FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Finger Licking Fiestas: Lobster Fest 2013!
With the opening of Lobster season right around the corner (June 15th) Belize is gearing up once again to host its annual lobster fests. Lobster season in Belize marks the opening of much anticipated annual festivities that draws lobster lovers from near and far. With events taking place in Placencia, Caye Caulker and San Pedro, lobster junkies have not only one but THREE opportunities to indulge in the goodness of scrumptious local lobster dishes. Want to enjoy the fun island style? The event kicks off in the San Pedro from June 15th-23rd. Celebrating its 8th annual Lobster fest, the annual block party will take to the street on the 22nd. The Central Park will come alive as music and savory flavors fill the air creating the perfect atmosphere of rhythm and thrill as lobster critics go from booth to booth basking in the ambiance all attributed to good food. Chefs of the island take part in the event to showcase some of their finest lobster dished both new and created just for the event , or traditional recipe that never fail to satisfy even the pickiest eater.

Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Presents Grant to GOB
His Excellency Mr. David C. K. Wu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presented a cheque in the sum of US Dollars Five Million to the Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Belize on Thursday, May 9th. The cheque represents a Grant to Belize for the year 2013 under the Bilateral Cooperation Program between Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) for the period 2013 to 2016. The proceeds of the Grant are for the general benefit and well being of the people of Belize. In particular, Government of Belize will use the funds to cover local counterpart expenditures on key infrastructure projects, including the Belize City Southside Poverty Alleviation Project Phase II, the extension of the Southern Highway to Jalacte in the Toledo District, and for the new crossing of the Macal River in San Ignacio/Santa Elena. In accepting the Grant, Prime Minister Barrow said: “Ambassador, please convey to your Government the heartfelt thanks and appreciation of my Government and those of the people of Belize. This cooperation program will go a long way in assisting Belize in meeting its development goals”.

Belize and Guatemala Agree on Next Steps in Negotiation Process
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Belize and Guatemala, Wilfred Elrington and Luis Fernando Carrera, met yesterday with the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, to analyze the situation of the process to submit their dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Both Ministers agreed on the firm will of their countries in maintaining the Special Agreement to submit the Guatemalan claim to the ICJ and, in that sense, they agreed that the Deputy Ministers should meet, within the framework of the High-level Working Group, and as soon as possible, to reinforce the confidence-building measures guiding this process. The Ministers also agreed that once progress is made in the process, they will meet again to set the date for the holding of the referenda.

Tuff E Nuff wins second game in a row in National Interoffice Basketball Tournament
Defending national Interoffice Basketball Champions, San Pedro’s Tuff E Nuff Team has started on the right track, having won two straight games in the 2013 season. On Friday May 3rd, Tuff E Nuff were back at the Birds Isle in Belize City for their second game of the season. Their second game was against CYDP (Conscious Youth Development Programme) and by all accounts the game was an intense and close one. Throughout the match-up defending champs maintained command on the court, taking their second win in the 2013 season. Tuff E Nuff took a slim lead in the first quarter with a 22 to 19 score; and it set the precedence for the game. In all four quarters, Tuff E Nuff maintain thier lead over CYDP, with the largest leading coming in the second and fourth quarters, with seven points. CYDP, a power house in Belize City tied the game for a brief moment in the second and third quarters but Tuff E Nuff regained control of the game. By the end of the fourth quarter, Tuff E Nuff took the win with 86 points over the CYDP’s 79 points. CYDP’s Lerroy Louriano scored the most points in the game, a total of 27.

2013 Fly Fishing Film Tour presented by COSTA DEL MAR
On Saturday night, May 4th fishermen of San Pedro descended upon the Tres Pescados Fly Shop for the Fly Fishing Film Tour presented by Costa Del Mar. The night started with a presentation to local legend Mr. Carlos Marin. Because of his life-long contribution to the sport Tres Pescados Fly Fishing Film-12fishing community in San Pedro, Mr. Marin was presented with a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD by Alyssa Flota of El Pescador. Also in attendance were the cast & crew of the Buccaneer’s & Bones TV series. Among the cast was former news anchor Tom Brokaw, musician Huey Lewis, angling legend Lefty Kreh and Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard.

Ambergris Today

Navigational hazard Notice as Dredging Starts for Sunset Boardwalk Project
The public and all mariners are hereby informed that dredging works has now commenced in the Laguna de San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, for the purpose of upgrading, filling, and reclamation for the San Pedro Sunset Boardwalk and Water Taxi Terminal: a Project development initiative under the Sustainable TourismProgram (STP). It is envisaged that this activity will continue through May and June 2013. The dredge and pipeline will remain in the area of operation after normal operating hours for the duration of the works. All mariners are hereby advised to travel with extreme caution on approach to and passage through the Laguna de San Pedro. All mariners are requested to regard all warnings and navigational aids which may be displayed by the operator and to remain well clear of all operations.

Costa del Mar Presents Second Annual Fly Fishing Film Tour
Following the success of the first film tour, fishermen of San Pedro descended upon the Tres Pescados Fly Shop for the second annual Fly Fishing Film Tour presented by COSTA DEL MAR on Saturday night, May 4, 2013. The night started with a presentation to local legend Mr. Carlos Marin. Because of his life-long contribution to the sport fishing community in San Pedro, Mr. Marin was presented with a Lifetime Acheivement Award by Alissa Flota of El Pescador. In attendance were the cast and crew of the Buccaneer’s & Bones TV series; among the cast was former news anchor Tom Brokaw, musician Huey Lewis, angling legend Lefty Kreh and Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard.

Misc Belizean Sources

Village Council Elections Underway
Village Council Elections are held every four years in Belize. This year, the first round of the Village council elections for the Corozal District will begin on Sunday May 12th for Calcutta, Ranchito, San Joaquin, Carolina, San Pedro, Cristo Rey and Yo Chen. On Sunday May 19th, San Roman, Santa Clara, Louiseville, Consejo and Chan Chen. On Sunday May 26th, Sarteneja, Concepcion, San Victor, San Andres and San Antonio. On Sunday June 2nd Chunox, Progresso, San Narciso, Buena Vista, Copper Bank and Xaibe. On Sunday June 9th Libertad, Caledonia, Paraiso and Patchakan. Corozal has a total of 28 villages. The electoral division for the entire district is 24,086 registered voters. 12,504 of these voters are males and 12,434 are females. Females account close to 50% of Corozal’s electoral votes. In canvassing some of the rural villages in Corozal the most important issues that stand out are jobs, land distribution, water and electricity access, education and more autonomy to the village councils.

The rights of Maya indigenous communities not guaranteed
Oil and logging activities are carried out in the district of Toledo by private companies without consultation of the Maya communities. In an appeal issued on May 6, 2013, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) expressed serious concerns regarding the human rights situation of the Maya indigenous communities in the District of Toledo, in south Belize. According to the IACHR, the government of Belize have been giving away oil and logging concessions to multinational companies without consulting the communities prior to the extracting actions, which endangered the natural resources that are essential for the indigenous groups living there. In 2004, the Maya indigenous communities of the District of Toledo filed the petition case No. 12.053 before the Commission. The petitioners claimed that the State of Belize had violated the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man “in respect of lands traditionally used and occupied by the Maya people, by granting logging and oil concessions in and otherwise failing to adequately protect those lands, failing to recognize and secure the territorial rights of the Maya people in those lands, and failing to afford the Maya people judicial protection of their rights and interests in the lands due to delays in court proceedings instituted by them.”

Beach-Town Life, Belize (from $55,000)
We’d finished dinner almost an hour earlier. But we were still in the restaurant. Our host was back after a few weeks away and it seemed the whole town wanted to catch up. Every time we tried to leave, somebody else dropped by to chat. Not that we were in any hurry to go. With the stars twinkling overhead and a cool breeze drifting off the ocean, we were happy to linger and enjoy the evening. In Placencia, Belize, the atmosphere is super-relaxed. Today, scattered around town, you’ll come across boutique hotels, luxury developments, and upscale restaurants. But Placencia has kept its laid-back charm and small-town feel. Of course, the 16 miles of natural soft sand beach helps everyone to slow down. As does the lagoon fringed with mangroves, access to the Belize Barrier Reef and hundreds of little cayes offshore. Twenty dive sites…a Technicolor reef that’s a giant private aquarium, stuffed with parrot fish, butterfly fish and blue tangs…a lagoon that’s home to dolphins and manatees. This place is a water-lover’s dream…

Calla Creek Outreach Video
Feelgood news of the day. 4 the World Belize has a short video showing the building of the basketball courts at Calla Creek primary school, which is the school they've decided to focus upon for their outreach. Looks like the kids are really enjoying the new court. Thanks, 4 the World!

Help Vitelio Gomez
Vitelio Gomez, a bright student currently on hiatus from SHJC, has lymphoma, and needs a bone marrow transplant. They've set up a site for donations. If you can help this promising student, please do. "Vitelio Gomez is a 22 year old college student at Sacred Heart University in Belize who had his studies interrupted with bouts of fever and night sweats. The doctors originally thought he had pneumonia, but after failing multiple treatments for this, he traveled to Mexico City and was found to have non-Hodgkin's lymphoma."

Regional Entrepreneurship Training Program
Do you have a great business idea, but don't know where to start? Or do you already have a new business (less than 3 years old) and want to see it expand? If you do, then you should apply for this funding. Please share this with others who have a talent that they can develop into a successful business. "Entrepreneurs, welcome to the application form for the EMPRENDE training program, leaded by BELTRAID and CENPROMYPE. For the application and selection process, you must understand the following points: Potential Entrepreneurs: People and teams with business ideas and motivation to undertake full time, but have not yet advanced to the stage of marketing their product or solution."

Youth Artist Award Nominations
The National Institute of Culture and History is accepting nominations for the Youth Artist Award. The winner will receive a $1000 grant to be used towards education. Nominees must be between 10 and 24, and be engaged in an artisitc discipline. NICH's Institute of Creative Arts is getting ready for the Festival of Arts.

Channel 7

Robbery At UB Dorm
Last night, the unthinkable happened at the University of Belize Central Campus in Belmopan: a group of bandits stormed into the dorm building, and robbed 9 students at gunpoint. Very fortunately, no one was hurt, but the school is reporting – quite understandably - that the students were traumatized. And right that they should be: sometime around 7:00, the six masked men, dressed in black, each of them armed with either a handgun or a shotgun went into the students individual rooms and forced them outside into the common area – the living room. That’s where they were tied up and left for an hour, while the men thoroughly ransacked all the rooms. They stole laptops, cell phones, cash and other personal items totaling a considerable $41,108 dollars. The men collected the items, left the students tied up, and fled. After some time, at around 8:30, the students – sensing the threat was gone - finally got to call for help. A statement from UB says the students were Athletes on the Scholarship Program and international students from the English as a Second Language Program. Last night, University staff accompanied the students to file Police reports and they have also been offered counseling. UB additional measures have been implemented “to ensure students’ physical and emotional well-being.”

Greg Ch’oc Reported SATIIM Finance Officer
PG Police today confirmed that they are investigating the embezzlement of one hundred thousand dollars from SATIIM, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management. Police report that 45 year old Greg Ch’oc the Executive Director for SATIIM reported that between January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013 the former Administrator and Finance Officer forged, deposited and cashed several cheques belonging to SATIM amounting to over $100,000.00bcy. Choc has told us he strictly cannot comment because it is before the courts. And while police are saying the figure is one hundred thousand dollars, reliable sources tell us that the figure is above two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Which, in any organization, is a staggering amount to have been siphoned off in just 15 months. At this point, the former staffer has been questioned, but no charges have been brought.

Lord P. Goldsmith Speaks On Orozco Case
For the past 2 days, the Caleb Orozco’s challenge to the Government of Belize has been extensively aired before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Queen’s Counsels Christopher Hamel-Smith and Lord Peter Goldsmith made a total of about 11 hours of arguments in court as to why Section 53 of the Criminal Code is offensive and should be struck down. Well today, the Government of Belize was given a chance to respond, and Deputy Solicitor General Nigel Hawke defended the law before the court. The strength of his argument was on the central point that the rights Orozco is claiming do not exist in the Belize constitution. According to Hawke, nowhere in the written text of the constitution does it name a right to privacy, human dignity and sexual orientation. He submitted further that the court does not have the jurisdiction to imply, impute or impose these supposed rights into the constitution because it would be giving itself legislative powers, which violate the doctrine of the separation of powers. Hawk’s presentation lasted 3 hours. And while that was today, yesterday Lord Peter Goldsmith represented his international clients yesterday. We asked him about his clients’ interest in the outcome of this case, and about that prevailing perception that there’s a foreign agenda at work. He told us that contrary to the widely held belief, he was not retained to press for the decriminalization of sodomy in Belize on behalf of wealthy international interests.

Hamel-Smith Recaps Orozco Case
While that was the position from Lord Peter Goldsmith this morning, late this evening, we were able to catch up once again with Christopher Hamel-Smith, Orozco’s lead attorney. After hearing the arguments presented by the state and the Church we asked him to comment on the position that this matter is for the Belizean people and the Legislature to decide on. His response was that the Courts are the guardians and the interpreters of one of the best written constitutions in the Caribbean, which allows for an ideal challenge to the sodomy laws here. Christopher Hamel-Smith, QC - Attorney for Caleb Orozco "The constitution of Belize says expressly that it is the Supreme Law of this country and that any other law to the extent that is inconsistent with the constitution is void. The only person in the country that is allowed to decide whether it is contravening the constitution in the country is the courts; that is the job of the courts so that the judge has to answer the question. That doesn't mean the parliament cannot do its job but the courts are the guardians of the constitution, they have to interpret the constitution and they have to apply the constitution and I am sure they will do so; whichever party is right or wrong."

UNIBAM Boss’s Home Burgled
But, while his attorney is optimistic about the case, Caleb Orozco is becoming increasingly rattled. He’s reporting to police that someone vandalized and trespassed on his property yesterday. He told us this evening that 2 masked men entered his yard, a few days after someone sent a death threat against him to force the end of the case. Caleb Orozco - Challenging Belize’s Criminal Code "Between 3 and 4 last night security arrangement were circling and they found some problems. Later on around 8:30 a.m while I was preparing to come to court they found the right side of my car door stripped. The upper part of the car door glass was broken - the back part of my car was open and later on I found out through a neighbor that the police had checked for a report that they were two masked guys that had jumped my iron gate to get into my yard while I was sleeping. I knew nothing of the men, I knew nothing of the police report until 8;30 this morning. I was asked to go make a formal report to the police station and I did that this morning and this has happened on top of a lot of Facebook threats. One person saying that this case could easily be dismissed if I die. It's things like that that have been accumulating over the past few weeks." Reporter "According to your own affidavit - your own accounts, you have lived a life under threat because of your homosexuality. Do you feel that recently in the last week or two, that these threats has gotten more serious and that your life is in danger at this point?"

Man Charged For Un-natural Crime Against Girl
Before the break, we showed you Day 3 of Caleb Orozco’s challenge to Section 53 of the Criminal code which reads, “Every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years.” Orozco says that the words, “any person or” should be declared unconstitutional because it violates his rights to sexual freedom. But, as we showed you yesterday, there are members of the church who believe that the law is good because it protects against male on male rape and child molestation. Well, we report tonight of a case which puts the importance of this law, as interpreted by its supporters, in the spotlight. 26 year-old Edwin Emmanuel Coye, a resident of Apollo Street in Belama, is at prison tonight after he was taken to court today for charges of carnal knowledge and an unnatural crime.

Belize and Guatemala Meet At OAS
The Foreign Ministers of Belize and Guatemala met with the OAS Secretary General yesterday in Washington. A release from the OAS says quote, “Both Ministers agreed on the firm will of their countries in maintaining the Special Agreement to submit the Guatemalan claim to the ICJ.” Now, that special agreement stipulates October 6, 2013 for joint referendums, but the OAS release makes no mention of that date and simply says quote, “they agreed that the Deputy Ministers should meet…as soon as possible,” and “once progress is made…they will meet again to set the date for the holding of the referenda.” That seems to suggest that it’s “ok” that the Guatemalans unilaterally bailed on the referendum process. A release from Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says, quote, “The meeting proceeded in a constructive spirit, with both delegations reiterating the need to seek an early resolution to the age old dispute, despite the present obstacles to the holding of the referenda in October 2013.” The release adds that “the meeting explored various ways of ensuring that the commitment to submit the dispute to the International Court of Justice, as contemplated in the Special Agreement, is maintained and acted upon in the shortest possible time.” Again, no timeline, but the Belize release adds that the OAS has agreed to convene a subsequent Ministerial level meeting to confirm the way forward by June 2013.

Indians Caught In Western Belize
Tonight, eleven men from India are detained at the Belmopan police station after they were caught last night in the Billy White Area – which is in Western Cayo. Information is sketchy and police are mum, but 7news has learned that a round 8:00 pm, the Police Mobile Interdiction Team, acting on information received intercepted the 11 men walking on the road towards Duck Run. Information says that they were coming in illegally from Guatemala and had been trying to do so for days. Last night they made it across the Bullett Tree area – and that’s where they were caught. But what will be the charges? No one could say today – and some suggest that though a human trafficking operation appears to be afoot, they could be charged with illegal entry and sent on their way. We’ll keep monitoring the situation.

Prison Inmate Stabbed
There is confirmation tonight that a prison inmate was stabbed to the neck yesterday – while police was transporting a group of inmates back to the Hattieville Prison after a court date session. 18 year old Anthony Carballo Jr – who is on remand for murder - told family members from his hospital bed -that he was stabbed by an inmate from a rival gang who had been left unshackled by police. After he was stabbed, he alleged that he was tasered and then tear gas before he was taken to the hospital. Today in an interview with 7news, his aunt told us more about what happened. Voice of Anothon’y Aunt "Well apparently Anthony is in the Belize Central Prison on remand and he was brought down to Belize City for a case in the Magistrate's Court. Upon heading back he was taken by the Police Department - there were several of them in the police van being transported to the Belize Central Prison. Some of them were handcuffed not all of them were handcuffed and upon arriving close to the Prison one of the inmates that were not handcuffed approached him and started stabbing him with a metal object that we call 'bora'.

Yucatan, Mexico Wants Tourist Links In Belize
Belizeans are very familiar with the Mexican State of Quintana Roo – so many of us are regulars in the capital, Chetumal, and for Easter, who isn’t down for a Cancun run? But, when we think of the state of Yucatan, we mostly think of Merida’s hospitals’ – and not much else. That’s why a delegation from Yucatan’s Ministry of Tourism is in Belize trying to bolster the image of their state as a touristic and as a shared gateway to the Maya world. Marketing Director Santiago Gonzalez explained. Santiago Gonzalez - Marketing Director - Ministry of Tourism Yucatan "Specifically we are trying to build a new relationship with Belize. We are trying to develop new roots and new products that combine Mexico and Belize and also to offer the people from Belize the things we have in Mexico that are attractive for people here. In Yucatan we have great infrastructure - the hospitals, malls, shopping centers for the restaurants that combine perfectly with the things you have here in Belize. I think the European markets and the people from North America don't see the borders between the countries, they don't see the difference between the Mayan world.

Dollar Diplomacy In Decline, But Taiwanese Still Sweet On Belize
Dollar Diplomacy may be in decline, but Taiwan always has a few dollars – or a few million - to scratch the Belizean government’s itches. The Taiwanese today donated five million US Dollars to Prime Minister Dean Barrow. It is the 2013 Grant under the Bilateral Cooperation Program, which runs for the period 2013 to 2016. Taiwanese Ambassador David C. K. Wu, explained: H.E. David C. K. Wu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) " This is a grant from my government to be of some of help for the construction of your infrastructure and we are very honored and very pleased to do so because you know Taiwan and Belize - we are very coridal partners." A government release says the proceeds of the Grant are quote, “for the general benefit and well being of the people of Belize.” The release adds that Government will use the funds to cover local counterpart expenditures on key infrastructure projects, including the Belize City Southside Poverty Alleviation Project Phase II, the extension of the Southern Highway to Jalacte in the Toledo District, and for the new crossing of the Macal River in San Ignacio/Santa Elena.

Woman Calls Out For Missing Son
13 year old San Ignacio Resident Scott Thompson has been missing for the past 12 days. He is a special needs child who is kept at home – and known to hitch-hike. He’s gone wandering before but never for this long and today his mother came to us saying she is beside herself with worry. Elvira Thompson - Mother of Boy Missing Since April 27th "I am Scott's mother and I live in San Ignacio and I came up here for the public to help me look for my son who has been missing since April 27th and hasn't reached home since and I have not heard about him since" Dennis Ellis "Is this the first time he's been missing?" Elvira Thompson "No, this is not the first time but this is the first time it has ever been so long"

Ret’d Canadian Belizean Educators Want To Start School
And while that special needs child is in the wind, a pair of retired teachers want to make sure children with those kinds of needs have greater educational options. Dr. Lorna Bennett and Louisa Sanchez left Belize nearly five decades ago and migrated to Canada where they both became highly trained and specialized educators. They work with special needs children and that means kids who have difficulty learning, visual and perceptual difficulties, mild sensory deficits, language deficits, and social skills deficits. And now that they are in semi retirement, they want to bring their considerable skill set to help Belizean children. Yesterday, they told us a little bit about their grand plan. Dr. Lorna Bennett - Belizean-Canadian Educator "Now we have decided that we would like to address the needs in Belize of children that are having learning difficulties. We are calling it the Bennett Sanchez diagnostic teaching center because we are not just going to evaluate children but we hope to hire people to tutor those children based on programmes we set up for them after finding out what they're difficulties are." Jules Vasquez "Often times, perhaps too often, in school is a child is unable to learn - the child is just seen as 'duncey'."

GSU Says Man Threw Gun In Canal
25 year-old Berris Alexander Torres, a resident of Tibruce Street, is at prison tonight after he was taken to court today for firearm offences. According to the GSU, last night they were on patrol in the Saint Jude’s area in Lake Independence, when they saw Torres on a bridge. Police say that when Torres recognized them, he allegedly threw an object into the canal. They detained him, and took him to the area they saw him dispose of the object, and the officers retrieved a .38 special revolver which had 5 live rounds of ammunition in its chamber. As a result, they charged him with keeping an unlicensed firearm, and keep unlicensed ammunition. He was arraigned today in Magistrate’s Court, and he was remanded to prison until July 3, 2013.

“Public Service” And “Information” Do Go Together
Public Service Information – try going into any government department on an average day – and you might say that the word “information” should never be put next to the words “public service.” To that end, a viewer sent us this depressing video from the vital statistics unit where one man is seen shuffling through a chaotic pile of pink papers while a restless crowd waits behind the desk. That’s often the state of public service in real time, but not for the folks who are organizing the public information day show that’s travelling across the country. It started in Belize today where government departments proudly put their services on display – we found out more: Anissa Perdomo - District Representative - Public Service Info Day "We have approximately 20 departments participating for Public Service information day and one of the things we wanted to highlight this year is showing the public the different services that we offered as public officers. Many times we go to different departments and we don't know the different services that they offer. This is a way of showcasing what services we offer. The public service has gone a long way and we have improved in a lot of services that we do so having things like this is just showing how we improve in the public service." Form here the exhibit travels to San Pedro tomorrow then Corozal and Belmopan.

PROFILE: Courtney Gillett
Tonight’s profile is about Courtney Gillett. She’s a young, visually impaired girl but she’s full of life – and determination. She’s taken on the Spelling B, and many more challenges. She tells us more in tonight’s profile.

Deon Wants To Make A Difference
The Third World Social Club is a three week summer camp that has been around for 13 years. The grass roots camp is organized by football star Deon Flowers in the Lake Independence area and caters for over 250 underprivileged youths from across the city. But it is not easy keeping it going – according to Flowers it’s him against the world in terms of sponsorship. To make the annual camp possible this year, he is hosting a 2 day bar-b-que sale next week and a football marathon fund raising drive. Here’s how you can support. Deon Flowers – Third World Sports in Education "The camp is coming up and we're looking at what all we have, we want to do it on the correct date because we dont want to go through any hassle running back and forth while the camp is on. We want to get everything together so right now we are raising funds and next week Friday and Saturday we're having a bar-b-q sale to raise funds to reach a budget that we have. We are catering for 200 and add kids but the amount of kids that come we don't want to chase any of them away.

Channel 5

Masked gunmen storm UB dorm and tie up students
We’ll have the court details of the Caleb Orozco case and a robbery at his house coming up, but first we go to the nation’s capital where a terrifying robbery took place on Wednesday night. Fourteen students were attacked and robbed by armed men at the University of Belize, Belmopan Campus. The group of foreign [...]

Trafficking of Indian nationals through Belize
A bold attempt at smuggling eleven illegal immigrants through Belize, presumably en route to the United States, has resulted in several arrests, including the mechanic/driver of the British High Commission.  On Wednesday night, a detail of officers attached to the Mobile Interdiction Team nabbed a group of Indian nationals, who purportedly entered the country unlawfully [...]

UNIBAM’s Orozco receives threats and his vehicle violated
The highly publicized case of Caleb Orozco versus the Attorney-General of Belize continued before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. This morning CJ Benjamin informed the Court that the claimant, Caleb Orozco, has been granted permission to be absent from the proceedings for some time. Shortly after, reports circulated that persons unknown had targeted Orozco’s vehicle, and [...]

Objection in the Court! UNIBAM
Day three started much the same with the procession of attorneys for the claimant, the state and interested parties and observers from both sides of the legal battle heading into the court to take their seats. Today was set aside for arguments from the defendant and from the fourth to sixth interested parties, the churches. [...]

3 foreign entities in gay case
On Wednesday, Day two of the trial, Queen’s Counsel Lord Peter Goldsmith made his submission to the Court. Goldsmith is representing the foreign interested parties in the case, namely the Human Dignity Trust, the International Commission of Jurists and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, renowned international legal bodies with a focus on human rights who have [...]

Foreign minister returns from meeting with Guatemalan at O.A.S.
As we reported on Wednesday, Belize and Guatemala have been meeting with the O.A.S. in Washington. Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington, along with a delegation of government officials, returned this morning, following a round of discussions with Guatemalan Foreign Affairs Minister Fernando Carrera and O.A.S. Secretary General Miguel Angel Insulza. The purpose of the meeting [...]

Former P.U.P. leader, John Briceño joined attended meeting
Joining the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the visit to Washington was former Leader of the Opposition John Briceño.  While the People’s United Party has not presented a formal position on the matter of the joint referenda, Briceño says that they have commenced a series of consultations among regional executives of the party.    John [...]

Mexico and Belize sit to talk tourism opportunities
The Embassy of Mexico in Belize along with its Ministry of Tourism organized an excursion to the Jewel to forge a new relationship through multi-destination tourism. Many tourists and backpackers from Europe do not simply desire to see one country when they cross the ocean. That is why at a power breakfast at the Best [...]

GSU takes gun and marijuana off the streets
Just before midday today, the Gang Suppression Unit arrested fifty-two year old taxi driver, Valentine Ferguson. He was driving a Toyota car when he was intercepted by the Unit near the house of who is described as a reputed drug dealer on West Street. The vehicle sped away in the direction of Water Lane with [...]

Orange Walk Court finds man guilty of attempted murder of common-law
There were two guilty verdicts today in the Supreme Court sitting of the Northern District in Orange Walk Town. Justice Herbert Lord delivered his verdict in the case of Kenroy Foreman who stood trial by judge alone.  Foreman was tried for the attempted murder of his former common-law law back in April of 2009 in [...]

Murder case collapses as witness fails to appear in court
Twenty-three year old Belize City resident, Anthony Lewis, who was on trial for the December 2010 murder of eighteen year old Leon Ebanks, today walked from court a free man. The case concluded in a nolle prosequi when police could not locate the main witness to testify against him. Within twenty minutes of walking into [...]

Unnatural crime; man charged for sodomizing female minor
As the case of Caleb Orozco versus the Attorney General of Belize continued in the Supreme Court, in the lower court a man was arraigned for sodomizing a fourteen year old girl. Edwin Coye, a resident of Apollo Street of the Belama Phase four area of Belize City appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer [...]

In-depth, inside the classroom; 143 students with special needs take P.S.E.
For parents and families who have children with special needs, education begins early and at home. But the challenge is greater once they enroll in schools because few are equipped with the necessary tools. There are over one hundred and forty students in schools across the country who have special needs that range from autism [...]

Public service comes out to show its services
The Government of Belize is the largest employer in the nation. Services offered by government departments and ministries represent an important vein not only in the legal and justice system, but in health, agriculture and just about every industry in the country. And though International Public Service Day is a month away on June twenty-third, [...]

The Pallotti Campus Darling Pageant
The twenty-fifth annual Pallotti Campus Darling Pageant will be held at the Princess Hotel and Casino on Friday.  The yearly showcase of young beauty and talent has helped the high school tremendously in raising funds to improve the on-campus experience of students.  This year it is anticipated that the event will raise enough money to [...]

Runaway; have you seen this missing child?
But there is some disturbing news to report. Thirteen year old Scott Thompson, affected by a psychiatric disorder, has been missing from his home in San Ignacio Town since April twenty-seventh.  The teenager was last seen wearing a grey shirt with a blue dragon design, a pair of black jeans shorts and black slippers.  According [...]

A raw natural and balanced diet on Healthy Living
Every health related issue is linked to lifestyles; a healthy way of life includes exercise and a balanced diet. Some people are making the switch to all protein, less carbs, more wheat, juice diets, cabbage diets, detox diets and the list goes on and on. Tonight on Healthy Living we sit one-on-one with a certified [...]

LOVE FM

Day 3 Concludes In Orozco vs Attorney General On Homosexual Issue
There were quite some things to talk about as the case of Caleb Orozco versus the Attorney General of Belize entered its third day at the Supreme Court of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. As we reported yesterday, attorney for the interested parties, namely the Commonwealth Lawyer&rsquo...;

Taiwan Gives Belize A Five Million Dollar Grant
Prime Minister Dean Barrow today received a five million dollar grant from Taiwan. The check was handed over by Taiwanese Ambassador David Wu. DAVID WU "Today I am very honoured I represent the Republic of China, Taiwan; I am handing over a cheque of five million US ...

Outstanding Results Released For ATLIB Examinations
Back in February hundreds of students sat the Mathematics and English ATLIB examinations and today the Association of Tertiary Level Institution in Belize released its list of outstanding students in both subjects. ATLIB congratulates and recognizes the dedication and effort of the out...

Tourism Endeavor Presented By Mexican Officials To Belize's Tourism Stakeholders
This morning the Ministry of Touristic Development of the State of Yucatan, SEFOTOUR, along with the Embassy of Mexico met with various stakeholders of the tourism industry in Belize at the Biltmore Hotel. The purpose of the meet and greet was to a new touristic endeavor entitled, &ldq...;

Supreme Court Rules: Man Guilty of Attempting To Murder His Spouse and Another Guilty of Raping A Mentally Challenged Woman
In news from the Supreme Court, a man who had reportedly attempted to murder his former common-law was today found guilty. Justice Herbert Lord found Kenroy Foreman guilty of the April 2009 incident in which Foreman slit the woman’s throat three times. The incident ha...

Belize's Foreign Minister Heads Delegation To Washington For Meeting With OAS and Guatemala
Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington led a Belize delegation to Washington to meet with his Guatemalan counterpart and the OAS Security General Jose Miguel Insulza at the OAS headquarters earlier this week. The meeting was convened to discuss the next steps in the Belize Guate...

Belize City Resident Remanded On Firearm Charge
Twenty-five year old Berris Torres, an unemployed of Tibruce Street, was remanded into custody when he appeared in court and was charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license. Torres pled not guilty to the charges. He was remanded into custody until July 2. The i...

UB Students Robbed Inside Dorm
An armed robbery at a dorm at the University of Belize in Belmopan netted robbers over 40 thousand of cash and items. Correspondent Fem Cruz has more in this report. FEM CRUZ " Love news spoke to one of the UB student 19-year-old O. McKoy who said that on ...

Unemployed Man Remanded On Charges of Sodomy and Carnal Knowledge
Twenty-six year old Edwin Coye, an unemployed of Belama Phase 4, was charged with one count of an unnatural crime and two counts of unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl, 14 years and 4 months old, when he appeared in court today. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser explained to him that she...

Burglary Investigation Leads To Teenager Arrest
Eighteen year old Jonathan Gideon, an unemployed of Hemsley Street, was charged with burglary when he appeared in Court. Gideon pled not guilty to the charge. He was offered a bail of six thousand dollars and his case was adjourned until July 2. The burglary occurred around 12:10 p.m. ...

GSU Busts Mechanic After Uncovering Cannabis In Refrigerator
Twenty-three year old Victor Cima, an auto mechanic of Mckay Boulevard, was charged with drug trafficking for 573 point one grams of cannabis when he appeared in Court today. Cima pled not guilty to the charge. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser offered him a bail of eight thousand dollar...

Belize Man Acquitted Following Christmas Day Stabbing In Hattieville
Twenty-three year old Anthony Lewis, charged with the murder of Leon Ebanks, was freed of the charge today in the court of Justice John Gonzalez when a nolle prosequi, indicating that the prosecution does not wish to proceed, was entered by Crown Counsel Leroy Banner. Crown Counsel Ban...

PlusTV

UB Students attacked in dormitory by armed robbers
The spring semester is coming to an end, and students at the University of Belize are on their last lap of exams. This is usually a time when there is absolute quiet, as students are doing last minute prepping for their tests, but that calm was abruptly interrupted last...

