body of Rudy Moralez found
    The family has confirmed that the body of Rudy Moralez was found today floating in the […]

    Man involved in motorcycle accident last week passes away
    Last Thursday night there was a road traffic accident on the Loma Luz Boulevard in […]

    Police: Belize City man responsible for Dangriga double shooting
    A Belize City man is being sought by Dangriga police for last Thursday’s shooting in the […]

    Two injured in machete fight
    Yesterday at around 6:30 p.m. there was a chopping incident in Franks Eddy, Cayo. George […]

    Why was Hermalino Ical killed?
    Police have ruled out robbery as a possible motive for the murder of Armenia rhttps://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2019/04/01/post-mortem-results-are-in-for-leevan-lewis-42/esident […]

    Post mortem results are in for Leevan Lewis, 42!
    A post mortem examination today revealed that Leevan Lewis, 42, died of “acute pulmonary edema […]

    Post mortem: Malcolm Leslie died of a single stab wound to the heart
    Malcolm Leslie, 19, died of a single stab wound to the heart. That is according […]

    Court to rule on referendum injunction on Wednesday
    Within 48 hours, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin will make what has been described as the […]

    Police confirm body of man found in Mopan River
    BBN reported a short while ago that the body of a man was found floating […]

    Atlantic International Bank Limited to go out of business
    The Government of Belize and Central Bank of Belize are bracing for what they hope is […]

    Young bartender loses his life in fatal motorcycle accident
    Walter Loyo, a young Belizean bartender lost his life today as a result of injuries he […]

    Senate divided over cyber-bullying comments
    During her contribution to last week’s budget debate, Senator for Trade Unions and Civil Society Elena […]

    BBN – We’ve come a long way!
    Our top story today is our efforts to continue to provide the most accurate and comprehensive […]

    Belizean author selected to attend Writers’ Conference
    Author and past winner of the Belize Literary Prize, Ix-Chel Poot, has won the 2019 Copal […]

    ‘BOOK IT!’ Book Week celebration commences
    World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated annually on April 23. Each year, the Belize Book […]

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

    Rotary San Ignacio celebrates 21 years of service!
    The Rotary Club in San Ignacio celebrates its 21st Anniversary on Saturday, March 30, 2019. The Rotary […]

    Man, 18, reported missing from San Ignacio
    The family of 18-year-old Rudy Morales is seeking the public assistance in locating him. Morales was […]

    LOVE FM

    Cousin Kills Cousin
    Two men died violent deaths over the weekend but the police department has been careful not to refer to them as murder incidents. But that is only one of the similarities of the incidents. Both deceased individuals have been killed during altercations with their cousins. Malcolm Leslie passed away on Saturday afternoon in Sandhill Village …

    Police says driver refused to give specimen following fatal RTA
    There were several road traffic accidents which were reported last week. In the incident involving a sixteen year old, Jose Marquez who was killed, the driver will be charged for not giving a urine specimen. The head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, ACP Joseph Myvett explained which individuals will be charged for the accidents. …

    Leevan Lewis dead following fight with Cousin
    The other family related altercation occurred on the George Price Highway. 42 year old Leevan Lewis was killed on Sunday evening. The allegation is that Lewis was in a fight and he hit his head after being punched by his cousin. Whomever did it, his mother told us that she wants an apology and not …

    Victim Chops Attacker in Franks Eddy Village
    It seems that village life is not always an easy life when alcohol and sharp objects are nearby. Two residents of Franks Eddy Village are receiving treatment for wounds sustained over the weekend. George Jones was at a shop when Randy Franco attacked but assistant commissioner of police, Joseph Myvett says the victim managed to …

    Teachers, students and parents protest against school burglaries at Burrell Boom
    Schools are institutions that keep our children safe for 8 hours a day while we work hard to provide a good life for them. The church/state run schools are often respected but there are serial burglars in the rural area of the Belize District that has made a target of the Burrell Boom Methodist School. …

    Man charged for kidnapping and beating his ex
    A man who is no stranger to the courthouse is tonight out on bail after being accused of a machete attack on a Mahogany Heights resident in mid-January, 2019. (NORMAN SLUSHER VO) Norman Slusher Jr., is the second suspect to be arraigned in connection with attacking Matthew Maxwell Samuels with a machete. Today, Slusher Jr., …

