September 9, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, 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: What Did You Do Today?
I said, “I don’t know, Vernon, Yolanda might not like the idea of me showing up at your house for dinner without telling her ahead of time.” “She won’t mind—honest, she won’t,” Vernon said. “She don’t do nothing all day but lay around the house and take care of the two babies.” At Vernon’s we parked in the drive and Vernon said, “Come on. We’ll go through the kitchen.” When the kitchen door shut Vernon said, “Ooh, what the devil happened here?”

Doctor Love: Boys will be boys
Dear Doctor Love, A friend and I were at a beach bar, and a girl walked by wearing a bikini. We mentioned a few of her finer assets and made a joke about what we’d do if her husband wasn’t so big. Just harmless guy talk. The women at the next table started going on about degrading women and how guys are just basically pigs. If we aren’t supposed to look, why do they dress that way? Men are turned on by hot women, and if she’s dressed for sex, we’re going to think about sex. Women need to decide what they want. If they’re not looking for attention, they need to put some clothes on. /s/Boys will be boys

Various Belizean Sources

CARNIVAL 2019 PHOTOS
CARNIVAL IN BELIZE CITY 2019

Update on the New River
On Friday 6th September 2019, the Department of the Environment (DOE) established a task force to deal with the current condition of the New River. During the first meeting of the task force, several options that could be taken to urgently remediate the conditions of the river were discussed. One recommendation which the task force looked at favorably was the use of aerators to reintroduce oxygen into the river. One of the points discussed was the probability that any intervention conducted may have both beneficial and adverse effects. In this case, oxygen will be reintroduced into the ecosystem; however, this may also increase the release of hydrogen sulphide (H2S), which produces a strong “rotten egg” odor, into the air.

Big congrats to Carolee Chanona who released her first Sailfish yesterday
While doing some live baiting aboard the Reel Obsession! Always an exciting day when a new Angler gets their first Billfish release!

Belize Jouvert 2019
Here are a few photos that highlight the 2019 Belize Jouvert experience

National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) Welcomes Sponsorship from Taiwan for National September Celebrations
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) is pleased to announce that as the main coordinating body for the National September Celebrations, it welcomes the generous sponsorship from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). His Excellency Ambassador Remus Li-Kuo Chen, of the Republic of China (Taiwan) with Ms.Sapna Budhrani, President of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH). The ceremony took place at the NICH Headquarters on September 6th, 2019. On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Ambassador Remus Li-Kuo Chen extended congratulations to and reaffirmed Taiwan’s unwavering bond with the people and government of Belize. Ambassador Chen’s message was delivered through Ms. Sapna Budhrani, President of the NICH and Co-Chairperson of the National Celebrations Committee, on the happy occasion of the 38th Independence Day celebrations of Belize.

Pop Up Barbershop
Just in time for school, three barbershops set up in Central Park this past Sunday to offer free haircuts for the kids. This was the second annual back-to-school pop-up barbershop. There is nothing like the power and joy of giving back to your community. Kudos to the barbers who shared their skills with these kids. Feel free to share and tag if you feel so inclined.

Channel 5

*WhereAreYou Campaign - Jasmine Alert Program:
“Greetings fellow Belizeans: Christopher Chi, a 14 year old is MISSING and has not been seen since Friday September 6th 2019. He was last seen with a friend on a motorcycle. We request your assistance in locating him for every second counts and every child has VALUE!”

Twenty-six-year-old Berris Alrick Budna was fatally stabbed last night in Santa Elena Town
A violent Rbrawl broke out between two warring groups of men and women at around ten o'clock on Bishop Martin Street, near Santa Elena Primary School. During the brawl, Budna was stabbed and taken to the hospital where he succumbed Police are investigating.

Breaking Belize News

Grenada defeats Belize 2-1
The Jaguars’ vaunted defense failed in the second half as the visiting Spice Boyz scored twice for a hard-fought road win. Belize conceded a penalty for handball on the hour and after mounting stubborn resistance for the next half hour, including a few forays into Grenada territory, the hammer fell with half a minute to go in injury time.

Department of the Environment issues update on New River
On Friday September 6, 2019, the Department of the Environment (DOE) established a task force to deal with the current condition of the New River. During the first meeting of the task force, several options that could be taken to urgently remediate the conditions of the river were discussed.

Guatemala places eastern provinces under state of emergency
Parts of the provinces of Izabal, Zacapa, El Progreso, Peten and Alta Verapaz in Guatemala have been placed under a state of emergency after the apparent murders of three members of a military patrol, allegedly by suspected drug traffickers. Some of these provinces, particularly Peten, borders Belize.

Police find rifle in Belize City
Authorities conducted a search in a swampy area in Mahogany Heights which led to the discovery of a riffle. No one was in the immediate area at the time of the search.

Man accused of Belize city stabbing charged
Godwin Flowers, 30, of Curassow Street, Belize City has been charged with dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harming for a stabbing incident where one man was injured. Flowers appeared before Senior Magistrate, Aretha Ford where no plea was taken and bail was denied in the first instance.

Orange Walk school and community battles noxious New River
Once, Orange Walk Town and its surrounding communities was proud of the New River flowing past town, backdrop to the Lamanai Maya monument and many a picturesque day out. These days, the river is literally making everyone in town sick, due to the buildup of industrial gases and chemicals dumped in it, exacerbated by an ongoing drought and other issues.

Did the FFB fail the national football team and Belize in forfeiting 3 crucial points?
Ahead of Sunday’s big game against Grenada, the debate rages on: Is the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) to blame for the loss of the first potential three (3) points this week after it was unable to get the national side to French Guiana for Thursday’s match.

Man murdered in Santa Elena in local brawl
Our newsroom has confirmed that a man from Santa Elena, Cayo was murdered last night. A group of people were socializing at a Chinese restaurant and bar located next to the Santa Elena Primary School on Bishop Martin Street when a major fight broke out between two groups.

Videos

September 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

Litzy Castillo is the new Miss San Pedro 2019-2020!
We wish you the best in your reign!

New Fire Chief says National Fire Service must be Adequately Equipped and Proactive
Belize’s New Fire Chief, Colin Gillett, having completed a tour of most of the National Fire Service’s facilities countrywide, says he is determined to have the service adequately equipped and proactive in executing its essential function of keeping Belize safe from fires and explosive hazards. Gillett, who is being accompanied on his working tour by CEO Ruth Meighan and other personnel from the Ministry of Transport and National Emergency Management, says that under his command the National Fire Service will place high priority on prevention, through public education and highly trained personnel. Colin Gillett is 42 years old and holds a Master’s Degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados. Most recently, he served as Deputy National Coordinator for the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).

Students turn plastic litter into art
A public anti-litter education campaign to recycle plastic and glass containers is an integral part of the Marine Litter Action Plan presented by the Department of the Environment at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City on Wednesday, September 4. Styrofoam food containers are already being phased out, and a ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags, single-use bottles, and food containers was passed into law on Earth Day, April 22 this year. The ban is expected to take full effect by the end of this year, and the Commonwealth Litter Programme (CLiP) is helping the DOE to address the problem of marine plastic litter.

New law will regulate Mexican and Guatemalan buses entering Belize
The Belize Bus Association (BBA) has been up in arms trying to protect their routes within the country from foreign competition, allegedly Mexican and Guatemalan bus companies are transporting local passengers within Belize. This new measure came into effect on Wednesday, August 4th, when it was signed by the Minister of Transport, Honourable Edmond Castro. The SI aims to regulate the runs of foreign buses as well as those runs operated locally by the outside companies.

Various Belizean Sources

Diabetes self care project (Information & Health Fair)
Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 9 AM – 2 PM, Belize Diabetes Association, 27 7th Avenue, Corozal. This project is a joint effort between the Belize Diabetes Association (BDA) and the Ministry of Health funded through the International Diabetes Federation(IDF). The Diabetes Self-Care Management Project aims to to encourage Type 2 Diabetics through the help of Community Health Workers, Diabetes Supporters and Medical personnel, to practice a healthy lifestyle, and develop self-care management skills in order to prevent chronic complications so often seen in diabetics.

Corozal Dance Party
Dance party on Tuesday, September 10th from 11-4 at Alfred's condos. If you have never heard Legends before, you are in for a treat. Be prepared to dance to your favorite 70's and 80's music! We are pleased to announce that this event is being sponsored by Old Masters Rum. Bring your swimsuit to cool off in the pool. Tuesday is a public holiday so I hope to see all my Belizean friends there! 100% of the profits goes to spa or neuter animals belonging to Belizeans in Corozal In the first six months of this year, we fixed 112 animals and rehomed 46.

Carnival Road March 2019 Photos

YA’AXCHÉ PROVIDED ORGANIC BIOFERTILIZER TRAINING
Ya"axché continues providing organic biofertilizer production training to men, women and youth in the Maya Golden Landscape. Biofertilizers are organic, natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers used to increase the soil fertility to promote higher yields. The organic biofertilizer is an alternative to chemical fertilizers, still, widely used in the agriculture sector in Belize, despite the effects to soil biodiversity, human health, and the environment. Ya’axché works with small scale farmers in the Maya Golden Landscape (MGL) adopt climate-smart farming practices that helps protect the environment.

Breaking Belize News

Twenty Belizeans pursuing doctorate through new programme by Oklahoma State University
A group of 20 Belizeans who work within the education system has become the first cohort in a doctoral degree programme offered by the Oklahoma State University (OSU) College of Education, Health and Aviation.

Guatemala increases security presence at borders after drug traffickers kill soldiers
Things could get tense at the border for Belizean military and ranger personnel after the Government of Guatemala increased the presence of security forces along its border points in response to soldiers being killed by suspected drug traffickers.

Wet carnival day
As Belizeans prepare for the annual carnival road march, the National Meteorological Service of Belize advises that today’s weather conditions will be relatively moist.

Department of Environment informs of plans to improve the condition of New River
The Department of the Environment (DOE) issued a statement yesterday informing of the condition of the New River and update on the work that has and will continue to be done to address the situation as best as possible.

Destinee Arnold wins Miss Universe Belize 2019
Destinee Arnold won the title of Miss Universe Belize 2019. Arnold was crowned as the new Miss Universe Belize last night at the Belize City Civic Center.

NICH welcomes sponsorship from Taiwan for National September Celebrations
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) today announced that as the main coordinating body for the National September Celebrations, it welcomes the generous sponsorship from the Government of Taiwan.

Gun and ammunition found in San Ignacio
Yesterday, police and other agencies conducted searches on an abandoned lot located on Bullet Tree road in San Ignacio. There, they found a black plastic bag containing a box of (55) S&B brand of .38 special ammunition.

Videos

September 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

Caye Caulker Village to get new Craft Market
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in Caye Caulker Village to officially mark the start of construction of their new Craft Market on Wednesday, September 4th. Present at the ceremony was Area Representative and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr., Caye Caulker Chairperson Seleny Pott, representative of Caye Caulker Artisans Danira Enriquez, Director of Cruise and Destination Planning Noriko Gamero and other guests/artisan of the village. The new craft market is expected to be constructed in the Palapa Gardens Area of the village. It will be financed by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) as part of its ongoing efforts to develop and promote the cultural tourism product and increasing guest experience, satisfaction, and visitor spending.

Another delay in the ground-breaking for new schools on Ambergris Caye
Another school year has begun, and the ground-breaking ceremony for the schools planned for north of San Pedro Town has once again been delayed. It is now tentatively set to take place after the September celebrations. The ground-breaking had previously been scheduled for August, but that never happened. Area Representative for Belize Rural South and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr. said that the schools will be built, but that they need to finish preparing the site so construction can take place. He is anticipating for the construction of the schools to start sometime in October of this year. The project continues to see delay after delay. Heredia explained that the delay this time is because works are yet to be finished on the site and because the project in San Pedro is linked to a similar one in Caye Caulker.

SIB: 0.8% decline in the economy for the second quarter of 2019
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) has released their latest figures in the consumer price index, external trade and the 2nd quarter figures for the 2019 gross domestic product. According to the SIB, the country’s economy has declined by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter of 2019, while imports went up by 15.6% and domestic exports went up by 44.1 % for July 2019. For the 2nd quarter of 2019, SIB also reported that Belize’s economy saw a decrease of 0.08% in the overall production level when compared to the same period of 2018. The total value of goods and services produced in Belize was $687.9 million down by $5.8 million from $693.7 million produced in the 2nd quarter of 2018.

Blu Zen presents second phase of beachfront development in Caye Caulker
Tucked away on the northern side of Caye Caulker and facing the Belize Barrier Reef is the newly introduced real estate project named Blu Zen, which has completed the first of its three phases. On Friday, August 30th, a group of guests visited the beachfront development. They learned about its current finished premier facilities and amenities and were simultaneously introduced to the plans of Blu Zen’s second phase, capped off with an evening with food, drinks, and music.

Ambergris Today

Help Anthony Coleman Receive Prosthetic Arms
The Ambergris Caye Masonic Lodge is pleased to inform the public that island resident Anthony Coleman, has been accepted by the Shriner's Hospital in the United States. Anthony, a San Pedro High School student lost both arms in an accident. Consequently, Ambergris Caye Masonic Lodge has embarked on a mission of fitting him with a pair of prosthetic arms. Through fraternal relations between our Masonic Lodge and Shriner's Hospital, a date has been set for his first Hospital visit in the United States.

The Republic Of China (Taiwan) And Belize Celebrate 30 Years Of Diplomatic Relations
On the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), on Thursday, September 5, 2019, the National Assembly of Belize received a contribution of BZ$40,000.00 from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Honorable Laura Tucker indicated in her speech that the contribution will be used to acquire a new system that would improve the facilities used by the media houses who broadcast the proceedings of the Assembly.

Various Belizean Sources

FISHERIES & AQUACULTURE: OUTLOOK
Belize’s natural resources and strategic location provide diverse opportunities for investors seeking to capitalize on investments focused on quality and sustainability. Belize offers an ideal marine environment that has bolstered continued growth and diversification in the fisheries and aquaculture industry. Being located only 2 hours away by plane from the US and other key Central American and Caribbean markets has enabled the industry to supply fresh products on a weekly basis. This continues to provide many benefits to the industry’s continued development, allowing Fisheries an income earnings contribution of up to 1.2% of Belize’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2017.

Corozal 10th of September Celebrations
The Corozal Town Council invites everyone to join us for the Ceremonies for the 10th of September 2019 starting at 9:00 am Followed by the Citizens Parade. This will be the route of the parade where all citizens, civic, social and government institutions are welcome to join in. Lets celebrate together as one.

Kids Karaoke Sunday in Corozal

Corozal's Best Ever RUM, RIBS & RICE Tasting Contest
ONLY a WEEK AWAY! Tickets available at the door 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 13th at the Andres Campos Civic Center.

The Belize Tourism Board collaborated with Wanderlust Magazine
To host a Belizean food-themed reader event to drive engagement and interest in visiting Belize and sampling the country’s gastronomy first hand. This event provided an opportunity for Wanderlust readers to learn more about the Belize destination and thus create content for wider channels. Belize’s very own Chef Sean Kuylen demonstrated his unique skills, and readers sampled dishes while learning about the history and culture of gastronomy in Belize.

Stagnation of the New River: What is Being Done and the Prospect for Improvement
The public is advised on the condition of the New River and updated on the work that has and will continue to be done by the Department of the Environment to address the situation as best as possible. The Department of the Environment (DOE) has continuously monitored the effluent discharge throughout the country into waterways and the sea using the Effluent Limitations Regulations and the Environmental Protection Act as a legal basis. No industry is allowed to discharge toxic compounds in any concentration. Big and small industries are allowed, however, to discharge non-toxic compounds in concentrations that are considered safe for the environment. These compounds include nitrates, phosphates, dissolved organic matter and sulphates which are found in most industrial and household chemicals including surfactants, detergents and shampoos.

ZOOKEEPER VACANCY
The Belize Zoo is looking for a bright, energetic Belizean to join its Animal Management Department. Requirements: Belizean citizen; Minimum of a high school diploma; valid driver's license; strong command of the English language; ability to work as part of a team, and work flexible hours. Being bilingual, and having previous experience in animal husbandry would be assets.

Junior Miss Belize
Sunday, September 8, 2019 at 6 PM, Bliss Center for Performing Arts.

CHANGES IN THE SALE OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG)
On June 12th, 2019, the Supplies Control Unit (SCU) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce issued a press release which introduced the following: 1. Wholesale prices for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG); and 2. Retail prices for LPG by end user. In an effort to reaffirm the sale of LPG by volume and clarify any misinterpretation that may exist, the SCU sees it fit to hereby inform the public that the price paid for LPG is determined solely by the quantum purchased. This change now establishes threshold/limits for the sale of LPG by volume for both maximum retail and wholesale sales regardless of the end user. The SCU therefore informs the public that this change took effect on Friday August 30, 2019.

New Fire Chief says National Fire Service must be Adequately Equipped and Proactive
Belize’s New Fire Chief, Colin Gillett, having completed a tour of most of the National Fire Service’s facilities countrywide, says he is determined to have the service adequately equipped and proactive in executing its essential function of keeping Belize safe from fires and explosive hazards. Gillett, who is being accompanied on his working tour by CEO Ruth Meighan and other personnel from the Ministry of Transport and National Emergency Management, says that under his command the National Fire Service will place high priority on prevention, through public education and highly trained personnel.

Opening of September Celebration at the Central Park on Caye Caulker

Job Vacancy in Corozal
A position exists for an Internet Cafe Assistant! Interested applicants can apply in person at One Stop Solutions #26 Santa Rita Rd, Corozal Town during business hours. For further inquiries feel free to contact us at 422-0778.

Wildtracks Update
September is Manatee Month, and we have been preparing our three female manatees for soft release. Hope, Chicki and Callie were all caught yesterday and fitted with tail belts and soft release tags to ensure we can track them during their soft release phase. A huge thank you to both the Wildtracks Manatee and Primate Teams who came together to help with the captures, and to Andonys Arrivillaga of our partners, Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development - Belize, who provided support. It is great working with a crew that is able to ensure the process is smooth and as stress free as possible for the manatees!

Cyberbullying Forum
Yesterday, the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children in partnership the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, with technical assistance from the Equality & Justice Alliance (EJA), represented by the Human Dignity Trust, hosted a two part event, a Cyberbullying Forum and Technical Meeting entitled Advancing Cyberbullying Amendments to Belize’s Criminal Code. The Forum was held following approval from Cabinet for the drafting of amendments to the criminal code to criminalize cyberbullying. It is envisioned that provisions will be made for restitution for victims and higher penalties levied for aggravating circumstances, such as the age of the victim and the extortion committed.

The Mennonites Of Belize - A Brief History by Joseph Awe
In 1949, the then English colonial government in a bold move to install the large English owned company as the only large company of its type, the Belize Estate and Company, the colonial government devalued the British Honduras dollar (‘Belizean dollar’). This was a devastating blow to two large native-owned companies that were in the same type business of logwood and ‘Chicle’ (Chewing gum), which were at the core of the trade from British Honduras to the USA and England. It goes without saying that a native born resistance ensued. The first Belizean political Party was born via the General Workers Union, the People’s Committee. The peaceful revolution began. On his page we share videos of Belize Mennonites. By 1954 the Peoples United Party came through the gates swinging and won their first elections.

Anti Looting and Graffiti Poster Competition
In support of International Archaeology Day 2019, the Institute of Archaeology is launching a poster competition to combat graffiti and looting at sites across the country. This campaign seeks to promote the idea that these sites are national possessions for all citizens of Belize and that we are responsible for the protection of our cultural heritage. For more information on this competition please follow the link below. This competition is open to all school levels.

Channel 7

San Victor Violence Forced Cops to Run
Our headline story last night was about the eruption of violence in San Victor village in the Corozal District. Two civilians were shot and two police officers got head injuries - while a police patrol vehicle was badly damaged. Indeed, it was a mini riot and today, multiple police units descended on that village - to establish a strong presence of law and order, and to find the culprits. Here's the narrative we've put together of how the incident unfolded.

What's Happening At La Inmaculada Next Week?
And before the San Victor showdown, the big story coming out of the Orange Walk District this week was the cancellation of classes at La Immaculada, Orange Walk's biggest primary school. That's because the stench of the polluted New River is making them sick. The Ministry of Health has investigated the extent of the problem, and they have recommended that classes cannot operate at that location, under these conditions. But, school has to continue one way or the other - and so what's next? Well, there are now discussions to temporarily relocate the school, while the harmful effects the New River's pollution is being directly addressed by the Department of the Environment.

Faber Says He's Got Widespread UDP Support
Deputy PM Faber was more eager to entertain us on was the subject of the finer political details of his grand endorsement convention at the Belize Civic Center on last week Sunday. We counted only 9 UDP area representatives and standard bearers who showed up to the event, and we reported it as such. But, shortly after that story aired, several persons in Faber's camp contacted us to disagree, saying that there were more constituencies showing support than that. They say that Faber had the support, via area reps., standard-bearers AND delegates from 25 of the 31 constituencies at the endorsement convention. So this morning, we asked the Deputy PM to justify how they arrived at that figure.

Diglearn To The Future
The Digilearn program is one of the most ambitious flagship projects spearheaded by Digi. It's a partnership with the Ministry of Education to create a Digital Learning platform for high schoolers. The program incorporates the use of individual laptops, tablets, learning software, and a 500 meg internet connection for selected schools. In July, we told you about the pilot project and today the master service agreement between Digi and the Ministry of Education was signed. The agreement puts the program in operational phase and, today at the Ministry of Education, the outgoing BTL CEO said it's history in the making:

The Prison's Tower Of Power
The Belize Central Prison celebrated a milestone in its development today, the inauguration of a brand new prison tower. It was constructed by the prison's inmates in an area through which three inmates made a daring escape back in May. Cherisse Halsall attended the inauguration and here is that story. Cherisse Halsall reporting This 53 foot tower is the third to be constructed on the prison compound. The newly designed towers are being built to fill security gaps on the compound as well as to replace old, dilapidated and poorly constructed towers. The prison director told us more about bringing the concept of these towers to reality.

Family Spared In Camalote Fire
A house burned down today in Camalote village. Residents heard a loud boom and had just enough time to grab vital documents and dash out before the house erupted in flames. Tonight, pastor Floyd Neal and his family can only rely on relatives for shelter. He told us how he and his family lost everything in the fire.

Celebrating Reading, the Write Way
Over 50 years ago, UNESCO declared September 8th as International Literacy Day. That's Sunday, and the the global community of educators will observe it under the theme, "Literacy and Multilingualism". It's a day set aside to acknowledge the importance of the ability to read and write, and how these skills are necessary for the development of the world's youths. In Belize, the Ministry of Education observed it today. Activities were held all around the country, and, in Belize City, Education Minister Patrick Faber held a special literacy event at the Unity Presbyterian Primary School, which is located in his constituency.

New Fire Chief Is Natural Resources Specialist
The press asked Faber about the recent appointment of Colin Gillett as the New Fire Chief. Gillett, formerly of the Coastal Zone Management Authority and NEMO took up the post on July 22nd, 2019 without much fanfare. We asked Faber how they selected Gillett, who is not from within the ranks of the Fire Department: Hon. Patrick Faber - Deputy Prime Minister: "I congratulate my colleague, Minister Castro, and I congratulate Mr. Colin Gillett, who I know to be very capable. Colin and I were classmates together at St. John's College, so, I have no doubt in his abilities, and I congratulate him on this appointment."

Bail For Remanded Coast Guard
All this week we've been reporting on 23 year old Coast Guardsman Brian Orellano. He was charged with wounding and discharging a firearm in public. It's a firearm offence, so the lawman was remanded. Well, tonight he is out on Supreme Court bail, with several conditions. First, he is not to interfere or communicate with the complainants. Another condition is that he is not to communicate in any way with any of the prosecution witness or witnesses. He must also report to Belmopan Police Station every Friday until the matter is completed; and he is to attend Belmopan Magistrate's Court on November 7 and on any other adjourned date until the case is disposed of.

Belizean Shrimp is Ethical and Sustainable
Belizean shrimp is still trying to rebound from being wiped out by a viral infection in 2015 - but, the rare bit of good news is that - according to the experts - the world's most ethical and sustainable shrimp comes from Belize. A program called the "Aquaculture Stewardship Certification", which sets standards for environmental sensitivity, reduced use of chemicals and antibiotics, and excludes child labor, while achieving a positive impact on local communities has given Belize's shrimp industry a high rating.

