July 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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Wolfe’s Woofer: Prayer
“Grayson, no fighting in school,” Melody said, “O,K, Ma, Bye, Grandpa.” “Bye, sweet boy,” I said, as Grayson ran into the yard of the ABC pre-school. “I have exactly ten minutes to make it to my meeting,” Melody said, as we circled the downtown block twice looking for a parking space. “This is the most important meeting of my life,” she told me. “I’m meeting with a representative of a company in the U.S. that does themed weddings.

Fishermen Arrested for Illegal Possession of Conch
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, Fisheries Officers conducted a routine patrol southeast of Channel Caye where two fishermen were arrested for the possession of 874 conch during the closed season. One of the fishermen, Mr. Bartolo Jimenez pleaded guilty to the charges and was fined $500 and an additional penalty of $17,480 ($20 for each conch) as a result of court proceedings held on July 4, 2019. The vessel, engine and fishing gears were all forfeited to the Government of Belize.

Doctor Love: Concerned Mother
Dear Doctor Love, I gave my daughter her first cell phone for her thirteenth birthday, and I laid down the rules for her being able to keep it. I told her I would be checking her texts, she was not allowed to use her phone at school, she was only allowed to use apps that I have approved and she was only allowed to spend a certain amount of money and time on it each month. There haven’t been many times I’ve had to remind her of the rules, but the last three or four times I checked her texts, I saw some very nasty messages from a friend of hers.

Various Belizean Sources

Southern Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch July General Meeting on 10th
Our July General Meeting of the Members is coming up this Wednesday, July 10th at 7:00 pm at Lonestar Grill and Cantina 2.75 miles south. Join us for neighborhood updates, our security report and our financial report. Lonestar donates a portion of their evening's income to SACNW - so enjoy dinner with your friends and stay for the meeting! Every year at this time, our coffers drop. Please click the link below and make a contribution to SACNW - we appreciate your support! If you are on the island, donations of bug spray, batteries, water, garbage bags or cheques can be dropped off at the substation next to Miramar Villas. Hope to see you Wednesday!

R.I.P. to another Caye Caulker icon, Theodoro “Docho” Allen
Condolences to the extended Allen family on the loss of their loved one.

Village council, town board and city council elections in Belize without autonomy and local government reform has no real significance
From the time the government of Belize passed ordinances for cities, towns and villages, they have done little to grant these local governments autonomy to govern their own jurisdictions and generate money to manage their cities, towns and villages. Most of these municipalities started as villages where the residents of these villages would elect their chairmen and councillors without any laws or involvement from the Belize Central Government (BCG). From there they grew to towns and cities. As time went by the People’s United Party (PUP), which is the oldest political party in Belize, saw the benefits in passing local government laws to bring these municipalities under their control. After the legislation was passed, the minister of local government is vested with the power to deal with all matters regarding villages, towns and cities. The minister can go to cabinet and request a subvention for each village, town and city in the country.

The Reporter

Belmopan Robbery Gone Bad For Robber – Shot With His Own Gun
A man who reportedly robbed Buca Service Station in Belmopan is in a stable condition at the Western Regional Hospital after he was knocked down and then shot with a gun which he used to commit the robbery.

Man Dies From Drowning In San Pedro
A man reportedly died from drowning in San Pedro yesterday. Police got the alert sometime around 3:00 yesterday afternoon that the person, who was foaming from the mouth, was taken to a clinic on the island. When they went to the clinic they saw the man, dressed in brown boxers. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

The Nationalization Saga
While it had become apparent for those of us looking on from the sidelines that BTL was in trouble, the proverbial fish has finally come from the river bottom and really explained to us the extent of the alligator’s belly pain. In just one short week, two monumental revelations have taken place; the company appears to have not been paying its fair share of taxes, unlike other Belizean companies, to the tune of $29 Million – and the foreign CEO announced his abrupt departure.

STIs – Out of Sight, Out of Mind?
A couple years ago, there were talks of a color coded condom that would change color according to the type of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) that it would come in contact with. Three teenagers from England won the Teen Tech Award for this brilliant concept. I mean could you imagine how wonderful it would be?

For The Love Of Dogs…
Our country’s streets are littered with strays and on garbage days, there are probably as many strays as there are garbage bags as they try to get a bone, if not a meal out of a bag before the truck cleans up. Strays have been a problem to everyone for as long as the country has been developing.

Breaking Belize News

Suspect shot with his own gun during robbery in Belmopan
A robber was shot with his own weapon yesterday afternoon in Belmopan. A police report […]

Mexico defeats the US to win the Gold Cup; Brazil takes Copa America
Both the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2019 Copa America tournament came to an […]

Join Digi’s Ride for Belize
Digicell Belize is hosting its 1st ever Ride for Belize! The Digi Ride for Belize is an annual […]

Police recover stolen vehicle
Reports reaching Breaking Belize News (BBN) are that police have located a vehicle that was […]

U.S. defends Women’s World Cup title with 2-0 win over Netherlands
Photo Credit BBC News For the fourth time and first back to back since 2007, […]

Olympic day postponed due to inclement weather
The Belize Olympic & Commonwealth Games Association (BOCGA) announced today that the Olympic Day event […]

Wet Sunday in Belize after an extended dry
The weather forecast, prepared by the National Meteorological Service, calls for cloudy skies, showers and […]

Blogs

A look at Sartenja Village, Corozal, Belize
Sarteneja is the largest fishing community and the second largest village in Belize. It recorded a population of 3,500 according to a 2016 estimate. The name "Sarteneja" is a Castilian distortion of its original Mayan name "Tza-ten-a-ha", which means "water between the rocks".It is located on the Sarteneja Peninsula, approximately forty miles by road from Orange Walk Town and is near the privately owned Shipstern Conservation & Management Area.

New River Quest 2019 Edition
The New River Quest is a paddle ultra-marathon and is becoming popular as one of the toughest endurance races on the sporting calendar. The annual event will be held on October 12th and 13th, it starts in Hill Bank Field Station, overnights in Orange Walk and finishes at Corozal Town 82 grueling miles later. The race has these eight (8) Canoe Categories. Teams may register and compete in one (1) Category only. All teams from all categories compete to be the overall Champion Winner.

A Sunday view from Children's Park in Corozal, Belize
This park is can be enjoyed by families and children that spend their time playing here. B.E.L came out to install Electricity as well for people to come out and enjoy the park. The park is located across of Saint Francis Xavier Primary School.

International Sources

Communique at the conclusion of 40th CARICOM conference in St Lucia: Where’s the beef?
The 40th regular meeting of the conference of heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held in Saint Lucia July 3-5, 2019 under the chairmanship of the prime minister of Saint Lucia, Allen Chastanet, concluded pursuant to the question: Where’s the beef?; with special guests in attendance; the prime minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency António Guterres and Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett. The chairman, the immediate past chair and the Secretary-General stressed the need to complete the measures outlined in the Implementation Plan for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). They also emphasised the impact of climate change and the importance of Security co-operation. All speakers referred to the challenges facing small states.

Videos

July 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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Governor-General Leads Delegation to Taiwan
The delegation called on President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday, 2nd July. While at the Presidential Palace, the Governor-General and President Tsai witnessed the signing of a bilateral agreement by Belize’s Attorney General Hon. Michael Peyrefitte and Taiwan’s Justice Minister Hon. Tsai Ching-Hsiang that would see the two countries cooperate on addressing matters of anti-corruption.

First ever Management Guide for Sharks and Rays developed
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), along with Project AWARE and The Manta Trust joined together to develop the world’s first Responsible Shark and Ray Tourism: A Guide to Best Practice. Shark and ray tourism is on the rise globally. If current trends continue, the numbers of shark-related tourism could more than double over the next 20 years. The guide, developed in collaboration with science and industry, aims to create well-managed shark and ray tourism operations while conserving species and benefiting local communities. The guide states that everyone can be a best practice operator when dealing with sharks and rays. The best practice is about running a business in a way that’s financially profitable, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible. For shark and ray tourism operators, this means having a business model that includes: operating profitably and safely and minimizing impacts on target species and their habitats, building a positive relationship with the local community and having a culture of continuous improvement and compliance.

Trade Licenses Fees to be adjusted in 2020
In 2020, an adjustment in Trade License fees is expected to come into effect across the country, and businesses will be charged based on their commercial category. On Ambergris Caye, businesses are informed that surveyors from the Ministry of Local Government, along with staff from The San Pedro Town Council will be visiting establishments to collect information from proprietors and at the same time, inform them of the upcoming change in Trade License Fees. On the island, Mayor Daniel Guerrero said that the idea to categorize businesses would benefit the businesses sector as they will pay fees according to their group.

Ambergris’ Caye Triple R receives donation from RRR Team in Texas, USA
To continue the good work on Ambergris Caye, Rickilee Response and Rescue (Triple R) team from Houston, Texas, USA donated rescue supplies to San Pedro’s Triple R team on Wednesday, June 5th. The donations are expected to better equip the Triple R team for their rescues on the island. At 2:30PM, Triple R Founders Traci and Jim Curtin officially handed over the rescue supplies to the island’s Triple R team, Billy Leslie and Vanessa Parham at the National Emergency Management Organizations office in San Pedro Town. Supplies donated included six Automated External Defibrillators, 18 spotlights, 14 safety vests, six handheld radios, seven Personal Flotation Device, 10 personal flashing flights, 20 whistles, 20 extension cable, five stretchers, two first aid supplies, 60 medical wraps, one projector, one project screen, one air splint, seven body bags, 30 t-shirts, 150 signs, 5000 stickers, 5000 magnets, 10 shock blankets, 20 burn dressings, six inverters, 10 throw bags, and six red duffle bags.

SPTC begins rehabilitation project on Sea Gull Street
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has embarked on a project to rehabilitate several streets on the island by cementing them. One of those streets is Sea Gull Street, located in the Boca del Rio area and leads to the San Pedro High School. Works commenced on Friday, June 28th, and following its completion the other streets to be cemented will be Spider Lily and Deer Streets. Mayor Daniel Guerrero told The San Pedro Sun that these three streets should be cemented within the month. Overseeing the project is Councilor Severo Guerrero, and works are being carried out by Medina’s Construction Limited. Guerrero said that the rehabilitation is part of his plan to invest in the town’s infrastructure. “This is Phase One of the street rehabilitation project in the Boca del Rio Area.

Various Belizean Sources

Photos from Caye Caulker Lobster Fest 2019 25th Anniversary Ceremony

Caye Caulker police making friends...
On Thursday, July 4th,2019,Police officers attached to the Caye Caulker Police Sub-Formation, conducted their weekly Meet and Greet in the areas of Hattie Street,and Lagoon side. The residence applauded the Police on their efforts and expressed their gratitude towards the. initiative .

Prime Minister Departs the Country
The Office of the Prime Minister informs that the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow departed the country today, July 6th, on personal leave. The Prime Minister returns to Belize on Tuesday, July 9, 2019. During the Prime Minister’s absence, the Hon. Hugo Patt, Minister of Natural Resources, will act as Prime Minister.

GRUPO PHOENIX @ INTERNATIONAL COSTA MAYA FESTIVAL 2019
Live Concert with GRUPO PHOENIX July 26th at the Louis Sylvestre Sports Complex. Sponsored by INTERNATIONAL COSTA MAYA FESTIVAL 2019. See you there!!

SUPPORT THE COROZAL ANIMAL PROGRAM (CAP)
Come Celebrate with us! You are invited to come on Sunday, July 7th to the New Millennium in Consejo Village across Consejo Shores, COROZAL for a Fourth of July Rocking Dance Party! Live music by Moulah Tabulah Rock Band. Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cost: $4 50/50 raffle for CAP - May the 4th Still be with you!

Melisha Janelle Williams passes away
It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you of the passing of our beloved, Melisha Janelle Williams on July 05, 2019. A wake will be held at the Robateau Residence on Mahogany Street in Corozal Town today Saturday, July 6th. A remembrance service will be held at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Carolina Village at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 7th. Thank you for all the prayers and love you all have been sending to the family. Rest In Peace Mel

The Reporter

Woman Shot While Asleep In Her Home
Police have confirmed that a woman was shot last night while asleep in her house on Neal’s Pen Road in Belize City. Police say that Kanchi Casey, 31, was asleep with her husband around 10:30 pm, when a bullet ripped through the door of their plywood home at #108.

I Only Drink On Days Ending In “Y”
By: Mike Rudon Jr. - I discovered an amazing thing this past week. Truly mind-blowing. I think there are more than seven people who read this column. I think there may be as many as nine. I haven’t yet done a comprehensive analysis, but I think my humble column, the rant of an alcoholic with a gift for words (if I do say so myself) has gone viral. Nine whole readers. My unending gratitude to the seven who have been along for the journey, and welcome to those two who have come on board.

Breaking Belize News

Women’s World Cup, CONCACAF Gold Cup and Copa America – 3 big football finals coming up
Football fans in Belize and across the world will have a feast on their hands […]

PM leaves country on personal leave
Prime Minister, Dean Barrow departed the country today on personal leave. Barrow is scheduled to […]

Robbers target Puma Gas Station in Belize City
Authorities are investigating a robbery that occurred on Wednesday afternoon at Puma Gas Station on […]

International Sources

Making a difference one stitch at a time
Rose and Mark Greninger had always thought they’d like to go on a mission trip but were waiting for the right opportunity which would speak to their hearts. It came in the form of a young man, Evan Teck, who is a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Crosby, and resides in Ironton with his wife, Mary, a stay-at-home mom, and their three children. Evan was born and raised in Belize and met Mary in 2007, whose home was in Minnesota, when she was a volunteer teacher at the local Belize high school. As often happens, they fell in love and planned a future together. However, getting his visa proved to be a challenge even then, but on his fourth application, he was accepted and came to the U.S. in 2012. The family resided in Duluth for their first four years and then settled in Ironton. Evan currently works for Aldi in Baxter.

Eccentric US millionaire McAfee plans presidential run ... from Cuba
fter making a fortune with his early antivirus software, then being caught up in murder and drugs cases in Belize, US millionaire John McAfee has now added a new chapter to his tumultuous life story: from a yacht in Havana harbor, he says he is running for the US presidency. This will not, he deadpans, be "an ordinary campaign." "I am wanted as a criminal by the government for which I am running for president," McAfee tells AFP as he sits surrounded on his white yacht by an entourage of seven campaign aides and two enormous dogs.

Why Waves of Seaweed Have Been Smothering Caribbean Beaches
Since 2011, blooms of Sargassum have wreaked havoc on tropical shores. A new study explains why this is likely a new normal. In 2018, as seaweed piled up on beaches throughout the Caribbean, it began to rot. Already stinking and sulfurous, the thick layers began to attract insects and repel tourists. The seaweed—a type of brown algae called sargassum—had grown in the ocean and washed ashore in unprecedented quantities. It prevented fishers from getting into the water, and entangled their nets and propellers. It entangled sea turtles and dolphins, too, fatally preventing them from surfacing for air. It died and sank offshore, smothering seagrass meadows and coral reefs. Barbados declared a national emergency. Now Mengqiu Wang, from the University of South Florida, and her colleagues have shown that this ocean-spanning bloom, which they’ve dubbed the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, is now an annual feature. By analyzing 19 years of satellite images, they showed that the belt first appeared in 2011, and has reappeared almost every summer since (except for 2013). Last June, when the belt was at its thickest, it contained more than 22 million tons of seaweed, and stretched fully across the Atlantic’s waters, from the Gulf of Mexico to the western coast of Africa.

Rethinking Caribbean Cruise Port Revenues
Can tourism-dependent Caribbean governments learn something from oil producing countries? When relatively small and poor oil producing governments sought to get a fair price for oil – their main source of national revenue – they banded together to negotiate more effectively with the multi-national oil companies and the larger developed nations, which were the major consumers of their oil. In 1960, five of these countries came together to found OPEC – the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries – and were later joined by nine additional member states. As a result of their joint stronger bargaining power, oil prices have risen relatively steadily from US$1.63 per barrel in 1960 to an average of around US$77 during the last ten years. The weak negotiating position of individual Caribbean governments versus the massive cruise line corporations, relative to port taxes, poses similarities to OPEC’s situation sixty years ago and the same potential “rebalancing” strategy should now be pursued in the Caribbean.

Videos

July 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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Brand new backhoe donated to San Pedro Town Council to combat Sargassum
To combat the high influx of sargassum on Ambergris Caye, the Belize Tourism Board, Belize Rural South Area Representative Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr and the Government of Belize donated a backhoe to the San Pedro Town Council. The brand-new backhoe is estimated to have cost $150,000 and is expected to assist the SPTC in removing the tons of sargassum that accumulates on the shorelines of the island.

Police Report: Drug trafficking and kept unlicensed ammunition
On Monday, July 1st, nine adults were charged for drug trafficking and kept unlicensed ammunition in San Pedro Town, but they avoided going to jail after a minor pled guilty for the offense. The minor was later released, after meeting a $2,000 bail from the San Pedro Magistrate Court. According to the police report, a joint operation was conducted at 5:30AM on Monday, July 1st at the residence of 44-year-old fisherman Alexander Fitzgibbon Sr. and 29-year-old fisherman Lucio Salazar in the Boca del Rio Area.

SIB reports a 5.2% economy growth in the first quarter of 2019
On Wednesday, June 26th the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) released their latest figures in the consumer price index, external trade, 1st quarter 2019 gross domestic product, and the preliminary results for the April round of the 2019 Labor Force Survey. The report indicates that the economy has grown by 5.2% in the first quarter of 2019, due to the unemployment rate dropping to 7. 6% in April 2019. While Consumer Price was virtually unchanged in May 2019, imports went up, and exports decreased in May 2019.

No arrests in island double murder; prime murder suspect released
Despite having released prime murder suspect, Christian Espat for the death of island tour guide Mario Graniel and American Tourist Dr. Gary Swank, Commissioner of Police (ComPol) Chester Williams says that the investigation is producing results. Since Graniel and Swank were gunned down on June 23rd during a fly-fishing trip out at sea, Williams stated on Tuesday, July 2nd that the ongoing investigation is on the right track. He says that police have removed several weapons from the community and are still questioning people that may help them to apprehend and lay charges on the culprit(s).

Belizean-born MMA fighter Koby Jeffers wins light heavyweight title in Las Vegas
Belizean-born mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Koby Jeffers is the new Tuff-N-Uff world amateur light heavyweight champion. On Saturday, June 29th, Jeffers competed against defending champion Billy Elekana in a three-round fight that was the main event of Tuff-N-Uff’s Pack the Mack card inside the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. During the first two rounds, Elekana had the upper hand over Jeffers. “I ate a few good punches,” said Jeffers. “I knew I would have to bully him to win the fight.” With 90 seconds remaining in the fight, Jeffers overcame Elekana and claimed a unanimous decision victory, improving to a 6-0 record.

Ministry of Agriculture and Belize Police Department Partner for 2019 Youths Engaged in Agriculture Summer Camp
The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Belize Police Department is once again hosting its two-week Youths Engaged in Agriculture (YEA) Summer Camp. The camp kicked off yesterday, July 1st, 2019, with an opening ceremony held at the National Agriculture and Trade Showgrounds in Belmopan. Guest speakers at the event were the Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Agriculture; His Worship Khalid Belisle, Mayor of Belmopan; Mr. Andrew Harrison, Chief Agriculture Officer; and Mr. Linden Flowers, Senior Superintendent of Police.

ComPol Williams meets with SP BTIA to discuss collaborative ways to tackle crime on the island
The recent escalation of crime on Ambergris Caye has prompted the head of the Belize Police Department (ComPol Chester Williams) to dispatch additional personnel to ensure the security of island residents and tourists alike. After the recent double murder of a well-known tour guide and tourist, the San Pedro Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (SP BTIA) along with the Belize Hotel Association are urging the Government of Belize via its Ministry of National Security to increase the size, effectiveness and professionalism of policing in all major tourism destinations countrywide. The organizations are also asking for the eradication of the international drug trade that triggers Belize’s crime issues by applying a permanent campaign to attack corruption at all levels in government.

Ambergris Today

Fishermen Arrested For Illegal Possession Of Conch
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, Fisheries Officers conducted a routine patrol southeast of Channel Caye where two fishermen were arrested for the possession of 874 conch during the closed season. One of the fishermen, Mr. Bartolo Jimenez pleaded guilty to the charges and was fined $500 and an additional penalty of $17,480 ($20 for each conch) as a result of court proceedings held on July 4, 2019. The vessel, engine and fishing gears were all forfeited to the Government of Belize.

