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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Everyone’s a winner at Captains Casino!
You can’t help but feel lucky when you are at Captain Morgan’s Retreat, undoubtedly one of the most popular beach resorts on Ambergris Caye.As if their three pools (each thoughtfully furnished with their own bar), tropical-tastic rooms and casitas, scrumptious restaurant and super friendly and attentive staff weren’t enough to make you feel like a winner, you can take that winning aura and Lady Luck over to their elegant Vegas-style Captain’s Casino and continue to feel like you hit the jackpot! Whether you claim to be a gambler or not (I THOUGHT I was in the NOT category), you’re sure to have fun at this slice of glitz and glamour right here on La Isla Bonita because the fun is irresistible!Who would have thought that putting $5US into a slot machine would keep me thoroughly entertained while winning and losing enough to play for almost an hour! Of course the courtesy cocktails graciously provided while I crossed my fingers and toes for a row of matching diamonds, cherries or 7’s to align on my next spin added to the fun of it all! Although they have over 40 slot machines to choose from, your gambling activities are not limited to what some call the “one-armed bandit”. There are card tables where contenders gather to try their hand at Blackjack, Texas Hold-Em’, Pokerand other games, while a Roulette table is set up for those who want to spin their way to winning. Their stylish bar hosts several video Poker games embedded into the countertop and there’s even a Chess table for those who prefer a more sophisticated method of gambling! The walls are adorned with a variety of high definition flat screen TV’s, all airing international sports and on Friday nights they have a DJ and dance starting at 9PM. Different days of the week offer special promos and they even have poolside Blackjack on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons, how fun is that! Nothing like soaking up the sun while gazing at the Caribbean and trying your hand at 21!

NEMO and Red Cross train 46 islanders in first aid
The San Pedro Branch of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) working with the Belize Red Cross, held a two-day first aid training session in San Pedro Town. Held on November 20 – 21 at Fido’s Courtyard, the training was intended to ensure that more community members are trained in first aid, which is vital to save and minimize the loss of life during an emergency. Various resort personnel, public officers, law enforcement officers and volunteers from the community undertook the intense course. “First aid is given by trained First Aiders until professional help arrives. This is basically to render assistance to an injured person in an attempt to avoid a casualty,” said Jeromey Timrose Augustin, the NEMO Coordinator on the island. “Targeted participants were from the resorts, hotels, dive shops, airlines, boat handlers, Town Council sanitation engineers, teachers, police officers, firemen, transport officer, administrators and health workers, all who can play a key role in an emergency.”

Belizean Cuisine is a hit in New York
On November 14th, the Belize Tourism Board and top food magazine Saveur hosted a night of Belizean cuisine at the Saveur kitchen in New York, New York. Chef Jennie Staines, of Elvi’s Kitchen in San Pedro, dazzled over twenty (20) top food writers with her authentic and flavorful cooking. In usual Belizean flair, Chef Jennie did demonstrations and interviews- all at once! Popular food writers and bloggers from big name publications, including Fodor’s, Bon Appetit, NY Times, AbcNews.com, Afar and The Daily Meal, were treated to rum punch cocktails made with One Barrel rum. While the rum punch was a big hit, Chef Jennie’s appetizers of Conch’s Fritters and Jalapeno Poppers not only teased the palates, but also piqued the journalists’ curiosity about Belize’s rich cuisine. With local ingredients and a big personality behind the counter, the Saveur kitchen was set alive with tantalizing aromas and sounds as Chef Jennie conducted demos of how local foods are prepared.

National News: Sugar season delayed over dispute over bagasse profits
The 2013/2014 sugar cane season in Belize is in limbo as a result of a dispute between the milling company, Belize Sugar Industry Limited (BSI) and over 5,300 cane farmers. The main contention is that cane farmers are demanding a share of the income from the bagasse (the fibrous matter that remains after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice) that BSI burns to produce electricity. The factory has announced that as of November 25th, the company was ready to mill sugarcane, but it has not been possible as the standoff has only picked up more steam. In 2007, BSI, through Belize Cogeneration Energy Limited (BELCOGEN), decided to turn bagasse into energy. Bagasse was considered a waste and had cost BSI millions of dollars to dispose of over the years. But BSI was able to invest over US $61 million dollars, the single largest private investment in Belize; bringing BELCOGEN to fruition by burning bagasse into energy. Cane farmers had been paid for sugarcane based on world international sugar prices influenced by the European preferential market. But because BSI has managed to make returns on bio-fuel, cañeros have indicated that their sugarcane has more value.

San Pedro Art Show (14 photos)
Artists from across the country and San Pedro have come together to showcase various collections of their original art at The San Pedro Lions Den. Come out for great deals Fri: 9AM-5PM (Happening NOW) Sat:9AM-8PM

8th Anniversary of the Belize Coast Guard (6 photos)
Today marks the 8th Anniversary of The Belize Coast Guard. To celebrate, they inaugurated their new San Pedro Coast Guard Station Building, and graduated their 4th recruit intake trainees. Congratulations Belize Coast Guard!

Ambergris Today

UNICEF Sponsors Bathroom Renovation at San Pedro Roman Catholic School
Students of SPRCS made a wonderful presentation on sanitation in the bathroom. Students and officials present at the ceremony enjoyed a funny and educational skit. The Chairperson of the Quality Child Friendly School Committee, Mrs. Yannicki Kie, gave a brief overview of the project and officially presented the School Maintenance Committee who will be in charge of the maintenance and upkeep of the bathroom and other areas of the school. Mr. Ivan Yerovi, UNICEF Representative delivered his special remarks, Sister Barbara Flores delivered the vote of thanks followed by the blessing of the bathroom facilities by Father Henry Bercasio. Chairpersons of the Parent-Teacher Association, Maintenance Committee and General Manager of the School signed the Maintenance Agreement after which the official ribbon cutting ceremony took place.

Belizean Cuisine A Hit in New York with Chef Jennie Staines, Elvi’s Kitchen
On November 14th, the Belize Tourism Board and top food magazine Saveur, hosted a night of Belizean cuisine at the Saveur kitchen in New York, New York. Chef Jennie Staines, of Elvi’s Kitchen in San Pedro, dazzled over twenty (20) top food writers with her authentic and flavorful cooking. In usual Belizean flair, Chef Jennie did demonstrations and interviews - all at once! The attendees were gifted with locally made products including condiments, pepper sauce, cook books and other Belize items. After dinner, one lucky writer walked away with a trip to Belize for two. She will be treated to La Isla Bonita’s hospitality for four nights. “I was treated like a queen by everybody involved in the project,” commented Chef Jennie Staines to Ambergris Today. “Everybody went out of their way to make the event a special one for me. I met very interesting people, dined at elite restaurants in New York and of course I was very proud of representing my country Belize and doing my part in luring more bloggers and food writers to visit Belize and give our home more promotion.”

Help Save A Life – Give Blood - San Pedro Blood Drive
Hosted By: San Pedro Red Cross, Washington University of Health and Science Medical School and Belize Blood Bank Date: Saturday, December 7, 2013 Time: 9 am to 2 pm Place: Washington University of Health and Science Medical School (Across from SAGA Humane Society and in front of Pedro’s Inn) Gifts and Refreshments will be provided. For questions contact: Sarah Thompson at 601-0345 Laurie Norton: [email protected] Shirlee Arnould: 666-6144 *No appointment necessary

Misc Belizean Sources

San Pedro Town Council Toy Drive
The Black Orchid Restaurant & Lounge is proud to announce our Official Drop Off Status for the San Pedro Town Council Toy Drive. We are collecting toys for the Children of San Pedro. Please bring new unwrapped gifts to the Restaurant. We look forward to the support we know this worthy cause deserves. Thank you in advance from your friends & staff at the Black Orchid Restaurant & Lounge.

Dangriga Town river water is contaminated and not fit for human consumption
It has been brought to my attention by a Garifuna environmental activist that the North Stann Creek River, which flows into Dangriga Town, has been polluted and contaminated with several toxic and chemical substances for years now. He has been conducting testing of human beings, plants and animals for some years now. The results show catastrophic effects on all of them including land erosions along the river bank and the beach in Dangriga Town. His investigation revealed that for years now the citrus companies in Pomona Valley and Alta Vista “Salada Company” have been dumping their chemical waste from their factories into this river. Plus, there are companies doing several types of mining along the side of the river. Citrus farmers use several types of pesticides, which flow into the river when it rains as well. Then we have people dumping garbage and human waste into the river.

Garinagu
The Garinagu are the backbone of Belizean society We gave Belize its first sugar and cotton factory In the southern part of the country When the expatiates came to set up Industry Before the floods came and gave us great difficulty Most of our communities had to be rebuilt after Hattie which hit the south savagely and killed many Not to mention destroyed Belize City The British came in ships to help wi And we rebuilt relatively quickly We even help George Price get his first victory And Thomas Vincent Ramos championed the Cause with Marcus Mosiah Garvey My people were stalwarts in the rice and citrus industry During the early Commerce Bight Port days We strengthen the economy Having the only natural deep water port in the country During the 'Suba worker' days in Pomona Valley We were exporting canned citrus internationally And Dangriga was a thriving community God'sman Ellis and the Jamaicans gave us our first Agricultural show, bringing the farmers out the shadows He set up the infrastructure for Trial Farm Where Cynthia Topsey was born

VIDEO: 29th TOWNSHIP PERFORMANCES
Students performing at the Schools 29th Township Celebration at the R. Angel Nuñez Auditorium at the San Pedro High School.

Lighting the Christmas Tree at Central Park.
Come out on Sunday, December 1st, where we will be lighting the Christmas Tree at Central Park. We will also be hosting a Toy Drive, so bring out a toy and help us spread the joy of Christmas!

29th TOWNSHIP CELEBRATION (52 photos)
On Wednesday, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and the San Pedro Town Council hosted a Children's Rally at the R. Angel Nuñez Auditorium at the San Pedro High School were all schools performed songs, dances and poems for everyone. It was quite entertaining! At the event, Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Angel Nuñez invited Mr. Clive Welsh of the Lighthouse Christian Radio to offer us his blessings. Following Mr. Welsh, was the welcome address by Mayor Daniel Guerrero, where he urged everyone to practice Civic Pride and be more appreciative of our environment. Mr. Einer Gomez was a guest speaker at the event where he shared with the students on how San Pedro has grown and how our ancestors help build this town. Offering the closing remarks was Councilor Kenrick Brackett. Also, at the event, Miss Garifuna 2013, Miss Tizane Martinez was officially crowned by Miss San Pedro High, Miss Chelsea Muñoz. The students also sang Happy Birthday to San Pedro's very own Miracle Baby, Daniel Estell who was celebrating his 4th birthday with us. To close off the event, the students were treated to ideals and biscuits and of course, the news that they would be getting the day off!

29th Township Anniversary Cocktail (38 photos)
On Tuesday, November 26, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and The San Pedro Town Council hosted a cocktail event in commemoration of the 29th Township Anniversary of San Pedro Town. Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Angel Nuñez greeted everyone to the event and shared his humor with the guests. At the event, Mayor Daniel Guerrero offered the welcome address, Mr. Clive Welsh from the Christian Lighthouse Radio offered the invocation and Mr. Wilfredo Alamilla Sr. shared with us a few memories of a young San Pedro Town. After all remarks were made, Miss San Pedro 2013, Solani Graniel and Mayor Daniel Guerrero presented awards of recognition and appreciation to various members of the community who have impacted the growth of San Pedro.

Wildtracks' New Sanctuary
Wildtracks is hoping to build a new sanctuary for the troops of monkeys they're housing, and they've taken to the web to crowd fund it on indiegogo. Check out their page to find all the information on the project, and if you can, help them out. "Wildtracks will be building a 35 foot high, 50 foot diameter central enclosure around a large sapote tree, linked by overhead tunnels to three, 40 foot long enclosures, providing facilities for the three troops currently in the Primate Rehabilitation Centre – a total of 13 spider monkeys...but we can only do this with your help! In addition to the new enclosures, Wildtracks needs to continue finding funds to support for the spider monkeys during the cage construction period, estimated at four months. It costs US$2,000 per month for the crates of fruit for the older monkeys and milk for the babies in the Nursery Unit."

Benque Market Ribbon Cutting
The Benque Market is coming soon! They had the ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday with the mayor and other stakeholders. Benque was chosen earlier this year to be Belize's next tourism destination, and for good reason. It's wonderful seeing Benque, known for having a special culture all its own, get these much deserved projects. They'll have permanent and temporary stalls for rent. Call 803-2020 for more information. "The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Benque Market was held yesterday at Corner of Wyatt & Kennedy Street! The Mayor of Benque Viejo del Carmen, Miguel Velasquez cut the ribbon after introducing the market plan. Some of people helping the Mayor to cut the ribbon were L-R His Excellency Mr. Said Badi Guerra, Ambassador of Belize, Mr. Recard Gongora, representing National Authorizing Office, Mayor Velasquez, Mr. David Sanfiel, Civil Engineer representing European Union and Mr. Subrata Basu, Peace Corps volunteer."

SI United Defeat Belmopan 2 - 0
The SI United triumphed over the Belmopan Bandits 2 - 0 this last weekend. They will play the BDF this weekend since the last time they were scheduled to play, it was rained out. Go, United! "Amazing Match last Sunday, the boys but on a great show and defeated the 'Mighty' Belmopan Bandits. Looking to cash in more points with our three consecutive home matches coming up. BDF is Next this sunday. Go SIU!!"

MMAC Archaeological Tour Specials
The Maya Mountain Adventure Club is doing Caracol tomorrow, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech on Sunday, and Tikal on Monday. If you love ruins, now's the time to check them out. Belizeans get 50% off tours, and students get 75% off. Link goes to a short video of Mr. Cruz guiding a tour in Caracol.

Channel 7

Young Clerks Took Radisson Down For 180K!
Tonight one young accounting clerk is in jail, and other up and coming young office workers could be headed his way after police cracked a major embezzlement ring. Late this afternoon, Justin "Ducky" Lacroix was arraigned in Belize City magistrate's court on 58 counts of forgery related charges. Lacroix is a staffer at a local accountant's firm. And while he was coming up as an auditor, tonight, he's in jail. That's because he was arraigned late in the evening, when the court cashier had already closed up for the day. So even though he was offered fifteen thousand dollars bail, it couldn't be arranged so he was sent to jail. We are told that at least two others, also up and coming young professionals are in police custody and face a multitude of forgery related charges.

Terrible Traffic Accident from The Perspectives Of Driver/Witness
When we left you last night, it was with the news that there had been a terrible, fatal accident on the Western Highway near Belmopan. Well tonight we have more details. There is that one fatality to report but in a major collision involving 7 persons, there could have been more. Daniel Ortiz spoke to one of the drivers and a first responder today to try and find out what happened. Daniel Ortiz reporting This mashed up Ford Explorer was one of the vehicles in the accident on the Western Highway, just outside of Belmopan, which resulted in a fatality. ASP Sinquest Martinez - OC, Belmopan Police "Just before 5pm police responded to a traffic accident between miles 46 and 47 on the George Price Highway where they saw 2 vehicles; one white D-max, property of the Government of Belize and a green Ford Explorer. The D-max was travelling from the direction of Belize City to Belmopan driver by Ernesto banner while the other vehicle was travelling in the direction to Belize City driver by Bert Ramos when they had a collision and unfortunately one person lost his life."

BWS Former Employees: “I’ll See You In Court”
For months we've been reporting on the case of the terminated BWS employees. They are now suing their former employer for wrongful termination, and today it became clear that there is no settlement to be had - the matter will have to be argued in court. Attorney for 5 of the six terminated employees Antionette Moore told us that she'll see BWS in court!:.. Antionette Moore, attorney "It's a matter we had hoped to settle. It has not, BWS came today and only today through their lawyer saying that they are not amenable to a settlement and wish for the matter to be set for trial and so that is what will happen now. I think there is no merit to their defense, absolutely none and so they are taking their chances before a court." Moore says BWS did not entertain settlement proposals she put forward on behalf of the workers. And while at court, we also had an opportunity to ask the terminated workers about an angry release from the former union, the BWS workers union. Seems that last week, when the terminated workers took to the airwaves they had some not so nice things to say about the Union president Lorelei Westby. Well, the union sent out a defensive press release, saying quote, "several former workers of BWS have been on a campaign to defame the Belize Water Services Workers' Union and its former president, Ms. Lorelei Westby …they had repeatedly expressed praises for the kind of leadership they enjoyed and the benefits received via such good leadership," End quote. It added that their, quote, "malicious actions…cannot be condoned."

Hon. Dolores Says McKay Killing “Appears Extra Judicial”
The post mortem on Travis Mckay was conducted this afternoon in Belize City. McKay is the 22 year old who was killed by Ladyville police on Wednesday - near his home. Today his area representative Dolores Balderamos Garcia issued a statement saying, quote, "This is the second shooting this year that has ended in the death of a young Ladyville resident at the hands of the Police. I cannot, in my capacity of representing the Ladyville Community, stand by and say nothing." End quote. She adds that, quote, "In both instances there are many questions regarding the shootings, and…I feel compelled to add my voice to the cries of concern from Ladyville residents about the actions of the Police." End quote. Later in the release, she sharpens that critique and says, quote, "in no way can we as civilized persons and communities turn a blind eye to what appears to be extra-judicial killings by the Police." Balderamos-Garcia closes off by saying, quote, "The Police must be held accountable." We note that police have ongoing internal and criminal investigations.

Is Alleged Land Grab Undermining City Effort To Build Buttonwood Bay Park?
There's a simmering dispute over a park on Seashore Drive in the Buttonwood Bay area of Belize City. Area residents say they are trying to build a proper seaside park, but are being undermined by what they characterize as a land grab. The area is a dank and long neglected public space near the corner of Seashore Drive and Buttonwood Bay Boulevard. It's supposed to be a people's park, but neglect had turned it into a dubious hangout spot. Recently, residents, working along with City Hall, have been working to fix up the park, which meant clearing away some mangrove and filling it with sand - work which was ongoing today with City Council workers. But that parcel 3820 which is shown on this map as one integral plot is now under dispute. Giovanni Blease says it's his - not the whole park, just the area that was recently cleared and is now being filled. Blease's attorney told us that the park only extends to where the boulder - fence is and that small plot, between the end of the park fence and tall fence for Mike Feinstein's boat yard is designated for Geovanni Blease.

Tried to Kill Ex’s New BF, Gone To Jail For It
34 year old Leslie Fraser was found guilty of attempted murder today by Justice Adolph Lucas. The court found that he tried to kill his ex-common law wife's new boyfriend. The incident occurred on May 29, 2011. The complainant, Faron Waight, testified that while he was at his residence, at the corner of King Street and Amara Avenue, he saw Fraser lurking nearby. Waight said he grabbed a piece of stick and began to pursue Fraser on bike. He said that when he caught up, Fraser pulled out a machete from a bag and chopped him to the back of his head. Waight fell to the ground and Fraser got over him and chopped him several more times. The woman in the middle of the quarrel also testified for the prosecution that she saw Frazer chopping Waight.

2 Yrs After Project Approval, No Flood Alleviation Or Mitigation For Belama, PM Blames IDB Process
The 10 million US dollars flood alleviation and mitigation project for the Belama Project was signed in November of 2011 in the wake of Hurricane Richard. But two years later, there's no alleviation or mitigation for Belama resident who end up inundated every time there is a heavy rain. Indeed, nothing discernible has happened with the 5 year project. And that PM says that's because it's funded by the IDB - which moves at a glacial pace. We asked about it at his press conference on Wednesday:. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "The flood mitigation project indeed it is just now starting. The frustration has been for us intense, but these people have their processes. In a sense, you want to tell us about our being slow, comparatively speaking, we are like a hair. When you look at the way the CDB and the IDB and the Union proceed, so you ought to be commending us for doing so much better job than it appears is the international norm."

Mayor Bradley Passed On Freetown Candidacy?
Last night, we told you about three novel names which were entering the UDP's convention season. They are Elodio Aragon Junoiur, who will leave his job as the second in command at the police in department to run in Orange Walk East, Beverly Castillo, who will leave her job as ceo in the ministry of natural resources to contest the Belize Rural central Convention, and Omar Figueroa, a noted researched and wildlife expert who will get into the fray in Cayo north. Today, observers said we'd have one more name to add to that list: Darrell Bradley, whom it was rumored would be running in the Freetown Division. Well, the five pm deadline came and went and Bradley did not put in his name. So what's next? Well, Bradley Said he's focusing on the city right now - and if he reverts to Caribbean Shores, the convention there won't be held until a year or lesS before the next general elections. The UDP convention season for 14 care-taker seats starts early next year. Today the party's secretary general would not say how many applications were put in before today's deadline, but she did say that a majority of the 145 seats will be contested. She stressed that all names have to be vetted.

Curl Jr, Gets 3 Years For Indecent Assault
30 year old Curl Gordon, Jr. is spending the first night of 3 year sentence, which was handed down this morning from Justice Adolph Lucas. Gordon was convicted of committing an indecent assault on a 7 year old girl by a 9 member jury on last week Thursday. During the trial, the child testified against him that he touched her inappropriately. The mother corroborated the story telling the court that she saw Gordon on top of the child moving up and down. An examination of the child revealed that she was not carnally known, and so, he was only charged with indecent assault. In his defense, Gordon told the court that he is innocent of the charge and that the mother of the child set her up to tell lies on him. This morning, no one appeared to speak on Gordon's behalf and in his mitigation, he begged the court to be lenient on him since it was his first conviction. He also told the court that his wife is expecting his child, and he doesn't know how she will be able to provide it. Gordon then asked the court to please consider the one year he had already spent on remand, and to subtract it from whatever time he would be given.

Red Cross Fundraising For Flood Victims
For the past 2 weeks, 7News have been telling you about the millions of dollars in damages that the rains and flooding have caused to the country’s roads, infrastructure and agriculture. Well, sitting in the shadow of all of that rebuilding are the 200 families from the Belize River Valley and the Cayo District whose homes and possessions have been destroyed by the flooding.

Free Aids Testing For World AIDS Day
Sunday is World Aids Day, and all around the country, the Ministry of Health is organizing free HIV testing for the public. It’s part of an awareness campaign by the Ministry to allow an opportunity to find persons to find out their HIV status.

Precinct Policing Continuing The Community Outreach
So far this year murders in Belize City are down from 74 at the end of November 2012, to 37, exactly half at the end of November 2013. That's a remarkable 50% drop, and while everyone has their own theory about what's driving crime down, if you ask the police they'll say, with good reason that it's the implementation of precinct policing in the city. That's because precinct policing is about forming lasting relationships with the community, and one example of that came today in Precinct one where the formation held a health fair. Usually that's the job of the ministry og works, who did participate, but it was a police led effort. The officer commanding explained what's the idea:...

Dara’s Conscious Party
Another positive community effort is coming this weekend. The eternal fundraiser and tireless philanthropist Dara Robinson is having what he calls a conscious party. On Sunday afternoon at Bird's Isle, DJ's with a vintage taste in cultural reggae will, as they say, nice up the vibes, in a fund raising event that the organizers also hope will be spirit lifting. They told us more:..

Kinds With Hearts Of Gold
3 young boys who want to be an example of giving to spread kindness are William Bennett, Joshua Camal, and Mishach McKoy, students of Grace Primary School in Belize. As we told you, the Salvation Army started their annual Christmas Donation drive, the biggest fundraiser for their outreach programs of the year. These young boys organized a collection campaign in their school and managed to raise $80 to donate to the Salvation Army. They delivered it yesterday for Thanksgiving and told us that they just want to do a little to ensure that children less fortunate than them could enjoy a little of the Christmas Cheer, which Salvation Army makes possible:

Albert Street Looks Like Times Square! (Kinda)
Belize City residents lined up this evening on Albert Street to witness the second annual Bowen and Bowen Christmas tree lighting out at the Mule Park and to enjoy a festive evening. With Christmas only 26 days away, Mayor Darrell Bradley told us, what better way to kick-off the season than with a jolly good time on Albert Street. And if you're having trouble in traffic getting across the city that is because certain streets are blocked off to accommodate the event. Albert Street from Swing Bridge to Church Street will be closed as well as, Orange Street from East Canal to Albert Street.

Channel 5

1 dead and 6 injured in a traffic accident on the George Price Highway
A total of seven persons were injured in a traffic accident on Thursday evening. An SUV, heading toward Belize City, collided with a government vehicle en route to Belmopan. Three [...]

B.W.S.L. former employees proceed with lawsuit in the Supreme Court
A lawsuit brought against Belize Water Services Limited by five former employees, who contend that they were unlawfully terminated by the company earlier this year, will proceed in the Supreme [...]

Area Rep. for Belize Rural Central calling for proper investigation in the two police killings in the Ladyville community
On Wednesday afternoon, Ladyville resident Travis McKay was shot and killed by the police. His brother states he witnessed the police use unnecessary force when an officer pushed the face [...]

Opposition leader criticizes the secrecy surrounding the supposedly multiple investigation into the passport scandal
Minister of State turned political and public pariah Elvin Penner has gone M.I.A. Penner was castigated for his role in procuring nationality status and a Belizean passport for South Korean, [...]

PM does not support the 13th senator and opposition does
The debate on the thirteenth senator has been resurrected in recent weeks. It’s a concept which was passed into law by the U.D.P., but it never materialized. While the two [...]

UDP has at least three new faces running for standard bearer
The deadline for submission of names for persons wanting to offer themselves for candidacy in upcoming conventions to be held by the United Democratic Party is today.  While a list [...]

Some works to be done on the San Estevan Road
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has announced a multi-million dollar infrastructure program to repair streets and roads across the nation. The outlay is in response to damage caused by incessant rains [...]

Some monies to be allocated to alleviate Sarteneja/Chunox Road
While there is good news, albeit sometime in the future, for commuters between Orange Walk Town and Progresso, passengers on the Chunox-Sarteneja Road are forced to endure daily hell. The [...]

Oppositon says he is not impressed with multi-million dollar infrastructure program
At his press conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow unveiled a multi-million dollar infrastructure program to address deteriorating streets and roads in the country. Almost three million dollars have [...]

PM says salary increase will take effect in July 2014
Discussions on a salary increase for teachers and public officers, so very loud earlier in the year, have apparently been muted. The unions appeared deflated in the face of government’s [...]

Leslie Frazier found guilty of Attempted Murder
Thirty-four year old Leslie Frazier, charged with the attempted murder of Faron Waight, was today found guilty by Justice Adolph Lucas, after the conclusion of a trial without jury.  The [...]

Belize Coast Guard celebrates its eight anniversary
Today the Belize Coast Guard celebrated its eighth anniversary in grand style in San Pedro, inaugurating its forward operating base and also passing out thirty new recruits. The facility, which [...]

Vandalism continues at the Lord Ridge Cemetery
Vandalism at the Lord Ridge Cemetery is a perennial practice by mischief makers who set out to desecrate the resting place of the dead.  While the problem had eased off [...]

Philanthropist organizing fundraising event for feeding program
Recognized philanthropist Dara Robinson is organizing a fundraising event this weekend for his primary school feeding program.  Billed as the first of its kind all conscious reggae party, Ras Dara [...]

Punta rock artist releasing new album
Budding Punta rock artist Taprick is releasing a new album this weekend after two months of carefully crafting a collection of songs which he believes will resonate with his fans [...]

Breaking News: one dies in traffic accident in the Capital
There is breaking news tonight. At about five-thirty this evening, a government vehicle collided into an SUV near the entrance to the hector Silva Airstrip in Belmopan. What we have [...]

PUP turns in signature to trigger recall
On October fifth the People’s United Party launched a campaign to collect signatures on a petition to recall Elvin Penner. The move came just weeks after news broke of the [...]

The paper trail on the visa hustle involving UDP ministers
At a press conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow scoffed at the evidence proving that Minister of State Edmond Castro is engaged in the large-scale procuring of visas for [...]

Francis Fonseca says Barrow’s defense of Castro is disgraceful
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow spoke on a variety of issues at a press conference in Belize City, and today P.U.P. leader, Francis Fonseca, did the same. Fonseca touched [...]

And says immigration bill is all glitter and no substance
Minister of Immigration, Godwin Hulse, has proposed three new pieces of legislation which, if passed into law, will have the Immigration Department running like, in his words, a well-oiled machine. [...]

Police confirm they shot and killed Travis McKay
Police are saying tonight that Ladyville resident, Travis McKay, was shot and killed in a cross fire, but family members who witnessed the shooting vehemently contradict the police version. Wednesday’s [...]

Caribbean Financial Action Task Force blacklists Belize; is banking sector in jeopardy
As you know by now, the European Union has blacklisted Belize for not doing enough to curb illegal fishing. That is bad, but even worse is the news of the [...]

Opposition says it fully supports the farmers; even to strike
Back to the press conference hosted by the Opposition. Prime Minister Barrow on Wednesday went on record to give government’s full support to the stance of the cañeros that they [...]

UB Faculty and Staff Association concerned about state of affairs of university
UB President Doctor Cary Fraser remains on leave tonight amid the turmoil that has ensued since his announcement of impending departure.  While Prime Minister Barrow has gone on record to [...]

CTV3

PM Sings A Different When It Comes To Visa Scandal
The controversy surrounding Belizean visa hustling continues and the situation only keeps getting interesting. While a national media house has taken upon itself to poke into the matter deeper and has come up with some compelling arguments, the Prime Minister defends his flock, in particular Minister Edmund Castro. As viewers may recall, the controversy blew over in the immigration department when proof surfaced that Elvin Penner was involved in the illegal processing of Belizean passports. Although the Prime Minister insists that there is no illegality to Penner’s actions he still booted him out of the United Democratic Party. An investigation into the immigration department was launched and as of yesterday, in the government press conference, Godwin Hulse says there was no update except to say that the investigation is ongoing. Another subsequent move is the restructuring of the immigration department for which three pieces of legislation have began its process in the House Of Representatives. Immediately following this scandal, Edmund Castro’s name was thrown into the mix as one of the government ministers who has been deeply and largely involved in visa hustling. First, a whistle blower surfaced but government gives her no credibility.

PM Discusses EU Position For Illegal Fishing
We have been reporting on the European Union’s position to blacklist Belize in High Seas Fishing. As we told, Belize along with Guinea and Cambodia are facing sanctions and were blacklisted by the European Union for illegal fishing in high seas. European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Maria Damanaki, said the fight against illegal fishing is being stepped up since the three countries are refusing to rein in the unlawful practice. Prime Minister Dean Barrow responded to the situation in yesterday’s press conference in Belize City. PM – DEAN BARROW “We will make every effort to put in place proper monitoring infrastructure and am repeating to you that we will very quickly pass the regulation what they are saying is, we pass the act and that is fine but there must be regulations under the act that will then create the monitoring infrastructure and then you must operationalize monitoring infrastructure, I am telling you that we will do that but I have said before and I will say again ultimately if we have to deregister the entire fishing fleet we will do that it is not a step we would like take because it is earning revenue to government but at the end of the day we will do whatever we have to get this thing in the kind of shape we want and to sort out the problem so let us also be clear that the possible consequences of the EU action, don’t extend to anything other than the fisheries product of the fishing fleet you know, doesn’t affect our shrimp, doesn’t affect anything else so while it is serious and we are taking it seriously and we will deal with it don’t let us carried away and believe that it is anymore consequential than it is.”

Works On San Estevan Road No Where In Sight
At yesterday’s Press conference held by Prime Minister Dean Barrow, flanked by a host of UDP ministers, CEO’s and heads of departments, the government promised to inject over seventy million dollars worth of money into road improvements across the country. Now the promise for, as the PM put it “road network improvements” comes at a time when there are still several projects pending completion and even commencement. We can think of two major roads in the Orange Walk District alone. So asking the Prime Minister whether the government will be rolling out these new projects soon and if they will be dragging their feet seemed only logical. Of course his natural and immediate response was to defend his administration saying that the government is delivering and delivering well. Honorable Dean Barrow- Prime Minister of Belize “And while the need for action is real and while the need for speed must be undeniable must be deliberate speed so that you don’t do any foolishness with the public monies, in that context I am absolutely satisfied that we are delivering and will deliver that the respect to what is absolutely urgent people will see the action taking place immediately and we will make a complete nonsense, we will rubbish your faeces that you put forward a while ago.”

LOVE FM

New Intake for Belize Coast Guard
Today the Belize Coast Guard held ceremonies to celebrate its 8th anniversary and the graduation of thirty new intakes. The ceremonies were held in Ambergris Caye where also, the Coast Guard’s San Pedro forward operating station. Love News was there and Hipolito Novelo reports. HIPOLITO NOVELO REPORTING “Twelve weeks ago a total of eighty young men and women signed up to be joined one of Belize’s most essential security force; the Belize Coast Guard. Today, after a three months training, graduation ceremonies were held for 29 of them. CEO in the Ministry of National Security, Ret’d Lt. Col. George Lovell, detailed the training that these young men and women went through. LT. COL. GEORGE LOVELL “There are the few, the proud that survived out of 80 that entered the hollow halls of the Coast Guard Training Company. Their training included physical fitness, swimming, drills, first aid, seamanship, law enforcement, weapons training and marksmanship. A typical day, just for your information included being up at 4 in the morning, PT at 5, fatigue which is generally getting the compound and their environs clean at 6. They then went and had breakfast at 7 followed by a hard day of training, building discipline, teamwork and learning the tool of military trade.”

PUP’s Area Rep Says Police Must Be Held Accountable
Area Representative for Belize Rural Central, Dolores Balderamos Garcia, has expressed extreme concern over the fatal shooting by police of Ladyville resident, Travis McKay. Dolores signals the incident as the second such one in which a Ladyville resident was killed at the hands of the police and she says that as the Area Representative, she cannot remain silent about it. The first victim was Ryan Lozano in April of this year. She adds that while she cannot speak with specificity about the facts, there are sufficient questions about the two incidents that cause people to raise concerns about the actions of the Ladyville Police. Even if the two young men had committed crimes, she said, they had a right to a fair trial. The Area Representative says that the community must not turn a blind eye to what she terms as quote “extra-judicial killings by the police” unquote. Balderamos-Garcia says that the police must be held accountable for their actions and joins the families of the fallen men in calling for full and proper investigations into their shooting deaths.