CPR For Primary Schoolers
Learning CPR isn't a standard part of a school's curriculum but the kids at St. John's Vianney Primary School got a lesson from BERT trainers today. We stopped by to see the kids in action and find out why it's important that they learn this life saving procedure. Leon Seguro, Trainer, BERT: "For the entire month of September, not just St. John's Vianney, BERT is giving back to society and at the same time enhancing our values. BERT can't reach everywhere and can't get there in a heart beat so basically what we are doing is teaching the students how to start hands only CPR and to be able to maintain until the ambulance gets there so at the end of the day it is a mutual benefit for everybody and so we have been doing this across the country. It started in Corozal and we will be ending this year in Stann Creek so there are multiple schools we are going to, to teach them the basic hands only CPR which consist of chest compressions, teaching them how to do it correctly and to recognize it and get it started."

Don't Be High and Drive the September
September is the month when Belizeans party and celebrate The Tenth and Independence. Tonight there is the Wet fete, which goes right into the Jouvert morning, and tomorrow afternoon, the Carnival Road March hits the streets of Belize City. With all that celebrating, many will be indulging in alcohol and marijuana - both legal drugs. And, to remind the public to consume responsibly, the National Drug Abuse Control Council held a week-long campaign against driving under the influence of drugs.

Once More Unto The Mas Camp!
But, that message of moderation is for motorists, not revelers who will be doing their thing on foot, on the streets of Belize City. Carnival Day begins early tomorrow morning with the J'ouvert and continues later on with the Carnival road March. Last night Wilson Grinage and Codie Norales made their final trip to the Mas Camps - and here's what they saw:

Taiwan Donates Again
And in more September news, the government of Taiwan is again donating to the Celebration season. Today the Taiwanese Ambassador Remus Li-Kuo Chen made a donation to the President of NICH Sapna Budhrani. But, a weirdly worded press release does not disclose the value of the donation, and only says the contribution will, quote, "help support many cultural events and activities throughout Belize."

Rotary and Puma Provide Scholarships
And, finally tonight, the Rotary club of Belize sunrise and Puma Energy have partnered to provide 25 scholarships to students and graduates of the St. John Vianney primary school. We attended one of their scholarship ceremonies two days ago as they provided scholarships to five students starting high-school at ACC. Representatives from both organizations told us more about how they came together for the cause. Dr. Selma Bermudez, President Rotary Club of Belize: "It's a tuition scholarship so it's the price of the tuition that the schools have. We will also help with mentoring, tutoring if need be so it's all accumulative."

Channel 5

Tensions escalated in San Victor Village when two men were injured in a shooting with the police
The village of San Victor is located off the Philip Goldson Highway in the Corozal District.  Its strategic location in proximity of the Rio Hondo has converted it into a [...]

Police issues an official report on the incident
Late this evening police issued an official report saying that Police were on patrol in the Village around five o’clock on Thursday evening. As they neared the river, they saw [...]

New River Crisis Task Force Formed
A task force has been formed to monitor and address the New River crisis that has not only left students and teachers sick in Orange Walk Town, but also disrupted [...]

Task Force to Look at Permanent Solution to New River Crisis
According to D.O.E., the New River catchment is currently facing the worst drought seen in recent times. This drought was forecasted by the National Meteorological Service which has collected data [...]

Education Minister Speaks on Effects of New River Crisis on Students
The Department of Environment is now moving swiftly to address the New River crisis that continues to plague the community of Orange Walk. The health of the New River has [...]

New River’s Health Deteriorating
The heavy stench emanating from the New River has spread to a large portion of Orange Walk Town, affecting thousands of its residents. The Department of Environment has embarked in [...]

Brian Orellana Out on $10,000 Bail
Coastguard officer Brian Orellana was granted and met bail in the Supreme Court this morning where he appeared before Justice Herbert Lord in the presence of attorney Hurl Hamilton. The [...]

Accused Kidnapper and Sexual Predator Out on Bail
Bartolo Shish stands accused of forcibly abducting a teenage minor and sexually assaulting her. The incident happened at the Welcome Center in San Ignacio where the fifteen-year-old girl was allegedly [...]

A New Watchtower in Inaugurated at Belize Central Prison
Prison authorities are strengthening security at the central facility located on the Hattieville Road. The number of escapes or attempts to flee by brazen inmates has presented a challenge to [...]

Another charged for being a Member of a Gang
A number of persons have been dragged to court and charged for being members of gangs. One such person who appeared this morning in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court is [...]

Godwin Flowers charged for Dangerous Harm upon Oliver Rodriguez
Godwin Flowers, a messenger of Curassow Street, Belize City was taken to the court this morning to be arraigned for charges of dangerous harm and use of deadly means of [...]

25 Constituencies Were Represented at Patrick Faber’s Leadership Launch
Turning to politics, on Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber officially launched his bid to lead the ruling United Democratic Party. He is set to go against Belmopan Area Representative [...]

Colin Gillett is Belize’s New Fire Chief
Colin Gillett has been appointed as Belize’s new fire chief. His post became effective on July twenty-second, 2019 and he takes over from Ted Smith. The forty-two-year-old holds a Master’s [...]

International Literacy Day 2019; Literacy and Multilingualism
Today, the Ministry of Education launched International Literacy Day 2019 which focused on ‘Literacy and Multilingualism.’ The day is celebrated annually and gives governments, civil society and stakeholders the opportunity [...]

“The world’s most ethical and sustainable shrimp comes from Belize”
The Inter-American Development Bank has hailed Belize’s shrimp as the most ethical and sustainable. According to the I.D.B., Belize has taken the lead in producing socially and environmentally responsible shrimp. [...]

Mas Camp ready for Saturdays Road March
Mas camps 2019 ended with a bang on Thursday night with a visit to three camps and another that won’t compete but is playing mas. From patriotic themes to the [...]

A Brief Look at the Evolution of Carnival
To wrap up our coverage of Mas Camp 2019, we take a brief look at the evolution of carnival. Here is Brent Lopez.   Brent Lopez, Reporitng The festive event [...]

CDF Provides US$3.3M in Loans to GOB for Sustainable Development Strategy
A loan agreement to finalize the approval of a six million dollar credit line and two grants amount to six hundred thousand dollars under the CARICOM Development Fund’s Second Cycle [...]

MOE and DIGI sign MSA for DigiLearn
The Ministry of Education and Digi today signed an agreement as part of an initiative to roll out a new education tool across the country. Digi-Learn is a non-profit organization [...]

Amandala

Waterloo wants to build cruise port facility
according to a Facebook post from its chairperson, Minister Tracy Taegar-Panton. The CSCI reviewed some investment projects that Minister Taegar-Panton said had a total value of some 500 million US dollars. While Minister Tracy Taegar-Panton boasted on her Facebook page about the meeting, she did not provide any details about who or what was involved in the US 500-million dollar investment. Amandala has learned, however, that a company, Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited (WIHL), based in the Turks and Caicos Islands, has proposed building a cruise port facility alongside the Belize Port Limited, which has been in receivership for a number of years.

Polluted New River forces school’s closure
For several weeks now, as the country continues to be affected by a severe drought, attention has been focused on the New River, which has become loaded with chemicals and pollutants that have caused tons of fish to die, leaving a putrid smell around various areas of the river in the Orange Walk District. The Department of the Environment (DOE) has confirmed that there is no one entity that is responsible for the tragic state of the New River. Furthermore, no one has suffered any penalty for polluting the river, because the DOE relies on the voluntary compliance of the ASR/BSI, the largest industry which uses the river in its operations.

Kimberly Santos Queen of the Bay 2019 – 2020
The Queen of the Bay pageant was held last Friday night at the Bliss Institute, where seven beautiful young ladies competed for the prestigious title of the Miss Queen of the Bay. In the end, however, Kimberly Santos, Miss Queen of the West, representing the Cayo District, won the title. She will be crowned Miss Queen of the Bay on September 10, during the official September 10 ceremonies at the Memorial Park, after which she will take part in the Citizens’ Parade throughout the principal streets of the city.

Belize Bus Association and government reach agreement on regulating foreign buses
This afternoon, officials from the Ministry of Transport and stakeholders from the tourism industry met with the leaders of the Belize Bus Association (BBA) and the Taxi Association to chart a way forward to regulate foreign buses coming into Belize from neighboring Mexico and Guatemala. The BBA had threatened a nationwide shutdown of the country’s transportation system if they could not reach an agreement with government. The BBA and government had already agreed on the position espoused by the BBA, but an important constituent partner was not on board, that is, stakeholders from the tourism industry.

Students not allowed into school compound until 8:30 a.m.
The gates at the St. Matthew’s Government School compound were locked on Monday so that students who went to school early could not get into the school yard like they usually do. They had to wait outside until 8:30 a.m., when the gates were opened. Many parents were alarmed about what they considered a lack of consideration for the students. Shakeera Berry, the principal of the school, told the media that the people of the village should not have been alarmed because in June, they held a parents-teachers meeting in which the early arrival of the students to the school was discussed, and there was no objection to the policy of the school.

Suicide Prevention Day September 10
World Suicide Prevention Day will be observed in Belize on Tuesday, September 10. It is a day of hope, to remind people that no one should die by suicide, that those who desire to take their life can be helped. On Monday, September 9, the Suicide Prevention Day Flag will be raised during a ceremony at Wesley College on Yarborough Road in Belize City, and flags will also be raised at high school compounds throughout the country, at small ceremonies.

Belize Bank Bulldogs are National Female Softball Champions 2019
Softball fans from across the country turned out in numbers at Rogers Stadium over the weekend, as eight female softball teams, two each from Stann Creek (Independence United and Placencia), Cayo (defending champion Unitedville Rebels United and Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy), Belize Rural (Burrell Boom and Bermudian Landing) and Belize City (Belize Bank Bulldogs and Digi), engaged in a double-elimination National Tournament over three days, beginning on Friday evening and continuing from 9:00 a.m. daily on Saturday and Sunday. And when, after 14 games played, it was over on Sunday night, Belize Bank Bulldogs were crowned 2019 National Female Softball Champions, after winning, 10-3, by the Mercy Rule over Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy, who were thus eliminated with their second loss, while the Bulldogs remained undefeated in the tournament.

Cricket Corner – Belize Defence Force (BDF) Cricket Team is Belize National Cricked Champion
Hello, cricket players, fans and supporters! My pleasure continues in giving stats about the sport we so loved and enjoyed watching or playing. I start by thanking the sports sponsor for this season – Bowen and Bowen company. Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association, the Sir Barry Bowen/ Harrison Parks Cricket Competition continued over the weekend with a tie-breaker for first place in the finals – Wicked 11 vs BDF. Both of these teams have played their hearts out, wanting to win the right to boast of being the boss overall.

Table Tennis – 2019 Brodies Strong & Weak Doubles Tournament
The Belize Elementary School auditorium was the stage for the 2019 Brodies Strong & Weak Doubles Tournament this Saturday, August 31. The competition started with 13 doubles pairs competing in a Double Elimination format, in which each pair was comprised of a “strong & weak” player. The top 20 ranked players were not allowed to make a pair, and therefore had to select a player from the 21 ranking position and below, making for a very evenly matched competition.

FFB Youth Inter-District Tournaments update
Saturday, August 31 results At Isidoro Beaton Stadium, Belmopan won, 3-1, over Orange Walk. Belmopan – Heidy Lopez (11’) and Roshanny Navaez (22’ & 28’); Orange Walk – Josefin Reyes (36’). At M.A. Stadium in Independence, Stann Creek bombed Toledo, 9-0. Stann Creek – Khalydia Velasquez (3’, 14’ & 68’), Cenia Apolonio (6’, 20’ & 51’), Shamika Lambey (47’ & 66’) and Jessie Mclaughlyn (63’).

Editorial: Our thoughts are with the Bahamians
Our brothers and sisters in the Bahamas have just come through a storm the likes of which few have ever experienced. For almost two days a Category 5 hurricane hammered some sections of that country, and the devastation is enormous. Preliminary reports are that there has been loss of life, and on the Abaco and Grand Bahama Islands more than 50% of the houses have been totally destroyed. These hurricanes are getting worse. In 1998, just over 20 years ago, Hurricane Mitch battered the island of Guanaja (also called Bonnaca) in Honduras for nearly two days. The US has been hard hit the past few years, and in 2017 Hurricane Irma leveled Barbuda, and Hurricane Maria brutalized Dominica and Puerto Rico.

We in the Caribbean must help ourselves
Dear Editor, As of 11 p.m. ET, September 2, 2019, Hurricane Dorian was a category 4 storm battering the Bahamas. At least 5 people were killed in Abaco when it hit the Bahamas as a category 5 hurricane with wind speed of 185 mph on September 1 in the afternoon. It’s a historic tragedy that needs analysis and assistance. A total of 35 tropical cyclones have reached Category 5 in the Atlantic Ocean north of the Equator, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Only in 1932, 1933, 1961, 2005, 2007 and 2017 has more than one Category 5 hurricane formed.

Find your courage, Belizeans!
Dear Editor, Rowland A. Parks reporting on the children being turned away from their first day of classes (September 4) is so infuriating, so illustrative of the completely failed country that Belize has become and so anger-inducing that I can barely see straight. What is wrong with you Belizeans that you can allow anything like this to be a part of your culture? The only solution is for the entire country to unite and declare “I’m not going to take this anymore!’

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Red Cross launch wheelchair project
Dear Editor, The Church of Latter Day Saints through the Belize Red Cross has embarked on a much needed and welcomed project that will see the quality of life improve for many Belizeans. For many years the church has been donating wheelchairs to needy Belizeans, and this year, it has been taken up another notch. Along with almost 400 chairs, the church is also providing technical support to those who receive a chair. Technicians from each district have gone through a four-day training which includes information gathering on each applicant so that they can customize each chair to fit the physical needs of the particular person.

A NATION COMPROMISED … by the corrupted hearts of men!
I listen, I read, I discuss and I see that we are a nation compromised. I write my thoughts down because I am only voicing what many people have thought and said. You see, we the people have allowed this compromised state for too long, but collectively we belong to an abused nation, where, like any cycle of abuse, we have not broken the cycle. We keep allowing the abuse in every form. All the wrongs, illegality, impropriety, corruption etc. of this present government are now justified by saying that the PUP did like wrongs, illegality, impropriety, corruption etc., thus, we cannot point fingers at the UDP. That is the theory of staunch UDP supporters and well-known apologists. They make the most noise and list all the wrongs of the PUP as if to nullify the continued abuse of power and poor governance of the present UDP. So here is my take on that!:

We know September is here because the kwaarils done begin
September in Belize is supposed to be a time of unity, and the story we have is that, except for 1919 and 1934 when there was major unrest, it was that way after we began to celebrate the Centenary in 1898. It was shoulder-to-shoulder in our Septembers up until 1950, when we began to take charge of our destiny. Then, our Septembers became like June 1797, when there was that explosive vote that gave the first birth to our nation. If the present says anything about the past, you have to feel that after the vote was taken, some philistines for “pick up your things and run from Spain” said: this noh done ya. Hart Tillett, in his historical novel, Exiles No More, did a great job elaborating on how the non-black side of our ancestry arrived at the monumental decision to stay, and his other historical novel, Reef A-fire, did an equally good job telling how they came together to defend against the invader.

The New River is comatose
Our once very beautiful New River in Orange Walk Town is on its death-bed, barely clinging to life at the Environmental Hospital of Belize. Mortally wounded mostly by the activities of BSI/ASR, the New River is on life support. The putrid smell of her bedsores and the overpowering stench of death can be smelled for miles away. Dr. Government of Belize and Nurse Department of the Environment know exactly what has happened, but seem to be pretty much unconcerned, or unable to restore her to her health. The spokesman for the Environmental Hospital of Belize, in a press conference, has tried to water away blame from the main culprit, saying that damage to the New River is due to agricultural runoffs (fertilizers and pesticides) from farming activities near to the river, and industrial activities (one rum distillery, a nearby tortilla factory and a logging operation).

Crisis at Youth Hostel
On the night of Thursday, August 22, there was unrest at the Princess Royal Youth Hostel at Mile 23 on the George Price Highway, and police were called in. On their arrival at the premises of the hostel, unruly girls at the institution threw rocks and other missiles at the police vehicle, breaking its windshield and causing other damages to the vehicle. After this incident, six of the girls, ages ranging from 14 to 17 years, managed to escape from the compound. Police and the administrators of the hostel collaborated and the six girls were recaptured and returned to the hostel.

Rafael Usher, 27, dies 1 month after gun attack
Rafael Usher, 27, of Arlington Drive, lost the fight for his life at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital at about 9:00 yesterday morning due to complications resulting from gunshot injuries to the chest and abdomen (he had also been shot in the thigh and buttocks). His mother, Desiree Flowers Usher, said doctors told her that his kidney, spleen, and pancreas were damaged and had been rendered useless, and that he also suffered many other internal injuries. Usher’s mother said he underwent five major surgeries, and that she believes that the doctors did what they could to help him, but the multiple injuries from the bullets were too severe.

HIV-positive woman takes out constitutional claim for wrongful termination
In 2011, the Government of Belize amended the Labor Act and made provision for the establishment of a Labor Complaints Tribunal that would have the authority to hear cases referred to it. The Labor Complaints Tribunal, a creature of legislation, was never established. This, therefore, left persons with labor-related issues without any alternative but to seek redress through the courts in civil claims. That is what a woman did when she filed a fixed-date constitutional claim at the Supreme Court for a wrongful termination. Claim No. 296 of 2019 has named the Minister of Labor, Local Government and Rural Development as the first defendant, and the Attorney General as the second defendant.

Amazon fires put one million indigenous people at risk
A million indigenous people living in the jungles of the Amazon are in imminent danger due to the severe forest fires that ravage the region, which has lost more than 500,000 hectares in the last three weeks. In particular, following the catastrophe, in the indigenous territory of Arariboia in the Maranhão Amazon, the Awá people run the risk of disappearing. The Awás live without contact with the outside world and are one of the last isolated indigenous peoples on the planet. Because of this wave of fires, which is more than 20 days old, indigenous peoples have been forced to declare a state of environmental and humanitarian emergency due to the impact of fire on the ecosystem and its surrounding communities.

LOVE FM

Is mercury still contaminating the fish?
In May, an assessment of the Macal River was done to test for methyl mercury. John Bodden, the lead Public Health Inspector, said that the results from the assessment showed that methyl mercury was found at elevated levels in only two kinds of fish, one of which was bay snook. John Bodden, Public Health Inspector, …

Family is Camalote loses home to fire
A Church pastor and his family in Camalote Village, Cayo District are currently dealing with the aftermath of a fire that completely destroyed their home. Our Cayo Correspondent, Fem Cruz, spoke to a member of the family shortly after the fire. Fem Cruz, Cayo Correspondent : A family of five from the village of Camalote …

MOE inspectors to visit Mount Carmel Preschool
Another school that faced its share of issues is Mount Carmel Preschool in Benque Viejo, Cayo District. Our news team traveled to the school to learn that the Ministry of Education denied its license application because the bathrooms were a distance away from the classrooms. When we last spoke to the school’s manager, we were …

Schools not allowed to deny children access
On Monday, while primary schools countrywide were open, as many as 200 students from Ladyville Seventh Day Adventist Primary School were reportedly not allowed into class. Our newsroom understood that the children all had overdue school fees, but parents were not aware that they had to arrange a payment plan. According to Chief Education Officer …

Alleged child abductor out on bail
45-year-old Bartolo Shish was arrested and charged on September 4 for forcible abduction and sexual assault. He was accused of kidnapping a minor from San Ignacio and taking her to Belize City, touching her inappropriately along the way. He spent very little time behind bars as his attorney, Hurl Hamilton, confirmed to Love News today …

New Fire Chief, will things improve?
In a move that some may speculate as jumping from the frying pan into the fire, Nemo’s former Deputy National Emergency Coordinator, Colin Gillett, has been named National Fire Chief. Love News got an extended interview with Gillett today, but first we spoke to Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber, about the appointment, since Gillett is …

Alleged abuse at Stella Maris School
A mother’s worst fears have been realized after she discovered her child is allegedly being abused at Stella Maris Primary School. While her child had not been diagnosed with a learning disability, he was learning at a slower pace than other students, leading her to enroll him at the school. She would never have imagined …

New River saved soon? Lets Hope.
The New River in Orange Walk has been a hot topic for the past few months. The river is in a dire state, and residents are now dealing with a strong stench and potential health risk. OW South Area representative, Jose Mai, has joined a task force created by Omar Figueroa, Minister of State in …

Faber discusses the situation with La Inmaculada RC School
La Inmaculada RC School in Orange Walk Town has been closed due to the stench from the nearby New River that is making the students and teachers ill. Today, we caught up with the Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, at another event where he discussed the closure of the school. Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of …

Coast Guard out on bail
Hurl Hamilton also spoke to us about another client, 23-year-old Brian Orellana, who was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, one count of wounding and one count of discharging a firearm in public. Hamilton told us that Orellana has also been released on bail. Hurl Hamilton, Attorney: “We were able to secure bail for …

Chief Education Officer explains closure of La Inmaculada
On Wednesday, the decision was made to close the doors of the La Inmaculada RC School in Orange Walk Town. Love News covered the story throughout the day as students and teachers complained of feeling ill as a result of the stench from the nearby New River. Ministry of Health inspectors were called in, and the recommendation was given to send students home...

Chief Education Officer explains closure of La Inmaculada
On Wednesday, the decision was made to close the doors of the La Inmaculada RC School in Orange Walk Town. Love News covered the story throughout the day as students and teachers complained of feeling ill as a result of the stench from the nearby New River. Ministry of Health inspectors were called in, and …

Breaking Belize News

4 police officers injured after confrontation with villagers in Corozal
On Thursday, September 5, 2019, about 5 p.m., police were conducting patrols in San Victor, […]

More weather concerns as the year comes to a close says Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology
The Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), in its recently released newsletter, highlighted several […]

Illegal gillnets being set in Moho River
Wil Maheia of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) is calling on the Fisheries Department to […]

Police investigate shooting incident in Corozal
Authorities are in San Victor, Corozal investigating a shooting incident that occurred yesterday afternoon. Police […]

Department of Environment to form task force to monitor and tackle issue at New River
The Department of the Environment (DOE) today issued a statement informing all Belizeans of the […]

Belize celebrate Literacy Day 2019
Today is being commemorated as Literacy Day. The Ministry of Education and schools countrywide planned […]

1st time ever Cayo Jouvert to be held on September 10
For the first time ever in San Ignacio Town, the San Ignacio and Santa Elena […]

Belize has the fifth-highest homicide rate in the region says new UN report
Belize has the fifth-highest homicide rate in the Americas according to the latest comprehensive report […]

Colin Gillett is Belize’s new national fire service chief
Belize’s new national fire service chief, Colin Gillett, having completed a tour of most of the […]

Unstable weather expected in the weekend
The National Meteorological Service of Belize says that today’s weather will be slightly moist and […]

SMART donates computers to St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School
Saint Peters Anglican Primary School in Orange Walk received 2 brand new computers yesterday. During […]

Belizean authorities shot alleged merchandise traffickers
Novedades Quintana Roo, a Mexican media outlet is reporting that Belizean authorities shot alleged merchandise traffickers near […]

Blogs

Celebrate Belize during September Celebrations
It’s September, and every Belizean (at home or abroad) is feeling extra patriotic. With two of our most honored national holidays, September is Belize’s month – it’s time to celebrate our little jewel by the Caribbean Sea. This year’s 2019 September Celebrations will see festivities commemorating the 221st anniversary of the Battle of St. George Caye and 38th year of independence. Preparations for the celebration have been underway for months, and we are gearing up for the big days! Our 2019 September Celebrations theme is “From Maya Grandeur to Modern Glory, Together Let’s Shape the Belizean Story.”

International Sources

Security Alert issued by the US Embassy for Guatemala
On Wednesday, September 4, 2019 following the deaths of three Guatemalan Marines in Izabal, President Morales announced a State of Siege affecting the Department of Izabal and 22 additional municipalities. Accordingly, the U.S. Embassy has restricted travel by Embassy personnel to the affected areas effective immediately.

Catalysing change
I had just obtained my diving certification a few months prior and was visiting my mother who was working in the region for the UN. I remember chugging out in the small boat to an area north-east of Ras Muhammed, the southern-most point of the Sinai peninsula where the Gulf of Aquaba meets the Gulf of Suez in the Red Sea. We were told that our drift dive would take us past a wall and onto a platform where we would ascend. The current took us flying past a stunning wall that I subsequently found out plunges to a kilometre in depth, only to slow and nearly halt once we had passed it. There out in the blue, were sharks. I’m not entirely sure what got ahold of me but it was the first time I had seen sharks in the wild. I swam towards them.

Honduras joins high-level dialogue on marine litter and waste management in Caribbean
The conference was organised by the UK through the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and funded by the UK government through the Department of the Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs (Defra), and the Commonwealth Litter Programme (CLiP). The Coordinator of the River Motagua Project at the Secretary of Environment, Kessel Rosales represented Honduras. The dialogue provided an opportunity to share knowledge, experience and best practices from across the region on prevention and mitigation of marine litter, with the aim of building regional consensus towards a collective response to this challenge.