SPTC Receives Backhoe Donation To Help Tackle Sargassum
The Belize Tourism Board, Hon. Manuel Heredia and the Government of Belize donated a brand new CAT Backhoe to the San Pedro Town Council. On site to receive the donation was Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nuñez, Councilor Severo Guerrero, Councilor Hector Alamilla and longtime employee and driver of the backhoe, Mr. William Stevens. The brand new CAT Backhoe was purchased at an estimated cost of $150,000 BZD and it was donated to the town of San Pedro to help aid in the cleanup of the sargassum along the beachside.

Belize’s Travel Advisory Ranking Not Changed Despite Double Murder
The island was shocked at the news of the double murder of Mario Graniel and Dr. Gary Swank and word in town is that many tourists have cancelled their fishing trips and even their entire trips to Belize. But according to the US Embassy in Belmopan, Belize’s travel advisory ranking has not gone up despite of the unfortunate incident. There are four levels of travel advisories for US citizens which include:Level 1: Exercise Normal PrecautionLevel 2: Exercise Increased CautionLevel 3: Reconsider TravelLevel 4: Do Not Travel

Various Belizean Sources

SBDC Workshop: Business Plan Development
Presented by: Mrs. Lorraine Montejo, Business Adviser, SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location: BTEC Building, ITVET Campus, Belize City. Workshop Date: July 11th, 2019. Time: 9am to 3pm. All executives and teams responsible for, and involved in, business plan delivery. The programme can be adjusted to suit the specific participants. The importance of planning should never be overlooked. For a business to be successful and profitable, the owners and the managing directors must have a clear understanding of the business' customers, strengths and competition. They must also have the foresight to plan for future expansion.

Fishermen Busted with 874 Conch
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, Fisheries Officers conducted a routine patrol southeast of Channel Caye where two fishermen were arrested for the possession of 874 conch during the closed season. One of the fishermen, Mr. Bartolo Jimenez pleaded guilty to the charges and was fined $500 and an additional penalty of $17,480 ($20 for each conch) as a result of court proceedings held on July 4, 2019. The vessel, engine and fishing gears were all forfeited to the Government of Belize.

CAT Backhoe donated to the San Pedro Town Council
BTB, Hon. Manuel Heredia and the Government of Belize donated a brand new CAT Backhoe to the San Pedro Town Council. On site to receive the donation was Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nuñez, Councilor Severo Guerrero, Councilor Hector Alamilla and long time employee and driver of the backhoe, Mr. William Stevens. The brand new CAT Backhoe was purchased at an estimated cost of $150,000 BZD and it was donated to the town of San Pedro to help aid in the clean up of the sargassum along the beachside.

International Day of Cooperatives 2019
The Cooperative Department under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture is today celebrating the 97th International Day of Cooperatives under the theme “Coops 4 Decent Work,” at the San Ignacio Welcome Center. The aim of the celebration is to increase awareness of cooperatives. The day highlights the complementary goals and objectives of the United Nations (UN) and the international cooperative movement in finding a resolution for the major problems addressed by the UN in strengthening and extending partnerships between the international cooperative movement and other actors.

Hon. Patrick Faber Attends the 43rd Session of the World Heritage Committee
The Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture is in Baku, Azerbaijan attending the 43rd Session of the World Heritage Committee. Hon. Faber addressed the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee and an international consortium of partners on the topic “The Importance of Strategic Vision in a Changing Climate”. Hon. Patrick Faber joins UNESCO World Heritage managers, global climate resilience experts and local community stakeholders as they discuss the scope, aim and expected deliverables of the climate change initiative which was launched in October 2018.

Belize Develops Cyber Security Strategy
A Cyber Security Workshop organized by the Ministry of National Security in collaboration with the Public Utilities Commission, the United Kingdom-based Global Partners Digital, and the Organization of American States is being held in Belize from July 4 – 5, 2019. The workshop is designed to further enhance the draft Cyber Security Strategy document and streamline the processes that inform the organizers’ efforts going forward. The workshop is expected to result in: i. clear roles and responsibilities defined ii. a concrete action plan Present at the event are representatives of public and private sector organizations and civil society, including the Central Information Technology Office, Central Bank of Belize, Belize Telemedia Limited, Belize Port Authority, and others.

Fishermen Arrested for Illegal Possession of Conch
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, Fisheries Officers conducted a routine patrol southeast of Channel Caye where two fishermen were arrested for the possession of 874 conch during the closed season. One of the fishermen, Mr. Bartolo Jimenez pleaded guilty to the charges and was fined $500 and an additional penalty of $17,480 ($20 for each conch) as a result of court proceedings held on July 4, 2019. The vessel, engine and fishing gears were all forfeited to the Government of Belize. The Fisheries Department reminds fisher folks and the public that the conch season remains closed until September 30, 2019, in accordance with Regulation 6 (1) (a) of the Fisheries Regulations, Chapter 210 of the Subsidiary Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2003. The continued contribution to livelihoods and the national economy is dependent on the adherence to the laws designed to ensure its sustainability.

Changes in Pump Price of Fuel Products
The Ministry of Finance announces that effective July 5th, 2019, the pump prices of four fuel products will change. The prices for Premium Gasoline and Kerosene will register decreases as follows: Premium Gasoline will fall by 50 cents from $11.13 to $10.63 per gallon, and Kerosene will decrease by 27 cents from $7.72 to $7.45 per gallon. The prices for Regular Gasoline and Diesel Oil will increase as follows: Regular Gasoline will increase by 41 cents from $9.96 to $10.37 per gallon while Diesel Oil will increase by 17 cents from $9.79 to $9.96 per gallon.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES NEAR YOU
Beltraide is encouraging you to sign up for their Employment Database and keep up with their employment opportunities updates.

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS 2019
The Office of the Governor-General announces that Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to make the following appointments to the MOST DISTINGUISHED ORDER OF SAINT MICHAEL AND SAINT GEORGE AND THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE on the occasion of BIRTHDAY HONOURS 2019 C.M.G. To be an Ordinary Companion of the Most Excellent Order of Saint Michael and Saint George: Ms Audrey Joy GRANT, for contribution to Public Services O.B.E. To be Ordinary Officer of the Civil Division of the Said Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: Alistair Mickenzie King, for contribution to Entrepreneurship Ms Lupita Quan, for contribution to Sport and Business

Course on Mercury effects in human health and the environment
Call for applications is open for the course on Mercury effects in human health and the environment. This course explores the different forms of mercury and its compounds with their respective sources, environmental distributions, toxicological aspects, and prevention measures. Deadline: July 7, 2019. The course will take place from July 17 to September 4, 2019.

Click for details on the Museum of Belize (NICH)'s 2019 Summer Arts Program!

Governor-General Leads Delegation to Taiwan
The Governor-General H.E. Sir Colville Young is heading a delegation this week, from 2nd to 5th July 2019, in Taiwan. The delegation called on President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday, 2nd July. While at the Presidential Palace, the Governor-General and President Tsai witnessed the signing of a bilateral agreement by Belize’s Attorney General Hon. Michael Peyrefitte and Taiwan’s Justice Minister Hon. Tsai Ching-Hsiang that would see the two countries cooperate on addressing matters of anti-corruption. Sir Colville and President Tsai spoke of the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that has existed in the 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and foresaw an unbreakable connection between Belize and Taiwan for many years to come. Sir Colville noted the importance of the bilateral agreement on anti-corruption for Belize, and Belize’s desire to learn from Taiwan’s good governance experience and practices. Accompanying the Governor General and Attorney General are the Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight and the Solicitor General, Elisa Montalvo.

Costa Maya TICKET OUTLETS UPDATE!
Tickets are now available all around San Pedro Town and in a district near you. Corozal, Orange Walk and Cayo fans you can get your tickets now!

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: JUNE 23, 2019 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2019
Good weather and wind conditions provided lots of opportunities on the flats. Calmer winds and more transparent water aided in the quest for big migratory Tarpon.

ICF Next Culinary Press Trip
The BTB hosted a Culinary Press Trip from June 19th-23rd, 2019, where journalists from North America experienced the diverse flavours of our Belizean cuisine. They visited Western Belize and San Pedro and enjoyed activities such as tortilla and chocolate making demonstrations. The culmination of the trip was at the San Pedro Lobster Fest where the group sampled a variety of platters. They expressed their appreciation of Belize not only for our culinary diversity, but also for the beauty and hospitality of our Jewel.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
The theater is closed this weekend .. we are doing some quick projector maintenance and looking for an a/c upgrade, to come in the near future. We’re Sorry for any inconvenience. We will be back the following week .. SEE YOU THEN!

International Costa Maya Festival Pageant Night
Pageant Night will be exciting! Come and find out WHO will take the crown and be Reina de la Costa Maya 2019! We will have performances by Marlyn Vansen, Alma Caribeña and more! Get your SEASON PASSES at any of our outlets!

Leaders work on Anti-Corruption strategy
Today Deputy Mayor Ian Cal along with other Mayors of the Country and Administrators attended a workshop for municipal leaders to Design and implement an institutional Anti-Corruption strategy. This comes from the efforts of the Attorney Generals Ministry Strengthening national systems for implementation of UNCAC ( United Nations Convention against corruption ) in Belize. Presentations was made by the United Nations office on Drugs and crime.

CC Sailing Club welcomes Coast Guard Cadets
Caye caulker sailing club welcomes the coast guard cadets a brief session was given by 2 of our sailors Cody Bucknor, sneijder Tec and mr Harvey leader for the cadets.

Monthly Weather Summary, June 2019
The month of June marks the official beginning of the Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season. In Belize it is also the first full month of the rainy season which usually starts around mid-May. June is climatologically the wettest month of the year at the airport and also at many of the weather stations across the country. Weather systems that typically produce rain during this month include tropical waves, Tropical Upper Tropospheric Troughs (TUTTs) and very rarely tropical cyclones. June 2019 started off relatively moist and unstable. The main feature was a surface low pressure system that had moved across Central America and entered the bay of Campeche. Meanwhile the upper levels were moist and divergent. This supported cloudy skies on the 1st.

Channel 7

Major Out of Season Conch Bust Points to Honduras
Last night we had preliminary details about a major bust of out of season conch in the waters of southern Belize. Tonight we can confirm that on Wednesday, two men - Belizean fishers - were caught Southeast of Channel Caye - which is near Placencia. They had 874 conch - stuffed in sacks. Now, the conch season closed at the end of April, so this is all very illegal. Yesterday, they were hauled to Independence Magistrate's Court and one of the fishermen, Bartolo Jimenez pleaded guilty and was fined $500 dollars and slapped with an additional penalty of $17,480 dollars, which breaks down to $20 dollars per conch.

BTL Launches Flagship Education Program
Public relations - wise, it's been a tough week for BTL - first, the controversy over unpaid GST arrears, and, then, the high profile CEO abruptly resigned. But, undaunted, the company last night forged ahead with one of its most ambitious community oriented programs. It's called DigiLearn - a flagship education initiative which has created a Digital Learning platform for students at the secondary school level. The program incorporates the use of individual laptops, tablets, learning software, and a 500 meg internet connection for selected schools. Here's more about it from the launch event last night at the Biltmore:..

Police Have Gang Suspect In Felix Murder
Police have not made any arrests in one of the most sensational murders the city has seen. On Wednesday night, the Felix brothers, Maurice and Emory were at a pool hall on Baymen Avenue when two gunmen went in and executed them, firing more than a dozen rounds at the brothers. At least one of the weapons had an extended clip and police recovered 17 nine millimeter expended shells from the scene. Both men's bodies were riddled with bullets. Emory Felix - who was found dead on Baymen Avenue is believed to have jumped over the verandah from the second floor establishment to escape the shooter. But, reports say, another shooter was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. While he finished off the 33 year old Emory, the other shooter launched across the pool table upstairs to kill 34 year old Maurice Felix.

FFB's Fruits From The Roots
Over the past few months, we told you about how the new administration of the Football Federation of Belize has been focusing trying to improve the level of play in Belize. They want our national teams to start seeing greater successes in international football tournaments. And so, they're focusing on developing the nation's footballers from very young. That's why they're putting major resources into their grassroots football program, which seeks to bring proper instruction in the sport to all the primary school children countrywide. This past week, the FFB and a FIFA instructor out of Guatemala have been working with coaches to get them ready to guide the youth footballers of Belize the right way.

Bowen and Bowen and Blood
In terms of murders, accidents and deaths, June and July have been terrible. And when the number of traumatic incidents spike - so does the need for blood. But who is putting all that blood back? Today, Bowen and Bowen started a blood donor drive at its Coca Cola factory in Ladyville. John Palacio says the company hopes to get as much blood as it can from its 1200 employees:

Looking For Labetalol?
As we've been reporting for the last many months, there's a new strict regime governing importation of pharmaceuticals. And, because of that, many drugs that used to be available cannot be sourced anymore with the required paperwork - even though the drugs are legit. That's what one of our colleagues found with his blood pressure medicine of choice, Labetalol. George Tillett - who has high blood pressure - took to Facebook to, quote, "expressserious concern because for the first time I can't get my medication I have been using all these years for over a month now and the substitute medication is not working properly." End quote.

Lloyd Leslie Pleads Guilty to Gang Membership
Police have successfully prosecuted another Belize City man for his gang membership. He's 26 year-old Lloyd Leslie, and he has pleaded guilty being member a group that associates with the George Street Gang. Police say that they carried out an investigation, which began on April 2, 2019. During that time, they conducted surveillance on Leslie, which led them to believe that he is part os a clique of persons who call their gang group "Through the Park", which is located between Dolphin and Currasow Streets. The officers say that their surveillance of Leslie allowed them to spot parts of "Through the Park's" turf which had gang graffiti. They say that they also viewed a Facebook account from Leslie which had photographs post of him and other known gang members. They say that they also have video footage which shows Leslie socializing with other gang members.

Pipersburgh and Robateau Plea to Have Their Sentences Reduced
In November of 2016, the Court of Appeal scrapped mandatory life sentences for persons convicted of murder. Since then, all convicted murders have been going back before the Supreme Court for a new sentence. The latest convicts to go for a new sentence are Leslie Pipersburgh and Patrick Robateau. They were found guilty of the 2002 murders of 2 KBH security guards, Kevin Alvarez and Fidel Mai, which happened when they were carrying out an armed robbery of Bowen and Bowen's Slaughterhouse Road Compound in Belize City. They went before Justice Colin Williams today, and they were both allowed an opportunity to make a mitigation plea.

Deputy PM At UNESCO Meeting
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber is currently away in Azerbaijan - which is in Eastern Europe. He's there for the 43rd Session of the UNESCO's World Heritage Committee. He had an opportunity to address the committee and an international gathering of parters on "The importance of Strategic Vision in a Changing Climate". The Deputy PM joined UNESCO World Heritage managers, global climate resilience experts, and local community stakeholders in the discussion about the scope, aim, and expected results of the climate change initiative which was launched in October 2018.

New CCJ Judge Sworn In
There's a new judge on the Caribbean Court of Justice. He's the Trinidadian jurist, Peter Jamar, and he was officially sworn in yesterday by the President of Trinidad and Tobago. He previously served as a judge of the Appeal Court of Trinidad and Tobago and is highly qualified with judgments that have been cited with approval by judges of both the CCJ and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

"Puppy" Training Basketball's Big Dogs Of The Future
He's one of the most popular basketball players in Belize - and even now that he's retired from the NEBL, Darwin Puppy Leslie is keeping the fire burning with his annual basketball camp. We visit don the last day of the one week camp and found the kids in full form:..

Welcome Resource Center Passes The Six Year Mark
Today, the "Welcome Resource Center" on Vernon Street in Belize City, celebrated its sixth anniversary. The Center serves mentally ill persons and vagrants giving them a sense of structure and inclusion. Administrator Joyce Ellis says they only got to six years which major corporate and community support:

8 Hopefuls For Miss Belize Universe
Jenelli Frazer's reign as Miss Universe Belize is coming to a close, and 8 Belizean women from different parts of the country are already cued up to take her place. They will participate in the Miss Universe Belize Pageant, which takes place on September 6th at the Belize City Civic Center. Even though that's a few months away, the coordinators of the pageant decided that the country needs to get to know who the contestants are. So, they held a big reveal this evening at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts.

Channel 5

Rochus Schreiber Breaks Silence on B.T.L.’s G.S.T. Woes
B.T.L.’s tax dilemma is very much a topic of interest, despite the company’s position that it is up to speed with its monthly G.S.T. payments.  Since we broke the story [...]

Schreiber to Step Down as B.T.L. C.E.O. after 2 Years in Office
As for his unforeseen notice of departure, Schreiber was also careful in his response, thanking B.T.L.’s board of directors for the chance to turn the company around and steer it [...]

Will There Be Justice for Felix Brothers Murders?
The killer of the Felix brothers remains on the loose tonight. Maurice and Emory Felix, well known street figures, were gunned down on Wednesday night at a club on Baymen [...]

Investigation Continues into Shooting in Hattieville
Police are still gathering information in the near fatal shooting of Ozen Rhaburn of Hattieville. An attempt was made on the life of Rhaburn on Thursday morning, but fortunately, he [...]

Sinaloa Drug Operator Allegedly Had Belizean Passport
A Sinaloa Drug operator was gunned on Thursday in Chetumal, Mexico. It’s making news in Belize because Juan Ulises Galvan Carmona, who goes by the drug alias “El Buda,” possessed [...]

Belizean Fishermen Busted with Serious Haul of Illegally Harvested Conch
A pair of Belizean fishermen was busted in the southern waters off the coast of Placencia with a massive haul of out-of-season conch.  According to the Fisheries Department, a team [...]

Fisheries and Coast Guard Working Together at Sea
The conch season was closed earlier than usual this year.  Notwithstanding its premature closure, the Fisheries Department has been working closely with its maritime counterparts to enforce all laws at [...]

2 Belize City Men Are Arrested: Residents Allege Police Brutality
Chilling video images of the police pepper spraying a pair of men in the south side of the Belize City have been circulating on social media.  The video shows police [...]

M.O.E. Holds Back on Extending First Term 2019
The Ministry of Education has decided to stave off its decision to close all primary and high schools for Christmas break on December twentieth, following a letter from the Belize [...]

Digi Learn is Coming to a School Near You
A new educational initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Education and B.T.L., known as Digi Learn, will be rolled out across the country in the weeks ahead. The program sees [...]

Businessman Takes Squatters to Court Over Belama Phase 4 Land
Businessman, Alex Chang, through his attorney Brandon Usher of Williams Law Firm, has commenced legal action against eight families. Those eight families, Chang contends, are illegally occupying his one point [...]

Attorney says Contract was Proposed to Squatters
According to Usher, the land in question; Parcel 1999, was privately acquired in 1991 and has remained in private hands.  The owner, he says, is Lu Tsu-Tieh.  In order to [...]

Meet the Delegates for Miss Universe Belize 2019
At the Bliss this afternoon, eight delegates who made the cut to compete to represent Belize at Miss Universe Pageant were introduced and News Five was there. The line-up of [...]

Jenelli Fraser is Ready to Represent Belize in La Reina de la Costa Maya
Miss Universe Belize 2018, Jenelli Fraser, will be gracing the international stage once again, this time as the Belizean delegate for the La Reina de la Costa Maya pageant set [...]

Welcome Resource Center Celebrates 6th Anniversary
The Welcome Resource Center is an N.G.O. that assists the mentally ill, as well as the homeless population in Belize. The center, which is located in Belize City, offers its [...]

Fire Destroys House in Dangriga Leaving Family Homeless
A house in Dangriga was destroyed by fire early this morning. The fire broke out at a residence on the George Price Boulevard. Firefighters responded quickly but were unable to [...]

Bowen & Bowen Hosts a Blood Drive!
We’ve reported before about the shortage of blood at the Blood Bank where earlier this year the shortage has put elective surgeries on hold. Now, there has always been a [...]

UNIBAM Director Meets with Commissioner of Police
On Sunday, June thirtieth, the final day of Pride Month, police officer Ralph Gillett was put in a chokehold while being a victim of homophobic insults. Gillett was arrested after [...]

WPC’s Hand Seriously Injured By Fellow Police Officers
After the brawl, several witnesses went to the Caye Caulker Police station to file a statement of what they saw. They, however, were turned away and prohibited to enter the [...]

CARIFESTA Draws Near; is Belize Prepared?
The Caribbean Festival of Arts is held biennially across member CARICOM states and this year, the event will be held in Trinidad and Tobago. Hundreds of persons in the creative [...]