    Blogs

    GOB Announces Important MOU to Assert Sovereignty of Belize
    This past week I was invited to the Toucan B Room of the Best Western Plus/ Biltmore Plaza in Belize City along with other press to witness a historic event: the Government of Belize signed a milestone Memorandum of Understanding (or M.O.U) preserving Memorandums of Understanding. This was a watershed moment for Belize exercising her sovereignty. Though it has taken a back seat to the April 10th IJC referendum on Guatemala’s territorial claim on Belize, another potential international dispute has been brewing for Belize, this time with our neighbor to the north, the United States.

    Visiting The Newly History Of Corozal Panel, Inside the Corozal House of Culture
    here is a newly History of Corozal Panel board inside the Corozal House of Culture. Today, I visited the Corozal Of Culture to learn more about why it is important to learn the history of Corozal Town. When I read the bulletin board, there was a pre-summary about how the Mayas came to Corozal, Prehistory about the Corozal Town, Pre-history about Fort Barley, Hurricane Janet, Corozal free zone and the Mestizos. I learned so much about the History Of Corozal.

    Some future events happening in Corozal in the month of April, 2019
    A few lists of events that will happen this month of April. This is are some events you don't want to miss. Corozal has such nice weather for April. Especially, when you visit the beach areas along the Bay of Corozal.

    Quick guide to the most helpful links about visiting or living in Belize!
    We get a lot of the same questions from people coming to Belize, either for a vacation or to check it out as a potential place to move. I find that I send the same links over and over, so I thought I'd put them all in one place!

    This Is The Island Sailing Trip Of Your Dreams
    If Caye Caulker in Belize isn’t on your bucket list yet then I’m guessing you just haven’t heard enough about it. With crystal clear waters, the second biggest barrier reef in the world, more water activities than you can poke a stick at—we’re talking kayaking, SUPing, snorkelling, diving, windsurfing, kiteboarding, spearfishing and more—seafood galore and a seemingly never-ending supply of rum punch, it’s no wonder Caye Caulker is a popular destination on the gringo trail.

    TRAVEL LOG: AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE
    Traveling to Belize from Seattle requires a bit of time, but really isn't too bad. There are no direct flights, but you can connect through Houston (United), Dallas (American), or Atlanta (Delta) to Belize City and the total trip should be ~10 hours including a layover. From Belize City, you can take a 15 minute flight on a small prop plane from one of two airlines (Maya Island Air or Tropic Air) to reach Ambergris Caye or a 90 minute ferry. I chose the plane, which was a bit more expensive but landed me on the island much faster. The view from the plane was incredible--that blue green water!

    San Pedro vs. Caye Caulker: How to choose your ideal Belize beach spot
    You can’t go wrong with the cayes of Belize (pronounced “keys”), but you can potentially go wrong when choosing between San Pedro and Caye Caulker. They’re both super popular destinations for American beach-goers, but they have distinctly different vibes. To be completely honest, my husband Billy came up with the idea to create a quiz that helps people choose where to go. But these five questions will easily help you decide whether San Pedro or Caye Caulker is a better fit.

    Pit Stop at the Belize Zoo
    My son loves animals. Most kids do. Hey, most people love animals, right? The Belize Zoo was funded and built to foster interest int he local animals. As with many Central American nations, Belize will continue to balance natural space with tourist areas. Tourism brings in money for the country and it’s people, good right? But wth too much bulldozing, too much new development, too many people, the natural wildlife can be threatened.

    Beginner’s Travel Guide: Three Days in Caye Caulker, Belize
    If you look up “relaxing tropical island vacation” in the dictionary, it’s just a picture of Caye Caulker (Caye is pronounced “Key,” FYI). If you want to sip rum drinks, relax in a hammock, soak up the sun, or drift around in some teal blue water, look no further. Caye Caulker was so wonderful I would’ve personally skipped San Pedro altogether for the relaxed, laid back vibe of Caulker. The only drawbacks are the water taxi ride there, and that fact that you’re slightly less in civilization, but that’s not something you should be super attached to if you’re going to Belize in the first place. It’s not like Mexico where you can still hit up McDonald’s or Starbucks. This only proved inconvenient when I came down with bronchitis (which should tell you how much I loved Caye Caulker that I still enjoyed it while I had bronchitis).

