FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Dr. Javier Zuniga leaves to pursue Master’s Degree in International Public Health
The Medical Coordinator and Director of the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinic II Dr. Javier Zuniga is making final preparations to leave the country to further his medical career. This year Dr. Zuniga was offered the Australian Development Award which earned him a scholarship to pursue a Masters Degree in International Public Health. While the scholarship begins on January 1st, Dr. Zuniga is making final preparations and is hopeful that upon his return he will be reassigned to San Pedro or given a position related to the subject he is furthering his studies in. In speaking to The San Pedro Sun, Dr. Zuniga said that the scholarship is for one year and that he is one of four Belizeans that are furthering their studies in various areas as part of the usAid scholarship program. “After spending six years working at the primary care level, I have come to realize that many changes can be done with our health care system, but not working as a general practitioner. For changes to occur we need to make them at the ministerial level, and for me to push for what I believe should be the best health care possible, I would need to work at the ministerial level. So this master’s degree will basically help me, it’s a step forward, to get the knowledge and the experience, so that one day I could work at the ministerial level to make the necessary changes that we need to do to better our health care system,” said a visionary Dr. Zuniga.

Mexican classic ballet group visits Belize
The Embassy of Mexico invites to the presentation by the Classic Ballet Company from the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico, at the Bliss Centre in Belize City. This special presentation will open the “Dance X Belize 2012 Festival” organized by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), through the Institute of Creative Arts. The “Ballet de Camara del Estado de Quintana Roo” is one of the most outstanding and professional classic dance companies in Southeastern Mexico. Since its creation in October 2010, the dance group has performed different classic pieces such as Carmen, with the Quintana Roo Symphonic Orchestra, The Nutcracker, The Blue Bird, Le Corsaire, Don Quixote, The Black Swan among others, and works of its own repertoire such as: City Stories, Rebirth of my homeland and Night of the Maya, among others.

SPRCS boys win Belize District Primary School Football Competition
San Pedro RC Boys football team travelled to Belize City where they competed at the MCC Grounds for the opportunity to represent the Belize District at the Primary School National Football competitions. Eliminations took place on Wednesday November 14th, when the primary schools from both San Pedro and Caye Caulker took to the Ambergris Stadium to compete against each other to choose the winning male and female teams of the Belize Rural Zone. At the end of those competitions, both teams from the San Pedro Roman Catholic School emerged victorious. The teams then travelled to Belize City on Tuesday November 27th to compete against other zone winners from the Belize District to choose the district winners that will then compete in the Nationals scheduled for December 7th in Belize City at the MCC Grounds. In the male competition at Belize City were: Our Lady of the Way Elementary School from Ladyville, San Pedro Roman Catholic School, St. John’s Viannie RC School and the Belize Presbyterian Elementary School. The San Pedro female team was first on the field, going up against Belize Elementary school. Neither team was able to get in a goal, so the game went into penalty round where the SPRCS girls lost with a score of 4 to 3. With this loss, the girls were eliminated from the competition.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Town Council Donates Picnic Tables to Schools
On Wednesday, November 28, 2012, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Councilor Gaby Nuñez personally handed over eight picnic tables to Principal Miguel Hernandez of New Horizon SDA School. Mr. Hernandez was quite happy for the donation as he mentioned that the school will soon have a palapa to accommodate the much need picnic tables for children to use during their break and lunch time. Mr. Hernandez also shared the good news that the school received the support of a kind anonymous donor who will have two classrooms built; work should commence in the next two weeks. Mayor Danny Guerrero promised Mr. Hernandez to allocate an additional donor so as to help with the construction of two additional classrooms. The Town Council will donate one so as to have a total of five new classrooms.

Dr. Javier Zuniga Leaves San Pedro to Pursue Studies Abroad
The Town of San Pedro has benefitted very much from the medical services of Doctor Javier Zuniga who made San Pedro Town his home eight years ago. He has been a professor, doctor, mentor, and friend. Today we lose the invaluable services of this professional because he is leaving for Australia to further his studies, but the community is confident he will return to be our doctor and friend. San Pedro will surely miss him, and we wish him all the best as he specializes himself in his profession and we await his return with open arms.

El Secreto Brings Technology Under a Thatched Roof
Within each of the resort’s villas, guests find their own private escape. Everything is very personal, from your own private Jacuzzi, enclosed outdoor shower and deck with hammock. The interiors are furnished with include king-size bed, flat-screen LCD television, marble bathroom, indoor hot tub, Melita coffee and tea maker, iPod docking station, mini-bar, and air-conditioning. Three Sea Villas are located just steps from the ocean; four Tropical Villas offer lush garden views; and five Lake Villas surround the resort’s salt water lake. All villas feature contemporary and locally-inspired fixtures with all carpentry designed and handcrafted by local artisans using a variety of hard woods native to the region for the window frames, closets, deck floors, and interior furnishings. Get this! Very unique to El Secreto and a service not available anywhere else in the entire country, is that of a full pillow menu. Upon making your reservations you have the option to choose from a variety of pillow including feathers, memory foam and hypoallergenic, among others. It’s an added plus to their five-star service; plus the room also features Malin + Goetz bath amenities and Vivenda Egyptian cotton linens which means a heavenly night’s rest.

Suffocating the World
Was sent this great infographic about how our environment is paying for our everyday use of plastics and I thought it would be great to share with my readers. Hope it changes your mind and sheds some more light on the issue of protecting Mother Earth: “You’re standing in line at the grocery store when you realize that you don’t have your reusable bag. You’ll have to get a plastic bag. Again. You feel bad for a moment and then think that it’s just one bag. But it isn’t … In the U.S. alone, 280 billion plastic bags are used each year, which is enough to stretch around the earth nearly 30,000 times. Making and using plastic bags has more repercussions than you might think. Check out the following infographic to see how exactly plastic bags affect our cities, our environment and even our economy.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Ambergris Caye Elementary School Upcoming Events
Thank you all for your time and your commitment to this community and its people. It recently came to my attention that Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) has not been consistently notifying the local communication sources of its activities and schedule. I hope to be able to correct this lapse, so will be sending you updates of the fundraisers, community service activities, and schedule for the school. If there is a preferred email address or contact for your organization, please let me know and I will edit this email list. If there is a cost or other paperwork needed for inclusion in your publication or public service announcement, also, please let me know and I will take that information to the ACES Board. Please find below the schedule of events and sales for ACES for the next 8 weeks. ACES is working very diligently to provide a high quality education to a broad range of student age groups as well as educational needs, and your help in keeping the public abreast of its events will be an invaluable gift - one the ACES Board, Staff and Students will appreciate more than you could ever know. Thank you in advance for your attention to this email and I am looking forward to working will all the these awesome organizations as ACES continues to grow and serve the San Pedro Community as well. Humbly and Sincerely Yours, Paulette Foster-Galbraith

Ascenthium at Cayo Art Festival
Ascenthium rocked Burns avenue at the Cayo Art Festival. Here's a video of them doing Metallica. They'll be at La Cabana in Belmopan on Saturday.

Women's Self Defense Classes
Todat there will be two free women's self defense classes in Cayo. The first will be at the Women's Department building from 9am until 1pm. The second will be at the Benque House of Culture, and will go from 2pm until 5pm. A big thanks to Renee Wentz and the Women's Department! "Here are the sessions for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in Cayo (San Ignacio and Benque). Please see the flyer and contact me or the Women's Dept for more information. The classes are sponsored by the Women's Dept and are free to women/girls."

Model Casting Call
Joris Hendrik is having a model casting call for his next fashion show, which will take place on the 5th of January at the Bedran Hall at the SIRH. https://www.facebook.com/JorisHendrik "Hello Ladies, please message us at www.facebook.com/JorisHendrik if you're interested. An Application with Details will follow your message. Have a great day."

SHC's Tarde Cultural on Friday
Sacred Heart College will be having their annual La Tarde Cultural tonight. "La Tarde Cultural is an annual Spanish Project for third form students at Sacred Heart College that allows them to learn about the culture of the Latin American countries."

Taste of Belize at SIRH
The Taste of Belize will be held in Cayo this year. The main chef competition will be this Saturday, at the San ignacio Resort Hotel. Sunday, at the Cayo Welcome Center, they'll have the BBQ competition. "Taste of Belize, Belize's Culinary Event where top Belizean chefs compete for the grand prize."

Iguanas at SHJC's Open Day
The Green Iguana Conservation Project was at Sacred Heart Junior College's Open Day. Everyone got a kick out of them.

Kathy's Potatoes
I recently took a trip to Utah to visit my family. We had a wonderful barbecue with all the trimmings. My Aunt Kathy prepared her own version of a type of scalloped potatoes. I love onions so I absolutely enjoyed these potatoes that are made with tons of onions. This recipe is easy and the potatoes are divine

Channel 7

Belize Rejects Superbond Deal From Creditor Committee
Belize has said "no-go" to a restructuring proposal put forward by the creditor committee which holds more than 50% of the Superbond debt. More than three months have passed since Belize first missed its Superbond payment - and more than 60 days have gone since a good faith half payment was made. In that time, there's been plenty of negotiating, but not much headway. And today's announcement posted on the Government of Belize website is confirmation of that. It discusses a counter-proposal made by the creditor committee - which was presented last week - three and a half months after Government first put forward its proposals. But in the response which was posted on the government website today quote: "The GoB considers (that proposal) to be wholly incompatible with its objective of placing the country's debt burden on a sustainable footing and that it amounts to little more than a short-term fix." It concludes that, quote, "the GOB views the recently-submitted scenarios as unsustainable, and is disappointed that a counter-proposal of this nature has come five months after discussions with the Committee began." End of quote. But - it doesn't end there; Government does offer a new, revised pair of restructuring scenarios. The first suggests a principal reduction of 33% - which is down from the 45% that was proposed in August. And it also increases the proposed interest rate from 3.5% to 4.5 for the first five years and 6.75% for the next thirty years. The second revised scenario does not include a principal reduction, but suggests extending the life of the bond to 40 years - down from 50 in the first proposal. It also offers a higher interest rate than the 2% which had first been proposed. So, today's revised proposals do make some concessions - and offer bondholders a better deal than the August proposals. Will it be enough? It may have to be because government sources suggest this may be their final offer.

Elderly Woman Stands Up To Ruthless Robbers
A 63 year old woman fought with robbers to hold on to her earrings yesterday! It happened on Magazine Road in Belize City yesterday morning. Around 11:30, Veronica Allen was walking home - when at the Vernon Street junction - two men approached her. They demanded that she handed over her belongings. But the elderly woman wasn't about to do so that easily. Allen put up a fight with the robbers and even though the men escaped with her gold bracelet and one of her gold earrings, she managed to clutch on tightly to her handbag. Today - asking to appear off camera - she told 7news about her traumatic experience. Voice of: 63 Year old robbery victim "I was coming from my ministry and when I was crossing by the street where the clinic is - coming down Magazine Road about two houses from Vernon Street, two boys tackle me; one on bicycle and another one on foot. The one on foot was younger than the one on the bicycle. The one was on bicycle - you could see that he is rastafari because you could see he has his hood on and on his hood there are stripes. I could see his face because I was trying to fight them off, I didn't have time to look on their faces but I know that one was younger than the other."

A Shallow Grave For North Front Street Bones
Tonight, there are still no definitive findings about the bones unearthed yesterday on North Front Street. Dr. John Morris of the Department of Archeology will examine the remains along with police forensic pathologist Dr. Mario Estradabran tomorrow. That session should have been held today but Estradabran was too tied up with autopsy work. But after visiting the site today, Morris did have some initial observations. He told us that the remains appear to be those of three individuals - and he concludes that they were hastily buried after either the 1931 or 1961 hurricanes. He says they were likely placed in a shallow grave - less than three feet below the street - with just a plank underneath them. More will be known tomorrow after the bones are examined with greater detail.

Murders At A Record Clip In 2012
As of Sunday November 25th, with five weeks left to go in 2012 - there have been, unofficially, 130 murders in Belize, one more than the all-time high, in 2010, when 129 murders were officially recorded. It's a depressing statistic, but one that must be noted in a year that has been the deadliest on record. There have been three straight double digit months for murders in September, October and November. That makes seven double digit murder months for 2012; the record-setting year, 2010 had eight double digit months.

GSU Keeps PIV Under Pressure
On Tuesday we told you about the GSU search on two apartments on Mopan Street, allegedly occupied by 12 reputed PIV gang members. They found a boat engine in one of the apartments and an owner has stepped up to claim ownership. He said that the engine was stolen from his boat five days ago. And so, 10 persons were charged for handling stolen goods. They are 24 year old Leon Gray, 23 year old Kieshayne Kirk Young, 20 year old Ashley Welch, 20 year old Gregory Knox, 30 year old Edwin Flowers, 24 year old Albert Clother, 24 year old Warren Dominguez, two 17 year olds and a 15 year old minor were also charged jointly with the others. The GSU says that all these persons are reputed members of the PIV gang. Three 9mm pistols were also found on the property during the operation. According to GSU, they are waiting to see fingerprints lifted from the firearms found and ballistic testing to determine if further charges will be brought. In other news, yesterday, the GSU searched a house at the residence of Wilfred Garbutt located at number 58 Gabourel Lane. A transparent Zip Lock bag containing 9 grammes of cocaine was found in one of the bedrooms. All three occupants were arrested and charged for drug trafficking. Present at the time were 30 year old Wilfred Garbutt, 22 year old Melisa Armstrong and 29 year old Alrick Galvez.

Youths: Who Is Farrakhan?
Earlier this week, official details of the visit of Minister Louis Farrakhan were released. Those of us older born before 1980 should remember his last visit in 1986. But there's a whole generation of adults born after 1986 who are saying, "Farrakhan - who?" And it's understandable, because in the modern "pop-life" where telephones and television dominate the national consciousness, Farrakhan is not exactly at the top of the charts, or "trending" on Google. But in 1986, before a zillion channels of cable, facebook and text messages, Farrakhan's visit was a major event. With some YouTube video of that visit recently posted on the internet, we wondered about the comparisons between then and now. Daniel Ortiz reports:.. Daniel Ortiz reporting When Pastor Luis Farrakhan came to Belize in 1986 - this video captured by the Nation of Islam showed Belize City as it was then. Some things have changed in the 26 years, while many have remained the same.

Authorities Say Human Trafficker Caught
48 year-old Guatemalan National Rolando Velasquez Darbon, is in custody tonight because he is being investigated as possibly being part of an international human trafficking ring. According to immigration authorities, acting on information they visited the Belize City Bus terminal yesterday, where they detained a young man, later learned to be Jose Evelio Hernandez Ayala, a Salvadoran national. When they asked the man to produce immigration documents, he couldn't, but he told them that someone was supposed to bring them for him very soon. The officers set up an impromptu sting operation where they caught Darbon in the act of trying to furnish a Salvadoran passport and visa later discovered to be fake documents. Both men were detained and question where it was discovered that Darbon smuggled Ayala into the country illegally, and produced the documents for him to try to get past all immigration checks.

Colombia Withdraws From ICJ
On October 13 of 2013, Belizeans and Guatemalans will vote simultaneously on whether we should take our territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice. One country that did do that is having second thoughts, so much so that it is pulling out of the ICJ. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced yesterday that his country has officially withdrawn from the treaty that recognizes the authority of the ICJ. This is after the ICJ gave a ruling on November 19th that extends Nicaragua's maritime territory by 20,000 square miles. The ruling ended a decades-long dispute over the San Andres island - which remains in Colombia's possession. But it re-drew the maritime borders - giving Nicaragua territory in a potentially oil-rich area. President Santos said quote, "The borders between nations cannot be in the hands of a court of law, They must be drawn by agreement between the countries involved." He has said he will now engage Nicaragua in bi-lateral talks to settle the issue. In other international news of interest, the United Nations voted overwhelmingly today to recognize a Palestinian state. There were 138 votes in favour, including Belize, 9 against while some 40 members abstained.

A Youth-Friendly Space In Police Station
Opening ceremonies were held this morning for a Youth Friendly Drop in Center at the Caribbean Shores police substation. It is an initiative of the Community Policing Unit - a section of the Police Department that involves law enforcement professionals who specifically work with and for the communities. The new drop in center will give students in the area access to a computer to get homework assignments done and should also serve as a safe setting for the youngsters. Corporal Hortense Hernandez, who is the Acting Officer Commanding the Community Policing told 7news how the center will operate. Corporal Hortense Hernandez, Acting Officer Commanding Community Policing "The youth friendly space is a place where young people can come and just be themselves in a crime free environment; at the same time they will be learning very educational stuff that will help them along the way as a guideline." Monica Bodden "Tell us a little bit about what are some of the services that will be offered here?" Corporal Hortense Hernandez "Young people can come here, they can print home works, they can do research if they have homework, SBAs - anything that they need to do on a computer they can come and get some assistance to do homework. Also we have a lot of informative pamphlets where they can get additional information. As I said it's a place where young people can just be themselves."

Papi Poti Passes
Tonight we note the passing of a Belize City legend, Edward "Papi Poti" Orozco. He died at his home in Belize City this morning after a long battle with cancer. He was a boxer, an orator, an ardent PUP supporter, and one of the colourful characters that define Belize City's identity. His friend Yasser Musa remembered the man called Poti:.. Yasser Musa, Friend of Papi Poti "He was a discipline man. He loved sports, he was a great boxer; he played in 1970s on the great Fort George United Football team. He was a man that had the ability to deliver powerful message in very sharp but precise words. He came up with many of the phrases and slogans of our party over the years and he had that common touch where he would enter a room and people would gravitate toward him because he had this spirit of spontaneous combustion I would always called it because he just knew what to say and how to say it and so we are sad today. When you are in his presence you felt something deeply human about his strength of character, his persistence and his just ordinary approach to things."

Belize's First Int'l Fencing Event
On Monday, 7News told you about 14 year-old Xunan Smith who went to El Salvador to represent Belize for the first time in an international Fencing tournament. On Sunday, she competed in the VI Annual Giorgio Scarso International Tournament, and on Tuesday in the Central American & Caribbean Championship. In the Giorgio Scarso tournament, she competed against 21 other fencers, and she was able to place 10th, performing better than 11 of those athletes. If that's not enough to impress you, this junior athlete managed to compete on par with the 7th place athlete who has 37 years of experience, and who just barely defeated her. In the Central American and Caribbean Championships, she placed 6th of 19 athletes. For a first attempt, Xunan Smith acquitted herself excellently in the sport, and gave Belize an impressive debut.

Profile Of a Survivo: Godfrey Sosar
If you follow the morning talk shows - you may remember the name Godfrey Sosa. He made a historic appeal for a kidney transplant in 2005 - and raised tens of thousands of dollars to fund the operation. But, that didn't work either - and shortly after - the new kidney started failing. In tonight's I Am Belize profile he tells us how he continues to persevere - in spite of his difficulties:..

Salima Fundraising At School
Last month we told you about 7 year old Salima Barrow's mission to fundraise for children living with cancer. It's a mission funded by proceeds from a Limeade stand. Today she set up the stand at her school. Under the theme Children Helping Children, Salima and her Standard 1 classmates at Hummingbird Elementary held a Limeade sale during their lunch break. The juices were going for only 2 dollars but their ambitions are far greater. We spoke to her teacher:.. Sonia Bennett - Std. 1 teacher "This initiative is an effort to help the cancer children down in Dangriga. They are selling limeade to support the children down there who are sick with cancer." "They are divided into 4 groups and as you can see we have the ice group, we have the servers, here are the people who are serving the juice and over there we have the people who are collecting the money." Reporter "Can you tell us about the enthusiasm for the children while preparing for this?" Sonia Bennett - Std. 1 teacher "Oh my gosh! I can't keep this still. I could keep them in check at all. They are so excited about this whole thing." Salima Barrow, Std. 1 student "We were serving the limeade juice." Monica Bodden "What were you doing Haley?" Hayley Thurton "I was getting the ice." Student "I was serving." Gianna Saldivar "I was collecting the money." Sofia Solano, Std. 1 student "I was putting the ice in the cups."

Channel 5

Recent superbond Restructuring offer rejected by GOB
There were hopes that a deal would be struck when the Debt Review Team and the Coordinating Committee of Belize Bondholders met following the US thanksgiving holiday. But the result is a reversal of a previous discussion. In August the Government publicized three Indicative Restructuring Scenarios that would reduce the long term payment and bond [...]

B.T.I.A. attends consultations with Bond Negotiation committee
Government and bondholders are at a stalemate five months after the negotiations started and are basically back at square one. But Jim Scott, the former president of the B.T.I.A., said today that the team leader has asked him to inform tourism industry stakeholders that the negotiations were moving forward.   Jim Scott, Immediate Former President, [...]

5.5 million dollars of Bradley bond sold
While bondholders and government are at a standstill, the Belize City municipal bond is trading beyond expectations. Since going public on Monday, Belize City Mayor, Darrell Bradley says there has been high demand by the business community for the bonds that will finance the ongoing infrastructure works in the City. The Belize City Council has [...]

Structuring shares of bond for sale
A total of eleven individuals and businesses have bought into the primary offering since it was launched on November twenty-sixth. The smallest shares are in the amount of two individual bonds, while the largest stocks are seven thousand, five hundred and twelve thousand, five hundred bonds, respectively.   Darrell Bradley, Belize City Mayor “What we’ve [...]

Radar wasn’t working when drug plane landed on the highway
The trial involving several law enforcement officers accused in the largest drug seizure in recent history continued today before Justice Denis Hanomansingh in the Dangriga courts with arguments from the defense. Police officers Renel Grant, Lawrence Humes, Jacinto Roches, Mark Middleton and Customs boatman Harold Usher, as well as Victor Logan have been indicted for [...]

Who raided McAfee’s property today?
John McAfee, the anti-virus founder, has faded from the media headlines in recent days, but he continues to blog about life in hiding and in Belize on a whole. In his most recent posting, McAfee claims that the Gang Suppression Unit and the Coast Guard raided his property in San Pedro just before eleven o’clock [...]

Mayor Bradley explains the garbage fee arrangement with BWS
Last Friday, Belize Water Services Ltd., the collecting agent for the proposed residential garbage fee, issued a release outlining the conditions under which the city council partnership can be successful. Among those terms is that BWS will not disconnect its customers for failure to pay the new fee, despite generating and issuing the monthly invoice. [...]

B.T.I.A. hosts AGM for tourism partners
The tourism industry has had a successful year. That commendable sentiment came in the report card that was presented at the annual general meeting of the Belize Tourism and Industry Association which took place at the Radisson Hotel today. But despite growth in the industry, crime presents a major challenge that threatens to besmirch the [...]

63 year old woman defiant during robbery
Two women were victims of thieves this week. On Monday, forty nine year old Rosa Tejada, a resident of Dean Street left her home between nine a.m. and four thirty p.m. When she returned she discovered that one thousand three hundred Belize dollars, an additional hundred dollars in other currencies, and two gold chains valued [...]

K-9 unit sniffs out cocaine in Placencia
A special joint operation by the K-nine unit and Placencia Police yielded a significant amount of cocaine early this morning. The first find was a kilo of cocaine, followed by another quantity of marijuana. As the operation continued, things got more interesting and the officers dug up eight packs of crack cocaine in different locations [...]

Villager turns himself in after stabbing woman multiple times
Also in Placencia, twenty-four year old Lizet Cocom was stabbed multiple times on November fifteenth on her neck, back and hands, allegedly by her estranged common-law husband. The incident was reported the following day and led to outrage in village when the police did not arrest the accused man even though he travelled regularly between [...]

Guatemalan caught smuggling Salvadoran into Belize
Forty-eight year-old Rolando Velasquez Darbon pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting when he appeared before Magistrate Adolph Lucas Jr. in court today. He was busted on Wednesday slipping a Salvadoran national into the country. Darbon, who is wanted by the United States Embassy for his involvement in an alleged human trafficking ring, was fined three [...]

Minister of National Security says crime is down
There were six murders over the past weekend alone and the continuous spate of violent crimes has residents on edge countrywide. But in his address at the B.T.I.A. AGM today, the Minister of National Security, John Saldivar said that major crimes have actually decreased over the past five months. According to Saldivar it may not [...]

Caribbean Shores Drop in Center for youths
Proper communication with communities has always been essential for cops to maintain peace in neighborhoods. The Zone Beat Liaison Officers are focused on community engagement but Drop-in centers are becoming an additional tool to maintain a relationship with the youths. The police department has drop-in centers in Yarborough, Hattieville and Benque. Today, the Caribbean Shores [...]

GSU cleaning up the streets of drugs, ammunition and stolen goods
On Tuesday, the Gang Suppression Unit found an outboard engine at an apartment complex on Mopan Street where members of the PIV gang are known to be living. One person is claiming ownership of the engine but as many as nine have been arrested and charged for handling stolen goods. They are Leon Gray, Kieshayne [...]

Bottle recycler found fetus at dump site
There are further details on the body of a baby found on Wednesday morning at the George Price Highway Dumpsite. The police report that the partially decomposed body was found, according to police, by a plastic recycler from the “Gungulung area” in Saint Martin De Porres. The recycler was collecting plastic bottles at the dumpsite [...]

Vote taken at UN to recognize Palestine as non-member observer state
The United Nations recorded a historic vote today; member states voted to recognize Palestine as a non-member observer state. One hundred and thirty eight members voted in favor while nine, including the United States, Israel and Canada, voted against. The vote came after impassioned speeches from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who asked the UN to [...]

Healthy Living explores living with HIV
Each year on December first, people all over the globe commemorate World Aids Day. From 2011 to 2015 the central theme for the activities has been “Getting to Zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths.” In 2011, Belize had reason to celebrate; the number of new HIV infections had decreased from [...]

LOVE FM

Immigration Nabs Man for Human Trafficking
48-year-old Guatemalan national, Rolando Velasquez Darbon was arrested as part of an ongoing Immigration sting that continues in Belize City. Darbon pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a Salvadoran and Guatemalan national and fined $3,000.00. He was ordered to pay the fine fort...

Placencia Police Charge Wanted Man and Reports on Drug Bust on the Peninsula
Two weeks after he allegedly stabbed twenty four year old Lizet Cocom, police in Placencia village are reporting that the prime suspect, Devon Logan is in custody. According to officer in Charge of Placencia Police Superintendent Mark Flowers, Logan, in the company of his attorne...

CTV3

Mexican National Charged For Drug Trafficking Offered Bail
Also appearing in the Corozal Magistrates Court this morning was 52 year old Mexican National Pedro Alfonso Betancourt Reed charged with two counts of drug trafficking. When Betancourt Reed appeared before the court today, Magistrate Clive Lino offered him bail to the sum of $25,000 which he met. On Sunday October 7th, Corozal Police visited C&B;’s Bar located on Baeza’s layout in Corozal Town where they searched a Silver 2005 Ford Eco Sport SUV with license plate number UUA 79-54 in the presence of Reed, 51 year old Belizean Tailor of Consejo Road Alfonso Iglesias Jr. and 51 year old businessman of San Pedro Town Jose Nunez. The search led police to the discovery of two black plastic bags suspected to contain 295 grams of cocaine. As a result, Reed, Iglesias Jr., and Nunez were detained and charged for drug trafficking. Iglesias Jr. and Nunez were offered bail on their first court appearance.

Corozal Under Heavy Guard, Mexican National Goes To Court
This morning the entire area surrounding the Corozal Magistrates Court was under heavy police guard as 22 year old Mexican National of Chetumal Quintana Roo, Zurisaday Villasenor Mendez, was escorted to the Court room. CTV3 News understands that Corozal Police stepped up their security after receiving information that an attempt might be made to free Villasenor who is facing charges of kept prohibited firearm, kept prohibited ammunition, kept firearm without a gun license, kept ammunition without a gun license, drug trafficking and possession of controlled drugs. But Villasenor’s case was not heard today; instead it was adjourned to a later date. Due to security measures we are not allowed to release the date Villasenor is scheduled to be back in court. Viewers might recall that on Tuesday October 30th, Corozal Police conducted a search at the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino located just outside the Corozal Free Zone. During the raid, four vehicles and an arsenal of high powered weapons including AK-47 rifles, ammunition, drugs, radio and communication devices, a mask and an assortment of other items were confiscated.

Armoured Catfish Captured In O/W 13 Years Ago
Last night we told you about the 2 armored catfish that were captured in Sylvester Village near Gallon Jug in the Orange Walk District in the month of September. The Fisheries Department visited the area but was unable to capture any more of the fish which is known to erode local shorelines up to 10 feet as it devastates aquatic plant life. These efficient feeders may disrupt the food sources of native fishes and hamper the natives’ reproduction by destroying their eggs and their habit of burrowing into banks to spawn can impact adversely a stream’s water quality by releasing substantial amounts of sediment that destabilize banks. Presently the Fisheries Department is working on developing a management plan to control the invasion of the species and will even implement an incentive program to encourage people to bring in the fish if captured. But all indications are that the two armored catfish captured in the Gallon Jug area, are not the only ones that have been fished in north.

O/W Special Olympics Team Headed South
Northern Regional Special Olympics held on November 2nd at the Orange Walk People’s Stadium proved to be a very special day for children with special needs as qualifying athletes were selected to represent the north in the National Special Olympics scheduled to take place in Punta Gorda this coming Saturday. But in order to make the trip financing is needed and this morning when caught up with the President of the Parents Alliance for Persons with Special Needs, Estelita Carlos, who was out by Queen Victoria Avenue collecting funds. Estelita Carlos- President, PAPSN “Our major goal today is for us to raise $1400.00 towards the nationals which will be held at Punta Gorda and we are trying to cater for the bus. Our parent support group is going to be here to collect whatever amount of money necessary but we are asking the community of Orange Walk to give us the support for our children because it is not for me it is for the athlete that are going to represent Orange Walk and hopefully they will be bringing back their medals here in Orange Walk.” Accompanying Carlos this morning was Peace Corp Volunteer Christen Eure. Christen Eure- Peace Corp “I would say thank you for Orange Walk for being so supportive of our persons with disability who live here, it is a great place to live very open society and I would wish that for the rest of the country as well that Orange Walk could be a model for on how to treat the persons with disabilities as part of the community and part of our lives, it is wonderful message.”

Teachers Working Towards Improving Education
Most people will agree that when it comes to improving individual and collective lives, thus contributing to social and economic development, education plays an important role. And when it comes to education, teachers should be top priority since they are in charge of feeding the minds of students. Improving a child’s performance at school forms part of a teacher’s agenda hence why they are constantly engaged in workshops. Today, when we visited the Multi Purpose Complex, we found teachers hard at work as they participated in a one day workshop catered at improving the results of the Belize Junior Achievement Test and the Primary School Examination. Elmer Cornejo reports. Elmer Cornejo – Reporting At the primary level two public examinations are administered on an annual basis: the Primary School Examination or PSE, administered to all students completing primary education and the Belize Junior Achievement Test or BJAT, administered to all students completing the middle division of primary education. However, students seem to be having difficulties in performance when it comes to the BJAT. In order to improve the performance of students at the time of sitting the BJAT, the Ministry of Education held a one day workshop today at the Orange Walk Multi Complex Building where standard 3 and standard 4 teachers, accompanied by their principals, took the task of understanding the details the BJAT contains.

LOVE TV

Skeletal remains unearthed on North Front Street
The ongoing street works in Belize City has unearthed what may very well be a painful part of the history of the old capital. It happened at the foot of the Swing Bridge. And Love TV’s Marion Ali and video journalist Brian Castillo went to North Front Street to investigate.

San Pedro businessman says he is being wrongfully targetted
A San Pedro businessman is complaining of being unfairly targeted and is planning legal action against the San Pedro Town Council. Mario Servoni who opened a beachfront business in San Pedro town six months ago, called our News Centre today to complain that late last week he was forced to remove some of his equipment which puts him at a distinct disadvantage. Servoni says the back and forth between himself and the San Pedro town Council has been going on for about a month now. And while he was hoping for an amicable solution, the aggrieved businessman says that late last week, under threat of imprisonment, he was forced to give in. Following our conversation with Mario Servoni, Love News contacted San Pedro town Mayor Daniel Guerrero. Mayor Guerrero says that he is reserving public comments on the issue at this time because there is an impending meeting involving the Town Council, Servoni and other businesses in the immediate area where he operates to try and resolve the matter.

Man fined for hiring illegal workers
A building contractor who employed two men not in possession of work permits and had them hiding in the ceiling of a building they were working on, was fined $3,000.00 today after he pled guilty to two counts of employing persons not in possession of employment permits. He is 52 year old Demetrio Calderon, a Salvadoran national with permanent resident status in Belize. Calderon was given until February 28, 2013 to pay the fine. If he defaults on payment he will serve two years in jail. Calderon was busted around 11 o’clock on Tuesday morning when immigration officers went to a construction site at Los Lagos at mile 13 on the Northern Highway. The immigration officers saw Calderon on the street in front of the site acting suspicious and when they searched a building Calderon was working on they found two Salvadoran nationals, Edwin Erazo and Rafael Cardoza, hiding in the ceiling. Erazo and Cardoza admitted that they were hired by Calderon and that they did not have work permits. As a result, Calderon was taken to the immigration office in Belize City and charged.

Findings of behavioral study released
The Ministry of Health has released the preliminary findings of a behavioral survey carried out earlier this year. The survey involved three particular groups, namely men who have sex with men; female sex workers and persons with HIV and was aimed at documenting the behavioral risks associated with HIV in the three target groups and to determine the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in the three study groups. [FS 1] The preliminary findings point to a less than acceptable consistent use of condom in the target groups. In the group of men who have sex with men as well as persons with HIV condom use is shown to be less than seventy percent. The number is less than eighty one person among female sex workers. [FS 2] On the issue of the knowledge of the transmission of HIV, the study shows that only 33 percent of female sex workers are aware of the transmission, and only fifty seven percent in the other group. [FS 3] Prevalence of HIV among the men who have sex with men was shown to be thirteen point eight percent, while for female sex workers it was less than one percent of those tested. The Preliminary results of the behavioral study showed that Genital Herpes and Chlamydia were the most common sexually transmitted infections diagnosed across the target groups. [FS 4] Stigma and discrimination, according to the preliminary findings was the highest in the community and workplace and is estimated at ten percent in the health sector. The final report on the behavioral study is scheduled for release in February of next year.