Armed Robbery in Southern Belize
An armed robbery was reported on Thursday in Punta Gorda. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the details. PAUL MAHUNG “On Thursday, 28th November 2013 around 8:05 am, information was received of an armed robbery in front of Charles Franklin Hotel on George Price Street in Punta Gorda Town. PG Police were immediately dispatched to the location. Upon arrival, 25-year-old, Jamie Leslie, a Belizean salesman for Madison Company and a resident of Belize City reported to police that around 7:05 am he was walking towards to company truck parked in front of the said hotel when he was accosted by a dark skinned masked man. The masked man pointed, what appeared to be a handgun at him and demanded money. Fearing for his life he surrendered his blue knapsack containing a catalog, two invoice books, two Scotia Bank deposit books and a blue bag containing 1350 dollars. Police detained three persons for investigation and are looking for another person who they believe can help with the investigation.”

Fraser Guilty of Attempted Murder
Thirty-four year old Leslie Fraser, an unemployed charged with attempted murder, was found guilty of the charge today by Justice Adolph Lucas. It was a trial without jury. Justice Lucas has deferred sentencing until December 6 in order to give Fraser time to prepare a plea for mitigation. Fraser was not represented by any attorney. Crown Counsel Shanice Lovell represented the prosecution. The incident occurred on May 29, 2011. The complainant, Faron Waight, testified that Fraser came by his house at the corner of King Street and Amara Avenue where he resided with Fraser’s ex-common-law wife. Waight said he went and got a piece of stick and jumped on his bicycle and pursued Fraser who had walked away. Waight said that when he caught up with Fraser he turned around because Fraser took out a machete from a bag. Waight was first chopped to the back of his head and when he fell, Fraser stood over him and chopped him several times. Waight’s common-law wife testified that she saw Fraser chopping Waight . Fraser testified and said that at the time of the incident he was doing security work at Glen Godfrey law firm at the corner of Craig Street and Barrack Road. Fraser called one witness, Henry Lauriano, but Lauriano’s testimony did not help him.

Road Accident Kills Long Time Public OfficerA man was killed and several others were injured in a road traffic accident on the George Price Highway on Thursday evening. He is Efrain Cowo, who was a passenger in a government vehicle traveling from Belize City towards Belmopan. According to 40-year-old Ernest Banner, just before five o’clock on Thursday evening he was driving a white Isuzu D Max heading towards Belmopan when upon reaching between miles 46 and 47, his vehicle and a green Ford Explorer travelling in the opposite direction but in his lane collided. As a result, his passengers, 25-year-old Ginee Neal, 29-year-old Kendra Arnold and Efrain Cowo suffered varying degrees of injury. Ramos, who spoke to Love News, said that contrary to what Banner reported, the incident happened quite differently. BERT RAMOS “I was coming from Belmopan yesterday evening after a meet and coming down on the highway was like a stream of vehicle. The vehicle that was in front of me, it seemed like he observed this bad spot and I see the brake light come on and so I went down for my brakes but by the time that vehicle cleared the bad spot, another vehicle going the opposite direction was just coming sliding right into me. I tried by continuing to hold my brakes and make sure the vehicle doesn’t run into me but I couldn’t stop it and it collided right into the left hand part of my vehicle.”

Belizean Program Developer Gets Grant from Taiwan
Earlier this week the Government of Taiwan provided grants of seven thousand US dollars to 18 entrepreneurs. One of the recipients is 29 year old Tiffany Simpson who has been using her talent and creativity to design educational software to help students who are preparing for the CXC and PSE Exams. The GAME Prep Software designed by Simpson will soon be expanded to include A-Level exams and BJAT for primary school students. The disc version of the software is available in Belize, Trinidad, Barbados and Guyana. Those who are interested in obtaining a copy of the CD or viewing an online version of the program can visit game-prep.com for more information. Simpson has been creating educational software for the past three years.

Bomb Threat Disrupts University ClassesClasses at the University of Belize central campus were disrupted yet again today. Love News spoke with the Director of Public Information at the University, Selwyn King, about the cause of today’s incident. SELWYN KING “We received a called approximately 5 minutes ago; an unidentified caller indicating that a bomb has been planted again on the Belmopan Campus of the University of Belize. It is unfortunate that we, if I can, that we have some sick minds just disrupting the entire operations of the University as we are preparing for exams which will be on Monday. It’s affecting us not only mentally but physically in terms of the operations it comes to a standstill. We have to take the threat seriously. We have to shut down the University. We called in the police and the BDF Bomb Squad. It’s an exercise that apparently is like a reoccurring decimal that we are faced with at this point in time.” LINETTE CANTO “How often do you get these threats?” SELWYN KING “Basically I’m losing count but approximately it’s the 4th or the 5th one with the last 2 or 3 months.”

Law Enforcement Agencies Team Up For Annual Torch Run
The Belize Police Department has teamed up with other law enforcement agencies to conduct its annual law enforcement torch run. Sergeant Elroy Carcamo, the Head of Community Policing Unit, told Love News that the event is to fundraise and to create awareness about the Special Olympics. The Unit’s plan is to send the Special Olympics Team to Los Angeles in 2015, as he explains. SGT. ELROY CARCAMO “We are trying to raise some 5000 dollars this year in order for that to occur. What happens is that on Monday, December 2 we will move the torch where the first torch run was held in PG and from PG and we are going to Belize City where we will have the National Games Special Olympic Games at the Marion Jones Stadium. The torch will be carried from PG to Dangriga thereafter, the following day from Dangriga to San Ignacio passing through Belmopan. The day after that it will go from San Ignacio to Hattieville; Thursday it will go from Hattieville to Ladyville through the Boom Road coming up to Haulover Bridge. Then on Friday morning from Haulover Bridge we are bringing it in to where we will have different agents participating in taking the torch from one point to the other.

3-Year Sentence for Aggravated Assault of Indecent Nature on Female Child
Thirty year old Curl Gordon Jr, who was convicted last week of aggravated assault of an indecent nature on a female child, was sentenced to three years today by Justice Adolph Lucas. Justice Lucas stipulated that the time of one year that Gordon was remanded be subtracted from his sentence, so Gordon will serve two years. Gordon was not represented by any attorney. Crown Counsel Portia Staine represented the prosecution. The incident occurred on October 2, 2011. The child was seven years old at the time.

World Aids Day 2013
Today is World AIDS Day and in observance of that, the Ministry of Health’s National AIDS Program’s Voluntary Counseling and Testing Unit is conducting a full day of testing and awareness. The event, which ends at four this evening, includes free HIV/AIDS tests and tips on how to prevent acquiring the disease as well as what other diseases are linked to it. One of those diseases which is closely linked to AIDS, according to Bernadine Grinage, the Ministry of Health’s Acting Coordinator in the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Unit, is Tuberculosis. Bernadine Grinage “Tuberculosis is a co-infection with HIV. HIV with TB shortens the prognosis; so, that’s why we are emphasizing the importance of knowing your HIV status. If, for example, if you are tested reactive, meaning that there are antibodies for the HIV virus then it is advisable to do a tuberculosis screening test as well and if someone has tested and found out that they have tuberculosis then it is advisable to do an HIV test as well.”

Chamber Returns with Christmas Expo
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry is in the process of setting up for their Christmas Expo Extravaganza which is scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday at the Princess Hotel in Belize City. Delmi Novelo is the Marketing and Public Relations officer. DELMI NOVELO “We will have various companies that will be selling clothing, computer gadgets; we have a Western Union, Chamber of Commerce, Karl H Menzies over there and the Y’s phone digital service that will be there at the expo. It’s an opportunity for everyone to come out and buy what they need for the Christmas season. So we invite everyone to come to the expo. The cost for the tickets is 3 dollars for adults, children 11 and under enter for free. We do have tickets available here at the Chamber of Commerce office and also at Doony’s and Beauty Plaza. If you want to come in before and not wait in the line then you can purchase your ticket in advance. Apart from all the various businesses we will be having at the expo, we will also be having music and entertainment by Super Furia Band. We will also be having the Santa Clause booth whereby children and their families can take a picture with Santa Claus. Our Western Union as well will be doing exclusive BTL top up so if anyone needs credit they can come to our booth and we will be the exclusive company to be selling for Smart and BTL.”

New Coast Guard Station in San Pedro
At today’s Coast Guard graduation ceremonies, Station San Pedro was inaugurated. The base came as a result of partnership between Belize and the U.S. South Command. CEO in the Ministry of National Security Ret’d Lt. Col. George Lovell and Chargé d’ Affairs at the US Embassy, Margaret Hawthorne highlighted the importance of the forward operating base. LT. COL. GEORGE LOVELL The building, I was told, was built at a cost of US 1.5 million dollars and can withstand winds that are associated with a category five hurricane or storm. The building can accommodate 16 personnel. It has a diesel generator and a 5000 gallon fuel storage capacity for both gas and diesel. There is also docking facilities as we see out here, that two ready vessels strategically located to enforce its mandate of law enforcement and military operations can be berthed. The area of operation for this station extends way beyond San Pedro, Ambergris and as far north as the Chetumal Bay and our northern border on the Rio Hondo with Mexico. It also goes all the way south to the area of Caye Caulker. The unit that will be operating from this station will be responsible for a host of missions, ranging from drug and weapon trafficking, illegal migrants, contraband, fisheries protection, environmental protection, boat safety and disaster relief operations.”

PlusTV

PUP Delivers Signatures to Governor General for a Referendum to Recall Elvin Penner
The process to recall Hon. Elvin Penner from his seat took a major step on Thursday morning. Key facilitators, working on the ground to collect signatures, along with the Ministers, representatives and other key motivators of the recall mechanism knocked on the door of the Governor General’s office this...

People’s United Party Hands Over Petition to Recall Hon. Elvin Penner
People’s United Party leader Francis Fonseca hosted a briefing with the press at Independence Hall this afternoon in response to numerous national issues. At the top of the agenda was this morning’s handing over of the petition for the recall of Cayo Northeast representative Elvin Penner, which 2,003 voters...

Fire Mercilessly Cosumes Residence on Fabers’ Road
There was a housefire last night in Belize City. A family residing at #2909 Fabers Road were forced to quickly evacuate their premises when a fire caught and the family matriarch fainted due to smoke inhalation. Her daughter, Irma Crawford, spoke to us off-camera about the circumstances surrounding the incident....

Hon. Fonseca says Police Killings Worries the PUP
A growing concern is the number of incidents involving police officers, after two this week in Placencia and Ladyville. At yesterday’s press briefing held at Independence Hall, PUP leader Francis Fonseca commented on the state of affairs. Hon. Francis Fonseca- Leader of the Opposition “On the recent police shootings,...

Motorbike Accident Sends one Injured into Hospital
A second accident occurred around that time at an intersection on Cayo Street in Belmopan. We understand that a motorist was knocked off his cycle on collision with a white vehicle. The motorist was taken to the Western Regional Hospital by a passerby.

PM Barrow Comments on Escalating State of Affairs of UB Faculty and Staff Association
The last we’ve heard of UB President Dr. Carey Fraser is that he is on leave. It is not certain how long he will be absent, or the nature of his leave, but in the meantime, Interim Provost, Wilmer Wright will hold over. As we have reported, the President...

New Photography Exhibits Shows Garifuna Life
November 19 may have come and gone but the rich cultural history of the Garinagu needs more than one day to be celebrated. This Friday the Image Factory is opening an exhibit on Garifuna culture called “3X Focus.” It is a collection of photographs from a trio of Belizean...

National Protected Areas to be Branded
Over 27% of all territory in Belize is under environmental protection, whether as national parks, monuments and reserves, or private sanctuaries and special grounds for animals. One of the common misconceptions about protected areas is that they are completely off-limits to those who make a living when in fact,...

Alleged Jealousy of Violent Woman Proved Murderous
A quote from B.C. Forbes goes, “Jealousy…is a mental cancer.” In August of 2012, this cancer proved murderous. Last year an alleged jealous and outraged estrange common-law wife who was no longer in a relationship with her baby’s biological father was accused of running over her ex-boyfriend with a...

Rural Development Officer Encounters Death on Vehicle Crash
The family of a Rural Development Officer is tonight mourning the death of their loved one, after he perished in a road accident last night. The incident occurred around 4:55 in the evening around Mile 46 and Mile 47 on the George Price Highway. 41 year old Efrain Cowo...

Fisheries Department Addresses EU Ban
While Belize’s local fisheries exports to the European Union (EU) have not been affected by a proposed ban on vessels carrying the Belize flag from selling products which the Union believes are caught illegally, there is a risk and the Government has moved to act. Their actions are based...

President of UB’s Vexatious Letter to Board’s Head
As we mentioned, Dr. Carey Fraser wrote to PM indicating that he was exploring an option that would see him leave the university next year. That letter was written on November 6th and copied to the Minister of Education as well as the leader of the Opposition. Now on...

Prime Minister Barrow Allays Fears on Petro-Caribe
In the context of addressing plans for improved infrastructure, the Prime Minister mentioned the Petro-Caribe initiative in which Belize saves millions in interest from concessionary loans by Venezuela which can only be used for capital projects. Some have called for the money to be used for other purposes and...

Amandala

LADYVILLE COPS SHOOT YOUTH SUSPECT DEAD!
The McKay and Escarpeta families of Ladyville are tonight mourning the death of a family member, Travis McKay, 22, of Army Camp Road, Ladyville. He died on the spot after being shot in the head in a shootout with police at about 3:50 this afternoon in a yard behind the Ladyville basketball court. The official police report of the incident stated that about 3:30 this afternoon, Rafael Hernandez, 60, a Ladyville butcher, reported that while he was at his business, Belize Country Products of Mile 9 on the Philip Goldson Highway, a man ran into his business wearing a green mask, black sweater and long khaki pants, brandishing a handgun. The man then closed the door and demanded money. The thief proceeded to grab money from out the drawer and ran out of the building and across the Philip Goldson Highway into an abandoned house located beside Blue House Bar. Ladyville police who were in the area responded, continued the police release, and cornered the suspect on Seagull Street. The suspect then pulled out a .38 revolver and fired three shots at the marked police mobile unit, police said.

DEATH PENALTY WILL STAY ON OUR BOOKS!
The 2012 murder of Jasmine Lowe resurrected public calls for the resumption of the death penalty in Belize. The issue has been off the front burner since, but was brought to the fore last month when a UK official, speaking at the 17th Session of the Human Rights Council Working Group’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), held in Geneva, Switzerland, called on Belize to undertake a public consultation on the complete abolition of the death penalty. Prime Minister Dean Barrow said at a press conference Wednesday: “They’ve been on with this capital punishment thing for years now. Everybody knows that practically speaking, no judge orders execution, so it’s not happening. If they want us to take it off the books, I certainly won’t agree with them at all. I absolutely and completely disagree. I believe that capital punishment, if we were able to implement it, would serve as a deterrent, so there is no sympathy at all for that recommendation.” Kent Bowers was the last person to be executed by the state of Belize. He was hanged in June 1985. However, the UK official said that in 2012, Belize was unable to join 111 other states in supporting a worldwide moratorium on execution as a step towards total abolition—a decision in which she said the UK was “disappointed.”

TEACHERS, UNIONS WILL GET RAISE-A-PAY NEXT YEAR: PM BARROW
Some three weeks ago, the unions – in particular the Belize National Teacher’s Union (BNTU) and the Public Service Union (PSU)– complained to the media because they thought that it was time to go back to the negotiating table with Government with regards to their proposed salary adjustments, especially since Prime Minister Dean Barrow had publicly said that GOB was “rolling in millions and millions of dollars.” Well, it appears that they will get their salary adjustments as promised – just not right now. Sporting a new look at today’s press conference, Prime Minister Barrow assured the public servants that they would get a pay raise; however, he added that they (the unions) need to exercise patience. The unions are hoping that Government heeds their demands and commits to setting a minimum salary increase, known commonly as a ‘floor’.

VINCENT TILLETT, 49, GETS 15 YEARS
Vincent Tillett, 49, also known as “Stino,” was sentenced to 15 years in prison this morning when he appeared before Justice Adolph Lucas. Tillett was convicted of the lesser crime of manslaughter on November 15, 2013, in a trial without jury for the February 13, 2011 stabbing of Darwin Phillips, 22. Phillips was at the home of Denise Stuart celebrating the birthdays of three persons in that family. Between 7:00 and 7:30 that night, Tillett arrived at the house to drop off two of the four children he has with Stuart. Tillett went into the kitchen and when he emerged, he approached Phillips and stabbed him once in his chest, in front of his young children, and Phillips’ child, who were there watching a movie. On February 14, 2011, Tillett contacted police and told them they could apprehend him by the Haulover Bridge, which they did. During an interview with the police, Tillett confessed to stabbing Phillips because Phillips threatened to kill him.

PENNER’S NEW YEAR’S PRESENT: “WRIT OF REFERENDUM”
While some might consider it as an attempt to counteract or even undermine yesterday’s press conference conducted by Prime Minister Dean Barrow, in which the GOB rolled out a proposed infrastructure plan worth $200 million dollars, Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Francis Fonseca, single-handedly staged a press conference this afternoon at the PUP’s Independence Hall. Fonseca opened the press conference with the news that the People’s United Party (PUP) has submitted approximately 2,003 petition signatures to the Governor General – all in support of a recall of current Cayo North East area representative, Hon. Elvin Penner. According to Fonseca, a “writ of referendum” will now be issued for the Cayo Northeast constituency 15 days after the signatures have been reviewed. That is expected to be around January 15th of next year. He also conceded that it will be an “uphill battle”, but he maintained that the PUP is committed to seeing the process through and achieving the difficult 65% threshold that stands almost as an impediment to the procedure.

“INVESTIGATION INTO PASSPORT SCANDAL IS ONGOING:” IMMIGRATION MINISTER
Although Immigration Minister, Hon. Godwin Hulse, was still reluctant to divulge any detailed information about the “ongoing” investigations into the recent passport scandal, he did provide some additional information regarding the situation at the embattled Immigration and Nationality Departments, including the hiring of an assistant CEO in the Immigration Ministry. The “Penner Passport Scandal” that surfaced just before Belize’s 32nd anniversary of Independence in September, is still very much in the minds of many Belizeans. Former Minister of State and Cayo Northeast area representative, Hon. Elvin Penner – the man who was fired from Cabinet for his involvement in the granting of a Belizean passport to a man who was in a Taiwanese prison at the time – is still the area representative for his constituency.

“MR. BELIZE” RIGO VELLOS WINS INTERNATIONAL BODYBUILDING COMPETITION IN MERIDA
Mr. Belize 2012/2013, Rigo Vellos, won the top prize and title in the 2013 Revolution Cup Bodybuilding Competition held on Sunday, November 24, at the annual Yucatan Festival in Xmatkuil, Merida. Belize’s top bodybuilder, who trains at Spartan Fitness Gym in Corozal Town, competed in the “80kg and over” category, defeating dozens of other international competitors. He then advanced to the overall category and defeated well-known Mexican bodybuilders such as Surizaday Alba Peña of Mexico’s “The Gym” and Isaac Acuña of “AM Gym.” This is a historic achievement for Belize. This was the first time a Belizean competed in the event. And now, a Belizean can claim the top title in one of Mexico’s most competitive bodybuilding competitions.

FFB INTER-DISTRICT WEEK 1 RESULTS
Eight (8) games were played over the weekend, 2 in each of the 4 zones, in Week 1 of the FFB Inter-District Tournament 2013. In Zone 1, P.G. Police United crushed M&M; Steelers, 5-0, with goals from Devin Burgess (7’ & 47’), Rowlin Burgess (21’ PK) and Deon Burgess (25’ & 81’). And Mavericks FC dropped GB United, 5-2, with 2 goals from Kenton Galvez and 1 apiece from Everette Recinos, Leslie Williams and Andre Logan; while GB United goals were by Henry Jimenez and Jose Lopez. In Zone 2, Hope Creek Pumas came from being down a goal to dispose of Roaring Creek FC, 5-1. Lionel Cabral had a hat trick (38’, 45’ & 84) and Victor Trujillo netted 2 goals (27’ & 85’) for Hope Creek, while Roaring Creek’s only goal was by Orin Reneau (16’). And San Martin FC drew, 1-1, with Green Gold FC. Melvin Barrientos (13’) put San Martin in front early, but Jeffery Apolonio (82’) equalized for Green Gold.

DANGRIGA SPORTS STATS
SCFA 1st Division Tournament update The Stann Creek Football Association (SCFA) Old Master Rum & Paul’s Guest House 1st Division Tournament 2013 had 2 back matches last night at the Carl Ramos Stadium to complete Week 11 of the tournament. In game 1, Umadagu FC defeated Aquillas, 3-1, with a goal each from Brandon Flores (26’), Earl Cacho (39’) and Victor Hernandez (61’). Aquillas’ only goal was by Lionel Thompson (44’). In game 2, Green Gold FC and New Site FC played to a 4-4 stalemate. Shaking the net for Green Gold were Erick Rivas (17’ & 38’), Hugo Franco (22’) and Hector Gomez; while New Site goals were by Brando Murillo (45’), Hasaan Lucas (54’) and Kyle Valerio (64’ & 90’+ PK). All back matches for the SCFA Old Master & Pal’s Guest House Cup are being played on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

VIOLENT CRIME AND RETIREMENT TOURISM Editorial
There were several subjects discussed at Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s first press conference since his back surgery in Los Angeles three weeks ago. This was on Wednesday morning at the Biltmore Hotel, just a day after the harrowing details of the weekend beating, torture and murder of Tyson Rodriguez had sparked a heated exchange on KREM Radio’s WUB call-in show. That indirect exchange took place between a member of Belize City’s street public and a police officer. For some reason, the topic of Tyson Rodriguez, a victim of police violence in the Placencia peninsula over the weekend, did not come up at the PM’s press conference. Just a few hours after that press conference, a Ladyville youth was shot dead in the village, and early indications are that the deadly shooting was done by the police. Two weeks or so ago, a letter to the newspaper from a member of Belize’s expatriate retirement community discussed violence and crime perpetrated by Belizeans against members of the expat community. The indications are that police believed Tyson Rodriguez to be one of a trio of home invaders who brutally beat and robbed a middle-aged Canadian retiree couple in their Placencia home. The letter writer’s fears were real.

FROM THE PUBLISHER
I do not agree with Clinton Uh Luna’s opinion of Samuel Haynes as a “hero of the Baymen’s clan.” I believe that Uh Luna’s reason for coming up with such an opinion has to do with certain parts of the Haynes poem which Rt. Hon. George Price chose for Belize’s national anthem. That poem was originally titled “Land of the gods,” and I believe it was written by Samuel Haynes while he was in self-imposed exile in the New York/New Jersey area in the early 1930s. The esteemed Mr. Haynes’ sojourn in the United States began in the early 1920s with Haynes working in Harlem as a high-ranking official of Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). Before proceeding, let me say, brazenly and controversially, that I consider it a typically Belizean stunt for “them” to change Haynes’ poem to “Land of the free,” because the official line was that Belizeans believe in only one God, so Haynes’ poetic reference to our being a “land of the gods” was inappropriate. For me, this change was petty, disrespectful, and so typically Belizean. A poem is a poem is a poem. Haynes was a devout Methodist: he believed in only one God. There is a thing called “poetic license,” which allows the poet all kinds of latitude. Mr. Haynes was dead when you changed his original composition because of your religious uptightness. Disrespect.

BELIZE TO FIGHT EU FISHERIES BAN
F “Upon decision of the [European] Council to put the three countries [including Belize] on the list of non-cooperating countries, fisheries products caught by fishing vessels flying the flag of these countries cannot be imported into the EU any longer.” Prime Minister Dean Barrow said at a press conference in Belize City on Wednesday that Belize will do whatever it takes to comply with the demands of the European Union (EU) in a recent call by the European Commission to ban fisheries imports from Belize-flagged vessels on the high seas, over allegations that Belize has not been doing enough to meet standards imposed by EU regulations on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Prime Minister Barrow said that the possible consequences of the EU ban don’t extend to anything more than the fisheries products caught on Belize-flagged vessels, and they do not affect shrimp. Belize also exports bananas and sugar to the EU. An official press release from the Ministry of Finance said, “…the European Commission [EC] has assured Belize that while any decision relating to IUU fishing will impact fisheries trade ‘the measures will not impact any other aspect of economic trade with Belize and the EU’.” Belize has registered 128 such fishing vessels, of which about 20 fish in the Atlantic Ocean and discharge their fish at the European Union ports.

WILLIAMS VS YEARWOOD BEFORE JUSTICE OLIVETTE ON MONDAY
The land dispute between the family of Rodwell Williams, Sr., and the Yearwood family of Cemetery Lane is scheduled to go before Supreme Court Justice Rita Joseph Olivette on Monday, when the judge is expected to hear an application from the Williams family for the court’s intervention, so that they can build on what the Yearwoods contend is their family property. Amandala understands that Rodwell Williams, Sr., who is being represented by his son, Rodwell Williams, Jr., a Senior Counsel, has submitted a claim against Sharette, Keith, Elaine and Gary Yearwood. Both families have purported to hold title documents to the property, originally owned by Richard Young of Gracie Rock, but deeded collectively to his descendants in perpetuity back in the 1930s. (The Yearwoods say they are descendants of the Youngs.) In late October, Williams, Jr., reportedly had a gacho shop, owned by a businesswoman who had been using another property of his, moved to the premises for which he steadfastly claims that his father, Rodwell, Sr., holds title.

DIABETES IN BELIZE
About 44,715 people, or 13.42% of the population of Belize, are living with diabetes. The statistic was released by the International Diabetes Federation. The Diabetes Federation also revealed that about 382 million people had diabetes in 2013, and by 2035, 592 million people will be suffering with the disease. The number of people with Type 2 diabetes is also increasing in every country. Eighty percent of people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries, with the greatest number being within the 40 to 59 age range. It has been reported that more people in Belize die from diabetes than from violence yearly. There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is called insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, and surfaces in its sufferers from early in life (childhood or adolescence). People suffering with Type 1 diabetes show a complete lack of the insulin hormone, and insulin must be taken regularly as treatment.

WOMEN’S DEPT. PROMOTES 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
Today, Monday, November 25, is Zero Tolerance for Violence Against Women and Girls Day. It also marks the first of 16 Days of Activism to end gender-based violence against women; and this morning, in a show of solidarity for the initiative, about 26 female students from Maud Williams High School and Sadie Vernon High School in Belize City took to the city streets to march and bring awareness to the incidents of violence against women and girls. The 16 Days of Activism is part of an annual calendar of events which are organized by the Women’s Department to promote awareness on the issue of domestic abuse, which unfortunately has been increasingly prevalent in our society. The initiative coincides with Women’s Month and therefore, activities are being held countrywide to educate the public as well as to celebrate the role of women in our communities.

DO WE WANT TO ABIDE BY THE RULE OF LAW?
— by Audrey Matura - Shepherd The Rule of Law is one of the hallmarks of our Constitution and it is one of the pillars that make a country a constitutional democracy. The Rule of Law is a term said and used with the hope that all understand it, so the layman’s version is “no man is above the law.” The simple gist of Rule of Law is that if a country or society seeks to be civilized, it must be governed by clearly defined laws by which ALL or EVERYONE in said society must abide by or be measured by. So the laws we are talking about apply to all equally and no one is above those laws … There are no exceptions. They may be man-made laws, but many are derived from Natural or God-given laws. When a person is born into a society/country, they are bound, without signing a paper contract, to abide by those laws and agree that those laws will govern them. If as they grow they do not wish to live by those laws, they must either lobby to change them, or move away to a society that allows the laws they want or pay the price if convicted of breaking the law.

BELIZE’S OFFSHORE SECTOR UNDER FOREIGN ATTACK: BARROW
“These people won’t stop until they kill off our offshore sector” The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) recently issued a cautionary note against Belize, saying that, “Members are therefore called upon to consider implementing counter measures to protect their financial systems from the ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks emanating from Belize.” On November 20, 2013, the CFATF went on to list Belize among three jurisdictions which it said have not made sufficient progress in addressing the deficiencies to protect their financial systems from the ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks. It said that Belize has made efforts to address its deficiencies; however, it has not taken sufficient steps towards improving its AML/CFT compliance regime, by failing to approve and implement required legislative reforms.

BARROW ADAMANTLY AGAINST 13TH SENATOR
The Senate inquiry into Social Security financing schemes, held back in 2005, under the administration of the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP), demonstrated to the country of Belize that the upper house of Parliament has more power than merely rubber-stamping bills handed to them by the politicians in the lower house of Parliament. With the ruling United Democratic Party’s rise to power in 2008, a manifesto promise was made to install a 13th Senator, to be appointed from within the NGO community; but the ruling party has since reneged on that commitment, on the claim that doing so would result in paralysis in the Legislature. The refusal of the Government to bring into effect a provision in the Constitution which would pave the way for that appointment was highlighted recently when a motion by the PUP, calling for a Senate investigation into the passport and visa scandal, failed because the ruling party—which holds 6 of 12 seats, voted against it, and the President of the Senate voted in alliance with the ruling party. Had the 13th Senator been appointed, the outcome would have been different.

CITCO TO BEGIN STREET WORKS ON BROKEN CITY STREETS
The recent rains over the past few weeks have undeniably caused considerable damage to a number of Belize City streets, and the Belize City Council is moving with a sense of urgency to remedy the situation. Motorists have not only had to dodge monstrous potholes on many streets in order to reach their destinations, but drivers are also complaining that they have had to dig deep in their pockets to pay for continuing damage done to their vehicles. The street works – which are scheduled to commence as early as tomorrow morning – will result in some inconveniences for drivers who use the two main arteries to come into the Old Capital. This afternoon, the Belize City Council’s Public Relations Officer, Kenny Morgan, briefed the media on the degree of work that will be done, and how city residents will be affected. Morgan said, “Two intersections will be affected; one being our present location at the corner of Partridge Street and the George Price Highway. The entire section between the Lord Ridge Cemetery and Partridge Street to its junction with Vernon Street will be worked on starting tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m.”

GOB PROPOSES TO SPEND $200 MIL IN 3 YEARS
“These rains have really played hell with us,” Prime Minister Barrow says, but “Immediate help is on the way…” Rains caused $2.6 million in damage; GOB announces $78 mil in road works, $200 mil total in infrastructure works. No district in Belize has escaped major infrastructural damage due to the recent weeks of battering rains, and the headline issue at Wednesday morning’s briefing hosted by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dean Barrow—who has about six weeks to go before he can get back to his regular duty after major back surgery—was to announce nationwide infrastructure works which will be implemented over the span of the next three years. Barrow called it “an extremely muscular plan… a plan on steroids.” He said that “the menu of projects” that Government plans to finance “will for sure amount to 200 million dollars or not too much below,” and noted that the timeline for implementation would take them very close to the time for the next general elections. Those works have become necessary as a consequence of what Barrow described as “absolute devastation that has been wrought by a period of almost unceasing rain”—and the damage estimate following the weeks of rain is in the millions.

MAYAN OCARINA RETURNED TO BELIZE
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has returned a Mayan artifact stolen from Lubaantun to Belize. The Government of Belize announced on Tuesday that H.E. Nestor Mendez, Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America, received the artifact in Washington, D.C. on Monday, November 25, 2013. “The FBI agents informed that the item was taken by a student who visited the site on a field trip. After learning that a student had possession of the artifact, University [New Hampshire University] authorities contacted the FBI,” the Government of Belize said in a statement. “At the handing over, Ambassador Mendez thanked the University for its swift action and the FBI for repatriating the [ocarina],” the statement added.

PM URGES CAÑEROS TO CALL OFF STRIKE
BSI tells cañeros take their “beef” to the court! Barrow to meet with cañeros Monday to try to broker a truce. The current crisis facing Belize’s sugar industry could not just result in multi-million-dollar losses in the north—but could also trigger dire domino effects on Belize’s macroeconomic landscape, should the gridlock between the 5,339 listed cañeros and the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI), a subsidiary of American Sugar Refining, continue to persist beyond December 15. That’s the longest possible date that cañeros can hold out before harmful effects are visited upon the industry, and the cañeros themselves, BSI officials told the media at a press conference they held at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City on Tuesday morning. However, cañeros are not backing down from their demand – that demand being that BSI should give cane farmers a share of the monies they have earned from the sale of power generated from bagasse, because an agreement between the parties stipulates that they are to get a share of funds earned from by-products of the sugar cane.

ROAD COLLISION ON THE GEORGE PRICE HIGHWAY
A collision between a James Bus and a truck occurred at about Mile 42 on the George Price Highway around 4:30 this afternoon. The collision caused minor injuries to two persons on the bus — a man, 32, who complained of back pain, and a little girl, 6, who began to bleed from the nose. An ambulance later took the injured man, a resident of Kings Park in Belize City, to the Belmopan Hospital for treatment. The driver of the James Bus told police that he was travelling from Belmopan to Belize City, and the truck was travelling from Belize City to Belmopan. He reported that the truck driver suddenly swerved across the lane to enter a side street on the left side, across the road.

BELIZE’S S&P; RATINGS POINT TO VULNERABILITIES
• Belize’s government debt and interest burden remain high, limiting fiscal flexibility • Declining oil production and payment of compensation claims will likely widen the current account deficit starting in 2015 • Growth to remain below historical norms at 2.5% on average over 2014-2016 The international ratings agency, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, has released its latest sovereign ratings for Belize. In a report dated Wednesday, November 27, it affirmed the ‘B-/B’ foreign and local currency long-term and short-term ratings for Belize. Such ratings mean that adverse business conditions will likely impair ability to meet financial commitments. It also suggests that although the country can meet short-term financial commitments, it grapples with significant uncertainties.

The Belize Times

CASTRO CASTRATED!
Last week the UDP ragsheet was quick to call whistleblower Alverine Burgess a liar after a US embassy official declared that the embassy does not listen in on our conversations. It appears that may be a technical truth, since it would be the Department of Homeland Security (and not the embassy) that would be listening in. Due to the very sensitive nature of a foreign government listening in on the affairs of local politicians, we may never know the true situation. What has been revealed this week though, is that Edmund Castro is 100% a liar. And, if you believe the Dean Barrow of three weeks ago who publicly declared that any of his Ministers who issued 10, 20 or 30 visa recommendations is one of Ali Baba’s thieves, then it would follow that Edmund Castro is also 100% a visa hustler. Remember the first conversation that Jules Vasquez had with Edmund Castro after the whistleblower blew his lid? Castro barked at Jules “I don’t know anything about any damn visas for Chinese nationals”.

Francis Fonseca assists residents of Belama Phase 4
This week the Freetown Area Representative and PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca lent a helping hand to residents of Belama Phase 4 who are suffering from ...