Securing Funding to Attend CARIFESTA 2019
According to Greg Vernon, with support from the National Institute of Culture and History, they are now trying to source funding for airfares and lodging for the contingent that will [...]

Amandala

Notorious Felix brothers executed
Janet Felix, the mother of Emory Felix, 33, and Maurice Felix, 34, was lying down in bed last night at her home on Sanker Street, watching the evening news, when one of her daughters went to her and told her, “Ma, you better get dressed, because dem boy dem get shot, and it noh sound like it’s alright.” That’s how she got the news, Felix said in an interview this morning. Shortly after she got that piece of information, Felix rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, but her sons had not yet been taken there.

Jermaine Balthazar Flores, 44, found murdered in Frank’s Eddy
Jermaine Balthazar Flores, 44, an unemployed man of Dangriga who was popularly known as “Namu”, was found dead on the roadside in Frank’s Eddy at about 6:00 this morning. A man who was going to work saw the body and called police. Police said that they found Flores’s body beside a quilt about 300 feet into the Franks Eddy Road, from the George Price Highway. They said he had what appeared to be a gunshot wound in his head, and his hands and feet were tied with electrical wire.

Bestiality in Ontario; man on the run after raping piglet
Albert Ara, 40, of Ontario Village, Cayo District, is being sought by police after his father reported that he caught him having sex with a pig. Miguel Ara, an 81-year-old farmer who raises pigs on his farm, said he saw his son lurking around the pig pen on Monday night, but did not think anything about it. The farmer said he was awakened at about 4:30 Tuesday morning by a noise coming from the pen, and he took his light and went to see what was happening.

PUP demands accountability from government for BTL finances
“Something is very wrong in our nation, and that something is the UDP government under the leadership of Dean Barrow,” Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceño declared this morning at his Belize City office, after he welcomed and thanked the media for attending a press conference. Hon. Briceño went on to cite government corruption and incompetence, saying, “We can certainly indict this entire administration for this rise in barbarism we see in Belize today.”

Team BIZ – Hardwick to represent BzSA this summer
16-year-old Trent Hardwick will be representing Belize in Gdynia, Poland where he will compete in his second Youth World Sailing Championship. Competing in the Laser Radial, he will face 56 other sailors from around the world in this prestigious event. Hardwick was selected from the World Sailing Emerging Nations Program to attend this 2019 Youth World Sailing Championship based on specific criteria. He will attend a Performance Clinic from July 8-12 to be held at the Polish National Sailing Center, and then compete in the Championship event from July 13-20, 2019.

Bank charges, or “business tax”?
n October 2016, the Central Bank of Belize announced the implementation of a new APSSS system that would facilitate a quicker means of processing banking transactions. This Automated Payment and Security Settlement System (APSSS) was implemented to connect all local banks and allow customers to make electronic payments anywhere in Belize, between various local banks. The system features Electronic Funds Transfers (ETF’s), Instant Funds Transfers (IFT’s), Real-time Gross Settlements (RTGS’s) and so forth.

Belize Ambassador to the UN sounds ominous warning about climate change
Belize’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Lois Young,has taken an activist position in speaking up on behalf of small nation-states whose contribution to the global phenomenon described by scientists as global warming, is minimal. In an opinion article published in the Financial Times about the dismissive approach being adopted by of some of the large nation states, Ambassador Young called on them to step aside and stop blocking the UN efforts to contain global warming.

Smart Mundialito weekend results; reg. season ends Saturday
The 12-team single round-robin in the Smart 13 & Under Mundialito 2018-2019 Closing Season has one more week of games to complete regular season, after which the top 8 teams will advance to the quarterfinal playoffs. It was a wet weekend, but the Mundialito games continued at the MCC Grounds on Saturday, June 29. In game 1, Fladen Carter struck twice, to give Brown Bombers the 2-nil win over Sampson Academy. In game 2, Warriors FC won by default (3-0) over Belize United.

No longer 2 Belize City teams in NALC Inter-District Finals
The wheels have been turning fast in the football machine these past couple days, and this evening we learned that it will not be two Belize City teams in the home-and-away finals of the National Amateur League Championship (NALC) 2019 inter-district tournament, as there had been a major turn of events in the final moments of Sunday’s semifinal 2nd leg match at the MCC Grounds between Club Atletico from Belmopan and Belize City’s Barrack Road FC. Their previous outing at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium was a 1-1 draw, so the winner on Sunday at the MCC would move on to the finals against Caesar Ridge FC.

U-15 & U-17 Male and Female football games in Orange Walk
Here are the results of games played today at People’s Stadium in the FFB Inter-District U-15 and U-17 Male and Female competitions. The games were between district selections from Orange Walk and Belize District. In U-15 Female, Orange Walk shut out Belize, 5-0, with 2 goals from Josefin Reyes and 1 each from Katherine Caal, Kristie Jones and Maileen Mendoza. In U-17 Female, Orange Walk won, 5-3, over Belize. Shaking the net for Orange Walk were Kaite Jones (2), Geidy Andrades, Abby Sanchez and Anahie Blanco; while for Belize it was Jahiah Williams (2) and Alleyah Herbert.

Editorial: This impotence on violent crime is destroying us
The UDP, which has been in office since 2008, and the PUP, which was in office from 1998 to 2008, are aware of the huge problem we face with violence in our country. These two political parties that have formed governments in Belize (they are jointly called PUDP) have at times, as the murder totals and murder rate for the country climbed, accused each other of being impotent on crime. This finger pointing couldn’t go on forever, and the one that is presently in opposition, the PUP, has tacked to where they are calling for a bi-partisan approach to dealing with the problem. Disappointingly, their calls have fallen on deaf ears, thus far. It might be concluded that the UDP government is either delusional, thinks it has the problem under control, or it is overly political, will not admit that it needs help to contain it.

Henry V. Young, Sr., vs Neri Briceño
Dear Editor, Long Distance Advisors Commentary Why are there still Belizeans who do not believe in the ability to compete on an equal footing with the white establishment? In a recent article in The Reporter by Mr. Neri Briceño, he chastised the Government for repossessing our utilities; emphasizing that in the past, governments were not able to manage these facilities. I am sure Mr. Briceño is aware of the disastrous trickle-down economics which was introduced to small economies when they were coerced to sell their utilities to foreign conglomerates. Well, Sir, can I inform you that Belize is one of the few countries which has recovered from that disaster.

Swing Bridge a damn disgrace – where are our priorities?
Dear Editor, Eight years ago I complained in a letter to the Amandala newspaper about the deplorable condition the Swing Bridge was in. it is now time for me to provide an update. Without getting into pros and cons of the aesthetics, historic or cultural value of the monstrosity which is being erected at the roundabout at the intersection of Craig Street and Marine Parade on Northside Belize City and not knowing the reason for this decision, I will take the liberty of assuming that it is intended to enhance our city’s touristic attributes.

Getting the sense
When I was a young man, een a mi prime, a time when there were moments when I thought that every gyal that I like mi like me, one Saturday evening I got on a bus to Dangriga and I sat down beside an extremely delightful-looking young lady and started to make conversation. I wasn’t drunk, I’d only had a couple or three beers, the last of which I had guzzled, glug, glug, glug, because the bus was about to leave and no respectable guy walks away from a half-full bottle of good suds. Whoa, the conversation was barely underway when I burped. I thought nothing of it, but she did not feel the same way. The girl recoiled, squeezed herself up against the window beside her as far as she could, away from me. Drunk or sober, I know when I get rebuff, so I made a quick apology and relocated to another seat a distance away.

Musings by the Curious Non-Conformist
With all that’s happening in the news and around us today, I thought it would be an opportune time to share a piece by a good friend of mine from SpokenWord501, Mr. Kyraan Gabourel. Of course, the written piece will be great, but nothing compares to watching Kyo D’Assassin pump his soul, passion and unequivocal vigour as he brings his pieces to life.

The Growth of Black Consciousness in Belize 1914–1919
The Background to the Riot II. White Racism and the Growth of Garveyism In Belize itself a similar disillusionment had come to pass in the minds of many who had suffered the privations of war, but in the homeland the growth of a black consciousness was a more insidious process brought about by the spread of Garveyism and the appearance of an Establishment racism unknown since the days of slavery. That there had been a certain racial tension between the Colony’s black Creole Labour Force and its white and off-white elite of officials, merchants and land owners since Emancipation was probably undeniable – witness the Labourer’s Riot of 1894 and the racial outbursts of Governor Wilson – but these antagonisms appeared to have subsided, if not actually disappeared, during the prosperous years from 1900 to 1914.

Mary Hickey y la historia de Bowen
De los seis hijos a quienes Mary Hickey había legado esclavos en 1826, solo se sabe que tres sobrevivieron más allá de la infancia: Sophia Searle, Matilda Caroline y Richard Manfield. El Dr. Bowen murió en 1833, a la edad de 83 años. Ese año, las “señoritas Bowen, Matilda y Sophia”, sus hijas, llegaron de Londres para solicitar el patrimonio de “la finada Mary Hickey, su madre”. En diciembre de 1840, sin embargo , ambas murieron, una semana aparte. Richard, al igual que su padre, aparentemente formó una unión con una mujer libre de color, Mary Elizabeth Hume, una de las mayores propietarias de tierra en el norte.

Big up, Gina Scott – the musicologist
It was raining almost the whole day Sunday, but the weather fortuitously cleared in time for The Belize School of Music’s EVENING OF PIANO MUSIC at the Bliss Institute this afternoon/evening. Director/Principal Teacher, Ms. Gina Scott, presented her annual season ending recital, and it was, as usual, very well received. Special thanks go to the parents and guardians of the students, the National Institute of Creative Arts (NICH), and Fultec Systems.

Access denied to Botes; a no-crossing point is being enforced
Belizeans can no longer visit their favorite shopping area and watering holes in the border town of Santiago Botes, in Mexico, located across the Rio Hondo River from Santa Cruz, Orange Walk District. The Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) is on an operation in the area today, turning back people and enforcing a no-crossing point to Botes. Police said that the operation will be carried out indefinitely. Residents from Belize who want to go to Botes must now go through Chetumal, Mexico, which is the official crossing point, then drive down to Botes, after which they must drive up back to Chetumal and back to Belize.

Contraband onions continue to plague local farmers
On Friday, June 28, the Belize Marketing Development Corporation (BMDC), along with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Extension Services, completed their annual Onion Availability Assessment in the three farming communities which produce onions. At the end of the exercise, which focused on onion farms in Maskall in the Belize District, and Little Belize and Neuland Settlement in the Corozal District, it was determined that there are sufficient onions to meet the demands of the local market. The assessment resulted in the confirmation that there are 130,000 pounds of yellow onions in the onion-producing communities, as well as in the community of San Carlos, in the Orange Walk District, said a BMDC press release.

Charles Bell, Jr., 23, a volunteer soldier, dies in hit-and-run
A hit-and-run collision occurred at about 7:30 Monday night on the George Price Highway near Running W Meats between Central Farm and Esperanza in the Cayo District, whereby a volunteer soldier who was driving a motorcycle was knocked down by a minivan that was traveling in the same direction he was going. The incident took the life of a soldier of the Belize Defence Force Volunteer Elements’ B Company Detachment — Charles Bell, Jr., 20, of Blackman Eddy in the Cayo District.

The Reporter

Man Fined For Being Gang Member
Police have arresred and charged Lloyd Leslie with being a member of a gang. Leslie pleaded guilty and was fined $3,500 due by March 3, 2020 or he will spend eight months in prison.

Tension Brews Over Belama Phase 4 House Lots
Tension is brewing again between some 22 households in the Belama Phase 4 area and Chinese businessman, Alex Chang, who claims to have legal rights (Power of Attorney) to the land the families live on. Today we received video footage of someone using a power saw to cut down a tree in one of the yards, presumably sent by Chang to do so.

Fire Leaves Family Homeless
A family is homeless as a result of a fire at #1519 George Price Drive in Dangriga this morning. We understand that the home owner, Jason Cacho Sr., was outside in his yard sometime around 7:30 when he noticed smoke coming from one of the rooms. Cacho tried and save his house and belongings but it was already too late.

Man Stabbed During Fight Over Bicycle
A man was stabbed last night over a bicycle in Belize City. Matthew Smith, 27, who resides on Plues Street, was on East Collet Canal near the Conch Shell Bay area around 6:45 pm, when he got into an argument with another man over Smith’s missing bicycle.

DOE Says It Has Not Approved Project Near Gales Point
By Marion Ali – The Department of the Environment (DOE) is planning to conduct site inspection of a project that is reportedly already taking place near Gales Point, Manatee Village in the Belize District that could have environmental impacts but for which no approval has been given as yet.

How SSB Reached the Point of Near Collapse
On July 1st, the first in a series of hikes to Social Security contributions to save the fund from total collapse, came into effect, affecting employers, employees and the bottom-lines of most every working person in the country. With many criticizing the protracted inaction of administrations past in addressing the eroding public fund, a number of issues affecting the board’s decision have come to light.

Tangled Web at BTL – Who is Lying?
Following reports last week that Belize Telemedia Ltd. owed upward of $29 Million in unpaid taxes to the General Sales Tax (GST) Department, BTL Chairman Nestor Vasquez told the Reporter this week that the company does not owe a “single penny” to GST and that an audit had been completed, proving so.

What Was Crown’s Killers After ?
A missing wallet, cellular phone and footwear, as well as evidence of damage to the front door of his home, are tell-tale signs that Neal Penn Road resident Errol Crown, 57, met his tragic end at the hands of someone who came to rob him.

Editorial – Friday, July 5th. 2019
In the last three years rain has become a bigger danger from hurricanes than the strong winds. Windspeed is used by meteorologists to forecast the danger that a hurricane poses. But the rain factor which can cause flooding in areas far from the coast has now become an area of concern resulting from climate change.

Belize’s FM & Caricom Heads of States Meet In St. Lucia
The Caricom Heads of State are all attending the 40th. annual meeting on the eastern Caribbean island of Saint Lucia, which is this years host country. Belize’s Foreign Minister, Wilfred P Elrington is seen here in the introduction of the various country representatives at the opening ceremonies that was standing room only.

Breaking Belize News

Attorney’s niece charged with burglarizing his home again
Criminal defense attorney, Senior Counsel Simeon Sampson’s nicece, Darlene Ramos, is accused of burglarizing his […]

Troy Hyde accused of bail violation after dodging drugs rap
Despite being released from a drug trafficking charge, 32-year-old Troy Hyde could still be headed […]

BTIA hosts bi-annual meeting
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), an entity that represents over 100 tourism industry stakeholders, […]

Summer of volleyball as national teams represent Belize at home and abroad
The silver-medaling Under-23 women’s volleyball team and its patrons at the Belize Volleyball Association have […]

Convicted of murder, Pipersburgh and Robateau get another chance at their sentence
Their names are indelibly linked with one of the scariest episodes in the history of […]

Armed masked men hold up Belizean businessman and steal vehicle
A Belizean businessman was robbed of his vehicle last night on Bullet Tree Road, Cayo […]

“Belize could be affected by huge mass of sargassum headed for Mexico,” experts say
A mass of sargassum, estimated to be the size of Jamaica is headed for Mexico […]

Man stabbed over a bicycle
Police have detained one man for a stabbing incident yesterday that reportedly occurred over a […]

Deputy Prime Minister Faber in Azerbaijan for World Heritage Committee meeting
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Patrick Faber, is in […]

Belize~ The Sargassum Blessing
Belize, like many other Caribbean coastal areas, is being blessed with tons of sargassum, marine algae. While many view this as a problem, others can view it as an opportunity. The “problem” is because it piles up […]

Man to stand trial for killing ex-wife
Noewellin Williams, 44, will stand trial for the August 2018 stabbing death of his ex-wife […]

“Actun Chapat Cave not a sanctioned reserve,” says Institute of Archaeology
The Institute of Archaeology (IA) in the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) has […]

Fishermen arrested for illegal possession of conch
Fisheries Officers conducted a routine patrol southeast of Channel Caye on Wednesday and arrested 2 […]

LOVE FM

Rochus Schreiber explains resignation from BTL
It was one week ago that the news of Rochus Schreiber’s resignation from BTL began surfacing. The speculations mounted after, especially in the absence of a statement or comment from Belize Telemedia Limited. Last night, however, Schreiber did not hesitate to speak on his departure, saying it was something embedded in his contract. Rochus Schreiber …

Digi partnering with MOE to make learn fun
The Ministry of Education with the assistance of Digi introduced a digital platform dubbed Digilearn to first form students from nine high schools across the country. The success of the pilot project was celebrated last night at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza. The project will be gradually rolled out to the other high schools …

MOE teaching students to spend their money wisely
Financial Literacy is all about being able to make sound financial decisions about your money. The Ministry of Education is hoping to cultivate a culture of saving among students. In this regard, Financial Literacy was introduced as a part of the high school curriculum in 2014. Additionally, there is an annual challenge which high school …

Hand in Hand Ministries to host Family Fun Day
The Leadership Team of Hand in Hand Ministries is made up of women who were once recipients of homes in the past. Now they would like to give to others who find themselves where they once were without a roof over their heads. In this regard, the Leadership Team is having a fundraiser to raise …

Miss Universe delegates introduced
The date has already been set for the 2019 Miss Universe Belize pageant. Today marks the start of the journey for 8 beautiful ladies, as they were revealed to the press, and the public, earlier today. Love News reporter, Courtney Menzies, was there to meet them. Courtney Menzies: “Last year Jenelli Fraizer rocked the Miss …

Municipal Governments work on anti-corruption strategy
The Attorney General’s Ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, is hosting a two-day workshop which seeks to strengthen the state-run systems for the application of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, UNCAC, in Belize. The workshop is focused on strengthening the capability of …

Two convicts will have to wait to know their fate
This morning Justice Colin Williams of the Supreme Court, heard mitigation plea for the two convicts, 42-year-old, Patrick Robateau and 42-year-old, Leslie Pipersburgh. The duo apologized for their actions which took the lives of two security guards, Kevin Alvarez and Fidel Mai. The duo held up and robbed the establishment in July 2002 at Bowen …

Belize Olympic Association to host Olympic Day
The Olympic encourages persons to be their best in sports and by extension, life. Additionally, there is also an Olympic Day which celebrates the Olympic movement. The Belize Olympic & Commonwealth Games Association is hosting a sporting day on July 7, in commemoration of Olympic Day. The event will be held at Digi Park …

Jermaine Flores found dead in Franks Eddy Village
The normal work day had not even begun when reports of a dead body began surfacing out of rural Cayo. With the reports came the gruesome image of a man’s fully clothed body lying in a pool of blood, faced down in the bushes. A few hours later, the man was identified as 44-year-old, Jermaine …

The notorious Felix Brothers are gunned down on Baymen Avenue
In the past month, Belize has seen a triple murder, a quintuple murder, a double murder on Ambergris Caye and now, the murder of the notorious siblings, Emory and Maurice Felix. The two were socializing on Baymen Avenue when they were targeted and killed. Love News Reporter, Courtney Menzies was on the scene moments after …

BNTU president meets with MOE over school year calendar
The Ministry of Education issued a brief statement yesterday stating that they will be revising the calendar for the upcoming school year which saw the Christmas holiday shortened for the teachers in pre and primary schools that are government and government aided. The calendar came with much opposition and a letter was fired off the …

July 4 marks CARICOM Day
Today is observed as CARICOM DAY with 2019 being its 45th anniverssary. It is a public holiday in Guyana and several other Caribbean nations, excluding Belize. Secretary General for CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque delivered an address focusing on Caricom’s relations with the United Nations and how it is being used to the benefit of the …

Early morning shooting of Hattieville resident
A man was shot multiple times this morning in Hattieville Village, Belize District. The victim was reportedly sitting alone on the stairs of a friend’s house when a man approached him and engaged in casual conversation. A few minutes later the man reportedly pulled out a firearm and fired at the victim. The victim, Ozen …

Blogs

Made in Belize: Souvenirs for a lasting memory!
Traveling has become second nature to me – I am fascinated with going to new places and learning about new cultures. With each new place I visit, a lifetime memory is created, and I try to hallmark it by bringing back that perfect souvenir which will forever remind me of those days away from home. However, souvenir shopping isn’t always easy – deciding which tangible vacation memory to take home can be a challenge. I focus on two words: authentic and unique, and try to bring a souvenir that fits that definition. Even when traveling within my home country, I always want something ‘Made in Belize.’

