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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Belize and Guatemala sign agreement to strengthen relations with the support of the OAS
The Foreign Ministers of Belize and Guatemala, Wilfred Elrington and Fernando Carrera, along with the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, signed an agreement entitled “Road Map and Plan of Action” on Friday, January 24th. The agreement was signed at the headquarters of the multilateral Organization in Washington, DC, USA. The purpose of the agreement is to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Belize and Guatemala during the year 2014. The agreement in return will assist both countries in getting the public to hold consultations on whether the territorial dispute between Guatemala and Belize should be brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Belize Basketball Federation seeks players for the COCABA Championship for Boys’
The Belize Basketball Federation is seeking players to form a National Under 16 and National Under 15 boys’ basketball team to play in the U 16 COCABA Championship tournament in Mexico in June 2014 and U 15 championship tournament in Honduras in March 2014. Players from across the country who were born 1998 or after and who wish to become a member of the Belize national basketball team can try out for the teams on Saturday February 1, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Bird’s isle in Belize city. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children for the tryout. Please contact National team coach Matthew Smiling at 600-4480 or Coach Fred Gabourel at 602-7876 for more information.

Free dental clinics hosted at Holy Cross Anglican School
A group of volunteer dental assistants and dentists are at Holy Cross Anglican Primary School and are the first of two groups scheduled to visit the school over the next two weeks. The group of eight includes three local residents and five visitors from Minnesota, USA. Heading the expedition is Dr. Paul Roggow and his wife Linda.

Ambergris Today

Ministers Removed from Office After Sting of Scandals
At its meeting on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, Cabinet discussed thoroughly the highly publicized matter of checks issued by the Belize Airports Authority (BAA) to politically assist Minister Hon. Edmond Castro. Cabinet was much assisted in its discussion by an informal report submitted to it by the BAA. Cabinet learned that only three checks were issued in the personal name of Minister Castro. One of those was for per diem in the course of the Minister’s official travel on BAA business, another was for assistance in burying the Minister’s mother, and the third was to pay for assistance with sports in Belize Rural North. Cabinet was also informed that the other checks not in Castro’s name, but issued to help the Minister in his constituency, did not amount to even a quarter of the seventy alleged by the Opposition.

Letters to the Editor: Political Manipulation & Belize’s National Development
Have you ever wondered what direction Belize is heading into? Is there a clear path set out for National Development? Is there even a Master Plan for a National Sustainable and Progressive Development Scheme? Or are political agendas defining the path of development every five years? Have our politicians ever consider putting their political agendas aside and begin working with the people of Belize? Do our current politicians even know of the good strategies the Father of the Nation, the Rt. Hon. George Price has helped to achieve? Growing up as a young boy in Big Falls, Toledo, I have witnessed four general elections. The People’s United Party was victorious in the first two elections in 2008 and 2003 while the United Democratic Party was successful in 2008 and 2012. I am an alert individual as it concerns Belize’s Political Past, Present and Future. While I am only 24 years of age, I am deeply disturbed when elected officials, appointed officials and those who hold public office get involved in “acts” which are considered “corrupted, and in non-compliance” with their employment description. While I cannot judge someone based on the acts they partake in, I can only say that the Belizean public are also displeased when corruption happen in Government and minimal, if not, no justice is done. It is “completely” abhorrent to be defending any political affiliate if they engage in acts of corruption, regardless of the scale. Yet, we see this happening in Belize.

San Pedro Sports Council Donates Softball Equipment to Holy Cross
The San Pedro Sports Council and the San Pedro Town Council donated softball equipment to the male and female softball teams of Holy Cross Anglican School on Wednesday, January 29, 2014. Councilor Gabriel Nuñez, Sports Council Member Kent “Bob” Gabourel and Freddie Gonzalez Jr, presented the donation to the teams of Holy Cross and Teacher Brandon Bood. Equipment included two bats, three softball balls, full catcher set and 10 mitts. Teacher and students were very happy and very thankful for the kind donation and said that they will put the equipment to good use. Councilor Gabriel Nuñez and the San Pedro Sports Council are working arduously in providing sporting equipment to schools for the youths of San Pedro to enjoy.