Day three of the Challenge to Belize’s Sodomy Law
Day three of the court hearing of Caleb Orozco’s attempt to get rid of Belize’s sodomy laws got on the way today. On the first two days, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin heard from Orosco’s lawyers but today, lawyers for the Government of Belize and the church made their arguments....

Teacher detained as Police investigate unnatural crime
Yesterday we reported on another incident in San Ignacio where a minor was allegedly sodomized by his high school teacher. Police issued an official release today where it says that on Wednesday May 8th at 11:00am, a 14 year old Student of San Ignacio Town visited the San Ignacio...

Edwin Emmanuel Coye arraigned for carnal knowledge
In a present day use of section 53 of the criminal code, a man was arraigned in court this morning after being accused of sodomizing a 14-year-old girl. 26-year-old Edwin Emmanuel Coye, appeared unrepresented appeared before Senior Magistrate, Sharon Frazer this afternoon where he was read three indictable offenses,...

Belize and Guatemala deligations meet at OAS
The delegation of Belize led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington met yesterday May 8 with a Guatemalan delegation led by Foreign Minister Carrera and the OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza at OAS Headquarters. The meeting, held at the invitation of the OAS Secretary General, was convened ...

SATIIM funds reported stolen
SATIIM funds have been reported stolen. The executive Director for Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) of Punta Gorda Town reported that between January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013 a former Administrator and Finance Officer for the organization forged, deposited and cashed several cheques belonging to SATIIM....

Mayor of Dangriga tells Rise & Shine of Land Dispute
There is an issue of land controversy in Dangriga Town. This particular case started back in 2000, when a Dangriga resident purchased a small parcel of land, located near the main bridge in downtown Dangriga, which the town council says was set aside for public use. The purchaser of...

Taxi driver high-jacked in Corozal
A 64 year old taxi driver of Corozal reported that on the morning of Wednesday May 8 at around 7 pm, he was driving his car by the Corozal Town Bus Terminal when he was stopped by two Hispanic descent men. The men chartered the taxi to the border....

Convictions for attempted murder and rape in the Supreme Court in Orange Walk Town
The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions today reported convictions for attempted murder and rape in the Northern Session of the Supreme Court in Orange Walk Town. Justice Herbert Lord presided over both cases. Santiago Coc, indicted for rape, was convicted on the alternative charge of carnally knowing...

Yucatan Ministry of Tourism promotes its product
This morning, Belize’s press was hosted by the Yucatan Ministry of Tourism on the occasion of a promotional effort of that Mexican state’s tourism product. Southern Mexico and northern Central America including Belize are seen as the center of the Maya world and marketing director Santiago Gonzalez Abreu told...

Taiwan gives grant for Belize infrastructure
Today in Belmopan, His Excellency Mr. David C. K. Wu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), presented a cheque in the sum of five million US dollars to Prime Minister Dean Barrow. The cheque represents a Grant to Belize for the year 2013 under the Bilateral Cooperation Program...

Public Officers showcase their services
Leading up to Public Service Week in June, the officials who keep our country moving are showcasing their services to the general public in a series of public information day. The first was held today at the ITVET Compound in Belize City. With more here is Belize District representative...

Workshop for Municipal Development Planning held in Belmopan
The first of three national workshops on municipal development planning was held today at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in the city of Belmopan. The BMDP is a $30.0 million Government of Belize project being financed through the World Bank and implemented by the Social Investment...

The Guardian

700 Students in Feeding Programs
Over 700 students from the south side of Belize City are benefitting from the Southside School Meals Program that was officially launched by Hon. Patrick Faber on Tuesday, May 7th. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has targeted 13 primary schools in the city to be part of this pilot program that they hope to roll out nationally in the near future. Those schools are Calvary Temple School, Friends Boys School, Grace Primary School, Living Hope Preparatory School, Muslim Community School, Queen Square Anglican School, Salvation Army, St Ignatius School, St. Luke’s Methodist School, St. Martins Depores School, Unity Presbyterian School, Wesley Upper School and the Skills Training Center. The meals are prepared and packaged inside the “Satellite Kitchen” at the Magazine Road Skills Training Center and distributed to the different schools across the city. The Ministry works in collaboration with the Nutrition Department of the Ministry of Health to ensure that the meals provided to the students are nutritiously balanced. The students that are in the program also receive vitamins and dental services. Minister Faber said that it is a program he wanted to implement from day one because he has been extremely concerned about the large number of students, who attend schools regularly without having something to eat and those who choose not to attend school for that very reason. He said, “We are hoping that this program provides a strong foundation and good solid start so that our students can perform and develop because we understand the saying in creole ‘empty krokus bag kyaant stan up’.”

Courtenay fabricated Allegations against former British High Commissioner
A Royal Court of Justice judge has ruled that former Ambassador to Belize John Yapp is entitled to damages to compensate him for losses after the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the U.K. acted in breach of his contract and breached their duty and care to him when he was withdrawn from his position in Belize. The judgment was handed down by Justice Cranston on Friday, May 3rd. Yapp had been withdrawn from Belize in June of 2008 following allegations that he had touched the bottom of Eamon Courtenay’s wife, Denise, at a function. Thereafter, an investigation of sexual misconduct and of bullying against his staff was conducted by the FCO. The Office was more concerned with the allegations of sexual impropriety which were deemed to be baseless. The investigation, which was conducted by Michael Gifford who is now the U.K Ambassador to North Korea, acquitted Yapp of sexual misconduct. Those accusations arose out of allegations made by Eamon Courtenay who claimed that Yapp had inappropriately touched his wife. Investigations on the matter proved that this was one of many allegations made by Courtenay against Yapp which were deemed to have been politically motivated

Bam Si Deh! 15 Attorneys for and against Section 53
The case of Caleb Orozco and interested parties versus the Attorney General and interested parties began on Monday, May 6th in the chambers of Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin. Even before the beginning of the case, it was billed to be filled with drama and excitement and two days into the arguments it has not disappointed, at least not from the theatrics that are accompanying the case. Religious organizations who are opposed to Orozco’s position have held prayer vigils in Corozal and other parts of the country. In Belize City a sizeable one was held in front of the Supreme Court on Monday night and throughout the proceedings, some have gathered outside the courthouse to hold prayer meetings. Orozco is taking the Attorney General to court challenging the constitutionality of Section 53 of the Criminal Code. That section reads “every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years.” Orozco, an openly gay man, says that the law violates his right to privacy, dignity and equality. He has retained the services of Senior Counsel Christopher Hamel Smith, Senior Counsel Simeon Sampson, Lisa Shoman and Westmin James a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, at UWI’s Cave Hill campus. But Orozco is not alone in his bid; he is joined by the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, the Human Dignity Trust and the International Commission of Jurists, who also have representation by Queen’s Counsel Lord Peter Goldsmith and Godfrey Smith.

Minister Opens Education Showcase 2013
Minister Faber to honour Outstanding Teachers in Education Showcase The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports is holding Education Showcase 2013 under the theme “Working Together: Stakeholders Partnering to Enhance Education”. Education Showcase 2013 is taking place from Sunday, May 5th, to Friday, May 17th, and a series of events will take place in the two week period which Minister Patrick Faber hopes will reinvigorate education stakeholders.

National Agriculture and Trade Show 2013 Held
Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Gaspar Vega shakes hands with Senior Farmer of the Year George Choj All roads led to the National and Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS) Grounds on May 3rd, 4th and 5th as thousands of Belizeans converged for the sixty fifth ever Trade Show, with this one, as has long been tradition, being held near the Nation’s Capital. To befit this Year’s theme, “Stimulating Prosperity in Agriculture and Food Production through Renewed Public Private Partnership,” the three days of activities was to highlight the work of the farming community, bringing together individuals, organizations and groups from across the Country.

Book Week celebrated in Cayo
Author Elodio Aragon with his book,‘In the Flow of Eternity’ BookWeek ended on April 27th in the Cayo District, after a three- day series of events for which the book industry had an opportunity to celebrate under the theme, “Books: Food For the mind”. Under the stewardship of the Belize Book Industry Association (BBIA), it was an occasion to enjoy the gift of books and also to meet their authors directly.

Buena Vista Village selects Village council Slate
The in the Corozal Southwest division has selected their UDP slate for the upcoming village Council elections. They are: Daniel Chable for Chairman and Mariela Teck, Giovani Teck, Samuel Quinteros, Azucena Chan, Esther Olivarez, and Ernesto Chable for councilors. The Corozal Southwest now has UDP slates in all the villages of this division ready for Village Council Election Day.

Dr. Corinth Morter-Lewis releases New Book - Commits Proceeds to Restore Belize
Hon. Patrick Faber, Dr. Corinth Morter-Lewis and Sir Colville Young An anonymous source once said, “Poetry doesn’t belong to those who write it, but to those who need it.” Dr. Corinth Morter-Lewis is in a league of her own in the class of poets for her generation and on Wednesday, May 8th, she released a pair of books that the country of Belize desperately needs right now, “Moments in Time Volume 1: A Collection of Poems, Short Stories and a Play” and “Moments in Time Volume 2: A Collection of Poems, Two Short Stories & a Play”.

Ministry of Health receives Funding for Mental Health Project
The Ministry of Health Belize is pleased to be a sub-grantee on the project “Improving prevention and treatment systems based on primary health care for alcohol use problems in two Caribbean Countries – Guyana and Belize’ funded by Grand Challenges Canada to the Grantee Ministry of Health, Guyana.”

From Yalbac #1 to Mike Usher #1 - A Brief History of Exploration in Belize
Petroleum exploration began in Belize 1938 when Shell was given an exploratory license to conduct exploration work. The first exploration well, Yalbac #1, was drilled in 1956 in the Yalbac Area by Gulf Oil. Though dry or noncommercial, there were oil shows that indicated the possibility for the presence of a petroleum system. This sparked the interest of other major companies such Anschutz, Chevron, Texaco, Esso and Philips. As Majors, the aim was to explore for and successfully drill large structures targeting giant oil field (greater than 100 million barrels). This resulted in significant exploration work both onshore and offshore to identify drillable structures. With several structures identified, over 40 exploration wells were drilled by the end of the 1980’s, and all were unsuccessful with no commercial discovery. Several wells had oil shows. Most of the seismic and wells shown in the figure below were acquired and drilled during this period. Naturally with no success, the majors would lose interest and leave. The wealth of the data that was acquired remained as the property of the Government of Belize. These data attracted the interest of smaller intermediate companies such as Petro Belize, Marathon, Eagle and Spartan. Companies like these saw smaller structures being as attractive. With new data and previously acquired data several more wells were drilled. By the late 1990’s hundreds of square kilometers of aeromagnetic and gravity data, hundreds of geochemical samples and thousands of line kilometer of 2 dimensional seismic were acquired; and 50 exploration wells were drilled in both the offshore and onshore area. A commercial discovery was yet to be made. Like other frontier high risk areas in the world, un-success was attributed to poor data quality and limited knowledge of the geology.

7,900 Plus sit Math and Social Studies P.S.E.
Seven thousand, nine hundred and thirty-one students sat part two of the Primary School Examinations on Monday, May 6th. It consists of the mathematics and social studies papers. Students once again said that the mathematics exam was the hardest of all P.S.E. papers this year. The mathematics exam is divided into two parts. Part one is a multiple choice section consisting of 50 computation questions that requires relatively simple and quick calculations. Part two of the exam is problem solving. There are ten problems to solve in section two of the mathematics exam. Principal Examinations Officer, Yvonne Davis said they tried to use questions that are relative to the Belizean society. Questions based on the General Sales Tax, utility bills, higher purchase, etc. Last year, the worst scores were recorded in Mathematics exam once again. However, grades were the best they had been since 2004. The mean score for Mathematics was 54.38%, which was up from 47.16% in 2011. The mode grade was Adequate at D, which was again an improvement on the E (0-49%) from the previous year. The median was 53%. In 2011, the median was 45%. Educators hope for continued improvement in performance this year.

The Ambassador of the State of Qatar presents Credentials to Governor General
Today, the Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young was presented with credentials from the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Belize, His Excellency Sheikh Meshal Bin Hamid Al-Thani. In his presentation, the Sheikh conveyed greetings and best wishes for progress and prosperity to the Governor General and the people of Belize on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar; H.R.H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani,the Crown Prince of the State of Qatar, and H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar. The Sheikh further expressed the Emir’s pride in the relations between Belize and Qatar, and his aspiration to build strong relations at all levels to serve the common interests of both countries. During his visit, the Ambassador met with Prime Minister Dean Barrow and also presented his credentials to Foreign Minister, Hon. Wilfred Elrington and CEO, H.E. Alexis Rosado.

Change of High Commissioner to Belize
Peter Hughes, OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to Belize in succession to Pat Ashworth, who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service. Hughes will take up his appointment during August 2013. Hughes began his diplomatic career in 1985 as Desk Officer in Defence Department and has served overseas in Australia, the Caribbean, South Asia, Afghanistan and North East Asia. On his appointment as British High Commissioner to Belize, Hughes said “It is a great privilege to have been given this opportunity to represent the United Kingdom in Belize. I hope to build on the enduring friendship between our two countries, and look forward to working closely with the Government and people of Belize to support our shared objective of a secure and prosperous future.”

PUP Standard Bearer’s Son charged for beating up Female Teacher
31-year-old Police Corporal Darrell Usher appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, May 8th, to answer to a charge of wounding upon a 29-year-old female teacher. The incident occurred two weeks ago, April 25th, at a repast in Hattieville Village. According to the woman, she was sitting at a repast for the late Mark McKoy, when Usher suddenly approached her and punched her in the face. According to the teacher, she was punched to the left temple, jaw area and kicked in the stomach. She said Usher acted out because he thought it was her that said something bad about him earlier that day. She said that he had been sending her threats via text prior to the attack. She had to seek medical attention at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where a doctor classified her injuries as wounding.

Fight in Cayo Leaves One Dead
A fight, which had erupted between two males on May 3rd, 2013 in San Ignacio Town has left one man dead. Shortly after 6:30 pm, a shirtless person with braided hair was observed motionless on the bank of the Macal River at the corner of Riverside t and Wayatt Streets or behind the spacious ‘Pit Pan Bar’ in San Ignacio Town. Closer inspection of the victim revealed that there was a stab wound on the left side of his neck and to the left shoulder. That body has since been identified to be that of 17-year-old Shaheem Slusher from Gales Point Manatee in the Stann Creek District. On that fateful night, the body of Slusher was rushed to the San Ignacio Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending doctor. Sources say that Shaheem was patronizing the Pit Pan Bar when he became involved in an argument with another male and it was outside the establishment where the stabbing occurred.

From Good Samaritan to charged for Attempted Murder
On Monday, May 6th, 34-year-old Edgar Elmer Frutos, an Angelus Press Technician and Belize City resident, was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. Frutos appeared before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith after he was accused of chopping Osmond Romero, on April 27th, 2013, in Belize City. He was remanded to prison until July 4th. Frutos is accused of chopping up Romero with a machete, causing injuries to the upper part of his body.

Abrupt End to Murder Trial
On Friday, May 3rd, the murder trial of 21-year-old Kirk Smith, Jr. came to an abrupt end at the Supreme Court. Smith, who was accused of the August 25th, 2010 murder of well-known Wesley College employee, Eyan Arnold aka “Trouble” came to a sudden halt in the courtroom of Justice Adolph Lucas just hours after the trial had commenced. The case was halted after two jurors, one of them, the foreman in the case told the court that they knew the father of the accused. The jurors told the court that because they knew the father of the accused, it would affect their judgment in the case. Upon hearing that Judge Lucas dismissed the 12 member jury and informed the accused that he would have to traverse his case to the next sitting of the Supreme Court so that the same panel of jurors are not selected again. The prosecutor in the case had already called 2 witnesses, they included a main witness, Antonio Pop, and the deceased's common-law wife, Carolyn Castillo who had identified the body to the police prior to the post-mortem examination.

7 Years for stealing Pan Crema Biscuits
On Wednesday, May 8th, 31-year-old Mark Faber, resident of Biscayne Village, was sentenced to 7 years for burglary and 6 months for handling stolen goods in relation to the burglary of a burrito shop, which is located near the Boom Road junction with the Phillip Goldson Highway. In court, police officers Elizar Cobb and Roman Cantun said that at about 11:55 p.m. on January 2nd they caught Faber pulling out his hands from inside the burrito shop owned by Guadalupe Torres. Apparently, Faber had pried open the wooden window of the shop in order to gain entry. The officers caught him in the act and conducted a search. During the search, the officers found 2 packs of Pan Crema biscuits inside his pants pocket and four empty chips bags on the ground next to him. As a result, he was arrested and charged for burglary and handling stolen goods. In court, Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith found Faber guilty of the charges. This was his second conviction for burglary. Therefore, Smith sentenced him to 7 years imprisonment for the burglary conviction and 6 months for handling stolen goods.

Michael “Crazy” Arnold pleads guilty to rape
On Monday May 6th, Michael ‘Crazy’ Arnold told the court that he did not want to waste its time and pleaded guilty to a charge of rape he was facing. After his plea he chose not to call any witnesses for mitigation, he only asked the court to allow his sentence to run concurrently with a 10 year term he is currently serving. Arnold stood accused of raping a 29 year old woman on September 18, 2010. According to the woman, at about 10:00 p.m., that night, she was on her way to use the bathroom, which was down stairs of her apartment, when she was approached by Arnold who told her to come over to his room. The woman said she declined and told Arnold that at the time she was having her menstruation. Undeterred, Arnold pulled out a firearm and placed it at her head. He then ordered the woman to perform oral sex on him but she refused. He then grabbed her and pulled her into his bedroom. Whilst there, he put the firearm under his pillow. He then got a machete which he placed at the woman’s neck telling her that with the machete it would be easier to use instead of the firearm which would make too much noise. The woman further reported that Arnold proceeded to take off her underwear at which time she begged him to use a condom which he agreed to do and then proceeded to rape her.

Paul Smith re-arraigned on Murder Charges
On Monday, May 6th, 18-year-old Paul Smith reappeared in Magistrate’s Court where he was charged once again for the murder of 36-year-old Stevedore, Frank Neal. The teenager had originally been remanded to the Wagner’s Facility as he was thought to be 17 years of age however; it turns out that he is actually 18 years old making him an adult. Smith was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith where the charge of murder was read to him as an adult. The indictable matter saw no plea taken from Smith who was unrepresented in court. He was then remanded to the Belize Central Prison and is due back in Court #1 on July 4th, 2013.

Eduardo Torres detained for Palm Island Murder
Police have detained a 40-year-old security guard in their investigation of John Paul Fernandez’s murder which took place early Saturday morning, May 4th. According to police, Fernandez was seen socializing at Palm Island Bar with Eduardo Torres, security guard of Carnation Street in Belize City, when a single gunshot sound was heard. Fernandez was then seen lying motionless on the ground. Police arrived at the scene at 3:41 a.m. and transported Fernandez to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. From the scene police recovered a 9mm Glock pistol with a magazine containing 15 live rounds. An expended shell was also recovered from the scene. Torres has been detained by police and their investigation will determine what charge will be levied against him.

Fined $11,000 for molesting 6-year-old girl
On Tuesday, April 23rd, 38-year-old John Baptist Sr., a Belize City resident, who was accused of having sex with a 6-year-old child back in 2003, and also accused of sexually molesting her on three other occasions was found guilty of 2 of the four counts. On Friday, May 3rd after mitigation pleas, the 38-year-old convicted molester was set free after being fined a total of 11 thousand dollars. He was facing a maximum jail term of 4 years upon conviction at the Supreme Court. Nonetheless Justice Troadio Gonzalez, imposed two fines, a $5,000 fine which he was ordered to pay $1,000 by May 31st, 2013 and the balance in two payments by January 31st, 2014 or in default 1 year imprisonment.

Available Scholarships from Ariel Rosado Memorial Education Foundation
The Ariel Rosado Memorial Education Foundation is inviting applications for the following scholarships for academic year 2013 – 2014. The Foundation emphasizes that once applicants are accepted into a program the main criteria for consideration is financial need. High School Scholarships tenable at any recognized High School in the country of Belize covering the cost of all Fees, Tuition and Books for a maximum of 4 years: 1. The Joyce and Arthur Barrow Memorial Scholarship 2. The FULTEC Scholarship 3. The Dorin and Louis Humphreys Scholarship 4. The Joan and Said Musa Scholarship 5. The Rosaura and Erdulfo Nunez Scholarship 6. The Sharon and Chester Walker Scholarship University Scholarships tenable at Galen University covering the cost of Tuition for a maximum of 2 years: 1. The Ariel Rosado Academic Scholarship 2. The Saniyya Rosado Athletic Scholarship Primary School Sailing Scholarships: Interested Primary Schools are invited to apply for a Grant that covers the cost of 1 year membership fee and 25 sailing sessions with the Belize Sailing Association for 5 students attending any Primary School in Belize. Schools must provide adult supervision for students while participating in sailing sessions.

Belize’s Miss India Belize Returns from Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia
Belizean born Ms. Janine Gilharry returns from Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia after participating in the twenty second (22nd) annual Ms. India Worldwide Pageant. The pageant which took place on April 27th, 2013 in that country focused on the promotion of Indian culture around the world and around the Diaspora of Indian heritage. In Belize, Janine Gilharry competed in the Ms. East Indian Belize 2013 pageant and placed first runner up. She was officially invited by the organizers of Ms. India Worldwide on the basis of her excellent Indian performing arts and pageantry and most importantly on her keen interest to learn more about her Indian heritage and culture. Ms. Gilharry was also given the title of Miss India Belize by the organization upon her officially becoming a candidate of the Miss India WorldWide 2013 pageant. Ms. East Indian Belize is a pageant organized annually by Corozal Organization of East Indian Culture and Heritage (COEICH). This year, five young ladies vied for the title. COEICH is principally focused on the revival of the East Indian culture in Corozal. The organization was organized on September 6, 2009. As a Participant in the Miss India Worldwide pageant, Ms. Janine Gilharry gained a wealth of experience. Upon speaking to Ms. Janine Gilharry she stated:

Byron Pope captures 8th Pablo Marin Cycling Classic
The 8th annual Pablo Marin Cycling Classic was held on Wednesday May 1st, 2013, in Corozal Town. The elite riders started from Miami Beach in Corozal Town to the Belize-Mexico border then onto Orange Walk Town around the Caribbean Tyres Round-about and the back to Miami Beach for a total distance of 86 miles. At the end of the journey, it was Byron Pope of Benny’s Megabytes, who was the first rider to cross the finish line in a time of 3:33:29 to capture first place. The second rider to cross the finish line was Johnnie Quintal, who is unattached, and he was followed by Gregory Lovell of Telemedia, who finished third. He was followed by Allen Castillo of Benny’s Megabytes who finished fourth and then Nissan Arana, who is unattached, finished fifth to round off the top five finishers. The other finishers in the elite competition were Juan Manuel Yapur, who is unattached; Mark Staine of Benny’s Megabytes; Henry Moreria, unattached; Brandon Cattouse of C-Ray; and Peter Choto of Belikin Western Spirit.

Tuff “E” Nuff wins Second Game in Competition
The 2013 Interoffice Basketball League competition continued on Friday, May 3rd at the Bird’s Isle. In the first game of the evening, Tuff “E” Nuff won its second game of this year’s campaign when it defeated CYDP by the score of 86-79. The top scorers for Tuff “E” Nuff were Jamal Kelly with 25 points, 2 rebounds and 5 steals; Winston Pratt with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists; and Tyrone Edwards with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Meanwhile, the top scorers for CYDP were Leroy Louriano with 27 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals; and Bernard Felix with 25 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. In the second game, No Limits defeated Sir Belikin by the score of 87-78. The top scorers for No Limit were J. Leslie with 21 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals; and B. Rogers with 21 points, and 10 rebounds. For Sir Belikin, the top scorers were Steven Williams with 25 points, and 3 rebounds; and Ty Bradley with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 7 steals.

New Elections for the Formation of the Western Zone Cycling Association
The Legislative Council of the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association met on Monday, May 6th, 2013, and decided that the Western Zone elections that were carried out in April are null and void. This means that a new election for the formation of the Western Zone Cycling Association must be held. The attorneys all agreed that the deadline for the registration of candidates for the election was March 10 and at the cut-off point only 63 persons were eligible to vote. The Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association informs the cycling community that the new elections will be held on Saturday May 11th, 2013, at the Belmopan Hotel and Conference Centre in Belmopan commencing at 2:00 pm.

Police United and FC Belize win in semi-final openers
The Semi-final round of the Premier League of Belize Football Competition opened up on Saturday May 4th, 2013, at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan, where the home team Police United (number 3 seed) bested the Belize Defence Force (the number 2 seed) by the score of 3-1. The home team, Police United drew blood early when Amin August scored the first of 2 goals in the 4th minute of play to give his team an early 1-0 lead. However, the lead was short lived when the Belize Defence Force got on the scoreboard when Tyrone Pandy scored the equalizing goal in the 11th minute of play. At the end of the 1st half of the game, both teams have played to a 1-1 draw. It was well into the second half of the game, in fact it was actually in the closing minutes of the game, that the Police United squad was able to penetrate the defence of the BDF where they were able to score the go-ahead and winning goal which was scored by Amin August in the 90th minute of play and then the insurance goal by Trevor Lennon.

Holy Redeemer Girls and Ephesus SDA Boys are Belize City Primary Schools Basketball Champions
The 2012-2013 Belize City Primary Schools Basketball Championship concluded on Thursday, May 2nd, 2013 at the Bird’s Isle in Belize City. In the girls’ championship game, Holy Redeemer School defeated Belize Elementary School by the score of 13-12. The top scorer for Holy Redeemer School was Zaria Jenkins with 5 points while the top scorer for Belize Elementary School was Chelsea Williams with 9 points. In the boys’ championship game, Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist defeated St. Martin De Porres School by the score of 28-27. The top scorer for Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist was Delbert Sabal with 10 points and the top scorer for St. Martin De Porres School was Deon Edwards with 8 points. Holy Redeemer School girls and Belize Elementary School girls along with Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist boys and St. Martin De Porres boys will represent Belize City at the Belize District Primary Schools Basketball championships.

Football Federation of Belize hosting UNCAF training
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB), in conjunction with UNCAF, is hosting the 2013 seminar entitled “Refereeing for Growing Young Officials (Arbitral Jovenes En Proyeccion). The seminar will be held from May 7th-9th at the FFB Headquarters in Belmopan. The training seminar will have the participation of coaches from Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Panama, Costa Rica, and Honduras. The instructors for the training are Victor Estrada, Carlos Batres and Francisco Ramirez.

Blogs

Homestyle cooking a great price and whats new around town
What a busy day, it started with a sunrise drive with Dick at 5:00am and then we split up for a couple of hours and regrouped for an errand run to town. While there we hit 3 banks paid a parking ticket checked 4 stores for a camera to computer chord and stopped off at BEL on behalf health and safety committee for the San Pedro Red Cross to make sure they knew about the power pole that had been run across from the Belize Medical School. It is hazardous looking especially since that road is now highly trafficed due to it being a detour because they are still fixing the road after broken water main on coconut drive. All that running around made us hungry so I suggested we check out what the days lunch was at Denny’s Donuts and Truck stop. It turned out to be chicken fried Steak so I decided to treat Dick , Paul, and Cowboy Doug to lunch. Dick and I grabbed a glazed doughnut and I paid for lunches and told the girls we would be back to eat ours at noon when they opened and that Cowboy and Paul would work out when they wanted to get theirs. It was delicious Dulce Wolfe is a great cook and at $10 a meal you cannot go wrong for a delicious home cooked lunch.

Jello Cheese Cake
Jello Cheese Cake is a very simple delicious dessert to make. No baking required, just chill and serve.

“With a Little Help from My Friends” in Ambergris Caye, Belize
With the choice of tiles for our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize completed Rose and I focused on the stuff that needs to be done for the importation of our golf cart. First off was to get the Application Form ‘signed off’ and stamped by a doctor. This was very easily achieved with a visit in the morning to Doctor Miguel Allison in Trigger Fish Street (don’t you just love the street names) with a cost of BZ$ 30 per ‘Form. After lunch Rose and I made a visit to Gekko Graphics in Buccaneer Street to get photocopies of my UK driving license and “QRP” I.D card. With the paperwork complete it was straight around the corner to the San Pedro Town Council offices in Barrier Reef Drive. After a short wait in the Transport Department queue the Application Form was stamped for me to go pay the BZ$ 60 fee and then get my photograph taken and be issued with my Belize drivers license. The whole thing only took twenty minutes. And whilst I was getting my license Rose paid this year’s property tax! Feeling quite pleased with ourselves Rose and I went up to see what was going on at our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize and to meet Carolyn and Robert (who live on the island and who we have become acquainted with through this blog) to let them have a look at our ever evolving house.

Missing – Cara Pastor
On Tuesday May 7th 2013 at 5:04pm,Herman George Pastor Jr, of #19 Rose Wood Street, Santiago Juan layout Area, San Ignacio Town, Cayo District, reported that on May 3rd 2013, between the hours of 9:00pm and 10:45pm, his daughter Cara Pastor, 16, a student, ran away from home and is suspected to be in the company of a male person of SIEGNE BIGHT VILLAGE, Stann Creek District. She is 5’5 in height, slim athletic built, have a “mohawk” haircut, dark complexion and of Creole decent. Police are seeking Darnell Majore whom they believe can assist in the investigation.

Mennonite Gurls A'ken Cook: Crunchy Bakd Chicke Tenders
1 1/2 pounds chicke tenders (chicke brees strips) 1 cup buttarmilk 1/2 teespoon crushed red chili peppr 1/2 teespoon garlic salt 1 1/2 cups panko breed crumbs 1 cup grated parmesun cheez 1/2 teespoon salt 1/4 teespoon cayenne peppr 1/8 teespoon black peppr Mix buttarmilk, crushed peppers and garlic salt togethr n' a shalloe dish (like a pie plate) and add chicke tenders…turnin pieces t'coat. Covr and set aside t'marinade fer one hour er overniite.