Visiting San Pedro Ambergris Caye
San Pedro Town is in the south part of Ambergris Caye, in northern Belize. Its sandy streets are lined with wooden houses, seafood restaurants, and beach bars. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a channel in an offshore reef. It features dive sites with parrotfish and moray eels, plus nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley. To the north, Bacalar Chico National Park protects wildlife and the Chac Balam Mayan ruins. This why I love visiting place's around Belize. Especially, San Pedro Ambergris Caye. This place has such friendly people. Lots to do on the island. Especially, when you visit New places in town. Here is my visit to San Pedro Ambergris Caye on July 1st, 2019.

International Sources

Scientists found a seaweed patch stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to Africa
Fertilizer runoff is likely fueling an explosion of seaweed in the Atlantic. There’s a mass of seaweed in the Atlantic Ocean that last year, at its peak, was so large it stretched all the way from the Gulf of Mexico to West Africa. It’s the biggest bloom of seaweed ever recorded, according to a new paper published in Science. And it’s likely another example of how human activity is radically changing the surface of the planet. The giant seaweed mass is both expansive and heavy, weighing a whopping 20 million tons last year. It’s comprised of a macroalgae species called sargassum, a brown seaweed that forms little bubbles that look a bit like grapes. Large volumes of it washing ashore can be a pain for beach tourism.

Another illegal plane found burning along border
Just 2 kilometers from the community of La Union in the town of Blue Creek, Belize, Belizean authorities found the charred remains of a Cessna plane. According to first reports, it is estimated that the aircraft was intentionally burned. Authorities of the neighboring country of Belize say they presume the aircraft was used for the transfer of drugs from a Central American country to Mexican soil and onward into the United States. Several hundred memebers of the National Guard have reinforced vigilance of the Ribera del Río Hondo, mainly in the area of La Unión to detect drug movements as well as illegal migrants.

Sargassum: The biggest seaweed bloom in the world
A floating mass of seaweed stretching from West Africa to the Gulf of Mexico is now the biggest seaweed bloom in the world, according to satellite observations. The algal explosion in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea could signify a new normal, say US scientists. Deforestation and fertiliser use are among the factors thought to be driving the growth. The seaweed has inundated beaches, causing an environmental nuisance. As of June 2018, the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, as scientists call it, extended 8,850km (5,500 miles) and was made up of over 20 million tonnes of biomass. "The ocean's chemistry must have changed in order for the blooms to get so out of hand," said Dr Chuanmin Hu of the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, who led the study, published in Science.

Videos

July 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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Sandy Point F.C are the Over 35 Champions and SeaWolves the U-15 Champions
After several months of football action at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town, the Over-35 and Under -15 (U-15) Football Tournament came to an end on Thursday, June 27th. Both Football Tournaments were organized by San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) Sports Committee. The Over-35 saw the participation of Liga F.C, San Mateo F.C, Sandy Point F.C, and Rebels F.C, while the U-15 Football Tournament saw the participation of Isla Bonita Elementary School (ACES), Sea Wolves, Youngster F.C and San Pedro Pirates Jr.

Smith College Coral Reef Ed-Ventures celebrates 20th Anniversary with a Campers Gala in San Pedro
Smith College and Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) held a Campers Gala to celebrate 20 years of the Coral Reef Ed-Ventures Summer Program at Palapa Bar and Grill in San Pedro Town on Friday, June 28th. The event saw the attendance of past campers, students and professors of Smith College, the staff of HCMR, and other guests. Coral Reef Ed-Ventures has been operating on the island for 20 years and is organized by students from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts USA, with assistance from HCMR. The participants are separated into two groups. Juniors, aged 6-12, and advanced, aged 12-18. During the camp, children learn about ecologic conservation and the Belize Barrier Reef.

Ministry of Health Announces New Chief Executive Officer
The Ministry of Health informs that effective today, July 3rd, the new Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Health is Dr. George Gough. Dr. Gough has worked within the health system for many years. He is presently the Chair of the National Health Insurance Committee and also the Chair of the Belize Medical Council

Hol Chan Marine Reserve donates two motorcycles to San Pedro Police Department
Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) donated two new motorcycles to the San Pedro Police Department on Tuesday, July 2nd. Present at the hand over was HCMR Manager Javier Paredes, Deputy Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit Inspector Basil Reyes, Commissioner of Police (ComPol) Chester Williams, staff members of HCMR and San Pedro Police Department.

San Pedro observes National AIDS Testing Day 2019
To commemorate National AIDS Testing Day, the National AIDS Commission along with San Pedro’s AIDs Commission and the Ministry of Health held a free HIV testing day at the Central Park in San Pedro Town on Friday, June 28th. Held under the theme, "No Man Left Behind," the activity was a huge success. The event ran from 9AM until 3PM and in San Pedro saw 84 participants being tested, with a high number being first-time testers. In the end, a total of 51 men and 33 women were tested. The age range of participants was from 16 - 60, with the highest number of participants averaging 25-39 years.

Ambergris Today

Nine People Charged For Drug Trafficking/ Kept Unlicensed Ammunition
San Pedro Police conducted a joint operation in the Boca del Rio area where nine persons were arrested and charged for drug trafficking and kept unlicensed ammunition. According to reports on Monday, July 1, 2019, at about 5:30 a.m., police conducted a Joint Operation at the residence of Alexander Fitzgibbon Sr. 44-year-old, Belizean Fisherman of Boca del Rio area and Lucio Salazar 29-year-old, Fisherman of Boca del Rio. During the search police discovered 294 grams Crack Cocaine, 89 grams of powdered Cocaine, (101) 5.56 live rounds and 54 grams of Cannabis.

Various Belizean Sources

Restriction on Sale of Intoxicating Liquor on Election Day
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby reminds the public and liquor license holders of Rule 12 of the Village Council (Elections) Regulations 2009 (Statutory Instrument No. 134 of 2009) which states that every person who is the holder of a liquor license granted under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act shall be prohibited from the sale of all forms of intoxicating liquor during the period from the opening of nominations right up to the announcing of the results. The owners of such establishments shall close such establishments to the public during these times on Sunday, 7th July, 2019 for the attached list of villages/communities.

School Calendar 2019/2020 for Government and Grant-Aided Pre and Primary Schools is hereby withdrawn pending further review
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture hereby informs Managing Authorities that the School Calendar 2019/2020 for Government and Grant-Aided Pre and Primary Schools is hereby withdrawn pending further review. A revised School Calendar will be reissued as soon as is reasonably possible.

OFFICIAL RESULTS FROM VILLAGE COUNCILS ELECTIONS HELD ON 30TH JUNE 2019
Kindly click the link to the left to access the information.

Medfly Detection
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority hereby advises the public that medflies have been detected along the Placencia Peninsula. Medflies are introduced into Belize when people intentionally or unintentionally illegally bring fruits and vegetables that are host to this pest. Due to the location and characteristics of this outbreak, it has been determined that contraband is the most likely cause. While BAHA was successful in eradicating a medfly outbreak in Hopkins, this new outbreak on the Placencia Peninsula indicates that contraband activities continue and is putting at risk the livelihood of many Belizeans. This situation will not improve unless the public refrains from bringing these illegal products into Belize and selling them. BAHA is closely monitoring the situation and is already conducting eradication efforts in Placencia. The public is advised that quarantine may become necessary in order to prevent the medfly from moving into other areas. Internal quarantines are expensive, cause disruption to the free flow of fresh agricultural products and prevent bonafide farmers from earning their livelihoods. Again, BAHA calls on everyone to assist in the elimination of contraband and provide any information that will assist in prosecuting violators.

Ministry of Health Announces New Chief Executive Officer
The Ministry of Health informs that effective today, July 3rd, the new Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Health is Dr. George Gough. Dr. Gough has worked within the health system for many years. He is presently the Chair of the National Health Insurance Committee and also the Chair of the Belize Medical Council.

Statement on BTL Taxes
It has come to the attention of the Department of General Sales Tax (DGST) that documents have been circulating to the media which indicate that the Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) owes the Department of General Sales Tax (GST) some $29.3 million. The public is informed that an audit is currently being conducted and the process is in train. The Department’s position is that BTL is compliant in fulfilling their obligations to file and pay monthly as is required by law. The Department is presently awaiting the completion of the audit that will determine BTL’s tax position.

Crescencio Poot
Crescencio Poot (1820–1885) was a leading Yucatec Maya general who fought throughout the Caste war (Maya Social War). He raided on white-owned haciendas . In the next several years his troops would raid, but rarely occupy, various villages. This meant generally avoiding government troops, but he did achieve a major victory in the Yucatán. Later he became one of the freedom fighters "three chiefs" along with General Bernardino Cen and Nojoch Tata Bonifacio Novelo around 1864 to control the Maya State of Chan Santa Cruz . He ultimately considered peace with the Mexicans. Poot second in command was General Juan Chuc who often made trips across de Rio Hondo to collect tax .

Channel 7

Cycling's National Road Champion Tests Positive For EPO
He was crowned Belize's National Road Champion on Sunday, and he won the Belmopan Classic in March - but, tonight, one of Belize's premier cyclists, Nissan Arana could lose all that; he's tested positive for a performance enhancing drug.  The UCI - which is cycling's global governing body - today published his name on the list of riders who are serving a provisional suspension, quote, "as a consequence of a potential or asserted anti-doping rule violation."  The UCI site said he tested positive for EPO which is a banned substance that is injected to give athletes more endurance. It has been widely abused by banned athletes from Lance Armstrong to Marion Jones, to, most recently, Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller. And now the finger is on Orange Walk's own Nissan Arana.  He was randomly tested in April after finishing 9th in the Holy Saturday Cross Country and that's the test that came back positive for EPO.

PUP Calls Out BTL, GOB For GST Bill
Last week we reported on the audit that the GST office did which concluded that BTL owed 29.3 million dollars in unpaid taxes.  But, that happened last year, and no assessment has been forthcoming.  The Financial Secretary - who is the keeper of the public purse - told us that the company owes nothing, and an audit is ongoing but not completed.  He added that there has been some lack of clarity about technical issues concerning intra-company transactions.   But, clarity or not, assessment or not, the PUP is seizing on the issue  which seems to have woken the opposition up from a long political sleep - induced by the ICJ referendum result.

New Bank Charges Like a Tax On Businesses
And while those Telecoms have the cash flow to handle that, many small businesses are saying they can't afford to pay a slew of new banking fees that came into effect in June, or at the start of this month - depending on where you bank.   The commercial banks are charging for use of the Automated Payments & Securities Settlement System, known as APSSS.  This is the system was was introduced with much fanfare in October 2016 - and enabled you to clear cheques and electronic payments across banks on the same day, rather than 48 to 72 hours.  But, it comes with a charge, and in April, the Central Bank announced that it has been bearing those costs for the past two and a half years.  And earlier this year, it asked the commercial banks to, quote, "contribute minimal fees for the processing of transactions through APSSS." And indeed, looking at those fees, they weren't that high: basic transactions for less than fifty thousand dollars would incur costs of 25 and 50 cents, or a dollar if its a cheque.

PUP Says Bank Charges Reflect Lack Of Economic Creativity
For many business owners, those fees are like another tax - and today the PUP leader blamed, who else? The government: Jules Vasquez: "These odious bank fees that the Central Bank has introduced at 25 and 50 cents and the banks being rapacious and usurious as they are increased it to 2 dollars, 3.75, 4 dollars and it's affecting a lot of small businesses, it's affecting everyone. Is that something you can speak on Mr. Leader?" Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition: "That is the very point that we're bringing across, that we've been talking about. That we have just a tax and spend government..."

PUP Says There's Be No Political Refuge For PM In Sanctuary Bay Debacle
Another matter of finance which the PUP leader was eager to comment on is the Sanctuary Bay debacle.  It has already forced the winding up of Belize largest offshore bank, Atlantic International - and that has left scores of depositors holding an empty bag- standing to lose possibly all their savings. Weeks ago the Prime Minister announced in the National Assembly that Atlantic International and the Federal Trade Commission had arrived at a settlement.  But today the PUP asked where does that leave the depositors?:..

MOE Recalls Calendar with Cutback Christmas Holiday
The Ministry of Education has already planned out the calendar for the 2019/2020 school year, but the Ministry is now withdrawing it following concerns being raised by the Belize National Teachers Union about the shortened Christmas break. That's usually 3 weeks of holiday for school children and the teachers, but for this school year, the Ministry was seeking to shorten it to only 2 weeks starting from December 23rd, 2019 to January 3rd 2020. We are informed that the BNTU has communicated with the Ministry to indicated their displeasure with that plan to cut that holy holiday by a week. And today the Ministry sent out a terse press release which says quote, "The Ministry hereby informs Managing Authorities that the School Calendar 2019/2020 for Government and Grant-Aided Pre and Primary Schools is hereby withdrawn pending further review.  A revised School Calendar will be reissued as soon as is reasonably possible."

Wanted for an Unnatural Crime
Last night, we took you to the Cayo village of Ontario, where an 81 year-old farmer was accusing his son of an unnatural crime. Miguel Ara has formally complained to police that his son sexually victimized one of his pigs. He claims that his son has gotten into multiple bitter disputes in the past with persons who accused him of doing the same to other animals. Well, police say they are looking for Ara's son, 38 year-old Albert Ara, a construction worker who lives near to his father's house. He's wanted for questioning about the offense of an unnatural crime.

MEDFLY On Placencia Peninsula
The Belize Agricultural and Health Authority (BAHA) is reporting tonight that it has detected the Mediterranean Fruit Fly on the Placencia Peninsula. 
This comes 7 weeks after the medfly was first detected in the Sapodilla Cayes, Dump in the Toledo District and Hopkins in the Stann Creek District. So, now operation are stepped up to ensure that this highly destructive pest does not wreck Belize's agro-productive sector. The medfly notorious in other parts of the world for its ability to destroy the agricultural produce, once it infiltrates a country through contraband fruits and vegetables that act as its host. It is responsible for millions of dollars in lost earnings and revenue. It infiltrates a country's agricultural sector, and then starts to rapidly reproduce when adult medflies inject their eggs into fruit.

BHA Talks Improving Efficiencies
And while a quarantine would be a major problem for tourism on the peninsula, that didn't even make it on the agenda today at the Belize Hotel Association's 2019 Annual General Meeting. They've got bigger fish to fry right now.   The focus for this AGM was all about revenue management, and how to increase the annual earnings of all hotel owners - an an era when services like Airb'nb are cutting into their overnight market.   So, to help them be more efficient, their executives invited some of the top performing tourism experts from around the world, to offer some of their tried and tested advice. 

Tourism Thinkers Dig Deep For Crime Solution
We also took the opportunity to ask the Hotel Association about a joint press release that they and the Belize Tourism Industry Association sent out today, urging the government to take specific actions to reduce crime. The situation has become a huge and costly issue for the tourism industry over the last 2 weeks after the US Doctor, Gary Swank, and his well-known, island tour guide, Mario Graniel, were both murdered while they were out on a fly fishing tour.  All that negative publicity in the international press caused visitors who had tours booked for later in the year to start mass cancelations of their trips to Belize.

PUP Offers to Assist On Crime
The social and economic urgency of a murder spike also has a political dimension, and the PUP seized on that at today's press conference.  Caribbean Shores Rep Kareem Musa said the PUP also wants to help:.. Hon. Kareem Musa - Area Representative Caribbean Shores: "It is very unfortunate that we've had mass homicides. First the triple murder involving the teacher and two others then followed by the quintuple murder of those 5 Belizeans at sea and then the double homicide in San Pedro. No doubt there is a lot of alarm on the island of San Pedro and rightfully so because the loss of one American life can spiral out of control and affect their entire livelihood on that island..."

PUP, Back In It After Referendum Strike Out
As we told you earlier, those recent issues like the BTL GST tax assessment and crime seem to have brought the PUP out of a post-referendum shell. By the account of many political pundits and observers, the opposition lost critical ground when it came out on the wrong side of the ICJ vote, and of history. The party told voters to say "NO" and a large majority said "YES". We asked the opposition leader about the political consequence of this: Jules Vasquez: "You all supported a position that the voting population did not support. Do you think this will have a consequential effect on the PUP's political fortunes." 

In Year 11, Should UDP Still Be Winning Village Councils?
And now, the political focus has moved from the ICJ to the village council elections. And, depending on which Monday morning press release you listen to - the PUP is either winning a majority of the seats, or the UDP is winning that majority.   But, both sides agree, its fairly close - which we wondered, 11 YEARS INTO the UDP reign - should it be a contest at all? Jules Vasquez
"Is it not anomalous that they are still winning village council elections and isn't that an indication that the PUP is not picking up the traction that it should with one and a half years, or one year and three months to go to an election?"

Hon. Kareem Says Opponent Lee Mark Is UDP Status Quo
And, keeping it on politics, we also asked the PUP Caribbean Shores area rep about his new UDP opponent.  Lee Mark Chang won a convention on Sunday by a comfortable margin.  Musa says that's the candidate he wants to face:.. Hon. Kareem Musa - Area Representative Caribbean Shores: "I like my opponent. I think unfortunately for him though, he would be a victim of circumstance because he comes out of the belly of the beast so to speak, in terms of who he is aligned with in the UDP, in terms of his involvement in the UDP and his failure to address all of the instances of corruption over the last twelve years while the UDP has been in government. He has been, I think, the president of the Senate, he ran in the Free Town division and then came over to Caribbean Shores..." 

Accused of Guerrero's Murder, Felix Will Stand Trial
In March of last year, the high profile murder of 64 year-old Mario Guerrero Senior made headlines after he was found dead at his Sunset Park home, located at mile 8 and a half on the George Price Highway. Well, 41 year-old Allen Russell Felix, the man accused of bludgeoning him to death with a bar stool in his yard, will stand trial in the Supreme Court for it.
A preliminary inquiry for the case was held today in front of Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. That's when the police prosecutor turned over the file of evidence to the court which includes everything that will be used by the DPP's Office to secure a conviction against him.

Shakeup At Health Ministry
There's going to a new a new CEO in the Ministry of Health.  Dr. Ramon Fioguero, who's been there for almost four years is on the outs and Dr. George Gough will be taking over.  Gough took over today.  He has worked as the Chair of the National Health Insurance Committee and also the Chair of the Belize Medical Council. 

Senior Swap At Health?
According to the leader of the opposition, Gough and Figueroa will basically be swapping positions to facilitate the Minister:.. Hon. John Briceno- Leader of the Opposition: "I have been hearing also that Dr. Figueroa has been very frustrated at the CEO in the Ministry of Health and he is constantly at loggerheads with the Minister of Health; so, we have been hearing that he is going to be removed. The last I heard yesterday was that they were going to switch positions; that he was going to go to NHI and then Dr. Gough is then going to come as CEO for the Ministry of Health..."

B-Allah's Camp
There are all kinds of summer camp's happening right now - but the Ahmadiyya basketball camp has to be one of the biggest.  We found out about it today - and what the foreign coaches think of the talent they are seeing:.. The coaches are visiting from Canada and the USA.

BREAKING: Two Gang Figures Killed On Northside
There has been a murder on the Northside of Belize City - and it could have serious implications in the gang world.   It happened on Baymen Avenue at the Skydeck Sports bar and Grill about 20 minutes ago. Two men are confirmed dead. They are the Felix brothers, Emory and Maurice - long time targets on the Southside, recently released from jail. We'll have much more on this story tomorrow.

Channel 5

Letter by BTL Requesting Tax Waiver Exists, Says Musa
Amidst the leakage of documents showing B.T.L.’s purported multi-million dollars G.S.T. and business tax debt is a letter reportedly sent by Chairman Nestor Vasquez. In that rumored letter, Vasquez reportedly [...]

Opposition Party Comes Down Hard on BTL for Reported Multimillion Dollars GST Debt
The People’s United Party today mounted pressure on Belize Telemedia Limited, the Department of General Sales Tax and the Prime Minister as it relates to a throve of damning documents [...]

Kareem Musa: “We can no longer trust the financials of that company anymore”
According to the P.U.P.’s Kareem Musa, the government has been silent on the matter because the pile of documents which indicates B.T.L.’s true financial standing, is a huge political blow [...]

PUP Leader Writes Prime Minister for Full Disclosure of Audit Report
P.U.P. Leader John Briceño has written to Prime Minister Dean Barrow with regards to B.T.L.’s reported G.S.T. debt. In the letter, Briceño tells P.M. Barrow that since B.T.L. is majority [...]

GST Dept. Says BTL Up to Date with Taxes
Two days after the news broke, C.E.O. Rochus Schreiber handed in his resignation letter and according to B.T.L., Schreiber decided to pursue other personal interests and reunite with his family [...]