Misc Belizean Sources

Too many big trucks up north on Ambergris Caye
just incredible... never have seen it this bad. Sure, it's rained unlike ever in memory, but this is solely the result of heavy trucks being allowed to pass... unreal. So over the years of living here, we have spent countless hours and literally tens of thousands of our own $'s to build and maintain the "road" in the back. Mind you, this is not a zoned public road. This is on our private land. We did this so that the public, tourists and locals alike, would be able to pass. I took these pictures this morning on our property. This is the result of construction and utility trucks being allowed to drive up and down on a regular basis. I can't begin to imagine the extent of the materials that will be needed to fix this. Thank you to Captain Morgan's for driving their loader up this morning to, with a fork lift attachment and chain, hoist this vehicle up and out before it was swallowed whole. This is not the condition the island should be in for the peak of tourist season. Share this if you live in San Pedro and would like to see more resources allocated to the islands basic infrastructure.

Police State
By Abdulmajeed K. Nunez We are living in a police state Police no longer investigate Drive in tinted vehicle without licence plate Licensed firearm around their waist Some of them draw with haste Beating our youth till they have to wear brace Slapping mothers in their face Tazering them and spraying them with mace Officer turn car dealer Uses his girlfriend fi go register But whenever he comes to town there is a murder Is he for real or is he a grim reaper We have heard of state execution He and all the badman deh pan par He has been instrumental in all the turf war Now when it looks like he is observing from far He is evidently the superstar

What this UDP administration has done for teachers and the education system in the Stann Creek District
As some teachers of Stann Creek go out to demonstrate against the government for a salary adjustment today, I'll just share what this UDP administration has done for teachers and the education system in the Stann Creek District. In the face of economic hardships but because the govt recognizes the importance of education to help not only our teachers but the entire people of Belize. The following are facts: 1. All teachers WILL receive a raise from the government in July of this year 2. 99% of teachers have received for the last 5 yrs and will again receive a 2% increment on their salary. 3. All teachers at the primary level have received pedagogical training courtesy of the govt and it's partners... 97% trained in the district... Unprecedented in the history of the nation and nonexistent in any other district!

Belize Trade Statistics
The Statistics Institute of Belize has released the trade numbers from last year. There are some interesting numbers on there. "As expected, there were significant changes in the importation of several goods in 2013. On the one hand, spending on freight vehicles, earth moving machinery, jewellry and building cement were up. On the other hand, there were less expenditures on fertilizers, milks and creams, and telecommunication equipment. Imports from the US amounted to a record $597.3 million dollars, reclaiming the 32 percent share they held two years ago. Purchases of goods from Mexico and CARICOM were also at their highest level ever. Imports from Panama and China, however, fell for a second consecutive year, due directly to a decrease in free zone purchases."

OAS Scholarships
The Organization of American States visited Sacred Heart Junior College this week to talk about scholarship opportunities. Check out their website for a list of them and information on the types of scholarships that the OAS offers at the Undergraduate Level. Good luck! "With the aim of supporting the efforts of OAS Member States in the development of human resources as a means to achieving the objectives of the OAS Strategic Plan for Integral Development, the OAS provides valuable study opportunities to students by granting scholarships for the pursuit of graduate studies and research that are related to the eight (8) priority areas contemplated in the plan."

Maya Mountain Adventure Challenge
The Maya Mountain Adventure Challenge is just over 2 weeks away. One of the teams, the Yoga Slackers, has a video about getting ready for the greuling 4 days. Intense! It starts on February 13th. "Follow the YogaSlackers as they prowl through untamed jungles for three days and three nights non-stop in the Maya Mountain Adventure Challenge. We’ll be there every step of the way to bring you the planning, the execution, the failures, and the triumphs in a four-part video series, starting now. Enter to win amazing prizes at prana.com/maya-challenge.html"

Supa G at Meluchi's
Supa G will be at Meluchi's tonight. He'll be backed up by Tapric, DJ Lee, Brick City, and Fada Mark. His concert at the Cayo Welcome Center last year was wicked fun. http://sco.lt/7O4qTh Supa G had this to say: "This is bigger than Sweet pain, Supag, Tapric or any of d Djs on this flyer this is about Belizean people being there for each other in our dark days. we r doing a fund raising dance to help one Cayo family get their life bk together after they lost their home and almost everything in a fire. As proud Belizeans my self and everyone u c on this flyer have given up our time to perform for FREE. i wish it was that easy to get any and every band on board but this is d real world. I will help because I have a house and friends that have and any day or time can b my turn to b in their shoe so lets stop think of it as just a dance but also as a way of being there for each other. I turned down a show in Cancun Mexico to do this. Im ready for this! are u???"