Concerns raised over armored cat fish presence
The Belize fish industry has had to deal with “pests” in the past from Tilapia some years ago to more recently the Lion Fish. But it seems to have another problem on its hand, a fresh water fish known as armored cat fish. The type of fish is not carnivorous but it’s territorial and can easily displace other species in freshwater bodies inland. Wilfrido Pott of the Inland Fishing Unit of the Fisheries Department tells us more. Pott says the Fisheries Department has submitted proposals for funding of a management plan to contain the increase of the armored cat fish in Belize. Love News understands that fisheries authorities in Mexico are particularly interested in having this specie controlled, especially since the Rio Bravo is in their proximity. The fisheries department encourages Belizeans to consume the fish if they catch them as a form of controlling its population.

Women’s department sponsors legal clinics
The Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Violence was launched last week and numerous activities linked to the occasion are taking place countrywide. Today a legal clinic was held at the ITVET building on Freetown Road. Human Development Coordinator at the Women’s Department, Cynthia Williams told Love News that the legal clinic is an intervention that the department began some years ago in order to provide the general public with free legal advice. Antionette Moore is one of the attorneys who volunteered their time for today’s clinic. She told us about her contribution to the event. Williams says that in previous years, legal clinics have been held in the Toledo, Cayo and Orange Walk Districts that’s why their focus this year is the Corozal District. She reminds one and all that men are also invited to attend the clinics.

Minister Alamilla meets with Crooked Tree residents
Crooked Tree residents and the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development have reached agreement on the way forward. At a meeting this morning the concerns raised by the villagers in an impromptu demonstration on the morning of Friday, November sixteenth, were discussed and consensus reached. According to a government press release, Senator Lisel Alamilla explained to the residents that the legal status of the protected area restricts access. She also told the villagers that her ministry is currently in the process of conducting a viability study of protected areas, including the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. As part of the way forward, Minister Alamilla instructed that the twenty pieces of logs confiscated from Steve Flowers be returned to him. A follow up meeting has been scheduled for the week of December 10th involving residents, the forest and fisheries department, the Belize Audubon Society to, quote, improve the dialogue and chart a way forward, end of quote. The government press release ends by saying that in the meantime, the villagers of Crooked Tree agreed to work within the confines of the regulations of the Wildlife Sanctuary.

Travel and Trade exhibition held in Belize City
The University of Belize has partnered with the National Institute for Culture and History to hold a Trade and Travel Exhibition currently taking place in the Reception Hall of the House of Culture in Belize City. Yusleidy Chan a Tourism student from UB told us all about today’s exhibition. Chan told us that there is one thing that she wishes everyone will take back when they leave the exhibition room. Chan says that they are hoping that next year the event can be bigger and better.

Taiwan donates AC units to House Culture
The government of Taiwan has donated equipment designed to provide cooling for the House of Culture. Love TV’s Natalie Novelo and video journalist Myles Gillett were present for the handing over and file the following report.

Berger Field getting a facelift
The Berger Field on Vernon Street is a setting where a great many people from the Pickstock, Albert, Collet and Lake Independence areas spend much of their time playing football games, selling food, or simply hanging out. But over the past few years the field has gone unattended and unkempt. But today, the Berger Field, which falls in the Albert Division, represented by Minister of State, Herman Longsworth, was the focus of much attention that will span through to around Easter of 2013 when it will undergo a significant facelift. It comes largely through a grant of 150 thousand dollars from the Belize Water Services, and additional funding yet to be identified. The BWS made good on its pledge to improving the aesthetics of the field today when it handed over thirty thousand of the total it has promised. Chairman of BWS, Alberto August, urged the children and residents who use the field to be responsible when the works are completed. The project will cost a total of 225 thousand dollars and Longsworth says that the residents of the area will be offered the job to upgrade the field. Longsworth is hoping that the difference that the project will cost will come from businesses in the Albert community.

Dance show opens at the Bliss
“Dance X Masks 2012”, kicks off tonight at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts in Belize City. The anticipated dance show will feature a week of activities which commence tonight with a dance forum. Creative Industry Development Officer and the Forum Organizer, Jacky Castillo told us about tonight’s forum and the activities that follow. Castillo says that the event is open to the entire family and encourages everyone to be a part of the dance extravaganza. For more information you can call the Bliss Center at 227-2110 or visit the website at www.nichbelize.org.

PlusTV

My Refuge Christian Radio holds share-a-thon
My Refuge Christian Ministries started 18yrs ago on September 18th of 1994. It was Belize's first Christian Radio S...

Belize' represented at fencing tournament in San Salvador
Belize made its debut in the world of international fencing by competing in the sixth annual Girgio Scarso Internat...

Classic Ballet Company from Mexico performs in Belize
Tonight there will be a presentation by the Classic Ballet Company from Mexico, at the Bliss Centre in Belize City....

Silas Sabal releases Christian CD
Silas Sabal has been a recording artist since 2008 and started out with a band called the Majestic Intercessors. On...

Belmopan City Administrator says more upgrades are on the way
As part of the Belize Municipal Development Project, the Belmopan City Council recently finished infrastructure wor...

Elderly lady robbed in Belize City
An elderly lady was robbed in Belize City. 63 year old VERONICA ALLEN, told police that on Tuesday November 27th at...

Baby's body found in garbage dump
The body of a baby was found in a garbage dump. Police were called to the Dump site situated at mile 3 on the Georg...

Motorcycle stolen from San Ignacio Police
One of the motorcycles which was assigned to the San Ignacio Community Police Unit has been stolen. The Meilun gree...

Rolando Darbon pleads guilty to aiding illegal immigrant
48 year old Rolando Velasquez Darbon pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting Salvadoran national, Jose Evelio Henriqu...

Two men and daughter of Police Sergeant are charged with drug trafficking
Two men and daughter of a Sergeant of Police are charged with for the trafficking of 9 grams of cocaine. Reports ar...

19-year-old Michael Martinez pleads guilty to theft
Chain snatcher change not guilty plea to guilty. 19-year-old Michael Martinez, was first arraign on Thursday, Octob...

Regional fisheries meeting hosted by Jamaica
Over a hundred stakeholders from government and grassroot agencies, as well as regional and international organizat...

Pastor Abe Dueck still in coma following accident
In a previous newscast we told you about a well known Spanish Lookout Pastor; Pastor Abe Dueck who was involved in ...

15 year old and threatened in Belize City
In Belize City, a 15 year old student visited the CIB office accompanied by his mother and reported that on Wednesd...

The Guardian

Bond Selling like Hot Johnny Cakes
Three days into the 20 million dollar Municipal Development Bond offering and the Belize City Council has all but sold out the entire subscription. It must be that there is an extreme level of confidence in the Belize City Council under the leadership of Mayor Darrell Bradley that has attracted so much subscription for the Bond. So far, insurance companies, private individuals, the Social Security Board and financial institutions have bought the bond. While the offering has been for 3 days so far and it will last until the 24th of December, reportedly as much as 18.5 million dollars worth of Bonds have been sold. These include offerings in the three tranches, however most interest has been demonstrated for the 5 and 10-year bonds. According to Mayor Darrell Bradley, there is still room left for other investors to come in and buy bonds. And the reason for such overwhelming interest in the bond must be two fold. First, there is an impressive amount of confidence in the Mayor that the Council will actually use the money derived from the bond to pave streets and improve drainage across the city. Under the prospectus, there are 67 streets which have been programmed to be paved with concrete. As it is the Council, through self financing, has been able to pave 33 streets across the city. The second reason is the attractive interest rates which the bond offers. According to the prospectus: “The bonds are being issued in Three Series. Series 1 has three tranches. The first tranche of Series 1 is an issue of $2 million that carries an interest rate of 3.5% per annum and that matures on the two-year anniversary date of the issue. The second tranche of Series 1 is an issue of $3 million that carries an interest rate of 5.5% per annum and that matures on the five-year anniversary date of the issue. The third tranche of Series 1 is an issue of $5 million that carries an interest rate of 8% per annum and that matures on the ten-year anniversary date of the issue, with a call option feature after 7.5 years. The call option gives the Council the right to call (redeem) such amounts of the bonds as it, in its sole discretion, may determine for purchase and cancellation at any time after 7.5 years after the date of issue until maturity, after giving not more than sixty days nor less than thirty days written notice to the registered holder of such bonds.

Golden Boys
On Tuesday, November 27th, a 16-member football team returned to Belize wearing gold around their necks. The team came back from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic after winning 5 matches against teams fielded by countries such as Mexico, considered football superpowers. It's a story of glory and dedication but most of all, of vision by the team's organizer, Pastor Santi Valencia. After the team stepped off the airplane and into the VIP room at the Phillip Goldson International Airport, Pastor Valencia explained that it had cost 40 thousand dollars for the team to participate in the tournament. But financing aside, Valencia said that it was prayers and plain old comradeship that allowed the team to participate. There was massive support from parents and private individuals to allow for the trip to be made possible. The team was comprised by young boys from across the country, but the program had humble beginnings in Roaring Creek Village where the boys there had expressed an interest in playing football. He said that his first goal was to acquire balls, then football boots and then jerseys. Then, it was off to a selection which was camped at the Football Federation of Belize Field for three months. After training and conditioning, the team left and when they returned, it was with gold. But more than gold, the team returned as history-makers, for the first time an under-15 national team returned to the country with a gold medal. That was not all; however, as the team also brought back individual awards - Randy Augustine came back having distinguished himself for scoring the most goals; Raji Salarzano also came back with the Most Valuable Player award. Truly, this national team is testament that there is great potential in our Belizean youth. It takes guidance and no complaining for this to be achieved and much kudos must be given to Pastor Valencia for his efforts. He says the program will continue and as much as he can, he will get young people involved in positive activities.

Bones on North Front Street
On Wednesday, November 28th, the Belize Water Services Limited 's employees were diligently doing their work on North Front Street in preparation for the paving of that thoroughfare when they came upon a strange find. Sometime around 9 a.m., the workers began exhuming what appeared to be human skeletal remains. A gaggle of spectators soon gathered in front of the Caye Caulker Water Taxi Association where a trench to replace water mains was being dug. It was during that work that the workers, who began digging with a backhoe and then resorted to using shovels came up on the bones. The workers soon started to assemble the bones and it quickly became evident that it appeared to be human remains. Director of Archaeology, Dr. Jaime Awe says that the bones appear to be the remains of someone buried after Hurricane Hattie. Those skeletal remains were not the only set found as further digging revealed more bones coming from the trench. The bones were taken to the morgue where they will be further examined.

Berger Field Receives Facelift
BWS’ representatives Alberto August and Alvan Haynes make presentation to Minister Herman Longsworth On Wednesday, November 28th, the Belize Water Services Limited handed over a check for 30 thousand dollars to the Area Representative for the Albert Division, Hon. Herman Longsworth. The money is part of a 150 thousand-dollar donation by the utility company for the upgrading of Berger Field located on Vernon Street.

Cayo Central selects Executive Committee
Cayo Central selects Executive CommitteeOn Tuesday, November 28th the United Democratic Party supporters gathered at the UDP Cayo Central office in Santa Elena to select a new Executive Committee for that division. At the end of the meeting, Vallan Hyde was selected as the Chairperson while Vanessa Neal, Robert Montero, Myra Sabala, Alberto August, Nyani August, Ramon Banos, Clement Cruz, Rene Canto, Francis Contreras, Giovanni Montalvan, Japeth Ochoa, Bernz Salazar, Eddie De La Rosa and Eulogio Cano were selected as members. Selected as alternates were Ben Rodas, Alberta Cano, Malta Garcia, George Andrews and Violet Armstrong.

Minister Lisel Alamilla meets with Representatives of Crooked Tree Village
Minister Lisel Alamilla and residents of Crooked Tree Village On November 28th, 2012, at the request of community members, Hon. Lisel Alamilla, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, met with representatives from the Crooked Tree Action Group. The objective of the meeting was for the community to formally inform the Minister of their concerns over the situation with the Belize Audubon Society and the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.

From Town Hall to Cycling, from One Failure to Another
More than likely, he is unable to even get on a professional racing bicycle, but that has not deterred the Orange Walk Mayor to want to run for the Vice Presidency of the Belize Cycling Association. He is probably more adept at riding a child's tricycle than a real bike, but that aside, it is strange that this man, who has proven to be nothing but a failure would want to run in an association where much would be expected from him.

New Mexican Border inaugurated
Mexico's outgoing president Felipe Calderon was in Chetumal on Friday, November 23rd to officially inaugurate the new border installations in that country. President Calderon was accompanied by various Mexican Government officials as well as the Deputy Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Gaspar Vega. Also attending the opening was Hon. Manuel Heredia, Hon. Hugo Patt, and Hon. Pablo Marin.

Ministry of Health releases Survey of Sexual Behavior
The National HIV Programme of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Central America (CDC) conducted a Behavioural Survey Study (BSS) earlier this year among three identified vulnerable groups, Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), Female Sex Workers (FSW) and Persons with HIV (PHIV).

Infrastructure and Economic Development on New Road
Under the Belize City Council's program to concrete streets, 33 have been completed so far. But the Council's vision is not limited to ensuring a smoother ride for motorists and better water flow in the drains the vision is all encompassing. Part of that vision is to stimulate economic activity in the Old Capital. The first phase of that vision is currently being implemented on New Road where the stretch between Hyde’s Lane and Queen Street will see more than just the paving of the street.

Orange Walk South has new Executive
On Sunday, November 25th, supporters of the United Democratic Party in the Orange Walk South met at Carrillo’s Farm in San Lazaro Village where a Executive Committee was elected. Felipe Blanco became the Chairperson with Ronnel Dyck, Manuel Rejon, Estela Santos, Richard Wicab, Lisbeth Delgado, Vaselisa Narvallez, Brenda Campos, Patricio Carrillo, Alex Magana, Blanca Esquivel, Noel Carrillo, Ismael Carrillo, Darlene Padron and Angela Jimenez being elected as members. Alternates are Heidi Moguel, Anabel Martinez, Maria Friesen, Anacleto Andrade and Benigno Cawich.

Panamanian Ambassador presents Credentials
His Excellency Joaquin E. Carrasquilla today presented his credentials as the Panamanian Ambassador to Belize, at Belize House in Belmopan.

“A man who will not defend his country is not entitled to reap the benefit thereof.” Thomas Paslow - Letter to 1797 Public Meeting
The well-documented 1797 decision to defend the Belize settlement from the Spanish Army planned invasion set the stage for the 1798 Battle of St. George’s Caye and was a major turning point in Belizean history. Likewise, the rejection of the 1966 Thirteen Proposals, the 1968 Seventeen Proposals, the 1981 Heads of Agreement, the 1991 Belize Maritime Areas Act and the 2002 Ramphal/Reichler Proposals were turning points in Belizean history. In all these rejections, Belizeans defended our country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Otherwise, there would be no Belize, not as we know it today.

The Public and Private Sectors Partnering for Growth
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” More growth is better than less. For any given level of population, the more output produced per capita, the more income is available for distribution among the citizens of a country. Therefore, growth should be a primary focus of all countries. More growth is generated by optimally employing the inputs of technology, capital, labour, and others. At the last business forum entitled “Partnering for Growth”, Prime Minister Barrow reiterated the opportunities that exist when Government and the Private Business Sector engage in open dialogue. The underlying objective is to find ways to accelerate the ‘train’ of economic development that would expand incomes, create employment, and stimulate the general business and economic activity. Economic growth cannot solely be the concern and impetus of Government. Government can create the enabling environment, but the private sector must be emphatic and committed to its contribution to an economy that is suffering the effects of the global recession. In other words, growth can be private sector led. An increase in economic growth does not necessarily translate into improvement in the living standards for all, which in every shape or form is what all countries want to achieve and Belize is no exception. The production function states that improvements in the stock of capital, labour, and technology will produce more. Research indicates that a stable and conducive economic environment, adequate access to and the provision of financial resources, adequate intuitional frameworks, better governance and the rule of law, induces the growth process. There have been some plausible efforts to reduce the cost of doing business, primarily the reduction of utility costs namely: water and electricity. Belize continues to see vibrant movements in terms of the tourist industry, which is the number one export industry. This brings in much needed foreign reserves and can be accessed by the private sector, especially for businesses that are more import driven. It is worthwhile to mention that economic expansion in 2011, for Belize, was 2.5%; it might seem modest, but the great United States recently showed quarterly growth of approximately 2 % and economists were predicting 1.7% growth. Many other countries have been suffering from inflation, hyper-inflation, and zero growth, which increased the cost of living, with a simultaneous scarcity in supply of much needed goods and services and rising price levels.

Special Envoy secures Greater Access for Persons with Disabilities
On Tuesday, November 27th, the Embassy of the Republic of China on Taiwan handed over 150 wheelchairs and mobility equipment for persons with disabilities. Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis-Barrow, in addressing those gathered at the site for the Inspiration Center located at mile 2 and a half on the George Price Highway, explained that the donation comes at an opportune time as the country prepares to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd. The celebration will take place under the theme "Removing Barriers to create an Inclusive Society for all."

A Time to Build
A very great vision is needed and the man who has it must follow it as the eagle seeks the deepest blue of the sky. - Crazy Horse, Oglala Chief, The Great Plains, Turtle Island

Yo-Chen Village Council Slate Ready
The United Democratic Party in Corozal North continues its organization for the upcoming village council elections. On Saturday, November 24th, the UDP supporters of the Village of Yo-Chen met and elected a slate to contest the upcoming Village Council Elections scheduled for 2013.

Three charged for Murder
Brandon Baptist, Orel Leslie and Tyrone Meighan Police have arrested and charged three men in connection with the killing of James Noralez, who was shot and killed at the corner of Faber's Road and the George Price Highway in Belize City on Friday, November 23rd. On Monday, November 26th, police escorted businessman Orel Leslie, 27; Brandon Baptist, 27, Construction Worker of #6632 Police Street, and Tyrone Meighan, 19, unemployed of #27 Banak Street. The trio appeared before Senior Magistrate, Sharon Frazer in Court #2 where Leslie was represented by Attorney, Ellis Arnold while Meighan was represented by Attorney, Bryan Neal. Baptist was unrepresented. In court, the mothers of the three men were very emotional and crying for their sons, who were read the single charge of murder for the execution style killing of James Noralez, who was gunned down at the corner of Faber’s Road and the George Price Highway.

Two more City Murders
On Sunday, 25th November, at about 1:15 pm, police visited #118 Mahogany Street Extension, Belize City where they saw 22-year-old William Felix Francis lying inside his house with multiple gunshot wounds. Francis had two gunshots to the left hand, one gunshot to the left side of his chest, one to left side of his neck, one shot to the back of the neck and one shot to the right side of his eye. Investigation by police revealed that about 1:00 pm Francis was inside his house talking with his brother when a dark complexioned man, dressed in a black shirt, entered the house and pointed a pistol at them and asked for someone. Upon seeing this, William's brother ran and jumped through his window leaving William behind and shortly thereafter, several gunshots rang out. At the scene police found eight expended shells, a slug and particles of a slug. William Felix Francis was transported to the K.H.M.H Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival at 2:07 pm. Police are seeking a Belize City man for questioning.

Gregory August sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Murder
On November 21st, a jury of 12 people, deliberated for 4 hours found 24-year-old Gregory August guilty in the murder of Alvin Alpheus Robinson. On Monday, November 26th, Justice Adolph Lucas sentenced him to life imprisonment. August, who seemed jovial throughout the period of his trial ,said that he will be appealing the conviction and sentence. Before sentencing, Justice Lucas heard mitigation pleas on August's behalf. He called three persons to give mitigation including Avis Williams, a resident of the Mile 8 community; his grandmother, Rosilia Almendarez, and his attorney, Lionel Welch.

Charged for killing his Entire Family
On Tuesday, November 27th, Jared Avery Ranguy was formally arraigned for the killing of his mother, sister and step-father. Ranguy appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith where he was read three counts of murder. He was then remanded to the Belize Central Prison.

Charged for Attempted Murder
On Friday, November 23rd, police formally arraigned 22-year-old Aspinal Welch with the crime of attempted murder. He appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer where he was charged with the attempted murder of Nelson Fitzgerald Young. He was additionally charged with one count of keeping a firearm without a gun license. Bail was denied and he was remanded to prison until January 4th, 2013. Police allege that on Wednesday, November 21st, at around 3p.m., Welch, who was armed with a .38 revolver, entered Dit’s Restaurant located on King Street in Belize City, and attempted to rob one of the restaurant’s patrons, Young. Young resisted and a struggle ensued during which Welch fell to the ground and he fired several shots from the .38 pistol. In response, the patron drew his licensed 9 millimeter pistol and shot Welch once, which caused injuries to both his legs.

Belize Elementary Girls and San Pedro Roman Catholic Boys are Belize District Football Champions
The 2012-2013 Belize District Primary Schools tball Championships came to an end on Tuesday, November 27th, at the MCC Grounds in Belize City. In the girls’ championship game, Belize Elementary School edged Guadalupe RC School from Sandhill Village by the score of 3-2 to capture the 2012-2013 Belize District Primary Schools Football Competition. The goals for Belize Elementary School were scored by Donna Che, Kellya Ouela and Juliana Ramos, while Shevaun Vaccaro and Ismaely Requena scored for Guadalupe RC. In the first game of the girls’ competition, Belize Elementary School defeated San Pedro Roman Catholic School by the score of 3-2. The goals for Belize Elementary School were scored by Donna Che, Chloe Kelly and Kellya Ouela. Meanwhile, the goals for San Pedro RC were scored by Shalini Young and Chelsea Zetina. In the second game, Guadalupe RC School defeated Holy Redeemer School by the score of 4-3. At the end of regulation time, the score was 1-1. The goal for Guadalupe RC was scored by Shevaun Vaccaro and for Holy Redeemer it was scored by Ebony Cutkelvin. In the penalty shootout, Guadalupe RC prevailed over Holy Redeemer School by the score of 4-3. The goals for Guadalupe RC were scored by Brittney Grinage, Ismaely Requena, Shevaun Vaccaro, and Aloma Reyes. Meanwhile, the goals for Holy Redeemer School were scored by Jada Myvette, Alina Auget and Aaliyah Crawford.

Nazarene High School and St. Catherine leads in high school basketball
The Central Region Secondary Schools Basketball Competition continues at the Bird’s Isle with a number of games on the schedule. On Tuesday, November 27th, 2012, in the female competition, St. Catherine Academy continued on its winning path when it defeated its nemesis Pallotti High School by the score of 30-11. The top scorers for St. Catherine Academy were Gilda Estrada with 18 points, and Indie Dixon with 4 points; while the top scorer for Pallotti High School was Megan Longsworth with 4 points. In the male game, Sadie Vernon Technical High School defeated Anglican Cathedral College by the score of 67-65. The top scorers for Sadie Vernon Technical were Lincey Lopez with 24 points and Jamal Augustine with 21 points. Meanwhile, the top scorers for Anglican Cathedral College were Auburn Rivero with 17 points and Travis Bernardez with 16 points. On Monday, November 26th, in the first of two male games, Nazarene High School won its 6th consecutive game for this year’s competition when it defeated Gwen Lizarraga High School by the score of 72-70. The top scorers for Nazarene High School were Alejandro Baptist with 19 points and Keenan Hyde with 16 points; while the top scorers for Gwen Lizarraga High School were Akeem Richardson with 24 points and Albert Longsworth with 15 points. In the second male game, Excelsior High School defeated Maud Williams High School by the score of 68-47. The top scorers for Excelsior High School were Enfield Martinez with 22 points and Malcolm Nunez with 15 points, and for Maud Williams, the top scorers were Jefford Cacho with 23 points and Naphtali Watters with 8 points.

Belize Elementary Girls and St. John Vianney Boys are City Champs in Primary Schools Football
The 2012-2013 Belize City Primary Schools Football Competition came to an end on Friday, November 23rd at the MCC Grounds with action in both the girls and boys championship games. In the girls’ championship game, Belize Elementary School edged Holy Redeemer School by the score of 3-2 to capture the Belize City Primary Schools Football Girls’ title. The goal scorers for Belize Elementary School were Chelsea Williams, Jillian Alamina and Alyssa MacKenzie, while the goal scorers for Holy Redeemer were Jada Myvette and Aaliyah Crawford. In the boys’ championship game, St. John Vianney upended Unity Presbyterian by the score of 2-1. The goal scorers for St. John Vianney were Orlando Velasquez and Nathan Oliver, while the goal for Unity Presbyterian was scored by July Barrientos. The semi-final rounds of the competition were played on Thursday, November 22nd at the MCC. In the first game in the girls’ competition, Belize Elementary eliminated St. Luke Methodist by the score of 2-0. The goals for Belize Elementary were scored by Juliana Ramos and Chloe Kelly. In the second girls’ semi-final game, Holy Redeemer School eliminated St. Ignatius School by the score of 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored by Jada Myvette of Holy Redeemer School. In the first game in the boys’ semi-final round, St. John Vianney eliminated Ebenezer Methodist by the score of 4-0. The goals for St. John Vianney were scored by Kenroy Linarez who got two goals, Akeem Sutherland and Shawn Pitter with one each.

Lirisi Cayetano is Central American Gold Medallist in Long Jump
The Belize Amateur Athletics Association participated in the Central American Junior Athletics Championship held in Costa Rica from Friday, November 23rd to Sunday, November 25th, 2012. The Belizean Team consisted of 3 athletes, a coach and a delegate. The athletes that represented Belize were Shanicka Augustine, G’Anne Humes and Lirisi Cayetano. In the Long Jump competition in the male category, Lirisi Cayetano captured Gold with a jump of 6.21M over the rest of Central America. In the female category, Shanicka Augustine took the Silver Medal with a jump of 4.99M and G’Anne Humes took the Bronze Medal with a jump of 4.89M. In the 100M event, all three athletes participated but unfortunately finished out of the medal round. In the semi-final round, Shanicka Augustine finished third with a time of 13:06 and in the finals she finished 6th in a time of 13:37. G’Anne Humes in her semi-final failed to qualify for the finals when she finished 5th in a time of 13:69. And in the male category, Lirisi Cayetano finished 5th in the semi-finals in a time of 11:94 and 6th in the finals with a time of 12:08. In the 150M event, Shanicka Augustine finished 5th in the semi-finals with a time of 20:37, and G’Anne Humes finished 6th with a time of 20:65. We extend congratulations to all our athletes that participated in the junior meet.

Junior Footballers return from Invitational Tourney with Gold
The Belmopan Football Talent School participated in an International Invitational Football Tournament for U-15 footballers that were held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The team played against the likes of the Dominican Republic (Northern Selection), Dominican Republic National “A” Selection and a Mexican Selection from Guadalajara, Mexico. The team left the country on Tuesday, November 20th and returned on Tuesday, November 27th, 2012. In the first game that Team Belize played, it defeated the Dominican Republic Northern Selection by the score of 4-3. The goals for Belize were all scored by Randy Serrano. In its second outing, Team Belize defeated the Dominican Republic National “A” Selection by the score of 2-1. The goals for Belize were scored by Randy Serrano and Marlon Garcia. In Team Belize’s third game, it won over the Mexican Selection from Guadalajara by the score of 2-1. The goals for Belize were scored by Demetri Fabro. And in the team’s final game of the tourney, it defeated the Dominican Republic National “A” Selection by the score of 2-1. The goals for Belize were scored by Randy Serrano and Marlon Garcia. We say congratulations to the team for a job well done!

Belize Elementary Girls and St. John Vianney Boys are City Champs in Primary Schools Football
The 2012-2013 Belize City Primary Schools Football Competition came to an end on Friday, November 23rd at the MCC Grounds with action in both the girls and boys championship games. In the girls’ championship game, Belize Elementary School edged Holy Redeemer School by the score of 3-2 to capture the Belize City Primary Schools Football Girls’ title. The goal scorers for Belize Elementary School were Chelsea Williams, Jillian Alamina and Alyssa MacKenzie, while the goal scorers for Holy Redeemer were Jada Myvette and Aaliyah Crawford. In the boys’ championship game, St. John Vianney upended Unity Presbyterian by the score of 2-1. The goal scorers for St. John Vianney were Orlando Velasquez and Nathan Oliver, while the goal for Unity Presbyterian was scored by July Barrientos. The semi-final rounds of the competition were played on Thursday, November 22nd at the MCC. In the first game in the girls’ competition, Belize Elementary eliminated St. Luke Methodist by the score of 2-0. The goals for Belize Elementary were scored by Juliana Ramos and Chloe Kelly. In the second girls’ semi-final game, Holy Redeemer School eliminated St. Ignatius School by the score of 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored by Jada Myvette of Holy Redeemer School. In the first game in the boys’ semi-final round, St. John Vianney eliminated Ebenezer Methodist by the score of 4-0. The goals for St. John Vianney were scored by Kenroy Linarez who got two goals, Akeem Sutherland and Shawn Pitter with one each. In the second game, Unity Presbyterian eliminated Salvation Army by the score of 3-1. The goal scorers for Unity Presbyterian were Fitzroy Myles, July Barrientos and Cesar Arenivar.

Despite All Odds, Paralized Twins from Cayo persevere
When anyone meets Jaren and Jaelen Pacheco of Cayo, they appear to be two normal high- energy teenagers sitting behind their highly polished school seats, preparing themselves for a brighter future. Jaren is working towards becoming the boss of an office, while Jalen looks forward to being a computer technician. But on a closer look, the twins are paralyzed individuals who are on a current quest to conquer education at the Saint Ignatius High School in Santa Elena Town, Cayo.

Art Festival held in Cayo
The San Ignacio and Santa Elena House of Culture, under the National Institute of Culture and History NICH, held the Third Annual ‘Cayo Arts Festival’ on November 24th. The event was held on the newly renovated Burns Avenue in downtown San Ignacio, where cobble stones have been used to improve the pathway. Several bands did live performances. Among them, ‘A Cold Day in May’, an alternative rock band and ‘Johnny and the Playmates’, a local group from Santa Familia in Cayo, dedicated to ‘Rancheras’ and local songs. Coming out to also do a live performance was ‘Ascenthium’, a band from Benque Viejo. Artists had various exhibitions at numerous booths, displaying embroideries and delicately carved stone. One of those artists was Esteban Cano, who uses a special grinding tool to polish stones to a state of high shine. The ‘Stone Maiden’ made her stately pronouncement as part of the art on Burns Avenue. The body of a woman, fully covered in paint, could easily have been mistaken for a statue. A sign board in front of the Stone Maiden announced that she first appeared to a hunter from San Jose Succotz in the 1800. Almost two years ago, on November 25th, 2010 the San Ignacio and Santa Elena House of Culture opened its doors, promoting arts in the entire region. NICH's Joris Groendaal was the main organizer of the Cayo Arts Festival. He said he is convinced that more live ambience-in-art and culture events should be promoted in the Cayo District.

Activism Against Gender Based Violence continues to be observed
Sixteen days of Activism against Gender Based Violence continues to be observed this week, under the theme, Unite to End Violence against Women and Children. The series of activities will take place country wide. These range from HIV testing as well as personal safety for women and girls, and, in some cases, males. The observation started on November 25th and will end on December 10th. The activism coincides with the launching of a three-year project to carry on all activities as outlined by the national plan of action to end gender based violence. As part of the observances, a panel discussion was held at the Benque Viejo House of Culture on Tuesday night. The panel presenters were Kathleen Pate, Women’s Development Officer for the Cayo District; Emma Gabourel from the San Ignacio Community Hospital; and Enrique August from Help for Progress. Pate highlighted in her presentation the links between HIV and domestic violence while August talked about the Conventions on Human Rights that Belize has signed on to. The launch and opening of the Sixteen Days of Activism, says an organizer, is an opportunity for partnership with other sectors of society. “It is not one that [only] the Women’s Department observes…it is an activity for different agencies and other Government projects to look at ways of how to strengthen whatever activities they are currently presenting in this area”, says Cynthia Williams, Human Development Coordinator and one of the organizers for the Sixteen Days of Activism. One such organization that took full opportunity of the Sixteen Days of Activism is the Non-Government Organization Mary Open Doors, a non-profit based in San Ignacio that provides services to persons that are victims of domestic violence. Director of Mary Open Doors, Ana Silva, set up a ‘clothes line’ near the Social Security Building in Santa Elena Town this past Monday, urging victims of domestic violence to stop by and write down their feelings and thoughts about domestic violence on a T-shirt. Such expressions, says Silva, can help women psychologically. According to Silva, the Sixteen Days of Activism can create the change that is desired.