Needed: A Competent Minister of Works, CEO of Works & Chief Engineer!! – GOB fails to repair crumbling infrastructure nationwide
As much as CORRUPTION has become entrenched in the Barrow Administration, INCOMPETENCE will truly be their legacy as every sector of Belize has ...

A storm is brewing
By G. Michael Reid Before you read this first paragraph and turn away, let me inform you that this article is not about Penner. As promised though, I will continue to remind you of the gross injustice perpetrated by this boy and this government. It is my hope that, since this ...

This is what will cause the government to fall
“We are suffering from corruption, oppression and bad education. We are living amid a corrupt system which has to change” – Noha Hamed, twenty four, a worker in Egypt during the uprising that brought down the government. The basic norm in a parliamentary democratic state as Belize professes to be, is that a government governs by the consent of the governed. And since we pride ourselves on holding periodic elections when the people freely elect their leaders, then we are expected to wait until the next election day to return or to remove those who rule over us. To quote from the Preamble to our nation’s Constitution: Whereas the People of Belize… “believe that the will of the people shall form the basis of government in a democratic society in which the government is freely elected by universal adult suffrage and in which all persons may, to the extent of their capacity play some part in the institutions of national life and thus develop and maintain due respect for lawfully constituted authority”. This may be the ideal. But if truth be told, the will of the Belizean people was subverted from the days leading up to the general elections of March 2012 when several Ministers including Elvin Penner brazenly and fraudulently secured hundreds of nationality documents for persons who did not qualify for citizenship and illegally fast-tracked their registration as voters. With all that, Penner won by 17 votes.

Mr. Belize place 1st in Bodybuilding Competition in Merida
2012/2013 Mr. Belize, Rigo Vellos, won the top prize and title in the 2013 Revolution Cup Bodybuilding Competition held on Sunday, November 24 ...

Paradise Freedom Fighters are No. 1 in Belikin Cup football
The Paradise Freedom Fighters of Punta Gorda secured the No. 1 spot in the Premier League of Belize as they struggled to a 1-1 draw with FC Belize in ...

Hurricanes win Bros. Habet table tennis championship
The Brothers Habet team table tennis championship finals at the Belize Elementary School auditorium on Sunday saw the Hurricanes crowned as 1st Division Champs while Team Garage and the St. Joseph’s Pros won their 3rd Division ...

AMAZING GRACE – When I Grow Up
The world is full of practical concepts. Every day principles and realities of life constantly bombard us with boundaries. A child who aspires to write books is told to change his dream to one that makes money in Belize. A young man, talented in drawing, is forced to study engineering ...

The BSCFA – BSI/ASR difference over Bagasse
By Richard Harrison The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) (the farmers) and the Belize Sugar Industries/American Sugar Refinery (the processors).....are at an impasse over the definition of bagasse as a by-product of sugarcane. "the sharing of revenue arising from the sale of any bi-product not covered in their present agreement will ...

Costly Corporate Greed – BSI/ASR’s position is bitter for sugar industry
American Sugar Refining (ASR) Inc., the new foreign owners of Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) thanks to the Barrow Administration, has taken a position of corporate greed which is bitter and could prove costly for the important sugar industry. ASR has rejected the cane farmers’ request for payment of $10 per ton of bagasse (sugar cane waste product) that is collected from the sugar cane delivered to the mill. ASR through its subsidiary company, Belcogen, utilizes the bagasse to produce electricity through its cogeneration plant. The electricity is then sold to BEL and BSI, earning millions of revenue for ASR; therefore, cane farmers classify bagasse as a by-product of sugar cane or at least a product of value. But ASR’s position is a hardcore NO. At a press conference held on Monday morning in Belize City, the company’s vice-president, Ricardo Lima, stated that the cane farmers have absolutely no claim. “The issue here is that we feel that since the farmers had no risk, did not put any money into Belcogen, have not invested into Belcogen – the product of electricity which is a result of the one hundred and thirty million dollar Belize investment by BSI should not go to anybody else but BSI. That’s just pure business fairness, and that’s what we call it,” stated Lima defiantly. The cane farmers disagree.

The New Revolution – Building on the Peaceful Constructive Belizean Revolution
By C. Trench-Sandiford-Deputy Party Leader “..There are constant cycles in history. There is loss, but it is always followed by regeneration. The tales of our elders who remember such cycles are very important to us now.” - Carmen Agra Deedy, Cuban-American Writer Just the thought of sitting and having a conversation with ...

The time has come!
By Dolores Balderamos Garcia A little over a week ago it came to my attention that a letter had been written to the newspapers making the proposal that Ladyville/Lord's Bank should become a town. The letter is written by Major Lloyd Jones, retired officer of the BDF who lives in the ...

REFLECTIONS IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE – BAGASSSE: WASTE NO MORE!
By Francis W. Fonseca The MOU dated October 5, 1989 between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and Belize Sugar Industries Ltd. states that both parties “agree that the sharing of revenue arising from the sale of any by-product not covered in their present agreement will be subject to future discussions ...

We Need A New Constitution
Dear Editor, Example # 1: On November 26, 2013 the Government of Belize held a House Meeting. After this meeting the media reported that Hon. John Saldivar secured an approval from the Prime Minister for $150,000 to assist the Belmopan City Council with much needed repairs to the streets of Belmopan. If you ...

Deplorable Streets in Port Loyola!
Dear Editor, I write to condemn the very terrible condition of the network of streets in Port Loyola. I know that the majority of the streets in Belize City are in a bad state, but the ones in Port Loyola are ten times worst. Presently the waterholes on Faber’s Rd. Extension, Louis ...

CALL THIS BLUFF!
Editor Sir: Blackmail is effective if one is afraid to be exposed. It is said that foreign governments have irrefutable, incriminating evidence of wrong-doing by certain ministers, which they will not release, if the Prime Minister does their bidding. The Prime Minister, relying on the good sense of the Belizean people, should call ...

International Sources

Belize Adventure Honeymoon Trailer - 2013
Dionne and I got married and then went on an adventure to Belize! All of these activities we did through Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Jungle Lodge, and were shot on my GoPro!

Charity begins here?
Why does Yvonne Truman collect every year for an orphanage in Belize? There are orphanages in Bahrain, orphans in Palestine, Syria and Iraq. Charity begins at home. The flood victims here in Bahrain could do with her donation. Why is she sending Bahraini dinars to South America??? Susan Andrews Yvonne Trueman: I have been raising funds in Bahrain for Bahrain charities for over 30 years including running six marathons. The Belize Orphanage is an extra charity which I support as this was what my son was doing when he was killed 19 years ago, so this is very close to my heart. The current flood charities I am also supporting, so I am trying to share myself around.

Latin America and the Caribbean advance toward universal access to HIV treatment
Three out of four people who need antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Latin America and the Caribbean are receiving it, according to a new report from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). That leaves one in four without the life-saving treatment but represents a 10% improvement in just two years and puts Latin America and the Caribbean ahead of all other developing regions in levels of ART coverage. “Latin America and the Caribbean lead the world in providing and expanding antiretroviral treatment on the basis of technological innovation and scientific evidence,” writes PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne in the preface to the report, Antiretroviral Treatment in the Spotlight: a Public Health Analysis in Latin America and the Caribbean 2013. “What remains is to close the gap in treatment coverage and ensure equitable access to and delivery of services,” writes Etienne.

Fisheries Officials Angered by EU Import Ban
The EU has moved to ban fish imports from Cambodia and two other countries, in a move to sanction illegal fishing operations under flags of convenience. Cambodia exports little fish to Europe itself, but it does allow its flag to be flown by many vessels, prompting the import ban, which also included Belize and Guinea and must be ratified by the EU before it goes into effect. In announcing the proposed ban Tuesday, Maria Damanaki, the EU's fisheries commissioner, said that the problem with the three countries was their inability to “control their fleet.” “How can they claim in these circumstances that the fish caught under their flag or in their coastal waters is sustainable?” she said. Nov Thuak, director general of the fisheries department in the Department of Agriculture, said the ban “dishonored” Cambodia.

What archives? UK ordered destruction of ‘embarrassing’ colonial papers
Britain systematically destroyed documents in colonies that were about to gain independence, declassified Foreign Office files reveal. ‘Operation Legacy’ saw sensitive documents secretly burnt or dumped to cover up traces of British activities. The latest National Archives publication made from a collection of 8,800 colonial-era files held by the Foreign Office for decades revealed deliberate document elimination by British authorities in former colonies. The secret program dubbed ‘Operation Legacy’ was in force throughout the 1950s and 1960s, in at least 23 countries and territories under British rule that eventually gained independence after WWII. Among others these countries included: Belize, British Guiana, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia and Singapore, Northern Rhodesia (today Zambia and Zimbabwe), Tanzania, and Uganda. In a telegram from the UK Colonial Office dispatched to British embassies on May 3, 1961, colonial secretary Iain Macleod instructed diplomats to withhold official documents from newly elected independent governments in those countries, and presented general guidance on what to do. British diplomats were briefed on how exactly they were supposed to get rid of documents that “might embarrass members of the police, military forces, public servants (such as police agents or informers)” or “might compromise sources of intelligence”, or could be put to ‘wrong’ use by incoming national authorities.

Cayman Islands, Costa Rica sign tax pacts with U.S.
The United States has signed agreements with the Cayman Islands and Costa Rica to help those countries' banks comply with an anti-tax evasion law starting next year, the Treasury Department said on Friday. The deals are part of the U.S. effort to enforce the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), enacted in 2010 and set to take effect in July 2014. FATCA requires foreign financial institutions to tell the U.S. Internal Revenue Service about Americans' offshore accounts worth more than $50,000. It was enacted after a Swiss banking scandal showed U.S. taxpayers hid substantial fortunes overseas. Costa Rica was one of three Central America countries the Organization for Economic Development and Co-operation (OECD) has tagged as a tax haven. Panama and Belize were the other two. Significantly, the Costa Rica deal is reciprocal, meaning the Costa Rican government can get tax information about its citizens with assets in the United States.

Revealed: the bonfire of papers at the end of Empire
The full extent of the destruction of Britain's colonial government records during the retreat from empire was disclosed on Thursday with the declassification of a small part of the Foreign Office's vast secret archive. Fifty-year-old documents that have finally been transferred to the National Archive show that bonfires were built behind diplomatic missions across the globe as the purge – codenamed Operation Legacy – accompanied the handover of each colony. The declassified documents include copies of an instruction issued in 1961 by Iain Macleod, colonial secretary, that post-independence governments should not be handed any material that "might embarrass Her Majesty's [the] government", that could "embarrass members of the police, military forces, public servants or others eg police informers", that might betray intelligence sources, or that might "be used unethically by ministers in the successor government".

November 29, 2013

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Specials and Events

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

The latest Tia Chocolate column is ready for reading!!!
Peanut Brother & Jelly:
The other day, as I sat in the drudgery of deadlines and air conditioning (haha, just kidding, I do kinda like my job), my little brother came by for his usual homework help. He’s a twin, but they were separated in school, so I only see one at a time. It’s relief really, since when they are together, I can hardly handle their cuteness. Anyway, Kevin swings by with his best friend Ramses, who’s at least two heads shorter than him, but has a smile that is more of a beam - a bright, blinding light. I mean I practically swoon at his smile, it’s so wide and contagious; and his eyes sparkle with mischief, even when he’s just asking for help. Enamored of him, I asked him if I can adopt him as my little brother as well, and he nodded yes. So, now I have four brothers total. It’s really fun as I only see them occasionally, plus I’m their homework hero – so it’s love, love, love and more love all around.

The San Pedro Sun

Join us in celebrating the annual Lighted Boat Parade!
The San Pedro Holiday Lighted Boat Parade organization is in full swing in anticipation of Saturday December 7th, when gaily decorated and lighted boats will illuminate the sea. The San Pedro Business Association (SPBA) is actively seeking the support of the local business community to assist us in ensuring that this will be a successful, fun event that can be enjoyed by the many spectators on the island. We ask that any business that will benefit from the parade, or that enjoys the boat parade will consider making a donation. We are seeking gift certificates and cash awards as the prizes for the Best Boat, Most Creative Boat, Most Religious boat etc. receive prizes.

San Pedro Town celebrates 29 years… Happy Township Day!
San Pedro Town celebrated 29 years of being a municipality on November 27th. Two different events took place to commemorate the occasion. The first was an awards ceremony hosted on the beach at Ramon’s Village Resort on the night of Tuesday November 26th and the second was a students’ rally held on Wednesday November 27th at the San Pedro High School. Organized by the San Pedro Town Council, the first event was held to recognize people that have contributed to the growth of the island. Keynote speaker for the occasion was Manager of Ramon’s Village Resort Einer Gomez. In his remarks, Gomez said that the forefathers of the island had a dream and along with their dedication to the settlement, eventually led to the development of San Pedro Town, one of the best municipalities in the country. “But what is most rewarding is that our fathers embraced all that was instilled in them and made this community one of the most envied and respected throughout our country. Our fathers were the ones that paved the way for us to live better lives. The life we enjoy today. With their hard work and sweat they converted a community into a village.” Gomez said the native islanders have embraced what the island has turned out to be. “We have learned to adapt to grow not only as a Town but also as a tourist destination by protecting our environment and at the same time being proud of our past.” He highlighted that it is the togetherness and unity that makes San Pedro stand out from the rest of the country. “Time and time again, we have shown the world that our community is vibrant and alive. Ironically, it’s disasters like hurricanes, fires, sickness that brings out the San Pedranos in us to a fault! A fault that is contagious and admirable. In times of need, we are all one! This quality is not found anywhere and it is this quality that keeps us together. When one succeeds we all succeed.”

Ambergris Today

Preparations for SP Holiday Boat Parade in Full Swing
Since the inception of the San Pedro Holiday Lighted Boat Parade on Ambergris Caye seven years ago, residents and tourists have been looking forward to the special event that kicks off the holiday/tourist season on the island. Lights, sound and cheerful glee fill the night’s sky and everybody at Central Park, at home or at their special viewing spot has a great time. The San Pedro Holiday Lighted Boat Parade organization is in full swing and the San Pedro Business Association is actively seeking the support of the local business community to assist us in ensuring that this will be a successful, fun event that can be enjoyed by the many spectators on the island. Ambergris Today has always been an avid supporter and sponsor of this special event. Here is an update from the SPBA as they ask the community for their full support in order to make the Boat Parade a smashing success once again.

Misc Belizean Sources

In Our Own Words Video
We're in the middle of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. A powerful video was released by the Special Envoy for Women and Children where they interviewed kids from all around Belize, some in Cayo, and asked them about the consequences of violence. In related news, tomorrow morning at the Cayo Welcome Center, the Ministry of Health is having an information fair as one of the activities for the 16 Days. It starts at 9:00am. "Violence affects everyone. In this video children and adolescents from across the country share their stories and feeling about violence in Belize. In their own words. Produced for the Special Envoy for Women & Children, National Committee on Families and Children (NCFC) and UNICEF."

News Exchange Magazine Issue 15
News Exchange Magazine has their Fall 2013 issue in stores. There are some cool articles; definitely worth picking up. Tons of exquisite pictures too, and the cover girl lives in Cayo. "News Exchange Magazine has their newest issue out. It has a little of everything Belize in it. From culture, to food, to fashion, and many of the great photgraphers have some nice shots in this issue. You can get a copy at Venus Records and Gifts in Cayo. We were able to track down the model from the front page, and had her sign a copy. Thanks, Asuncion Martinez! Danny Chung took the perfect cover photo."

Belize River Valley Expo
The Belize River Valley Eco Tourism and Commerce Expo, organized by the Community Baboon Sanctuary Women's Conservation Group, starts tomorrow. They'll have information booths from many different businesses and NGO's, and there will also be a county music competition. If you are interested, or would like more information, email them at [email protected]. "Informational booth, funding agencies, conservation NGO's, Cultural activities, 1st ever local country music competition, plantation dance, kis-kis, fly brush making, rice and cohune beating. Also get local wine, local eggs, turkey, local chickens, organic vegetables, Christmas decorations, cohune oil, coconut oil, tablata, wangla and much more!"

Talla Walla Vibrations at Soul Project
Musical interlude of the day. Emmeth Young and the Talla Walla Vibrations rocked the Soul Project for Independence Day. Here's a short video that captures some of the amazing rythyms of the night. Tomorrow night is Friday, which means it's their Open Mic Night, so you can catch some great, free music along with awesome tacos and drinks. The Soul Project, Cayo's cultural hub, just released a handful of videos from their Open Mic Nights, and you can see them on their page. International artists like the World Culture Band and Keren Bein have played there multiple times. Tabby Johnson will be performing there on December 14th.

Three Regional Firms Win investor of the Year Awards
. The inaugural Regional Investor of the Year Award was held at the Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina before a host of invited guests, including members of the private sector from Belize. The event, part of the 4th Annual General Assembly of the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA), was held in recognition of the contribution of foreign and local investors to the Caribbean. Receiving the award for Foreign Investor of the Year was Qualfon Guyana Inc., a business process outsourcing and call center service provider based in Georgetown, Guyana. Vice President of Marketing and Product Management Brian Kearney accepted the award on behalf of Qualfon. The values-driven company, he said, is not just about business but also about a passion for improving the lives of people in the communities they serve. ARS Humano, a privately held health insurance company in the Dominican Republic, was awarded for both the Local and overall winner of the Regional Investor of the Year. Marketing and Corporate Development Vice President Diomares Musa, in accepting the awards, said she is honored that the work of ARS Humano over the past fourteen years is being acknowledged by the Caribbean Export Development Agency and CAIPA.

Mennonite Gurls A'ken Cook: Tater Cokunut Candy
Thishere can'y brings back minny a recolleckshuns o'yeers gone by. I wuz chattyun' wit my frien las week an' I knoe hern Mom an' mine made these can'y ever Christmus. I rilly enjoyet eatin thishere can'y togeth'r wit peenuts..I would ett a few shellet peenuts an' the I would take a bite o't' can'y. Can'y wuz a speshul treet an' so I tride ta make it las as long as I could. My Mom did nairy dip 'um n' chocolate, jes rollet 'um n' cokunut. I coultn’t find hern recipe so did t'bes o'whut I memberd an' wit t'hep o'my frien I must say thishere can'y tastes like I memberd. T' xtrey dark chocolate coatyun' helps balance t'sweetness o't' can'y. I uset tater flakes but I knoe my Mom did nairy have thems roun, she uset reglar mashet potatoes.

An Overview of Placencia Belize
Placencia Village, known more simply as Placencia, sits at the very tip of the narrow Placencia Peninsula in southern Belize. As a result, it feels more like an island. It’s just a few minutes walk from the lagoon side to the open Caribbean. Less than 500 people are lucky enough to be considered permanent residents of Placencia, Belize’s tranquil community. The majority are Creoles, and descendants of European settlers and African slaves. The Placencia Peninsula is sixteen miles long, home to two other communities: Seine Bight and Maya Beach, The name “Placencia” is actually a distortion of Punta Placentia, the name the Spaniards gave to the peninsula in the 1800s. In English, it means Point Pleasant. It’s not surprising. Placencia’s beaches are often declared the very best on mainland Belize. The village’s tourism association calls them “Barefoot Perfect”. But that designation fits the rest of the town as well. There are no paved roads in Placencia Village, merely a series of pathways for foot traffic. Main Street is a just a sidewalk! However, a number of luxury resorts have sprung up along the peninsula, adding a little more rush to the Placencia lifestyle.

Explore the Rio Frio Cave
The Rio Frio Cave is one of the most remarkable attractions in the Mountain Pine Ridge Nature Reserve. Everything is gigantic in this cave! When you enter, you will see huge stalactites hanging from the massive cathedral-like vault which was part of a cave system that the Maya used to bury their dead. Room size boulders are strewn throughout the cave and a stream flows through forming pools with cascading falls. Here is a video that provides an overview of Rio Frio Cave:

Dance X BZ 2013
Latino Dance Mix from Corozal - performing Saturday night, November 30th 8:00 PM... Bliss Centre Belize City. The Corozal Daily wishes them a huge success!

WANTED BY COROZAL POLICE
Alex Reid and Kevin Manzanero. Both persons are wanted by Corozal, Belize City and San Ignacio Police in connection with a number of robberies. They are considered armed and dangerous. If seen please contact the nearest Police station or Crime stoppers at 922 TIPS.

The Corozal Town Council has embarked on a street repair program
Patching all those streets leading to various Primary Schools in order to alleviate their current conditions. Below is the San Andres road leading to Mary Hill Primary School that was being graded. Other streets that have been patched are 5th Avenue and currently, works are being carried out on 1st Avenue in front of St. Francis Xavier Primary School and the southern entrance on 1st Avenue. Works will continue and we will bring you further updates as they progress.

Consejo Road Disaster Task Force writes letter of complaint against Mayor Hilberto Campos on bio-hazard threat at the Consejo road Dump site
NOTICE OF BREACH OF RESPONSIBILITY OF DUTY BY MR. CAMPOS, MAYOR FOR COROZAL TOWN Greetings Ms. Candelaria Saldivar Morter, It is with our sincerest regret that we are providing your office this letter of NOTICE OF BREACH OF RESPONSIBILITY OF DUTY BY MR. CAMPOS, MAYOR FOR COROZAL TOWN. It is the overwhelming consensus of the members of the recently organized Consejo Road Disaster Task Force, that Mr. Hilberto Campos, Mayor of Corozal Town, is blatantly guilty of flagrantly violating his oath of office. Mr. Campos' repeated acts of negligence are absolutely unacceptable. He has deliberately disregarded an organized group's initiative of residents of Consejo Community who are being pro-active and have already chosen to freely volunteer to donate money, labour and other necessary resources in an effort to assist local government in bringing about solutions to the current highly toxic Corozal Waste dump site bio hazard. Mr. Campos has knowingly committed an obvious breach of his responsibility by disregarding his clear duty as a municipal leader; as he has deliberately neglected to act responsibly in a matter vital to progress, due to the people of the Corozal Town and Consejo community.

Channel 7

PUP: “Run The Recall”
Eight weeks after their leader gave an ultimatum - the PUP today formally triggered a recall effort against UDP Cayo Northeast representative Elvin Penner. At 10:00 this morning Deputy Leader Julius Espat and Cayo Northeast Caretaker Orlando Habet, along with their recall team, presented 2003 signatures to the Governor General in Belmopan. They've been criticized for taking too long to hand in the signatures, but now the process begins in earnest. The Elections and Boundaries Office will now start the reconciliation process to determine if the PUP has met the 30% threshold for the writ of referendum to be issued. Today, Espat and Habet told the media that the 2 month collection and vetting process was important to ensure that the next step can be taken. As a result, they are confident that the threshold has been met: Orlando Habet, Cayo Northeast "Today we called it D-Day for delivery of the signatures for the recall against Elvin Penner. We commenced this collection of signatures on the 3rd of October and we did almost exactly a month of signature collection and after that we did vetting of the signatures at our office with our committee."

Opposition Leader Calls PM’s Visa Flip-Flop “Disgraceful”
And after the petition was submitted this morning in Belmopan, in the afternoon back at party headquarters in Belize City, Leader of the Opposition, Francis Fonseca, held a 45 minute press briefing where he spoke on matters of public interest. Foremost among those was the impasse in the sugar industry where BSI and the Cane Farmers can't agree on what price, if any, should be paid for bagasse. Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced the official government position, which is that bagasse has a value and the farmers should be paid for it. But he stressed that they shouldn't hold the industry hostage by refusing the deliver cane. And what does Francis Fonseca say? Pretty much the same thing: that farmers should not protest by delaying the start of the season, But he criticized the Government for not getting both parties to the negotiating table: Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition "Certainly the Prime Minister's intervention yesterday we view as being woefully inadequate. This is a very serious matter. It is not a political matter. It is a national issue which requires leadership and it requires immediate intervention. We cannot allow one single more day to pass without resolving this issue. It is going to affect the entire country of Belize. It is going to affect the entire economy of this country. We can't allow this issue to fester any longer."

Family Says Ladyville Cops Didn’t Have To Kill 22 Year Old
Today, Ladyville police are gathering key witnesses who they say can attest to the fact that 22 year old Travis McKay fired on police before they returned fire and killed him. Police also have the weapon he carried with three expended shells. But, despite all that, Travis McKay's family is not satisfied that their loved one had to be killed. Today, they spoke with me in Ladyville: Monica Bodden reporting This is where the shooting happened at 3:40 yesterday afternoon - just one block away from the Ladyville Police Station. The usually quiet neighborhood looked on in stunned, shaken disbelief as the scenes of crime team searched for expended shells and combed the entire area for additional evidence. The victim - 22 year old Travis McKay lay dead inside this yard - with a gunshot wound the chest area and some say one to the head. His body was then covered in a white sheet and put behind the pan of this police pick-up truck.

Grandmother And 12 Year Old Couldn’t Put Out Fire
A Belize City family was burnt out last night. It happened around 9:00 on Faber's Road, where a 12 year old was at home with his 89 year old grandmother and four younger nieces and nephews. That's when a candle started a fire, which the grandmother and pre-teen could not put out. The boy's mother who was nearby but not at home told us in an off camera interview that she rushed home only to find that all had been lost:.. Voice of: Irma Crawford, resident of house that was burnt down "When I reach there I ask where my mother and my kids are and I was told that they were at the long barracks step." Geovanni Brackett, reporter "It appears that the fire may have started in a room, particularly from a candle or something?" Voice of: Irma Crawford, resident of house that was burnt down "Yes it started in my mother's room and then it just spread. She says that she and my son was trying to put out the fire but the water that they had was too little, so my son took out my mother and the 4 year old and took them downstairs and he went up for the rest. After that he says he doesn't know what happen. He says that he saw the house in flames."

Man Says Minister Chanced Him Out Of Leased Land
You already know all about about UDP area reps, Elvin Penner from Cayo Northeast, and Edmund "Clear the Land" Castro from Belize Rural North, who are under public pressure. Well, tonight, the UDP's Corozal Bay Area Rep. Pablo Marin is the one who has questions to answer. Corozal resident Lennox Garbutt Sr., claims that Marin used his influence as an Area Representative and a Cabinet Minister to have Garbutt's lease to a piece of land cancelled and then transferred to Marin's sister, Ada Luz Romero. That land is lot #73 on the Consejo Road, and Garbutt claims that this cancellation was done without his knowledge, and that he couldn't make a case to the Lands Department to show how he has kept up his end of the lease requirements. Yesterday evening, he came from Corozal, where he explained the full story. Here's what Garbutt had to say: Lennox Garbutt Sr. - Claims Land Was Unfairly Taken Away "I was isssued this parcel of land on November 30th 2011. All through I paid my annual tax which is $60 per year and finished paid $120 on the 13th September 2013."

Mayor Bradley Stonewalls On Freetown
As we rpeot4ed earlier this week Lee Mark Chang has stepped down in the Freetown Division - clearing the way for a new candidate. Many are pushing for Mayor Darrell Bradley to take his eyes off Caribbean Shores and focus instead on Freetown. We're told the PM even announced to Cabinet on Tuesday that he and the Mayor had agreed to that. But, when we spoke to Mayor Bradley yesterday, he didn't want to discuss it:.. Jules Vasquez "We know that Lee Mark Chang has vacated his caretaker seat in Freetown. We know the Party has been prodding you for some time to offer yourself in Freetown. What is the outlook?" Mayor Darrell Bradley "The situation right now is really not focused on any general elections matter. The Mayor and his office is really keeping maximum focused and attention and at this present moment I am not really looking at that."

City Council Launches Emergency Repairs
But before he offers himself for any political office - mayor included - Bradley has to rehabilitate his image, which, right now, means rehabilitating streets that have fallen to ruin with the last month of rains. Today the City announced that major works will start on two high volume traffic areas. The work will block or partially block two major access ways into the city:.. Kenny Morgan, Public Relations - Belize City Council "One of the two major arteries in the city will be interrupted; one being our present location at the corner of Partridge Street and the George Price Highway. The entire section between the Lord Ridge Cemetery; from Partridge Street to its junction with Vernon Street will be worked on commencing tomorrow morning at 10am. Because of the works that will be carried on of course we will have to do some traffic diversion. I take this opportunity to inform the public of the altering routes that will be provided. At this time we are looking at for entry and exit from the city we are looking at utilizing Western Avenue and Mahogany streets and this will be for the larger vehicles; goods trucks, delivery vehicles and trailers. We will be asking these drivers to utilize the Western Avenue/Mahogany Street route."

What’s Up With Pen Road?
Another area that's in a mess is Neal's Pen Road, which was just paved this year. The work was obviously inferior and after the rains, the street looks just as pot holed as any 10-year-old street. The road was paved under the southside poverty alleviation project and we asked the man behind that project, Boots Martinez, who is also the area representative, what went wrong:.. Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez "We believe that the heavy downfall of the rains, but that is not no instrument for making excuses. The contractor must go back and do what is necessary because we have a guarantee period and as I understand it the Ministry of Works have contacted the contractor to repair or make the necessary adjustment to the street." Jules Vasquez "I would look at that street as the materials were maybe inferior, the compaction was maybe inferior and the works itself maybe chip and seal need two layers, maybe it never had the proper two layers. That looks like an inferior job to me."

Interesting New Names For UDP Convention Races
Earlier we showed you Mayor Darrell Bradley stonewalling the media on whether he was interested in offering himself for the Freetown division. Well, while he's playing cagey, some newcomers are not! Tomorrow is the deadline for those wanting to submit their names as candidates for UDP conventions. And, reports reaching us are that some interesting names have been, or will be put into the mix. Second in command of the police department, Deputy Commissioner Elodio Aragon today confirmed to us that he will offer himself as a candidate for the Orange Walk East constituency. But to do that, the 18 year veteran of the police department will have to step down from his post and retire. He told us he is in the process of arranging an orderly departure and plans to formally launch his candidacy on December 15th. Aragon's father, Elodio Sr. was a three time UDP representative in Orange Walk East.

Major Programme To Focus On Youths In 4 Southside Communities
An ambitious new programme was launched today. It's called the "Youth and Community Transformation", or YCT Project. The 15 million dollars CDB funded initiative will directly address the needs of youth on the southside of Belize City. That was outlined at this morning's launch:.. The target communities are Port Loyola, Lake Independence, Pickstock and Collett. The money will be disbursed on the construction/rehabilitation of critical community infrastructure including a new resource centre in the Lake Independence area called the Lake Independence Resource Centre and the upgrading of the Wilton-Cumberbatch playing field.

Profile
First off, tonight's profile is anonymous. Due to the sensitive nature of the revelations, the subject's face and voice have been masked. It's about an anonymous female high school student who was adopted and in a quest to get to know her birth mom, she ended up being raped. She started cutting herself in an attempt to deal with her pain but when she almost lost her life she ended up turning to music and refocussed on a positive future. The profile was produced in conjunction with WIN Belize which approached us to feature relevant stories during the 16 Days of Activism to end violence against girls and women.

Woman Indicted For Murder of Her Baby’s Father
26 year-old Calaney Flowers, the woman who is accused of purposefully running over her baby's father 29 year-old Lyndon Morrison, and killing him, will stand trial for it in the Supreme Court. Her preliminary inquiry was held today before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith, where the prosecution tendered all the evidence that they intend to use against her in the trial, which included more than 20 witness statements. After reading the statements from 26 year-old Sochyl Sosa, Morrison's girlfriend who was with him and got injured in that accident, as well as the one from Morrison's mother, Chief Magistrate Smith found that the accused must stand trial in the Supreme Court. Her case was committed for trial for the April 2014 session.

A Vegetable Stall across the Canal?
Yesterday CISCO construction created a stir when the company moved into the Collet Canal area in front of the Michael Finnegan Market and installed an unusual prefabricated concrete structure across the canal. Some thought it was another fish market, but Cisco Woods explains that it's only a new way to utilize dead space:.. Cisco Woods "Actually it's a donation that we did towards the city. It's really business; it's a market that goes over the canal. If you notice this is a busy spot on Saturday morning, they actually block-off the street so that vendors can lay out their products and sell it. We made the recommendation to the Mayor to put something across the canal where really it's just wasted space and get the vendors off the street onto that for different stuff; selling clothes, vegetables, you could sell anything off of it." "It will give enough space for either two or four vendors, depending on how the city wants to divide it up and how they will charge. It's an opportunity to hold vendors that are on the street right now to be able to be in a very neat and controlled area and very sanitary as well. It would be nice to get all the food stuff off the street getting it on to proper shelf, so it's away from the dirt."

Dance On, Dance X
It's the 5th annual Dance X Festival - which is hosted yearly by the Institute of Create Arts. Over the years it has become something Belizean dancers from across the country look forward to attending. It's not only about showcasing dance to the public, but also creating an atmosphere where dancers have an exchange with each other. Also the event features a line-up of international professional dancers and dance instructors facilitating workshops at the BLISS. One of those is our very own Jamie Thompson from the Dallas Black Dance Theatre - one of the oldest Dance Companies in the US. Today we stopped by the Bliss to find out more about what's happening. A hundred and twenty five dancers will be participating in the event.

Late Evening Accident
There was a fatal traffic accident about an hour before news time tonight. It happened just outside of Belmopan near Art Box and it involved a government vehicle, and another pickup truck. Reports to 7News at this time are that it has resulted in a fatality. One of the first responders, Phillip Willoughby, Belize City Councillor with responsibility for Emergency Management, told us that he was driving on the highway when he saw the Government vehicle, which had 5 passengers in it slam head on into a green pickup. The 5 people inside the vehicle suffered head and body injuries, and had to be transported to the Belmopan Hospital, where one government worker passed away. The other injured passengers will be transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. We'll have more on this story in tomorrow's newscast.

Channel 5

Breaking News: one dies in traffic accident in the Capital
There is breaking news tonight. At about five-thirty this evening, a government vehicle collided into an SUV near the entrance to the hector Silva Airstrip in Belmopan. What we have [...]

PUP turns in signature to trigger recall
On October fifth the People’s United Party launched a campaign to collect signatures on a petition to recall Elvin Penner. The move came just weeks after news broke of the [...]

The paper trail on the visa hustle involving UDP ministers
At a press conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow scoffed at the evidence proving that Minister of State Edmond Castro is engaged in the large-scale procuring of visas for [...]

Francis Fonseca says Barrow’s defense of Castro is disgraceful
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow spoke on a variety of issues at a press conference in Belize City, and today P.U.P. leader, Francis Fonseca, did the same. Fonseca touched [...]

And says immigration bill is all glitter and no substance
Minister of Immigration, Godwin Hulse, has proposed three new pieces of legislation which, if passed into law, will have the Immigration Department running like, in his words, a well-oiled machine. [...]

