Recent Belize News, 6/1/2013 to 6/10/2013, BelizeNews.com

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: Lady’s Gloves
Jon sends his girlfriend a pair of gloves. Melody sends some underwear. Post Office mix-up...you can tell what happened. But wait, there was a letter too!

Mama Vilma’s Family Home presents May’s fundraising totals
A grand total of $5,771.30 BZ was raised from two major fundraisers held in May for the Mama Vilma Home project: 2 concerts by Karen Waldrup & Ashlee K Thomas and their annual fashion show.

Doctor Love: To Forgive or to forget about it?
Best Friend + Boyfriend = Trouble. Does the Girlfriend forgive? Can she forgive? What to do, oh what to do?!

Misc Belizean Sources

International Leadership Camp
The Department of Youth Services is offering youth leaders an opportunity to attend their International Leadership Camp, which will be from July 21st through the 31st. Here in Cayo, you can contact Jimmy Leslie at 803-3027. "The Department of Youth Services is now accepting applications for its upcoming International Leadership Camp 2013. This is a 10 day residential camp full of fun and activities which caters for 150 youth leaders and will take place in the month of July from the 21st -31st at George Town Technical High School in the Stann Creek District... If you are an executive member in a student council or community based groups...apply today.

Chantae Guy at Caribbean Fashion Week
Joris Hendrik captured Chantae Chanice Guy who is representing Belize in Jamaica, while walking the runway during Caribbean Fashion Week 2013. Looking good! "These photos were taken on my Instagram. Loved seeing Chantae representing Belize. She's in the likes of The international models here at CFW."

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Old Caye Caulker Photographs
“Roots in the Sea” the documentary series featuring some of the old timers on Caye Caulker narrating stories of their youth, has created a Facebook page. We are pleased to post a few of the great historic photos which they are uploading to their site. You can view more HERE: This one is a 1949 or 1950 photo of former principal Miss Ilna Auxillou in front of the OLD school house. Miss Ilna taught kids for over 40 years. To this day, she still teaches, although not formally, but she tutors her grand kids and other kids who ask for her help.

Give Front Bridge back to the people!
For decades Front Bridge as the main bridge now being occupied by the Caye Caulker Water Taxi was known, was the hub of activity for the island. Every evening after school and on weekends, the place would be packed with youngsters jumping off the pier and into the sea, and with young parents taking their kids out for some cool breeze and some sun. It was the ultimate recreation hub. MANY parents of today have fond memories of spending leisurely time on the dock. Then the Village Council gave the Caye Caulker Water Taxi a lease to use the dock, and that was the end of the use of it for the rest of the locals. While the rest of us pay taxes to upkeep it, only the Water Taxi has enjoyment of it.

Blogs

Slightly cloudy all around
I am pretty sure not the only one who is feeling slightly cloudy after the June birthdays party at Caribbean Villas Hotel and Pedro’s party the night before. Yesterday I shook it off with by doing laundry, hula hooping and a long float in the pool. Today I ended up with the house to myself for bit, I opted to fall back into a nice clean bed and watch minute to win it on tv. It suited my mood perfectly and pretty soon I was almost too laid back to get up and go but the thought of Charles barbecue made me get motivated enough to get ready for a trip to town. After Paul was done visiting Cindy and doing San Pedro Sailing Club errands, he came and got me then we went and met Cindy and Tinker and convoyed to Estel’s for breakfast. We got there at the perfect time, after the big morning rush but not to late that all the barbecue was gone. It was carnivore day at our table Paul did a steak sandwich, Cindy had ribs and I went for a thick cut pork chop with fresh cut fries and potato salad – YUM.

NEOTROPICAL HUMMINGBIRDS 2013; Part 3: "The Keystone '13" in Belize
This year for the first time, Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project recruited TWO groups of volunteers for what had become an annual nine-day expedition to study Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (RTHU) at Crooked Tree village in Belize. The first team arriving 27 February 2013 included birders, former teachers, and other adults from the U.S. & Switzerland (see last week's photo essay); this group was nicknamed "The Belize Brata." The other team--coming 11 days later--was our second consecutive undergrad student group from Keystone College in La Plume, Pennsylvania. On their annual spring break, they--logically nicknamed "The Keystone '13"--again were recruited and escorted by biology professor and bird bander Dr. Jerry Skinner. As always, our Keystoners would enjoy the hospitality and amenities of Bird's Eye View Lodge, including comfy beds, air conditioned rooms, hot showers, incredible Creole cooking, and an incomparable view of birds on the freshwater lagoon just outside the lodge front door. Our work in Belize is greatly enhanced by the generosity of lodge owners Norma & Denver Gillett who, among other things, anually lend us a 15-passenger van to scout Crooked Tree and transport the group and gear to study sites each morning.

“Little by Little” (Part Two) in Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Only a quick browse of TheTimes online for me yesterday-more to see if Arsenal had ventured in to the transfer market (they hadn’t!) than to catch up on world news and then I knuckled down to start reviewing a draft contract that an ex-colleague in the UK has asked me to look at. Now -as most people that I worked with will confirm – I love reading contracts but there is only so much legalise that a person can take in one sitting before clause references become a blur. When that happens, and it did for me yesterday, I find it best to switch to something else. So I did. I resumed my reading of The Covenant by J A Michener. Just switched from one type of fiction to another really! Knowing that we were going to the Catamaran Beach Bar (based at Caribbean Villas) in the evening for the pig roast to ‘honour’ the plethora of birthdays this week of people we know Rose and I set off to visit our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize around 2 pm.

1963: Nora Parham – The only woman hanged in Belize
Nora Parham, aged 36, the East Indian mother of eight sons, was hanged today for the murder of the man with whom she had been living. So ran a minute, page-10 wire story in the London Times* from the British Central American possession soon to become self-governing as the country of Belize. The unfortunate subject of the story was the first, and remains to date the only, woman put to death in Belize. But she’s very much more than a bit of trivia. A domestic violence victim hanged for murdering her batterer — who just happened to be a cop — Parham remains a lively source of controversy down to the present day. Nora’s position as the victim in an abusive marriage, combined with serious doubt about whether she truly killed her husband at all, have given her enduring appeal. There’s a going campaign to issue her a posthumous pardon. In fact, there was a going campaign before she died to issue her a humous pardon, opposed by a governing party paper on the grounds that “sympathy” ought not “change court rulings.” And it’s hard not to feel sympathy for Nora Parham and the years of beatings she’s reported to have endured in her relationship with Ketchell Trapp. One doubts even the harshest magistrate would condemn a person in her situation to hang today. “By refusing to treat the pair as wife and husband, not just cop slayer and cop,” argues this volume on gender politics in colonized Belize, “the government deepened its own highly political silence about domestic and community gender oppression and violence and added a threatening element to its re-call to ‘domestic womanhood.’”

Coast effective: a culinary adventure in Belize
Innie’s Restaurant in Hopkins, a fishing village of stilted clapboard shacks, potholed dirt roads and coconut palms in Belize, isn’t much to look at: a circular, echoing room with simple wooden chairs and tables. But no one comes here for the decor; they come for the hudut. “Garifuna cuisine is a big part of the culinary culture of my country and, to me, hudut is the best Garifuna dish. It tastes like home … wherever that may be,” says Chantel, a passionate young Belizean whose family has lived in this tiny Central American country for generations. “You’ll see what I mean,” she adds with a smile, as two steaming bowls are set down on the plastic tablecloth before us. I do see what she means. There is something comforting about this dish, the softness of the coconut broth lightened with a hint of herbs and spice. The fish, caught that morning by village fishermen, falls apart at the lightest touch. It’s beautifully balanced, unchallenging, nostalgic. We eat in silence. Chantel is Creole – of mixed European and Caribbean blood – and she represents just one of the many ethnic groups who call this country home. Alongside Creoles live Mayans (pre-Columbian natives in Belize and other parts of Central America), Mestizos (a mix of Spanish and Mayan), Mennonite farmers, East Indians, Arabs, Chinese, Britons, Americans and Canadians – and, of course, the Garifuna.

Children under the age of 15 from the Belize Sailing Association Practicing for Competition
Took this photo yesterday as the children all under 15 years of age from the Belize Sailing Association practiced their sailing skills getting ready for competition. If you go to Admiral's Bay Restaurant and Bar you can sit and watch them while staying in the shade and sipping on cold beverages and eating great snacks.

Photo of Iguana in Belize
The color and texture of these great reptiles in Belize are amazing. I can't believe that the iguanas are a descendant of the prehistoric dinosaurs. Can you imagine seeing one of these a hundred times larger. LOL

Sunset in Belize taken from Admiral's Bay Restaurant and Bar
This is a photograph that I took yesterday evening's sunset as we were wrapping up a fashion photoshoot for our Weekly Top Model that's published in the Belize Times Newspaper.The scenery from Admiral's Bay Restaurant and Bar is certainly amazing so I had to share it with you all.

International Sources

How to Spot a Jaguar
The third largest feline in the world (behind the tiger and lion) and the largest in the western hemisphere, the jaguar makes its home in the jungles from Northern Mexico to Northern Argentina. Today this majestic giant, recognized by its pale yellow coat and black spots, is found almost exclusively in the forests of government-protected reserves and is considered a ‘near threatened’ species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Why are Jaguars ‘near threatened’? Hunted heavily for its gorgeous coat in the 1960’s and 1970’s, thousands upon thousands of jaguars were killed annually until the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) brought the fur trade to an almost immediate halt in 1973. Extinct in El Salvador and Uruguay, yet still living in 18 countries in Latin America, the best place to catch a glimpse of these mysterious animals is Belize.

Wolf Worster Associates awarded Wild Orchid Residences; the Pinnacle of Luxury Living in Belize
Wolf Worster Associates Inc. is proud to announce they have been awarded the sales contract for Belize’s most luxurious resort development, Wild Orchid Residences. Located in the exclusive Placencia region of Belize, Wild Orchid brings an unequaled level of sophistication, luxury and comfort to each of its private villas. Carefully selected from the best properties in Belize, Wild Orchid is comprised of 25 acres of marine area, five acres of adjoining Caribbean beachfront and a 12 acre private island located just 12.5 miles east of the mainland. Home buyers will receive signature touches that include custom built homes, infinity swimming pools, rooftop terraces, private gardens and sustainable building practices.

Bugger Off! Keep The Law!
There may be some value in taking a break from the voice of reason. It is easier and much less demanding than having to think! I am suggesting the following for a more peaceful Jamaica: 1. Keep the buggery law! Just ensure that heterosexuals are kept exempt. 2. Keep any law which ensures that molesting boys receives a lesser penalty than the molestation of girls. Serves these boys right in case they think of becoming buggers. The Government should take immediate steps to enlist more crusaders in the fight against buggery. Look at the state of the justice system. Look at the challenges in the economy. Look at the challenges in the education arena. Look at the crime monster. Look at the daily cries for justice. The country needs to unite around one major issue right now!

June 9, 2013

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

Police’s Coastal Executive Unit and two officers awarded
The Coastal Executive Unit of the police department received an award for making the most drug interdictions for the month of April within the Eastern Division Section. The Coastal Executive Unit comprises of San Pedro Police and Caye Caulker Police formations. The award was received by the officer commanding the Coastal Executive Unit Superintendent of Police Luis Castellaños on May 17th. Two officers were also awarded for their outstanding work. Since the month of January 2013, the amount of drugs interdiction on the two islands has increased. According to police 1436.18 grams of drugs were removed off the streets in both communities combined in April. Speaking of the award, Superintendent Castellaños said that it is a good feeling to know that the work of his officers is making a positive impact and more importantly that it is not gone unnoticed. “It feels good that we got this award. It serves as a motivation for our officers who are doing their best, despite the challenge they face. Yes it is a form of competition between the different police formations but the most important thing is that it motivates us to improve. It recognizes the good work of our officers,” said Castellaños.

Xcalak residents celebrate 113th anniversary
Xcalak 113 Anniversary-8Ambergris Caye and the community of Xcalak, Mexico have many things in common and the connectivity is rooted deep within family bonds. So much so that when the 1955 Hurricane Janet practically destroyed the community, a few of the survivors (less than 100) migrated to the then fishing community of San Pedro to build and start a new life. Now, those are memories that live with the residents of both Ambergris Caye and Xcalak, and annually both communities find time to come together to celebrate their roots. On the weekend of June 1st and 2nd, the Xcalak community celebrated its 113th anniversary. Residents of San Pedro Town travelled in large numbers to participate in the two-day celebration. The weekend celebration started with a short ceremony commemorating “Dia de La Marina” (Marine’s Day) on June 1st. The event included speeches by different Mexican military and port officials, followed by an inspection of the guard of the Guard of Honor. Part of the day’s activities included a football marathon which had three teams from Mexico and Belize. The football marathon was declared open by the Head of the Xcalak Port and organizer of the events, Laura Susana Rivero.

Misc Belizean Sources

Queen of the West Call
The SISE Town Council is calling for ladies between the ages of 18 and 23 for the Queen of the West pageant that is coming up for the September Celebrations. You can contact them at 804-2035 for more information.

CTV3

Three Students From The North Top PSE Results
Late this evening the 2013 PSE results were released by the Ministry of Education and CTV3 News is proud to report that among the list of top 26 performers are three students from the North, one from Orange Walk and two from Corozal. They are no other than Astrid Lopez from Louisiana Government in Orange Walk, Kristen Medina from Corozal Methodist and Consuelo Leslie from Mary Hill RC in Corozal. Seven of the other top performers hail from the Cayo District, 14 from the Belize District, 1 from the Stann Creek District and one from the Toledo District. Special recognition goes out to Siyun Ye from Bernice Yorke, Belize who topped the list and Vincent Hulse and Nelson Esteban both from St. Andrews Anglican, Cayo who came in second and third respectively. We will be speak with the North’s top performers on Monday and bring you their reactions in the newscast.

Corozal Police Release Picture Of Wanted Man
Robert Hill is the man who police say entered and robbed Chan Li Game Room at gunpoint on June 5th 2013 at about 11:25pm. Tonight, the individual, who is said to be from San Antonio Village in the Corozal District, is on the run and police are asking for the public’s assistance in order to identify his whereabouts and lead to his arrest. As mentioned, Hill is accused of entering Chang Li Game Room situated on 4th Avenue Corozal and robbing its proprietor at gunpoint while four customers were inside the establishment. Fearing for her life, the proprietor of the game room handed over $300.00 to the robber who made good his escape on a blue beach cruiser bicycle belonging to one of the customers. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Hill is asked to contact the nearest police station.

Men At Work Exhibit Opens At The Corozal House Of Culture
Father's Day is a celebration honoring fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence of fathers in society. This year in honor of Fathers Day the Corozal House of Culture will be hosting the first ever “Men at Work Art Exhibit”. The exhibit officially opens tonight and will feature the work of ten male artists from Corozal the Corozal District. Coordinator for the Corozal House of Culture, Debra Wilkes Gray, says the exhibit recognizes the hard work men go through on daily basis to provide for their family. Debra Wilkes Gray - Coordinator for the Corozal House of Culture “We are opening men at work art exhibit, it is an annual event that we do here at the house of culture and it concise with the month of June which is fathers’ day and it is an opportunity to recognize the men in our community.” Victor Castillo– Reporter “What would be the main objective and purpose of this exhibition?”

Dumping Of Boiling Caused April's Fish Kill In The New River
In the month of April the Department of the Environment responded to reports of sightings of dead fish floating in the New River, here in Orange Walk Town. As a result, the DOE launched an investigation in which the water quality of the river was tested from approximately 1 mile upstream from the Toll Bridge to around Trial Farm Village. The good news is that the fish kill was not as a result of chemicals dumped in the river as was originally believed but rather the tests revealed that the river, had at a particular area, elevated readings for temperature and low dissolve oxygen which means low oxygen level in water.

Noh Mul Turned To Rubble, No One Has Been Charged
A topic that made headlines in both the national and international media back in May is the destruction of the Archaeological site, Noh Mul. As we have reported before, more than three weeks ago heavy machinery with imprinted stickers of De’ Mars Stone Company, were seen in the area extracting the rich material from the site reportedly to fill roads in the Douglas Village Area which falls in the constituency of Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega. Immediately after the destruction of the more than 2,000 year old Mayan Edifice, the Institute of Archaeology launched an investigation. Their work was completed more than one week ago and all files, that will support the case, were handed over to the Orange Walk Police Department for further investigation. Those files are presently being reviewed by Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Lynn Vidal. But while we have received assurances that those found responsible for the destruction of the site will soon be charged, those charges are nowhere in site.

Hill Is Joined By Austin Sutherland Wanted For Burglary
Hill is not the only man who is on the run and is wanted by police. He is joined by Austin Sutherland who police suspect burglarized The breeze Hotel situated on 1st Avenue Corozal Town on June 1st 2013. Police suspect that Sutherland entered the hotel, made his way to the owner’s room, located on the second floor of the building, and stole one Naval Binoculars valued at $300.00, one cell phone valued at $120.00, one cash box valued at $60.00 and containing $160.00 in cash, two jars containing a total of $75.00 in coins and one clock valued at $40.00. That’s more than $755.00 worth in stolen items belonging to the owner of the Sea Breeze Hotel, 63 year old David Gwyn Lawrence.

GMO SoyBeans Discovered By BAHA In The North
The Plant Health Department of Belize and the Belize Agriculture Health Authority, BAHA, discovered suspected genetically modified soybean seeds in Northern Belize on May 24th, 2013. As a result, samples of the suspected soybeans were submitted to BAHA's Plant Health Diagnostics Laboratory in Central Farm for GMO screening. The screening tests were conducted on May 28th and all samples tested positive indicating that the seeds were genetically modified. A further set of samples were then sent to Eurofins Genes Can laboratory in the United States on May 30th for a confirmatory test using Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR technology. On June 5th, BAHA received results of the confirmatory test, which verified the results of previous tests conducted by BAHA on the soybean seeds.

The Role The Immigration Department Plays In Belize
Today the Department of Immigration hosted information day highlighting the many services the department offers to the Belizean populace. From 1986, the Department of Immigration opened its wings and became an independent branch after being managed under the Police department. Over the years the department has grown tremendously assisting Belizeans and visitors in many areas yet often at times people have the misconception that the department is all about arresting immigrants. But according to Immigration Officer Commanding the Orange Walk Office, Sheldon Hudson, that is not the case. Sheldon Hudson, Immigration Officer Commanding Orange Walk “Immigration day is a very important day in our calendar. It recognizes our main existence; so far today the Immigration department can smiling and bravely can say we are celebrating our 27th birthday. In June of 1986 the Immigration and nationality services were conducted under the police department, thereafter on June 9th, 1986 the government then of the day introduce and created the Immigration Department we service today and we are very pleased to be a civilian staff, over the years we have grown and we have increased in office throughout the country so over the last a few years in recognizing that our department. Basically it displays a significant and it shows all the different services that the Immigration Department provide the general public, it also gives us the opportunity to sensitize to the general public who are interested in Immigration procedures, the role and responsibilities that supposed to be uphold and so forth, well this day is a especial day so we elaborate that our arms are far more open.”

La Dulce Vista Newspaper Hits The Market
The the first issue of the Belize Tourism Industry Association Orange Walk Chapter’s quarterly publication, made it into the Belizean market today. Apart from featuring its new logo and name La Dulce Vista, the publication highlights the business community and features various events the Northern Districts have to offer. According to Information Officer for BTIA Orange Walk Chapter, Jasmine Zetina, the newspaper will be published over a period of nine months with a $16,000 grant from the La Inmaculada Credit Union. Jazmin Zetina, Information Officer BTIA/OW “La Dulce Vista has finally been launched and we receive the newspapers on Wednesday and today we finally distributed the newspapers to all over Orange Walk and also Corozal and like I said it is distributed throughout the country. We went through a series of events before we actually got to where we are, we started off form getting the grant from La Inmaculada Credit Union so that two project, then we launched the name and logo competition where we got the finals, the winner to actually get to participate in contributing towards the initial stages of the newspaper and finally we have the hard copy of the newspaper that finally get distributed today. Basically what we are planning to do with the newspaper is to highlight different activities, event, businesses and mainly from the northern districts Orange Walk and Corozal but of course there is national issues and things that it would impact both Corozal and Orange Walk we will feature them in the newspaper, we are also highlighting different businesses as well, micro, small, medium and large businesses or enterprises. So that local and international tourists get to know much more about what Corozal and Orange Walk has to offer.”

TVET Corozal Offers Building And Training Course
Since its inception, the mission of the Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET), has been to equip Belizeans with skills, knowledge, work ethics and credentials that will enable them to be gainfully employed. One of the Training courses that the Institute considers to be very important is the Building and Ground Maintenance. It is important to note that this sector accounts for a large percentage of the re-employed labor force since there are a number of support industries that manufacture directly for the Maintenance sector who depend on the building and construction industry for their growth. Realizing that the Building and Ground Maintenance training course is an asset, this morning representatives of ITVET Corozal hit the streets of town promoting the course in hope of persuading students to enroll at the institution. Karina Yah- Teacher ITVET Corozal “Lo que tenemos hoy es una pequeña exhibición en lo cual se hace en Corozal ITVET y lo que tenemos ahorita es el programa de Building and Ground Maintenance, lo cual es el nivel uno, en ello consiste en el mantenimiento de los edificios hasta en lo que vemos en plomería, aire acondicionado, construcción y diseño de jardín.”

Blogs

Mexico and Belize Trade Growth Shows you can have it both ways
A delegation of companies from Mexico has been in Belize since June 6 to meet with their Belizean counterparts to strengthen trade and general goodwill. Representatives from our own BELTRAIDE, which promotes trade and investment in Belize, have been meeting with members of Mexico’s equivalent, ProMexico, to exchange ideas on developing and promoting various goods and services. Why do we care? It’s interesting as an example of Belize’s continual growth since achieving independence in 1981 (the same year Chaa Creek made the transition from family farm to hosting guests and promoting eco-tourism). It’s difficult to balance the economic development so necessary for a developing country with the environmental sustainability Belize has been committed to, but events like this show that it is working. For example, take this quote from Marco Antonio Lopez, the Economic Affairs representative from the Mexican Embassy: “During the last ten years the commerce between Mexico and Belize has doubled. Ten years ago it was about $60 Million US dollars and the last years it’s almost $140 Million dollars so the commerce/trade between the two countries has been growing within the last ten years.

“Please Mr Postman” in Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Yesterday at around 8 am there was the unusual sound of knocking on our front door. Unusual because we rarely get anybody knocking on our front door (not even to pay unpaid bills!). And especially at that time of the day. On opening the door there was Daniel Camal, our building contractor, with six pieces of granite that he had got that closely match the photographs of granite we had sent him a few weeks ago. Rose and I now need to determine if they are what we want and, if so, for which countertops. He also imparted the great news that our windows have arrived in Belize City and will arrive on the island next Tuesday. At last. Now the finishing work on our house can begin! After Daniel had departed my first job yesterday morning was a visit to Captain Shark’s to see if they could eradicate the hugely irritating rattling sounds (yes,plural) that we suffer when driving. I left the ‘cart there and then went to the Post Office, armed with what I thought was the necessary paperwork, to rent a P.O. Box. It was there that I very quickly found out, after being referred to the manager, that a bill from Coral Cable for an Internet service does not qualify as a utility bill (required to prove a current address in Belize). It has to be either a water, electricity or telephone (landline) bill.

International Sources

Cleared diplomat’s relief
The former UK High Commissioner to Belize, who lives in Eastbourne and was removed from his post amid claims of sexual misconduct and bullying, has spoken of his “humiliating” fight to clear his name. John Yapp lost his post in 2008 over claims he inappropriately touched women. The allegations were dropped but he then faced claims he bullied staff. The High Court ruled last month the Foreign and Commonwealth Office broke his contract and failed in its duty of care to him. Mr Yapp said it had all been “profoundly humiliating” saying he had an unblemished diplomatic career for 37 years before a former minister in Belize alleged he had inappropriately touched women. Three days later, on June 13 2008, Mr Yapp was told by the FCO his position in Belize was untenable and he was withdrawn from the post with immediate effect. In August of that year, a disciplinary hearing heard doubts about the reliability of the evidence and the allegation of sexual misconduct was dismissed. “I found it incredible,” he said. “I was the one person who knew from the outset these allegations were completely untrue, but ironically I was the one person who was never asked for his side of the story.

Video: Swimming with whale sharks
Sorry for the nip slip but the rest was too amazing to not post

Our best backpacking food ideas, Easy Backpacking Recipes
Here you will find backpacking food ideas including campfire cooking and other easy backpacking recipes more exciting than dehydrated packages. Welcome to Dirty Gourmet! Our mission is to inspire gourmet outdoor cooking by providing easy camping recipes and ideas. Whether you're a weekend car camper or a serious backpacker, go beyond hot dogs and rehydrated sludge and discover your gourmet potential.

Infographic: Sea Level Rise and Global Warming
Sea level is rising -- and at an accelerating rate -- especially along the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico.

June 8, 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line Port Proposal on Crawl Caye denied

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

SPTC News: street projects continue, municipal land acquisition in process
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) announced on Tuesday June 4th that they are acquiring a prime property in the down town area for the municipality. It was the major of several other announcements made by Mayor Daniel Guerrero when he appeared on the local morning show. Also announced was the continuation of the paving of streets in the Eliot Subdivision (also referred to as the Back-a-town area) as well as other main streets used throughout town. “The SPTC has set up a steering committee that will look at acquiring a number of properties. Our town grew without a proper plan and so we have to start acquiring property for the use of the municipality,” explained Guerrero. The first property that the council, along with the Area Representative Manuel Heredia Jr. will work to acquire is that of the late George Parham (Sands Hotel). “We are starting the process to try and acquire the property directly west of the Central Park. We think that it can be used for municipal parking and the building can be used for government offices,” explained Guerrero. That property is on sale for BZ$4 million, and according to Guerrero, they hope to convince the Government of Belize to assist them in acquiring it. “Nothing is final as yet, but we are lacking in town space. We are looking at a few other properties, and with the help of the steering committee in place, we hope to be able to approach donors to assist us in acquiring it,” said Guerrero.

ACES educates SPRCS students on crocodiles
On June 6, 2013, Chris Summers from the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) visited the San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRC) to educate the upper division students about the conservation of crocodiles and the importance they have in the community. In Belize, there are two different types of crocodiles, the American crocodile and the Morelet crocodile. American crocodiles are found across Ambergris Caye since they are considered salt water crocodiles. Morelet in the other hand are only adapted to survive in fresh water. The American Crocodile is considered a threatened species, with numbers quickly dwindling. In Belize, which was considered the last strong hold for the American crocodiles in the Americas, an estimated less than 1,000 crocodiles remain. The purpose of Summers’ visit was to educate the school children on the importance of protecting and conserving the species. With summer vacation drawing near, it is of upmost importance for students to know to stay away from locations that crocodiles use as their habitat. Children on vacation are usually more prone to mess with the crocodile habitat, hatchlings and eggs. By educating students and showing that such actions are wrong, Summers hopes that the students of the SPRC will set an example to others. Summers stated that one should not be afraid of these animals, because their normal instinct is to run away. However, if you feed them, eventually they will no longer fear humans, and that is where the trouble arises.

Soybean Seeds Test Positive as Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)
On May 24th, 2013, the Plant Health Department of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) discovered suspected genetically modified soybean seeds in Northern Belize. As a result, samples of the suspected soybeans were submitted to BAHA’s Plant Health Diagnostics Laboratory in Central Farm for GMO screening. The screening tests were conducted on May 28th and all the samples tested positive indicating that the seeds were genetically modified. A further set of samples were then sent to Eurofins Genescan laboratory in the United States on May 30th for a confirmatory test using Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR technology. On June 5th, BAHA received results of the confirmatory test, which verified the results of previous tests conducted by BAHA on the soybean seeds.

Jennessa Sierra of SPRCS ties for 2nd in PSE countrywide
The Primary School Examination (PSE) results are out and one student from Ambergris Caye is amongst the highest in the country. The overall results were announced late on Friday June 7th by the Ministry of Education. Jennessa Sierra of San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRC) is among the top five students countrywide. A quick look at the results show that from the list of the top 26 performers, 13 were registered in the Belize District. Sierra received a total of 386 points out of a possible 400 points and tied with Nelson Esteban and Vicente Hulse of Saint Andrews Anglican School in the Cayo District, and they all placed second place nationally. “It feels great and I am amazed. I knew that if I put my all I would do good.

Fido’s Restaurant – Delicious Fast Gourmet
It is known as the place to go to for great live music, ambiance and refreshing drinks. It is the party palapa in town; but did you know that it also serves delicious food? Yes, Fido’s is also a place where you can find excellent grub – beyond bar fare, beyond quick wings and tacos (which they also serve, and are super scrumptious). At Fido’s, you get freshly prepared, quality seafood for lunch or dinner. As a treat, we were invited to taste some of the delicious dishes that come out of the kitchen, all prepared under the watchful eye of Chef Julie and manager Tony. It was early afternoon, and the sun had been shining beautifully all day, so as it headed west, it cast a warm glow on the beach, and from where we sat, we could definitely understand the draw to Fido’s. Not only do you get fed and watered properly, but the view is breathtakingly glorious as well. Sailboats meandered on the turquoise sea, moving along with the wind, which refreshed us as we sat and sipped some pineapple juice (we promise there was no alcohol, yet). My partner in crime for the evening was Josh Jones, our lucky, lucky intern whose hardest task was photographing delicious food, then helping me consume it. Interns have it hard. Heh.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Town Council's Need For Land
After the mayor’s announcement, there was some opposition by a few members of the community, but a lot more people seem to support this move by the San Pedro Town Council. For one thing, the Mayor is doing so with a vision to improve living conditions of everybody. “I work for everybody, PUP and UDP,” commented Mayor Danny. Secondly it is to be noted that the Mayor has been working on his group’s election manifesto and more. He is trying to accomplish other projects that were not even in the manifesto. Town councils in every municipality do need properties, especially land, to be able to operate efficiently and effectively. It is worthy of mention that there is a difference in acquiring and purchasing. In an acquisition the property is taken by virtue of the town’s ordinance to be used only for town improvement, and not real estate. It is the court that establishes the price of the property. On the other hand a purchase is made on a price agreed upon by the buyer and the seller. This could run much higher than an acquisition deal. Therefore for all practical and sound financial purposes, an acquisition is preferred because the court sets the price and the council does have the authority to acquire any property for town improvement purposes. With real estate land prices going very rapidly, it is wise for the Town Council to hold on to some land in San Pedro; after all we still have need of some sports fields and courts, youth center, infirmary, home for senior citizens, home for orphans, rehab center, just to name a few. Certainly our good mayor is open to ideas, so contact him with your plans and suggestions instead of simply criticizing. Food for thought!