Taste of Belize
Taste of Belize (TOB) 2012 is here! BTB’s signature culinary event will be in San Ignacio, Cayo on December 1st and 2nd. The Belize Tourism Board, through this medium, seeks to develop and recognize the best in culinary arts in Belize. The event, which has been on a hiatus, returns with new twists and grandeur. On December 1st, the gala starts at 7p.m at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. The Resort Hotel will be transformed like never seen before, from body painted models, to exotic animals and a photo booth. Entertainment for the evening will be the highly acclaimed, Belize Dance Company and Marimba players. A ticket to this event entitles each attendee to a five course meal, prepared by local celebrity Chef Sean Kuylen; consumption of available beers and wines; access to the cocktail hour; and a complimentary gift bag. The highlight of the night will be the live food and beverage competitions, in the categories of the Pro Chef, Bartending and Cake Decorating. For the Pro Chef competition, the BTB wants to include the entire country of Belize in celebrating the talents of our local chefs. The battle, which will feature four professional chefs in a ‘winner takes all’ format, will be hosted by Indira Craig & William Neal. This epic three course meal battle will see contenders face off in three rounds, the appetizer, entrée and dessert, which must include a basket of mystery ingredients and be completed in one hour. At the end of the competition, a panel of four judges will select one chef to be recognized with the title of “Belize’s Master Chef,” a trophy and two thousand five hundred dollars. If you are a fan of mixology, the bartending competition promises to inspire and tantalize your taste buds. Bartenders from across the country will test their skills and creativity to impress a line-up of local judges. The best of the night will be hailed as Belize’s top bartender, and will receive a trophy, one thousand five hundred dollars, and of course, the respect of the veterans in the business. Cake decorating, which has been a favorite in past Taste of Belize competitions, will be back this year! Attendees at the TOB will get the opportunity to witness cake decorators in action- live cake decorating. The competitors will put their skills and creativity to the test, under the watchful eyes of the judges and spectators. The festivities continue in San Ignacio, Cayo on December 2nd, where the BTB has partnered with the Town Council of San Ignacio & Santa Elena. The BTB will be hosting a Grill Master competition, where barbecue enthusiasts and masters will converge on the grounds of the Welcome Center in downtown San Ignacio. The best grill master in the categories of poultry, seafood, and meats (pork, beef, etc.), will be awarded huge prizes. The fun continues, through-out the day with a food festival and local entertainment for the entire family Taste of Belize, bringing together the absolute best in the national culinary scene. Tickets are now available at the Belize Tourism Board at #64 Regent Street in Belize City. For more information on events taking place in Belize’s tourism industry, please contact the Marketing Department at the Belize Tourism Board at 227-2420, via email [email protected] or visit our website www.travelbelize.org.

Ministry of Health reveals Findings of “TLEMOL”
Earlier this year, reports were made to the Ministry of Health concerning the sale of a pharmaceutical product being marketed as “TLEMOL.” The Ministry sent the product for testing shortly after. This week, we received a Certificate of Analysis from the Caribbean Regional Drug Testing Laboratory in Kingston, Jamaica concluding that the pharmaceutical product marketed as ‘Tlemol’ has met the United States Pharmaceutical requirements for Acetaminophen tablets. The Ministry of Health assures the public that the active ingredient in this product “TLEMOL” is acetaminophen 500mg, which is the same ingredient in the similar product, TYLENOL. As stated in our initial release, preliminary investigations revealed that Tlemol is marketed in the United States of America under this name and, it was legally imported in Belize by the company, Generic Club Ltd and duly registered by the Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO.)

Trade Union Hub holds Annual General Meeting in Cayo
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) held its Forty Sixth Annual General Meeting this past weekend in the Cayo District. The NTUCB represents the interest of workers at the national level. The theme for this year was, ‘Promoting Decent Work and Occupational Safety and Health for Greater Productivity.’ Their sessions on November 24th concentrated on reviewing the constitution as well as the strategic plan for the upcoming year. A panel discussion was held by the NTUCB this past Saturday night. The topic was ‘Belize to the ICJ or not.' On November 25th, the various board representatives passed resolutions for action in 2013. Coming out of the meeting was a concern for workers benefits under Social Security. The representatives for workers also had concerns for benefits during times of unemployment as well as issues relating to job creation. A new executive to the NTUCB was chosen last Sunday. Dylan Reneau was re-elected to the NTUCB Executive as President, where he is expected to serve his last two years in that post. Also elected were Adelaida Guerra as First Vice President; Marvin Mora as Second Vice President; Rebecca Suazo as General Secretary; Marvin Blades as Assistant General Secretary, Francisco Zuniga as auditor and Kathleen Flowers as Education Director. Participants at the NTUCB sessions last weekend came out re-energized to face a future, which leaders say will be challenging. The next AGM for the NTUCB has been scheduled for December 7th and 8th, 2013 in Punta Gorda.

Blogs

Rainy season returns
Weather-wise, this November has been the best month we've experienced since moving to San Pedro fifteen months ago. It was mostly dry, cooler than normal, with highs only in the upper 70s many days. Best of all, the humidity was so much lower than the norm that my skin and lips were dry and flaky, and I actually had a few good hair days -- with my wavy mop that tends towards frizz, that's saying a lot! But a couple of days ago, that all changed. For the past two nights, we've had hours of heavy rain, a total of around five inches. I guess our assumption that dry season might be beginning early this year was a bit premature. I'll let the photos tell the rest of the story.... Here's the approaching storm late yesterday afternoon. And some of the roads north of the bridge today. These were all dry just a couple of days ago. Taxi negotiating the puddles

Canouan Scoop: Helda's Life On An Even SMALLER Caribbean Island
Hi, guest blogger Helda Pritchard here. If you follow the Sanpedroscoop then you would know me from such posts as Trivia at Roadkill, Helda and Robbie’s wedding and oh yeah there may even be a photo from last year’s Halloween Red Devil Green Fairy costume I wore. If you've visited San Pedro then you would most likely have met me at my favorite bar, The Road Kill Bar, that has the Islands Best Karaoke every Wednesday Night, the world’s best panty rippas and of course Wade the Gringo Burgers (yes shameless plug for Roadkill). Currently my family is not living in Belize as my husband received a job offer in Canouan SVG. Rebecca asked me to write a blog on what it is like living in a different island in the Caribbean . Canouan located in St. Vincent and the Grenadines means turtle or tortoise in Caribe. It is a small island, measuring only 3.5 miles by 1.25 miles. The population is about 1,200 people. Almost all the expats that live on the island work for the company that owns 70% of the island.

International Sources

This Video of Cheetahs Running in Slow Motion Is Absolutely Mesmerizing
National Geographic and the Cincinnati Zoo teamed up to make this video of a cheetah running in super-slow motion. They used a camera filming at 1200 frames per second to capture what cheetahs look like while they're running at speeds close to 60 miles per hour. After a little bit you should skip to the five-minute mark when they film the cheetah from the front. It's amazing. His head barely moves. Beautiful

How an Obscure Comic Artist Became John McAfee’s Lifeline to the World
Two years ago, Portland animator Chad Essley never could have imagined he would become the webmaster and primary public liaison for John McAfee, the reclusive millionaire and former antivirus software mogul now sought for questioning in a Belizean murder case. But that’s exactly what happened to the aspiring graphic novelist, who is currently at work on an illustrated account of his adventures with McAfee. The relationship between the fugitive and the cartoonist began in 2010 on a private internet forum where an anonymous entrepreneur hired Essley to produce an animated web short for an antibiotic venture called Quorumex. The mysterious businessman soon revealed himself as McAfee, and the two struck up a friendship. When the news broke this April that a gang suppression unit had raided McAfee’s property in Belize, Essley was taken aback. “After I [heard] about the first raid, I wrote [McAfee] saying, ‘Oh my god! They shot your dogs! I can’t believe that!’” said Essley. “I received a reply that said, ‘We’re fine. Things have calmed down. Time to come to Belize. Moneypenny will arrange the details.’” Although Essley has done most of his professional work in the field of animation at his studio Cartoon Monkey, producing animations for clients that include Microsoft and Sesame Street, McAfee asked Essley to join him on his estate and document his life in a graphic novel. After spending nearly a month with McAfee this summer, the artist began work on The Hinterland, an illustrated first-person account of his time in Belize.

McAfee’s real estate history a saga of loss
The McAfee Belize estate: Though the above pictures seem only to chronicle the “living the dream” success of a high-tech multi-millionaire, a study of John McAfee’s real estate holdings points to a steady downward spiral that has yet to hit rock bottom. Before the internet security guru became a suspect in the murder of his neighbor, he had other troubles, and perhaps the largest was money. When the country’s economy collapsed, so too did McAfee’s fortune. He lost 96% of his wealth in just two years time, dropping from a net worth of around $100 million to around $4 million. As his fortune declined, McAfee began selling off his high-end properties. But in each case, the sale represented a tremendous loss. In 2007, McAfee spent $25 million to buy a lot and built a 10,000 square foot house in Vail, Colorado. He later had to sell it– at which time it fetched just $5.7 million. Another example: his Molokai, Hawaii home—one that by all accounts he never moved into, though it was custom built for him over a seven year span. Nearly 6,000 square feet on 5.3 oceanfront acres, the property listed first at $4.9 million, was later cut to $3.7 million (per the YouTube video used to try to sell the house, featured below). Buyers weren’t interested, even at this amount, and the property was eventually auctioned off for $1.575 million—rather a steal, it seems, given the grandeur of the home and surrounding land. McAfee himself lost millions in the deal.

Student archaeologists headed to Finland
Five Davidson Day School students will fly to Helsinki, Finland, on Dec. 7 to address an international group of scholars about their archaeological digs in the Central American country of Belize. Their instructor, Mat Saunders, said no group so young has ever been invited to address the European Maya Conference, which about 150 Maya scholars attend each year. “It’s really unheard of,” he said. “They’re kids you’re proud of.” But his students already are pros at addressing leading academics in the field; they spoke this fall at a Maya conference that Saunders arranges each year in Palm Coast, Fla., where he previously taught. The coordinator of the European Maya Conference was at the Florida conference, heard the students and invited them to address the conference in Finland. Saunders had previously been invited to address the conference. Saunders also brings 20 of the world’s foremost experts on Maya archaeology and culture to Davidson Day each spring to share their latest research with the public at a Maya conference. His American Foreign Academic Research nonprofit is based at the school and has raised about $90,000 for student scholarships and preservation of the archaeological sites they discover. “For high school students interested in archaeology, it puts you ahead a lot and prepares you,” 10th-grader Drew Lukacs of Mooresville said of his archaeological studies at Davidson Day.

New World Oil & Gas “extremely encouraged" by latest Belize data
New World Oil & Gas (LON:NEW) chief William Kelleher said he was “extremely encouraged by the increased prospect of discovering a large accumulation” of oil on the company’s B Crest prospect in Belize. It follows the results of open-hole logging of the well, which uncovered live oil shows in the Y3 and Hill Bank reservoirs. A deviated well will be used to evaluate the trap potential of the structure and to target additional potential oil accumulations. The log results for the Hill Bank dolomite formation indicate a gross reservoir thickness of around 290 feet. By drilling a deviated well up structure from the current location New World expects to obtain better log results and an increase in the gross reservoir thickness. This will be followed by well testing. Kelleher said: “Drilling results and log data so far confirm that we are in an active hydrocarbon system as evidenced by the logs and significant amounts of live oil observed at surface while drilling.”

New World to get lift from drilling programme, says brokers
Oil explorer New World’s (LON:NEW) first exploration well on its Blue Creek project in Belize will inject renewed momentum into the share price, according to broker Shore Capital. The broker expects the well to spud in October to follow a systematic programme of seismic data acquisition and interpretation. Although New World remains in the exploration phase, it has progressively de-risked its projects and delivered key milestones in line with the planned timetable, Shore added. The company’s progress is reflected by its readmission as an operating resource company in July, while the drilling programme should generate a lot of excitement according to the broker. New World signed a rig contract recently with Thermasource, which was an important milestone in the broker’s opinion as it mitigates funding risks and provides improved visibility on drilling. In return for a 5 per cent stake in each of three wells to be drilled, ThermaSource agreed a cut price contract for the drilling work. As a result of the ThermaSource deal, the budgeted total cost of drilling three planned wells now stands at US$10.1 mln, equating to an approximate 50 per cent reduction on original forecast figures. Shore has upgraded its Risked NAV estimate to 40p/share (from 30p/share), reflecting the drilling contract, which further reduces budgeted well costs in Belize. New World has adhered firmly to the work programme since last year’s IPO and Shore has confidence in the company’s ability to add value to a portfolio containing multiple targets. Following an £8.5mln placing in March, Shore estimates New World is fully funded to drill two wells in Belize, at a total budgeted cost of US$6.9m on a dry hole basis. In-the-money warrants also have the potential to yield proceeds of up to £8.7 mln. After the deal with ThermaSource, Shore does not see a need to farm-down further in Belize in the short term, and has based its price target on P90 prospective resources at Blue Creek totalling 136mmbbl for Prospect ‘A’, ‘B Crest’ and ‘West Gallon Jug Crest’ combined. The broker’s implied reserve value of US$15/bbl is low compared with the circa US$25/bbl implied in New World’s success case estimates, while the broker said its 10 per cent risk factor is similarly aggressive.

New World does have oil
Long-awaited results from New World Oil and Gas (LON:NEW) have confirmed live oil shows at the B Crest prospect. The Blue Creek project, which is located in Belize, reached a total depth of 10,450 feet following an extension made at the end of October. At that time, the company had refused to comment on the exact plans for the well despite suggesting that oil and gas shows had been initially present. New World has now confirmed the initial results, and a decision has been made to drill a deviated well from the existing vertical well location in order to further explore the structure. It could also be a means of targeting additional potential oil accumulations. The approval of the Belizean government has already been granted for this. The original drill depth of the well had been planned at 7,000 feet as indications had suggested that a potential resource lay at approximately 5,700 feet. New World chief executive William Kelleher further shed light on the situation by stating that the company is 'in an active hydrocarbon system' and that the reservoir thickness is 'approximately 290 feet'. He added that the reservoir thickness estimates were subject to improvement given the company's decision to drill a deviated well. The company has impressed in keeping under budget with drilling so far. Kelleher went on to confirm that, inclusive of the new deviated well, the total cost of the Blue Creek 2 well was not expected to exceed initial estimates for drilling at the original depth. Shares were up 8.5 per cent today to 9.6p, valuing the company at £34.5 million.

New World's Belize Prospect Yields Positive Results
New World Oil and Gas reported Thursday its B Crest prospect, onshore Belize has yielded positive logging results. The firm said live oil shows in the Y3 and Hill Bank formations at the prospect were confirmed after an analysis of open-hole logging results and the conclusion of petrophysical interpretation of these formations as well as Y1 and Y2. New World has now made a decision to drill a deviated well from the existing vertical well location to evaluate the trap potential and to target other potential oil accumulations. New World CEO William Kelleher commented in a company statement: "I am extremely encouraged by the increased prospect of discovering a large accumulation on our B Crest prospect. Drilling results and log data so far confirm that we are in an active hydrocarbon system as evidenced by the logs and significant amounts of live oil observed at surface while drilling. "The log results for the Hill Bank dolomite formation have indicated gross reservoir thickness of approximately 290 feet. By drilling a deviated well up structure from our current location toward a northeast to southwest bounding fault that images considerable vertical displacement on seismic in the Y3 and Hill Bank reservoirs, we expect an improved trap potential, obtain better log results and an increase in the gross reservoir thickness."

Belize rejects bondholders's proposals on superbond restructuring
Belize on Thursday rejected counter-proposals from bondholders on ways to restructure its so-called $550 million superbond, saying they were unsustainable. In a statement released by the Belize central bank, the government said the bondholders' proposals were incompatible with its aim of putting the nation's public finances on a sustainable footing. "The Government of Belize views the recently-submitted scenarios as unsustainable, and is disappointed that a counter-proposal of this nature has come five months after discussions with the committee began," the statement said. In late September, Belize won a 60-day reprieve from bondholders after paying half of an overdue interest payment, delaying any potential legal action under the specter of a full-blown default. The reprieve will expire Dec. 1. The Belize government has laid out three proposals for rescheduling its bond payments, shocking analysts with its suggestion that they take a haircut of up to 45 percent on their investment.

Belize makes revised proposal on debt restructuring
Belize has largely rejected a counter-proposal set forth by holders of the sovereign’s US dollar 2029s, the so-called superbond, and returned with its own counter-proposal as restructuring negotiations continue. The two sides have been in formal negotiations since early October after Belize agreed in late September to make a partial US$11.7m payment for the coupon that was due on August 20. According to documents posted on the country’s central bank website, on November 21, bondholders made a counter-proposal, which included what the government described as a “modest” extension on maturities and a temporary reduction in coupons, which would eventually revert to 8.5%. Earlier this year, the government said it couldn’t afford the coupon after it had stepped up to 8.5% from 6.0% on August 20. Other required terms set out by creditors include the issuance of GDP warrants and oil recovery certificates, the inclusion of a net present value ’reinstatement’ clause and the payment of consent fees to creditors. For the most part, however, the government has largely rejected creditor’s plan. “While acknowledging that the Committee’s counter-proposal provides a degree of short-term cash flow relief, the GoB considers it to be wholly incompatible with its objective of placing the country’s debt burden on a sustainable footing - a goal that the Committee itself has indicated it is committed to at various stages,” the government said in a statement. “The GoB believes that the counter-proposal ignores Belize’s high overall debt levels, and that it amounts to little more than a short-term fix not dissimilar to the 2007 exercise.”

Belize makes improved offer on 'superbond' restructuring
Belize improved an offer to creditors on Thursday in restructuring its $550 million "superbond" as a crucial deadline approached, but rejected counter-proposals from bondholders. The tiny Central American country missed a $23.5 million interest payment on the sovereign bond in August but won a 60-day reprieve on legal action from bondholders after making a partial payment in September. The reprieve expires on Dec. 1. Belize had shocked investors with suggestions they take a haircut of up to 45 percent on their investments, extend the term of the loan or accept much lower interest payments. In a statement, the government said counter-proposals from bondholders were "unsustainable" as they all involved a return to the original 8.5 percent interest rate the country has said it cannot afford. Instead, Belize revised its offer to include a lower haircut of 33 percent and an initial interest rate of 4.5 percent that would step up to 6.75 percent after five years - more than the 3.5 percent interest it originally proposed.

Belize default deadline looms
With a 60-day reprieve from bondholders owed US$544 million expiring tomorrow, Belize’s government released two new proposals yesterday detailing how it could restructure the country’s debt, international wire services reported. Belize and its creditors have been negotiating a debt restructuring ever since the Caricom nation defaulted in September, a month after it failed to make a payment on its debt. Belize paid only half of an overdue interest payment in September, saying that its economy did not allow it to do more. In its first public restructuring proposal since the default, Belize is asking its creditors to forgive 33 per cent of what they are owed, or allow the country to delay debt payments for 10 years. The terms are more favourable to creditors than the previous restructuring proposal, in which Belize asked bondholders to forgive 45 per cent of what they are owed, or allow the country to delay any debt payments for 15 years. “They’re pushing for a pretty aggressive haircut” in the latest proposal, Moody’s Investors Services analyst Edward Al-Hussainy said, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Belize has argued it needs the debt restructuring to close financing gaps from payments for company nationalisations, decreased tourism and declining oil revenues.

November 29, 2012

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Panamanian Ambassador Presents Credentials
Upon making his presentation, Ambassador Carrasquilla told the Governor-General, “Your Excellency, it is with the most heartfelt pleasure that I am presenting here my Letters of Credence as my country’s Ambassador to your beautiful country. I will make sure that the already existing ties of friendship and cooperation are further expanded and I am very much interested in also increasing our business and commercial exchanges”. For his part, Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Colville Young expressed to Ambassador Carrasquilla that Belize extends to him a most warm welcome, hoping that his diplomatic relationship with Belize will be most cordial, and that we very much look forward to those bilateral, commercial and business exchanges as well. He wished the best of health to him and his wife Mrs. Edith Lu Osorio

Youth Against Violence, Belize travel to San Salvador
TODAY, a delegation of 20 powerful Belizean youth, are traveling to San Salvador to represent our nation, in the “First Central American Youth Against Violence Forum”. The primary objective of the First Youth Against Violence Forum is to create a space where youth get to know, share, and analyze policies and strategies in youth violence prevention, while improving their advocacy and organization capacity. Socialize with youth from the 7 Central American countries, and share the Central American policy recommendations on violence prevention produced by the Central American Youth Movement Against Violence. Strengthen youth capacity from the Central American Movement in violence prevention, organization, and advocacy work. Integrate young representatives from the Central American Youth Movement Against Violence into dialogue and exchange their knowledge and experiences in violence prevention. The Forum will be held on Thursday, November 29th and Friday, November 30th, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in San Salvador, with the participation of CAYMAV national chapters delegations from the 7 countries in the region, with 20 members each – a total of 140 delegates.

San Pedro celebrates Children Day
Primary schools across San Pedro and countrywide celebrated Children’s Day on Friday, November 23rd. Celebrations started early in the morning as hundreds of children took to the streets for the annual Children’s Day Parade. This year, the day was celebrated under the theme, “Today Children, Tomorrow’s Leaders, Invest Today for a Better Tomorrow “. The schools on the island held in-house activities that included track and field, three legged race, egg toss, balloon toss and other fun filled sporting activities. As part of the Children’s Day event, the New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist Primary School held Career Day on Tuesday November 20th. Several people from around the community were invited to address the children inspiring them to become productive citizens and to pursue a career of their dreams. One of the speakers at the event was San Pedro Sun’s very own Jorge Aldana who took the opportunity to encourage the students to study hard, be respectful to each other and be obedient to their teachers. Addressing the children were other members of the community including teachers, media personalities and bank managers.

Celebrating 28 years of Township
In 1984, November 27th to be exact, then-village chairman Gilberto “Chico” Gomez became the first Mayor of the newly declared municipality, San Pedro Town. 28 years later, we celebrate the anniversary of township, and the growth of the town on Ambergris Caye that began as a small fishing village only to become the country’s number one tourism destination. In an evening set to honor those who have made great contributions to the town, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and his council hosted a dinner soiree for approximately 100 specially invited guests. Present at the event were the historic first group of councilors, their spouses, past Mayors, educators, health care workers and more. Held at Elvi’s Kitchen, the event was filled with speeches that reminisced of the early days of township, and an observation of its growth through the hard work and determination of those who have been Mayors and Councilors, leaders and challengers. There was a special video presentation of the first mayor Chico Gomez, who was ill and could not attend the special evening. During his interview with Eiden Salazar of Reef Radio/Reef TV, Gomez spoke of the encouragement he received during the process of becoming a town. An interesting fact to note was that during the first year of township, there was no salary. Thereafter, the Mayor and Councilors received approximately $40 a month! He took the opportunity to encourage current leaders to listen to their people, to work hand in hand with each other to ensure that, at the end of the day, San Pedro Town benefits.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro RC School Male Football Team is District Champ
Congratulations to the San Pedro Roman Catholic School Male Football (Soccer) team as it has become the Belize District champions after having won the competition on Tuesday, November 27, 2012, in Belize City. The team now moves on to the National Finals to represent Belize District against primary school teams from the north, west and south of the country which will take place at the MCC Grounds in Belize City on Friday, December 7, 2012. At the Belize District Finals both the male and female teams of RC School participated; the female team was defeated by Belize Elementary (4-2). The male team defeated St. John’s Vaney (2-1) and went on to the final game against Belize Presbyterian Elementary School, winning with a final score of 3-0.

Township’s 28th Anniversary Celebrated
Our beautiful island of San Pedro celebrated its 28th Anniversary of Township on Tuesday, November 27, 2012, and in its honor the San Pedro Town Council put together a small show with school children. Mayor Daniel Guerrero officially welcomed all those present at the Central Park to the Township ceremony in a short yet meaningful speech. Following his address was guest speaker Mr. Angel Nuñez who gave a brief history as to how San Pedro went about getting its Township status. Students from various schools delighted those in attendance with songs, poems, dances and other energetic performances. Happy Township Day to all!!

Misc Belizean Sources

Liberty Children's Home Fundraiser, Fair & Concert
@ Bird's Isle, Sunday Dec. 16th from 10am to 8pm Adults: $5 Children $2 Everyone before noon enters free!

Mexican classic ballet group visits Belize
The Embassy of Mexico invites to the presentation by the Classic Ballet Company from the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico, at the Bliss Centre in Belize City. This special presentation will open the "Dance X Belize 2012 Festival" organized by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), through the Institute of Creative Arts. The “Ballet de Camara del Estado de Quintana Roo” is one of the most outstanding and professional classic dance companies in Southeastern Mexico. Since its creation in October 2010, the dance group has performed different classic pieces such as Carmen, with the Quintana Roo Symphonic Orchestra, The Nutcracker, The Blue Bird, Le Corsaire, Don Quixote, The Black Swan among others, and works of its own repertoire such as: City Stories, Rebirth of my homeland and Night of the Maya, among others. After two years of its inception, the dance company has averaged 90 annual presentations. The Ballet de Camara de Quintana Roo presentation will take place on Thursday, November 9th, at 8:00 pm at the Bliss Centre in Belize City. Entrance is free and open to the general public.

Stay Updated with the Best of Cayo
You should click on 'show in newsfeed' to stay updated with all the latest news in Cayo. The Cayo Event Calendar also has a new, simple, quick-loading link: http://bestofcayo.com/calendar Sorry for the inconvenience. As you've probably heard, facebook, in a desperate attempt to squeeze money from users after being devalued by over $60 Billion, now expects pages, even community pages, to pay for people to see their posts. To see page updates from your liked pages, you now need to go to your pages, click on the 'like' button, and then on 'show in newsfeed' or fb will only show you what they want you to see. And we all know how well they've been at guessing what users want. Since this is the start of the end for fb, we're moving everything off their platform. With fb being a memory and bandwidth hog, this can save a lot of time when loading pages, and allows much more creativity. Of course, we'll still mirror data on fb until they either disappear like myspace, or change their interface to the point that it's unusable.

Rotaract Meeting at Hodes
Rotaract of San Ignacio met last night at Hodes at 7:00. Make new friends, and make a difference. "If you want to join a movement of exceptional individuals who are using their skills, talents, and energy to help others, choose Rotaract Club San Ignacio."

Cayo Art Festival Pictures
Daniel Velazquez was at the Cayo Art Festival, and he got some high quality pictures of the event. Make-Belize Films had Kurse a di Xtabai DVD's on sale during the event, and the actors were there to sign them.

Izzie the Spider Monkey's Story
A really well done video about the spider monkey that was rescued and rehabilitated at the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic. By chance, it all started on the day of their inauguration, so Daniel Velazquez was already there to film the event. Izzie has been at Wildtracks for a while, and has been re-evaluated at the BWRC. She needs special surgery, and they've set up a website where you can donate money to help, where they've reached 86% of what they need. Thanks, Wildtracks! http://wildtracks.chipin.com/izzie-the-spider-monkey-in-belize "So the x-rays and results are in, and Izzie does, indeed, need specialist surgery - the bones in her arm are not knitting, but in fact getting further apart. We have been amazed by the level of support to date, from individuals, technical input around vets around the world, from Dr. Isabelle, Belize's wildlife vet, offers of specialist equipment loans and the plates and pins needed for the operation. Now comes the final push to ensure the funds are available for the associated costs of the surgery, her travel costs and after care....we really appreciate all your help to date, and would ask you to please share the following Izzie Youtube and chipin links as widely as possible to help us meet the US$2,500 target..." https://www.facebook.com/wildtracksbelize

SHJC's Open Day was yesterday
Sacred Heart Junior College had their Open Day and Marketing Expo today. Every department had displays and presentations so you could learn more about the great, affordable programs that they offer. Digicell was there with a double up promotion too. You could win one of two scholarships.

What is the most unhappiest job in Belize? [POLL]
A lot of people have good jobs and a lot have ugly jobs. That doesn't matter, as long as you have a job in which you feel comfortable and happy, then you are good. So with all of that in mind, I would like to ask Belizeans: What is the most unhappiest job in Belize? Do note that we have a poll for this question of the day and you can also leave your answer in the comment section. I will be posting some of your answers and poll result in a future article.

Channel 7

Mayor Says Municipal Bond Over-Subscribed, But Low Yield Offering Still Available
As we've been reporting this week - sales of the 20 million dollar Municipal Bond have been brisk - so much so that the first ten million dollar tranche is over-subscribed. That means the council has gotten pledges of as much as 18 million when the first tranche is only 10 million dollars. But today the mayor quelled some of that enthusiasm - he said there are still some bonds on offer - and prospective buyers should not be dissuaded: Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City Council "The sales opened on Monday, and by Wednesday, which is today, a significant amount of interest has been expressed, and people have submitted applications to the Central Bank of Belize. The City Council expects that the bond will be as indicated by the level of interest, persons who have phoned in, and persons who actually submitted applications to the Central Bank, that the bond will be oversubscribed. But we want to indicate to persons in the public that they have until December 24 to submit applications to the Central Bank, and then we will decide exactly what we will do. So, there is still availability in terms of the bond. There's still availability with all the tranches, and we are advising members of the public that unless we advise otherwise, we're still taking applications to the Central Bank of Belize. I indicated to you that there are still portions of the first tranche which are still unsubscribed. So, we have seen heavy interest in the 5-year; we've seen heavy interest in the 10-year. We've not seen as heavy an interest in the 2-year."

Fishermen: We Shall Not Be Moved
And while the city council is selling bonds hand over fist - it has run into a brick wall with a slight new project they're trying on Marine Parade. It's an effort to move the mini-fish-market off the seawall at the junction of Marine Parade and Newtown Barracks. The idea that's being floated is to build a shelter for them on the jetty that juts out from the Marine Parade seawall. The first problem with the plan is that the Hunt Family has proprietary access to that jetty by virtue of what's called riparian rights - meaning they had sea front property before the marine parade road was built so their access to the sea has to be preserved to some extent. The second problem is that the fishermen themselves don't want to move. We got all sides of the story today - and start first with the design intended by Councilor Roger Espejo: Roger Espejo - Councilor With Responsibility for Economic Development "You're right in saying that it is an attempt - and a very well-calculated one - to fix a problem that we have here at the Marine Parade, in terms of bottlenecks being created by the motoring public, and also sanitation issues that are present and that have been around for a while in terms of the cleaning of fish, and the disposal of fish waste in the area, sometimes on sidewalk and seawall, and a lot of other things surrounding the general hanging out of the local fishermen in this area. First and foremost, what we are doing is for the greater benefit of the entire public. These fishermen have operated in this fashion for a while, to the best of their own ability. What we're doing now is complimenting their operation with a shelter - it's only about 200 yards away - where motorists can actually pull over in the parking bay, and more properly buy the fish that they sell. We estimate the project to be completed within a week's time, when we will ask them to sign a very small and friendly memorandum to say that they will operate by some very specific but prudent guidelines in terms of the way that they operate, the way that they sell their fish, and the way they carry themselves here in public."

The Bottles And Bones Beneath the Street
There was a quite a commotion created in downtown Belize City today when what appears to be human bones were found under North Front Street. BWSL workers were digging under the pavement right in front of the Caye Caulker Water Taxi at the northern approach of the swing bridge when they came upon what looked like a human bone - which led to a set of bones. One of the workers told Monica Bodden more: BJ - Worker In Street Digging "Well, we are just giving BWS a hand. We are just giving them an extra hand on the side because we will eventually pave the street. We are not working for BWS." Monica Bodden "So now, when you guys are doing the digging, what did you discover?" BJ "Well, one of my friends called me over and told me that he saw a bone. So, I just continued to dig, and when I looked, we saw a pile of the bones. We started to take them out and put them on the side."

Min Alamilla Sets Things Straight With Crooked Tree
Two weeks ago, we showed you how the villagers of Crooked Tree were "chopped up" with the Belize Audubon Society. Some of that anger was misplaced because the forestry and fisheries regulations they were talking abut really fall under Government Department. And so, today, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development Lisel Alamilla met with representatives from the Crooked Tree Action Group. The idea behind the meeting was for the community to vent their concerns about the management of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Alamilla told them that there is an exercise underway which looking at the viability of the present status of the protected areas, and this includes the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.

Police Get Another Gun + Some Weed
Yesterday, we told you how the GSU collected three nine-millimeter pistols near an apartment on Mopan Street. Well today another gun was found - this time by the special branch. Around 11 this morning, a team of Special Branch officers searched an abandoned lot on Faber's Road where they found a black Beretta .380 Pistol with an empty magazine. They also found a black plastic bag containing 87 grams - abut three ounces - of cannabis. The drugs and firearm were both deposited as Found Property.

Major Weed Bust
And while that was a relatively minor marijuana find, Belize City police came across 13 pounds of marijuana while searching an open lot on Neal Penn Road. The search happened yesterday after police received information from their Special Branch. While combing the area, the officers found a black plastic bag containing 40 parcels of smaller bags which contained cannabis. After the drugs were weighed by police, it amounted to five thousand four hundred and fifty six grams - equivalent to 13 pounds of cannabis. The drugs were labeled as Found Property.

A Field Of Dreams In Albert Div
Berger Field is a place of football lore on the city's southside, but over the years, it has fallen into disrepair and abandonment. It's in the Albert Division and before elections, candidate Herman Longsworth promised a field of dreams. Well, he was elected - and faster than you can say "Two cents cam" - he broke ground on the project today. 7news was there: Jules Vasquez Reporting Hon. Herman Longsworth - Area Representative, Albert Division "This field, Berger Field, has created, grown, and developed some of the best football players this country has seen, and it has gone almost to nothing. My intention is to make it the start football field of Belize City." Big dreams and BWSL put an initial thirty thousand dollars to the effort. That's 20% of the 150 thousand they have committed to the project. Alberto August - Chairman , BWSL "We hear the term $150,000 being a lot of money, but frankly, $150,000 spent in the welfare of our children, is a little bit of money.

Major Behavioral Study Survey Completed
The National HIV Programme has completed a major behavioral study survey. It examined primarily how at-risk populations are being affected by Sexually Transmitted Infections. They launched the survey 2 years ago to find out how STI's affect 3 distinct sections of the population: those are men who have sex with men, female sex workers and persons with HIV. They unveiled the results today in a public forum, and 7News asked the Health Ministry Representatives about the results of the survey. Here's what they told us: Marvin Manzanero - Director, TB/HIV Program Min. Health "What we are doing this morning, is presenting findings of a survey we started in 2010. It's a cero-prevalence survey, and we basically looked at 2 populations: female sex workers, and men who have sex with men. We were looking at the prevalence of other sexually transmitted infections in persons with HIV. That is what we were trying to determine by looking at specific characteristics to those 3 groups."