Mesoamerican Health Project Donations
Feelgood news of the day. The Mesoamerican Health Project donated medical equipment to improve maternal and child health care services at the Northern and Western Regional Hospitals.

PUP leader addresses national issues
In a lengthy interview with local media in Belize City today, Leader of the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) touched on several national issues. First he reaffirmed his support for the cause of the Belize National Teacher’s Union (BNTU) and took the opportunity to condemn the response of Education Minister Patrick Faber and Prime Minister Dean Barrow made earlier this week in other media where they criticized the motives of the Union and in particular president Luke Palacio. Fonseca says the teachers need and deserve their salary adjustment, and should not be punished for their actions. Next on the agenda were the sanctions handed out to dishonorable duo ex-Minister of State Elvin Penner and current Minister Edmond Castro this week received more sanctions for their various misbehaviors.

Paul Nabor recuperates
He is a Belizean icon and a legendary Paranda musician. But today, 86 year old Paul Nabor is in recuperation at the Punta Gorda town hospital. This is Nabor’s second stint in the hospital in as many months after he was diagnosed with pneumonia late last year. Friends and family have been by his side during his hospitalization. Among those at Paul Nabor’s bedside is his daughter Marie Martinez who came in from Los Angeles, California when she learned of her father’s illness. Martinez says her father’s condition has improved and he is resting comfortably.

Channel 7

Will Gino Get A Jail Sentence?
Tomorrow morning at 9:00 the chief Magistrate Anne-Marie Smith will sentence Corporal 259 Gino Peck for keeping an unlicensed firearm, keeping unlicensed ammunition, and keeping prohibited ammunition. Because of the strict gun laws the judge's hands are tied and it is considered a virtual inevitability that he will be sentenced to the mandatory minimum sentence of 3 years for some of the ammunition and 5 years for the others - with the sentences to run concurrently. Today Gino Peck's wife told us that they have been trying to prepare themselves what will more than likely happen tomorrow:.. Loretta Peck - Wife of Gino Peck "I am prepared; I try to focus on all my emotions and my energy for tomorrow. I don't want my husband to see me breaking down. Come tomorrow we expect a victory."

Teachers Rallied And Railed Up In Griga
And while all eyes will be on the Belize City Magistrate's Court tomorrow, today the hotspot was Dangriga where the teacher's union held their rally for the Stann Creek District. This was their fifth rally: there have been 2 in the north, one in the central, and another in the west. Today in the south, as the public exchanges between the union and the government have degenerated to a string of recriminations, the tone from the union leadership was belligerent. Here's the story from the south:.. Daniel Ortiz reporting The schools in the Stann Creek District were closed for the entire day, because a little less than half of the 712 teachers in that district participated in the 4th day of BNTU rallies this month.

Teachers Say Hon. Faber Falsely Accused Them
A huge issue for the Stann Creek teachers, as we showed you, is that their Education Minister, Patrick Faber basically said that they were trying to cheat the children out of a second day of classes this week because they already planned to take tomorrow off, what he called, "breaching the policy of the ministry", to go and collect their pay. His comments suggested mass delinquency on the part of the teachers in that district, that they intentionally skipped work. Today, the BNTU Stann Creek Branch President scolded Faber calling his comments in the House of Representatives misleading. She said that he was twisting the truth because he, Faber, knew that his ministry granted them permission to get the time off a very long time ago: Nadia Martin Caliz, President BNTU - Stann Creek "Minister is a politician also and we know what politicians do, they twist the truth. One of the things I want to provide Channel 7 with before you leave from here today is a schedule that comes from the Ministry of Education giving rural teachers from Corozal to Toledo time off at the end of the month and some of the have half day, some of them have an entire day. In the Stann Creek District only 8 of our schools that are all the way down south will get tomorrow off. Every other school will be open and classes will take place as usual."