Tiger Prawn Joins Lion Fish as Invasive Animal in Belize
It was in 2008 when the Belize Fisheries Department confirmed the first sighting of the invasive Lionfish in Belizean waters. The increasing numbers of the lionfish threatening our ecosystem lead to numerous projects and tournaments to get rid of the invasive lionfish. Now there is another species that joins this creature in Belizean waters - the Tiger Prawn. Mr. Severo Guerreo Sr, (a local San Pedro fisherman) caught a black tiger prawn shrimp in Shark Ray's fore-reef. It's an invasive species found in the Gulf of Mexico. This black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) in particular weighed 8.6 ounces and had a length of 30 cm in size. According to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Office, last month, Lyndon Rodney, Fishery Officer had shared an image of this same species at the Punta Gorda fish market. This proves that this species has made it further south into the Caribbean.

Misc Belizean Sources

New Direct LAX Air Service a Boon for Belize
The recent announcement of direct flights from Los Angeles to Belize has been hailed by Belizean resort owners as a boon for the local tourism industry. According to the Lodge at Chaa Creek’s marketing director Larry Waight, the new service, scheduled to begin December 2013, will encourage more west coast travellers to consider the Caribbean as a viable option to destinations like Mexico’s Pacific coast and Hawaii. The direct flights will also make it easier for members of Belize’s large diaspora, many of whom reside in California, to visit family and friends and spend holidays in their country of origin, he added. “It very good news for the entire Belize tourism industry, as it makes a Belize vacation more viable to a larger audience. And for Chaa Creek, it means that our popular Christmas and New Year’s all-inclusive Belize vacation packages are that much more attractive to west coast travellers,” Mr Waight said. Mr Waight said a June 5 2013 Los Angeles News Group blog, “LA Airspace” reported that Delta Airlines is set to begin direct flights from LAX to Belize City beginning December 2013.

Fashion Exchange - Belize Makes Pulse Plans, Strong CFW Expected
Kim Simplis-Barrow, wife of the Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow, is not at Caribbean Fashionweek (CFW) this weekend just for enjoyment. Simplis-Barrow is hoping to learn lessons which she can use to improve the fashion industry in her country. Speaking to The Gleaner during Thursday evening's CFW opening reception at the Spanish Court Hotel, New Kingston, a very bubbly Simplis-Barrow said she is pleased to be in Jamaica for CFW. "It is an exciting time in our fashion and it is such a big thing in the Caribbean. I am excited to meet some of the designers and see how we in Belize can perhaps foster our fashion industry," she said. Simplis-Barrow said Belize Fashion Week was held earlier this year, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. "It is a growing industry and we are just really starting to look at fashion as an industry. We are a little slow when it comes to that in the Caribbean, but we are putting our finger on the button and me being here is a step in the right direction I think," she said. There is a collaboration with Jamaica in the offing, as Simplis-Barrow said "we will be partnering with Pulse. We just spoke with Kingsley Cooper and Romae Gordon in Belize and they had so much fun, so we are looking at partnering with Kingsley for our fashion show in Belize. We will be doing it probably in a year. One of the reasons we are here is to see what Kingsley is doing and to try to emulate what he is doing - and improve on it, of course".

Deep Sea Encouters at Gladden Spit 2013
In addition to Whale Sharks there much more marine life to see at Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve. Here's look at recent Whale Shark dive after the May moon.

Channel 7

PSE Results Announced, Grades Trending Down
Tonight, the PSE results are in, and, as always, we celebrate the top finishers, while lamenting an overall performance, which is down this year. But, first, to the good news: the students who excelled. The top finisher this year is Siyun Ye, from Bernice Yorke Institute of Learning in Belize City. She topped her peers easily with a overall total of 391 points, six more than the second place finishers. And that’s right, we said, “finishers”; that’s because there’s a three way tie for second between Vincent Hulse and Nelson Esteban from St Andrews Anglican in Cayo along with Jenessa Sierra from San Pedro RC. There’s a four way tie for third with Agatha Petkau, from United Evergreen in Cayo, Iani Adolphus from Hummingbird Elementary in Belize city along with Sherry Tan and Alana Rosado from Belize Elementary in Belize City. Miracle Mgeahburke from Solid Rock Christian in Stann Creek is alone in fourth and Alexandra Gibson from Hummingbird elementary is tied with Marlina Eck from Belize Elementary and Gordon Knowles from St, Joseph in Belize City for fifth. The results came in just two hours ago – and we only got a chance to speak to two of the top finishers who are from the city, first place finisher Siyun Ye, and third place, Iani Adolphus. We spoke to Adolphus an hour ago and Siyun Ye just five minutes ago. We start with Adolphus. Iani Adolphus - Rank 3rd in PSE "I was relieved first of all and kind of surprised, but definitely proud." Monica Bodden "Who first informed you?" Iani Adolphus "My dad called my mom and she told me afterward."

GMO Soybean Found In Belize
Genetically modified soybeans have found in northern Belize. Tonight BAHA is reporting that they were found on May 24th – and tested positive locally four days later – which was confirmed by a US lab on June 5th. Now, sowing of GMO seeds is prohibited in Belize, and so BAHA has placed the seeds under quarantine, and will destroy them by milling. Those milled seeds will be used for the production of animal feed consistent with currently imported animal feeds which contains genetically modified soybeans. The BAHA release which came out after government closing hours does not say how many seeds were found or exactly where and what penalties if any the owner will be made to face.

Foreign Minister Not Hopeful For “Continental Consensus” On Drugs
As we showed you last night on the news, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington addressed the OAS General Assembly on the issue of the drug problem – saying that it is an issue of demand, not supply. His view was one of 35 coming from the Foreign Ministers or representatives who attended the meeting in Guatemala. All of them had strong opinions, and Elrington told us that he’s not confident that a continental consensus will be arrived at. Hon. Wilfred Elrington - Minster of Foreign Affairs "Small countries like ours have seen us pass very terrible legislation which causes us to be sending so many of our young people to jail. Incarcerated because of the so call drug problem, you find them with a small stick of weed and you lock them up, once they are locked up for a small stick of weed and get convicted they can't get a job, visa and it is creating a lot of hardships. You lock up mothers who have young children when in truth and in fact, Belize is not responsible for the drug trade. The drug trade is impelled by the demand in the developed countries and our system in perpetually under stress and under pressure simply because the drugs pass through our countries - enroot to other countries. No matter what we do we will not be able to stance the trough because the demand is too great. We also have pressure of the demands of the developed countries to do more, they want us to do more and demonstrate that in my mind is a sufficient effort. I don't think we're going to get much out of it."

13 Year Old Alleges Gross Police Brutality
Tonight, a 13 year-old young man from Esperanza Village, continues to suffer from an injury to his left arm which his family and he claims was inflicted by a police officer from the Cayo District. The young man was at home with his family when police conducted a search on their house. We spoke to them this afternoon, and they told us that the police officer, who they can identify, used excessive force against the young man, caused him to suffer a compound fracture. Moreover, they claimed that he was no threat, and that he was around his family’s table doing his homework when the police barged in: Sharema Mendoza - Sister "I don't know what the problem is that they have against us as the Mendozza family but the police men came and my brother was doing an assignment in the house around the center table. My dad was inside eating and I was inside with some other girls watching some clothes. He went at the backdoor and when he went an officer approached him and said to my little brother 'stand right there - don't move' so my brother stood there and didn't move. There after about 6 to 7 seconds, as quick as that, I heard my brother crying - he then yelled at me and said 'Sharema I am going to die' so I told my dad who was sitting and eating to go and check on him."

A Lesson In Ejecting Squatters
Viewers may or may not know Olatunji Balogun. He is a Unitedville resident who has been fighting his case in the Supreme Court to settle the issue of squatters who refused to get off his land. He’s written extensively about his experience while fighting this case since the year 2000, and today, he finally got a positive development in a judgment delivered by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Because it is an issue that other Belizeans are forced to go through to keep their own land, he asked to share his story with the nation, hoping that it will inspire them not to suffer injustice in silence. Here’s how he explained it: Olatunji Balogun - Concerned Land Owner "Today there was a decision made in a trespassing case I took out. There were some people that were living illegally on my land and I took them to the supreme court and they made a decision today that they are trespassing on my land and they awarded me for $1000 and $5000 in cost. The significance of this is that I have been dealing with this situation almost around the year 2000 when I became aware that these people were on my land.

Belize’s Best Speller Is…
As we showed you at the top of the news, the PSE results are in, and we got a chance to speak to some of the top performers today. And today was also, the finals for the 2013 Coca Cola National Spelling Bee was held in Belmopan – where we got to see some of the top spellers. The first and second place winners from each district converged at the UB Gymnasium where they went up against each other for the finals. After 4 hours of spelling words most of us never heard before, a new winner was declared, when Eriean (pronounced Eri-an) Jang spelt the word "baldachin". Here's how she explained her performance: Eriean Jang - Winner 2013 National Spelling Bee Finals "It was fun, exciting and great but I was a little stressed out because I had to study a lot." Daniel Ortiz "Tell us about qualifying and participating in the finals. How was the first spelling bee for you and having to qualify to get here." Eriean Jang "It was very easy but it was like I was climbing a step and some of the times while I was going up I had some troubles." Daniel Ortiz "How was it today? Give us an idea of some of the difficulties of the word you had to deal with."

Immigration Office Takes Questions From The Public
All across the country today, the different offices of the Immigration Department held open day's where they provided information most vital to the public, along with in an depth explanation of the passport application process. Since the Ministry of Immigration and Nationality changed the process, many members of the public have complained that it is now a great annoyance to get their passports. So 7News dropped by the Immigration Office in Belize City and asked about it. Here's what the officers told us: Camille Ottley - Immigration Clerk 1 "What's happening is that we're celebrating our 27th Anniversary. We've been a department from June 1986 so we're having an information day where we are just giving out snacks and souvenirs and information to anyone who comes in - countrywide." Daniel Ortiz "What sort of information do people from the public come looking for at the Immigration department?" Camille Ottley "Most people come in to find out more about the passport process since we changed it earlier this year."

Building Bandwidth In Belize?
Last night 7News showed you that forum which the Public Utilities Commission organized in collaboration with the international, Non-Profit organization Packet Clearing House. In this forum, the policy makers, along with the international experts, presented a new idea to the internet service providers in Belize to produce internet bandwidth in Belize, instead of purchasing it from abroad. As the facilitators explained it involves setting up a relatively inexpensive bandwidth source in the country called an internet exchange point. But before this forum, majority of Belizeans probably did not know that this was possible at all. So in that context, we asked the facilitators about their expectations, when it comes to the response from the ISP's in Belize. They explained why, on the face of it, the companies may not receive it well, given the telecommunications environment that exists in Belize. Daniel Ortiz "Tell us how you guys plan to convince the Internet Service Providers here in Belize to come on board with this. I think they might see it as a foreign idea."

Prom Economics
It's graduation time and thousands of students are learning a lesson that school never taught them. You can call it Prom Economics - how to find the hundreds of dollars to pay for the biggest party of your young life. It's a lesson many 4th Form students have been learning all too well in the past few weeks and Monica Bodden found two very different sides of the same story today. Here's her story. Monica Bodden reporting Today we found one prom queen who explained what it's like getting ready for the big night. Kadine Gongora - Graduate of Sadie Vernon High "First of all we were all there, about 20 of us and they selected that I was the Prom Queen because of my elegant dress that I had on. It was a lot of things - I had to call my sister from the US so she could have sent down the dress for me and we were here, there and everywhere - preparing hard for Prom because it's one in a life time." 19 year old Kadine Gongora is a recent graduate of Sadie Vernon High. Only two weeks ago, she got the chance to enjoy her fairytale ending after 4 years of hard work. But that ending came with a price tag for Kadine and her family. Kadine Gongora - Graduate of Sadie Vernon High "Yes it was very expensive, my dress cost $350usd and $180usd to ship it down so it was very expensive." Monica Bodden "And how much you guys had to pay to attend the prom?"

Reflections On Antigua
We've been reporting all this week from the 43rd General Assembly in Antigua, Guatemala. The meeting finished last night at midnight with a press conference – and the final outcome is the passage of a number of resolutions and the Declaration of Antigua. And, Belize will have to remain focused on Antigua going into next week – that's because Belize's national football team, the Jaguars are playing an international friendly in that venerable city. Jules Vasquez was there most of this week – and here are his reflections on the city and the meeting it hosted. Jules Vasquez reporting From Belize City to Antigua, Guatemala, really it's just a straight southwesterly line spanning 250 miles. But only birds get to fly that route, for the earthbound, it's 400 miles and a 9-hour drive by road. We opted instead to go by air, first via Tropic Air from Belize to Flores, Peten, a 45 minute flight which took us across the broad expanse of the Lago Peten Itza,. In Flores at the Mundo Maya International Airport we hopped unto a Guatemalan carrier, TAG for another 45 minute flight which flew us via turboprop into Guatemala City where we landed at night in a city that looked to be lit by fireflies. From there we traveled by taxi the 23 miles to Antigua Guatemala. It's one of the oldest cities in Central America, the name Antigua itself is Spanish for 'ancient'. And indeed, every street looks like it's been lifted from some 16th Century European painting.

How to Make Produce Markets Work
Yesterday, leaders from villages, cities and towns across Belize gathered for a presentation at El Rancho Restaurant in Belmopan. It was hosted by the Minister of Local Government, Godwin Hulse, and he called them in to talk about the different produce markets which exist in these municipalities. Government wants to improve how the markets are controlled by the different city, town and village councils and after consultation with an international Expert, the findings were presented yesterday. Minister Hulse explained its importance: Hon. Godwin Hulse - Minster of Local Government "This is the launch of a workshop under the BRDP II so there's a consultant in the country whose function was to help to improve the management of the various market in the municipalities and these are all the market by the Belize City one and Stann Creek is coming on as well at sometime. So he's been here from March and he's visited then and he did a preliminary study and today he's going to present his findings to the group, this is why you see all the Mayors invited etc

Tommy Lee: Follow Me
If you follow Jamaican dancehall music, Tommy Lee is a big name, and tonight he's in Belize for a concert in Orange Walk Town. It is his first time in Belize and when he pulled up at 7news this evening – his street side fans showed him nothing but love. Tommy Lee - Reggae Artist "I'm touring and knowing the place you know, trying to know about the place and the history. Feeling the energy as well." Monnica Bodden "What can people expect from your performance this weekend?" Tommy Lee "Well you know - real badness, niceness. Best of Tommy Lee." Monnica Bodden "Where will you be performing?" Tommy Lee "I'm not really sure about the name of the place. Stadium in Sugar City - real badness. I will sing some tune that they have never heard. I will perform and let people fully enjoy themselves and their monies worth." The concert is tomorrow night at the People's Stadium in Orange Walk Town. Tickets can be purchased at Stone's Music in Belize City and Leonardo's Music or M&A;'s shoes store in Orange Walk.

Channel 5

P.S.E. results out: scores for Math and English decline
Late this evening, the results of the Primary School Examinations were released by the Ministry of Education. A total of seven thousand five hundred and thirty-three students sat the exams [...]

Where will Norwegian Cruise Line place $100 million development
With Crawl Caye off the table as a cruise ship destination, Norwegian Cruise Lines is looking for other areas in southern Belize for a cruise ship tourism project. On Tuesday, [...]

Guatemala’s airport has map annexed to Belize
In the past, Guatemala has showcased maps at international forums that annex Belize to that country. There was a concern that Guatemala would carry out similar measures at the forty-third [...]

Churches meet the P.M. to denounce gender policy
Church leaders of the Belmopan area met this morning with Prime Minister Dean Barrow in his Belmopan office. There were seven representatives from the churches and the PM’s team included [...]

Pastor says church protects Constitution of God
While the Council of Churches is yet to meet with P.M. Barrow to express its views on the inclusion of the term sexual orientation in the Revised Gender Policy, the [...]

Baldachin spells winner for Eriean Jang at the Spelling Bee
Baldachin is the winning word in this year’s spelling bee. The spelling of that most difficult word and rarely used word propelled a student from Dangriga as this year’s top [...]

Genetically modified soybeans found in the north
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) has been a debatable topic during the past two years. Some farmers want to use the laboratory synthesized versions of plants because of the higher yield [...]

O.A.S. roadmap to renewal of regional drug policy
This week, a News Five team has been covering the forty-third General Assembly of the Organization of American States that was held in Antigua, Guatemala. The annual event concluded with [...]

Gas attendant pumps way to burglary charge
Nineteen year old Calbert Roberts Junior appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith today, where he was indicted on a charge of burglary. The young gas attendant is accused of [...]

He slaps ex with hand and he gets slapped with charges
Thirty-one year old Kenroy Vanzie, accused of fondling the breasts and private parts of an eighteen year old woman, pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned in the Belize City [...]

Jaguars; road to Gold Cup
The Road to the Gold Cup: The Belize Jaguars are preparing to take on the United States, Cuba and Costa Rica in three games to be played in three cities [...]

Expert on municipal markets meets mayors
The Church may be a hallmark of communities but no municipality can survive without a market. That is why the mayors from across the country were attending an important meeting [...]

Dancehall Artist, Tommy Lee, in Belize for Orange Walk Concert
From markets to the concerts, dancehall recording artist Tommy Lee is in Belize for a one-night-only performance this weekend. The controversial singer, whose alias and subject matter has stirred much [...]

LOVE FM

Construction of Private Wharf Raises Concerns In Southern Belize
Concerns are being raised over public and private space in Punta Gorda; Correspondent Paul Mahung has the details. PAUL MAHUNG “Growing concerns have been expressed about a newly constructed wharf spanning off coastline at the Northern entrance to Punta Gorda. The newly ...

Political Affiliation Will Not Deter Charges For Destruction of Maya Site
The destruction of Noh Mul an over 2,300 years old Maya Site in Northern Belize caused a local and international media frenzy back in May. The Maya temple had been turned into rubble by D’mar’s Stone Company, owned by Denny Grijalva, whose company used the extracted stone for road fil...

Football Tournament For Youths Scheduled For The Weekend
The Belmopan City Council’s Kids and Youth Football Tournament Competition will conclude this weekend. Correspondent Kenrick Francisco has the sporting details. KENRICK FRANCISCO “Sporting events continue to be an outlet for kids and others to constructively ...

TUBAL Vocational Institute Holds Open Day
Tubal Trade and Vocational Institute opened its door back in 2001 and since then the school has been training youths from Belize City and surrounding communities to master different sorts of trades in order for them to become a productive citizen in their community. Currently fifty students are e...

Winner Declared For Coca Cola Spelling Bee 2013
The nineteenth National Coca Cola Spelling bee came to an end a short while ago. The new champion primary school speller is Eriean Jang from Sacred Heart RC School. Second place went to Britney Rosalez of Caledonia RC School in the Corozal District. Love FM’s Karen Coote h...

Southern Municipality Holds Public Meeting
The Punta Gorda Town Council held a public meeting on Thursday. We join correspondent Paul Mahung for the details. PAUL MAHUNG “The Punta Gorda Town council held an open meeting last night for members of the public. The open meeting was chaired by Mayor Anthony Fuent...

LOVE TV

Case File on Destruction of Maya Temple In Belize Forwarded to DPP
The destruction of Noh Mul an over 2,300 years old Maya Site in Northern Belize caused a local and international media frenzy back in May. The Maya temple had been turned into rubble by D’mar’s Stone Company, owned by Denny Grijalva, whose company used the extracted stone for road fill. Since the incident had been plastered on the media, the National Institute of Cultural and History launched an investigation into the matter which was complete last week. According to the Director of Archeology at NICH, the results of the investigations were handed over to the Orange Walk Police Station. Love News understands that the Director of Public Prosecution has received the file and is reviewing it. Awe says that charges are expected to be filed by early next week. JAIME AWE “Early this week we had the Assistant Superintendent of Police from Orange Walk come into archaeology, we finished signing up all the documents, the affidavits, the evidence that will support the case. They also prepared the final police reports which are to be submitted to the DPP office. Now, it is just a matter of any day now that the DPP office will instruct the police to lay the charges. I can see that this will be done very shortly as early as next week. There is no question as to the illegality of the destruction. We have been able to firmly establish that through visual and written evidence.” HIPOLITO NOVELO (Reporter) “This matter has been politically spun by different sectors of the community and many people might think that Mr. Grijalva might not be held responsible because of his political post in the United Democratic Party.”

Capital City Hosts Football Tournament For Youths
The Belmopan City Council’s Kids and Youth Football Tournament Competition will conclude this weekend. Correspondent Kenrick Francisco has the sporting details. KENRICK FRANCISCO “Sporting events continue to be an outlet for kids and others to constructively channel their energy while nurturing skills and fostering social interactions among residents. The kids and youth cup football competition sponsored by the Belmopan City Council which provided such an outlet concludes this weekend with two days of competition at the Isidoro Beaton Football Stadium in Belmopan. On Saturday, June 8 at 2pm, the all-star team of Belmopan will compete against two visiting teams from sugar-city, Orange Walk; then on Sunday at 1pm, two championship games will be held. For the kids’ championship, Barcelona will face off against Real Madrid and for the youth championship, Valencia will clash with Barcelona. Love News spoke with Amilcar Umana whose portfolio includes sports.” AMILCAR UMANA “We have two levels of tournaments for the first year of the cup; one is called the kids’ cup which will be for ages 9 – 12 and to give them continuity, we have included the youth cup for ages 13 -16. We will be distributing medals on trophies on Sunday following the games for most goals, most valuable player, among others. This year we were unable to get any business support therefore the Belmopan City Council is providing the finances for this year’s event.”

Youths Demonstrate Acquired Vocational Skills During Open Day
Tubal Trade and Vocational Institute opened its door back in 2001 and since then the school has been training youths from Belize City and surrounding communities to master different sorts of trades in order for them to become a productive citizen in their community. Currently fifty students are enrolled in the different courses at the school and yesterday their skills were put on display for their 12th annual open day. HIPOLITO NOVELO REPORTS: Located on the Philip Goldson Highway, Tubal Trade and Vocational Institute has been in existence for twelve years. The institute provides learning courses on several trades to youth who are willing invest in order to be successful. On Thursday, the trade and vocational institute held its annual open day to showcase the skills and talents that the students have developed during their individual courses as explained by Jevon McKoy, the building construction instructor for Tubal. JEVON McKoy “We have 4 basic trades and everyone is displaying their respective discipline from mechanic coming down to construction which is mine; we have the electrical and we have the computer lab and the Catering and Hospitality are doing their display upstairs. To be quite honest everyone here has something specific that they would like to display. From the mechanic they are displaying the vehicle parts that they are working on, we have some photos and so forth that we have been displaying on what we have done. If you take a walk in the class we have some houses we have set up, we have some walls that we have been working on just to display what we have been doing. If you notice in the class we have this electrical crowd that set up a house that is all lighted up and upstairs we have some amazing displays when it comes to the food.”

Dangriga Primary School Student Captures 1st Place in National Spelling Bee
The nineteenth National Coca Cola Spelling bee came to an end a short while ago. The new champion primary school speller is Eriean Jang from Sacred Heart RC School. Second place went to Britney Rosalez of Caledonia RC School in the Corozal District. Love FM’s Karen Coote has the details of today’s competition. KAREN COOTE “The Coca Cola National Spelling Bee 2013 concluded with a grand finale at the UB Gymnasium in the nation’s capital, Belmopan. Twelve champion spellers, two representing each of the six districts took the stage for the grand finale hoping to be crowned the national champion. From the Belize District, Misty Sanchez from Holy Redeemer Primary, Daniel Mohammed-Ali from Burrell Boom Methodist; the Cayo District was represented by Michael Thompson – Belize Christian Academy and Heidi Morcia from Los Tambos Government; the Corozal district was represented by Britney Rosales from Caledonia RC and Enrique Castillo, St. Paul’s Anglican; Margaret Diego from San Estevan RC and Isidro Chan from San Pablo Community represented the Orange Walk District; Eriean Jang of Sacred Heart RC and Sara Ramirez from Valley Baptist were representative from the Stann Creek District and Toledo District was represented by Laurie Williams from Mafredi Methodist and Hilda Saki from St. Benedict RC School. During the opening ceremony of this year’s event the invocation was delivered by Fem Cruz; opening remarks were delivered by District Education Manager, Luis Carballo; President and CEO of Bowen and Bowen, Michael H.M Bowen welcomed everyone to the grand finale. The champion spellers were escorted on stage by members of Belize’s National Football Jaguars Team. Formalities completed, it was time to spell again.

PlusTV

More meetings on Gender Policy for the Prime Minister
Seven Pastors from the Belmopan Area Coalition of Churches met this morning with the Prime Minister and three of his cabinet Ministers regarding the Revised Gender Policy 2013. The meeting started at 9:30 this morning and it wasn’t until three hours after that the group of seven made their...

Soy bean in the north of the country test positive for GMO
On May 24th, 2013, the Plant Health Department of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) discovered suspected genetically modified soybean seeds in Northern Belize. As a result, samples of the suspected soybeans were submitted to BAHA’s Plant Health Diagnostics Laboratory in Central Farm for GMO screening. The screening tests...

Alleged murderers of Steven Valencia remanded to prison
Earlier this week, Police apprehended 26 year old Jarod Lamb who had been on the run for over a month. Lamb, also known as Steel Bob, was caught hiding in Teakettle Village. Lamb, along with Marvin Neal, are suspects in an aggravated burglary, where...

Stann Creek District student wins National Spelling Bee
Aldamunich – A-l-a-m-u-n-i-c-h, that’s the word that clinched Sacred Heart R.C. student Eriean Jang as the 2013 National Spelling Bee Champ. Jang competed against eleven of her peers of the Standard 4,5&6 divisions, from schools across the country. This year the competition saw its 19th year under the patronage...

EU assists with Market Development Programme
The Department of Local Government and Rural Development, under the Belize Rural Development Project has undertaken a venture to provide a more pleasant and hygienic environment for market vendors. The project reviewed existing markets infrastructure within Belize, with a longer term Market Development Programme planned, which will involve substantial ...

Former Nurses’ Aide seeks to be treated fairly
Her granddaughter died in desperate circumstances in 2006 and she feels she was victimized by its administration. Former Nurses’ Aide Shawn Lemoth attended Thursday’s demonstration organized by Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) as well as the press conferences and is not satisfied with the hospital’s explanation of...

2013 PSE results are in
The 2013 PSE results are in. According to the Ministry of Education, a total of 7533 candidates registered for this year’s PSE, of which 7359 candidates actually sat all or part of the exam this year. PSE numbers for 2013 record a 5.2% increase in the number of test...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Make panades out of Lionfish, not sharks!
An astuste beauty queen recently posted on her facebook timeline: ”Make panades out of lion fish, not sharks!” We couldn’t agree more! The time has come in the development of our little island where sharks are worth more as tourist attractions than panades! Conversely, we have too many invasive non-native lion fish in our waters, and the population needs to be thinned. So, folks, let’s make the panades industry a win-win situation for the island.

Belize International Film Festival Schedule
The schedule for the 8th Belize International Film Festival has been published. We take great pride is publishing it below, not only because we wholeheartedly support the film festival, but especially because for the first time ever, Caye Caulker has submitted an entry. The film director is no other than local Hicaquena, Tina Auxillou. We urge all Hicaquenas to come out and support the film on the Sunday, June 14th at 3:00 p.m. All films will be screened at the Princess Cinema in Belize City. Tickets cost USD $5/ BZD $10.

Amandala

CARMITA MIDDLETON, 38, ACQUITTED OF 5 COUNTS OF THEFT
Robert Bandfield, owner and sole director of IPC, told the court that Middleton stole $17,455 BZ Carmita Middleton, 38, was acquitted of five counts of theft today in the courtroom of Justice Adolph Lucas, Sr. after it was determined that the Crown had not presented enough evidence to prove the points of its case. Middleton had been accused of stealing a total of $17,455 BZ from her employer, Robert Bandfield, while she worked as a receptionist. The alleged incidents of theft are said to have occurred on five different occasions between July 16, 2008 and December 31, 2008 when she appropriated monies from five different companies that had been incorporated by IPC. However, it was not until January 2009 that Bandfield was alerted that something was awry in his company. In the trial, Bandfield testified that his company, IPC, incorporates international companies and manages them. He also explained that he acts as director of these companies, and as director, he decides which stocks to invest in and also which charitable donations or gifts are given away and to whom. The director of the companies is ultimately the one who dictates where money can or cannot go.