Taiwan VP Remembers How Hot Bze Was, Sends AC Units
You may recall that official visit from the newly elected Vice President of Taiwan which happened back in August. Well, he visited both the House of Culture and the Museum of Belize as part of his itinerary, and he was duly impressed. But, it was August, and he was pouring sweat! And so, he made arrangements through the Taiwanese Embassy to air condition those visitor spaces. These arrangements materialized in the form of one hundred thousand dollars' worth of air conditioning units to outfit these buildings. They are now installed, and today, NICH and the Embassy of Taiwan held a ceremony to make it official. The Taiwanese Ambassador and the Director of NICH spoke to the gathering about the donation. Here's what they had to say: H.E. David K Wu - Ambassador of Taiwan " It all started in August of this year when our Vice President came here for an official visit, and the Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister, was kind, and he gave a generous welcome party here for a banquet. Our Vice President was very impressed about the significance and the importance of this House of Culture. And the next day, he was also arranged to visit the Museum of Belize. And he spoke to my embassy saying that these 2 institutes of culture and arts are 2 vary significant places, not only for their local Belizeans, but also for the foreign visitors. So, he instructed me to we might as well collaborate with these 2 institutes of culture and arts to make them even more comfortable."

A Month To Pave Two Blocks?
If you live in Belize City, you know all about the traffic chaos that's unfolding with the simultaneous paving of so many major streets - including Freetown Road and North Front Street. And so you can imagine our reaction today when we saw a release from the City Council which said that New Road from its junction with Queen Street to its junctions with Hyde's Lane will be closed for a month - right through Christmas. Now, why do they need a whole month to pave two city blocks? The mayor explained that it's an experiment in city design: Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City Council "We have a special project for the area between Queen Street and Hyde's Lane, and we've contracted IE to full redevelopment of that area, including the drains the sidewalks. We're going to put trees, parking; they're going to look at the whole aesthetics of the area. One of the things that we have been reflecting on is that when we do the streets, the designs are mono-functional. We only deal with the streets, and we cement them. So, what they've done is that they've given us a multifunctional option to see how we've could incorporate drain space, and other modern theories of design elements. So, this is really only an experiment, and we've only picked a short area of road to do. And if this works well, and it's a good design - and I trust that it will be - then we will do that same thing along Coney Drive, and along Albert Street in Belize City."

"Stolen Items Are Mine!"
Last night, we told you about that trove of stolen items which the police department said were recovered. Well today, a member of the public called us to say that all the items shown belong to her. She claims that they were stolen from her home a few days ago - and that the police well know it's hers so she doesn't see why they would put them on TV as recovered items that have to be claimed. She says that the items won't be returned to her until after the police have made their case against he men who are charged for the burglary.

Dance Project Makes Waves In Bze
The P-G-K Dance Project is in Belize for the first time to perform at the 4th annual Dance X 2012- an event hosted by the Institute of Creative Arts. P-G-K Dance Project is an award winning contemporary repertory company- based in San Diego California- and it consists of 7 professional dancers who have travelled the world performing. Dance X 2012 will also be featuring professional dancer -Jamie Thompson from the Dallas Black Dance Theatre - one of the oldest Dance Companies in the US. Thompson who is Belize's very own will be doing two solo performances at the upcoming shows. The shows will also include performances by 13 local groups and 2 other international groups. The dancers will only be performing 3 nights in Belize City and 7news got a glimpse at rehearsal. Karen Vernon - Theatre Director, Bliss Institute for the Performing Arts "Dance X 2012, this is our 4th year for Dance X, and it takes place this week. It's starts tonight at the Bliss for the forum, and it continues Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with dance shows. We have 13 local groups of these 3 night, and 4 international groups. On Thursday, Ballet De Camara De Quintana Roo takes the stage for a free performance at 8 p.m. On Friday, we have all the Belize City based groups along with our own Jamie Thompson from Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and the PGK Dance Project from San Diego, California. And on Saturday, we have the district groups performing. We have each district being respresented, and again, we have Jamie Thompson from Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and the San Diego Dance Group, and a group from Merida."

Fluffy Gals Have A Heart
The Belize Heart Association is in the process of organizing several fundraising events to try to put together funding to assist the Cardiology Department at the KHMH. One of those events is Miss Big and Sexy Pageant which will be held on the Ladyville Basketball court this Saturday. Now "big and sexy" is not something you might normally associate with a healthy heart initiative, but the pageant organizer told us today why the public should support it: Keisha Lynn Estelle-Garbutt - Organizer 1:46:03 "The pageant is scheduled for is scheduled for December 1. It's the Miss Big and Sexy, the first of its kind in Ladyville. And the reason why we're having it is part of an effort to revamp the Belize Heart Association. And so, the first order of business on that agenda would be to purchase a heart machine for KHMH. And that's the reason why we're having the pageant. The funds will be used for that purpose."

Looking For a Few Good Men
And while those big and sexy gals will be "fluffing" for charity - a Christian Group out of Belmopan is holding a strong man search. Now, it's not what you might think it is; they are looking for men who are strong in spirit. As one of the organizers told us they are on a ten day tour trying to recruit a thousand good men: Represenative "You can easily touch over 1000 men. We need to take responsibility for the homes, and the family. We have men who are sleeping around with so many different ladies, who are not committed, the common-law relationship. That needs to change. We definitely need to see our men step and really strong men." The tour is on its last two legs - in Orange Walk tonight and in Belize City at the Nazarene Church at 7:00 pm tomorrow...

Channel 5

The remains of an era; skeletons unearthed in the city
There was a major discovery of historical value in downtown Belize City this morning. Police cordoned off the area on North Front Street in front of the former Paslow building where two skeletons were unearthed by employees of Belize Water Services. While the event caught the attention of tourists and Belizeans in the area, archaeologists [...]

Fetus found in dump site
Over at the George Price Highway, another discovery was made late this morning at the dump site. While scavengers were digging through the bags of trash, one of them stumbled across a fetus that had been discarded. The tiny body was already badly decomposed and was quickly buried. There is little for police go by [...]

European Union offers $5 Million for referendum
A referendum on whether or not to elevate to the International Court of Justice, Guatemala’s claim to fifty percent of Belize’s territory has been set for October 2013 when Belizeans as well as Guatemalans will be asked to vote Yes or No. According to the Referendum Act, sixty percent of the one hundred and eighty [...]

Sex education and health revealed in report
A number of eye-opening facts were released today following a behavioral study on HIV. The National HIV Programme of the Ministry of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Central America recently completed the survey among Female Sex Workers, Men who have Sex with Men and Persons with HIV. All three target [...]

GDP grows but so does inflation
The Central Bank has released latest figures on the economy. According to the economic brief, GDP grew by seven point four percent in the first half of the year. That is the good news, the negative is that inflation increased, cruise tourism numbers decreased and there was a significant decrease in oil production. Growths in [...]

Not in the closet, but in the attic; contractor fined for illegal workers
Jobs are scarce and it seems some hard-to-find manual labor posts are occupied by illegal workers. A building contractor had to face a Magistrate today because two of his workers did not possess a working permit. In fact, the employees were hidden in an attic. Demetrio Alfredo Rodriguez Calderon, a permanent resident of Belize appeared [...]

Junior on marijuana charge twice this week
The old adage says ‘Where there is smoke there is fire.’ and where there is Daniel Joseph James Junior, the smoke may have a wisp of marijuana. On Monday James was lucky because when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer for possession of one hundred and two grams of marijuana, his accomplice pleaded guilty [...]

Police comb empty lot for gun and drugs
On Tuesday, the Gang Suppression Unit found a cache of weapons at an apartment on Mopan Street. That search was followed by another this morning by the police who report that a team from Special Branch searched an abandoned lot on Faber’s Road. It yielded a bag containing eighty-seven grams of cannabis, but the more [...]

Visa waiver for Taiwan is not reciprocal
We reported earlier this week on an announcement from the government of Taiwan that bearers of Taiwanese passports no longer need a visa to enter Belize. What wasn’t clear was whether the arrangement was reciprocal. Well, News Five posed that question today to Ambassador David Wu of the Republic of China (Taiwan).   David Wu, [...]

Minister returns felled wood to Crooked Tree resident
Two weeks ago, the residents of Crooked Tree were up in arms threatening to put the Belize Audubon Society out of the village. BAS co-manages the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and it was the expressed view of the residents, that because of the restrictions and conditions relating to the Sanctuary, their ability to earn a [...]

How cool is it to be a friend of Taiwan?
Taiwan is not yet waiving visas to Belizeans but this morning it stepped up with a donation that will make events at the House of Culture and group visits to the Museum of Belize much more comfortable. Both locations are significant to Belize’s history and are used for art exhibits and cultural events. What they [...]

Herman Longsworth gives a facelift to Berger Field
Vernon Street’s Berger Field, which is known as the home of many sterling football players, is about to be upgraded with funding from various sources after years of neglect. The Belize Water Services is the first to make a contribution for works to be done on the playing field as well as for the construction [...]

20 Youths head to San Salvador for anti violence conference
Twenty youths left for San Salvador before dawn this morning. The twenty delegates who left at five a.m. were not heading to a sporting event but to represent Belize in the “First Central American Youth Against Violence Forum”. There will be delegations from the seven countries in the region, totaling to one hundred and forty [...]

LOVE FM

Findings on Behavioural Survey Released
The Ministry of Health has released the preliminary findings of a behavioral survey carried out earlier this year. The survey involved three particular groups, namely men who have sex with men; female sex workers and persons with HIV and was aimed at documenting the behavioral ri...

BWS Workers Discover Skeletal Remains Underground
It’s not the kind of thing that happens regularly, but this morning while personnel from the Belize Water Services were digging up a portion of North Front Street in front of the Marine Terminal, they stumbled upon bones of a human. The remains, which were discovered about ...

Embassy of Taiwan Donates to House of Culture
The Embassy of Taiwan has made a donation to the House of Culture in Belize City. Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize David Wu, said the idea of donating the air conditioners which are valued at over a hundred thousand dollars, originated with the visit of the Vice President of the Republic...

Belize City Council Issues Update on Municipal Bond
The Belize City Council today issued a statement updating the general public on the sale of the Municipal Bond which was launched on Thursday of week. According to the official release the sale of bond is still ongoing, with payments payable at the Central Bank of Belize. T...

Crooked Tree Residents and Government Reach Agreement
Crooked Tree residents and the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development have reached agreement on the way forward. At a meeting this morning the concerns raised by the villagers in an impromptu demonstration on the morning of Friday, November sixteenth, were discusse...

CTV3

Armoured Fish Found In The North Of Belize
Armored catfish, a particularly pesky species of burrowing fish, have been detected in Sylvester Village near Gallon Jug in the Orange Walk District. In the month of September the Fisheries Department received a report from the Manager of Gallon Jug Estate that a strange fish had been caught in the area. The armored catfish are a popular aquarium fish as they use their suckered mouths to clean algae from tanks. But that same behavior that is helpful in fish tanks actually erodes local shorelines up to 10 feet as the fish devastate aquatic plant life. According to Wilfredo Pott from the Inland Fishing Unit at the Fisheries Department, a team has been sent in the area and is now investigating the situation. “In the middle of October we did a verification trip out there so we were unable to capture those things. We did a sampling exhibition but we were unable to capture the fish, only two samples were caught by the villagers out there and it happened during a flood during the month of September and the waters were very high when these fishes were caught. This fishes originates from the amazon in South America, it is used in the aquarium industry because it eats algae and it tends to clean the aquarium tanks. This fish is very reproductive every time it lays its eggs it lays between 300 to 3500 and it tends to take care of it young so what would happen is that they would over populate the area they have invaded and cause trouble with the natives like competing with them got space and food too.”

Belize's Under Fifteen Football Team Continues To Make Headlines
Tonight Belize’s Under 15 Football Team continues to be in the spotlight and let there be no doubt that their fame is well deserved. After participating in a football tournament in the Dominican Republic, the team brought the gold home becoming Belize’s history makers. Here in the north we have a double dose of celebration since four of the players are from the Orange Walk District and one of them took the title of top scorer. Tonight we take a closer look at the players from the north and the tournament itself. Today Belize can boast of the magnificent win the U-15 team accomplished in the Dominican Republic as they brought the gold home. But here in the north we have much more to celebrate since four of the team members are from the Orange Walk District and their talent was discovered during the Mundialito, a football competition catering for young athletes between the ages of eight and fourteen. Randy Augustin, Marlon Garcia, Rogi Solerzano and Dmitri Fabro nurtured their talent in the sport of football, during their years of playing in the Mundialito. Little did they know that their life was about to change and they would soon be entering into the big league by representing Belize in an international tournament.

Rawel Pelayo Defends FFB
The Belize National Football Association (BNFA) was formed in 1980 and was accepted as a member of FIFA in 1986. The BNFA became known as the Football Federation of Belize or FFB in 2001 after new statutes were written in 2006 and approved in 2007 and is primarily composed of Congress Members of the FFB and an Executive Committee. The FFB has often at times been attacked as a body which has been dormant in carrying out their duties and bringing up football in Belize. With the arrival of the country’s under 15 football team, which brought the gold home after participating in a football tournament in the Dominican Republic, fingers have been pointing at the FFB for their lack of assistance to the team. Today, Vice Chairman of the FFB Rawel Pelayo, defended the organization and explained why they were unable to assist the team financially. “We have to first of all understand that the under fifteen that went out to play in Dominican Republic is not the National Selection of Belize, first of all we have to clear that up. It is a private enterprise that has this talent school forming. The FFB upon having knowledge of this team getting itself together give them the support by sending over the technical director of the Federation, Mr. Renan Cowo, to train the team and put them together and also with whatever equipment we have at the Federation that could have been used a part of the stadium itself for their training and preparation, so we were quite constantly in touch with what was going on with the team.

Baby Ortiz Needs Your Assistance
Good healthcare is necessary to everyone. But while essential services are available in the country, it is the cost of healing the sick that keeps many from receiving proper treatment, especially those with low income. And that is the problem facing Magdalena Sarai Vasquez. Vasquez came by our studios today because her two month old baby boy, Isak Esiquiel Ortiz, is afflicted with a medical condition which is costing the already impoverished family thousands of dollars in treatment, money which they don’t have. Magdalena Sarai Vasquez- Mother “El nació con una bola aquí en el cuellito y lo van a operar hasta entre un ano aquí en Belice pero nosotros tenemos que llevarlo a Guatemala que lo operen haya, aquí nos dicen que eso no es canceroso pero haya si nos dicen que es canceroso porque es sangre cuajada que tiene, entonces nosotros les estamos pidiéndole ayuda. Él tiene dos meses y el nació así con eso y no lo podía tener normal entonces me tuvieron que operar por los mismo por que los doctores tenían miedo que eso le reventara. El nació aquí en Orange Walk y me dijeron que es posiblemente que lo operen hasta que él tenga un ano por que ya va a estar mas fuerte pero mientras nosotros le estamos viendo que el oído se le esta cerrando y eso le va creciendo mas y le da dolor de cabeza y fiebre pero trato la manera de ver como él se tranquilice pero es imposible hay veces que el llora demasiado.” The cost of the surgery in Guatemala sums to some 7,000 Quetzals or about $2, 000 BZD. If you wish to assist the family you can contact Magdalena at telephone number 666-7108.

Behavioural Survey Study Reveals Alarming Findings
The National HIV Programme of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Central America (CDC) conducted a Behavioral Survey Study earlier this year among three identified vulnerable groups, Men who have Sex with Men, Female Sex Workers and Persons with HIV. The objectives of the survey were to document the behavior risks associated to HIV in the three target groups, to determine the behavior risks associated to HIV in the Men who have Sex with Men and Female Sex Workers groups and to determine the prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the three studied groups. The significant findings include the following: Overall consistent condom use was suboptimal and ranged from less than 70% in the Men who have Sex with Men and Persons with HIV to 81% in Female Sex Workers, Knowledge of HIV transmission was also found to be suboptimal with 33% of Female Sex Workers and 57% of the Men who have Sex with Men, The majority of Persons with HIV were from lower income levels, Prevalence of HIV among the Men who have Sex with Men tested was 13.8% and 0.9% of the FSW tested compared with an estimated 2.3% in the general population. The Survey also showed that Genital Herpes and Chlamydia were the most common STIs diagnosed across the groups. The prevalence of Syphilis and Gonorrhea were lower when compared with other Central American countries. Stigma and discrimination was highest in the community and workplace and estimated at 10% in the health sector.

European Union Donates 2 Million Euros For Referendum
The European Union will donate two million Euros to support the Belize Guatemala Referendum that is scheduled to take place on October sixth 2013. The simultaneous referendum will decide if the case is brought to the International Court of Justice in The Hague and so end the territorial conflict that has more than 150 years. According to the Guatemalan Press, the funds will be delivered to the Organization of American States under whose auspices the two countries negotiated to bring the dispute before the International Court of Justice. According to the European Union’s Ambassador to Guatemala, the Greek Zervoudaki Stella, he will travel to Washington in the next few weeks to sign the cooperation agreement with the Secretary General of the OAS, Jose Manuel Insulza. Guatemala claims 12.700km2 of Belizean territory which represents more than half of the entire country. While Guatemala launched its public awareness campaign in October, here in Belize, the awareness campaign is expected to commence in January 2013. In related news on Tuesday UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also weighed in on the issue of the Belize Guatemala Referendum. The UN Secretary General welcomed the decisions by both Belize and Guatemala to “hold simultaneous referenda” next October as part of their efforts to properly resolve the longstanding bilateral territorial dispute.

LOVE TV

Ladyville women’s group calls for help to curb crime in the community
The crime wave has been a topic of concern for just about everyone in Belize; from politician to tourist, to the media to lay people, to business folk to civil society. And today one more group has added its name to that list. The Women Inspired for Change based in Ladyville, was formed over this past summer and its mission is to advocate for change as it relates primarily to women. Froyla Tzalam, its president, told Love News today that the group’s foremost concern of late is the number of crime, particularly murders that have occurred in the Ladyville/Lord’s Bank areas, and while the Ministry of National Security is investing more in manpower, vehicles and equipment, Women Inspired for Change is calling for more than that, extending all the way to the prosecution, conviction and sentencing of criminals. Apart from that tall order, the group feels that the Ladyville and Lord’s Bank proper needs more police resources to cover the two rapidly-growing communities. The Women Inspired for Change rallies their communities of Ladyville and Lord’s Bank and the country at large to lobby for more from the government if meaningful change and improvement is to be realized in crime-fighting.

Investigation of Ladyville triple murder continues
Police continue investigating the triple murder that shocked the Ladyville Community over the weekend. On Monday, police arrested and charged twenty six year old Jared Avery Ranguy with three counts of murder. He is accused of the brutal murder of his mother Abbidale Karen Skeen, stepfather Robert Earl Vellos, Senior and sister Teena Beth Skeen on Sunday morning. Court reports say who also lived at number Five Marage Road where the brutal slayings occurred, appeared emotionless when he was reach the charges in the Number One Magistrate’s Court. No plea was taken, and Ranguy was remanded to the Hattiville Prison until his next court appearance, set for Thursday, January tenth. Meanwhile, a further search of the residence on number five Marage Road was carried out on Monday in the presence of Ranguy. Police say they recovered fragments of a nine millimeter round, a black bag containing a silver and black nine millimeter Taurus Pistol, one nine millimeter live round of ammunition, an orange colored knife, a white T-Shirt and a black pants containing keys and a screw driver. All the items were found in the attic of the house and were covered with what appeared to be blood. Post mortem examinations have been conducted on bodies of two of the three victims. The results show that Robert Vellos died as a result of Bronchial Asphyxiation due to gunshot wounds to the face; Teena Skeen death is certified as Traumatic Shock due to massive brain damage, caused by gunshot wounds to the head.

Taiwan donates wheelchairs to Belize
Mobility and access to necessary equipment is one of the challenges that many of our children face, but through help from the Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize, David Wu, and the Executive Director of Care Belize, Evan Cowo, some one hundred and fifty children from across Belize today returned to their respective homes in newly purchased and specially designed wheelchairs. Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow, was the intermediary who led the charge and received the wheelchairs on behalf of the children. Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize, David Wu, in support of the Inspiration Centre being built, said that his government is always willing to help in the cause, and he acknowledged the drive and determination displayed by Special Envoy Barrow. Meanwhile, CARE Belize, which also played a key role in today’s achievement, has been helpful in works such as these in the past, and according to its Executive Director, Evan Cowo, that work has paid off immensely for beneficiaries like today’s recipients. During today’s ceremony, donations came from two entities towards the construction of the Inspiration Centre. Belize Telemedia donated ten thousand dollars and the Chinese Association gave a total of seven thousand dollars.

New High School opens in Toledo
A ceremony to mark the inauguration of a high school was held yesterday in the Toledo District. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports.

Stolen items recovered; police appeal to owners to claim them
During recent operations in Belize City police recovered a number of stolen items. The items include cell phones, cameras, assorted jewelry and cash among many other things. The Police department calls on the public to visit the Queen Street Police Station in Belize City to view and identify the items.

Gold medal winning U-15 football team returns to hero’s welcome
There is enough negative things happening these days to bring own the entire country. That is why when something good happens, it is a refreshing break from what has become an all too familiar pattern of crime and violence leading the daily newscast. Having made the case for a departure from the norm, our lead report tonight is about a group of teenage boys who used their collective talent to make a bold statement for Belize in regional football. Love TV’s Patrick Jones, video journalist Myles Gillett and intern Kenrick Selgado were at the Phillip Goldson International Airport this morning for the happy homecoming. According to the Football Federation of Belize, the Technical Director of the FFB Renan Couoh did not accompany the team to Santo Domingo because a FIFA delegation was in the country conducting training at the time.

PlusTV

Behavioral study reveals risky behavior of Belizean homosexuals and sex trade workers
The results of a behavioral study conducted earlier this year was presented at a forum in Belize City this morning....

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, meets representatives from Crooked Tree Action Group
We have been reporting on the complaints and concerns of residents of Crooked Tree against the Belize Audobon Socie...

Human Bones unearthed in Belize City dig
Works halted for some time on North Front Street in Belize City this morning when Belize Water Services workers une...

Contractor hid immigrants at work-site
A Contractor was caught hiding two immigrants inside his attic at his worksite. That is because those workers have ...

Taiwan provides air conditioners for House of Culture and Museum
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize has sponsored air conditioners and related facilities to th...

Police made a drug bust at a home in Belmopan
Belmopan police made a drug bust at a home in Belmopan. On Tuesday November 27th, shortly before 3pm Belmopan Polic...

Special Branch finds drugs and firearm in Belize City
More drugs were found in Belize City. The Special Branch personnel received a tip and so went to conduct a search i...

Man in court for second drug charge in 3 days
24-year-old Daniel Joseph James Jr., was in court for his second drug charge within a 3 days period. This morning, ...

Security guard pleads guilty to drug possession
A Security Guard at the Youth Hostel Facility located at Mile 21, on the George Price Highway was caught with 29 gr...

Belize's Under 15 national Football team celebrate victory
The country continues to celebrate with Belize's Under 15 national Football team who returned home yesterday after ...

20 Belizean youth are in San Salvador for Youth Against Violence Forum
A delegation of 20 Belizean youth traveled to San Salvador earlier today to represent Belize in the “First Central ...

UB hosts 8th annual Women Writers Conference.
The University of Belize Belmopan Campus today hosted its 8th annual Women Writers Conference. The initiative start...

Blogs

Belize: Help me Split $550 Million US Dollars from Powerball?
Powerball is the huge US lottery...42 states,Washington DC and the US Virgin Islands. Tonight is the second biggest jackpot of all time. $550 million US dollars. I have never purchased a US lottery ticket. I think it is ridiculous. You have an equal chance of winning by flushing your money down the toilet. 1 in 175,000,000. (Your chance of being hit by lightning? 1 in 1,000,000) But...I've been getting quite a few messages from Belize...asking me to buy some tickets. I've been watching huge lines on TV all over the country...so I thought I'd head out at 7pm (4 hours before drawing time) to see what it's all about. And to buy a few tickets for Belize. 10 tickets purchased. If we win, Belize, we will each get about $1,800USD before taxes. Good, right? My local supermarket was empty. Not one person waiting. I thought 130,000 tickets were selling a minute? Not in Ridgewood, NJ.

BELIZE AUDUBON SOCIETY VS CROOKED TREE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
At the request of community members, Hon. Lisel Alamilla, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, met with representatives from Crooked Tree Action Group. The objective of the meeting was for the community to formally inform the Minister of their concerns over the situation with the Belize Audubon Society and the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Minister Alamilla advised the representatives that the legal status of the protected area restricts access. She also informed that there is a current exercise underway which is looking at the viability of the present status of the protected areas, and this includes the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Among key decisions made, the Minister in good faith directed that the log-wood that was cut would be returned to the individual. The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development will organize a meeting the week of December 10th with the Forest Department, Fisheries Department, Belize Audubon Society and the representatives from Crooked Tree Village to improve the dialogue and chart a new way forward. In the interim, the representatives agreed to work within the confines of the regulations of Wildlife Sanctuary.

International Sources

New World Oil and Gas reveals find in Belize
New World Oil and Gas, the exploration and development company focused on Belize and Denmark, has announced that following an analysis of recent open hole logging results and the conclusion of a petrophysical interpretation of the Y1, Y2, Y3 and Hill Bank formations at the B Crest prospect in Belize, live oil shows in the Y3 and Hill Bank reservoirs have been confirmed. A decision has been made to drill a deviated well from the existing vertical well location to get up structure in the Y3 and Hill Bank formations to evaluate the trap potential in this part of the structure and to target additional potential oil accumulations. This decision was taken with the approval of the Government of Belize. New World CEO William Kelleher said: "I am extremely encouraged by the increased prospect of discovering a large accumulation on our B Crest prospect. Drilling results and log data so far confirm that we are in an active hydrocarbon system as evidenced by the logs and significant amounts of live oil observed at surface while drilling. "The log results for the Hill Bank dolomite formation have indicated gross reservoir thickness of approximately 290 feet. By drilling a deviated well up structure from our current location toward a NE to SW bounding fault that images considerable vertical displacement on seismic in the Y3 and Hill Bank reservoirs, we expect an improved trap potential, obtain better log results and an increase in the gross reservoir thickness. This will be followed by well testing in the ordinary course of exploration operations."

New World buoyed by Belize oil finds
New World Oil and Gas (NEW) on Thursday confirmed live oil shows in the Y3 and Hill Bank reservoirs in Belize. The announcement came after an analysis of recent open-hole logging results and the conclusion of a petrophysical interpretation of the Y1, Y2, Y3 and Hill Bank formations at the B Crest prospect. A decision has now been made, with the approval of the government of Belize, to drill a deviated well from the existing vertical well location to get up structure in the Y3 and Hill Bank formations to evaluate the trap potential in this part of the structure and to target additional potential oil accumulations. "Drilling results and log data so far confirm that we are in an active hydrocarbon system as evidenced by the logs and significant amounts of live oil observed at surface while drilling," stated chief executive William Kelleher. "The log results for the Hill Bank dolomite formation have indicated gross reservoir thickness of approximately 290 feet. "By drilling a deviated well up structure from our current location toward a north-east to south-west bounding fault that images considerable vertical displacement on seismic in the Y3 and Hill Bank reservoirs, we expect an improved trap potential, obtain better log results and an increase in the gross reservoir thickness." Analysts at FoxDavies echoed the view that the drilling results increased the possibility of discovering "a large accumulation" on the B Crest prospect. "Earlier, the B Crest prospect was estimated to hold gross P50 unrisked prospective resources of 92.1 million barrels (mmbbls) with three drill-ready prospects on the Blue Creek estimated to hold 329 mmbbl oil resources," they reminded investors. New World also took the opportunity to announce that the Blue Creek 2 well, including the deviated well that will commence at 3,000 feet, would be drilled to a total measured depth of 11,800 feet, and was not expected to cost more than the sum of the total cost of the original Blue Creek 2 well.

New World Oil & Gas eyes bigger oil find
New World Oil & Gas rose after tests showed the increased prospect of a large discovery at its B Crest project in Belize. The firm said live oil shows in the Y3 and Hill Bank reservoirs at the site had been confirmed. A decision has now been made to drill a deviated well from the existing vertical well location to get up structure in the Y3 and Hill Bank formations to evaluate the trap potential and to target additional potential oil accumulations. This decision was taken with the approval of the government of Belize, the company added. Chief Executive William Kelleher said both the logs and significant amounts of live oil observed at the surface while drilling showed the firm was working on an active hydrocarbon system. He added that with the new drilling plans he expected an improved trap potential, to obtain better log results, and to see an increase in the gross reservoir thickness. The company's shares were up 2.8% at 09:15 following the announcement.

John McAfee Would Like Anonymous to Wait Until ‘I Accidentally Hang Myself’ to Attack Belize
Also know: he digs your style. It’s been a heady month for antivirus pioneer/shotgun enthusiast John McAfee. First, his neighbor was murdered; then, the he was on the run from the Belizean police; finally, he became a media sensation, captivating reporters with tales of clever disguises and the terrors of Central American prisons. Well, just because the major networks have taken their microphones away doesn’t mean Mr. McAfee has stopped talking. He continues to blog up a storm at the blog/graphic novel marketing site whoismcafee.com, and just yesterday he did Infowars and Joe Rogan. So what’s on Mr. McAfee’s mind? Bath salts, for one thing. For another, Mr. McAfee reported earlier today that the official website of the Belize government was down, and surmised that the a) its servers had been overwhelmed by millions of emails from humanitarians inspired by Mr. McAfee to seek government reform b) the government had shuttered the site to prevent employees from learning of Mr. McAfee’s campaign or c) that the website had been the target of a cyber attack. (It bears noting that the website was working fine when we visited, though the contact page at travelbelize.org was indeed inoperative, as Mr. McAfee promised.) Well, accepting for the moment that the site really was down, Mr. McAfee has an idea just who might be responsible for it: I know that members of the hacktivist group Anonymous have been posting here. I recognize your writing styles. You are welcome here. You are a powerful collective, more powerful than most realize, and I sympathise with your spirit. However, if you are responsible, then this is not the time. I need the Government to be able to read the displeasure of the world. Deaf ears can hear nothing. You would better serve the cause against censorship by writing emails voicing your displeasure for the time being. If I am arrested, or am killed in a “robbery attempt” or accidently hang myself in jail, then please have at it. Do your worst. For now, bear with me. If you are not responsible, I apologize for my presumptiveness.

10 signs you aren't prepared for your trip
You know that slight sense of anxiety that grows as your departure date nears? Well, it may be wise to listen to your gut. Travel is fraught with the unexpected (that's why it's such an adventure). But the more prepared you are, the better you'll be equipped to handle the unforeseen complications, quandaries, and minor disasters that are pretty much routine on the road. How do you know if you're truly ready to set off on a successful journey? Here are 10 signs you're not quite prepared for your next trip. You don't know the weather The weather in your destination influences everything from what you should pack to whether your plane is delayed, especially if you're traveling during spring or fall, when fluctuating temperatures are standard. Log onto your favorite weather website a few days before departure and check local conditions; then pack accordingly. And if you see a foul-weather forecast, double-check your flight status. Your house looks the same You're probably not ready to travel if you haven't taken care of key tasks around the house. These could include setting your lights on a timer, cleaning out the fridge, and placing a stop order on your mail (you can do this at USPS.com). Have you heard of "vampire power"? That term refers to the electrical power consumed by devices that are turned off yet still plugged in, sucking up energy like, well, a vampire. Before traveling, unplug devices such as your television, microwave, or air-conditioning unit to save on electricity.

November 28, 2012

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Celebrating 28 years of Township
In 1984, November 27th to be exact, then-village chairman Gilberto “Chico” Gomez became the first Mayor of the newly declared municipality, San Pedro Town. 28 years later, we celebrate the anniversary of township, and the growth of the town on Ambergris Caye that began as a small fishing village only to become the country’s number one tourism destination. In an evening set to honor those who have made great contributions to the town, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and his council hosted a dinner soiree for approximately 100 specially invited guests. Present at the event were the historic first group of councilors, their spouses, past Mayors, educators, health care workers and more. Held at Elvi’s Kitchen, the event was filled with speeches that reminisced of the early days of township, and an observation of its growth through the hard work and determination of those who have been Mayors and Councilors, leaders and challengers. There was a special video presentation of the first mayor Chico Gomez, who was ill and could not attend the special evening. During his interview with Eiden Salazar of Reef Radio/Reef TV, Gomez spoke of the encouragement he received during the process of becoming a town. An interesting fact to note was that during the first year of township, there was no salary. Thereafter, the Mayor and Councilors received approximately $40 a month! He took the opportunity to encourage current leaders to listen to their people, to work hand in hand with each other to ensure that, at the end of the day, San Pedro Town benefits.

No arrest in Gregory Faull murder; wanted for questioning, McAfee remains in hiding
The Belize Police Department continues to investigate the murder of US national 52 year old Gregory Faull. A post mortem examination conducted on Tuesday, November 13th certified the cause of death to be, “brain damage due to injuries sustained from a gunshot wound to the head.” Faull was found dead on the morning of Sunday, November 11th and was last seen alive socializing sometime around 10:30PM on Saturday, November 10th at a resort north of his residence. A 9 millimeter shell was found on the second step of the stairs outside of his residence. While police have yet to make an arrest, they believe that Faull’s neighbor, 67-year-old computer antivirus pioneer John McAfee is a “key person” in the murder investigation and remains “a person of interest.” According to police he is wanted for questioning. Police Press Officer in the Ministry of National Security Raphael Martinez told The San Pedro Sun that not much has changed in the investigation since McAfee went into hiding but police believe McAfee could be a missing link to the murder investigation. “Mr. McAfee is still out there, somewhere and he is still wanted for questioning. He is still a person of interest and we are still appealing to him to come in to answer some brief questions so that we can get to the bottom of this murder investigation in San Pedro,” said Martinez who added “what he (McAfee) has to say will determine the direction of this case. I am sure the police are trying to piece together quite a few [pieces of] evidence. The investigation is still ongoing so we don’t want to mention a lot of things that are happening at this point. What I can say is that Mr. McAfee is needed to fill in some of the pieces that are missing in this entire crime scene.” Meanwhile police have also focused part of their investigation on exhuming the remains of four dogs that according to McAfee’s girlfriend, he [McAfee] shot in the head. According to online media, McAfee claims that he mercifully shot the dogs after discovering that they had been poisoned. “We are trying to determine if the bullets recovered from the dogs come from the same gun used in the murder,” said Martinez who explained that the slugs have been removed from the head of the dogs and are at the Belize Police Forensic Laboratory for ballistic testing. Martinez said that the result of the testing will be completed “shortly” but did not indicate a time frame, stating that the findings will not be made available to the general public right away due to the status of the investigation.