The May 12th, 2013 issue of The Capital Weekly is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Record-Breaking Turnout ! 42,000 Attend Agriculture & Trade Show:
  What you put in is what you get out. It’s an old saying that’s as true as it is trite. Perhaps more appropriate in this instance (since Agriculture is at the center of the event in question) is the good old Bible version, which goes: “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7). Never before has so much been invested in Belize’s Annual National Agriculture and Trade Show; and just as surely, never before have the rewards been as great. Ticket sales for last weekend’s Agriculture and Trade Show indicate that a record-breaking 42,000 persons visited the show grounds over the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, 2013. And receipts from the event were over $200 Thousand which, as noted by Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Gaspar Vega, is about double what the best performance of the show was in any previous year. It did not happen automatically; far from it. This record turnout and performance last weekend was the culmination of the first phase of an arduous and ambitious undertaking to upgrade the National Agriculture and Trade Show Grounds at the entrance of the Capital City, Belmopan, and better organize and promote the event itself which occurs annually. It’s an initiative that is being led by Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Gaspar Vega; his Chief Executive Officer in that Ministry, Jose Alpuche; and Chief Agriculture Officer, Eugene Waight, with the full participation of the entire staff in the Ministry.
• New British High Commissioner to Belize:
  News has been received of the appointment of a new British High Commissioner unto Belize. He is H.E. Peter Hughes and his appointment will take effect in August of this year, 2013. Mr. Hughes is described as a British Diplomat with extensive experience, having served as Ambassador in a wide cross-section of countries and regions. including the Caribbean, Australia, Afghanistan, South Asia and North East Asia. Speaking of his new appointment to Belize, Mr. Hughes commented: “It is a great privilege to have been given this opportunity to represent the United Kingdom in Belize. I hope to build on the enduring friendship between our two countries, and look forward to working closely with the Government and people of Belize to support our shared objective of a secure and prosperous future.”
• Small Nation - Great Things!:
  Whatever the story is, statistics often tell no more than half of it. Indeed, the official figures show that the Belize Economy is doing well, especially when viewed in comparison to other economies in the region and the world. That is, of course, only half the story. The other half is being graphically told by the economic activity we see around the Country. One of the many episodes in the compelling account of a rebounding and advancing Belizean Economy features a private-sector project officially launched just two weeks ago in the Belmopan area, as documented elsewhere in this edition. It’s called Egoli Estate modern, high-standard residential project with strong backing from the commercial banking community. It is, among so many other visible signs, a clear indication that there is great confidence in the Belize Economy.
• Ambassador of Qatar Presents Credentials: Meets Governor General Sir Colville and Prime Minister Barrow:
  Today, the Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young was presented with credentials from the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Belize, His Excellency Sheikh Meshal Bin Hamid Al-Thani. In his presentation, Qatar is a small country that resides on the western side of the Arabian Gulf as part of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a member of the GCC countries which contains several other gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The majority of people in Qatar are Muslims, and the citizens speak Arabic, although English is a very widespread language there, because of the huge number of employees from Europe and North America. The Qatari people are very friendthe Sheikh conveyed greetings and best wishes for progress and prosperity to the Governor General and the people of Belize on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar; H.R.H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani,the Crown Prince of the State of Qatar, and H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar. The Sheikh further expressed the Emir’s pride in the relations between Belize and Qatar, and his aspiration to build strong relations at all levels to serve the common interests of both countries.
• Some Quick Facts About Qatar:
  Qatar is a small country that resides on the western side of the Arabian Gulf as part of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a member of the GCC countries which contains several other gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The majority of people in Qatar are Muslims, and the citizens speak Arabic, although English is a very widespread language there, because of the huge number of employees from Europe and North America. The Qatari people are very friendly, and they embrace, and most of the time they tolerate foreign visitors’ cultures, while holding on tightly to their own.
• Faith Lift By Zelda Hill: The Judgment is Already Declared!:
  Having the foreknowledge from Scripture of how the war against evil will end should urge more people to enlist on the side of righteousness. History also has proven that whenever you choose to stand on any side that God has endorsed, you are always on the winning side. For these reasons it is distressing to see that the current debate on the decriminalization of homosexuality has upset and divided a nation that once acknowledged the supremacy of God and esteemed His decrees. Our god-fearing grandparents would “turn in their graves” to know that their children have exchanged the light of Scripture for an ‘enlightened’ doctrine, which compels us to examine our traditional moral convictions and to consider removing our ancient spiritual landmarks. And as the battle progresses to the courtroom, it seems that many are awaiting the judge’s decision to endorse or to redefine their personal convictions.
• Things Looking UP in First Quarter of 2013; Prime Minister Reports to the Nation at Press Conference:
  I think I ought to start by reporting on the visits that I had first to New York and then to Haiti. I was accompanied on the New York leg of the trip by Ambassador (Mark) Espat; The purpose of that visit was two-fold; we went to have a meeting with the Greylock people with respect to some possibilities concerning the 75 Million US Dollar window that, as part of the agreements governing the restructuring, we’re allowed in terms of the issue of additional bonds, over and above what we now describe as Super Bond Two. That 75 Million US Dollars could accommodate any settlement that we might perhaps reach with FORTIS, for example; so there was a need to discuss mechanics in that regard. Also, Ambassador Espat was asked to present a paper at a UN meeting that was hosted by the Economic and Social Council of the UN, together with the Britten Woods Institutions, the World Bank and the IMF. Perhaps most important for purposes of this morning’s press conference is the visit that I had with the US Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. The idea there was to update him on where things stand between Belize and Guatemala. We’ve all been aware, in the past couple of weeks, of the developments in Guatemala.
• Address by Hon. Gaspar Vega; Delivered at Opening of National Agriculture and Trade Show 2013:
  Ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant good afternoon to all of you. Once again, it gives me great pleasure to address you, at this, my second Agriculture and Trade Show as Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture. This afternoon I am particularly proud, as this new Multipurpose Centre we are using represents the start of a five year redevelopment programme for the Show Grounds. These grounds, all sixty acres, are truly a national asset and we must treat it as such. When you consider the rich history of the Agriculture Show and its prominent place in Belizean culture, then I dare say this is really a National Heritage Site. This year’s theme “Stimulating Prosperity in Agriculture and Food Production Through Renewed Public-Private Partnership” captures the essence of the work the Ministry is undertaking. We are very much aware that for us to succeed, the active participation of private sector stakeholders in the work of the Ministry is vital. We facilitate, the private sector invest profitably, Belize and all Belizeans prosper!
• Achievements in HECOPAB:
  The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the San Pedro Town Council and other partners in health conducted a health fair in March 2013 at the Lions Club in San Pedro Town. Six new San Pedro Community Health Workers (CHWs) were presented and endorsed by all collaborating partners and the community. The Ministry of Health recognizes CHWs as forefront community leaders who provide preventative measures, health education and direct patients to health facilities.
• Second round Burden of Illness Study commences:
  The Ministry of Health announces the second round of the ‘Burden of Illness Study’ (BOI) research study on Food Bourne Diseases in Belize. The study aims to determine the prevalence of acute gastroenteritis related to food and water infection. It will also investigate the more common viruses or bacteria transmitted by food and seek to determine the magnitude of underreporting to the Ministry of Health as well as strengthen the laboratory capacity for accurate diagnosis of the most common food borne illnesses. The study is conducted in two phases, the low season of acute gastroenteritis which is during the period September to November and the high season which is during the period April to June.
• World Health Day 2013:
  The Ministry of Health joined its national partners, the Belize Kidney Association and PAHO/WHO – Belize to celebrate World Health Day and World Kidney Day early last month with an official ceremony in Belize City. The campaign focuses on hypertension also commonly known as high blood pressure and the need to “Know your numbers.”
• Belize and Guatemala hold regional launch:
  The Minister of Health of Belize, Pablo Marin, the Minister of Health of Guatemala, Jorge Alejandro Villavicencio and special guest the Director of the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Carissa F. Etienne hosted the 11th regional launch of the Vaccination Week in the Americas at the Adjacency Zone between Benque Viejo, Belize and Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala last week.
• King James Crowned MVP Again:
  After picking up his fourth MVP trophy Sunday, Miami Heat star LeBron James gained a new appreciation for the rivalry his team has with the New York Knicks. James, 28, became the youngest player in NBA history to win four MVPs after receiving 120 of 121 first-place votes by league media members and analysts. The lone other first-place vote went to Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. “LeBron gets it, I take my hat off to him, he deserves it,” said Anthony. “They had a helluva year, to win 27 straight games, a hell of an achievement.”
• ELECTIONS & BOUNDARIES DEPARTMENT Public Notice:
  The Elections and Boundaries Commission, in accordance with Part II, Sections 6 and Part VI, Section 35 of the Village Councils Act, Chapter 88 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2003, hereby release the official schedule for Village/Community Council Elections 2013 In all villages nomination opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 10:00 a.m. No asterisks denote Poll closes at 1:00 p.m. * Denote Poll closes at 3:00 p.m. ** Denote Poll closes at 5:00 p.m.
• Confidence in the Belize Economy; New Era Development Launches Egoli Estate:
  It’s the new standard for infrastructure and residential development; and it was officially launched two weekends ago in the Belmopan area. We’re speaking, of course, of Egoli Estate, a project conceived, developed and managed by a group who call themselves New Era Development Company Ltd. Situated at the North End of the Capital City, the community hopes to become the new center of Belmopan City, as it represents where the country will go in its future community development planning and execution. They are building a complete community using modern eco-friendly construction and development practices.
• Belmopan Kids and Youth Cup 2013:
  Week 5 Result Youth Cup 2013 Sunday 28/04/2013 12:00 pm Celtic - Las Flores = 01 goals vs Valencia - YWAM Roaring Creek = 07 goals Ronald Orellana - 6 min Dmitre Fabro - 4 & 62 mins Eddy Valencia - 27 & 40 mins Naim Wilson - 39 & 75 mins John Banner - 72 min 2:00 pm Chelsea - Maya Mopan = 00 vs Real Madrid - Mountain View = 01 Jose Mendez- 51 min 4:00 pm Manchester United - San Martin = 02 vs Barcelona - Site7 = 0 Jorge Hidalgo - 6 & 80 mins

International Sources

Interview: John McAfee Answers Your Questions
Last week you had the chance to ask software designer and international man on the run John McAfee about his exploits in business, programming, and the jungle. Mr. McAfee provided some extraordinarily entertaining and frank answers to your questions. Read below and enjoy. Do you still write code? by sosume Do you still write code, perhaps for fun? McAfee: I haven't written code in 20 years. In truth I was a terrible programmer. At all the companies I worked at I did everything within my power to avoid coding tasks. I was just good enough though to be able to spot the truly outstanding programmers. At McAfee I hired the best and then stayed out of their hair. If I had been responsible for even a tiny amount of code I fear we would never have gotten off the ground. McAfee Antivirus by AmiMoJo Doesn't it bother you that your name is being used to peddle one of the worst anti-virus products on the market? Often it comes pre-installed on computers as a 30 day trial (crapware), with dire warnings flashed up in the event that the user fails to pay (scareware). The performance hit it brings is huge. Would you advise anyone else to name their product/company after themselves in this way? McAfee: I haven't been involved with McAfee Ant-virus for 21 years.

Taiwan Presents $5 Million Grant to Belize For Infrastructure Projects
Taiwan has granted $5 million to the government of Belize for infrastructure projects. The funding, which was officially presented by Taiwanese Ambassador David CK Wu to Prime Minister Dean Barrow Thursday, will target projects including the Belize City Southside Poverty Alleviation Project, the extension of the Southern Highway to Jalacte and the new crossing of the Macal River in San Ignacio/Santa Elena. “Ambassador, please convey to your Government the heartfelt thanks and appreciation of my Government and those of the people of Belize,” Barrow told Wu. “This cooperation program will go a long way in assisting Belize in meeting its development goals.” The grant, which was issued under the Bilateral Cooperation Programme between the two countries, covers the period from 2013 to 2016.

BELIZE ATTORNEY GENERAL ARGUES TO MAINTAIN ANTI-SODOMY PENAL CODE
Day Three of the Caleb Orozco v. The Attorney General of Belize trial challenging the constitutionality of the Section 53 anti-sodomy penal code started with chatter in the courtroom about the Claimant Caleb Orosco’s home being vandalized: This came on top of new reports last night on Belize Channel 5 News that threats of violence against Caleb and the gay community members close to him had escalated. Lisa Shoman, Attorney for Caleb Orozco, appealed to all, especially the media: “There has been a visible increase of threats and violence against Mister Orozco and against all homosexuals in Belize. There are threats for killing, burning, shooting; you name it. It has to stop. We are all Belizeans. We can agree to disagree without getting violent about it.” Arguments on behalf of the Attorney General of Belize were made today by Nigel Hawke, Senior Crown Counsel. Objections were entered to the Claimant’s reliance on Sections 11, 12 and 16 of the Constitution, which govern freedom of conscience, freedom of expression, and the right to non-discrimination. (In the afternoon session the Judge would rule that these sections are admissible. ) Next up was the argument that that there were no fundamental rights upon which Claimant could rely in the Belize Constitution. Counsel for the Defense argued that sexual orientation was not a basis for claiming the rights afforded to citizens under the Constitution, and therefor the rights the Claimant sought to enforce rights were “somehow mythical.” And that:

Belize and Guatemala agree on next steps in negotiation process
The ministers of foreign affairs of Belize and Guatemala, Wilfred Elrington and Luis Fernando Carrera, met on Wednesday with the secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, to analyze the situation of the process to submit their territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Both ministers agreed on the firm will of their countries in maintaining the Special Agreement to submit the Guatemalan claim to the ICJ and, in that sense, they agreed that the deputy ministers should meet, within the framework of the high-level working group, and as soon as possible, to reinforce the confidence-building measures guiding this process. The ministers also agreed that once progress is made in the process, they will meet again to set the date for the holding of the referenda. Both ministers expressed their appreciation to the OAS and to the secretary general for their constructive participation in this process, as well as to the international community for its support throughout the years, stressing their hope that they will continue to receive that fundamental support to maintain peace and stability between the two countries.

Time-lapse map chronicles decades of global change as seen from space
Satellite imagery can serve as a time machine, revealing dramatic change in just a few seconds — but can you imagine documenting almost three decades' worth of all that change, across most of our planet's land mass?

May 9, 2013

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Karen Waldrup and Ashlee K Thomas sing for Mama Vilma’s Family Home
On Saturday, May 4th the melodious voices of Karen Waldrup and Ashlee K Thomas, also known as the Midtown Violets, drew a crowd on Wet Willy’s deck. The concert started at 8PM to benefit Mama Vilma’s Family Home. This is the second concert Karen has performed to benefit the Mama Vilma’s Family home and the first for Ashlee. Both artist are based in Tennessee, USA and are currently in their “Spring in the South” tour. Singing several of their original songs, as well as covers of popular songs requested by those in attendance, Karen and Ashlee brought the house down indeed. With songs like “Whiskey Straight”, “Save Paris for me”, “Down by the Bayou” by Karen and “Fine me” and “Pull the trigger” by Ashlee, there was good music for everyone in attendance.

Spelling Bee – the Belize District finals
On Tuesday, April 30, students from The Island Academy showed their strong support of two peers at the 19th Annual Coco-Cola National Spelling Bee District Final in Belize City. The Belize Elementary School auditorium full of kids waved off oscitancy (excessive yawning) and hoped forapotheosis (powerful glory) or thaumaturgy (a miracle), as Standard 6 competitor Kaylee Kumul and Standard 5 contestant Zulema Ayala demonstrated their manageability of a miasmic (of fog-like density) collection of words. Unfortunately, even after BEEing encouraged by that gigantic insect, the ever-dancing A-Zee Bee, both San Pedro students were eliminated by the fourth round. Victorious spellers, First Place Nikki Sanches, from Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic School, and Second Place Danielle Mohammed-Ali, of Burrell Boom Methodist, will advance to the national finals in June. The Island Academy claque (a favorable audience) checked their aglets(plastic tip on a shoelace) and congratulated the girls on their effervescent (bubbling energy) participation. Interested protégées (apprentices) can begin studying any time for the perennial(occurring each year) contest.P1020059

San Pedro team sets new record in Mahahual at annual “Copa Gobernador” fishing tournament
A group of fishermen set a new record at the annual Governor’s Fishing Tournament in state of Quintana Roo, Mexico held on May 4th and 5th. The 22nd annual fishing tournament called “Copa Gobernador” is the largest fishing tournament in the state of Quintana Roo and takes place in the tourism community of Mahahual. Four teams from San Pedro Town participated and for the first time, a Belizean team captured the first place. The team consisting of Captain Enrique “Ricky” Marín, Josué Reyes, Kevin Kelly, Alby Godoy, and Kim Kelly also set a new record after catching a blue marlin weighing 314.5 pounds on the first day of the tournament. Team Hook Line+Sinker managed to secured 9435 points far ahead of the other fishing teams. Three other teams from San Pedro Town also participated in the intense competition. The Cuarto Poder Newspaper is reporting that one of the Belize team’s catch was disqualified, causing “controversy” and gaining major attention in the state’s press.

Ambergris Today

It’s Raining Cats in San Pedro, SAGA Reports Overpopulation on Island
Cat overpopulation in San Pedro is bad news for people and cats. Right now there are hundreds of stray and abandoned cats hiding in bodegas, alleys and only coming out at night to hunt, scavenge and reproduce. These cats rarely live longer than two years as they succumb to injuries and disease. They cause a nuisance by ripping open garbage, fighting and making noise as well as spreading infectious diseases. They have no one to love them or care for them and that is the fault of the people who allowed them to breed and continue to breed. Unfortunately, their irresponsibility has now become the responsibility of the community and SAGA Humane Society.

Action Planning for Central Belize Corridor (Forest and Maya Mountains)
The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable and the University of Belize through its Environmental Research Institute will initiate Management Action Planning for the Central Belize Corridor through a launch event from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center on Thursday May 9, 2013. Strategic partners in this initiative will include the Panthera Foundation, the German cooperation though GIZ, the Forest Department, the Fisheries Department, Department of the Environment, the Belize Zoo, Belize Audubon Society, Community Baboon Sanctuary, the Nature Conservancy and the Rancho Dolores Environmental Group as well as all private landowners and communities in the area. The Central Belize Corridor is a critical segment of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor and connects the northern block of protected forests in Belize, including the Rio Bravo, with the southern block, the Maya Mountains.

Mama Vilma’s presents “Señora, Reina de Reinas” Pageant
Mama Vilma’s Home in an effort to raise more fund for their cause will be having their first “Señora, Reina de Reinas” Pageant. Persons over 35-years of age are invited to participate. Interested persons can make contact at 627-2681 or 629-2233 or visit Mar’s Boutique for more information or contact Mrs. Shelly at El Bistro Mestizo Restaurant.

Did Students Get Married at San Pedro High School?
On May 9, 2013, I was cordially invited by the junior students at San Pedro High School to witness two wedding ceremonies. Trust me, when I was asked to attend the weddings, I was as confused as when you read the headline to my blog post. Don’t worry, the weddings were only a reenactment as part of a project of their Christian Life Choices class. Up to this day, I still remember my fun sessions of Christian Life Choices with my Principal Mr. Angel Nuñez. It was one of those classes that my peers and I looked forward to every day. Mr. Nuñez thought us many paths that we will face in life as we got more mature. Marriage was one of the topics that we came across and believe me it raised a lot of questions. The most important question was “What is Marriage?”

Misc Belizean Sources

Mama Vilma's 3rd Annual Fashion Show May 10th
San Pedro Fitness Club, 7pm

VIDEO: Ocean Academy’s Fly Fishing Class
Belizean high school students are learning the art of fly fishing and guiding in their P.E. elective at Ocean Academy Non-Profit High School on the island of Caye Caulker. Going beyond paper and pencil to fly rod and line, I share my passion with students who had never touched a fly rod before. Like us on Facebook and watch the evolution. We are always in need of equipment and scholarships. www.cayecaulkerschool.com/flyfishing. Thanks and enjoy!

Youth Artist Award Nominations
The National Institute of Culture and History is accepting nominations for the Youth Artist Award. The winner will receive a $1000 grant to be used towards education. Nominees must be between 10 and 24, and be engaged in an artisitc discipline. NICH's Institute of Creative Arts is getting ready for the Festival of Arts.

SIPL Appreciation Video
The San Ignacio Public Library has released a wonderful feelgood video that goes from inception, showing it being built, and painted with some help from the Rotary Club members, to the events they've recently done, and the schools they've hosted there for storytelling and plays. Who can forget their great rendition of 'Green Eggs and Ham?" Well done, and worth the time to watch. "The San Ignacio Public Library wishes to extend sincere gratitude to all its library patrons for their continued support to the library."

BumBastic Party Pictures
The Bumsquad had their Agric parties between the Wing Stop and Barrio Fino. News Exchange Magazine sponsored some wild nights, and Danny Chung was there capturing the festivities. DJ Alvin Duke came over from Bumsquad Ireland to have a little mixing time too. Well done!

Little Bean Update
Feelgood news of the day. Little Bean, the rescued howler monkey that's at the Primate Rehabilitation Centre, is doing great, and getting bigger. Thanks, Wildtracks! "Wildtracks Update: Now, almost a month into the Primate Rehabilitation Centre Nursery Unit appeal, we catch up with Little Bean to see how she is doing..."

Beltraide at AGRIC
Beltraide got some good pictures of the business booths at Agric.

Make-Belize Films News
Make-Belize Films, which made Kurse a di Xtabai here in Cayo, has upgraded their website, and they are listing their upcoming movies and productions. They are planning on producing 50 short movies that will focus on culture around Belize.

Channel 7

Hamel-Smith Says Church Doctrine Not Universally Against Decriminalization
Last night we showed you the beginning of the case between Caleb Orozco and the Government of Belize. Orozco is challenging Section 53 of Belize’s Criminal Code claiming that it violates his constitutional rights to privacy, dignity and equality as a gay man living in this country. Well, it seems that the rhetoric from both sides is being dialed down somewhat now that it is before the courts. The matter coming to the forefront now is that on one side, Orozco claims that the law needs to be declared unconstitutional because it violates his sexual freedom. And on the other side, those who support it say that it’s there to protect against male on male rape and child molestation. This morning, Orozco’s lead attorney, Chris Hamel-Smith spoke to the media outside of court where he briefly discussed an argument he presented before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. According to Hamel-Smith, contrary to the public perception, the different churches around the world are not uniformly against the decriminalization of homosexuality. Here’s how he explained it.

Staffer Embezzled Major Money from SATIIM
Tonight, Greg Choq’s organization, the PG-based Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management known as SATIIM, is going over its books, after a staffer reportedly embezzled as much as one hundred thousand dollars from the organization. 7news has confirmed that police have questioned the staffer about 100 thousand dollars allegedly embezzled between January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013. Information so far suggests that he made out cheques to himself and would cash them while documentation in office showed they were made out to businesses he had supposedly purchased from. The staffer was released yesterday evening, possibly pending charges as police work on their investigation which is also getting input from SATIIM’s bank. Reports say charges could be brought as early as next week. We cannot release his name at this time since no charges have been brought. Executive Director Greg Ch’oc told us that he could not comment on a matter that is before the courts.

Post Mortem Says Baby Bucket Drowning Was not Foul Play
On Monday, police said they suspected foul play in the death of one-year-old Kyle Leslie who was found dead in a bucket last Friday. But tonight the news is that after a post mortem showed no signs of foul play, the investigation has been closed, and it is being treated as an accidental death. Officer commanding for the Precinct two in Belize City, Superintendent Alford Grinage told us that the Police Forensic Pathologist found that the baby died by asphyxia due to drowning. His 19 year old mother Tanya is now proceeding with the funeral for her youngest child. She told police that she stepped out of the house briefly on Friday afternoon and when she came back inside, Kyle was face down in the bucket.

Fire Dept Confirms House Was Torched
Last night we told you about the fire that destroyed Messelina Usher’s home in Hattieville. The Fire Department has confirmed what Usher told us yesterday: Orin Smith of the Fire Department concluded that it seemed to be a case of arson. Police note that the home did not have any electricity at the time of the fire. They say the value of all the items destroyed amounted to a total value of $4,168 dollars. Police say they are seeking a man named Lloyd Banks Usher whom they believe can assist in the investigation.

Controversial Corporal Charged
31 year-old Corporal Darrell “Tutsi Usher, is out of bail tonight after he was taken to court today for allegedly beating up a school teacher. According to the teacher, at around 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, she was at a wake for Mark McKoy, one of the men who died in that terrible Western Highway accident along with Emmerson Jones and Pastor Godwin Flowers. The teacher reported to police that without warning, Usher approached her chair. He allegedly punched her in the left temple area, and kicked her in the stomach. According to her, Usher apparently was misinformed that she had insulted him earlier that day. She sought medical attention, and the doctor classified her injuries as wounding. After 2 weeks of investigation, Police arrested and charged Usher. He was arraigned today before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith, who granted him bail of $1,000, which he was able to meet. He is due back in court on July 8, 2013.

7 years for $13 Stolen Biscuits
31 year-old Mark Faber, a resident of Biscayne Village, is spending the first night of a 7 and a half-year prison sentence after he was convicted of burglary in Magistrate’s Court. 2 police officers testified in his trial before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith that at around midnight on January 21, 2013, they caught Faber in the act of burglarizing Burritos Place, while they were on mobile patrol at the Burrell Boom Junction. The officers told the court that they saw him pushing his hand into one of the wooden windows of the shop, so they detained him. They searched him and discovered 13 dollars’ worth of snacks, belonging to the establishment, and they charged him with burglary and handling stolen goods. When he was given a chance, he could not provide an adequate defence, and he even put himself at the scene on the night in question. After considering the evidence presented before her, Chief Magistrate Smith ruled that the prosecution provided adequate evidence which proved Faber’s guilt.

The Aftermath of December Shooting Is Paralysis For City Man
We report on many shootings that don’t result in fatalities, and sometimes we say, “fortunately, so-and-so survived”, or that the “injuries were not life threatening.” And that’s usually the end of it, the media moves unto the next event, in the expectation and hope that shooting victim recovers. But there is no happily ever after for one victim, whose shooting was not even reported. It happened on a night of terror at BTL park, December 15, 2012 when a concert featuring local artists erupted into public terror after a gang brawl broke out and three salvos of shots were fired. Hundreds of terrified concert goers made a desperate dash for safety: four persons were stabbed and one shot. Tonight, one of those victims is in the fight of his life. 22 year old Gregory Jones who claims that he was socializing with his girlfriend has been left paralyzed from his chest down and is suffering from a terrible, consuming case of bedsores which is causing him to nasty infections. His family told 7news today that they are trying to get better medical assistance for him across the border.

PUP Re-making The Village Council Rules
Village Council elections start this weekend – and both major mass parties are gearing up for battle. Now, the elections shouldn’t be partisan, but they are – and often-times viciously so. But not for the PUP, not this time; they say they want to play the game right. Now, we know in Belize’s poisoned political culture – the word “right” doesn’t sit too well with either red or blue, and when it comes to election time conduct, all bets on good behavior are off! But, this time around the PUP say they want public officers who administer the elections, including police, to change a culture that their own party played a large part in creating. At a press conference this afternoon, Deputy Leader Julius Espat explained. Hon Julius Espat - PUP Deputy Leader "We are therefore calling on public officers who are assigned to supervise Village Council elections - to ensure non-political intereferance and allow the people in these communities to elect their own leaders. We are also calling the CEO's and Heads of Department to remind their staff that they must not take part in electioneering and vehicles in their care should not be used for transportation of UDP supporters. We are calling on the general public also to be vigilant and ensure and that they document by use of their telephones and cameras, any government vehicles that are on the ground. My message to the government of the day 'we the Belizean people will be watching you but this time it will not only be watching, we will be documenting you and we will be putting you on every media we possibly can."

Australia And Belize Come Up With Best Practices For Reef Management
What do Australia and Belize have in common? Not much except for having the two of the largest reef systems in the world. And that’s why this week managers of both reef systems are teaming up in a 3 day workshop to share ideas and devise best practices. Dr. Paul Marshall, from Australia explained common challenges both reef systems face. Dr. Paul Marshall - Change Program Manager, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority "Even though Australia and Belize are so far apart - our reefs share many of the same challenges. In Australia one of our biggest issues is pollution from the land, mostly fertilizers that are coming off farms and this actually can really undermine the ability of coral reefs to deal with other pressures like climate change. You have big challenges from coral bleaching which we also have. Coral reefs are much more susceptible to Coral bleaching if they are under stress from pollution. So understanding that there are linkages is very crucial because it helps us to identify things we can do as people who live along the coast and people who care about reefs. It's such a fascinating and important challenge for people to grapple with the vulnerability of these systems that seem so large and so permanent but they're not. Coral reefs are built by living organisms and they are very fragile and very vulnerable."

OCEANA Says GOB Should Stop Treaty Energy
And staying with the marine matters, OCEANA also held a press conference today. We gather it’s to respond to the prime minister’s response to OCEANA’s response to the Supreme Court judgment about offshore drilling. Yes, that is a lot of responding, but today OCEANA still wanted one more bite at the already much bitten cherry. For Audrey Matura – Shepherd, that last word is that companies which want to continue drilling – and are not directly injuncted against doing so - should be stopped by the government. Audrey Matura Shepherd - OCEANA Vice President "I think that that's the quagmire we are in - where we have a government which should be a law abiding government, a government that should operate within the rule of law it is that government would then have to police. But if you give a statement that 'we will allow and have the concession holders decide how we will proceed next' - what you have done is relinquish your responsibility as the government of this country and handing it over to a set of companies that the law has said don't even qualify under the law to even have a contract. But until they violate we will not move the court and so we would call on all Belizean - everyone, even public officers need to know that the government cannot tell them 'give them the permit'."

The Cruel Killing Of A Crocodile
Tonight, the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary and the Forestry Department are gathering information to detain 4 minors in connection with the brutal killing of a crocodile on San Pedro. According to ACES, they received a call on Saturday that 4 twelve year-old boys were dragging a tied up crocodile along a dirt roads near the airstrip in the San Pedrita Area. One of the boys reportedly jammed a PVC pipe down the crocodile’s throat. ACES personnel immediately responded and they found the battered and beaten crocodile in a bushy area. They did everything that they could for the crocodile, but it was beyond help, and it died later that day. The Forestry Department has indicated that they will bring charges against the perpetrators of this crocodile’s death. It belongs to the American Crocodile Species, which is protected around the world.

CITCO sand SIF Reach Agreement After Stop Order
A few weeks ago on April 22nd we told you about the Buttonwood Bay drainage project launched by area representative Santino Castillo. But one day later the City Council led by his future opponent at a UDP convention Mayor Darrell Bradley put a stop order on those works because the project did not provide for the repairing of streets after BWSL dug it up. So that was the impasse for over two weeks, but today a release form the City Council says that the Social Investment fund has agreed to expand the scope of works to REPAIR Pike Crescent, E Street and Park Avenue – the council will then concrete Buttonwood Bay Boulevard. With that agreed the stop order has been lifted.

BEL Says OK to PUC Plan
Last week Friday, 7News showed you the press conference in which PUC Chairman John Avery explained the slight rate reduction to the Social Class of customers from 29 cents to 26 cents per kilowatt hour. Well tonight, BEL is reporting that they are still in the process of going over the Annual Rate Review, but they find this decision from the PUC favorable. BEL had originally asked the PUC to reduce the average electricity rate by about one cent per kilowatt-hour. The PUC proposed a reduction of even less than that, about one quarter of one cent per kilowatt hour.

Major Works Released By Belizean Author
You may know Doctor Corinth Morter-Lewis as an educator, but she’s really a writer and a poet – and today she launched two major works. They compile stories, poems and plays from 55 years of writing, a staggering total of 76 poems, two short stories and one play. The collection divided into two volumes is called “Moments In Time” and it was launched today to well-deserved bouquets of praise from life long fans. They spoke at the event, which was held at the Leo Bradley Library. Adele Ramos - Reviewer - Moments In Time "Moments in Time reflect our unique Belizean experience. There have been books published, tons of books but to be quite honest I have never seen a production where you can turn the pages and you keep seeing yourself and your experience and who we were, where we were, things we used to say, enjoy, things we still enjoy." Jose Sanchez - Reviewer - Moments In Time "There's a poem about the intricacies of 'Pepitos' and another called 'Ecstasy' and surely the mango that she wrote about was not meant for the ears of children. The poem, short stories and the play are all living testimonials of a gradual shift same as the tectonic plate shift sometimes slowly beneath the ocean, sometimes violently - but it's a craft that shifts along the history of Belize. Feel free to paddle in your leisure on the river of Moments in Time Volume 1."

The Gift Of A House
Today the Rotary Club of Belize alongside Hand in Hand Ministries handed over a brand-new two bedroom house to a much needed family in Belize City. As a part of their humanitarian agenda – this is not the first home that has been built to assist struggling families. With annual fundraising activities, the group manages to build at least one house per year. The Rotary President told us more. Maria Coye - President, Rotary Club of Belize "Well we just blessed a house that the Rotary Club built for the Avilas and we did it in collaboration with the Hand in Hand Ministry. One of the things that we do as a Rotary Club we do a lot of humanitarian work in Belize and internationally and the Rotary Club of Belize - we do build houses. This is just another house that we built so we do fundraising. We select certain projects for the year and one of those projects is that on an annual basis we build a house for a needy family."

Channel 5

Closing arguments for UNIBAM in Caleb Orozco versus Attorney General
Day two of Caleb Orozco versus the Attorney-General of Belize wrapped up after four this afternoon before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Orozco is challenging the constitutionality of the section fifty-three of the Criminal Code. Lead counsel for Orozco, Christopher Hamel Smith closed arguments while Lord Peter Goldsmith, made submissions on behalf of three foreign interested [...]

Holy See and Anglican Church views on homosexuality in court
And while that was the case submitted by Orozco’s lead counsel in a nutshell, Christopher Hamel-Smith spent quite a bit of time dealing with the fourth to sixth interested parties in the trial, the Churches. He spoke on the diversity of views allowed and supported by the Constitution of Belize, and likened that to the [...]

UNIBAMer feels threatened because he’s gay
In a release from the Belize Council of Churches issued on May sixth, they reiterate their intention to stand against, “Any and all changes in the Constitution of Belize that will not promote the sanctity of human sexual relations as established by God.” But in that same release, the churches condemn any act of violence, [...]

The faithful and the gay fight over poll
And while taking issue with homosexuals who want to have their cake and eat it too, Pastor Louis Wade took issue with our online poll which is an unscientific measure of public opinion. The question this week was ‘Do you support the decriminalization of sodomy,’ and the response has been overwhelming; at news time over [...]

National issues to be discussed at O.A.S. Gen. Assembly in June
There is another issue of national importance that is brewing…that is the referendum on taking the territorial dispute to the ICJ this year. News from Washington is that Guatemala has agreed to hold one in the not too distant future.  Foreign Ministers, Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington and Fernando Carrera of Guatemala met this morning along with [...]

Who’s got the purse strings? P.U.P. has new agenda
The People’s United Party has launched its Village Council election agenda entitled True Development. The brief ceremony took place today at Independence Hall and featured addresses from P.U.P. leaders from the North, South, East and West of the country. But while the development agenda was on the table, the discussion was all about reality, and [...]

OCEANA may seek injunction against Treaty Energy for continued drilling
On Tuesday, Louisiana-based energy company Treaty Energy Corporation announced its plan for Treaty Belize Energy to resume drilling operations at its San Juan three well in the Stann Creek District.  The decision succeeds advice from their attorneys and Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s public opposition to a recent Supreme Court decision rendered by Justice Oswell Legall. [...]

OCEANA tells P.M. to take criticism to court
Matura-Shepherd also commented on the prime minister’s open objection to the Supreme Court ruling in favor of Oceana during his quarterly press conference last week.  P.M. Barrow described the judgment handed down by Justice Oswell Legall as both egregious and aberrant.  According to Matura-Shepherd, as a matter of ethics, the prime minister’s protest should have [...]

Burglar shot dead; mom says cop murdered him
This Friday will make three weeks since twenty-one year old Ryan Lozano of Ladyville was shot and killed by a cop. That officer, believed to be a high ranking officer attached to the Ladyville Police Sub-formation, is said to have fatally wounded Lozano following a burglary in the Los Lagos Community. An internal police investigation [...]