Caribbean Heat Season to be Marked by Increased Heatwaves
The Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) with many regional countries in long term drought situations, this year’s Caribbean heat season will be marked by increased heatwaves and associated heat stress in vulnerable sections of the population. In its Caribbean Climate Outlook Newsletter released here, CIMH said that many areas in the Caribbean are in long term drought. It noted that during the period May to July, “seasonal temperatures were mostly above-average, with all-time records broken in June in Cuba and Jamaica”.

Videos

September 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

Heredia and Environmentalist weigh-in on the mangrove clearing south of San Pedro Town
Many island residents are concerned about the clearing of mangroves that is happening south of San Pedro Town as it plays a negative impact on the environment and the tourism industry. The area is west of the Mosquito Coast area, near the WASA Lagoon, and the mangrove clearing is being conducted because it is intended to be a new sub-division. Not only are residents concerned about the wildlife being dispersed in the area but are also concerned with the health hazards that come with the illegal dumping of trash as landfill that can affect the environment and people living nearby.

Paradise Guy and Professional American bodybuilder team up with local athletes to raise fitness awareness
With the aim to promote active and healthy living, a group of sports enthusiasts participated in a fitness challenge on Saturday, August 31st on the rooftop of French Kiss Restaurant. The activity was organized by American National and island resident, Real Estate veteran and former duathlete William Narod aka The Paradise Guy, along with US professional bodybuilder Melissa Pearo. The fun event challenged participants in a wide range of fitness obstacles, closing with an anticipated bodybuilder match between Paradise Guy Narod and Pearo.

Flag Raising kicks-off September celebrations in San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town welcomed the patriotic month of September by paying tribute to Belize with the annual flag-raising ceremony. Held on Sunday, September 1st at 6AM outside The San Pedro Town Council, the event saw the presence of many Belizeans, local authorities and a troop of cadets, who proudly sang the Belizean National Anthem while the flag was hoisted. The flag-raising officially launched the several patriotic activities planned for September throughout the country culminating with Independence Day on September 21st. During the event in San Pedro Town, Mayor Daniel Guerrero commended everyone who came out early to witness the patriotic event. He told them of the importance to honour and respect the Belizean flag and wished a safe and fun September celebrations to all Belizeans.

Belize to implement the REDD+ Project initiatives
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, and Immigration through the National Climate Change Office is implementing the Readiness Preparation Project (REDD+). REDD+ is a global initiative to combat climate change by reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation by fostering conservation, sustainable management of forests, and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

Ambergris Today

Belize Minister Of Transport Signs New Statutory Instrument Regarding International Buses
On Wednesday, September 4, 2019, in Belmopan, Minister of Transport Honorable Edmond Castro signed a new Statutory Instrument to regulate international buses from neighboring countries (Guatemala and Mexico) entering Belize, in accordance with agreements reached among representatives from the Ministry and Department of Transport, the Belizean Bus Association and Taxi Federation, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Attorney General Office, and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce.

Caye Caulker To Get New Craft Market
A ground breaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, September 4, 2019, to officially mark the start of construction of the new Caye Caulker Craft Market. During the short ceremony, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, said “the project comes at a very opportune time. Caye Caulker, also known affectionately as La Isla Cariñosa, received approximately 143,539 tourism visits in 2017 and 178,133 visits in 2018.

Various Belizean Sources

Benque Neighborhood Watch Summer Camp
The Benque Viejo Zone 4 neighborhood Watch Program celebrates the 12th annual Children’s Summer Camp benefiting the community children, at the traditional Venue Sam’s Community Park, a multi-purpose facility centrally located in Benque Viejo on Mr. Sam Bruce’s private property. Snack’s & juices & Water; were handed out daily to all by the Zone Captain Mr. Bruce, then on graduation day a special rice & beans & chicken dinner was given out to all with a large cup of Cola, prepared by zone 4 volunteers Ms. Criselda Diaz & Vicenta Chay.

FFB Says National Team unable to participate in match at French Guina
The Football Federation of Belize regrets to inform the Belizean public that the National Team was unable to travel to French Guiana to participate in the Concacaf Nations League match against French Guiana scheduled for the 5'h of September 2019. The Federation takes this opportunity to inform the public that circumstance beyond the control of the FFB caused such. In order to play the away game in French Guiana and make it back home on time to play the home match on September Eilh, 2019, the Federation chartered a flight. On Wednesday August 251h. 2019, FFB officials were informed that the aircraft that had recently been contracted was damaged when being moved to safety from then TS Dorian. The following update received on Thursday morning was that said aircraft could not be repaired in time for the Jaguar's flight. Another private jet was chartered with the logistical help of Concacaf, however it was unable to get landing permits to land in French Guiana.

Belize Ma'alob k'iin
This will be cooked underground to create the Ch'ookob (Sopas). The Ch'ookob is blessed by the H-MEN (Maya priest) during the holy Ch'a Cháak ritual done in the Northern Maya community of San Jose .

South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch General Meeting September 11
We invite everyone to join us at Someplace South Cafe Bar for our regular monthly meeting. The menu for the evening includes meat lasagna with Caesar salad and garlic bread. Or if you prefer quesadilla or tacos. Please come early and support Someplace South and thank them for opening for dinner just for us!

Donation from Taiwan for broadcasting the proceedings of the Assembly
On the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the National Assembly of Belize today received a contribution of BZ$40,000.00 from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The official handing over of the contribution was done by His Excellency Remus Li-Kuo Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), to the Honourable Laura Tucker-Longsworth, Speaker of the House of Representatives, during a handing over ceremony held at the foot of the National Assembly Building in Belmopan. The Honourable Laura Tucker indicated in her speech that the contribution will be used to acquire a new system that would improve the facilities used by the media houses who broadcast the proceedings of the Assembly.

MEETING TOWARDS FINALIZING PLANS FOR BOSTON WATER SYSTEM
This week, discussions took place in Belmopan towards finalizing plans to extend water services to the Village of Boston on the Old Northern Highway. Boston is one of only three small villages in Belize Rural North that do not enjoy adequate water services, the other two being Bomba and Maypen. When the current administration took office and Hon Edmond Castro became Area Representative for Belize Rural North in 2008, only 5 of the 23 villages in Belize Rural North had functioning water systems.

Cleft Lip & Palate Surgery
The Western Health Region will be providing cleft lip/palate repair surgeries during the first week of November of this year. Any patient country-wide can access this free service. For further information please call 804-2761.

CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) provides US$3.3M in concessional support to the Government of Belize to implement its Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy
The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), the Government of Belize (GOB) and the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) this week executed a Loan Agreement to seal the approval of a US$3.0 million (BZE$6.0 million) Credit Line and two Grant Agreements totalling US$0.3million (BZE$0.6 million) under the CDF’s Second Cycle Country Assistance Program (CAP) for Belize. The credit line will be used to provide financing at competitive interest rates to eligible projects in the productive sector including in agriculture, manufacturing, agro-industry, commercial fishing, cultural industries, tourism and related services, with emphasis on small and medium-sized businesses with gender equity, energy efficiency, and climate resilience focus.

Belize’s first ever Tiki Festival
Courtesy Belize Tourism Board - Interested in the art that is mixology? Say hello to Belize’s first ever Tiki Festival, a competition organized by Emir Sosa of Corozal Town, a.k.a the Belizean Artisan Mixologist. The event to be held from October 24th-26th at The Ramada Princess, Belize City, is featuring master classes from mixologists of Central and South America, giving Belizean bartenders innovative tools to complement the demands of the tourism industry. With local products and international flair, as well as a ‘best bartender’ competition, this event is uniquely Belizean of which BTB is a proud sponsor.

BEL Holiday Hours
BEL Offices will be opened from 8:00am to 2:00pm on Monday, September 9 and Friday, September 20, 2019.

Benque HoC Anniversary 18th Concert
Happy anniversary, Benque HoC! They're celebrating their 18th year this weekend. They'll have a concert on Saturday at Centennial Park, and a Social Day all day Friday at the HoC.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Jacob's Ladder, A Dog's Journey, The Dead Don't Die, Dark Phoenix.

"The history and evolution of the Belize Flag" Lecture Sept. 17th
When was the original emblem of the flag first used in Belize? Join us at the upcoming National Lecture on "The history and evolution of the Belize Flag" on Tuesday September 17, 2019 at 8:00 PM. The presentation will be delivered by our director, Nigel Encalada. This is an annual lecture carried out in collaboration with the Belize History Association and the National September Celebrations Committee. Join us at the Bliss Center in Belize City or tune in on Facebook and Radio for a Live Broadcast.

Channel 7

Contraband Confrontation in San Victor! - Cops Come Under Attack, Fire Back
San Victor village in the Corozal District is notorious as outlaw territory, where contraband smugglers hold their ground against Customs and Police.  In fact, in 2009, Customs shot and killed a man in San Victor - as they came under attack.   And, today, reports say the same thing happened.  It occurred at around 4:30 when Police from the Anti Narcotics Unit which had intercepted a truck full of contraband was stoned by the smugglers.  These exclusive photos show how the police mobile's windshield was shattered and two cops got significant head injuries.

La Inmaculada Classes May Have To Be Temporarily Moved
Classes have been cancelled for today and tomorrow at Orange Walk's biggest primary school, La Inmaculada.   Early this morning, the Ministry of Education sent out a release confirming the cancellation.  The release states, quote, "the foul smell coming from the New River has been causing both teachers and students to become ill it is the hope that the situation, with continued intervention from the Department of Environment, will be improved and classes can resume on Monday. If, however, the situation remains the same, the Ministry with the Catholic Management will provide an alternate location for classes to resume on Monday."  End quote.

DOE's Plan for The New River, How Soon?
But "As soon as possible" can't be now.  Today the Minister of State in environment and forestry Dr. Omar Figueroa weighed in on the New River. He acknowledged the severity of the problem and how it is aggravated by the rivers unique flow and positioning. He also stressed that the appropriate authorities are working on a long tern plan to try and restore the river's health. Hon. Omar Figueroa - Minister of State, Environment: "There is no two ways about it, what is happening at the new river is a cause of serious concern. It is extremely important for us to understand the problem that we face ...let me take a step back, New River is interesting for many reasons. If you look at the New River it starts up in the New River lagoon, at the point where it leaves the lagoon..."

Dredge The New River?
A long term strategy, but in the short term, the DOE is contemplating dredging the river.  Figueroa did not want to discuss it today, but 7news has learned that government is considering a plan to start pumping contaminated water out of the river in an effort to get the water moving.   Briceno said he and Orange Walk South Representative Jose Mai met with Figueroa earlier this week to talk about the possibility of dredging:.. Hon. John Briceno - OW Central Area Rep.: "Dr. Omar Figueroa, we met with him on Monday. Whilst he was getting his reports, he did not fully appreciate the crisis that is in front of us. Well the immediate plans they were talking about was one, start to clean out the river with all the dead fish but now since then, they're talking about the possibility of maybe dredging the river by San Estevan to see if we could dig a deeper channel...

Villagers Fight For Their Neighborhood Grocer, Catch Robbers
Changing gears now to the rare crime story with a happy ending. A Ladyville store was robbed last night, but, this time the bad guys got busted by some neighborhood heroes. Cherisse Halsall spoke to them today: It was business as usual at Mike's store after 7:00 last night when three males entered the store armed with knives, and demanded money. As this surveillance video shows, the store's security guard attempted to fight them off Voice of Security Guard Mike's store: "One of them pulled a knife to my throat, the big one,and the other two went to the side of the cash register and just took out money or whatever so I couldn't really understand what was going on behind me but I myself was struggling with the guy with the knife and I think when he was conscious that I was winning that battle of taking his knife that's when he bit me and he kept telling me to let go of the knife. I thought about my employer and it's a girl so I feared for her safety so that's when I eased of the knife and told the guy you know just take what you want and do what you have to do."

Kyron Coming Along
Last night, we told you how the doctors at Shriners Hospital for Children In Philadelphia were able to successfully remove the bullet that was lodged in Kyron Green's neck. 
He's the 11-year-old who has been having a very challenging recovery after being innocently shot in May of this year by a gunman who was aiming at his adult target.  But, things have improved drastically for him and his mother, Marsha Belisle, who's currently in Philadelphia with him, while he seeks specialized medical attention at Shriners.  Their trip to the US was made possible through a partnership between the World Pediatric Project Belize and Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia. Milagro Garel, the local representative for World Pediatric Project Belize, told us today that Kyron will be getting a full evaluation by the specialists at Shriners Hospital.

Bus Association Responds To Commuters' Complaints
Yesterday 7News interviewed commuters to ask them what they wanted from the bus operators - after those operators got what they wanted from Government.   And they had a busload of complaints!   Today Executive member of the Belize Bus Association, Darren Stuart, responded to those with his own perspective on why the system hasn't improved.  Darren Stuart - Executive Member, BBA: "When the bus system is expected to grow we cannot grow because we are limited to our resources yes the minister can get on the TV and argue and say that they had afforded us a dollar raise in some instances the other day. But at that time the price of fuel was $7.25 a gallon now it's almost 11 dollars a gallon so where did our dollar go we didn't get a dollar.  We lost a couple dollars when it comes to the stampede I understand that everybody wants to get home. What I don't understand is why we can't do things in an orderly fashion..."

Coming Up With A Cyber-Bullying Solution
There is no question that Facebook and other social media platforms are entertaining. They can certainly also be used in a positive way to springboard your career or to spread awareness on an issue. But of course, there is the dark side of cyberspace which unfortunately is very active and many who occupy that space have no rules or discretion anything goes. That is where cyberbullying comes in. Today the Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simplis Barrow along with the Ministry of Human Development held a forum at the Biltmore to discuss ways to bolster the laws regarding cyberbullying in Belize. We found out more from the Special Envoy and the consultant for the police department's IT unit.

All About Protecting Your Drinking Water
As you've seen in the headlines for the past few days, the prolonged drought and the pollution of the New River in Orange Walk has been front and center in the public discourse. These occurrences have hammered home the point that the valuable resource of water that Belizeans enjoy - and even take for granted - is at risk, and that if steps aren't taken to protect the country's water sources, it could become scarce. And, the Caribbean Public Health Authority has been contemplating this very same issue for the entire region, given that climate change could have a severe impact on the availability of water. So, they've embarked on an initiative in all the Caribbean states called Water Safety Planning. They want to make sure that the water sources for the CARICOM states are fully protected, and they're currently in Belize to discuss this topic.

Does New River Pollution Threaten Water Supply?
As you heard the Principal Public Health Inspector say, if the Belize River was polluted the way that the New River in Orange Walk currently is, thousands of Belizeans wouldn't have any access to drinking water from BWS. So, we wondered about safe drinking water for the Orange Walk District. We asked the Operations Manager for Belize Water Services about that, and he said that it is very fortunate that Orange Walk consumers don't get water from the New River. Here's the conversation on that topic: Reporter
"Moving on to the current situation happening to the New River in the Orange Walk District, is that particular pollution threat - can it have an immediate impact on the source of water that BWS has access to?"

Does Belize's Water Supply Have Long Term Security?
The press also wanted to know about whether or not climate change and the growing Belizean population could end up exhausting the country's apparently bountiful supply of water sometime in the future.  The BWS representative said that the drought this year has had an impact on their production capabilities to supply to Belizean customers, who consumed billions of gallons of water last year. Here's how he explained why: Dave Pascasio - Operations Manager, BWS: "We have surface water treatment plants, namely, Belize City, Dangriga, and Belmopan. And those, in last year, the extraction volume, the demand on those sources was 2.6 billion gallons. And then, we have 28 well fields; that is some 2.2 billion gallons of water that we got from those wells, with the difference being from reverse osmosis plants, which is also well water, but saline well water."

Macal Mercury and Your Food Safety
In other news related to the environment, Government officials are reporting that the results are in for tests on the levels of mercury in the fishes of the Macal River. That's an important public health issue because mercury is toxic to humans, and the chemical could be passed on to us via the food we eat.  When the topic came up today, John Bodden, the lead Public Health Inspector, told us that there are elevated levels of methyl mercury in only 2 out of the several species of fishes they had under surveillance. He gave us a brief overview on those test results:

Weed Pushing Through Estero
In our headline - we told you about the dangerous situation that unfolded in San Victor village in the Corozal district today when the Police Anti Narcotics Unit tried to intercept a shipment of contraband.   And the narcotics unit is active in the area because right now - Corozal is the main entry point for high grade marijuana from Mexico.   And another hot spot border crossing is Estero - just outside Patchakan.   Last night after 7:00 police in that area searched a green Chrysler van. The occupants of the van have been confirmed to be 33 Year old Jose Concha and 23 year old Elias Lopez. Both men and the vehicle were escorted to the police station where police found 16.6 kilos or 36 pounds of marijuana. Police told us more today.

Taiwan Donates to New Video System For National Assembly
For weeks we've been reporting on the major media upgrade planned for the National Assembly Building.  It's a new video camera and switching system to make House and Senate meetings be available to the public live via stream to the public and to the media.   Well, today it came one step closer to fruition when the Taiwanese Government donated $40,000.00 Belize dollars to the cause.  A ceremony was held outside the National assembly Building to say thanks:..

Examining Marine Litter In Wider, Regional Context
Last night we told you all about marine litter - what may be causing it and what can be done about it.   The discussion continued today at the Biltmore, except this time it was a regional dialogue where representatives from several Caribbean countries focused on drafting a unified plan to combat this global issue of marine litter.

The Wonders Of Wildlife
In early August, we told you about the poor tapir that was knocked down and killed in Ladyville and then later dismembered. Well, today Dr. Omar Figueroa, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Forestry expressed his distaste for such a cruel and inhumane act and underscored how important it is to protect our wildlife. Hon. Omar Figueroa - Minister of State, Environment: "For a country like Belize that is known across the planet for the way we protect and we manage our natural resources and our environment, to have something like this happen is a serious black eye that we as a country, as a people, as a government cannot allow, cannot allow these kinds of incidents to happen..."

Omar Cautious On Leadership Race
And while he supports the protection of wildlife - what we really wanted to know is who he supports for the next UDP leader. The Patrick Faber camp says it had representation from 25 of the 31 constituencies at his convention on Sunday.  While we only saw 9 reps and standard bearers, Faber's people say they had delegates from other constituencies there representing those constituencies.  Figueroa says he hasn't even spoken to his delegates in  Cayo northeast:

Mas De Mas Camps
Right now, Carnival Bands are in fever pitch preparations for Saturday's Road March.  Last night we went to four Mas Camps to gauge the energy and learn about the themes that they plan to take to the road on Saturday:

State of Siege Declared in 5 Guat Provinces
We may complain about those drug planes landing all across Belize - but, as the song says - "when the rain falls, it don't fall on one man house" - and it's even worse in Guatemala - where the Government yesterday declared a state of siege.  This, after three soldiers were killed by suspected drug traffickers.  It happened in el Estor, Izabal which is not far from Livingston Guatemala - and, thus, not far form Punta Gorda.  According to the Reuters news agency, in response, the state of siege has been declared for five northeastern provinces. 

DFC Gets Money For Productive Sector
The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) has approved a loan of 6 million dollars for the government of Belize, along with 2 grants, totaling 600 thousand dollars.
The loan is a line of credit that the Development Finance Corporation will extend to improve access to developmental financing for Belize's productive sector. Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the Chief Executive Officer of the CDF signed the loan and grant agreements yesterday in Belmopan, and the Government Press Office was there to cover the event. The CEO of the CDF had high commendations for the Development Finance Corporation, whose name was synonymous with misuse of public funds, a decade ago.Here's what he and Prime Minister Barrow had to say about the loan and grants:

Que Bueno, Bunny T!
Aaron Wilson is trying to be both infamous and famous.  The infamy he gained was back in 2010 when he was strung up for being a fake cop.  But, he's gotten past that and now he's trying to gain fame by using his voice as a reggaeton singer. His first major release is an interesting track that combines the dancehall stylings of Mr. Program, and the Punta stylings of Supa-G in Wilson's reggaeton mix.

The Orellana Claim and Counterclaim
Yesterday we told you that Rosita Orellana, the mother of Brian Orellana, was refuting the accounts of the Teul family. They claim that her son pulled an unlicensed firearm with which he struck Christina Teul to the head before firing a gunshot at her son. Rosita Orellana explained that the Teul's are blood relatives of her son and that there is a problematic history there. Police now say that Orelleana may have filed his own report against the Teul's. 

Channel 5

Tourism sector In Orange Walk takes a hit
The dangerous level of contamination of the New River is taking a toll in many sectors.  Students from La Inmaculada School have had to be sent home because of the [...]

Classes Remains Closed for Students of La Inmaculada RC School
The Ministry of Education continues to monitor the situation as it pertains to La Inmaculada R.C. School. The school is located a few hundred feet away from the New River [...]

Time to Permanently Address New River Crisis
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development Omar Figueroa today commented on the declining health of the New River and the economic, health and social havoc it has been [...]

Potable water in Orange Walk safe from pollutants in the New River
There is heightened concern if the New River fails to improve. Those living along the river bank have been enduring for weeks with no relief in sight. While the smell [...]

Armed Thieves Target Store in Vista Del Mar
Mike’s Store in Vista Del Mar, Belize District, was hit by robbers on Wednesday night. Sometime after seven p.m., Ladyville police were called out to Manta Ray Boulevard where area [...]

Pachakan Bust – “Eight Pound Ah Weed Eena Van Back”
Two men are in police custody pending charges of drug trafficking after being nabbed with ten pounds of compressed marijuana in the vicinity of Pachakan Village in the Corozal District. [...]

Belize City Man Survives Attack
Belize City resident, Oliver Rodriguez is lucky to be alive tonight. Rodriguez came under attack by a man on a bicycle. It happened at around seven o’clock on Wednesday night [...]

“Advancing Cyberbullying Amendments to Belize’s Criminal Code”
Bullying or harassment using an electronic means is known as cyberbullying; these types of cyber crimes are known to be widespread due to easy access to the internet. Just about [...]

Assembly Building to Switch to New Audiovisual System
The National Assembly is to be upgraded with equipment for live coverage of house and senate meetings in the near future. The government of Taiwan has gifted the government forty [...]

Faber or Saldivar? Omar Figueroa Undecided
Five months from today, on February ninth, 2020, Patrick Faber and John Saldivar will go head to head for the leadership of the ruling United Democratic Party. The U.D.P.’s National [...]

He Claims He Stole Whiskey to Help his Sick Mother
The court sent a Caye Caulker resident behind bars since he was unable to pay an old fine; on Thursday he was back in court for stealing two bottles of [...]

Brian Orellano is Remanded for San Martin Ruckus
Brian Orellano has brought the Belize Coast Guard into disrepute by allegedly discharging a firearm in public during an altercation with Christina Teul in which she was also reportedly assaulted [...]

Bartolo Shish and the Case of the Alleged Abduction
While Orellano is cooling his heels on pre-trial detention, another man has been arrested and charged for an incident involving a minor. Bartolo Shish, a resident of San Antonio, Cayo [...]

Regional Stakeholder Meet to Discuss Solutions to Increased Marine Litter
The amount of plastic products that end up in our waters is staggering. Plastic, whether in the form of bags, bottles, caps or utensils cause severe pollution to the ocean. [...]

Mercury Levels in Macal River fish goes down
The Ministry of Health has received the results of the last set of tests taken on levels of mercury in fish in the Macal River in the west. Principal Public [...]

Hurricane Dorian’s Devastation on The Bahamas
As the dust begins to settle, waters start receding, and the sky begins to clear, the level of devastation that Hurricane Dorian brought to The Bahamas is becoming clear. Hurricane [...]

Carnival vibes in day two of mas camps
Day two of this year’s mas camps took place on Wednesday night in various neighbourhoods around the City and the Carnival vibe was contagious. The bands were in full gear [...]

Ministry of Health and BWS work on water safety plan
The Ministry of Health and the Belize Water Services are taking a closer look at one of the biggest water systems in the country to ensure that consumers have access [...]

The life of Dr, Jane Usher celebrated by family and friends
The life of the late beloved Jane Usher was celebrated today by family and friends at a symbolic laying of a wreath on her grave at her home on the [...]

To Fast or Not to Fast
We all know by now that doctors recommend an annual checkup. It involves making time to see the doctor, answer questions, and a series of tests. To test your cholesterol, [...]

The Reporter

Finally – They Are Realizing, We Are Killing Our Oceans
Almost a year ago, to the day, we at the REPORTER created ‘The Environment’ pages on this website in an effort to increase the awareness of the damage being done by plastic pollution, and also to highlight the ‘sometimes” ingenious efforts...