EX-POLICEMAN, MAURICE DUCE, 24, OF HAITI, DROWNED: POST-MORTEM
His father said that he will travel to Haiti to “seek his justice.” The decomposed corpse of former policeman Maurice Duce, 24, of Police Street, was retrieved from the Belize River in the area of Haulover Bridge at about 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition, and a part of his left arm was missing — believed to have been bitten off by crocodiles. After the body was taken out of the river, it was taken to a deserted area on the Hattieville-Boom Road, where Doctor Mario Estradabran conducted an onsite autopsy. At its conclusion, Estradabran certified that Duce’s death was caused by drowning. Duce, originally from Haiti, was taken to the Eternal Gardens Cemetery at Mile 13 on the Philip Goldson Highway, where he was buried at about 3:30 p.m. that same day, Tuesday. A man told police that about 8:30 Tuesday morning, he was travelling in his boat on the Belize River in the area of Manatee Lookout when he saw a body floating. Police were called and a search team from the Ladyville police responded and searched for the body in the area near Mile 8 on the Philip Goldson Highway.

SINQUEST’S BIG BELMOPAN BUST!
3 of 4 suspects charged with murder were supposed to graduate from Belmopan Comprehensive High tonight, Wednesday. Rasheed Crespo, 19; Manuel Hernandez, 18; Rudy Santos, 18; and Edwin Paula, 29, have been charged with murder, attempted murder, dangerous harm, use of deadly means of harm, and two counts of robbery today, Wednesday, in the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court. No plea was taken from the men and they have been remanded to the Belize Central Prison until August 22, 2013. All four men are believed to have been involved in a series of crimes that occurred in the Belmopan area, including a robbery and murder incident that occurred at La Choza Bar in Las Flores, a village in the vicinity of Belmopan, on June 2, 2013, in which the owner of the bar was robbed of a cell phone, cash, and a car, and two others —Isabel Ballona, 43, and Manuel Aguino, 50, were shot. While Aguino survived the attack, Ballona died as a result of the injuries he suffered. Ballona had been shot in the head. The other incident for which the four men are believed to be responsible occurred on May 8, 2013, when the accused and two other persons robbed nine students at gunpoint at the University of Belize, Belmopan campus dorms, and escaped with an assortment of valuable items.

CABINET REJECTS CRAWL CAYE PROPOSAL
“Our ships will be going somewhere else, unless we can figure out a way to make the experience better.” – Colin Murphy, Norwegian’s Vice President, Destination & Strategic Development Minister Hulse says, “…before you chase away a potential investor who intends to put down the upper part of 100 million dollars and just say ‘shush’ …you work with him within the parameters that may be possible.” Minister of Labour, Local Government, Rural Development and National Emergency Management and Immigration and Nationality Godwin Hulse confirmed to us on Tuesday, following a meeting of Cabinet, that Government had decided to reject a proposal from Norwegian Cruise Lines for a $100 million cruise port development at Crawl Caye, because the scale of the project is too large for the location, which is part of a UN World Heritage Site. Whereas the Crawl Caye proposal, Hulse said, is “off the table,” Government would still continue talks with the cruise line, to see if another location in Belize can work. In explaining Cabinet’s decision to take Crawl Caye “off the table,” as the minister puts it, he told us that, “The environmental people, the technical people have concluded that that particular development would unduly disturb the ecology and the environment there, and therefore they do not recommend that location. So the promoters understand that: Crawl Caye is off the table.”

POLICE BRUTALIZE ESPERANZA YOUTH, 13
They twisted the child’s arm so violently that he suffered a compound fracture. Police are accused of roughing up a 13-year-old Esperanza boy until his left arm suffered a compound fracture. The incident occurred at about 2:30 p.m. yesterday in the Mendoza family yard in Esperanza, during what police said was a search for drugs in the house. Police said that they did find drugs, however, and the youth and his father, 72, were arrested, charged and then granted police bail. The boy was taken to the San Ignacio Hospital, where his arm was put in a cast. The family is upset about the way the boy was handled and wants the police to pay for the boy’s medical treatment. They have since made an official complaint to the police’s Internal Affairs office in Belmopan, and to the Ombudsman. Sharema Mendoza told Amandala that about 2: 30 p.m. yesterday, Wednesday, the family was at home; she and her mother were washing clothes in the yard; her brother, 13, was doing homework, and her father was eating at the table. Some friends were also in the yard.

CALBERT ROBERTS, JR., FINED AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO BURGLARIZING HIS WORKPLACE
Roberts gave the money to his common-law wife after buying “baby things.” On Thursday, May 30, 2013, Calbert Roberts, Jr., 19, a resident of #16 Mangal Street in Orange Walk, was arraigned on burglary and damage to property charges, to which he pled guilty. According to the facts of the case, Racquel Borland, the owner of Biscayne General Shop, reported that between 6:00 p.m. on May 26, 2013 and 12:00 noon May 27, 2013, someone broke into her store and stole $4,100 from the store’s drop box. Police launched an investigation and apprehended Roberts, Jr., who then admitted to breaking into the store, where he had been employed as a gas attendant. After pleading guilty to the charges, Roberts had told the court that he wasn’t thinking properly and that his “ego” was overwhelmed. He further told the court that he had made a genuine mistake, and begged the court to please excuse his common-law wife, because she didn’t know where he had gotten the money.

DANGRIGA SPORTS
Mayor’s Cup Committtee says Thanks! The executive committee of the Classic Gold Mayor’s Cup 2013 would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation to all those who supported this year’s tournament to be a great success. Our Platinum Sponsor – Traveller’s Rum, Mayor H. Gilbert Swaso and the Dangriga Town Council, Hon. Ivan Ramos, Football Federation of Belize, Stann Creek Sports Council, Stann Creek Football Association, the Police Department, Uncle Harry Paint, Mr. Nolbert Moss – Competition Committee Secretary, Hamaalali Radio Station, Dangriga Cable Vision, Rapidito Loans, Mr. Orin Orio, Mr. David “Davo” Rodriguez, Mr. Santiago Acosta, team managers & players, and, of course, the fans who came out to support their teams and the tournament. Next year, the Mayor’s Cup will be bigger and better! Boys & Girls U-15 football

FFB ADDRESSES NATION ON CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, REGRETS AND PLANS
The Football Federation of Belize regrets to inform the general public and football supporters of the sad reality of our football. The Premier League of Belize Champion for this year, the Belmopan Bandits Football Club, will not be able to participate in the CONCACAF Champions League 2013-2014, since it has been determined by CONCACAF stadium inspectors that, while improvements have been made to some of the stadium’s infrastructure, the stadium still does not meet the minimum standard requirements for CONCACAF Champions League. One of the areas of most importance is the lighting. The minimum requirement is 800 lux throughout the field of play, since all of the Champions League matches are broadcasted in High Definition. At the moment, the lighting fluctuates from 300-1100 lux in some areas of the pitch. Other requirements for participation in CONCACAF Champions League are as follows: Improvements of the field of play; that is that we need to grow more grass on the field. Air conditioned locker rooms for referee and players. A minimum of 12 shower stalls and toilet facilities in each locker room for players.

COROZAL SPORTS NEWS
The Corozal District Primary School Volleyball Competition for males (M) and females (F) continues with games at the Andres Campos Civic Center. Here are the results for games played from last Wednesday, May 29, to yesterday, Wednesday, June 5. On Wednesday, May 29, (M) Guadalupe RC won over Corozal Methodist, 25-23, 25-14; (F) San Victor RC defeated Libertad Methodist in 3 sets, 25-15, 23-25, 15-10; (M) Libertad Methodist dropped San Victor RC, 25-4, 25-15; and (F) Corozal Methodist won over Guadalupe RC in 3 sets, 25-23, 19-25, 15-13. On Friday, May 31, it was (M) Copper Bank RC over St. Francis Xavier, 25-14, 25-11; (M) Corozal Methodist over Church of Christ, 25-16, 25-10; (F) Corozal Methodist over Church of Christ, 25-8, 25-16; and (M) Guadalupe RC over Assemblies of God, 25-8, 25-16. Three more games were played on Monday, June 3: (M) Corozal Methodist won over Libertad Methodist, 25-11, 25-16; (F) Corozal Methodist dropped Libertad Methodist, 25-20, 25-17; and (M) St. Francis Xavier defeated Assemblies of God, 25-23, 26-24. The tournament continued yesterday, Wednesday, June 5, with 5 games: (M) Copper Bank RC clipped San Victor RC, 25-10, 25-11; (F) Church of Christ dropped Libertad Methodist in 3 sets, 16-25, 25-7, 15-10; (M) Libertad Methodist won over Church of Christ, 25-17, 25-19; (M) Guadalupe RC stopped St. Francis Xavier RC, 25-7, 25-10; and (M) Corozal Methodist defeated Assemblies of God, 25-16, 25-11.

FROM THE PUBLISHER
In the 1960s the political headquarters of diaspora Belizeans was in New York City, where there was an organization called the British Honduras Freedom Committee. At that time, most of the majority black population which constituted the Belizean diaspora, was concentrated in New York City and, to a lesser extent, Chicago. Today, Los Angeles is probably the political headquarters of diaspora Belizeans, but in the 1960s, L.A. was a distant third to New York and Chicago. Lighter-skinned Belizeans were based in New Orleans, and its surrounding parishes, but New Orleans Belizeans did not, as a group, have a profile in Belizean politics the way the Freedom Committee did. Leroy Taegar once told me that the Freedom Committee, at its peak, controlled a list of 8,000 diaspora Belizeans who contributed US$10 a month to the Freedom Committee. This amounted to US$80,000 a month, and it was big money in the 1960s, especially after you changed it into Belize dollars. When I arrived in Brooklyn in August of 1965 on my way to college in New Hampshire, Compton Fairweather was THE BOY amongst New York’s Belizeans. Through a radio telephone arrangement on Rutland Road, where his father, the Rev. Gerald Fairweather, lived, Compton provided diaspora Belizeans with their only news of Belize. In those days, telephone service in Belize itself was primitive, and, of course, there was no Internet.

THE UNFORTUNATE DEATH OF MAURICE DUCE
I am so sad. I am sad because Maurice Duce died the way he did. He is the ex-policeman whose body was found in the river near the Haulover Bridge. Along with my sadness however, I am comforted that he is at rest. God did not allow him to suffer long. At the time of his death, as far as I know, he was going through a hard time. The last time I saw him he was walking the streets, unkempt and penniless. When I listened to the news I was surprised that no mention was made that he had a mental illness. This probably had something to do with his death. I believe he was not taking his medication and was completely spaced out and was not in control of his actions. I think I would not be speaking unfairly if I would say that it is unfortunate that the mental health system failed him. I will not go on to say who else in Duce’s short life failed him. I know he wanted to be helped, and he sought help. I got to know him when he began visiting my home with a young female friend of the family. He was quiet and mannerly and I was told that he had graduated from ACC in the top group of the class. I did not know much about his personal life, but I did learn that his mother died when he was a child, and he was raised by an older sister. In December of last year when he visited my home I saw that he was experiencing some mental problems. He came to me and told me he was hearing voices and he could not “stand it.” I asked him if he wanted me to take him to the Port Loyola mental health clinic. He readily agreed.

IDEAS AND OPINIONS
These letters together stand for an alliance of men and women who are unsatisfied with the role that nature has assigned to them. Because of this dissatisfaction, they have chosen roles which are contrary to their very nature. Their natural roles are for them to be either male or female according to the sex they were born with. It is true that a male can have the appendage of his genitals removed and an orifice put in its place, through the wonders of medical science. So. According to statute law he/she is recognized as a member of the female sex and, of that gender as well. The state is making an accommodation which it deems necessary and society accepts it as reasonable. But, in reality the intended sex change operation did not succeed. What it has done is make the man incapable of performing the role of a male without being able to perform the role of a female. To achieve this objective medical science will have to implant a womb and install an ovulatory system. Without it, he is still a man, without genitals. The same difficulties would arise if there were women who wished to perform the role of men but, the fair sex is in a much better position to simulate the role, which I will now discuss.

“FIRESTORM” OVER GENDER POLICY; BARROW DOESN’T BLINK
“…there is no way on earth that Government will withdraw that policy.” “…maybe 10, 15, 20 years from now it may become the norm that when you get an invitation it will no longer be Mister and Misses Hulse but it will be Mister Hulse and guest or Mister Hulse and friend… cause you don’t know who is going to show up,” says Minister Hulse Prime Minister Dean Barrow is due to meet Friday with some representatives of Belize’s faith community to discuss the Revised 2013 Gender Policy, which some contend includes a dramatic shift in policy to treat LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual) persons as a special disadvantaged group through anti-discrimination policies which could eventually become law here in Belize. Whereas Barrow is prepared to meet, he told the media Wednesday that, “…there is no way on earth that Government will withdraw that policy.” Barrow described the Revised 2013 Gender Policy as “a good policy” – and his Cabinet approved it via consensus in March. “I’m prepared to accommodate submissions on particular aspects of the policy,” Barrow said, adding that “…if it can be shown where certain things are subject to misinterpretation” he is prepared—at the most—to clarify the language.

INSPIRATION TELETHON SURPASSES $500,000 TARGET
The second Inspiration Telethon was another success as the $500,000 fundraising target was met and surpassed. $514,132.85 in pledges and donations was reported at the end of the event on Saturday. Similar to last year, persons were able to donate by credit card, text, cheques, wire transfers, cash at various booths, buying promo items and by billing to their BTL and Smart post-paid accounts. The donations poured in from all across the country, and number of presentations were made at the Bliss during the live broadcast of the 10-hour event. The largest donations came courtesy of the Belize Social Security Board, which presented the second installment of $50,000 from its pledge of $150,000 to be paid over three years; Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust and the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association each presented $50,000. Just minutes before the 6 o’clock totals were presented, a true angel to Belize’s children with special arrived. In an act of extreme generosity, Mr. Jack Chawla presented a blank cheque to be made out for whatever was needed to meet the target. His donation was $92,015.97! In addition to the corporate donors, there were many touching moments as children, several of whom have disabilities, brought their piggy banks filled with their life savings to contribute to the cause.

Support the petition to stop tarpon spearing in the Gulf Of Mexico
Dear Editor, Tarpon are a migratory fish. They migrate from extreme ranges as far north as Nova Scotia, Canada to as far south as Argentina. From our observations over the years, tarpons begin migrating north in ...

Lisa Carne writes PM
Lisa Carne MSc student: Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainable Development: UB/UWI Placencia/Seine Bight 3 June 2013 Hon. Dean O. Barrow Prime Minister Government of Belize Dear Hon. Barrow, I am writing to you to give my opposition, ...

How? Why?
Dear Editor, I first came to Placencia in 1992, 21 years ago. Though I was enchanted with the village from the beginning, it’s the friends I’ve made there and then their extended families that I love ...

Pallotti High School mistreating students
Dear Editor, Pallotti High School is mistreating its students. Students are being given detention for being late, even if it is only by one minute. The school has not given consideration in excusing its students for ...

ANTIGUA AND KREMANDALA Editorial
“During the 1960’s, the most feared group was the United Black Association for Development, better known as UBAD, under the leadership of Evan X Hyde. The Belize government decided that the only way to get rid of this group was to form the Belize Special Force … They were indicted on several charges brought before the courts and after a period of years were forced to become a political party …” - pg. 16, Wellington C. Ramos in THE GUARDIAN of Sunday, September 5, 2010 The General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) is being held in Antigua, Guatemala this week, and Kremandala is one of the three Belizean media houses which are being represented in Antigua. The other two media houses are Channel 7 and Channel 5, and these are owned by a Belizean multimillionaire and a British billionaire, respectively. In Antigua, Kremandala is being represented by Marisol Amaya, who is the news editor at KREM Radio and also does translations for this newspaper. Marisol is not as famous as Adele Ramos, but she is just as precious. It takes special people to work at Kremandala, especially when these individuals, like Adele and Marisol, are multi-talented and could work at just about any media house in the nation. The Kremandala offices are located in an area of town which can get rough and exciting at times, so this place is not for the faint of heart.

OAS BOWS TO LGBT INFLUENCE
The Organization of American States (OAS), the world’s longest-standing hemispheric organization, opened for signing today, two legally-binding instruments: the Inter-American Convention on Racism, Racial Discrimination and Related Forms of Intolerance; and the Inter American Convention Against All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance—the latter of which reflects the hotly debated shift from including merely one’s “sex” to including one’s “sexual orientation” under provisions guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms. Back in 2004, when United Nations countries debated the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, there was a proposal by Canada to include “sexual orientation” in the preamble; however, the proposal was rejected after debate and the original language was retained in that convention. Since then, though, the language of texts addressing fundamental human rights have changed—in the same way that the language in Belize’s gender policy—a document funded by the UN—has changed to now include sexual orientation of persons and anti-discriminatory provisions.

The Reporter

Editorial
Belizean attitude towards gays and lesbians has to take a practical common-sense approach. Gays and lesbians are real. They exist. They are as real as handicapped people. And because they exist we cannot ignore them. We recognize that they have to eat and sleep and work– just like the rest [...]

Guat shot inside Chiquibul
A shooting incident two miles inside the Belize border with Guatemala in the Chiquibul Nature Reserve while Belizean and Guatemalan representatives are meeting in Antigua, Guatemala has made the territorial dispute between the two countries all the more sensitive.

Former policeman found dead in river
Maurice Duce, 24, a former Policeman who resigned from the Police Department around a year ago was discovered dead and floating in the Belize River on Tuesday. His body was retrieved near the Haulover Bridge shortly after midday after it was first spotted in the morning around the Manatee Lookout [...]

Marin stays! P.M. says KHMH not Health Minister’s responsibility.
Minister of Health Pablo Marin cannot be held accountable for last month’s neonatal deaths at the Karl Heusner Memorial, Prime Minister Dean Barrow said Thursday.

PM says he will not withdraw revised Gender Policy; meets with BNTU leadership
A meeting took place today at the headquarters of the Belize National Teachers’ Union between Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the Council of Management of the BNTU over the revised National Gender Policy.

GOB scuttles Crawl Caye Cruise port plan! But says other proposals are welcome.
Norwegian Cruise Lines’ US$50 million proposal to establish a major cruise port on Crawl Caye some eight and a half miles off the Placencia peninsula has been turned down by Cabinet, Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow told reporters at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel on Wednesday morning, June 5.

Belize abstains from OAS Gender Policy
The Solicitor General of Belize has advised that Belize should abstain from voting on a Convention tabled at the Organization of American States’ General Assembly currently under way in Antigua, Guatemala, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington informed the Belizean media on Thursday, June 6.

Oceana expert witness struck out
The Supreme Court has refused Oceana’s application to have expert witness Susan Harvey testify in the government’s application for a stay of execution on injunctions ordered by Justice Oswell Legal.

British diplomat fired from Belize gets £320,000 compensation
The former British High Commissioner to Belize, John Yapp, was awarded £320,000 in damages by a British High Court, after it found that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) had wrongfully fired him from his Belize post. The court made the award this week, after it ruled last month that [...]

Three parents of dead infants wait for answers from KHMH
Thirteen newborns died in the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit last month, and three parents of those infabtssay they are still waiting for answers.

COLA blasts KHMH and Minister of Health over death of infants
Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) says it is not satisfied with the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s response to the 13 neonatal deaths that occurred in the hospital’s newborn Intensive Care Unit last month.

Inspiration Telethon exceeds $500,000 quota
The second Inspiration Telethon hosted by the Special Envoy for Women and Children, and Care Belize has exceeded its half million-dollar target. The telethon, which was held last Saturday at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts, totalled $514,132.85 in pledges and donations in just ten hours. The largest donations came [...]

Ten ways to burn fat faster
Read on for some medically proven moves that’ll make it happen – and help you drop some pounds. Stock up on green tea Green tea isn’t known only for its cancer-fighting benefits: It may help boost your metabolism too. People who took green-tea extract three times a day saw their [...]

Undefeated Tuff e’Nuff leads Interoffice Basketball
Tuff e’Nuff leads the 2013 Interoffice Basketball Competition posting sixth and seventh wins at Bird’s Isle last Thursday and Saturday to complete the regular season undefeated and enter the playoffs as the top-ranked seed.

Berlan & Sunrise lead in Harrison Parks Cricket Playoffs
Berlan of Bermudian Landing upset defending champions, Excellence 182-181 in Double Head Cabbage at the first semifinal match of the 2013 SMART Harrison Parks National Cricket Competition in Double Head Cabbage, while Sunrise of Lords Bank eliminated the defending sub-champions, Western Eagles, 229-84 in Rancho Dolores on Saturday, June 1.

El Salvador abortion woman has C-section
A seriously ill woman who was denied an abortion by the Supreme Court in El Salvador has undergone a premature Caesarean section. The 22-year-old woman, who has lupus and kidney problems, sought to end the pregnancy, which doctors said posed a serious risk to her life.

Egypt sentences American NGO workers to jail has has
An Egyptian court has sentenced several dozen workers of a non-governmental organizations, including Americans, to jail Tuesday in a case that has infuriated the U.S. government and democratic activists around the world.

Deputy PM’s nephew gets $8M public contracts
Controversial civil works contractor Imer Hernandez has won two public contracts, a $6 million contract to upgrade the Belize City Municipal Airstrip, and a $2 million contract to renovate the Belmopan market. The European Union is funding the 12-month market project, which the Ministry of Works is supervising. The Evaluation Committee accepted Hernandez’s bid and his company is already in its second month of work on the project. Hernandez’s company also won a $6 million contract for the expansion works at the Belize Municipal Airstrip, which went through a competitive bidding process with the submitted tenders opened last December.

The Belize Times

UDP crony steals $50,000 from KHMH
There is another major scandal at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. This one involves the mishandling and fleecing of the hospital’s money by a UDP crony hired by key UDP players now managing the hospital. The BELIZE TIMES has learnt from reliable sources that $50,000 was stolen from the KHMH. A UDP crony from the Corozal District, hired with the consent of his northern political boss, is responsible for the disappearance of overtime money belonging to the hardworking employees of the hospital. This overtime payment belonged to the pharmacists, the wardens and security officers. The money was stolen when the UDP crony diverted it from the hospital’s account to a separate private account at a local bank.

PUP 7’s historic win in Arenal Village!
There was a significant victory in Arenal Village in the Cayo West constituency this last Sunday, June 2nd, 2013, when the voters, after almost 35 years of having a UDP chairman and Village Council ...

Million dollar contracts for Gaspar Vega’s nephew, Imer Hernandez – $179,000 for San Antonio Road, MILLIONS more from UDP Government
The major controversy over the payment of $179,000 to Imer Hernandez, the nephew of Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, for road works that were never done in Orange Walk Town is only the tip of ...

“Pablo Marin Must Go!” – Protesters call for resignations of Health Minister/KHMH authorities
A loud call for the Minister of Health Pablo Marin and for the top administrators of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital to resign was made by a group of protesters who held up placards outside of ...

UDP Politics as Usual…
NO Clue… In terms of this crime thing, can we realistically expect 2011 to be any different from 2010? Can we expect a decrease in murders, in home invasions, in assaults, in robberies and shootings and thefts? The government ...

UDP Politics as Usual…
Belizeans shafted again… Our tourism gurus in authority would have us believe that there has been this dramatic facelift in the Belize Tourism Board; a new vision; a new agenda of development; new purpose and new life. It seemed like a ...

KHMH Madness
The mess at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is really a microcosm of the entire health system currently. This system has been in distress ever since the UDP took office in 2008 and began spitefully and recklessly changing policies, cancelling programs and victimizing health officials. You can ask retired nurse ...

Berlan upsets Excellence 183-181 in cricket playoffs
Berlan of Bermudian Landing upset the defending champions, Excellence C.C. 182-181 in the first semifinal of the 2013 SMART Harrison Parks national cricket competition in Double Head Cabbage on Saturday, June 1. Excellence batted first and ...

Geovanni Lovell wins weekend cycling race
Team Telemedia’s Giovanni Lovell won the 60-mile race on the Hummingbird Highway on Sunday June 2, 2013. Some 41 riders suited up for the ride from Belmopan to La Democracia Village on the George Price Highway, back ...

Lady Rebels sting Blazers 6-4 in softball
The Mirage Lady Rebels scorched the Belize Bank Blazers 6-4 in the Belize City women’s softball competition at the Roger’s Stadium on Friday, May 31. No runs were scored in the first ...

Who dropped the ball?? – Belize absent from important SICA-CARICOM trade meeting
Belize has always been considered the bridge between Central America and the Caribbean, but last week when an important trade and economy meeting was held with key business leaders of the two regions in Guatemala, that bridge was overlooked when Belize absented itself. The organisers of the ...

Did she really say that?!! – Babies’ families could expect hospital bill, no compensation, says KHMH Board Chair
The families of the thirteen newborns who died at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital continue to live a nightmare as they try to find the answers to their tragedy. The Minster of Health ...

AMAZING GRACE – Get Out and Stay Out
Today, so many people have a problem with self-control. An overweight woman will attend a party and eye the delicious pastries. “I’ll only take one,” she convinces herself. But, she then decides to take a little more. Despite understanding that the fatty food is not healthy for her, she keeps ...

BNTU wants Gender Policy halted
Since the launch of the Revised National Gender Policy 2013 by the National Women’s Commission, the Belize National Teachers’ Union has been following with great concern, the wide range of issues that have emanated from the contents of this gender policy. The Council of Management of the BNTU has ...

More UDP Corruption Exposed
“To oppose corruption in government is the highest obligation of patriotism” - G. Edward Griffin At a press conference on Friday, Prime Minister Barrow tried to brush the worsening San Antonio Road scandal under the table. In doing that the PM said that there was nothing to worry ...

Valuing Your Self-Worth and Loving Yourself
“Only make decisions that support your self-image, self-esteem, and self-worth” - Oprah Winfrey Do you know what it means to have self-worth? How do you determine what you are worth? Is your self-worth defined by someone else? Do you underestimate your value? I ask those questions because ...

What we must do to avoid squandering the temporary relief from debt restructuring
Belize was forced into commercial public-debt restructuring in 2006-7...and five-years after, it found itself in default, with need for another restructuring in 2012-13. In both scenarios....the respective governments claimed that the restructuring resulted in quantitative relief for Belize...saying that the government’s annual requirements for financing the debt was lowered. ...

Valedictorian Speech – Canaan High class of 2013
It is an honor to address you in such a glamorous fashion. I am privileged to be a part of this historic event. Canaan High this year celebrates its Silver Anniversary. Perhaps that is another reason for the mixed emotions. For me it is one of nostalgia ...

Valedictory Address 2013 – Xiaowen Huang – Edward P. Yorke High School
“I have a dream” were the words of the great Martin Luther King Junior. With those words he inspired a movement that changed a segregated America. Today America has a black president in a second term of office. Class of ...

130 YEARS OF LEADERS FROM SCA
Saint Catherine’s Academy celebrated its Graduation ceremonies for the class of 2013! The school was celebrating its 130th anniversary of existence — founded in 1883 by the Sisters of Mercy. The theme for the school year and graduation is — Excellence is asking more of yourself than others ask of you. 142 students were in the senior class –134 were successful. 43% of the class of 2013 graduated with honors which means maintaining honor roll status for three or all four years. ...

Parents demand answers! – “This was my 2nd child killed at KHMH,” says grieving mother, Marissa Cruz
Four of the thirteen parents, whose newborn babies died under the care and treatment of the medical personnel at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, spoke about their dreadful and tragic experience. Three of the parents spoke at the COLA press conference on Tuesday, while the fourth a mother spoke for the first time at the COLA protest today. The parents, Marissa Cruz, Magali Mai, Steven Panton and Harrison Sutherland say that before being admitted to the hospital, examinations done at various stages of the pregnancy showed a normal gestation. The parents said they had a normal delivery, aside from delivering premature babies, but the days that followed turned into a horrifying experience. ...

WOMAN IN THE HOUSE – RESIGN PABLO MARIN!!!
The death of a child is always heartwrenching. Children are to be protected, cherished, nurtured and encouraged to fulfill their full potential, and it is trite wisdom that children are the adults of our future, the leaders of the Belize we strive to create. Families, parents, guardians, ...

Belize Best and Brightest – Part III: Belize High School, ACC, Ladyville Tech & Canaan Seventh Day Adventist High
The BELIZE TIMES continues coverage of the 2013 high school graduation season with a look at Belize High School (BHS), Anglican Cathedral College (ACC), Ladyville Technical High School (LTHS) and Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist High School (CSDAHS). While Belize High School (BHS) is only 3 years old, the off-shoot of the Belize Elementary School (BES) has created – chartered even – a special space for the gifted. And 12 of them, having completed their high school education at this well-disciplined proving ground, will now march on to their graduation on Saturday, June 8th, at the BES Gymnasium in Belize City. Leading them will be the Valedictorian Steven Lam, and the Salutatorian Jani Reyes. ...

Who pays the piper…calls the tune!
An interesting thing happened this past weekend. A kind of high level tit for tat. A sizeable donation of $92,000 made by known Belize City businessman, Jack Chitendra Charles, to a telethon fundraiser held under the auspices of the Prime Minister’s current wife came at a most ...

PUP calls for withdrawal of revised National Gender Policy
On Wednesday June 5th, 2013 Party Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca and Deputy Party Leader Julius Espat met, at their invitation, with church leaders of the Cayo District particularly those representing Belmopan and surrounding communities. Following presentations from Pastors Scott Stirm and Louis Wade, the Party Leader addressed the ...

Reflections on the Public Square
For some time now I have wanted to get back to writing a weekly column for The BELIZE TIMES. My first BT column was a Youth Column written during my tenure as President of the Belize Youth Movement, the youth arm of the PUP, some 25 years ago. ...

HRCB condemns Police killings
The Human Rights Commission of Belize (HRCB) is deeply disturbed that members of the Belize Police Department (BPD) have recently killed two men in highly questionable circumstances. Our concern is aggravated by the fact that over the several weeks going into months since these deaths the Police ...