Dr. George Gough is New Health C.E.O.
Earlier today, the Ministry of Health confirmed that a new C.E.O. will be taking over at the Ministry as we had reported in Tuesday’s newscast. Doctor George Gough succeeds Doctor [...]

Contraband onions hurting local onion farmers; thousands of pounds of onion unsold
Contraband onions are hurting local onion farmers. Several onion producing communities have thousands of pounds of onions on their hands and can’t sell them. The Belize Marketing and Development Corporation [...]

Overnight Arrivals Dip 25% Following Double Murder in San Pedro
The murders of well-known tour guide Mario Graniel and the highly respected American doctor Gary Swank, on June twenty-third in San Pedro, had an immediate negative impact on the tourism [...]

Electricity rates won’t go up
The Public Utilities Commission made its Final Decision in respect of the 2019 Annual Review Proceeding for electricity rates and the news is that rates will remain the same at [...]

Opposition Leader Weighs in On New Developments in Sanctuary Bay Scandal
In 2018, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission investigated the largest real estate scam it has been faced with to date. The architect of the scam, U.S. national Andris Pukke, promised [...]

Village Council Elections Round Two
The second round of village council elections took place on Sunday across the country and both political parties are claiming victory. A total of forty-six villages participated and according to [...]

PUP’s Kareem Musa Tells GOB to Tackle Poverty to Address Crime
The New York Daily News is reporting that the recent murder of American doctor, Gary Swank, is deterring tourists from traveling to Belize. In fact, the head of the Belize [...]

Two armed robbers hit a San Ignacio store
In western Belize, a store was robbed by two armed men on Tuesday afternoon. The Good Times Chinese Store located in San Ignacio fell prey to thieves at about four [...]

A murder trial comes to end as main witness turns hostile
In the courts, the murder trial of twenty-year-old Eldon Flowers is coming to an end. Today, the crown represented by Senior Crown Counsel for the D.P.P.’s office, Shanice Lovelle, closed her [...]

A Belize City man walks free when the crown enters a nolle pros
An attempted murder case stemming back from August of 2014 which was committed to stand trial in 2016 against a Belize City man ended in a nolle prosequi today. Ron [...]

Belize Hotel Association Hosts Annual General Meeting
Hoteliers were joined by other stakeholders at the Belize Biltmore Plaza to take stock of the tourism industry as well as to find new ways to enhance business in a [...]

Caribbean Shores Area Rep., Kareem Musa, Confident of Next Victory at the Polls
On Sunday the United Democratic Party held its convention in the Caribbean Shores constituency. Former Senate President Lee Mark Chang bested opponent, Leila Peyrefitte by three hundred votes. Before the [...]

Medfly detected on the Placencia Peninsula
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority has detected the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, commonly known as the medfly, along the Placencia Peninsula. The medfly has been found in several backyards but BAHA [...]

Identifying Sources of Marine Litter
Identifying the sources of marine litter is the focus of an ongoing seminar hosted by the Department of the Environment in partnership with the Commonwealth Litter Programme.  Earlier today, stakeholders [...]

Heads of Government of CARICOM Meet in St. Lucia
The fortieth ordinary meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM is underway in Saint Lucia.  The CARICOM Single Market and Economy which aims to facilitate the free [...]

Double murder in Belize City
Reports reaching News Five are that two men were shot and killed this evening. It happened on Baymen Avenue near Sky Deck. We are told that the Felix brothers, Maurice and Emory were both fatally shot.

The Reporter

Brothers Killed On The North Side Wednesday Night
The Reporter has confirmed that the Felix brothers, Maurice and Emory, were murdered about an hour ago in Belize City. Police patrols have been increased in gang-ridden areas where retaliation risk is high.

Hit & Run Driver Charged For BDF Soldier’s Death
Police have formally arrested and charged bus driver Cruz de Jesus Saget Lopez, 42, for the death of Charles Belle Jr. on Monday. Lopez was charged with Causing Death by Careless Conduct and Failing to Stop and Render Aid.

BAHA – Caution Alert For Med-Fly In Limited Area Down South
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority hereby advises the public that medflies have been detected along the Placencia Peninsula. Medflies are introduced into Belize when people intentionally or unintentionally illegally bring fruits and vegetables that are host to this pest.

Ministry Of Health Has New CEO
The Ministry Of Health announced earlier this morning that Dr. George Gough has been appointed the new CEO of the ministry. In a statement with very little fanfare or explanation the ministry’s official statement said,

Breaking Belize News

Galen University unveils new art mural
Today, Galen University unveiled a new art mural in their Harpy 1 Classroom on its […]

“Belize’s upgrade on Trafficking in Persons Report is just the beginning,” says Charge d’ Affaires
Keith Gilges, Chargé d’ Affaires at the United States Embassy in Belmopan, applauded Belize this […]

Belize’s travel advisory ranking has not changed despite murder of American tourist
Following the death of Dr. Gary Swank, an American tourist who was killed while returning […]

George Gough is new CEO at Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health informs that effective today, the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for […]

Intercourse with a pig – Albert ‘Ali’ Ara in trouble again
A resident of Ontario village in the Cayo District is being sought by police for […]

Asylum seekers graduate from English as a Second Language program
On July 1, 2019, 23 asylum seekers graduated from the English as a Second Language […]

It is against the law to sell liquor during Village Council Elections says Elections and Boundaries Department
The Elections and Boundaries Department reminds the public and liquor license holders of Rule 12 […]

GST confirms audit of Belize Telemedia Limited
This morning, the Department of General Sales Tax (GST) issued a statement informing that it […]

Governor General and Attorney General visit Taipei, Taiwan
Governor General of Belize, Colville Young and Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte are visiting Taipei, Taiwan […]

Ministry of Agriculture encourages public to support local onion farmers
The Belize Marketing and Development Corporation along with the Ministry of Agriculture Extension Service completed […]

LOVE FM

PUP says the root of crime is poverty
Belize has definitely seen a rise in crime in the past couple months, starting with the triple murder that took the life of a dedicated educator, followed by the five men killed at sea and the double murder of a well-known tour guide and an American Cardiologist. At the PUP’s conference held earlier today, Parliamentarian, …

Leader of the Opposition says land amnesty is campaign ploy
Inequality in land distribution is nothing new to Belize. Whenever an election is on the horizon, the ruling party tends to use the power of land distribution as a means to buy voters. In the last Sitting of the House of Representatives, a land amnesty was announced which Briceno says is just another campaign ploy. …

Central Bank does not believe banks are capitalizing on new fee structure
At the start of the month, Love News told you that the Central Bank of Belize has begun charging processing fees to the local banks, which will in turn pass on to the consumers. The new charges have to the with the Automated Payments and Securities Settlement System, or APSSS, which has improved the efficiency …

Dr. George Gough takes over as CEO in the Ministry of Health
A 2-paragraph release is all the media got from the Government Press Office today with a notification that the new Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Health is Dr George Gough. Dr Gough replaces Dr Ramon Figueroa who was installed as CEO in August 2015. While the media is in the dark when it …

Galen’s Mural: A Symbol of Pride
Art was the focus at Galen University in the Cayo District, as a mural was unveiled today that showcases the work of ten art students. With little to no experience in art, these students were able to dabble with brushes and paint to produce this work of art that now sits in one of the …

President of BHA says crime has affected tourism
Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams was once again in San Pedro Town yesterday meeting with his senior ranking officers and the tourism stakeholders particularly members of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA). While the Commissioner and the Ministry of National Security have committed to a crime fighting strategy, the BTIA and the Belize Hotel Association …

PUP accuses BTL chairman of asking Financial Secretary to waive $29 million debt
For the past week, the issue of whether or not BTL owes about $30 million in General Sales Tax has been on the discussion table. The People’s United Party decided that their input should be in the form of a press conference, at which Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno, condemned the Barrow administration for …

Kareem Musa ready to face off against Lee Mark Chang in Caribbean Shores
Kareem Musa was elected to Parliament in 2015 for the Caribbean Shores division. He has kept the division in the blue and has seen several from the UDP fighting to be his opponent. The dust has settled and Lee Mark Chang has outdone Leila Peyrefitte, Darrell Bradley and Santino Castillo who all had eyes on …

Another gas station is targetted by robbers
A pump attendant at the PUMA New Road Service Station was held up at gunpoint this afternoon at around twelve thirty. (NEW ROAD VO) Love News understands that there were three robbers, one armed with a handgun. They approached one of the pump attendants and demanded that he hands over the money from the gas …

Ministry of Education to review the 2019/2020 school calendar
The Ministry of Education issued a release just after four o’clock this evening saying that they are withdrawing the School Calendar 2019/2020 for Government and Grant-Aided Pre and Primary Schools. According to the Ministry they will be reviewing the document further and a revised edition will be issued in the coming weeks. (MOE VO) The …

Man on the run after having sexual relations with a pig
40-year-old, Albert Ara of Ontario Village, Cayo District, is being sought by police after his father reported that he has been having sex with his pigs. Ara’s father owns a farm where he raises pigs. The 81-year-old farmer caught his son red-handed on Monday, July 1 at around 11:30pm. When his father caught him, he reportedly escaped the pen, scaled the fence and ran away, leaving the 2 1/2-month-old pig bleeding from the vagina. This is the 3rd report that the farmer has made for the unnatural crime; the last two were made in June 2019 ...

International Sources

On Travel, Safety, Tragedy, and Hysteria in Belize
A tragedy took place last week in Belize when a fly fishing guide and a U.S. angler were murdered on the water. Lives were lost in a horrific manner, and their friends and families will endure suffering and sorrow for the rest of their lives. In some ways, this should be the beginning and the end of the story; however, regretfully, many news outlets and even fly fishing websites have taken the opportunity to use this tragedy to attract clicks or sensationalize the event. Among others, the NY Post (often known for the reckless manner in which they report news and currently leads their website with a feature story that has Che Guevara’s hat and hair Photoshopped onto Mayor De Blasio’s face) used histrionic language from a political opposition party leader in Belize as the foundational points to then exaggerate the reality on the ground.

Mexico’s pristine beaches could face ruin as 550km long ‘seaweed island’ heads for its shores this week
MEXICO'S most popular tourist beaches will be hit by a 550km 'seaweed island' this week, plaguing many resorts with foul-smelling algae. Despite efforts by local workers to remove the large amounts of seaweed being washed up, many of the top tourist spots are still struggling under the weight of it. According to the Mexicanist, a large mass is heading to the shores this week, which could hit from Tulum down to Mexico's neighbour Belize. The Sargassum Monitoring Network, which uses information from a range of experts including Nasa, has said that a huge swell is heading towards Mexico due to the current and south-southeast winds, and it's expected to hit this week and next week. An expert explained that "between two and three times more sargassum [...] is expected in the next weeks."

Huge sargassum arrival blankets beaches of southern Quintana Roo
Huge quantities of sargassum have invaded the coastline of southern Quintana Roo this week, and plenty more is predicted to arrive in the coming weeks. Around 300 kilometers of beaches between Tulum and Xcalak are affected by the seaweed’s arrival, which was predicted by the Cancún sargassum monitoring network last week and began early Monday morning. Water at beaches such as Boca Paila, Sian Kan, Punta Yuyum, Zamach, Punta Allen, Uvero, Puerto Bravo and Mahahual is stained brown due to the large presence of sargassum. Off the coast of Xcalak – a small town near the border with Belize – aerial images show that the water is currently covered with a layer of coffee-colored foam, which makes the sea look more like a swamp.

Elites' preference for maize led to the collapse of the Maya civilization
The preference for a maize-centric diet by Mayan elites may have left the ancient civilization more vulnerable to climate change, according to new research. As the Maya population grew and social stratification intensified, a dichotomy in eating habits developed during the Terminal Classic period. The remains of people living farther from the city center had lower levels of maize-derived carbon in their bones. People living in the city ate more maize, researchers found. "Our results show a pattern of highly restricted stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes for elite individuals in the Late and Terminal Classic, which corresponds to a hyper-specialized maize-based diet that persisted through the final abandonment of the site," Claire Ebert, a paleontologist and geochemist at Pennsylvania State University, said in a news release.

Videos

July 3, 2019

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Police release murder suspect Christian Espat after questioning
After being in police custody for the murder investigation of local tour guide Mario Graniel and American Dr. Gary Swank, 23-year-old Christian Espat was released without charges on Monday, July 1st. Espat handed himself over to San Pedro Police in the company of his attorney Leeroy Banner on Thursday, June 27th, after a wanted poster for his apprehension in connection with the double murder was shared online via media outlets. Espat claims he is innocent of the crime and spoke to The San Pedro Sun upon his release. “Every time something happens on this island, they try to blame me,” said the island fisherman. “I want the community to know that I have nothing to do with this double murder; I am trying to change my life,” Espat claims that on June 23rd when Graniel and Swank were killed, he was off the island in Benque Viejo del Carmen, and it was upon his return to the island that he found out police wanted him.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Smith College Education host education and outreach workshop in San Pedro Town
20 years of collaboration between Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) and Smith College’s Coral Reef Ed-Ventures Summer Program from Northampton, Massachusetts USA were commemorated with an education and outreach workshop for island stakeholders on Thursday, June 27th. Held at the Grand Caribe conference room north of San Pedro Town, the workshop saw the attendance of the educators from Smith College, past Coral Reef Ed-Ventures mentors, staff of HCMR and invited guests. The workshop began at 1PM with HCMR Environmental Educator Mariela Archer testing the attendees knowledge and asking them questions about HCMR’s Education and Outreach Program and how they believe they can improve it. Thereafter, Archer continued with a short presentation about the HCMR program.

Graduation season continues on Ambergris Caye
The Graduation season continued this weekend in San Pedro Town with one primary school and three preschools hosting their commencement exercise. A total of 12 students received their primary schools diplomas and will move on to the high school level, while 89 youngster received their Preschool certificates and will enter the primary school level. The weekend of graduation began with the Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) commencement on Thursday, June 27th at 5PM at their school grounds. The ceremony saw a total of 12 students receiving their primary school diplomas and gearing up to enter high school. The 2019 ACES graduates were Faye Chi, Maritza Guardado, Casey Gillett, Daniel Jackson, Jordy Diaz, Nia Lisbey, Robert Harsh, Alexis Lawrence, Samantha Ancona, Madison Burkey, Luis Olivera and Audrey Pott.

San Pedranos celebrate Dia de San Pedro!
San Pedranos and visitors alike honored the island’s Patron Saint with the annual celebration of ‘El Dia de San Pedro’ from Friday, June 28th to Saturday, June 29th. The celebration was held at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex with local and international entertainment. The traditional event also included an early morning mass, boat procession and the blessing of fishermen vessels for a successful fishing season. The festival officially opened on Friday with Mayor Daniel Guerrero leading a short ceremony. He spoke of the importance to keep the tradition alive and shared the history of the town, which was once a tiny fishing village. He touched on the importance of the religious side of the event, noting a decrease in interest in the festivities year after year.

Ambergris Today

Dia De San Pedro Celebration
Our Patron Saint Celebrations took place this past weekend with both religious activities and fun entertainment for the entire family to enjoy. Children enjoyed a fun show alon with super heroes and princesses while adults were entertained by mariachi band and comedian and good music by Rompe Raja and Caribbean Kings. The fireworks display is something everyone always looks forward too and this year was no exception! Below are some pictures for your enjoyment! Feliz Dia de San Pedro!

Youths Engage In Agriculture Summer Camp 2019
The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Police Department is once again hosting its two weeks Youths Engage in Agriculture Summer Camp 2019. The event started yesterday July 1st, 2019, with an opening ceremony held at the National Agriculture and Trade Showgrounds, Belmopan. Guess speakers at the event were the Minister of Agriculture the Hon. Godwin Hulse, Mayor of Belmopan His Worship Khalid Belisle, Chief Agriculture Officer Mr. Andrew Harrison and Mr. Linden Flowers Senior Superintendent of Police.

Various Belizean Sources

ATM: COMPOL Chester Williams is presently meeting in San Pedro Island
with D.C.P. Edward Broaster, A.C.P. Marco Vidal, Ag. OC San Pedro Island and Heads of the Specialized Units, to discuss the progress of the San Pedro Island's operations and to establish a long term plan to police the island. COMPOL is also expected to meet tonight with the San Pedro Island BTIA, to hear their concerns and to update them on what is being done to address the crime issue.

Motorcycles donated to San Pedro Police
COMPOL Chester Williams & the San Pedro Police Detachment, would like to express their highest gratitude & satisfaction for today's donation of 2 new LeFan 250 Brand Motorcycles, donated by Mr. Javier Pareles & Mr. Kevin Gonzales of Hol Chan Marine Reserve, to support the BPD's strategy on fighting crime and violence in San Pedro Island.

BBQ Fundraiser on Caye Caulker
BBQ FUNDRAISER HAPPENING ON SUNDAY, JULY 7, 2019 8:00 AM- 2:00PM. Contact Carlos Macu at 601-6925 to give donations. All donations is greatly appreciated. SUPPORT A WORTHY CAUSE!

Wet Corner Car Wash Now Open in San Pedro
on Seagrape Drive

Ministry of Agriculture and Belize Police Department Partner for 2019 Youths Engaged in Agriculture Summer Camp
The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Belize Police Department is once again hosting its two-week Youths Engaged in Agriculture (YEA) Summer Camp. The camp kicked off yesterday, July 1st, 2019, with an opening ceremony held at the National Agriculture and Trade Showgrounds in Belmopan. Guest speakers at the event were the Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Agriculture; His Worship Khalid Belisle, Mayor of Belmopan; Mr. Andrew Harrison, Chief Agriculture Officer; and Mr. Linden Flowers, Senior Superintendent of Police. With an ageing population of farmers, there is a need to attract more young people to the agriculture sector. Through this summer camp, the Ministry seeks to promote agriculture as a cool, profitable and attractive career for youths. Youths participating in this year’s camp are from towns and villages in the Cayo and Belize Districts. Activities will include field visits to Spanish Lookout, Central Farm and Banana Bank and hands-on practical training for students. A kid’s rodeo will culminate the two-week camp on July 13th, 2019.

BTEC's Computers for Everyday Use coming to Punta Gorda
Learn the fundamentals of working with computers with this FREE 5 - day crash course and improve your chances of landing a better job!

Officer Cadet Program 2019 - FEMALE APPLICANTS

German Tour Operators Familiarization Trip Photos

BTL and GST
The Belize Peace Movement joins all right-thinking Belizeans in expressing outrage over the leaked news that Belize Telecommunications Co. Ltd (BTL) has not paid almost thirty million dollars in General Sales Tax since 2014. This latest outrage of governmental negligence, malfeasance and violation of the tax and revenue laws must result in those responsible being forced to answer and suffer full consequences. The prime minister, who never misses an opportunity to belittle and castigate those who question and expose wrongdoings and corruption has been uncharacteristically silent.

Teaching Positions Open at Corozal Junior College

Corozal Municipal Bazaar
The following dates have been set for the upcoming Municipal Bazaar events. If you have a small business venture that you would like to promote, join us on these dates at the Corozal Central Park. The Corozal Town Council, meeting another of our commitments in boosting our economic activity. Visit our website at https://czltc.bz

COMEDY NIGHT at International Costa Maya Festival
This is a night you do not want to miss! LALO ESPAÑA will be headlining COMEDY NIGHT and will make you laugh till you drop with his different characters like German from Televisa's Vecinos Show and Doña Francisca Margara. Get your season passes or comedy night tickets at any of our outlets in San Pedro or at the Costa Maya Festival office.

NTERNATIONAL COSTA MAYA FESTIVAL 2019
We are just four weeks away from one of the most anticipated festivals on the island – The International Costa Maya Festival, which will be kicking off on July 26th and ends on 28th, 2019. International Costa Maya Festival – Photo Courtesy Karen Brodie This year marks the 29th year for the International Costa Maya Festival. In celebration of its silver anniversary, the Costa Maya Festival committee has a lot of surprises up their sleeves with one of the most exciting being the introduction of its new logo. Bold, bright and full of life, it is a true representation of the festival at hand. Held annually, the festival promotes the culture of the Munda Maya with their traditional dances, music, and food while promoting tourism in San Pedro. It is not only one of the busiest weeks on the island but one of the most vibrant and liveliest times. San Pedro comes alive, as locals and tourist flock to the island by boat and by plane to participate in the different festivities and special offers, proposed by restaurants, bars, nightclubs and hotels around the island.