Unions Not Satisfied With Actions Against Penner/Castro
As you saw, the National President, Luke Palacio was in Stann Creek today, and he was expected at a meeting in Belmopan with the Prime Minister, as one of the 3 union leaders negotiating a salary adjustment. Representatives of the BNTU, the Public Service Union, and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers participated in that meeting, at its completion, our colleagues from Plus TV tried to get comments from the unionists and the Prime Minister, but they all declined. BNTU Rep George Frazer told Plus TV only that they finally got a chance to get clarification with the Prime Minister on questions they had from last year. Back in Dangriga, though, the teachers discussed Cabinet's recent decision on the BAA scandal, and the decision to remove Penner as Chair of a House Committee, thus taking away his Government ride. Palacio said that it is a welcome step in the right direction in dealing with that immigration scandal, but it is far from enough:

Leader Of The Opposition Calls For BAA Audit
And while the unions aren't satisfied with the actions against Elvin Penner, the opposition leader isn't altogether happy with what's happening with the Belize Airports Authority and its former minister of state Edmund Castro. The Opposition's party organ, the Belize Times first broke the story of the BAA's cheques to Castro in December - and had been releasing them slowly. But when the Opposition Leader dropped the load in the House of Representatives last Wednesday, that blew the lid off the scandal and set in motion the events that led to this week's dramatic Cabinet decision to require the resignation of the entire board of directors, to terminate the general manger and to remove the portfolio from Transport to Tourism.

Fonseca Calls For Fresh Elections
And to hear the leader of the opposition tell it, the Castro/Penner predicament constitutes no less than a crisis in governance. Miming the words of an Amandala editorial this week, Fonseca says that the Barrow Administration should seek a new mandate:.. Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition "We shouldn't beat around the bush. The reality is that Mr. Barrow's government is in crisis and he understands that if Penner and Castro fall his government falls. That is the reality. That is what we are dealing with. So, we, the Belizean people and the nation of Belize are really being held hostage by a political party that is protecting its political interest and really abandoning the national interest and I think it is time for the government to understand that the electorate is ready for fresh elections. It is time for us to go back to the people and seek a new mandate to govern Belize."

City Council Security Guards Say They Are Being Axed
Tomorrow is the last day of work for 26 security guards as employees of the Belize City Council. The Council says it's privatizing the service as a cost cutting measure - the mayor told LOVE TV that the saving could amount to over three hundred thousand dollars. But the Christian Workers Union which represents the workers says their workers stand to lose their jobs. The mayor has written the union to assure them that the new private security provider will take over all the staff - assuring no job loss. But, those staffers say that with one day to go before the changeover, they haven't gotten anything in writing from that new employer. And so, today they asked their union to go public with their issue in the hopes that some intervention will be made. President Audrey Matura Shepherd explained:.. Audrey Matura Shepherd, President - CWU "They were told "we wish you all the best in your future endeavors." There was no commitment in writing that you are being dismissed from this council, however the commitment is from the new employees X,Y and Z - that never happened."

Chief Magistrate: Horse Will Stand Trial For Murder
30 year-old Jermaine "Horse" Garnett, his 23 year-old step-son, Cassian Bennett, and 35 year-old Kenneth Barrow will stand trial in the Supreme Court for the murder of 19 year-old Raheem Requena. That's what the Chief Magistrate decided today after completing the preliminary inquiry into the case. As we've reported, the attorneys for the accused men have submitted to the court that the evidence from the main witness, who cannot be located at this time, is not solid because there could be line of sight issues and lighting in the area. Well, the Chief Magistrate took her entire court to the crime scene yesterday and after careful consideration, she did not accept the arguments from the defence.