Governors of Central Bank from the CARICOM region
Financial experts from the region are in Belize for the fourth bi-annual meeting of Governors of Central Bank from the CARICOM region.  Aside from the governors, other participants are from the CARICOM Secretariat, the Caribbean Centre for Money and Finance, the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre, the International Monetary Fund and the Caribbean Financial Action [...]

Educator Corinth Lewis pens Moments in Time, Volumes 1 & 2
Academic and scholar, doctor Corinth Morter Lewis released two not one, publications this morning. Lewis’ books will be enjoyed by both children and adults. Combined they are a compilation of short stories, plays and poetry. At the launch this morning, the Governor General introduced Lewis as the Renaissance woman who was interested in the likes [...]

Cop arraigned for wounding woman
A cop was arraigned in courtroom of Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith this morning for Wounding a teacher. The incident happened in Hattieville on April twenty fifth when family and friends were holding a repast for the late Mark McKoy, one of three men who were fatally injured in a traffic accident at Mile Six [...]

Stealing from cookie jar; 7 years for cookie burglary
Thirty-one year old Mark Faber, an unemployed resident of Biscayne Village, was today sentenced to seven and a half years in prison after being found guilty of Burglary for stealing from the cookie jar.  On the night of January second, Faber was caught red-handed by a pair of officers as he was stealing from inside [...]

3 new cases of carnal knowledge; one is pregnant
There are three cases of carnal knowledge to report tonight. The latest allegation is against twenty-six year old Edwin Coye. On Tuesday afternoon, Coye was surprised by police in an abandoned house in the Belama Phase four area with a fourteen year old student.  Both were taken to the police station where the student reported [...]

Settling the score with a bake-off competition
Four Belize City high schools competed this afternoon in a bake off. The students pulled out their aprons and cooking utensils but they had one secret ingredient to incorporate in their recipes. The aroma of freshly baked pastry permeated the YWCA compound, but in the end there could be only one recipe that swayed the [...]

LOVE FM

Day 2 Ends On Orozco vs Attorney General on Homosexual Issue
Caleb Orozco Vs the Attorney General of Belize continued today in the court room of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Attorney for Caleb Orozco Christopher Hamel-Smith was allowed over an hour to complete his arguments today. After concluding, Queen’s Counsel Lord Peter Goldsmith p...

Opposition Party Calls Press Conference On Upcoming Village Council Elections
It is village council elections time and the People’s United Party has already introduced its 14-point list of pledges. At a press conference today at its Queen Street party headquarters, the PUP’s Area Representatives, Julius Espat, Dolores Balderamos Garcia and Dr. ...

Central Bank of Belize Hosts Meeting of CARICOM Central Bank Governors
In fulfilling its mandate as an official organ of the regional integration movement, the Committee of CARICOM Central Bank Governors meets biennially in a member country as the chairmanship is rotated. This year the Central Bank of Belize will be hosting the 40th Bi-Annual Meeting of C...

Rotary Club Builds New Home For Family of Seven
A family of seven is tonight sleeping comfortable after they received a new home. The Rotary Club of Belize in partnership with Hand in Hand Ministries this afternoon handed over the keys to the brand new home to Jose Avila and his family. According to President of Rotary Club of Beliz...

Belizean Literary Stalwart Launches Two Volumes of Moments In Time
One of Belize’s literary stalwart, Dr. Corinth Morter-Lewis, today launch yet another of her literary works at the Leo Bradley Library in Belize City. The launching ceremony was for the first and second volume of “Moments in Time Volume -A Collection of Poems, Short Stories...

Oceana Explains Supreme Court Ruling
Today Oceana in Belize called a news conference to explain what the recent Supreme Court ruling means and what its steps next are in its fight against offshore drilling. People will remember that on April 16th, Justice Oswall Legall, ruled in favour of Oceana. Oceana had ch...

Police In Southern Belize Investigates Two Cases of Carnal Knowledge
Two other cases of carnal knowledge have been reported, this time in the Toledo District. A 19-year-old unemployed of Dangriga Town is facing charges of carnal knowledge after reportedly, impregnating a 14-year-old female of Punta Gorda Town. According to the police, the yo...

Minor Admits To Sex With Belize City Man; Man Faces Carnal Knowledge Charge
Belize City police are currently investigating a report of carnal knowledge. Acting upon information received, police officers went to an abandoned house on Apollo Street in the Belama Phase Four area on Tuesday, April 7 at around 4:30pm. Upon their arrival at the location,...

Ariel Rosado Memorial Education Foundation Says Bike Ride Was Successful
On April 20 the Ariel Rosado Memorial Bike Ride was held and saw the participation of just under two hundred riders. It was the second year that the bike ride was held in memory of cyclist and sports enthusiast Ariel Rosado who lost his life in a terrible accident years ago. The ride w...

Biscayne Resident Gets Seven Years For Stealing Biscuits, Chips and Chocolate
Thirty-one year old Mark Faber, a laborer of Biscayne Village who pushed his hand through the window of a fast food shop and stole grocery items amounting to $13, was sentenced to 7 years for burglary and 6 months for handling stolen goods today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie smit...

Day One Of Orozco vs Attorney General of Belize Concludes In Supreme Court
The most awaited court challenge of Caleb Orozco Vs. the Attorney General of Belize gave way in the Supreme Court this morning. The case which was scheduled to begin at 9:00 am got off to a late start at about 10:30 a.m. The court was packed to capacity as representatives from both sid...

PlusTV

Challenge to the Belize’s Sodomy Law enters second day
The second day of the trial between Caleb Orozco, figurehead of the movement to decriminalize sodomy, and the Government of Belize began in the Supreme Court this morning with concluding arguments from Trinidadian Queen’s Counsel Christopher Hamel-Smith. He went through various reports looking at the impact of HIV on...

Belize Council of Churches issue press release on homosexuality
In response to the lawsuit filed by Orosco, the Belize Council of Churches issued a press release today. The Belize Council of churches is made up of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan, The Anglican Diocese of Belize, The Belize/Honduras District of the Methodist Church, The...

UNIBAM and supporters apparently high jack Channel 5 poll
UNIBAM and its supporters apparently high jacked a channel 5 poll today. Now internet polling has never been considered scientific in any regard but, they may still offer some idea as to where a specific population is headed. The poll question on the channel 5 website is “Do you...

Agronomist suggests alternatives to Rosewood
Rosewood is a highly prized and a much sought after timber. In Belize, the timber is found primarily in the Toledo district in low-lying coastal areas. The District, which once boasted over 85% forest coverage, has been losing some 5000 acres of forest each year. Rosewood was being extracted...

Minister Lisel Alamilla explains Cabinet’s position on enforcement duties
In more Rosewood related news, information recently circulated suggests that Cabinet has tried to block enforcement duties on the part of the Ministry of Forestry and Fisheries and Sustainable Development and Department of the Environment, particularly with regard to Rosewood. Today, Minister Lisel Alamilla issued a response. Minister Lisel...

BCSNH reply to PM’s comments on Judge’s decision
After a few false starts, two of the three claimants in last month’s Supreme Court judgment quashing six production sharing agreements for various violations of local law and policy, OCEANA in Belize and the Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage (BCSNH) hosted the press in Belize City to...

Man detained pending carnal knowledge charge
Belize City Police were tipped off about suspicious movements at an abandoned house in the Belama Phase 4 area yesterday afternoon. There they saw a 26 year old man, who lives at another house on the street. He was with a 14 year old girl. Police took both of...

Oil exploration continues despite injunction
Activity continues in the South off Punta Gorda in the hunt for petroleum despite the injunction granted by Justice Oswell Legall last month. Today Minister for Fisheries Lisel Alamilla told us the next move of Providence Energy, which has a block in the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. Lisel Alamilla...

Five family members charged with armed robbery of Belize City taxi driver
Five family members, one of whom is a 14 year old, have been charged in the armed robbery of a Belize City taxi man. The suspects, all residents of Supal Street – 27 year old Kareem Williams, 23 year old Cathelee, 19 year old Kevin Alvarez Reyes, 19 year...

Dr. Corinth Morter Lewis releases new books
Author, poet and educator Dr. Corinth Morter Lewis, who served as President of the University of Belize from 2003-2007, has released two volumes of fiction, poetry and plays for a wide audience under the name “Moments in Time”. Dr. Lewis has been writing poetry for five decades and previously...

Gill Nets must be registered
The Belize Fisheries Department, today issued a release advising the public that anyone who intends to engage in fishing, using a non prohibited gill net, is required to apply to the Fisheries Administrator to register the gill net, using Form I of the Second Schedule. This is in accordance...

Blogs

Treat yourself to summer school in the Jungle!
Education doesn’t need to be boring. In fact, it can be quite an adventure. One of the things Chaa Creek prides itself on is providing an informal learning experience for our guests by stimulating interest in Belize’s fascinating history, natural environment and culture, and then providing the tools to follow up that interest. For example, guests can wander up to the Belize Natural History Centre (NHC) and get a glimpse into the local ecology, Maya culture, flora and wildlife at their own pace, and then feel free to ask our knowledgeable licenced naturalist guides questions. Since we’re situated in the very Heartland of the Maya, there’s no better place to learn about this enigmatic ancient culture, for it’s all around you. As another example, while running electricity into the Chaa Creek gift shop some years ago, we unearthed a perfectly preserved chultun, an ancient Maya storeroom, and the NHC has more examples of Maya artefacts we’ve uncovered over the years.

Amazing Belmopan Round-about Statue [Illustration]
This is an illustration of the statue found by the round-about in Belmopan City. It was done with Adobe Illustrator using a cubism touch. It can be customized to any preferred size or color. It is a limited edition and we can also frame it for you for an additional fee. It makes an excellent gift for those wonderful mothers or friends. Anybody that is seriously interested in purchasing this piece (either digitally or printed) can email us at [email protected].

“I Like Chinese” in Ambergris Caye, Belize
Spent the early part (well around 8 am so not that early) of yesterday morning sending an email to Benny’s to establish if they will supply us with electrical appliances e.g. ovens (ranges for non UK readers), microwaves, a washer, dryer, TVs absent import tax (because of my acceptance in to the “QRP”). They were very quick in responding to my enquiry and confirmed that any goods supplied – provided I prove proof of entry in to the programme – would be supplied without applying the tax. They also supplied links so that Rose and I can see what is available. We now need to make selections, obtain prices and do a cost comparison against the cost of buying in the States and shipping to Ambergris Caye. Next job on the ‘to do’ list which I will start tackling today. Whilst I was focusing on the appliances Rose spent time deliberating over the choice of tile for her bathroom and having made her decision made the entry on the spreadsheet she has prepared (detailing the tiles we have chosen by room – name, dimensions, reference number and price per square foot) that we will now send to Daniel Camal, our building contractor. We then had a frantic rush to get to Pedro’s Inn by noon for lunch in advance of the Chelsea v Tottenham Premiership game that could prove to be pivotal in Arsenal’s efforts to achieve Champions League football next season. This time Pedro (aka Peter) had organised lunch with a difference – a Chinese meal prepared by Chon Saan Palace (Kelly Street, Belize City) and flown over to Ambergris Caye on a Tropic Air flight. Shades of David Beckham and his pie and mash being flown from London to Los Angeles! OK, not quite!

Vaccination: The Hidden Truth
Do vaccinations cause more childhood diseases than they prevent? If you have small children in your family, you owe it to them to become aware of these startling facts. This hard-hitting video will shock you. The truth it reveals is that vaccinations do not reduce the incidence of childhood diseases. To the contrary, they increase them. They can also cause a multitude of illnesses that are far worse than the childhood diseases themselves. This program was produced in Australia and features contributions from medical doctors, authors, researchers, and victims. If you have small children in your family, you owe it to them to become aware of these facts. In this extremely informative video, fifteen people, including Dr. Viera Scheibner (a PhD researcher), five medical doctors, other researchers, reveal what is really going on in relation to illness and vaccines. Ironically, the important facts come from the orthodox medicine’s own peer-reviewed research. With so much government and medical promotion of vaccination for prevention of disease, the video is clearly devoted to presenting the other side of the issue that parents and others are not being told. The result is a damning account of the ineffectiveness of vaccines and their often harmful effects. It declares that parents are not being told the truth by the media, the Health Department and the medical establishment, with a medical doctor, Dr. Mark Donohoe, confessing that “It is a problem for me that I am part of a profession that is systematically lying to people…”

International Sources

Taiwan and Belize to Strengthen Bilateral Investment Cooperation
A delegation of six industry leaders from Belize called on the Department of Investment Services (DOIS), Ministry of Economic Affairs on April 23 to exchange views on strengthening cooperation in the promotion of bilateral investment, trade, and economic relations. The delegation was led by Mr. Daniel Gueerero, mayor of San Pedro, and included Herbert Hugh Hay Lock, president of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BITA); Israel Ivan Marin, councilor of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Khub Chand Vanjani, member of the board of directors of the Corozal Commercial Free Zone; Jimmy Vanjani, a trading company executive; and Ms. Marilyn Suzette Pinelo, a BITA specialist. The Belize visitors noted that their country is rich in natural resources and beautiful landscapes, and is blessed with a hard-working people. In addition, the government offers a number of inducements to invest. One of these is the Corozal Commercial Free Zone, in which wholesale and retail companies enjoy duty-free treatment. Taiwanese businessmen can set up wholesale and retail bases there and import quality products from Taiwan into the zone, and then sell them on to the Mexican and North American markets. Mayor Guerrero pointed out that Belize is one of the member states of the Caribbean Common Market, and that it has signed FTAs with other countries including Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. In addition, its export products enjoy preferential tariff treatment in the U.S. under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) program and the provisions of the European Union. Gueerero suggested that Taiwanese manufacturers make use of these advantages to cooperate with Belize manufacturers in setting up production bases for products and parts which will be eligible for this favorable tariff treatment. Such cooperation will boost economic and trade relations between Taiwan and Belize.

Moody's: Debt overhang will continue to constrain Belize's sovereign rating
Belize's Caa2 government bond rating will likely remain in the Caa range for the next two to four years, given persistently high debt ratios and two defaults in the past seven years, says Moody's Investors Service in its latest report on Belize. Two default events reveal the country's low debt tolerance and signal diminished institutional willingness and ability to service external debt, according the report "Credit Analysis: Belize, Government of." Moody's says government debt on the order of 70% of GDP, coupled with limited fiscal and foreign exchange buffers, impairs Belize's credit outlook and leaves the country vulnerable to adverse shocks that can materially impact government creditworthiness. Debt servicing capacity is likely to decline as Belize exhausts its limited oil reserves. At the current rate of extraction, oil exports are set to decline to around 1% to 2% of GDP by the middle of the decade, from a high of 11% of GDP in 2011, impairing both fiscal revenues and foreign exchange earnings, says Moody's. Compensation claims arising from the nationalization of two utilities during 2009 - 2011 - Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) -- could pose significant credit risks. Currently in litigation, the materialization of sizeable BEL/BTL liabilities would significantly increase the likelihood of another external debt restructuring, says Moody's. Contingent liabilities could also stem from a weak banking sector, as poor credit quality and under-provisioning for impaired loans has led to a marked deterioration in capital adequacy ratios and profitability indicators. In April, Moody's upgraded the government bond rating to Caa2 from Ca after Belize restructured its sole foreign currency bond, the US$547 million "Superbond" due in 2029. The distressed debt exchange represented Belize's second debt restructuring since 2006. The upgrade balanced an improvement in the government's liquidity position following a pre-emptive restructuring of its external commercial debt, against a debt overhang that was not cured by the default and continues to impair Belize's solvency, says the rating agency. For more information, Moody's research subscribers can access this report at http://www.moodys.com/research/Belize-Government-of-Analysis--PBC_153362.

BELIZE COURT HEARS CLOSING ARGUMENT IN PENAL CODE ANTI-SODOMY CASE
Today, on Day Two of Caleb Orozco and the United Belize Advocacy Movement’s (UBIBAM) constitutional challenge of Belize’s Section 53 anti-sodomy law, lead attorney Christopher Smith‐Hamel SC, made his closing arguments. During his closing, he quoted Bishop Desmond Tutu, the Anglican humanitarian leader from South Africa: “’Our lesbian and gay brothers and sisters across Africa and elsewhere are living in fear, and they are living in hiding…Exclusion is never the way forward on our shared path to freedom and justice.’” Following Smith-Hamel’s closing arguments, submissions were made by Lord Peter Goldsmith representing the three law-related international human rights organizations (Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Human Dignity Trust and the International Society of Jurists) who have intervened in the case in support of the Claimants. Lord Goldsmith examined the issue from a global perspective, demonstrating that a large number of Commonwealth and other countries have decriminalized same sex conduct, among them, India, Armenia, the Balkans, New Zealand and Azerbaijan. During his submission, Lord Goldsmith commented about what we keep exclaiming here on OBLOGDEE:

Supreme Court hears closing arguments from attorneys urging strike down of anti-sodomy law
At the end of a second day of hearings around the country’s anti-sodomy law, Belize’s Supreme Court heard closing arguments from attorneys pushing for the country to remove the law, citing its unconstitutionality. Under the Central American country’s code, gay citizens currently face a penalty of up to ten years’ imprisonment. Section 53 states: “Every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years.” The United Belize Advocacy Movement, UNIBAM, is part of a constitutional challenge to overturn the ban on same-sex sexual activity, in the case of Caleb Orozco v the Attorney General of Belize. Chris Hamel-Smith, the lead counsel for claimant Mr Orozco, yesterday urged the court to look carefully at the constitution, citing the right to privacy, home and family life, and the recognition of human dignity of every individual.

John McAfee keeps riding the crazy train
Int'l man of mystery tells Slashdot about crushed testicles, drugs, VICE. When we left off, former software impresario and all-around goofball John McAfee had fled Central America and landed in, of all places, Portland, Oregon. Now he's speaking publicly, offering up stories about his life like: I had my right testicle shattered by a hammer in 1974 when I ran afoul of some local drug barons in Oaxaca. It's the size of a grape now and shaped like a small frisbee. And: I was also taking more drugs weekly than most of you will do in a lifetime, and I was a totally indiscriminate user. Whatever came across my desk went up my nose, down my throat, in my veins or up the nether region. The stories get stranger from there.

The Belize LGBT Anti-Sodomy Law Trial Day Two
I entered to an empty court room, now cool and quiet on a beautiful Belize morning. A beautiful woman comes in alone, sits down in the audience section, clasps her rosary between her two hands and prays silently. A few minutes later, a priest (I presume; he is wearing a dog collar) then enters and moves toward the the woman. They embrace. It is clear that this case touches deeply held beliefs on both sides. But this scene also tells us that there are also deeply held emotions. Now two porters come in with boxes holding the massive library of materials needed by both sets of advocates. The advocate tables are covered with thick volumes. Now the advocates are filing in, smiling at one another, shaking hands on both sides. Such is the majesty of the court: Two sets of people completely at sixes and sevens with each other, but showing each other respect, civility, cordiality. Would that all of us could manifest such decency in our daily lives. The Chief Justice enters. We all rise and bow to him as his takes his seat on the hand carved rosewood chair with an intrically carved phineal in the shape of a crowned globe on the back. The advocate for the plaintiff now starts.

Was Darwin Wrong?
Evolution by natural selection, the central concept of the life's work of Charles Darwin, is a theory. It's a theory about the origin of adaptation, complexity, and diversity among Earth's living creatures. If you are skeptical by nature, unfamiliar with the terminology of science, and unaware of the overwhelming evidence, you might even be tempted to say that it's "just" a theory. In the same sense, relativity as described by Albert Einstein is "just" a theory. The notion that Earth orbits around the sun rather than vice versa, offered by Copernicus in 1543, is a theory. Continental drift is a theory. The existence, structure, and dynamics of atoms? Atomic theory. Even electricity is a theoretical construct, involving electrons, which are tiny units of charged mass that no one has ever seen. Each of these theories is an explanation that has been confirmed to such a degree, by observation and experiment, that knowledgeable experts accept it as fact. That's what scientists mean when they talk about a theory: not a dreamy and unreliable speculation, but an explanatory statement that fits the evidence. They embrace such an explanation confidently but provisionally—taking it as their best available view of reality, at least until some severely conflicting data or some better explanation might come along. The rest of us generally agree. We plug our televisions into little wall sockets, measure a year by the length of Earth's orbit, and in many other ways live our lives based on the trusted reality of those theories.

May 8, 2013

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The latest Tia Chocolate column is ready for reading!!!
Defiant, Part III:
Somehow, her life started getting back on track. She had hated the feeling of dependence, especially when her son looked at her like she was the only person in the world that mattered. In a few months, she had felt the kind of fierce love and possessiveness she had only heard of. She had thought that once upon a time, she had loved her baby’s father, but looking into the soft brown eyes of her innocent little boy, she knew that was nothing compared to what she felt now. If life was to work out, she would make every effort, if only for the tiny human being that depended on her.

The San Pedro Sun

Captured croc tortured to death in San Pedro
For the last several weeks the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary ACES team has been concentrating on capturing and relocating problematic crocodiles in the San Pedrito/Airstrip area of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye. Permitted by the Belize Forestry Department to address crocodile problems in Belize, ACES had been asked to remove crocodiles from the area due to safety concerns in regards to their proximity to the tarmac. Neighbors in the area have also asked ACES to remove the crocs as some have lost their dogs to the opportunistic predators. With a netted trap setup in a canal alongside the airstrip, the team routinely checks to see if a croc has been captured. When they are successful, scientific data is collected on the animal and then it is relocated far away from people or detained in a permanent holding facility. Over the weekend, local children pulled one of the captured crocodiles from the ACES trap and brutally tortured it to death.

Zillah Flota is Miss Chiquitita 2013-2014
It is a pageant held as a fundraiser for the San Pedro Pre School, and this year, four little beauties went onstage in the hopes of capturing the tiara and title of Miss Chiquitita. At 8PM on Saturday May 4th, the pageant kicked off with a dance number that introduced each of the girls: Zillah Flota, Seydi Francela, Destiney Gonzalez and Emy Segovia. The crowd that gathered at the Central Park was enthusiastic in their applause and encouragement of each child, and it was apparent that the five judges would have a hard time handing down their decision. Felix Ayuso, Yakarelis Hernandez, LilianaNuñez, Caitlyn Stolley and Marivel Gomez were tasked with judging the girls on their poise, talent and overall charm and performance on stage. Melly Badillo and Dalinda Guerrero were the tabulators for the evening.

PM Barrow returns from SICA meeting in Costa Rica
The Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow is back in the country after attending a meeting of Heads of State of the Central American Integrated System (SICA) of which US President Barrack Obama was a guest. The SICA meeting took place in Costa Rica on May 3rd and 4th and the highlight of the meeting was a meeting of the regional SICA Heads of State with President Obama where issues related to the regional economy, drugs and security were discussed. The SICA meeting was planned to coincide with Obama’s visit to Costa Rica on the invitation of President Laura Chinchilla. According to official media releases from Costa Rica all Heads of State of Central America including Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, an open critic of Obama, was present. The Central American leaders, in speaking to President Obama highlighted that if there is not increased cooperation on behalf of the main consumer of the drug (United States), the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime will not be enough. , said Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Dominates in Mahahual, Mexico Fishing Tournament
The Governor's Fishing Cup XXII Mahahual 2013 was a total success as the crew of the vessel Hook Line & Sinker of San Pedro Belize, took first place with a score of 9,435. Nobody could exceed 314 lbs of the stunning blue marlin caught by the vessel "Hook Line + Sinka", claiming to be the big winner of the fishing competition. According to reports, the 314-pound blue marlin caught by the fishermen of San Pedro is the largest in an official tournament and is a historic catch. Team "Hook Line + Sinka" consisted of Captain Joshua Reyes and fisher folk - Kevin Kelly, Alby Godoy, Ricky Marin and Kim Kelly.

Flashbacks: Casita over the Sea
Fishermen and tourist guides have always found it fascinating and a convenience to build small ‘bodegas’ or storage space on the pier and very close to their operating stations. Most fishermen would build these ‘bodeguitas’ over the lagoon on the west side of Ambergris Caye. There they would store fishing lines, hooks, sinkers, rod and reels, nets, hook sticks, and even diving masks and fins. The next day it is very convenient to pick up the equipment and put it into the boat for another day at sea. The tourist guides, on the other hand, would build their ‘bodeguitas’ on the east or front side of Ambergris Caye. There they would store, let me see, masks and fins, snorkels, sun block, and perhaps a dive tank or two.

25 Years Ago: Strange Home Remedies to Remove Head Lice!
A lot of parents used the extermination method, more or less as we would use an insecticide to get rid of all kinds of insects, mosquitoes, flies, roaches etc. Therefore they would rub the head with kerosene, yes kerosene, until it was fully moist. Not oblivious of the fact that kerosene was sort of a harmful chemical, some parents opted to use Dettol, a brand name of a disinfectant. Dettol was used to disinfect hospitals and homes, the floors and walls of bathrooms as well as the basins and toilet bowls. Imagine walking about with smell of Dettol coming from your head.

Misc Belizean Sources

Crime Reports in Belize
interesting new website. see how long they stay at it.... belizecrime.crowdmap.com

National Bank of Belize
A National Bank of Belize is on its way. The Belize Social Security Board (SSB) funds will form part of bank’s pool. Minister Joy Grant: “We intend to accept deposits and turn this into a full-scale bank…” Minister of Energy, Science and Technology, and Public Utilities Joy Grant will head the new National Bank of Belize, which Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced will be established to force commercial banks to revisit their interest rates, but which will also serve as a vehicle through which the Government will supply an initial $20 million for residential mortgages at a rate of 6.5%. “This is a wonderful idea whose time has come…” said Barrow, adding that, “We mean to take it to the limit where this thing is concerned… We expect to be giving people a better return on their deposits than the commercial banks are doing.”

US oil company to restart drilling operations in Belize
Treaty Energy Corporation, a US-based energy company, has announced a new operational structure for its subsidiary company, Treaty Belize Energy Ltd, along with the recommencement of drilling operations in Belize. Treaty Energy Corporation's CEO, Andrew Reid, announced that Max Mohamed has been appointed to be the president and CEO of Treaty Belize Energy Ltd. Mohamed is a geologist and has been overseeing Treaty Energy's exploration for oil in Belize, pertaining to the two hundred thousand acres of Princess Petroleum's onshore concession. Treaty Belize Energy has drilled three wells so far on the concession, the San Juan #1, San Juan #2 and San Juan #3. While in the process of drilling on San Juan #3, a Supreme Court ruling was issued against the government of Belize, concerning several offshore concessions, including the Princess Petroleum Concession. Two of these offshore concessions included a small acreage onshore, one of which is the Princess Petroleum Concession.

VIDEO: Total chaos at the vital statistics / registration office in Belize
You would think with the new office for the vital statistics that things would have improved but, exactly the contrary is true. People stand and wait for hours at a time only to get the news that they will have to come back tomorrow or they lost the application. Some folks had been coming back for days to get the same results. The air is thick with anger and frustration as the sole guy searching trough the chaos of mixed up papers exchanges curse words with one of the guy that just got told to come back making you wonder how long it will take for a riot to break out. Something has to be done A.S.A.P. because whatever they are doing IS NOT working.

VIDEO: Silk Cayes Marine Reserve
Join us on a day tour, two tank dive-snorkel combo as we depart from Placencia Village. Silk Cayes aka Queen Cayes is a protected area and managed by S.E.A. Belize "Southern Environmental Association" The Gladden Split & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve lies within the central region of the Barrier Reef off the coast of Placencia Village. Thanks for sharing and choosing Belize as your vacation destination.

Bleach My Bones Demo Video
Rick Galvez, aka the Nudist, has the demo video for his song Bleach My Bones out. It's interesting, to say the least. Cayo has some great talent. Give it a watch. If you like it, Rick plays at the Soul Project all the time.

Ariel Rosado Memorial Education Foundation
The Ariel Rosado Memorial Education Foundation has scholarships available. "The Ariel Rosado Memorial Education Foundation is pleased to invite applications for the following scholarships for academic year 2013 – 2014. The Foundation emphasizes that once applicants are accepted into a program the main criteria for consideration is financial need. High School Scholarships tenable at any recognized High School in the country of Belize covering the cost of all Fees, Tuition and Books for a maximum of 4 years"

Education Week at the SIPL
The San Ignacio Public Library is celebrating Education Week by inviting the local schools over for some storytelling and fun. Today, they had Sacred Heart Primary students from infant 1 and 2. Happy Education Week!

Belize Coalition at AGRIC
The Belize Coalition to Save Our National Heritage had a booth at Agric, and they got a lot of pictures of people enjoying their exhibit. They had games, prizes, and educational activities for their guests. "The Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage would like to send a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the volunteers who came out to assist us at the National Agriculture and Trade Show! Thank you as well to all who visited our booth and took the time to interact with us and learn about our organization, the petroleum industry, and Belize's offshore and onshore protected areas! Together, you all made our booth a success and we look forward to your support at future events!"

Cancer Society Open Day
The San Ignacio branch of the Belize Cancer Society is having its first event in Cayo. This Saturday, May 11th, at 9am, at the Cayo Welcome Center, they'll be having their Open Day. There will be information booths, medical professionals, and BFLA reps there to answer questions.

Smart River Challenge Results
Smart had their River Challenge at Agric Saturday morning. Here are the results from the race. Great job guys! "Smart and the Belize Canoe Association would like to Congratulate the winners of the Smart River Challenge held on May 4th and would also like to thank all the teams that participated."

Vegetable Rice
In this video I used my new rice cooker to make an easy rice menu with with shrimp, chicken and vegetables. This meal was simple to make and very tasty and filling.

Channel 7

Finally, It Begins: Caleb Vs. GOB
The case of Caleb Orozco against the Government of Belize started today before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Unless you’ve been under a rock somewhere, you’ll know that Orozco is challenging the constitutionality of Section 53 of Belize’s Criminal Code which says that quote, “every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years.” Orozco says that violates his right to privacy, dignity and equality as a gay man. In a case that has become an international cause célèbre, he is joined by the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, the Human Dignity Trust, and the International Commission of Jurists. On the other side is the Government of Belize which is joined by Roman Catholic Church, the Belize Church of England Corporate Body, and the Belize Evangelical Association of Churches. That’s Gay rights, and human rights on one side, and Church and state on the other – bigger than any heavyweight legal fight we’ve ever seen. After months of agitation and buildup, it finally started today, the first round in this culture war between public morality and individual freedom of choice. Daniel Ortiz was in court all day, and here’s his report.

Coro Police Caught With Contraband Gas?
A cell phone video posted on YouTube shows Corozal police filling up their patrol pickup with fuel in Santa Clara village. The video claims that the gas is contraband. If true, that would seem to be a super-embarrassment for police, but the police press office, coolly put out a release today explaining the circumstance. The release says, quote, “On May 6th at…2pm, Corozal police mobile unit while in the execution of a Supreme Court Order in the village of Santa Clara, Corozal in the recovery of a tractor that was in dispute between members of (a) family, ran out of fuel. The police were offered assistance and were refueled by a member of the family with just enough to make it to an official Service Station. A video is now being shown on the internet initiated by an aggrieved family member from whom the tractor was recovered… showing the police mobile being refueled by…a member of the family who is now in the possession of the tractor….”

Woman’s home Burned Down, After Same Fate Befell Sister
In early March we told you about the murder of 23 year old Abel Arana in Hattieville. That was followed by the torching of Tifarrah Usher’s Hattieville home. Why? Because she is the sister in law of the man who is believed to have shot Arana. No one was arrested, and now another the home of another Usher sister has burned down. Just after midnight, Messelina Usher got the call that her house in Hattieville was burning. Messelina is the girlfriend of the man believed to have killed Arana. Today she told us how all this retaliation has turned her life upside down. She says she’s certain they broke into her house and burned it down. Messelina Usher - Hattieville Home Burned "You will see where they pulled out the horse and staple to open the door to get inside - I guess it's from inside the fire started." Jules Vasquez "Now you don't think that the fire started spontaneously. You believe that someone did it - that this is arson?" Messelina Usher "I believe this is arson and I believe it's the same person that burnt down my sister's house.

Hunger Hurts Students Chances At Success
As the old creole saying goes, “empty crocus bag cyaahn stan’ up” – it means that if you haven’t eaten, you won’t be good for much. Well, multiply that by ten, for a young student who hasn’t eaten and is expected to sit in a hot classroom and listen to mostly boring teachers wax on while their belly is growling like a caged jaguar. Indeed, hunger is a reality in many schools across Belize – and now the Ministry of Education is trying to address it with the launch of a school meals programme. It’s already up and running and feeding kids in the Belize and Stann Creek districts – but it was officially launched today. 7news was there when lunch was served. Dr. Candy Armstrong - Director of Education Support Services "The Ministry of Education is currently providing 100% funding for the three School Meal Programmes in two districts, Belize and Stann Creek. A mid-day meal is provided for all students who are beneficiaries to this programme. In addition, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, students receive De-worming tablets, vitamin A supplement, access to dental care and they engage in regular activity while they are at school."

"Crazy’s" Sentence Concurrent, Not Consecutive
Last night, we told you about 29 year-old Michael “Crazy” Arnold who was convicted of a second rape charge in the Supreme Court. He pleaded guilty the offence and Justice Adolph Lucas sentenced him to 15 years. We said it would run consecutively with the remaining 10 years of his current sentence for a previous rape conviction. That was an error. In fact, Justice Lucas' actual ruling was that the new sentence is to run concurrently with the previous one, not consecutively. So, he will only serve a total of 15 years in prison, not 25 as we had reported.