Channel 7

BDF Volunteer Run Over and Killed
A 20 year old BDF Volunteer has died after he was knocked down last night at mile 63 on the George Price Highway. After 7:00 last night, Charles Bell Jr., was on his motorbike heading to his home in Blackman Eddy village when he was knocked down from behind by a van. He was flung violently to the road where he sustained major head and body trauma. Police rushed him to the San Ignacio Hospital, and from there to the Western Regional, and then to the KHMH where he died from his injuries. The young volunteer was coming off duty and today in Blackman Eddy, we spoke to his sister and father about the tragic loss:

PC Ralph Gillett, The Bigger Picture
Last night, we told you all about the ordeal of PC Ralph Gillett - who was mobbed by a group of women on a water taxi - and then put in a sleeper hold by Caye Caulker police when they took him into custody. The narrative was dictated by videos posted on facebook - but they don't tell the complete story. Today, we received five other videos that show a part of what happened in the 20 minutes between the fight and when police applied the submission hold. We note that a Woman Police Constable - who was with Gillette sustained a fracture in the melee on the boat. She was with Gillett and reports say she went to the Caye Caulker police station demanding that they set him free.

Man Accuses Son of Unnatural Act
Our next story is definitely not suitable for children - so if you have them around - you might want to send them into another room for a bit. It's a story about an unnatural act by a man who victimized a pig. It happened in Ontario Village where 81 year old Miguel Ara told police that he wants court action against his 40 year old son. That's after he allegedly caught him engaged in a sexual act with a female piglet. It happened at 4:30 this morning when Ara went to check on his pigs after he saw his son lurking around the pen last night. Today, he told Daniel Ortiz about he disturbing sight he encountered, and his son's troubled history:..

Cops Catch Crack and Assault Rifle Ammo on San Pedro
Police have been working to dismantle drug gangs on San Pedro and yesterday morning a raid at dawn turned up drugs and ammunition. At 5:30, police raided the home of 44 year old Alexander Fitzgibbon and 29 year old Lucio Salazar in the Boca del Rio area. They found 10 ounces of crack cocaine, 3 ounces of powdered cocaine, 2 ounces of weed and one hundred and one round of 5.56 ammunition, the type used in assault rifles.

OW Fire Started By a Heater
The Fire Department says there was nothing it could do to stop a fire that tore through a wooden bungalow in Orange Walk on Monday morning at 2:30. 69 year old Brijida and 76 year old Leandro Nah woke to find their house engulfed in flame. They escaped, but only with the clothes on their back. Today, Orin Smith of the Fire Department, told us what caused the fire:... Orin Smith, Station Officer, National Fire Service: "Upon arrival on scene found was a bungalow wooden structure with zinc roof measuring approximately 40 by 50 feet fully engulfed in flames. As a result of that fire, that structure was lost..."

Belmopan's Fire Truck Woes
Smith also told us more about the fire at a Belmopan boutique last week. Everything inside Fashion and More was burnt to nothing in a blaze that burned for hours. There was very little that the Capital City's Fire Department could do because it only has one truck. Smith discussed the difficulties and the futility of lamenting it any further: Orin Smith, Station Officer, National Fire Service "Investigation revealed that the fire originated in the warehouse section or the rear of the boutique and the cause of the fire is electrical."

Belize Produces Enough Onions to Feed Population
Belizeans use thousands of pounds of onions every week, and the Ministry of agriculture says there's enough local product to feed the country. They completed the yearly Onion Availability Assessment last week when they visited three major onion producing communities, namely, Maskall, Little Belize and Neuland settlements in the Corozal District. The assessment concluded that there is an estimated 130,000 pounds of yellow onions in the above-mentioned communities including San Carlos village in the Orange Walk District.

Drought Developing in North
And while many areas in the north can be considered a bread-basket for Belizean agriculture the MET office reports that a short-term drought is developing over the Corozal, Orange walk and northern Belize districts. A rough monitoring report says that short-term drought is also possible over Western Cayo and Southern Stann Creek/Northern Toledo districts near Savannah. The areas in orange show those parts of the country where there is a drought warning. The areas in green have no drought, while yellow is under warning.

Comedian Oliver, Still Large in Belize
For those of us who came of age in the 90's - one of the biggest television sensations was the Jamaican sitcom, "Oliver" - with his trademark catch phrase "Olivah, you large!" Well, Oliver Samuels arrived in Belize today to offer a master's class on stage performance, and to act in a play he wrote, called "Frenemy". The workshop is at the Bliss and we spoke to him during the lunch break about what he's teaching and that which cannot be taught:..

US Embassy on The Murder of American Cardiologist, Dr. Swank
Last night, we told you about the latest developments in the police investigation into the San Pedro double murders of local tour guide Mario Graniel, and his guest, American Doctor Gary Swank, which happened 2 Sundays ago. The swarm of negative publicity in the US press and the specter of lawlessness has caused mass cancelations of pre-booked tours. The Government of Belize has called it a crisis that needs urgent attention. The FBI is assisting with the investigation.

US Embassy Cheers TIPS Upgrade
That conversation also gave us the opportunity to ask about Belize's upgrade from tier 3 to tier 2 in the latest Trafficking In Person's Report published by the US State Department. It was a welcomed improvement in rating that the Belize Government, and specifically the Attorney General's Ministry, worked hard to achieve. Today, the US chargé d'affaires told us that he was happy to see those efforts recognized:

US Denounces Gay Bashing On Water Taxi
And the final local issue that the chargé commented on was this Sunday's incident at the Caye Caulker Water Taxi, involving Police Constable Ralph Gillett. In those videos that have gone viral, you'll definitely have seen the how the crowd jeered and heckled when Gillett was subdued by a fellow officer, after the commotion on the water taxi with the mob of women. The US has been an outspoken LGBTI advocate in Belize and here's what the Keith Gilges had to say about the gratuitous hurling of insults from the cheering crowd:

Born On The 4th...
This opportunity to talk with the current head of the US Embassy came at their pre-independence day celebration at the chargé's residence in Belmopan this afternoon. In 2 days, US citizens will celebrate their 243rd anniversary of their country's independence. To recognize the importance of that day, the US Embassy in Belize hosted a social event where they invited Belizean VIP's to join them in celebrating the US Independence. 7News attended and here's what the US Charge D' Affairs had to say to his guests:

Molding Young Farmers
School's out and all types of summer camps have opened all over the country. Belmopan police has one of the most ambitious with the Youths Engaged in Agriculture Summer Camp which started yesterday at the National Agriculture and Trade Showgrounds in Belmopan. The idea is to attract more young people to the agriculture sector., and to give the youths some sense of self sufficiency. A release says, quote, the Ministry seeks to promote agriculture as a cool, profitable and attractive career for youths. Activities include field visits to Spanish Lookout, Central Farm and Banana Bank and a hands-on practical training for students. It culminates in a kid's rodeo on July 13th.

Channel 5

Police Officer Used Unsanctioned Chokehold to Subdue PC Gillett
More cell phone images have surfaced about Sunday’s unfortunate incident on a water taxi from Caye Caulker. The images show the chokehold used by the police to restrain and subdue [...]

Still No Arrests in Murder of Belize City Landlord, Errol Crown
The murder of fifty-seven-year-old Errol Crown, a resident of Neal Pen Road, remains an open investigation as police are still trying to determine his cause of death and who may [...]

Young B.D.F. Volunteer Perishes in Hit & Run
A young B.D.F. volunteer perished hours after he was hit on the George Price Highway by a vehicle whose driver did not stop to render assistance. Twenty-year-old Charles Bell Junior [...]

Early Morning Sweep Nets Drugs and Ammunition, Eleven Arrests
Recent developments on Ambergris Caye have prompted the Belize Police Department to ramp up its presence on the island, where a series of incidents that are believed to be drug-related [...]

Dr. Ramon Figueroa to Leave Ministry of Health (?)
We take a break from crime to report that Health C.E.O., Doctor Ramon Figueroa, is said to be on is way out. Reports of his anticipated departure are circulating in [...]

Oliver Samuels Headlines ‘Frenemy’ – a Live Show Comedy – in Belize!
If you don’t know what a ‘Frenemy’ is, then the comedian extraordinaire Oliver Samuels will tell you what it is.  The Jamaican king of comedy is in Belize to put [...]

Jankunu Productionz and Oliver Samuels Team Up for a Master Class in Theater
We also spoke with two of the minds behind Jankunu Productionz. Sandra McKay and Julie Ann Bradley told us more about the play, ‘Frenemy’ and an accompanying master class in [...]

Extended First Semester in 2019 School Year Raises Concerns for B.N.T.U.
The 2019 academic calendar will see a few more school days tacked on to the first semester of classes, extending the term to December twentieth when schools will recess for [...]

Couple Acquitted of Wounding their 6-Year-Old Child
A police officer and his common-law-wife are free tonight after they were acquitted of three counts of wounding upon their six-year-old child, who they were accused of beating. Police claimed [...]

Copper Thief Appears before the Court
A man who authorities thought was a worker with B.T.L. turned out to be copper thief. Gilbert Craig of Faber’s Road Extension was arraigned before Magistrate Emmerson Banner on Monday [...]

Senator Lizarraga says Belizeans Should be Concerned of B.T.L.’s Financial Records
Working documents leaked to the media show a fifty million dollars G.S.T. debt reportedly owed by state-owned Belize Telemedia Limited. The documents surfaced last week and it showed that between [...]

Business Owners & Managers Face Penalties for GST Noncompliance
The disclosure of the documents came on the day that the Senate debated and ratified the Tax Administration and Procedure Bill.  The bill contains several components ultimately designed to increase [...]

Private Sector Senator says S.S.B. has other Options to Avoid Financial Crash
The new S.S.B. contribution and reform scheme came into effect on Monday. The Social Security Board embarked in a two-year consultation process where the private sector, the Opposition, Cabinet, and [...]

Asylum Seekers Complete E.S.L. Course
The United Nations Commission of Human Rights held a short ceremony on Monday for twenty-three asylum seekers who completed the English as a Second Language course.  The UNHCR offers asylum [...]

Addressing Marine Litter in Belize’s Seas Space
Thousands of pieces of garbage, primarily plastic, wash up in the sea, river, lagoons and coastlines across the country. The marine litter causes environmental and health issues and affects the [...]

The Annual Agriculture Summer Camp is Underway
The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Police Department, is hosting its fourth annual Youth Engage in Agriculture Summer Camp. The two-week event kicked off on Monday at the [...]

Fire Department Speaks on Fashion & More Fire in Belmopan
Last Wednesday, we reported on a fire that wiped out a boutique in Belmopan. The fire started on Tuesday night just before seven o’clock in a storeroom of Fashion and [...]

Faulty Water Heater Destroys Home in the North
A fire destroyed a family home in the early hours of Monday morning.  The Nah family was asleep inside their home on Tate Street in Orange Walk Town when one [...]

Meet the Hopefuls of the 2019 KTV, the Remix
It is that time of the year; it means it is time of the new season of KTV the Remix so get ready for fun and laughter.  Tonight, we kick [...]

Belize’s Football Coaches Participate in FIFA’s Grassroots Training
A train the trainer’s course is taking place at the F.F.B. Headquarters in Belmopan. Twenty-two coaches from across the country are engaged in a FIFA-certified grassroots training being facilitated by [...]

Amandala

Cop gets “woman fum-fum” aboard water taxi
A police officer who was returning from the Caye Caulker Lobster Fest yesterday became involved in an altercation with a young woman, next to whom he attempted to sit onboard a Caye Caulker water taxi that was about to leave for Belize City. Today, police have confirmed that they have launched a criminal as well as an internal investigation of the incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police Edward Broaster told the media that the police’s Professional Standards Branch will investigate the incident. So far, the police officer, who has been identified as PC Ralph Gillett, is still detained at the Caye Caulker Police Station, and the women who were involved have not yet given statements to police, who are still investigating the incident.

Rochus Schreiber, BTL’s CEO, resigns
Rochus Schreiber, who has been at the helm of Belize Telemedia Limited for the past two and a half years, following the resignation of Anwar Barrow, one of Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s sons, suddenly resigned from his lucrative post last Friday, June 28. Schreiber’s resignation was confirmed by the company’s Human Resource Department through a BTL employees’ bulletin. The resignation is scheduled to take effect at the end of September. According to the BTL employees bulletin announcing Schreiber’s resignation, “he intends to pursue other personal interests and reunite with his family in the United Kingdom at the end of September.”

Lee Mark beats Leila in UDP Caribbean Shores convention
The ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) held a contested convention to elect a standard bearer for the Caribbean Shores constituency yesterday, Sunday, and the former president of the Senate, Lee Mark Chang, emerged victorious, defeating former UDP city councilor, Leila Peyrefitte. In the 2015 general election, Caribbean Shores fell into the hands of the Opposition People’s United Party after the PUP candidate, Kareem Musa, defeated the former Belize City mayor, Darrell Bradley, who remained as the caretaker for the constituency following his defeat.

Gilbert Craig, 32, charged with theft of BTL copper wire
Gilbert Craig, 32, a resident of 6423 Fabers Road Extension, was charged with the theft of 155 feet of copper wire, the property of Belize Telemedia Limited, when he appeared today before Magistrate Emerson Banner. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on a bail of $1,500; his case was adjourned until September 5. The incident occurred on June 27. Police in Hattieville reported that they were informed of a theft that was occurring between Miles 13 and 15 on the George Price Highway. Police said that when they proceeded to the area, they saw a vehicle that was parked on the side of the road, with nobody in it.

PUP surges ahead in village council elections
The second round of village council elections took place yesterday, Sunday, June 30. Voting took place in 46 villages and the Opposition, the People’s United Party, today in a press release said that it is leading so far in the village council elections. Last Sunday, June 23, thirty-five villages held elections. Villages which held elections yesterday in the second round are as follows: 8 in the Corozal District, 2 in the Orange Walk district, 6 in the Belize district, 6 in Cayo, 7 in the Stann Creek district and 17 in Toledo. In the 8 villages in the Corozal District which held elections yesterday, the governing United Democratic Party won all 8 village councils.

The National AIDS Commission of Belize holds second annual National Testing Day
The National AIDS Commission of Belize (NAC) has set out to make Belizeans across the country aware of their status by means of the second annual National Testing Day, which was held today, Friday, June 28. So, in all the districts, testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is being done free of cost. In Belize City’s Battlefield Park, a testing area was set up for city residents who want to know their HIV status.

Belize wins Silver at Central American Female U-23 Volleyball Championship in Nicaragua
Belize won, 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 25-22), against El Salvador to secure the Silver medal for the first time in their four Central American U23 Championships, ending with a 4-2 win/loss record (20 points), while El Salvador missed the podium with 2-4. The Belizean team won an initial advantage of 7 points (10-3) and a match point in favor of El Salvador to tie the game at 24, and won the first set, 26-24, which was decisive in getting the win. Melanie Palacio, Mya Musa and Fatoumata Camara each scored 11 points for Belize, while El Salvador’s Gabriela Funes was best scorer with 15 points.

National Over-40 football playoffs near; 2nd spot up for grabs in North and South
The double round-robin (8 games) in each group, North and South, in the National Over-40 Football Tournament 2019 is almost completed, and the top spot is already decided in both groups; while the second spot (the top 2 teams from each group will go on to the semifinal playoffs) is still undecided. This past weekend, two games each were scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 29 and 30, but only one was played on Sunday. On Saturday evening at the FFB Stadium, Belmopan Veterans bombed River Walk Quintas Vets, 6-nil, with 4 goals from Micky Chavez (17’, 19’, 64’ & 75’), Leonel Garcia (37’) and Edmund “Buzzard” Pandy (80’).

Orange Walk Belikin 8-Ball report
The Orange Walk Billiards Association (OWBA) is pleased to report another peaceful weekend of billiards for this year’s Belikin 8-Ball Tournament. Here are the results for games played Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Friday, June 28, at Darvis, it was Emalee defeating Eagles, 3 games to 2; while at Nostalgia it was Zia’s who defeated Emalee Jr., 4 games to 1. Saturday, June 29, games hosted by Zia’s at Eagles Cool Spot saw Jaguars defeat Nostalgia, 4 games to 1; while Eagles defeated Zia’s, 3 games to 2. At Nostalgia, it was Dados defeating Chatta, 3 games to 2; while Emalee Jr. fell, 4 games to 1, against Darvis.

National Amateur League Inter-District Semifinal Game 2 results; two Belize City teams in Finals
The National Amateur League Championship (NALC), which started with 20 teams, 2 each from the 10 football regions of the country, is now down to the final two teams, after completion of the semifinal 2nd leg games this past weekend; and the two teams left standing to square off in the championship finals are the two Belize City squads – Barrack Road FC and Caesar Ridge FC. The first to clinch a spot in the finals was Caesar Ridge FC, who followed last week’s 2-nil win over Roaring Creek FC at the MCC Grounds with a 2-1 win on Saturday night, June 29, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium, to come away with the aggregate 4-1 score.

Editorial: Belize will follow AMLO when Mexico legalizes it
We know that it won’t be too long before marijuana will be a legal drug in Belize, because in many countries in our region the signs of the end of marijuana prohibition can be seen. We know that one of the things that separate human beings from other animals is our capacity to pass on information through generations. Thus we are able to build on the knowledge of our ancestors and thus we are able to avoid the follies of our ancestors. It is incredible that having gone through alcohol prohibition, that human beings would apply the same cure to marijuana. Prohibition is the term used to describe the period in the USA when the sale of alcoholic drinks was decreed illegal in that country. Prohibition became law in the USA because temperance groups, mainly made up of churchgoers, became a political force. It was an absolute disaster.

Red & Blue not biggest factor in Village Council Elections
There are villages in this country that have produced area representatives, and in these villages there is a heightened consciousness of Red & Blue politics, so much so that the fate of the political party is bigger than the people who are running in the village council elections. But in most villages it’s candidate over party, fu now. The day might come when the majority of villages will choose to vote based on party colors, down the line, to send a message of love, or dissatisfaction with the crowd in government. Yes. A village council election that immediately follows a general election or one that is just before a general election will have increased influence from the big party people, but that is still not enough to carry the day. The right candidate(s) will wap the Big Red and the Big Blue in village council elections, every day of the week. That’s my take, and yes, not having done a poll I don’t have the hair off the horse tail in my hand.

Is failure an option? – The canary in the coal mine
Getting into my barber’s chair is always a priority. The “trim” is usually accompanied by spirited conversations with other barbers and clients. The topics run the gamut. Sports, weather, sex and of course domestic and international politics merge and intertwine at various junctures, highlighted with grand gestures, fist-bumping and laughter. Not recently!! First, my barber’s 21-year-old son was murdered — no arrest (no justice), then his 24-year-old daughter died from complications of an enlarged heart. All this in 6 months while he works 10 hours a day from Sunday to Sunday. He is not part of the cloistered elite or any other group disparaged by the elite. I don’t need to even say his name. He is a hero and icon in his own right.

Belize mestizos and St. John’s College
Beginning in the 1960s, the colony’s economy, which had begun to shift toward greater integration with the United States early in the century – Swayne commented in 1917 that the United States secured “the lion’s share both of imports and exports” (1917:174) – lurched more dramatically in this direction. In 1960, 59 percent of the colony’s exports went to the UK, as against only 11 percent to the United States. Sugar, despite its slump, is still the largest export, and over three-fourths goes to the United States, while the rapidly growing garment industry exports almost exclusively to that country and citrus goes both to the United States and the Caribbean. Only bananas go exclusively to the UK, under contract with Fyffes, Ltd., a British subsidiary of United Fruit (Everitt 1987:50).

The Growth of Black Consciousness in Belize 1914–1919
That anger, perhaps somewhat ameliorated by the expectations of demobilization and their return to Belize, was reactivated on the long journey home by the so-called “Incident at Taranto.” That incident which was brought to light by C.L. Joseph and W.F. Elkins and is in need of further investigation – involved the revolt of some 50-60 members of the 9th Battalion of the British West Indies Regiment at the British Army transit camp at Cimino near Taranto in Italy in December 1918. Apparently, on December 6th members of the 9th Battalion, exasperated by weeks of discrimination in the camps, canteens and cinemas, humiliating fatigue duties and the overbearing arrogance of the South African camp commandant, attacked their officers and severely assaulted their unit commander.