Police confirm they shot and killed Travis McKay
Police are saying tonight that Ladyville resident, Travis McKay, was shot and killed in a cross fire, but family members who witnessed the shooting vehemently contradict the police version. Wednesday’s [...]

Caribbean Financial Action Task Force blacklists Belize; is banking sector in jeopardy
As you know by now, the European Union has blacklisted Belize for not doing enough to curb illegal fishing. That is bad, but even worse is the news of the [...]

Opposition says it fully supports the farmers; even to strike
Back to the press conference hosted by the Opposition. Prime Minister Barrow on Wednesday went on record to give government’s full support to the stance of the cañeros that they [...]

UB Faculty and Staff Association concerned about state of affairs of university
UB President Doctor Cary Fraser remains on leave tonight amid the turmoil that has ensued since his announcement of impending departure.  While Prime Minister Barrow has gone on record to [...]

CTV3

Residents Of Guadalupe Street Take Up Plan of Action to Fix Their Street
If we were asked to select one infrastructural problem that the Orange Walk Town Council has been addressing since they took office back in March of 2012, we would have to say streets. At the same time, we have to recognize that Orange Walkenos are gravely concerned about the conditions the streets are in despite the council’s constant efforts to have them upgraded. The good news is though, that residents and business owners of one particular street have come up with a plan of action that could see the complete facelift of the street they live on. Today Mayor of Orange Walk Kevin Bernard spoke to us about the initiative which could see the adoption of Guadalupe Street. “Las week or weed and a half ago I had a meeting with members of the business community of that street Mr. Salas, Mr. Mendoza from CGI, Mr. Rempel and also representatives from the Cane Farmers Association came to meet with me and we discussed the proposal they would want to see Guadalupe street improve and how they as business persons can assist in the development on that street through the taxes that contribute and also through contributions by the business community in that area. In extension, the proposal then lead us approach the residence of that area, those residence that live on that area we want to see how they can and the commitment that the council would have been to ensure that the taxes that are collected from that street goes into a special fund so last night meeting was basically to throw out the idea to the residence and I want to thank all those who attended and I think it was very receptive, it was a very positive meeting and we should be having another meeting on the 9th of December.”

Elvin Penners Recall In Full Swing
Today the People’s United Party held a press conference in Belize City at the Party’s headquarters. A number of issues were discussed; of course, among them was the P.M press conference. In a solo presentation, leader of the People’s United Party, Francis Fonseca, weighed in on 7 issues that were discussed yesterday by the Honorable Dean Barrow. Fonseca kicked off by giving an update on the recall referendum for the Cayo North East constituency. “Our standard bearer for Cayo North East, Mr. Landy Habet along with our deputy party leader for the west honorable Julius Espat secretary general and other members of the Cayo North East committee PUP committee and community presented to the Governor General today the petition for the recall referendum this morning in Belmopan. As you know the 30% threshold requirement calls for about just under 1800 signatures are necessary to meet that 30% threshold necessary and this morning we delivered to the Governor General His Excellency the Governor General I think 2003 signatures attached to that petition so we expect now that the Governor General in accordance with the law the Governor General will now forward that petitions and those signatures to the chief elections officer at the elections and boundaries commission and the election and boundaries office will have a maximum, a period of one month to vet those signatures and to approve those signatures.”

Orange Walk Gets Smallest Share Of GOB's Million Dollar Road Infrastructure Program
The Prime Minister’s Press Conference yesterday was loaded with promises on behalf of his government to the people of Belize. Among them is a 76.72 Million Dollar National Road Infrastructure Programme funded under the Petro Caribe agreement with Venezuela. Included in the programme is 10.25 million for the Corozal District, 15.61 million for the Toledo District and 6.34 million for the Cayo District. Notably though, out of all the districts, Orange Walk Is getting the smallest share of the pie as Government has allocated a mere 2.92 million for the entire district. Now, the news did not sit too well with many Orange Walkenos and with the Orange Walk Town Council who has constantly been lobbying with Government for financial assistant to upgrade the streets across town. Kevin Bernard- Mayor Orange Walk Town “When I spoke to the CEO on Tuesday in Belmopan he clearly said to me when I ask them what are they going to do about the Main road meaning between mile 53 and 55 that runs through our town he said they don’t have the budget for it but they have been given an approval for them to fix certain areas of the Belize/Corozal road that have been damaged and these are sections like coming after the UNO gas station, in front of Sabor Cosina and I understand just before the traffic light here by fire station and then also by Cheetos and a little down on Otro Benque road those are the areas that they are going to be fixing which he told me it is a little bit over three hundred to four hundred thousand that is being allocated for that, I understand that some slight work is going to be done on San Antonio road but is not going to be paved majorities of these monies are going into some of these areas like San Estevan road and these areas that needs attention, and so when I look at that it is very, very eye opening to see that we in the north that have one of the biggest industry the sugar cane industry we have a lot of farmers who travel through our roads and even though many use the by-pass but if they are looking at the by-pass itself the by-pass also needs some attention because if they leave that road unattended it will also deteriorate but we have some very serious concern I mean if the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister is very serious in developing Orange Walk district they need to start to focus their attention as well to the town.”

Radio Announcer Accused of Rape
Tonight 37 year old Michael Martinez, a radio announcer from the Corozal District is facing the long arms of the law after he was accused of rape. According to an 18 year old woman, around 9:30pm on November 20th, she went to Martinez’s work located in the Rainbow Town area of Corozal Town to talk to him. The woman stated to police that Martinez had promised to give her some answers to questions that he would ask on a giveaway program in order for her to win a cellular phone. Reports are that when the 18 year old arrived at the radio station, instead of giving her the answers, Martinez pushed her into a room located at the back of the building and had sexual intercourse with her against her will.

Agriculture Sector Experiences Millions Of Dollars In Loses Due To Flooding
Yesterday government announced immediate remedial road improvements along with larger scale major road rehabilitations across the country. In addition to that, Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that the government will also be providing financial assistance to the agriculture sector after receiving a preliminary report of damages to other crop. According to the report, farmers, including those in the north, have lost millions of dollars as a result of the recent inclement weather. Honorable Dean Barrow- Prime Minister of Belize “Latest preliminary report we are looking in terms of crop damaged at people suffering in Cayo, Belize, Orange Walk, Corozal a total of $2,634,600.00 by way of losses and we are talking about soy beans, 800 acres having been destroy 350 acres of corn, having been destroyed 50% of vegetable farmers affected an if the weather persists all the vegetable farmers will be affected.”

LOVE FM

Opposition Party Disagrees with PM’s Statements During Press Brief
Apart from the PUP’s effort in recalling Elvin Penner, Fonseca also spoke about the scandal within the immigration and nationality department. In yesterday’s press conference, Minister of Immigration Godwin Hulse did not offer any update on the ongoing investigations. PUP Leader Francis Fonseca says it is unacceptable. HON. FRANCIS FONSECA “Absolutely no update was provided on this very important issue. The Belizean people still have so many unanswered questions about this issue and we heard the Minister of Immigration says, well, no essentially his response was no there is no update. What are the police doing? We hear that there is a police investigation taking place. There should be provided to the people of this country some update as to what is taking place with that police investigation. We understand as well that the FIU is supposedly investigating this matter as well. Well the Belizean people deserve to know what the status of that investigation as well. We hear that the auditor general is in the Ministry conducting an investigation. Again, there has been no report or update to the Belizean people on exactly what is taking place and this is completely unacceptable.” Fonseca also threw blows at the Prime Minister’s stand on the ongoing bagasse dispute between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and the Belize Sugar Industries Limited and American Sugar Refinery.

Mother Says Police Didn’t Have To Kill His Son
A man was shot and killed in Ladyville yesterday. Reporter Marion Ali returned to Ladyville today and here is her report. MARION ALI REPORTING “His aunty was coming, running while crying and screaming, ‘Travis, stop; Travis stop’ and then she started to say, ‘please don’t kill my nephew; please don’t kill my nephew’ and then he was saying please don’t hurt me, my brother.” MARION ALI “Travis McKay was reportedly killed by a policeman during a cross fire with Ladyville police sometime at around 3 o’clock on Wednesday afternoon. It happened on Seagull Street in that village. A police press release issued today stated that a police patrol cornered McKay on Seagull Street soon after he ran out of a business establishment on the Philip Goldson Highway. Police claimed that while they had him cornered, McKay produced a .38 revolver and fired three shots at them and they responded in kind, killing him. Officer commanding the Ladyville police station, Chris Noble told reporters soon after the incident the same sequence of events.”

3-Month Baby Has Successful Surgery in Venezuela
A Belizean child has successfully undergone cardiac surgery at a medical institution in Caracas, Venezuela. The Ministry of Health announced today that three-month-old Cassidy Martinez became the first Belizean to undergo a surgery of this nature at Hospital Cardiologico Infantil Latinamericano. She was diagnosed with an Atrial Septum and Ventricular Septum Defect in Belize City and her parents were advised to seek surgery abroad. The Embassy of Venezuela in Belize, through Ambassador Yoel Perez Marcano, along with the Ministry of Health, accepted and facilitated the request to assist baby Martinez, and she underwent the surgery on October 10th. The baby returned to Belize in the first week of November. The Governments of Belize and Venezuela signed a technical cooperation agreement

Transforming Youth and Community with Help From CDB
This morning the Government of Belize through the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, with financial assistance from the Caribbean Development Bank launched the Youth and Community Transformation Project. The project is intended to help tackle the root causes of crime and improve citizen and community security, particularly in Southside Belize City. The project will be implemented through a ten point four million dollars loan and a two hundred and ten thousand from the Caribbean Development Bank and Government’s counterpart contribution of four point one million dollars. The project will also allow for the construction and rehabilitation of critical community infrastructure including a new resource centre in the Lake Independence area and the upgrading of the Wilton-Cumberbatch playing field. Community agencies participating in the project include the YMCA, Samuel Haynes Institute of excellence, Youth for the Future and Yabra Community Policing Centre.

University Community Wants to Know Dr. Fraser’s Status with UB
At yesterday’s press conference Prime Minister Dean Barrow said he was aware of the letter sent to him by the President of the University of Belize Dr. Cary Fraser. According to the Prime Minister he has not met with Dr. Fraser to discuss his resignation. Today the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Association has called on the Prime Minister to inform the University of Belize community and the nation on the current status of Dr. Fraser. The Association says it is gravely concerned that the national university is presently being run by a quote “retired/rehired, interim provost who is also the acting president” Unquote. According to the UBFSA this managerial instability is negatively impacting UB as decisions recently made by President Fraser, are now being reversed in his absence which will cause UB to go into further dire financial crisis. The Association says it strongly supports Dr Fraser’s position that the UB Board of Trustee must desist from micro-managing the university and operate solely from a policy level. In addition, the UBFSA strongly supports that all UB assets be placed into a Land Trust in an effort to sustain our national university on a long term basis. It also demands that the Minister of Education ensures that the Ministry of Education fulfils its outstanding debt obligation of over two million dollars owed to the university. UBFSA continues by saying it has zero tolerance for the crippling cuts in the budget that occurs on an yearly basis which impacts the quality of programs delivered to students by dedicated, qualified faculty and staff.

Woman Will Stand Trial for Murder of Estranged Lover
The case of 26 year old Calaney Flowers, charged with the murder of 29 year old Lyndon Morrison, was today committed for trial in the April 2014 session of the Supreme Court. Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith told Flowers that a prima facie case has been established against her and that there was enough evidence to send up the case to the Supreme Court. The preliminary inquiry was done by paper committal. The incident occurred on August 28, 2012. Police reports are that Morrison and his girlfriend, Sochyl Sosa, were riding a motorcycle and Flowers trailed them in a red Saturn car and struck the motorcycle from behind when they reached in front of Central Assembly church on Freetown Road. Both Morrison and Sosa were flung from the motorcycle and they sustained injuries. Morrison succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards.

Andy Faces Another Drug Charge While Out on Bail
Thirty-four year old Andy Alford, who was on bail for a charge of drug trafficking, was remanded into custody when he appeared today before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith and was arraigned on a second charge of drug trafficking. Alford’s next court appearance is January 16, 2014. Alford, who resides in Ladyville and has several convictions for drug offences, was busted around midday yesterday when police stopped a passenger bus in Ladyville and searched him. The police reported that they found 88.2 grams of cannabis in a black plastic bag that was in the front pocket of his pants. As a result, Alford was taken into custody and charged. The suspected cannabis was labeled as exhibit.

Lands Commissioner Says Land Was Reissued to a More Deserving Person
Lennox Garbutt, a resident of Corozal North Constituency says he is a victim of political land fraud and nepotism. Garbutt who once held a lease for a twenty acre parcel in the Consejo Area in Corozal, found out a few months ago that parcel 73- the parcel in question- has been re-issued to another Corozal resident by the name of Ada Luz Romero. According to Garbutt, Romero is the sister of Minister of Health and Corozal Bay Area Representative Pablo Marin who was the one who recommended for the parcel to be reissued. HIPOLITO NOVELO REPORTING: “November 30, 2011; that’s the date Corozal resident Lennox Garbutt says he received a lease to parcel number seventy three located in the Consejo Road area. But three months ago, after attempting to keep his payments up to date, Garbutt found out that Parcel 73 had been reissued to someone else. “ LENNOX GARBUTT “I went to Lands Department in Corozal and found out that someone was issued that lease. So, I went to Belmopan and investigate it and I found out that it was issued to one Adalus Romero the Minister Pablo Marin. I also have files that show that Minister Marin had requested a cancelation for this parcel of land and reissued to his sister.”

One Year In Prison Following 60th Appearance in Court
Forty-eight year old Robert Bainton, a laborer of Hattieville who has made 60 court appearances and has several convictions for crimes of dishonesty, was sentenced to one year today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith, after he pled guilty to the theft of a beach cruiser bicycle. The complainant, gas attendant Lawrence Smith, reported to the police that he was at Atlantic Bank on Freetown Road making a deposit for his work place when he looked through the glass door and saw Bainton jump on his bicycle and ride off. Smith said he pursued Bainton on foot and caught up with him on Freetown Road. A police mobile patrol was passing at the same time and Smith indicated to the officers that he needed help and they detained Bainton and took him into custody. Police recovered the bicycle from Bainton and charged him with theft.

Open House at Centre for Employment Training
The Cayo Centre for Employment Training is today holding its eighth open house. Correspondent Elaine Berry filed a report on the activities for the event. ORLANDO ESPAT “This is a time when our students showcase their talents and what they have learnt in this institution over the past years. We have guests from the business sector, we have guests from the churches, and we have guests from other ITVETs around the country and other institutions from San Ignacio and the surrounding areas too. We have invited everyone to come and to enjoy the displays and there are also the culinary arts which is an attraction for many people. Cayo Center for Employment Training opened its door somewhere around 1995. We started with a population of about maybe 15-20 students and as you heard the manager say today, we have about 255 new trainees at the moment. There is a need at the moment to do an expansion and In fact we are already thinking of building in the future and the plans are there for a hotel already where we can train our hospitality classes and then use this institution also to bring other people from ITVET here to do their training. We do mechanics, we do refrigeration, we do culinary arts, we do tourism etc. And we are expanding by the day and it’s a very attractive institution. We have people from the villages coming. We do our own books here. You can visit the Resource Centre here and you will see that the population is growing it’s not diminishing its growing.”

Health Officials Put Importance on Maternal and Neonatal Care
In Belize, like most other countries, the health and survival of women and their newborn babies during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period is of key importance. On this premise, the Ministry of Health in Collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund and the Belize Medical and Dental Association is hosting the 32nd International Pre-congress. Dr. Francisco Martinez Guillen (GUI-YEN) a Pediatrician and Neonatologist from Nicaragua is the facilitator. He spoke on some of the issues impacting maternal and neonatal care in Belize. DR. FRANCISCO MARTINEZ GUILLEN “We have a lot of obesity and overweight and pain and before pain. We have some increases in diabetic disease and hypertension and preeclampsia has a lot of trouble in our pregnant Latin American and Caribbean countries. So we need to change this kind of struggle; we need to reduce this kind of trouble in our pregnant women and the consequence in the new born baby.” Dr. Jorge Polanco, Deputy Director of Health Services, explained how the pre-congress hopes to address the issues of maternal and perinatal morbidity.

LOVE TV

Police Finds Cannabis on Passenger Bus
Thirty-four year old Andy Alford, who was on bail for a charge of drug trafficking, was remanded into custody when he appeared today before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith and was arraigned on a second charge of drug trafficking. Alford’s next court appearance is January 16, 2014. Alford, who resides in Ladyville and has several convictions for drug offences, was busted around midday yesterday when police stopped a passenger bus in Ladyville and searched him. The police reported that they found 88.2 grams of cannabis in a black plastic bag that was in the front pocket of his pants. As a result, Alford was taken into custody and charged. The suspected cannabis was labeled as exhibit.

One Year Sentence for Stealing Bicycle
Forty-eight year old Robert Bainton, a laborer of Hattieville who has made 60 court appearances and has several convictions for crimes of dishonesty, was sentenced to one year today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith, after he pled guilty to the theft of a beach cruiser bicycle. The complainant, gas attendant Lawrence Smith, reported to the police that he was at Atlantic Bank on Freetown Road making a deposit for his work place when he looked through the glass door and saw Bainton jump on his bicycle and ride off. Smith said he pursued Bainton on foot and caught up with him on Freetown Road. A police mobile patrol was passing at the same time and Smith indicated to the officers that he needed help and they detained Bainton and took him into custody. Police recovered the bicycle from Bainton and charged him with theft.

Murder Trial Set For 2014 for Ex-Lover
The case of 26 year old Calaney Flowers, charged with the murder of 29 year old Lyndon Morrison, was today committed for trial in the April 2014 session of the Supreme Court. Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith told Flowers that a prima facie case has been established against her and that there was enough evidence to send up the case to the Supreme Court. The preliminary inquiry was done by paper committal. The incident occurred on August 28, 2012. Police reports are that Morrison and his girlfriend, Sochyl Sosa, were riding a motorcycle and Flowers trailed them in a red Saturn car and struck the motorcycle from behind when they reached in front of Central Assembly church on Freetown Road. Both Morrison and Sosa were flung from the motorcycle and they sustained injuries. Morrison succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards.

PlusTV

Ladyville Resident Killed by Police After Alleged Robbery
Police in Ladyville are anticipating a criminal and internal investigation into an officer-involved shooting in the village following an alleged robbery on the Philip Goldson Highway. Officially the report is that a certain Travis McKay was cornered in an area next to the basketball court, one block from the...

Prime Minister Recovers from Back Surgery and Playing Santa Claus!
Wednesday’s press conference hosted by Prime Minister Dean Barrow was his first since returning from successful back surgery in the U.S. earlier this November. He began by expressing gratitude to those who wished him well in recovery and says that while he really should be off his feet for...

How to Appease Caribbean Financial Action Task Force?
Last week, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force listed Belize as one of the countries that have failed to comply with the Action Plan addressing legal deficiencies in the fight to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism. This, despite Government passing over a dozen pieces of legislation recently...

Murder Rate Drops down to Half in Belize City
After a nasty start to 2013, the criminal element appears to have settled down. Prime Minister Dean Barrow reported that compared to the record-breaking pace of 2012, murders are still below the century mark as of this week. Prime Minister Dean Barrow: “In terms of crime (very quickly), the...

Blacklisting on Fisheries of Belize by EU to be Addressed
The European Commission has recommended that several countries including Belize be blacklisted for failure to do enough to stop illegal activities on the high seas by ships registered in our name. A High Seas Fishing Bill has been passed by the House of Representatives but accompanying regulations and other...

The Guardian

More Development Money
The past three months of consistent rain has put a battering on the infrastructure of the entire country and the Government of Belize is responding to the massive damages that has beset the roads. Prime Minister Dean Barrow held a press conference on Wednesday November 27th where he explained that the roadway problems will be addressed firstly in a remedial manner and thereafter in a comprehensive national multi-million dollar approach. P.M. Barrow announced that immediately 2.269 Million dollars will be made available to the ministry of works which will see remedial road works in all municipalities with the first tranche of over 96 thousand dollars already being made available. Corozal will receive $494,216.25 dollars; Orange Walk $184,356; Belize District over $442,295; the Cayo district will receive 1.1 Million dollars; Stann Creek will get $87,795 and the Toledo district will receive $59,160. While that is the planned spending to offer some respite for road users, a greater more holistic and comprehensive look at the infrastructure across the country will see Central Government investing $76.72 Million dollars on the major highways as well as the Old Northern Highway and village roads . These monies are currently available for infrastructure development through the Petro-Caribe Initiative. According to the Prime Minister, the investment will be made as follows: the Phillip Goldson Highway will see $16.73M in upgrades; the George Price Highway will get $5.3M; the Old Northern Highway will receive 1.7M. Investments will also be done on village roads as follows: $6.34M in Cayo; $10.95M in the Belize District; $8.63 in the Stann Creek district; $15.61 in the Toledo district; $2.92 in Orange Walk; and $10.25 in the Corozal district. The Prime Minister described the plan as one that was "muscular, a plan on steroids."

Government stands with Cane Farmers but...
The Prime Minister was categorical on Wednesday when he announced that the government was standing behind the cane farmers. Hon. Dean Barrow stated that "we are convinced that the farmers have a case." He continued, "the argument that the bagasse is waste and not a byproduct in our minds cannot stand." But after having made it clear that the farmers have a case, he added that "now we part ways with the farmers, in terms of the manner in which it seems they are determined to make their point and to press their case. We cannot consider it helpful for the industry, for the economy in the north and for the country for there to be this talk about strike and none-commencement of the crop. That will hurt all of us but it will hurt most the very farmers that are being encouraged not to deliver." The P.M. continued stating that he is willing to speak to the farmers for them to determine a way forward but he was quick to add that if it were not for ASR we would not have a sugar industry. There is now a tentative meeting with the Prime Minister which would be scheduled by Monday of next week. Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Gaspar Vega is expected to also be a part of any such meeting.

Couple brutally beaten in Placencia, one Suspect is Dead
Twenty seven year-old Tyson Rodriguez, a Dangriga resident who was the main suspect in the home invasion of a Canadian couple in Placencia, has died while in the custody of Placencia Police. The direct consequence of his sudden demise has triggered the Commissioner of Police to order an investigation into the circumstances of his demise. A 59 year-old Canadian man and his 61 year-old wife were at their home at the Plantation area on last week Thursday night, and at around 8 p.m., 3 dark-skinned men ambushed, savagely beat them into submission and forced them to allow the assailants entrance into their house. The wife suffered a broken jaw and multiple facial injuries almost disfiguring her. The husband’s head was dunked under water several times; he almost drowned. The men then burglarized the house and escaped with the couple’s white GMC SUV speeding down toward the Southern Highway. Placencia police, as immediately as they responded the call for help, alerted all police formations of the home invasion, and the stolen vehicle, and surveillance and response teams were deployed. 13 and a half hours after the burglary, Corozal Police and Customs Patrol spotted the vehicle, which had its license plates removed, on the Chan Chen Road, over 200 miles away from where it was stolen. When they finally managed to get close to the vehicle and recover it, the two men who were inside had already dumped it, and they fled on foot. The investigating teams combed the surrounding area and saw one of the men who they believe was in the vehicle. That man was waiting at the Xaibe Bus stop, and as soon as he saw the officers coming he tried to run away, but with the help of Xaibe villagers, police caught him. He was later identified as Tyson Rodriguez, the Dangriga resident who had a run-in with San Pedro Police last year after one of the officers shot him, reportedly in self-defence.

Coming Soon - Salary increase for Public Officers
Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced once again on Wednesday November 27th that a salary increase for public officers is next to being guaranteed. Hon. Barrow made the announcement at a press conference which he held to update the country on infrastructure investment the government has planned. PM Barrow had previously committed to public officers that their raise will be contingent on an increase on the recurrent revenue of the country. This year the collection centers have been performing exceptionally well and the PM noted that 50% of the increase will be allotted to public officers as a raise. Those monies will “will give a significant salary increase,” to public officers. Aside from that announcement the Prime Minister also expressed that he may well be playing the role of jolly old St. Nick as this year Christmas Hampers and toys will be made available to all constituencies. Even representatives of the opposition will be getting their share to spread the Christmas cheer.

Making Protected Areas a Personal Issue
Most Belizeans are aware of names such as the Chiquibul Forest, Sarstoon Temash National Park, Sapodilla Caye Range and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. These are some of the most famous protected areas in the country but with the exception of a small group of people nobody knows why it is important that these areas be protected. On Wednesday, November 27th, the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development launched an awareness campaign to educate Belizeans on the role and importance of protected areas across the country. The initiative is entitled Branding Campaign for the National Protected Areas System and the launch was attended by Government officials as well as representatives of protective areas management organizations. Valentine Rosado, Communications Officer for the National Protected Areas Secretariat, says “Traditionally, awareness initiatives have mainly been conservation and science based and that only appeal to a small portion of society.” Rosado says previous awareness efforts have not resulted in the kind of public support necessary for efficient stewardship of our natural resources. He says, “The idea behind the branding initiative is to demonstrate that protective areas are of direct value to all Belizeans.”

Editorial: Manufactured Outraged and Stone Soup
You may know the story of the itinerant swindler who found himself in a remote village one night. The villages, suffering from hard times, did not offer to share their limited food with him. He told them that he fully understood their lack of hospitality, but asked only for a little help to make his own pot of stone soup. “Stone soup!” exclaimed the villagers, “No one can make soup from stones.” “Just lend me a large pot and let me use your fire hearth and I will show you how,” responded the silver tongued con artist. He set to work with a flourish stirring his pot of water into which he dropped three large smooth, clean stones. When it was bubbling away, he made a great show of tasting it and smacking his lips in delight. He exclaimed that it was coming along fine but a little salt would certainly improve its flavour. Continuing this charade, he persuaded the gullible villagers to drop in assorted vegetable such as onions, carrots and potatoes and finally a freshly prepared chicken and even to stir the pot themselves. As promised he produced a delicious pot of stone soup! In a parallel story, there is a heavy pot of manufactured outrage prepared by a consortium of interested parties hungry for political power. Their supposed pot of corruption is being offered to a Belizean public weary of global hard times. The cauldron admittedly contains a few heavy stones of individual passport irregularities, but the other ingredients are manufactured or manipulated by people who are well practiced in the art of deception. The accounts of individual wrong doing at SIF or Southern Regional Hospital are distressing but are no more indicative of government corruption than similar recently exposed instances of fraud at a large private enterprise point to corruption at the highest levels of management at Brodies. Other ingredients include completely fictitious narratives based entirely on rumour and hearsay. The Alvarine Burgess “revelations” have been widely shared on Channel 5 and other consortium media outlets, but it now appears that they have no substance. She has presented no evidence and large parts of her story have been proven to be factually inaccurate or completely fabricated, but the tricksters continue to stir her tale into their pot of lies. The US may or may not be listening in to our telephone conversations, but they would never admit to such a thing and certainly not to a no-body such as Ms. Burgess.

Force Ripe
My grandmother, the late Ms. Martina Carpizo, did not like us eating “green things” when we were young, so although she had several mango, plum, orange and guava trees in her yard, we had to wait until these fruits were ripe before we could have them. To avoid temptation, our Mammy would, during the season, pull the “full” mangoes from the lower branches of the tress and hide them away to ripen. The children would, at every opportunity, sneak into the little thatched storeroom and vigorously squeeze the mangoes to hasten their ripening process, and when they got soft enough, Mammy would, to our delight, allow us to eat these. I tell you, we enjoyed those bruised mangoes with salt and pepper, in spite of the bitter aftertaste they left in our mouths. We later learnt that such practice is called “force ripe”. In today’s world of politics, the pattern of persistent repetition of the same topic by Amalia at Channel Fox reminds me of the force-ripening tactic kids would employ in having their way. This PUP die-hard now comes across as desperate in trying to trigger a general election well before it’s due time, in an effort to gorge on the corrupt fruits that she and the Old Chap have tasted and become addicted to. Even after circumstances have exposed the so-called whistle blower as untruthful, Channel Fox refuses to let go, claiming new evidence, which even a Standard IV student can cut and paste, in the continuous pit bull attack against Hon. Castro.

Channel 5 Beating a dead Horse
It appears that Channel 5 has not yet fully understood that their ploy to try to destabilize the government by attacking Hon. Edmund Castro simply will not work. We thought that after their so-called informant was outed by the U.S. embassy as a downright liar they would have tried to ease up. But the rabid pitbull at the helm of that media organization simply will not let go. On their newscast on Tuesday they came again with the same old same old. They said Hon. Castro had given recommendations to 21 persons to receive visas in a two week span. Well if nobody has given Amalia the memo that recommendations given by area representatives are the order of the day, then this article may serve as such. On a daily basis area reps write out all manner of recommendations, from visa applications to the U.S. to visa applications for family members of constituents. Recommendations are also written for jobs, land considerations, references. You name it and the letters are written. Now even after the recommendations are made, it does not guarantee a positive outcome on the other end. Amalia fully knows well but she insists on beating a dead horse. To her we say, the carcass is beginning to stink, please don't beat it no more because that one there, is going nowhere. When minion Michael Roudon tried to bring it up during the Prime Minister's most recent press conference, the Prime Minister simply chucked that one to political mischief by Amalia Mai and the PUP.

Ministry of Education honors the best Print
On Thursday November 21, over 900 hundred students from around the country were honoured at the 2013 CXC Award Ceremony at the UB Gymnasium in Belmopan. This year’s May-June 2013 session saw some of the most promising students yet; Edward P. Yorke graduate Xiaowen Huang managed to sit and pass 17 CSEC exams, with an astonishing 16 grade ones and 1 grade two. She got the highest grades in the country for science, technology and vocational subject group, clothing and textiles, and integrated sciences. In her speech to the students and proud parents at the ceremony, she commented that there were many factors, such as hard work, dedication and careful planning, which allowed her to perform so well in the exams. Huang was closely followed by SCA’s Marilen Guerra, who achieved 15 grade ones. She also received a subject group award in humanities. Both Huang and Guerra were awarded with iPad tablets as a token of appreciation for their hard work and achievements. Both of them are currently double majoring at the Saint John’s College Junior in Biology and Chemistry.

Eulogy for Clarita Leonie Dyer Geban
Clarabelle Leonie Dyer Geban was born December 24, 1937. At this time in history Belize was undeveloped and largely unknown on the world stage. The times were simple, the people were unsophisticated but honest. Her father was Alfred Dyer Senior, the patriarch of the family. Her mother was Madeline Haylock Dyer. The Dyer family earned a living by exploring the vast resources of the sea surrounding the coastland and the cayes. She had five brothers, three of whom on the Dyer side were hardened sea-fearing men. While the boys joined their father in the fishing community, Clara the only girl, went on to St. Hilda’s College and earned a diploma. This was the first for her family. At twenty-one years, she met Louis Geban and were married. Clara worked for many years at the Belize City Council as a tax collector. Throughout her life she was passionate about her church, her family, and politics. Like her father before her, she lived for the church in which she was baptized and in which she grew up. At St. Mary’s was actively involved in fund-raising projects, especially the St. Mary’s Feeding Program. Her family was critical of her. She was extremely proud of her children and would let everyone know that. Her family, however, extended to many people, included relatives, neighbors, and friends.

Minister Faber meets with UDP Youths
Almost every Saturday between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. you can find the youngest (and perhaps most enthusiastic) supporters of the United Democratic Party assembled together at the party headquarters on Youth for the Future Drive. The United Democratic Party’s rise to relevance on the national political stage was the result of a powerful youth movement. Many officials of the present administration can testify of the passion developed for country and party during meetings of the Youth Popular Front back in the days. The Youth Popular Front is back and senior officials of the United Democratic Party are working with the group to make it as dynamic as years past. On Saturday, November 23rd, Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, attended a meeting of the Youth Popular Front. Faber has been the group’s most dedicated supporter and had attended numerous meetings since its resurgence. He sees it as a responsibility because he too was a member of the Youth Popular Front. On Saturday there were over forty youths present at the meeting, as young as eight and a couple in their early thirties. Faber spoke to them about his experiences as a member of the group. He said it was then that he developed a passion for volunteerism. He always volunteered to be part of the party’s initiatives, especially Faith Babb’s initiatives. It was this willing attitude that earned him opportunities to move forward in the party- to the point where he was a legitimate contender for Standard Bearer in Collet and now to the point where he is one of the most secured Area Representatives of the country. Faber encouraged the youths to adapt a similar spirit of volunteerism and to take the party’s message wherever they go.

Global Investment Agents Visit KHMH
Dr. Adrian Coye, Director of Medical Services at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, guided a special tour of the hospital on Wednesday, November 27th. Two Directors of Nueterra Global Alliance are in the country meeting with health practitioners, policy makers and institution executives. After a meeting with KHMH Executives on Wednesday afternoon, the Nueterra representatives toured the facility along with Hon. Pablo Marin, Minister of Health. Nueterra is a global leader in developing joint equity partnerships with health systems, governments, hospitals and physicians. Many healthcare investors are interested in taking advantage of medical tourism opportunities now available in Belize and since the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is the institution with the most material and human resources it is ideal for joint equity partnerships. Nueterra says its vision is “to create a truly borderless world of care – connecting patients, physicians, educators and investors from all over the globe.” Minister Marin says any organization that is going to improve the healthcare system of Belize is welcome. He says medical tourism should improve the infrastructure of our institutions, skills of our medical practitioners and overall healthcare system. The representatives of Nueterra were extremely impressed with the hospital management’s plans for expansion (space and services). Paola Reyes, Regional Sales Director, says, “There are great opportunities for partnership at this institution.” The two parties plan to keep in touch.

Lake-I’s first Turkey Trot
Always on a mission to keep the constituents of Lake Independence engaged, Hon. Mark King, on Sunday November 24th organized the first ever "Turkey Trot." The idea was to have men in the constituency come out with their sons and have a trot through the constituency to encourage greater male participation in the lives of young boy boys. While the participation was less than was expected, Hon. King says he is encouraged by the fact that there were young boys who came out. Those who did not have their fathers present were accompanied by an older sibling proving that male role models in young boy's lives are not necessarily only fathers but other older males in the family unit. At the conclusion of the Turkey Trot, some participants received turkeys.