LOVE FM

Legendary Belizeans “Miss Jane” remembered on what would have been her 102th birthday
Credit Union icon, Jane Usher, affectionately known as Miss Jane, would have celebrated her 102nd birthday today. The legendary Belizean passed away nine months ago, at her home on the Philip Goldson Highway. Today, her family and friends gathered at her grave for a small ceremony in her memory. Her grandson, Henry Usher, told us …

CARPHA assisting with designing a water safety plan for Belize
Water is fundamental to the survival of mankind, so it is essential that our water supplies remain potable. In this regard, representatives from the Public Health Department, Belize Water Services, BWS, and CARPHA, the Caribbean Public Health Agency, met today to develop a water safety plan for Belize. Shermaine Clauzel of CARPHA spoke to the …

PUP criticizes DOE on their response to the New River crisis
Although only La Inmaculada RC School was closed on the recommendation of the Ministry of Health, the complaints about the New River span the community. This morning, chairman of the People’s United Party, Henry Usher, criticized the Department of Environment for its lax response to such a critical issue. Henry Usher, PUP Party Chairman: “First …

MOH to introduce grading system for restaurants
Last month, we told you that the Ministry of Health will be introducing a grading system for restaurants, where they will be rated according to their performance in various areas. Today, the Principal Public Health Inspector, John Bodden, explained how the system will work. John Bodden, Public Health Inspector, Ministry of Health: “We have drafted …

PUP urges Belizeans to assist victims of Hurricane Dorian
Reports on the widespread destruction caused by category five, hurricane Dorian, as it hit The Bahamas are still coming in. The Government of Belize has announced that it will be contributing financially to the relief efforts. Early this morning, the Opposition People’s United Party also weighed in via a press release, asking Belizeans to contribute …

Opposition party weighs in on the National Gas Company proposal
The proposal of a monopoly butane company in Belize has dominated conversation since the last sitting of The House when the National Gas Company Limited was tabled. While there is no opposition to a local entity, so to speak, there is concern because monopoly does not always equal benefit to consumers. The People’s United Party …

Opposition Party comments on Land Amnesty
While that certainly seems clear enough, and even makes perfect sense, the confusion is very real. Today, Love News spoke to Chairman of the PUP, Henry Usher who told us that what went to the House was a write-off, not an amnesty period. That’s their story and they’re sticking to it. Henry Usher, PUP Party …

Jose Augustine behind bars after failing to pay outstanding fine
34-year-old Jose Augustine is now serving time after he appeared before Magistrate Emmerson Banner, on a single charge of theft. In court Augustine, who was unrepresented, wasted no time and pleaded guilty to the charge. Augustine told Magistrate Banner that he stole whiskey to sell it for one hundred dollars each so he could help …

Robinson walks from charge
26-year-old Albert Dennis Robison walked off a charge of possession of a controlled drug. Robinson was arraigned before Magistrate Khadeen Palmer where he pleaded guilty for a single charge of possession of a controlled drug for 11 grams of weed. The weed found in his possession was one gram above the prescribed amount. Magistrate Palmer …

Breaking Belize News

Police detain two robbers and recover stolen cash
Sometime around 7 o’clock last night, there was an armed robbery in Ladyville. It occured […]

Coast Guard jailed for Belmopan incident
Belize Coast Guard, Brian Orellana, has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison. At a […]

CARICOM Development Fund provides US$3.3M in concessional support to GOB to implement its growth and sustainable development strategy
The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), the Government of Belize (GOB) and the Development Finance Corporation […]

Taiwan donates $40,000 to National Assembly for new media system
On the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Government of Belize […]

Boston Village in Belize Rural North to get new water system
This week, a meeting was held in Belmopan towards finalizing plans to extend water services […]

San Ignacio residents busted with weed in Corozal
Corozal police made a drug bust last night. Shortly around 7 o’clock, the attention of […]

Christmas Cup kicks off Sunday in Blackman Eddy
The Jaguars’ match with Grenada will not be the only football in town on Sunday […]

Belize starts with deficit in CONCACAF Nations League
Belize’s Jaguars lost today’s match versus French Guiana without stepping foot on the field at […]

Caye Caulker resident fined for stealing whisky
A Caye Caulker resident is behind bars, charged with stealing two bottles of Black Label […]

Forecasters watching new weather activity closely
Hurricane Dorian passed through the region last week, bringing massive devastation with it; however, weather […]

Is Belize prepared for a Category 5 hurricane?
Is Belize prepared for a Category 5 Hurricane, considering climate change which brings rising sea levels, increased flooding […]

The Polluted New River in Orange Walk district
By Wellington C. Ramos: When I was a Police Officer in Belize I was sent to Orange Walk District in 1974 to be stationed there. P.C. 308 Daniel Cacho who retired as an Inspector and myself, founded the Police Boys Club […]

Transport Minister signs new Statutory Instrument regarding international buses
Yesterday, Minister of Transport Edmond Castro signed a new Statutory Instrument to regulate international buses […]

BERT raises awareness on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
BERT Belize is raising awareness on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) by commemorating September as A CPR month. […]

Legacy Global Development Shares How to Achieve ‘Blue Mind’ in Belize
Legacy Global Development, the developer of the luxurious Orchid Bay, Belize community, explores the concept and benefits of blue mind, […]

Who will be the next Miss Universe Belize 2019?
The prestigious Miss Universe Belize pageant will take place tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. at the […]

CARICOM Chairman leads delegation to the Bahamas
Today, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Chairman and Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen. M. Chastanet led a […]

PUP encourages Belizeans to donate to Belize Red Cross for victims of Hurricane Dorian
The People’s United Party (PUP) issued a statement today saying that it joins the Government […]

Honduran family nabbed by police on illegal entry charges
A father and son are imprisoned, charged with offenses relating to illegal entry to Belize. […]

Blogs

CATCH & RELEASE- Fishing in Belize
Belize is the perfect destination where you can find many options for sport fishing all year round. Whether fishing from shore, deep sea or on the flats, you are guaranteed a great time. No matter what time of the year you choose to visit, there are always fish around. The weather and moon cycle influences fishing and is also monitored by the guides to promise a successful getaway. The fishing day usually begins with a good breakfast in front of the beach and ends at sunset, although times are adjusted depending on the tides, weather and other factors.

International Sources

Former first lady of Honduras sentenced to 58 years in jail
The former first lady of Honduras Rosa Elena Bonilla, wife of ex-president Porfirio Lobo, was sentenced on Wednesday to 58 years in jail on charges of fraud and undue appropriation of funds, a spokesman for the nation’s highest court said. Bonilla, 52, has been in custody since February 2018. Her defense attorney said Bonilla was innocent and an appeal would be filed with the Central American nation’s Supreme Court. That would be Bonilla’s last chance to avoid serving out the sentence.

Miss Universe Belize 2019 Top 3 Hot Picks
Angelopedia (Beauty Pageants Web Page) Announces Top Pics for Miss Universe Belize 2019. San Pedro's Vivianna Magdalen on Top 3 Picks!!! Miss Universe Belize 2019 is all set to host its grand coronation night on 6th September 2019 at the Belize City Civic Center where eight gorgeous ladies will compete for the national crown and the opportunity to represent Belize in Miss Universe 2019. The winner of the national crown will succeed and be crowned by Miss Universe Belize 2018 Jenelli Fraser.

Celebrate Crunch Gym's 30th Birthday With A Trip Of A Lifetime
In celebration of Crunch gym's 30th Birthday, the company is taking 15 lucky winners and guests on a once in a lifetime trip to a private Island in Belize. This amazing 4-day, 3-night #NoJudgments vacation will include: round trip flights, 3 nights accommodation on an island beach resort off the coast of Belize in beachfront villas & overwater bungalows, all-inclusive meals, daily optional CRUNCH-led group fitness classes, water sports & activities, traditional Belizean evening entertainment and more! The sweepstakes is open to members and non-members!

CNL: All Three Points Awarded To French Guiana
The Football Federation of Belize informed Concacaf that they “will not be able to report” for the Concacaf Nations League match vs French Guiana today, and as such the three points have been awarded to French Guiana. Concacaf said, “The Football Federation of Belize has informed Concacaf that they will not be able to report for the Concacaf Nations League group stage match versus the Ligue de Football de la Guyane [French Guiana]. The match was scheduled to take place today, Thursday, September 5 at the Stade Municipal Dr. Edmard Lama, in Cayenne, French Guiana. “As per the competition regulations, the Football Federation of Belize shall be considered to have lost the match 3-0 and three points have been awarded to French Guiana. Additionally, the matter will be referred to the Concacaf Disciplinary Committee for further review.”

Videos

September 5, 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

William Narod is new president of the Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye
The Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye has a new Board of Directors as of September 1, 2019. Its new president, William Narod, was actually sworn in on Wednesday, June 26th, during a lunch and fellowship meeting held at Pier 366 Restaurant at Banyan Bay Beach Resort. Past president Paul DuVille hosted the meeting, which also saw the appointment of the Club’s new Secretary (Pamela Smith), and re-appointment of its continuing treasurer (Christina Potvin), for the 2019-2020 period, as well as the swearing-in of the new President-Elect, Gregory Najarro. The new Board of Directors consists of Mr. Narod and Mr. Najarro, Ms. Potvin and Ms. Smith, as well as Mr. Andrew Ashcroft returning to the role of Past-President.

Ambergris Today

Karl H Menzies And Tito’s Partner With Belize Zoo For Conservation Of Jaguars
Karl H. Menzies Co. Ltd. is very pleased to announce that on August 13th, 2019, they officially signed off on a partnership with Tito’s and The Belize Zoo. This partnership is going to have a ferocious influence on the conservation of our Jaguars in Belize. “The ‘Problem Jaguar Rehabilitation Program’ at the Belize Zoo was started in 2004 and seeks to provide a safe environment for wild jaguars through education and awareness. It aims to reduce the number of jaguar killings and lower the incidence of livestock attack while providing a safe home for jaguars that would otherwise be killed.” ~Celso Poot, Director The Belize Zoo. The program has provided important information on jaguar behavior; it has attracted international attention and will continue to provide data that will aid in research that will benefit wildlife conservation in Belize.

Government Of Belize To Join Relief Efforts For The Commonwealth Of The Bahamas
The Right Honourable Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize, on Tuesday, September 3, 2019, sent a message of condolence and solidarity to the Government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 storm on September 1st, 2019. Cabinet agreed, at its meeting today, to make a contribution of US$100,000 to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to assist in the recovery efforts.

Various Belizean Sources

National Championship Sailing Regatta 2019
The National Championship Sailing Regatta 2019 will be held at Consejo Shores this weekend on Saturday, September 7th starting at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday, September 8th starting at 1:00 p.m. If someone should need a ride from Corozal to Consejo Shores call 665-5121 or 651-7475. Please support our youth and a great water sport.

Corozal Water Interrupion Today
BWS Notice: Planned water interruption to the entire Corozal Town from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Thursday Sept 5th, 2019.

San Pedro Power Interrupion Today
Power outage 6:00am to 10:00am on Thursday, September 5 to affect a portion of North San Pedro. BEL to replace transformers and equipment on the power distribution system in the area.

The Caye Caulker Humane Society volunteers just keep getting gobsmacked by our wonderful friends!
After The Shops at The Split organized a wonderful fundraising event to benefit the Humane Society, long-time CCHS friend Susan Miller offered to match the funds raised at the event and has donated an additional $1250!

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: AUGUST 25, 2019 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2019
Light winds and very clear water has provided plenty of action in front of the lodge. Big Bonefish, Permit, Snook, Snapper, Jacks and Tarpon have all been landed from the dock or wading the flats near the lodge. Calm winds allowed pursuing Bonefish in skinny water.

Improved management program at Baldy Beacon
FCD’s Executive Director and Board member Mick Fleming met with Minister Dr. Omar Figueroa and CEO Dr. Percival Cho to discuss an improved management program at the Baldy Beacon region of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The reunion was positive. The Bald Hills occupies a ridge that defines the upper boundary of the headwaters for four river systems.

New Human Development Building on Albert Street as it nears completion
It should be completed this month.

National Coastal and Riverways Cleanup 2019
We invite you join us on Saturday, September 28th as we come together to keep our beaches and coastline plastic and litter free! Contact your local field representative for more information. Partners: Ocean Conservancy, Scout Association of Belize, Belize Department of the Environment - DOE, Belize Audubon Society, Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute, and Belize Solid Waste Management Authority.

The untold history of the battle of Orange walk
(letter to the Amandala) While many Belizeans are excited about the September celebrations, especially because of the 10th of September and Independence, some Belizeans in northern Belize belonging to the Yucatec Maya ethnicity are remembering the struggle of their ancestors. While the British had always portrayed Marcos Canul and the Maya as invaders, the reality is that the British were the true invaders on Maya land. The British and people of colonial mentality have always promoted in Belize their version of history. A history which many times brainwashes us, enslaves us and blinds us of who we are as Belizeans. The Belizean history is very rich, even though many tend to forget that we are a multiethnic nation. We, Yucatec Maya, are also Belizeans, and our history needs to be better represented in schools. Many times it had been ignored, maybe because of our resistance against the British.

New Craft Market on Caye Caulker Breaks Ground
This morning Hon Manuel Heredia and representatives from B.T.B were here for the ground breaking ceremony of the new Caye Caulker Craft Market. The aim of the new craft market is to enhance vistors' experience while on Caye Caulker. The C.C.V.C look forward in working to make this project a success for the entire Caye Caulker community. We look forward with anticipation in the completion of the project.

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint this gorgeous “Boat On The Beach”.

Classes are called off for La Inmaculada RC School in Orange Walk Town
Due to the Stench coming from the New River.

NEW STATUTORY INSTRUMENT REGARDING INTERNATIONAL BUSES
In Belmopan this morning, Minister of Transport Edmond Castro signed a new Statutory Instrument to regulate international buses from neighboring countries (Guatemala and Mexico) entering Belize, in accordance with agreements reached among representatives from the Ministry and Department of Transport, the Belizean Bus Association and Taxi Federation, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Attorney General Office, and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce.

MINISTER OF TRANSPORT HONORABLE EDMOND CASTRO SIGNS NEW STATUTORY INSTRUMENT REGARDING INTERNATIONAL BUSES
In Belmopan this morning, Minister of Transport Honorable Edmond Castro signed a new Statutory Instrument to regulate international buses from neighboring countries (Guatemala and Mexico) entering Belize, in accordance with agreements reached among representatives from the Ministry and Department of Transport, the Belizean Bus Association and Taxi Federation, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Attorney General Office, and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce. The essence of the agreement reached, as reflected in the new S.I, is that only one regular bus run per day would be allowed from each country entering Belize, and returning to the respective country.

MIDWAY VILLAGE COUNCIL ELECTION - TOLEDO DISTRICT
The Elections and Boundaries Commission hereby notifies the public that the MIDWAY VILLAGE COUNCIL ELECTION - TOLEDO DISTRICT will be held on Sunday, 6th October 2019.

2019 Miss Universe Belize contestants paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow this morning
We take this time to bid the contestants good luck as they take the stage this Friday to crown the next Miss Universe Belize.

More Football Action at our Carolina Football Field
Corozal Football Association invites you this Sunday, September 8th, 2019 and all other Sundays following. Yes! Yes! CFA Opening Season 2019-2020 kicks off this weekend! You are coordially invited. Come and enjoy your Sunday with a full day of enjoyable football. It all happens at Carolina Football Field.

9th and 10th of September Scheduled Activities in Corozal

Caye Caulker Craft Market Ground-Breaking Ceremony
The Belize Tourism Board, in collaboration with the Caye Caulker Village Council, held a ground breaking ceremony today for Caye Caulker's new Craft Market, which is expected to open its door in December.

Channel 7

Reeking River Causes Problems At La Inmaculada School
School just started on Monday, but tomorrow, students at La Inmaculada Primary school in Orange Walk Town will be staying home, and that's because the stench from the polluted new river is making them sick. The school is about one block from the river - and - since Monday - the foul odors coming off the polluted waterway have been inundating the school, forcing some kids to put on masks. The Principal - Lenny Umana - who's coping, but clearly exasperated - told CTV-3 today that they have few options:...

Chief Environment Officer Says River Not Improving Anytime Soon
And the DOE's Chief Environmental Officer, Martin Alegria re-iterated that point today as well: it will take years to try and get rid of the pollutants in the river. But Alegria says that they will do their part to address this urgent issue. Today he outlined the short term and long-term solutions the DOE has for restoring the rank, rotten New River. Martin Alegria, Chief Environmental Officer - DOE: "Yesterday I think I mentioned that we had prioritized that issue to the extent that this week we are doing some desktop exercise, gathering funding to address the immediate issues. One of them is the cleaning up of those dead fish smelling that's causing the stench. That's the first action..."

Bus Operators Get S.I. to Protect Routes
Last night, we showed you the interviews coming out of yesterday's meeting between the Government, the Belize Bus Association, the Taxi Federation, and representatives from the tourism industry. The Government has agreed to limit the amount of foreign-own buses that can conduct business in Belize. It was a welcomed decision from the bus owners who were pushing for this change. They say that these foreign-owned companies shouldn't be allowed to cheat them out of a revenue source by shuttling tourists through Belize, which they can do. Under threat of a strike, the government caved and the Attorney General said that the Statutory Instrument would be prepared and signed by today. The news tonight is that the Government has followed through as promised.

Commuters Want Operators to Improve
So, the bus operators used brinkmanship to force government to give in to their demands. They threatened a strike that would cripple the nation's transport system and got what they wanted. Cheers to them! But, what about the commuters they're supposed to be serving? What about what they want? If you're not a commuter you might not know it - but every single day and night, bus riders are subjected to unacceptably poor service, and a predatory environment where they have to scramble, jostle, and fight tooth and nail for limited seating.

Coast Guardsman's Family Speaks Up
On Monday's news, we told you about the very disturbing report coming out of the Maya Mopan area of Belmopan. 23-year-old Brian Orellana, an active coast guard officer, was accused of barging unto the property of the Teul family. He then allegedly pulled a firearm, believed to be unlicensed, and he reportedly struck Christina Teul to the head with it and then fired a gunshot at her son, who came to her rescue. Orellana has since been arrested and charged with 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of wounding, and 1 count of discharging a firearm in public. Reports to 7News are that he has already been arraigned on these charges.

Mother Still Doesn't Know For Sure Of Her Son's Demise
And so, while this mother from Roaring Creek Village is worried about the wellbeing and reputation of her son, Brian Orellana, she is also looking for closure on her other son, who has been missing and presumed dead for over a year. You'll remember the case of 20-year-old Oswald Arnold. He left his family's home on the evening of May 17th of last year. He told his mother, Rosita Orellana, that he was going to the river with friends, and that he would be back on the following day. That was the last time he was seen, and 6 months later, in November, human remains - believed to be his - was found in an area across the river from Teakettle Village.

They Took The Bullet Out of Kyron
There is positive news to report tonight about 11-year-old shooting victim Kyron Green. You'll definitely remember him as the innocent young man who was shot in the face on Friday, May 17th. The standard 4 student was running an errand for his mother, Marsha Belisle, and while he was purchasing groceries for her at a city supermarket, he was hit by a stray bullet intended for an adult target. He spent 5 weeks in recovery at the KHMH, and at the end of June, he was allowed to go home.

Combatting Marine Waste
The Department of the Environment along with its UK partners officially launched what is called the Belize Marine Litter Action plan. A ceremony was held at the Radisson this morning to commemorate the new plan. Courtney Weatherburne has more. Unfortunately for many, throwing garbage on the ground is like breathing - there isn't a second thought before disposing of it, nor an afterthought when it is done. Of course, some of that garbage ends up in the landfills and dump sites while a lot of it ends up on beaches and in the sea - that is when it becomes an even bigger problem.

Turning Litter Into Art
And, to complement the launch of the Belize Marine Litter Action plan, a group of primary and high school students were awarded for winning an Innovation and Art Contest. Courtney Weatherburne found out more about the challenge and the winning projects. The kids were from different schools countrywide.

Enforcing Litter Laws
Still on the topic of litter - while the action plan focuses on marine litter, there is still a lot to be done to address land litter. One of the main setbacks in this case is enforcement. There is none, and, sad to say, many adults, who should know better, are not setting the right example for others or their children. So ticketing and other options have to be implemented to enact change. Chief environmental Officer Martin Alegria discussed the loop-holes that have contributed to this lax enforcement system. Martin Alegria, Chief Environmental Officer, DOE: "We have this littering tickets from 1996 in the books under the summary jurisdiction act. It has been modified in 2003 and 2005 in order to strengthen it in the sense of 2 things; 1) to give the municipalities; the town boards and city halls the power for them to issue their own type of litter tickets under the assistance of the national government...."

Mason Trial Slow to Resume
After a 2-month break, the murder trial of William "Danny" Mason, and his co-accused, Ashton Vanegas, Keiron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo was supposed to continue Monday, but it has now been delayed for an entire week. During the last few months of this trial, DPP Cheryl-Lynn Vidal has presented volumes of evidence to prove that these 5 men were responsible for the 2016 beheading murder of Pastor Lewellyn Lucas.

Caye Caulker Gets A Craft Market
A groundbreaking was held this morning to officially mark the start of construction for the new Caye Caulker Craft Market. The idea is to enhance the visitors' experience, and create another legitimate attraction on the island which is the second most visited destination in Belize. It got 178,133 visits in 2018 - up thirty thousand from the year before.

Bahamas, Mounting Death Toll, Island Decimated
"Apocalyptic" - that's the word one relief worker used to describe Abaco, the island in the Bahamas that was bludgeoned with Hurricane Dorian's gusts as powerful as 220 miles per hour. Last night in a press conference, Bahamas PM Hubert Minnis said some areas had been "decimated" as the death toll rose to at least 20. The grim expectation is that there is a lot more dead in what is being called "total devastation." But, rescue teams as just beginning to get on the ground - and have to deal with flooded roadways, many of them blocked by trees.

Brandon T Convicted Ex Parte
2 years ago, 33-year-old Brandon Taylor, a resident of Jane Usher Boulevard, was busted by police with a firearm that he attempted to discard when he spotted by the cops. Tonight, he's facing several thousand dollars in fines after he was found guilty in an ex-parte judgment from Magistrate Emerson Banner. He testified in his case and denied that the firearm was his, but after reviewing all the evidence, Magistrate Banner did not believe him.

A Majestic (Alley) Mural
Majestic Alley has been brightened up with a new mural by Cuban artist Carlos Rafael. Last week we gave you a sneak peak of the artist's exhibit at the Image factory. Today we caught up with him as he put the finishing touches on his vibrant impression of the Belizean face. We stopped by for a first look. Carlos Rafael, Artist: "I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to be staying here during carnival without putting on an exhibition or leaving my work on a wall in Belize." "My work is always about faces and I tried here to have this face evoke the faces of the Belizean people. I also wanted to represent the pretty tropical environment with these flowers, with these butterflies in the hair and familiarize the community and give a real cover to replace what was here many years ago. This art will also contribute to people's enjoyment of Cuban Belizean art."

Carnival's Happy Campers
Carnival is on Saturday - and, this week the Mas Camps are at a fever pitch. We rolled with the Carnival Association and visited three of them last night. Here's what we found:

Channel 5

Classes suspended for the rest of the week at La Inmaculada RC School as the health of the New River continues to deteriorate
An urgent meeting took place all afternoon in Orange Walk Town involving La Inmaculada School and the Ministries of Health, Environment and Education. The school is located near the New [...]

Coast Guard Officer Charged With Aggravated Assault
Coast Guard Officer, Brian Orellana, is behind bars tonight. He has been criminally charged for allegedly attacking Christina Teul, hitting her with a handgun and firing the weapon. Orellana was [...]

10 Months Later, DNA Results for Oswald Arnold Still Not In!
In November 2018 the remains of twenty-two-year-old Roaring Creek resident Oswald Arnold were found. He had been missing for six months and presumed murdered. Arnold’s remains were found along the [...]

Rafael Usher Passes Away a Month After Getting Shot
Twenty-seven-year-old Rafael Usher, known to friends and family as Ragga, succumbed to gunshot injuries he received on July thirty-first.  The Arlington Drive resident was shot on Central American Boulevard that [...]

Hit and Run On Central American Boulevard
There was a hit and run incident on Central American Boulevard this morning where a man riding a bicycle in the vicinity of Joe’s Meat Shop was struck by a [...]

Brandon Taylor is arrested in Mexico but convicted in Magistrate Court
Well-known criminal figure, Brandon Taylor, was arrested for attempting to cross into the U.S. But this morning he was convicted in abscentia on two criminal offenses of unlicensed kept firearm [...]