Ministry of Education closing Bethel Assembly Primary School Ministry of Education closing Bethel Assembly Primary School
When the new school year opens in September, the 50 students attending Bethel Assembly Primary School, located on Freetown Road, will be attending new schools, because their school will be permanently closed. Amandala attempted to reach the Chief Education Officer, Dr. Carol Babb, to get an official response as to why the Ministry of Education has decided to close the doors of Bethel Assembly Primary School, but up to press time, Dr. Babb had not responded to our text message.

Lorena Gomez, 16, student, reported missing
Lorena Gomez, 16, a student of Punta Gorda, has been reported missing. Her family said that she was visiting her sister in Pueblo Viejo, Toledo District, on Monday, June 24. That Monday evening, after her visit to her sister, Gomez headed home to Mile 58 on the Southern Highway, Toldeo District, but she never arrived home.

British national found floating in the sea near the shore in Placencia
The body of Philip Crabtree, 59, a retired British national living in Placencia, was found floating in the sea about two feet from the shore of Placencia at about 6:00 Saturday morning. He was taken to the Placencia Polyclinic, where he was officially declared dead. Information to us is that Crabtree had been socializing with others in Placencia at about 10:00 Friday night, after which he left. During the regular police press brief held this afternoon at the Raccoon Street Police Station, ACP Joseph Myvett said that Crabtree was seen going towards the sea with a bottle of rum. It is not known where he went, and what happened.

Camalote man in coma after killer bee attack
Arturo Gomez, 35, a backhoe operator of Camalote, was stung by killer bees while working on a farm in Camalote on Friday with his backhoe. He is now in an induced coma at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Joseph McEwan, the owner of the farm, said that Gomez was working and they were talking when killers bees swarmed around them and began to attack them. Gomez, who had fly repellant, began to spray the bees, and he ran into his pickup, but the windows were down and the swarming bees went into the cab and attacked him.

Hattieville businessman Carlton Wade, 63, killed during robbery
Carlton “ Dollar Kite “ Wade, 63 , a businessman of New Site, Hattieville, was in his shop at about 9:00 last night when three thieves entered the store, held him up and tried to rob him. During the robbery attempt, one of the robbers shot him in the forehead, and Wade died almost immediately in his shop. Police said that on their arrival on the scene they found a toy gun at the front of the shop and an expended shell. Police said that they don’t know what, if anything, was stolen from Wade’s shop, and no one has been arrested as yet in connection with the tragic incident.

The Reporter

Shake-Up At Top Management At Ministry Of Health
The Reporter has been able to confirm persistent rumors that CEO in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ramon Figueroa, has left the Ministry. We are told that he is currently on leave, and when he returns, it won’t be to the MoH.

BDF Soldier In Critical Condition After Hit-&-Run
Information reaching us is that Police have detained the suspect who was driving the white van that knocked down and killed BDF volunteer, Charles Belle Jr., 20 last night on the George Price Highway.

Breaking Belize News

Brazil stuns Argentina, denies Messi another chance of winning an international title for Argentina
Belizean football fans were glued to their television sets on this Tuesday night as two […]

Authorities seek driver responsible for fatal hit and run
Authorities are looking for the driver of a white van that reportedly knocked down a […]

U.S. deny late England penalty to reach Women’s World Cup final
The United States women’s national football team is headed to another World Cup final after […]

COMPOL discusses security operations in San Pedro
Commissioner of Police (COMPOL), Chester Williams, along with Deputy Commissioner of Police, Edward Broaster, and […]

BDF volunteer killed in hit and run
A young volunteer of the Belize Defence Force (BDF), Charles Belle, lost his life to […]

Parallel investigations ongoing in Caye Caulker boat brawl
The Belize Police Department is carrying out two separate investigations, one criminal and one disciplinary […]

Bus driver facing charges after knocking down elderly man
A bus driver employed with Tillett’s Bus Line is facing criminal charges after knocking down […]

Youths engage in Agriculture Summer Camp 2019
The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Police Department is hosting its two weeks […]

Marcia Mas is US Embassy’s Woman of the Month
Every month, the United States Embassy in Belize honors a Belizean woman for her arduous […]

Ministry of Education engages teachers with training workshops
The Ministry of Education (MOE ), in its continuous effort to improve the quality of […]

LOVE FM

Northern Regional Hospital encourages patients to lodge complaints
Apart from last week’s complaints over the absence of an ultrasound machine at the Northern Regional Hospital, there were also allegations of nurses mistreating pregnant patients especially patients who were in labour. Today as we toured the facility, we brought up the issue to the Medical Chief of Staff, Dr. Manuel Estrada, who told us …

Crystal Water Company threatens lawsuit to water companies
Crystal Water Company has contracted the legal services of Estevan Perera and Company to look into an issue dubbed, ‘a breach of trademark’. The matter has to do with the Crystal 5-gallon water bottles that are being used by the various water stores. According to John Palacio, the Public Relations Coordinator for Bowen and Bowen …

A well known Cayo man is dead after he was hit and left to die on the highway
A resident of Georgeville, Cayo District is detained after police gathered sufficient evidence to finger him as the driver in a fatal hit and run incident last night. 20-year-old, Charles Bell Junior is the victim in this road incident as he was traveling towards Esperanza Village from Central Farm. Reports indicate that Bell was on …

BTL’s CFO stepping up to CEO
Chief Financial Officer for Belize Telemedia Limited, Ivan Tesucum, is reportedly preparing to step up and fill the seat as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. Tesucum was already acting in that capacity prior to Rochus Schreiber’s arrival to Belize. On Friday, we told you of Schreiber’s rapid departure. There is still no statement coming out of …

No radiologist at Northern Regional Hospital
A major hospital that does not have its own ultrasound machine is not something expecting mothers would like to hear. When news broke that the Northern Regional Hospital (NRH) was in that predicament, the hospital’s authorities were quick to schedule a tour of the hospital to show us that their ultrasound machine is in fact …

Belize’s Governor General and Attorney General take a trip to Taiwan
Belize’s Governor General, His Excellency Sir Colville Young and Attorney General, Michael Peyrefitte are in Taipei as part of the 30th anniversary celebration between Belize and Taiwan. Whilst in Taipeir the Peyrefitte and His Excellency signed a cooperative agreement on transparent governance. According to Taiwan’s Justice Minister, Tsai Ching-hsiang, the agreement will pave stronger cooperation between …

A police officer and his girlfriend are freed by the courts following allegations of child abuse
A couple were freed in court today after they were charged with three counts of wounding upon their 6-year-old child. The case began in 2018 when the parents were accused of assaulting the child on three separate occasions. In October 2017, the allegation is that the mother, Aricia Gentle, poked the child in her eye …

BNTU expresses concerns over shortened holiday for teachers
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) has written to the Ministry of Education expressing its concerns over changes made to the academic calendar for government and government-aided pre and primary schools. The changes indicate a shortened Christmas break for teachers and students which will see classes closing on December 20, 2019 and reopening on January 6, …

British man’s death ruled an accident
This past weekend saw police in Placencia retrieving the body of Philip Crabtree from the shores of Placencia. The British national has reportedly only been in Belize for a few weeks prior to his death. Yesterday, police ruled his death as an accident. ACP Joseph Myvette, Head of National Crimes Investigation Branch: “On Friday morning …

Beware of contraband onions on the market
Maskall Village in the Belize District, Little Belize and Neuland Settlements in the Corozal District are the primary sources for onions in Belize. Last Friday, the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation along with the Ministry of Agriculture Extension Service conducted the yearly Onion Availability Assessment where the three major onion-producing communities were visited. According to …

Blogs

In Photos: Caye Caulker is Belize’s Up-And-Coming Hotspot
Caye Caulker has long been a favored destination for travelers to Belize. People flock to this small island because it has a vintage Caribbean charm all its own—it looks like a postcard. The island has remained a rustic paradise, with candy-colored wooden buildings, sandy roads, and no cars. Happy travelers, locals, and beach dogs lazily stroll and enjoy the warm breeze that comes off the water and ample shade of the palm-fringed streets. Travelers and expats now have a Goldilocks-like choice of destination: Ambergris is the busy, party central older sister, Caye Caulker is the laid-back middle sister, quieter and much smaller than Ambergris, and then North Caye is the very new, very rustic, natural paradise where the roads have just been cut into the jungle foliage, and you will be part of a brand new island development.

International Sources

Caribbean sargassum invasion garners regional response
Thirteen Caribbean and Latin American nations agreed to concerted control efforts last week to address the influx of sargassum seaweed that has impacted coastlines and economies across the region. A gathering in Cancun, Mexico, on 27 June resulted in a 26-point agreement, with the goal of establishing an action plan before the next regional sargassum forum this October in the French-controlled island of Guadeloupe. The agreement, established Thursday at Cancun’s Moon Palace resort, outlines the need for cross-border information sharing on sargassum monitoring, science, education and entrepreneurship, among other topics. One mechanism to facilitate such sharing will be the website, www.internationalsargassumnetwork.com, a web portal intended to offer centralised information for researchers, government and the general public.

A bedtime story, deep in the jungle in Belize
It was the 6:30 p.m. darkness that got to me. Every night, in Belize, in February, it gets dark at 6:30. Oh, if you’re at a Belize resort or hotel, the lights come on at 6:30 and you can continue your vacation fun. But if you’re in the jungle, without electricity, the darkness is so all-encompassing that it almost has a scent to it, of green plants, and decaying compost, wet grass, and exotic flowers that don’t grow in the United States. Maybe the scent emerges so strongly because one of your other senses has been temporarily eliminated in the dark. I don’t know why I expected to have electricity at the Yaxche Jungle Camp and why I didn’t know that, at 6:30 in the jungle camp, having finished dinner by the light of the one light bulb in the main gathering room of the camp, there was just one thing to do: go to sleep until morning. Or at least go to bed and wait for sleep. Years ago, as a camper, the same thing happened: darkness. But we were prepared with our trusty flashlights, and we lit campfires and sat around and told ghost stories and then, tired enough, we headed to our tents and sleep.

Conducting field research in Belize
For two weeks in late May, I collected otoliths and tissue samples from lane snapper populations in Belize. Lane snapper are a warm water species found in the western Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina, throughout the Gulf of Mexico and south to Brazil. In Belize, artisanal fisheries depend heavily on lane snapper as a main source of income. Unfortunately, very little is known about the species and researchers lack the data required to determine if their populations are being fished sustainably. Working with the Wildlife Conservation Society in Belize City, we collected samples from two sites. My personal favorite was the Glover’s Reef Research Station, located on an atoll off the southern coast of Belize. In the mornings, we collected samples from local anglers and in the evening, we processed the fish.

Belize tourism drops after Virginia cardiologist fatally shot
Belize officials say tourism has taken a nose dive after a Virginia cardiologist and his tour guide were gunned down on a fly-fishing expedition. Despite their reassurances that the country is safe, officials acknowledged that tourism has plummeted in the wake of the murders of Dr. Gary Swank and his tour guide, Mario Graniel, last week in San Pedro Town lagoon, according to the Reporter Belize. John Burgos, executive director of the Belize Tourism Industry Association, said there has been a flood of trip cancellations, which has impacted at least seven hotels throughout the country. He added that properties had seen tourists nix trips scheduled for as far ahead as January 2020.

7 Unique Swimming Destinations For Your Summer Vacation
There are plenty of vacation options for where you can go this summer. For a change of scenery and maybe for something off the beaten track, you might try visiting one of these swimming destinations. These exciting wonders are located across the United States and around the world. Here are a few unique swimming destinations to visit. One Caribbean destination you might be curious enough to visit is Placencia, Belize. Some consider Placencia as having the best beaches in Belize. You probably won't be disappointed. Laughing Bird Caye National Park is one place you should make time for, although you will need to take a ferry because it's 13 miles off the coast from Placencia. Snorkeling trips are the most popular reason to visit Laughing Bird Caye. You can also hire a boat to go diving, dolphin watching or exploring some of the other barrier islands.

Mexico and the Caribbean’s Seaweed Problem Isn’t Going Away
Mexico has spent $17 million to remove over half a million tons of sargassum seaweed from its Caribbean beaches, from Tulum to Playa del Carmen to Cancun. The problem – now affecting tourism and the environment (the plant is poisonous for some coral reefs, local fauna and fish) – isn’t going away, experts said at an international conference last week. Floating rafts of the stinky seaweed, sometimes miles long, have plagued Mexico and Caribbean islands, accumulating in huge mounds on once-pristine beaches. The phenomenon has only gotten worse since the first mass was spotted in 2011. Contributing factors are believed to be nutrient inputs from the Amazon River, which discharges into the ocean around where blooms were first spotted; changes in ocean currents; and increased iron deposits from airborne dust. "We are seeing a major impact on our countries, economically, socially," said Dr. June Soomer, secretary general of the Association of Caribbean States, the Associated Press reported.

Videos

July 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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Minister of Postal Services and Belize’s Post Master General attend the Caribbean Council of Ministers Meeting and Conference in Cuba
Participating in the 17th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs in Havana, Cuba was Belize’s Minister with responsibility for Postal Services, Honorable Edmond Castro. The theme for the meeting was, “Building on the Pillars of the Caribbean Regional Postal-Sector Strategy”, and the main presentation on key challenges and opportunities facing Caribbean posts was delivered by Secretary General of the Caribbean Postal Union (CPU), Mr. Guillermo Raymond.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Receives Support from Taiwan to Build Capacity in International Boundary Disputes
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has provided support to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen the Ministry’s human resources in International Boundary Disputes. This contribution will be used to finance the attendance of two Ministry officials at Durham University’s IBRU Centre for Borders Research Professional Training Workshop: “Resolving International Boundaries Disputes”, to be held from 8th to 10th July 2019 in Paris, France.

Ambergris Today

Belize Increases Security Measures After Murder Of Tourist
The National Security Council of Belize (NSC), chaired by the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, met in special session Thursday, June 27th, 2019 in Belmopan to discuss the crisis arising out of the recent murder of a tourist, Dr. Gary Swank, in San Pedro. The NSC recorded its grave concern over the tragic development and its implications particularly for the tourism industry in Ambergris Caye and nationally. The NSC also recorded its deep sympathy for the family of the deceased.

Pic Of The Week - Dia De San Pedro Boat Procession
Dia de San Pedro Boat Procession - Every year we celebrate our patron Saint - Saint Peter and the Catholic Church host a "Misa de Gallo" for men only follwed by breakfast and a boat procession to bless fishermen along with their boats.

Belize U23 Volleyball Team Wins Silver Medal
Belize won 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 25-22) against El Salvador to secure the silver medal, for the first time in their four Central American U23 Championships, ending with a 4-2 win/loss record (20 points), while El Salvador missed the podium with 2-4. The Belizean team won an initial advantage of 7 points (10-3) and a match point in favor of El Salvador to tie the game at 24 and won the first set 26-24, which was decisive in getting the win.

Another Traffic Mishap in Seagrape Drive
Another traffic mishap has occurred on Seagrape Drive. According to witnesses a truck was backing out from the parking area when he hit a man on the motorcycle and another in a bicycle. Busy street! Drivers be careful!

Various Belizean Sources

Recruitment Call 2019
Belize Police Dept. Intake #94. BELIZE POLICE DEPARTMENT RECRUITMENT CALL 2019 IN COROZAL. Examinations are scheduled for Saturday July 13th, 2019 at the Corozal Community College. . Applicants can be 18 to 34 years old.

Jorge Aldana of the San Pedro Town Council is in the United States on the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)!
Follow Jorge's adventures as he engages with colleagues from around the world on the topic of Transparency and Accountability in Government. First stop: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

More Football Action in Corozal (Male & Female Under 15 - Under 17)
The Corozal Football Association and the Orange Walk Football Association invite you this Saturday, July 6th, 2019. Come and witness Corozal Selection play against Orange Walk Selection. It all starts at 9:00 a.m. at the Ricalde Stadium. 9:00 am- Corozal Selection vs Orange Walk Selection (U15F), 11:00a m- Corozal Selection vs Orange Walk Selection (U17F), 1:00 pm- Corozal Selection vs Orange Walk Selection (U15M), 3:00 pm- Corozal Selection vs Orange Walk Selection (U17M). Entrance: $3.00 per person. See you there!

AHMADIYYA NATIONAL BASKETBALL CAMP HEADING TO COROZAL
The AHMADIYYA Muslim community is hosting a nationwide Basketball Camp that kicked off on June 29th. They will be hosting the basketball camp in Corozal this Thursday, July 4th 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Andres Campos Civic Center. Coaches and Basketball players from the USA and Canada will be training young basketball players. The camps are FREE. Just show up and show your skills!

Power outage 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 7 to affect Cayo District
From Georgeville to Arenal including San Ignacio, Santa Elena, Benque Viejo, Georgeville, Central Farm, Esperanza, Billy White, Duck Run 1 & 2, San Miguel, Cristo Rey, San Antonio, Santa Cruz, Bullet Tree Falls, Branch Mouth, Santa Familia, Calla Creek, Corozalito, Succotz, Floral Park, Arenal and surrounding communities. Two 10-minute outages will affect Unitedville and Blackman Eddy from 6:00 a.m. – 6:10 a.m. and from 3:50 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. BEL to replace poles, conduct substation and distribution system maintenance, and clear vegetation from along power lines.

Power outage scheduled for 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 to affect Lord’s Bank and the portion of Ladyville
that includes Vista Del Mar, Perez Road, Marage Road and Floral Park. BEL to replace utility poles carrying high voltage lines in the area.

Belize's Wonder Women! Maricia Mas
Maricia is the first certified female bird trainer in Belize. She has done an exceptional job educating more than 10,000 children through the Belize Raptor Center about Belize’s ecosystem. Maricia exceeds expectations in all that she does and strives to learn as much as she can to expand her work throughout the country. She successfully completed courses in Introduction to Raptor Rehabilitation and Emergency Care, Raptor Medical Care and Management, and Pre-release Conditioning and Release.

The U.S. Embassy is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for a Senior Foreign Service National Security Investigator
Extended closing date: July 16, 2019 To view and apply for this vacancy announcement, please visit the ERA site at: https://erajobs.state.gov/…/vacancysear…/searchVacancies.hms For instructions on how to apply via the ERA system, please visit the U.S. Embassy’s website at: https://bz.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/

Scholarship opportunities...
Nursing, OAS

Channel 7

Hate Crime or Just Halari Business on the High Seas?
Tonight, the police department is under scrutiny for how it handled one of its own when he got into a tangle with a mob of women. Off duty officer, PC Ralph Gillett was on a water taxi returning from the Caye Caulker Lobsterfest when a minor dispute about seating turned into a full out brawl on the boat. How it ended and the suggestion of a hate crime motive, is what's causing controversy tonight. Here's the story:... PC Ralph Gillette has won commendations for his exemplary work. Like this time when he kindly walked an elderly woman across the street. But, on Sunday he wasn't in uniform when he got on the water taxi leaving Caye Caulker.

Cops Investigating PC Gillett Incident
We note that a woman who was traveling with Gillette says that the women - who are from Belize city - are the ones who aggressed him - and threw a drink in her face. Now, what are police doing about it? The cops say there is both a criminal and disciplinary side to the investigation and both are being n looked into:... Edward Broaster, Deputy Commissioner (Operations): "Those incidents that occurred in Caye Caulker are being investigated by the Caye Caulker police as well as the professional standard branch. We are investigating the incident as it relates to the police officer that had a fight with passengers of the water taxi as well as the incident subsequent to that incident where the officer was choked and detained."

Man Killed - Family Says He Was Chanced
So, while San Pedro cops try to sort out that controversial incident, Belize City police are trying to find out who attacked Belize City resident Errol Crown and left him to die in his yard. The 57 year-old's body was discovered at around 6:30 on Saturday morning, at his residence on Neal Penn Road. Those closest to him tell us that he was a deportee from the US who made a living as a landlord, renting several several apartments. It is believed that he had a sizable payday, and after he left his sister's birthday party on Friday night, he went home. It is suspected that his killer or killers ambushed him there, beat him and then robbed him of his rent payments. A few hours later, one of his tenants found him in the yard, and called the police. The cops arrived to find his wallet missing, and the entrance door to his room damaged, as if someone had forcibly entered. He also had cut wounds to the face and head.

Police Determined to Find Killer
At today's press briefing, here's police's response to the family's skepticism that they'll find his killer: ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: "Saturday morning just after 6:30am, police were called to 99 Neal Pen Road whereupon arrival behind a small house they observed the body of Mr. Llewellyn lying face up with injuries to his face and to the back of his head. The body was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. What police gathered so far is that Mr. Crown had just left from his daughter's residence and had arrived at his house. Police also found that some of his belongings are missing and the house door was partially broken." Reporter: "We have spoken to a couple of his relatives and they suspect that he was robbed and then killed. Is that the current theory that your investigators have as well?"