Government Gets A Win Against Ashcroft
How many pending cases does the Ashcroft Alliance currently have against the government of Belize? You'd probably need two hands, two feet and a tail to count them all! But the last word on one highly technical one came down last week from the Caribbean Court of Justice. It is an appeal from the government of Belize against the Alliance, represented in this case by 20 respondents. The Alliance had won a partial victory in the Belize Court Of Appeal when they challenged the constitutionality of two Amendments to the Supreme Court of Judicature Act, both relating to criminal contempt of court. The government went to the CCJ which found that there were inconsistencies in the law but, in their words opted to use quote, "a scalpel, rather than a machete to sever that which is inconsistent." They concluded that the legislation is constitutionally valid save for some parts. And so, they removed one of the 16 subsections and amended another. Today Denys Barrow, who represented the government said that it is a significant victory for the government.. Denys Barrow, attorney for Government of Belize "Contrary to the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Caribbean Court of Justice decided that those sections which were struck down should be restored and they are therefore now part of the law of Belize."

8 Year Old Girl Victim Of Hit And Run
A hit and run incident has left an 8 year old girl hospitalized in the paediatric ward at the KHMH. It happened sometime after 3 on Monday evening in the Village of Tambran down in the Toledo District. From what we understand, Marivella Che was knocked down in front of her house. Her father - Domingo Che- was at home at the time and ran out to see what happened after he heard a bang. He saw the truck sped off and then turn around back towards the accident scene - but the driver never stopped to render assistance. Here's this father's story. Domingo Che, father "Marivella got knocked down by a vehicle." Monica Bodden "When did this happen?" Domingo Che, father "This happened at 3pm on Monday in Tambran Village." Monica Bodden "Were you at home when this happen? You mentioned that she came in from school and then she left from home?" Domingo Che, father "Yes, she left in a hurry but I didn't see where she went. When I heard a loud noise "bam," she got knocked down. I hurry went to pick her up but she wasn't speaking." Monica Bodden "She was knocked down in front of your house?" Domingo Che, father "Yes in front of my house." Monica Bodden "You didn't see the driver? Was it a hit and run?" Domingo Che, father "Yes but the driver didn't stop. When he knocked her down, he went. I thought he was going to help me but he went."

BTL Double and Triple Up Not So Sweet Anymore
Today was a double and triple day for Telemedia, but their customers weren't too satisfied with the way the new system works. Your Digicell credit is now being separated into a bonus and primary balance. The primary balance is the money you put into the account and the bonus balance is the free credit you receive on a double and triple up purchases. But here is where it gets a little technical, because with your bonus balance, you are not allowed to make international calls or send calls and text to a Smart costumer, instead you would have to use your primary balance. And while many costumers on facebook were blatant about their dissatisfaction in the new change, General Manager of Customer Services, Dr Dionne Miranda told 7news it's the company's way of moving forward towards industrial standards to improve the products and services offered to customers. Dr. Dionne Miranda, General Manager of Customer Services "What we've gone ahead and done is we've had to move towards industry standards because we were trying to improve the products and services we were offering to our Digicell customers and in doing this industry upgrade, an upgrade to our system we separated the bonus balances that customer receives when they top up, so right now there is a primary balance which is the money that you put into the account and your bonus balance is the free credit that you get when you do a double up on a double or triple day. This occurred on January 15th, but however it didn't impact customers until today because this is the first double/triple."

CGAÂ’s Million Dollar Complaint Against CPBL
Right now, the country is just starting to relax just a bit after the cane farmers ended their embargo on the sugar mill and started to deliver the sugar cane after 11 weeks of delay. It has caused a significant setback, and everyone is putting in extra effort to catch up after the late start. With one crisis averted, the Ministry of Agriculture is being called upon to intervene in another, this time in the citrus industry. The Citrus Growers Association's executive is scheduling an emergency meeting this weekend to address its general members, the citrus farmers, about a delay in payment from the Citrus Products of Belize Limited, company which buys the growers oranges. Today, we spoke with the Chairman of the CGA, who told us that the farmers are owed over a million dollars, with no timeline for payment from the CPBL Management: Eccleston Irving - Chairman - CGA "Growers are sending their fruit and there has been really an arrogance of no communication or when that communication is had, it is not formal and to indicate that growers will not be paid. So, the association has had to be running behind really to get proper information as to when growers are going to be paid."