Rural Central Committee Holds Retreat for Village Councils
Chairpersons and Councilors from nine villages in the Belize Rural Central constituency attended a retreat at the Black Orchid Resort in Burrell Boom Village on Sunday, November 24th. The retreat was organized by the Belize Rural Central Committee. The main objective was to provide an opportunity for networking among village leaders of the constituency in order to more effectively execute the United Democratic Party’s developmental agenda for the area. The keynote address was delivered by Michael Hutchinson, UDP Caretaker for Belize Rural Central. Hutchinson reaffirmed his commitment to continue working on behalf of the people of Belize Rural Central with the support of a Central Government that is preparing to inject an unprecedented amount of financial resources in rural communities across the country. Jacquelyn Franklin, Regional Development Officer in the Ministry of Local Government, and Diane Haylock, Chair of the UDP Committee for the Organization of Women, were also in attendance to address the village officials. Franklin presented on the role of village councils as authorized by the regulations in the Village Council Act. Haylock presented on transformational leadership and the need for more women in politics. Also allowed an opportunity to address the gathering were aspiring candidates for UDP Standard Bearer in the constituency, including councilor Dean Samuels.

Students Impressive at Entrepreneurship and Innovation Expo
Hundreds of Belizeans visited the Princess Hotel on Thursday, November 21st, to view the creative displays of students from the University of Belize and high schools from across the country at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Expo. The expo is now an annual event made possible due to a partnership between the Ministry of Education, Belize Youth Business Trust, the University of Belize and the United States Embassy. This year there were thirty booths and along with the Marketing class of the University of Belize there were fifteen high schools representing all six districts. Sylvia Cattouse is the Special Assistant for Community Initiative out of the President of UB’s Office. She says the expo is important because “there is a critical need to develop young entrepreneurs.” Her message to the student population is “You are not just to look for a job or go to school to be hired by someone but if you are passionate enough about something then you can create your own opportunities.” Cattouse says, “In any developed country it is the entrepreneurs that are the drivers of the economy.”

Some thoughts from the President of the University of Belize
The President of the University of Belize has made known some of his thoughts on the issue of education in Belize and the Region. Dr. Cary Fraser recently met with main advocate Mrs. Maria Eugenia Paniagua in Belmopan for a brief discussion on a proposed Central American Educational Policy PEC that seeks to provide all Central Americans with at least nine years of basic education and bring educational excellence to the Region. PEC has the endorsement of the Council of Ministers of Education of the member countries of the Central American Integration System SICA. This Regional Strategy also has the support of the Council of Ministers of Education, Summit of Presidents and Heads of State within SICA. “Ultimately we should be thinking about 12 years of compulsory schooling, everyone should be legally required to be in school until they are 18; as the World has become increasingly technologically complex, it will be important for students before the age of 18 to be exposed to a level of knowledge that will allow them to enter a World that is so technologically complex that they will be left behind if they are out of school without the adequate level of preparation,” said Dr. Cary Fraser, at a recent meeting at the University of Belize, bringing together Education Officials and the supporters of PEC.

Jose Funez charged with carnal knowledge
On Monday November 25th 32-year-old Jose Funez, a resident and Technician of Mahogany Heights appeared before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court to answer to one count of carnal knowledge. Funez is accused of having sex with a child age 13 years. When he appeared in court, he was read the single charge but no plea was taken since the case is an indictable matter. No bail could not be offered and Funez was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until January 14, 2014. The alleged incident occurred on Saturday, November 23, 2013, at Funez’s home. It was not until later that day that the child told her mother what had happened and as a result she was taken to a doctor who examined her and confirmed that she was carnally known.

Daylight Robbery in San Ignacio Town
There was a brazen daylight robbery at a Chinese Store in San Ignacio Town on Sunday, November 24th. 34-year-old Xiang Rong Chen, reports that his business on Flamingo Avenue in San Ignacio know as ‘Kenny’s Store’ was robbed at about 8:15 am on that date. Xiang Chen, a Naturalized Belizean, told police that two unmasked persons entered his store, one armed with a firearm and the other with a knife. Chen was held up along with his worker Pedro Lopez, where a demand was made for money. The person with the handgun then took Chen into his room to the back of the store and again demanded money wherein Chen complied and handed over $2,000.00 and a check written to Pine Lumber for the amount of $380.00. Chen was then taken outside of the store. Meanwhile; the person with the knife started searching for cash in the register and took $300.00 as well as a black Mitsubishi brand lap tap valued at $1,300. The robbers also took another black lap tap valued at $1,500.00, an I-Phone with calling number 630-0896 valued at $1,200.00, which was on the counter. Chen lost to the robbery some $6,680.00 in total after which both robbers ran out of the store and made good their escape. The aforementioned, ‘Kenny’s Store’ has also been the scene of a crime before; where a security guard from Camalote and employed by ‘Security Force’ had been killed.

Sandhill schools to represent Belize Rural in Belize District primary schools football finals
The Belize Rural Primary Schools Football competition was played on Thursday November 21, 2013, out at the Sandhill Football Field. In the girls’ championship game, Pancottoq q edged out its neighbourhood school Guadalupe RC by the score of 5-3 in penalty kicks. The goal scorers for Pancotto were Shana Bood, Luz Monzon, Cassie Augustine, Aesha Metzgen and Aldean Williams. Meanwhile, the goals for Guadalupe RC were scored by Shevaun Vaccaro, Brandy Grinage and Brianna Leslie. In the first girls’ game of the day, Guadalupe RC blanked Maskall by the score of 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored by Shevaun Vaccaro. In game two, St. Therese Anglican School defeated Our Lady of the Way RC from Ladyville by the score of 4-2 via penalty kick. The goals for St. Therese School were scored by Vittian Trapp, Georsha Sutherland, Chelsea Humphreys and Alesha Baizar, while the goals for Our Lady of the Way RC were scored by Virginia Reid and Kavita Bardalez.

Cycling Twilight Criterium continues
The Belize Cycling Association through collaboration with the Belize City Council proudly presents the Thursday, Twilight Criterium, on November 28th commencing at 6:30 pm on Marine Parade. According to the Belize Cycling Association, the Female, Youth, Junior and Masters category 4/5 riders will ride for 45minutes, after which they will do 5 laps. Meanwhile, the Open Elite riders will ride for one hour and then do 5 laps to complete their category. The Belize Cycling Association is also reminding all members of the association that registration for the 2014 Cycling Season is presently taking place. Cyclists and cycling personnel can contact the following individuals in their zones for registration: Northern Zone – Arturo Vansen, Western Zone- Gilroy Spence (San Ignacio Area) and Delvit Castillo (Belmopan Area), Central Zone – Leticia Westby and Southern Zone – Cordell Gordon.

Inter-district Football competition starts
The Football Federation of Belize 2013 Inter-District Season commenced on Sunday November 24 with a number of games across the country. The teams that are participating in this year’s competition are PG Police FC, Mavericks, M&M; Steelers, GB United, San Martin FC, Hope Creek Pumas, Roaring Creek United, Umadagu, Penarol, Brown Bombers, Georgeville Strikers, Ebony Lake, Ranchito Warriors, San Estevan, Progresso and Athletico Club Los Lobos. The teams are divided into 4 zones. In Zone 1 games played over the weekend, PG Police United blanked M&M; Steelers by the score of 5-0. The goals for PG Police United were scored by Devin Burgess (2), Rowlin Burgess and Deon Burgess (2). In the second game played, Mavericks defeated GB United by the score of 5-2. The goals for Mavericks were Everette Recinos, Leslie Williams, Andre Logan and Kenton Galvez (2), while the goals for GB United were scored by Henry Jimenez and Jose Lopez.

Paradise/Freedom Fighters regains lead in Belikin Cup
The Premier League of Belize Opening Season Tournament for the 2013 Belikin Cup continued over the weekend with three games on the schedule. On Saturday November 23, at the Marshalleck Stadium out in Benque Viejo Del Carmen, the home team Verdes FC blanked the visiting Belize Defence Force by the score of 2-0. The 1st goal of the game was scored by Orlando Jimenez in the 5th minute of play to give the home team Verdes FC an early 1-0 lead. That lead was further extended when Julio Ayala scored his team’s 2nd goal of the game in the 22nd minute of play for a 2-0 lead. The Verdes defence was able to protect the 2-0 lead in the remaining minutes of the first half of the game, and in the entire second half for the big win. The competition then continued on Sunday November 25 with two more games. At the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town, San Ignacio United white-wash the Belmopan Bandits by the score of 2-0. The San Ignacio United squad was able to get onto the scoreboard when Anthony Gonzalez scored the 1st goal of the game in the 17th minute of play to give his team an early. In fact, that was the only goal really needed in the game. The lead was further extended for the San Ignacio United squad when Carlos Vasquez scored his team’s 2nd goal of the game in the 46th minute for play for the win. And at the MCC Grounds in Belize City, the current leaders’ in this year’s competition Paradise/Freedom Fighters and FC Belize played to a1-1 draw.

Volleyball General Congress takes place this weekend
The Belize Volleyball Association will be holding its General Congress on Saturday November 30, 2013 commencing at 1:00 pm at the Radisson Fort George Caracol Room. The highlight of the General Congress will be holding of Elections.

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Ocean Academy’s Christmas Extravaganza
Dec. 7th, 7pm

Blogs

Thanksgiving Morning On Ambergris Caye
Many of you are in places where the change of seasons is marked by birds migrating south or leaves falling from the trees. Here, in Belize, it’s the return of the tourists. I took a morning walk this morning up the beach and our island is bustling. Resorts have all their new cushions out, the beaches are neatly raked and tour boats are loaded and headed out. The “high season” has begun. The Christmas chill is also in the air. Our first real cold front. Last night, as I rolled myself into a blanket burrito, the temperature dipped into the low 70s, the humidity below 80% (my lips are already chapping) and the wind blew from the North west. Sweatshirts, winter jackets and wool caps are out in San Pedro.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Chaa Creek
The staff and management of Chaa Creek wish all of you, wherever you are, a truly wonderful Thanksgiving. We know that we’ll be taking the time out to be grateful for what we have, which includes you, our many friends and guests from around the world. You’re the reason why we’re here and you continue to be part of our growth while sustaining our philosophy that yes, you can combine Green, sustainable practices with quality and a certain casual luxury. In fact, our guests’ enthusiasm for responsible travel has contributed tremendously to our growth. Over the last 30 years Chaa Creek has evolved into a community consisting of over 130 dedicated staff members who in turn support many Belizean families. This allows us to provide educational and career opportunities that have a positive effect on Belize through initiatives such as the Chaa Creek Cares program. Ten per cent of what you pay for accommodation goes directly into environmental and social upliftment programs. We hope our guests sleep soundly knowing that their stay here is actually good for the people and country of Belize.

Belize preparing for a prosperous future
In a solid step forward, The Government of Belize, with financial and technical assistance from the United Nations Development Program is working on something with implications for every Belizean. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has begun work a “Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy for the Period 2014 to 2017”. This strategy will be one of a series of medium-term plans working towards realising the vision behind Horizon 2030. This vision reads: “Belize is a country of peace and tranquillity, where citizens live in harmony with the natural environment and enjoy a high quality of life. Belizeans are an energetic, resourceful and independent people looking after their own development in a sustainable way.” We think that’s a great goal, and achieving it requires effective planning starting with good medium-term strategic plans, and then linking these plans to successive operational year-to-year budgets and putting in place a solid monitoring and evaluation framework.

International Sources

EU warns Belize, Curacao about fishing sanctions
European Commission (EC) is urging European countries to impose trade sanction on Belize over illegal fishing, while warning Curacao that it may be next. The EC also urged European Union governments to hit Cambodia and Guinea with the sanctions, cautioning South Korea and Ghana that they, too, may be next in line. The EU executive called for action against Belize, noting that no “credible progress” has been made since hitting it with the so-called “yellow cards” last year. “Once placed on an official list of "non-cooperating countries" in the fight against illegal fishing, related products from those territories will find themselves all-but shut out of the EU market of half a billion consumers,” the EU said in a statement. The Commission also flagged up a new round of “yellow cards”, which puts key free-trade partner Curacao under mounting pressure to meet international obligations.

Caribbean Pulse beats again
THE last album Caribbean Pulse released was Stand Up 10 years ago. After a self-imposed break, the Los Angeles band is back with a new single. Blessed is the title of the song which was released November 1. It is from their pending album, Yesterday, which is expected to be out in early 2014. Caribbean Pulse is built around founder and rhythm guitarist William Smith, his brother Jason Smith who plays bass and lead vocalist/percussionist Ezzy Judah. All are from Belize. "Right now our focus is finishing up the Blessed video and we look to start doing shows in late January. We are in talks to do Rebel Salute and the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival," William Smith told Splash. The band is an experienced unit with members from Belize, Jamaica and the United States. Caribbean Pulse also includes Jamaican drummer Carlton 'Santa' Davis (of Soul Syndicate Band fame), Michael Hyde (keyboards), Gil Smith (keyboards), and guitarist Steve Verhault.

Tropicals are the new produce frontier
Consumers are getting more exploratory in the produce department, and this is good news for Brooks Tropicals LLC, headquartered in Homestead, FL. “North American consumers are adventuresome,” said Director of Marketing Mary Ostlund. “They love a frontier. And in the produce section, tropicals are the new frontier. [This is] particularly important with everyone upping the amount of fruit and veggies they’re eating. They want to eat more of the produce they love. But they want to be tempted to love more.” Brooks Tropicals is a premier grower, packer and shipper of tropical produce grown in Florida and around the Caribbean. More than 4,000 acres are farmed, and the company harvests more than 70 percent of what the firm sells. Production areas are found in Florida, Belize, Brazil, Jamaica and Mexico. Commodities are also imported from countries in Central America and South America.

Central America opens the door to renewable energy
Over the last decade Central America has begun launching a range of small clean energy projects to reduce the impact of climate change and high oil prices, and to supply energy to communities in remote regions. As a result, today almost 65 percent of the electric power supplied to public utilities in the region is contributed by renewable energy sources, according to the Economic Commission for Latin America, a United Nations body. In Perquin, a village in the forest on the border between El Salvador and Honduras, Salvadoran families have built a gravity-powered micro hydropower plant in the local river. Previously, community members cut down trees to burn for fuel, deforesting the area and affecting the ecology of the river basin. But today they sell energy to neighbouring Honduras, using the profit to maintain the hydro plant and as a community emergency fund. Juan Benitez, a farmer in Perquin, said that electricity generated by the hydropower plant runs lighting that enables children to do their homework in the evenings, and that smoke from fires no longer affects villagers’ lungs and eyes.

Latin America and the Caribbean advance toward universal access to HIV treatment
Three out of four people who need antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Latin America and the Caribbean are receiving it, according to a new report from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). That leaves one in four without the life-saving treatment but represents a 10% improvement in just two years and puts Latin America and the Caribbean ahead of all other developing regions in levels of ART coverage. “Latin America and the Caribbean lead the world in providing and expanding antiretroviral treatment on the basis of technological innovation and scientific evidence,” writes PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne in the preface to the report, Antiretroviral Treatment in the Spotlight: a Public Health Analysis in Latin America and the Caribbean 2013. “What remains is to close the gap in treatment coverage and ensure equitable access to and delivery of services,” writes Etienne.

November 28, 2013

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Arlethe Lima Crowned Miss San Pedro Lions Queen 2013-2014
On Saturday night, November 23rd four young ladies vied for the title of Miss San Pedro Lions 2013-2014. The Angel Nuñez Auditorium at the San Pedro High School was packed with enthusiastic fans and the judges were tasked with a tough decision. After their votes were tallied the lovely Arethe Lima was crowned Miss San Pedro Lions 2013-2014. The evening of pageantry was hosted by the San Pedro Lions and the Master of Ceremony was the gregarious John Palacio from LoveFM. The teenaged contestants included Miss Erica Bodden – sponsored by Hummingbird Rattan Furnishings, Miss Julissa Trejo – sponsored by Cayo Espanto Resort, Miss Arlethe Lima -sponsored by Rojo Lounge and Catline Benguche -sponsored by Caribeña Enterprises. The young ladies, along with reigning San Pedro Lions Queen Alexis Del Valle opened the Miss San Pedro Lions show with a dance presentation and then made their personal introductions. Palacio then introduced the five esteemed judges, which included Ms. Natasha Stuart, Mrs. Yoli Rivero, Dr. Giovanni Solorzano, Mr. Johnny Grief, Ms. Brie Harding and Mrs. Pat Grief as the tabulator. The San Pedro Dance Academy then preformed a Middle-Eastern style dance while the contestants prepared for the Island Wear modeling segment of the program. Sporting playful and flirty beach attire the young ladies were in their element, rocking the stage. A colorful Mestizo dance performed by the ever-energetic San Pedro Dance Academy followed.

Cause of Tyson Rodriguez’s death in question; did police murder him?
Two simultaneous investigations are ongoing into the death of Tyson Rodriguez, which occurred on Friday November 22nd, in the southern Stann Creek District. Police initially sent out a release claiming that Rodriguez died from natural causes, but the Rodriguez family maintains that Tyson was brutalized by police, then possibly murdered. Police claim that Tyson was arrested after he allegedly invaded the property of Canadian couple 59 year old David Baier and his wife Sonia on the Placencia Peninsula and severely beat Sonia. The entire ordeal began on Thursday at about 9PM when the Baier’s were robbed, beaten on the beach, taken to their house, tied up, their residence burglarized and their GMC Envoy SUV stolen. According to a police report the vehicle was recovered all the way in the Corozal District off a feeder road near Xaibe Village. Police say that Custom Officials saw the vehicle, decided to set chase but lost it in the process. It was later found abandoned by a joint team of Customs and Police Office. Later that morning, Customs officials saw 27-year-old Tyson Rodriguez sitting under a bus stop and identified him as the individual seen earlier in the stolen vehicle. They detained him and others, turning them over to Corozal police, who then transported Rodriguez and his companions to Stann Creek.

Zulema Ayala wins San Pedro Lions Peace Poster competition
The San Pedro Lions Club has selected the winning Peace Poster that will represent the club at an international competition. Zulema Ayala of The Island Academy was selected from amongst 38 entries that were submitted from four different schools on Ambergris Caye. The top three entries were announced on Friday November 22nd at the San Pedro Lions Den, and the three artists stopped by to receive their prizes. According to the San Pedro Lions Co-Chair of the Peace Poster competition committee, JanBrown, the judges had a difficult task selecting the winner. Brown said that after carefully looking at the criteria, the incorporation of the theme and other details, Ayala’s poster was the pick. “The students’ art work was very well prepared. They had some deep thoughts on the theme if you really look at the posters closely. This year’s theme for the International Peace Poster Competition was ‘Our World, Our Future.’ Most of the students incorporated the country and the theme, but some went and thought outside of the box and include the world into their posters. Each student that participated had to be between 11 and 13 in age by a certain date. Zulema’s poster was selected and we are happy that we have a poster that we will be sending to the international competition scheduled for2014,” explained Brown. The international winner and top 24 entries worldwide will be notified in February 2014 and will be invited to an international ceremony on March 2014.

Arlethe Lima Crowned Miss San Pedro Lions Queen 2013-2014 (49 photos)
Congratulations to Arlethe Lima, Miss San Pedro Lions Queen 2013 - 2014, and to all of the contestants who participated in the pageant. You are ALL beautiful young ladies

Ambergris Today

Flashbacks: Looking Back at Township Day in San Pedro
In this Flashback picture on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, we look back 29 years ago on what was San Pedro's first Township celebrations. Pictured here is the Salazar residence on Front Street (Barrier Reef Drive), now the location of a more modern building that houses Friki Tiki Gift shop and Belize Bank International, just across Fido's. Behind the house is an empty lot where today stands Island Plaza (Sailaway Cafe & Top Notch) and a glimpse of the San Pedro Lions Den. The banner above the streets marks: "Jenny's Store welcomes and supports Township". It was yet a very small community, but one that had grown in size as the community started to adjust to the growing tourism industry. Were the island residents back then aware of what was to become of the small village that was just entering Township status? Today, San Pedro Town, is closer to becoming a bustling city that has grown in leaps and bounds with residents still adjusting to the, still ever-growing and changing tourism industry. We owe this all to our founding forefathers, individuals and families on the island that had the vision of taking their people forward.

Belizean Fashion Designer Joris Hendrik Produces First Fashion Show
Belizean fashion designer Joris Hendrik highlighted his Spring/Summer 2014 Collection at the Princess Hotel & Casino on this past Saturday, November 23, 2013, as he produced his first fashion show of his professional career. The production was a total success. Joris Hendrik is among the first local fashion designers in the country to be internationally recognized in Belize’s burgeoning world of couture. After being a part of successful shows throughout the Caribbean, such as Carifesta XI in Suriname and the Caribbean Fashion Week, he decided to put off his first Joris Hendrik fashion show.

San Pedro Commemorates 29th Township Anniversary
Mayor Daniel Guerrero and the San Pedro Town Council sponsored two programs to celebrate the 29th anniversary of San Pedro’s Township. On Tuesday, November 26, 2013, at Ramon’s Village Resort, invited guests had the pleasure of listening to inspiring addresses from Keynote Speaker, Mr. Einer Gomez, and from the Guest Speaker, Mr. Wilfredo Alamilla Sr. After the Welcome Address by Mayor Daniel Guerrero and the Invocation by Mr. Clive Welch of the Lighthouse Christian Radio, Mayor Guerrero and Miss San Pedro 2013 Solani Graniel presented framed certificates of recognition and appreciation to various members of the community who have made significant contributions to the growth and well being of San Pedro. Music by Wil and Dale along with drinks provided by the staff at Ramon’s Village along with delicious food presented by Pineapple’s Restaurant also at Ramon’s all blended beautifully to provide a most pleasant evening of entertainment and camaraderie to all the invited to this special occasion. As emcee Angel Nuñez summarized it from the very beginning, it was a wonderful site and setting for a wonderful occasion.

Misc Belizean Sources

Flashback video of San Pedro
Here is a flashback video of San Pedro in its early days as a town featured in a very popular international TV Show, Sabado Gigante with Host Don Francisco. We can observe various local personalities and places like the late Mr. Chico Flores at the Holiday Hotel and even our very own, Mayor Daniel Guerrero, as a young tour guide. If we're not mistaken, this video was filmed in the year 1992. Can anyone confirm this? Check it out! HAPPY TOWNSHIP DAY! Video courtesy of Mr. Antonio Novelo - Thanks for sharing this video.

Help for Sarteneja
District Coordinator for DEMO in Corozal Mr. Willard Levy has informed the Corozal Daily that additional assistance has been provided to the people of Sarteneja by utilizing a Belize Coast Guard boat to ferry residents to Corozal Town. This service was started yesterday Tuesday, Nov 26 and will last until this Thursday Nov 28. The "Thunderbolt" will continue the same run Friday Nov 29 & Saturday Nov 30. If necessary DEMO may continue on Monday. The service provided on both the Coast Guard and Thunderbolt is free of cost to the people of Sarteneja. The road conditions in these areas still remain in an extremely bad state and the issue with the High School students need immediate and further attention.

Happy Thanksgiving Celebrations
To all our friends from home and abroad, here is wishing you a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving Celebrations Belize tomorrow Thursday Nov 28 - Photo: "Beerdrinkus Amercanus & Canadensis"

Help for Henry Benefit Concert
There will be a Help for Henry Benefit Concert on December 9th at the George Price Centre to raise funds for Henry Griffin, who is battling leukemia. It's only $5 per person, and all proceeds go to the Griffin family. David Smith, Bethany Fritzler, and many others will be performing. There is also a gofundme site set up at http://www.gofundme.com/5hc1ps. "This page is set up for a little boy by the name of Henry. He lives in Belize. A friend of my family is a missionary in Belize and have planted a church there. Please know that 100% any donation will go towards helping Henry and his family get the much needed medical care that he has no access to at this point. If you have any questions about this please feel free to message me or email me."

Kontiki Family Fun Day
The Kontiki Neighborhood Watch is having their Family Fun Day this Sunday, starting at 9:00am. They'll have tons of food, some games, a football competition, a raffle, music, and even a greatsy pole. The KNW will use the funds to do more community improvements like installing more street signs and lights. "The Kontiki Family Fun Day will be held on Sunday Dec 1st 9am - 6am. We're going to have lots of delicious food and snacks for sale, as well as cool games and activities for kids. Family Fun for a worthy cause.. see you there! Please share this with your friends."

Chef Sean Kuylen Deconstructs Dukunu
Flavors of Belize teams up with Chef Sean Kuylen to make dukunu in episode 2, and Chef Sean explains how to make dukunu the easy way. He also adds some shrimp to the mix. Who's hungry? "Tonight on the menu is a traditional Mayan meal that's popular not only in Belize, but throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. It's name varies depending on location, but here in Belize it's known as 'Dukunu.' Chef Sean deconstructs this normally difficult and time consuming dish, and re-constructs it in a way easy for anyone to attempt right at home. Still keeping with the original elements of the dish, he makes it his own by adding his twist to this well known cultural meal."

Cayo CET Open House
The Cayo Center for Employment Training is having their Open House on Thursday, starting at 9:00am. See their students display their trades, and get to know more about CET. For more information, email [email protected] or call 824-2944. "CCET invites you to their annual Open House!"

VIDEO: San Ignacio Market Walkabout
One of the best attractions in western Belize is the San Ignacio Market Day held every Saturday. This open air market is one of the best in the country offering fresh fruits, vegetables and other farm produce. Food vendors are everywhere, people come to sell anything from clothing, shoes, hammocks, hardware, animals and pets. It is rather like a produce market, peddlers meet and flea market rolled into one.

Channel 7

Another Castro Controversy? PM Says "No Smoking Gun" On Corruption
Today, three weeks after spinal surgery and 27 days after his last media interview – the Prime Minister held a press conference in Belize City. And, it was loaded: the event lasted just a shade under two hours, where the Prime Minister addressed a whole gamut of issues, from the latest immigration scandal, to his new beard. We’ll have all of that for you tonight, but we start with more Edmund Castro controversy. Six weeks ago, an immigration agent turned whistle-blower said that as a Minister of state, Castro had facilitated 200 visas for her in just a few months – and that he did it for two thousand dollars each. Castro flatly denied signing so many, but conceded that he had signed a few, but, quote, “nowhere in the neighborhood of 20, 30 or 40 nor 200” end quote. Castro also vehemently denies taking any money for writing recommendation letters. But last night Channel 5 showed documents demonstrating that he had signed at least 21 visa recommendations in just 16 days in May, 2013. Today the Prime Minister again had to defend Castro, and this time he said that a recommendation is only that: Mike Rudon - Channel 5 News "Over a sustained period, week after week, after week, he has been recommending visas for Chinese nationals. I know that you don't watch the news, so you might not have seen that, but what would be your comment on that."

Gov't Launches 76 Million Dollar National Road Infrastructure Programme
And while the air of scandal and the heat of burning issues took the headlines tonight, today’s Prime Ministerial press conference was really about Government’s response to the one month of heavy rains that have left Belize’s road and street infrastructure in a vastly deteriorated state. The PM said it is no less than a catastrophe: Jules Vasquez Reporting Prime Minister Dean Barrow "It's as I said, speaking clearly, a catastrophe with respect to these rains, and it's not over yet." Government is coming in with 2.26 million dollars as emergency repairs for the most severely affected roadways: Prime Minister Dean Barrow "We’re talking about areas where access has been cut off and movement of people and goods severely impaired and the Ministry of Works has given to the Ministry of Finance the budget that is required to do the immediate remedial work that is necessary." But that is only in the short term, in the long term, there is a massive three year plan to overhaul much of the country’s road infrastructure - an effort that this government hopes will become its hallmark:

PM Says Farmers Right, BSI Wrong, Bagasse Does Have A Value
And while government’s road infrastructure overhaul was today’s “big reveal”, the hardest line came down on the subject of bagasse. As we told you earlier, the PM unveiled what he said is the government’s official position. He says Cabinet adopted a position with key input from Minister Godwin Hulse, who has been on the BSI Board for years. Somewhat surprisingly that position does not square with the BSI position, in fact it is directly opposite: Prime Minister Dean Barrow “We are convinced and as a lawyer, I am entirely satisfied that there is every basis for our conviction, we’re convinced that the farmers have a case. We looked at the provision in the memorandum of understanding that talks about the sharing of revenue arising from the sale of any by-product will be subject to future discussions, and the sharing of revenue will be based will be based on the result of those discussions. And in our view that clearly contemplates some form of compensation to farmers for the bagasse. The argument that the bagasse is waste, and is not a by-product in our minds cannot stand. You cannot say that the bagasse is not a by-product. To me, it doesn’t hold water for that argument to be made. So we are absolutely positive that the farmers have a case and that case needs to be addressed.” And while the government is with the cane farmers on that central issue, GOB is not with them on the plan to undermine the start of the crop season. He explained why he feels the farmers are going about it all wrong:

GOB Won't Fix Sugar Roads If Farmers Aren’t Serious About The Cane Season
And when they meet on Monday, the cane farmers are sure to bring up the issue of sugar roads. Those roads which are used for cane delivery took a beating with the month of rains. The Ministry of works would have to do major work on them before the crop season starts. But the PM says Government won’t fix the roads, if they won’t be used – he explained the position: Prime Minister Dean Barrow "I would need to be sure that there is going to be a crop. I am perfectly willing and happy to fix the sugar roads, but if there is not going to be a crop, then that isn't an immediate priority. I would have to look at other areas where people in fact can't get out of their villages and spend the money there."

Rains Caused Consequential Agricultural Losses
And while the state of the sugar industry overshadows everything in the Agricultural sector, the truth is, farmers all over the country have been plunged into crisis by the rains. The PM outlined the findings of a just completed report on rain damages: Prime Minister Dean Barrow "There is tremendous agriculture, tremendous crop damage, up until this morning, the Minister of Agriculture was on this. The Deputy just handed me the latest preliminary report. We're looking in terms of crop damage, at people suffering in Cayo, Belize, Orange Walk, Corozal a total of $2,634,600 by way of losses. We're talking about soy bean, 800 acres having been destroyed, 350 acres of corn, 50% of vegetable farmers affected, and if the weather persists, all the vegetable farmers will be affected. We can't pay them for the loss of earnings, but we can certainly help in terms of doing things like providing funding for seeds so that they can replant."

Cops Kill Alleged Armed Robber In Ladyville
Ladyville residents were shaken today by a barrage of gunfire in a neighbourhood only a block away from the police station. There was an exchange of gunfire between Ladyville police and an alleged armed robber which ended when the gunman was killed. According to area residents, it happened at around 3:30 this afternoon. Some say, they heard as many as 10 gunshots ring out. From what our team gathered on the scene, the armed robbery took place at Country Products Meat Shop which is located on the Highway in Ladyville. Police responded and managed to chase the man in an area near the basketball court, where the robber allegedly opened fire at police. Police fired shots in return –and caught the man in the chest area– killing him instantly. The man was later identified as Travis Mckay, a resident of the same neighbourhood. The officer commanding Ladyville explained: ASP Chris Noble, Rural Executive Officer, Police Department "What we have been able to gather is that there was an incident earlier and the police were following up on that incident. They came up on the gentleman that we have that is now deceased or that we have confirmed deceased. There was possible an exchange of gunfire and the person passed."

Stabbed His Wife’s Lover, Steeno Gets 12 Years In Jail
49 year-old Vincent “Steeno” Tillett, the man who stabbed his common-law wife’s lover to death, will spend a total of 12 years in prison for it. That was the sentence that Justice Adolph Lucas handed him today after his mitigation hearing. Justice Lucas heard character witnesses from Tillett’s daughter Naera Polanco; his friends, business man Alvin Hyde Jr. and Pastor Melvin Davis of the Church of Christ; and from his attorney, Arthur Saldivar. After careful consideration, Justice Lucas sentenced Tillett to 15 years in prison to be recorded as commencing from the day when he was remanded to prison to await trial. He will only serve 12, since he spent 3 years in jail, waiting to have his case heard. Tillett was tried without a jury before Justice Lucas who, after listening to the evidence presented to him, found him guilty of a lesser charge of manslaughter, not murder, when he stabbed 22 year-old Darwin Phillip, puncturing is heart, killing him.

Marsha Reid Speaks From Dock, Contradicts Caution Statement
Another accused person who is waiting on the judge to determine her guilt is 39 year-old Marsha Reid. Her trial for murder, which was done without jury, concluded today before Justice Denis Hanomansingh in the Southern Session of the Supreme Court. As we told you, Senior Crown Counsel Cecil Ramirez was able to get her confession statement, in which she admitted to stabbing her lover, BDF Corporal Donovan Castillo, accepted as evidence against her. Reid told the court from the dock that she stabbed him in the neck in self-defence after they had a fight. That is contrary to her confession statement where she told police that she was the one who attacked first.

PM Says IMMARBE Black Eye Can Be Fixed, CFATF Not So Easily
And we go back now to the Prime Minister’s press conference, which, as we said, was loaded with news. He addressed the issue of the European Union blacklisting Belize. As we told you last night, it’s because of IMMARBE – which sells the Belizean flag to high seas vessels in international waters. The EU correctly says that IMMARBE does not police the fleet, and because of that Belize was blacklisted. Today the Prime Minister said he is confident that Government can make adjustment in the laws to satisfy the Europeans: Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize "We will very quickly pass or promulgate the regulations. What they are saying is, 'You've passed the Act and that's fine, but there must be regulations under the Act that will then create the monitoring infrastructure, and then you must operationalize the infrastructure.' I am telling you that we will do that, but I've said before, and I will say again ultimately, if we have to de-register the entire fishing fleet, we will do that. It is not a step that you likely take because it is earning revenue for the Government, but at the end of the day, we will do whatever we have to. The possible consequences of the EU action don't extend to anything other than the fisheries product of the fishing fleet, you know. It doesn't affect our shrimp, doesn't affect anything else. So, while it is serious, and we're taking it seriously - and we will deal with it - don't let us get us carried away."