Sunday Funday at Canuck’s…come on over!
There is so much of Belize to write about, coming up with just one thing to share with readers is a task unto itself. But with an open invitation from our friends down at Canuck’s to experience their legendary Sunday Fun Day, it wasn’t too hard to decide this week’s fun topic. Sundays on Ambergris Caye are generally considered family day. As you drive along our various beaches, you find families with what would appear to be their entire dining room – arranged on the beach; socializing, eating and basically spending quality time with each other. Although that certainly is an option, another favorite past time for ex-pats as well as locals is Crazy Canuck’s Sunday Fun Day. Located on the beach at the Exotic Caye Beach resort grounds, Canuck’s is a short ten-minute walk along the beach from the Airstrip, or a five minute taxi ride from anywhere in town. There’s something about a slow stroll along the beach that seems to provide a very calming effect on me. With Sunday’s weather holding up beautifully, the choice was clear indeed – a walk over it was! Canuck’s has somewhat of a rustic charm to it. It’s very welcoming and Rob and Krista are absolutely amazing at making sure that all their patrons are well taken care of. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio USA – the couple visited the island about a year ago and fell in love with the place. They knew they wanted to live here, so it was just figuring out what they’d do to become a part of the community. Canuck’s was available and they jumped at the opportunity.

Ambergris Today

Abner Marin Competes in National Geographical King Fisher Series
Local fisherman and tour guide Abner "Abby" Marin will be in the international spotlight once again! He has gotten the opportunity to star in an upcoming television competition series that will highlight one of the major attractions to the country – Fishing. A film crew from National Geographic HD was on the island this past weekend taking footage for their latest fishing competition series, King Fishers. Abby has over 25 years of fly fishing experience and can be considered as San Pedro's top fly fishing guide and angler. Abby has been internationally described as "the Michelangelo with a fly rod when it comes to bone finishing". This is one of the many reasons that Abby was chosen to represent Belize to compete against two other anglers for the title of King Fishers. National Geographic's King Fishers Series will air in summer 2013 and will feature 30 anglers from around the world in a total of ten episodes. Three anglers from different countries will travel to each competitor’s country where they will compete in fishing and will host the other two anglers to a cultural experience.

Mexico Pledges to Assist Belize with Connecting Road to Bi-National Border Bridge
Quintana Roo, 23 November 2012.- On tour in the State of Quintana Roo, President Calderón inaugurated the Subteniente López II “Chactemal” Bridge, which will boost trade between Mexico and Belize. President Calderón remarked that opening the bridge will create more economic development and opportunities for progress for the families in the region. It will have appropriate spaces for promoting the development of customs operations, guaranteeing workers’ security and streamline the shipping of merchandise as well as the entry of passengers by bus and light vehicles. Infrastructure was improved and state-of-the-art furniture and equipment was purchased. The Customs Office is now better equipped to provide efficient service for users and strengthen Mexico‘s links with international markets. An investment of nearly 180 million pesos was required.

Misc Belizean Sources

VIDEO: The Harvest: Mast Brothers Chocolate
In recognition of the people who cultivate, nurture and ultimately harvest the fruit from which chocolate is made. Shot on location in San Felipe, Belize, with a special thanks to Maya Mountain Cacao (mayamountaincacao.tumblr.com/). Video: E. Conor Hagen Music: "Angelitos Negros" by Los Indios Tabajaras

BELIZEAN TEEN EARNS PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE IN FLORIDA
Jim Howard strapped himself into the Cessna 172P and beside him in the cockpit sat the pilot painstakingly and carefully performing the pre-flight checks. As the plane took off, the pilot at the controls was 18 year old Hugh Alvin Wade, a junior at Hobe Sound College, where he is now 6 months away from obtaining his BA in Inter-Cultural Communications and Aviation. Hugh took his first solo flight at the age of 16 in Corozal, Belize after taking lessons with retired USA Air Force Colonel, Gordon Scott. While many of his friends and classmates spent the summer relaxing, Hugh was in the Amazon Jungle for half of the summer drilling water wells for the indigenous people of Peru and Brazil and the other half at Clearflight’s facility in Fort Pierce, Fl. with his heart set on earning his private license. For seven and a half weeks, he attended ground school, learning the theory on how to make a flight plan; how to calculate weight and balance; how to navigate; the rules of airspace; and understanding the mechanics of planes. He also took air traffic control classes and took many solo flights across Florida. After an evaluation flight and an oral test by an FAA examiner, he took one last two-hour flight with the FAA examiner that would determine whether he would receive his license. When he landed the plane, Hugh said “I was so happy; all I heard was 'Congratulations.'" Friends and classmates ask him if he is worried about accidents and he said absolutely not. "You have more of a chance crashing on the road with people driving erratically," he said. “In a plane, you have the control tower looking out for you. Young Hugh Wade takes his role in the cockpit seriously, and he approaches his future in the same way. After graduation next year, he plans on continuing to earn his instrument ratings required to fly commercial passenger planes, and his certified flight instructor rating. As an instructor, he can teach and earn money, all while accumulating the necessary flight hours required to reach his ultimate goal: becoming a pilot for a major commercial airline by the time he is 23, the minimum age set by the FAA. When asked for his advice to young people, he said "If you set a goal, accomplish it.” “Always set goals and shoot for them."

VIDEO: Amigos Surface Interval at Half Moon Caye
Two dives completed, Blue Hole and Half Moon Wall at Lighthouse Reef. Time for a break! Join us for world class diving.

The Cayo Event Calendar
The Cayo Event Calendar also has a new, simple, quick-loading link

MORE INFO
The 8th Annual Women Writers Conference will be at the University of Belize today. "The Women In Literature class presents: An opportunity to embrace and acknowledge women who have contributed to our literary development and, at the same time, reach out to emerging writers. Wednesday, November 28th. UB Jaguar Auditorium. 1:30 - 3:30. Refreshments will be provided."

Cayo Art Festival Airbender Display
Ashanti the Airbender performed a yoga dance fusion at the Cayo Art Festival. Great moves, Ashanti! "'Still, I RISE', is an asana dance fusion, which combines the movements of various dance styles such as ballet, contemporary and hip-hop fused with numerous simple and intricate asanas (yoga postures). Performance by Airbender Performer at the Cayo Art Festival 2012"

SIRH Full Moon Dinner
Today, the San Ignacio Resort Hotel will have their full moon dinner. Celebrate the last full moon before the end of the Mayan calendar. "Tomorrow is the Full Moon Dinner with Live Music! Don't miss out! Make a reservation now at [email protected]"

Los Tambos "Culture Day"
The Institute for Social and Cultural Research paid a visit to Los Tambos Government School. "Benque HOC congratulates the parents, students and staff for their efforts to educate their children as best as possible with the limit resource they have. At the same time we thank the staff of ISCR, especially to Mrs Irene and Mison and of course the Museum of Belize Director, Ms Jones."

SHJC's Open Day Today
Sacred Heart Junior College's Open Day is today, from 10am until 6pm. One of their students created a great map detailing all the activities and where the different departments will be setting up. The computer department will have a robots display. They'll also be giving away a full year scholarship. In the afternoon, there will be a marketing expo. Go see what SHJC has to offer. "Here's a campus map designed just for Wednesday's SHJC's Open Day 2012. Done by our very own IT student Kenny Lamb. It gives a neat summary of what you can expect on this day::: Scholarship info, 50% off admissions fee (valid up to March 2013), Win a one year full scholarship, mini volleyball & football tournament, SHJC Marketing Expo. It's too much for you to miss out on!"

Guava Jelly
Although I don't like the smell of gauva, I've always loved the jam or jelly. This recipe is simple, but the taste is exquisite. After trying this recipe, you will try to make jelly or jam with many different fruits.

CCTOA Raising the bar!!
It was the initiative of a number of the motor boat snorkel operators who felt that the price ‘war’ that was being fought on the streets was going to take many of them out of business!! The increase in taxes and gas, the fact that gas is no longer tax deductable and therefore the increase in all costs of running these tours meant that all Operators have been finding it hard to run the efficiently run tours they know they should be putting out. The Caye Caulker Tour Operations Association (CCTOA) was formed a few weeks ago with Mario Verde of Mario’s Tours being the president, Vice President Hans Badillo of E-Z Boy Tours, Eduardo Arceo of Liberty Tours is the Treasurer, Edith Chavarria (Manager and office genius) at Raggamuffin being the Secretary – Board Members Carlos Arce of Hicaco Tours, Shedrock Ash of French Angel Fish, Heather Martin of Tsunami. This official and registered Association will work together with the Belize Tourist Board’s Tour Operators Committee to ensure that all Operators on Caye Caulker maintain a quality level of service and to ensure that they maintain the new price of the tours. The CCTOA will ensure that those who do not operate within these guidelines will be subject to losing their License to operate and therefore ensuring that all Tour Operators on Caye Caulker maintain the highest of standards!! This is a great relief to all in the industry and for all future customers who can ensure that our collective services are excellent so that all persons who visit here come back with wonderful experiences and indeed memories of our beloved island Caye Caulker!

Channel 7

Accused Family Killer Hangs His Head At Court
Jared Ranguy is accused of killing his mother, his sister and his stepfather - and today, the 26 year old was taken to court to be arraigned for three murders. He was calm and police had him cuffed. He wore a hooded sweater and hung his head low so that the cameras could not capture his face. And that behavior fits in with what he is reported to have told police - that he is ashamed of what has happened and his family members now have to live with the shame of him being responsible for this. That is what he said to police, but not in a confession statement; in his statement, we are told, he talks about sleepwalking. As we reported, 51 year-old Karen Skeen Vellos, her daughter, 32 year-old Tina Beth Skeen, and her husband, 72 year-old Robert Earl Vellos Sr., were killed inside their home on Marage Road someone around 3 a.m. on Sunday. Karen Skeen Vellos - Jared's mother was stabbed to death; she had puncture wounds to the chest and neck, while Robert Vellos was shot to the back of his head, both in their bedroom. In her own bedroom, police found Tina Beth Skeen with gunshot wounds to the right side of her head and her right hand. Inside the house, police also found Ranguy half-naked with a machete in his hand screaming.

Did "EMO Cult" Lead To Suicide In Cristo Rey?
We don't usually report on suicides, but yesterday we told you about the disturbing case of a 36 year old who killed himself - supposedly because of a connection to what he called the EMO cult. Now, whether EMO is actually an organized cult - or just the imaginings of distressed minds is a matter of some debate. But, it has been linked to a troubling number of suicides in Western Belize - mostly involving teenagers. This man, though, was an adult - and his father told Daniel Ortiz today - that he was in the grips of delusion: Daniel Ortiz reporting 36 year-old Marvin Tut's life ended somewhere along this trail. Police believe that he slit his own throat with a broken bottle, realized the seriousness of what he did and walked 150 yards up the trail to get help. His friend found him here, and tried to get him to the nearest hospital, but it was too late. He bled out from that wound to the throat. Today, his dad revealed that Marvin Tut was having hallucinations, and some kind of mental breakdown.

GSU Gets Guns, Says PIV Gang Is Moving East
The GSU was at it again today with a pre-dawn raid which they say pursued specific gang and drug targets. Between 5:00 and 9:00, a search was conducted at the residence of what the GSU calls a known drug peddler on Faber's Road. Nothing incriminating was found on the premises, but one hundred and fourteen grams - about four ounces of cannabis was found along the zinc fence outside the yard in a black plastic bag stuffed in a KLIM pan. Because it was detected outside the property it was labeled as found property. A search was also conducted at the residence of another drug peddler on Raccoon Street extension between 9am and 11am but nothing incriminating was found. But in front of the yard thrown in with in a pile of garbage, the GSU found a Clorox bottle with two hundred and eighty six grams of cannabis - about 10 ounces - inside a black plastic bag. That was also labeled found property. At 11 am the GSU officers moved on to an apartment complex on Mopan Street that led to two apartments occupied by reputed members of the PIV gang. The GSU reports that "one of the apartments was occupied by 12 key members of the PIV Gang."

Do These Stolen Items Look Familiar?
Do any of these items look familiar? Do they belong to you? The items including assorted jewelry, cell phones, digital cameras, watches, a kit bag full of coins, a handbag and even a thick billfold of US and Belize dollars have been recovered by police over a period of time. If they're yours, and more importantly, if you can prove ownership - the items can be viewed at the Queen Street Police Station.

Farrakhan Will Make Third Visit To Belize
Nation of Islam Leader Minister Louis Farrakhan will make his third visit to Belize in December. He is on a five nation Caribbean Tour and will arrive in Belize on December 6th for a four day visit. He will have a number of appearances and addresses - starting with a youth rally at Bird's Isle. He will also speak to the entire prison population at Kolbe Central Prison. And, as he did in his prior visits in 1975 and 1986, he will address the general public at Bird's Isle in a night-time gathering. And while that is the public part of the visit, Farrakhan will also meet with the Governor General, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and be hosted at an official welcoming reception sponsored by Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington. His Caribbean Tour started last week in Grenada and moves next to Barbados, then Dominica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Belize and ends in the Bahamas. Farrakhan has Caribbean roots: his father is from Jamaica and his mother is from St. Kitts.

Arrests For Mango Creek Robberies
Police have finally confirmed those Mango Creek robberies we told you about on Friday night. It's stale news by now, but it's still worth reporting that the small village witnessed two armed robberies within five days. And the evidence now is that they were probably both conducted with the same stolen shotgun - a 12 gauge Remington, which was taken in a burglary in the village on the 12th. On Thursday 15th November, at 11:45pm, three masked, gloved men stormed into El Buen Amigo Bar with the shotgun and ordered all customers to lie on the floor. They stole cah, cell phone and even a bicycle. Almost a week later, on Wednesday 21st November, at 7:00 pm two dark skinned men wearing stockings over their faces and armed, again, with a 12 gauge shotgun, stormed into the shop and demanded money. They again stole cash, cell phones and, in this case, cigarettes. Police have made arrests though. They recovered $300 dollars and arrested and jointly charged Carl Thomas THOMPSON, from Independence Village and Anthony Steve MARTINEZ, also of Independence Village for Robbery.

A Much Needed Donation Of Wheelchairs
This morning, the Taiwanese Embassy and the office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children teamed up for a wheelchair donation. Seven news was there and here's how the contribution will be used:.. Monica Bodden reporting Belize's Special Envoy for Women and Children- Kim Barrow along with the Taiwanese Embassy and CARE-Belize -this morning - donated 20 wheelchairs to physically challenged Belizeans and the Belize City Emergency Management Organization. The 20 wheelchairs are a part of 150 mobility aid, which were obtained through the assistance of the Taiwanese Embassy. The list includes 5 Adaptable pediatric wheelchairs, 10 Personal energy transportation carts, 20 Adaptable Adult Wheelchairs, 50 Standard children chairs, 55 Adult Folding Wheelchairs and 10 Table recliners. The wheelchairs are valued at approximately fifty thousand dollars Belize and will be distributed through CARE-Belize.

Municipal Bond Much Better Than Expected
The first tranche of the municipal bond has been oversubscribed! That means they've gotten offers to buy more bonds than they're selling at this time. In a quite remarkable turn of events - the Mayor today reported that they have gotten offers to buy 16.5 million dollars in bonds. That's 16.5 million dollars in offers - when the first tranche offering is for only ten million dollars. It's a major sign of confidence - and a major boost for city hall - which now has the enviable task of picking who gets how much of the first tranche offering. The second tranche of 5 million is scheduled to be deployed next year.

Belize Makes A Mark In U-15 Football
Whenever a selection of Belizean athletes enters a sporting event - we're always the underdogs, due to population and a lack of training and facilities. But, in sports, the biggest intangible is heart, you can't buy it or coach it; either you have it or you don't. And a team of Belizean under 15 footballers proved that they had an abundance of heart when they travelled to the Dominican Republic for a competition last week. They came home today and 7news along with excited family members were at the airport to greet them:... Jules Vasquez reporting A hero's welcome awaited the players of the Belmopan Football Talent School Selection at the international airport. They came out of the arrival lounge to the embraces of family. And they earned those embraces by bringing home the hardware that which is so sought after but so rarely seen, a championship cup - Gold in the Dominican Republic U-15 Football Tournament. The under 15 players also got a VIP welcome from the Minister of Sports - and their own press conference in the airport's VIP room.

Channel 5

Belize U-15 football team brings the gold from the Dominican Republic
With an abundance of negative news in our daily newscasts, we lead tonight with an uplifting story involving our youths. The Under Fifteen National Football team returned to Belize today from Santo Domingo where they went up against top notch teams. The local team outmaneuvered participating teams, including Mexico, winning all games to clinch the [...]

Jared Ranguy formally charged for the murder of his family
A family of three was cold bloodedly murdered execution style at their Ladyville early on Sunday morning. Robert Vellos Senior, his wife Karen Skeen, and her daughter Teena Skeen were shot in their heads before four o’clock on Sunday morning. Karen’s son Jared Ranguy was immediately detained and about forty-eight hours later, he was brought [...]

What do you think is best to reduce crime?
Tonight’s question is: What do you think is best to reduce crime; Draconian Legislation, Social Programs or the Death Penalty? Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones to 8686 or post your vote on our e-poll at channel5belize.com. You can also send an email with your comments to [email protected].

Leader of the Islam Nation prepares for 3rd visit to Belize
Minister Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, has begun a tour of five countries within the Caribbean. The journey, which began last Wednesday in Grenada, will see the controversial religious and social leader visit Barbados, Dominica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Belize and the Bahamas, respectively. Minister Farrakhan will arrive in Belize on December [...]

One hundred fifty wheelchairs go to needy, physically challenged Belizeans
Mobility is a huge challenge for persons living with disabilities but this morning a number of them received devices that will make their lives easier and more comfortable. The Embassy of Taiwan has for the second time this year made a sizeable donation of wheelchairs and other mobility aids to the Special Envoy for Women [...]

14 year old accused stepfather of sexual abuse
There is a disturbing report from Crooked Tree tonight. A fourteen year old student is claiming that she has been carnally known by her stepfather. The young girl has reported to the police that since early July her step father has been having sexual intercourse with her. Police are looking for the alleged perpetuator and [...]

3rd suspect is charged for robbery of Immigration Officer and businessman
A third man accused of the June 2012 robbery at gunpoint of Immigration Officer, Lindsay Wade was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on two counts of robbery. He is Russell Vernon, a Stevedore, who appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer. Vernon is accused of stealing four cell phones and jewelry from Wade and [...]

A minor and Cruz Encalada are charged for Ladyville burglary
The house of Kenworth Tillett located in the Ladyville area was burglarized almost two weeks ago. Stolen were over ten thousand dollars worth of items including a wedding ring, a flat screen television set and a racer bicycle. This morning, a seventeen year old minor who claims he is a fisherman was charged along with [...]

Gang Suppression Unit operations pull in drugs, guns and ammunition
The Gang Suppression Unit this afternoon conducted several operations aimed at specific drug infested areas. The first search took place early this morning at the house of an alleged drug peddler on Faber’s Road. While nothing incriminating was found inside the house, the GSU says it found one hundred and fourteen grams of cannabis on [...]

Human Rights Commission wants crime control measures enforced properly
Early on Sunday afternoon, there was a murder on Mahogany Street. William Felix Francis was not only killed inside his house, he was murdered in a crime ridden area, which at the time was under heavy police presence. Government is relying on the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act to deploy police and military in [...]

Dance X returns with Dallas Black and Belize’s Jamie Thompson among performers
For the second time, NICH will be hosting Dance X and this year, it is dedicated to the Mayas. One of the big attractions will be performances by Jamie Thompson, who is from the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Thompson’s dancing career started from his schooldays in Belize and he made it big when he moved [...]

Clarification to statement made on the Dickie Bradley Special
For the record and as a matter of clarification, our phones have been ringing off the hook from persons who tuned in to the Dickie Bradley Show on Monday night. The callers are pointing out that contrary to what was said on the show, the U.D.P. was not in office when the Maritime Areas Act [...]

Looking back at the late Karen Skeen, cancer activist
Karen Skeen, her husband Robert Vellos and daughter Teena were savagely executed before the break of dawn as they slept at their Ladyville house on Sunday morning. The heinous murder has stunned the entire community; not only because of its gravity but because the suspect is Karen’s son. Karen is a well-known figure who for [...]

LOVE FM

Two Jointly Charged for Burglary
Two persons, 23 year old Cruz Encalada and a 17 year old boy, were charged with a burglary in which items and money amounting to over $10,000.00 were stolen, when they appeared in court today. A third person, a woman, has also been charged but she was not arraigned because she is...

Minor Tells Police She Was Sexually Active With Stepfather
A minor has reported that she has been engaging in sexual intercourse with her stepfather. According to reports a fourteen year old student from Crooked Tree Village visited the Ladyville Police Sub Formation accompanied by her mother. The girl reported that since the secon...

Panama Ambassador to Belize Presents Credentials to Governor General
Ambassador of Panama to Belize Joaquin Carrasquilla today presented his credentials to Governor General Sir Colville Young at Belize House in Belmopan. During his presentation, Ambassador Carasquilla told the Governor General quote “Your Excellency, it is with the most hear...

Special Needs Children Receive Donation From Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize
One hundred and fifty children from across the country today received wheelchairs which came through a donation from the Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize, David Wu. Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow, was the intermediary who led the charge and received the wheelcha...

Women's Group in Ladyville Calls on GOB For Police Resources
The Women Inspired for Change, a women’s group based in Ladyville has denounced the triple murder and have called on the Minister of Police to provide the Ladyville Police Station with adequate resources to deal with the growing crime rate there and neighbouring Lord’s Bank...

Brother/Son Charged for Triple Murders
Police have arrested and charged twenty six year old Jared Ranguy of Ladyville with three counts of murder. This follows the brutal slaying of his mother Karen Skeen, stepfather Robert Earl Vellos Sr. and his sister Teena Skeen in the early hours of Sunday at their home on Ma...

CTV3

Panamanian Ambassador His Excellency Joaquin E. Carrasquilla Presented Credentials To The Governor General Of Belize
Today Panamanian Ambassador His Excellency Joaquin E. Carrasquilla presented Credentials to the Governor General of Belize in Capital City Belmopan. Upon making his presentation, Ambassador Carrasquilla told the Governor-General and we quote “Your Excellency, it is with the most heartfelt pleasure that I am presenting here my Letters of Credence as my country’s Ambassador to your beautiful country. I will make sure that the already existing ties of friendship and cooperation are further expanded and I am very much interested in also increasing our business and commercial exchanges”. For his part, Governor-General His Excellency Sir Colville Young, expressed to Ambassador Carrasquilla that Belize is looking forward to those bilateral, commercial and business exchanges.

Bad Sugar Road Condition Poses A Challenge For Canefarmers
As mentioned in the story cane farmers are facing a number of challenges for this year’s crop season including the bad conditions of sugar roads and high fuel prices. These concerns were laid on the table during a meeting held yesterday in Belmopan between members of the BSCFA Committee of Management and the Minister of Works Honorable Rene Montero. “Le presentamos nuestras quejas que tenemos sugar roads que no se han tocado y la zafra empezó hoy y realmente lo que nos esta ayudando pues es el clima y gracias a Dios que el canero pueda transitar porque en un tiempo de lluvia el canero no iba a transitar en estos momentos y el ministro se comprometió de que va a luchar ver un día en la próxima semana que pueda viajar aquí al norte y que tengamos una junta con le y los representantes del norte para que asi podamos ventilar todas estas problemáticas que tenemos y a ver como el gobierno puede apoyar para por lo menos remediar esos caminos que están en mala situación en estos momentos. También le pedimos al ministro de que pusieran señales en los highways porque estamos trabajando ahora entrega por horario y tenemos una entrega de 24 horas y a veces a Orange Walk le toca de noche o a veces a Corozal le toca de noche y lo necesitamos para minimizar cualquier accidente que pueda suceder en el highway.” A date for the Ministers visit to Orange Walk is yet to be set.

2012/2013 Crop Season Gets Underway
At exactly ten this morning the 2012/2013 crop season officially got underway with the test group from Guinea Grass and San Roman being the first to deliver cane to the factory. The aim of both the producer and the miller is to ensure a delivery of 1.1 million tons of cane to the factory producing 110 to 114 thousand tons of sugar at a TCTS of 10 percent. CTV3 News was at B.S.I when the first truck drove through the gates of the factory. Smoke bellowing from the chimneys and the long line of trucks loaded with cane was evidence that the 2012/2013 crop season was underway. At exactly ten this morning the first truck drove through the gates of the factory followed by many others. With a successful 2011/2012 crops season now part of history the challenge now is to meet this year’s projection delivery of 1.1 million tons of cane. Alfredo Ortega- Chairman BSCFA, COM “Me siento muy contento de ver la calidad de cana que los caneros están trayendo realmente de que se da un gusto ver el tipo de cana, la limpieza y la frescura de la cana que están entregando yo creo de que dando este primer paso esta demostrando de que el canero realmente esta consiente ahora de que es calidad de cana.” Carmelita Perez – Reporter “Que esperan del canero y que esperan del BSI igualmente?” Alfredo Ortega- Chairman BSCFA, COM “Bueno del canero queremos su cooperación y estamos viendo su inicio y queríamos ver de que en este inicio del día de hoy sea para hasta el ultimo día de zafra también de que estén entregando este tipo de material y los que estamos esperando de BSI es de que se cumplan de que lo se esta mencionando de que van a tener una molienda no menos de 7000 por día y si esto sucede combinado los dos entonces esto nos da un potencial adonde les da mas ánimos al canero para realmente integrarse en lo que se refiere a la cosecha y que entreguen cana limpia, fresca y madura al ingenio.” This year instead of milling 6,000 tons of cane per day, the factory plans to mill 7,000 tons that’s an increase of 1,000 tons more per day. The question now is with a shortage of cane due to the infestation of frog hopers, will cane farmers be able to meet the daily target?

Belize's Under Fifteen Football Makes History As They Bring The Gold Home
This morning the Philip Goldson International Airport was invaded by the media and it was not due to the arrival of some major international superstar. In fact the media was there to welcome back Belize’s superstars, the Belmopan Football Talent School Selection which arrived home from the Dominican Republic after participating in an under 15 football tournament. The team did not make it back empty handed, in fact they made history as they won the gold cup. Our news team was there for the arrival of the super champions and filed the following report. Belize’s under 15 football team travelled to the Dominican Republic on Tuesday November 20th to participate in an under 15 football competition. The team, coached by Kenneth Budna and Santiago Valencia went undefeated throughout the tournament and today they arrived home with the gold cup. Believe it or not this is a historic win for Belize since it is the first time that the jewel actually wins an International Football Tournament. As the team boarded off the American Airlines plane that landed at the PGIA at 11.20am, they were greeted by family members, friends and supporters. Here in the north we have much to celebrate as four of the players Dmitir Fabro, Roger Solerzano and Marlon Garcia and Randy Agustin have played in the Mundialtio, organized by Fiesta Fm’s very own Menelio Gutierrez and sponsored by the Honourable John Briceno for the past six years.

6.9 Million Dollar Budget Approved By Canefarmers
On Sunday November 25th the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association held their annual General Meeting at Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico where the Committee of Management presented a $6.9 million dollars budget for the year 2012/2013, to cane farmers. As mandated by the Sugar Act and Fair Trade, where the 6.9 million comes from, cane farmers must accept the budget before the money can be diverse to the different projects. For cane farmers, past budget presentations have proven to be one hard pill to swallow and this year it was no different. But after much back and forth, the budget was approved. Alfredo Ortega- Chairman, BSCFA, COM “Bueno estamos hablando de que si el canero no trae sus cana limpia como de be de ser se le va a regresar y que vaya a limpiar esa cana y si esa cana viene y el químico dice que no pasas el test y si no alcanza la medida que debe de ser para el test pues simplemente esa cana no se va aceptar se va reusar.” Carmelita Perez – Reporter “Los caneros han sido informados de estas sanciones, están de acuerdo?”

Financial Challenges nearly Impeded Under 15 Team To Travel To Dominican Republic
The Belize under 15 team travelled to the Dominican Republic under the umbrella of the Belmopan Based Youth with a Mission Program, directed by Santiago Valencia. The team was mostly made up of at risk youths from the Belmopan area but also included players from Dangriga, Belize City and Orange Walk Town. Players were trained at the FFB Field under the supervision of FFB Technical Director Renan Couoh. But reaching to the Dominican Republic was no easy task and the coaches, along with the parents of the players, were confronted with a number of challenges before making the trip. Financing was the main hurdle. During a press conference held today at the VIP lounge of the PGIA, the tremendous achievement accomplished by the selection was recognized. Santiago Valencia- Coach “It started off just rescued kids from our community doing mischief to doing something positive with their lives and that is where we started off and am proud to say that I have five of the Roaring Creek boys that accompanies us in this journey, but when it turned out that I met Mr. Cowo and he saw what we were doing and he came on board and he said that is a good thing and he said we could raise up something bigger that this and we have been working together and all of this would never happen without this man right here so in my book it all belong to him right here and to these guys too.” The trip was definitely costly and if it wasn’t for the business community, parents and other sponsors, the young athletes would not have been able to compete in the tournament.

LOVE TV

Risk assessment survey conducted in Belize City
High School students from Saint John’s College in Belize City today [VO STARTS] canvassed the Belama Phases thee and Four areas. Over a hundred fourth form students, in collaboration with the Belize City Council, were conducting a Risk Assessment Survey which will ultimately assist municipal authorities in providing vital assistance to persons with special needs during times of emergencies. At the start of the survey taking this morning, Love News asked City Councilor with responsibly for Emergency Management Phillip Willoughby what is the importance of the Risk Assessment Survey. Under the supervision of staff of the Belize City Council, the students went house to house collecting the data which will be collated and analyzed by the Human Development Department, the City Emergency Management Organization and the National Emergency Management Organization. Dylan Lawrence is one of the SJC surveyors. Willoughby says that follow up visits will be conducted by City Council staff to interview those who were not at home when the students visited today.

Toledo observes 16 Days of Activism
A display with information on domestic violence and women’s legal rights was held this morning in Punta Gorda town. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports.

Duo charged with burglary; stolen items recovered
Two men were charged eight offences, among them three counts of burglary for items amounting to over $21,000.00 when they appeared in Court today. They are 22 year old Quincy Gentle, a construction worker of Mosul Street and 39 year old Deon Warrior, a carpenter of Bride’s Alley. The other charges included three counts of handling stolen goods, one count of conspiracy to commit burglary and one count of conspiracy to commit handling stolen goods. They pled not guilty to the charges. The prosecutor had objected but Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser offered each of them a bail of fifteen thousand dollars and adjourned their case until January 9. The incident occurred on Thursday, November 22. The police reported that two persons entered as trespassers the home of Sandra Young and went into three different sections of the house and stole jewelry, money and other items. On November 24, the police recovered all of the stolen items.

Controversy surrounds donation of ambulances to Belize
In August of this year Love News reported on a donation of two ambulances that was to be stationed at Southern Regional Hospital. The donation came about through the efforts of the All People Foundation based in Chicago. Today Rodney Nunez of the Foundation called in to Love FM’s Morning Show to say that they have been unable to move the ambulances to Belize. Joseph Guerrero from the Foundation also shared his views on the inability of the foundation to achieve its goal of getting the ambulances to Belize. Doctor Peter Allen is the CEO in the Ministry of Health. Contrary to what was expressed this morning, Dr. Allen said there are no plans to send the ambulances to any other part of the country as they were specifically handed over for Dangriga. Sharon Ramclam is the General Manager of Belize Natural Energy and she told Love News they have been doing their best in trying to get the ambulances to Belize at the cheapest cost. Love News will continue to monitor this story.

Cable Company offers lower internet prices
Earlier this year on September 27, Minister of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities, Joy Grant unveiled the ministry’s strategic plan. In essence, the information presented was that Belize is behind other countries in the region when it comes to Science and Technology and there was a call for more to be done in this fast pace sector of development. One of these areas was internet availability to Belizeans, especially the affordability of the service. Following this, at the beginning of the month Prime Minister Barrow announced that BTL will be doubling internet speed they offer to customers, and at the same time cutting the prices by half. Well, it seems the game is on as two days ago, Centaur Communications Ltd from Orange Walk has announced it will also be doubling its internet speed and lowering the price for it, lower than what BTL offers. Centaur Communications Ltd is a cable company owned by PUP Orange Walk Central Area Representative, John Briceño and his brother Jaime. Love News spoke with John Briceño about the new lower prices. The lowest speed, 256 kilobits is being offered 35 dollars monthly while one megabit is now for 100 dollars with no extra fee. A survey of the Caribbean conducted earlier this year showed that Belize’s internet rates and speed are among the highest and lowest respectively in the region. Briceno’s Centaur Communication Ltd has a network that extends from Ladyville to the Cororzal Free Zone and has thousands of customers connected to the cable network. At the moment the company is offering free installation until the end of the year.

Annual Open Day at Ebenezer Primary
The student body of almost 300 at Ebenezer Primary on barrack Road today displayed to the public their knowledge and insights into the cultures of various ethnic groups that make up Belize. The annual open-day featured students who shared a bit of history on each of the ethnic groups, their food, beliefs and dress codes, as well as entertainment by professional Maya and Garifuna musicians. Love News stopped in for a look and spoke with the Principal, Gaynor Munnings, who said that this is like any other school day, just with a bit of food, hype and entertainment to make it more interesting for the learning audience. The children themselves were not shy to show us what they’ve studied and come to appreciate about each other’s cultures. Ebenezer Primary thanks its past teachers and Parent/Teachers’ Association for actively taking part and helping to make their cultural open day a success.