Businessman Charged with Forcible Abduction and Sexual Assault
Forty-five-year-old Bartolo Shish, a businessman of San Antonio, Cayo, has been charged with forcible abduction and sexual assault. Shish reportedly abducted a minor on Friday, August twenty-third as she was [...]

A New Statutory Instrument Regarding International Buses
A statutory instrument signed by Minister of Transport Edmond Castro came into effect earlier today allowing for only one regular bus run per day from each bus line entering Belize [...]

Clear The Land Calls Out Bus Operators
While the statutory instrument has been signed into effect, Castro also expressed concerns over bus operators not living up to an agreement in which they promised to upgrade their buses, [...]

Addressing the Sargassum Phenomena
Huge mats of sargassum continue to gently make its way into this region and ultimately to pristine beaches. The sight and the smell of sargassum have negatively impacted tourist hotspots [...]

Belize’s Marine Litter Action Plan is Formally Launched
The Department of the Environment and the United Kingdom Center for Environment, and Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, and the Commonwealth Litter Programme have put together a Marine Action Litter Plan [...]

Will National Gas Create Another Monopoly Over LPG Market?
Since it was tabled in the House of Representatives and read through in its entirety on August sixteenth, the passage of the National Liquefied Petroleum Gas Project Bill has raised [...]

Bureau of Standards Will Have to Regulate Butane Prices at Retail Level
According to Canton, while the price of wholesale L.P.G. will be regulated, the Bureau of Standards will be responsible for ensuring that the cost of butane at the retail level [...]

No GAF interruption on the Sarstoon on Monday!
On Monday our news team travelled along with a group to Graham Creek. The journey took them on the Sarstoon and then onto Graham Creek by boat. But, as has [...]

U.D.P Standard Bearer weighs in on Graham Creek hardship
On Monday, it was Dennis Garbutt’s first time in Graham Creek. While he has worked all his life in the waters in southern Belize, he says he had never ventured [...]

Saldivar or Faber for leadership? Toledo East new comer weighs in!
Turning to the leadership fight in the U.D.P….Patrick Faber has launched his bid for leadership of the party. That convention is set for February of next year. Faber already has [...]

Rotary Club Sunrise Belize Partners With Puma for Scholarship Initiative
The Rotary Club Sunrise Belize and Puma partnered for a scholarship programme that this year will benefit twenty-five students. Today, five of the students: Juan Norales, Carlos Norales, Alexia Murillo, [...]

A majestic mural in Majestic Alley
A Cuban artist has painted a huge, colourful mural in Majestic Alley, Belize City. The public painting, inspired by faces and the tropical climate of Cuba and Belize, was done [...]

NCFC appeals for the protection of children during the celebrations
There was an incident during last Friday’s carnival motorcade in which a young child and others were injured. The National Committee for Families and Children says it is appalled at [...]

Mas Camp Madness in the City
It’s carnival season; it all leads to the anticipated Road March this Saturday starting from the Central American Boulevard and ending at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in the City. [...]

The Reporter

Part 2 – Government Prepares Strategy To Avert BBOC Actions
In Belmopan this morning, Minister of Transport Honorable Edmond Castro signed a new Statutory Instrument to regulate international buses from neighboring countries (Guatemala and Mexico) entering Belize.

Unbearable Stench At ‘OW’ School – Classes Canceled
Earlier today we reported about the extremely foul stench coming from the New River near La Inmaculada RC School in Orange Walk Town Share This News Article On WhatsApp The Reporter has been informed that classes at the La Inmaculada RC School in Orange Walk Town have been cancelled, until at least Monday.

2 People Seriously Injured In Separate Accidents In Bz. City
There were two traffic accidents in Belize City – one on Central American Boulevard and another on North Front Street. Information is that two persons were seriously injured.

LOVE FM

Miss Universe Belize Pageant promises to be bigger and better than ever
The 2019 Miss Universe Belize delegates are set to take the stage on Friday night to vie for the much coveted crown. The winner will compete internationally at the Miss Universe pageant in Seoul, South Korea in December 2019. Today, the National Director of the Miss Universe Belize pageant, Romeo Escobar, told us how this …

The public misuses the Highway, Cisco Contract Manager states
Commuters on the Philip Goldson highway might have noticed yellow tapes around lampposts that have been recently destroyed by car accidents. The Highway has been recently reconstructed with wider roads and ample lighting for drivers at night but there has been an increase in road accidents on the highway. Today, Cisco Construction Contract Manager, Arsenio …

Cuban artist brightens up Pinks Alley with mural
Renowned Cuban artist, Carlos Rafael Gonzalez Barban is back in Belize. He was invited by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) to judge various Carnival events, but decided that he wanted to do much more while in the country. He currently has an exhibit open at the Image Factory, and yesterday, he began …

One man’s determination transforms empty lot into community park
What is the Charlie Burton Park? Where in Belize City can it be located? You probably have no clue, unless you are one of those fortunate south side residents who have been gifted with a secure, attractive recreational space in the middle of multiple Belize City hotspots. Today, our Love team went looking for answers …

Orange Walk Town Mayor addresses New River contamination
For weeks, the New River which flows through the Orange Walk District has been the subject of intense concern. While there have been reports of pollution in past years, and even fish kills, residents say this is the worst it has ever been. Multiple fish, crocodile and even manatee kills have been reported recently, and …

Is keeping school gates closed until 8:30 am safe?
On Tuesday, Principal of St Matthew’s Government School, Shakeyra Berry, explained the rationale behind a new school policy that sees children only accessing the school’s compound at eight thirty in the mornings. Today, a concerned parent from the school contacted us and told us that the students are exposed to a higher risk if they …

La Inmaculada RC School closed due to stench from the New River
Love News has been able to confirm that in a meeting hosted by Ministry of Education representatives this afternoon the decision was made to cancel classes at La Inmaculada RC School, in Orange Walk Town. The school is located very near the New River and since early this morning, our studio has been receiving reports …

Philip Godson Highway raises concerns after roundabout sinks
There has been much criticism of a section of the road works on the Philip Goldson Highway. One glaring target of that criticism has been a roundabout which already shows huge gaps in the cementing. The thing is that that roundabout was built very recently as part of an ongoing project carried out by Cisco …

DOE says drought affects magnitude of Sargassum
While nobody seems to be able to definitively pinpoint the source of the New River’s contamination, much less offer a definitive solution, a prolonged drought as a result of the much vilified climate change has been cited as one of the factors. But climate change, in its role as villain, wears many different hats and …

Oswald Arnold’s mother waiting on DNA results
In May of last year, 20-year-old Oswald Arnold went missing after going on a fishing trip with friends. In November, human skeletal remains were found in the Belize River, near Teakettle Village, Cayo District and were suspected to be that of Arnold. Rosita Orellana, who is Arnold’s mother, told our Cayo Correspondent, Fem Cruz, that …

DOE addresses deforestation in Belize
Belize is blessed with about 58% forest cover, and deforestation is one of the issues currently in the national spotlight. There is a constant battle between development and the protection of the environment. That’s where the DOE comes in, with those troublesome, annoying things called Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Chief Environmental Officer, Martin Alegria, discussed the relation between EIAs and land clearing...

Accused Coast Guard’s mother says there’s more to the story
A member of the Belize Coast Guard has been arrested and charged for two counts of aggravated assault, one count of wounding and one count discharging a firearm in public. 23-year-old Brian Orellana, was arrested by Belmopan Police following a report made on September 1 by Christina Teul. It is alleged that Orellana pointed a gun at Teul, threatening to shoot her...

Breaking Belize News

Bus standoff averted; new law expected to protect local operators in cross border transport
A new statutory instrument attempts to resolve the issue of bus transport between neighbors Belize, […]

Huge bush fire on Fabers Road
Belize Fire Service personnel were called today to extinguish a large bush fire on Fabers […]

Policeman charged with causing harm
Belmopan resident and police officer Oscar Itch is accused of causing harm to a woman […]

Midway Village Council Election to be held this Sunday
The Elections and Boundaries Commission notifies the public that the Midway Village Council Elections in […]

Lakeview Street resident is busted with live 5.56 rounds of ammunition
Lakeview Street resident, 41-year-old Eckert Alexander Nunez, was charged with kept ammunition without being granted […]

Cabinet sub committee meets to discuss $1 billion worth of potential investment projects
The Cabinet Sub Committee on Investment (CSIC), met in Belmopan today to review “upcoming potential […]

Isla Cariñosa to get new Craft Market
A ground breaking ceremony was held this morning to officially mark the start of construction […]

Corozal Town Council embarks on beautification and rehabilitation of parks
The Corozal Town Council has embarked on a much needed beautification and rehabilitation of the […]

Over 2,400 dengue cases detected in Belize
The Office of the Director of Health Services is closely monitoring dengue cases in Belize. […]

Caught “going through the back”, more trouble awaits Brandon Taylor
Accused criminal figures Brandon Taylor, 33; and Javan Nurick Clare, 24, are in custody today […]

Police investigating 3 separate traffic accidents within hours in Belize City
Authorities are investigating 3 traffic accidents that occured within hours of each other this morning […]

Rafael Usher dies 34 days after being shot multiple times
Rafael Usher,27, succumbed to his injuries yesterday at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Usher had […]

Coast Guard officer charged for aggravated assault
Authorities have formally arrested and charged Brian Orellana,23, a coast guard officer for aggravated assault, […]

Consulate of Belize in Florida resumes operations after Hurricane Dorian
The Consulate of Belize in Florida informed today that it is fully operational after being […]

Orange Walk Mayor calls on Ministry of Education to intervene due to ‘stench’ at primary school
Mayor of Orange Walk town, Kevin Bernard, is concerned about the health of the children […]

Belize~ Need for Clean Water Commission
Citizens of Orange Walk and San Ignacio have been expressing grave concern about the deteriorated state of the New River and Macal River, respectively. […]

International Sources

Southwest Airlines Launches Fall/Winter Flight Sale
It's seat sale time again - Fall travelers can also fly direct from New York City to Chicago or from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Belize City, Belize for under $100 one-way.

She ditched Canada at 56 for Belize
Upgrade: ‘To hell with it:’ She ditched Canada at 56 for Belize, where couples get ‘everything you could imagine’ for under $50,000 a year. She moved to this beautiful, laid-back island in 2013. Here’s the surprising reason she’s returning to North America

Climate change and human action threaten coral reef growth, UNC researchers find
Humans’ use of resources, land management and lifestyles can have significant impacts on the planet — and the ocean's coral reefs are at risk, UNC researchers said. Justin Baumann, a postdoctoral researcher in marine sciences and biology at UNC, along with several other researchers, examined coral in the world’s second-largest reef system and concluded that climate change and human activity pose a serious threat to coral growth. Researchers specifically compared the growth of nearshore and offshore corals of the same reef system. They found that the nearshore corals, which have historically grown faster, have experienced slowing growth rates while rates for offshore coral — 30 to 60 kilometers from the coast in this study — have remained stable.

Beneath the surface: diving in the Caribbean
Diving the Caribbean is more than a rite of passage; with so many sites to experience, it’s a lifetime’s work, says Karl Cushing The Caribbean’s dive smarts don’t end with its excellent visibility and famously abundant and diverse marine life. From wreck and shark dives to subterranean sinkholes and epic walls, it truly is a one-stop shop for divers of all abilities. Accessible options for newbies eager to tick off a good range of sightings include Cozumel. With dive sites such as Colombia Wall and Palancar Reef, the Mexican island is a certified crowd-pleaser that caters to all-comers. Top picks for more advanced divers include the islands of St Croix and Saba, off St Maarten, while Bonaire, in the Dutch Caribbean, has long been heralded as the region’s top spot for shore diving, backed by sites such as 1,000 steps and Alice in Wonderland.

Videos

September 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

Sargassum study around Caye Caulker encourages further human intervention to address this environmental issue
An investigation into the effect of Sargassum in the marine environment surrounding Caye Caulker was conducted by a team comprised of members from the Belize Coastal Science Alliance and the Ocean Academy High School. The project aimed to find out the magnitude of the Hypoxia (low oxygen conditions) believed to be the result of rotten Sargassum. As such, the project also studied the comparison between areas on that island that have and have not seen human intervention. At the end of the research, and according to the findings, it was concluded that the area receiving human intervention had higher oxygen levels compared to areas that did not. This result advocates the initiative that removing the Sargassum from near shore water areas does reduce the impact to local marine life threatened by the large mats of this brown seaweed accumulating on coastal areas.

Caye Caulker resident Norman Gill remanded for attempted murder
On Monday, September 2nd, 34-year-old Norman Gill, a boat captain of Caye Caulker was arraigned for the charge of attempted murder after appearing before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford in Belize City. According to an official report, Gill was charged with Dangerous Harm and Use of Deadly means of Harm. No plea was taken, bail was denied, and he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until November 5, 2019.

Caye Caulker resident Norman Gill remanded for attempted murder
On Monday, September 2nd, 34-year-old Norman Gill, a boat captain of Caye Caulker was arraigned for the charge of attempted murder after appearing before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford in Belize City. According to an official report, Gill was charged with Dangerous Harm and Use of Deadly means of Harm. No plea was taken, bail was denied, and he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until November 5, 2019. The suspected culprit, Gill, remained at large for over two months. Police eventually caught with him on Thursday, August 29th when he was detained and four days later arraigned in Belize City.

San Pedro Pirates draws 3-3 against BDF
For the sixth week of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB) 2019 Closing Season, San Pedro Pirates F.C hosted the Belize Defense Force (BDF) Football Club at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town on Saturday, August 31st. The intense match saw both teams, aiming for the victory, however, when the long whistle blew it was a 3-3 draw. For their next match, San Pedro Pirates F.C will compete against Wagiya Sporting Club on Sunday, September 15th. The match is scheduled to begin at 4PM at the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga Town.

Ambergris Today

Belize Red Cross Launches Monetary Appeal For Hurricane Dorian Victims
Belize Red Cross Launches Monetary Appeal to help Persons affected by the Catastrophic Hurricane Dorian The Belize Red Cross Society (“BRC”) is in solidarity with our Caribbean brothers and sisters in the islands of the Bahamas. Since Sunday, September 1st, the northern islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama have been catastrophically impacted by Hurricane Dorian, the strongest and most sustained Category 5 hurricane ever to be recorded in the region.

UK/Belize Commonwealth Litter Program's Week Launched With Beach Clean Up
On Sunday, September 1, 2019, the UK/Belize Commonwealth Litter Programme's Week of activities was launched with a beach clean-up at Belizean Beach. A special Thanks to everyone who came joined in on the clean up and learn more about tackling marine litter. Participants were asked to bring their own water bottles and refusing to purchase single-use cups and plates so as to encourage everyone to reduce, reuse and recycle.

The Belize REDD+ Project – A Global Initiative To Combat Climate Change
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration (MAFFESDI), through the National Climate Change Office, is implementing the REDD+ Readiness Preparation Project. REDD+ is a global initiative to combat climate change by reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and by fostering conservation, sustainable management of forests, and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks. The REDD+ Project, through a participatory and inclusive process, will assist Belize in preparing to participate in future REDD+ carbon payment transactions.

Various Belizean Sources

Corozal Female District Selection Games
Saturday, September 7, 2019. Save the date! Come and support our Female District Selection as they play against visiting team. 11:00am- Corozal vs Benque Viejo (U17 Female). 1:00pm- Corozal vs Mid-South (U15 Female). It all happens at the Ricalde Stadium.

Revised school calendar 2019-2020
Ministry of Education has released the revised school calendar 2019-2020. Parents and Guardians take note.

Update on Xaibe Village Robbery
The Zhen Zhen store in Xaibe Village, was robbed last night at around 7:30 p.m. Preliminary information is that store owner Li Chang was in the store along with the security guard Edwardo Villamil, when three Hispanic males, one of whom was armed with hand gun entered the store and proceeded to rob the store of $1000.00bcy in different domination and assorted items value unknown. The three robbers then left the store and rode off on bicycles, in the direction of San Andres Village.

Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Carl Risch traveled to Belize
o review consular operations and to meet with the Government of Belize representatives, as well as the U.S. Embassy team, on August 29-30. The Assistant Secretary underscored the United States’ deep and sustained commitment on a variety of consular issues, including the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens overseas and efficient and equitable visa processing. “We are constantly working to improve our screening processes and to support legitimate travel and immigration to the United States while protecting U.S. citizens,” Risch stated. During his short, but productive trip to Belize, Assistant Secretary Risch met with CEO Andrews and other key government officials, visited the Adjacency Zone, and led a Town Hall at the U.S. Embassy.

Belize's Wonder Women! Dr. Golda Mejia
Golda is the Founder and President of a charitable organization Progressive Education Assistance Team (PEAT). She is an exemplary leader, who motivates and inspires residents in her community. In 2018, Dr. Mejia led Belize’s Youth Ambassadors as a mentor during the group’s three-week long program focused on leadership skills and community service. Through PEAT, Dr. Mejia empowers Belizean youth by providing tuition scholarships to students who otherwise would not be able to attend school and focus on education.

Bullet Tree Falls After Pageant Dance, GLOW PARTY!
Next week Saturday 14 September it's Bullet tree falls village dance on the basketball court after the pageant come out and see who is gonna be crown miss bullett tree 2019 2020 come support your village council. And dance fallows after the pageant we gonna party maadaayoo

**RED CROSS APPEAL LAUNCHED**
The Belize Red Cross has launched the Hurricane Dorian Red Cross Appeal in Belize. Cash donations are being requested to send to the Bahamas Red Cross in Nassau to assist in meeting the needs of those distressed. Accounts have been set up at all commercial banks throughout the country. The Belize Red Cross Society appeals to Belizeans to join in in this great humanitarian effort to relieve human suffering by giving generously. As more assessments are carried out, further appeals may be launched in the coming days.

Government of Belize to Join Relief Efforts for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas
The Right Honourable Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize, today, sent a message of condolence and solidarity to the Government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 storm on September 1st, 2019. Cabinet agreed, at its meeting today, to make a contribution of US$100,000 to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to assist in the recovery efforts.

LETTER TO HONOURABLE DR. HUBERT ALEXANDER MINNIS, PRIME MINISTER OF THE BAHAMAS
Dear Honourable Prime Minister, I have been following closely the news coverage of the passage of Hurricane Dorian through North Bahamas. On behalf of the Government and People of Belize, I wish to express our condolences for any life lost and the significant damage to infrastructure caused as a result of the catastrophic category 5 hurricane.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID) Campaign
The National Drug Abuse Control Council - Belize, Ministry of Health is embarking on a Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID) Campaign from the 4th - 6th, September, 2019. This campaign seeks to influence the social perception of Driving Under the influence of Drugs by networking with the proper authorities. This will be done through the distribution of informational drug prevention leaflets at checkpoints throughout the country. This is an effort that will act as a prevention strategy as the September Celebrations approaches to spread awareness on the importance of DUID and to encourage responsible behavior of drivers.

Changes in Fuel Prices of Premium Gasoline and Kerosene
The Ministry of Finance announces that effective Wednesday, September 4th, 2019, the pump price of premium gasoline will increase by 19 cents from $11.12 to $11.31 per gallon and the pump price for kerosene will decrease by 26 cents from $7.63 to $7.37 per gallon. The prices for regular gasoline and diesel will remain unchanged at $10.12 and $10.04 per gallon, respectively.

A necropsy conducted on a dead dolphin, that brought a stir to our Corozal community yesterday, is inconclusive
The necropsy was done under the supervision of Mr. Raul Rosado of Corozal Junior College, Ms. Irene Quinteros, Forest Officer and Mr. Ryan Rivera of Oceana Belize. The dolphin was thin showing it was not eating or receiving proper nutrition. The team could not figure out why. Internally and externally there were no lesions, injuries or bruises. Tissue samples are not analyzed here and so were unable to take tissue samples, given the lack of resources and time. Therefore, what was done, yielded no possible answers to the direct cause of death.

Important Dates in Development of Tourism in Belize
1948 Vick Barothy opens what was first fishing lodge in British Honduras, a camp on the Belize River near Belize City, now Belize River Lodge 1953 Fort George Hotel, first major hotel in British Honduras, opens in Belize City with 36 rooms 1961 Reef Colony Club with a restaurant, pool and eight rooms, on the site of what is now Ramon’s Village, the dream of Vernon and Terry Hammon, first resort built on Ambergris Caye, was destroyed by Hurricane Hattie just before it was to open

Channel 7

Bus Brinkmanship: Operators Win, Gov't Capitulates
If you are a commuter who was concerned that the Belize Bus Association would follow through on their threats to shut down public transportation countrywide, you can breathe easier tonight. The Government met with them this evening, and the two sides have agreed to finalize the implementation of restrictions, which will limit the number of foreign-owned buses that can operate in Belize. As we told you, the bus operators were pressing the Government to require the foreign-owned buses to hand-off their passengers at the border and allow the local operators to take over and transport those passengers to whichever part of the country they were traveling to. They say that they should not be excluded from such revenue-earning opportunities.

Transport Minister Says Bus Operators Need to Step Up
So, now that the bus operators are getting their way when it comes to the tourists visiting the country, the Transport Minister wants to see them give a far better service to the Belizean public. Throughout the dispute, fingers were pointed at him and the Government for foot-dragging, and so when the topic came up, he seized on the opportunity to take a jab at the local bus operators for the subpar service they provide.

Died 34 Days after Being Shot; Mom Wants to Know Where The Guns Come From
27 Year old Rafael Usher died today at the KHMH - 34 days after he was shot. He had spent the month of August fighting for his life in the KHMH but finally succumbed this afternoon. Usher was shot on July 31st while he was riding a cycle on Central American Boulevard, heading towards his home on Arlington Drive. He received multiple gunshots, and the ones to his abdomen left him with significant damage to his internal organs.

Dorian's Devastation Unimaginable
Hurricane Dorian has finally moved off the Bahamian Islands, and tonight is headed northwest, skirting the Florida coast. The damage it did to the Bahamas is historic; it ties the record for the most-powerful storm to make landfall, and - in the Bahamas - it made three landfalls - both as a category five and category four storm. And then, it sat stationary on the Grand Bahama island for a cruel and terror filled day.

GOB, BEL and BDF Will Help Bahamas, How About You?
And so, how can you help the people of the Bahamas? Well, government has taken the first step. Cabinet today agreed to make a contribution of $100,000 US dollars to to assist in the recovery efforts. And, for the general public, the Belize Red Cross today launched the Hurricane Dorian Red Cross Appeal in Belize. The Director General Lily Bowman says you should give from your heart for our CARICOM brothers and sisters, because, one day, it could be us:

Shish Charged For Abducting Teen
Two weeks ago, we told you about the 15 year old girl from Cayo who had to dash into the Belize Bank in downtown Belize City to escape a man who had abducted her. Today, San Ignacio police charged her alleged abductor; he is San Antonio Villager, 45 year old Bartolo Shish. He was charged today for forcible abduction and sexual assault. On Friday, August 23rd the girl claims that she was walking in downtown San Ignacio, when Shish - who is her former employer - approached her.

Cop Charged For Harming Woman And Child
A police officer has been charged for harming a woman and a 2 year old boy. There aren't much details on this incident but police officer attached to Belmopan Oscar Ich was in court today, arraigned on 2 counts of harm. Ich pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Hold Up In Xiabe
Last night, 3 armed men held up a Chinese grocery in the Corozal District and got away with $1,000. Store owner Li Chang reported that she and her security guard Edwardo Villamil were at her Xaibe Zhen Zhen store when 3 men entered and stole $1,000 in different denominations among other items. The men then rode off on bicycles.

Police Hushed About Griga Robbery Next To Station
Police issued no report on that robbery - and they also issued no report on another story we've been following. And that may be because a major broad daylight heist happened at a jewelry store 3 buildings down from the Dangriga town police station.

What Caused Corozal's Dead Dolphin?
There are questions about a dead dolphin which was seen floating in the Corozal bay yesterday afternoon. It was later extracted from the water for closer inspection. By then, the animal appeared to have been dead for approximately a day and a half. CTV-3 spoke to Oceana's Corozal field representative who was called to the scene.

Courtney's Adventure With Blue Ventures
Blue Ventures: It is a UK based organization headquartered in Sarteneja, Corozal. They came to Belize in 2010 and they have been conducting lion fish research and surveys as well as community-based work in Sarteneja. Well, they also have a dive camp in the Bacalar Chico Marine reserve. Courtney Weatherburne stopped by their camp last week to find out more about what they do. Here is her story. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: It can't get any better than this - chilling on the beach as the gusts blow strong and steady unto shore. But these volunteers only get to enjoy this seaside siesta after

Testing The Quality of Sea Water
Last week we showed our feature story on Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. It is killing the corals in the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve. Fortunately, is has not spread to other areas as yet. Well, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is also off the coast of Ambergris Caye and the reserve managers say they have to double up on their coral monitoring system to ensure their corals remain healthy. A new feature of that monitoring system is a water quality testing project. Technical Manager of Hol Chan Kirah Castillo told us more about it.