Finance Boss Tesecum Will Take The Helm At BTL
BTL CEO Rocus Schreiber announced his departure abruptly on Friday - and now the question is who will replace him. But, seems it's not a matter of great intrigue within the company as Chief Financial Officer Ivan Tesecum is likely to get the nod. Tesecum has served as interim CEO before in 2017 when Anwar Barrow stopped aside and applications were being fielded for a new CEO. But, this time, he is expected to get named to the post substantively. Schreiber's unexpected departure is still somewhat of a mystery as he walks away from a huge compensation package, and a company he modernized significantly in two years at the helm. Reports suggest there were conflicts at the senior management level. Schreiber has given the required 90 days notice.

Elderly Couple Escapes Fire As Home Burns To The Ground
An elderly couple in Orange Walk was lucky to escape unharmed after their wooden bungalow caught on fire while they were sleeping. At 2:30 this morning, Leandro and Brijida Nah awoke to find their house on fire. Their son told CTV-3 how they rushed out: Police say the fire is believed to have started from the Kitchen area.

OW Accident Victim Loses Both Legs
A 69 year-old man from Orange Walk Town is recovering from a double amputation of his legs after they were crushed under an R. Tillett Bus. It happened on Queen Victoria Avenue in Orange Walk, sometime before 6:00 last Friday evening. 69 year-old Primitivo Itza was attempting to cross the road near a pedestrian ramp, when he was knocked down by the bus, which was on the way to Corozal. He was rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital, but due to the extent of the injuries to both of his legs, doctors couldn't save them.

Cops Release Main Suspect in San Pedro Double Murder
Today's briefing gave the press a chance to ask police about all the suspects they had detained in the double murders of the island tour guide Mario Graniel, and his guest, American doctor Gary Swank. As we told you last week, their main suspect, Christian Espat turned himself in on Thursday, after making a pre-emptive strike on Facebook to declare his innocence. His attorney said that he was in Benque Viejo Town when the murders happened on June 23rd. Police told us they questioned and released him:... ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "In relation to the San Pedro murder investigation, the police had, over the past few days, detained and interviewed several persons. We were looking for one specific person who we believe can assist us in the investigation. That person came into the police's custody on Friday last, where he was interviewed in the presence of his attorney..."

'Griga Cop fired Warning Shot, Injuring Many
The actions of a police officer from Dangriga Town are under the close scrutiny after he used his police firearm to stop a fight, and ended up shooting 2 people, possibly 3. It happened at around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday at a dance near the foot of the town's bridge. One of the responding officers, Police Constable Tillett, reportedly got into an altercation with some of the patrons at the social event, and for an unknown reason, he went for his police issued firearm. He fired it, injuring Edmond Cayetano, a former police officer, to the lower right leg. It is believed that the bullet injured 2 other persons: 26 year-old Raquel McKenzie, a resident of the town, and possibly, 24 year-old Keon Augustine, an officer attached to the Mobile Interdiction Team.

Season Shot Shane
Turning to news out of Independence Village now, 32 year-old Shane Bennett, a resident of Independence, is currently at the KHMH recovering from gunshot injuries he suffered after he allegedly pulled a pellet gun and threatened a man who had a licensed weapon. That man said he believed that Bennett was going to shoot him, and so he shot first. It happened sometime before 8:00 yesterday morning. Officers found Bennett suffering from gunshot injuries to left arm, and his left hand. He said that he'd had a misunderstanding with 30 year-old Gabriel Sasone. The cops say that he stopped cooperating with them, and so they tracked down Sasone who had showed up to the police station to report the incident.

Brit Crabtree's Death Ruled Accidental
And finally from the south this weekend, police from Placencia Village, are looking into the death of British tourist Phillip Crabtree, who was found on Friday morning on the peninsula's beach front. Police believe that he drowned, and he was last spotted with a bottle of liquor in his hand. Assistant Police Commissioner Joseph Myvette told us that there are currently no reasons to suspect foul-play: ACP Joseph Myvett: "On Friday morning, sometime around 5:45 a.m., Placencia police were called to an area along the seaside where they observed the body of a clear complexioned male person floating in the sea...."

Crabtree's Girlfriend Says He Wanted To Live In Placencia
And so while that has been ruled a drowning, Crabtree's lady friend in Belize City says that the British citizen dreamed of living in Placencia. She spoke off camera:... Voice of: Girlfriend: "He doesn't mess with anybody. He knows his limit of drinking, so whenever he drinks and he feel that he is getting a little high, he would say its time and he would go take a bath and lie down. His thing is Placencia, nowhere else. He was texting this lady for an apartment to live in Placencia. He wanted to live at the seaside."

Lee Mark's Big Win In The Shores
When it comes to politics, Caribbean Shores never a sure thing. And we mean that for both political parties. Since it was created in 1984, it has gone red five times and blue three times. As the division with the most well off constituents, it's considered to be very independent, with voters who vote on issues, not strictly along party lines. And, on Sunday the UDP was trying to woo those independent minded voters with Leila Peyrefitte - who grew up in the division - and Lee Mark Chang, a successful businessman who they feel can connect with voters.

Charged For Causing Cousin's Death in Accident
In the early morning of June 7th., Evan Gillett was driving a red Saturn SUV with his cousin, 25 year old Michael Young in the passenger seat when he lost control of the vehicle and it crashed violently into a median near mile 4 on Phillip Goldson Highway. Young died on the spot while Gillett received minor injuries and survived. The pair was reportedly coming from a Ladyville nightclub. Today, 38 year old Evan Gillett was charged with manslaughter by negligence when he appeared today before Magtistrate Emerson Banner.

Crashing A Sale?
It's an odd way of crashing a sale - but that's just what the driver of a Mazda CR-7 did today on Orange Street in Belize City. Seems the driver made some kind of error in judgement coming off East Canal, barreled over the sidewalk and sailed straight into the show window. No one was hurt and police cleared traffic fairly quickly.

Volleyball Women Get First Ever Medal in CA U23 Championships
Belize's volleyball women have excelled again, winning a silver medal in the Central American U23 Championships played in Managua, Nicaragua this weekend. The team secured silver in a hotly contested final game where they beat El Salvador in an even match. In the first set of that game, Belize came back from being down 10-3 led by Melanie Palacio, Mya Musa and Fatoumata Camara. In four appearances in the Central American U23 Championship - this is the first time Belize has come back with a medal.

Channel 5

Chaos at Caye Caulker! A Brawl Breaks Out on Boat between Women and Police Officer
All hell broke loose onboard a water taxi on Sunday afternoon loaded with passengers returning to the city from the popular Lobster Fest held in Caye Caulker.  The brouhaha soon [...]

UNIBAM: No Room for Homophobia in Belize Police Department
Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simplis Barrow has weighed in on the matter. In a social media post, Simplis Barrow says that discrimination has no place in our [...]

Errol Crown is Belize City’s Latest Murder Victim
Sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning, a fifty-seven-year-old resident of Neal Penn Road in Belize City was murdered after a robbery inside his house. The body of Errol Crown [...]

Christian Espat Released Without Charges
Well-known street figure in San Pedro Town, twenty-three-year-old Christian Espat, has been released by police on the island. On Friday, Espat handed himself over to police in the company of [...]

Additional Officers Deployed to San Pedro for Crime Fighting Efforts
The double murder of Mario Graniel and Doctor Gary Swank prompted the National Security Council of Belize to call an emergency meeting. The Security Council, which is chaired by Prime [...]

Private Sector Senator Calls for Independent Investigation of B.T.L.’s Financials
There has been no further communication from Belize Telemedia Limited since last week.  On Wednesday, News Five first reported on leaked documents which purportedly showed that B.T.L. owes the government [...]

A Bar Fight in Griga Leaves Two Persons with Gunshot Wounds
Turning to the crime blotter…a brawl outside of a nightclub in Dangriga has left two persons injured with gunshot wounds after a police officer discharged his service issued weapon in [...]

Shane Bennett Pulls Out BB Gun and Gets Shot with Live Rounds
Not far away from Dangriga, in Independence Village, an altercation between two persons led to Shane Bennett being shot in the arm after pulling a pellet gun on another man [...]

Elderly Man Loses Both Legs in Traffic Mishap
Heading north, sixty-nine-year-old Primitivo Itza lost both of his legs on Friday evening when a commuter bus ran him over in Orange Walk Town.  The elderly resident of Palmar was [...]

Phillip Crabtree Drowns in Placencia
Retired British national Phillip Crabtree drowned in Placencia overnight on Thursday.  The body of the fifty-eight-year-old was retrieved from the sea sometime before six o’clock on Friday morning and an [...]

Evan Gillett is Arraigned for Charges Related to the Death of His Cousin
In the Magistrate Court this morning, tourism attendant Evan Gillett was arraigned for causing the death of his cousin in a traffic accident after colliding into a metal lamppost situated [...]

Belize Wins Silver in CA U-23 Female Volleyball Championship
The female under-twenty-three national volleyball team claimed second place in the Central American Volleyball U-23 Championship this past weekend. It’s their first time winning this medal in the championships. The [...]

Volleyball Team Needs Your Support!
Last year, the senior Volleyball team also won the silver medal at the Central American Championships held in Belize City. This time around, the U-23 girls secured second place once [...]

Application of the Social Security Act to Same-Sex Partners
The new social security contribution and pension rates came into effect today. The number of persons retiring is growing annually, pushing the Social Security Fund closer to the ‘period of [...]

UNIBAM Exec. Dir. Says PC Gillett’s Rights were Infringed
The incident over the weekend involving homophobic insults hurled at PC Ralph Gillett, along with him being rendered unconscious via a chokehold, has sparked a polarizing debate. Persons like the [...]

Groundbreaking for New Canaan SDA High School Facility
The Canaan SDA High School here on Coney Drive will be transformed to a modern seven million-dollar building. The school population has been growing steadily so that it has out [...]

Coastguard’s Sea Cadet Mentorship Programme
It’s summer and that means that students are being enrolled in summer programmes across the country. For one week, sixty students between the ages of eight and twelve will be [...]

The Weekend Sporting Highlights

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

The Reporter

Police Update On murder of Mario Graniel and Gary Swank
Today, Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvett, head NCIB and the man leading the task force investigating the recent double murder in San Pedro, provided an update. The murder of tourist Gary Swank led to an emergency meeting of the National Security Council and measures put in place in San Pedro to allay fears of repercussions in tourism.

Lee Mark Chang Wins Convention For Caribbean Shores
The United Democratic Party held their convention for the Caribbean Shores Constituency to delegate their representative that will be the candidate that will vie for the seat in the general election in 2020.

Special Envoy Calls Out Policeman For Rough Action On Gay Man
The Special Envoy for Women and Children has issued a statement this morning expressing her concern about the safety of LGBT members, after a video hit social media, showing a police officer holding a gay man in a choke hold yesterday. In her statement, Kim Simplis Barrow stressed that “Violence of this kind has no place in our society. Belize does not accept in silence that citizens are victims of discrimination of any type and form.

Breaking Belize News

Ambassador Lois Young calls out countries for trying to “erase science” at UN Climate Change meeting
Ambassador Louis Young, Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), has called out oil-producing […]

Belize CITCO and Our Circle to collaborate in community support program
Today, Our Circle’s Communication and Advocacy Officer, Derricia Castillo-Salazar met with Kimberly Thompson of the […]

Belize’s ranking improves on US human Trafficking report
After four years of receiving the worst ranking, Belize’s ranking on the United States Trafficking […]

Call for Proposals: Sustainable and inclusive economic growth at the adjacency zone and its surroundings
The Delegation of the European Union to Guatemala is inviting proposals for actions at the […]

Bandits in training ahead of club friendly
National club football champions Belmopan Bandits are in training ahead of the CONCACAF League preliminary […]

PUP claims victory in 2nd round of village council elections
Yesterday the second round of election for village councils was held. In a statement released […]

First-ever Olympic Day to be held in Belize City
The Belize Olympic & Commonwealth Games Association (BOCGA) has upgraded its annual fun run to […]

Special Envoy: Mental health should NEVER be used as a means to criticize or insult another person
The Mental Health Association (MHA) issued a statement last week condemning Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s […]

Belize Peace Movement demands independent audit into BTL’s GST debt
The Belize Peace Movement (BPM) issued a statement today expressing outrage over the leaked news […]

Appeals can now be expedited following referendum debacle
The Government was denied a chance to immediately appeal Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin’s decision to […]

LOVE FM

Rotary has a new president
Felix Reyes is the new President for the Rotary Club of Belize. The official handing over ceremony took place on Friday, June 28 at the Biltmore Plaza. Reyes takes over from Robert Usher who spoke with Love News on his year in leadership and his plans ahead. Felix Reyes – President, Rotary Club of Belize …

Lee Mark Chang is new standard bearer for Caribbean Shores
The Caribbean Shores division is one that was being eyed as the key players all had some level of inroads with their party, the UDP. Santino Castillo wanted to make a comeback but retracted when he found out that the party was supporting Leila Peyrefitte. Darrell Bradley had long wanted to go national in his …

Canaan High School embarks on $7 million school building
Canaan SDA High School has embarked on a treat for its future students. This morning they held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new building with 18 classrooms that will be able to hold over 500 students. The building is estimated to cost over seven million dollars and will be used as a hurricane shelter. The …

Cop reportedly injures cop with firearm
It was the close of Police Week 2019 and with it came multiple incidents involving police officers including a few injuries and some that will undoubtedly lead to internal investigations. We start with the reports of an officer injuring other officers with his firearm surfaced out of Dangriga over the weekend. At the time, the …

Altercation leads to man being shot
Police are investigating the shooting of 32-year-old, Shane Bennett. The incident took place on Sunday, June 30 at around eight o’clock in the morning on Calabash Street in Independence Village, Stann Creek District. Bennett was shot to the left arm and hand and was taken to the Independence Village, Polyclinic. Police gave their preliminary findings …

Controversy surrounds fight between openly gay, off duty cop and female civilian
Two videos showing a fight onboard a boat and the subsequent detention of an off duty police officer surfaced on social media this past weekend. The videos have caused a large amount of controversy, as it involves a physical altercation between some women and an openly gay man. Love News Reporter, Courtney Menzies, was able …

Ahmadiyya hosting basketball camps
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been known to reach out to youths through the game of basketball. In this regard, they are holding a basketball camps which will allow them to connect with youths from across the country. Love news spoke with Naveed Mangla, the President Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, who said that apart from allowing …

Landlord reportedly killed for rent money
The death of 57-year-old, Errol Crown, is being investigated as his body was found in the back of his yard. Authorities were called out to Neal Pen Road, Belize City, on Saturday, June 29 just after six o’clock in the morning where they found an elderly man, lying faced up on the grass. Crown had …

Team Belize captures silver in U23 CA Female Volleyball Tournament
Team Belize placed second in the Under-23 Central American Female Volleyball Championship 2019 which was held in Managua, Nicaragua. The delegation was made up of twelve players, three coaches and one referee. The team returned to Belize yesterday with their silver medals. Love News spoke with two of the team members who said that the …

Teachers being shorted of their holidays
Perhaps, there is nothing more sacred to teachers than their wages and their holidays. Tonight, however, it seems changes may be on the horizon as Love News has received a 2-page document of the School Calendar for 2019/2020 for Government and Grant-Aided Pre and Primary Schools (CALENDAR VO). From this calendar, what has usually been …

International Sources

Taiwan, Belize celebrate 30 years of ties with new treaty
aiwan and Belize on Tuesday signed an agreement on cooperating to fight corruption as they push for a closer partnership ahead of the two countries' 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties in October. President Tsai Ing-wen and visiting Belizean Governor-General Colville Young witnessed the signing of the deal in a ceremony at the Presidential Office in Taipei. The agreement, inked by the two countries' justice ministers, will see the two countries join hands in promoting clean governments and preventing and fighting transnational corruption. Speaking at the ceremony, Tsai said that as this year marks 30 years of ties between Belize and Taiwan, many celebrations have been planned to commemorate the memorable year.

Taiwan and Belize ink agreement on promoting clean governments
President Tsai Ing-wen met with the visiting governor-general of Belize, Sir Colville Young, in Taipei on Tuesday (July 7), and the two leaders oversaw the signing of a cooperative agreement intended to promote clean governance. Young is visiting Taiwan July 2-5 to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Belize. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1989, Belize has been a good partner in both times of stability and adversity, declared Tsai. She expressed gratitude to the Central American ally for voicing its support for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) in May.

Celebration of life set for Roanoke doctor murdered in Belize
The life of a Roanoke doctor who was murdered in Belize will be celebrated during a memorial service Tuesday. The service for Dr. Gary Swank is at 7 p.m. at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church on Brambleton Avenue. 'We are heartbroken' Swank family releases statement after Roanoke… Visitation with his family will start at 6 p.m. Instead of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made, at Any American National Bank branch, to a scholarship fund for the Swank children.

Belize starts charging banks for payment processing
The Central Bank of Belize began charging banks for its core payment systems today (July 1) to supplement the roughly B$800,000 (US$400,000) annual maintenance costs. The central bank had previously covered the expenses itself, but following a pricing study conducted last year it has opted to recover some of the costs from the private sector. The fees will go towards helpdesk support, performing quarterly security patching and updates, and maintaining user accounts, profiles, and tokens...

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July 1, 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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Wolfe’s Woofer: Bus Ride
“A-a-a-i-i-i-!! !” The bus passengers squealed and screamed as the bus went off the edge of the road on two wheels, righted itself and came back down without ever slowing down. We had just missed a head-on collision with a dump truck.

Doctor Love: Born-Again-Atheist
Dear Doctor Love, I don’t like the use of labels, but if I were to categorize myself as far as religion is concerned, I am a dyed-in-the-wool atheist. I don’t believe in God, or the bible or anything religious, and my friends and family know that. My family and many of my friends, however, are at the other end of the scale. They are preachy and pushy, and I think, quite rude about forcing their beliefs on everyone around them.

Various Belizean Sources

Corozal Clean Up Campaign
BELIZE RED CROSS COROZAL BRANCH serves up clean campaign this beautiful Sunday in our San Joaquin community. Hat's off. Photo Courtesy BRCCB.

The Reporter

More Bad Sargassum News
Prevailing currents and wind direction are expected to send a “Sargasso stain” larger than 340 miles in diameter to the coasts in Quintana Roo, Mexico sometime next week, and it is expected to affect mainly the central and southern region of the state between Tulum and Xcalak, which borders the Belizean coastline of San Pedro.

Police Minister & Police Officials Meet To Discus Many Public Safety Issues
Following his return from Taiwan on Saturday, National Security Minister John Saldivar met with Commissioner of Police Chester Williams and CEO in the Ministry of National Security Ret’d Col. George Lovell to discuss increasing security on Ambergris Caye and surrounding waters in the wake of international backlash following the murder of a tourist last week.

Breaking Belize News

Agricultural belt of Belize facing drought for next few months
The region’s weather forecasters suggest that this weekend’s rainy weather may be few and far […]

Jamaica and US advance to CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals; joins Mexico and Haiti
This weekend was filled with exciting games in the CONCACAF Gold Cup as eight (8) […]

Weed bust in Rootsville
Drum Street resident, Eston Allen, 21, who was allegedly busted by police in possession of […]

Two men walk free from old city murder on Cairo Street
Four years ago this week, 39-year-old Patrick Dean “Nally” Spencer was shot dead at the […]

Lee Mark Chang wins in Caribbean Shores
Former president of the Senate, Lee Mark Chang, is for the second time a standard […]

Officer caught on camera choking young man following fight on boat
Two videos went viral minutes ago on social media, the first one shows a fight […]

Accused gangster jailed for jumping bail
He is soon to be a father, but a confluence of circumstances has landed 20-year-old Marvin […]

Lee Mark Chang wins convention in Caribbean Shores
Former senator, Lee Mark Chang has won the UDP convention in the Caribbean Shores Constituency. […]

Accused gangster jailed for jumping bail
He is soon to be a father, but a confluence of circumstances has landed 20-year-old […]

International Sources

5 feet of hail in Mexico!
Stunning rain storm brings up to five feet of hail in Metropolitan Guadalajara, Mexico. Many areas were covered with ice last night. Local officials also reported flooding and fallen trees, but no-one is thought to have been hurt. The storm hit very quickly, between about 01:50 (06:50 GMT) and 02:10 local time, when the air temperature dropped suddenly from 22C to 14C.

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