Belize Fisheries Blacklisted By EU
The European Commission has blacklisted Belize and 7 other countries for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and it could have far-reaching consequences for our fisheries exports. The blacklist was announced two weeks ago when the European Parliament's fisheries committee voted to list Belize, Cambodia, Fiji, Guinea, Panama, Sri Lanka, the Togolese Republic and the Republic of Vanuatu. This decision is described as the first of its kind, but at this time, does not include any trade sanctions. That could change though, and if the situation does not improve, the European Union could impose a ban on selling fisheries products from Belize to that trading bloc.

Woman, Daughter Terrorized in Belmopan
Last night 7:00 a business woman of the Maya Mopan area near Belmopan was terrorized in a coordinated, armed attack. 39 year old Miriam Navarette – a Guatemalan Business woman was closing her Grocery Store when three armed, masked men wearing gloves and forced their way inside. One of the men was armed with grabbed her by the neck and put the gun to her head while another man grabbed her 12yr old daughter. The two females were pushed inside their adjoining house and the men closed the door while another kept watch outside with a rifle. After assaulting a 42 year old man in the home, and snatching up three hundred dollars from the cash register and assorted electronics and jewelry, the men left, firing shots into the air.

Cycling Election Overturned
A month ago, we told you about the challenge from Daniel Cano in relation to the Western Elections for the Cycling Association. On April 7, the National Olympic Committee held elections in the western region and former Cycling Association president Emil Moreno was re-elected as president along with vice president Gilroy Requena. Cano challenged the results on the grounds that members of the cycling community were allowed to register on the date of the elections, and allowed to vote. That was contrary to an agreed upon deadline, and the Olympic Committee should not have allowed those late members to vote. Well, after several weeks of deliberation, the Protest Committee of the Olympic Committee decided last night that he’s right, they should not have voted. As a result, the elections from April 7 are voided and new elections will be called. They have not set a date as yet when those new elections will take place.

African American Actor Wole Parks Got “It” From His Belizean Mom
Last year we told you about Wole Parks, the African American Actor with Belizean roots. For Wole, his Belizean roots aren’t just happenstance, he says they are an integral part of his identity and shape the way he navigates the entertainment world. That’s because he was raised by a strong Belizean Woman, Lillette Parks a former teacher at St. Hilda’s. He says apart from rice and beans and chilmole, Lillette Parks also gave him the confidence and the attitude to thrive in a competitive environment. He’s been in Belize since Saturday – and before he left today, he gave us an interview. Monica Bodden Reporting Wole Parks plays "Manny" in Premium Rush, a 2012 major Hollywood action movie in which he is the pumped-up rival of the star, Joseph Gordon Levitt. Parks is a first generation American son of a Belizean mother Lilette Parks and a Tanzanian father whom he never met. He credits his mother for his success.

New High Commissioner Cometh
Last night we told you all about the embarrassing legal flap that the British Foreign Office was put through after former British High Commissioner to Belize John Yapp was abruptly sent packing in 2008. A British Court found that it was improperly done, and with no good reason – after he was insubstantially alleged to have inappropriately touched a woman’s backside. That was five years ago and now there will be a new British High Commissioner to Belize – the second since the Yapp incident. The commission sent out a release today informing us that Peter Hughes has been appointed British High Commissioner to Belize to take the place of to Pat Ashworth, who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service after three years in Belize. Hughes will arrive in August.

Channel 5

UNIBAM: Gay all the way to the Supreme Court
The church is threatening fire and brimstone, calling homosexuality an abomination and is praying for the protection of section fifty-three of the Criminal Code. But notwithstanding all that, Caleb Orozco is having his day in court, or in this case, a week in which Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin will hear arguments from attorneys representing Orozco, [...]

15 attorneys fighting the UNIBAM case
In the case of Caleb Orozco versus the Attorney General of Belize, the Attorney General is being represented by Crown Counsels Nigel Hawke, Gillian Smith, Herbert Panton and Magali Perdomo, while the Church, as an interested party, is being represented by distinguished attorneys Eamon Courtenay, Rodwell Williams, Michel Chebat, Jacqueline Marshalleck and Christopher Coye. Today [...]

Treaty Belize Energy Limited to proceed with oil drilling despite court ruling
Two weeks ago, Justice Oswell Legall ruled that six oil contracts were null and void. Today, there is news that Treaty Energy Corporation, the parent company of Treaty Belize Energy Limited, is proceeding with plans to continue drilling operations. In the ruling, Justice Oswell Legall invalidated the offshore oil concessions granted between May 2004 and [...]

Do you support decriminalizing sodomy?
And tonight’s question is: Do you support decriminalizing sodomy? Yes or no. 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].

Cops and contraband fuel caught on camera
A citizen journalist’s cell phone video capturing police in the act has gone viral. The video of uniformed cops at a house allegedly known for dealing in contraband fuel was taken by a man who had a run in with the law over his tractor. The cops removed the tractor and then a man is [...]

Europe blacklists Belize for illegal unreported unregulated fishing
Belize has been blacklisted by the European Union among eight countries that are considered non-cooperative in the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.  The list also includes Cambodia, Fiji, Guinea, Panama, Sri Lanka, the Togolese Republic and the Republic of Vanuatu. On April twenty-fourth the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee adopted a measure that [...]

A house where murder was committed goes up in flames; family believes their lives are at risk
A house went up in flames in the dead of the night on Wednesday in Hattieville. The house was vacant because the owner, Messalena Medina had moved to Belize City. She had been receiving threats ever since the March fourth murder of Abel Arana which occurred at the same house. Medina believes she at risk [...]

Vigil to pray away gay on the cusp of UNIBAM case
On the eve of the landmark trial of Caleb Orozco against the Attorney General, hundreds gathered at the steps of the Supreme Court. Emotions were running high among the faithful; they all had different views but they mostly want to leave section fifty-three of the Criminal Code as it stands. Mike Rudon has a report. [...]

New British High Commissioner appointed to Belize
The appointment of a new High Commissioner has been announced by the Foreign Commonwealth Office. Pat Ashworth, who has been serving in Belize for a number of years, is retiring from the British Foreign Service. His successor is Peter Hughes, who has tremendous diplomatic experience having served in Australia, the Caribbean, South Asia, Afghanistan and [...]

Couple survives robbery in Belmopan
Thirty-nine year old Miriam Janet Navarette, a Guatemalan businesswoman of Maya Mopan, reported to Belmopan police that her store was robbed by a team of three armed bandits on Monday night.  Shortly after seven o’clock, the trio entered Shalon Grocery on Bethel Street where they proceeded to relieve her of three hundred dollars from the [...]

5 family members robbed a cab driver
A group of five family members including a fourteen year old minor was today arraigned on a single charge of robbery. Allegations are that last Saturday, the group robbed taxi-driver, Nestor Galindo of his personal items including a cell phone and radio. On arraignment, they appeared before Magistrate Dale Cayetano. Charged were siblings: Cathelee Reyes, [...]

Father argues with granddaughter and daughter chops him
A misunderstanding among members of a Belize City family, in the wee hours of Monday morning, has resulted in charges being brought against fifty-three year old Medardo Cocom and his stepdaughter.  Cocom reported to police that sometime around one o’clock he had an argument with thirty-four-year-old Chriselda Cabanas at their Custard Apple Street address, when [...]

Shift of funding from tertiary to primary level?
Following today’s launch of the Southside Feeding Program at the Skills Training Center on Magazine Road in Belize City, the media had a chance to discuss the future of the Ministry of Education’s plans during Education Showcase 2013. Minister Patrick Faber has often referred to a focus on primary school rather than tertiary level to [...]

Ministry gives free food to needy students on south side
A healthy diet helps to keep school children attentive in the classrooms but many families are having a tough time in providing proper and regular meals to their children.  This morning, the Ministry of Education launched the Southside School Meals Program which will provide free meals to needy students. Thirteen schools from the south side [...]

Young basketball players return from King James Classic
A contingent of young Belizean athletes has returned to the jewel after playing friendly games against US high school basketball teams. While the host teams were more experienced in techniques, the local athletes also proved their mettle on the basketball courts. On hand were recruiters looking for potential talent. News Five’s Isani Cayetano reports.   [...]

LOVE FM

Day One Of Orozco vs Attorney General of Belize Concludes In Supreme Court
The most awaited court challenge of Caleb Orozco Vs. the Attorney General of Belize gave way in the Supreme Court this morning. The case which was scheduled to begin at 9:00 am got off to a late start at about 10:30 a.m. The court was packed to capacity as representatives from both sid...

Belizeans Assemble For Prayer and Vigil Against Homosexual Issue
Hundreds of Belizeans assembled in the vicinity of the Supreme Court last night on the eve of the much publicized case of Caleb Orozco and the United Belize Advocacy Movement, UNIBAM challenging the constitutionality of Section 53 of the laws of Belize. The Churches had called on all B...

Belize Action Fears Introduction of Homosexuality Teachings In Classrooms
In September 2010, the United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM) along with its Executive Director, Caleb Orozco filed a case in the Supreme Court of Belize challenging Section 53 of the Criminal Codes of Belize. Currently, section 53 of the Criminal Code of Belize states: "E...

Ministry of Education Sees Decrease In Students Sitting PSE
Yesterday an estimated seven thousand three hundred and ninety one Standard 6 students throughout Belize sat the second and final part of the Primary School Examinations- a decrease of about one hundred and forty two students according to Principal Education Officer for National Exams,...

Man Assaulted by Step-Daughter
MEDARDO COCOM 53yrs D.O.B 05.11.59 Belizean Carpenter of # 4350 Custard Apple Street, Fabers Road Belize City reported that on 06.05.13 at about 1:00am while at home he had a dispute with his step daughter CHRISELDA CABANAS 34yrs D.O.B 23.09.78 Belizean Domestic of same address. As a r...

Search At Fish Market Yields Suspected Cannabis
On Wednesday 1st May, 2013 at 7:50pm, police were on mobile patrol in the Conch Shell Bay area and conducted a search at a fish market located on West Collet Canal, Belize City. The search led to the discovery of a transparent plastic bag containing green leafy vegetable substance susp...

Four Men Face Charges For Firearms, Ammunition and Marijuana
Police have charged four men for possession of possession of controlled drugs and kept firearm and ammunition without a gun licence. Police say on April 22 police conducted searches on 34-year-old Jeffery Murrillo, 22-year-old Windel Gibson, 34-year-old Ignatius Garcia and 49-yea...

City Council Causes Delay In Burial
There was another glitch involving a grave spot, this time at the Eternal Garden Cemetery at mile thirteen on the Western Highway. An anonymous relative of the deceased who was laid to rest today called Love News to the cemetery where they arrived at four this evening to cond...

Forest Fire Sets Two Storey Structure Ablaze
A two storey-building at miles 29 on the Southern Highway caught ablaze due a forest fire as many residents of Miles 29 on the Southern Highway believe. Our News Room received information that a two storey building just in front of the Georgetown Technical High School in the...

Feeding Program Rolls Out With Funding From Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education Youth and Sport officially introduced its School Meal Program- a feeding program that is being funded fully by the Ministry. Three schools in the Stann Creek and Belize Districts will benefit from the program in its initial stage. According to Dr. Candy Armstr...

Four Adults and A Minor Arraigned on Charge of Robbery
Five persons, one of them a 14 year old girl, were charged with robbery when they appeared today in court today. The adults are 27 year old Kareem Williams, 19 year old Kevin Alvarez,19 year old Keisha Westby and 23 year old Cathelee Reyes. They and the minor pled not guilty to the cha...

Belize and Australia Team Up To Protect Barrier Reefs
The fragile Belize Barrier Reef eco-system has come under constant threats due to global warming and the effects of climate change. But while we have very little control over Mother Nature’s effects, we can control how we care for these natural wonders by the way we develop...

Belize Gets New British High Commissioner
A new British High Commissioner to Belize will take up his post later this year. Peter Hughes OBE will succeed Pat Ashworth, who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service. Hughes will take up his appointment during August. Hughes began his diplomatic career in 1985 as ...

CTV3

Video Captures Police Refuelling Police Vehicle With Contraband Fuel
A video showing a police officer attached to the Corozal Police formation refueling the police vehicle with what is believed to be contraband fuel has gone viral and is causing quite a stir in the social mediums. We could describe to you what exactly was captured in the video but instead we’ll let you see and judge for yourself. To view the video click on the following link. http://youtu.be/p-S5zOa8qZ4 If you were left in wonder, the hierarchy of the Belize Police Department wasn’t. Here is what they say happened. According to a police report, on May 6th, 2013, at approximately 2:00pm, Corozal police’s mobile unit ran out of fuel while one of the officers was executing a Supreme Court Order in the village of Santa Clara. The uniformed police officer was in the midst of recovering a tractor that is presently in dispute between members of the Correa family when he noticed that the vehicle was running low on fuel and would not make it to the gas station. The officer was offered assistance by a member of the Correa family, who is allegedly a well known contrabandist. The man, according to police, gave the officer just enough fuel to reach the nearest service station. Police say that the video was taken by an aggrieved family member from whom the tractor was recovered and given to the member of the Correa family who refueled the police vehicle. What ever the case, we’ll see where the investigations will lead or if anyone will be charged for that matter.

Miss Diosa Maya Is Named Miss Rotaract 2013
As we told you earlier on in the newscast Miss Diosa Maya Internacional Grisel Carballo was one of the 8 Rotaractors who represented Belize in this year’s Rotaract 18th Bi District Conference held in Tegucigalpa Honduras from the 1st to the 5th of May. During her participation in the Bi District Conference, Carballo completed another milestone as she was named Miss Rotaract 2013 and won an award for the best Arabian Costume. Grisel Carballo Miss Rotaract 2013 “The Friday night was the Arabian night it is just a night that they called and everybody had to go with an Arabian custom of their own and there was competition for best custom and I got that award for best costume, the costume was designed by me, I made it on my own and I am proud to say I won that award and after the dinner we had the presentation for Mr Rey Feo our Rotaractor, Mr Rotaract and Miss Rotaract and I went up for Miss Rotaract and I also got that title. I won Miss Rataract for 2013 and my presentation was based upon, I went up there and I described my country and I talked about the Mayan culture and I talked about the diverse culture of our country, population and the geographic location of our country and it was more of an informative and persuading them to come and visit our country.”

Minor Charged For Drug Trafficking
A fifteen year old minor from Orange Walk has been arrested and charged by Orange Walk Police for the crime of drug trafficking. Since the individual is a minor, we are unable to reveal his name but what we can tell you is that yesterday at around 11:00am police searched a residence located on Royal Palm Street where the 15 year old minor in the presence of his father handed over a black plastic bag containing 286.8 grams of cannabis. This morning the minor appeared before the Orange Walk Magistrates Court where he was charged for drug trafficking and offered bail which he met.

Belize Receives Four Awards At 18th Bi District Conference
From May 1st to the 5th 2013, more than 100 youth from Central America including 8 from Belize converged in Tegucigalpa Honduras for Rotaract’s 18th Bi District Conference. Among those representing the country was former president of Rotaract Orange Walk, Stephanie Acosta and member Grisell Carballo. On a yearly basis, Rotaract hosts a Bi-district conference for all Rotaractors from the countries of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panamá to commemorate the past year and plan for the coming year. Stephanie Acosta – 18th Rotaract Bi District Conference. “The purpose of this conference is to select the new leaders for the upcoming Rotaract year and also to select and present awards for the various club and individual outstanding Rotaractors. The countries that participated are those that belong to the two Rotaract districts 4240 and 4250. Now Rotaract clubs from 4240 consist those from Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Nicaragua, and Belize is part of the 4250 district and so 4250 consist of Belize, Guatemala and Honduras, so Rotaractor from all those clubs were present at this by-district conference.”

Guinea Grass Resident Remanded For Firearm and Ammunition Offences
On Sunday afternoon 24 year old Vildo Westby, a Belizean laborer of Guinea Grass Village in the Orange Walk District, was detained by police after one air pistol containing one .22 live round was found in the ATV he was driving and 15 .22 live rounds of ammunition was found on him. As mentioned last night Westby was detained pending investigations and yesterday afternoon he appeared before the Orange Walk Magistrates Court where he was charged for prohibited firearm and ammunition. Since the Magistrate Court does not offer bail for a firearm offence, Westby has a period of ten days to apply for bail at the Supreme Court level.

Belize Represented In International Body Building Competition
This year Belize will participate for the first time in the Mr. Hercules Olympia Body Building Competition that will take place this weekend in Colchester, London where the world’s top-form bodybuilders will participate in the power event of the year. Rigo Vellos, who recently won 1st place in the Corozal Bodybuilding Competition in the Senior Category held this past weekend, also won 1st place in the Habet and Habet Mr. Physique Competition which was held in Placencia over the Easter weekend. Vellos is also the current 2012 Mr. Belize title holder and plans to defend the title in this year's Mr. Belize. But the road to the competition proved to be no easy task for Vellos who had to raise funds to cover for his flight, food and hotel accommodation. We will keep following this story and bring the results of the competition as soon as they are made available.

Belize's Foreign Minister Heads To The OAS
By now you may be acquainted with the fact that the Belize/Guatemala Referendum has been called off by both countries. In Belize the announcement was made by Prime Minister Dean Barrow during his first quarterly press conference held on April 29th. The move was first made by Guatemala who wanted Belize to amend its referendum laws from a sixty percent voter turnout to a simple majority so as to level the playing field. While Guatemala has practically announced to the world that they are backing out of the referendum, Belize is yet to be officially informed about the country’s position. All indications are that the official information will be divulged during a meeting scheduled to take place between Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington, Guatemala’s Foreign Minister Fernando Carrera and the Secretary General of the OAS Miguel Insulza. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at the OAS headquarters in Washington. We understand that the opposition will also have representation in the meeting as former P.U.P Leader John Briceno will be present. Included among the topics that will be discussed are the Adjacency Zone and the future of the December 2008 special agreement between both countries.

A Story Of Resistance Opens At The Corozal House Of Culture
The Corozal House of Culture is presently hosting an exhibition entitled “A Story of Resistance” in Belize and is expected to continue through the month of May and the first week of June. The exhibition is being carried out by the National Institute of Culture and History, NICH, with the aim of educating, primarily the students. Debra Wilkes Gray, Corozal House of Culture “This is an exhibit that we are very excited about and it is called a story of resistance in Belize and it was produced by the Institute of Cultural and Social Research under the National Institute of Culture and History.” Irvin Aragon – Reporter “What is the purpose of the exhibition?” Debra Wilkes Gray, Corozal House of Culture “It is educating people in the development of Belizeans as a country and there are crucial moments in time that has helped shape this country so with this exhibit, it is a visual documentation of recorded moments such as the labour movement, such as the Mayan resistance slavery, women even a timely piece right now which is the Guatemalan claim to territorial here in Belize.”

A Visit To The Optometrist Free Of Cost
Visiting the Optometrist is very costly here in the country of Belize, but today a group consisting of 24 undergraduates and 2 practicing Optometrist from Memphis Tennessee were in the Village of Caledonia in the Corozal district rendering their services in eye examinations and providing eye glasses and temporary relief eye drops to those who needed it most free of cost. The team works under the umbrella of the Praying Pelican Mission, a group of missionaries who travel across the globe assisting countries in need in several areas including in the health sector. Today reporter Irvin Aragon along with Cameraman Kenric Simpson travelled to Caledonia where they paid to the optometrist. Irvin Aragon – Reporting The cost of adequate health care in Belize is very high, including a visit to the Optometrist. Many Belizeans refuse to visit an “eye specialist” because of the high cost that one needs to pay especially if the optometrist recommends the use of eyeglasses. Often at times, the problem is not as serious as the patient might believe but the lack of regular checkups, in the longer run, does result more expensive.

Annual Festival Of Arts Brings Talent Alive
Today, primary schools from across the Orange Walk District participated in this year’s annual Festival of arts which forms part of the long list of activities scheduled for Education Week celebrated from May 5th to the 17th. In the morning the audience was elated by students of the rural communities and in the afternoon students from the various primary schools within town took to the stage bringing to light their hidden talent. Victor Castillo reports. Victor Castillo - Reporting Today the Banquitas House of Culture was the venue for this year’s Festival of Arts forming part of the week of activities scheduled for Education Week. Over 15 primary schools, eight of them from rural communities, participated in this year’s event. As students took to the stage, talent came alive as they presented under the categories of drama, dance and music. Leroy Green – National Coordinator For Expressive Arts “Well it is the second half of the Orange Walk Primary School festival of arts and so the children are showcasing their talents in drama, dance and music. They are not being judged because it is not a competition, they are being adjudicated in the sense that the adjudicators’ reports will go back to the schools and these define the standards that they are at and how they need to go and improve in teaching and producing items of arts. My role at the ministry is that I travel from district to district holding workshops with a team in drama, dance, music and creative writing, motivating teachers to teach it as a regular subject in school. The festival of arts is one of the ways in which we assess what the teachers are actually doing at school where arts are concern.”

PlusTV

Challenge to the Belize’s Sodomy Law began in Court Tuesday
The case of Caleb Orozco versus the Attorney General of Belize on the constitutionality of Belize’s sodomy law got on the way today in the supreme court. It was a packed court room with local and international lawyers for the plaintiff as well as those representing the government and...

Masked robbery in Maya Mopan
There was a masked robbery at a grocery store in Maya Mopan last night. Owner of the store, Miriam Navarette was closing up her store – Shalon Grocery, around 7pm, when three masked men dressed in dark clothing, gloves and carrying firearms, forced their way inside. One of the...

Belize blacklisted by the European Fisheries Committee
Belize is one of eight countries which has been blacklisted by the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee. On what grounds? Well the Committee says that Belize is being non-cooperative in the fight against legal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The blacklisting was proposed by the European Commission, but ultimately voted on...

Armenia Lands Commission Chairman explains land controversy
Plus TV, over the past two weeks, has been reporting on some of the challenges facing Armenia Village; one of those primary issues being land. If you’ve been following any of our recent reports on the community you’ll know that the Village of Armenia has a Lands Committee which...

PUC Chairman encourages renewable energy sources
Much of Belize’s power supply is obtained through fossil fuel sources – either Mexican power or that of the gas turbines at Blair Atoll and Mile 8 gas plant on the Western Highway – or hydro electric sources. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has been tasked with looking at...

Family drama in Belize City leaves two persons in jail
Family drama in Belize City has left two persons behind bars. Police were called to the home yesterday afternoon, where a 53 year old resident reported that he got into an argument with his 34 year old step daughter, who also lives at the house. He claims she chopped...

Police caught on tape allegedly fueling up on contraband gas
Police were caught on tape in Corozal, allegedly purchasing contraband gas. The video you are looking at was taken on a cell phone camera and the original file is a little over two minutes long. It captures the dealers filling up a can measuring almost a gallon in size....

Belmopan Lions sponsor eye clinic
The Belmopan Lions Club is hosting its annual eye clinic. Every year the Club partners with a group of both Professional and Student Doctors from VOSH (Volunteering Optometric Service to Humanity), Southern College of Optometry in Memphis Tennessee. The clinic started on Monday and runs for four days. Plus...

Experts partner to preserve Barrier Reef
Today in Belize City, experts on the world’s two largest reef systems met to discuss how they can partner together to fight certain issues affecting both. Belize’s Barrier Reef is second to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in terms of length but according to the experts they both face issues...

Belize Special Boat Unit defends maritime areas
The Belize Special Boat Unit is tasked with defending the country’s maritime areas. The SBU was formed five years ago, under the Maritime Unit, which is now the Belize Coast Guard. The SBU held an exhibit at this year’s Agric Show, where we learned about the responsibilities of this...

School feeding launched
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports today launched a school feeding program that will benefit students from thirteen schools from Southside Belize City and six in Dangriga Town. According to the Ministry, the program is focused on helping to accomplish one of the strategies outlined in the Belize...

New British High Commissioner to Belize
A new British High Commissioner to Belize has been appointed. Peter Hughes OBE will take up his appointment in August of this year, in succession to the current Commissioner Pat Ashworth, who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service. The soon to be British High Commissioner, Peter Hughes, began...

Amandala

BAMERS GO TO BAT TODAY
UNIBAM says homosexual acts should be decriminalized; Belize Action says section 53 should not be changed. Today, Tuesday, May 7, a landmark constitutional challenge brought by Caleb Orozco, United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM) executive president, against the Attorney General of Belize in regard to section 53 of the Criminal Code, will be heard in the Supreme Court of Belize. The case has led to a heated contention between the churches and the claimant, Orozco. We spoke to Director of Belize Action, Pastor Scott Stirm, yesterday, who had announced that Belize Action, its supporters and members of the churches were planning a gathering for an awareness rally last night in the Supreme Court parking lot. Stirm had said they were asking that all concerned citizens be present at the event. The primary activities which they planned as part of the event included a brief presentation on the core issues which underscore the case and its importance, as well as a session for prayer and worship. “Basically the position of Belize Action is we’re saying to the changing of section 53, our sodomy and natural act laws, we’re going to agree together against the changing of these laws,” Stirm said. “The primary reason why we feel so strongly is the law they’re saying is a violation of their human dignity, personal privacy and human rights has never once been used to prosecute any case for any consensual act but it has been used repeatedly over and over for sexual abuse,” he went on to say.

JOHN PAUL HENRY FERNANDEZ, 32, DIES OUTSIDE NIGHTCLUB
Did someone shoot him, or did he shoot himself? Two children, ages 4 and 8, are now without their father, John Paul Henry Fernandez, 32, who died of a gunshot wound at about 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, outside the Palm Island nightclub, situated at about Mile 2 on the Philip Goldson Highway. Initial reports by investigators were that the club had closed and Fernandez, a laborer of a Flamboyant Street address, and a security guard, Eduardo Torres, were socializing in the yard, when Fernandez suddenly grabbed a gun from the security guard, placed it behind his head, and pulled the trigger. The bullet reportedly went into his head and came out of his mouth, killing him almost immediately. Fernandez’s family, however, strongly rejects this story, and said that Fernandez would never kill himself. Police say that they were called to Palm Island at about 3:40 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, and when they went there, they saw Fernandez lying face up in a pool of blood inside the compound, with a gunshot wound to the right side of the head. He was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

FINED – NOT CONFINED -FOR INDECENT ASSAULT UPON A FEMALE CHILD, 6
John Baptist, 38, walked out of court a very happy man this morning after trial judge Justice Troadio Gonzalez handed him a fine, and not jail time, for two counts of aggravated assault of an indecent nature. Baptist was charged with one count of carnal knowledge and three counts of aggravated assault of an indecent nature, after a report was made against him by the victim, who was 15 at the time of the trial. The child testified about being assaulted by Baptist for a period of almost ten years, and of Baptist having sex with her from she was only 6 years old. She also spoke of the lewd acts committed upon her by Baptist, including him performing oral sex on her on more than one occasion. After hearing the evidence, the jury could not decide on a verdict on the carnal knowledge charge, found him not guilty on the first count of aggravated assault of an indecent nature, but guilty on the other two charges of indecent nature. The judge gave Baptist time to prepare his mitigation plea and to also have persons appear and speak on his behalf. However, when Baptist appeared in court today, he was the only one present: no one appeared to speak on his behalf.

MICHAEL “CRAZY” ARNOLD, 35, PLEADS GUILTY TO RAPE, AGAIN
Arnold is currently serving time for another rape, and the prosecution asked for life, but the judge only gave Arnold 15 years. Michael “Crazy” Arnold, 35, is currently serving a 12-year sentence after he pleaded guilty to a rape charge back in May of 2011. This morning, he again pleaded guilty to another rape charge when he appeared before Justice Adolph Lucas, Sr. According to a presentation of the facts of the case by Kaysha Grant of the DPP’s office, at 10:00 p.m. on September 18, 2010, the victim, 29 at the time of the rape, said she was at her apartment and was heading toward a shared bathroom when Arnold approached her. Arnold told her to come to him, but she refused and that was when Arnold pulled out a firearm and placed it at her head. Arnold then told her to perform oral sex on him, but she refused, telling him that his penis was dirty. Arnold then grabbed the victim and pulled her into his room (apartment), where he put the firearm under his pillow, grabbed a machete that was beside the bed, and placed the blade against her neck. Arnold told her that it would be easier to chop her up than to shoot her because the gunshot would make too much noise.

IACHR CALLS OUT GOB OVER MAYA LAND RIGHTS
“Ultimately, the Government and Maya will have to sit at the table and talk. They will have to come to some kind of resolution on the issue… The Maya people are not going anywhere.” – Antoinette Moore, SC The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), an arm of the Organization of American States (OAS), issued a statement today, calling out the Government of Belize for having allowed private companies to carry out oil exploration and exploitation and logging activities in the traditional lands of Maya communities under permits issued by State authorities without first consulting with the Maya. “Specifically, the information indicates that illegal extraction and destruction of natural resources from traditional Maya lands in the Toledo District has taken place recently with the alleged collaboration and/or acquiescence of State agents,” the IACHR statement went on to say. The IACHR noted that Belize also failed to report to a working meeting on the Maya land rights case this March. It also expressed concern over reports of a newly-granted logging concession in traditional Maya lands without the required consultation. (See press release elsewhere in this edition of Amandala.) Maya Leaders Alliance spokesperson Cristina Coc told Amandala that they made the request for IACHR intervention. The MLA’s main concerns continue to be the petroleum and logging concessions that Government has issued without consulting the Maya, but also Governments’ non-compliance and non-reporting on the issues.

STRIKERS QUIET, HOME TEAMS WIN IN WEEK 1 OF PREMIER LEAGUE SEMIFINALS
Police 3:1 BDF, FC Belize 1:0 Bmp Bandits. The turnout was not the best for the opening games of the Premier League semifinal playoffs; which is a bit strange, but not completely surprising, in what has traditionally been the time when fans flock to the stadiums to witness the best of the semipro league in quest of a shot at the national championship of Belize. It was an Agric Show weekend; there was little in the way of real football advertisement promotion; football fans were recently deflated by the cancellation of the much anticipated first national team Friendly since qualifying for the Gold Cup; and the recent controversial elimination of perhaps the hottest team down the stretch, Placencia Assassins, may not have helped to spark the frenzied fan attraction that usually accompanies the start of the Premier League semifinals. Whatever the cause, it will be either redemption time or the “showers” this coming weekend for the top seeded teams who both lost round 1 of their semifinals. Defending champion Belmopan Bandits and 3-time former champion Belize Defence Force (BDF) will both be at home with their backs against the wall, having lost their “away” game this past weekend. On Saturday night at the FFB Stadium, it was #3 seed Police United pulling out an injury time 3-1 victory over #2 seed BDF, who suffered a serious setback when their national team goalkeeper Frank Lopez was ejected at the 27th minute for his remarks to referee Christopher Reid. Police midfielder Amin “Tacos” August had given his team an early lead at the 4th minute, but defender Tyrone Pandy equalized for BDF at the 11th minute. It was 1-1 at the end of regulation, but both Tacos (90+’) and midfielder Trevor “Burger” Lennen (90+’) struck in injury time to give Police the 3-1 win.

PUBLIC MORALITY, PRIVATE MORALITY Editorial
On Saturday afternoon a national television station showed images which appeared vulgar and could have been considered a display of public immorality. This was live television featuring Belizean principals. The likelihood is not high that there will be any outcry about this incident. All the focus of Belize’s religious righteous is on this week’s Supreme Court case which seeks to change a law about private morality. Belize ran into a serious problem with an attack on our public morality when American cable television became the norm in Belizean homes about twenty five years ago. For many years it seemed that movies with X-rated and pornographic content could not be regulated by any local authority, and the children of Belize were thus exposed, within the assumed protection of their own homes, to extreme behavior, which included homosexuality and lesbianism. At some point, Belize’s Carnival had become an annual display of public immorality, featuring lewd dancing and behavior. We can’t say at what point Carnival got out of control, or if this was a result of our moral guidelines having been destroyed by cable television. Even though Carnival included little children behaving almost as lewdly as their older counterparts, it took some years before there was a rise in public complaints about the children’s attire and their gyrations.

TWO INFANTS DROWN IN THE BELIZE DISTRICT
Separate incidents of infant drowning occurred over the weekend. One-year-old Kyle Leslie of Belize City was found drooping over a bucket of water in his home on Friday, May 3, 2013. Subsequently, on Saturday, May 4, five-year-old David Cruz drowned in a pond behind his home in Burrell Boom Village. Kyle’s mother, Tanya Leslie, 19, said that she went outside for about five minutes to talk to someone and when she went back into the house she found Kyle leaning over a bucket of water in the house. Leslie said that the bucket was kept in the house as a container in which they washed dishes. She told us that it seemed that the baby had been playing in the water because they found his truck next to the bucket and water was in the truck. Inside the bucket were three plastic cups, which Leslie said were drinking cups that were kept on the purified water container. Leslie’s other son, a two-year-old, was also left in the house when she went outside. She told us that when she walked into the house, he was standing at the door looking back at his brother lying over the bucket.