    Terrifying 33ft anaconda discovered lurking in Belize’s Caves Branch River
    While out preparing for a tour of the Caves Branch River, Carlos came face to face with a creature that shouldn’t exist. Stretching 33 feet long and weighing in at an estimated 900 pounds, this prehistoric relic was wrapped around a tree that it positively dwarfed in comparison, the weight of its massive frame stretching well out to the bank of the river. “It was the most terrifying thing I’d ever seen in my life,” said Hernandez, “But while my body told me to run, I spent a long moment just paralyzed in place. It felt like an hour, but it must have been only minutes.” But when the monstrous prehistoric serpent turned its eyes to Carlos, his instincts took over, and he quickly beat feet back to the lodge proper.

    International Sourcesizz

    Over 150 Years of Data Sheds Light on Today’s Illegal Tortoiseshell Trade
    The hawksbill sea turtle just might be the most beautiful reptile in the ocean. It’s known for the striking patterns that appear on its head and flippers, but is most prized for its multi-hued shell. That, unfortunately, has also contributed to the reason the species is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). With only 25,000 breeding females remaining, the hawksbill is also one of the world’s most endangered sea turtles. Its decline isn’t just a modern problem. A recent study of the tortoiseshell trade suggests that over 150 years, people slaughtered six times as many hawksbills for their shell as previously estimated. And the trade may have paved the way for contemporary illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Andrew Masterson at Cosmos reports that a previous report prepared for the IUCN in 2008 estimated that between 1950 and 1992 1.4 million turtles were killed in the trade. Of that number, Tina Deines at National Geographic reports, it’s believed three quarters of the turtles taken were killed between 1970 and 1985 in Belize, Indonesia, Malaysia, Honduras and the Philippines.

    Sounding of the Conch Shell
    But is that statement a true reflection of the actions of communities? Do communities take into consideration how the choices they make today will affect youth tomorrow? In most villages, youth participation is minimal or nonexistent. Yet, it is said they are our future. Young people are the greatest factor to consider when developing one’s community in a way that meets the needs of the present generation and also assists future generations in meeting their own needs. Customarily, when the Alcalde (Traditional Leader) of a Maya village wishes to convene a community meeting, he has a designated individual that will sound a conch shell.

    Videos

  • Belikin Onli Eena Belize - Introducing Fisher Folks, 3.5min. Belikin celebrates our heritage and our people with our new campaign, Onli Eena Belize, and highlights Belizeans whose lives illuminate what makes this country one-of-a-kind. We have turned the lens of the camera on our fellow Belizeans to celebrate the uniqueness of our people and the Belizean spirit.

  • UNICEF BELIZE - Working to reduce violence against children in Belize, 16min.

  • Belize Catamaran Sailing, 16min. Sailing down the coast of Belize on a catamaran. We snorkeled the barrier reef and shark ray alley, then visited Caye Caulker island for lunch.

  • UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE BELIZE ISLP TRIP 2019, 3.5min.

  • An amazing scene of a huge pod of Dolphins captured aboard the Mingulay today, 1min. The crew were trolling a few miles north of the Turneffe Atoll and were ambushed by over 50 dolphins! The pod stuck with them for nearly half an hour before continuing on its way. Scenes like these are what drive the BGFA and its members to take up the call to protect the beautiful environment Belize has been blessed with! Video courtesy Phillip Bedran.

  • Victoria Peak Belize - Sunset, 1/2min.

  • Healthy Kidneys, Healthy Belize, 4.5min. This Capacity Building Project for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Renal Failure was initiated in 2016. According to statistics from the Belize government, the prevalence rates of both diabetes mellitus and hypertension, which are potential health factors in renal failure disease, are above 30 percent. The purpose of this project is to build capacity among health workers, promote health knowledge, establish a tracking and management system for chronic disease cases, and provide epidemiological reports.