Barrow’s Musical Chairs of DEBT! – Efforts to solve fiscal problems are “uninspiring”, says New York financial expert
Belize and other Caribbean countries have come under debt watch from economic analysts, after Moody’s Investor Service raised red ...

Response to ‘A few thoughts … from buttons to bottom of souls.’
I found the article, ‘A few thoughts … from buttons to bottom of souls’ at page 38 of the May 12, 2013 edition of the Amandala to be so astonishingly inaccurate and misinforming that I am compelled to analyze the flawed assumptions presented therein. In this article, the writer rehashes the ...

Petition: Stop the Spearing of Tarpon in the Gulf of Mexico
Good Day Fellow Sports Fishers, Tarpon are a migratory fish. They migrate from extreme ranges as far north as Nova Scotia, Canada to as far South as Argentina. From our observations over the years, tarpons begin migrating North in March. The migration goes on through to August. They slowdown in September ...

Blogs

More on why Belize’s Great Blue Hole is so Great
With Belize’s stunning Great Blue Hole in the running to become the new 8th Wonder of the World, as mentioned in our blog post of June 5, we thought it only appropriate to give a bit more of a description of this incredible natural phenomenon. First of all, it’s big. Over 300 metres (984 ft) across and 127 metres (407 ft) deep it can be seen from outer space. Secondly, it’s breathtakingly beautiful. With every shade of blue imaginable ranging from the deepest indigo to aquamarine and turquoise and surrounded with a riot of colour from tropical fish, corals and other marine life, it’s a feast for the senses. Third, it’s part the Belize Great Barrier Reef system, the second largest barrier reef in the world, next to Australia’s, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means that a visit to the Great Blue Hole gets you to Lighthouse Reef and in close proximity to the largest atolls in the world and other places of immense beauty such as Half Moon Caye and some of Belize’s other natural maritime wonders.

Caving Around Cayo
Cayo has the caves. The article is actually called '5 things to do in Belize besides diving' but the first 2 they mention are what Cayo excels at. Actun Chapat and ATM both get mentioned in the article. How they missed Crystal Paradise, which is known for amazing birding, nobody knows. "While neighbouring Mexico and Guatemala get all the press for Mayan sites, Belize was once the centre of the Mundo Maya. At its peak, the Mayan civilization in Belize is said to have reached over a million people. This means plenty of archaeological sites, some still buried under thick bush and, most fascinating of all, sacrificial caves now open to the public for supervised spelunking. You can hop on the popular Actun Tunichil Muknal tour to view the skeletal remains of a young Maya girl, but there are also others worth exploring. Arrange a visit to Actun Halal and Actun Chapat, in the western village of San Jose Succotz, through Belizean Sun Tours—there, your group will likely have the xibalba or Mayan underworld all to yourselves.

Vet Clinic in Bullet Tree
The Institute for Sustainable International Studies will be having a spay and neuter vet clinic tomorrow in Bullet Tree Falls, starting at 9:00am. Thanks, ISIS! "As part of ISIS's commitment to serving the communities in Belize, our summer students will be sponsoring and participating in spay/neuter vet clinics in these villages: Bullet Tree Falls, June 8, beginning at 9 am San Antonio (Cayo), June 22, beginning at 9 am San Jose Succotz, July 27, beginning at 9 am"

Feed The Children Fashion Show 2013
The Cornerstone Foundation is having their 2013 Feed the Children Fashion Show on July 13th, at 6:00pm. The venue this time is the Octavia Waight auditorium. The fashion show is fundraiser for their feeding program. You can get tickets for the event at their office starting in the middle of next week. Have a fun night while supporting a great cause at the some time. "All proceeds from this show will be going towards our Feeding Program, where we feed 98 primary school children and 12 elderly a daily lunch meal. Tickets Can Be Bought At Cornerstone Office, 43 Church Street, as Of June 12 2013!"

Mennonite Gurls A'ken Cook: Peenut Cookies Glute A'loose
I luv peenuts !! Yeers and yeers ago … almos ‘oncet upon a time’ .. I bouite packaged peenut cookies that were mah absolute favert ! I bouite 'um fer sevrul yeers , the , suddenlee thay were gone, nevr t'be see on grossry stere shelves agin! I tride ovr t'yeers t'copycat 'um n' mah kitchin but could nevr quite capture t'flavour that wuz locked into mah memry.

Bismillah The Case of Viola Pook
The case of Viola Pook was brought to national and international attention two months ago when Minister Farrakhan, in a question and answer session after his lecture to the prison population of the Belize Central Prison asked Ms Pook why she felt the need to kill the man she was convicted for killing. Viola Pook in front of the whole world recounted a story of betrayal, violence and eventual rape of a thirteen year old child she and her common-law husband of twenty three years had raised from the time the child was eight months old. When he did that treacherous act the dam broke and she soon after set him on fire which eventually caused his death. Ms Pook’s graphic recollection of her ordeal brought many who were present to tears.

Belize Primary School Examination's Top 26 Students
The 2013 Primary School Examination also known as the PSE has been released to the media for the top 26 students in the country of Belize. The 2013 PSE results reveal of the 26 Top Students, Siyun Ye from Bernice Yorke in Belize City has taken the top spot in this years PSE with an Overall Score of 391. It also reveals that of the 26 top students 14 are from Belize City, 7 from Cayo, 2 from Corozal, 1 from Orange Walk, 1 from Stann Creek, and 1 from Toledo. The results are as follows:

International Sources

Amid utilities' plan, a dam controversy: Fortis, community group spar over Belize record
In the small Central American country of Belize, three dams on a river that winds through a lush tropical forest produce inexpensive electricity and decreased oil purchases from Mexico, according to the Canadian holding company that owns them. But environmental advocates say Fortis Inc.’s hydroelectric venture destroyed dense jungle vegetation that was abundant with wildlife, polluted a river important for tourism and fishing for nearby villagers, and customers have yet to get a break on their electric bills. A few years after the Chalillo Dam was completed, another Fortis subsidiary that distributed power to the majority of Belizeans was taken over by the government due to risks associated with the company’s debt, according to Fortis. As Fortis seeks to buy CH Energy Group of Poughkeepsie, a mid-Hudson Valley group called Citizens for Local Power has made the concerns of the company’s opponents in Belize its own.

Embark on Four New Ocean Adventures with WPBT2’s Changing Seas this June
Changing Seas, an Emmy award-winning WPBT2 original series, premieres four exciting new episodes in primetime this June. This season viewers will explore the deep blue as never before, visiting some of our most exotic locales to date! Season 5 features a research trip to Belize where coral hybrids thrive, divers who search for a sunken slave ship, an encounter with the mysterious creatures that lurk in the deep, and an expedition to French Polynesia to study some of the most remote reefs in the world. EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS: SHOW#501: Coral Hybrids- Broadcast Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2013 – 8:00pm ET While Elkhorn and Staghorn corals have undergone a drastic decline in the Caribbean, their hybrid, “Fused Staghorn,” is increasing in numbers in parts of the region. One scientist is studying the animals in Belize to see if the hybrid might be better equipped to deal with environmental stressors than its parents.

OAS member countries discuss drug policies and other matters
The representatives of the member states of the Organization of American States (OAS) on Thursday finished expressing their points of view on the topic “For a Comprehensive Policy against the World Drug Problem in the Americas” during the third plenary session of the 43rd General Assembly, which took place in Antigua, Guatemala. They agreed, in general, on the need to identify better policies for tackling the drugs problem in the hemisphere, and they noted the importance of the Report on the Problem of Drugs in the Americas, which was presented by the Secretary General José Miguel Insulza to the president of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, as a starting point for their discussions. Following the order in which they requested the floor, 18 heads of delegation spoke, in addition to the 14 who addressed the Assembly on Wednesday. In their addresses, the heads of delegation applauded the OAS’s report and described it as an essential contribution for the start of an open and high-level debate.

June 7, 2013

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

NEMO hosts jeopardy competition during NEMO week
As part of the events for the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) Week, students from Ambergris Caye participated in a Disaster Contest, Jeopardy style. The event took place on the evening of Thursday May 30th at the Lions Den. Three teams comprising of two students each were tested for their knowledge in Social Studies, specifically questions related to disaster preparedness and the role of NEMO in Belize. Kenri Rippon and Juliannie Rivero represented La Isla Bonita Elementary School, Janelly Aban and Oscar Aban represented New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) School and Kylie Alamilla and Kylah Castillo represented San Pedro Roman Catholic (RC) School.

World No Tobacco Day observed on Ambergris Caye
The community of San Pedro observed World No Tobacco Day on Friday May 3rd. As part of the day’s event, the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) partnered with other organizations to highlight the health effects of smoking. Celebrated under the theme “Ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship,” NDACC spearheaded a small fair at the San Pedro Town Central Park. Kristina Romero, NDACC’s District Coordinator for Belize Rural South explained that the San Pedro Police Department and San Pedro Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute (SPADAI) played an integral role in the partnering for the event. “We partnered with other stakeholders to come up with a booth where we gave out information and flyers about the effects of smoking. We also had several games that attracted the kids. One of the highlights of the day was that we had someone dressed in a cigarette outfit. On the outfit individual notes where written about the adverse effects of smoking and then at the end of the day we burned it to send a loud message against smoking.”

San Pedro’s Hyperbaric Chamber opens its service to all dive guides
Since 1989 Sub-Aquatic Safety Service (SSS) Network has been operating the only recompression chamber for divers in Belize. The recompression chamber that is owned by Sub-aquatic Safety of Belize Limited is essential to the diving industry since it provides all the necessary resources to treat diving accidents. The purpose of the chamber is to allow divers to readjust to normal atmospheric pressure after resurfacing from a dive. When divers surface from great depths too quick their body does not have time to readjust to normal atmospheric pressure and this can cause various pressure-related complications, such as oxygen toxicity and decompression sickness.

Ambergris Today

New Police Barracks for San Pedro Police Department
It can be said that Superintendent Luis Castellanos came to the island of Ambergris Caye as a blessing and brought with him a positive mind and the willingness to work for a safer and better San Pedro. He took up office in January 14, 2013 and in an interview with Ambergris Today the first thing he mentioned was the improvement of the living conditions for his officers. “In the short amount of time being here I want to bring change to both the police station and to the island. I plan on working to improve the living conditions of my officers so that they can give their best to the community,” he commented. “First and foremost we need to improve the barracks which is in a deplorable state. By the time I leave San Pedro, I hope to have a new living quarters for our officers, either at the back of the station where it currently is or above our headquarters.”

Belize Football Team Cannot Participate in CONCACAF 2013-2014
Football Federation of Belize regrets to inform the general public and football supporters of the sad reality of our football. The Premier League of Belize Champion02 for this year, the Belmopan Bandits Football Club, will not be able to participate in the CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2013-2014. Since it has been determined by CONCACAF stadium inspectors, that while improvements have been made to some of the stadium’s infrastructure, the stadium still does not meet the minimum standard requirements for CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. One of the areas of most importance is the lighting. The minimum requirement is 800 lux throughout the field of play. Since all of the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE matches are broadcasted in High Definition. At the moment the lighting fluctuates from 300-1100 lux in some areas of the pitch.

San Ignacio Resort Hotel honored as Hotel of the Year Belize
At the Belize Tourism Board's 12th Annual Tourism Awards ceremony, held on May 18, 2013, at Bannister Caye, the San Ignacio Resort Hotel was honored as the Hotel of the Year 2012. The accolade highlights a licensed hotel where service exceeds excellence and positive attitude and attentiveness of staff are the norm. The recognition is presented to a property that offers exceptional value for money, demonstrates a willingness to adapt to the demands of patrons while remaining true to its core values, is equipped with modern facilities and amenities and embraces green initiatives. And importantly, the Hotel of the Year's ambience gives visitors an authentic Belize "feel".

Belizean Beaches Make CNN’s World's 100 Best Beaches
Tourists come to Belize in search of the fun in the sea and sun. Our beaches and beautiful Caribbean Sea are just picture perfect and for that reason, amongst others, two of Belize’s beaches have made CNN’s World’s Best Beaches List. According to CNN, they scoured the planet, demanded answers from their most well traveled friends, colleagues and cohorts, absorbed passionate pleas from readers, researched, investigated and examined the evidence then finally tipped the sand from their shoes, washed the brine from their eyes and put together a pretty good guide to the best beaches on the planet.

Misc Belizean Sources

Yami's Yogurt
Yami's Greek Yogurt, not sugar, no preservatives, 100% natural, Soothing to your stomach, the right acidity for digestion, and slimming as well. you can place your orders at Kristy's Pastries or call at 6018977. (perfect for ulcers)

VIDEO: The cohune, the gibnut and us
The cohune, the gibnut and us is a short film produced by Ya'axché Conservation Trust in Belize, Central America. The film is explains the concept of biodiversity and what an ecosystem is, and why we humans need to take care not to break the links in the forest ecosystem. The film uses the example of the gibnut (paca), a ground dwelling rodent which disperses the nuts of the cohune palm, which is used for thatching. The paca is also hunted for meat by humans. Read more about Ya'axché at yaaxche.org or visit the Facebook page: facebook.com/yaaxche

2013 Belize International Film Festival
Here is the schedule for Belize International Film Festival. Hope to see you there!!

(Click schedule for a larger version)

Hard work, teamwork and 'horse' work
I was assigned to the 823rd RED HORSE as the First Sergeant approximately six months ago, and I was issued a RED HORSE hat to wear with my ABU’s. My first day in the squadron, I was allowed to wear this symbolic hat and I automatically got credit for the rich legacy previous RED HORSE members built through decades of hard work, perseverance, teamwork and an unparalleled dedication for task completion. I immediately got credit for that legacy; yet, I had done nothing to earn that credit. Furthermore, I had yet to even experience that legacy in action. I am now deployed with the 823rd Expeditionary RED HORSE (ERHS) assigned to Task Force Mahogany participating in an exercise known as New Horizons. I am witnessing firsthand how these Warriors have earned their legendary reputation and continue to expand their legacy. Working with such mighty members I realize teamwork feeds hard work and hard work breeds teamwork.

SHC Auditorium Inauguration
Sacred Heart College had their auditorium inauguration Tuesday night. They had a few short speeches from Dr. Eve Aird and Julio Llinas, the building blessing from Father Leo Palma, a ribbon cutting, and some amazing BBQ from Running W Meats. The high school will be having their graduation ceremony there this Saturday. Congratulations, SHC, for a building well done! "Sacred Heart College had the inauguration of their auditorium this week. There was a brief speech or 2, the cutting of the ribbon, and some light refreshments. A big thanks to Running W, who provided and cooked to perfection, the wonderful BBQ. Congratulations, SHC, on a job well done."

Team Belize Telethon
Belize's National Football Team is going to the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and they are having a telethon on June 15th to raise funds for their journey. They have a promotional video out introducing some of the players. If you want to donate before then, you can call 0-800-JAGUARS. Best of luck!

Cheese in Belize Competition
You can win a cheesy adventure vacation package by entering IACB's picture competition. It's the standard most likes photo competition. It's great to see some delicious cheeses being produced in Belize. Good luck! "ENTER THE CONTEST TO WIN A CHEESE MAKING ADVENTURE PACKAGE FOR 2 at Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Jungle Lodge. The package is complete with Accommodations, Meals & Adventures! It's easy as 1,2,3! 1. Take a photo of your favorite cheese. 2. Submit your photo and a sentence about why it is your favorite. 3. Gather the most votes & WIN!! Click the link for more details and the submission form http://bit.ly/17Y6aaf ; - Contest ends on July 31st, 2013"

Belmopan Comprehensive Graduation
Belmopan Comprehensive School had their graduation ceremony. Congratulations, graduates!

Channel 7

COLA Protests; The Little Ones Not Forgotten
On Tuesday, 7News showed you that power press conference that COLA held in which they announced that they will protest outside of the KHMH. Well, today, the organization managed to gather about 70 persons who marched in the sweltering heat. They were determined to show their discontent with how the hospital has handed the mass deaths of the premature babies in their Intensive Care Unit. Daniel Ortiz was out there, and he found out that, as with everything COLA, it was done in dramatic fashion. Here’s his report. Daniel Ortiz reporting At the head of their procession, the supporters of COLA had a coffin, which could neatly fit one of 12 dead neonates who passed away inside Intensive Care Unit at the KHMH. There weren’t any actually bodies inside it, unless you counted them speaking as one body about the loss of confidence which they continuously hefted along. All through the streets, in a circumference around the hospital grounds, they gave a loud lamentation of their dissatisfaction, closely monitored by wary police officers.

PM Barrow Says PAHO Is Investigating
As you saw in the protest, the supporters are calling for the resignation of the Minister of Health, Pablo Marin. 7News got a chance to catch up with Prime Minister Dean Barrow who was at a consultation with the Belize National Teachers Union. We asked about that sentiment, and he told us today that it is misguided. Here’s how he explained why: Reporter "The parents are calling for an independent investigation, they are saying basically that they are not pleased with the way things were handled from administration, actually from the Minister right down." Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize "I don't know what the Minister has to do with it, Lord man - this is a statutory body that is ran by a board of directors. The Ministry isn't involved in the administration isn't involved in the Karl Heusner Memorial and as for an independent investigation - we thought that that was what PAHO was doing. You can't get more independent than PAHO. At the last press conference the PAHO expert gave his preliminary indication of how he saw things. That process is not yet finished, there will be a formal report delivered by PAHO. I can understand why people would not be satisfied merely with the inquiry on the part of the KHMH part of the Board of Directors. But surely PAHO of global renowned has to be seen as both independent and professional so I would ask people to please let us await the detailed report that PAHO will issue at the conclusion of PAHO's investigations."

Belize/Guat Confidence Building Measures On Thin Ice
The 43rd OAS General Assembly continued today in Antigua, Guatemala. We’ll have a recap of the day’s events later on, but first we turn to the local news coming out of that meeting. As we first reported two days ago, Belize is holding discussions in the background of the Assembly’s regular business to try and save the Confidence Building Measures and the OAS Adjacency Office. Those are funded by international friends of Belize who are fast losing patience because Guatemala has ducked out on the promised 2013 referendum. It’s critical, because the consensus opinion in both government and opposition is that without those measures, there’s no avenue to solve the territorial dispute, and without dialogue there is bound to be discord. As the General Assembly was winding up, we spoke to Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington about the problems they are facing:.. Hon. Wilfred Elrington - Belize Minister of Foreign Affairs "There are very formal in arriving at decisions to provide assistance and once they decide on a formula for assisting you that is based on specific undertaking. When that situation changes, they automatically freeze their funds. So for example in relation to the funding which they had provided for the education campaign and to assist us in the matter - they had given us two million Euros which came up to about 2.5 million dollars, that was provided to the OAS to help fund the education campaign in Belize and Guatemala. But as soon as it was announced that in fact the referendum was going to be postponed they gave instructions to freeze those funds.

PM Barrow: Imer Hernandez Got Paid For Work Done
Last night, we told you about the second contract that Imer Hernandez Development Company got in relation to the renovation of the Belmopan Market. That’s a 2 million dollar contract, in addition to the 6 million dollar contract for the renovation of the Belize City Municipal Airstrip. But, as we told you, the scandal surrounding that $200,000, which was paid out to Hernandez for works which were not done on the San Antonio Road, is still pending. So today, we asked Prime Minister Dean Barrow for an update on that inquiry, and he says that by all indications so far, the officials at the Ministry of Works are the ones who must answer for this. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize "The Ministry of Finance agreed to a change of the contract, a change in the scope of works. Mr. Medina, the person in charge at the Ministry of Works says that he has the record to show that the contract for San Antonio road was cancelled. The monies were then shifted for infrastructure works in the Otro Benque area of Orange Walk town. Why Mr. Hernandez, thereafter, paid out on the basis on the new contract but by way of documentation that made it appear as though the old contract was still in existence was a matter only Mr. Medina can explain and he's been asked to do precisely that. The Financial secretary wrote the official letter, I can furnish you with a copy if you so please, I don't know that the Ministry of Works has yet responded."

More Consultations On Gender Policy
We caught PM Barrow as he was coming out of a consultation with Belize National Teachers Union on the issue of the much talked about Gender Policy. As we showed you last night, the Government of Belize is experiencing resistance from the Churches because they believe that Belize is slowly bending to the LGBT agenda. Barrow told us today that they are the only ones who have rejected the policy and that the BNTU seemed favorable toward it. He gave us an update: Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize "The thrust of the Gender Policy is as I described it, it is to empower women, to ensure absolute equality between the sexes meaning the masculine and the feminine sex. I have conceded that if there are particular sections, wordings that could conceivably give rise to misinterpretation, I'd be happy to contemplate on re-wording. But it is completely futile for anyone to ask me to withdraw the gender policy. We'll no doubt hear from the teachers after the counsel of management has reviewed the discussion that we did help but it is my sense walking out of that meeting that the teachers are entirely persuaded that there should be no recall of the gender policy. I've heard them say that now that we've done the review, they can agree that this is absolutely a progressive in the main. Some of them did make clear that they still have some reservations about wording and about meanings and about interpretations but it appeared to me that all agreed that the rationale of the policy and the overarching objective of the policy are both excellent things."

OAS General Assembly Bans Discrimination Against Sexual Orientation
And while there's so much haggling locally about a few words in Belize's revised gender policy, opponents of mainstreaming the gay lifestyle had better be ready for many more battles ahead - including, not least, one with the OAS which has approved a non-discrimination resolution at this week's General Assembly. It's one of the major initiatives coming out of the 43rd General Assembly - one that Caleb Orozco and 30 other Caribbean LBGT activists went to Guatemala to fight for. They fought hard on the Assembly floor to gain passage of the Convention Against Discrimination and All Other Forms of Intolerance. Yesterday evening at his press conference, Guatemalan Foreign Minister Fernando Carrerra said that the Foreign Ministers agree that the dignity of all persons of all sexual orientations should be taken into account. He stressed though, this is not a move to legalize gay marriage.

Belize Will Hold Off On LGBT Convention
But while it was approved by the assembly, there's an important footnote for Belize. Speaking to Jules Vasquez in Antigua Guatemala half an hour ago, Foreign Minister Elrington explained that Belize has not signed: Hon. Wilfred Elrington - Belize's Minister of Foreign Affairs "Yes but Belize has not signed on to it because we don't sign on to any of these things until we go back and report to the Cabinet and get their consent for us to sign on to it. So you don't have to sign on to it today, you can deal with it on a later date. I don't have the authority to act uni-laterally on matters that have not been brought to Cabinet. I'll go back and report to Cabinet then they will instruct us to sign or hold of." Reporter "While I was listening to the actual proceedings, there was a period when there was a pause and the chair came back and said 'ok it is approved'. What is Belize's participation in that....?" Hon. Wildred Elrington "In that process Belize abstained for the time being - we did not vote in favor, we abstained."

Belize Foreign Minister Finally Addresses OAS Assembly
And while those are the hot button items coming out of the General Assembly - the business of the meeting was in full swing today with two legnthy working sessions - or as they are known, plenary sessions. Jules Vasquez is in Antigua and he has this report. Jules Vasquez reporting The third plenary session of the OAS started this morning at ten in the cavernous Plaza Del Atrio Room of the Hotel Santo Domingo. Belize was the last to make its intervention at 1:45pm. Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Belize Minister of Foreign Affairs "Mr. Chairman sometimes I believe we tend to delude ourselves in this part of the world, if we believe that action taken by us will infact create a dent in this pernicious problem. By virtue of our very limited resources we cannot realistically do more than to devise strategies and means to adapt to the changes that drug trade is having on our societies and to take measures to mitigate against those damages. We have no power to deal with the root of the problem which is unquestionably the insatiable demand in the developed world. Frankly Mr. Chairman I do not believe that our failure to find a problem, our solution to this problem - derives from a deficiency in our collective mental and cerebral capacities. Rather, I think it is due in large measure to an absence of political will at this juncture in our history in the major capitals of our world."

Belize and Mexico Strengthen Trade Ties
A delegation of Mexican companies has been in Belize since yesterday. The reason for their visit is to establish contact with Belizean companies where both sides can see what goods and services each has to offer. It’s part of an ongoing trade relationship which Belize shares with Mexico, and today, we got to speak with representatives from ProMexico, the Mexican equivalent to Belize’s BELTRAIDE. Here’s how they explained the ongoing talks between both sides: Jose Manuel Rodriguez Chauvere - Representative, ProMexico "I am representing ProMexico which is a government institution that promotes trade and investment." Daniel Ortiz "So tell us about your visit here in Belize and it's purpose?" Jose Manuel Rodriguez Chauvere "Well we are here in order to increase the trade between the two countries and we are together with fourteen companies from different parts of Mexico. Willing to present their project, their products to societies in Belize and also to distribute products from Belize to Mexico."

How to Produce Internet Bandwidth In House
And while Mexico and Belize foster better trade ties, the PUC wants to create an ICT environment where internet based companies can thrive in Belize. To help with that, they invited 2 specialists who came to Belize to introduce a new way of managing bandwidth, so that the Internet Service Providers can capitalize at home. Those specialists hosted a forum in conjunction with the PUC where they invited all the major stakeholders to participate. We got a chance to speak with the facilitators, and they explained how this new bandwidth management system should work if they embrace it: Bill Woodcock - Research Director, Packet Clearing House "We're a not for profit organization that has existed over the last 20 years to promote the development of the interent globally. Together with the Utilities commission here we're doing a one day workshop on the development of internet exchange points which are the places where interent bandwith comes from. Right now in Belize most internet bandwith comes from Miami or Washington D.C or New York and people in Belize are paying to move that traffic in both directions to and from Miami. What we would rather see is that there would be a place here in Belize where Internet Bandwith is produced so that you can have faster, cheaper bandiwth here in Belize."

Major Headway With Serial Robbers
Last night, 7News told you about that major development in Belmopan where 4 men were charged and arraigned on the robbery and murder which happened at La Choza Bar. Well, there were several points which were understated in our coverage, so with help from our colleagues at Plus TV, Daniel Ortiz revisits them tonight. Here’s that report. Daniel Ortiz reporting On Sunday morning just after 12 a.m., police found 43 year-old Salvadoran Isabel Antonio Ballona dying at La Choza Bar where he was having a drink with his boss, 50 year-old Saldvadoran Manuel Aquino. 4 armed, masked men wearing black clothing robbed the bar owner of his money and of the sales in the cash register. Police say that both men tried to assist the bar owner, and this caused the robbers to respond with deadly force. They shot Aquino in the legs, and fatally wounded Ballona in the chest and stomach, after which, they fled in the bar owner’s vehicle. Solid investigations led police to recover the vehicle the next day. They also caught one of the culprits trying to flee the area.

Belize And Guatemala Get Fight-Ready
Tomorrow night at 7 p.m. is set for the time when a delegation of Guatemalan Boxers will compete against their Belizean counterparts. And one female boxer will participate in the biggest match she’s had so far, so yesterday, 7News caught up with her to talk shop about it. Here’s how that conversation went: Reneau told us how she got to this point within the boxing ranks of Belize Pauline Reneau - Female Boxer "Discipline and making sure that I'm doing all my works - road works, skipping, shadow box, punch the bag, a little bit of glove work in the gym ever so often. Mr. Smart as usual helped me out with everything I need to know, he helps with me with my little mistakes and that's it." James Adderly - Promoter "Do you feel overwhelmed by the fact that you're going up against very high level opposition?" Pauline Reneau "No sir, I'm very excited. I like a little bit of a challenge."

PROFILE…
Tonight’s Profile is about Nurse Dinelle McKay…. This once mischievous and academically gifted student was inspired to become a nurse after being bitten in the face by a dog, as well as other important circumstances. She tells the profile tonight about what it is like being the youngest nurse in the country….

Channel 5

Maya, girl who survived hospital bacteria
All eyes are focused on the K.H.M.H. and a deadly bacteria outbreak in the neonatal intensive care unit. K.H.M.H. figures put the infant mortality in the first twenty days of [...]

COLA’s protest against K.H.M.H. in wake of 13 baby deaths
On Tuesday, the Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action held a press conference to demand answers from the K.H.M.H. and the government on the thirteen newborn deaths in the neonatal [...]

Foreign Affairs Minister withholds O.A.S. vote on discrimination convention
The General Assembly of the Organization of American States concludes tonight in Antigua, Guatemala. Aside from the drug problem in the Americas that foreign ministers have been debating, another issue [...]

P.U.P. wants G.O.B. to withdraw gender policy
When the national gender policy was launched in mid-May, it immediately unleashed a firestorm of controversy from very vocal church groups and most recently, the Belize National Teachers Union. The [...]

Internet rates high in Belize than CARICOM
Internet rates have gone down recently and while some people are counting the extra change in their pockets, there really should be quite a few dollars more that internet subscribers [...]

Drug trafficking in the Americas discussed at O.A.S. General Assembly
As we told you earlier, the O.A.S. General Assembly closes tonight at the historic Antigua, Guatemala. For two days delegations have been discussing the need to urgently address the drug [...]

Referendum not discussed at O.A.S., but Chiquibul incident mentioned
As we reported on Wednesday, the issue of Guatemala’s territorial claim over Belize and the joint referenda to elevate the matter to the International Court of Justice was not discussed [...]

Taste of India burns in Hopkins
A popular restaurant in Hopkins Village in the south is no more following an early morning fire that gutted the establishment. Taste of India, a quaint restaurant along the coast [...]

Mexican delegation looks for markets in Belize
Representatives from fourteen Mexican companies are in Belize as part of a trade mission organized by the Trade and Investment Mexican Agency, ProMexico and the Mexican Embassy. The delegation is [...]

Leader of the Opposition believes a National Bank is dangerous
At a press conference in late April, Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced the creation of the National Bank of Belize Limited. A Board of Directors, a Managing Director, location and [...]