Youth escapes from a deadly accident in Belize City
A Belize City youth escaped injury when his bicycle was crushed by a vehicle this afternoon. Cory Martelles was on his way to the Nazarene High School compound around one o’clock this afternoon, when he was knocked off his bicycle at the pedestrian crossing in front of the institution on Princess Margaret Drive. Still shaken from the ordeal, Martelles spoke with Love News at the scene.

Traffic Accident on the Iguana Creek road, Cayo
The Iguana Creek road the Cayo district is one of the better stretches of pavement in the west; but on Thursday night it was the terrible scene of death and destruction. Two vehicle collided and the massive impact left one person dead and several others injured. Our Cayo Correspondent Fem Cruz has been on the story from last night and files this report.

PlusTV

Jared Avery Ranguy is accused of killing his mother, sister and step-father
It was disturbing news on Sunday morning when a family of three persons were found shot and killed inside their hom...

Fingerprinting database identifies alleged burglar
The fingerprinting database of Belize has identified an alleged burglar. On Thursday November 15, MAGDALEONIE HORTE...

2 arrested for robbery in Dangriga
Last week we told you about Two men who intercepted a deposit before it got a chance to get into the bank. On Thurs...

U 15 national football team brings home the gold
Belize's Under 15 national Football team returned home today after winning gold in Dominican Republic. This is a Hi...

Taiwan donates 20 wheelchairs to physically challenged
The Special Envoy for Women and Children along with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and CARE-Belize t...

A Fisherman is being accused of forgery
A Fisherman is being accused of forgery, theft and claiming upon a forged document. 27-year-old Fisherman, Sherlock...

Strong Man Tour moves to Benque, Orange Walk and Belize City
The Belize Strong Men Tour started last week Monday in San Pedro The initiative has been running for the past four ...

Mexico will complete border bridge
Belize's portion of a Bi-national Border Bridge will be completed by Mexico. Mexican President, Felipe Calderon, vi...

Twin towns hosts third annual street festival
The twin towns hosted its third annual street festival this past weekend. The event was to celebrate the character ...

Corozal Police search for Raymond Anthony Arthurs
Corozal Police are also requesting the assistance of the general public for the apprehension of Raymond Anthony Art...

Panamanian Ambassador to Belize presents credentials
His Excellency Joaquin E. Carrasquilla presented his credentials as the Panamanian Ambassador to Belize, at Belize ...

Strongman Tour reaches Belmopam
The Strongman tour started off with a spiritual bang in San Pedro last Saturday, where the turnout was impressive. ...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Experience Caye Caulker Culture and Support Local Education
What: Lobster Dinner Banquet during Ocean Academy High School’s Christmas Extravaganza Talent Show Date: December 8, 2012 Time: Show begins at 7PM. Dinner is served at 7:30PM Fundraiser for: Scholarships for students who would not otherwise be able to attend high school (school is not free in Belize) Cost: $50 USD for Sponsorship. Each Sponsorship receives one lobster dinner as a gift. Hosted by: Ocean Academy Parent-Teacher Association and Students Ocean Academy High School is holding an important fundraising event on the 8th of December, its 5th Annual Christmas Extravaganza. Funds raised will support scholarships for students who would not otherwise be able to attend school (high-school is not free in Belize). This year, for each sponsorship of $50 USD, members of the Parent-Teacher-Association and students will prepare and serve a lobster dinner as a thank-you gift for the important contribution. The dinner will be served during the school’s Christmas variety show. Students will entertain with performances such as song, dance, poetry, drama, and musical performances. Sponsors will enjoy the show from a dinner table near the stage. “I can’t think of a more authentic way for visitors to experience the culture of Caye Caulker. Students will be providing the entertainment and serving the meals. Parents will be thanking the sponsors by preparing food for them. And the visitors will walk away knowing they’ve left a positive impact on the beautiful community of Caye Caulker.” - Heidi Curry, Managing Director, Ocean Academy.

Amandala

Turneff Atolls declared National Park
Turneffe Atoll is the largest and most biologically diverse coral atoll in the Western Hemisphere. Located 25 miles east of Belize City and surrounded by deep oceanic waters, Turneffe is approximately 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. The Turneffe Atolls was declared a Marine Reserve yesterday Thursday, November 22, by Hon. Lisel Alamilla, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development. The commemoration and signing ceremony was held at Old Belize at Mile 4 on the George Price Highway. The reserve was enacted In September, by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development. Minister Alamilla told reporters that over 20 years ago, Turneffe Atoll had been a gap, like a big hole in the marine protected areas system. It was already recognized that it is of ecological importance, and that the area needed to be protected and managed. However, it was not done. The Atoll is now being recognized and it will be managed like any other marine reserve, and it will be used and enhanced. Ten percent of the area will be a no-take zone, but people can fish in all the other areas. A large monetary contribution was made by the Bert Arelli Foundation, in the millions of dollars. The money will be used to set up the management for the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve According to the Oceanic Society, the islands, some larger than 5,000 acres, are covered by at least 77 different vegetation types. Mangrove forests are interspersed with brackish lagoons, covering most of the low-lying areas. A reef crest and magnificent shallow coral buttresses are followed by the reef rim on the outer reef drop-off.

“Bad spirits” were in his room, and the Devil “pinched him”
He was later found dead... Around 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, police visited the La Loma Luz Adventist Hospital, in Santa Elena Town, Cayo District, where they found the body of Reyes Martin Tut, 36, a Belizean labourer of Cristo Rey Village, Cayo District, with two a cut wounds, one on the chin and one on the neck. Police said that their initial investigation revealed that Tut began acting strange on Saturday, and told his family that there were “bad spirits” in his room, and that the Devil was pinching him. Around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, he left his house and went to a shop in the village, where he was heard mentioning that he was looking for EMO (an organization that reportedly glorifies suicide), so that EMO could kill him. Tut was found dead yesterday, Sunday, at 1:30 p.m. in the compound of Crystal Paradise Resort, in Cristo Rey Village. Police are seeking a man called “EMO,” who they believe can assist them in their investigation.

Fresh Catch on the auction block
The multi-million-dollar red tilapia fish farm, Fresh Catch, inaugurated in 2002, is now on the auction block, according to a notice that has been published in the Amandala. More than two years ago, in July 2010, the company, owned by the Mena family, was placed in receivership for a US$10.6 million loan with First Caribbean International Bank (Barbados) Ltd. and First Caribbean International Bank (Cayman) Limited. This week’s notice from licensed auctioneer Kevin Castillo said that Fresh Catch Belize Limited will be sold on-site on Monday, December 3, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. The sale includes more than 600 acres near La Democracia Village, plus the land upon which the fish farm sits – 610 acres with 45 ponds completed in 2004, 55 ponds completed in 2007, and 32 more ponds yet to be developed. The mono-sex tilapia farm, which had been granted Export Processing Zone (EPZ) status, had been dubbed Belize’s main producer and exporter of tilapia, with exports of whole fish to Guatemala and Mexico and fillet exports to the US. In 2008, production peaked at 4 million pounds (1,865 metric tons), netting US$3 million in foreign exchange, but dropped off the following year. The bank tried to keep the fish farm as a “going concern,” and the Menas tried to find new financing arrangements to get their farm back. The bankers had also put Wood Depot, another enterprise belonging to the Mena family, under receivership, but the family was able to reacquire that business in May through a new company named Wood Stop.

Placencia demands “autonomy”
by Charles Leslie Jr. Dear Editor, We in Placencia demand our autonomy: we want to be interdependent and not dependent on Central Government. Belize is the only country in the Central American Integrated System (SICA) that does not have subventions for rural communities. This leaves us with little to no financial autonomy, and also very little legal autonomy. One of the sources of the socioeconomic problems in our country is the fact that we have a government structure that is set up expecting villages to properly carry out their mandates, yet villages get no subventions from Central Government. We have no by-laws, thus no legal autonomy, collect no taxes, no trade license fees, etc. Currently the only way villages can increase income, guaranteed to them under the Village Council Act, is to open more bars, which has been detrimental to the social well-being of the family unit, and has caused countless hardships in areas such as domestic violence. This is a system designed for the failure of locally elected rural governments, since elected officials are expected to carry out their mandates properly with little to no resources and autonomy. Due to this designed-to-fail system, the Government of Belize often blames the village leaders for being incompetent, and we are looked upon as children that cannot be trusted to handle their own affairs. With the autonomy we deserve and demand, we will have the financial resources and the legal backing that we require to fulfill our mandate. This would be true participatory democracy.

From The Publisher
Reports are that Minister Louis Farrakhan will be visiting Belize next weekend in his official capacity. This is very good news for Belize, especially our black community, because the honorable Minister is a man of regional and international credibility amongst the roots masses. We have been experiencing some frightening problems with our young people, and for sure Minister Farrakhan will grab the attention of our “challenged” youth. Minister Farrakhan joined the Hon. Elijah Muhammad’s Nation of Islam (NOI) sometime in the 1950s. After Hon. Elijah died in 1975, one of his sons, Warith Deen Muhammad, became leader of the Nation, and he moved the organization into orthodox Islamic theology. Under Hon. Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam had followed some beliefs which were not completely consistent with the Koranic teachings of orthodox Islam, but beliefs which had been embraced by an ever growing body of followers, primarily in the United States of America. Minister Farrakhan had submitted to the authority of Warith Deen Muhammad, but after a couple years he moved away and re-established the Nation of Islam in the mould of Hon. Elijah’s original organization. Minister Farrakhan’s new Nation of Islam grew rapidly, and much of that has to do with his charismatic personality and exceptional speaking ability. He may be considered the most powerful black leader in the Western Hemisphere, his influence extending far beyond the strictly religious sphere. (Please understand, Barack Obama, for instance, is not a black leader: he is a leader who is black.) Minister Farrakhan’s socio-political impact is ironic because it was such a reach into socio-politics which got Malcolm X into trouble with Hon. Elijah Muhammad in late 1963. This was a time when the civil rights movement was surging forward in black America under the leadership of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., a Christian pastor. Malcolm, who was the Nation of Islam’s most brilliant Minister at the time, had begun to comment on socio-political and economic issues. He went as far as to comment publicly on the assassination of U.S. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy in November of 1963. Malcolm said that the assassination was a case of “chickens coming home to roost,” because of America’s climate of violence.

Sense, nonsense, and Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition
In the political sense, there are three kinds of people in Belize. There are people who are UDP, people who are PUP, and people who are sometimes referred to as independents. The independents are people who make up their minds how they will vote according to the arguments and candidates which are presented to them during political campaigns. In other words, the independents don’t have their minds made up before the fact. If you want independents to support you, then you have to seek to influence them through some medium and in some way other than by straight party propaganda. It is thought that the independents are fewer in number than the separate blocs of committed voters who are traditionally UDP or PUP. We wonder about this in the modern era, because the lines between the two major parties are not as clear as they used to be. Belizean voters are not as passionate along party lines as they used to be in the prime times of Mr. Price (PUP) and Mr. Goldson (NIP), which were in the 1950s and 1960s. Guatemala was the smoking issue back then. Our voters are not even as passionate as they were in the 1970s, when communism and independence were dividing Belizeans along party lines. Compared to back then, the lines between the PUP and the UDP have become blurred. So then, we believe that, percentage wise, there are more independent Belizean voters in 2012 than there have ever been before. Even if, and we doubt it much, their numbers have not grown in the last two and three decades, the independents would still be very significant politically, because, all things being equal, they hold the balance of power in tight elections. We are saying that a politician cannot only appeal to the voters of his/her party: the politician has to appeal to those voters who are independent. Those politicians who have become entrenched over time will sometimes get votes from voters who ordinarily support the other party. It may be, then, that independents are not as important for entrenched politicians as they are for newcomers. Whatever.

Belize U-15 Football Selection wins Gold in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
B Belmopan Football Talent School Selection won Gold in the Dominican Republic U-15 Football Tournament today, November 25. The team, coached by Kenneth Budna and Santiago Valencia, went undefeated throughout the tournament. Below is a breakdown of games played: Game 1: Belize (4 goals) vs Dominican Republic Northern Selection (3 goals); Randy Serrano – 4 goals for Belize. Game 2: Belize (2 goals) vs Dominican Republic National “A” Selection (1 goal); Randy Serrano – 1 goal for Belize; Marlon Garcia – 1 goal for Belize. Game 3: Belize (2 goals) vs Guadalajara Mexican Selection (1 goal); Dmitri Fabro – 2 goals for Belize. Game 4: Belize (2 goals) vs Dominican Republic National “A” Section (1 goal); Randy Serrano – 1 goal for Belize; Marlon Garcia – 1 goal for Belize.

Down to the wire in PLB race to the playoffs
First, here are the weekend Week 13 results: On Saturday night at the Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo, Placencia Assassins bombed Verdes FC, 4-0, with goals from Ashley Torres (35’), Rolling Burgess (55’), Luis Torres (68’) and Bernard Linares (73’). Meanwhile, Police United struggled before securing a 4-1 win over R.G. City Boys United at the MCC Grounds in Belize City. Evan Mariano (8’) and Danny Jimenez (34’, 87’ & 90’) shook the net for Police, while Deon McCaulay (29’) got the goal for City Boys. In games played on Sunday: BDF travelled to the Ambergris Stadium and came away with the 2-1 victory over the San Pedro Seadogs. BDF goals were by Tyrone Pandy (44’) and Justo Lewis (60’), while San Pedro’s sole tally was by Angel Cantun (66’). Belmopan Bandits journeyed all the way to the San Felipe Football Field in Orange Walk, where they managed a 1-nil win over home squad FC San Felipe Barcelona, courtesy of a goal from David Madrid (45’). Here at the MCC Grounds in Belize City, after an hour’s delay due to transportation difficulties, a short-staffed Juventus FC played an exciting game before falling 2-0 to home-standing F.C. Belize, who got goals from captain Christobal Gilharry (40’) and Michael Hernandez (75’). And out west at the Norman Broaster Stadium, it was visiting Paradise/Freedom Fighters, 1-nil, over winless San Ignacio United, on a goal from Leonard Valdez (35’). Down to the wire We said early on that this was shaping up to be the most keenly contested semipro football season in quite a while, and indeed it is. With one weekend of regular season games remaining in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Opening Season Tournament 2012-2013, only one team – North Zone leaders Belmopan Bandits is guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. The other 5 teams – Belize Defense Force and F.C. Belize from the North; and Police United, Placencia Assassins and Verdes FC from the South are all still in the hunt for the 3 remaining playoff spots. (See standings below.)

Belizean tour guide beaten to death in Tikal, Guatemala
Luis Mis, a Belizean tour guide living in the Tikal area of Guatemala was killed after he was beaten to death. The incident occurred sometime in the night of Thursday, November 22, while he going home. He was laid to rest in his hometown of San Ignacio on Saturday, November 24. Witnesses told police that Mis was severely beaten by a group of men who threw him off the balcony of the hotel and restaurant where he worked in the Tikal area. However, Guatemala’s Prensa Libre reports that five persons died violently in Tikal, Peten, and one of the persons was identified as Luis Mis, a Belizean, 17, who was beaten with a bat while walking along the boardwalk. Belize and Guatemala police are collaborating to investigate the death.

A deadly night on Ladyville’s Marage Road
A deadly night on Ladyville’s Marage Road... Three dead – two victims shot and a third stabbed A brutal triple killing in Ladyville early Sunday morning has left a community shocked, and the family of the victims in disbelief and great grief. Police report that Robert Earl Francis Vellos, Sr., 72, his wife Karen Vellos, 48, and Karen’s daughter Teena Beth Skeen, 32, were found murdered in their Marage Road home, and the killings occurred at about 3:30 Sunday morning. Karen Vellos, nee Skeen, had been stabbed in the center of the chest and in the left side of the neck; her husband, Robert, also known as “Happy,” had been shot behind the head; and Karen’s daughter by a previous relationship, Teena Beth Skeen, had been shot in the right side of the head (the temple) and in the right arm, near the biceps. They were taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where they were all declared dead on arrival. Police earlier said that they had detained a relative, Karen Vellos’s son, who they found covered with blood, and holding a machete, inside the house, and they say that he is the prime suspect

Tyrone Meighan, 19, Brandon Baptist, 27, and Orel Leslie, 24, charged with murder
Tyrone Meighan, 19, Brandon Baptist, 27, and Orel Leslie, 24, charged with murder Today, Tyrone Meighan, 19, Brandon Baptist, 27, and Orel Leslie, 24, were all charged with the murder of James Noralez, 28. Police believe that Meighan, an unemployed resident of #27 Banak Street; Baptist, a construction worker of #6632 Police Street; and Leslie, the owner of Safeway Drug Store and resident of #7 Linda Vista Site , are the persons responsible for killing Norales. At 7:13 p.m. on Friday, November 23, police visited the area of Linda Vista Site, located near the junction of Fabers Road and George Price Highway. About 500 feet from the junction, they observed Noralez’ body lying on the ground. Noralez’ body had a total of fourteen shots – (1) in the left side of neck; (3) in the left side of chest; (4) in the upper shoulder; (1) under left arm pit; (1) in the left upper arm; (1) in the left side of chin; (1) in the right side of eye; (1) in left side upper back; and (1) in the back of head. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital at 8:17 p.m. The mothers of the accused were all present in court as the charge was read to them. Leslie was represented in court by attorney Ellis Arnold, while Meighan and Baptist were unrepresented.

And the mayhem in the city continues …
And the mayhem in the city continues … The seemingly never-ending violence in the city has claimed the lives of three people, who were shot to death over the weekend. Dead are James Noralez, 28, also known as “Selecta DJ” of the Linda Vista Police Street area; Deon Waight, 48, of Caesar Ridge Road; and William Felix Francis, 23, of the Administration Drive area. The city’s bloody weekend began with the death of James Noralez, who was shot 14 times on Fabers Road around 7:15 p.m. on Friday. Police reports are that Noralez was walking on Fabers Road towards the Western Highway when unknown gunmen fired at him. He was shot 3 times in the left side of the chest, 4 times in the upper shoulder, once under the left arm pit, once in the left upper arm, once in the left side of the chin, once in the left side of his upper back, once in the back of the head, and was grazed in the right side of the eye. Neighbors who became alarmed by the murderous gunfire quickly called police. Police said that they found Noralez on Fabers Road Extension about 500 feet from the intersection of George Price Highway. They also found 7 expended bullet cases, and a slug was retrieved from the scene. Noralez was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and pronounced dead on arrival at about 8:17 p.m. Police have detained three men for the murder. Allegations are that James Noralez was killed because he had reported some drugs and ammunition to police, which were found and confiscated by police. Allegations are also that gunmen had gone to the Electric Avenue road concreting site where he was working along with David Myvette concreting Electric Avenue around 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 31. The gunmen had asked for James Noralez, but instead shot Myvette about 10 times. It was believed that Noralez was whom the gunmen wanted, and not Myvette.

Life for Gregory August, 24
Today, Gregory August, 24, was sentenced to life in prison after he was found guilty of murder of Alvin Robinson, 73, on Wednesday, November 21, 2012. August was convicted of killing the crippled and blind Alvin Robinson, 73, on May 23, 2009. Police said that the murder was out of retaliation after August and Robinson’s son got into an altercation at his residence. Robinson was stabbed several times in his neck and shoulder, and according to the testimony of the doctor, he would not have lived longer than an hour after suffering from those injuries. August was convicted on very strong circumstantial evidence, including being seen leaving the scene with a white cloth in his hand, later learnt to be his bloodied white shirt; his blood-stained tennis shoes, which matched the tennis print lifted from the murder area; and August putting himself there in his dock statement, telling the court that he was there earlier to purchase some weed. Two women presented themselves as character witnesses for August – Avis Williams, and Rosilia Almendarez, August’s grandmother.

Blogs

What Nina likes about Living in San Pedro
A while back, I gave my junior blog assistant an assignment to send me 7 pictures to visually show what she likes about living in San Pedro, and she recently turned it in. Some of you will remember Nina from her pictures at the Karen Waldrup Benefit Concert for Mama Vilma;’s Family Home at Wet Willy’s Cantina. You will be seeing more of Nina’s work in the future, now that she has learned to size pictures and use drop box she has a bunch of pics to send me that she has been stock piling :) All the pictures below were taken on the island. Though I did not take ALL of them, I still wanted to share them because they explain the things I like about living here. The pictures they are pretty self-explanatory of what they are, but I wanted to give you a sort of caption of each.

International Sources

Legendary airliners and airlines in the golden era of aviation
I’ve spent a lot of time at Los Angeles International (LAX), both as an enthusiast observer and employee, having worked there for TWA between 1964 and 1969. In addition, my late brothers, Bill and Bob, spent time there and we all took pictures. Bill took only a few, in black & white, while Bob and I shot both monochromatic and color. Take your time on this page; there’s a lot to look at! Amazing! What a great job and what a wealth of airline history knowledge you have along with a priceless collection. Will take me another few times to go through it and comprehend at least one tenth. Absolutely wonderful. A real trip down memory lane. Legendary airliners and airlines in the golden era of aviation. Thanks, Jon, for sharing your wonderful memories.

Laidback Living on Belize’s REAL Caribbean Escape
I arrived in Caye Caulker, Belize by water taxi from Ambergris Caye, as many people do. The trip takes half an hour, costs $7.50, and is worth the money—skimming across the Caribbean’s blue waves, you can watch the island’s white-sand shores, fringed with palms, gradually grow closer. This approach also drives home a reality of life here: On Caye Caulker, you really are away from it all. The island is only five miles long and at most a mile wide. Only the southern half is developed; most of the north half is jungle and mangrove—and it’s separated from the south by a channel called the Split (the most popular swimming spot). At Caye Caulker Village, where the water taxis come in, the island is at its narrowest: only three streets wide. These bear the imaginative names of Front, Middle, and Back and are simple packed sand. You’ll see no cars here and only a few golf carts—most people walk or get around by bicycle. And no one’s in a rush. Here, life is all about the water. You can swim and snorkel right off the beach, and the barrier reef is a mile away, an easy trip by motorboat. In fact, you’ll see boats in many backyards and moored on the lagoon. Walking down Front or Middle Street, about every third weather-beaten, wood-frame house you pass seems to be a tour-guide operator offering diving trips off the barrier reef or the Blue Hole, or for snorkeling in Hol Chan, all big draws in the area.

Mexico President Felipe Calderon Inaugurates New Bridge to Belize
Outgoing Mexican President Felipe Calderon has inaugurated the new “Chactemal” bridge on the border with Belize. In a release, Calderon said that, with the opening of the bridge, it would generate greater economic development and advancement opportunities for families in the region. The project required an investment of about $13.8 million USD to build. It was another step by Calderon during his final year in office to improve ties with CARICOM. At the CARICOM-Mexico Summit in Bridgetown earlier this year, Calderon called the Caribbean Mexico’s “third border.” “We are part of the Caribbean sea, part of the region and we feel that we will be part of the Caribbean Community,” he said at the time.

VIDEO: Sea Rescue Caught on Tape: Whale Shark Rescued By Divers
Divers dwarfed by massive shark risk lives saving entangled sea creature.

November 27, 2012

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Byron Lara wins Poor and Famous Duathlon Competition
The second duathlon for this year, organized by the Poor and Famous Youth Club of Belize took place on Sunday November 18th. Byron Lara, 15 years old took the first place in the 17 and under, while Jason Barrientos, age 12, took the first place in the 13 and under criteria. The race had two legs. The first leg saw competitors swimming from the Belize Yacht Club dock to Ramon’s Village where they made their way to land. From there, they ran/jogged/sprinted their way to the Boca Del Rio Bridge where the race ended at the basketball court. Competing in the 13 and under competition were: Chris Acosta, 9, Joey Gonzalez, 11, Elvin Vellos, 12, Jason Barrientos, 12, Johan Guerrero, 12, Zenedine Pinelo, 13, Axel Gonzalez, 13, and Anthony Rivero, 13. In the Under 17 criteria were: Kian Ancona, 14, Jason Estrada, 14, Byron Lara, 15, Alex Pineda, 16 and Joseph Alexander, 17. Winning the swimming leg of the race was Alex Pineda with a time of 11 minutes. Finishing first at Boca del Rio overall was Byron Lara with a time of 20 minutes.

Mama Vilma Family Home receives donation
From the 7th to the 11th of November, 2012, the 2012 Global Asset Protection and Investment Symposium was hosted by Exotic Caye Beach Resort on Ambergris Caye. The forum was sponsored by Hemispheres Publishing and Caye International Bank. This special forum provided critical, meaningful and useful tools for people to counter the ongoing threats to their personal wealth. Attendees enjoyed significant one on one time with legal, tax, financial and trust experts and they also had the opportunity to learn about the Mama Vilma Family Home and their Non-Profit Organization. Maricela “ Miss Shelley” Huber visited with the attendees, explaining the goals of the Mama Vilma Family Home committee to build a home for children and families who need a safe haven in a familial environment. Miss Shelley spoke of the various fundraisers that have been held to bring the dream of the home a reality, including fashion shows, sales and benefit concerts that have been adding to the much-needed funds. Collectively the group donated $2,450BZ towards the urgent need to get this house built on Ambergris Caye, which is important to our community. The island needs a ‘safe place’ that can offer support and services and generous attendees and sponsors of this event were proud to lend their support.

San Pedro Triathlon Committee’s Garifuna Settlement Day cycling classic
For the first time this year, the San Pedro Triathlon Association organized and executed the first ever Garifuna Settlement Day cycling race. The purpose of the race was to raise funds and awareness about the San Pedro Triathlon Team: Kent “Bob” Gabourel and Eric Donis. (The hope is to have more athletes sign up to be part of this ambitious and talented team.) Signing up for the competition were 16 aspiring cyclists at a registration cost of $20.00. The race began shortly after 7:30am. The race took cyclists from Central Park to Belize Bank, west on Caribeña St to Pescador Drive; south on Pescador Drive through Coconut Drive and Seagrape Drive to the three mile marker – (junction of the San Pedro Dumpsite). From there the competitors went north bound taking a similar route – going up Barrier Reef Drive – hitting Lagoon St. across the bridge to Grand Caribe. They took the same route a second time then ended at the Central Park. At the end of the race, first place winner Kent “Bob” Gabourel clocked in at 1hr 15minutes. For his efforts, he took home a round trip ticket on Tropic Air. Second place went to Andrew Vasquez. He got $100.00 cash and a 24 hour Golf Cart Rental. Third place went to Daniel Caliz who won $50.00 and dinner for two at Elvis Kitchen.

Ambergris Today

Strengthening The Balance
Teaching young people, whether in public or private, primary or secondary schools, is not about molding them into what we, educators, want them to become. Rather, teaching young people is more about stimulating and encouraging them to learn, and yes pushing them to reach their potential, not ours. In order to be successful in these endeavors, we educators need fully realize and accept that effective teaching will always be a two-way street, not a “do as I say” one-way street. That means also that in order for teachers to keep giving their very best to students everyday in classrooms and schools throughout the country, students in turn must also give back their very best to their teachers. Further, it means that well-behaved and hard-working students provide great incentives for teachers to put forth their best efforts and want to keep leading students in the classroom every day. But, it also means that classrooms full of rowdy and lazy students will not encourage excellent teachers to want to lead them. Both students and teachers gain the most from each other when the teaching/learning relationship remains balanced in the classroom, not lopsided. When students and teachers appreciate each other, and feel obligated to each other, they keep that necessary balance inside a classroom, and ensure that neither complacency nor misbehavior tip the scales. However, when teaching becomes a one-way street where a teacher constantly expects and demands hard work from students, but that teacher only puts forth mediocre efforts to teach every day, then mistrust among students builds quickly. Mistrust of any teacher by students will destroy that delicate balance and appreciative relationship that students and teachers need to keep in order for any teaching to be successful.

Mayor’s Honors at Township Anniversary Banquet
The San Pedro Township Anniversary was celebrated in grand style this year with a splendid banquet at world renowned Elvi’s Kitchen offered by His Lordship Mayor Daniel Guerrero and the San Pedro Town Council. In his welcome remarks Mayor Guerrero Commented: “From the onset of my election and my taking office, it was my desire to offer an official reunion with all past mayors and town councilors to express the town’s gratitude to all the former community servants, some of whom are still very active in community affairs.” Indeed all, except perhaps three past councilors, were present, one of whom lives abroad and one who has passed away. The Council expressed recognition to some one hundred persons present which included the group of councilors and spouses who brought San Pedro into Township status on November 27 of 1984 and all succeeding town councils. The Mayor expressed his happiness to see such an influential gathering uniting in full force to celebrate perhaps one of San Pedro’s most meaningful events ever in the history of San Pedro.

Jim Scott Completes Iron Man Challenge for Iron Kids Belize
The kids and staff of Dorothy Menzies Child Care Centre said "Good bye and God speed," as Jim Scott left Tuesday, November 20, 2012 to make final preparations for Sunday, November 25, 2012. That day was Rotarian Jim Scott's 50th birthday. With the support of his family and staff at the Radisson Hotel Fort George and Marina, Jim worked all year in preparation to compete for the first time in the Iron Man Triathlon Competition Cozumel, 2012. Serving as Radisson's CEO, supporting family and maintaining leadership in several community endeavors, Jim entered into grueling and very disciplined training in order to compete, on his birthday to raise funds for much needed upgrades to the Dorothy Menzies Child Care facility. The Rotary Club of Belize made a commitment to match and the donations, large and small pledges started rolling in. Family and supporters joined Jim in Cozumel arriving by plane, car, bus and van. Belize Bank donated the vehicle which carried 28 supporters and paid for the t-shirts worn by the staff and kids of Dorothy Menzies Child Care Centre. Other corporate donors included: Publics Supermarket, Roe Group of Companies; Belize Dry Cleaners; Simon and Lauren Reardon-Smith and Eduardo E. Sanchez of Belmopan.

Belize Ministry of Health Says 'TLEMOL' is Safe Pharmaceutical Product
Earlier this year, reports were made to the Ministry of Health concerning the sale of a pharmaceutical product being marketed as “TLEMOL.” The Ministry sent the product for testing shortly after. This week we received a Certificate of Analysis from the Caribbean Regional Drug Testing Laboratory in Kingston, Jamaica concluding that the pharmaceutical product marketed as ‘Tlemol’ has met the United States Pharmaceutical requirements for Acetaminophen tablets.

Pic of the Week: Sunset Over Hatchet Caye, Belize
Seasonably great weather is providing exceptional sunsets all over the country. Pictured here is a warm, amber sunset over Hatchet Caye, which is a private island on the edge of the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, seventeen miles east of the Placencia Peninsula. This tranquil jewel is on the protected side of the Meso-American reef; the second longest in the world. - photo provided by Hatchet Caye Resort

World AIDS Day Activities in San Pedro
Below is the schedule of events that the SP AIDS Commission has come up with; be sure to clear up your calendars and support the group: Friday, November 30, 2012- *Visit to SPHS - yearly visit the San Pedro High School students. Students will be provided with the red ribbon and given a brief lecture on the history of the red ribbon as well as factual and important information on HIV/AIDS. 7:00 a.m. at SPHS. Saturday, December 1, 2012 – *World AIDS Day - Members of the SP AIDS Commission will be visiting businesses around the island and handing red ribbons to the staff. *Solidarity Walk - Annual solidarity walk around town to create awareness of HIV/AIDS – Meeting place at Central Park 6:00p.m. All are invited to attend. Sunday December 2, 2012 – *World AIDS Day Fair – Free Rapid and confidential HIV testing. Counselors will be at hand to provide counseling prior and after testing. Information booth, food & pastry sale, live music fun for the entire family all taking place at the Central Park.

Misc Belizean Sources

CNN Report on McAfee
Jorge Aldana, of the San Pedro Sun, details new twists on John McAfee and the bizarre murder mystery in Belize

Belikin Western Spirit Cycling Team
Belikin brought the Western Spirit Cycling Team out to the Cayo Welcome Center, in front of Thai Island, Saturday evening. They also brought a beer tent, and tons of beer at a special price, and re-introduced their Sorrel Stout for the season. Mistah Geeh was there mixing the great tunes. Thanks, Belikin! "Pics from the party in San Ignacio on Saturday, introducing Belikin Western Spirit Cycling team!"

UB's Anti Street Harassment Campaign
UB is participating in The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence by having seminars this week at all campuses. There will also be female self defense classes in Cayo and Benque on Friday. "The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign originating from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute sponsored by the Center for Women's Global Leadership in 1991. Participants chose the dates, November 25, International Day Against Violence Against Women and December 10, International Human Rights Day, in order to symbolically link violence against women and human rights and to emphasize that such violence is a violation of human rights."

Hands for Life Christian Concert at SHJC
Sacred Heart Junior College's Hands for Life Club had their Christian concert Friday night. There was great music, good food, and even a double up booth. Samantha Tzib, who had organized previous Christian concerts, was definitely there in spirit. "Sacred Heart Junior College's Hands for Life club will be having a Christian concert tomorrow night. They'll have Mission 3:16, Omega, and Creaven there, along with the Cornerstone Youth Group, the San Ignacio Baptist Youths, and the Shekinah Dance Group. Digicell will also be on hand to do their double up promotion. The entrance is free!"

REMINDER: Traveling Caribbean Showcase is STILL ON!!

Channel 7

He Killed His Own Mother, Sister, Stepfather!
There were six murders in the Belize District this weekend. It's a staggering death toll - and even more so when you consider that all that killing happened in less than 48 hours between Friday night and Sunday afternoon. Three of those murders happened in one household, the Vellos home in Ladyville - when almost an entire family: Mother, Father and Daughter were wiped out in one hellish killing spree. And what make this most shocking murder even more incomprehensible is that - at this hour - the person charged for the murder is their son and brother - 26 year old Jared Avery Ranguy - known as Jared Skeen. Police just reported that he has been charged with three counts of murder. 7news has been on the story from before dawn on Sunday where we've been piecing together the details of this, the worst multiple murder of 2012:.. Daniel Ortiz reporting The small neighborhood known as "Japan" in Ladyville is very disturbed by the killing of a well-known family inside the bedrooms of their home in the silence of Sunday's midmorning hours.