  • Belize City March 13, 2019, 18min. My dive in Belize City with Seas Sports Belize. Awesome dive company

    April 1, 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

    Wolfe’s Woofer: Fresh Water Catfish
    “It’s hard to believe neither of you have ever eaten catfish,” I said. “Mr. Dennis, we from the island,” Mario said. “We never had no freshwater fish.” “That’s right,” Vernon agreed. “When we get back to the lodge this evening, I’m cooking up catfish and fritters,” I said. “You two are in for a treat.” We were fishing on New River just above where it empties into Chetumal Bay. The owner of the lodge advised us where to haul in some freshwater catfish.

    Doctor Love: Granddaughter, Wife, Mother
    Dear Doctor Love, I grew up with my grandparents, and while I love them very much, it infuriates me how mean my grandfather is towards women. I never see him raise a finger to help around the house. He expects the women to cook, serve his food and clean up afterwards. He often makes comments about my grandmother’s age, her appearance and ridicules her “foolish ideas.” In public he makes crude remarks about pretty girls and rude remarks about women in general. My grandmother doesn’t react when he does this, but I can see that it affects her, and it bothers me.

    Misc Belizean Sources

    mzz

    Ban Roundup/Glyphosate in Belize
    The recent landmark decision in American courts of DeWayne Johnson vs Monsanto, where he was awarded 289 Million dollars because the courts found Monsanto culpable for him developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has more than 4000 individuals lining up to take Monsanto to court. Not only was it determined that Monsanto hid the risk associated with their cancer causing products, they found that Monsanto acted with "malicious intent" to try to cover up the cancer causing effects of Roundup, who's active ingredient is Glyphosate. We are asking the Pesticides Control Board of Belize to do the right thing to Protect the People and Environment of Belize, and immediately stop the importation and BAN further importation of these cancer causing products, which are used heavily along our waterways by the Government of Belize.

    Congratulations Ms. Debra Baptist-Estrada!
    In an institution largely dominated by men, 20-year Belize Department of Immigration veteran Debra Baptist-Estrada has consistently refused bribes and other incentives to look the other way. As Port Commander of Belize’s only international airport, Ms. Estrada worked with U.S. officials last spring to crack open a drug and human smuggling operation to the U.S. and Europe. After being transferred to Belize’s northern border this summer, Ms. Estrada continued to bring her incorruptible style to the job, enforcing immigration laws that had not been enforced for a very long time, and rejecting bribes to look the other way. While many might shrug off corruption as “the human condition,” Ms. Estrada is quietly and courageously effecting change and strengthening the rule of law.

    Channel 5

    The Reporter

    Fight Ends In Murder
    A resident of Sandhill village is currently recovering at the BDF hospital after he was hit in the face with a stick on Saturday afternoon. When he is released, it may be into Police custody to face a charge of murder.

    12 Guatemalans, With $40K US, Found On The MOHO River By BCG
    12 Guatemalan nationals were found on a boat on the MOHO river, which is only 5 miles south of Punta Gorda, and is very north of the border with Guatemala. The Belize Coast Guard found the 12 men on a boat, they also found 2 other boats nearby on the river and escorted them to the Punta Gorda Police Station.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Man involved in fight dies at KHMH
    Our newsroom has confirmed that a man is undergoing medical treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). BBN has confirmed that the victim is Levan Lewis. Lewis was reportedly at a residence at 8 miles on the George Price highway socializing when an altercation with another man ensued.

    Man chopped in Franks Eddy Village, Cayo
    A man is at this time hospitalized after he was chopped. Information to BBN is that sometime around 5 p.m. this evening, there was an altercation that led to the man being chopped to the upper part of his body. The incident occurred at a residence in Franks Eddy Village, Cayo.

    Missing child found safe
    BBN has confirmed that 12 year old Kalis Kelly has been found safe. Kelly was reported missing by her mom on Saturday, March 30, 2019.

    Crime and Violence
    By Senator Markhelm Lizarraga: Crime and violence, like we see increasingly, is in so many ways, reflective of the so many wrongs in our country today! This Is a problem that will not be solved by spending on guns and bullets and more boots on the ground. If we believe this will solve the problems, we are wrong.

    Girl, 12, reported missing in Belize City
    he family of 12-year-old Kalis Kelly is seeking the public’s assistance in locating her. Kalis was last seen around 6:15 yesterday morning at her home in Belize City.