TEENAGER STABBED TO DEATH ON RIVER BANK IN SAN IGNACIO
Shaheem Slusher, 18, of San Ignacio, died after being stabbed in the right side of the neck by a man with whom he had an altercation at about 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3, on the river bank behind the Pit Pan Bar in San Ignacio. According to the family, Slusher had been swimming in the river when he decided to approach a young woman and ask her to go make a purchase for him. The young woman’s boyfriend, 31-year old Brian Burke of Esperanza, however, came up to him and objected to the request, and they became involved in an argument by the riverside, which resulted in Slusher being stabbed. Police said that when they responded to reports of the stabbing and went to an area by the riverside behind Pit Pan Bar, they saw Slusher’s body, with stab wounds to the neck and to the left shoulder. Slusher was transported to the San Ignacio Town Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Blogs

San Pedro Branch Belize Red Cross Update and Carilones Kitchen new location
Yesterday Anthony Philip and I went on Reef Radio and TV’s morning show with David Marin to talk about what the San Pedro Branch of the Belize Red Cross has been doing and give updates on the First Aid Program. One of the exciting things SPBRC has been working on is to get an emergency warning siren system for the island. We recognize a need to be able to reach a large portion of the community in a short amount of time should we ever need to. Thanks to Stacy from the Phoenix Resort we have also been networking with an Ambulance person and seeing how we can assist him in getting a service up and running on the island. The next Certified First Aid Course is going to be hosted by Las Terrazas Resort and it will be held at Seascape Villa’s on May 3oth. Graham confirmed La Perla is sending Four people and Playa Blanca two, I am pretty sure The Phoenix and Victoria House will be sending staff as well. They have both been amazing at supporting the program by sending 5 or so staff to each training. Both Resorts have 15 staff working there now that have first Aid Training and that number will keep growing monthly. Thanks goes out to all the other Ambergris Caye businesses who have stepped up to join the program and get staff certified, please see First Aid Program page to get the list of all participating businesses.

Food is an Essential Part of the Adventure in Belize
In order to survive in the increasingly competitive tourism industry, even the most remote resorts must pay careful attention to their kitchens as travellers are placing greater emphasis on a quality dining experience, the food and beverage manager of a popular Belizean eco resort advises. Bryony Fleming Bradley, of The Lodge at Chaa Creek in western Belize, said that the days of adventurous travellers being satisfied with food that was simply hot and palatable are over. ”Some years back, our guests would always comment at how happily surprised they were with the quality of the food we served, as it usually exceeded their expectations of what would be found in such a pristine location. “These days, expectations are definitely higher, and there is a greater emphasis on things like presentation, variety and where and how the ingredients are sourced,” she said. “Fortunately, Chaa Creek began as a family farm, and we still maintain a Maya organic farm that supplies our restaurant, so fresh produce has never been a problem. In fact, Chaa Creek has been growing healthy organic food for literally thousands of years.” Ms Fleming Bradley explained that Chaa Creek sits within the Macal River Valley, which was once a large Maya trade and agricultural centre. The Chaa Creek area, nestled on the banks of the Macal River and situated between the two important ancient cities of Caracol and Tikal, was populated by hundreds of Maya farming families who produced food for the urban centres.

Regional Entrepreneurship Training Program with P3Ventures

US Air Force Assists in School Construction in Belize
Air Force civil engineers and Army combat heavy engineers lay mortar on structural blocks April 19, 2013, at the construction site of Louisiana Primary School at Orange Walk in Belize. Civil engineers from the U.S. and Belize are constructing various structures throughout Belize as part of an exercise called New Horizons. Building these facilities will support further education for the children of the country and provide valuable training for the U.S. and Belizean service members. New Horizons is an annual training exercise for U.S. military civil engineers and medical professionals that prepare participants to deploy, conduct joint operations with partner nations, and redeploy back to the United States. New Horizons 2013 is scheduled to take place in the Central American country of Belize from early-April to late-June.

“Jeans On” in Ambergris Caye, Belize
Over to Belize City yesterday morning to visit The Dental Center to see Doctor Hernandez – on his monthly visit from Guatamala City – for him to hopefully form an opinion as to why one of the implants he had installed did not work. With a trip to the ‘big city’ I dispensed with the normal attire of shorts and put my jeans on. Funny but wearing jeans I just feel that I get bothered less by the pedlars and people looking for a handout. Must look less like a tourist! Anyway, I took the 8.30 am Belize Express Water Taxi over which got me there in good enough time to pop in to Brodies for a spot of shopping (mostly toiletries) and then onto The Tile & Stone Center to pick up the samples that Rose wanted to have a closer look at before making the final choice for her bathroom. The visit to meet Doctor Hernandez proved to be somewhat uneventful. He explained the things that could have caused the problem. Explained that he wants to leave it a few months to see how the bone in my jaw reacts and sent me to the Belize Diagnostic Centre for a panoramic X-ray (at a cost of BZ$ 160) after which I caught the 1.30 pm Caye Caulker Water Taxi back to Ambergris Caye where Rose was waiting for me so we could run ‘home’ to drop off the stuff I had bought.

Mennonite Gurls A'ken Cook: Teriyaki Glazed Skillet Chicken
1/2 cup lemon juice 1/2 cup loe-sodium soy sauce 1/4 cup sugar 3 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons watr 3 teespoons garlic, minced 1 teespoon fresh gingr, microplaned 1 lb. boneless skinless chicke breests thin cut N' large skillet combine lemon juice, soy sauce, white and brown sugar, watr, garlic and gingr. Cook ovr medium heat until sugar dissolves, stirrin' frequentlee. 2-4 minutes.

International Sources

Caleb Orozco v. Attorney General of Belize: Upholding Human Rights for All?
In a recent speech in London, Sir Shridath Ramphal, the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, laid out his views opposing the criminalization of homosexuality, wherever it occurs. Sir Shridath quoted another stalwart of anti-discrimination, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who has said that the violence and criminal sanctions suffered by LGBTI people across the world are intended to make them "doubt that they too are children of God," which he calls "nearly the ultimate blasphemy." Sir Shridath went further, equating opposition to the persecution of LGBTI people with the campaign to end slavery in the 19th century and the anti-apartheid struggle of the 20th century. "The abolitionists were pilloried, but they prevailed," he said. "The abomination was not their campaign, as the plantation owners complained, but the evil of slavery itself." Sir Shridath Ramphal, who played a pivotal role in dismantling apartheid, is an unapologetic advocate of decriminalization. He recognizes criminal sanctions for what they are, a colonial legacy that never had a part in the indigenous cultures on which they were imposed and that should have been repealed long ago. This month, Caleb Orozco, the head of United Belize Advocacy Movement, or UniBAM, a small human rights organization in Belize, will attempt to do just that. His case challenging the constitutionality of section 53 of the Belize criminal code, which criminalizes consensual sexual conduct between adults of the same sex, is due to be heard by a court in Belize today, May 7.

Change of High Commissioner to Belize
Mr Peter Hughes OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to Belize. He will succeed Mr Pat Ashworth, who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service. Mr Hughes will take up his appointment during August 2013. Mr Hughes began his diplomatic career in 1985 as Desk Officer in Defence Department and has served overseas in Australia, the Caribbean, South Asia, Afghanistan and North East Asia

Encroaching Sea Already a Threat in Caribbean
The old coastal road in this fishing village at the eastern edge of Grenada sits under a couple of feet of murky saltwater, which regularly surges past a hastily-erected breakwater of truck tires and bundles of driftwood intended to hold back the Atlantic Ocean. For Desmond Augustin and other fishermen living along the shorelines of the southern Caribbean island, there's nothing theoretical about the threat of rising sea levels. "The sea will take this whole place down," Augustin said as he stood on the stump of one of the uprooted palm trees that line the shallows off his village of tin-roofed shacks built on stilts. "There's not a lot we can do about it except move higher up."

Scottish scientists launch crowd-funding for robots that repair coral reefs
The ocean covers over 70% of the planet, but is threatened by multiple stressors such as bottom fishing, pollution and climate change. Coral reefs support the livelihoods of almost half a billion people; marine litter affects around half of all marine mammals and kills almost a million seabirds per year. These threats require active and urgent intervention to ensure global sustainability of human livelihoods and biodiversity. Currently, habitat remediation or restoration can only be achieved in small patches. In deep sea ecosystems, these tasks are also too dangerous for direct human intervention. A team of scientists and engineers at Edinburgh University is committed to addressing these threats using innovations in computing, marine biology, and undersea robotics to revolutionize how such threats are addressed, combining autonomous underwater robotics with 'swarm intelligence.' Nature shows how groups or swarms of organisms (e.g. bees and termites) operate collectively to achieve complex objectives.

Deep sea diving robots to save world’s coral reefs
SCIENTISTS in the Capital are raising funds to create robots capable of repairing endangered coral reefs unreachable by deep sea divers. The experts at Heriot-Watt University have teamed up with a Marine Systems Engineering Laboratory at Northeastern University’s Marine Science Centre in Massachusetts and a coral “nursery” in Belize to create the “Coralbots”, which will use special arms to repair damaged underwater ecosystems. David Crone, a professor of computer science at Heriot-Watt University, said: “In September last year we had an event called The Heriot-Watt Crucible, which was seeking to bring experts in different disciplines together to see what they could learn from each other. The proposal for this collaboration between marine biologists and robotics experts to preserve and repair coral reefs was one of the winning ideas.” Having secured enough money from the university to start the project, the scientists now need a further £68,890 to manufacture and “train” the first of two bots, and they are hoping the support of businesses, schools and concerned individuals will help them reach their target.

Opening arguments in Belize anti-sodomy law hearing urge court to uphold constitution
Chris Hamel-Smith, the lead counsel for claimant Mr Orozco, urged the court to look carefully at the constitution, citing the right to privacy, home and family life, and the recognition of human dignity of every individual. The Trinidad and Tobego attorney argued that Section 53 discriminates against sexual minorities, and urged the court to find Section 53 inconsistent with the constitution. Ultimately, the Constitution requires “respect for individual conscience, respect for diversity of ways of being, respect for diversity of world-views and diversity of views,” said Hamel-Smith. “Be not afraid. We do not come here to advocate a world view that disrespects or forces or imposes anything on…[your] community,” Hamel-Smith said in addressing arguments of the supremacy of God. He added: “this case is about…the nature of the open, democratic and pluralistic society contemplated by the Belize Constitution.”

Belize: Supreme Court set to debate around decriminalisation of homosexuality
The Supreme Court in Belize will today begin to debate the country’s criminal code which outlaws same-sex sexual activity. Under the Central American country’s code, gay citizens currently face a penalty of up to ten years’ imprisonment. Section 53 states: “Every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years.” The United Belize Advocacy Movement, UNIBAM, is part of a constitutional challenge to overturn the ban on same-sex sexual activity. UNIBAM Executive President Caleb Orozco spoke to PinkNews about the case in July 2012.

Treaty Energy Corporation Appoints New CEO of Treaty Belize Energy and Plans to Restart Drilling Operations in Belize
Treaty Energy Makes Managerial Changes to Better Streamline Operations in Belize and to Restart Drilling Operations on San Juan #3 after Supreme Court Ordered Injunction against the Government of Belize. Treaty Energy Corporation TECO -3.23% (www.treatyenergy.com), a growth-oriented international energy company, is pleased to announce a new operational structure for its subsidiary company, Treaty Belize Energy, Ltd., along with the recommencement of drilling operations in Belize. Treaty Energy Corporation's CEO, Andrew Reid, announced that Mr. Max Mohamed has been appointed to be the President and CEO of Treaty Belize Energy, Ltd.

Strong ties between fly fishers lead to MSU, Belize collaboration
Strong connections between fly fishers in southwest Montana and Central America have led to new research at Montana State University. The project is focused on conch, a sea snail that's known for its delectable meat and large shell. The research is spearheaded by one of the managers of Turneffe Flats Resort who is working on his master's degree in fish and wildlife management at MSU and could someday - if his fans are right - become prime minister of his country, Belize. Alex Anderson, 27, not only served two years as student body president at the University of Belize, but he helped drive two major projects that promote conservation in this country along the Caribbean Sea. One created Belize's largest marine reserve. The other led to the protection of bonefish, permit and tarpon as catch-and-release species in Belize. Anderson comes from a family of fly fishing guides and worked seven years at the internationally known Turneffe Flats Resort. Although he grew up in Cotton Tree, a town of 600 people and three streets, he is known all over Belize. "There are a little over 300,000 people in the country, and 200,000 know Alex," said his faculty adviser, Al Zale, leader of the Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit in MSU's Department of Ecology. Anderson also has a heart for Belize, and it's currently beating for people who are trying to make a living selling conch.

OPENING ARGUMENTS IN BELIZE URGE SUPREME COURT TO UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION
Today began the four day constitutionality challenge trial of Belize’s Section 53 anti-sodomy law in their Supreme Court. I have been watching the #UNIBAM twitter feed all afternoon (Belize = CST) for wonderful live-tweeting from Asa DeMatteo and now have been emailed (thank you!) the Press Release for Day One. The Press Release relays that the proceedings “began today with a reminder of the supremacy of the Constitution and the fundamental rights it guarantees to every individual.” The rights the Belizean Constitution guarantee include “the rights including privacy, freedom of conscience and expression, personal privacy and home and family life, and the recognition of human dignity of every individual.” Lead counsel for the Claimant, Trinidad and Tobago attorney Chris Hamel-Smith, CS, “argued that Section 53 discriminates against sexual minorities in Belize, on its face and in its impact on the LGBT community, and counseled the court that finding Section 53 inconsistent with the Constitution would not amount to legislative action.”

May 7, 2013

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

A glimpse at the amazing underwater world with White Sands Dive Shop
“Did you see the dolphins yesterday?” asked the diver sitting next to me as we leave the dock next to Las Terazzas Resort. “It was amazing, the most incredible dive I’ve ever had,” exclaimed Cesar Cuevas. Equally giddy about the experience was his wife Rachell. Today we are on our way to dive Hol Chan (a Maya word that means small channel) Marine Reserve. The weather is perfect with only a slight breeze, and the water is crystal clear, highlighting the array of blues and turquoise colors that make the Caribbean famous. Belize has long been considered among the best dive destinations on the planet. And in this small Caribbean country, the island of Ambergris Caye offers countless diving experiences just minutes from her shore. San Pedro town offers numerous dive operations with dive masters who ensure a memorable and safe experience. Today we are with White Sands Dive Shop, among the oldest and prestigious dive operations on the island. Owner and operator Elbert Greer has a staff of seven who are dive masters, diving instructors, fishing guides, snorkel guides and boat captains. Four of the guides are with us today as we travel the short distance to Hol Chan, which offers an underwater experience for every class of diver.

Manuel Heredia Jr. donates funds for SPTC Mother’s Day Extravaganza
Plans are ongoing for the annual Mother’s Day celebration hosted by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). As part of the coordination and planning, on Friday May 2nd the SPTC received a donation from the Area Representative Honorable Manuel Heredia to help finance the event. A check for of $5,000 was handed over to San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero. Mayor Guerrero expressed his gratitude for the generous gift from Heredia. “The money will be used to help us with our Mother’s Day event,” said Mayor Guerrero. It is an event that, according to Mayor Guerrero, will be a grand one. This year’s entertaining evening is scheduled for Saturday, May 11th at the Central Park. In handing over the contribution, Heredia explained that the donation was a commitment made to the mothers of the island to assure that the event will continue to be held. “I am happy to be able to secure funds that will improve the Mother’s Day celebration,” said Heredia. The money was secured through the Ministry of Tourism. San Pedro mothers are invited to the grand Mother’s Day Extravaganza that will commence at 6PM. The entertainment for the evening will be courtesy of X’Pet, El Cocotazo and Jose Gabriel, all Mexican performers.

Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Reserve burglarized
On the morning of April 25th, an employee of Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Reserve discovered that the toll booth located at the entrance of the site had been broken into. Window brokenIt appears the building had been entered through the door after the latch was broken or through a side window. According to Jan Brown, Director of Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Reserve, no money is ever left at the site, maintenance equipment and some merchandise was missing. The largest item stolen was the newly purchased Echo Gas Leaf Blower. While smaller items such as tools and grounds maintenance equipment were also reported missing. A set of Bushnell Binoculars, a personal item of an employee who had been using them to identify birds on the site was also taken. There were also a few merchandise items missing – t-shirts, beverage coozies and two “Ancient Maya Traders of Ambergris Caye” by Thomas Guderjan books that had just been received to re-sell. As well, the locks on the restrooms were destroyed.

US University Celebrates Garifuna Culture
The New Jersey Folk Festival paid tribute today to the remarkable resilience of the Garifuna people, a community that has survived wars, exile and deprivation – and which today is flourishing. “I believe this is due in great part to their absolute refusal to surrender against incredible odds,” said Camillo Gonsalves, permanent representative to the United Nations for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who spoke earlier this afternoon at the 39th annual gathering of the festival. The festival is part of Rutgers Day, the annual open house showcasing the best the university has to offer, which this year drew a record-breaking crowd of 83,000. St. Vincent is the ancestral homeland of the Garifuna people, who today are found largely in Belize, Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala. A large Garifuna diaspora also exists in New York and New Jersey, the ambassadorsays.

Ambergris Today

Belize and Australia Team Up to Protect Barrier Reef Biodiversity
Managers of world’s two largest barrier reefs team up to protect biodiversity - Australia and Belize might seem worlds apart, but when it comes to coral reefs there is much in common. A key challenge faced by both countries is how to encourage economic development in ways that don’t reduce marine biodiversity. This is the focus of a three-day workshop in Belize City that will take place between May 7 and 9, 2013. Coral reef managers, scientists and policymakers will come together to review best-practice approaches to biodiversity offsetting, which can help developers and regulators design projects that deliver social and economic benefits while ensuring no overall loss of biodiversity.

Carlo and Ernie’s Runway Bar Holds Grand Opening Party
There is a new watering hole in town! More of a social hangout and a great place to eat; Carlo and Ernie’s Runway Bar and Grill held its inaugural party on Saturday, May 4, 2013, with live music by the 3D Band and DJ Traxx. There were lots of giveaways and complimentary drinks and appetizers throughout the night. Patrons were also happy to enjoy the Floyd Mayweather Jr. face-off fight against Roberto Guerrero. Needless to say the place was packed all weekend long and everybody had a great time.

What is the Book Of Mormon?
Learn about the History and Origin of the Book of Mormon and its testimony of Jesus Christ; friends and family of all ages are invited at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in front of San Pedro Belize Express Water-Taxi. Fridays at 5:00 p.m. Beginning in May 2013.

Misc Belizean Sources

VIDEO: My View Carlo and Ernie's Opening Night
Carlo and Ernie's Runway Bar celebrated their opening night on May 4th, 2013. Catch Carlo and Ernie's Runway Bar on Coconut Drive. A definite must stop when in La Isla Bonita.

Belize's First Movie Launches Caribbean Film Industry
Make-Belize Films, an organization developing the film arts in Belize, is pleased to announce the international online release of 'Curse of the Xtabai'. The 80 minute jungle thriller-comedy is available for rent at xtabai.makebelizefilms.com for $1.99. 'Xtabai' (pronounced "ish-ta-by") has the distinction of being the first major movie fully produced with Belizean talent. The project provided training then employment for 65 Belizeans, who conceived and performed the film without the use of a script. "We want movies from Belize to offer audiences something unique and special", explains producer Matthiew Klinck, "so we're using improvisation to bring a raw energy to the screen."

Belikin at AGRIC
Belikin caught some people enjoying themselves at the Belikin beer tent at Agric.

EMPRENDE Entrepreneur Funding
Do you have a great business idea, but don't know where to start? Or do you already have a new business (less than 3 years old) and want to see it expand? If you do, then you should apply for this funding. Please share this with others who have a talent that they can develop into a successful business. "Entrepreneurs, welcome to the application form for the EMPRENDE training program, leaded by BELTRAID and CENPROMYPE. For the application and selection process, you must understand the following points: Potential Entrepreneurs: People and teams with business ideas and motivation to undertake full time, but have not yet advanced to the stage of marketing their product or solution."

Rewarding Mom Sweepstakes
Mother's Day is fast approaching, and not only are many local restaurants having specials and live music, but Vanessa Awe Makeup Artistry is giving you a chance to get your mother a free makeover. You'll also get a photoshoot with Ramon Quiroz and hair done by Cory Flores. Good luck! "Vanessa Awe Makeup Artistry would like to give away a makeover this Mother's Day! One lucky mom will be randomly selected this Thursday, May 9, 2013. Winner will receive a makeover by Vanessa Awe Makeup Artistry along with hair done by Professional Hairdresser Cory Flores AND a mini photo session with Ramon Quiroz Photography! All you have to do is be sure to 'like' the page, then nominate a mom by commenting under this photo and that's it! *Anyone can be nominated, as long as the candidate is a mom. For more details on eligibility please refer to flyer. Have a nice day everyone! :)"

Running W Heats Up AGRIC
Running W got some great pictures while they were grilling and making some delicious BBQ at Agric. "Wow! What a weekend at the Agriculture Show grounds! If you weren’t feeling the heat of Running W’s grills, you surely missed out on the BEST grilling around!"

Caricom Song Competition
Don't forget about the Caricom song competition. Songs must be submitted by May 30th. The song should celebrate the history, culture, and traditions of the Caribbean. The winner will take home $10,000. Good luck.

VIDEO: Keyanni - Belize Top Model of The Week - Behind the Scenes Video
Belize's Top Model is selected Weekly and shot on location at various sites in and around the beautiful travel destination of Belize. Models are selected based on various criteria by a well known and published photographer in Belize, Will Moreno from Will Moreno Photography and Lucelli Cal the owner and principal of one of the hottest trending boutiques in Belize, Catwalk Fashions. We will take you on a journey with us as we travel around Belize and perform these photoshoots in these beautiful locations with gorgeous models. The Main photo selected weekly is published on a full color print page in the Belize Times Newspaper in Belize. Make sure to tune in to see who our next weekly Top Model will be. Model: Keyanni Makeup Artist: Lucelli Cal Hair: Soraida Sharma Clothing: Catwalk Fashions Boutique Location: Chaps Bar and Grill - Pickwick Pool Published: 5/5/2013 Belize Times Newspaper Music by Kesha - "Blow"

Channel 7

Another Murder At The Former “Palm Island”
Tonight, the family members of 32 year-old John Paul Fernandez, continue to ask questions about what led to his apparent murder on the compound of The Office Restaurant and Bar – formerly known as Palm Island Bar – on the Phillip Goldson Highway. On Saturday morning at around 3:41 a.m., Fernandez was found dead with a gunshot wound to the right side of the head, and no eyewitnesses to say what led to it. All police are able to confirm tonight is that he was socializing with a man and shortly after a single gunshot was heard. Fernandez was later found dead in a pool of blood. His family is devastated by his sudden loss and today, they spoke with 7News to share what little information they have about the last time he was seen alive. Christopher Fernandez - Brother of Deceased "The information that I got was that my brother was helping a guy that was selling BBQ, not far from here, and the guy said he dropped my brother home. He said that he brought my brother at the lane but he didn't see if my brother reached at home. We got information and everyone knows who did it but we are leaving the information up to the court and to God so that they make the decision what is right. We're waiting on the police to get some information but the only reason is because I want to know how they killed my brother and what really happened to my brother. We want to know who did it and the reason why? Because my brother is a loving person, everyone knows my brother around here and know that he is loving.

City Shooting – 10 Shots Fired, No Injury
And while that murder happened early on Saturday morning, by Saturday night there was a wild shooting in the city. It happened at around 7:25 on Saturday night on Caesar Ridge Road. Residents say as many ten shots were fired by a passing gunman. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and police say the targeted person escaped. The police scenes of crime team responded and we saw them put down nine bullet markers. No one has been arrested or detained for the shooting.

Cayo Stabbing Results In Murder
John Fernandez’s murder was the weekend’s second homicide. The first happened in an area behind the Pit Pan Bar in San Ignacio at around 6:30 p.m on Friday. 18 year-old Shaheem Slusher had just left his work site. He went for a swim, and he was socializing with several men. He got into an argument with another man who pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the neck and left shoulder. He tried to escape, but he fell and bled out beside the river. Last night, 7News travelled to San Ignacio, we got a chance to speak with his uncle, who is a police officer stationed in Belmopan. He told us about how they are dealing with his sudden loss. Denroy Barrow - Uncle of Deceased "It was around 7:00 Friday evening - I was at home when I was informed by a collegue that one of my nephews was injured by the river side. I made checks and I met the police officers at the scene doing their work. I don't have the full details but I was made to understand that my nephew was on his way from work because he works in Santa Elena. I believe that sometime while he was in the San Ignacio area he stopped by the river to wash off the cement from his work. As I understand it there were some other individuals in the area where he and someone got into a misunderstanding and a struggle insued whereby he received two stab wounds - one to the right side of the neck and the left side of his shoulder.

Mother Explains How Her Baby Died In A Bucket, Cops Not Completely Convinced
On Friday night we told you about a baby that apparently drowned in a bucket. One-year-old Kyle Leslie’s mother told police that she came back into the house to find her baby submerged in a bucket. Today, she told us her story. Jules Vasquez reporting Tanya Leslie - Mother of 1 year old, Drowned in Bucket "Well, it's an experience that I will never forget." Today, 19 year old Tanya Leslie has nothing but regrets. On Friday afternoon, at around 1:00 she had been sleeping with her two sons, Damion, two and Kyle,1 at her home on Mahogany Street when she stepped out briefly. Tanya Leslie "I got a phone call and they told me to come outside for the money and when I was out there I realized that only one of my sons was by the door. I went back into the kitchen I saw my son in the bucket and I pulled him out. I squeezed his stomach and I saw that water came out of his mouth like he was choking water and he was still alive.

Toddler Falls Into Pond In Boom, Drowns
And while that was Friday in the city, another small child drowned on Saturday in the Burrell Boom Area – and in this case police believe it was accidental. Five year old David Alexander Cruz was unaccompanied when he fell into a pond near his house and drowned. But while he was not being supervised near a body of water, as we found out there is a reason why that was the case: Mom was fending off a bush-fire. Jules Vasquez reporting On Saturday afternoon at about 3:00, a bush fire was encircling the Cruz family home off the Burrell Boom Road. The mother of three, 25 year old Raquel Carcamo was trying to fight the fire and keep it away from the house, when she called in her children who were eating coconuts about 200 feet away, near this putrid looking pond 200 feet from the home. But five year old David Alexander Cruz stayed back. Jose Tobar - Uncle of Deceased "The problem was that the baby David gave him the life jacket that he had and then they went. His sisters and my little brother didn't conscious that he stayed at the back so when they were looking for him they realize they couldn't find him. His sister Giselle went to the pond and she saw a hand in the water that's when they called her mother and told them that her brother was in the pond."

Crazy Arnold Gets a Crazy Jail Sentence
29 year-old Michael “Crazy” Arnold is at prison tonight serving a 12 year prison sentence after he was convicted of rape in 2011. Well, he’s getting 15 years added on to his prison time because he pleaded guilty to a second rape charge today. His female victim, who was 29 year-old at the time, told police that at around 10 p.m. on September 18, 2010, Arnold, who she knew for a month, entered her apartment and put a gun to her head. He ordered her to perform oral sex on him. She said that she refused and that’s when he pulled her on to a bed, grabbed a machete and put it to her neck threatening to chop her to death if she didn’t cooperate. With that machete to her throat, Arnold raped her. That case was called up today before Justice Adolph Lucas, and Arnold took the opportunity to change his plea to guilty. He begged the court to consider handing him a sentence which would run concurrently with his current 12 year sentence, 2 years of which he has already served.

Accused Killer Is 18, Not 17
A month ago, we told you about the execution-style killing of 36 year-old Frank Neal. Two days later, police charged a young man for his murder, who claimed that he was 17 years-old. Well tonight, he is in prison and he will be treated as an adult because police have confirmed that Paul Smith, a resident of Cemetery Road, is 18 years-old. As we reported, at around 6 p.m. on March 8, Neal was riding on Glenn Street, and he had gone to buy Johnny Cakes. That's when a gunman rode up behind him and shot him in the back of the head. He fell in the drain, and died on the spot. Paul Smith was taken before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith who remanded him to prison until July 4, 2013, his next court date.

UNIBAM’s Pre Trial Press Conference
May seventh to the tenth in the courtroom of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin is reserved for what’s known as the UNIBAM Case, Caleb Orozco. The Attorney General of Belize which is the gay rights group challenge to section 53 of Belize’s criminal code. That section of the law says, “every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years.” UNIBAM says that denies gay men their constitutional right to privacy. That’s the broad outline of a case which has triggered Belize’s first culture war: between those Christians who say that homosexuality is an abomination and the gay rights group which says consenting adults should be free to do as they wish in their private lives. The case has drawn a constellation of local and international legal luminaries, and today, aware that the court of public opinion is as important as the court of law, Orozco’s group held a pre-trial press conference at the University of the West Indies, Open Campus. Westmin James and Caleb Orozco took questions on the nature of the case, and whether the impetus for it came from international agencies pushing a gay rights lobby. Caleb Orozco - Executive President, UNIBAM "For far too long the state has ignored it's LGB's citizens fundamental right and freedom in other lower level lots. It may have immediately removed to individual citizens' prejudices immediately but it's certainly a heck of a debate and a journey to get there."

Thousands Take PSE Part II
Tonight, thousands of Standard 6 students from around the country are breathing a sigh of relief because they finished the PSE today, sitting Paper two, the Math and Social Studies subjects. It’s the most important test of their young academic careers, and today 7News got a chance to speak with a few of them to get a feel for how challenging they found the test to be. Adalmi Cambranez - Wesley Upper School "We were taking Social Studies and Mathematics today." Daniel Ortiz "In your optinion, how was it now that you've gone through it?" Adalmi Cambranez "Only one of two were hard - not that hard but it was good. I think I passed it with a high score." Daniel Ortiz "How long did it take you to prepare for it?" Adalmi Cambranez "It took me long enough because I was doing very well in my opinion so I studied very hard." Kevin Vega - Grace Primary School "The Mathematics was kind of challenging but I know I did well. The Social Studies was faily easy I think."

Bowen & Bowen Production Lags, Can’t Keep Up With Demand
For weeks, we’ve been hearing complaints about shortages with Bowen and Bowen products, from soft-drinks in the plastic bottles, to soft drinks in the glass bottles, and now an acute shortage of Crystal water products. Today, Bowen and Bowen Senior Executive Hilly Martinez confirmed that as regards water products, the company is behind in production and just cannot keep up with market’s demand during the hot months of April and May. He says this has led to the rationing of five gallon bottles and the shortage of the pouch bags for 25 cents. As for the glass bottled soft drinks, he says they had a major breakdown with a machine called the crowner, which puts the aluminum stopper on the bottles. He says they had to order the replacement part form Germany which also caused delays.

Belize’s Buffest Off to Britain
In October of last year, 7News showed you the 2012 Body Building Champion, Rigo Vellos. Well, he’s moving on from Belize, and he’s competing in a much larger competition. Vellos is making a few last-minute preparations to leave for Colchester, London for the 2013 Hercules Olympia Body-Building competition which will be held this Saturday. This competition is a big deal it attracts some of the world’s top-form bodybuilders, and Vellos will become the first Belizean to participate. Since the October 2012 Bodybuilding championships, Vellos has won 1st place in the Corozal Bodybuilding Competition in Senior Category, which was held this weekend. He also won 1st Place in the Habet and Habet Mr. Physique Competition which was held in Placencia over the Easter weekend. All through this time, he has been fundraising to travel to London, and he thanks his sponsors.

Ride ‘Em, Cowboy!
The Rodeo, it has become a mainstay at the National Agriculture and Trade Show, and every year, fans flock to the event because of the excitement it brings. Brave cowboys from across the country participated in yesterday’s rodeo, and 7News was there for every thrilling moment of it. Daniel Ortiz has that report. Daniel Ortiz reporting Yesterday, the 2013 Rodeo was filled to capacity; every seat in the four corners of the facility's bleachers was occupied. It has a history going back some 47 years, so it's expected that the sport has avid fans and supporters. The Rodeo is all about good clean fun and entertainment, but according to one of the oldest professionals, there is a youth outreach aspect to it. Robert Lightburn - Rodeo Official Timekeeper "I would like to see this go on. The objective of this is to get the kids involved in something positive. Rodeo is something that you have to practice and live." And the youth participation was evident when one of the youngest contestants confidently rode her horse through the course designed for the Barrel Racing.

Barbering As a Business Solution
Right now, Belize’s unemployment rate is IN THE teens, and every day, young Belizeans try in vain to seek out different employers for jobs. At the YWCA, young women and youth have traditionally been the target groups for intervention but 16 weeks ago, the organization collaborated with the US Embassy to create a unique capacity building training. Today, 7News attended it’s first barber expo, and 7News found out about that capacity training. Daniel Ortiz reporting The male population in Belize currently doesn’t have enough barbers; most of them have to line up every 2 weeks to get a trim. The YWCA, in collaboration with the US Embassy, decided to turn that demand into an avenue of outreach to young men in the communities, who need a trade and are willing to accept help. Sonia Linarez - General Secretary, YWCA "Today is a big day for the YWCA because we are having a barber expo. This is the first time the Y has embarked on such an initiative."