Former BDF Soldier Executed In Gang Hit
And while that Sunday morning triple murder is the most dominating news event of the weekend - from Friday night, things had already started very badly in Belize City with another gang related murder. Except this one was an execution. It happened around 7:30 pm - just as we were finishing up the news. Our team responded to the scene at the junction of Faber's Road and the Western Highway and found a man dead on the ground. How he got there is the story of gang hit carried out with ruthless precision. Here's more:.. Jules Vasquez reporting This is where 28 year old James Norales's life came to an end on Friday night - at the junction of Faber's Road and the Western Highway. He had been executed, shot multiple times in the head, neck and body and left in the middle of the road. Police recovered 7 expended shells from the scene. Police believe he was friendly with the men who killed him - and investigators say, he had been socializing with them at Orel Leslie's home in Linda Vista right before he died.

"Gang Boys" Killed The Wrong Man
And less than three hours after that murder - there was another just a few miles away - at the other end of Faber's Road in the Yabra area. In this case it was no execution - just a random and indiscriminate shooting launched by young men caught up in a gnag rivalry. But the victim was not one of their rivals, he as a 48 year old who just made the mistake of stepping out of his house at the wrong minute. In a community in the middle of a gang war, just stepping out proved fatal on Friday night. Jules Vasquez spoke to his sister:.. Jules Vasquez reporting Today a small mound of stones cover the bloodstain where 48 year old Deon Waight was killed. On Friday night, he was walking to the store right around the corner from his home when he was shot in the head. His sister - who lives beside him -had a sense of foreboding when she saw a car coming up the street:

Killed After "Sunday Dinner"
By mid morning on Sunday when news of the Ladyville triple murder had gone out - and added to the trauma of two Friday murders - it seemed almost like a statistical impossibility for there to be yet another murder. Yet there was. It happened on Sunday near the Complex building - in one of those crime-ridden areas that is usually swarming with police. But that didn't matter to the killers - who may have gone after the wrong man. 7news was on the scene:.. Jules Vasquez reporting On Sunday - right after Sunday dinner, a crowd of onlookers thronged the corner of Mahogany and Complex Streets to witness the spectacle of death. Their neighbor 22 year old WILLIAM FELIX FRANCIS had been killed inside his family's home: Raphael Martinez - Police Press Officer "Police visited #118 Mahogany Street Extension in Belize City where they saw 22 years old William Felix Francis of the same address lying inside his house with what appeared to be multiple gunshots wounds." "Initial investigations revealed that at approximately 1pm there about Francis was inside his house talking to his brother when a dark complexion male person dress in black entered the house pointing a pistol at them and asking for somebody. Upon seeing this William's brother ran and jump through a window leaving William Felix behind. Shortly thereafter several gunshots were reportedly heard from inside the house. The brother reportedly return and found Williams Felix Francis lying on the floor injured."

A Life For A Life In Supreme Court
And while all those stories were about taking life, today in court, the judge gave a life sentence for a man convicted of killing a 73 year old. Last week Wednesday, 7News told you about 24 year-old Gregory August, the man who was convicted in the Supreme Court of the May 2009 murder of 73 year-old Alvin Robinson. Well, he will spend life in prison for that murder. As we reported, on the night of May 23, 2009, Robinson, who was a cripple, and who was also blind in one eye, was stabbed 9 times in his face and neck. He was found sitting on his bed at his home at Mile 8 1/2 on the Western Highway shortly after the incident. He was transported to the hospital, but he died on the way there. In August's mitigation hearing, 3 persons spoke on his behalf, including his grandmother who said that she's never known him to be a disrespectful or unruly young man.

Woman Shot By Hitman In Salvapan
And while there were six murders in the Belize District - there was almost one in Cayo as well. 25 year old Cecilia Marisol Varela was shot five times by what appears to have been a pair of hitmen. It happened on Friday night at 8:00 on Spain Street in Salvapan. The naturalized Belizean of Salvadoran origin was shot by two masked men who stormed unto her property. She received five total gunshot injures to her legs and shoulder. The intruders also fired at her husband and his brother who were outside the house - but neither was injured. Two 9 millimeter expended shells and one 9mm live round were recovered from outside the house and one slug was found in the living room. Police have detained a man from Salvapan.

Man Called for EMO Before Sudden Death
And there was a life lost in Cayo, but it wasn't homicide: police are saying it was one of those EMO suicides. Today in Cristo Rey Village 36 year old Reyes Martin Tut was found with a cut wound to the chin and neck. Vilagers rpeort to police that he started acting strangely on Saturday night when he complained that there were bad spirtis in his room, and, quote, "the devil was pinching him." On Sunday morning, he told villagers that was he looking for EMO so that EMO can kill him. And this afternoon he was found dead on the compound of a village resort with his throat cut. Again, police suspect it is a suicide, but it is a sudden death - so all angles are being investigated at this time.

Human Trafficking, A Regional Problem
Human trafficking knows no borders - and that's why Belize is joining with its Central American neighbors to for the Fifth Regular Meeting of the Central American Coalition against Human Trafficking. The idea is to share knowledge on common experiences and come up with best practices to combat human trafficking. But, to combat trafficking in persons effectively, you'd first have to figure out what drives people into situation where they are trafficked. One regional expert says poverty drives this social phenomenon. Abdel Armengor - Panama "It's a social phenomenon that has to be deal with at international level. Organize crime doesn't know borders. That's the main importance of this event - that we as a coalition of Central American region could work together and understand our realities and identifies our strength and put them together so we can work as unit coalition to fight against organized crime and this horrible phenomenon that affects all our nations."

Muni-Bond Selling Like Hotcakes
Last week, we told you about the launch of the Municipal Development Bond by the Belize City council. Well, tonight the mayor confirms that it's selling quite briskly! He told us via text message that 8.5 million dollars of the bond offering has been sold - that's all of tranche one. This includes bonds that mature in two years for a yield of 3.5%, 5 years for a yield of 5.5% and 8% in 10 years. The 20 million dollars bond offering is opening for 28 days, so - if the mayor's figures are right - to have sold almost half in just two working days is considered a major "wow!"

"Bibby Bex!"
And according to the terms in the prospectus, the City Council can use no more than 2.5 million dollars of the bond receipts to retire existing debt. The bulk of the remainder is going into infrastructure works - and that means more streets being paved, which should mean more manual labour jobs. But one work crew of about 8 men from the Port Loyola area couldn't care less. They came to our studio today to say they had lost their jobs paving southern Foreshore. It's news because they say they're hardcore UDP - and when they voted in the recent election, it was to keep to their jobs. But now that they've lost those jobs, they didn't seem so sure if there was a difference after all;:.. Michael "Bibby" Gill - Complains about lost job "Jules you know me, I am a die-hard UDP to the max. We don't have anything against the party. We are red down the -line. We voted in both elections down the line - keep your job if you vote for the red, if you vote for the PUP you will lose your job. Now it doesn't make any sense, maybe if I voted for the PUP I would have a job now."

Cycling Showdown Postponed
On Friday we told you about the controversy brewing in the Belize Cycling Association. It seemed to be coming down to a showdown on Saturday in Santa Elena at the Aguada Hotel where a new executive was to have been elected. That's where the election was scheduled to be held - but no one seemed sure under which set of rules it would be held. Well, to cut a very long story short, let's just say - no election was held. After three hours of back and forth between incumbent President Emil Moreno's Camp, challenger Dion Leslie's Camp, The Sports Council and the Police - it was decided to hold off the election for another day. But, interestingly, he current executive will be dissolved next week - and after that the Sports Council will hold over and set a date for election. The Sports Council will also decide under which set of rules that election will be held.

Pol Solve Crime With Forensic Evidence
Tonight, police are reporting that they have solved 3 burglaries in Corozal Town with forensic evidence. On April 26, 2012, a principal of the Methodist school reported that the church and school were burglarized the previous day. A resident of Chula Vista, Corozal, reported that her house was also burglarized. Police say that they arrested Magaleonie Hortencio Tzul of Corozal town, and his finger prints were taken and sent to the AFIS National Fingerprinting database, which matched the prints lifted in those burglaries. As a result, police arrested and charged Tzul for 2 counts of burglaries, and he was arraigned and remanded to prison until January 29, 2013. On August 20, 2012, the owner of a house in the Halls Layout of Corozal town reported that someone burglarized his house. The scene was processed by the authorities, and the fingerprints found were submitted to the AFIS database, which matched those belonging to Raymond Anthony Arthurs of Ontario Village in the Cayo District. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

What Makes A Taco Tasty? Is It The Orange Walk Air?
Visit any major or minor population center in Belize - and you can expect to find chicken tacos selling three for a dollar. It's very affordable - but we suspect that's not what makes Belizeans such avid taco lovers: it's not the price, it's the taste! And what is it that makes a taco so tasty? Is it the firmness of the tortilla, the moistness of the chicken or the spiciness of the pepper? I went north yesterday to the Tacos Festival in Orange Walk to find out about the magic ingredient that makes tacos in the northern town so sought after:.. Monica Bodden reporting On Sunday the atmosphere at Banquitas was buzzing with activities - as these tacos vendors lined off and prepared some of the most finger licking tacos for the crowd. It was all competition and everyone brought out their best tacos recipes for the 2nd annual Tacos Festival.

Youth Athletes Did Well In Costa Rica
Last week, 7News told small contingent of junior athletes who went to Costa Rica to compete in 10th Central American Infant A and Junior C track and field games. They were confident that they were able to bring home medals, and… they delivered. 7News caught up them when they came back home this evening, and they told us they were happy with their performance: Kadean Cayetano, Athlete/Gold Medal "I pretty sure I could have done much better because the record was 688 and my personal best is 702 and I slacked off a lot over the summer." Daniel Ortiz "You brought home gold medal in what event exactly?" Kadean Cayetano, Athlete/Gold Medal "Long jump." Shanicka Augustine, Athlete/Silver Medal "I wanted to win but as I say competition, so my team mate G'anne Humes was in first place then Panama knock her out by the winning jump 520 and then I was drop to 4th place because Guatemala end up in 3rd place and then I then knock two of them out; my team mate and Guatemala and came in 2nd with a jump 5 meters."

A Bridge Across The Hondo
Mexican President Felipe Calderon will end his six year term in a matter of days. And one of his last acts was to open the new Belize - Mexico bridge, dubbed the "Chactemal" Bridge and the Subteniente López II border point. He did that on Friday evening and in his address he said that the entire project cost nearly 180 million pesos. Infrastructure at the facility was improved and state of the art equipment was purchased. Deputy Prime Minister represented Belize at the event. Now, the Belize side is still not connected to the new bridge and border facility. And that's because while the Mexicans built the bridge - Belize hasn't been able to come up with the money to build the half mile of road to connect our border station to it.

Channel 5

Husband, wife and daughter murdered inside home

It was a weekend of carnage; six persons were executed between Friday night and Sunday afternoon. The most heinous was in the wee hours of Sunday morning, when a husband, wife and her daughter were gruesomely killed at their house in Ladyville. It is a murder like few others in recent history because the suspect [...]

Brother killed as gunman enters home

A fourth person was executed on Sunday afternoon in a Crime Ridden Area which was under B.D.F. and police presence. Twenty-two year old William Felix Francis, a resident of Mahogany Street Extension, was killed in a hail of bullets inside his home. Shortly after one o’clock Francis and his brother were conversing with each other [...]

Close to home, Norales murdered on Fabers Road

The bloodbath started early on Friday night. James Noralez, a former B.D.F. officer, was gunned down in the Fabers Road Extension. His bullet riddled body was retrieved from the bloody crime scene and transported to the K.H.M.H. Three persons, well known to the court system, were soon detained and were charged with murder this afternoon. [...]

Sister of murder victim questions motive for murder

The death of Norales has come as a shock to his family. Norales’ mother recently returned from the U.S. and has not yet received all the facts. The only known fact is that three of his friends have been charged for his murder. News Five spoke to Norales’ sister this evening about the loss of [...]

Yabra resident Steero murdered near home

Within two hours, police had their hands full with another homicide. Deon Waight also known as Steero was shot and killed not far from his house in the Yarborough area. Waight had left home to buy cigarettes when a slew of bullets his him in the head, neck and hand. His family believes he is [...]

Cycling Association election postponed because of 2 constitutions

There was a lot of hype leading up to planned elections for a new president of the Belize cycling Association on Saturday. Hundreds of cyclists turned up at the Aguada Hotel in Santa Elena, Cayo for the event which would have seen a challenge to the presidency of Emil Moreno by Council Dion Leslie. Two [...]

Belize Times makes a comeback, but who calls the shots?

We note that the printed version of the opposition newspaper, Belize Times, is back on the streets. The newspaper re-surfaced this past weekend in full color and went on sale on Saturday. The printed edition was discontinued back in August because the paper was losing money and had become unsustainable for the People’s United Party [...]

Taiwan says no visas needed to enter Belize, is it reciprocal?

Bearers of Taiwanese passports will no longer need visas to enter Belize. The announcement was made via the government of Taiwan which says that a visa waiver program has been agreed to, but a specific date has not been set for its inception. The formal announcement was made in Taipei where the Foreign Minister Wilfred [...]

Shooting of Salvapan woman was allegedly an attempted hit

A Salvapan woman is admitted at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital tonight, recovering from three gunshot injuries. According to police, just before eight o’clock on Friday night, two masked men stormed into the Spain Street residence of twenty-five year old Cecilia Varela. The men fired shots at her, her husband who ran shouting for help [...]

Police say no evidence to charged woman accused of hiring hit men

Shortly after Varela’s sister made the allegations, Superintendent Aaron Guzman, the officer commanding Cayo Police, responded with the police side of the story. Guzman says there simply was not enough evidence to charge the accused woman within the forty-eight hours that she was detained.   Voice of: Supt. Aaron Guzman, Officer Commanding Cayo Police “A [...]

Independence Village rob the village

A string of robberies have occurred over the past two weeks in Independence and they may have been triggered by one burglar. On the thirteenth of November, a twelve gauge Remington shotgun was stolen from Michael Hobbs’ home. Hobbs, a US national, reported to police that he left the gun, valued at four thousand dollars [...]

Warrior and Gentle charged for burglary of items valued $21,000

Thieves made away with a sizeable loot and cash of some twenty-one thousand dollars from the house of Sandra Young on Bride’s Alley. Today, two Belize City men were arraigned for burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary and handling stolen goods. Dion Warrior, Young’s neighbor and Quincy Gentle, appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer and were [...]

August to life; convicted murderer sentenced

Twenty-four year old Gregory August will be spending the rest of his life prison for the murder of seventy-three year old Alvin Robinson, who was stabbed to death in 2009. August was convicted on November twenty-first and today he reappeared before Justice Adolph Lucas for mitigation and sentencing. Three character witnesses, including Avis Williams, a [...]

Mexican President bridging friendship at Chactemal

As we reported in Friday’s newscast, President Felipe Calderon will be leaving office in the next few days. One of the outstanding projects between Belize and Mexico is the international bridge which was completed back in 2009 but was not inaugurated because the construction of a stretch of road by Belize, did not take place; [...]

City Hall’s survey for disables Belama residents, an SJC success

A survey was conducted this morning in Belize City to identify residents who require help during disasters. The pilot phase of the project was in the Belama area where the City Emergency Management Organization began to collect information for its database with the support of students from St John’s College, who did the house to [...]

Western Spirit Cycling Team gets support from Bowen & Bowen

While the executive of the Belize Cycling Association held an unsuccessful congress in Santa Elena earlier on Saturday, the homegrown team Western Spirit of Cayo District, hosted an event to unveil their partnership with Bowen & Bowen Ltd. The team, which has become a powerhouse on the national cycling scene, is officially being endorsed by [...]

One sportscaster; amazing Monday night sports highlights

Good evening, I’m James Adderley and welcome to this portion of Sports Monday.   Week thirteen of the PLB Season found FC Belize needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive as they hosted Juventus of Orange Walk inside the MCC Grounds yesterday. Thus it’s no surprise that FC Belize roars out of the [...]

LOVE FM

Mexico Pledges to Assist Belize With Connecting Road
Mexico has pledged to build the portion of the road that connects Belize to the new bridge connecting our two countries. At a ceremony held in Othon P Blanco Quintana Roo, Mexico on Friday, Mexican President, Felipe Calderon, said that with the opening of the bridge, further deve...

SJC Students Assist Belize City Council on Risk Assessment Survey
High School students from Saint John’s College in Belize City today canvassed the Belama Phases thee and Four areas. The fourth form students, in collaboration with the Belize City Council, are conducting a Risk Assessment Survey which will ultimately assist municipal autho...

National Trade Union Congress of Belize Elects Executive
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize held its 46th annual general meeting this past weekend in San Ignacio. The meeting had representation from eight of the nine affiliated unions. The keynote address was delivered by Labour Commissioner Ivan Williams who spoke on th...

Police News
Three persons were been charged with the murder of 28 year old James Noralez when they appeared in court today. They are 19 year old Tyrone Meighan, an unemployed of Banak Street; 27 year old Brandon Baptist, a construction worker of Police Street; and 24 year old Orel Lesl...

Two Men Murdered in Belize City
Last Friday night two men were also killed in separate incidents in Belize City, according to Martinez. “At approximately 7:13pm, Police visited Faber’s Road Extension, Belize City, where 28 year old James Norales of Linda Vista Area, mile 2 on the George Price Highway ...

Belize City Resident Murdered Inside His Home
On Sunday afternoon, a man was shot and killed inside his house in the Lake Independence area. Police Press Officer Raphael Martinez gave us the details. RAPHAEL MARTINEZ Police Press Officer Belize Police Department “At approximately 1:15pm police visited #...

Triple Homicide in Family Home in Ladyville
Three family members were murdered in the early hours of Sunday in Ladyville. Reporter Marion Ali has the story. MARION ALI News Reporter Love FM News “Residents of Mirage Road in Ladyville were awaken to terror at around 3:30 on Sunday morning when three me...

PlusTV

Man arrested for triple murdrer in Ladyville
There was a triple murder in Ladyville early Sunday morning. On Sunday morning at around 3:30, shots were heard rin...

James Norales Murdered in Belize City Friday Night
The death of James Norales occurred Friday night. Sometime around 7:00 pm, multiple gunshots were heard on Fabers R...

Criminal activities in Belmopan at La Cabana once again
There have been numerous reports of robberies, assaults and threats within the last few months; although not all of...

Home Invasion in Belmopan
there was more criminal activity in Belmopan. Two men on a dangerous mission found their mark in a remote area of t...

Another home invasion in Belize City
There was another home invasion in Belize City where another person was shot in his home. This also happened on Sun...

Deon Waight killed in Belize City
There was also another murder in the old capital. Deon Waight, a resident of Caesar Ridge Road ,was on his way to a...

Regional Meeting on Human Trafficking held in Belize City
The Fifth Regional Meeting of the Central American Regional Coalition against Human Trafficking was hosted in Beliz...

Purchase of Belize City Municipal Bonds began today
The Belize City Council launched the Municipal Bond last week in Belize City at a press conference hosted by Mayor ...

Belize's Under 15 national Football team is bringing home GOLD
Belize's Under 15 national Football team is bringing home GOLD. The team left for the Dominican Republic last week ...

Cricketers from the Falkland Islands are in Belize
Cricketers from the Falkland Islands are in Belize to play our national team and make a donation to Liberty Childre...

Belize government has agreed to grant Taiwan passport holders visa-free privileges
The Belize government has agreed to grant Taiwan passport holders visa-free privileges when traveling here. Belize ...

Police investigate mysterious death in Cristo Rey
A strange story is coming out of the West this evening. Yesterday at 2:00pm, Police were called the La Loma Luz Adv...

Blogs

Return of the Croc!
One of Ambergris Caye's much-beloved restaurants re-opened the day after Thanksgiving, and -- of course -- we were there. Ens and Cheri are our neighbors, and not only that, they really know how to do barbeque right. Although we don't eat a lot of meat under normal circumstances, when we want to indulge our inner carnivores, nothing but the Lazy Croc will do. This is a sign we weren't sure we'd ever see again: They're starting out simple with their basic menu of pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and a few sides. Prices are the same as before, and there is a choice of four sides with your meal. A limited drink menu is included but no desserts. They told us they might add to the menu again over time, but wanted to begin again with the basics. Makes sense to us! Prices are in Belize dollars (divide by two for USD), and only cash is accepted. They're reserving their rear deck on the pond for private bookings, but they do have tables out front, or you can carry out. Barry had a nice chat with Ens by the smoker -- where the magic happens.

Guest Blogger: Carrie's Whirlwind Tour of Belize, Part One
Hello, SanPedroScoop.com fans - I'm another one of Rebecca's loyal readers, filling in for her while she visits Dirty Jersey (as we Philadelphians call it, lovingly, of course.) I lived in San Pedro for about 9 months last year, and now I'm on the mainland in the Stann Creek district with my man, a couple of cats, dogs, goats, chickens, and some great Maya mountain sunsets. I write about my experiences down here at my blog, Letters to My Friends Back Home - feel free to check it out :) (Note from the Scoop: Carrie's blog is as funny as it is informative. Her Philadelphia meets Central American "pioneer life" in the Belizean mountains and travels on the mainland are fascinating and awesome and sometimes make me feel like I'm living like a "city slicker" on Ambergris Caye. Follow her stuff...it's one of my favorite blogs. And bonus! She shows pictures of herself AND looks fantastic in a bathing suit. Enjoy. And PS...I am including a map of the Belizean mainland if you aren't too familiar with the layout.) Back to Carrie: Anyway - on to the scooping! One of my best friends is down here visiting me from Pennsylvania, and I've been dragging her all over the country for the past six days. I just want her to get a feel for the whole country so that when she comes back in April she'll have a better idea of where she wants to spend her time, ya know? I met her at the Belize international airport on Friday morning and we took a taxi over to the Caye Caulker Water Taxi, and then headed to San Pedro for just one night (about an hour and 1/2 long trip). I won't tell you too much about our 24 hours in San Pedro since Rebecca keeps you well informed about all there is to do there, but I will you that we stopped in at the following places: Lola's Pub, Crazy Canucks, Jolly Rogers, Legends Burger House, Pedro's, Wild Mangoes, Ak'Bol, and the Palapa Bar - and we got to see some of the National Sailing Regatta while we walked along the beach...

21.12.2012 – End of Maya Calendar or A Period of AWAKENING ?
I’m 28 years old and I’m not sure if I’m doing exactly what it is that I’m supposed to be doing – professionally at least. Oh alright, in every aspect of my life. I’m getting to that age in a woman’s life (the dreaded thirties), where as a young girl you’re pretty sure you should have it all figured out, you should probably have kids already, at least one, and a husband, and dog? Ok, maybe not a dog, but the other stuff for sure. That said, the Maya Winter Solstice, in my mind, is the embodiment of spiritual soul searching, the end of an epic cycle and the beginning of a new one. So for me, it only makes sense that I align myself with this kind of energy that forces me to discard my old way of thinking, and to accept this new reality that I am not my old preconceived notions of where I should have been as I near 30. Or, at the very least you could consider letting me experience a few nights at what appears to be the most fabulous eco-lodge I’ve seen in recent times just because…(smile). Ok, to be fair, without the fluff, without insincerity, without feeling like I’m trying to sell myself and my reason in some pitch for a few nights at the lodge…I really do want to experience the Maya Winter Solstice.

A Friendly Kidnapping in Belize
I don’t often tell people I was kidnapped, as they tend to envision gunmen and extreme treks in a forest or months spent in a locked up room, waiting for ransom demands to be paid. My kidnapping wasn’t anything like that. Although it did have a dramatic escape plan. So here is the story – be warned though, this is a pretty long story, so sit back and get comfortable. Looking back it was quite an entertaining night, but at the time it was far from it. Chalk it up to having a few moments of naivety after a few too many beers. There were four of us out enjoying a night on the town in San Ignacio, Belize. It was hot and the Belikin beers were cold. But the bars all abruptly closed way too early. Fueled by alcohol, we wandered the streets looking for lights, looking for a bar. No luck. We reached the end of town and came to a bridge; and this is where our night adventure began. Enter Craig, the homeless guy.

International Sources

Monsanto Co. seeks to take over Mexico's heartland with GM maize
If their requests are approved by outgoing president Felipe Calderón, Monsanto Co. and DuPont will be planting 2,500,000 hectares (more than 6 million acres) of transgenic or GM maize in the heartland of Mexico. (Updated.) According to ETC Group, the consequences will be devastating for the heart of the center of origin and diversity for maize, and also globally. Mexico is considered to be the global repository of maize genetic diversity, as scientists have identified thousands of peasant varieties of maize. Should Monsanto's applications be approved, this would mark the world's first commercial-scale planting of GM varieties of a major food group, in it's center of origin. Basically this would wipe out all biodiversity, and all the various local varieties of maize, developed over around 7,000 years. This is an horrific "parting shot" against the Mexican people, courtesy of outgoing President Calderon. I have to wonder just what the quid pro quo was from Monsanto, and would bet that he has been handsomely compensated for this approval, should it happen. GM crops have been proven to cause tumors and abnormal growths in those animals which have been fed with it. Eating genetically modified corn (GM corn) and consuming trace levels of Monsanto's Roundup chemical fertilizer caused rats to develop horrifying tumors, widespread organ damage, and premature death. That's the conclusion of a shocking new study that looked at the long-term effects of consuming Monsanto's genetically modified corn. The study has been deemed "the most thorough research ever published into the health effects of GM food crops and the herbicide Roundup on rats." News of the horrifying findings is spreading like wildfire across the internet, with even the mainstream media seemingly in shock over the photos of rats with multiple grotesque tumors... tumors so large the rats even had difficulty breathing in some cases. GMOs may be the new thalidomide. "Monsanto Roundup weedkiller and GM maize implicated in 'shocking' new cancer study" wrote The Grocery, a popular UK publication.

Video of Mexican President speech:
Mexican president Felipe Calderon inaugurated the new international bridge and the Mexican facilities at the border Mexico-Belize, on 23 November 2012.

INAUGURATION OF SUBTENIENTE LÓPEZ II BORDER BRIDGE
Quintana Roo, 23 November 2012.- On tour in the State of Quintana Roo, President Calderón inaugurated the Subteniente López II “Chactemal” Bridge, which will boost trade between Mexico and Belize. President Calderón remarked that opening the bridge will create more economic development and opportunities for progress for the families in the region. It will have appropriate spaces for promoting the development of customs operations, guaranteeing workers’ security and streamline the shipping of merchandise as well as the entry of passengers by bus and light vehicles. Infrastructure was improved and state of the art furniture and equipment was purchased. Infrastructure was improved and state-of-the-art furniture and equipment was purchased. The Customs Office is now better equipped to provide efficient service for users and strengthen Mexico‘s links with international markets. An investment of nearly 180 million pesos was required. During the current administration, over 31 billion pesos have been invested in modernizing the country’s customs houses, ten times more than during the previous administration. This effort will permit major projects to modernize customs houses such as those in Lázaro Cárdenas, Guadalajara and Tijuana.

Britain to Crack Down on Caribbean Tax Havens
A leaked document has revealed that Britain plans to impose its own version of the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) on its overseas territories, such as the Cayman Islands, as well as the crown dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. FATCA, which will come into force next year, requires foreign banks to report American account holders to the US Internal Revenue Service. The draft UK equivalent, seen by the magazine International Tax Review, will require British tax havens to make similar disclosures about UK account holders to UK tax authorities, London’s Observer newspaper reported. The move, which is expected to be unveiled in the chancellor's autumn statement and come into force in 2014, will have major consequences for those trying to hide their money offshore. "It's a complete bombshell for these places," Richard Murphy, a tax expert who has seen the draft plan, told the Observer. "Some people will try to flee, but this is going to change the whole of the offshore market." He explained that the draft plan amounted to the UK using US legislation to give tax havens an ultimatum: "It's either they give the UK the same data that they want to give the US or the UK won't pass their laws to let data flow to the US."

Taiwan secures 131st visa-waiver pact with Belize announcement
Belize, a Central American nation that formally recognizes Taiwan, has granted R.O.C. passport holders visa-waiver entry, President Ma Ying-jeou said yesterday. The move brings the number of countries and regions that have included Taiwan in their visa-waiver programs to 131. Ma made the announcement while receiving a Belizean delegation led by its Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington at the Presidential Office in Taipei yesterday. The president thanked the visiting five-person delegation for their country's decision, saying that the announcement is expected to further boost bilateral ties and enhance closer two-way exchanges. Previously, Belize joined four other countries that formally recognized Taiwan but did not grant visa-waiver privileges, Paraguay, Belize, and Sao Tome and Principe. In a statement released yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said more details about the latest visa-waiver program, including when it will take effect, will be made public soon. Blessed with a range of natural resources, the Central American ally is famous for its Barrier Reef, which is the second longest in the world, as well as its rainforests, the MOFA said. Many of the nation's natural wonders and Mayan cultural relics have gained UNESCO World Heritage Status, the ministry said.

TV Pick: Panorama – How To Dodge Tax
Sadly not a handy how-to guide (sorry Jimmy Carr) but the BBC's latest sweeping investigation. Conducted in collaboration with The Guardian, Panorama targets off-shore tax havens from Belize to Panama and companies exploiting loopholes to deny taxpayers billions of pounds. In a week when the activities of major corporations from Amazon to Google have come under fire, major questions are being asked about where blame should lie: in those paying the minimum to maximise profits or the law-makers creating the loopholes in the first place.

New international bridge inaugurated between Mexico and Belize
On tour in the State of Quintana Roo, Mexican President Felipe Calderón has inaugurated the Subteniente López II “Chactemal” Bridge, which will boost trade between Mexico and Belize. Calderón remarked that opening the bridge will create more economic development and opportunities for progress for the families in the region. It will have appropriate spaces for promoting the development of customs operations, guaranteeing workers’ security and streamline the shipping of merchandise as well as the entry of passengers by bus and light vehicles. Infrastructure was improved and state of the art furniture and equipment was purchased. Infrastructure was improved and state-of-the-art furniture and equipment was purchased. The Customs Office is now better equipped to provide efficient service for users and strengthen Mexico‘s links with international markets. An investment of nearly 180 million pesos (US$13.8 million) was required.

Don't Fall For Fake Facebook Privacy Notice
A 'privacy notice' that's been virally spreading on Facebook, supposedly protecting one's personal details and data from unauthorized copying, is fake.

November 26, 2012

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

The latest Tia Chocolate column is ready for reading!!! Waiting, Part IV
He woke up to find that the breeze had changed and the shadows had elongated. Sometime while he slept and dreamt of the past, he had been covered up with a warm, colorful Guatemalan blanket. It was once a bright rainbow of colors, with designs of the quetzal, that country’s national bird, shining through in a false needlepoint pattern. Everything was machine-made these days – but still, it was cheaper, the warmth it gave him was more than enough. With fresh memories of his youth still lingering, he took a wavering breath of that fresh mountain air that changed his life. Ahead, his beloved daughter-in-law Julia came bringing a steaming mug of tea. The woman always seemed to be working, cleaning, chasing after children, tending to her yard, and always, caring for him. “What were you dreaming of this time Papacito?” she asked as she held out the mug to him.