    On The Eve Of The Injunction Hearings
    Tomorrow, Monday, April 1st, the court will have an important matter before it. An injunction about the inconstitutionality of the Special Agreement signed on December 8th, 2008. It will be argumentated by eminent lawyers all versed in Belize’s legal process, procedures...

    Two men and a woman arrested for drug trafficking
    Two men and a woman were charged for drug trafficking 1.45 pounds of cannabis found in a white bucket at a home on Victoria Street in Belize City. Kimberly Arnold, 27; her boyfriend, Mark Smith, 26; and Mark Fitzgibbon,46, a construction worker, were brought to court on Friday before Senior Magistrate, Tricia-Pitts Anderson where they all pleaded not guilty.

    Prison officer Michael Gladden convicted of grievous harm
    Michael Gladden, 39, is an employee of the Central Prison, but on Friday the Crooked Tree resident pleaded guilty to a charge that could have made him an inmate. Fortunately, he is a first time offender and employed as a prison officer, and so he was only fined, not confined, on a charge of grievous harm.

    Blogs

    Friday Afternoon On Ambergris Caye: El Fogon Restaurant and A Shimmering Shell Bar
    Just a few months back, Jeff and I were eating a ridiculously great lunch at El Fogon Restaurant in San Pedro. Jeff gave it his ultimate stamp of approval – for atmosphere and food – when he said “we should bring my mom here”. And so, now that she is visiting with her friend Ken, we did. Here are pictures of lunch at the DELICIOUS El Fogon Restaurant and then a quick trip to the west side of Ambergris Caye for a bit of wading, shelling, swimming and fishing and a beautiful pink sand bar.

    Videos

  • Referendum 2019: Your Questions Answered!, 90min. With the Referendum being 10 days away - we are bringing the presentation to you in the comfort of your home or wherever you are via TV, radio and internet! Amb. Rosado presents first, and will then be joined by Dr. Gilda Lewis and Dr. Herman Byrd to answer your questions!

  • Here's a highlight of the first ever 2019 Coconut fest, 6min.

  • CJC Business Expo, 8.5min. Each year I get very excited about visiting The CCC and the CJC Business Expo. On Friday, March 29, 2019, I went about highlighting CJC's Business Expo. it turned out to be an excellent day for visitors to visit this Business Expo each year.

  • Guava Limb brought in Belize Interlocking Pavers and Bricks to help them create their new Firewood Eco Pizza Ove, min. "Introducing a NEW way to enjoy your favorite pizzas with ourFIREWOOD ECO PIZZA OVEN; visit us and try out a new experience in San Ignacio, Belize. See your artesan pizza being made from scratch first hand under our thatched pizza oven palapa. Fun facts about this project: - Bamboo strips were used instead of steel - Lego style clay bricks were used instead of concrete - Sustainably sourced bay leaves was used for that ching of our pizza oven palapa Improving your dining experience whilst reducing our impact on the environment."

  • Parasailing in Belize, 8min. Harvest Caye, Belize

  • 3rd Annual Ernest “Jawmaine” Meighan Classic - Cycling Federation of Belize - 2019, 3.5hr. This is the latter part of the race on March 31, 2019. Belize City - to Armenia - Belize City

  • Belize 2019, 9min.

  • Diving Belize, 8min. Diving off Southwater and Carrie Bow Cays, Belize. March 2019.

  • Belize King of the Howlers - Private Charter Day Trip, 3min. Day trip of snorkeling with nurse sharks & stingrays, island hopping and fishing with Walter

  • Scuba with Dolphins in Belize, 2.5min.

  • Sailing Belize: A Bareboat Catamaran Charter, 6.5min. The story of our charter of a Sunsail 444 catamaran and a Sunsail 404 catamaran from Placencia, Belize.

  • Zip Lining in Belize, 4.5min. Today's Serious Adventure takes us to mainland Beliz for zip lining and cave tubing!

  • Belize Melody Man, 3.5min.

  • PLB Closing Season 2018-2019 | Verdes FC vs BDF FC | Live at the Norman Broaster Stadium, San Ignacio, 2.5hr.

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