GOB Will Put Major Money Into City Infrastructure
And while that subject seemed to give the PM a headache, in contrast, he was happy to talk about funding road works in the city. As all city residents know, the streets are in an atrocious state after the rains – even after the mayor paved 100 streets. The Prime Minister says Government will now provide at least one million dollars in funding to provide urgent assistance to the streets. That begins with the entrance to the city at the western highway, which will be restored for a third of a million dollars. The PM said relief is also on the way in other areas: Prime Minister Dean Barrow "For the residents of Belize City in particularly, you will be comforted to know that immediate help is on the way. We will fund the works needed at the flag monument on Princess Margaret Drive to the tune of 148,229.80. We will fund the works needed at the stop light intersection with Mahogany Street in the amount of 188,243.84 and we will of course fund the works needed near to the Marion Jones sports complex, on that area to Landivar Street, which I have to pass every morning taking my daughter to school, so believe me I know why people are howling bloody murder. We will fund the remedial works needed for that area to the tune of $377,400, all to a total amount of 990,190.16." The Prime Minister also explained that the government will have toi step in on two major roads where the Council has run into contractor difficulties:

Hon. Bradley Unsure About Councillor Chang’s Future
We also got the mayor to comment on City Councillor Eric Chang. He returned to the country yesterday after an extended absence. The mayor says that after those three weeks away, he has to make sure that Chang is on the same page as a fast-moving council: Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City Council "My responsibility as Mayor is to ensure that every single person in the City Council is performing 100%, persons with portfolios, persons without portfolios. I need to hear from him that he's serious about delivering on his commitments that he was elected to do." Jules Vasquez "Will he be reinstated as a councillor with portfolio? Do-" Darrell Bradley "No, we have no plans on doing that. We are very heavily involved in some of our infrastructure projects. I am quite satisfied with the performance of Councillor Dean Samuels. He's moving forward with Southside Street Rehabilitations Project. He wants to anxiously do those. We want to get those moving as soon as possible, so we're continuing. We're satisfied with the current fit, and I think that there is still this gaping question here in relation to his absence, and in relation to his name called the immigration fiasco, which he has to answer for."

Re-Branding Protected Areas
Belize has 103 areas all around the country which enjoy environmental protection. 69 of them are protected areas, and the rest are archaeological reserves, bird sanctuaries, and spawning aggregation sites. But did you know about them before? If the answer is “no”, then the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development has launched a campaign to inform you about the importance of these areas, which make up a network called the National Protected Areas System, or NPAS, for short. Now, branding, or re-branding usually is commonly used in business when referring to the process of creating and recreating a unique name image of a product in the consumers’ mind. The Ministry has decided to adopted it to protected areas because they want the average citizen to reconsider the importance the NPAS and the reasons that they should do all they can to preserve and keep them in their pristine, untouched states. Today, the Ministry held a re-branding campaign today at the Radisson Hotel, and 7News attended. The Chair of the National Protected Areas Technical Committee explained how important this exercise is to the Belizean identity:

DPP Has Doubts About Police Account Of Tyson Rodriguez’s Death
The family of 27 year-old Tyson Rodriguez believe that police officer killed him while in their custody, and that they should be brought to justice for it. The police officers are denying that they did anything to cause his death, and they claim that he died of natural causes, which they didn’t even see. So, after having seen all the evidence so far, what does the Director of Public Prosecutions think? Well, 7News spoke to her today, after she met with the investigating officer. She told us that she has perused the statements sent to her by the police yesterday and is of the view that the version of events given by the officers who were escorting Rodriguez raises more questions than answers, particularly in light of the findings of the forensic examiner who performed the post-mortem examination. DPP Vidal says however that the matter requires further investigation and that no charges are imminent.

Still Worth More Than A Thousand Words
In the age of powerful cellular phones, and inexpensive camera equipment, the art of photography is being eroded by the production of the everyday amateur or hobbyist. 3 women who still treat photography as an art form are Barbara Noralez, Helen Laurie and Myrtle Palacio. They’ve put together an exhibit called “3X Focus”, in which they photographed different subjects in everyday life, and they would like to share them with you. They gave 7News a preview, and told us why the public will appreciate their work: Barbara Norales - Artist, 3X Focus Exhibit "If you grew up in Dangriga, your childhood memories in the Garifuna Culture are about the 2-foot cow, and Jan Canoe on Christmas time. So, you know that you used to wake up to the sound of drums, the chericanare getting ready on Boxing Day, and everything. So, that is what I try to capture in all my pictures. In fact, some of my pictures are actual dancing of the Jan Canoe dancing on Christmas Day last year. So, they are not pictures in which the subjects posed to take. They were actually happening at that time."

One Man Was hurt In Bus Accident
Last night, 7News told you about the accident on the Western Highway just outside of Belmopan, where a James Bus, which was heading toward Belize, slammed into the back of a fruit truck. We told you that there was no one injured, but indeed someone from inside the bus who did get hurt. 32 year-old Belize City Elton Quilter was in the last seat on the driver’s side, and he got up to take out his money to pay the conductor when the accident happened. Quilter told police that he heard the bones in his spine area snap twice, and he starting feeling intense pain. He had to be removed from the scene by an ambulance who took him to the Western Regional Hospital. Quilter had an x-Ray, and he has an appointment to see a neurologist and an orthopaedic surgeon to see how serious the damage is. He says he is in a bind because neither party wants to take responsibility for the accident and he has mounting medical bills. As we told you, the bus rear-ended the fruit truck which was turning off the highway, and heading into a feeder road.

PM Says Unions Will Get Raise, But they Must Be Patient
Three weeks ago on this newscast, you heard the Unions complaining that they wanted to re-open negotiations with government on a salary increase. And they repeated their demand that government commit to some minimum increase, what they call a floor. Today the Prime Minister said they will get an increase but he still won’t commit to a floor: Prime Minister Dean Barrow "The teachers and public officers can rest assured that salary increase there will be. It will take place next year, after we've had a chance to see what the entire revenue stream is for the fiscal year, so it would kick in, I think in July, but I think retroactive to April first, and I am positive that, as I've said, that there will be a substantial increase. But, Lord, man, I have to appeal to the unions. Please, that is what I had put to you; I thought that we have pretty much had an agreement. Now is not the time to say that we demand that you give the increase now in the middle of the financial year, and we demand that there be a floor. Look at what is happening to the entire country as a consequence of the calamity that has overtaken us. Look at all that the Government has to do for all the people of this country. And as a matter of solidarity, please be patient."

PM Back To Work, But "Back" Still Not Fully Working
And we have two final items tonight. The first is on the PM’s bad back, and the second is on his weird beard. First to the back. He got surgery three weeks ago, and went to Belmopan twice this week. He says he has been working reduced hours since last week but might have been pushing too hard because his doctor said that he should take a month off. He explained: Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "I believe that the recuperation is coming along well and I am optimistic at the end of six weeks, the result will be as the doctor had promised. And he’s a doctor, not a politician so I believe that I can accept his promise. So that in 6 weeks, I should be experiencing measurable relief and be able to return to work, full tilt." The PM says he won’t go back to Belmopan for the rest of the week. And then he will make an effort again next week.

What’s Up With The Weird Beard?
And what about that beard? We heard it was part of No-Shave-November an observance by men to support awareness of male cancers such as prostate cancer. The PM said that’s not it; he’s trying to play Santa Claus: Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister “And before you ask, I am clearly intending to play Santa Claus. And for those who say that it is an expression of solidarity with respect to the, this being the month to raise awareness in terms of cancers that affect men…that’s such a lovely, uplifting story that I’m not going to dispute it.”

Channel 5

Immigration Minster offers no information on investigation, but talks on new measures
Today Prime Minister Dean Barrow held a press conference to discuss what he termed a catastrophe visited by the incessant rains. We’ll have those comments later in our newscast, but [...]

Prime Minister addresses visa quota hustle at press conference
Tonight there is much more to bring you on the visa quota hustle. On Tuesday News Five had an exclusive look at documents which prove that Minister of State Edmund [...]

PM agrees that caneros are entitled to a share of profits from the use of bagasse
The impasse between cane farmers and B.S.I. is still holding strong…and latest developments up to Tuesday evening were that Prime Minister Dean Barrow had been asked by the Belize Sugar [...]

Eric Chang back in the country, but still no word to City Council
Councilor Eric Chang returned to Belize on Tuesday after an extended stay in Taiwan but his boss, Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley, is yet to have a meeting with Chang [...]

Ladyville resident is killed in late evening shooting
The Director of Public Prosecutions has not pronounced on the death of Tyson Rodriguez who was killed in police custody in Placencia late last week. But tonight, another man was [...]

Family alleges that police killed Travis Mckay
The family of Travis McKay came to our studios with a compelling report that they saw when the police chased and fired at McKay. According to the Aunt and brother, [...]

GOB to give $3 Million to assist infrastructural damages by flood
Today’s press conference was held for the purpose of discussing flooding and government’s response to infrastructure concerns. The bad news is that incessant rains have negatively impacted many families across [...]

PM Barrow speaks to EU ban on imports of fishery to Belize
The European Union is clustering Belize with Cambodia and Guinea as countries that have not done much to stamp our illegal fishing. On Tuesday, the EU announced a ban on [...]

Acting Fisheries administrator says the decision does have implications
A release from the Ministry of Finance which is now responsible for IMMARBE expresses surprise at the E.U. ban announced on Tuesday on fish imports. Today, we asked the Fisheries [...]

Barrow says no to the 13th senator
In its 2008 campaign manifesto, the United Democratic Party promised serious governance reform by introducing the idea of a thirteenth senator. That additional Senator would have come from the NGO [...]

Taiwanese government transfers agricultural projects to GOB
At Central Farm today, the Taiwanese Government handed over a two-year old project initially carried out by the Taiwanese Technical Mission. The Ministry of Natural resources and Agriculture will now [...]

“Steeno” sentenced to fifteen years behind bars
After twelve days on remand after being found guilty of manslaughter and not guilty of murder, Vincent “Steeno” Tillett learned his fate today when he appeared before Justice Adolph Lucas [...]

CTV3

Corozaleno Cries Foul His Leased Land Was Re-distributed To Pablo Marin's Sister
A resident of Alta Mira Area of Corozal is complaining that his leased land was unjustifiably cancelled due to breach and or non-observance of the lease conditions. And while he claims that the move is partially politically motivated, tonight we bring you two sides to the story in order for you to be the judge. Maria Novelo has that report. Lennox Garbutt, former lessee of a 20 acre lot at the Consejo Road South East of the Corozal District, is tonight crying foul over the cancellation of his leased land in that area. Garbutt says he was unaware that the land was re-distributed to another Corozal resident and in that time had been making his rent payments on time. Lennox Garbutt– Former Lessee of 20 Acre Lot “I acquired the land on November 30th 2011, and from then on up to 2013 I have been paying my tax and I made several trips to Belmopan to see the commissioner of lands Mr. Vallejos and I spoke to him about the situation that I heard that someone had a lease as mines to my land and he told that that is not true so I came back to Corozal and I found out that indeed the person has the lese so I make an appointment to see Mr. Vallejos again and I went back and he told me the same thing that wasn’t true and when I hand out the paper and showed him he said that maybe it could have been error.”

PM Takes Cane Farmers Side, He Agrees Their Should Be Revenue Sharing When It Comes To The Bagasse
The situation between BSI/ASR and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association remains tense and while the government, through the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, has merely been taking on a position mediator; today the Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that they have taken a side. In the press conference this morning the Prime Minister says that his Cabinet and he personally feel that the cane farmers have a case. Dean Barrow- Prime Minister of Belize “We are convinced that the farmers have a case, we looked at the provision in the memorandum of understanding that talks about the sharing of revenue arising on the sale of any by-product will be subject to future discussions and the sharing of revenue will be based on the result of those discussions and in our view that clearly contemplates some form of compensation to farmers for the bagasse, the argument that the bagasse is waste and it is not a by-product in our minds cannot stand apart from general common sense, apart from trying to admittedly the formulation is less than clear is subject to argument.” Barrow goes on to say that while each party maintains their right to their arguments, he believes that BSI/ASR’s argument that Bagasse is not a bi-product but is instead waste, is not.

Millions To Be Spent In Infrastructural Work Orange Walk Only Gets 2.69 Million
Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow made his first public appearance since his return from seeking medical attention abroad, and his return is accompanied by the announcement of long awaited improvements in the private and public sectors which he made in a press conference held this morning in Belize City. The larger part of his presentation focused on infrastructural improvements to road networks across the country which has only been worsened by continuous rains over the last several weeks. But first, the Prime Minister announced that while government, through the National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO, has been providing assistance to families affected by the recent floods in the Northern and Western part of the country, they will be giving additional assistance to about one hundred families in the Cayo District and twenty families in the Stann Creek District. These families will be receiving food packages of three thousand dollars each per family. Furthermore, the Prime Minister announced that government will be replacing household items that were damaged by flood waters. Now, we move on to the announcement of funds for proposed infrastructural improvements – road works. Prime Minister Dean Barrow says that they have allocated funds for the immediate repair of roads that are in extremely deplorable conditions.

Will Teachers and Public Officers Receive Salary Increase?
During this morning’s press conference, another long awaited announcement was made by the Prime Minister. This surrounds the salary increase for teachers and public officers which have been tabled to the government and to which negotiations have been ongoing. And perhaps it was more of a reassurance as the Prime Minister stated that high wages for both is a given but after this fiscal year is concluded. Dean Barrow- Prime Minister “What we had said to the union’s negotiating team is for sure you will get your raise next year because there is no doubt that the formula which we have proposed that is that they get 50%, 50 cents on every dollars of increase recurrent revenue will yield them a significant salary increase. Nobody can predict with certainty the extent of the increases.” The new salary should be in effect sometime midyear in 2014. We will have more on the press conference in tomorrow’s newscast.

LOVE FM

Belize Will Deregister Fishing Fleet if Necessary
As we reported on Tuesday, Belize was one of three countries to be banned from exporting fish products to the European Union, after the European Commission concluded that we were not cooperating in the fight against illegal fishing. According to the Commission, these countries have not addressed structural problems and have failed to show real commitment to tackle the problem. Love News got an interview today with the Acting Fisheries Administrator, George Myvette, who spoke on the technical aspects of the Government’s position that led to the ban. GEORGE MYVETTE “What has transpired in relation to the decision is that, from our stand point, it’s a governance issue and in that regard our advice as a technical arm of the government of Belize has been that there is a need to treat the foreign fleet regulatory issues holistically with the national issues and in that context we have developed a body of legislation that has been before the political directorate for the past 4 years and in that context we had unified the management of the foreign fleet along with the domestic fleet. The Government of Belize has made a decision in that regard in which we have decoupled the foreign fleet management from the domestic fleet management; that’s a policy decision, I am speaking to in relation to the technical recommendation that came out of the fisheries department. I would not be in a position to second guess but inform the policy decision but I would say that certainly the issues that would affect the domestic fisheries in terms of stock depletions, in terms of issues related to pollution, illegal fishing they run across the board and so in that context we found it wise to unify the management of the foreign fleet with the domestic fishery management programs.”

PM Addresses Reported Deficiencies in Belize Against Money Laundering and Terrorism
Last week the Caribbean Financial Task Force cited Belize for deficiencies in meeting the international standards of fighting money laundering and terrorism. Prime Minister Dean Barrow addressed the matter. RT. HON. DEAN BARROW “That one is more serious than the EU situation and that one is also more problematic. We passed a raft of legislative measures in order to try to achieve the degree of compliance required but let’s be clear, the big countries are hypocrites; they don’t practice what they preach. They tell you what you have to do; they talk about harmful tax competition; they talk about this, they talk about that; they talk about knock off counterfeit goods, what is the name of the place in New York? Canal Street or China Town….the point is that in passing the legislation that we did, we had to try to steer a careful course; we recognize that these big countries and that their proxies, their agencies are all powerful and can collapse our system. So we can complain, we can denounce them but the fact is that ultimately we have to realize where the power lies. On the other hand, we have people in the financial services sector and offshore sector saying to us that if you go as far as these people are demanding, we are going to shut down the industry. So, it’s a huge balancing act that’s required. Ultimately, I have said to the local people, please, we will try as best we can to protect you as much as we are able but in the end, recognize that the jig will soon be up. It might be unfair but these people won’t stop until they kill off our offshore sector. Bottom line: we have, I believe, another six months. They have made the statement against us but they haven’t black listed us. The drafts person who operates as legal counsel to the Ministry of Finance has been given a job to go back over the list of demands from these people and has been given a mandate to produce the additional legislation that we need and to do the additional things that we need by February. We will go to the house, certainly by the end of January, with the new legislation drafted and ready to be passed and hopefully by February when, remember the Caribbean Action Task Force is a sort of subset of the Financial Action Task Force and the larger body is meeting in February, we want to make sure that we are in full or at least very substantial compliance by February and we will work towards that. So to repeat, I will complain, lament, and send up jeremiads; I will say that these people, ‘di chance we’ but we have no choice but to comply so comply we will.”

Guyana Has New Honorary Consul in Belize
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the Government of Belize has agreed to the appointment of Hugh Asquith Saul as Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Belize. Saul will replace Lutchman Sooknandan who served in that capacity for a number of years but retired due to ill health. On Friday Saul was presented with his Letters of Commission by the Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Minister of Foreign Affairs in Guyana. Saul’s appointment as Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Belize represents an important step in the further deepening of relations between the two CARICOM countries and to ensuring that nationals of Guyana residing in Belize are afforded the opportunity of consular services. Prior to migrating to Belize, Saul served as a member of the Board of Directors in the Guyana State Corporation, Guyana Fisheries Corporation, Guyana Agricultural Products Corporation, Guyana Agricultural Research and Development Institute and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism.

Attempted Robbery Leads to Culprit’s Death
A man was shot dead in Ladyville this evening. The incident happened in a yard in Ladyville Village shortly after four this evening. Allegations are that McKay robbed a meat shop on the Philip Goldson Highway and rode off on a bicycle towards his house in the village. But additional reports are that policemen, who had gotten an alert about the robbery, met McKay on a street leading to his house. There was an exchange of gunfire and in the process, McKay was fatally hit. Love News spoke with the Officer Commanding the Ladyville Police Station, Chris Noble, who said that the details are still unclear at this point. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT CHRISTOPHER NOBLE “There was an incident earlier and the police were following up on that incident. They came upon the gentleman that we have that is now deceased and we have confirmed the deceased and there was possibly, an exchange of gun fire and the person passed. The incident we have is there was a robbery, a theft in the area. He is a resident of Ladyville.”

Former Traffic Officer and Accomplice Land In Court for Burglary Charge
Two men were charged in connection with a burglary at Skills Training Trading Center on Magazine Road in Belize City, when they appeared today in court. They are 37-year-old, security guard Glenford Patnett and 30-year-old, Giovanni Dougal, an office assistant at Skills Training Trading Center. Patnett was charged with burglary while Dougal was charged with abetment of a crime, to wit: burglary. Both men pled not guilty to the charges. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser offered each of them bail in the sum of $5,000.00 and adjourned their case until January 23, 2014. The burglary occurred between Friday, November 22 and Monday, November 25. According to the report, Patnett entered as a trespasser at the office of the receptionist and stole 640 dollars and a green cellular phone. The allegation goes further to say that Dougal facilitated Patnett in the commission of the crime. The door of the receptionist office was found damaged.

Castro’s Letters of Recommendation for Visas Are Absolutely in Order
Since October, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Edmund Castro has been the focus of allegations that he is involved in a visa hustling ring. Last night Channel 5 reported that they had obtained copies of documents which they say implicates the Minister of State and his administration. Prime Minister Barrow responded to the allegations at today’s press conference. RT. HON. DEAN BARROW “I indicated that the Minister checked, spoke to the Director, the Director made it clear that at no stage did Minister Castro lean on her, call her in any way or intervened on her to try to procure a visa for a single solitary soul. The fact that he wrote letters of recommendations, on the face of it, is absolutely in order. Having had the minister’s report to me that the Director is crystal clear in saying there was no effort at twisting her arm or even gently persuading her on the part of Castro to give any visa. What you have produced is, in my view, not even remotely close to a smoking gun. On the face of it, ministers are entitled and perhaps obliged to write letters of recommendation. If you had shown that 200 or 100 or 75 and in combination with that there was any complaint, not complaint, any indication from the Immigration Director, who is the one who authorizes the visa, that Castro had intervened, then you would have had an argument.”

Father of Nine Faces 15 Year Sentence
49-year-old, Vincent Tillett, a.k.a. “Steeno’, a father of nine who was charged with murder but was convicted of manslaughter, was sentenced to 15 years today by Justice Adolph Lucas. Justice Lucas stipulated that Tillett’s remanded time of three years is to be subtracted from his sentence, so he will serve 12 years. Tillett’s conviction was for the fatal stabbing of 22-year-old, Darwin Phillips, a.k.a. “Darmu”, which occurred on February 13, 2011, at the house of Tillett. Before he decided on the sentence Justice Lucas heard pleas for mitigation from Tillett’s daughter, Naera Polanco,28 and two of his friends, businessman Alvin Hyde Jr. and Pastor Melvin Davis of the Church of Christ. All three of them spoke well of Tillett. They said that he is a quiet person, that he is hard working and that he is not a person quick to anger. Tillett’s attorney, Arthur Saldivar, also spoke on his behalf. Crown Kayshia Grant represented the prosecution.

Eric Chang Is Back But Remains Without Portfolio
Former Belize City Deputy Mayor, Eric Chang is back in the country. Chang flew back under the radar yesterday afternoon. Chang’s name had been mentioned into the passport scandal after which, Chang left the country en-route to Taiwan where he stayed for more than three months. We caught up with Mayor Darrell Bradley and he told us that a meeting between Chang and himself will have to happen before the week is over. MAYOR DARREL BRADLEY “Persons in the media were somehow suggesting that well he came back yesterday and I should have called him yesterday and I should have known he was coming back yesterday. There is no Eric Watch; I don’t have people at the airport looking out for when this man comes. My responsibility is to be the Mayor of Belize City; my responsibility is to ensure that all 10 councilors and staff are fulfilling their mandate and their commitment as councilors and as part of the Belize City Council, that’s what I was elected for. I want to sit with him and I want to get his assurance and hear from him that he is committed to continuing as a councillor and to be an effective councilor. Whatever has to happen in relation to any kind of investigations again, we are still not in possession of any report or document or anything in relation to that. It is my responsibility as Mayor to ensure that our council is operating in a way that is effective and we are delivering on core commitments and that’s why I want to meet with him to get his assurance that he is going to continue in that same stead. We took, as a consequence of his actions, decisions which I thought were very appropriate. Those decisions will be kept in place; we have a new Deputy Mayor, we have a new Works Councillor but in respect to him being a councillor of the Belize City Council, he was elected by the people and I want to ensure that as a councillor that he continues to perform his public duties. He has no portfolio at this time and there is no decision on my part to assign any portfolio to him.”

Prime Minister Says Cane Farmers Have A Case for Bagasse
At this morning’s press conference the Prime Minister presented the Government’s position on the ongoing dispute within the sugar industry. RT. HON. DEAN BARROW “We are convinced and as a lawyer, I am entirely satisfied that there is every basis for our conviction. We are convinced that the farmers have a case. We look at the provision in the memorandum of understanding that talks about the sharing of revenue arising from the sale of any byproduct will be subject to future discussions and sharing of the revenue will be based on the result of those discussions and in our view that clearly contemplates some form of compensation to farmers for the bagasse. The argument that the bagasse is waste and is not a byproduct in our minds cannot stand. Apart from general common sense, apart from trying to do an exegesis, admittedly the formulation is less than complete, less than clear, is subject to argument but doing the best that I can, in terms of my experience as a lawyer and my knowledge on how you read language and texts, I am convinced, as is the rest of my Cabinet, that this contemplates that when, as has now happened, the sugar industry is able to make use of what formally was treated solely as waste to generate fuel and bagasse can be used for other things, I’ve seen, and when that happens you cannot say that the bagasse is not a byproduct. To me, it doesn’t hold water for that argument to be made. So, we are absolutely positive that the farmers have a case and that that case needs to be addressed. Now we part ways with the farmers, in terms of the manner in which it seems they are determined to make their point and to press their case. We cannot consider it helpful for the industry, for the economy in the north and for the country for there to be this talk about strike and non-commencement of the crop; that will hurt all of us but it will hurt most the very farmers that are being encouraged not to deliver.”

LOVE TV

No Evidence of Impropriety with Minister Castro
Since October, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Edmund Castro has been the focus of allegations that he is involved in a visa hustling ring. Last night Channel 5 reported that they had obtained copies of documents which they say implicates the Minister of State and his administration. Prime Minister Barrow responded to the allegations at today’s press conference. RT. HON. DEAN BARROW “I indicated that the Minister checked, spoke to the Director, the Director made it clear that at no stage did Minister Castro lean on her, call her in any way or intervened on her to try to procure a visa for a single solitary soul. The fact that he wrote letters of recommendations, on the face of it, is absolutely in order. Having had the minister’s report to me that the Director is crystal clear in saying there was no effort at twisting her arm or even gently persuading her on the part of Castro to give any visa. What you have produced is, in my view, not even remotely close to a smoking gun. On the face of it, ministers are entitled and perhaps obliged to write letters of recommendation. If you had shown that 200 or 100 or 75 and in combination with that there was any complaint, not complaint, any indication from the Immigration Director, who is the one who authorizes the visa, that Castro had intervened, then you would have had an argument.”

Belize’s Foreign Affairs Announces New Honorary Consul for Guyana
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the Government of Belize has agreed to the appointment of Hugh Asquith Saul as Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Belize. Saul will replace Lutchman Sooknandan who served in that capacity for a number of years but retired due to ill health. On Friday Saul was presented with his Letters of Commission by the Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Minister of Foreign Affairs in Guyana. Saul’s appointment as Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Belize represents an important step in the further deepening of relations between the two CARICOM countries and to ensuring that nationals of Guyana residing in Belize are afforded the opportunity of consular services. Prior to migrating to Belize, Saul served as a member of the Board of Directors in the Guyana State Corporation, Guyana Fisheries Corporation, Guyana Agricultural Products Corporation, Guyana Agricultural Research and Development Institute and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism.

Farmers Need New Approach for Bagasse, PM Says
At this morning’s press conference the Prime Minister presented the Government’s position on the ongoing dispute within the sugar industry. RT. HON. DEAN BARROW “We are convinced and as a lawyer, I am entirely satisfied that there is every basis for our conviction. We are convinced that the farmers have a case. We look at the provision in the memorandum of understanding that talks about the sharing of revenue arising from the sale of any byproduct will be subject to future discussions and sharing of the revenue will be based on the result of those discussions and in our view that clearly contemplates some form of compensation to farmers for the bagasse. The argument that the bagasse is waste and is not a byproduct in our minds cannot stand. Apart from general common sense, apart from trying to do an exegesis, admittedly the formulation is less than complete, less than clear, is subject to argument but doing the best that I can, in terms of my experience as a lawyer and my knowledge on how you read language and texts, I am convinced, as is the rest of my Cabinet, that this contemplates that when, as has now happened, the sugar industry is able to make use of what formally was treated solely as waste to generate fuel and bagasse can be used for other things, I’ve seen, and when that happens you cannot say that the bagasse is not a byproduct. To me, it doesn’t hold water for that argument to be made. So, we are absolutely positive that the farmers have a case and that that case needs to be addressed. Now we part ways with the farmers, in terms of the manner in which it seems they are determined to make their point and to press their case. We cannot consider it helpful for the industry, for the economy in the north and for the country for there to be this talk about strike and non-commencement of the crop; that will hurt all of us but it will hurt most the very farmers that are being encouraged not to deliver.” The Prime Minister says he hopes to meet with cane farmers shortly.

Duo Steals From Skills Training Centre
Two men were charged in connection with a burglary at Skills Training Trading Center on Magazine Road in Belize City, when they appeared today in court. They are 37-year-old, security guard Glenford Patnett and 30-year-old, Giovanni Dougal, an office assistant at Skills Training Trading Center. Patnett was charged with burglary while Dougal was charged with abetment of a crime, to wit: burglary. Both men pled not guilty to the charges. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser offered each of them bail in the sum of $5,000.00 and adjourned their case until January 23, 2014. The burglary occurred between Friday, November 22 and Monday, November 25. According to the report, Patnett entered as a trespasser at the office of the receptionist and stole 640 dollars and a green cellular phone. The allegation goes further to say that Dougal facilitated Patnett in the commission of the crime. The door of the receptionist office was found damaged.

Manslaughter Conviction Leads to 15 Years Behind Bars
49-year-old, Vincent Tillett, a.k.a. “Steeno’, a father of nine who was charged with murder but was convicted of manslaughter, was sentenced to 15 years today by Justice Adolph Lucas. Justice Lucas stipulated that Tillett’s remanded time of three years is to be subtracted from his sentence, so he will serve 12 years. Tillett’s conviction was for the fatal stabbing of 22-year-old, Darwin Phillips, a.k.a. “Darmu”, which occurred on February 13, 2011, at the house of Tillett. Before he decided on the sentence Justice Lucas heard pleas for mitigation from Tillett’s daughter, Naera Polanco,28 and two of his friends, businessman Alvin Hyde Jr. and Pastor Melvin Davis of the Church of Christ. All three of them spoke well of Tillett. They said that he is a quiet person, that he is hard working and that he is not a person quick to anger. Tillett’s attorney, Arthur Saldivar, also spoke on his behalf. Crown Kayshia Grant represented the prosecution.

PlusTV

BSI says Bagasse Dispute Should be Settled in Court
Today, the Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) and its partner in the Tower Hill factory American Sugar Refining (ASR) met the press in Belize City to give their side of the ongoing dispute over a payment for bagasse. The sugar producer has and continues to insist that the farmers...

Why Prime Minister Rejects Senate Inquiry Into Passport Scandal?
The motion tabled by the Opposition at the last meeting of the Senate for a Senate-led inquiry into reports of corruption at the Ministry of Immigration was struck down by the Government’s side of the floor. Six Senators voted in favor of the investigation, while the remaining six –...

Is CPBL on the Bench of the Defendant?
Breaking news this evening! Plus News has learned that CPBL; Citrus Growers of Belize Limited has been sued in the United States Supreme Court; specifically Puerto Rico. The suit is brought against the Citrus Company by SOCIEDAD AGRICOLA HERMANOS PEREZ, INC., of Puerto Rico, a Distributor of CPBL’s CitroPulpa;...

Is Former Deputy Mayor Eric Chang going to Meet with Mayor?
Belize City Councilor Eric Chang is confirmed to be back in Belize and high on his list of priorities is a meeting with his boss, Mayor Darrell Bradley. Stripped of his title as Deputy Mayor and his portfolio, Chang must explain why his name has been called as the...

Prime Minister Weighs in on the Bagasse Controversy
For the last two days, the cases of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) on the issue of payment for bagasse has been publicly presented. Each is adamant and there are suggestions of a court battle. But the farmers won an important...

Another Land Problem Visits the Corozal District
Double ownership of lands seems to happen more often than it should. Whatever procedures have lead to more than one person showing documents for land, has apparently still not been adequtely addressed at the Lands Department. We have another complaint today from a certain Lenox Garbutt who told us...

Violence Against Women Subject to 16 Days of Activism
The Sixteen Days of Activism is a major event for women’s rights advocates as they tie in three special observances toward the end of November and December – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which was observed yesterday, November 25; World Aids Day on December...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Caye Caulker’s Football Finest
TEAM ROSTER Manager – Mr. Julian ‘Neno’ Rosado Coach – Mr. Noe Sandoval

Dance X BZ 2013 – FREE Saturday Performace at the Bliss Centre for Performing Arts
November 26th, 2013. Dance Extravaganza which has become an annual event in November hosted by the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts announces “Dance X BZ 2013”! This year the festival will be held on Thurs. Nov 28, 29, 30, and includes both national and international dancers and groups such as: Belizean Jamie Thompson will be performing from The Dallas Black Dance Theatre, a dance company in the US. Jamie is an alumnus of Wesley College, who later joined the Belize National Dance Co; worked at the Institute of Creative Arts, studied in the US and is now a professional dancer with the Dallas Black Dance Theatre!!! Other dancers and groups taking the stage over the weekend include: Belize National Dance Company Ballet Folklorico, San Benito, Peten (Guatemala) Ugundani Dance Group The Ballet Art School Nu Generation Dance Company Orqueda Negra Dance Group Papa Zulu & Metro Sierra ( Mexico) Lirahunu Satue Dance Club The Airbender Ebenezer Youth Group New Elite ( Toledo) Latino Mix Dance Company (Corozal)

Blogs

Taste of Playa celebrates 5th anniversary
This year Taste of Playa celebrated its 5th anniversary with a spectacular special even night, a wine and food pairing event hosted by La Casa del Agua. The menu included a salad of Melon and Goat Cheese, Seabass in Romescu Sauce, a slow roasted Portabello Confit, sauteed Squid filled with Pancetta Mousse, Beer Marinated Short Ribs and finally a Triple Chocolate Cake. All six courses were timed perfectly, the food was served at the right temperature and the wines were poured on time…. no easy feat with a group of 50 discerning, well-traveled and in this case rowdy foodies. The Kumar’s also attended the same dinner and said it was a great way to kick off the Taste of Playa 2013 and get to know the event committee and others people who had bought VIP passes. You can read the full review and see pictures on Life’s a Beach blog.

My Favorite Dining in Punta Gorda – Gomier’s Restaurant, Asha’s Culture Kitchen and Da Lazy Fish
This is maybe my third or fourth post about my new favorite town in Belize: Punta Gorda. I’ve called it magical…everything you want Belize to be in one place…and a Belize that almost feels stuck in time. It’s all those things. Also interesting to me is that the “restaurant scene” is no scene at all. From what I can tell, Punta Gorda proper doesn’t have one “fancy” restaurant. One with table cloths and candle light, one that serves tapas or farm to table produce… Some of the restaurants that I found didn’t appear to be open at first glance, had run out of some of their menu items and required a bit of wait time to get your food. But all had yummy food and DELICIOUS fresh seafood. Many show off the heavy East Indian influence in the area with mild curry. I’ve never had more tender conch or tastier tofu in Belize. Here are a few of my favorites in Punta Gorda. ALL very worth the visit. My very favorite and one I visited twice…Gomier’s Restaurant and Soy Center. Yes. You read that right. Soy Center. Don’t be scared off. It’s #1 on TripAdvisor for Punta Gorda restaurants.

Happy Thanksgivukkah To All!
Wow, it has been 125 years since Thanksgiving fell on the first day of Hanukkah, a rare occasion!! And everywhere you look around the web and on social networks people are excited; so excited are they that a new word has been born, "Thanksgivukkah"! The secular calendar and the Jewish calendar collided this year and we now have a once-in-a-life time convergence; something that will not happen again for another 70,000 years. This Hanukkah and Thanksgiving I am thankful for family, health, prosperity, food, technology, friends and music. As we all gather around our tables with our loved ones, I would like to wish each of you a Happy Hanukkah and a joyous Thanksgiving!