The November 25th, 2012 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Alleged Petty Con Artist Nabbed:
  The act of con artists preying on vulnerable teachers in Belize City schools seems to have caught on in Cayo schools as one such alleged con artist was today arrested, charged and remanded to prison. In the first case, a primary school female teacher reported to the police that she was at school where she was approached by a man she knows as Ellis Gomez who told her that he was sent to do some repair work at the school. He requested and received 30 dollars from the teacher to buy a tin of paint. He allegedly returned the following day and approached the same teacher who, at his request, gave him an additional 10 dollars which he said he needed to purchase formica. The man never returned with paint or the formica thereby prompting the teacher to report the matter to the police.
• Men At Work In Cayo Central:
  Holding true to his promise of increased employment within the community, Minister of Works and Transport/Cayo Central Area Representative, Hon. Rene Montero, is pushing forward with the manual labor intensive component San Ignacio bypass Project. Minister Montero informed that he is pleased with the progress of the works and the quality of the workmanship. He informed that apart from the massive development that the project is bringing to the area, he is especially pleased to see so many workmen on the site gainfully employed and therefore providing themselves and their families.
• Statements From The Most Recent IMF Report On Belize:
  An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mr. Gerardo Peraza, visited Belize from November 1-15 to conduct its yearly review of the country’s economy, in the context of the IMF’s Artivle IV consultations. Mr. Peraza released the following statement in Belmopan at the conclusion of the meeting today: “Belize is experiencing an output rebound despite the decline in oil production. In 2012, real Gross Domestice Product (GDP) growth is expected at 3.5-4 percent, led by a recovery from last year’s effects of weatherrelated damages in commodity exports as well as a recovery in tourism, and electricity generation. Inflation which stood at 1.5 percent in January - August, has been easing as commodity prices pressures abate.
• Eradicating “Machismo”:
  By: Pastor Scott Stirm If we look at the many problems facing our nation today, most all of them trace back to a leadership problem. John Maxwell says “Everything rises or falls upon the shoulders of leadership.” No, I’m not complaining about our politicians, I’m talking about leadership as a whole, beginning with leadership in the home, our role as husbands & fathers. Did you know that 80% of the children born in the Caribbean are born outside of marriage? And HALF of that figure will NEVER KNOW WHO THEIR FATHER IS!!! In Jamaica, it’s 90% of the kids born outside of marriage. And in Haiti, with rampant poverty & disorder, 94% of the children are born outside of marriage, and HALF of those children will never know who their father is. In the Caribbean region we have experienced a terrible breakdown of the family structure, and our crime & violence statistics are proof of that. Ranking up there with our Belize statistics are Jamaica and Trinidad – common denominator? Same culture, same problem…
• The Rotary Club of San Ignacio Starts Two Bathroom Projects For Cayo Schools:
  The Rotary Club of San Ignacio is proud to announce the start of two important projects to support the school infrastructure in Cayo. Within one week two ground-breaking ceremonies for new toilet facilities took place at Eden S.D.A. Primary School in Santa Elena and St. Andrews Anglican School in San Ignacio. They were well attended by all the kids, the staff, and representatives of the PTA and the Ministry of Education, the Town Council, the Rotary Club of San Ignacio, the building contractor and the press. Both school´s existing bathrooms have been outgrown over the years by the increasing number of students and need to be replaced. The schools will receive modern flush toilets in adequate numbers that are also accessible by wheelchairs. The building plans are based on a standard model that is recommended by the Ministry of Education which was also instrumental in selecting the schools. The buildings will even be equipped with fresh water storage tanks in case of interrupted public water supply.
• Medical Health Center Inaugurated In Belize City:
  The long time dream of former First Lady of Belize, Mrs. Kathy Esquivel, today became a reality with the official inauguration of a Mental Health Center in Belize City. The new facility that will provide a daily meal, medical referral and recreation for the homeless and people living with mental health problems was today inaugurated in Belize City. The Mental Health Day Care/ Resource Centre project, located at the corner of Tibruce and Vernon Streets, will facilitate social support and training for income generation for the homeless and people living with mental health problems in Belize City. The facility will not be a residential centre but will provide a daily meal, medical referral and recreation for its beneficiaries. The centre has the capacity to benefit 150 clients on a regular basis and will be governed by rules and regulations including no loitering and nuisance prohibitions.
• Ministry of Health Reveals Findings of “TLEMOL”:
  Earlier this year, reports were made to the Ministry of Health concerning the sale of a pharmaceutical product being marketed as “TLEMOL.” Shortly after receiving reports, the Ministry sent a sample of the product for testing. This week the Ministry received a Certificate of Analysis from the Caribbean Regional Drug Testing Laboratory in Kingston, Jamaica concluding that the pharmaceutical product marketed as ‘Tlemol’ has met the United States Pharmaceutical requirements for Acetaminophen tablets.
• International Call Center Brings Jobs To Town:
  The Office Gurus®, a global provider of call and contact center solutions, is preparing to open its doors in the town of San Ignacio in mid-November. Along with renovating the interior space of its #18 Joseph Andrews Drive, San Ignacio location, The Office Gurus is providing employment opportunities for both call center agents and management positions. With locations already in the U.S., El Salvador and Costa Rica, The Office Gurus have built their reputation on providing a quality work environment with fixed weekday hours, paid training, opportunity for advancement and other benefits. When asked why the firm selected Belize and specifically San Ignacio for its expansion, Dominic Leide, managing director of The Office Gurus stated, “When we toured the Cayo District we were impressed with the skill sets and level of enthusiasm available in the local labor pool. We pride ourselves on offering our employees a rewarding employment experience and a place to build a career, and felt that the people of San Ignacio would be a good fit for us and our clients.” Leide added, “We look forward to welcoming all new hires and becoming an active contributor to the region’s business community.”
• Hector “Macho” Camacho ‘Brain Dead’ After Shooting:
  Rican former boxer Hector “ Macho” Camacho has been declared clinically brain dead after being shot in the head on Tuesday. He was in a deep coma and unresponsive, the director of the hospital treating him, Dr Ernesto Torres, told reporters. Relatives are expected to decide whether to remove the three-time world champion from life support. Camacho suffered a heart attack after being wounded in a drive-by shooting outside the capital c ity, San Juan. “We have done all we can do,” Dr Torres said, adding that brain studies had shown irregular and intermittent activity.
• Further Big Drop In New HIV Infections Among Children:
  The UN's latest assessment of global cases of HIV/Aids shows there has been a further drop in new infections among children. There were 330,000 new infections in children last year - the figure is 24% lower than in 2009. But the report by UNAids also warns "significant additional effort is required" if broader targets to tackle HIV/Aids are to be achieved by 2015. The agency's director said the pace of progress was speeding up. Overall, 34 million people around the world are now thought to have the virus that causes Aids. The number of new infections in adults has stayed broadly stable for the past four years - at about 2.5 million new cases a year.
• Argentina Governor’s Wife Jailed For His Murder:
  The wife of murdered Argentine provincial governor Carlos Soria has been jailed for 18 years for killing him during a family argument. Susana Freydoz shot her husband as the two argued at their ranch in Rio Negro province, where they and their family had gathered for New Year celebrations. The judges ruled that she should remain in hospital where she is undergoing psychiatric treatment. Mr Soria had been sworn in a few weeks earlier as governor of Rio Negro. He was at his ranch in General Roca, in south-central Rio Negro province, celebrating New Year with his family.
• Top 5 Tips for Dealing with Bullying:
  So long playground teasing and taunting, bullying has entered cyberspace, ridiculing kids in the safety of their bedrooms and smartphones. Recently, it replaced stranger danger as parents’ worst fear. Drs. Laurie and Fred Zelinger, a husband and wife team with more than 70 years of combined experience working in schools, to get their insight into how to communicate better with our children, whether they are being bullied or they are the bully. The Zelingers’ Top 5 Tips for Dealing with Bullying in Your Family: 1. Sit side-by-side, and start with a statement. “There’s been some research about how boys and men communicate better when they’re sitting next to each other as opposed to sitting opposite each other,” Dr. Laurie Zelinger points out. Try to find times when you are sitting close enough to your child without the pressure of time to get something done, and open up communication about bullying with a casual statement instead of a question; a statement feels less confrontational to the child. “Something simple, like, ‘Wow, looks like you’re really thinking about something right now”, Dr. Laurie Zelinger says. You never know where it might lead.
• Gang Truce In El Salvador:
  In March this year El Salvador’s most violent gangs - the Mara Salvatrucha and the 18th Street gang - agreed a truce. As a result, the murder rate of this small Central American country has plummeted - but can the peace last? On a Sunday morning, the main street into Majucla, a poor community in the north of San Salvador, looks like any other. It is a dirt road, there are food stalls, and people walk up and down, many dressed for church. Some men stand around in groups of two or three, chatting - look closely and you will see the tattoos. One of them has artwork that starts on his skull, covers his face and neck and disappears under his T-shirt. On one cheek a large M is tattooed, on the other an S. All these men are members of the Mara Salvatrucha gang, known as the MS.
• Instead of Celebrations, Cultural Preservation And Economic Development Is The Future For Our Garifuna People:
  I was born and raised in Dangriga Town like my mother, Josephine Sampson and my father Finley Sylvester Ramos. My maternal grandmother Andelecia Petillo- Sampson was born in Livingston, Guatemala and my maternal grandfather Simeon Sampson Sr. was born in Dangriga Town, Belize. My paternal grandmother Claudina Lewis-Ramos was born in Dangriga Town and my paternal grandfather Zacharus Ramos was born in Bluefield, Nicaragua. We all have relatives that we can trace to St. Vincent “Yuremei” our original homeland, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Belize.
• Cayo Art Festival 2012:
  The San Ignacio and Santa Elena House of Culture is pleased to once again invite you to theCayo Art Festival 2012 to be held this Saturday, November 24 on Burns Avenue in San Ignacio. We encourage you to bring your family and friends to enjoy an evening of fine Belizean art and talent. on display, games and live musical performances by A Cold Day in May, Johnny and the Playmates and Ascenthium. Visiting the Cayo Art Festival at the House of Culture in San Ignacio is a must if you’re in San Ignacio this weekend.
• STAR Humor
• Editorial: The Super-Bond, The IMF, The Future Looks Bright
• Your Weekly Horoscope and Lucky Numbers
• Letters to the Editor
• Public Notices

Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Doctor Love: Talker vs. Mr. Silent
Disagreements lead to lovers ignoring each other. So...what does the good Doctor have to say about THAT?!

San Pedro gears up for the Christmas Season Celebrations
San Pedro has no shortage of wonderful activities to usher in the Christmas season. From the Annual lighted boat parade to the Caribbean Christmas Colors to Love FM's parade, and more!

Woofer: Luke Chapter 6, Verse 31
Davin takes his interpretation of certain bible verses literally while in Sunday School. Oopsie!

2012 Taste of Belize Heads to Cayo
Taste of Belize (TOB) 2012 is here! BTB’s signature culinary event will be in San Ignacio, Cayo on December 1st and 2nd. The Belize Tourism Board, through this medium, seeks to develop and recognize the best in culinary arts in Belize. The event, which has been on a hiatus, returns with new twists and grandeur. On December 1st, the gala starts at 7p.m at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. The Resort Hotel will be transformed like never seen before, from body painted models, to exotic animals and a photo booth. Entertainment for the evening will be the highly acclaimed, Belize Dance Company and Marimba players. A ticket to this event entitles each attendee to a five course meal, prepared by local celebrity Chef Sean Kuylen; consumption of available beers and wines; access to the cocktail hour; and a complimentary gift bag. The highlight of the night will be the live food and beverage competitions, in the categories of the Pro Chef, Bartending and Cake Decorating. For the Pro Chef competition, the BTB wants to include the entire country of Belize in celebrating the talents of our local chefs, and as a result, this portion of the event will be televised live on LOVE TV at 8:30 p.m. The battle, which will feature four professional chefs in a ‘winner takes all’ format, will be hosted by Indira Craig & William Neal. This epic three course meal battle will see contenders face off in three rounds, the appetizer, entrée and dessert, which must include a basket of mystery ingredients and be completed in one hour. At the end of the competition, a panel of four judges will select one chef to be recognized with the title of “Belize’s Master Chef,” a trophy and two thousand five hundred dollars.

Misc Belizean Sources

3rd Annual Cayo Art Festival
The SISE HoC had their 3rd annual Cayo Art Festival yesterday. All of Burns avenue was turned into a celebration, with an abundance of arts and crafts on display. Events were held throughout the day, including the Sacred Heart College dancers and the Cayo Music School. In the evening, there was some spectacular live music. A Cold Day in May played, followed by Johnny and the Playmates, with Sarita Obando singing, and it ended with a phenomenal performance by Ascenthium. This should be done every Saturday!

LOVE TV

BREAKING: Another murder in Belize City
There are reports of a fatal shooting incident this afternoon on Mahogany Street in Belize City. The name of the victim is being withheld at this time. For more details on this latest murder, tune in to Love FM News Report coming up at 60′clock.

TRIPLE MURDER IN LADYVILLE
There are reports of a triple murder in Ladyville village in the Belize district. Police press office Raphael Martinez has confirmed that the bodies of three people, a man and two women, were found inside their home on Marage Road. They had been shopt in the head, reportedly at close range. Sources tell Love News that there were no signs of forced entry to the home where the three people were found murdered around 4 am today. The victims have been identified Robert Vellos, Karen Skeen Vellos and Teena Skeen. Investigations continue.

Annual campaign to end gender-based violence starts
The annual observance of sixteen days of activism against gender-based violence kicks off this weekend. Love TV’s Marion Ali and video journalist Brian Castillo attended the launch and bring you the following report.

Belizean rum wins regional award
The Caribbean rum and beer festival was held earlier this month in Grenada and the winners in its alcohol beverage tasting competition were announced. Belize’s Cuello Distillery walked off with prizes in two categories. In the flavored rum category Cuello’s Caribbean Coconut rum won gold while in the white rum category Cuello’s Caribbean White rum placed third. The judging panel sampled over 50 rums and made their decisions based on appearance, aroma, taste and overall impression. According to organizers the Caribbean rum and beer festival is set to become the Caribbean’s premier promotion and retailing event for rum and beer beverages. The fourth festival will take place in November next year.

Blogs

The End of the Maya Calendar and Human Consciousness
I am a world traveller, community builder, documentary photographer, film maker, journalist, experiential teacher, artist, architect, and musician. I am planning a tour around different parts of the world to document intentional communities and ceremonies celebrating spirituality, world cultures (arts & music), and living in harmony with the earth (sustainability/ self-reliance/ permaculture). I would like to write a book, produce a documentary-style film, create artwork, and compose music based around my experiences. My eventual goal is to build a flourishing sustainable community enriched with the wisdom of ancient cultures, traditions, and practices that brings positive energies into our world today. Visiting the enchanting natural setting of Chaa Creek and The Mayan grounds during the Winter Solstice Celebration would be the perfect way to start off this Creative Journey! I see the World as my Wisdom Temple and my Greatest Teachers have been Experiences: “As in Micro, so in Macro. The whole exists within the minutest particle and the minutest particle contains the whole. The atom contains the universe and the universe contains the atom, and neither exists without the other. Creator exists within creation, even as creation exists within creator.”- Brahmarishi Mayan, circa 10,500 BC

Mutual Beneficience with Research Assistants
A major aspect of my research in Belize involves trying to get an understanding of how families manage their health, given the various options available to them. After spending a good year in the community, I had in mind to speak with the female head of the household. Wives, mothers, and grandmothers are often the decision makers when it comes to matters of health in southern Belize, and they are most often familiar with the health issues and events faced by their families. My challenge with this stage of the research was not so much where to find participants, but how to most effectively go about recruitment. My goal was to cover the economic and ethnic diversity among households throughout the community, necessitating the need to cover the varied geography that exists there. Going door-to-door would be the surest way to get that coverage. Time of day would be a factor in my success as well, and most women who do not work outside the home have the most flexible time during the day while their children and partners are usually out of the house. However, there was a problem inherent with this plan. As a male researcher, going door to door to visit women during the day while nobody else was home might raise some eyebrows around the community. In a town of around 5,000 people, rumors and gossip starts and spreads quickly. With no easy solution, I put off starting this particular phase, and focused on other aspects of my research and other projects I had become involved with.

International Sources

Fla. Woman Arrested On Charge She Rode Manatee
A St. Petersburg woman has been charged with violating Florida law by riding a manatee, authorities said. Ana Gloria Garcia Gutierrez, 53, was arrested on a misdemeanor warrant Saturday on the charge of violating Florida’s Manatee Sanctuary Act. Pinellas County sheriff's deputies say she was photographed riding the manatee at Fort De Soto Park in September. On Oct. 2, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri held a press conference asking for the public's help in identifying the woman. Gutierrez called deputies and allegedly admitted touching the endangered sea mammal. She told them she was new to the area and didn't know it was illegal to touch a manatee. The manatee was not hurt. That same month, authorities told Gutierrez that charges would be forwarded to prosecutors, officials said. Officials at the time said the crime may not have been an arrestable offense, because a deputy was not present when it occurred. Still, the case was referred to the Pasco-Pinellas State Attorney's Office, which conducted a review and issued the misdemeanor arrest warrant, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The manatee law states it is unlawful “for any person at any time, by any means, or in any manner intentionally or negligently to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb or attempt to molest, harass, or disturb any Manatee." The maximum penalty is a $500 fine and six months in jail. Gutierrez was released on $1,500 bail.

McAfee's Dogs Could Be Key To Murder Riddle
Police hunting the anti-virus pioneer John McAfee think the millionaire's dogs could hold the key to solving the murder of his neighbour. Mr McAfee shot dead his pets after they were poisoned two days before Gregory Faull, a retired American builder, was killed. Officers have dug up the animals' remains, which were buried in the grounds of Mr McAfee's home in Belize, to examine the bullets used to kill them. Forensic officers are now comparing the bullets to the single casing found by the body of Mr Faull to determine if there is a match. Police spokesman Raphael Martinez said: "The dogs were exhumed and the slugs were taken out indeed and basically it's just to match the slug that was found in Mr Faull." The 52-year-old was found dead in his home on the island of Ambergris Cave on November 11. He had a gunshot wound to the head. Mr McAfee has denied he was responsible for the murder and says he went into hiding only because the Belize authorities have a vendetta against him. He believes he was the intended victim of the shooting, not Mr Faull. Since going on the run he has started a blog, which he promotes on Twitter, and regularly updates. In it he has given details of how he has disguised himself as a beggar, a salesman and a drunken German tourist to watch police search his home seven times. In a post about the exhumation of his dogs, Mr McAfee wrote: "Then I watched the police dig up my four dogs that had been poisoned and buried. They cut off the heads and re-buried the bodies. I found this curious"” Mr McAfee amassed a $100m (£63m) fortune from his software business but said he lost all but $4m of it in the financial crisis. He moved to Belize in 2008.

Belize grants Taiwan citizens visa-free treatment
The Belize government has agreed to grant Taiwan passport holders visa-free privileges when traveling to the Central American country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Monday. Belize, which will be the 131st country to grant Taiwanese nationals visa-free privileges or landing visa treatment, will soon announce the effective date of the program, as well as further details on traveling to Belize without a visa, the ministry added. The visa waiver program "is expected to increase bilateral exchanges and cooperation in trade, culture, technology and tourism,"the ministry said. The news on Belize's decision to grant Taiwanese passport holders visa free treatment was announced by Belize Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, who is visiting Taiwan Nov. 25-30, according to the ministry. Belize is one of Taiwan's 23 diplomatic allies. It boasts a vast array of wildlife, huge tracts of rainforest, extensive coral reefs and

McAfee's former girlfriend says the Internet pioneer is 'frightened for his life'
A dead neighbor. Headless dogs. And a millionaire on the run. All set against a backdrop of spectacular tropic beauty. It would be difficult to imagine a more intriguing story than the one unfolding in Belize right now. Police there are seeking to question Internet pioneer John McAfee in the killing of his neighbor, American businessman Gregory Faull. Faull, 52, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the back of the head this month in his home near San Pedro, on the Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye. McAfee, who is not a suspect, has not been seen since. Three people have been detained for questioning in the killing, police have said, and investigators are pursuing multiple leads. McAfee girlfriend fears death threats Wanted mogul speaks from secret hideout McAfee: Government decided to off me Dogs central to McAfee murder mystery? CNN was recently granted rare access to McAfee's beachfront property by a former girlfriend, who asked that her real name not be reported.

A bizarre visit to John McAfee's pleasure palace in Belize
To look for John McAfee, you must be willing to travel a narrow, rutted and muddy road. And the more I bumped and backfired along it in my temperamental, rented, gas golf cart ... the deeper down the rabbit hole I fell. This is one weird story. Some say it began a week ago Friday when the man who practically invented Internet security, John McAfee, shot his dogs. Others say it goes back to April when police raided his compound on the mainland looking for drugs and guns. They found both but the guns had permits and the drugs were legal. Some say police never got over their disappointment. The Austrian woman I had picked up with my golf cart told me McAfee was trying to make a female version of Viagra. I'm not in the habit of picking up hitchhikers but it's customary here to give a lift to locals. As they say, "You never know when YOU might need a ride." Judging by the sound of my golf cart, that time wasn't far off.

Avoid the crowds at these 5 Mayan ruins
Although many travelers are satisfied with visiting the more accessible and well-known Chichen Itza and Tikal, VirtualTourist members always strive for the more off-the-beaten path spots. With this in mind, the members and editors of VirtualTourist.com compiled a list of top five less crowded Mayan ruins. It should be noted that Mayan ruins can only be found in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize and El Salvador. Lamanai, Orange Walk, Belize: Lamanai, the Mayan word for "submerged crocodile," was aptly named. Not only do crocodiles appear in the site's effigies and decorations, but you are likely to see crocodiles while trying to get there. In order to reach the site, you must take a small boat up the winding New River through the tropical rainforest of central Belize. Lamanai was one of the longest continuously occupied cities, starting in 500 B.C. to A.D 1675. or even later, probably due to its strategic location on the trade route of the New River.

Beauty and the reef: billionairess dives in to save coral
HER last big purchase was a £100m superyacht, but now Britain’s richest woman has splashed out on a Caribbean coral reef. Kirsty Bertarelli, 41, a former Miss UK turned songwriter, and her husband, Ernesto Bertarelli, a Swiss biotech magnate, have channelled millions into safeguarding the future of a 300,000-acre expanse of ocean off the coast of Belize. It comes as the descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers on the British-controlled Pitcairn Islands are planning to turn the pristine waters around their secluded South Pacific home into the largest marine reserve in the world. The islands’ council recently voted in favour of banning commercial fishing from their “exclusive economic zone”, or territorial waters, although subsistence fishing by islanders will still be allowed. A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed that it is considering the plan, which would create the largest fully protected marine reserve in the world and would cover an area of 322,823 square miles.

The Daily Routines of Famous Writers
by Maria Popova. “A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.” Kurt Vonnegut’s recently published daily routine made we wonder how other beloved writers organized their days. So I pored through various old diaries and interviews — many from the fantastic Paris Review archives — and culled a handful of writing routines from some of my favorite authors.

November 25, 2012

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Mayor Daniel Guerrero takes more initiative in battling crime
Sagging discouraged – Shops & Restaurants closing at 10pm It has come to a point that residents on Ambergris Caye, along with its Town Council and the Police Department, have to take serious measures in battling crime on the island. To many residents, fear has replaced the sense of security once felt while walking around our island home. Over time, perpetrators have even managed to infiltrate the place where one should feel most safe – in the home. The San Pedro Town Council is intent on bringing San Pedro back to the carefree paradise that so many residents miss; to a time when we could feel a sense of safety and security once more. As such, the council is sending a plea to residents, especially parents, to play a more active role in their children’s lives. Residents are asked to take pride in their island home, by keeping it clean and adding to the aesthetic beauty of the community. We promote our island as “La Isla Bonita”; Mayor Guerrero reminds everyone that a major part of the “beauty” of our island that people keep coming back for is us – the people of San Pedro. It is with this in mind that “sagging” is being actively discouraged. Sagging is the practice of wearing pants below the waist, revealing much of the underwear. It is predominantly a male fashion. According to Wikipedia, the practice originated from United States prisons where belts are prohibited. In the 1990’s, hip-hop artists popularized the style as a fashion statement, and the trend has held fast.

2012 Taste of Belize heads to San Ignacio!
Taste of Belize (TOB) 2012 is here! BTB’s signature culinary event will be in San Ignacio, Cayo on December 1st and 2nd. The Belize Tourism Board, through this medium, seeks to develop and recognize the best in culinary arts in Belize. The event, which has been on a hiatus, returns with new twists and grandeur. On December 1st, the gala starts at 7p.m at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. The Resort Hotel will be transformed like never seen before, from body painted models, to exotic animals and a photo booth. Entertainment for the evening will be the highly acclaimed, Belize Dance Company and Marimba players. A ticket to this event entitles each attendee to a five course meal, prepared by local celebrity Chef Sean Kuylen; consumption of available beers and wines; access to the cocktail hour; and a complimentary gift bag. The highlight of the night will be the live food and beverage competitions, in the categories of the Pro Chef, Bartending and Cake Decorating. For the Pro Chef competition, the BTB wants to include the entire country of Belize in celebrating the talents of our local chefs, and as a result, this portion of the event will be televised live on LOVE TV at 8:30 p.m. The battle, which will feature four professional chefs in a ‘winner takes all’ format, will be hosted by Indira Craig & William Neal. This epic three course meal battle will see contenders face off in three rounds, the appetizer, entrée and dessert, which must include a basket of mystery ingredients and be completed in one hour. At the end of the competition, a panel of four judges will select one chef to be recognized with the title of “Belize’s Master Chef,” a trophy and two thousand five hundred dollars.

Belize’s portion of Bi-national Border Bridge to be completed by Mexico
The Mexican President Felipe Calderón through the Federal Executive on Tuesday, November 20th, asked the Senate to authorize the Mexican Government to dispatch personnel from the Mexican Army to Belize. The reason for sending the Mexican Army to Belize is to support the Belizean government in the construction of a stretch of highway in the Bi-national Border Bridge that is located on the Belizean side of the northern border in the Santa Elena area of the Corozal District. Belize and Mexico signed an agreement for the construction of the bridge back in June of 2005 when the then-President of Mexico, Vicente Fox, visited Belize. The Mexican government agreed to finance the construction of the bridge, 500 meters of road from the bridge into the Belizean territory, and the access road from the bridge to the Subteniente Lopez community in Santa Elena located in the state of Quintana Roo. Those projects were completed since 2008. However, the Belize government has been unable to construct the stretch of road, approximately a quarter of a mile long, from the end of 500 meters off the foot of bridge on the Belize side of border to the current Belizean Border facilities. The office of President Calderón said that in the framework of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize made a request to the Mexican government to finance the construction of the section of the highway that is still pending for the bridge to be officially opened.

Misc Belizean Sources

BEL's Series 5 Debenture Prospectus
Series 5 Debenture Offering A local investment... with BIG returns Price: $100 per Debenture. Minimum purchase of one debenture required. Interest: 7.0% per annum, calculated from the date of allotment and payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year. Maturity Date: December 31, 2024 Use of Proceeds: The Company will use the proceeds to re􀃶nance the Series 1 Debentures and to help fund its general operations and medium term needs. Prospectus is available online HERE.

MCHS Walk/Run for Life
Mount Carmel High School had their first Walk/Run for Life last week. Looks like it was a great day for a walk to the border. "Headed by Ms. Lucia Muniz & Class of 3M....."

Western Spirit Cycling Team Debut
Last night in the new Cayo Welcome Center, Belikin had a debut party to introduce the Western Spirit Cycling Team. They had specials on beer and BBQ too. Go meet the cyclists, just look for the tent. And listen for Mistah Geeh, who'll be mixing for your enjoyment. "We having a party to introduce the Belikin Western Spirit cycling team! So come out to San Ignacio this Saturday at meet the guys. Oh, did i mention deals on Belikin Beer and 2013 calendars? ;) Like the post and share the good news."

Blogs

San Pedro Poker Run
If you are in town looking for something fun to do tonight, November’s poker run is a great option, sign up is at 6:00pm starting at Roadkill Bar. Afterward it moves onto Average Joe’s, Lola’s, Wayo’s and ends at Pedro’s Inn for the final draw. If you are on the fence, here is something that might help you decide – last time a very happy Memo won the pot and took home BZ $1200. For those that are new to the whole poker run idea, you do not have to be a poker pro to play, it is very easy and you will meet lots of people. It used to be done Texas Holdem style but they are now doing it Omaha in order to give everyone a better chance to win right up to the end. Cost is $25 BZD to enter, you can buy in as many times as you like or split one entry with a friend. The poker run stops at 5 different Bars. At each place you receive 1 card (for each $25 you have paid in). At the final stop, you take your best two of five cards from each bar and match them up with 3 cards from the flop drawn by the dealer to see who has the best poker hand. The winner takes the pot, very simple, very fun and very lucrative for the winner. If you are not in town for this poker run and would like to go on one in the future, join Roadkill Bar facebook page and let them know when you are coming down and they will do their best to schedule a poker run if the timing is right. The pictures below are mix from a few past Omaha poker runs and some of them were taken by Jo King.

My Top Reasons to Vacation in Belize in December
With the 2012 Maya Winter Solstice just weeks away I am taking a break from the holiday hecticness to reflect on my life and career since my last visit to Belize. In 1998, as an undergraduate in college, I traveled to northwestern Belize to work at the Maax Na Archaeology Project. I camped in the Rio Bravo Conservation Area for one month, surveying and mapping a Mayan ceremonial center. The experience of this different place, culture, and environment was the start of a new adventure and the beginning of my career. At the trips end my boyfriend (now husband) traveled from Maine to visit me and for several days we explored the Belize landscape. Although we spent only one day at Chaa Creek, we still reminisce about the adventures we had and dream about returning to explore. Belize is a place rich in culture, enveloped in nature and steeped in magic. It is a place like no other. So much has happened since my last visit to Belize, a journey that has included loss of loved ones, new additions to family, internal growth, and the development of my career. I want to return to Belize, specifically Chaa Creek, to reconnect with what I found there 14 years ago. It would be a chance to bring my experiences full circle, seeing the land with new eyes, reconciling and fully accepting the changes that have happened in the world. Most importantly I want to visit Chaa Creek to show my 9-year-old son what I found there. For him to experience this remarkable place at such a malleable age would give me hope for the future.

Camping in paradise during a tropical storm: Belize Raggamuffin Tour, Day One
I confess: I’m not really much of a beach person. Shocking, isn’t it? Seriously, who doesn’t like the beach? I suppose I have nothing against the beach. It’s beautiful. It’s relaxing. But perhaps a little bit too relaxing. I mean, I can only lay in the sun for so long before I become bored and restless. It is because of this, my mild aversion to intensive relaxation, that we have typically opted to take more active trips together. We’ve gone hiking and camping, explored medieval fortresses and historic ruins. So when we mutually decided to take our vacation this summer to sunny, sandy Belize, I began to question my sanity. Sure, I knew Belize would be beautiful, but had I signed up for three weeks of total boredom with a great view? I can only do this for so long ... Fortunately, our friends Mike and Anne, who are taking a year-long honeymoon (or, HoneyTrek!) around the world, proposed the perfect solution for my beach-going woes: a three day snorkeling, fishing, sailing, and camping adventure along the Belize Barrier Reef with Ragamuffin Tours, an outfitter based on the easy-going island of Caye Caulker. The trip would involve snorkeling the reef and camping on remote islands as we traveled by sailboat from the island of Caye Caulker in the north to the town of Placencia, along the southern coast of Belize. Relaxation plus adventure? Perfect!

International Sources

Seriously Old School
Imagine large families where everyone works hard, contributes and there are no surly teenagers. Every meal is made from scratch, the milk, cream and butter are fresh and all the vegetables are grown by you or your neighbors. Those vegetables are canned at harvest time (in mason jars), stored in the basement and brought up to the kitchen (complete with a wood burning stove) as needed. Sometimes a couple of families get together and slaughter a cow, divide it up and they “can” that too. Meals are events where everyone eats together, talks about their day and shares stories and laughter. The family cart (buggy) is drawn by the horses that also pull the plow and any other heavy thing that needs pulling like the trees used to make the lumber for your house. If a neighbor is in need the people come together and meet the need, maybe help build a house or assist with the crops. Most births happen at home with the help of a midwife from the community. Of course there is no television or video games and the home is well lit by bright kerosene lanterns in the brief period between darkness and bed time. There is no alcoholism, drug addiction or divorce and most everyone is prosperous. Where and when is this place? Is Andy Griffith the sheriff? I live next to a community of Mennonites in Upper Barton Creek here in Belize and what I’ve described is an accurate picture of their life. We have a close relationship with the two families that live nearest to us and we know many other families in their community of about 250. I have spent a considerable amount of time with them in many different circumstances and they are intelligent, open, friendly and quick to laugh. They have helped me get my truck unstuck (more than once), build a cabana, tend to our horses, build 2 outhouses, haul supplies, clear trees after a storm, work in our orchard and more. During the harvest they sell us their excellent produce at wholesale prices and through the years we have bought many things from them including chickens, eggs, cows, whole milk, cream, butter, pies, cakes, muffins, chocolate, honey, fruit, granola, bread, lumber, kerosene, lanterns, umbrellas, knives and more. Like any good neighbor they are always there if we need to borrow an item or two and like good neighbors they never ask us to borrow anything (though I have rushed a few to the hospital).

Market sources suspicious of huge tanker export of gasoline to Belize
Unknown companies Zovnitransgaz LLC (Simferopol, Crimea), Armada-Plus (Svitlovodsk, Kirovohrad region) and Petrol subsidiary (small private company Petrol-Forwarding, Odessa) in October exported around 117,000 tons of gasoline to Zevidon Trading Ltd (Belize), a source on the market told Interfax-Ukraine. "Under the documents, gasoline was shipped by tank trucks (the origin of the gasoline is unknown) to tankers. Then fuel was allegedly shipped to Belize. It's unrealistic, even from the technical point of view," the source said regarding the trustworthiness of the transactions. The source said that Kremenchuk, the largest oil refinery in Ukraine, at the peak of its operation shipped around 120,000 tons of fuel via tank trucks annually, not monthly.

Unknown companies start exporting petrol from Ukraine in large volumes in Oct
Unknown companies Zovnitransgaz LLC (Simferopol, Crimea), private company Armada-Plus (Svitlovodsk, Kirovohrad region) and Petrol subsidiary (small private company Petrol-Forwarding, Odesa) in October exported around 117,000 tonnes of petrol to Zevidon Trading Ltd (Belize), a source on the market has told Interfax-Ukraine. "Under the documents, petrol was shipped by tank trucks (the origin of petrol is unknown) to tankers. Then fuel was allegedly shipped to Belize. It's unrealistic, even from the technical point of view," the source expressed his doubts regarding the trustworthiness of the transactions. The source said that the largest oil refinery in Ukraine in Kremenchuk in the peaks of its operation shipped around 120,000 tonnes of fuel via tank trucks, annually, not monthly. Earlier this year there was information on transactions arousing doubts, but concerning imports of petrol to the country. According to sources from the State Customs Service and Ukrzaliznytsia, starting from May, the fuel volume supplied to the domestic market by rail considerably exceeded the volumes of petrol which passed the customs clearance on the border, which could be evidence of the application of a scheme of the stopped transit to import petrol to Ukraine without paying the excise duty and value added tax.

November 24, 2012

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

BTB launches Belize Dive Map in San Pedro
On Friday, November 16th the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) launched the first countrywide dive map, entitled “A Village Community Dive Map,” featuring all of the dive sites within our Belizean waters. In addition, BTB took the opportunity to donate a small vessel to the Belize Fisheries Department that will be used to help manage the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve on northern Ambergris Caye. The event took place on the beach in front of the Holiday Hotel in San Pedro Town. In attendance were several stakeholders in the tourism industry. Director of Destination Planning for the BTB, Kevin Gonzalez, explained that putting the dive map together was a lengthy process that included input from various stakeholders in the industry. “If you look at [the map] you will see that each dive site shown on the map has a description, which is important. It has information as to what you are going to see at the site, the depth of the dive and other vital information that is special about the dive site. The dive map covers the entire country,” explained Gonzalez in an interview with The San Pedro Sun. Gonzalez further stated that the dive map had the input of various tour guide associations, including those in southern Belize and was compiled with the assistance of Gordon Kirkwood who has dived at all of the sites on the map and is an experienced writer. Gonzalez went on to say that all dive shops across the country will get an amount at no cost and if they need additional maps, it will be available for sale at all BTB offices countrywide. The map is printed on durable, waterproof synthetic paper that will hold up again