British Court Says former BHC Yapp Was Unfairly Done In By Courtenay Complaint
Since 2008, we’ve been reporting on the case of John Yapp, the former British High Commissioner to Belize who was abruptly relieved of his post and sent home after a complaint emerged that he’d behaved inappropriately – specifically that he’d touched a woman’s behind at a cocktail party. For years, rumours circulated as to who that woman may have been – but now, a judgment in British Court has been handed down – and it says the woman was Denise Courtenay and the man who complained about it was her husband, Eamon Courtenay. The 42 page judgment arises out of a lawsuit Yapp filed against the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, saying that he had been unjustly dismissed from his Belize posting. The judgment discloses the details of confidential conversations Courtenay had with Foreign Office Staff. The Courtenay Allegations, as they are called, were put into an e-mail which says, quote, “at private events the claimant had acted inappropriately with women, including touching Mrs Denise Courtenay’s bottom, and so people were no longer prepared to invite him to events. The mail also lists six other allegations in which Courtenay is alleged to have said he had declined to attend events at the High Commission during the visit of (a British) Minister, and that quote, “Mr Courtenay commented that the sooner the claimant left Belize the better.”

Channel 5

Pen knife murder at Cayo bar
There were two murders over the weekend; the first murder occurred in the west. Eighteen year old Shaheem Slusher, a construction worker from Gales Point Manatee, moved to San Ignacio seven years ago, but something went awfully wrong on Friday evening. At about six-thirty, his body was found behind the Pit Pan Bar in San [...]

Name changed, but man murdered at Palm Island
Nine hours later, there was another murder…this time in the Old Capital. It’s also the second murder to be recorded at Palm Island. In the predawn hours of Saturday morning, two friends were socializing at the Belize City club, when one was fatally shot. One suspect, who was being questioned, was subsequently released and police [...]

5 year old drowns in Burrell Boom Pond
Even as the nation struggles to deal with the killing by drowning of three small children one week ago, another family is grieving the loss of their only son to drowning. This latest tragedy occurred in the village of Burrell Boom on Saturday afternoon; it has left a young mother inconsolable after her son, five [...]

Toddler drowns in bucket in Belize City
Another child purportedly drowned and Belize City police are tonight investigating the death of a toddler. The initial reports are that one year old Kyle Adain Leslie drowned inside a bucket of water on Friday afternoon at his Mahogany Street house. Sometime around two-twenty p.m., a team of officers visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital [...]

Foreign Ministers of Belize and Guatemala headed to O.A.S.
The October referendum has been called off; first by Guatemala on the basis that they wanted Belize to amend the Referendum Act to change the sixty percent voter turnout to a simple majority and also because they were not prepared to spend millions of dollars on a process which likely would not have yielded a [...]

Former British High Commissioner vindicated of allegations of inappropriate behavior
Former British High Commissioner to Belize John Yapp has been vindicated after a judge ruled that he was let down by the British Foreign Office in 2008. Yapp was yanked from service in Belize after allegations that he had touched the rear of a senior politician’s wife at a social function, and also that he [...]

UNIBAM and U-RAP pretrial conference
The landmark case of Caleb Orozco versus the Attorney General of Belize goes to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, and both sides, and the churches as interested parties, are gearing up for what will be a very significant trial challenging section fifty-three of the criminal code which states that persons who engage in carnal knowledge [...]

Is UNIBAM being used for foreign gay agenda?
Although the trial will be run along clear-cut legal lines, this is far from a clear-cut, unemotional issue and feelings on both sides are running deep. Today, the media asked the hard questions, including a query about an existing perception that there is a foreign agenda at work, and Caleb Orozco is just a pawn [...]

UNIBAM’s Caleb says gay case is human rights issue
And from taking offense to giving offense, Orozco reiterated that there is no foreign government at work in this case, and it is a human rights agenda that is dictating his struggle. Orozco also revealed that discrimination is one of the key issues at play in this case.   Caleb Orozco, Claimant “The US Government [...]

Michael “Crazy” Arnold locked up until 2023 for rape
Repeat offender Michael “Crazy” Arnold was charged for raping a twenty-nine year old woman back in September 2010.  At the time, Arnold pleaded not guilty. But today, he went back to court and changed his plea to guilty so as not to waste the court’s time. Arnold called no witnesses, but asked the court for [...]

Frutos’ attempted murder with machete
Thirty-four year old Edgar Elmer Frutos, an employee of the Angelus Press Limited, appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith today, where he was read a string of charges stemming from an incident on April twenty-seventh.  The technician is accused of hacking Osmond Romero with a machete, following a misunderstanding.  In an affidavit, Frutos said [...]

Smith; claims to be a minor, but charged for murder
Eighteen year old Paul Smith was charged today for the March murder of Frank Neal. Smith originally claimed that he was seventeen, but he was brought back to court today from the Wagner’s Facility and arraigned as an adult before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith. Neal was gunned down by a lone gunman while purchasing [...]

Day two of PSE; students say math hard, social studies easy
Day two of the PSE took place today at different locations countrywide. Close to eight thousand primary school students sat the exams. While a number of students were comfortable with social science, math is still a challenge for the majority. News Five’s Jose Sanchez, spoke to students from various primary schools.   Jose Sanchez, Reporting [...]

CARSI and YWCA teach youths to be paid barbers
The Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) is the United States Government’s top program for investing and promoting peace in Central America. CARSI has pledged six million U.S. dollars to go towards initiatives that combat urban crime and narco-trafficking while investing in programs that prevent youths from straying into illicit activities. Several weeks ago CARSI [...]

Ball kicking, hoop shooting Sports Monday highlight
Good evening I’m James Adderley and this is sports Monday.   The 2013 PLB playoffs got off to a roaring start over the weekend so we took in game 1 of the home and away series between Police United and the Belize Defense Force inside the FFB Stadium at the Capital City Saturday night.   [...]

LOVE FM

Gay Rights Sits High On This Week's Legal Agenda In Belize
High on the legal agenda for this week is the much-touted case of Caleb Orozco and the United Belize Advocacy Movement, UNIBAM, which is seeking to challenge Section 53 of the Laws of Belize that pertains to sexual conduct. Today, one of Orozco’s legal representatives, West...

Security Detained For Murder of Belize City Laborer
32 year old John Fernandez, a laborer of 17 Flamboyant Street went socializing last Friday night with friends when his life was cut short. Fernandez’ uncle, David Morales, informed Love News that earlier on Friday night he learned that someone had dropped off Fernandez near...

Final Segment of Primary School Exams Held Today
The second portion of the Primary School Examinations is being sat today all over the country. Love News spoke with Principal Education Officer for National Exams, Yvonne Davis, who gave us the details on the scope of today’s exam. YVONNE DAVIS "Today they are ...

Agric Show Held Over The Weekend
Over the weekend thousands of Belizeans flocked to Belmopan for the 2013 National Agriculture and Trade Show. Since its establishment back in 1970, “Agric” as most Belizeans refer it as, has become, undoubtedly, one of the most visited events of the year. The theme ch...

Mother Turns To Media To Locate Missing Son
Tonight, worries over thirteen years old Scott Thompson is growing as it has been over a week since anybody has heard of him or knows his whereabouts. According to the Thompson mother, Elvira Thompson, it’s not the first time that the thirteen year old has gone missing...

IACHR Expresses Concerns Over Human Rights Situation With The Maya Communitites
An article on online news page, CanaNews.net reports that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, IACHR, has expressed concerns regarding the human rights situation of the Maya indigenous communities in Toledo. The article says the IACHR has received information that p...

Fire At Airport Bar Reported
It has not been reported in the police news report but the San Pedro Sun has reported that a fire at Jet’s Bar at the Philip Goldson International Airport has totally destroyed the bar. The newspaper reported that the incident happened at around eight on the night of Sa...

Fifteen Years For Rape Following Guilty Plea
Thirty-six year old Michael Arnold, a.k.a. “Crazy”, was sentenced to 15 years today by Justice Adolph Lucas after he pled guilty to rape. Justice Lucas stipulated that the sentence is to run consecutively to a sentence of 12 years that Arnold is serving for a rape convictio...

Teenager Found Murdered In Cayo District
An eighteen year old man was murdered in the Cayo Districton Friday Evening. According to reports, the victim Raheem Slusher, a resident of Gales Point Manatee Village was involved in an argument with thirty one year old Brian Burke at Pit Pan Bar in San Ignacio Town. The a...

YWCA Holds Barber Competition Following Training Sessions
The YWCA Building was buzzing with the sound of hair clippers this afternoon as the Young Women’s Christian Association held its first ever Barber Expo and Competition. The competition saw that participation of 8 competitors who have been part of a barbering course that has taken...

Baby Drowns In Bucket While Mother Was Asleep
A one year old toddler reportedly died while in the care of his young mother last Friday afternoon and the 19 year says that he drowned while she was asleep. Tanya Leslie told Love News that she returned home on Mahogany Street after lunch hour on Friday and met two of her young ...

Action Plan Launched For Central Belize Corridor
The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable and the University of Belize through its Environmental Research Institute will initiate Management Action Planning for the Central Belize Corridor though a launch event from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the B...

Four of Six Fishermen Plead Guilty For Drug Trafficking
A case involving six fishermen, charged with drug trafficking and possession of a controlled drug, concluded today with four of them pleading guilty. They are Juan Munoz, Joselito Bautista, Jose Nunez, Jose Peraza, Javier Perez and Jose Rodriguez. All six were charged with drug traffic...

New Horizon's Plastic Surgeons Operates On Toddler
A 4 year old Belizean boy, Isai Carrillo, underwent surgery on May 2nd to correct syndactyly, otherwise known as hand fusion, in his right hand. The surgery was done at the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk Town. With help from New Horizons’ plastic surgeons; his hand tha...

CTV3

Firearm And Ammunition Removed Off The Streets
A man from the Orange Walk District is in serious trouble with the law after he was busted with a firearm and several live rounds. The incident happened at around 3:00 yesterday afternoon when police searched a Yamaha ATV driven at the time by 24 year old Vildo Westby, a Belizean laborer of Guinea Grass Village in the Orange Walk District. The search led police to one air pistol and one .22 live round found in the cartridge. But police were not satisfied and decided to search Westby. This time the search yielded (15) .22 live rounds of ammunition. Westby was immediately detained and escorted to the Orange Walk Police Station where he is detained pending charges.

Junior Farmer Of The Year Hails From Corozal
Over the weekend thousands of Belizeans flocked to Belmopan for the annual National Agriculture and Trade Show which was officially declared opened on Friday. Undoubtedly, there were many attractions at the show grounds and let’s not leave out the great deals. But perhaps one of the highlights of the event was the naming of the senior, female and junior farmers of the year. Tonight, the spotlight shines on the junior farmer of the year who we are proud to note is from the Corozal District. This morning Reporter Victor Castillo and Cameraman Kenric Simpson travelled further north and visited the 15 acre farm land of 19 year old Nelson Enrique Burgos, 2013’s Junior Farmer of the Year. Victor Castillo- Reporting Meet this year’s Junior Farmer of the year, 19 year old Nelson Enrique Burgos from Fresh Water Creek in the Corozal District. At the age of 14 Burgos became interested in farming and since then has dedicated most of his time and efforts in expanding his family’s business. Every day, with the assistance of his grandfather, he cultivates this 15 acre plot of land, planting an assortment of vegetables and fruit trees. But Burgos does not only toil the soil, he also grows a number of chickens which similar to his fruits and vegetables are sold for local consumption.

Two Toddlers Drown In Belize City
On Friday four year old Triana Teul, three year old Thomas Teul and one year old 1 year old Trinaya Teul were laid to rest. The three siblings were killed by their mother, 22 year old Felicia Chen, on April 27th as she took them to the Belizean Beach and drowned them. Tonight there is more sad news to report as two toddlers drowned in separate incidences. The first incident occurred on Friday May 3rd. According to 19 year old Tanaya Leslie, she arrived home at around 12:30 on Friday afternoon where she found her two sons asleep. Tired herself the mother says she fell asleep too and when she woke up she found her one year old baby boy, Kyle Leslie, face down in a bucket of water. The mother says she immediately pulled the toddler out of the water but it was too late, by the time the child arrived at the hospital he was already dead. No charges have been levied upon Leslie. The second incident was recorded on Saturday May 4th. Ladyville Police visited the Fresh Pond area in the Village of Burrell Boom in Belize City where they found the body of five year old David Alexander Cruz. Investigations revealed that sometime between 3:00pm and 4:00pm on the 4th, the child went into the pond located 100 yard away from his house and drowned. The child was retrieved from the water by his mother 25 year old Elvis Raquel Carcamos, a Salvadoran national. The body of David Alexander Cruz was transported to the K.H.M.H where it was pronounced dead at 7:00pm.

15 Year Old Minor Gone Missing
Tonight the mother of a 15 year old girl from Orange Walk Town is asking for the publics assistance in locating her daughter whose been missing for two days. Seleni Norelia Blanco left home on Saturday May 4th at around 7:30am en-route to her job at the Ready Call Centre and has not been seen since. According to Blanco’s mother, Rosa Truches, she received a text from her daughter on Saturday and on Sunday afternoon at around four informing her that she was ok and should not worry. But Truches, who visited our studios today, told us she is worried sick about her daughter and all that she wants is for her to return home. Blanco is described as being of Hispanic Decent, has long black straight hair, brown skin and dark brown eyes. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Seleni Norelia Blanco is asked to contact the nearest Police Station or contact the family at 665-3866 or 605-8276.

Students Sit Second Part Of PSE
On March 18th, 2013, a total of 7,556 standard six students countrywide sat the first part of the Primary School Examination which represented a 6% increase over last year 2012. 1,804 students of the total amount were from the north; 858 students were from the Corozal District and 946 students were from the Orange Walk District. Today, students sat the second part of the Primary School Examination consisting of Math paper one and two and Social Studies. So how did it go? That’s what we found out. Irvin Aragon – Reporter Today, hundreds of standard six students countrywide headed to the various examination rooms to sit the second part of the Primary School Examination. This year 1,804 students who took the exams were from the north. Over the years, the Ministry of Education has seen an increase in the number of students who sit the exam and this year was no different except for the fact that 142 students who took the first phase of the exam did not sit the second part. The numbers here in the north however, were not affected. The exams consisted of Math paper 1 and 2, paper 1 consisting of 50 multiple choices and paper 2 consisting of 10 problem solving questions. The Social Studies paper consisted of 50 multiple choices.

Ministry Of Education Celebrates Education Week
Yesterday marked the beginning of Education Week celebrated this year under the theme: “Working together: Stakeholders partnering to enhance education”. Activities will run for two weeks this year culminating with Teachers Day on Friday May 17th. The main objective for the celebration is to highlight achievements in the Education system, according to District Education Officer Carla Alvarez. Carla Alvarez- District Education Officer “The purpose of these two weeks of celebration is to sensitize the public as to some of the education services that are offered and what the Ministry of Education does on its various capacities and so the celebration started with an ecumenical service in the various districts and this two week period is teachers’ day.” Irvin Aragon - Reporter “Could you tell us some of the activities happening here in the north?” Carla Alvarez- District Education Officer “There is a calendar that marks the various activities happening throughout the country and then we also have some specific activities here I Orange Walk but coincidentally today is PSE day two and so it is an interesting way to start the spirit of celebration, tomorrow we have a, what you call a Creole culture type of program telling a story and this will be conducted by Ms. Mirna Manzanares at Banquitas House of Culture. Monday, May 13th we will have a financial literacy fair at ITVET this one of the highlights of the two weeks celebration and we are inviting schools from across the country to participate”

PlusTV

Two small boys drown over the weekend
Two little boys lost their lives in separate drowning incidents over the weekend. One took place in Belize City and the other in the Ladyville area. We begin in Belize City where according to police, nineteen year old Tanya Leslie of Mahogany Street discovered her baby son’s head inside...

Homosexual Court Case Starts Tomorrow
Lawyers for Caleb Orosco, litigant in tomorrow’s constitutional court challenge to the sodomy law, flew in today. Orosco hosted a press conference flanked by media representative Nyasha Laing and attorney representing the UWI Law Faculty Rights Advocacy Project (URAP), Westmin James. Orozco fielded questions central to the case, including...

Teenages dies after knife attack
A teenager lost his life on Friday night, after someone he had a misunderstanding with, attacked him with a knife. The incident happened at Pit Pan Bar in San Ignacio Town around 6:00pm. 18 year old Raheem Slusher, a resident of Gales Point Manatee Village, and Brian Burke, a...

Head to head collision on Cayo bridge
There was an accident on the low lying wooden bridge joining Santa Elena and San Ignacio. It happened this afternoon. The bridge is a one lane structure and usually vehicles wait until the bridge is clear before embarking. But somehow, a J and J bus and a green Toyota...

Law Expert confident on Belize dealings with ICJ
There is no longer a referendum scheduled for October 6th to decide whether Belize goes to the ICJ. Even so, the discussion on the Belize Guatemala issue continues. Last week professor from the University of Wollongong School of Law in Australia, Warwick Gullett, stopped in Belize as part of...

Julius Espat and Conrad Lewis discuss Public Accounts Committee on Rise & Shine
Conrad Lewis, Former Clerk of the National Assembly and Hon. Julius Espat Area Representative for Cayo South and Chairman of the Public Account Committee were guests on this morning’s Rise and Shine. The two spoke about The Public Accounts Committee which has the duty of examining, considering and reporting...

Family Friendly National Agriculture and Trade Show
The National Agriculture and Trade Show was held over the weekend. Thousands flocked to the nation’s capital for the annual event that featured the country’s finest crops and animals and of course – what would agric be without some good food, entertainment, and promotional deals. There were quite some...

Belize City youths trained in Barbering
The YWCA and Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) of the U.S. Government have teamed up in an initiative to provide training to Belize City youths interested in barbering. Shearing off hair and providing intricate designs for those who are into that is becoming something of a science, but...

Ambassador of the State of Qatar presents credentials
Today, the Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young was presented with credentials from the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Belize, His Excellency Sheikh Meshal Bin Hamid Al-Thani. In his presentation, the Sheikh conveyed greetings and best wishes for progress and prosperity to the Governor General and ...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Ocean Academy Biology Students Research Sharks
Marine Biology students from Ocean Academy High School spent a Sunday afternoon learning first-hand how scientists conduct field research. Dr. Rachel Graham leads the Belize Shark Project. She taught students how to use a GPS and depth sounder, collect data, bait a long-line and set-up an underwater camera. The group didn’t catch any sharks to tag, but did swim with 21 Southern Sting Rays and 4 Nurse Sharks.

Ocean Academy Holds Science Fair
Naked eggs? Color-changing milk? Clouds in bottles? These are scientific wonders, and many more experiments were on display at the Annual Ocean Academy Science Fair. Students led hands on experiments and answered questions from primary schoolers, preschoolers, visitors, tourists and the community.

Jasmine Skeen is Miss Tourism Belize 2013
Jasmine Monique Skeen, a proud product of Caye Caulker, was crowned Miss Tourism Belize 2013. She will represent Belize at the Miss Tourism International Pageant to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in December. Hearty congratulations, Jasmine!

Cary Canto for Councilor

Blogs

Tips for an Affordable, Extraordinary Summer Holiday
With a bit of comparison shopping, a summer holiday in an exotic Caribbean rainforest setting may cost less than taking a vacation at home, according to a vacation planning expert at Belize’s The Lodge at Chaa Creek. Bryony Fleming Bradley, who is also Chaa Creek’s assistant GM, said that the popular eco resort’s all-inclusive Belize vacation packages can result in big savings by removing any hidden costs from a holiday. “What always blows out vacation budgets is the many surprises and hidden costs people seem to encounter when travelling, whether overseas or in their own country,” she said. “As much as you plan, things always seem to arise that end up costing more than expected.” “By booking an all-inclusive Belize vacation package, you know exactly what everything is going to cost from the moment you land in Belize until you depart, so that you get the most out of your summer vacation with the least amount of expense and stress,” she added. Ms Fleming Bradley said that another advantage of all-inclusive vacation deals is the very low cost overall.

Poster: Belize Social Media Consulting Contest
This is a poster we did for Belize Social Media Consulting for a contest they are promoting on Facebook and Twitter. This is what they had to say, on Twitter, about the final product: @BZSocialMedia : "@ibelmopan wow! wow! wow! #speechless absolutely love it! More than I expected! Thanks so much!"

“Out of Touch” in Ambergris Caye, Belize
Started my day yesterday just before 4 am (got to bed early the previous night) with a mug of coffee on the veranda reviewing a Heads of Agreement for a friend in the UK. It was the early May bank holiday in the UK and he wanted my comments for his return to work on Tuesday. Think I may have mentioned before that I do not miss working (well not too much) and took to being retired a lot easier than I had thought I would but I do enjoy the opportunity to review the occasional contract for the business (national newspapers) that I spent my working life in. It’s good not to get out of touch! When I had finished the review and typed up my comments on the draft and sent them to my friend I turned my attention to my In Box where I was really pleased to find an email from my nephew Bradley which was accompanied by a load of photos that he had taken of his son Cody and his cousins. He does this from time to time so we are not out of touch with how they are growing up. No real reason for including these photos in today’s edition other than I like them.

Letter to Minister of Tourism
We received this in an email and wanted to share it with you. Dear Laura, The FCCA Platinum Conference is soon to be opened. We are in a uniquely bad position as native Belizeans in this sector of the tourism industry, as there is NO ONE with Platinum Standing, except for the BTB. We consider ourselves as tax payers to be partially responsible for BTB’s ability to be a platinum member of FCCA. Thus, we ask the BTB if it would be possible for the organization to request from the FCCA for a seat or seats as NON PARTICIPATING OBSERVERS at the conference. It appears there IS precedent for that at Platinum FCCA conferences in the past. Moreover, it would be a blackeye on the face of Belize if the only representation of a tour operation is an foreign operator.

Deputy Prime Minister Vega Family Land Grab
We recently got hold of some of the land documents showing where the minister has either given or sold at dirt cheap, land to his family. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources has literally said that because him and his family are not “NORMAL” Belizeans that these actions are ok and the Prime Minister actually backs him up.

International Sources

You Can’t Have Human Rights Without Gay Rights
The Supreme Court of Belize is arguing about whether or not LGBT people can legally be LGBT. The question is at the root of all equality. Ten years ago, when I became a lawyer, I believed that the single most important civil rights issue of our day was racial equality. Over the past two years, a tooth-and-nail fight for gay rights in Belize has broadened my outlook. It has made me understand the need for a truly humanistic approach to ensuring minority rights on a global scale. While racial relations are still the nemesis of social progress in many countries, the fight for gender equality and gender expression has become the new civil rights struggle—and for good reason. When deeply ingrained stereotypes and cultural mores exclude gay persons from society in regions like the Caribbean, law itself becomes as essential to eradicating discrimination as it was for America’s Birmingham boycotters 50 years ago.

May 6, 2013

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Woofer: Mexican Breakfast
So, just what is it about the Mexican breakfast that makes it so appealing?

Editorial: Becoming Belizean
Last Friday, April 26th my husband and I were proud to take the Oath of Allegiance and become Belizean citizens. It has been a long process, and one that took some perseverance and just old-fashioned patience. No strings were pulled, no bribes were paid, no deals were made…we just filled out the paperwork, complied with all the requirements, sat our interviews and took the nationality test; answering questions such as “what is the national tree”? The final paperwork was filled on April 12, 2011, and two years and a few days later, we stood in a room with 180 other people from all corners of the globe, pledging our allegiance to the country we now call home. Many have asked us why this was so important to us, that we share citizenship with our native USA. To me the answer is easy…Belize is my home, Belize is where I work, live, play…Belize is where my dear friends are…so why wouldn’t I want to belong to her?

Doctor Love: English Common Law vs Napoleonic Code of Law
Sometimes, Dr. Love is not all about love. Let's talk law: "innocent until proven guilty"? Or do we follow the "guilty until proven innocent" rule?

Misc Belizean Sources

VIDEO: We R 1 Take a (Stand) - Alvin Ledlon
This song is to inform people of their Human Rights that exist under the United Nation's Declaration on Human Rights and is in support of equality for all.

Rotary Eye Clinics in Cayo
The Rotary Club of San Ignacio is having their annual eye exams through Friday, May 9th. They'll be performing the checks at the San Ignacio Community Hospital. Call Dr. Ruth Guiterrez at 804-2510 to register. They'll be checking for cataracts, pterygium, glaucoma, and diabetes.

Why Unblocking of VOIP Is Good News For Belize Small Business
The news broke on April 29th, 2013 that Belize Telemedia will no longer block Voice Over Internet Protocol – ( VOIP ). This is great news for Belizeans at home and abroad, no more costly phone bills! The Prime Minister said “Of course this ability to now freely access VOIP will further harness the power of the internet, and allow Belizeans to enhance many facets of their lives, particularly in areas such as long distance learning with video-conferencing capabilities, computer to computer conversations with families and friends abroad, and even internet-based television.” The reason I was excited about the news wasn't just that I could do video chat with family and friends but I was thrilled that small business owners and entrepreneurs can also now tap into an even greater arena!

April 28, 2013 - May 4, 2013 Report
The big migratory tarpon have been seen down by Long Caye and Savannah. Shino landed a 50 lb tarpon, Kaz had a 30+ lb beauty and Kelly got hers with live bait! Shino landed some gorgeous permit and there were so many bonefish landed we couldn't keep track. Dale landed a beautiful snook and barracuda on fly! Fun week!

Working at Cara Blanca Pool
Working at Cara Blanca Pool #1 this week. Incredible experience - a giant sink hole in the middle of the Belizean rainforest, with a Mayan ceremonial site along its rim. Here Marty O'farrell dives along a cliff wall at about 90 feet, a location where he discovered a huge fossilized backbone (each individual vertebrate the size of a cantaloup) in the rock along with a leg bone of an unknown creature. In the lower left is a debris field from sediment and jungle detritus fallen into the pool over 100's of years. At the top of the photo is a light layer of hydrogen sulphide (smells like rotten eggs) which the light barely penetrates. Traded my camera for a collecting bag as we spent the afternoon excavating underwater in depths of 20-60 feet. Finds include stone tools, bones and pottery shards. Back at it in a few minutes.

CTV3

Experiencing Minimal Hurricane Winds Before The Hurricane Season
As mentioned in the story more than $300,000 worth in damage was recorded in the community of Shipyard alone, due to last nights torrential rains. But what caused yesterdays sudden change of weather after experiencing an intense heat of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and even a hail storm in Corozal? According to the Belize Weather Bureau a high pressure ridge influenced our weather brining along minimal hurricane force winds. Frank Tench - Forecaster “Well, I receive report that there was a hail storm that occurred in the Corozal District more specifically in the Ranchito area of Corozal and it started around this afternoon and the hail stones was recorded and observed close to 3:15 this afternoon, before the hail stones there was strong winds in the north and northwest and period on intense showers and rain as the system moved across the Corozal District. Hail storm happens specially during within thunder storms, they normally occurring within any thunder storm on an average day but when they reached the ground and we experience them the conditions are very violent in the thunder storm itself and allows the hails stones to reach the earth surface, in a normal thunder storm cloud you’ll have a series of thunder storms cells or it might just be one thunder storm it might be a group of cells, we have these updrafts and down drafts and cause the process of freezing and condensation of the water vapor within the cloud but if the downdraft is sufficiently strong they allow the frozen water droplets to fall out and experience it as hail.”

New App Developed By Student Of CEMJC
Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College has been in existence for only six years but the institution has taken their motto of creating more access for higher education very seriously. At today’s open day and inauguration of two new buildings, the educational institution also took the opportunity to unveil an exciting application that can be used on android cell phones and ipads. The Maya Run apps was developed by one of the students of the Information Technology Department. Hugo Gonzales- Dean CEMJC “We are presently here in the IT lab and what we are about to unveil to our nation is that one of our CEMJC students Mr. Dair Aban wrote all the codes in programming for this new game application that we are showcasing which is called the Maya Run and he is the person responsible for coming up with the game and the graphics and so forth. It all started at the beginning and we joined into a group and begin planning on something to do on the development club so we first came up with a game and we decided to either do a fun game, a puzzle game, and we came with a fun game called the Maya Run. Everything was planned from the beginning and it was challenging but successful.” The new application will be offered to the telecommunications company SMART. According to Teacher David Alfaro, the school is proud of their latest achievement.

CEMJC Ready To Increase Student Enrollment
Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College has been in operation for less than a decade and today the institution can boast of five new classrooms. Those classrooms were inaugurated this morning during a special ceremony held at the school grounds and we formed part of the special invited guests. Elmer Cornejo reports. Elmer Cornejo – Reporting Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College has been in existence since 2007. As a tertiary educational institution, it began serving the District of Corozal with only a science laboratory, a computer laboratory and two classrooms with an enrolment of fifty students. But that changed today as the institution inaugurated two newly built upper flat structures which will house five classrooms. Hugo Gonzales-Dean CEMJC “I must agree that I am overwhelmed with joy to be a part of this momentous occasion, first of all I must thank our Almighty God for only through him all things are made possible. I clearly recall some years ago when the Mexican government provided a monetary grant with the intention to establish a vocational technical junior college in Belize, this grant paved the way for Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College to become a living reality.” Construction began in December of 2011 and according to the CEMJC’s Dean Hugo Gonzales, the two newly built buildings come at a cost of two hundred and eighty five thousand Belize dollars.

Guatemala's President Declares State Of Emergency In Four Towns
Tonight the country of Guatemala is making headlines but it has nothing to do with the Belize Guatemala Territorial Dispute or much less the simultaneous referendum. Reports coming out of Guatemala indicate that President Otto Perez Molina declared a 30 day state of emergency in four southeastern towns following deadly clashes related to a proposed silver mine. The declaration means the citizen’s constitutional rights in the towns of Jalapa, Mataquescuintla, Casillas and San Rafael Las Flores, are temporarily suspended. During a press conference held yesterday, Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina announced that the move was made in an effort to quash the violent protests against Canadian mining company Tahoe Resources. According to Guatemala’s local media, one police officer and a demonstrator were shot dead during a shootout on Monday when police went to free 23 police officers who were being held hostage by protesters and were later released. Reports also suggest that six protesters were reportedly wounded by gunfire from the company’s security guards on Saturday. For their part Escobal Silver Mine has denied any responsibility for the death of the police officer and demonstrator but has stated that they regret the injuries to protesters caused by rubber bullets. Riots began earlier this week in the town of San Rafael Las Flores, located about 40 miles east of Guatemala City where Tahoe Resources Escobal silver mine is located. Protesters claim that the Escobal silver mine, which is not yet under operation, will contaminate their land and local water supplies.

The Aftermath Of Unexpected Freak Storm
After experiencing a whopping temperature of 100 degrees yesterday, a drastic change in the weather conditions was experienced here in the north. Residents in the village of Fire Burn, Little Belize, and the Community of Shipyard were the most affected by last night’s thunderstorm. In fact, we can safely say that the Mennonite Community of Shipyard recorded a loss of more than $300,000 as some 15 houses were damaged and 4,000 chickens were killed. As you will witness in the following report, the aftermath of last nights thunderstorm proved to be disastrous, at least for some. Cameraman Jesus Melgar and reporter Irvin Aragon filed the following report. Irvin Aragon – Reporting Just before 7:00 last night villagers of Fire Burn located more than 15 miles out of Orange Walk Town, began experiencing light rain and thunder. While they were preparing to go to bed as usual, the weather changed drastically brining along a storm of hail and winds that, to many, looked like that of a tornado. Residents of the village did their best to protect their valuables, but the thunderstorm took them by surprise and by the time they took action it was too late. Gilberto Campos, Resident of Fireburn Village “Empezaron una lluvias muy suavecitas pero de repente se vino un viento yo ya estaba acostado así como a las siete de la noche cuando empezó la lluvia que hasta dicen que hasta hielo cayo y arranco todas las casitas que estaban a media, medias y pues ni modos son cosas de Dios que se va hacer.” ”

Instilling Good Values To Our Future Leaders
While residents of Fire Burn Village experienced a hail storm and strong winds capable of uprooting trees and blowing off roofs, not everything is bad news. Today 6 primary schools from the Orange Walk South constituency faced off during a football tournament hosted by the Fire Burn Government School. According to the coordinator of the sporting event, Alex Palacio and the main sponsor of the tournament, Honorable Jose Abelardo Mai, the aim is to keep the younger generation off the streets. Alexander Palacio, Teacher “Well basically what we are trying to do is we are trying to have the youths in the different small schools because small schools doesn’t have a big population to play sports competitively, so what we have here today are six schools from the different areas around the Orange Walk South area, we have here Fire burn, San Carlos, Indian Church, Santa Martha Trinidad who will play football here today, but the school doesn’t have a lot of players so basically we have to do it co-ed meaning five boys and three girls to make a team.”

CEMJC Holds Annual Open Day
Every year, educational institutions hold open days to encourage creativity among students and at the same time upgrade the schools performance. Today the students and staff of Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College held their annual open day with the aim of keeping the public informed about the schools recent projects and other activities. From what we found out, the event was both informative and educational. Elmer Cornejo – Reporting Hugo Gonzales- Dean Centro Escolar Junior College. “Basically we are commemorating our inauguration and our open day because this is the time that CEMJC takes and shows the community a taste of what CEMJC provides to it students and in turn the students showcase their talents, their skill, their knowledge in the various areas like tourism, management, natural resource management with a major in biology, information technology which is one of our biggest and one of the most productive programs that we have here at school as well as I cannot forget our business program.” Students from CEMJC’s sister institution Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico as well as the faculty and staff of Cornerstone Presbyterian High School, other primary schools and community members visited each and every booth on site with interest.