Coast. Guard Will Protect Paddlers During Eco Challenge
The Sarstoon Eco Challenge is a paddling event with an overtly nationalistic message: participants go down the Sarstoon and - of the Guatemalan military doesn't stop them - around the Sarstoon island. It's a harmless, recreational sporting event - but it's ripe with opportunities for confrontation because the Guatemalans military behaves as if it controls the river. Well, this year event is planned for September 14th, and, in a surprising move - the Ministry of National Security has committed to organizer Will Maheia that the Coast Guard will be out there to protect the paddlers.

Fuel Prices Change Slightly
19 cents: that is how much the pump price of premium gasoline will increase by. So effective tomorrow, you will be paying $11.31 instead of $11.12. But as that price increases, pump price for kerosene will decrease by 26 cents from $7.63 to $7.37 per gallon. As for the prices for regular gasoline and diesel, they will remain unchanged at $10.12 and $10.04 per gallon, respectively.

The King, The Queen, The Carnival
The Carnival King and Queen competition played at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex on Saturday night. Though the event was somewhat impacted by rainy weather, the aspiring carnival kings and queens in both the senior and junior categories still gave their best efforts to entertain the carnival crowd. But, it was an anticlimax because the winners weren't announced until last night.

Channel 5

An SI Comes Into Effect to Regulate Mexican and Guatemalan Buses Entering Belize
Industrial action by bus owners and taxi operators across the public transportation industry has been averted, following a late afternoon meeting with government officials in Belmopan. The sit-down began promptly [...]

BBA Says It’s Satisfied with Outcome of Transportation Meeting
Thomas Shaw, President of the Belize Bus Association, says that they are satisfied with the outcome of the meeting. And notwithstanding the challenge of conforming to standards set by their [...]

Clear The Land Ways in on Bus Situation
Minister of Transport Edmund Castro has been involved in the negotiations with the B.B.A.  While he has championed the cause of the local tour operators, he says that the industry-wide [...]

Graham Creek – a year later!
Last year we took you on a journey to Graham Creek in Toledo. We went along with the Belize National Teachers Union to see firsthand the hardship teachers in Graham [...]

Graham Creek still needs your help!
As you saw in our story, Graham Creek Government School got some donations to kick off the school year. The donations were made possible by the business community and other [...]

Gov’t Schools’ local manager walks the walk to Graham Creek!
Walter Garbutt is the local manager for government schools in the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts. He was one of the persons who also visited Graham Creek on Monday. That [...]

Gov’t Schools’ Management weighs in on Graham Creek hardship!
As the local manager for government schools in Stann Creek and Toledo, Garbutt knows a lot about the hardships faced in the rural communities. We asked him about his experience [...]

How National Gas Company Came About
The inception of a national gas company, a public/private partnership involving the government, began with Belize Natural Energy Limited several years ago, under the stewardship of Doctor Gilbert Canton.  At [...]

The Idea to Build an LPG Depot in Big Creek
According to Canton, a complete study of the cost of acquisition of liquid petroleum gases from the U.S. Gulf Coast was subsequently conducted and through that exercise, they realized that [...]

A Public/Private Partnership for Local LPG Industry
The idea of a public/private partnership with the Government of Belize is based on similar models employed elsewhere in the region.  In this case, G.O.B. will have a twenty-five percent [...]

How Investors Were Chosen for NGCL
In July of last year, an agreement was signed with the Barrow administration formalizing the partnership and shareholders were sought thereafter.  Those investors include Michael Bowen, President of Bowen and [...]

Premium prices up by nineteen cents
Effective at midnight, the price of premium gasoline will be going up by nineteen cents per gallon. Consumers will be paying eleven dollars and thirty-one cents per gallon when they [...]

Heavy rains clear some areas along the New River
Earlier today, a News Five team headed north for an update on the New River. As we have been reporting, the health of the river has deteriorated significantly overtime due [...]

DOE begins cleanup efforts and studies at the New River
As nature does its part to heal the New River, the Department of the Environment is also starting its efforts to address the situation. Chief Environmental Officer, Martin Alegria says [...]

GOB Pledges US$100,000 to The Bahamas for Hurricane Relief
Belize has joined other nations and international organization in providing relief to The Bahamas post Hurricane Dorian which caused extensive destruction on the island on September first as a Category [...]

Belize Red Cross Launches Monetary Appeal for the Bahamas
The Belize Red Cross Society in response to the devastation left by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas and in solidarity with the thousands of thousands of persons affected, today launched [...]

Couple and their two-year-old son ambushed by gunmen in their home
A horrifying home invasion has left a couple in shock in San Lazaro Village in the Orange Walk District. As Romeo Carrillo and his common-law-wife, Rubia Bijil try to move [...]

Beach Marine Litter Survey and Clean-up Held
The move to phase out single use plastic and those plastic shopping bags is underway, but it is not going as smooth as possible. Most people are still holding on [...]

TIDE’s Marine Litter Awareness Campaign
As part of its plastic pollution awareness campaign, today in partnership with Indufur North America, CEFAS and the Commonwealth Litter Program, the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment along with [...]

Pollution in San Pedro Still an Issue
Ambergris Caye is also facing a high level of pollution. A few years ago scientific researcher and Executive Director of the Crocodile Research Coalition Doctor Marisa Tellez found that pollution [...]

Contestants Gearing up for Miss Universe Belize
A diverse group of strong and talented women are competing to wear the prestigious crown of the 2019 Miss Universe Belize. Their backgrounds are different and interesting, each of them [...]

And the winners of Carnival King and Queen 2019 are…
The results are in, and after two days of verification by auditors, the Belize Carnival Association announced this year’s top finishers for the Carnival King and Queen Competition that was [...]

Amandala

$40,000 for Joshua Perdomo; $0.00 for poor school children
Dozens of children who are students at the Ladyville Seventh Day Adventist Primary School were denied their right to an education when they and their parents, who are indebted to the school, were turned away this morning, Monday, on the first day of the new school year. When at least three media houses turned up to cover the story of children being turned away from the school because of money owed, the media representatives were ordered off the school’s compound upon the instruction of the school’s principal, L. Acosta, who even called Amandala editor Russell Vellos to complain that there was no story to cover at his school, and wanted him to call back his reporter.

Bus owners threaten national shutdown of public transportation
The Belize Bus Association is up in arms to protect its turf from the foreign competition of Mexican and Guatemalan bus companies that appear to have gotten a foothold in the local transportation industry. The local bus companies want to limit the foreign competition coming from the Mexican and Guatemalan bus companies that have been bringing passengers to Belize by requiring that these foreign buses leave their passengers at the border, from where they can be picked up by local buses and taxis and then transported to their destinations in and around the country.

Rasheed Pollard dies hours after his 27th birthday in road accident
Rasheed Pollard, 27, of Fabers Road, a father of two children and an employee of DIGICEL, who was honored for his outstanding performance by his company earlier this month, was celebrating his 27th birthday with friends and associates in Belize City, and afterwards, he went to Ladyville to celebrate with friends. He was returning home from Ladyville to Belize City at about 3:00 this morning when on his arrival in Driftwood Bay, he lost control of his car, which swerved to the left side of the road, then ran off the road and slammed into a BEL lamppost —uprooting its concrete base and displacing it about 10 feet into the drain.

Devaun Maskall, 25, ambushed and killed in his yard
Devaun Maskall, 25, of Mile 4, Philip Goldson Highway, Belize City, and his girlfriend, drove into their yard at about 12:30 this morning, and he got out of his car to go into the house, to which they had recently moved. A gunman, however, was lurking in the shadows in the yard. The assailant ran from his cover and fired at Maskall, who tried to escape. The gunman, however, chased and shot him. Maskall fell to the ground and the gunman ran out of the area and into a waiting vehicle, which then drove away.

Ex-Guatemalan presidential candidate, Sandra Torres, arrested for alleged campaign finance violations
The former Guatemalan presidential candidate, Sandra Torres, 63, who won the first round in the 2019 Guatemalan presidential election in June but lost in the second round three weeks ago to Alejandro Gammattei, was arrested today, Monday, at her home near Guatemala City. Torres, a former Guatemalan first lady, was arrested on the eve of the departure of the United Nations anti-corruption unit which initiated the investigation against her, Aljazeera Latin America reported today.

U-19 billiards team participated in tournaments in Guatemala
The Belize Billiards Sports Federation (BBSF) is happy to share that 5 players (U-19) participated in 8-Ball, 9-Ball, and 10-Ball billiards tournaments from August 22 to August 24 at the Estadio Nacional Doroteo, Guamuch Flores Stadium in Guatemala City, after being invited by the National Billiards Association of Guatemala. The 5 players who represented the Jewel were: Immer Lima, Raul Montejo, Jr., Ailton Linarez, Elvis Yam and Iverson Monima. They were selected after ranking Top 5 in a U-19 8-Ball Tournament the BBSF held in Belmopan in May of 2019 to go up in individual shoot-out against Guatemala’s top 5 players.

Altitude FC post only weekend victory, as Verdes and Bandits rest in Week 6 of PLB Opening Season
Both undefeated league leaders, Verdes FC and Bandits Sport rested this past weekend in Week 6 of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2019-2010 Opening Season. A majority of Verdes and Bandits players make up the Belize National “A” Team, which will see action this week in first round group stage matches of the 2019-2010 CONCACAF Nations League. On Thursday, September 5, the Belize team will be in French Guiana; and on Sunday, September 8, Belize hosts Grenada at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium. Despite the back match game in hand, both Bandits and Verdes still stand at the top of the standings. There were two Saturday night games and one on Sunday in Week 6 of the PLB Opening Season. Both matches on Saturday night ended as draw games.

2 cyclists, Belizean and Mexican suspended for Anti-Doping Rule Violation
Late on Thursday evening of last week, the Cycling Federation of Belize (CFB) sent a release detailing the suspension of Belizean cyclist, Edgar Nissani Arana; and the next day, the CFB sent another release, informing of the suspension of Mexican cyclist, Donizeti Vladimir Vasquez Aburto, who had participated in the Krem New Year’s Classic. Below are excerpts from the two CFB releases:

Stann Creek F.A. Smart U-13 Mundialito semifinals, and Week 1 results for 1st Division Cup 2019
The Stann Creek Football Association (SCFA) Smart U-13 Mundialito semifinals were held on Friday evening, August 30, at the Carl Ramos Stadium. In game 1, Silk Grass Ballers dropped New Site, 2-0, with both goals coming from Brayden Olivas. Game 2 saw Pomona Warriors and Benguche ending in a 2-2 draw. Aaron Estero struck twice for Benguche, while Annek Arzu and Harrison Roches, Jr. scored 1 each for Pomona. The game then went into penalty shootout, where Benguche won, 3 to 1.

Weekend Ryders Series Race #1 results
Here are the results from the 1st race of the current 5-race series for the Weekend Ryders Club. The race was held on the St. Paul’s circuit with the junction with Bermudian Landing Village. The “A” did 4 laps, with winning Time of 2:14.05. 1st Place – Barney Brown (Digicell 4G, leading the series with points gained on the road); 2nd Alvan Gillett (Kulture); 3rd Dwayne Wade (Bze Boyz); 4th Warren Coye (Santino’s); and 5th Rutherford Cunningham (Digicell 4G).

Editorial: Faber: against write-off; Saldivar: it was a done deal; Perdomo: mum
At the last sitting of the House of Representatives, on August 16, 2019, the PM (Prime Minister) said the Cabinet supported the write-off of a loan of approximately $40,000 that was owed by Mr. J. (Joshua) Perdomo, a male offspring of the Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Carlos Perdomo. On August 27, 2019, four government ministers — John Saldivar, Hugo Patt, Elodio Aragon, Jr., and Edmond Castro — finalized what the Cabinet had approved — the exoneration of J. Perdomo from the debt he owed his country. There has not been one voice outside of the government’s inner circle that has offered any defense for the write-off. Mr. J. Perdomo got the best of what Belize had to offer. He was a young man with a good job who got support from the government so that he could pursue further studies in a field where there was a national deficiency.

From The Publisher
I’ve never really tried to explain to you how Belize’s power structure, from the very beginning and over a period of years, maneuvered things so that KREM Radio, which pioneered private, commercial radio broadcasting in Belize in November of 1989, was essentially pushed aside, and a national radio monopoly began to emerge on the Northside of Belize City in early 1993. Strictly speaking, this is a story which presented an opportunity for interesting investigation by the rest of the media, as impartial as they are supposed to be. The impartial media, however, has studiously ignored this story, for decades. KREM Radio marks its thirtieth anniversary this year November, and I think the people of Belize would benefit from some discussion of how the big boys “booby trapped” KREM.

One correction completely accepted
A mentor told me they didn’t have any serious difficulties with my article, “Searching for the right path” (one of three in my column on August 27), but I could do with a couple corrections. One, he said, is that a doctor or midwife doesn’t ALWAYS know what color blanket, pink or blue, the baby should get. I told my mentor that I had read of hermaphrodites. So, why didn’t I say, EXCEPT IN RARE CASES? On this matter I should have. I shouldn’t have brushed past anyone, even if there was only one person on the planet who was that way.

From before creation’s grandeur to the Gospel’s Might, God always has Belize in His providential sight
As September comes again, it is a wonderful time for a nation to call to mind its many blessings and give thanks to God! It is a great month to pray our Belizean prayer which begins, “Almighty and Eternal God, who through Jesus Christ has revealed Your Glory to all nations, please protect and preserve Belize, our beloved country…” It is also an opportune time to examine our national conscience and ask if we are our fulfilling our national destiny to glorify God while reflecting on the theme, “From Mayan Grandeur to Modern Glory, together let’s shape our Belizean Story.” This rather poetic phrase is encouraging Belizeans to tell and remember the story of the nation this September. But what is the Belizean story? Well…it depends who is telling it.

Que Viva Marcus Canul
While many Belizeans are excited about the September celebrations, especially because of the 10th of September and Independence, some Belizeans in northern Belize belonging to the Yucatec Maya ethnicity are remembering the struggle of their ancestors. While the British had always portrayed Marcos Canul and the Maya as invaders, the reality is that the British were the true invaders on Maya land. The British and people of colonial mentality have always promoted in Belize their version of history. A history which many times brainwashes us, enslaves us and blinds us of who we are as Belizeans. The Belizean history is very rich, even though many tend to forget that we are a multiethnic nation. We, Yucatec Maya, are also Belizeans, and our history needs to be better represented in schools. Many times it had been ignored, maybe because of our resistance against the British.

Joshua Perdomo’s write-off indicative of cronyism and poor governance
I would like to think that I learnt a lot of principles and ethics and good things from my teachers, and having gone to mostly Catholic schools enabled me to meet those who piously professed the faith and who were persons I believed I could trust and look up to. There are people I never forget and teachers I will always remember, and for sure there are “religious” leaders that I hold at a Biblical standard. Carlos Perdomo and his wife Michelle Perdomo are two such people. It is important to me to tell this story because I met both these persons in my formative years at St. John’s Sixth Form and I also interacted with them tremendously through Saint Joseph Church, Belize City, which I then attended.

Jorge Galindo remanded for shooting Nelson Flores and daughter, 12
Jorge Galindo, 33, a laborer of Perez Street, Santa Elena, was arrested and charged with the murder of Nelson Flores, 42, and the attempted murder of his daughter, 12. Galindo was also charged with use of deadly means of harm, grievous dangerous harm and aggravated assault. Today, he was taken to the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court, where he was arraigned and was remanded until October 17.

Greg Perez dies in motorcycle accident; Lawrence Cholom critical
Greg Perez, 37, a mechanic of Punta Gorda, Toledo District, and his friend, Lawrence Cholom (age unknown), also of Punta Gorda, were involved in a road collision on the Southern Highway which took Perez’s life, while Cholom is in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. The fatal collision occurred at about 3:30 this afternoon in Golden Stream, Toledo District. Perez and Cholom were traveling on Perez’s motorcycle from Punta Gorda to Independence, Stann Creek District, on the Southern Highway, when on their arrival in Golden Stream, between Miles 63 and 64, Perez lost control of his motorcycle and it ran off the road and overturned.

Coast Guard sailor detained for allegedly using gun to assault woman
Brian Orellano, 27, a sailor of the Belize Coast Guard, is in Belmopan police custody pending a number of charges after he allegedly beat Christina Teul (age unknown), a domestic, in her house, with a gun, and when her son came to her aid, Orellano fired his pistol. He then walked out of the house. Police, however, found and detained him. The incident occurred at about 8:00 this morning.

Reginald Ruiz, 60, injured in road accident
Reginald Ruiz, 60, of Camalote, Cayo District, was driving his three-wheel motorcycle at about 5:00 yesterday evening from Roaring Creek to Belize City, when on his arrival in St. Matthews, between Miles 45 and 44 on the George Price Highway, a vehicle hit the back of his motorcycle. Ruiz was thrown off his motorcycle and landed on the pavement. As a result, he suffered serious head and body injuries. He was taken to the Western Regional Hospital, after which he was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he has been admitted in a critical condition.

The Reporter

Government Prepares Strategy To Avert BBOC Actions
Senior government officials, including Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte and Transport Minister, Edmond Castro met with members of the Belize Bus Association today in Belmopan following threats of a national shutdown of the sector over the weekend.

Premium Gas Price – Up Again @ Midnight
The Ministry of Finance announces that effective Wednesday, September 4th, 2019, the pump price of premium gasoline will increase by 19 cents from $11.12 to $11.31 per gallon...

LOVE FM

Oceana’s green registry
Oceana continues to champion the cause for the elimination of plastics. In this regard, Oceana has set up a registry where environmentally friendly businesses can register. Kyle Montero, Outreach Program Assistant for Oceana told Love news that businesses can go to Oceana’s website to register. Montero added that the exposure will assist persons to locate …

Belize Red Cross assisting victims of Hurricane Dorian
The Belize Red Cross has launched the Hurricane Dorian Red Cross Appeal in Belize. Cash donations are being requested to send to the Bahamas Red Cross in Nassau to assist in meeting the needs of those distressed. Love News spoke with Lily Bowman of the Belize Red Cross. Lily Bowman, Director General, Belize Red Cross: …

Goodin says more police patrols are needed to keep students safe
Councilor Micah Goodin recently wrote the Commissioner of Police requesting that more patrols be conducted in areas where schools are located. With the reopening of schools, Goodin says bandits are looking to target students and the extra patrols will assist in keeping students safe. However, Goodin’s request comes on the heels of the Commissioner of …

St Matthews decides to open school gates until 8:30 a.m.
On Monday, parents from Saint Matthew’s Government School received a letter from the school which seemed to have caught them by surprise. The letter advised them that students will not be allowed on the school compound before 8:30 am from Monday to Friday. The news that students who arrive before 8:30 will be forced to …

Will monopolizing butane lower cost to consumers?
Government’s recently introduced monopoly butane entity, which will be known as the National Gas Company Limited has come under a lot of scrutiny, not all of it positive. There is a concern in most quarters that monopoly does not equal lower cost to consumers. Bowen and Bowen, which will own a minority 6 percent stake …

Hurricane Dorian kills at least five people in the Bahamas
Hurricane Dorian has wreaked havoc on The Bahamas, leaving in its wake several deaths, severe flooding and damage to property. The Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Hubert Minnis, gave an update yesterday on the destruction the hurricane has caused. Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister, The Bahamas: “Thus far the Royal Bahamas Police Force has confirmed that …

Man passes away thirty four days after being shot
A mother’s love knows no bounds, and Desiree Young joins the list of mothers who have had to grieve for the death of their children. 27-year-old Rafael Usher passed away this morning at around nine o’clock, after fighting for his life for thirty-four days. Usher was shot multiple times on July 31 while he was …

Plastic clean up
Plastic continues to threaten the environment and there have been attempts to address this problem on many different levels. On September 1, the Belize Audubon Society in collaboration with the Department of the Environment held a clean up at Belizean Beach located on the George Price Highway. Dareece Chuc, Environmental Education Director at the Belize …

Department of Environment details steps to improve condition of the New River
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has been working to alleviate the polluted conditions of the New River in Orange Walk. Residents have been concerned for weeks over the murky appearance of the river and the awful stench it emits, along with the fishes and crocodiles that have died. Today, Chief Environmental Officer from the …

Castro demands Bus Owners to improve their conditions of local buses
Minister of Transport, Edmond Castro was also at this afternoon’s meeting. Following the positive outcome, Castro explained why this matter took a while to be resolved. Edmund Castro, Minister of Transport: “I think I heard the Attorney General said something like rapidito fast, everybody would want things overnight, right away, instantaneous but the world doesn’t …

Nationwide strike turned down after agreement was met between Bus Owners and Government
Tonight, we can tell you that the bus strike that was looming has been placed on the back burner as government officials and the Belize Bus Owners Association (BBOA) have come to an understanding. The discord had to do with the Government seemingly going against what was initially agreed to and what the BBOA felt was preferential treatment towards bus operators from Guatemala and Mexico...

Bartolo Shish captured by police
45-year-old Bartolo Shish, a businessman of San Antonio Village, located in the Cayo District is finally in police custody after evading police since August 23. Police arrested and charged Shish for forcible abduction and sexual assault...

Breaking Belize News

CONCACAF hails defense, Deon as keys to Belize’s success
With a trip to the big time on the line, what does Belize need to […]

Belize Red Cross Launches Monetary Appeal to Help Persons Affected by Hurricane Dorian
The Belize Red Cross Society (“BRC”) issued a statement today expressing solidarity with our Caribbean […]

National Drug Abuse Control Council says No to Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
Whether it is drugs like marijuana or alcohol, any amount can impair your ability to […]

Belizean film maker among those chosen for prestigious training programme
A Belizean filmmaker is among the 21 participants attending the 10th annual CaribbeanTales Market Incubator […]

CARICOM Chairman issues statement following Hurricane Dorian
In the aftermath of the devastation left behind Hurricane Dorian, which ravaged the Bahamas this […]

Belize writes supporting Bahamas in Dorian aftermath
Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow has pledged national and regional support to the Commonwealth […]

Bartolo Shish charged for forcible abduction of minor
San Antonio resident, Bartolo Shish was today arrested and charged for forcible abduction and sexual […]

Changes in Fuel Prices of Premium Gasoline and Kerosene
The Ministry of Finance today announced that effective Wednesday, September 4th, 2019, the pump price […]

UWI readies support for the Bahamas post Hurricane Dorian
Even as the catastrophic category 5 Hurricane Dorian pummels the north west and central islands […]

Belizean Port state control to pursue Masters degree in Maritime Affairs in Sweden
Rikki Lambey, a Belizean national who is a Port State Control Officer Grade III of […]

Fisherman charged for June stabbing
Following several months of investigation, 34 year old Norman Gill of Caye Caulker was charged […]

Defense to begin submissions in Danny Mason trial on Wednesday
On Monday, the trial of William “Danny” Mason; brothers Terrence and Keiron Fernandez; Ernest Castillo […]

US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs is in Belize
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Carl Risch, arrived in Belize on August 29, […]

Vehicle neither bought nor sold, but money taken by former cop, couple alleges
The Facebook page known as “Buy and Sell” functions as a sort of online marketplace […]

Warm weather expected today
Today’s weather forecast, prepared by the National Meteorological Service of Belize, is for warm weather […]

Micah writes to ComPol for student safety
Belize City Councilor, Micah Goodin, has written to Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams. In his […]

Police looking for Cayo man who allegedly kidnapped minor
San Ignacio Police are looking for Gladimir Bartolo Shish of San Antonio, Cayo for allegedly […]

Blogs

A breakfast culinary guide when visiting San Ignacio
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day even more so when travelling and getting ready for the big adventures ahead. Don't fall under the "free breakfast" game and miss out on a culinary experience waiting for you. In order induct you into the breakfast club... you must try the tasty offerings San Ignacio has to offer. Here's a compiled list of our favourite spots that you need to hit up for breakfast when you are visiting San Ignacio, Belize.

International Sources

How to Retire in Belize: Costs, Visas and More
While many Americans are exploring domestic retirement locations, others are also considering retiring abroad. Why? This is mainly because other countries, like Belize, often offer lower-cost living options and attractive weather conditions. And in some countries, a couple can live comfortably off a Social Security check alone. But does that mean you should retire abroad? Below, we take a closer look at how much it costs to retire in Belize. And if you want some hands-on guidance as you think about retiring abroad, consider enlisting the help of a trusted financial advisor.