Outsource2LAC Shapes up as the foremost outsourcing and offshoring event in Latin America and the Caribbean
Representatives of hundreds of global services companies meet in Buenos Aires with industry experts to examine current trends The third annual Latin American and Caribbean Outsourcing and Offshoring Forum, Outsource2LAC, brought together representatives of leading global services industries in the region with potential clients from Asia, Europe, and North America. More than 500 businesspeople from the global services sector, trade promotion professionals and government officials participated in the meeting, which was held in Buenos Aires Nov. 20-21. During the event participants held more than 1000 one-on-one business meetings in fields that included digital animation, virtual education, pharmaceutical research and development, architectural design, and engineering design, among others. “Our region is increasingly recognized internationally for the great variety and quality of the global services it offers, and Outsource2LAC has become a key resource for this market,” said Fabrizio Opertti, chief of the Trade and Investment Unit of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). “Our geographic location, time zone, and our growing numberof creative and innovative companies give us a competitive advantage,” he added.

We Need A New Constitution
You can’t have a house on a sinking foundation and you would never build a new house on one right? So then why are we ignoring the fact that our Constitution is a sinking foundation that needs to go? Example # 1: On November 26, 2013 the Government of Belize held a House Meeting. After this meeting the media reported that Hon. John Saldivar secured an approval from the Prime Minister for $150,000 to assist the Belmopan City Council with much needed repairs to the streets of Belmopan. If you study the Belize Constitution carefully you will find that Proviso to Section 16 (Non-Discrimination based upon race, religion, political persuasion, sex, etc.) expressly states that the Non-Discrimination Provision under Section 16 shall NOT apply to budgetary allocations under the National Budget. Therefore, allowing the ruling Government, more so the Prime Minister, unbridled power to discriminate against, for example, Area Representatives from the opposition party, thus leaving them hamstrung by not allocating financial resources to their constituency under the National Budget.

International Sources

Is Belize Becoming the Top Retirement Destination for Americans?
Belize, in Central America, is fast becoming one of the top retirement locations for Americans because of its climate, low-cost of living, close proximity to the US, and its culture. Over the last few years, more and more US retirees have relocated, retired, and continue to live in the country of Belize, located in Central America. According to BZE Tours, a company that specializes in Belize relocation and retirement tours, many Americans have opted to move and retire to Belize because the highly touted tropical paradise provides a long list of benefits that has captivated them. Some of these benefits are: Low Taxes – Belize is one of the few countries that can boast of low taxation on property, which is currently pegged at 1.5% on average. They have no capital gains tax, making the country ripe for property investing, most especially since Belize’s real estate market is considered highly affordable when compared to the real estate market in the US. Retire Persons Program – Aside from low taxes, the Belizean government has instituted a program that provides numerous incentives to retired individuals above the age of 45 years. One major incentive that most American retirees love is the duty-free tax break when bringing in vehicles and other goods from the US. Belizeans Speaks English – English is the official language in the country. It is used for everyday business and in every home, making Belize a retirement and relocation destination that will make Americans feel right at home. Currency Advantage – Currently, the Belizean dollar has an exchange rate of 2 is to 1 US$. There is no complicated exchange rate to deal with.

S&P; affirms Belize at 'B-/B', outlook is stable
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on Wednesday affirmed the B-minus/single-B foreign and local currency long- and short-term ratings on Belize. The rating outlook is stable. S&P; said the ratings reflect the country's lingering high government debt and interest burden, and the vulnerability of its external debt service to external or fiscal shocks.

European Union Proposes Ban on Fish Imports From Belize, Cambodia, and Guinea
Fish imports from Cambodia, Belize and Guinea may be banned from the European Union for allowing illegal fishing operations. According to Reuters, Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki announced in a statement Tuesday that she recommended the ban due to the countries failure to tackle illegal fishing. "We import 65% of the fish our citizens eat and we would like to be sure that all this fish we eat is fished in a legal way," Damanaki said. "EU ships are not going to fish in their waters and there will be no cooperation with fishing vessels flagged from these countries." Three more countries, including South Korea and Ghana have been warned that they are in danger of facing a similar ban, in the first major proposal against countries failing to discontinue illegal fishing for people who do not have the correct permit.

Paddling Strokes - Belize Kayaking
I recently had two kayaking experiences in the country of Belize. Belize is an interesting country in Central America. I had gone to Belize many years ago on a mission trip to the interior cities of Corozal Town and San Ignacio. But this trip was to the barrier island of San Pedro with its outer barrier reef. After getting to the coastal city of Belize City, Tropic Airline delivers tourist to the outer resort areas. Rose Mary and I flew the Tropic "puddle jumper" to the city of San Pedro on the island of the same name. This island is narrow, only a few hundred yards wide and at just above sea level. After meeting our resort host we walked an alley two blocks to the boat pier as our luggage was taxied around to the boat. Then a seven minute boat ride took us up the island to our resort, El Pescador (The Fisherman). English is the language of Belize as it was previously British Honduras.

Newcastle United Transfer Special: Could Deon McCaulay Be The Next Mirandinha?
WHO is Deon McCaulay I hear you ask? He’s only the joint top scorer of the World Cup 2014 Qualification campaign with 11 goals equal to Robin Van Persie and Luis Suarez. MORE than the 10 of Lionel Messi, Edin Dzeko, Gonzolalo Huguain and Radamel Falcao, all 60M Euros worth. Goals win football matches and goal scorers are the most precious commodity in the football world. And 26 year-old Deon McCaulay, Belize international striker who currently bangs them in for the superbly-named Belmopan Bandits is a natural born goalscorer. He is fast, skilful, both-footed and could be the fox-in-the-box that Newcastle need to kill games off against tired opposition in the second half of games.

Concerns raised over SEWAGE FLOW in C’bbean Sea
As much as 90 per cent of the sewage discharged into the Caribbean Sea is either untreated or partially treated, a situation which the United Nations says is a major threat to the region's bread and butter — tourism. Previously, the figures bandied about were between 80 and 85 per cent. But, at yesterday's opening of a media workshop on wastewater hosted by the Global Environment Facility-Caribbean Regional Fund for Wastewater Management (GEF CReW), officials said the lower figures were representative of the wider Latin American and Caribbean region. Either way, the incidence has earned the region a failing grade as it stands to turn tourists away from our shores. "The Caribbean is failing in its handling of wastewater. It's receiving a failing grade from tourism. It's receiving a failing grade from fishing. It's receiving a failing grade from public health. It's receiving a failing grade in terms of climate adaptation," a five-minute video on the subject said. The failure stems from aged — and, therefore, inefficient — treatment plants in some instances, ineffective policies, poor policing of policies where they do exist, as well as the absence of facilities and policies in other cases.

American Airlines Launches Internet Check-In
Just in time for the busy travel season, American Airlines customers traveling with a passport from Latin America, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, can now conveniently check in for their flights via the internet. “With this new service, passengers are able to check in online through aa.com two to 24 hours before traveling, if they are traveling to the United States or to their citizen country,” the company said. This new feature allows customers to conveniently check in, select or change seats and request upgrades when available, all from the comfort of your computer or personal device. It also reduces the time spent waiting at the airport, allowing customers to print their boarding passes at home or via the self-service machines at the airport. “We know that our customers value the convenience and flexibility of being able to check in for their flights from anywhere,” said Art Torno, American’s Vice-President- Mexico, Caribbean and Latin America.

Thrillseeker, 61, who has traveled the world to dive into its dingiest caves jumps into Mexican pit so deep CLOUDS form inside
A thrillseeker who has traveled the world to dive into its dingiest caves has shared stunning photographs of his favorite one yet - a 1,200-foot-deep hole in Mexico that is so deep, clouds form inside. Dave Bunnell, a 61-year-old adrenaline junky from Delaware, has traveled to 18 different countries to take on dozens of the world's dingiest pits - and his favorite is Mexico's astonishing El Sotano de las Golondrinas, also known as 'the Basement of Swallows', in San Luis Potosi. These stunning images of the cave - one of the world's most dramatic free fall pits and a natural wonder than attracts thousands of cavers each year - show the moment he and his fellow divers plunge into the cave, passing through the clouds inside. Dave, an avid photographer, said the spectacular clouds, which form when humidity comes into contact with colder air, provide a perfect opportunity for him to take stunning pictures. He set up equipment on the cave floor below to capture the remarkable images. 'I started caving when I was 21, as part of a university outdoors club - I'd already been backpacking and rock climbing with them,' he explained. 'A couple of girls I was interested in were going caving, so I signed up and never looked back. I've since traveled all over the world, enjoying some of the most beautiful natural sights on the planet. 'It's such a different world it sometimes seems like being on another planet. So the other-worldliness of it, and that you never know what may lay around the next corner, when exploring a new cave, even a small one can give you these feelings like no other.'

How to Swim with Sharks in Belize
Aboard a Belize adventure tour, you’re sitting in a boat on the backside of Ambergris Caye outside Belize’s barrier reef. Your mission: find a patch of water known as ‘Shark Ray Alley’, jump in and swim with a school of fully-grown sharks. At this point, you think to yourself, “What happened to the stress free vacation I promised myself?” The good news is these aren’t great whites – instead, today you’ll be swimming with nurse sharks. Don’t let the name “shark” fool you; these gentle giants are harmless…at least most of the time. To help you relax and enjoy this special experience, here are helpful facts to keep in mind while swimming with nurse sharks.

November 27, 2013

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Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Rigo Vellos wins International Bodybuilding Competition
Rigo Vellos, the back to back Mister Belize, dominated the competition at the 2013 Revolution Cup Bodybuilding Competition held on Sunday, November 24th at the annual Yucatan Festival in Xmatkuil, Merida, Mexico. The Revolution Cup is one of the largest regional bodybuilding competitions, and it attracts the best bodybuilders from Central America and the Caribbean Region. Vellos, Belize’s top bodybuilder was invited to the competition. Vellos, a native from Corozal, has been working out since the age of 16. He currently trains at the Spartan Gym in Corozal Town. In 2009, he earned his first title in the Junior Class at the Mister Belize Bodybuilding Competition hosted by the Belize Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation. Through perseverance and hard work, Vellos won the top honor of Mister Belize in 2012, and only months ago, in March 2013, he defended his title at Mister Belize 2013.

Lights, Sights and Prizes- Caribbean Christmas Colors is here again!
The twinkling lights and decorations peeking from the storefronts and homes are the first signs that the holiday season is upon us. Once again our homes will be lit with dancing lights and bathed in warm décor as the colors of Christmas fill our town. This year, for the 9th consecutive year, The San Pedro Sun invites residents and business owners of San Pedro to take the time to decorate their homes and establishments in the spirit of the season and have a chance to win dozens of spectacular prizes in The San Pedro Sun’s Ninth Annual Caribbean Christmas Colors Contest. Judging will take place on the evening of Saturday, December 14th when the judges will ride through every nook and cranny of San Pedro Town admiring the spectacular sights. They will have the final decision as to who the winners will be and the lucky holiday decorators will be announced in the special Christmas and New Year’s issue of The San Pedro Sun on Friday, December 20th.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Returns Mayan Artifact to Belize
FBI Agents returned an artifact that was taken from the Lubaantun Mayan archaeological site.The handing over took place today, November 25, 2013, at the Embassy of Belize in Washington, D.C. Accepting the artifact on behalf of the Government of Belize was H.E. Nestor Mendez, Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America. The FBI agents informed that the item was taken by a student who visited the site on a field trip. After learning that a student had possession of the artifact, University authorities contacted the FBI. Thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year between Belize and the United States of America to ensure that confiscated archaeological objects found in the United States would be returned to Belizean authorities, the FBI immediately contacted the Embassy to inform that they had the artifact in their possession.

Celebrating Children’s Day
Educational institutions across the country celebrated Children’s Day on Wednesday, November 20th under the theme “Stop the violence against the children”. In San Pedro, Children’s Day activitiesfor the San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School (SPRCS) culminated with a grand parade on Friday, November 22nd. Close to a thousand students from SPRCS took to the streets in colorful costumes, waving colorful banners highlighting this year’s theme. According to the Ministry of Education (MOE) the theme, “Stop the violence against the children”, was part of a bigger initiative by Kim Simplis-Barrow, Belize’s Special Envoy for Women and Children, the MOE, the Ministry of Human Development, the National Committee for family and children (NCFC), Restore Belize, United Nations Children’s Funds(UNICEF) and the European Union. The demonstrations held across the country on Children’s Day showed the need to protect and care for young Belizeans in the midst of anincrease in child violence around the world.

Ambergris Today

Belize Red Cross Appeals for Communities Affected by Recent Floods
The Belize Red Cross is a making a special appeal to aid families affected by the recent floods in communities in the Cayo District and the Belize River Valley. Local rivers, their tributaries, and lagoons spilled their banks during two weeks of continuous rains caused by tropical depressions that affected Belize. Villagers in some areas have endured up to four feet of water in their neighborhoods. The Belize Red Cross has begun assessing the needs of communities most affected in these areas. Both the National Emergency Management Organization and the Belize Red Cross are jointly collaborating in efforts to alleviate the suffering of those families most affected. Some 200 families in these areas are in great need so we ask for monetary donations, canned food, and toiletries to help in assisting these communities in need. The Belize Red Cross urges members of the public to support this appeal and to make contributions at our headquarters #1 Gabourel Lane, Belize City, and at our branches in Corozal, Orange Walk, San Pedro, Belmopan, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda.

Mister Belize Places 1st in International Bodybuilding Competition
Mister Belize 2012/2013, Rigo Vellos, won the top prize and title in the 2013 Revolution Cup Bodybuilding Competition held on Sunday, November 24 2013 at the annual Yucatan Festival in Xmatkuil, Merida. Belize’s top bodybuilder, who trains at Spartan Fitness Gym in Corozal Town, competed in the 80kg and over category, defeating dozens of other international competitors. He then advanced to the overall category and defeated well-known Mexican bodybuilders such as Surizaday Alba Peña of Mexico’s “The Gym” and Isaac Acuña of “AM Gym”. This is a historic achievement for Belize. This was the first time a Belizean competed in the event. And now, a Belizean can claim the top title in one of Mexico’s most competitive bodybuilding competitions. Rigo Vellos won the Mr. Belize title back to back at the Belize Body Building and Fitness Federation competition on November 1st 2013.

Teen Talk: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
* by Ryan Anonca, Teen Talk Reporter * In this week’s Teen Talk article, I would like to talk about coming out of your comfort zone and facing your fears. It is a very difficult to come out of your comfort zone if you are a shy person. There are people who are confident without any help and were just born with it, but for others they are not so lucky. I also have a lot of difficulties with being shy as well, which was the reason I started making a lot of crazy outgoing videos such as dancing on the street and dressing as many different characters on my YouTube show; www.RyanAnconaTV. So why is it good to come out of your comfort zone? Well, for the simple reason that we cannot always live our life in fear of what might happen. We must learn to take chances and not let our fears get the best of us. If we live in fear we wouldn’t be able to progress in life, just staying at the same pace for all eternity. That is a little boring; don’t you think?

Pic of the Week: Beach Bum Dogs in Ambergris Caye, Belize
Although there was quite a bit of rain over the weekend, it was not all gloomy skies most of the time. There were periods of sunshine when you could not tell that it had been raining at all. This is when everybody took advantage of the break in the rain and headed out to the beach. So in this week's Picture of the Week we highlight Tamera Blackenship's great capture of her pet dog Trigger as it joined them on a sunny afternoon enjoying the warm sun and clear skies.

Local Art Fair at SP Lions Den
Come on out and support local artists as they display their best paintings at San Pedro’s Local Art Fair to be held this Friday, November 29, 2013 and Saturday, November 30, 2013 at the San Pedro Lions Den. Artists include: Melody Sanchez Wolfe, Kirk Cruz, Papo Alamilla, Edgar Gomez, Baron Neal, Orvin Mejia, Valley Ruddick, Manzanero, Mr. Meggs and many more. Friday, November 29, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 30, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.! Don’t Miss out on this great event! See you there!

Kelly McGuire Singing for SAGA Humane Society
SAGA Humane Society is pleased to announce that on Tuesday, December 3, 2013,Kelly McGuire will be Singing for Saga at Fido's Courtyard from 6pm to 9pm. There will be an auction with Kelly showing he is the World's Best Auctioneer for Saga! Plus raffle prizes and Fido's will donate a portion of all sales of Draft Beer and Wings ordered during the event. Keep an eye out of our FB page for auction prizes, we have some great ones! On Friday, December 7, 2013, Saga HS elves will be with Santa for photos in Central Park for the Annual Lighted Boat Parade. Photos will be available for purchase in a Holiday Card. Proceeds will go towards the costs of the ongoing campaign to sterilize 75% of the island pets in 3-5 years through Operation SNIP.

Misc Belizean Sources

Art Fair @ the San Pedro Lion's Den Fri & Sat
Local Art Fair @ the San Pedro Lion's Den. Friday, November 29th , 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, November 30th, 9 am to 8 pm Please come support your local artisans.

Human - Jaguar Conflict in the Maya Golden Landscape
Last week Ya'axche, Forest Department and Panthera responded to reports from the Mennonite community of Pine Hill, Toledo District, about reports of a jaguar that 'attacked' a young man in his horse wagon. A few days later we received reports that a jaguar had been trapped. Edgar Correa (FD/Panthera) and Marchilio Ack (Ya'axche) responded and quickly called the Belize Zoo who agreed to take in the jaguar. Ya'axche would like to stress that once a jaguar is caught there is no chance it can be returned to the wild. Human - jaguar conflict is increasing as human population expand further into jaguar habitat. Panthera, ERI and Ya'axche are working hard to minimize this conflict using better livestock management and maintaining forested corridors.

St. Hilda Primary School, Georgeville
The children of St. Hilda Anglican Primary School in Georgeville displaying their talents.

Cayo CET Open House
The Cayo Center for Employment Training is having their Open House on Thursday, starting at 9:00am. See their students display their trades, and get to know more about CET. For more information, email [email protected] or call 824-2944. "CCET invites you to their annual Open House!"

Anibru on Display at Belize Zoo
Jonathan Urbina's epic work, enititled Anibru, is currently on display at the Belize Zoo. It's amazingly beautiful, took 13 years to finish, and is made from collected feathers of birds that are native to Belize. Wow! Well done, Mr. Urbina! "Anibru comes to the Zoo! This fabulous feather display, named "Anibru" by her creator, Jonathan Urbina (left), has come to grace TBZ with her magnificent presence. Anibru is a unique work of art 13 years in the making. While all the feathers are of native birds, NONE were taken from live birds, rather collected from the forest floor, or given as gifts. To accompany Jonathan in the unveiling of Anibru was Belize's British High Commissioner, Peter Hughes (right). The British High Commission has a strong agenda on helping to curb Climate Change, which has resulted in a great working relationship with TBZ in the past. We are honoured to see that relationship continue with our new High Commissioner."

Olympic Legacy Cycle Race
They had a successful bicycle race on Sunday, courtesy of the British High Commission. The race was from Belmopan to Cayo and back. "On Sunday 24 November 2013 cyclists from the Weekend Warriors Cycle Club took part in a race to promote the 1st Anniversary of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Trophies, medals and prizes were presented to the riders by Deputy Head of Mission Mrs Jackie Brown."

Classic Cayo Captured
The SISE Town Council has uploaded a batch of classic pictures. Some are a story unto themselves. There's one of the first agricultural show too.

How to Make Homemade Apple Pie
Nothing like nice warm Apple Pie on a cold Winter's day. This recipe is simple, but delicious. Just the right amount of sweet and tart to tantalize the taste buds.

Easy Pumpkin Pie
This recipe is semi-homemade due to the fact that I used pumpkin from a can rather than fresh pumpkin. The sweetened condensed milk makes this dish so rich and delectable.

Belizean Sweet Potato Pound 1/2 Recipe
Sweet Potato Pound is so divine because of the coconut milk. Very few ingredients to this recipe and very simple to make.

David Baier, 59 and his wife Sonia Baier viciously attacked
We don't normally share this type of story in this page, but we think it is relevant to a current trend of crime against foreigners in Belize which deserves utmost attention. Viewer discretion is advised - National News - Nov 26th - Just 24 days after the murder of a Canadian woman, Patricia Lynn Nichiporowich who was brutally stabbed to death at her house in Consejo Shores, Corozal sometime on Tuesday Oct 29th, another Canadian woman and her husband are senselessly beaten and robbed in a plush area of the Placencia, Penninsula. Could this be a trend where criminals who are suppressed in Belize City now, by law enforcement are finding their way into main stream society and perpetrating these vicious and senseless crimes of violence? One of the alleged perpetrators, Tyson Rodriguez, was a well known figure to police as he had committed offenses in Caye Caulker prior to this attack.

Carlos Carrillo recognized at the National Youth Awards
The Corozal Daily wishes to congratulate Corozal's newest teen artist, Carlos Carrillo in being recognized at the National Youth Awards. Carlos placed 3rd in the country as an outstanding youth in Art and Culture. You can meet Carlos and his art work at Art in the Park.

People of Progresso and Sarteneja Villages still struggling
after weeks of extremely bad road conditions...no sight of MOW (Ministry of Works) is what people are complaining about.

Belmopan boy needs help to get Leukemia treatment
The family of a 12 year old boy diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia is appealing to the public for assistance in getting him to the United States for treatment. The boy, Henry Griffin, has been undergoing tests in Chetumal, Mexico to determine the type of Leukemia he has and the results came back today. The family says they need the financial resources for Henry and his mom to travel to the US and more importantly, to identify a hospital in the US that will be able to take on treatment of the boy as a charity case. Anyone who can offer assistance is asked to contact Pastor Lee Brockinton at LifeNet church in Belmopan. The telephone number is: 629-7386. Or by email at: [email protected].

Canadian couple injured during aggravated burglary in Placencia village
The death of Dangriga resident Tyson Rodriguez, 27, while in police custody has overshadowed a brutal home invasion on the Placencia Peninsula late last week. David Baier, 59 and his wife Sonia Baier, 61 were viciously attacked as they reportedly walked in the Plantation area on Thursday night of last week. According to a police report on the incident, the Baier couple was robbed of their personal belongings and cash, and Sonia Baier sustained a broken jaw during the robbery. David Baier told police that he was almost drowned by his attackers who allegedly submerged him several times under water. The Canadian couple also reported to police that they were forced to take their attackers to their home where they were tied up and their home burglarized of jewelry, cash and electronic items. Police say that the alleged robbers made good their escape in the couple’s GMC Envoy. According to the police report, the Baier’s SUV was located on Friday morning on a feeder road near Chan Chen village, Corozal. Police reports say that Tyson Rodriguez, believed to have been one of the occupants of the SUV as it was pursued by authorities, was apprehended by police and Customs department officials with the assistance of residents of Xiabe village, reportedly after Rodriguez attempted to flee from police by running into the school compound and then into some high bushes. Rodriguez was taken from Xiabe village to the Corozal police station and then transferred to Belmopan. On Friday afternoon, Rodriguez was transferred to the custody of Placencia police.

Channel 7

Eric’s Home!
He left Belize for Taiwan on Tuesday, September third, and exactly 12 weeks later Eric Chang returned to Belize today. He arrived at the Phillip Goldson International this afternoon on a flight from the US at around 4:00 pm. After 3 months, the media wasn't expecting him, so he didn't have to run the media gauntlet. This evening, Chang did not return our requests for an interview or to give us a comment via text message. But we do know that he has contacted a colleague in the council because Mayor Darrell Bradley told us that's where he got the news. Bradley added that he will call Chang tomorrow, but at this time no plans have been made for a meeting. The mayor confirmed that he has missed two council meetings - which means that he has not technically vacated his seat as a city councilor. The city council bye-laws state that to vacate his or her seat, a councilor must miss four successive meetings.

Belize Blacklisted, Gets a Black Eye With EU Fisheries Ban
In June, when the government of Belize took over the International Merchant Marine Registry, Immarbe from the Ashcroft Alliance and a Panamanian Law firm called Morgan and Morgan, a major part of the reason was that - with Immarbe in private hands - Belize faced international sanctions from the European Union because of the high seas fisheries fleet carrying Belizean flags. Now, to make it clear, these vessels have nothing to do with true Belizean fishers or vessels; Immarbe sells the Belize flag as a flag of convenience to international fishing vessels. For years, the European Union had been complaining that Immarbe doesn't have the regulatory oversight to properly police these vessels, which could be engaging in illegal activities on the high seas. Well, the government takeover should have brought some order to that, and followed by the High Seas Fishing Bill which has been tabled in the House, but not yet passed. To government's thinking, those measures should have allayed the fears of the European Union about a rogue fleet. It should have, but it didn't; seems the European Union wants deeds, not words.

BSI Takes To Media To Communicate Directly To Cane Farmers
December 15th. - that's when the Tower Hill Factory started taking delivery of cane in 2011, and that's also the deadline for 2013 - the absolute latest that the cane season can be opened without risking major losses to the industry and all the stakeholders. That's three weeks away - time that is needed to fix the cane roads after unusually heavy rains. But more importantly, that three weeks is needed to mend relations between the BSI Factory owners, which is American Sugar Refinery, or ASR - and the cane farmers. The two aren't talking right now, the Cane Farmers are refusing to meet with BSI executives until they agree to a meeting which will be held to negotiate a price for bagasse. That's a conversation BSI isn't even thinking about having, because they say bagasse is a waste product, which has a price of zero. And so today, BSI executives -who usually shy away from public engagements, held a press conference to try and get their message through to the cane farmers and the public. Jules Vasquez was there:

PUP Moving Forward On Penner Recall
On October second, the PUP announced that it would launch a recall petition on Elvin Penner, and 8 weeks later, on Thursday, November 29th., the oarty says it will submit those signatures to the Governor General to trigger a recall. It's not official-official- as in there's no press release, but we are reliably informed by a PUP operator that they plan to submit over two thousand signatures on Thursday at ten in the morning. Today's Amandala reports that the PUP have collected 2,100 signatures, which is about 300 more than the 30% required.

Shari Safe At Immarbe
It seems Shari Muschamp has been re-hired at Immarbe. The mother of two went back to work again today and remained there without incident. Her attorney Audrey Matura Shepherd tells us that THE GOVERNMENT's legal advisor has not responded to the letter demanding that Shari be fully restored to her prior capacity, but they are willing to wait until Friday as long as she remains at work.

Guatemalan Guilty Of Public Exposure
45 year-old Guatemalan Edwin Manuel Moralez, a resident of Melchor de Menchos, is at jail tonight, because he violated Belize's immigration laws and exposed himself in public. According to police, Moralez was near to Lowe's Supermarket in Ladyville, and he was on his way to Orange Walk, when he had the urge to urinate. He urinated in a public spot the same time when a police mobile passed. Officers saw what he was doing and arrested and charged him with exposing himself in a public place. He was arraigned yesterday before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stewart, where pleaded guilty and was fined $200 to be paid forthwith, or spend 2 months in jail in default. He couldn't pay, so he remained he remained in detention, and Immigration Officers discovered that he violated his visitor's permit because only received a 2-day temporary pass which allowed him to go only as far as Belmopan. Because he was found in Ladyville, on his way to Orange Walk, he failed to comply with the conditions of the permit, therefore, he was charged for it.

This Burglar Is So Busted
28 year-old Anwar Vernon is spending his first night of a 1-year sentence after he was convicted of burglary before the Chief Magistrate, Ann Marie Smith. In the trial, the prosecutions main witness was a neighbour of the complainant Kevin Garbutt. This witness testified that shortly after 2 p.m. on September 27, 2012, he saw Vernon and another man enter Garbutt's house on Jane Usher Boulevard, and steal an Amplifier valued at $1,300. The amplifier was never recovered, and the second culprit was never apprehended. In his defence, he testified and denied that he committed the offence, saying that he was at a Chinese shop in the general area at the time of the burglary. After listening to the entire case, Chief Magistrate Smith rejected his version, and found him guilty of the charge. Because it is his first offence, he was spared of the minimum sentence of 7 years. Chief Magistrate Smith, exercising her discretion, sentenced him to 1 year in prison.

Recyclers Robbed
There was an armed robbery at the Belize Recycling Company Limited yesterday evening. It happened at around 4:20. Two masked men entered the main office at Mile 8 on the George price Highway. The company's accountant Rene Chacon was robbed of four hundred and fifty dollars in cash from his wallet and one thousand, one hundred and eighty two dollars from his pants pocket, money which belonged to the Belize Recycling Company Limited. One of the masked men was armed with what appeared to be a black shot gun and the other carried a knife while a third person stood and guarded the compound and had a handkerchief over his mouth. After getting the money, the 3 escaped.

Scary Bus Accident
Yesterday afternoon just before 4 p.m., a James Bus filled with passengers heading to Belize City had a major scare when the bus crashed into a fruit truck just outside of Belmopan. Passengers who were in the bus told us that from what they could see, the driver of the fruit truck may have been the cause of the accident. He was about to turn off the Western Highway into the feeder road to the left, seen here, but he didn't have on his indicator, nor did he pull off the road. He also did not give the bus driver enough time to react, and the bus slammed into the back of the truck spinning it completely off to road, where it came to stop on the other shoulder. Fortunately, nobody was injured, and another James bus was sent to transfer the passengers and take them to Belize City.

Coast Guard’s elite Physical Training
Last week Thursday to Saturday, the different units within the Belize Coast Guard cheered on their favourite teams as they took part in the first annual the Best Warrior Competition. The idea behind the competition is to simulate the harsh conditions while in the field to ensure the officers of the Coast Guard are in the best physical condition to be combat ready. The upper command of this arm of the security forces put together a 3 day marathon consisting of all the forms of the toughest training that an officer has to go through. The best 8 from recruit intake 4, the young officers, the training instructors, the newly formed Coast Guard Seals and a fleet team, worked together to complete the challenges with the best time and coordination of the entire unit. That team gets bragging rights, and it gives the recruits and the young officers a chance to challenge their superiors in a test of fitness levels to see who has the best grasp of the concepts, learned in training.

DPP Digging Into Details Of Tyson Rodriguez’s Murder
The Director of Public Prosecution, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, is currently reviewing the results of the post-mortem and the police statements given in relation to the death of Dangriga resident Tyson Rodriguez, while in Placencia police custody. As we told you yesterday, the official police version is that last Friday night, he was in their custody as the main suspect in the burglary of an elderly Canadian couple from the Plantation Area on the peninsula which happened on Thursday. Rodriguez was one of the 2 men who was reportedly spotted in the couple's stolen vehicle which turned up in Corozal, some 200 miles away. Placencia police say that he offered to cooperate with them on Friday night at around 10 p.m. to take them to where some of the couple's stolen items were, and while in the pan of the police mobile, he jumped out of the moving vehicle and ran through a bushy area where he fell with his hands handcuffed behind his back, and he drowned. As we told you, Rodriguez's family refuses to believe that he drowned; they think that he was killed by police while he was in their custody, and that the officers who did it are trying to cover it up. Their position is bolstered by the report from Dr. Mario Estradabran who certified that Rodriguez died from inhalation of beach sand and trauma wounds were found on his chest, indicating that he had been beaten. The family reasons that this suggests his head was held down in the sand and that he was suffocated by the officers who had him in their custody.

New Hampshire College Student Stole Belizean Mayan Artifact; Feds Got It Back
The story of artifacts looted from Belize goes back over centuries, but now with a Memorandum of Understanding between Belize and the USA to ensure that confiscated archaeological objects are repatriated, one object has been recovered. It's what's known as an Ocarina, a small rounded whistle in the form of a person dating back to about 800 - 900 AD, what is known as the terminal classic period. Here's how it was stolen. Last summer, a student from the University of New Hampshire who was on an environmental science class trip to Lubantuun in the Toledo District and pocketed the flute. But the other students knew about it, and reported it to their professor who called in the law. It was recovered by the FBI and was handed over yesterday at the Embassy of Belize in Washington, D.C. Nestor Mendez, the Ambassador of Belize to the USA accepted it and it will be returned to Belize.

Prep Software On Multiple Platforms
2 weeks ago, 7News promised to show you part 2 of our story on Tanya Simpson's GAME PREP, a computer program designed for helping students perform better on the PSE and CSEC Exams by allowing them extensive practice answering hundreds of sample questions. Due to time constraints we weren't able to do that, and tonight, we provide you with that interview. But there's also more to report because Simpson, whose entrepreneurial approach has earned her a business award. She told us about what she's offering to the 4th form students looking to sit the exam next year, in light of the revelation to from Education Minister Patrick Faber that they could win a $5,000 financial grant if they pass 15 exams: Tiffany Simpson - President, Belizean Artwork Publishing "Math, English, POA, POB, Spanish, Economics, IT, Caribbean History, Biology, Chemistry and Physics and we also included in our game prep build the essay assistance. This is a program that allows individuals to copy and paste their essay within the program and it reads their writing style and helps them to better structure their essay based on that particular writing style."

Saturday Night Fights
Right now, boxers at the Leopold Smart gym are making final preparations in their training to face a contingent of Mexican boxers who they will go up against this Saturday. This fight card had to be postponed due to the weather two weeks ago, but finally, Belizean boxing fans will get a chance to see their favourite fighters in action. Last week, 7News got a chance to see the Belizean boxers working out, and we spoke to their trainer, who says that the Belize Delegation has been taking the Mexicans seriously: The Belize/Mexico match up begins at 6:30 on Saturday night at the compound of the Hour Bar and Restaurant on Princess Margaret Drive. Channel 7 will be carrying the match live, so if you can't make it out there, you can catch it here.

Belize U-16’s Uncaf Undoing
Last night, our report on the final outcome of the Belize -UNDER 16 National Football Team in the UNCAF tournament didn't make it into the news. Tonight, we can report that on Friday night, the Junior Jaguars lost with a final score of 4 to 0. After all the scores were tabulated, it was determined that Guatemala, who Belize lost to once again in a much anticipated rematch, was the winner of the 2013 UNCAF U-16 Championships. Belize, which hosted the team, ranked at the bottom with 1 win and four losses, while on home turf.

Channel 5

It’s not just five…there is a long list of visas to Chinese nationals
Tonight, there is telling information that U.D.P. Minister of State Edmond Castro is involved in the mass procuring of visas for Chinese nationals. One month ago Castro was accused by [...]

Former Deputy Mayor back in the country
Former Deputy Mayor, Eric Chang, who has been away in Taiwan on an extended leave of absence, returned to Belize today.  The councilor departed for his home country along with [...]

BSI not bending on issue of paying farmers for bagasse
B.S.I. will not bend or bow where the issue of paying farmers for bagasse is concerned. That is the position coming out of a press conference hosted by B.S.I. and [...]