20 year old man and 13 year old girl spells carnal knowledge
A Belize City man will have to answer to a sexual offense for allegedly having sex with a teenage school girl last year on April twentieth. Twenty year old Ellsworth [...]

Feinstein Stake Bank Project back online
Norwegian Cruise Line will have to find a different island for its cruise ship port. But there is another tourism related project in development that far surpasses Norwegian’s hundred million [...]

Multitalented kids perform at the National Festival of Arts
About one thousand students and other youths will be taking part in the 2013 National Festival of Arts which is underway at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts. The next [...]

Youth inspired by dancehall music
Music is a form of emotional expression. For young people, popular music is the medium through which they often express their mood, aspiration and development of their own cultural identity. [...]

LOVE FM

Annual Battle Camp Comes Up For Volunteer-Soldiers
Plans are in place for this year’s Belize Defence Force volunteers’ annual battle camp. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the details. PAUL MAHUNG “Plans are in place for this year’s BDF Volunteers Annual Battle Camp. BDF Volunteer Battalion Second in Command, Ma...

Sagicor Visionaries Regional Competition Winners Receive Prizes
Bishop Martin High School in Orange Walk Town has been in the news for winning several competitions. Today the students who won the regional Sagicor Visionaries Competition received their prizes. Reporter Dalila Ical has the story. DALILA ICAL “Bishop Martin High School ...

Open Forum Looks At Making Internet Access Cheaper In Belize
The Public Utilities Commission, along with Packet Clearing House which is a leading Internet Exchange Points, IXP implementer, hosted an open forum for Belizean stakeholders entitled, “The Benefits of an Internet Exchange Point. The forum looks to afford participants with needed info...

Suspected Crack Cocaine Found on Fisherman In Southern Belize
A fisherman of Dangriga has been charged for drug trafficking. Police visited the residence of thirty eight year old Micheal Ramirez on Castillo Alley in Dangriga around 5:25 yesterday evening and conducted a search in the area. The search led to the discovery of forty seven pieces of...

Duo Charged With Drug Trafficking
A man and a woman were charged with drug trafficking for 374 grams of cannabis when they appeared in Court today. They are 48 year old John Fuller and 27 year old Candice Castillo. They pled not guilty to the charge. Fuller was offered a bail of $1,000.00. Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith stipul...

Companies Near the New River Contribute to Recent Fish Kill; Investigation Ongoing
At the beginning of April residents of Orange Walk who live near the New River reported a fish kill. Following the reports, the Department of the Environment sent a team to investigate the cause of the dead fishes and other species in the Eco-environment. The investigation is ongo...

Activists, Mourning Parents and COLA Demonstrated At Belize's Referral Hospital
Earlier this week Citizens Organized for Action through Action, COLA planned a demonstration to show their discontent with the authorities’ response following the death of at least thirteen babies. Reporter Marion Ali has the story. MARION ALI “The scorching sun did not ...

Workshop Seeks To Enhance Dialogue Between Market Vendors and Local Authorities
There have been numerous stories on the news about the differences between various councils and market vendors but today a workshop was held in Belmopan to break down that communication barrier. The workshop is on Market Management in Belize and is being conducted by the Department of Local Gover...

Africanized Bees Attack Villagers In Northern Belize
A number of people were attacked by killer bees in the Corozal District. Correspondent Dalila Ical has the details on the incident. DALILA ICAL “On Tuesday around 2:30 in the afternoon a group of people who were campaigning for the People’s United Party in Libertad Villa...

Remanded For Murder; Guilty For Kept Firearm and Ammunition
Twenty-seven year old Cecil Castillo, also known as “sadiki”, who is remanded on a charge of murder, was found guilty of kept prohibited firearm and kept ammunition without a gun license today by Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. He was sentenced to 6 years for the firearm, a...

Prime Minister Sits Down With Teachers Union To Review Gender Policy
A meeting ended about an hour ago between Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the leadership of the Belize National Teachers’ Union over the recently-revised National Gender Policy. It comes on the heels of a meeting that the People’s United Party had with church leaders of Belmopan ...

Caribbean Growth Forum Launches Belize Chapter
The Caribbean Growth Forum, CGF is an initiative engineered to identify policies and initiatives aimed at inducing growth and creating jobs in the Caribbean region through analytics work, knowledge exchange and inclusive dialogue. It’s a joint initiative by the Compete Caribbean Program, th...

Belize City Mayor Updates Residents on City Streets Upgrade
The chaotic traffic maze that has prevailed in the old capital since the start of the street upgrades has seemingly entered a new phase with traffic bottlenecks stretching for almost half a mile at some spots during peak hours within city limits. But Mayor Darrell Bradley says that City Hal...

Mexican Physicians Visit Belize To Produce Diagnosis on Neonatal Health
In light of the recent events at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where at least twelve neonates lost their lives, a number of Mexican physicians are visiting Belize to collaborate with authorities to produce a diagnosis on neonatal health. According to a press release from the Embassy of...

CTV3

COLA And Parents Of 13 Dead Newborns Demand Answers From GOB
The death of 13 babies at the hands of the nation’s referral hospital, in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, has outraged many Belizeans particularly the parents of the newborns. As the days go by and no one is held responsible for the untimely death of the infants, the clamor for justice intensifies. And today Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action, COLA, accompanied by the parents of the victims and other organizations took their cries for justice to the streets of the Old Capital as they held a peaceful demonstration in front of the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital. Although the crowd was small the message carried out was huge. Irvin Aragon has the story. Irvin Aragon – Reporting “Justice” was the word resounding in the streets of the old capital today, particularly in front of the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital, as Belizeans gathered in unison fighting for what they believe in, that someone be held responsible for the untimely death of 13 babies.

Imer Hernandez Awarded Millions Of Dollars In Contracts
Imer Hernandez is back on the news tonight but it’s not because he gave an interview to the media and cleared his name from the San Antonio Road scandal. By now the nephew of the Deputy Prime Minster is no stranger to the Belizean public since he has been making headlines for the past two weeks. Hernandez’s story began when documents, showing that he was paid close to $200,000 for works conducted on San Antonio Road Orange Walk, were released by the media when in reality the work is yet to be executed. The Prime Minster came out in Hernandez’s defense claiming that the contract awarded to Imer Development Company Limited for the refurbishing of San Antonio Road was cancelled and the money was used to pay for works conducted in the Otro Benque Area. But despite the fact that the Prime Minister has not been able to confirm why Hernandez was paid out under the San Antonio Road contract, the DPM’s nephew has been awarded several other contracts by the Government. Reports are that apart from winning a six million dollars contract to upgrade the Belize City Municipal Airstrip, Hernandez was also awarded the contract to refurbish the Belmopan Market.

Keron Tzul Receives Award For Logo Competition
Today the faculty and staff of Bishop Martin High School had much to celebrate as Keron Tzul, the forth form student who won the Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology and Public Utilities logo competition, was presented with his winning prizes this morning. On hand for the special ceremonies was CEO for the Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology and Public Utilities Dr. Colin Young who was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega and Representative of Belize Telemedia Ltd, Erwin Aragon. For winning the logo competition Tzul was bestowed $500.00 cash and an Ipod while the Bishop Martin High School received a $1,000 and a video projector courtesy of Belize Telemedia Limited.

Jaime Cardenas Convicted Of Dangerous Harm
A jury of nine members convicted Jaime Cardenas for the offence of dangerous harm in the Orange Walk Supreme Court yesterday. Cardenas was tried before Honorable Justice Herbert Lord for the May 2009 stabbing of Rene Escarraga in his upper abdomen at a bus stop in Orange Walk Town. Escarraga would have lost his life without medical intervention. The Crown was represented by Counsels Shanice Lovell and Sabita Maharaj and the accused was represented by attorney Dickie Bradley. Sentencing has been adjourned to June twenty-seventh.

And The Awards For BMHS Keep Rolling In
In the Month of March Bishop Martin High School was the only High School from the Orange Walk District to enter the National Sagicor Visionaries Challenge. On March 20th, the high school’s Science Group earned a spot at the Regional Competition that took place in Barbados from the 12th to the 13th of April with their Coconut for life project. After facing off high school giants from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Barbados and other institutions, Bishop Martin High School was named the champions of the Regional Competition making Belize proud. Today representatives of Sagicor, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology and Public Utilities visited the school where they announced the culmination of the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge that started almost a year ago with the presentation of prizes to the regional winners.

Religious Leaders And COLA Oppose Gender Policy
The revised National Gender Policy 2013 launched by the Women’s Commission, continues to make headlines tonight and it’s not in a positive way. While the policy address issues of gender inequality, some of its contents do not sit quite well with the larger community, specifically the religious sector. As previously mentioned, back in March, Cabinet approved the removal of one particular section of the policy which stated “Amend existing legislation to legalize and regulate the sex work industry.” In all fairness the Women’s Commission has stated that the statement was a complete oversight and should have been omitted, meaning that it should not have been introduced in the final draft of the policy. And while that particular section of the policy has been removed, there is one paragraph that continues to raise concern and cause controversy. After reviewing a section of the policy entitled “Respect for Diversity” which partly states “the customary religious and cultural practices must be subject to the right of equality”, religious leaders concluded that the statement pushes an agenda of inclusion for homosexuals. Based on the concerns raised, Cabinet agreed to amend the section by removing the final sentence of the paragraph which reads: “... and customary religious and cultural practices must be subject to the right of equality”. But even with the amendment, churches and other interested party’s continue to be in disapproval of the Gender Policy.

PUP Recommends Complete Withdrawal Of Gender Policy
Jumping ahead of the Prime Minister is P.U.P Party Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca and his Deputy Party Leader Julius Espat who met with church leaders of the Cayo District, particularly those representing Belmopan and surrounding communities, yesterday. Following presentations from Pastors Scott Stirm and Louis Wade, Fonseca addressed the gathering and in sight of the concerns raised by the church leaders, the PUP made several recommendations to the Government of Belize. For one, the PUP recommends a complete withdrawal of the Revised National Gender Policy in its current form in order to preserve support for any Gender Policy moving forward. To allow the Church Community and their representatives to undertake a full and comprehensive review of the Policy in its current form and make recommendations for refining and revising the Policy and only after this has taken place should the policy be re-tabled for Cabinet and National Assembly for approval. The Revised National Gender Policy 2013 has some very good objectives and aspirations which all Belizeans can and should support but our Church Community must be given every opportunity to offer their views on the Policy if it is to have any chance of forming the basis for meaningful and effective change in our society, according to the PUP.

P.M Meets With BNTU, No Agreement Reached On Gender Policy
While the Prime Minster finds nothing wrong with the policy, the Belize National Teachers Union does. In a release issued on June 4th the BNTU expressed great concern for the implications the policy can undertake, questioned if the document was being implemented in order to comply with conditions for foreign aid and most importantly called on Government to put an immediate halt to any further action on the gender policy. This morning the Prime Minister met with the hierarchy of the BNTU in Belize City where several issues in reference to the Gender Policy were laid on the table. This afternoon when we spoke to President of the BNTU Luke Palacio, he told us that the teachers union will not provide any interviews regarding the meeting until further consultations are held.

LOVE TV

Accused Murderer Sentenced To Six Years For Firearm Charges
Twenty-seven year old Cecil Castillo, also known as “sadiki”, who is remanded on a charge of murder, was found guilty of kept prohibited firearm and kept ammunition without a gun license today by Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. He was sentenced to 6 years for the firearm, a shotgun he made from a metal pipe. He was sentenced to 3 years for a 16 gauge cartridge which was in the shotgun. Senior magistrate Fraser stipulated that the sentences are to run concurrently, so Castillo will serve 6 years. Castillo was busted with the firearm shortly after 9 p.m. on May 4, 2010. He was standing on Antelope Street Extension when a police mobile patrol approached him. When he saw the police he threw an object over a fence into a yard. The police retrieved the object and it was a firearm that resembled a shotgun. The firearm had a 16 gauge cartridge in it. At the trial the firearms examiner, Orlando Vera, testified that the firearm could fire. Castillo testified and denied that he threw the firearm over the fence. Last year Castillo was convicted of keeping a prohibited firearm, a shotgun he made while he was in prison, which was found in his cell in the Tango 9 section. He was sentenced to 2 years for that offence.

Consultant Recommends National Association for Market Vendors
There have been numerous stories on the news about the differences between various councils and market vendors but today a workshop was held in Belmopan to break down that communication barrier. The workshop is on Market Management in Belize and is being conducted by the Department of Local Government and Rural Development through the Belize Rural Development Project 2. For the past three months there was a consultant in the country and he is Michael Burchell, a technical support officer for the European Union. Burchell’s role was to review the market system in Belize and present his finding which was done today. According to the Minister of Labor, Local Government and Rural Development, Senator Godwin Hulse, the aim of the workshop is to increase the management and administrative capacities of the regulatory authorities overseeing markets in Belize. HON. GODWIN HULSE “Generally, the whole idea is to ensure that we improve the management of the market; so, when people bring their produce, particularly from the rural areas, there is a place for them to display them, there’s some security, there’s water, it’s hygienic and then you can create the dynamism of a market place where people come and buy and haggle and go and come but this is particularly to enhance the management, the physical management of the infrastructure, accountability for the resources and that sort of thing.”

PlusTV

COLA stages demonstration against KHMH
This morning a contingent of about 175 Belizeans rallied by Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) took off from in front of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), publicly displaying their dissatisfaction with its investigation of the deaths of 13 premature babies. Seven of those deaths are linked...

Ministry of Health inaugurates new training for Epidemiologists
Even while COLA supporters were calling for their heads across town, representatives of the Ministry of Health and partners Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CPHA) were meeting to inaugurate a new cohort of training for epidemiologists to catch bugs like the deadly Enterobacter...

OAS adopts Inter-American Conventions
Yesterday, the General Assembly of the OAS adopted the Inter-American Convention against Racism, Racial Discrimination and Related Forms of Intolerance, as well as the Inter-American Convention against All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance. Both documents were formerly negotiated and subsequently drafted and are now open for the member states...

Audrey Matura Shepherd says the Constitution already defines descrimination
Meanwhile, the 2013 Revised National Gender Policy continues to be topic of major discussion. The current government is standing its grounds when it comes to the Gender Policy. Despite disagreement over key issues on gender identity and sexual orientation topics named with the manual; Prime Minister, the Hon. Dean...

Denys Barrow presents Government’s case on oil injunction
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin heard arguments as to why the Government should be granted a stay of an injunction handed down by Justice Oswell Legall in his April judgment declaring the production sharing agreements of certain oil companies unlawful, null and void and stopping the Minister from acting on...

Mike Singh clarifies Belize Representation at Regional Summit
Some have questioned why Belize had no representation at a regional summit between business leaders of CARICOM and Central America in Guatemala and wondered whether we have been left behind as the fabled link between the two. CEO in the Ministry of Trade Mike Singh and the Prime Minister...

Judge denies Michael Coye bail to leave prison pending appeal
At a re-trial conducted in July last year, 66 year old Michael Coye and his daughter Melonie were convicted of money laundering under the Money Laundering and Terrorism Act and jailed for 3 years, as well as fined 25 thousand dollars. They were accused of running a scheme under...

The Guardian

Guatemalan Man shot in Chiquibul
Last week, the Friends of Conservation and Development issued a release highligthing the pressures the that Chiquibul Forest Reserve is under as Guatemalan poachers continue to infringe on the natural resources in the area. Because of these infringements, there has been an increase in patrols in the area and by extension, an increase in contact between the patrols and Guatemalans who make their way into Belizean territory. Another such encounter has left a Guatemalan man injured and receiving treatment at the Western Regional Hospital. Authorities report that at around 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 3rd, BDF officers were on patrol, in they Chiquibul Forest Reserve some two miles within Belizean territory. During the patrol they officers discovered a plantation and a thatch structure in the Caballo Camp area. While securing the area, a Hispanic man was seen approaching on a brown horse with a firearm. He was ordered to stop; however, the man ran into the nearby bushes. Two warning shots were fired and the man turned around and returned several shots at the patrol. As a result, the patrol returned fire injuring the man. First aid assistance was rendered to the man, who was identified as 27-year-old Edgar Alexander Sacasa, a Guatemalan of Picalito Village. He was escorted out of the area but due to the terrain and weather conditions, they were unable to transport him to a medical institution until Tuesday morning when he was taken to the Western Regional Hospital. He is listed in stable condition and is under Police guard.

Santi recovering
Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Santiago Castillo, is recovering after suffering a nasty spill during a routine ride from Belize City to Hattieville and back. On Tuesday morning, Hon. Castillo was returning into Belize City from Hattieville along with a group of about 20 riders in a sprint when his front wheel inadvertently touched the rear wheel of another cyclist causing him to fall off his bicycle. As a result of the fall he suffered a broken left clavicle, broken fingers on his left hand and rib which had him undergo surgery, which was successful. Castillo, who is the manager of Team Santino, was performing a routine cycling workout with about twenty riders.

Oceana Stopping Progress?
Oceana and the Government of Belize were back in court on Wednesday, June 5th, as GOB tries to have a stay of execution on an injunction which was granted to Oceana on May 16th. The injunction was given by Justice Oswell Legall along with a declaration that contracts signed in 2004 and 2007 were unlawful and void. He also ruled that before entering into agreements or contracts which authorize oil exploration and seismic surveys that environmental impact assessments are required. An injunction was then granted restraining the Minister of Natural Resources from executing the PSA’s. The only companies which will be affected by the ruling are Princess Petroleum Limited and Providence Energy Belize Limited, which have contracts that extend to October 2015. In speaking with Senior Counsel Denys Barrow, who is representing the Government, he explained that at the beginning of the case, Oceana had applied to have evidence of an expert on petroleum admitted into the court proceedings. The Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin ruled against that, however, since there was no need for any expert’s opinion at this juncture since the substantive case had already been heard and a ruling done on it. At the end of that first phase, Oceana was ordered to pay costs of the legal proceedings to the Government.

Mayor Bradley pitches $10 Million Proposal to UNICEF
Mayor Bradley and Christine Norton Visit residents of Port Loyola On Tuesday, June 4th, Mayor Darrel Bradley took Christine Norton, Country Representative for UNICEF, and Mary Vasquez, Executive Director of Restore Belize, on a tour of Southside Belize City. The Mayor intends to apply for funding from UNICEF for a project aimed at improving the infrastructure and quality of life for residents of Southside Belize City, specifically, the Port Loyola Area.

Bail denied to 66-year-old Michael Coye
In late July of 2012, two members of the Coye Family and with two of their employees were convicted of money laundering under the Money Laundering and Terrorism Act and while the employees escaped jail time, Melanie Coye and her father, 66-year-old Michael Coye were convicted and sentenced to jail for 3 years. They were additionally fined $23,000. They have since appealed the case but remain in jail. Since then, Michael Coye has been seeking bail. On Tuesday June 4th, Justice Samuel Awich ruled on his application and denied him bail. The ruling was handed down at a special sitting of the Court of Appeals

Drunk Man shot in San Ignacio
A male was seen with gunshot wounds at about 9:17 pm on Sunday in San Ignacio Town. The male was observed to be suffering from gun shots to both his right and left knee and right upper arm. Investigations revealed that the recipient of the gun shots was Rupert Roland, 24, who had visited Roses Chinese Store and Restaurant in San Ignacio Town on the George Price Highway. The security guard at that establishment had reacted with his licensed 9 mm pistol at the aggressive moves of an inebriated Roland. The security guard had received a complaint that Roland was causing annoyance to customers at the Restaurant. Police visited the scene of the shooting and recovered four expended shells and a 9 mm pistol from the security officer. Roland, who is a tire repairman by trade, was kept at the San Ignacio Hospital for observation. He was discharged from the Hospital on Tuesday.

Father acquitted of Carnal Knowledge of his 12 year-old Daughter
On June 3rd, a 40-year-old man of Punta Gorda walked out of the Supreme Court of Belize a free man after his daughter refused to testify against him in a case of carnal knowledge. The teenaged girl, 14, took the stand, pointed out to the man in the dock as the accused and her father who had been having sexual intercourse with her on several occasions from in February 2010 until April 2011. She, however, refused to give evidence to assist the prosecution's case to prove the charge. While on the stand, prosecutor Sheneiza Smith asked her about the two dates she can remember her father having sex with her. The child said she just did not remember those dates.

Acquitted of Theft
On Tuesday, June 4th, 38-year-old Carmita Middleton, who was employed as a receptionist at International Privacy Cooperation, was found not guilty of 5 counts of theft. The charges stemmed back from 2008 when she was working with Robert Bandfield, the sole owner of IPC. This acquittal came before Justice Adolph Lucas in the Supreme Court.

Pharmacist held up at Gun Point in Cayo
At about 7:00 pm last Friday, a pharmacist was held up at gun point in Santa Elena Town, Cayo. Thankfully the pharmacist was able to survive this incident. Codd’s Pharmacy is located on George Price Highway in Santa Elena Town. A male of Hispanic descent, dressed in dark blue jeans pants and a black sleeveless undershirt entered the drug store through its main door and was clever enough to order Amoxicillin (an antibiotic). It was when the 30-year-old female pharmacist turned around to deliver the medication, that the invader pointed a .38 black in color weapon at her and demanded money. Fearing for her life, the pharmacist handed over $887 in cash. The armed criminal then made good his escape. At this time, police are investigating this incident.

Students turn Robbery into Murder in Belmopan
Belmopan have arrested four male students, two aged 19 and 18 year old and a 15 year old after a robbery and murder in Belmopan. The two eldesrwere arraigned in Belmopan Magistrate court where they were read charges of murder.Police report that they visited La Chosa Bar located in Belmopan City at 12:05 on Sunday morning where they found 43- year-old Isabel Antonio Balona suffering from a gunshot to the left side of his head and 50-year-old Manuel Aguino with a gunshot to the right leg. Investigations revealed that as the proprietor of the bar, Joshua Lopez, was closing down the establishment, four persons armed with firearms and dressed in long sleeved black shirts, black pants, gloves and masks entered the business place demanding money. The owner handed over his wallet ,which contained 600 dollars in cash. The men then proceeded to loot the cash register and took 3,000 dollars in cash. Upon seeing the crime in progress both Ballona and Aguino intervened during which the robbers fired several shots at them killing Ballona and injuring Aguino. The robbers then made their escape in Lopez's white Chevy Prizm car bearing license plates BMP-3475.

Inspiration Telethon raises over $514K
Mrs. Kim Simplis-Barrow, Special Envoy for Women and Children and Global Ambassador to Special Olympics, hosted a telethon to raise funds for a state of the art Inspiration Center that will cater specifically for children with disabilities and special needs on Saturday, June 1st. She set a target of $500,000 and once again Belizean generosity proved to be inspiring.

The Great Blue Hole Nominated for “8th Wonder of The World” Competition - Voting Now Open Through September 30
The Belize Tourism Board announces that it has entered “The Great Blue Hole” into VirtualTourist.com’s quest to crown the ‘8th Wonder of the World.’ “Visible from outer space & more than 1000 ft in diameter & 412 ft deep, the Great Blue Hole is a breathtakingly grandiose sinkhole located 43 miles off the coast of Belize, known as a diver’s mecca.” Public voting is now open at VirtualTourist.com, a leading travel research website and community that is part of the TripAdvisor Media Group. Alyssa Carnegie, BTB’s Marketing Director, commented, “We decided to nominate the Great Blue Hole for the “8th Wonder of the World” competition simply because it is an amazing natural site, unlike any other in the world. We want to share Belize’s phenomenon with the rest of the world. As Belizeans, I know that we are all extremely proud of this natural site and so we want to encourage everyone to vote daily for the Great Blue Hole. We know that it is a “Wonder of the World,” and now we want it to officially hold that title.” With numerous Tourism Boards, Chambers of Commerce and Visitor Bureaus sending in a nomination, the public is asked to vote for Belize out of the more than 200 submissions. Voters can visit www.virtualtourist.com to vote for the Great Blue Hole and have until September 30 to do so. The wonder with the most votes will be crowned the winner. The winner will be featured in a national broadcast TV segment on a popular syndicated program, as well as receive a massive media relations campaign push from VirtualTourist.

What’s COLA’s Agenda
Geovanni Brackett’s brain must have been an egg batter as he held his umpteenth press conference on Tuesday, June 4th. He was not burning any OAS flags or was he claiming on anti-Guatemala rhetoric; he did not threaten to light himself on fire or did he pretend to be a legal expert. This time around, he chose to be the clarion against the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in the deaths of 7 Neonates as a result of a bacterial infection.

No Cruise Tourism at Crawl Caye - NCL exploring Other Options
Prime Minister Barrow announced on Wednesday, June 5th, that Cabinet had informed Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) that “In the form in which it was being proposed, Crawl Caye as a site for cruise tourism development will not work”.

Government upholding Respect for Diversity of All Types
On Tuesday, May 28th, Cabinet announced that it would make amendments to the Revised National Gender Policy 2013 in response to concerns raised by church leaders. One of the guiding principles of the document reads:

A New NICU for KHMH following Baby Deaths
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) held a press conference on Thursday, May 30th, to give an update on its investigation into an outbreak in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the medical professionals’ response to that outbreak that caused numerous neonatal fatalities. At this point in the investigation, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the KHMH, Chandra Nisbet-Cansino, believes that no individual could be blamed for the unfortunate incident. She said, “I'm not saying nobody's head will roll but nobody's head is rolling at this time.” Cansino elaborated, “We have had detailed discussions with the head of the Pediatric Unit and their response was really timely, they did what they were suppose to do and, when they were supposed to do it.” Director of Medical Services at the KHMH, Dr. Adrian Coye, explained his team’s response. He said, “Around the tenth of May it was recognized that a baby became unwell and this baby was screened and cultures did not show any positivity for any organism and the baby died as a result of sepsis.” This was alarming because there was no positivity for any organism. No new patients were admitted into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after that day because, according to Dr. Coye, “It was recognized by the clinical team that babies were becoming septic and becoming unwell very quickly.” After speaking with the head of Infection Control at the hospital, they decided to make changes to the antibiotics being used and close the unit to new patients. Dr. Coye said it would not have made sense to close the unit and move the patients since they were already in a controlled environment. They then restricted visitations and emphasized the wearing of gloves, proper hand washing and other sanitation measures. Despite the continued antibiotic changes, seven babies died as a result of the outbreak.

Montejo out in the Cold
Collet Montejo, who is the PUP’s candidate in Cayo Central, remains shell-shocked as the Area Representative, Hon. Rene Montero keeps on delivering the villages in his constituency. The last village he had to be a witness to as it became UDP for the first time was Selena. Montejo looked on as the counting was taking place and he murmured “I can’t believe this is happening to me”. Well, it did happen. Somehow, Montejo thought that he would simply show up in the village and the people would vote for his PUP slate.

Amidst the Flack
Considering how comparatively small our country is, it is amazing how many burning political topics can surface in a just few weeks! I mean, if one had afforded the time to keep pace with the headlines on all news outlets since the beginning of May, one would have noted that there was ample material for journalists to sample, digest and move on to another appetizing topic without breaking stride. Of course, the delight at Channel Fox could not be masked, and even in instances where there was no drama, they went to great lengths to fashion sensationalism with innuendos; in high pitch too, to boot!

Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Competition heats up at the Bird’s Isle
The 2012-2013 Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Competition continues at the Bird’s Isle with a number of games in both the girls and boys competitions daily. The competition continued on Tuesday, June 4th, with four games on the schedule. In the girls’ game, it was Holy Redeemer School winning over Trinity Methodist School by the score of 25-5 and 25-15. In the first of three boys’ games played, Holy Redeemer School defeated Trinity Methodist School by the score of 25-9 and 25-15. In game two, it was Wesley Upper School winning over Queen Square Anglican School by the score of 25-18 and 25-18. In the final game of the day, All Saints’ Anglican School defeated St. John’s Primary School by the score of 25-21 and 25-16. On Monday, June 3rd, in girls’ competition, St. John’s Primary School defeated St. Martin’s De Porres School by the score of 25-11 and 25-19. In the first of two games in the boys’ competition, Trinity Methodist School defeated St. John’s Primary School by the score of 25-22 and 25-13. And in the final game of the day, St. Martin’s De Porres School defeated All Saints’ Anglican School by the score of 26-24 and 25-20.

Tuff “E” Nuff Top Seed in Interoffice Basketball Playoff
The regular season of the Interoffice Basketball League competition came to an end on Saturday, June 1st, 2013, at the Bird’s Isle with two games on the schedule. In the first game played, Tuff “E” Nuff defeated Police by the score of 100-85. The top scorers for Tuff “E” Nuff were Ashton Edwards with 39 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals; Farron Louriano with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal; and Tyrone Edwards with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 steals. Meanwhile, the top scorers for the Police were Linton Broaster with 30 points, 4 rebounds and 5 steals; Orlando Bowen with 18 points, and 6 rebounds; and Shane Rosales with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. In game two, it was “No Limit” edged CYDP by the score of 73-72. The top scorers for “No Limit” were Jacob Leslie with 27 points, 1 rebound and 2 assists; and Greg Rudon with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists. For CYDP, the top scorers were Bernard Felix with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal; and Lincey Lopez with 13 points, and 3 rebounds.

Cyclists are now entitled to Cross Country prizes
The National Anti-Doping Organisation of Belize has informed the Interim Cycling Committee and the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association that it has now received the results of the five (5) Anti-Doping Samples collected at the conclusion of the 85th Annual Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic. The samples were analysed by the scientists at the UCLA Olympic Lab in Los Angeles, California, USA, a WADA certified lab. The samples were analysed for Erythropoietic Proteins and Proteins by Electrophoresis (EPO), Anabolic agents by mass spectrometry, anti-estrogenic agents and related substances by mass spectrometry, diuretics and masking agents by mass spectrometry, Beta-2 agonists by mass spectrometry, glucocorticosteriods by mass spectrometry, stimulants by mass spectrometry and immunoassay, narcotics by mass spectrometry and immunoassay, hormones and related substances (hCG) by mass spectrometry and immunoassay and drugs abuse by mass spectrometry and immunoassay. The certifying scientists have certified and confirmed that all samples are negative and have reported the results to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) via ADAMS. With the results now in hands the National Anti-Doping Organisation of Belize has given the go-ahead to the Interim Cycling Committee to proceeds with the presentation of awards for the 85th Annual Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic.