Electricity Rate For Social Rate Customers Sees Minimal Reduction
Back in the Month of April 2013 the Belize Electricity Limited submitted an application to the Public Utilities Commission for a reduction in electricity rates for the period July 1st 2013 to June 30th 2014. The Government owned company asked the PUC to reduce the Mean Electricity Rate by approximately 1 cent per kilowatt hour thus bringing the residential rate down to approximately 48 cents per kilowatt hour. After a month of reviewing the application the Public Utilities Commission is recommending a reduction of even less than what BEL requested. The minor proposed reduction of approximately on quarter of one cent will benefit the Social customer class. The Minimum Charge was reduced from $5.00 to $4.00 per month and the electricity Rate/Tariff was reduced from $0.29 per kilowatt-hour to $0.26 per kilowatt-hour.

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Miss Lobster Fest Pageant 2013 is looking for candidates
The reigning Miss Lobster Fest, Miss Sylvia Joseph, is inviting talented, energetic, motivated, smart young ladies to capture the title of Miss Lobster Fest 2013. For application or information, please contact: Chantel Marin 6008417 Ilda Marin 6075466 Elizabeth Usher 6303652

Caye Caulker Village Council Elections Set for June 16th
Village Council elections are held every four years in Belize. This year (2013) is one of those years. The date for the Caye Caulker Village Council election has been set for June 16, 2013. So far, three persons have thrown their hats into the ring for the position of Chairman. These are Minelli Young, Wayne Miller, and Phillip Guizar. Numerous persons are also vying for the 7 councilor positions. Both Phillip Guizar and Wayne Miller are running with a full slate.

Blogs

Two great parties
Last night we had planned to do date night at Carlo and Ernie’s Runway Bar & Grill. I am glad we ended up running into Dianne and Tracy in the parking lot which was packed with carts, they were just leaving. When we got to the bar, many of our friends were already there helping celebrate the new venue. It was a unanimous agreement that this was a great spot and that it was going to do very well. We could all see ourselves there doing airport pick ups and drop offs waiving to our friend flying in and out. We arrived a bit later than planned and missed the food so when Cowboy Doug said he was heading onto Wet Willy’s Cantina to support the Midtown Violets fundraiser for Mama Vilma’s, it was a no brainier to meet him there to support a good cause, get some baked mac and cheese and home cut fries – yum.

Mergulhando no Blue Hole e Half Moon Caye
O Blue Hole está localizado no Lighthouse Reef, um arrecife de corais dentro da área protegida pela Grande Barreira de Corais de Belize, a segunda maior do mundo, apenas atrás da Austrália. Ainda que vizinho, o Blue Hole não pertence à grande barreira de corais e está localizado a 70km da costa belizenha. A viagem de barco dura duas horas, acompanhada de um bonine para não enjoar, foi super tranquila. Tínhamos um grupo bem mesclado de italianos, israelenses, lituanos, alemães, canadenses e americanos, além dos dois brazucas aqui. O mergulho no Blue Hole foi lindíssimo, o que impressiona lá é a sua geografia, é imaginar que este gigante já esteve mais de 50m sobre o nível do mar e formou todas aquelas estalactites gigantescas! Não foi à toa que Jacques Cousteau o declarou um dos 10 melhores lugares para mergulhar no mundo!

“Good Times” in Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Up slightly later yesterday morning at 5.15 am. The ‘penalty’ for going to Pedro’s Inn last night to see and hear the Midtown Violets. We are really pleased that we did. Two very talented girls playing a mix of the ‘classics’ and their own stuff (which, by the way, was very good). After a couple of mugs of black coffee I felt that I had rejoined the land of the living and headed off to Estel’s for a much needed breakfast before the very important QPR v Arsenal game which kicked off at 10.30 am here. Whilst at Estel’s though I kept in touch with the Spurs v Southampton game (rooting, of course, for Southampton) which unfortunately Spurs won with a goal perilously close to the end of the game. Rushed back to the condo we are renting for the Arsenal game and got slightly delayed because a water main burst and lifted up the cobble stones in Coconut Drive. Got home in time though to watch Arsenal secure the three points with an early goal by Theo Walcott. Just need to win the remaining two games now and I’ve got Champions League football to look forward to next season. I watched a bit of rugby league, a snack for lunch and it was time to head to our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize taking a detour because of the burst water main.

International Sources

Teotihuacan 'Orbs,' Metallic Spheres, Found By Robot Under 'Temple Of The Feathered Serpent' In Mexico
For centuries, Mexico's ancient city of Teotihuacan has concealed a mysterious secret, only recently revealed by the help of robots equipped with lasers and infrared cameras. The small, remote-controlled devices have explored several rooms beneath the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, a structure described by Discovery as a "six-level pyramid decorated with snake-like creatures." The probes revealed hundreds of mysterious yellow orbs that range from four to 12 centimeters across. Indiana Jones would most certainly approve. According to a release from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History, the clay spheres are believed to have originally been covered in pyrite, a yellow-colored mineral known as "Fool's Gold," which oxidized over thousands of years to become jarosite, an amber mineral crust. Jorge Zavala, an archaeologist at the excavation, called the metallic orbs an "unprecedented discovery," adding that the scientists "do not know their meaning," via Discovery. LiveScience notes that the odd spheres were found deep within the temple in three burial chambers that are believed to house some of Teotihuacan's ancient leaders.

BELIZE GOVERNMENT AND CHRISTIAN RIGHT FIGHT SUPREME COURT CHALLENGE TO DECRIMINALIZE HOMOSEXUALITY
The nation of Belize, bordered by Mexico and Guatemala, is the last country in Central America where homosexual acts are still illegal and punishable by long prison terms. But that could change for Belize and set an important precedent for the rest of the Caribbean Commonwealth. Starting Tuesday, May 7th, Belize’s Supreme Court will hear a challenge to the country’s sodomy law which not only outlaws homosexuality but treats it as if it was the same thing as bestiality. Section 53 of Belize Criminal Code Section 53 states that “every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years.” The battle lines are drawn between Caleb Orosco, a human rights activist, the claimant in the case and various organizations against the government of Belize, along with a consortium of Christian Churches. The United Belize Advocacy Movement (UBIBAM), along with three international human rights organizations (Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Human Dignity Trust and the International Society of Jurists), claim that the Belize sodomy law is “incompatible with the rule of law and with respect for international law and international obligations enshrined in the Belize Constitution.”

New Horizons’ surgeons give Belizean boy a helping hand
Isai Carrillo, a 4-year-old Belizean boy, underwent surgery May 2 to correct syndactyly, otherwise known as hand fusion, in his righthand. The boy’s grandmother brought him to the plastic surgery clinic to be seen with hopes the team would be able improve the limited use of his hands. With help from New Horizons’ plastic surgeons, his hand that was once fused now has three fingers. The surgery took three hours and consisted of separating the fused unit into fingers using skin grafts from his abdominal area. This operation will give the boy a little more of a pincher mechanism, said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Talarczyk, plastic surgeon from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. “It could mean … having ease opening up a door,” said Talarczyk, “[It will help with] very little things that can mean a lot in terms of functioning.”

May 5, 2013

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Water Main Breaks on Coconut Drive
This morning, Saturday May 4th at approximately 9AM a water main on Coconut Drive ruptured, not only flooding the road but causing it to collapse. Authorities were quick on the scene and repairs are underway. This also explains why the residents in the area are currently without water, as the source needed to be turned off in order to make repairs. It is uncertain how long the area will be without water but The San Pedro Sun will continue the updates as they become available.

Little Iguana Caye project halted
Department of the Environment (DOE), while on inspection at a dredging site near San Pedro Town, were informed of a project on Little Iguana Caye. The tiny, mangrove-covered islet is located ten miles northwest of Ambergris Caye and is one of several small islets that form a string of islands that have been designated as habitat for various species of birds. However, it appears development was in full gear and by all accounts from the various government ministries, it was an unsanctioned development and as such a stop order was issued. The verbal stop order was given on Thursday April 25th. Little-Iguana-CayeWhile Little Iguana Caye is home to hundreds of red ibises that nest atop the dense vegetation, it is privately owned. But that does not exempt the property owners from going through the proper channels to develop the property – and that was what DOE has maintained. Martin Alegria, Chief Environmental Officer at the DOE says that the different government agencies were unaware of the development. “In the case of Little Iguana Caye there is no file. There is no application; there is nothing in our office regarding that undertaking. However, during the site visit again conducted, we realized that construction has started; I understand, it is a two-story, over-the-water structure which is even more of an issue in terms of development, you know. We issued a stop order, a verbal [order] right away because we don’t know anything about it. I don’t know if other agencies know about it.”

Juvenile Hawksbill Turtle undergoes flipper amputation
Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) staff has been caring for sick, weak and injured turtles under the Ambergris Caye Marine Turtle Program. It is estimated that only one in one hundred hatchlings will survive to sexual maturity. On this note it is of upmost importance not only to protect but to conserve these precious species. Last year, HCMR took into their care, a juvenile Hawksbill Turtle that was found near Ambergris Caye’s beach. It was quickly noticed that the turtle was suffering problems with its left front flipper, but it was unknown whether the flipper had been broken or if it was a birth defect. According to Miguel Alamilla, Marine Biologist and Manager of HCMR, the turtle was taken into captivity and placed under observation, and as it grew, the flipper seemed to create a problem for the turtle’s mobility. “It has been in our care for over a year. Over time we noticed it wasn’t healing and we eventually decided to amputate the flipper since it was getting bigger but it couldn’t dive. We had a visiting vet who recommended the amputation,” stated Alamilla. The vet that recommended the amputation is Dr. Paul Calle. Dr. Calle is the Director of Zoological Health for the Wildlife Conservation Society’s main office in the Bronx, New York, USA.

National News: GOB lifts block on VOIP
As of May 1st, the years of blockage on Voice Over Internet Protocol service, commonly referred to as VOIP, will finally end. It was a campaign promise by the Barrow Administration in 2012 and now the state run telephone company, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), has lifted the restriction on the service. The announcement was made by the Prime Minster of Belize Honorable Dean Barrow during his first quarterly meeting for 2013 which took place on Monday April 29th. With the lifting of the blockage on VOIP service internet users will be able to use Skype, Net2phone and Vonage to make their long distance calls for free. According to PM Barrow allowing VOIP will put an end to a long debate from different sectors and will give over 200,000 internet users subscribed to BTL internet a free service “At the end of this month (April 30th), BTL will enable full and open access to VOIP based services and applications in Belize. This will mean that the use of high speed internet services including DSL, wireless internet and mobile internet – that there won’t be any restrictions whatsoever on Voice Over Internet Protocol. This of course will affect BTL’s revenues from it’s voice traffic tremendously… But the government needed to keep its commitment. Technology is moving so quickly that we would have been playing a losing game if we had continued trying to restrict VOIP,” said PM Barrow.

Miss Chiquitita 2013-2014
Congratulations Zillah Flota, Miss Chiquitita 2013-2014!

Misc Belizean Sources

Water Main Breaks on Coconut Drive
The main water pipe on Coconut Drive broke and the water pressure cause the street to burst open. Medina's Construction has been contacted and will start repairs immediately after Belize Water Services (BWS) works on the repairs and installation of the maine pipe. The affected area will be replaced with Cement Slabs rather than the cobble stones as it previously had.

The Belize Times

UDP IN-FIGHTING – Santi to Darrel: Bring it on!
There is another battle brewing in the UDP, remnants of the bad blood between Vega and Faber. Since the devastating loss, former chairman, Patrick Faber, is bruised and battered and seeking blood. All sorts of intra-party attacks have been launched against UDP Deputy Leader Gaspar Vega and anyone in his camp. Back in March, the secretary general and staff at UDP headquarters threatened to resign. And now, a Faber sympathizer, Darrel Bradley has indicated interest in dethroning Vega-ally, Santino Castillo, in Caribbean Shores. Sounds like one big soap, doesn’t it. Bradley was the first to pull at Santi’s hair, when he issued a City Council stop order that brought a drainage project conducted by Central Government in Caribbean Shores to a halt. Bradley wasn’t invited to the opening of the project held by Santi, and he was mighty upset, we are told. While Santi was away on business, Bradley pulled what seems to be a cheap shot.

Red Eye Boy Gets Paid!
The BELIZE TIMES is reliably informed that on April 25th, 2013 an OFFICIAL WIRE TRANSFER OF BZ$1.6M WAS SENT TO A BANK ACCOUNT belonging to a company under the control of Ambassador Mark Espat, more well known to Belizeans as the RED EYE BOY!!

Barrow endorses sale of illegal Rosewood
The Barrow Administration has done a grave injustice to environmental efforts to protect the endangered Rosewood specie. Prime Minister Dean Barrow admitted that there is a “political price to pay” but had ...

THINK ABOUT IT
It is a tragedy unlike any other of its kind. A young mother, age 22, kills three of her young children, ages 4, 3 and 1 year. Quite correctly it has sent shockwaves through the Belizean society. With all that we have been subjected to these past years-drastic increases in robberies, rapes, ...

Chalk and Cheese!
By G. Michael Reid Belizeans had an excellent opportunity this past Monday to compare differences between the leaders of our nation’s two major political parties. On Monday morning, Leader of the Opposition Honorable Francis Fonseca appeared as guest on Plus TV’s popular morning talk show “Rise and Shine”. Almost immediately following, ...

Editorial: Waiting To Exhale
At 8:30am on Saturday, April 27, the soul of all Belizeans became a little darker, sadder and culpable. The shock was one thing but the chilling reality that this incident happened in sweet, innocent, beautiful Belize is still sharply shameful despite the torrential news of daily sensational murders. The news flooded ...

Fabio Carballo wins U-18 table tennis championship
SJC’s Fabio Carballo won the 1st annual Don Omario Cup when by the Belize Table Tennis Association held its under-18 national table tennis tournament at the Belize Elementary School Auditorium on Saturday April 27. Some 32 players ...

Belize Bank Blazers in women’s softball marathon
The Belize Bank Blazer won the all-day marathon which kicked off the 2013 Belize City women’s softball competition on Sunday, April 28. The Blazers stopped the Rebels 13-4. Kiri Lizama, Marsha Wills, Jolene Davis and Fiona Rivero ...

Belizeans dominate Cycling in Cozumel
Belizeans who participated in the annual Cedral Cycling Classic in Cozumel, Mexico over the weekend left a lasting impression on neighboring athletes. Kaya Cattouse won as female champion overall, while Team Santinos’ Jim Scott ...

Fantasia Espejo
There’s an old adage in politics that no publicity is bad publicity. However, it appears that there is one exception to that rule, as one city councilor has sunken to an all-time low in his zeal to seek attention. Readers may recall that a few weeks ...

KHMH denies “overtime payments” to former employees
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital administration, which was found guilty of misspending thousands of dollars by an oversight committee, is denying thousands of dollars in overtime payments to its former security guard employees. The hospital administration fired their on-staff security guards in January to privatize the security ...

AMAZING GRACE – Why do bad things happen to good people?
Why do bad things happen to good people? It is a question most human beings have asked. It has no pat answers and cannot be solved with comfy, neat platitudes. Some people, in their pursuit of the solution to this question, have fallen into bitterness, anger, and even depression. Some ...

UB Faculty & Staff Association Sets the Record Straight
The University of Belize, Faculty and Staff Association (UBFSA) would like to set the record straight on the issue of the CSB Payroll Audit and the call for an Independent Commission by the Prime Minister of Belize. Firstly, it is important to note that the UB audit is not ...

Why My Mother or Father Sold Me for a Dollar? ARREST THEM!
By Dr. Angela Banner Joseph In my view, nothing is more vicious and outrageous than the abuse, exploitation, and harm of the most vulnerable members of our society, and I firmly believe that our nation’s laws and resources need to reflect the seriousness of these terrible crimes. –Bob Ney The sexual exploitation ...

National Bank of Belize Ltd – falling short?
The call for national banking is not new....in fact, it is decades old....and various angles of approach have been suggested....varying according to differing objectives. The PM must be congratulated that he has listened to this call...perhaps reinforced via negotiations with the unions....and is taking action. Still...we should collectively seek ...

SCALES OF JUSTICE – The Toycie Syndrome!
In her well-known novel, Beka Lamb, pre-eminent Belizean novelists, Zee Edgell has as one of her characters, the teenage female Toycie Qualo, who suffers great disappointment in her final year of high school. This disappointment later drives Toycie mad and to her grave. As is well known, Toycie grew ...

Women who lead: lessons from the forgotten district
Machakila is a beautiful village in southern district of Toledo. Belizeans consider Toledo to be one of the most pristine parts of Belize. It is not listed in the most technologically advanced nor infrastructural ...

Why the Caye Chapel Deal went sour
Prime Minister Dean Barrow was careful not to shove his foot in his mouth when he discussed the Caye Chapel deal that sunk to the bottom of the sea. Barrow refused to say exactly why a million dollar investment plan went belly-up, and only said that the ...

Of this and that…
The Holy Reedemer Credit Union is an institution. When you say Credit Union, people think HRCU. Even though there are others. There is St. Francis Xavier Credit Union. St John’s Credit Union. There is Mount Carmel Credit Union. When you say HRCU we think Miss Jane. She is ...

Games at DPP’s Office
The BELIZE TIMES has received more troubling news out of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Information coming in to us is that in a recent case where a poor elderly man, Jose Anilla, from Valley of Peace was charged with having 12 bullets ...

PUP leader says discretion laws must go
While appearing on the PLUS TV’s Rise and Shine morning show, PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca signalled that as part of a robust reform agenda, the next PUP Government will do away with the sections of ...

Victimized workers sue BWS on eve of Labour Day
On the eve of Labour Day, five former Belize Water Services (BWS) employees sued the company in the Supreme Court of Belize alleging they were unlawfully terminated. The claim seeks loss salary and benefits. The workers also asked the Court for compensation for BWS’s breach of ...

PUP calls on “attitude of urgency” to address family issues
The People’s United Party expresses its shock and deep concern at the unspeakable tragedy that unfolded last weekend in which a mother took the lives of three of her four children and attempted to take her own. The Party believes that this unprecedented incident brings into sharp focus ...

GOB’s Carrot on a stick for Placencia residents
Dear Editor, This is a letter to the people of the Placencia Peninsula. On Saturday 27th April, the Ministry of Local Government, and high ranking officials from the Ministry of Finance and BWSL descended in mass to the Placencia Basketball Court. The entourage easily numbered (including Security) 25-40 persons. The “reason” behind ...

Blogs

A funny story about shopping in Belize by Tacoboy
Last night the Midtown Violets [Karen Waldrup and Ashlee K Thomas] were continuing their Spring in the South Tour and played at Pedro’s Hotel. Tacoboy was helping them get ready for the show that morning and they said the one thing they needed was microphone stands, so he set out to make that happen. It is not uncommon for people here to shop by phone, send the money to Belize City or put it in the businesses bank account and have what ever they just bought flown over on Tropic Air Cargo. Usually this works quite well but the following story is a funny account of what happened to tacoboy when he was shopping from one of the regular Belize City stores that Pedro’s Hotel buys things from. So we need 2 microphone stands for the girls playing on Friday night, and 2 new microphone cables also. I call the store in Belize City to find out how much for those items so we can write a cheque and send it by Airplane. I get that all done and sent over, and call them to make sure they got the cheque and to see what time we would receive the stands. They tell me the 11:30 flight over. Just after noon I call Tropic Cargo, nothing had arrived, so I check back with the store.

Empanadas en Español
Happy Cinco de Mayo. This video is dedicated to all my viewers who have been asking for me to make a video in Spanish. I don't think I'm really fluent in Spanish as I only know what I learned in First Form or 9th grade in Belize. I had fun doing this video though and hope you guys enjoy it.

“Keeps Gettin’ Better” in Ambergris Caye
Spent yesterday morning taking care of paying bills and helping Rose to finish off the spreadsheets detailing the wood colours we want and the tiles that we have chosen for our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize that now need to be ordered from The Tile & Stone Center in Belize City. We hadn’t been finished too long when Daniel Camal, our building contractor, contacted us to let us know that they had made a door to the design we had asked for and it was ready to look at. So, we left the condo, got in the golf cart and went to Daniel’s workshop to find that the door exactly replicated what we want. Obviously in a ‘virgin’ state, it, along with the others that will now be made, will be stained to our chosen colour. After ‘signing off’ the door Rose and I headed straight to our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize and got there around 2.30 pm to be greeted by Porfelio sifting sand at the entrance to our lot.

International Sources

U.S. And Canadian Military Medical Personnel Work Together In Belize
U.S. and Canadian military medical personnel partnered to provide comprehensive dental services at the Punta Gorda Hospital annex here during a dental readiness training exercise scheduled from April 22 through May 2. The 11-day medical mission, part of an ongoing exercise called New Horizons, provides dental services consisting of oral hygiene education, teeth cleanings, fillings, root canals and extractions. The team also has the capability to provide partial dentures, known as teeth restorations. Senior Airman William Cochran, dental laboratory technician from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., found job satisfaction during his first deployment despite the increased responsibilities. ”Even though the workload is crazy fast and working at two and a half times what I would be working at back home, I am loving it,” said Cochran. “People come to the clinic with no teeth and I am able to give them their life back essentially. I help give them a brand new smile.” The dental team, made up of 34 U.S. Air Force personnel from Offutt and Keesler Air Force Bases and two Canadian Army Forces personnel from Canadian Forces Bases Shilo in Manitoba and Petawawa in Ontario, worked together to provide patient care. Canadian Army Sgt. Line Plante, dental technician from Canadian Forces Base Shilo, Manitoba, felt she was able to contribute to the mission in an area she was most familiar. ”When we first got here, it was a little unclear what our role in the mission was,” Plante said. “I am most comfortable in the dental surgery area, so I was able to jump right in and assist the resident doctors with the tools they need to accomplish their job.”

May 4, 2013

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

DOE revokes dredging permit from ‘Royal Belizean Land Company SA’
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture via the Mining Unit has revoked a dredging permit and issued a stop order against a development carried out by property owner Darrin Sherry on behalf of Royal Belizean Land Co. S.A. The letter was served on April 25th to Sherry by Mining Unit’s Mining Inspector Michelle Alvarez. The San Pedro Sun first broke the story on April 18th about concerns brought up by a few sport fishermen. The fishermen expressed their issues about ongoing excavation as part of a development located north of the San Pedro Marina Channel (located south-west of Ambergris Caye) on a fragile area considered prime habitat off Ambergris Caye for bone and permit fish, two protected fish species in Belize. The revocation letter states, “You are hereby informed that Registered Quarry Permit No. 85 of 2013 issued to Darrin Sherry for Royal Belizean Land Co. S.A is hereby revoked for failure to comply with the terms and conditions stipulated under RQP No. 58 of 2013. Failure to act in accordance with said instruction will result in legal action taken against Darrin Sherry for Royal Belizean Land Co. S.A” During the investigation, it was discovered that Royal Belizean Land Co. S.A., who was granted permission to dredge, was excavating in an area not approved.

NEMO conducts training ahead of hurricane season
With the hurricane season exactly one month away,the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) countrywide is gearing up for the season. The NEMO San Pedro Branch is no exception and on Thursday April 25th, conducted training with some of its members of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Management. The training took place at Fido’s Courtyard and had the participation the Deputy Mayor of San Pedro Town, Mayor Mito Paz. According to the NEMO Coordinator for the cayes (Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker) Jeromey Timrose Augustine, there were four objectives of the EOC Management training. “The purpose was for the members to determine the functions of an EOC; look at how an EOC should be sited, designed, set up and operated; see some of the resources required in an EOC and lastly review the importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) in running an EOC,” said Augustine.

San Pedro Labour Department holds Labour Day Fair
The San Pedro Labour Department hosted a Labour Day Fair on Tuesday April 20th at Central Park. The purpose of the fair was to educate the public of the labour laws of Belize and sensitize the working people on issues involving labour and employment. Many people still do not completely understand their rights as a worker. The SP Labour Department utilized this fair to set up an information booth to display important laws concerning employees and their employers. Individual labour officers had the opportunity to explain the services they provide and address queries put forth by the public or businesses. Emphasized at the fair was the use of the “Public Employment Service” provided by the Labour Department. This service facilitates job placement for both employers and persons seeking a job, and the only way that this service can serve at its best capacity is if all persons are knowledgeable that the service is available. Pamphlets with valuable information on a variety of topics were given out.

Red Cross conducts training at Black Orchid Restaurant& Lounge
The courses offered by the Belize Red Cross will ensure that the work force in the tourism industry on the island have access to Basic First Aid training in times of emergencies. There are already plans to conduct similar training, at Seascape Villas which will be hosted by Las Terrazas on Thursday May 30, 2013. The cost will be fifty dollars ($50) per person. Any business or individual wanting to sign up for the upcoming training can do so by emailing Laurie Norton at [email protected] or Shirlee at [email protected] San Pedro Branch of the Belize Red Cross would like to thank Judyann and Tom Horton from the Black Orchid Restaurant for hosting this month’s training and providing lunch for the participants. Thanks you’s are also extended to Banana Beach Resort and Cowboy Doug’s Pool Bar and Grill for sponsoring a community health worker and post office staff.

Ambergris Today

Successful Training Day for the San Pedro Belize Red Cross
Volunteer facilitators Chris Berry & Jermaine Santos came all the way from Belmopan and Belize City, to give first aid and CPR training to local residents and staff. The San Pedro Branch of the Belize Red Cross would like to thank Judyann and Tom from the Black Orchid restaurant for hosting this month’s training and putting on a great lunch! We would also like to congratulate to all the newly certified trainees and thank Black Orchid Restaurant, Victoria House Resort, The Phoenix Resort, Caribbean Villas, Cowboy Doug's Grill, South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch for joining the First Aid Program and sending staff for certified first aid training yesterday. Thanks also goes out to Banana Beach Resort and Cowboy's Pool Bar and Grill for sponsoring a community health worker and post office staff.

Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow Statement On The Death Of The Three Teul Children
As Special Envoy for Women and Children, I am extremely saddened by the loss of the lives of four year-old TrianaTeul, three year-old Thomas Teul and one year-old TrinayaTeul. I want to express sincere sympathies to the family of these children and ask the rest of the country to join me in keeping six year-old Trina Teul in our prayers as she recovers from the trauma of witnessing this tragic incident. This heartbreaking story is a reminder that we must take issues relating to mental health seriously. The mother, 22 year-old Felicia Chen suffers from clinical depression, a common mental health disorder that many do not recognize as a real health condition. The fact is however, that depression, like other mental health conditions, can consume a person’s life if left untreated.

Misc Belizean Sources

Human Dignity Trust on Caleb Orozco v Attorney General
On 7 May 2013, the Chief Justice of Belize, sitting in the Supreme Court, will hear a groundbreaking challenge brought by Caleb Orozco, Executive President of the United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNiBAM), which is challenging the constitutionality of s.53 of the Criminal Code of Belize. Section 53 criminalises homosexuality. It states that “every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years”. The Constitution of Belize protects the fundamental rights and freedoms for “every person in Belize.” The Constitution also recognises “the equal and inalienable rights with which all members of the human family are endowed.” These rights and freedoms include the rights to dignity, equality and privacy. Caleb will seek to establish that section 53 by criminalising homosexuality violates his human rights and is therefore unconstitutional and must be either struck down or amended to protect private, consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex.

Thank you San Pedro Polyclinic
On a rainy Friday night, January 25th, 2013, I left work, went for a glass of wine, picked up dinner to take home with me, relax, eat and watch a movie. By the end of the movie (around 10pm) I was ill with a very severe case of food poisoning and by 12am Saturday, January 26th, I began vomiting blood. Around 3am with no relief, I recognized that I was going into shock and was in serious need of help. Somewhat skeptical after losing someone about 6 years ago (needlessly because the Polyclinic was neither staffed nor equipped), I called the emergency number and the phone was immediately answered by Dr. Noeli Nicholson who told me I must come right away, and she would open the clinic and meet me there in 20 minutes. Knowing I was in trouble and would most likely be on my way to Belize, I emailed Dr. Mark Musa in Belize City, packed a suitcase, and called Renee, the taxi driver I thought most likely to still be working the Friday/early Saturday nightclub transfers. He wasn’t, he was home sleeping, but he came right away and took me to the clinic, where true to her word, Dr. Noeli was there waiting for me.

Granting citizenship to some Guatemalans violates the Belize constitution
Article-29 (3) of the Belize constitution that deals with dual citizenship reads: No person shall be entitled under the provisions of this Part to be a citizen of Belize or be granted citizen of Belize if such person shows any allegiance to or is a citizen of a country that does not recognize the independence, sovereignty or territorial integrity of Belize; Provided that the (Minister) may in his discretion grant Belizean citizenship to persons falling under this Subsection who would otherwise be entitled to such citizenship under the provisions under Sections 23 and 25 of the Constitution. In this provision it says Minister but there are several ministers in the Belize government Cabinet. Does it mean the minister of immigration or all the ministers of government? This could be interpreted by the ministers of government that they all have the right to grant citizenships to Guatemalans without going through the Cabinet, Minister of Immigration, the Belize House of Representatives and the Senate. I think this ambiguity needs some clarification to say which minister of government is responsible to grant that exception to the rule. Otherwise, some ministers will be abusing their powers to grant Guatemalans citizenship and that poses a threat to our people and country. Have the ministers of Belize government, currently or in the past, granted waivers to Guatemalans to become Belizean citizens? We need an answer to this question now.

ID Seven Website Launched
Id Seven has launched their website. They have a great mission, and their shirts are high quality. "Our website is up! We worked hard for a year to finish it so we could do it ourselves! It may not be all that and a bag a chips but we thinks it's all that and a bag of "haad-time" :D Check it out! Send us ideas/feedback here on Facebook!"

Cayo Event Calendar for May
The Cayo Event Calendar for May is up. If you have any events that need to be added, just let us know. There's a lot going on for Agric this weekend. Belmopan, and Cayo, are celebrating.

September Celebrations Theme Competition
They've announced this year's September Celebrations Theme competition. Good luck! "September Celebrations may be months away, but now is the time to start thinking up a possible theme. Last year's was 'Many faces, Many dreams, one Goal – Celebrating Belize.' For those of you who think you have something just as unique or maybe even more original floating around in your head, submit your themes for this year's September Celebrations!!!!!!"

Mental Health Services in Belize
Here's a list of clinics countrywide that provide mental health services through the Ministry of Health along with contact numbers.

Briheda Haylock Solo Art Exhibit
The Soul Project will be having Briheda Haylock's art exhibit today, May 4th, at 6:00pm.

Belmopan High Quality Vector Map
This is a high quality vector map of the city of Belmopan. It can be customized to any preferred size or color. It is a limited edition and it can also be purchased along with frame. It makes an excellent gift for those wonderful mothers or friends. It can go on cups, t-shirts, brochures, guides, wallpaper, etc. Anybody that is seriously interested in purchasing this piece (either digitally or printed) can email us at [email protected].

Basic Bookkeeping Workshop
SBDCBELIZE WILL BE HOSTING THE BASIC BOOKKEEPING WORKSHOP ON MAY 8TH 2013 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BELIZE, FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL SCIENCES IN WEST LANDIVAR. TIME: 9AM TO 12PM TO SIGN UP FOR THIS WORKSHOP KINDLY CONTACT 223-3195 OR EMAIL: [email protected] FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Channel 7

Strange, Severe Storm Wrecks Roofs In Belize District
Last night we told you about the brief afternoon hailstorm in Corozal – but we didn’t know that would only be the start of the day’s severe weather. By 9:00 pm last night, a sever thunderstorm and a weird wind from the west was wreaking havoc in the Belize district. It ripped off a few roofs, and we found out more today, about the weather system and the wreckage it left in its wake. Jules Vasquez reporting This is the satellite loop from 5:45 yesterday to last night at midnight and that wisp of blue in the middle descending down the screen is the same systems that produced hail in Corozal and kept going south. Frank Tench - Weather Forecaster "The whole region was covered by thunderstorm activity during the night but the thunderstorms that really affected came from the North West. Some of these thunderstorms eventually came accross Northern Belize and eventually worked their way to central and even southern Belize during the night to produce the outburst of showers and thunderstorms and the strong winds we experienced last night. At the airport we recorded a maximum gust of wind of about 65 knotts but during the episode itselt sustained wind gust wind speeds in the range of 40-50 knotts between 7:00 and 8:00pm last night."

Storms Destroys OW Poultry, Topples 15 Homes, Costs Major $$$
But in Orange Walk, the damage is far greater – they didn’t lose a few roofs, they lost a huge volume of poultry worth hundreds of thousands of dollars! CTV-3 reports that the storm really wreaked havoc in the Central Orange Walk District –toppling 15 homes and killing as many as four thousand chickens in Camp 18 of Shipyard, a Mennonite community.

Another Baby Dead, This One In A Bucket
Tonight, there is more sad news to report about the loss of an infant’s life – as a one year old baby boy apparently drowned in a bucket. It happened in Belize city this afternoon at 2:30 pm. Police were called to a house at the Corner of Mahogany street where one year old Kyle Leslie was found dead in a bucket. According to reports, the child’s mother Tanya Leslie left the one year old and her other child, a two year old inside the house as she was talking to someone outside. When she came back in, she found one year old Kyle face down in the bucket. The mother was at the police station giving a statement this evening along with her landlady.

Man Convicted Of Indecent Assault, Fined, But Not Confined
38 year-old John Baptist Sr., a Belize City resident who was convicted of incident assault against a 6 year-old female minor, got a major br