BSCFA taking the bagasse issue to court
Earlier this morning, at a press conference, B.S.I. reps stated repeatedly that they have tried to get BSCFA to the negotiating table with no success. Of course, the bagasse payment [...]

EU officially blacklisted Belize for Illegal Fishing
Months after the government assumed control of Belize International Services Limited which managed IMMARBE, the news is not good tonight for the now government-owned company.  In June this year, the [...]

Placencia Police in hot seat over death of Tyson Rodriguez
The police are in the hot seat for the death of twenty-seven year old Tyson Rodriguez? Rodriguez died while in police custody on Friday night in Placencia. His relatives say [...]

Aggravated burglary of Canadian couple still very much alive
But as both a criminal and internal investigation continues, the case of the aggravated burglary that spawned the fatal incident is still very much alive. The Canadian couple, David and [...]

Muschamp’s terms of reference for employment still not ironed out as yet
Sharie Muschamp, whose job as a receptionist at the International Business Companies Registry was in jeopardy a few days ago, was at her desk for a second day since returning [...]

Guatemalan national charged with exposing his person
A Guatemalan national charged with exposing his person in public and failure to comply with the conditions of his visitor’s permit will spend the next eight months in jail. Forty-nine [...]

PUP should hand over signature to the GG to trigger referendum
The P.U.P. will reportedly be handing over signatures to the governor general to trigger a referendum in the Cayo Northeast. According to information from a P.U.P. source, over two thousand [...]

Southern Region representative soon chosen for oil debate
Stann Creek’s Ecumenical High School will compete against either the Toledo Community College or Julian Cho High School to represent the southern region in the first annual oil debate competition. [...]

Invaluable piece of Mayan History returned to the jewel
An invaluable piece of Mayan history has been returned to Belize, following diligent work by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in tracking down an olden stone artifact which had been [...]

Allen and Roselle puts final touches to the wedding preparation
The reality wedding couple, Allen and Roselle are inching closer to their wedding on December fifteenth at the Princess Hotel. The couple is now putting final touches to the wedding [...]

CTV3

Despite Millions Of Dollars At Stake BSCFA Does Not Budge In Their Position
And just as BSI made its position known when it comes to the Bagasse issue today, so did the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association. Right after travelling back from Belize City where BSI and ASR held their press conference, reporter Maria Novelo sat down with Vice Chairman of the BSCFA Committee of Management, Alfredo Ortega, to get the associations reactions on the conference. What we can tell you off the bat, is that cane farmers stand firm on their belief that there should be revenue sharing on the bagasse. Here’s how that dialogue went. Alfredo Ortega – Vice Chairman, BSCFA “We have been seeking legal advice at this point, we will be going to our lawyer maybe tomorrow, to see what advice would it be from them in this regard and what we have been doing based on the release that BSI has taken out, I think that the last two release that they brought up they have said that they have called us to negotiate this thing around the table without going into the airwaves and it seems to be that it is only talk because now they are coming and saying that take this in to court and on the other hand they are saying that bagasse is waste, it seem to me that in both ways they are contradicting themselves because Mr. Lima said it is a waste or a residue out of the cane and a part from that they are saying ok take the matter to court because let the court decide on whether you should get or not get anything and we are saying why should we go to court if we have an agreement let us decide based on the agreement we have and come to the table and let us discuss the matter because we as BSCFA we have presented to them in writing our proposal and why it is that we have reached to this ten dollars that we are asking from them and they haven’t done the same, they have not come to the table and present to us in writing and showing their figures why it is that they cannot pay the farmers and why is it that they consider the bagasse a waste.”

BSI Talks About Bagasse, They Says No To Revenue Sharing
The Belize Sugar Industries and majority holder American Sugar Refinery (ASR) this morning held a press conference in Belize City to present the company’s position on the current dispute with the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers’ Association (BSCFA) as it relates to the claim for payment for bagasse. Our news team was on hand to capture the event and filed the following report. Maria Novelo – Reporting The proclaimed payment for bagasse by the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, which has been making headlines around the country, was the focal point of dialogue in the Belize Sugar Industries press conference this morning in Belize City. While there is still an impasse on the bagasse negotiations, BSI’s position remains the same from the onset and finds that the best way to determine the BSCFA’s dispute is to take the matter to the Supreme Court. Arsenio Burgos – Chairman, Board of Directors, BSI “The relationship between BSI and the BSCFA are governed by law. The farmers sell the sugar cane to BSI, the sugar, the water, mud and all. The sugar cane is then the property and responsibility of BSI. It is BSI’s burden to store and dispose of the waste including the bagasse.”

San Estevan Road Deteriorates Even More, Assistance Nowhere In Sight
A few days ago we told you about the terrible condition in which the San Estevan/Progresso Road finds itself in. The current road condition is affecting the livelihood of many Orange Walkenos and Corozalenos. With the road packed up by mud, students and other commuters also find themselves in big trouble since it takes them forever to get to school and work. The situation has gotten so serious, that the topic was brought up at the last sitting of the House of Representatives by the Honorable John Briceno in hope of getting some sort of assistance in the area, but that is yet to come. And the situation is only getting worse because with the heavy rains over the past days, the condition of the road has further deteriorated. Pictures sent to our news room are evidence of that statement. The road is impassable, so much so, that even buses traveling from Sarteneja are unable to reach their destination. Hours are spent in trying to push or pull buses and other vehicles out of the thick mud, day and night. From what we are able to tell, commuters have become intolerable of the situation and are demanding that the road be fixed.

Street In Corozal Receive Much Needed Face Lift
San Andres Road, College Road, 6th Avenue, 2nd Street North and streets in the Areas of Altamira, Venezuela Layout, Dominguez Layout all have two things in common, they are in dire need of upgrading and they all fall under the jurisdiction of the Corozal Town Council headed by Mayor Hilberto Campos. For several months now CTV3 News has been receiving complaints from Corozal residents about the terrible conditions the streets find themselves in. The weather has not made the situation any easier as the constant rains just add more pot holes to the streets. Just as CTV3 News, the Corozal Town Council is bombarded with the complaints on a daily basis since they are responsible for the upkeep of the town’s infrastructure. And it seems that the complaints caught up with the Town Council because bright an early this morning workers were seen repairing 4th Avenue. As we visited the scene, Mayor Campos arrived in the area and we took the opportunity to ask him about the works conducted in the area.

LOVE FM

Did Police Murder Robber? Internal Investigations are On
The Investigation into the murder of Tyson Rodriguez is currently ongoing. Rodriquez had been detained in Corozal as a suspect of the robbery of 59 year old Canadian National David Baier and his wife who were viciously attacked by three male persons and robbed. It happened on the Placencia Peninsula and so Rodriguez was transported to the Placencia Police Station. It was there that Rodriguez’s family believes that he was brutality beaten and murder by four police officers. The family’s attorney Audrey Matura-Shepherd explained the circumstance to Love News. AUDREY MATURA SHEPHERD “They also believe that he was murdered because when the police spoke about him escaping, you have to think, what they told them and what they saw in the police report, it was then changed a bit; he was in the back of the pan and he jumped out and escaped and then they found him dead but you have to understand that the family got to examine the body. If you are in the back of a pan, a moving vehicle going to a certain place and if you know Placencia, you know that all the streets are pavement or have stones or pebbles and while that vehicle is moving, you jumped out with your hand still cuffed to the back, there would be certain injuries; you would have to sustain certain injuries that is consistent with a fall.

Mayan Artifact Returned to Belize
On Monday FBI agents handed over an artifact that was taken from the Lubaantun Mayan Archaeological site. Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America Nestor Mendez accepted the piece on Belize’s behalf. The FBI agents informed that the item was taken by a student who visited the site on a field trip. University authorities contacted the FBI when they found out the student had the artifact. Earlier this year Belize and the US signed a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure that confiscated archaeological objects found in the United States would be returned to Belizean authorities. The handing over took place at the Embassy of Belize in Washington.

Armed Thieves Target Recycling Company
A business at mile eight community was reportedly held up and robbed on Monday. According to Rene Chacon, an accountant at Belize Recycling Company Limited, he was at the business along with a co-worker when two men wearing masks and armed with a gun and a knife, entered the main office and stole 450 dollars from his wallet and over a thousand dollars from his pants pocket. The larger amount of cash, according to Chacon, belonged to the company. The robbers then left. Police have made no arrests.

European Union May Ban Belize’s Fish Products
Fish products from Belize will be banned by the European Commission. This is part of a decision against this and two other developing countries that the Commission says are non-cooperating in the fight against illegal fishing. A press release from the European Commission in Brussels today states that the ban comes one year after a formal warning to Belize, Cambodia and Guinea to set up a fisheries management and effective control measures. The European Commission says that these countries have not addressed structural problems and have failed to show real commitment to tackle the problem of illegal fishing. Once the decision to ban our fisheries products takes effect, fisheries products caught by vessels that fly Belize’s flag will be banned from entering the European Union. Love News sought interviews today with the personnel from the Fisheries Department and IMMARBE, the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize, which manages the procedures and activities regarding registration of ships enrolled or seeking enrollment in the Merchant Marine of Belize. James Azueta of the Belize Fisheries Unit says that because the decision has to do with deep sea fishing, it does not concern the Fisheries Department, while IMMARBE has reserved immediate comment, it says that it will issue a press release after its Registrar of Ships, Gian Ghandi, has discussed the matter with the Manager of its Fishing Department, Valerie Lanza. Meanwhile, three other countries, Korea, Ghana and Curacao have now received warnings to control illegal fishing in their waters. On the contrary, a few other countries, namely, Fiji, Panama, Sri Lanka, Togo and Vanuatu also received formal warnings last year but they have, according to the Commission, made strides to manage the problem.

BDF Deputy Commander Says The Force Takes Care of Its Sick
The Belize Defense Force has denied a report that it is ignoring soldiers who are sick from accessing necessary advanced medical treatment. Love News had gotten a report over the weekend from a BDF soldier who claimed that he urgently needs advanced medical treatment not available in Belize and that he feels that his needs are being ignored. But today, Deputy Commander of the BDF, Colonel Stephen Ortega, denied that claim, saying that the Force relies on medical advice before it affords its sick or injured soldiers to the necessary treatment. Col. Stephen Ortega, Deputy Cmdr., BDF “When you join the BDF and sign on the contract that you sign, it actually says that the BDF will take care of all your medical expenses. So, you get sick, you come into the hospital, the doctor evaluates you; if it something that he can treat, he treats it; if it is something that he can’t treat then he recommends you to another institution that has that capability, then the institution does your evaluation; you come in and say, ‘this is what it is going to cost’. After that they will evaluate and say if they can deal with you in 1 month 2 months depending on your priority. If it is an emergency then resources are located immediately to deal with it, through the ministry. How the procedure works if somebody gets sick: they go to the hospital, the doctor evaluates them. If it is something that we can treat here, they are treated by our doctors and if it is something that has to be referred to one of the outside hospitals and the doctor also decides priority, because as you know resources are scarce and we have to pay whenever we use those institutions, so the doctor decides the priority then they pass through into the priority decided by the doctor. All decisions are based on resources. However, if an emergency, then resources are allocated to that emergency to ensure all the soldiers are taken care of. One of the things that the BDF does is that medical treatment is a must so we have to take care of the soldiers.”

BSI Says They Are Losing Money on Bagasse; Ortega Says He Doesn’t Believe It
Following this morning’s press conference we managed to get in contact with the Vice Chairman of the BSCFA, Alfredo Ortega. Ortega strongly disagreed with Vice President of ASR, Ricardo Lima who mentioned that the bagasse is not a by-product of sugar cane. Ortega says that the BSCFA has sent a letter to Prime Minister Dean Barrow asking for his intervention. ALFREDO ORTEGA “We have a mandate from the farmers and the mandate from the farmers is for us to negotiate with BSI, a payment for bagasse and a new mandate and based on that we continue with that mandate that the farmers have placed on us. It is a pity that they have chosen on their press conference to speak about the bagasse is a waste and that it is a residue out of the cane whereby we clearly know that the bagasse is a byproduct whereas it is now used for biofuel for the Belcogen plant. So now, we continue with our same force in asking for negotiations on behalf of the farmers. We are sending a letter to the Prime Minister asking for a meeting asking for his intervention. We want his intervention so we can come to the table with BSI to negotiate and to finalize this negotiation in regards to the new agreement including a payment for bagasse for the farmers, that is what we have been asking from the DPM and also we have been asking this from the Prime Minister. We don’t want anything else at this point in time; we want to finalize this negotiation because we have been asking for this since 2010 and BSI accepted in July when we started this negotiation and we were very clear that we wanted to finalize this negotiation before the 2013/2014 crop starts and that is where we stand. Once we can finalize this agreement that is on the table then we can deal with the other issues that are in place.”

Contention Continues Over The Residue, Bagasse
The Belize Sugar Industries Limited, BSI and American Sugar Refining, ASR, held a press conference today to address the ongoing dispute over bagasse with the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, BSCFA. BSI and ASR made it abundantly clear that as per requested by the BSCFA, no payment will be made for bagasse. The reason, says BSI and ASR, is that bagasse is not considered a by-product of sugar cane as proclaimed by the cane farmers. And since both parties have not been able to sit down and negotiate on the way forward, Vice President for ASR, Ricardo Lima says if BSCFA truly believes in its claim then the dispute should go through legal procedures in the Supreme Court of Belize. RICARDO LIMA “Usually when people negotiate in good intentions you have a list of petitions and items that you sit down and go through it in detail. Usually, well intended negotiations require so that each party understands the other’s position. You separate the list of the items that you will agree on and you have commonality and you put them aside and you agree on that. The items that are contested and not agreeable then you try to explain your position to the other party; if it is still not agreed, as in this case, the bagasse payment which we don’t agree to, I think the position, typically in a country such as Belize, which is a country of laws which is a very honorable court and judicial system, the recourse that either party has is to take it to the courts and let a third party decide on the particular issue which is at hand, which is the bagasse product and that’s what we are saying; that’s our contention, our position has been that from day one.”

Eliminating Violence Against Women
Yesterday was observed as international day for the elimination of violence against women. It is reported that domestic violence is a serious issue facing women in Belize. It is estimated that almost ninety percent of violent crimes against women are carried out by their spouse or partner. This type of violence does not discriminate and may affect women of all ethnicities and classes. The annual Sixteen Days of Activism to End Gender-Based violence was officially launched this past Friday and many organizations have joined forces to combat this overwhelming social issue in Belize. One such organization is the Domestic Violence Unit of the Belize Police Department. We spoke to Sergeant, Martha Reece, who leads the unit, to gain a better understanding of the resources they are making available to victims of abuse. MARTHA RHYS “The unit deals with domestic violence, family violence; it doesn’t necessarily have to be within the home, we have extended it to family but we deal with domestic violence, we deal with reports of emotional, physical and if we need to arrest and charge we also deal with that. We also provide information because a lot of people come in wanting to know how to go about dealing with the family courts in terms of orders, protection orders, maintenance and everything and we also deal with that.”

Neighbor Sentenced to One Year for Burglary
Twenty-eight year old Anwar Vernon, a resident of Jane Usher Boulevard charged with burglary, was sentenced to 1 year imprisonment today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith after she found him guilty of the charge. Chief Magistrate Smith told Vernon that she did not sentence to 7 years because it was his first offence. The incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on July 20. The complainant, 32 year old Kevin Garbutt, an employee of Bowen and Bowen, testified that he secured his concrete bungalow house at Jane Usher Boulevard and he went to work. He said that when he returned home he discovered that his Technical Pro amplifier, valued at $1,300 was missing. An eye witness who is Garbutt’s neighbor, testified that he saw Vernon and another man break into the house by prying open the front door. Vernon testified and denied that he committed the offence. He claimed that he was at a Chinese shop at the time the offence was committed.

Toledo Police Investigate Suspected Arson
Police in the Toledo District are investigating a report of arson in that district. According to Rosendo Sanchez, a Maintenance Operator of San Pedro Columbia Village, at around eight-30 on Sunday night he was at home when his attention was drawn to a cracking sound coming from the back of the house. Sanchez said that when he went to check he saw that the thatch roof was on fire and then recognized a man standing outside the house who reportedly told Sanchez that he had a gun. The 14 by 18 feet wooden structure valued at15 hundred dollars and contents worth around 500 dollars were destroyed by the blaze.

Minor Accuses Technician of Sexual Offense
In crime news, police have charged a technician with unlawful carnal knowledge after he allegedly had sexual relations with a minor. 32 year-old Jose David Funez, a resident of Mahogany Heights, was charged after the 13 year old girl reported to the Family Violence Unit that on Saturday morning while waiting at the bus stop she met a man she knew and who, after traveling to Belize City on the bus and returning to the community, took her to his home and had sexual intercourse with her. A doctor has since confirmed that the girl has had sexual relations.

Public Urination Lands Illegal Immigrant in Jail for Nine Months
It was double trouble for 49-year-old, Guatemalan national Edwin Morales on Friday, November 22, when he stopped on the roadside in Ladyville to urinate. Apparently because of a weak bladder, Morales could not wait to find a convenient spot and as a result, a police mobile patrol that was passing at the same time caught him in the act. Morales was detained by the police and he was charged with exposing his person in public. He was also charged with failure to comply with the conditions of his visitor’s permit after immigration officers investigated into his immigration status in Belize. Morales pled guilty to exposing his person when he appeared yesterday before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stuart. She fined him $200 and ordered him to pay forthwith. Morales was unable to pay the fine so he will serve 2 months in default of payment.

Belize City Mayor Speaks on Deteriorated Streets, Councillor Chang and Christmas
The rapid deterioration of some Belize City streets as a result of four weeks of constant rains has prompted the Belize City Council to seek additional funds to extend its total number of streets that it will have given priority to as part of its infrastructure works, and the attention they will receive include drainage as well as resurfacing. Today Mayor Darrell Bradley told Love News that by the end of the street upgrades, the Council will have dealt with well over 100 streets. DARREL BRADLEY “We are very hesitant to do remedial works on some streets until we get at least a week full of clear weather. What we are doing is we are ensuring that we can finish our hundred streets and I want to make very clear that the situation in Belize City would have been much worse if we had not done streets like Freetown Road and Orange Street. We finished 95 streets so far concreted. And these have ensured that residents in Belize City, at least the main areas, have a clear drive even when you see the four weeks of continued rains, the concreted streets have held up well.

Debate Competition Goes to Southern Belize
The Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage hosted the second debate in the National Secondary School Debate Competition on ‘Oil in Belize’ on Monday. Students of Ecumenical High School and Georgetown Technical High School competed to represent the Stann Creek District in the Southern Region Competition. At the end of the debate, Ecumenical High School was victorious in their arguments for the affirmative of the debate resolution: “The establishment of an oil refinery can cut the country’s reliance on foreign oil and decrease the cost of fuel.” Ecumenical High School now advances to the Southern Region Competition where they will meet the winner of the debate competition between the Toledo Community College and Julian Cho High School scheduled for early January 2014. Last week, Belize High School won in their first debate round against Belize Rural High School to advance to the semi-final round.

PlusTV

BSI says Bagasse Dispute Should be Settled in Court
Today, the Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) and its partner in the Tower Hill factory American Sugar Refining (ASR) met the press in Belize City to give their side of the ongoing dispute over a payment for bagasse. The sugar producer has and continues to insist that the farmers...

Was it Eye for an Eye on Tyson Rodriguez’s Brutal Murder?
A family in Dangriga is tonight demanding answers after their loved one was found dead shortly after he escaped from Police custody. 27 year old Tyson Rodriguez was detained on Friday morning after an armed robbery report made by a Canadian man and his wife but by Friday night,...

What’s the Real Nature of Love?
Our good news for you is taken from the Bible “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we...

Rise and Shine Determines Appreciation Telethon This Saturday
This past Saturday, Plus TV’s Morning Show, Rise and Shine Belize hosted its second annual appreciate telethon. Rise and Shine has become an increasingly popular local program in the country that offers extensive analysis about current affairs. It also adds excellent and sane entertainment on just your everyday...

Elaine’s Tambranero Sauce Gives Biltmore a Hotter Taste
And while at the Biltmore for the one-year SBDC celebration we caught with a pair of entrepreneurs who the organization assisted to get their product better placed on the market. They are Lyndon and Elaine Sutherland from Corozal and they have created a special sauce which is guaranteed to...

Small Business Entrepreneurship Dances to the Rythm of BELTRAIDE
Last year, the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) organized with multiple partners the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Conceived as a one-stop shop for how to start, organize and manage a business, one year later the SBDCBelize can celebrate some modest successes. Deputy Director of BELTRAIDE Melanie...

Accused Courier in Passport Scandal Mr. Eric Chang is Back to Belize
Shortly after the Belizean passport scandal involving Mr. Wong broke, Mr. Chang abandoned his duties at City Hall and severed communication lines with Mayor Darrel Bradley. It has been almost eight weeks since he was scheduled to return to Belize. But during that time, Chang insisted that he...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

“The establishment of an oil refinery can cut the country’s reliance on foreign oil and decrease the cost of fuel.” -Ecumenical High School debate wins
Today The Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage hosted the 2nd debate in the National Secondary School Debate Competition on ‘Oil in Belize’ as Ecumenical High School and Georgetown Technical High School competed to represent the Stann Creek District in the Southern Region Competition. At the end of the debate, Ecumenical High School was victorious in their arguments for the affirmative of the debate resolution: “The establishment of an oil refinery can cut the country’s reliance on foreign oil and decrease the cost of fuel.” After their win, Ecumenical High School now advances to the Southern Region Competition where they will meet the winner of the debate competition between the Toledo Community College and Julian Cho High School scheduled for early January 2014. Last week, Belize High School won in their 1st debate round against Belize Rural High School to advance to the semi-final round. The National Secondary High School Debate Competition on ‘Oil in Belize’ is one of the many initiatives that The Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage is carrying out to keep Belizeans informed and engaged on issues related to oil in Belize. The debate was held at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall in Dangriga Town.

Amandala

BELIZE’S STREETS AND ROADS “IN HORRIBLE CONDITION”
Unceasing rains have severely impacted travel nationwide. Cañeros have described road conditions in northern Belize as “very deplorable;” but the problem plaguing them is evidently a microcosm of a much bigger national problem. A very wet rainy season has brought plenty of torrential rains in the recent weeks – rains which have worsened the national road network and rendered many roads unusable. Cane farmers said that when they complained to Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega about their road difficulties, he indicated to them that it is a countrywide problem. We understand that some drivers in rural Belize, as well as in urban centers, won’t drive on certain streets and roads because they fear getting stuck. Others have had to reverse out of streets which have potholes so huge, you can’t get pass them unless you’re driving a large vehicle or a truck.

CAÑEROS “STAND FIRM!”
Roughly 1,500 cañeros who attended the annual general meeting of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) held at Escuela Mexico, San Roman, Corozal, on Sunday, November 24, reaffirmed their decision to stand down on delivering sugar cane to the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) when the season opens tomorrow, Monday, November 25—and to remain firm in their stance until a formal agreement is penned which will assure them a bite of the millions BSI has been earning from generating power from sugar cane wastes called bagasse. There was a resounding applause as cane farmers stood in overwhelming agreement, and they indicated that they are willing to stick with their decision for the long haul. Alfredo Ortega, Vice President of the BSCFA, told journalists Sunday that, “[Cañeros] have shouted in unity that they are committed not to deliver any cane.”

MOTHER OF 2 FIRED FROM IBC REGISTRY
Shari Muschamp, 27, a mother of two children, the second being only three months old, found herself unemployed while on maternity leave—caught in the crosshairs of a multi-million-dollar legal dispute between the Government of Belize and Belize Investment Services Limited (BISL) – the former managers of the International Business Companies (IBC) Registry and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE). Muschamp told us that since she has been unjustly terminated and denied maternity benefits, she has been unable to provide for her children and has been living with relatives until she can get back on her feet. Her maternity leave has ended and when Muschamp showed up to work on Friday morning, November 22, security escorted her off the premises of the Marina Towers. Tearfully, the jobless mother told us that she has been demoralized by news that neither the Government nor BISL would take responsibility for paying her maternity benefits.

DID POLICE KILL TYSON RODRIGUEZ?
Police say that Rodriguez, whom they say they found floating in water with handcuffs on, was a suspect in a brutal Placencia robbery. A coroner’s report has said that a resident of the Benguche area of Dangriga, Tyson Christopher Rodriguez, 27, a prisoner who police say they found floating and handcuffed in a river in the vicinity of Chabil Mar, about ½ mile south of the newly built police station on the Placencia Road, was suffocated to death. Police say that Rodriguez was found floating at about 10:45 Friday night, about an hour after he escaped out of a police mobile unit, with his hands handcuffed behind him, but the coroner’s report, by Dr. Mario Estradabran, released by the family’s attorney, Audrey Matura-Shepherd, who, along with a sister of Rodriguez, witnessed the post-mortem, says that the cause of Rodriguez’s death was “asphyxiation by broncheal aspiration sand – beach type and multiple traumatism to chest – trauma type.”

CURL GORDON, JR., 30, GUILTY
Late yesterday evening, at about 4:28 p.m., Curl Gordon, Jr., 30, a carpenter of a Los Lagos address, was found guilty of one count of aggravated assault of an indecent nature upon a 7-year-old female child. The decision was handed down by a 9-member jury – made up of 3 men and 6 women – who after deliberating for a little over an hour, unanimously came to the conclusion that Gordon is guilty of the sexual assault offense, which was reportedly committed two years ago. Gordon, who was 28 at the time, was accused of molesting the child and was consequently charged with one count of aggravated assault of an indecent nature upon the then 7-year-old child on October 2, 2011. During the trial, the child – who is now 9 years old – testified en camera and told the court that Gordon had touched her inappropriately between her legs in October, 2011.

PUP FINISH COLLECTING PETITION SIGNATURES TO OUST PENNER
Orlando “Landy” Habet, the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) hopeful for Cayo North East who wants to unseat Elvin Penner—the United Democratic Party (UDP) area representative for that electoral division who has been at the center of a passport scandal—in a recall vote, told Amandala today that they have collected more than the required signatures to push for a new election in the constituency. Habet said that an estimated 2,100 signatures have been collected – which is close to 40% of the registered voters in the division. He reports that there are 5,800 registered voters. Under law, a petition must be supported by 30% of those voters to trigger a recall vote. However, that petition request must be submitted to the Government, and will undergo a verification exercise via the Elections and Boundaries Department. If the Government is satisfied that the petition is in order, the vote will be triggered.

P.G. STARS LIGHT UP THE MCC
The MCC lights are far from adequate for night games, and the pitch was still mucky from the heavy rains going into the weekend, but football fans were pleasantly surprised yesterday by some real exciting attacking football from visiting Paradise/Freedom Fighters of Punta Gorda, and especially by the football artistry displayed by their diminutive midfield rookie, 17-year-old Jordy Polanco, whose superb ball and body control in tight spaces, coupled with incisive and accurate passing, harkened some older fans back to the time of Anthony “Garrincha” Adderley in the 1970’s. Not since then has a player so small in stature created such a big impact on a top level game at the MCC. But if that wasn’t enough, it was proven to be no accident that a heretofore unknown was the leading goal scorer in this Premier League of Belize Belikin Cup Opening Season 2013-2014; for P.G.’s 22-year-old Franz Vernon showed that he is the “real McKoy,” displaying impressive speed and remarkable endurance in attack for the full 90 minutes, coupled with a striker’s heart and intelligence, unleashing powerful and accurate shots at goal with both feet, fearlessly facing tough tackling from the highly respected F.C. Belize defenders, and alertly pouncing on the split second “daylight” afforded him by PLB’s Best Defender Leon “Chow” Cadle, to drive home the game tying goal for his team.

NO PUSHOVERS IN PLB BELIKIN CUP OPENING SEASON 2013-2014
There has perhaps never been more parity in the Premier League of Belize, as this Belikin Cup Opening Season tournament is shaping up to be the toughest ever race to the 4-team playoffs. After “resting” this past weekend, defending champion Police United FC is deceptively perched at last place in the standings; deceptively because they have a game or two “in hand” on different teams in the playoff race. (See standings below.) Only one point separates new league leader Paradise/Freedom Fighters from the next three teams – Verdes FC, Belize Defence Force FC (BDF) and Belmopan Bandits FC, with 10 points each, followed by FC Belize at 9 points. And with their big upset victory yesterday over BDF, even San Ignacio United FC still has a mathematical chance at making the playoffs. Only Police United is yet to secure a win in this season; and it will surely come. On Saturday night at the Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen, it was home standing Verdes FC dealing a 2-nil shutout to BDF, with goals from Orlando “Leechi” Jimenez (5’) and Julio Ayala (22’).

HIGH SCHOOLS MOURN PASSING OF CSSSA EXECUTIVE MEMBER, MR. ARTHUR BUTLER
The National Secondary Sports Association (NSSSA) and its affiliate regions – NSTA (North), CSSSA (Central), WSSSA (West), and SSSSA (South), mourn the passing of one of the long standing members of the NSSSA and CSSSA Executive, Mr. Arthur Butler. Mr. Butler passed away on Sunday, November 17, at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Mr. Butler has been a member of the CSSSA Executive for the past eight (8) years, and the NSSSA Executive for the past six (6) years, but has been involved in sports from his high school years. At the time of his death, Mr. Butler was the sports coordinator at Edward P. Yorke High School (EPYHS), the treasurer of CSSSA, and the assistant secretary of NSSSA. He was the tournament director for the NSSSA volleyball championship that was held last week Friday and Saturday, November 8-9, at St. John’s College.

UNIFIED, FOCUSED, AND COURAGEOUS Editorial
In the post-World War II, nationalist era of Belize’s socio-politics, the cane farmers of the Corozal and Orange Walk Districts have proven to be our country’s most effective fighting force. They are usually unified, focused, and courageous. We say that so as to say this: the cañeros do not need any support from us at this newspaper. But, we expressed that support editorially a couple weeks ago. The reason we expressed that support is because we are Belizean nationalists, and whatever is good for the cane farmers is good for Belize. When this newspaper was established in 1969, the sugar cane industry had been experiencing boom years. The electoral politicians who depended for support on the cane farmers were very territorial about their constituencies, and in 2013 they still are. In Belize City, the media capital of the nation, we don’t know as much as we should about the history, the nature, and the function of Belize Sugar Industries (BSI). It served the Corozal and Orange Walk politicians’ interests to keep the rest of the country relatively ignorant about the sugar industry. Still, as the media, we must accept the ultimate blame for our ignorance.

STRANGE GAMES Editorial
In international sports, the home team almost always has a clear advantage, and that advantage lies in the size and energy of the partisan home crowd. Last week Belize finally hosted a major regional football event – the Under-16 tournament for Central American nations. There was no home field advantage for Belize, because there was no home crowd to speak of. ??? Ideally, such an event should have been staged in Belize City, the population center. But Belize City, as incredible as it may sound to non-Belizeans, does not have an adequate football facility. The one we had which should have been upgraded – MCC Grounds, was instead violated in cold blood by Mayor Zenaida Moya, the protégé of a UDP Cabinet Minister who claims to love the beautiful game. This is strange. But, this is Belize, a strange country indeed. Belizean football remained colonial in its thinking because it was controlled over the decades by people, culminating with Dr. Bertie Chimilio, who did not see the players and the fans as priority. Historically, the priority in Belizean football has been the administrators, the officials and the referees. This is a legacy of the colonial days, when the leading officials and referees worked for the powerful British business establishments in the colony – Belize Estate, Brodies, and Harley’s. The priority was to keep the natives who played the sport in line with colonial discipline. The football fans did not count, because the football players were not paid and the gate receipts vanished anyway. It was out of this kind of thinking that we ended up with Dr. Chimilio, a megalomaniac who served the Trinidadian Jack Warner’s interests, instead of the interests of Belizean football. Of course, Chimilio had his paid collaborators. This is a long story.

FROM THE PUBLISHER
“Mao had dealt an enormous psychological blow to the U.S.A. On 15 December 1950, Truman went on radio to declare a State of National Emergency, something that did not happen in either World War II or the Vietnam War. Using almost apocalyptic language, he told the American people. ‘Our homes, our Nation … are in great danger.’ The Chinese by then had already driven the Americans back some 200 kilometres in a matter of weeks, in appalling conditions, with sub-zero temperatures compounded by icy winds. Secretary of State Dean Acheson described the reverse as the ‘worst defeat’ for U.S. forces in a century.” - pgs. 365, 366, Mao: The Unknown Story, by Jung Chang and Jon Halliday, Alfred A. Knopf, 2005 “It was having China as a secure rear and supply depot that made it possible for the Vietnamese to fight for twenty-five years and beat first the French and then the Americans. In most of these years, the huge logistics burden of the fighting in Indochina fell almost entirely on China.” - pg. 357, ibid. The United States is the greatest country in the world, and when I landed in New York City in late August of 1965 at the age of 18, I would have thought it was the greatest city in the world. New York was then the center of activism for Belizean Americans. Today, Los Angeles has replaced New York as the center of Belizean American activism. And, overall in America, there is an intense rivalry between the Big Apple and the City of Angels.

CCJ TO SET TIMETABLE FOR JANAE MATUTE HEARING
Janae Matute, a young girl of Roaring Creek, Cayo, who was born with cerebral palsy – a medical condition marked by impaired muscle coordination — was awarded over $2 million in damages by Belize courts. Her attorney says that she has not collected a penny of that award, issued by local courts against Dr. Raju Meenavalli and the Government of Belize. They are hoping that the country’s final appellate court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), can bring them closure in a legal battle that has spanned more than a decade. Janae, a first form student at Belmopan Comprehensive School, will turn 13 on December 20. In 2000, Dr. Raju Meenavalli delivered her by C-section. Janae’s mother, Georgia Matute, claims that the doctor delivered her baby prematurely at 36 weeks. Meenavalli, a former government doctor now in private practice, had been accused of negligence and medical malpractice in the Janae Matute case.

GIRL, 17, MISSING FROM SAN ANTONIO, TOLEDO DISTRICT
Ortillia Cowo, a Belizean domestic of San Antonio village, as well as residents of her village, has become concerned about the wellbeing of her 17-year-old daughter, who has been reported missing since 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 21. Detrina Cowo, 17, is of Mestizo descent, has long, straight hair and a brown complexion. She weighs about 140 lbs and is about 5 feet in height. Detrina was last seen wearing a pink blouse, a pink skirt with a multicolored floral design, and pink slippers. Ortillia Cowo told poli