UB Jaguar maintain Lead in Rural Softball Competition
The Belize Rural Softball Competition continued on Sunday, June 2nd, 2013, out in Ladyville with four games on the schedule. In the first game played, Lord’s Bank Sunrise defeated Ladyville Rising Star by the score of 12-1. The winning pitcher was Alma Gabourel and the losing pitcher was Sherett Williams. In game two, it was UB Jaguars, who with the 20-3 win over Arrows Reloaded, maintained its undefeated record in 2013 Belize Rural Softball Competition. The winning pitcher for the UB Jaguars was Herlette Clarke and the loss was charged to Christine Bracket. In the third game of the afternoon, Mel’s United won handily over St. Paul’s Bank by the score of 12-5. Annette Morey picked up the win for Mel’s United and Jacqueline Cassasola was charged with the loss. In the final game of the afternoon, it was Easy Does It winning over Village Gyal by the score of 11-1. The veteran, Margaret Hendy was the winning pitcher and the losing pitcher was Angie Tucker. The competition will continue this coming Sunday, June 9th with four more games on the schedule. All games will be played out in Rancho Dolores with the first game scheduled to commence at 9:00 am. In game one, it will be Village Gyal, the home team going up against Mel’s United. In game two, it will be Lord’s Bank Sunrise against UB Jaguars, followed by Arrows Reloaded against Easy Does It of Flowers Bank. In the final game of the day it will be St. Paul’s against Buttercup.

Chilean Olympic Committee makes bid for 18th Pan Am Games
Mr. Neven Llic President of Chilean Olympic Committee and members of the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association at the bid presentation The President of the Chilean Olympic Committee Neven Llic along with his team that consisted of Jaime Agliati, Rodrigo Moreno and. Edwardo Valenvuela arrived in Belize on Friday, May 31st, 2013 and left the country on Saturday, June 1st. The sole purpose of their trip was to present their bid to host the 18th Pan American Games scheduled for 2019 to the members of the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association. The city that is vying for the bid to host the 2019 Pan American Games is the capital, Santiago. The bid and showcase as displayed by the Chilean Olympic Committee was very impressive. Other countries that are also bidding to host the 18th Pan American Games include the Venezuela, Argentina and Peru. The President of the Chilean Olympic Committee also met with Minister of State with direct responsibilities for youth and sports the Hon. Herman Longsworth.

Ride Across Belize 2013 Reaches another Milestone
Riders arriving in Santa Elena, Cayo last Thursday Participants in the Ride Across Belize 2013 arrived shortly after 11:00 am at the Social Security Branch Office in Santa Elena Town, Cayo last Thursday where they were given a welcoming reception. The staff of Social Security were very helpful in ensuring that the riders were fed and given enough fluid after their strenuous ride from Belize City

Barbara McNab-Grinage
“Beans & Rice & Jesus Christ” by Barbara McNab- Grinage is the cook book that should be on the reading list of all Belizeans with appreciation for local traditions. Barbara McNab- Grinage left Belize for the United States many years ago when she was 15-years-old. However, she never forgot her Belizean heritage and she certainly did not leave her appetite for Belizean food. In her effort to share the food she loves with people from all over the world, this first time author hit the ball out of the park by seasoning her recipes with stories of her childhood in Belize.

New Board and Advisory Council for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Belize
A new board and advisory council for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award were formed last Saturday in San Ignacio Town. The event brought participants from as far away as Belize City and Dangriga, who met at dusk at the Library in San Ignacio Town and to form new partnerships in the benefit of young people.

Social Security celebrates 32 Years of Operations
Olivia Dakers, Branch Manager for the Social Security Office in Santa Elena Town, Cayo Social Security celebrated its 32 years of existence last Friday. As part of this year’s observance, the branch Office of Social Security in Santa Elena Town in Cayo held a customer’s appreciation day, where a variety of information was displayed on the benefits under the Social Security Scheme.

The Reporter

Oil discovered in Orange Walk
Maranco Energy Belize Limited has struck oil at its South Canal Bank #1 exploration well in the Orange Walk District. The company made the discovery during routine exploratory drilling in their concession zone on Sunday, March 30. A Ministry of Energy press release describes the find as “encouraging”, but underscored the need for further testing to determine if the oil is in commercial quantities. Chief Executive Officer of the ministry, Dr. Colin Young, explained that Geology and Petroleum Department personnel are on site and are closely monitoring the situation. Young added that there have been previous oil discoveries in the north, but the amounts were below commercial quantities. The Ministry is expected to give a public update on the testing in two weeks. Maranco Energy Belize Limited is owned by Maranco LLC of Carlestown, Nevis, West Indies and has its headquarters at Iguana Creek in Spanish Lookout. It is an affiliate of PR Marriott Drilling Limited, a company established in 1947 by the Marriott family of the UK.

Four men charged for special constable’s murder
Four men accused of shooting and killing 36-year-old Police Special Constable Bertchel Ramirez on Tuesday night, are scheduled to be arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Friday, Belmopan police confirmed. Police revealed today that they have apprehended four suspects, who were taken to San Ignacio for an identification parade. Ramirez, a six-year police veteran attached to Belmopan area and described by on of his superiors as a dedicated officer, was ambushed and killed near the home of his girlfriend’s father’s in an area of Roaring Creek Village known as Another World. Ramirez received gunshot wounds to his head, body and legs. Neighbours told reporters that they heard between 12 and 15 shots.

National Stadium partially accessible
Belizean athletes may soon be allowed limited access to certain parts of the Marion Jones Sporting Complex, to be renamed the National Stadium, even though the facility won’t be complete and ready until the end of the year. Minister of State with responsibility for sports, Hon. Herman Longsworth made the announcement at a consultation for a national sports policy at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel on Wednesday, April 3. The entire project will cost $30 million, whenever it is finally completed, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has chipped in handsomely, contributing $2 million towards its completion. For now, Longsworth said the public may be allowed some access to those parts of the facility which have been completed. These include the football pitch, which was completely redone at a cost of $200,000.

BTV gets OAS support for weekend border trek
The Organization of American States representative will accompany the Belize Territorial Volunteers as they clear the borderline between Dolores village and Gracias Adios this weekend, BTV leader Will Maheia said Thursday. The OAS responded to the BTV on Thursday via email, saying that they have requested Mr. Sergio Benitez, director of the Office of the General Secretary of the OAS in the Adjacency Zone, to be present at the locations where the border clearings will take place. Maheia explained that the BTV has been getting tremendous support from Belizeans in country and abroad, and the OAS’s recognition of their efforts has certainly bolstered the morale of all the volunteers. Maheia added that prior to the OAS giving their support, 100 volunteers had pledged to be a part of the border clearing efforts on Saturday. He said that the number has increased since the announcement.

Blogs

San Pedro Lobster Festival lovers are coming back for 5th year
The Jansen & Racut family are returning on the 13tb of June to San Pedro, Belize. They have been coming every June to attend Lobster Fest since 2009. This year will be the 5th year they have returned to the Island. Wishing the Belize fishermen a great lobster season. Ready for a good time at the Lobster Fest events all week and to finish the week with a bang at the Lobster Fest Block Party 2013! Jennifer Jansen I am not surprised the Jansen & Racut families are returning for their 5th year of San Pedro lobsterfest fun. As I was downloading the lobsterfest pictures of the annual block party that Jennifer sent, I was taken back in time. It made me all the more excited for Lobsterfest 2013, so many choices of delicious food and drinks, the cute dresses, great live music, the time we had the biggest downpour and hanging out with friends. What could be a better recipe for a great party. Make sure you toss a couple of ziplocks in your purse or pocket if you have any electronic gear, it always rains to some degree at the big block party. Thankfully decoration meltdown was the worst weather related mishap to date. Here is the official San Pedro Lobster Festival 2013 event schedule.

AADIL IS ECO FRIENDLY
My name is Aadil Nu ‘Man I am 8 years old. I am a standard II student at Grace Primary School. Let me tell you how I am ECO FRIENDLY. Everyday I try to recycle, reuse, and reduce. Early in the morning I wake up, eat my breakfast. Any left over food scraps like orange peels, vegetables, tea bags egg shells and rice I put it in a container. In the evening I take it out in the corner of my back yard and use it to fertilize my plants. When I get new clothes and toys I put one of my toys or clothes that I am not using in a bag. All our family members do this so when we have a lot we have a yard sale. If any is left then we give to the less fortunate neighbors and friends. When we come out of our rooms for a little while I turn of my lights instead of wasting electricity and letting the electricity bill come high.

Belize Looking to Neighbors and PPCR to Build Climate Resilience
Like other countries in the Eastern Caribbean region, Belize is highly vulnerable to natural hazards such as coastal and inland flooding, high winds, fire, and drought, all of which are being exacerbated by climate change. And like its neighbors, Belize is doing something about it. Following the lead of other Caribbean countries involved in the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR), Belize is initiating a comprehensive climate resilience investment plan that spans across sectors to mainstream climate change in its national development planning and action. Drive on any of Belize’s four main highways and you will quickly understand how tough it is to maintain this main network connecting Belmopan and Belize City, the two key economic zones. Frequent floods impede commuting and the transportation of goods and can cut off the population for several days. It’s only going to get worse, as recent studies indicate that Belize will undergo a warming and drying trend and is expected to endure even more frequent and intense rainfalls. Seventy percent of its people live in low-lying areas prone to recurrent flooding, so reducing vulnerability to natural disasters is at the core of Belize’s development challenge.

“Didn’t Work Out, Did It?” in Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Following the tome that yesterday’s edition turned out to be I decided that today’s edition would be much, much tighter. After all, you – the people that take the time and have the interest to read my ramblings- are likely to have far less time than me. So for those of you for whom time is a precious commodity today’s edition is written with being concise in mind. I spent a little time yesterday reading The Covenant by James A Michener. The reading this time though was from a paperback and not via my Kindle. A really nice change. There’s something about having a book in your hands and turning real pages and not pressing a button. Or is it an age thing? I picked up the book at BC’s Beach Bar, where they have a corner set aside for people to deposit books that they have finished with. I will return the compliment in a few weeks when Rose and I move to our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize and clear the bookshelves of the condo we are renting.

Mennonite Gurls A'ken Cook: Greek Mater and Feta Dip
1/4 cup olif' earl 3-4 small maters, chopped (Roma er uther firm maters) 4 gree onyuns, sliced 8 oz. crumbled Feta cheez 2 teespoons Greek seesonin', t' taste* 1 baguette, sliced n' servin size pieces Drizzle olif' earl on a large plattr. Scattr t'chopped maters ovr t'olif' earl.

Why I Had A Great Time At #TBEX
As you may or may not know, I’m pretty strict about not publishing content that isn’t Belize related on this blog, however, I’ve decided to share a bit of the experience I had at Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) 2013. TBEX took over Toronto this weekend and that meant that there were a whole lot of travel bloggers in town, over 1300 individuals to be more specific. Some came to network and many others were lured in by the incentive of learning how they can get a piece of the travel blogger industry pie.

CABINET’S DECISION ON NCL’S PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ON CRAWL CAYE
Belizeans and true friends of Belize, It appears as though the Cabinet has made a pronouncement concerning the proposed Norwegian Cruise Lines development on Crawl Caye. As with all things, especially in dealing with matters deriving from this administration, a word to the wise is that despite what you glean from the press release…”the devil is in the details”. On the surface it looks as though the Cabinet made a wise, sound and appropriate decision, based on the statutes involving environmental protection. Yet, it causes the “enquiring mind” to query why, on one hand they opt to disregard issues pertaining to environmental protection and concern, when it involves seismic testing and oil exploration in our forest reserves, then subsequently show signs of an environmental “conscience” regarding the matter at hand. The bottom line is, that “all that glitters isn’t gold”. Again, given this administration’s propensity for manipulating the “law”, you are asked to pay keen attention to the wording of the release. In particular, kindly note where it reads… “However, in an effort to stimulate employment and open up other economic benefits for Belizeans in the South, Cabinet did support Norwegian Cruise Line’s request to search for an alternate site in Southern Waters…” Translation, people of the South and truly concerned Belizeans everywhere, gear up for round 2, because a development as lucrative as this one will certainly NOT be shelved.

The resurrection of the 7th amendment and Belize survivability in the 21st
On June 19th 2009, the Prime Minister of Belize, the Hon. Dean Barrow, while addressing the proposed 7th amendment to the Belize constitution in the National Assembly uttered the following words: “Because our laws recognize dual citizenship how then will you turn around, recognizing dual citizenship, providing for dual citizenship but impose a limitation on a dual citizen. It makes no sense at all and if a little bit of history and background are necessary, we didn’t always recognize dual citizenship. The recognition of dual citizenship came about as a consequence of the advance in legislation that was promoted by national hero Phillip Goldson. But we turn around and we leave intact in the constitution for all these years this impairment on the rights of the Belizean who have acquired a second nationality. I say therefore, Mr. Speaker, that it is utterly and completely contradictory. I also say it is inconsistent, and let me tell you why it is inconsistent, if you are a Belizean who has acquired second nationality you are disqualified from sitting in the National Assembly, but the Governor General, whose office is from a protocol point of view the highest office in the land, there is no such disqualification. The Governor General can be a Belizean who has acquired a second nationality. He is not barred from being Governor General and that is the highest office in the land. “

The New Bill Gates Vaccine is Not as Safe as They Say
Yesterday Reuters put out an article that praises MenAfrivac which is a vaccine that fights meningitis in places such as Africa where the disease is more common due to various reasons such as lack of medical treatment. They really went out of their way to point out the good this vaccine has done. Reuters The thing is, they forgot to mention this: This is a French written article in a journal called “La Voix” out of Chad where this incident took place. I will provide a partial translation of what happened, the translation comes from VaxTruth.com and it has been verified by several people including myself. On December 20, 2012, a vaccination tragedy hit the small village of Gouro, located in northern Chad, Africa. According to the newspaper La Voix, out of five hundred children who received the new meningitis vaccine MenAfriVac, at least 40 of them between the ages of 7 and 18 have become paralyzed. Those children also suffered hallucinations and convulsions.

International Sources

The Grid Earth Project, 1% Club and Waka Waka Light Change Life in Cayo District
In May of 2013 the Grid Earth Project distributed more than 300 Waka Waka solar lamps in the Cayo District of Belize, in a project funded through the 1% Club. This permanently changed the lives of thousands of residents of the area. An amazing thing happened in May of 2013. The Villages of Armenia, St. Mathews and Los Tombos all took a 150 year leap into the future. Until now they have been living with kerosene lamps and candles for household light. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 1000 people die daily from burns caused by kerosene lamps. Another 2.5 million die from respiratory illness caused by breathing toxic fumes. Grid Earth Project distributed over 300 Waka Waka solar lamps to all of the households in these villages. Now the burns and illness associated with living without access to safe light is a thing of the past in these villages and thousands of people will live better lives as a result. The project was made possible by generous contributions made through the 1% Club. The Grid Earth Project distributes solar light in underdeveloped areas that do not have access to electricity.

Family petitions government, hoping for answers in son’s death
A Calgary family is desperate for answers following the death of their son in Belize, and are now petitioning the House of Commons in hopes of getting closure. 35-year-old Jeffrey Furgala was taken into custody in January after being arrested for public intoxication. About nine hours after he was locked up, officials found him unconscious. Furgala died a few days later in hospital. Police in Belize said Furgala fell in his cell, and causing head injuries—but his family says they’re getting contradictory information. His mother requested documents from the coroner, but certain information was left out. “It says in there that he was tested for toxicity,” explains Fern Tiberio. “If you’re gonna go portray my son as being intoxicated, prove it to me. The autopsy report is absent of any report of toxicity.”

Caldwell College Students Help Build Church in Central American Village
A mission trip to the Central American country of Belize in May turned out to be a life-changing event for 11 Caldwell College students. Led by college president Dr. Nancy Blattner, her husband Tim and staff member Meghan Moran, the group spent eight days in Punta Gorda, Belize, serving families and children. When members of the group arrived at their destination May 13, they were greeted by Father Lou McCabe, an American Jesuit, who assigned them to assist local carpenters in building a church in the village of Corazon Creek. The foundation had already been poured and eight pillars had been set. The students' job was to help pour the remaining pillars, frame the structure, and construct the roof. That last task included putting up 11 handmade triangular support beams and applying zinc sheeting — all of which was set on a tight deadline.

Fortis foes allege eco-misdeeds
In pressing the case that the proposed $1.5 billion acquisition of Central Hudson by Canadian holding company Fortis would be bad for ratepayers, Citizens for Local Power (CLP), an Ulster-based grassroots group which has risen to oppose the merger, is pointing to what they say is Fortis’ poor record in dealing with projects in Belize and British Columbia and warning the same could happen here. “We’re seeing a trend in Belize and British Columbia of misinformation and a lack of trust, and we’re seeing this the more research we do,” said CLP attorney Daniel Duthie at a press conference May 23 at the County Office Building in Kingston. At the conference, several — including some from the Central American nation and the western Canadian province brought in via an occasionally balky Skype connection — spoke in opposition to the deal, which could, activists say, be approved as soon as the Public Service Commission’s next public meeting on June 13.

June 6, 2013

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

Little Angel’s Pre-school talent show
At the end of the school year, Little Angels Pre-school presented a talent show to showcase what students have learned. The show is a chance for parents, guardians and family friends to see their children interact and perform with each other while displaying valuable social skills needed for the development of a healthy child. This year’s talent night took place on Sunday, June 2nd at the Lions’ Den shortly after 6PM. Little Angels Pre-School students and teachers presented performances to their proud families. Applause was hearty, and all the students had big smiles as they recited poetry, sang songs, acted out nursery rhymes, and danced. Although some children may have been shy, the show was still a huge success and tons of fun for everyone. Keep up the good job everyone!

Business sector to provide San Pedro police with new barracks
Since early 2001, the San Pedro Police Force has been denouncing the lack of proper living conditions at their barracks. The lack of proper infrastructure, plumbing and wiring has led to officers having to live in less than ideal conditions. Although this is a widely discussed topic that has been brought to the attention of the Ministry by every Chief of Police since, no assistance has been given to improve the living conditions of the officers who serve our community. Now improvements are finally being made as Coastal Executive Officer in charge Luis Castellanos has taken action. On Friday, May 31st, demolition of the dilapidated barracks located behind the police station commenced. Castellanos could not bear to have his officers living in the conditions the barracks offered, and as such had temporarily relocated the officers. “Upon taking over command as the Coastal Executive Officer on the 14th January 2013, and upon checking the living quarters provided for the Police Officers stationed here in San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker Village, immediately my heart fell. However, I was motivated to alleviate, at all costs, the living conditions for these hard working officers,” stated Castellanos.

Five charged in separate drugs operations in San Pedro Town
San Pedro Police arrested and charged five people in two separate drug operations conducted on Wednesday May 29th. According to police,the arrests are as a result of information received and the police’s strategic plan to fight the drug problem on the island. In the first arrest around 3:30PM, police conducted an operation and searched the home of22 year old Lauriano Augustine of Boca del Rio area in San Pedro Town. Present at the time of the search was another male person identified as 21 year old Michael Cambranez of #70 Freetown Road in Belize City. During the search, police found a transparent plastic bag inside the bathroom with what appeared to be a green leafy substance believed to be cannabis. At the station, the suspected substance was confirmed to be cannabis, which weighed a totalled 3.5 grams. Augustine and Cambranez were both formally arrested and charged for the offence of possession of a controlled substance.

Ambergris Today

14 Year Old Blind Boy to Dive Belize's Blue Hole
Rowan Garel will be the first blind person to dive the world famous Great Blue Hole of Belize. After reaching the summit of the tallest mountain in Belize and walking 92 miles across the country, 14-year-old Rowan Garel will dive Belize's Great Blue Hole on July 14, 2013. With training and assistance from Sea Sports Belize and PADI certified instructor, John Searle, Rowan and his team will dive one of the world's most popular sites to raise funds for the Belize Council of the Visually Impaired (BCVI), an organization that provides year-round support to children who are blind. Although some adjustments have to be made in order for Rowan to reach certification, the challenge is well worth it to him. “What I’m interested in is raising funds and awareness for the only program in Belize that deals with blind or visually impaired people and they have a rehab program which is completely free of cost. Take that away and all the blind people, like myself, will just be behind with everything, there would be no one there to help them along and that is what motivates me.”

Inspiration Telethon Surpasses $500,000 Target
The Special Envoy for Women and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow and CARE-Belize once again hosted a nationwide telethon to raise funds to complete and equip the Inspiration Center. The telethon was held on Saturday, June, 1st, 2013, at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts and locations countrywide. The second Inspiration Telethon was another success as the $500,000 fundraising target was met and surpassed. A $514,132.85 in pledges and donations was reported at the end of the event on Saturday. The community of San Pedro also played a very important part of the telethon and through the efforts of many volunteers and donors was able to raise $14,303.39 for the cause.

Dining in a Unique Island Setting at Black Orchid Restaurant
There are quite a few things that set Black Orchid Restaurant apart from other restaurants in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. For one it’s a great new addition to the southern area of the island where there are very few restaurants. It takes a few minutes on golf cart or taxi but the ride is worth the dining experience, as owners Judyann and Tom Horton have brought their own menu items from California and added a Belizean touch. While exploring the southern part of the island you will be delighted to come across this hidden gem. Black Orchid Restaurant sits in a cozy corner and with a high vaulted ceiling, the open-air area brings the outside into the dining room. It is very cool, spacious and the ambience invites you to step inside and take advantage of the island cuisine.

Belize Red Cross Vacancy
POSITION: Communications Officer CONTRACT PERIOD: 2 years Job Summary: * To ensure the implementation of the BRC Communications Strategy at Headquarters and Branch levels * To report progress of ongoing projects. * To produce a monthly BRC newsletter. * To spearhead and review all public awareness initiatives to ensure that they are in line with the BRC Communications Strategy as well as the specific Donor requirements for communication and visibility activities * To liaise with the media for their presence at key BRC events * To be a member of the Fundraising Committee

Misc Belizean Sources

Garifuna Collective is gonna play a free show at Rojo next wed (June 12th) evening
We're super excited to announce that The Garifuna Collective will be playing a free show next wednesday evening, June 12th at Rojo Beach Bar. Come on up for a rare opportunity to see these incredible musicians play outside, on the beach in a casual relaxed setting. Evening show, set time TBD.

Placencia water now managed by BWSL
The Ministry of Labour, Local Government, Rural Development, National Emergency Management and Immigration & Nationality, hereby informs the general public, that as a part of the Integrated Waste and Water program for the Placencia Peninsula, the Placencia and Siene Beight Water System is now being managed by the Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL).

Mexican physicians visit Belize
Mexican physicians visit Belize to collaborate with Belizean authorities to produce a diagnosis on neonatal health in light of recent events that have required immediate cooperation of the international community. The Government of Belize, through the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health, requested assistance from the Government of Mexico to collaborate through two Mexican specialists in sharing their experience on the development of national policies on health issues. This visit is part of the programs of technical cooperation between Mexico and Belize. Dr. Daniel Ibarra from the Children´s Hospital Federico Gómez, specialist in Neonatology and Dr. Alethse de la Torre from the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Salvador Zubirán, specialist in Infectology worked as part of a research medical team in Belize from June 2nd to 5th.

Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium
The BAAS this year, which will be held at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, will be from July 2nd through the 5th. The theme will be: 'Ancient Maya: Household and Social Identity in Belize.' "The 11th instalment of the Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium (BAAS) is scheduled for July 2nd - July 5th, 2013 in San Ignacio, Belize. Registration for the conference will begin on March 4th, 2013. Participants are encouraged to pre-register and make travel plans early so that they can be guaranteed a place as well as advantageous rates on travel. Presentations of the symposium proper will be held inside the San Ignacio Resort Hotel Bedran Hall starting on Tuesday July 2nd and continue through to Friday July 5th, 2013."

SHJC 2013 Graduation
Sacred Heart Junior College got some great pictures from their graduation ceremony. "SHJC held its Thirteenth Commencement Exercises on Saturday, June 1st. The Thanksgiving Mass was done by Father Leo Palma. A short intermission followed with Mr. Emmanuel Mangar performing Green Day's "Good Riddance" for our graduates. Our Master and Mistress of Ceremonies - Mr. Stephen Sangster and Ms. Jeanne Link then began the graduation ceremonies. The President, Dr. Eve Aird, spoke about the many exciting programs SHJC has engaged in this past year and the future plans for the JC. Our guest speaker, Ms. Maria Marin, gave an inspirational and motivational speech to our graduates on the theme: 'TODAY: A Time to Reflect, A Time to Change, A Time to Act.' Many students were recognized for their various achievements - both in academic excellence and attitude. The recipient of the Dean's award was Ms. Tracie Nicole Donis. Tracie's mom was also recognized for being an outstanding mother who came to school everyday with Tracie. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Juani Gamez (Business graduate) and the Thank You speech was given by Mr. Miguel Ekim Bonilla. Congratulations to all graduates on achieving another milestone in life. We wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavours. You will always be a part of the SHJC family."

Gift of Life by Wilson Grinage
Gift of Life, sung and performed expertly by Wilson Grinage, was the official song of the Inspiration Telethon. The Special Envoy of Belize uploaded it for everyone to enjoy. That's a huge grand piano he's playing. Well done! "The 2013 telethon is over; the work on the Inspiration Center will now continue! Thanks to all who supported the telethon! For more information of how to help, you may contact the office of the Special Envoy Belize!" Kim Simplis-Barrow also released a letter of appreciation, letting everyone know how thankful she was for making the telethon surpass it's goal.

Maya Mountain Jungle Lodge
Maya Mountain Jungle Lodge has some beautiful grounds just outside of town, on the Cristo Rey road. Their 8 cabins are nicely done, and provide a natural and rustic feeling, and they have a dormatory for larger groups. They've recently been taken over by the same family that runs Cayo Adventure Tours, so you know the tours they offer will be guided well.

I Love Belize Photo Contest
The Museum of Belize is having their 'I Love Belize' photo contest. Just send them an old photo featuring any kind of transportation used in Belize. Good luck! Send pictures to [email protected]. The deadline to submit is June 28th. Good luck!

June Cayo Event Calendar
The Cayo Event Calendar for June is up. Graduation dances, reunions, veterinary clinics, the Festival of Arts, a box kart race, concerts, the Succotz festival, and much more is happening in June. If you know of any events that need to be added, just let us know.

NICH Informational Video
The National Institute for Culture and History has a creative promotional video out explaining what they are all about. NICH is comprised of the Institute for Social and Cultural Research, the various Houses of Culture, the Museums of Belize, the Institute of Archaeology, and the Institute of Creative Arts. You'll see fliers for all of the events happening this month for the Festival of Arts, which started on the 3rd, and runs through the 22nd. It also features Tanya Carter and Melonie Gillett singing 'Low,' so it's definitely worth a watch. In related news, the Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium is July 2nd through the 5th, and it'll be at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. The Belize Film Festival will be from July 11th through the 15th.

Belize to host internet exchange point forum
Internet in Belize is still the most expensive and among the slowest in the entire Caribbean region, according to a 2013 survey of Caribbean internet service providers (ISPs). However, internet strategist Bevil Wooding says Belize's Internet users should not rely on costly international data transit for online communications within the country. Instead, to facilitate growth of the local telecommunications sector, they should establish their own facility for local internet traffic exchange. “The absence of a local IXP compromises a country’s ability to truly harness the potential of the Internet as an engine for economic growth, job creation and social empowerment,” said Wooding, an international internet expert with the US-based research firm Packet Clearing House (PCH). Wooding, along with PCH research director, Bill Woodcock, will speaking on Thursday at a special forum for internet stakeholders in the private and public sector being hosted by the Public Utilities Commission. The discussion will centre on the establishment of a facility known as an internet exchange point or IXP in Belize. The IXP forum is part of a plan by the PUC to bring together international and local stakeholders to find ways of improving the quality and prices of internet services for Belizeans.

3rd Annual Father's Day Boxing Event
Come one, Come all to the 3rd Annual Father's Day Boxing Event hosted by Mayan Warrior Promotions in conjunction with the San Pedro Town Council. Come witness this international event!

Channel 7

GOB Says No To Crawl Caye
For weeks, 7News has been following the story where Cruise Tourism Giant, Norwegian Cruise Line wanted to access Southern Belize. Their plan was to build a port to call on Crawl Caye, in which the company would be able to access Placencia. But as we’ve reported, the local private cruise interests, members of the conservation community, and BTIA are staunchly against it. As we showed you 2 days ago, Forestry Department, the Fisheries Department, and the Department of Environment all made presentations at a secondary meeting as to the viability of the project based on the environmental concerns. There were talks coming out of that meeting that this was the weigh which steered Cabinet against it, and today finally, we got confirmation. So, Crawl Caye is a no-go, for this project; that’s what the Prime Minister and Minister Godwin Hulse, the chair of the subcommittee, told us today. And because of the nature of negotiations, there were many unanswered questions about the proposal which GOB didn’t want to address until after it was fully heard. They also tackled those tough questions.