Central American ancients thrived while others perished
Four thousand years ago, a group of pre-Columbian people in what is now the Central American nation of Belize were thriving. Their population was growing and they appeared to be practicing the rudiments of agriculture by growing corn that would let them emerge from a hunter-gatherer existence. At the same time on the other side of the world, however, some of the world’s most advanced societies were disappearing. The Akkadians, in what is now Iraq and the First Kingdom in ancient Egypt were devolving into chaos, due to what scientists believe was a 300-year drought. Now, a University at Albany researcher is exploring connections between climate change and social development by looking at how such events played out in these ancient cultures.

Despite rains, concerns over regional drought situation prevail
The Barbados-based Caribbean Drought and Precipitation Monitoring Network (CDPMN) Tuesday said even as rainfall continues to increase across the region, there’s more concern over long term drought that can continue to cause below normal levels of groundwater, large rivers and reservoirs. In its September bulletin, the CDPMN said that even as the rainfall increased, there were pockets of concern, including in parts of Belize and Jamaica, where there was at least temporary relief for the most part, as the El Niño dissipated. “Though there not many concerns over short term drought that can impact agriculture, streams and ponds by the end of November, there is much more concern over long term drought that can continue to cause below normal levels of groundwater, large rivers and reservoirs. Long term drought is most likely to evolve in portions of the Guianas, the eastern Caribbean and Belize by the end of November,” the CDPMN warned.

Videos

September 3, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, 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

Justice of the Peace Meeting in San Pedro
Attention all Justice of the Peace in San Pedro: Inviting all JPs to attend this coming Monthly Meeting next Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at 7:00 PM sharp in Room 1G at SPHS. The new OC of SP Police Formation Superintendent Christopher Noble will be the Guest Speaker who will update us on the status of policing in San Pedro and the necessity of all JPs functioning in their capacities in assisting them in keeping San Pedro safer for all. All prospective JPs are urged & encouraged to attend! Refreshments will be served!

Ambergris Today

Close Encounters At Sea (Survival Stories)
In this article I want to document real close encounters of San Pedranos that we may remember for generations. They are real stories that have been told throughout the years. They were a big deal back then, when local fishermen and divers lacked the modern equipment, technology and medical services were scarce on the island. Enjoy this two-part article with incredible stories about our local fishermen.

Various Belizean Sources

eBOOK "Task For The Following Day" by Yasser Musa
I invite you to go: www.yassermusa.com and click on the image of the eBOOK Task For The Following Day It is a short ebook acknowledging 30 years (1989 -2019) since I started to make art in the public space. I thank cultural journalist and activist Eugenia Montalván Colón who wrote the essay for the eBOOK. She wrote the text in 2009, and it remained unpublished until today.

List of plants of Belize from 1934
Check this out plant lovers. A short list of plants of Belize from 1934. I bet this could lead into some interesting areas.

LAUNCH OF MINISTRY OF TOURISM & CIVIL AVIATION JOB PORTAL
The Ministry of Tourism is pleased to offer you a FREE, USER FRIENDLY, and FULLY MANAGED web application designed to connect tourism supported employers and job seekers.

Corozal's Best Ever Rum, Ribs, Rice
COMING SOON TO COROZAL - HUNGRY? Try our event, popcorn, pizza, maya, pastries, creole, ginger, cheese, vegan sausage and pastries, hot sauces, RIBS, burgers, wings, green mango chutney, deep fried snickers, spanakopita, Scottish broth, fresh produce, hudut, sereh, tamales, brain food, chicken foot cerviche, grilled meats, prepped meats, NEED MORE?

German Fam Trip
UK Tour Operators and Travel Agents from Trailfinders, Caribbean Fun Travel, Journey Latin America and Plan South America visited Belize for a Familiarization Trip, exploring the areas of Placencia, San Ignacio, Orange Walk, and San Pedro.

Phase one for the naming of the site once occupied by the Paslow building has been completed
Friday last was the deadline to receive submissions for the renaming of the historic site. We received ninety four names. The second phase will be to reduce the total names to six. The third phase will be to conduct an online Poll to choose the winning name. Hopefully, by the end of September we will have the new name.

The park in Corozal is decorated with flags. Red, White and Blue colors

New "Corozal" Sign is coming up soon
Loving the view from Corozal. It will be up this week.

2019 Miss San Pedro Pageant
The San Pedro Town Council cordially invites everyone to assist this year's Miss San Pedro Pageant taking place this Saturday, September 7th at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Complex, starting at 8:00 p.m. SHARP! Which of these five young ladies will be San Pedro's next goodwill ambassador? Tickets will be on sale at the door. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.

Pizza & Prints for Paws
Yesterday, The Shops at The Split hosted a FANTASTIC event to raise funds for the Caye Caulker Humane Society. The donation will go directly to medications and veterinary services for the island critters. The Pizza & Prints for Paws event raised $2,240.50 for the HS thanks to all of the participants in the raffle, the cash donors, dog owners who bought a fun toy for their fuzzies, and the awesome business community who donated great raffle prizes make the event possible!

Battle of St. George's Caye Day Dance
What are you doing to bring in September 10th? Join us at the Battle of St. George's Caye Day dance at the Biltmore on Monday, September 9th from 9 pm until 3am! Want a chance to win 2 free tickets? Tag us in a picture of yourself with a Belizean flag for a chance to win!. (Raffle ends Friday at 10PM)

Caye Caulker Children's Football Marathon
Please encourage your children to come out and participate in the Children's Football Marathon scheduled to start Saturday, September 14th, 2019. Register your children this Thursday. Thank you

Dolphin found dead in Corozal
Dead dolphin found Monday, along the sea wall in front of VIP Transfer Services next to Caribbean Tires in our Corozal Bay. Mr. Ryan Rivera of Oceana Belize was on the scene and carted the carcass away for further evaluation to determine possible cause of death.

Corozal Rotary’s Triple H Event
American Style Huge Hamburgers, $10. Join Rotary’s Triple H Event on September 27th, Friday. Homemade Huge Hamburgers, Home created sauces, Specially Baked Big Hamburger Breads, Created just for our community.

Corozal Animal Program Event - DANCE PARTY
at Alfredo's Condos in Consejo Shores on Tuesday, September 10th from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. $20 includes entrance and lunch. No host bar available. LIVE MUSIC by LEGENDS. Lunch Catered by Maria's Italian Food. Directions: Take the Consejo Road and turn right at the sign saying "Consejo". Go to the end of the road and turn right. Alfred's condos are the large orange structures a few hundred yards down on the left.

Kids Karaoke in Corozal
Kids Karaoke - Ages 5 to 12- Coronation Park - Sunday, September 8th. Time: 7:00 p.m. - 1st Prize $100 - 2nd Prize $50 - 3rd Prize $25. Register at the Corozal Town Council or call 480-2072.

Training for the management of VHF and satellite tracking devices used for monitoring manatees
On Tuesday August 29, 2019, the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) Research and Monitoring team traveled to Chetumal to attend a two days training on the management of VHF (Very High Frequency) and satellite transmitters arranged by El Instituto de Biodiverisdad de Areas Naturales Protegidas de Quintana Roo (IBANQROO). The training took place at el Centro de Atención y Rehabilitación de Mamiferos Acuáticos and was facilitated by the PhD. Benjamin Morales Vela and his assistant Blanca Prado from Elcolegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR). The objective of the training was to provide the fundamental knowledge of the use of VHF transmitters and satellite trackers which are used for monitoring manatees or other animals. The transmitters provide information on location, movement, and behavior of the tagged manatee. The ARGOS program is used to collect the satellite information sent by the trackers and provides real time information of the manatees.

Kids Matinee - Coronation Park
Friday, September 6th at 6:30 p.m. It is a Family Affair.

Oceana Belize September E-Newsletter
It’s been a busy year for us at Oceana Belize, here’s a recap of what we’ve been up to over the summer. We hope you enjoy and it inspires you to join us on some of our upcoming initiatives!

Channel 7

Faber Forges Forward, But Does He Have The Numbers?
We start tonight with politics - where UDP Deputy Leader Patrick Faber yesterday officially launched his campaign for party leadership. The convention for that will be held in February of next year, and Faber hit the ground running yesterday with a mega event at the Civic Center. Officially, it was an endorsement convention just for Faber's stronghold in Collett, but unofficially, it was the launch of the drive to February where everything is on the line for this young politician. Jules Vasquez was at the Civic for the political heat check:...

Succession Tension
We note that while we counted 7 constituency area reps or standard bearers, and found 9 when we reviewed our footage, Faber's camp says we have it all wrong. His campaign manager Roosevelt Blades says, quote, "we had representation from 25 of the 31 constituencies yesterday." End quote. And what was the crowd count? We'd put it at about 1,250, including a large number of persons who stayed outside where the food and drinks were.

Man Murdered At Former Stash-House
A man was killed in the city this weekend - and it happened at a property that made the news as a stash house weeks ago. On Friday night, it was a murder scene Cherisse Halsall reports: On Friday night at midnight former Coast Guardsman 25 year old Devaun Maskall had just gotten home to this house at mile four and a half on the Phillip Goldson highway where he was ambushed by a gunman: Supt. Hilberto Romero, Crimes Investigation Branch: "On Saturday the 31st of August around midnight police responded to a shooting incident at..."

Man Comes After Cop Ran Into Him
Tonight, a family from Camalote Village is worried about the head of their family. He's 60-year-old Rejinaldo Ruiz, a father of 4, and he's in a coma at the KHMH. Yesterday evening at around 5:00, he was on the way to his job site at Caves Branch Branch. But, he never made it because while he was riding his motorcycle on the George Price Highway, he was rear-ended by a police patrol pickup truck driven by Inspector Clifton Jones.

Cops Served Inspector With NIP
So, the cops must now investigate and weigh criminal charges against one of their own for his involvement in this accident that now has Rejinaldo Ruiz in a coma. This afternoon, the Head of the Criminal Investigation's Branch told the press that they've already taken a urine sample from him, and he's been issued with a notice of intended prosecution. Here are the details he shared with us about the case: ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: "Yesterday evening shortly after 5pm, Roaring Creek police was called to an area between miles 44 and 45 on the George Price Highway..."

"Ladrones" In Lazaro
A man and his wife are fortunate to be alive after they were attacked in their village home. The home invasion happened on Saturday night in San Lazaro, and Police told us more. ACP Joesph Myvette: "Orange Walk police was called to San Lazaro village to the home of Romeo Castillo where he reported to police that sometime between 10:00pm on the said Saturday..."

Lawless Coast Guardsman?
Tonight, Belmopan police have an officer from the Belize Coast Guard in custody. That's after he allegedly barged into the Teul family home in the San Martin area, threatened several of the members, fired a live round from an unlicensed firearm, and struck one of the female residents with the gun. It happened this morning at around 8:00. It appears that this accused man has an ongoing dispute with several members of the family, and so, he reportedly went to their home, which is when the scary assault reportedly played out.

Carnival Season Starts On Sour Note With Attack on Child
It should be about revelry and dancing in the street, but on Friday night, the Carnival season started out on a sour note. A 10 year old girl was stoned in the head - at the end of the Carnival motorcade that signals the start of Carnival. Her group, Jump Street Posse Junior Band - which is a fixture of carnival - was at the tail end of the motorcade when a few of their spectators started throwing stones at the kids. Cherisse Halsall tells us what happened next:

Bus Association Ultimatum Hangs Damoclean
Last week Thursday's newscast, we spoke to Darren Stuart Sr., one of the executive members of the Belize Bus Association. He was saying in no uncertain terms that if the government had not amicably resolved the current dispute they have about foreign bus owners operating on Belize's roads, they would resort some form of industrial action - AKA a bus strike. The source of the dispute is that about a month ago, the Government agreed that it would limit Guatemalan and Mexican bus operators. The two sides agreed in principle that they would require these operators to hand off their passengers at the borders to local bus operators and taxi cooperatives, who would take over and transport these passengers around the country.

Bahamas Desperate and Devastated, Dorian Stalls
Hurricane Dorian has devastated the northern Bahamas and tonight, it remains an extremely powerful category 4 storm. And what's most troubling at this hour is that the steering currents have collapsed - and the storm is stationary, just sitting over the island of Grand Bahama and pommeling it with relentless rain, massive winds and towering storm surges. It's a worst case scenario as the storm is stationary tonight and is expected to continue to sit in Grand Bahama for another 12 hours. And that's after it mashed up the island of Abaco yesterday. That's a total population of about 50 - 70 thousand Bahamians in its path.

Former Guat Presidential Candidate To Jail
She lost the presidential election last month, and, tonight, Guatemalan politician with Belizean roots, Sandra Torres is in jail, accused of violating campaign financing rules. Press reports indicate that for more than a decade now, Torres has been facing allegations of corruption, which she continues to deny. The charges she faces are in connection with a case that was investigated by the anti-corruption body known as CICIG, or the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala. That organization says that her political party, National Unity of Hope or UNE for short, received some 3.5 million dollars in undeclared financing during the 2015 presidential elections.

Rasheed Accident, The Fatal Factors
On Friday we told you about the tragic death of 28 year old Rasheed Pollard. It happened at mile 4 on the Phillip Goldson highway. He was driving back into the city after a night out celebrating his birthday with family and friends in Ladyville. But something went wrong and he slammed into a lamp-post which caused his vehicle to flip. Today police gave their official report on it.

Perez's Motorbike Death
And as we also reported on Friday, a Punta Gorda resident was killed in a motorbike accident on the Southern Highway. Greg Perez, along with his passenger were heading to Independence from PG when he Perez lost control of his motorcycle. Police told us more. ACP Joesph Myvette, Head, NCIB: "What the police know so far is that Mr. Perez along with Mr. Lawrence Cholom who was his passenger departed PG en route to Independence on the motorcycle and upon reaching miles 63 and 64 he lost control..."

PG Was Host for Sept. Celeb Opening
Ready or not, September is here and the pre-carnival motorcades and mas camp madness has already begun. And, to officially launch the September celebrations, opening ceremonies were held on Saturday in Punta Gorda. Here are a few excerpts from the event. Next year's opening ceremonies will be held in Dangriga.

The Queen is From Cayo
And, in another big September celebrations event, San Ignacio's Kimberley Santos was named Queen of the Bay at the Bliss Institute of the Performing Arts on Saturday night. Santos's crowning is historic as the last Queen of the Bay who hailed from the Twin Towns was Yolanda Cruz in 1965. Kimberley, who was crowned in a sparkling red dress, is a proud graduate of Sacred Heart College and is now pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in English Education at the University of Belize.

Channel 5

Devaun Mascal Gunned Down in Midnight Execution
Twenty-five-year-old Devaun Mascal, was gunned down in front of his house around midnight on Saturday. Mascal was with his girlfriend who escaped uninjured in the shooting. He had just exited [...]

Coast Guard Officer Allegedly Attacks Woman
Coast Guard Officer Brian Orellano is tonight in trouble with the law. Orellano stands accused of hitting a woman with a handgun and firing the unlicensed firearm in public during [...]

No Gun? No Charges for Coast Guard Officer
According to investigators, the firearm that Coast Guard Officer Brian Orellano used to hit Christian Tuel and fire was not a coast guard issued firearm and is unlicensed. In most [...]

Reginald Ruiz Critical after being Rear Ended by Police Mobile
Sixty-year-old Reginald Ruiz is tonight in a critical condition at the K.H.M.H. after he was hit from the rear by a police mobile. The accident happened between mile forty-four and [...]

Inspector Clifton Jones Served with NIP
According to A.C.P. Joseph Myvett, urine samples from both men will be collected and tested. Myvett says that Inspector Jones has been served with a notice of intended prosecution.   [...]

Belize Bus Association won’t back down and is prepared to strike
There is heightened tension within the transportation industry where a final decision has not been reached on buses from Mexico and Guatemala that travel through Belize. The Belize Bus Association [...]

Patrick Faber Launches Simultaneous Leadership Campaigns Ahead of 2020
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber hosted a convention on Sunday at the Civic Center. While the convention was to endorse him as representative for the Collet Division, which he has [...]

Did Faber’s Convention Draw Massive Outside Support?
Of the thirty-one constituencies across the country, only seven were represented at Faber’s endorsement convention leading some to believe that the Deputy Prime Minister may not have been able to [...]

Will PM Barrow Step Down Before November 2020?
Prime Minister Barrow’s departure from office ahead of his retirement from electoral politics in November 2020 has been announced on previous occasions; however, a definitive timeline is yet to be [...]

2019 September Celebrations Officially Underway
The official launch of the 2019 September Celebrations was held over the weekend in Punta Gorda where chair of the National September Celebrations Commission, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber opened [...]

Trial Against Danny Mason Et.Al. Adjourned
The murder trial against William Danny Mason and his co-accused murderers was today adjourned to Wednesday, September fourth. Two attorneys, namely Illiana Swift who is representing Terence Fernandez, and Guyanese [...]

A fisherman is in trouble with the law for a stabbing incident at Caye Caulker
  A fisherman is accused of an old stabbing incident on La Isla Carinosa and tonight he is spending his first night on remand at the Belize Central Prison. This [...]

Armed men attack businessman and wife inside their home in San Lazaro Village Orange Walk
There was a frightening home invasion at the home of a couple up north.  A businessman and his wife were attacked inside their home in San Lazaro Village in the [...]

Students turned back at Ladyville SDA Primary School for nonpayment of fees
It was back to school for thousands of pre and primary school students today. It was to have been a day to meet old friends, make new ones and get [...]

Bushfires near dumpsite is contained
The personnel at the National Fire Service were very busy last week tackling bush fires that erupted almost all over the city. Station Supervisor at the National Fire Service Kenneth [...]

Hurricane Dorian Leaves Disaster and Destruction in the Bahamas
Five people were confirmed dead on Abaco Island in the Bahamas as Hurricane Dorian continued on its ravaging path.  The Category Four storm came to a standstill as it pummelled [...]

Bowen and Bowen says prices lower costs can lead to lower prices in butane
Last Friday, the Senate passed a bill paving the way for the new National Gas Company which is made up of a partnership between the government and a group of [...]

Senators Debate Land Tax, Partial Remission of Areas, Bill 2019
The government’s Land Tax, Partial Remission of Areas, Bill 2019 has raised many eyebrows across the country. The bill was ratified by the Senate on Friday, and essentially it is [...]

San Ignacio/Santa Elena’s Kimberly Santos is new Queen of the Bay
The seventy-fourth Queen of the Bay pageant took place at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday.  It was a night of beauty, elegance, eloquence and grace as [...]

The splendor of the King and Queen Competition in Carnival 2019
September is known for its pageantry and its formalities and for the Belize Carnival Association, it is no different.  What Queen of the Bay is to the tenth of September [...]

But still, the winner not announced
As we said, among the revelry, one Senior band claimed that the wrong music was played during their Queen’s performance.  As Sunshine Masqueraders was performing their version of Queen Nefertiti, [...]

James Adderley has the full rundown of the weekend’s sporting activities
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   [Highlights of the weekend in sports...]

The Reporter

Classes Suspended In Some Cayo Schools
Classes for two pre-schools in the Cayo district have been suspended until kinks between them and the Ministry of Education have been settled. In the case of Mount Carmel RC pre-school in Benque Viejo Town, there was a communication issue between the school and the Ministry over the construction of toilets.

Bus & Taxi Association Threaten Shutdown
The Reporter has confirmed that bus and taxi operators are prepared for a worst case scenario of a national shutdown. Representatives of the bus and taxi associations met over the weekend, and have set up a meeting with GOB/Transport representatives on Tuesday at the NEMO Building in Belmopan.

Drought Is Only The Beginning
Belize is in a drought like condition and has been for some time now; but you would never guess by the response of the government. We have water running through our pipes so in the minds of those in Belmopan, there is nothing to worry about.

A Lifetime of Education Excellence
She is long retired from full-time teaching, but octogenarian Hortence Wade, J.P. continues to inspire standard six students to not only pass, but to excel in the Primary School Examinations (PSE).

Police May Charge All Passengers On Bus In Belmopan
Commuters on a Ritchie’s Bus are complaining because they say they have been taken off the bus twice in a short space of time for the bus to be searched.

Grand Bahama Island In The Bahamas – Catastrophic Damage
We feel that it is imperative that the details of the most devastating Hurricane in recent history, should and must be thoroughly covered by a Belizean based reporter.

LOVE FM

Couple injured in home invasion
A couple from the community of San Lazaro in the Orange Walk District is lucky to be alive following a frightening and violent home invasion on Saturday night. Romeo Carrillo and his wife were asleep when three armed men barged into their home. Today, Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvett explained that police are …

Controversy in the Senate over LPG Bill
The National Liquefied Petroleum Gas Project Bill was also discussed in the Senate. The second reading of this bill caused some back and forth, since it is a proposition for a public/private partnership which would lead to the monopolization of LPG, otherwise known as butane. The responsibility of the LPG would be given to the …

Fire Burning for One Week Finally Extinguished
Bush fires which burned for at least a week in the vicinity of the old Belize City garbage dump and new Transfer Station were finally extinguished on Saturday, August 31. Many residents were concerned after waking up on Friday to the smell of smoke and a thick cloud hovering over their homes. Today, Fire Service …

Lands Department Eliminating Corruption
On July 19, Andre Vega, son of former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources Gaspar Vega, was ordered to repay $400,000. Vega had received that money during his father’s tenure at Lands, as compensation for a parcel of land on the Philip Goldson Highway. Today, Commissioner of Lands Wilbert Vallejos told Love News …

Miss San Ignacio/Santa Elena is the new Queen of the Bay
The 74th annual Queen of the Bay Pageant was held Friday night at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts. Last year’s queen, Jenny-Lee Cruz, represented Belmopan and the new queen is Miss San Ignacio/Santa Elena, Kimberly Santos. Jenelli Fraser, Former Miss Universe Belize: “First runner up goes to, and whoever wins tonight will not …

Ministry of Natural Resource Clarifies Land Tax Amnesty Programme
The Prime Minister’s announcement at the last sitting of the House that 90 million in unpaid land taxes would be written off received widespread criticism. But it seems the Prime Minister mis-spoke because today officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources confirmed that there will be no write off, only an amnesty program. Commissioner of …

Former Coast Guard Member gunned down a stone’s throw from his front door
A former member of the Belize Coast Guard, 25-year-old Devaun Maskall was targeted and fatally shot a stone’s throw from his front door. Currently, police have disclosed no known motive for this murder, and sources say Maskall had recently moved into the home on the Philip Goldson Highway. Deputy Head of the National Crimes Investigations …

Ladyville primary school students not allowed in class
Today primary school students countrywide returned to classes, or at least, most of them did. Early this morning, Love News was alerted about a situation at the Ladyville Seventh Day Adventist Primary School, where we were informed that as many as two hundred students were turned back, reportedly for unpaid registration fees. Our news team …

Belize Bus Owners Association Prepare for the Worse
Tomorrow, Tuesday, representatives of the Belize Bus Owners Association will be meeting with representatives of Government in Belmopan. Credible reports are that if both sides cannot come to terms in that meeting commuters may be looking at a nationwide bus and taxi shutdown. Today, BBOA Communications Director Daren Stuart told Love News that they believe …

A member of the Belize Coast Guard is in trouble with the law
A member of the Belize Coast Guard is in police custody and will be charged following a firearm related incident in Belmopan this morning. The officer identified as Brian Orellano allegedly assaulted a woman before firing his weapon into the air. Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvett provided details of the report this afternoon. ACP …

Patrick Faber addresses rumors that he was chastised by the PM
At the convention, Patrick Faber also addressed reports that he had been chastised by his party leader, Prime Minister Dean Barrow in Cabinet. The scolding was allegedly the result of Faber’s publicly speaking out against the write-off of forty thousand dollars for the son of the Cabinet Secretary, Carlos Perdomo …

Patrick Faber launches leadership campaign
Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber, is one of two candidates vying for leadership of the United Democratic Party (UDP). On Sunday afternoon, he got a jump on his opponent and was officially endorsed as standard bearer for Collet and took the opportunity to officially launch his campaign …

Preparation for COP25
Last week former Met Officer Carlos Fuller, International and Regional Liaison Officer at the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, attended a heads of delegation meeting in preparation for COP25. If you’re not familiar with the term, COP25 is short for Conference of the Parties, and is a high-level meeting held annually to discuss and implement methods of mitigating climate change …

Police Officer charge for wounding his wife
A Special Constable of the Belize Police Department is in court again after allegedly assaulting his wife for the second time in as many months. 29-year-old Kenny Thompson Ferguson went before Magistrate Emmerson Banner today on a charge of wounding but his wife, Nicole asked that charges be dropped …

Police officer in trouble with the law
A former police officer is in trouble after tricking a woman into paying for a vehicle he never delivered. 23-year-old Cecil Martinez of Hattieville, Belize District was arrested in Orange Walk over the weekend, after Suyapa Leslie reported to police that she paid Martinez six thousand five hundred dollars …

Breaking Belize News

Father accused of touching daughter inappropriately
A 12 year old student from Stann Creek reported to police that on August 29, […]

Minor raped by another minor in Benque
Authorities are investigating a report done by a 14 year old female minor in Benque […]

The 2019 Carnival King and Queen results are out
The official results are out for the 2019 Carnival King and Queen. In the Senior […]

Vote for Destination of the Year
The Belize Tourism Board’s National Tourism Awards are coming up in October and for the […]

Five confirmed dead, thousands of homes destroyed following Hurricane Dorian
Information coming out of the Bahamas is that five people have been confirmed dead so […]

Police impound vehicle used in murder of Devaun Mascal
Belize City police have confiscated a vehicle believed to be used in the murder of […]

Prisoner passes away at KHMH
Jahangir Abadi was serving a prison sentence for abetment to murder. However, on Saturday he […]

Coast Guard officer goes berserk and fires unlicensed weapon
A member of the Belize Coast Guard is currently detained by Belmopan police. He is […]

Police mobile knocks down cyclist
Yesterday a police officer was involved in a road traffic accident.He is Inspector Clifton Jones. […]

Police: Dead motorcyclist was not wearing helmet
On Friday around 2 p.m., police were called to an area near mile 64 of […]

Belizean wins Queen of the Bay New York
Belizean born beauty ambassador, Alexya Alana Hyde is the newly crowned Queen of the Bay […]

Home invasion in Orange Walk
There was a home invasion in northern Belize on Saturday night. It reportedly occurred in […]

2019-2020 Academic Year in full swing
Today, with the opening of pre and primary schools across the country, the 2019-2020 Academic […]

Blogs

Guest Blog - The Life of an Expat
So, you visited San Pedro on vacation, fell in love and want to retire or work here in paradise. The story has been repeated many times over by those that have gone before you and my wife Annette and I are a living example. When we moved here in August of 2017, as we started making friends we would often ask what brought you here to San Pedro? The answer nearly always had the same message, we came here, we fell in love and we moved. That’s what happened to us beginning with our first visit in February 2016. In 2016, we decided to try San Pedro Belize and stayed at Ramon’s Village. It was in the center of town and allowed us to explore on foot so it seemed like a wise choice. As we walked the beach to dinner on our first night, Annette turned to me and said “I love this place”.