GOB Says Belize Made It’s Case Time And Again
Yesterday, our news team told you from Antigua, Guatemala that CARICOM may be losing confidence in Belize as the bridge between Central America and the Caribbean. That’s after the OAS in concert with Guatemala’s Minister of Economy hosted a meeting between Caribbean and Central American Business Leaders - and Belize didn’t make any representation. His Excellency, Nestor Mendez, the Belize Permanent Representative to the OAS, put it in context that the Assistant Secretary General sent several reminders to him to relay the importance of the meeting, and unfortunately, Belize didn’t show up. Well, today, we got a chance to ask Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Mike Singh, the CEO in the Ministry of Trade, about that major hiccup. Here’s what how they responded: Reporter "The pre-OAS, the business meeting between CARICOM and CICA - why wasn't Belize represented at that affair?"

Amidst The Controversies, Imer Gets Another Contract
Last night, 7News told you about Imer Hernandez, who won the 6 million dollar contract to upgrade the Belize City Municipal Airstrip. Well, tonight, we can confirm that Hernandez is also the holder of the contract to renovate the Belmopan market. This is a public works project which is funded by the European Union and supervised by the Ministry of Works. His company placed a bid of 2 million dollars, and it was accepted by the Evaluation Committee. So, he’s now in the second of a 12 month project in addition to the works which he must provide for the Belize City Municipal Airstrip. But you may wonder why, and rightly so because that San Antonio Road scandal remains unresolved. Prime Minister Dean Barrow, as the Minister of Finance, has promised that he will continue to look into it, but Hernandez continues to win contracts. Apparently, Prime Minister Dean Barrow isn’t taken any issue with that; in fact, he says that he has confidence in the mechanisms by which he’s being awarded them. Jules Vasquez asked him last week Thursday about that issue in the context of the unresolved San Antonio Road works. Here’s how that conversation went.

Oil PSA Issues Trudge On
Last week, 7News told you about the substantial difference of opinion between Oceana Belize and the Government of Belize which has ended up before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. It’s in relation to a judgment from Justice Legal in which he declared 6 oil contracts null and void, and the injunction he granted against GOB. Oceana says that this injunction also restrains all oil companies who had any contracts Government. GOB counters that the Supreme Court has tied their hands to oversee these oil companies and to make sure that they are being environmentally friendly, so they’ve applied to CJ Benjamin to have the injunction lifted. It’s a continuation from last week’s brief hearing which saw both parties in court for almost the entire day. When they came out of court, 7News was there to ask for an update on the case. Here’s what both sides told us: Denys Barrow, SC- Attorney for GOB "OCEANA is a very contentious, very argumentative set of people and the short point is that they filed a major weighty experts report when there was no need for it, that is the essence of it. They were responding to two paragraphs in an affidavit which exhibited something which the oil companies said, we were not relying on what the oil companies said for the truth of what they said. But rather to simply put before the court that these are the things which were said so there were absolutely no need for OCEANA to go an employ an expert to deal with what the oil company said and this is the point which we made to the court and the court decided that it would be of no benefit to the court and therefore refused the application to allow the expert's evidence to be admitted."

Barrow: Gender Policy Not Going Anywhere
Last week, 7News told you about the Gender Policy which caused a firestorm of controversy because the Churches felt that GOB was being sly by quietly and gradually bending to the agenda of the LGBT population in Belize. Prime Minister Dean Barrow said that the Churches were confusing policy and law, while the Churches responded that policy is the last step before legislation. They’ve had an opportunity to voice their concerns to Government, and today we asked Prime Minister Dean Barrow for an update. Here’s what he had to say: Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize "I don't want to get into the internal affairs of the church but this is very important. At that meeting, that call for the gender policy to be withdrawn came from one person supported by two others. The majority of participants there did not make any such call - in fact one prominent church leader went on record as saying that he believes that the gender policy is a good policy.

Delegate Orozco Gives A Preview
So we’re at the OAS General Assembly, and who should we run into? Caleb Orozco. That’s right, Belize’s most well-known LBGT activist is in Antigua Guatemala, and he’s not there as a tourist – he was at the General Assembly as an accredited delegate REPRESENTING. Yesterday, he told us what LBGT groups are pushing for: Caleb Orozco - Representing as an LGBT activist at the OAS "My agenda is really not new for the Belizean public, it's one of rights and my bias remain LGBT citizens but this time what we're doing is working with our traditional partners within the hemisphere. Over thirty activists that looks at transgender issues, that looks at gay issues, lesbian issues and collectively what we've done is we've worked with some sensitization through a declaration. And the second one it looks at discrimination and all other forms of intolerance. The discussion is a little bit more complicated because adapting a convention does not necessarily mean that it's law and so I believe we have a process of domestication like any process you will have a difference of opinion. Extreme Christian right looking to define or in this case make a statement around the family and our correlation all came together to an understand that the narrow definition of family does not reflect the reality of single parent homes, it does not reflect the reality that there are gay and straight couples who take care of children and who are parents and as such there is a strong disagreement over that."

GOB Big Brothers The LPG Sector
A few months ago, 7News broke the story that the LPG companies, better known as the Butane companies, were shorting their customers in a major way. It’s been a long time since that issue made its way back into the news, but tonight it makes a comeback because we’ve been reliably informed that they want to raise their prices. But that’s a problem because we’ve also been informed that there are some of these companies are not bringing in the 60/40 butane/propane mix stipulated by law. So, we asked CEO in the Ministry of Trade, Mike Singh, if they are able to monitor the companies, and about how they go about approving an increase in prices. He gave us some surprising answers: Mike Singh - CEO, Ministry of Trade "So what we did in January is we changed the whole formula and we said we would only allow LPG that comes at a minimum quality of 60/40 mixture.

Caribbean Growth Forum, Belize Chapter
And all our opportunities to speak with these Senior Government officials came from a major gathering between them and members of the private sector and the public sector. That gathering was due to the launch of the Caribbean Growth Forum, the Belizean National Chapter. 7News attend and found out that this workshop was being supported by major organizations in the international community: Kay Menzies - President, BCCI "Welcome to the kick off section of the Growth Forum Belize Chapter. As we know all too well, Belize faces many challenges, such that in total they feel almost insurmountable. Our debt levels, even after the restructuring are higher than we can afford at the current rate of growth especially considering the need to invest in infrastructure development, in development of an enabling environment for business, and in improvement about people's quality of life."

Guat Foreign Minister Talks Maps
The 43rd OAS General Assembly continued today in Antigua Guatemala. Later on Jules Vasquez who is in Antigua, will have a report on the opening plenary session, but first we have an interview with the Guatemalan Foreign Minister who is the lead figure at this event. He held a press conference an hour ago - and after, the Belize media in Guatemala asked him about the offensive map - which we stress has made no appearance at this General Assembly. Here’s what he had to say: Fernando Carrera- Guatemalan Foreign Minister "Well the map to make it very clear has never included Belize on our, or the same color as the rest..." Reporter "It’s been used in presentations in international forums." Fernando Carrera "Yes, but we have criticized those Guatemalans who have done that because that’s not authorized at all. Our official position is that between the territory of Guatemala and Belize there is no border recognized, but we have what we call the 'zona de adjacencia' - the Adjacency Zone. So within that we put something that is a dotted line, a dotted line indicates it is not a border, but it is something that we had both agreed is more or less what we call the adjacency zone that is it. And so the map expresses that in it."

OAS General Assembly Officially Inaugurated
And as you may know by now, The 43rd OAS General Assembly is a major international meeting being held in Antigua Guatemala. As we told you, there are dozens of meetings built around the assembly where representatives from 35 countries throughout the Americas gather. But the real business of the event started last night at an inaugural session followed by a plenary session today. Jules Vasquez is in Antigua Guatemala and he has this report. Jules Vasquez reporting The inaugural session of the 43rd General Assembly of the OAS was held last night at the Finca Philadelphia in Antigua Guatemala. We couldn’t help but notice that when Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina spoke, the Belizean flag and coat of arms seemed strategically placed. But what he spoke about was the centerpiece of the Assembly, the OAS report on drug trafficking: Otto Perez Molina, President of Guatemala "Which becomes a fundamental tool for the process of the debate in our nation." Today those themes were revisited and expanded upon during the plenary session.

Mosquito Population Increasing Exponentially
This week in the Belize District, there's been an explosion in the mosquito population - swarms of mosquitoes are everywhere: outdoors, indoors, even in cars! So what is really happening? Is it normal to see an increase in these blood-eating pests around this time of the year? That’s what we asked Senior Public Health Inspector – Mark Bernard today. Mark Bernard - Senior Public Health Inspector "Well, yes we've had a good dry season and the rainy season is here. I was a bit surprised because we keep getting calls from all over the place because of the high population of mosquitoes. It is not unusual, normally a mosquito eggs can last about two to three yeas in the soil even though it's dry. When that first rain comes, the earth absorbs most of that water but when the rain comes and you start to have water settling then that is when the mosquitoes hatch and you have an explosion.

From a Write-Off To Belize’s Biggest Success Story
In August of last year, Andrew Ortiz was one of two young men from Sadie Vernon High– who left Belize for basketball opportunities in the USA. Ortiz who was a star player on his Sadie Vernon High Basketball team was awarded with a scholarship to finish High School at St Peter Chanel High School in Cleveland Ohio- while given the opportunity to play basketball for St Monica’s Church in the Catholic Youth Organization Regional Finals. Well he has completed his High School education with honors in the Unites States and he’s now back at home to proudly march up with his graduating class of Sadie Vernon High. It is a proud moment for the star athlete who has recently been offered 6 different scholarships at some of the most top Universities in the US. On Monday he made the decision and signed on to South Suburban College in Chicago where he will be playing college basketball. It is a success story for this youngster who was once a product of the Southside. Today in an interview with 7news, he spoke about his challenges, his heartbreaks, but most of all, his accomplishments.

No Champions League For Belize
And while Andrew Ortiz being back to share his success story is good news for Basketball fans who want to see local talent play at an international level, things aren’t looking so good for the Premier League of Belize’s champions. That’s because the FFB announced today that they can’t participate in the CONCACAF Champions League 2013-2014. President of the FFB, Rupert Vicente, was in Belize City today, and so we asked him to explain why: Ruperto Vicente - President, FFB "We regret that we will not be able to participate in the CONCACAF Champion's of Champion's League of 2013-2014 for the mere fact that demands are too high. There are too much demands and we can't meet those demands at this point. CONCACAF is asking all the clubs or all the countries that to participate in the Champion's league, to ensure that the lighting system at the stadium is properly fixed and that it give up at least a minimum of 800 lux. As well that those lights will have to be at a certain height, at present our lighting system, our lights at the stadium is 19 ft high and they are saying that the lights have to be 130 or 140 ft higher so we will not be able to meet that at this point. Secondly they are also asking that clubs that participate in champions league must have the locker room at the stadium air conditioned and installed a minimum of 12 showers for hot and cold water - we do not have that. Thirdly they also asked that we have three five star hotels in the neighborhood of the stadium in order to participate - we do not have that in Belmopan, I'm not even sure if the hotels in Belize City which is one hour away from the stadium are five star hotels. So we cannot meet those conditions so for those reasons Belize will not be able to participate in the Champion's League until we meet those conditions.

Serial Robbers To Court
Last night, 7News told you about the weapons Belmopan police recovered in relation to the robbery at La Choza Bar which claimed the life of Saldvadoran Isabel Antonio Ballona. Well tonight, there are 4 men who are in prison on remand for it. 29 year old Edwin Paula, 19 year old Manuel Hernandez, 18y ear old Rudy Santos and Rasheed Crespo were arraigned in the Belmopan Court on 3 counts of Robbery and 1 count of Murder. 29 year old Edwin Paula was additionally charged with 2 counts of possession for an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. All four persons were additionally charged this morning with 9 counts of aggravated burglary for the UB invasion and armed robbery which took place on the night of Wednesday May 8th at UB's Belmopan Dormitory.

Channel 5

Cabinet did not approve of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Crawl Caye project
As we reported on Tuesday night, the Norwegian Cruise Line’s proposed one hundred million dollar tourism investment project in Belize is currently on hold. A technical team working with Cabinet’s [...]

Other sites open to Norwegian Cruise Line, but where?
But all is not lost for Norwegian Cruise Line as it is now shifting attention to other islands for development in the southern Belize. Prime Minister Dean Barrow said that [...]

PM tells church he wonâ€™t change gender policy
The revised Gender Policy is here to stay, even though it has caused a maelstrom of activity since the Women’s Commission had the policy document updated. Strangely, the upset has [...]

Gender Policy resolution highly debated at O.A.S. General Assembly
While the Gender Policy will remain as it stands according to the Prime Minister, in Guatemala, there is a resolution that is also being heavily debated and discussed by member [...]

No referendum discussion tabled for O.A.S. General Assembly
Turning to the referendum…when Guatemala announced it was not holding a referendum this year but in 2014, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington said that he will be meeting his counterpart in [...]

Guatemalan shot by B.D.F. in Chiquibul Forest
A Guatemalan farmer who was encroaching inside the Chiquibul Forest has been shot by local soldiers. According to reports, on Monday June third, after two p.m., while on a routine [...]

Belmopan Comprehensive School students charged for murder
On June first one man was killed and another injured when they tried to intervene in an armed robbery at the La Choza bar in Belmopan. The robbers opened fire [...]

Carrera speaks on the referendum
The issue of official documents, including Guatemalan passports, being printed with Belize adjoined as part of its territory, has raised the ire of many Belizeans since a date for simultaneous [...]

Football champs wonâ€™t participate in CONCACAF Champions League 2013
There is bad news in the football community tonight as the Belmopan Bandits FC, winners of the recent Premier League of Belize Championship, has been declared ineligible to participate in [...]

OCEANA and government attorneys battle offshore contracts in court
This morning, attorneys for OCEANA and G.O.B. as well as COLA and the Belize Coalition to Preserve Our Natural Heritage squared off in front of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin who [...]

Exploratory activities at the root of injunctions in court
Following an adjournment this afternoon, Audrey Matura-Shepherd gave an update to the media. She told News Five that the root of the injunction being challenged by government is the prohibition [...]

Why didn’t Belize attend SICA/CARICOM meeting in Guatemala?
The Organization of American States and Guatemala’s Minister of Economy hosted a meeting between Caribbean and Central American Business Leaders over the weekend. Belize which is seen as the bridge [...]

Prime Minister says it’s a pity Belize didn’t participate in forum in Guatemala
Prime Minister Dean Barrow also commented on Belize’s absence at the CARICOM/SICA meeting. Barrow said it was a pity that Belize wasn’t there, but he believes that the country is [...]

5 persons charged for illegal entry to Belize
Five persons have been arrested for illegal entry, including a seventy year old man from Honduras, his two daughters, a cousin and a friend. Immigration officials believe that the group [...]

Orange Walk resident convicted of Dangerous Harm
In the Orange Walk Supreme Court, Jaime Cardenas was today convicted by a nine member jury for the offence of dangerous harm. He was tried before Honourable Justice Herbert Lord [...]

The launch of the Caribbean Growth Forum Belize Chapter
The Caribbean Growth Forum was launched this morning. It is a collaboration of private and public sectors. Three areas for dialogue including: Investment Climate; Logistics and Connectivity; and Skills and [...]

How to determine the price you pay for gas
The cost of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) has been the subject of much speculation. The price varies according to where the gas is imported from. Mexico’s prices have been regularly [...]

LOVE FM

Football Showdown Planned In Southern Belize
Residents of Dangriga and surrounding areas are invited to witness a football showdown in town. Correspondent Harry Arzu has the details. HARRY ARZU "< >" ...

can Physicians Visit Belize To Produce Diagnosis on Neonatal Health
In light of the recent events at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where at least twelve neonates lost their lives, a number of Mexican physicians are visiting Belize to collaborate with authorities to produce a diagnosis on neonatal health. According to a press release from the Embassy of...

Father of Two Fined For Drug Trafficking
Twenty-nine year old Gildon Edwards, a father of two charged with drug trafficking, was fined ten thousand dollars today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith, after he pled guilty to the charge. Edwards was ordered to pay three thousand dollars forthwith, in default, six months imprisonment....

Belize City Man Accused of Sexual Assault Get Bail
Thirty-one year old Kenroy Vanzie, a laborer who allegedly committed a sexual assault on a woman 18 years old, was charged with aggravated assault when he appeared in court today. Vanzie pled not guilty to the charge. He was offered a bail of one thousand five hundred dollars and his case was adj...

Woman Detained For Stabbing Spouse With Bottle
A man is recovering at the Northern Regional Hospital after he was reportedly stabbed by his common-law wife. Just after midday on Tuesday, an elderly man identified as Herman Olivera was stabbed by his common-law wife in Corozal Town. According to police Olivera was stabbed with a broken bottle....

Wednesday, June 5 ----- PM Says Gender Policy Stays; Crawl Caye Project Is a No and Belize Will Continue Negotiations With SICA
A meeting of business leaders from Central America and the Caribbean recently took place and Belize was not a part of the meeting. This has raised concerns as to whether Belize was being bypassed as the link between the two regions. Reporters put the question to Prime Minister Barrow ...

Charged with Three Counts of Rape; Will Serve 15 Years
34-year-old Alberto Ical who was charged with three counts of rape in 2009 was found guilty on May 21 on the first and third count. For the second count they had a hung jury on June 4. Judge Dennis Hanomansingh sentenced Alberto Ical to 10 years on the first count and 15 years on the ...

Jury of Nine Finds Man Guilty of Dangerous Harm
Jaime Cardenas was today convicted by a nine member jury in the Supreme Court sitting in Orange Walk Town for the offence of dangerous harm. He was tried before Justice Herbert Lord for the May 29, 2009 stabbing of Rene Escarraga. Escarraga was stabbed in his upper abdomen at a bu...

Some Belama Residents Fear Being Trapped If Bridge Is Not Repaired
Over the past weekend the skies opened up and the rains have been causing mobility problems in some areas. The Belama Phase IV area in Belize City is one of those areas and today the residents of that community called our News Centre to help them expose their problem. The people t...

Cola Holds Press Conference on Neonatal Deaths
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Former British High Commissioner of Belize Charge of Sexual Misconduct Found To Be Baseless
John Yapp- he is the former British Commissioner of Belize who was fired after he was accused of touching the bottom of a senior politician's wife. The incident allegedly occurred in 2008 and Yapp had entered into a legal battle with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, FCO. Last month, the H...

Police Seeks Public Assistance In Identifying Man's Body
Corozal police are asking for assistance in identifying the body of a man that was retrieved in that municipality on Sunday. The police press release states that the corpse, believed to be between 50 and 60 years old, was found on 2nd Street South in Corozal Town. Police sa...

Police News
A man is lucky to have escaped with minor injuries after a shooting in San Pedro Town on Saturday. Twenty eight year old Elton Polonio, a laborer of San Pedrito Area reported that he was socializing in the area when a man he knows went there and started to fire shots in the area and then fl...

NEMO Briefs Media On Its Information Plan During A Hurricane
Last week the National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO, held a press briefing at its headquarters in Belmopan to discuss some key point in hurricane preparedness. NEMO intends to partner with media house across Belize so that in the event of a threat, concise and clear information can be ...

Guatemalan National Shot During Encounter With BDF Soldiers
Love News has confirmed that a Guatemalan was shot during an encounter with members of the Belize Defense Force. The incident happened in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve late on Monday evening and sketchy information that we have is that the victim, said to be a 21 year old man identified only...

CTV3

Couple's fight Nearly Turns Deadly, One man Clings To Life

Bar Brawl Leaves One Man Without Teeth
Corozal police are also looking for one Tony Gutierrez of Calcutta Village who is wanted for grievous harm. This is after he allegedly attacked 28 year old Rafael Uk, Belizean mason of San Joaquin Village in Corozal, and caused all of his front teeth to fall out. Uk told police that at about 12:00midnight on May 4th 2013, he visited Elito’s Bar, bordering the entrance of San Joaquin Village and Calcutta Village, where he met Tony Gutierrez whom he has known for the past four years, socializing with 4 other male individuals in front of the bar. According to Uk, as he approached the group, Gutierrez threw a pint bottle at him hitting him on the mouth knocking out all is his front teeth. To avoid any further confrontation Uk left the area and headed to the Corozal Community Hospital where his injury was certified as grievous harm.

Chinese Establishment Robbed In Broad Daylight
There was a broad daylight armed robbery in Corozal Town this morning. Chang Li Bar and Game Room located on 4th Avenue was robbed by a lone gunman who entered the establishment with one thing on his mind, to get some quick cash. According to an eye witness, who spoke to us off camera, she and three other customers were inside the business when the robber, described as being of fair complexion, barged into the game room brandishing a 9mm pistol and demanding money from the proprietor. Fearing for her life and for the life of her customers, the owner of the establishment handed over approximately $200.00 in cash to the assailant. Satisfied with the proceeds, the robber made good his escape on one of the customer’s bicycle. CTV3 News understands that police are looking for one person for questioning.

Libertad Residents Attacked By Killer Bees
On April 16th, 2013 a four year old Mennonite boy from the community of Little Belize in the Corozal District lost his life after he was stung by Africanized bees. Enrique Thiessen and his five year old brother Pedro Thiessen were playing on an open lot located behind the family’s back yard when they were attacked by the bees. Both boys were stung multiple times on the face and head and while Pedro recuperated from the bee stings, Enrique did not survive the attack as he succumbed to the vicious stings moments after arriving at the Northern Medical Plaza. Tonight there is another bee attack to report, this time in the Village of Libertad in the Corozal District. Luckily, all of the seven victims stung by the killer bees, including a minor, managed to survive the attack and are presently recuperating at the Corozal Community Hospital. According to one of the victims, 37 year old Melisa Suazo, who spoke to us off camera, she was on her way to her cousin’s house at around 3:00pm yesterday when she was stung all over her body by the bees. Minutes later, Paul Morales Sr. and his son Paul Morales Jr. were attacked a couple feet away. In the process of assisting the victim’s, some residents of the village were also stung several times. We understand that two puppies were killed by the bee stings.

Sea Breeze Hotel Falls Victim To The Hands Of Robbers
The Sea Breeze Hotel located on 1st Avenue Corozal Town was burglarized on June 1st 2013. Owner of the hotel, 63 year old David Gyuan Lawrence reported to police that at about 11:00am on Saturday he returned to his hotel and upon entering the main door of the lobby he noticed a machete and a plastic jar where he use to keep his coins, thrown on the floor. As Lawrence checked the rest of the residence, he noticed that the burglar or burglars got into his room located on the second floor of the building and stole one Naval Binoculars valued at $300.00, one cell phone valued at $120.00, one cash box valued at $60.00 and containing $160.00 in cash, two jars containing a total of $75.00 in coins and one clock valued at $40.00. Total value of stolen items amounted to $755.00. Tonight police are looking for Austin Sutherland of San Andres Village in the Corozal District for questioning.

Jasmine Lowe Program In Need Of Financial Assistance
One year ago, a 13 year old student from the Cayo District went missing after she left her father’s house in Santa Elena town. A search led to the gruesome discovery of the decomposing body, 3 days after she was first reported missing, in the bushes near a farm on the Cristo Rey Road. Jasmine Lowe, a vibrant teenager, was very much involved in scouting activities and was preparing to participate in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations which were held in Belmopan at the time. Twenty-eight year old businessman, Bert Vasquez, who also goes by the name Bert Haylock, was charged with the single charge of murder following a series of allegations from other young girls in the area who claimed that they had been offered money by Vasquez for them to get inside his vehicle. This case drew the public’s attention and prompted many concerned citizens to take action by taking part in a number of peaceful demonstrations as Lowe’s alleged murderer was taken to court.

COLA Says Pablo Marin and His CEO Must Go
The Nation’s referral hospital is under fire tonight as no one has taken responsibility for the deaths of 13 newborns at hospital in the first 20 days of May. Seven of the babies died from the outbreak of a bacterium named “enterobacter cloacae” at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit while the other six died of prematurity and other related conditions. The topic has drawn much attention as little to no disclosure has been offered to parents of the 13 infants. Amidst the investigations that have been carried out, many organizations have weighed in on the issue, but there is one particular group that has been very vocal. Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action “COLA” issued a release on Wednesday May 10th 2013 where it called for the removable of the Minister of Health Pablo Marin and his CEO Peter Allen. And it seems that COLA is not backing down. In a press conference held yesterday, COLA agreed to hold a peaceful demonstration tomorrow in front of the KHMH in Belize City. Joining COLA tomorrow will be a number of other organizations including BelizeCan.

And The First Storm For The Season Is Named Andrea
The first tropical storm of what is predicted to be a busy 2013 Atlantic hurricane season formed over the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday. Tropical Storm Andrea formed in the eastern portion of the Gulf of Mexico and forecasters expect the storm to bring heavy rains to Florida before moving up the East Coast. The National Hurricane Center announced the development this afternoon, as it issued a tropical storm warning for Florida's western coast from Boca Grande to the Ochlockonee River. A tropical storm watch is in effect for the next two days for a broad area between Flagler Beach, Fla., and Surf City, N.C. The last issued report from the the Miami-based National Hurricane Center indicated that Tropical Storm Andrea was swirling over the east-central gulf, about 310 miles (500 km) southwest of Tampa, Florida and packing maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour (64 km), the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said.

Couple's fight Nearly Turns Deadly, One man Clings To Life
Fifty two year old Herman Oliva is tonight clinging to life at the Northern Regional Hospital after he was allegedly stabbed by his common-law-wife. Details into the incident are still sketchy but CTV3 News understands that yesterday at around 2:00pm, Oliva and his common-law-wife, Carmen Zetina, were drinking on 5th Avenue near the Income Tax Department in Corozal when they started arguing. Reports are that Zetina broke a pint bottle and stabbed Oliva on the lower side of the abdomen. The Belizean unemployed of Altamira Corozal, was rushed to the Corozal Community Hospital and later transferred to the NRH where he is presently admitted and being treated for internal bleeding. As for Carmen Zetina, she has been detained by Corozal Police pending investigations.

LOVE TV

Several Residents Lean On Media To Urge Authorities on Bridge Repairs
Over the past weekend the skies opened up and the rains have been causing mobility problems in some areas. The Belama Phase IV area in Belize City is one of those areas and today the residents of that community called our News Centre to help them expose their problem. The people there say that the only two means of entering and exiting their area pose risks. The bridge that they built over crocodile infested water started to fall apart on Tuesday and crossing it has now become dangerous. Meanwhile, the street that runs parallel to the bridge is inundated and impassable to small vehicles. The residents are appealing to the relevant authorities to assist them. They say their situation is urgent because their children need to cross the bridge every day to go to school and they feel that bringing their plight to the media will help them see fast results. OLIVE MAE BENNETT Belama Resident “Yesterday the bridge broke down, I nearly fell down and I hurt myself. All the people in Belama are walking in the muddy water and every day I have to walk in water. I don’t know when they will fix the bridge.”

Man Found Guilty After Stabbing Another At A Bus Stop
Jaime Cardenas was today convicted by a nine member jury in the Supreme Court sitting in Orange Walk Town for the offence of dangerous harm. He was tried before Justice Herbert Lord for the May 29, 2009 stabbing of Rene Escarraga. Escarraga was stabbed in his upper abdomen at a bus stop in Orange Walk Town. Sentencing has been adjourned to June 27th. The Crown was represented by Crown Counsel Shanice Lovell and Sabita Maharaj and the accused was represented by attorney Richard Dickie Bradley.

Guatemalan Injured In Chiquibul Forest Reserve
Love News has confirmed that a Guatemalan was shot during an encounter with members of the Belize Defense Force. The incident happened in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve late on Monday evening and sketchy information that we have is that the victim, said to be a 21 year old man identified only as Sacasa at this time, is currently undergoing surgery at the Western Regional Hospital after he was taken there this afternoon. Details of where exactly in the Chiquibul reserve, the particulars of the victim and how the incident transpired are now under investigation.

Belize’s Former BHC Compensated
John Yapp- he is the former British Commissioner of Belize who was fired after he was accused of touching the bottom of a senior politician’s wife. The incident allegedly occurred in 2008 and Yapp had entered into a legal battle with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, FCO. Last month, the High Court ruled that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office was wrong to suspend him from his post as High Commissioner with immediate effect and today the judge approved an agreed order whereby Yapp will receive three hundred and twenty thousand pounds in damages. The FCO will also pay Yapp’s legal cost bills which totals to one hundred and fifty thousand pounds which have yet to be finally assessed and could be much greater than that. The court found that the sexual misconduct allegations to be baseless; however, for Yap, the accusation had destroyed his career.

PlusTV

CURRENT: Sexual Orientation Resolution raised at OAS Assembly in Guatemala
OAS meeting in Guatemala right now. Serious developments with a binding treaty being negotiated right now at the Organization of American States GA in Guatemala. some of the worse parts below. We need to get as many countries as possible to oppose this or to delete the many harmful provisions and references...

SEXUAL ORIENTATION trumping RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: A worldwide Chronicle
EUROPEAN UNION *Europe’s top human rights court ruled that equality laws and safety concerns trumped religious freedom in three cases where British Christians were sacked or sanctioned for expressing their beliefs at work. (January 2013). *European Parliament published the brochure, which recommended not to use the words ‘Missus’ and...

PUP favours withdrawal of Gender Policy in current form after Opposition Leader meets with Church Leaders
Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Francis Fonseca and Deputy Party Leader of the PUP Hon. Julius Espat met this morning in the City of Belmopan with leaders of the wider Christian Community from within the Cayo District. The subject at hand; the controversial National Gender Policy of 2013. ...

Norwegian cruise line proposal denied
It’s a “No” to development on the island of Crawl Caye for cruise ship visitation. The Cabinet after meeting on Tuesday and listening to the report of its subcommittee on investment agreed to refuse Norwegian Cruise Lines permission to go ahead with their grand proposal for development on the...

Four charged for Murder and Attempted Robbery
Four persons were charged in Belmopan Magistrates Court this evening for Murder and Attempted Robbery of 43yr old Isabel Ballona. On Sunday June 2nd shortly after 12am, Belmopan Police visited La Choza Bar in West Belmopan where they found two male persons suffering from gunshot wounds. 43yr old ISABEL...

Family of floating dead cop suspect foul play
Last night, we told you about the discovery of a former cop who was found floating in the Belize River on Tuesday morning. 24 year old Maurice Duce, a resident of Belize City, was retrieved from near the Haulover Bridge later that afternoon, after which a post mortem examination...

Guatemalan national shot by Belizean patrol officer in the Chiquibul Forest
Guatemalan national 27 year old Edgar Alexander Sacasa was shot on Monday afternoon by a Belizean patrol officer in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. A team of patrol officers stumbled upon a plantation and a thatch structure in the Caballo camp area and while they were securing the area, Sacasa...

Doctors from Mexico assist KHMH investigation
Belize is getting some help from the international community after the unfortunate deaths of a dozen babies at the KHMH’s NICU. A Mexican physicians group is currently in the country collaborating with local authorities to produce a diagnosis on neonatal health. The Government of Belize, through the ministries of...

Mexico promotes increased trade with Belize
There is another initiative being carried out with Mexican counterparts, as a delegation of Mexican business persons are on a visit to Belize to promote trade and identify potential buyers and suppliers of various products and services. And today, the Mexican Delegation met with local government officials and representatives...

Football stadium not up to standard for CONCACAF games
Tonight, word coming out of the FFB is that the premier league of Belize Champion02, the Belmopan Bandits, will not be participating in the CONCACAF Champion league 2013-2014. This comes after CONCACAF’s stadium inspectors determined that the local stadium still does not meet the minimum standard requirements for the...

The Guardian

Why even Straight Men should welcome the Gender Policy
There are many men who feel threatened by the words “gender policy”. To them it conjures up a world where women will displace them as the top dogs. Instead of competing with only half of humanity, they have to compete with all of humanity. There are also many who feel threatened by any mention of gender equity, seeing it as part of a larger “homosexual agenda”. This irrational fear is partly explained by the well-documented association of homophobia with homosexual arousal in straight men (see article “Is Homophobia Associated With Homosexual Arousal” by Henry E. Adams, Ph.D., Lester Wright, Jr., Ph.D. and Bethany A. Lohr, University of Georgia, in Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Vol. 105, No. 3, pp 440-445.) In summary, studies indicate that all men are aroused to some degree by sexually explicit material of any kind. However, self- reported homophobic straight men show more arousal to homosexual material than self reported non-homophobic straight men. The implication is that the homophobia, described as the fear, anxiety, discomfort and aversion, that some straight men feel towards homosexuals is the result of repressed homosexual urges that the person is either unaware of or denies. In simple terms this means extreme homophobic attacks often stem from a man’s insecurity about his own sexual identity. Other less insecure men might feel a need to oppose homosexuality in order to clarify their own heterosexual identity. Yet, other men and women see homophobia as a means of publicising their attachment to religious and cultural traditions.

$67.9 Million for Cane Farmers - Sweet Sugar Season!
It has indeed been a sweet sugar season for cane farmers as Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) is reporting that sugar production this year was at an all-time high. Cane farmers now stand to receive almost 70 million dollars from the sale of sugar in the international market. Original estimates had it that the price of sugar would have fetched $45 per ton and cane farmers received their first payment based on that estimate. That figure has now been updated and BSI is projecting that sugar will be sold at $63 dollars and potentially more. This translates to a massive windfall for cane farmers, who were expecting second payments, based on the original projection of $45. The payment structure for farmers is done in three payments with the first being 85% of the projected sugar price and is paid at the time of sugar cane delivery. The second payment which is 10% of what is owed to the farmers will come on the 25th of June. The third and final payment is made one month before the start of the crop.

Guatemalan Poachers pressure Wildlife in Chiquibul
The Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) has released its findings from research focusing on the effects of poaching on game species in the Chiquibul Forest. According to FCD, “Guatemalan xateros and poachers have been penetrating deeper and deeper into Belizean wilderness areas and they pose the highest threat to the population of species.” From the month of October 2012 to March 2013, a four-man team from FCD conducted its research along 12 transects, covering a total of 384 km, including the Caracol Archaeological Reserve. The aim of the study was to determine the diversity of terrestrial game species; calculate the relative abundance of each game species recorded and; evaluate the impact of illegal hunting on the relative abundance of targeted species. During the research, a total of 1,022 individuals of 24 different species were recorded where the most abundant species were squirrels, quash, collared peccary, crested guans, and keel-billed toucans. The study revealed that abundance of game species from the western border to the interior of the study area was even, meaning that more than likely, game species are targeted throughout the entire Chiquibul forest, and are impacted by poaching, independent of how far these are from the border. The research also concludes that hunters have been targeting large-bodied species, leading to a severe reduction on abundance of targeted species and have begun to target smaller individuals as well as non-traditional game species such as the keel-billed toucan.

Telethon to complete Inspiration Center - Work Well Underway
Belize’s Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis-Barrow, guided a tour of the Inspiration Center construction site on Tuesday, May 28th. The Inspiration Center is a rehabilitation facility that will provide therapy for children with disabilities from 0-16 years of age. Mrs. Barrow was accompanied on the tour by Evan Cowo, Director of CARE-Belize. CARE-Belize will manage the center upon completion. Services that will be offered at the center include physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy and psychological care. According to Mrs. Barrow, there will also be recreation, sports, arts and culture, and disability awareness programmes at the center. She said that many of the services that will be offered at the center are not currently available in Belize so, the opening of the center will greatly benefit Belizeans living with special needs. Belize has ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the goal is to reach full inclusion of people with disabilities in our public institutions and activities. Cowo says that the Inspiration Center will be a place of reverse inclusion. Though it is primarily for children with special needs, “normal” children will be welcomed as well. The center will also serve as a community center with after-school programmes for children from surrounding communities. Cowo says that soon people may look at this practice as an effective model of inclusion. The center is located at 1 ½ Mile on the George Price Highway.

Paul Steven Martinez to stand Trial for Murder
On Friday, May 24th, 20-year-old Paul Martinez appeared in Magistrate's Court before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith, who committed him to stand trial for the murder of 18- ear-old Raheem Smith who was killed on Thursday, July 19th, 2012. Martinez, who was unrepresented, chose not to challenge any of the police witnesses’ evidence they had against him. Instead, he told the court he wants the matter to be sent up to the Supreme Court for trial. With that, the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith told him that he will have to answer to the charge of murder in the next session of the Supreme Court scheduled for September 16th. Paul Martinez was accused of stabbing Raheem Smith, 18, on Thursday, July 19th, 2012, after they allegedly had an argument about a bicycle. A fight ensued in which Smith ended up punching Martinez to his face. According to witnesses, they saw Martinez leave the area and return with a long knife which he used to stab and kill Smith.

Second Attempt on the Life of Cayo Cop
Some quick moves and a similar proportion of good luck saved the life of a man in the Cayo District. 29-year-old Oswald Young was at his house in Unitedville Village in the Cayo District on Thursday of last week when seven shots were fired in his direction. Three bullets then pierced the mahogany door in front of him, in rapid succession. At the time, Young was in the living room sleeping in a sofa chair, facing the mahogany door on the east side of his house. Young was injured on the chin; he threw himself on the ground to avoid from being shot again. He then heard footsteps running down the stairs. As a result, Young was taken to the hospital where a slug was removed from his chin. Young’s house is a board structure and twelve feet off the ground. Young’s nephew was sleeping on the veranda of the house at the time and was able to recognize two people in the yard and the one person who was shooting at the building.

$500 Fine for breaking Surveillance Camera
On Tuesday, May 28th, Honduran national, Paula Franco was ordered to pay a fine of $500 for damaging a surveillance camera. Franco appeared before Magistrate Dale Cayetano where she wasted no time and pleaded guilty to the offense of damage to property for a $350.00 surveillance camera which was property of businessman, Carlos Mendoza. Franco was ordered to pay a $500 fine and $5 cost of court by November 31st, 2013. She was additionally ordered to pay compensation of $350 to Mendoza. In default, a distress order will be issued.

Gun bust at Lord Ridge Cemetery
On Tuesday, May 28th, 20-year-old Lindon Hinds, and a 17-year-old minor appeared before Magistrate's Court before Senior Magistrate Sharon to be charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Before the charges were read however, the charges were dropped against the 17-year-old and Hinds alone was left to face the charge. In court, Hinds pleaded not guilty to both charges but due to the nature of the offences bail was not offered and he was remanded to prison until July 16th. According to police officers, they were on mobile patrol in the Lord Ridge Cemetery area when they saw two men inside the cemetery. When the officers were spotted, one of them men ran off and was seen throwing an object in the area. Police set chase after the fleeing suspect, who was caught and taken back to the area where he was seen throwing the object. A search of the area resulted in police officers finding a .38 Smith and Wesson firearm with no serial number, which was loaded with 6 live rounds.

Jamil Richardson succumbs to Gunshot Injuries
30-year-old Jamil Richardson died on Monday, May 27th, after a two-month long battle for his life. Richardson was one of two men shot by an unknown gunman on March 29th. According to a police report, Richardson was at #99 Vernon Street when a gunman approached them from Partridge Street Extension and opened fire. He was shot in both ankles and the left side of his upper back. He became paralyzed due to the gunshot injuries he received and was frequently visiting the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment. His last visit was on Sunday, May 26th, when he went in complaining of pain. He succumbed to his injuries at 6:42 a.m. on Monday. Police have not made any arrest in the shooting. 25-year-old Dennis Molins was also shot at the time of the incident. He received a gunshot wound to his left leg. Police investigation into the murder of Richardson continues.

Man charged for Year Old Murder
On Friday, May 24th, police arrested and charged, 24-year-old John Lorencio Martinez, with the crime of murder. Martinez, who was unrepresented, appeared before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith where he was read a single charge of murder in the February 22nd, 2013 killing of Ernest Daniel Savery. No plea was taken and he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until June 24th. On February 22nd, 2013, Ernest Savery was gunned down at around 10:00 in the night just a stone's throw away from his home. He was shot once to the stomach and was rushed to the KHMH where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

64-year pleads guilty to drug Trafficking
64-year-old Egbert August Usher, a resident of George Street, Belize City appeared in Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, May 28th where he was charged with drug trafficking. He was taken before Magistrate Dale Cayetano, where he was arraigned for having in his possession 121 grams of cannabis. He pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking but guilty to possession; however, he was told that the charge before the court was drug trafficking and not possession so his plea was rejected. He then pleaded guilty to drug trafficking.

Huge Turnout for Cancer Walk
Despite a bleak weather forecast, Belizeans turned out in record numbers to support the 2013 Cancer Walk. This year’s event was the biggest since its inception in 1996. The month of May is celebrated as Cancer Awareness Month and this year’s theme is “Cancer: Did You Know? Get The Facts.”

Ministry of Health advises Public on a Voluntary Recall of Supplement
The Ministry of Health announces the voluntary recall of the nutritional supplement Benefiber Powders. The recall is for specific batches and is related to a relatively high number of complaints by consumers. These include a lack of odour, lack of flavour, bad dissolution and the presence of particles among others. The US-based manufacturing facility of this product has extended the recall to Belize simply as a cautionary action. It is important to note that the company has emphasized to the Ministry of Health that there has been no evidence of any adverse effects or complaints relating to the use of this product.

Groups present Business Plans to Financial Institutions in Cayo
A well-thought out effort to get Belizeans to promote their business plan began Tuesday at the Rumors Resort Hotel at Mile 1 1/2 on the Benque Viejo Road. Brought together by the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) in cooperation with the Center for the Promotion of Micro and Small Enterprises in Central America and the Dominica Republic (CENPROMYPE) several business groups were able to make their business plans know to seek approval for implementation. Several financial institutions such as Atlantic Bank, Scotiabank and The Belize Bank were invited to Rumors to review the business plans set out by several aspiring groups. One such group was the Cayo West Women In Business whose range of jewelry originates from coconut shells and Guanacaste seeds. The Cayo West group is composed of some fifteen members and have come up with unique designs on seeds, marketing particularly to tourists at the entrance of the Western Border. Another group making their business plans known was the San Antonio Women’s Group. This organization produces some two hundred chickens every six weeks but cannot fulfill the demands for chicken from a large consuming market. The San Antonio Women’s Group seeks sustainability in their business model and to do so they would like to acquire poultry processing equipment.

Swearing-in of Members of the Elections and Boundaries Commission
A Swearing-in Ceremony was held this morning at Belize House, Belmopan, for members of the Elections and Boundaries Commission.

Public Complaints change Gender Policy
’s Commission launched the Revised National Gender Policy on Thursday, May 16th. The policy addresses the major challenges that are faced by women, men and children in Belize today. The five areas of focus are health, education and skills training, wealth and employment generation, violence reduction and power and decision making. Since the launch of the document, religious leaders of the country have raised issue with certain declarations in the policy. One of those controversial declarations was made in the section where the policy focuses on wealth and employment generation. Bullet 5 on Page 31 of the document says that Government is committed to “Amend existing legislation to legalize and regulate the sex work industry. Develop and implement alternative economic skills training programmes and other support services for men and women who wish to retire from sex work activities.”

Oceana gives Oil Companies Carte Blanche
On Tuesday, April 16th, Justice Oswell Legall issued an injunction against the Government of Belize that prevents it from carrying out the provisions of the Production Sharing Agreements with Island Oil, Miles Tropical Energy, Petrol Belize Company Limited, Princess Petroleum Belize Limited, Providence Energy Belize Limited and Sol Oil Belize Limited. Government had already terminated contracts with four of those companies; so, the injunction only affects Princess Petroleum Limited and Providence Energy Belize Limited, which have contracts that extend to October 2015. On Tuesday, May 28th, the Government of Belize applied for a stay of execution on the injunction at the Belize Supreme Court.

PUP losing more than ever
The dogs were out this weekend trying to maintain their stongholds in PUP territories but as much as they barked and bit, they were simply unsuccessful at retaining two of those village councils that they had held from time immemorial. The PUPs have been consistently been able to secure village council victories in Hattieville in Belize Rural Central for over 50 years and in San Felipe in Orange Walk South for decades.

First Leg of Ride across Belize complete
The Ride Across Belize had a successful first leg completed on Wednesday, May 29th. The ride took off from Corozal and made its way to Belize City arriving at around 12:15p.m. Over 100 riders participated in the first leg and the goal is to raise 60 thousand dollars for the Red Cross' soup kitchen and the Belize Hospice Care Foundation. On Thursday, the riders will make their way to Cayo, on Friday it goes to Dangriga and the last leg takes place on Saturday heading to Punta Gorda.

Conch Season closed
Minister of Fisheries Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, Honorable Lisel Alamilla, declared the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) season closed on Thursday May 23rd. The season was closed after the four registered and active fishermen cooperatives have filled their quotas for conch meat. The closure comes in accordance with Statutory Instrument 54 of 2012 which allows for the minister to close the conch season after quotas are met by the various cooperatives. While the season closure prohibits anyone from harvesting or capturing any conch, Restaurant operators and the general public are given an 8 day grace period ending on Friday May 31 during which conch in their possession should be consumed or disposed of. Any person found in possession of the Queen Conch after Friday May 31st will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Developments At Help Age Belize
During the last twelve months, Help Age Belize has been involved in a number of activities to improve the services rendered to the aged at its nine branches countrywide. Even with all the improvements, Help Age continues to be in need of assistance from the general community.

Above Normal Atlantic Hurricane Season predicted
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2013 with the likelihood that the season could be very active. According to the organization, there is a 70 percent probability that there will be up to 20 named storms. Of those, between 7 to 11 are expected to become hurricanes with 3 to 6 of those being major storms.

Saint Martin’s Credit Union holds Annual General Meeting in Cayo
The Saint Martin’s Credit Union Limited SMCU held its sixty fourth Annual General Meeting on May 24th, 2013 at the Octavia Waight Center Auditorium in San Ignacio Town. Hundreds of SMCU members turned out to hear about the most recent developments at their cooperative and long-standing financial institution.

Louisiana Government School Girls and Faith Nazarene Boys are National Primary Schools Basketball Champions
The 2012-2013 National Primary Schools Basketball championships came to an end on Friday, May 24th, 2013, at the Bird’s Isle in Belize City. In the girls’ championship game, Louisiana Government School from Orange Walk Town representing the Orange Walk District defeated Holy Redeemer School representing the Belize District by the score of 22-13. The top scorer for Louisiana Government School was Yasel Sutherland with 8 points while the top scorer for Holy Redeemer School was Zaria Jenkins with 7 points. At the end of the championship, Yasel Sutherland of Louisiana Government School was named the championship’s Most Valuable Player.

UB Jaguars lead in Belize Rural Softball Competition
The 2013 Belize Rural Softball Competition continued on Sunday, May 26th, out in Butter Cup Village with four games on the schedule. In the first game played, Easy Does It defeated the host village Butter Cup Uprising by the score of 14-3. The winning pitcher was Margaret Hendy and the losing pitcher was Trecia Flores. In game two, Mel’s United edged Lord’s Bank Sunrise by the score of 13-10. The winning pitcher was Annett Morey and the losing pitcher was Alma Gabourel. In the third game of the day, Ladyville Rising Star defeated Arrows Reloaded by the score of 21-4. The winning pitcher was Sherett Williams and Christine Bracket was tagged with the loss. In the final game of the day, UB Jaguars won over Village Gyal by the score of 18-1. Herlette Clarke and the losing pitcher was Angie Smith. The competition will continue on Sunday, June 2nd, 2013 at 9:00 am in Ladyville. In the first game Lord’s Bank Sunrise will go against Ladyville Rising Star. In game two, UB Jaguars goes up against Arrows Reloaded. In game three, Mel’s United will see action against St. Paul’s and in the final game of the day, Easy Does It will go up against Village Gyal.

Camalote United maintains Lead in Miley Garcia Softball Competition
The Miley Garcia Softball Competition continued on Sunday, May 26th at the Las Flores Softball pitch in Belmopan. In the first game played, Camalote United blanked Esperanza Wolverines by the score 7-0. The winning pitcher was Francine Salazar and the losing pitcher was Shareeni Soberanis. In the second and final game, Belmopan Capital City Emeralds won its first game of the 2013 campaign when it defeated Las Flores Shooting Stars by the score of 18-13. Dana Mae King was the winning pitcher and the losing pitcher was Guadalupe Chicas. The Cayo Softball Association will be hosting its All Stars games on Sunday, June 2nd, 2013, out at the Denbeigh Fuller Softball Stadium in Camalote Village. The All Star Games will feature East against West.

Sports Consultants holding Public Discussions
The Caribbean Sport and Development Agency, the Trinidad and Tobago-based organisation that was hired by the National Sports Council to write the National Sports Policy, among other things, will be holding public discussions with sports fans and the public on what the Belizean populace would like for the National Sports Policy to be. The public discussions will continue on Wednesday, May 29th at the Belmopan Convention Hotel at 6:30 pm in the City of Belmopan; on Thursday, May 30th, at 6:30 pm at the Punta Gorda Sports Complex in Punta Gorda Town and then on Friday, May 31st, at 6:30 pm at the UWI Open Campus Auditorium on Princess Margaret Drive in Belize City. The National Sports Council is extending an invitation to the public to participate in the discussion process.

“The Jewel in the Heart of the Caribbean Basin” The Challenge: Let’ s Start Thinking Outside of the Box
Belizeans, if we really want to make our country, as the late Sefe (God bless) used to say on Radio Belize, “The Jewel in the Heart of the Caribbean Basin”, we need to start making some changes to what we do. Sefe used to say that every day and yet we remain a rhinestone in the Caribbean Basin. We urgently need to move from rhetoric to action or we will not become the Jewel we wish to be. There is no doubt that Belize has the natural resources to become a major economic player in the region. We have seen American, English, Canadian, and Caribbean strategic investors advantageously pursue Belize’s potential in all sectors. Until the recent nationalizations, we Belizeans have sat on the bleachers and allowed them to do so, at times assisted them to do so. We have seen the results; either the resources have been exhausted and what remains is of little value or the strategic investor has had his bellyful and moved on. Almost all the time the profits from our resources are siphoned outside of Belize and all we got was a job and the loss or degradation of the natural resource.

Son-in-law Behind Bars After Pulling a Gun at His Mother-in-law
On Monday May 29th, Herbert Charles, 30, appeared in Magistrate's court to answer to charges after he was accused of pulling a gun on his mother-in-law. 42-year-old Durrita Perteau, a resident of the Pickstock Hutment of Belize City, reported to police that on Saturday, May 26, she was assaulted by Charles, who she claimed pulled a gun on her. Charles, was arraigned on a single charge of aggravated assault with a firearm upon Perteau. He pleaded not guilty to the offense and was denied bail and remanded into custody at the Belize Central Prison until July 13.

“2nd Young Belizean Entrepreneur Wins Growing Up CEO Award”
For two consecutive years, Youth Business Trust Belize received a message stating, "Congratulations! One of your entrepreneurs has been selected for the 2009 Growing Up CEO Program!" Ricardo Gongora, a second year student at St. John’s College Junior College, was this year’s lucky recipient. As a winner, Ricardo was invited to a three-day Inner City 100 Summit May 19- 21, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. During the Summit, he was exposed to some of the fastest growing companies in America, and had the opportunity to develop relationships with Inner City 100 winners, gain access to world class business education and advice as well as getting to meet national business and civic leaders.

$600,000 donation from Project C.U.R.E. to KHMH
First Lady of Belize Kim Simplis-Barrow handed over 600 thousand dollars worth of medical equipment to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s management on Tuesday May 26, 2009. Simplis-Barrow says that the donation came after she approached Project C.U.R.E. with a list of needs from the KHMH. Being a member of the International First Ladies’ Club, last year she attended a luncheon during which she approached Project C.U.R.E. which is the world’s largest donor of medical equipment. The total donation adds up to a handsome two million dollar figure with the first donation of a 40 foot container coming to the KHMH. CEO at the KHMH Dr. Gary Longsworth explains that the bulk of the donation which includes a laparoscopic equipment and supplies which includes camera/video for all scopes. Also included in the donation are central percutaneous lines, casting supplies, stockinettes, web rolls, plaster, fiberglass, cast shoes, neurosurgery packs and supplies, and surgical power drills just to name a few.

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Belize Postcards in Print, Digital or Wallpaper
There have been lots of pictures taken throughout the years of our country and the different scenery but can rarely find a good quality photo to use as a wallpaper or for print. Now you can purchase them here www.belizepostcards.com. Demian Solano is a professional photographer and is the owner of Idea Lab Studios in Belize. Check out the website and keep a part of our beautiful country wherever you go.

“Meet the Candidates” forum set for June 12!
Wed. June 12, Caye Caulker Community Center

Blogs

Hurricane season is here!!
Yes we are indeed right smack bang at the beginning of this 2013 Hurricane Season!! This title to this period of the year fills most tourists with terror to travel to our parts and therefore every other customers questions relate to weather!! Obviously for those persons who have saved their hard earned cash for the past year on a holiday in the Caribbean, sunshine is a must and we understand that. But this ‘hurricane season’ period often deters customers from traveling to Belize at this time of the year and this, due to many years of experience, I feel is harsh!! When you do your research as to the seasonality of Belize we are actually ‘sub tropical’ climate, tempered by trade winds. Our dry season has been calculated to be from February to May would be for those who require 100% guarantee of sunshine, to be the perfect time to be in Belize – however, dry weather is indicative of high winds which makes snorkeling and scuba diving tricky, never mind that picture perfect hairdo!!! For those of us who live on this tropical island year round, we would have to agree that at anytime of the year we can receive a ‘rainy patch’. These periods are merely a few days – they are generally a respite from the the sunshine, an opportunity to cool off and perhaps even enjoy your ‘skin blanket’ at night!! Rain, even if forecast otherwise, never lasts for more than three days in a row (and these instances are really narrowed down to perhaps two or three times a year - There is probably no scientific fact to prove this, but in our experience it is always the case). Days remain largely sunny, rainfall more often occurs during the night time period than the day and occasionally the morning or evening. PERFECT FOR TOURISM THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!!

CARIBBEAN GROWTH FORUM – Belize National Chapter, Launch Workshop

Mennonite Gurls A'ken Cook: Voted Bes Breed Glute a'loose
Accordin t'mah critics thishere is thar favert breed. It wuz a unanimyus vote. Mah oldest granddaughtr commented on hoe good it smelled and I offerd hern a slice t'aste and she sed, “Nanna, thishere is rilly good ! and I’m yer bes critic becawz I DO ett glute!” I’m nairy shure whut t'difference is n' thishere loaf, maybe it is t'cokunut earl as well as ingredient amounts tweeked jes rite. I have bee reedin about cokunut earl and t'wide range uf benefits it offers so I have bee a'trine t'incerporate it more into mah bakin'.

Amish Pickled Beets
Serves: 6 Chillin' Time: 8 hr Cookin Time: 1 hr 10 min Whut Y'all’ll Need: 10 fresh red beets 2 teespoons salt, divided 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup apple cidr vinegar 1 cup watr Whut T' Do: Cut t' leefy tops off t'beet stems, leevin 2 inches uf stem. N' a large saucepun, place beets n' enough watr t'covr. Add 1 teespoon salt and brang t'a bawl ovr medium-high heat. Reduce heat t'medium, covr, and cook 1 hour, er until fork-tendr.

International Sources

5 Things to Do in Belize Besides Diving
It’s no secret that Belize’s primary claim to tourist fame is its barrier reef, the second largest in the world after Australia’s, where abundant marine life attracts top divers and anglers from around the world. But over the past few years, it has become clear that the “Jewel” of Central America offers a whole lot more, particularly for those seeking inland adventure, history and culture. Non-divers shouldn’t dismiss Belize by any means.

1963: Nora Parham, the only woman hanged in Belize
Belize, B. Honduras, June 5. — Nora Parham, aged 36, the East Indian mother of eight sons, was hanged today for the murder of the man with whom she had been living. So ran a minute, page-10 wire story in the London Times* from the British Central American possession soon to become self-governing as the country of Belize. The unfortunate subject of the story was the first, and remains to date the only, woman put to death in Belize. But she’s very much more than a bit of trivia. A domestic violence victim hanged for murdering her batterer — who just happened to be a cop — Parham remains a lively source of controversy down to the present day. Nora’s position as the victim in an abusive marriage, combined with serious doubt about whether she truly killed her husband at all, have given her enduring appeal. There’s a going campaign to issue her a posthumous pardon. In fact, there was a going campaign before she died to issue her a humous pardon, opposed by a governing party paper on the grounds that “sympathy” ought not “change court rulings.”

Seaweed Farming Takes Off in Belize
An environmentally damaging fishing operation has been replaced with seaweed aquaculture in Belize. The move will ensure the health of the environment on which the country relies for its eco-tourism. “Belize is such a small country that everything is interdependent, and we all depend on the health of our pristine environment. So to see this fishing trawler converted from an environmentally destructive to an environmentally sustainable business is great news," Chaa Creek owner Lucy Fleming told Caribbean News Now. “It also seems to be a symbol of the direction Belize is moving in,” she added. Ms Fleming was referring to the recent hand-over of the “Northern II,” a former deep sea bottom trawler, by the international environmental organisation Oceana to the Placencia Producers Cooperative Society, to be used in a new seaweed farming venture.

To Belize and back again
Twenty-five-year-old Jonathan “Jay” Schulz has not set foot on U.S. soil in more than two years. He has given up his car, reliable Internet and air conditioning, and has missed several birthdays and weddings to live in Belize, where he works with special education children in several Methodist schools. Schulz is a member of the Peace Corps and has lived in a small village in Central America since March 2011. It is in the Toledo district of the country, which Schulz said is the southernmost and “poorest.” Between 800 and 1000 people live there. Schulz graduated from Milton High School in 2006 and from Carthage College in 2010, with a degree in special education/elementary education. Life for people in Belize is a mixed bag. Schulz said the population of around 330,000 is a cultural blend of Creole, Maya, East Indian, Mestizo, Garifuna, Mennonites and Asian. Some live in thatched houses without electricity or running water living from paycheck to paycheck. He said others live in “nice” houses with a roof, utilities and a television.

Family of 7 Takes on Poverty in Belize During Year-Long Mission Trip
Inspired by a news story she saw when she was 14, Julie Kuhnert and her family realized her lifelong dream to help those less fortunate than themselves by leaving the comfort of home and serving as missionaries in Belize. Julie Kuhnert shares her story helping children and alleviating poverty in Central America. Q: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve taken on? A: In 2011-2012, we decided to take our five kids to the Central American country of Belize to spend a year of missionary service. While there, we worked to improve education, provide opportunities for children in the arts and we worked with grassroots programs to help alleviate poverty. With very little money to our name and no specific organization sponsoring us, we spread the word, asked for support from our community, and walked away from the "securities" of home. We trusted that by following our heart and listening to the call, our family would be taken care of.

Mexico to review migratory flow
Mexican officials are preparing a program to sort the migratory flow along its southern border, which will involve working with the Guatemalan and Belizean governments, Interior Minister Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong said. “We do not know how many migrants from Central, South America and other continents enter our country,” he said. “We don’t know their destinations and don’t know what happens to them, so we cannot ensure their human rights. The government will focus on the border between Belize and the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, where crimes against migrants have become well-documented. Osorio Chong said the initiative, which will use the Navy to patrol the southern border, is “part of national security.” He also stressed it is imperative Mexico and neighboring nations work together. The National Human Rights Commission has documented nearly 20,000 migrant kidnappings in a year and a number of attacks ranging from robbery and extortion to rape and murder at the hands of criminal gangs.

June 5, 2013