Join in on the September Celebrations!
Ask any Belizean, young or old, which month of the year is the one they look forward to the most and hands down the overwhelming response will be September.It is a time of great patriotic celebrations! A month filled with festivities commemorating two important dates in our young country’s history, The Battle of St. George’s Caye and Independence Day. Belizeans everywhere are very proud of our forefathers for standing up and defending this small nation and making it the only English-speaking country in Central America.

International Sources

Royal bombshell: How Prince Charles plans to 'chart new territory' in the future
He may become king one day and Robert Jobson’s 'Charles at Seventy', looks at the first 70 years of his life so far. Upon becoming King, Charles would become the Head of the Church, like his mother, Queen Elizabeth II is currently. According to Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Charles wants to set new ground upon becoming the Head of the Church. Mr Jobson notes: “Clearly, our next Supreme Governor of the Church of England plans to do the job a little differently. “‘He is an individual who wants to chart new territory and that will be interesting indeed,’ says Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury. ‘He is very outspoken.’”

Nine Caribbean teams in CONCACAF U-17
In the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football qualifiers playoff to decide which of the lower-ranked teams would go through for the finals next year, Barbados matched Belize with seven points in Group C, but had to give way to the Central Americans on goal difference. Belize, with whom hosts Barbados had played to a draw in the opening game at the Wildey, AstroTurf, proved more prolific in scoring 10 goals while conceding only four. Barbados on the other hand managed just three goals in the three matches while taking in one goal. This means that Belize goes on to the 2020 CONCACAF championship.

J-Crew Breaks Out In Belize
“Last night I dreamt of San Pedro … la isla bonita ..” Mel and Ashley are the only Jers who can actually remember the words to Madonna’s tribute to our spring break destination, but that didn’t stop the rest of us from making up our own words. San Pedro first struck us as adorable with a mini airport, golf carts driven on sandy roads, colorful shops and blue skies. We flew in by puddle jumper and went out by boat. We thought it charming that to take your golf cart from the main town to the resorts requires a guy with a rope pulls you across a river on a steel raft. Ironically, we thought we were being creative by adding Belize to our itinerary largely because it is so close to Guatemala.

Videos

September 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

Wolfe’s Woofer: Insurance
“Let’s take a break from discussing insurance and test some of Sherry’s baking,” I said to Mr. Espinosa. Thursday is Sherry’s baking day. She hires Vernon’s wife Yolanda, to help her and they had an assortment of pies and cheesecakes already laid out on the big table in the dining area. Yolanda brought us each a slice of cherry cheesecake and a cup of coffee. “Thank you, Yolanda,” I said. “You’re welcome. Can I ask Mr. Espinosa about insurance?” “Of course.”

Various Belizean Sources

Evaluating the status of research in Belize
A big thanks to everyone that has taken the time to fill the survey. The responses have been great and very insightful. I'd like to share once more and encourage those who haven't filled it out as yet to do so. Cathy Smith and I would appreciate if you could take a couple minutes to complete the anonymous survey below. We are looking into trends in research about/in Belize, access to research by Belizeans, and related challenges and opportunities. This came from some discussion around some missed opportunities we've seen in developing a culture of research in Belize. We believe that your feedback is important to encouraging and improving research in Belize.

The Reporter

WHERE TO WATCH – LINKS Record Setting Category 5 Hurricane 210 MPH Wind Gusts
The following are YouTube Links, some of them are LIVE STREAMS of the worst Hurricane on record. with winds at 180-190 mph. Some meteorologist have said that some of the Bahama Islands will not be there after this hurricane.

Ladyville Man Remanded for 50 Pounds of Weed
Corozal Police were able to make a sizeable haul of high-grade marijuana on Monday, August 26th when they decided to search a red Dodge van passing through Ranchito Village.

Belize Emergency Services Ready with BATSUB Simulation
A jack-knifed 18-wheeler oil tanker, an overturned tour bus, an overturned SUV and crashed cars had all the hallmarks of a multi-vehicle traffic pile-up, but there were no real injuries, nor any blood spilt, and no lives lost; for all the “injuries” and “blood” were stage make-up and props, the “spilt fuel” was actually water.

Everybody Hurts
One of the very first columns I wrote, when I decided to go public with my struggle with alcohol, was titled Everybody Hurts. To this day only God knows why I felt that writing about my nightmare would help others, and maybe help me.

Home Invasion In San Lorenzo OW – Couple Beaten
A man and his wife were badly beaten during a home invasion in San Lazaro in the Orange Walk District last night. Share This News Article On WhatsApp Three armed men entered the home of Romeo Castillo around 9:45pm while he and his wife were asleep.

Breaking Belize News

Accident involving a vehicle and a motorcycle leaves one man injured
Confirmed reports to BBN is that there was a traffic accident earlier tonight in, or near, Belmopan.

Altitude is big Premier League winner; Belize stop St. Vincent in back to back friendly matches
The big western clash between Premier League co-leaders Belmopan Bandits and Verdes for this afternoon will have to wait as the League takes a back seat for the next few days to facilitate international play.

After 2 days of competition and unbeaten, the Belize Bank Bulldogs is the 2019 national softball champion
The 29th National Women’s Softball Championship ended a short while ago at Rogers Stadium, with the Belize Bank Bulldogs dealing a 10-3 whipping to the Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy team in the final to claim the 2019 championship title.

Catastrophic damage across the Bahamas caused by Category 5 Dorian
“Please pray for us,” was the plea of Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis today as Hurricane Dorian, the most powerful storm on the planet right now, hit his country earlier today.

Belize’s biggest party begins – It’s September celebrations time
The September Celebrations are here, officially launched on Saturday morning in the southernmost town of Punta Gorda, Toledo District.

It’s Belize City vs Cayo for women’s softball title
The 29th National Women’s Softball Championship is approaching climax this evening at Rogers Stadium, with the winner likely to come from either of Belize City’s entrants or the sole remaining representative of the Cayo District, the Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy.

Patrick Faber comes home, launches “Path to the Future”
Still one of the youngest area representatives and Ministers in both Belizean and party political history, Patrick Faber, 41, is preparing to make even more history.

Hurricane Dorian hits Bahamas as a Category 5 storm
Hurricane Dorian made landfall in the Bahamas this morning as a Category 5 storm, with experts calling it the “strongest hurricane in modern records”.

Blogs

On The Verge Of A Tipping Point: Why You Should Consider Belize Today
Belize’s charm is hard to put into words, but the best description might include the phrase “rustic paradise.” This is a barefoot nirvana, where you can hitch a ride on a skiff with a local fisherman for a day, then walk into a restaurant and have them cook your catch for you. You can climb Maya ruins without a guardrail in sight, or swim with whale sharks in Caribbean waters. You can see and touch ancient Maya pottery deep in a cave system, hike through the rain forest, swim in waterfalls, and jump off small cliffs into the sea without signing a waiver. All these are reasons why this tiny country seems to be on everyone’s radar recently. The LA Times rated Belize as one of its 10 top places to go in 2019. So, too, did both Lonely Planet and National Geographic. Condé Nast Traveler recently published a feature entitled, “Why You Should Go to Belize Now.”

A BUDGET-FRIENDLY BACKPACKING TRIP IN HOPKINS, BELIZE
When my mom decided to visit me along my Central America route, Belize stood out as the perfect meeting point. She was planning for an indulgent beach vacation; I was very much backpacking Belize on a budget– and this country can easily accommodate both. While I would’ve been content with stopping at any beach town along my trip, my mom was understandably a bit choosier about where she spent her limited vacation time. For her, comfortable accommodations, proximity to a beach, and (relatively) easy access to the airport were all key considerations. And in Belize, Hopkins beach and the island of Caye Caulker were the perfect stops. We could visit both without frittering too much time in transit, we wouldn’t have to worry about a language barrier, and as it turns out, the beaches were some of the most beautiful I’ve seen.

International Sources

21 filmmakers chosen for the 10th annual CaribbeanTales Market Incubator
CaribbeanTales announces the 21 filmmakers that will take part in the 10th annual CaribbeanTales Market Incubator (CTI) in partnership with The Caribbean Development Bank, Ontario Creates and Telefilm Canada, and with support from the National Film & Video Foundation of South Africa. At the annual Big Pitch, they will compete for prizes that will include an award of $10,000 for Best Caribbean Project. This year’s filmmakers come from Canada, Cuba, Trinidad, Jamaica, Belize, Haiti, and South Africa. Sixty percent of the selected filmmakers are female creators and all are producers of colour.

10 Great Things to Do on Caye Caulker | Belize
10 Great Things to Do on Caye CaulkerOff the northern coast of Belize, a short ferry ride from Belize City, are a series of barrier islands dotting the crystal clear waters. Of the islands (cayes) that you can stay on, Ambergris, with its resorts, mansions, and airport is larger and more populated. Caye Caulker is its smaller, quirkier cousin, with a lack of 4-star hotels or paved roads. There are also a whole host of things to do on Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker’s small-town vibe is just what you need for a truly unique, relaxing holiday that you can’t find anywhere else. It should 100% be one of your stops whilst travelling in Belize. Here are my recommendations of 10 great things to do on Caye Caulker.

Videos

September 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

What’s New: Jordana’s has mastered the Art of Touch
Although Ambergris Caye is considered an oasis by many, did you know we have an oasis within our oasis? Located at the lovely Diamond Lodge Boutique Bed and Breakfast in San Pedro just south of town on Seagrape Drive, Jordana’s Art of Touch Spa is a sanctuary for those in need of the best pampering around. They offer a variety of spa treatments that not only soothe the soul and body but leave you feeling and looking look your very best! Looking for a delicious massage? Choose from Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Thinning and Toning, Reflexology, Seaweed Wrap, Mud Wrap, Sun Wrap, and even Pregnancy Massage!

San Pedro Football Clubs learn about FIFA Connect
On Tuesday, August 27th representatives from the different football clubs on the island were introduced and familiarized with FIFA Connect, an updated registration and transfer system within the Football Federation of Belize (FFB). The familiarization session was hosted at the San Pedro Town Council Conference Room shortly after 6PM, and focused on the use of the software and its efficiency when uploading information of players, coaches and other information of each respective club.

Ian ‘Lion’ Gordon continues his racing journey
On Saturday, August 24th island runner Ian ‘Lion’ Gordon placed 2nd in a 20k race held in Belize City. The race was organized in commemoration of the Belize Defense Force Sports Day in Belize City and saw 25 people participating in three different categories (5K, 10k and 20K). Gordon participated in the 20k category (40-49 age range), where he placed second by finishing in one hour, 33 minutes and 32 seconds. He told The San Pedro Sun that he has seen improvement in the past years as the last time he participated in this race, three years ago he finished it in more three hours.

San Pedro footballer Ava Cordova wins MVP award at Women Festival Games in Turks and Caicos
The Belize Female Senior National Football Team (Lady Jaguars) proudly represented the country at a triangular tournament during the Women Festival Games held at Turks and Caicos held from the 25th to the 28th of August. The team played two friendly games against the Turks and Caicos team, winning both matches. At the end the event the Belizean team was recognized for its participation. San Pedro’s very own Ada Cordova was awarded with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy, while two other Belizean players, Jasmine Armstrong and Jayda Brown received trophies for Best Goal Keeper and Most Goals respectively.

Various Belizean Sources

Pizza & Prints for Paws on Caye Caulker
Make sure you and your dog come to The Split today, Sunday, for the Pizza & Prints for Paws event! Sip & Dip: Flea & tick dips for the dogs and sips of beer or coffee for you! Raffle, sales, food specials and more! Come join the fun and support the Caye Caulker Humane Society from 12 - 5!

Queen of the Bay 2019 Final results
Queen of the Bay Designate - Miss Kimberly Santos, Miss San Ignacio-Santa Elena. 1st RU - Miss Sabrina Coleman, Miss Stann Creek. 2nd RU - Miss Kiah Pastor, Miss Belmopan. 3rd RU - Miss Aaliyah Pilgrim, Miss San Pedro. Special awards: Miss Amity: Miss Sabrina Coleman, Miss Stann Creek. Most Talented: Miss Kimberly Santos, Miss San Ignacio-Santa Elena. Miss Eloquence: Miss Sabrina Coleman, Miss Stann Creek. Most Elegantly Dressed: Miss Sabrina Coleman, Miss Stann Creek. Miss Photogenic: Miss Kimberly Santos, Miss San Ignacio-Santa Elena.

Queen of the Bay Designate, Miss San Ignacio/Santa Elena, Miss Kimberly Santos
After 54 years, more than half of century, Miss Santos has brought glory to her District and Area, winning the prestigious pageant to hold the title Queen of the Bay. We are proud of you.

Corozal wheelchair assessment clinic
As you may have heard, the Belize Red Cross is the recipient of wheelchairs provided by Latter Day Saints Charities. We are very grateful to LDS Charities. The Corozal Branch of Belize Red Cross will be holding a wheelchair assessment clinic on Friday 6 September. It will be at the Red Cross centre in Santa Rita Heights. The following things need to be considered: There is a very limited number of chairs. This first clinic is only for assessing, no chairs will be given out on 6 September. There is a very limited number of clinic openings as we only have one assessor. Appointments need to be made with the assessor.

Cayo Food Truck Music Fest
The date is set for the Belize's first Food Truck Music Fest, and it'll be here in Cayo, on September 22nd. There will be food, fun, and music all day, and night.

Kimberly Santos Wins Queen of the Bay
Felicitations, Ms. Santos! The Queen of the West won the Queen of the Bay pageant last night. Here's to a phenomenal year representing Cayo, and Belize. May it be productive and fun. "Queen of the Bay Designate, Miss San Ignacio/Santa Elena, Miss Kimberly Santos. After 54 years, more than half of century, Miss Santos has brought glory to her District and Area, winning the prestigious pageant to hold the title Queen of the Bay. We are proud of you."

Carnival King & Queen Competition 2019
The judging of the 2019 junior and senior Carnival King and Queen.

WELL, CAYO BEGINS TO WIN AGAIN. - CONGRATULATION TO OUR BEAUTY FROM THE WEST, CONGRATULATIONS MISS SANTOS
Congrats to the Queen of the Bay 2019-20, beautiful Miss Kimberly Santos of San Ignacio/Santa Elena!

THE COMPOSITION OF THE FLAG OF BELIZE
ORIGINALLY the proposed Flag for the New Nation of Belize was designed in early 1950, on a PALE BLUE piece of Cloth. A round piece of white cloth, with the BAYMEN Coat of Arms inserted was sown in the center of the Pale Blue Cloth. This proposed FLAG was presented to the Belizean people, for their approval. With the exception of COLONIAL MINDED people, it received the approval of the majority, as was seen in the results of the Elections that followed, when the PUP swept all elections.

Free Haircuts today in San Pedro
Any children who need a free haircut before school, today is the day at Central Park

The Reporter

Body Found Near Mile 4 Was Not Traffic Accident
Earlier reports that were swirling all over Facebook and the web had suggested that the body found near mile 4 on the Philip Goldson Highway was a traffic accident, but it was not!

LOVE FM

Birthday celebration ends tragically
27-year-old, Rasheed Pollard’s birthday celebration ended tragically when he got into a traffic accident on the Philip Goldson Highway just before 3 o’clock this morning. Reports are that Pollard was heading to Belize City from Ladyville when the vehicle he was driving collided into one of the concrete-based lamp posts on the side of the …

Screening for children with special needs
The Belize Brain Awareness Society is holding screening for children with special needs. Pauline Soberanis-Tillett filed this report. Belize Brain Awareness Society is today holding the first of its kind back to school special screening for children with autism and ADHD at the Ministry of Youth Services conference room in Belmopan. With more than 25 …

Athletes recognize for their remarkable accomplishments
Belize is producing a set of athletes that are defying the odds and making us proud. Belize finished atop their group for the 2020 CONCACAF U-17 Women Championship qualifier, which took place in Barbados from August 21 to August 25. Meanwhile the U-15 male football team captured gold at the Codicader games, which took place …

Senator Zabaneh not happy about loan for Corozal-Sarteneja Road
A few bills were also discussed in the Senate meeting today. Among them was the bill for Loan Motion from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for the upgrading of the Corozal-Sarteneja Road, as well as for the constructions of the Pueble Nuevo and Laguna Seca Bridges. The loan would be for US …

Breaking Belize News

Corozal Town Councillors donate backpacks to 100 children
wo councilors from the Corozal Town Council donated 100 backpacks today to children from the district. Councilors Hilberto Clarke and Dilan Cassanova teamed up with businesses and private benefactors to secure the backpacks […]

Police errors acquit pastor and minor of drug trafficking
Police witnesses’ apparent inability to keep their stories straight saw a pastor and a minor acquitted of trafficking 11 pounds of marijuana this week. Mark Humes and Michael Nugen, now 18 but 16 at the time of his arrest, were released after […]

Success without a college degree- Palma’s Lumber and Supplies
You may have visited Palma’s Lumber and Supplies in Santa Elena,Cayo to purchase lumber or furniture. Did you know that the owner of that successful business did not complete Primary School? […]

Danny Conorquie Foundation hosts backpack drive
The Danny Conorquie Foundation today donated backpacks to children in need in Georgeville, Cayo. Mother of the fallen hero, Jean Conorquie is the founder of the foundation. […]

Man dies in traffic accident on the Southern Highway
Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the death of one man in a road traffic accident on the Southern Highway yesterday. Police say that they responded to a call around 2 p.m. to find Gregory Perez, 37, a mechanic of Punta Gorda Town, laying in a drain on the right side of the road between miles 63 and 64 […]

Visiting New Yorker avoids jail for assault on special constable
Last year more than 1 million cruise ship passengers visited Belize, and as many, if not more, are expected this year. While most of them manage to enjoy their brief stay in the Jewel, a few run afoul of the law. […]

Police investigating two troubling cases of unlawful sexual intercourse
Two reports of unlawful sexual intercourse are making the news. The first was reported in Benque Viejo. […]

Belize calls up Honduran-born forward for National Team
This week, according to sports paper Diez of Honduras, forward Carlos Bernardez accepted the invitation of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) to play for the Belize national team, the Jaguars […]

Mass bands to compete for Carnival King and Queen title today
In preparation for the 2019 Carnival road march next week, 11 mass bands will be competing today for the title of Carnival King and Queen in two categories...

Suspected ocelot killed in PG
A native big cat, most likely an Ocelot, was hit by a vehicle and killed last night in the BIg Falls area on the Southern highway. Residents in the area reported the incident to the Forest Department who is now investigating the case...

Roaring Creek Police engage in backpack drive in their community
Police officers attached to the Roaring Creek Police Station went out into their community to give back. Yesterday, officers donated backpacks and school supplies to needy families in the village...

Belize City Council to host flag raising ceremony
Tomorrow, Belize City Mayor, Bernard Wagner, and his councilors will be having the official flag raising ceremony to open the September Celebrations. This annual ceremony starts at 5:45 a.m. on Sunday at the Flag Monument inside the roundabout near Freetown Road and Princess Margaret Drive...

Western Dairies to commemorate customer appreciation day in September
Western Dairies (WD) will be celebrating their annual customer appreciation days in September. The event will begin on September 19th with amazing promotions, raffles, and giveaways...

Copal Tree Lodge wins Agro-Tourism award
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has recognized 8 tourism entities from CTO-member countries with its top awards for embracing sustainable tourism principles. The awards were presented August 29, 2019 during CTO’s Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines...

Hidden Figures’ Katherine Johnson celebrates 101 Birthday!
Happy birthday Katherine Johnson! The renowned NASA mathematician is celebrating her 101st birthday. Belizeans remember the name Katherine Johnson from the American film ‘Hidden Figures’ which depicted a female mathematician...

Ministry of Health advises public to keep yards clean to avoid mosquito breeding sites
Dengue, also known as “Breakbone Fever”, is an infectious disease that can be deadly. It is transmitted by the bite of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitos.

Official Launch of September Celebrations being held today at Punta Gorda
Today is the official launch of the September Celebrations in Punta Gorda. The ceremony began just minutes ago...

Save the Macal River campaign launched
Residents of San Ignacio, Santa Elena and surrounding communities have joined forces to launch the ‘Save the Macal River’ campaign. A meeting was held on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at the San Ignacio and Santa Elena town hall...

Former NBA Superstar Amare Stoudemire visits Belize!
Former NBA Superstar Amare Stoudemire is in Belize on the island of San Pedro. He also took the time to meet with his long-time friend Shyne Barrow and posed for a picture...

Man escapes street justice after injuring common law wife, residents deal with vehicle instead
A man who is accused of injuring his common-law-wife tried to escape street justice from a small group of residents in the area. Residents who saw what happened decided to take matters in their own hands. However, the accused abuser saw what was coming and fled the scene...

Kimberly Santos wins 74th Queen of the Bay
The 74th edition of the Queen of the bay pageant was held last night in Belize City. Newly crowned Queen of the West, Kimberly Santos brought the crown to the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena as the 2019 Queen of the Bay...

Blogs

Who’s Open All Season 2019 on Ambergris + a Few Closures
The information has been going around FB on who is closed for the low season which is totally useful, however, I decided it was just as important for you to know more of who’s open all season 2019 on Ambergris Caye making it easier for meal planning. There are a few closings listed below too, at a week off, some of them are barely gone. Thanks to Kevin Owen for starting that Ambergris Caye Immigrants facebook post that inspired both my lists below.

International Sources

First Look At Marriott's Branded Beach Villas In Belize
Marriott International Autograph Collection is deeply immersed in this trend, with 60 branded residences worldwide. Its latest is Alaia Belize’s new oceanfront home collection—The Beach Villas, part of a 155-unit community resort opening in December 2020. Belize is emerging as the Caribbean’s best kept secret. Ashcroft is collaborating with Marriott International’s Autograph Collection to launch the eight designer oceanfront villas featuring interiors by award-winning Brazilian designer Debora Aguiar, who is known for her eco-luxury aesthetics.

Additional areas being monitored in Atlantic for tropical development during first week of September
While Dorian will remain the most potent feature on the tropical weather maps over the Atlantic Basin, AccuWeather meteorologists are monitoring other areas in the tropics for development in the coming days. The first area of concern is a batch of showers and thunderstorms traveling from the eastern Gulf of Mexico to the central areas of the Gulf this weekend. It is as this mass moves to the southwestern Gulf during Monday and Tuesday when some development may take place. That development has about a 20% chance of occurring.

Videos