Dangriga Alleges Diversion Of Funds
You probably remember the Dangriga Market - before Penner, Castro and the Airports Authority, that was the first corruption flare-up. Contractor Kennard Smart alleged that he had been "hustled" by senior staffers at the Social Investment Fund which was funding the market. After a quick review, the Contractor General recommended the dismissal of four senior staffers while the Executive Director was forced to resign. That's all well and good for the anti-corruption effort, but it doesn't put the market anywhere nearer to completion - so vendors are still suffering losses and the residents have to live with a temporary market. SIF is putting it back out to bid, but - as the old saying goes - while "di grass di grow the horse di starve". Today the Dangriga mayor lamented their long suffering without a market:... Gilbert Swazo, Mayor - Dangriga "The phase 2 project through consultation with the people of Dangriga - they selected that 1.2 miles of street which includes Dr. Miranda Crescent, the Gazbi Ramos Road and the Trucking Boulevard to be paved. That is what the people of Dangriga want. SIF is now stating that the minimum 4 hundred thousand dollars to complete the market will be subtracted from our phase 2 allocation. That is what they are saying. Essentially that means to me that the 1.2 miles will not be paved again but be reduced by $400 - $450 value whatever that is equal to in terms of works or miles on the ground."

Channel 5

B.N.T.U. shows muscle in the Culture Capital
The Belize National Teachers Union showed muscle today in Dangriga. The teachers of the south want their salary adjustment…they want to be respected…they want better working conditions and they want [...]

B.N.T.U. National President says salary adjustments and increment are different things
As we told you, Prime Minister Dean Barrow met with the joint union negotiating team in Belmopan today. Since he has already said as much in an unofficial but public [...]

Leader of the Opposition supports and respects teachers
As you heard, the message of the teachers was trumpeted in Dangriga. And if there is strength in numbers, then the teachers showed muscle today. There is also support for [...]

COLA comes out support of Convicted Cop, Gino Peck
Police officer Gino Peck will be sentenced on Friday and his attorney Simeon Sampson is preparing to immediately mount an appeal to his sentence for ammunition offenses. Peck has the [...]

Francis Fonseca speaks on the divide between Police Dept., GSU & Office of D.P.P.
The introduction of the Firearm Act back in June 2008 attracted opposition in many quarters because it was considered draconian. The legislation says that anyone found in a house or [...]

City Hall lets go thirty-six security workers; the CWU takes up their cause
In mid-December, firebrand attorney Audrey Matura-Shepherd was named President of the controversial Christian Workers Union, and little over a month after she is facing her first challenge. That’s because the [...]

Opposition says government is in crisis and it is ready for elections
The Leader of the Opposition touched on a number of issues of national importance when we spoke with him this morning. Francis Fonseca minced no words as it pertains to [...]

Trial on the murder of Aubrey Lopez before the courts
On May twelfth 2010 popular basket-baller Aubrey Lopez was abducted and then brutally murdered, shot in the head and then pushed from his own car in Belize City. Five days [...]

Works on Dangriga marketplace to resume using monies for road works
In September 2013, the Dangriga Market, a significant part of the Municipal Development Plan, was brought to a screeching halt by the combination of an allegedly incompetent contractor and corruption [...]

A new chair of the Integrity Commission after 4 years
There has not been a functioning Integrity Commission for years even though by law, the government must establish a Commission. In fact, the last recorded meeting of the Commission was [...]

Opposition Leader calls for an independent audit of Airports Authority accounts
The Board of the Belize Airport Authority has been asked to resign en masse by Cabinet in the wake of the Castro cheque scandal and from what we know at [...]

Corruption; teachers say they want real reform…
This morning teachers marched in Dangriga, and they say the march is also against corruption in government. That particular topic has grown wings lately with the revelations coming out of [...]

…While Opposition Leader says government action is a slap on the wrist
The P.U.P. leader also maintains that the actions which have so far been taken against disgraced former Minister of State Elvin Penner are lukewarm and not real. And the reason [...]

The gripping story of the Peck family
As we said earlier, Gino Peck will be sentenced on Friday morning for ammunition charges. On the eve of his sentencing, his wife, Loretta, made a compelling case on his [...]

Healthy Living addresses a common skin infection
It’s one of the more unsightly and uncomfortable skin infections that you can encounter. Let’s face it: Boils can be a literal pain. In tonight’s Healthy Living, we get some [...]

CTV3

Millions Being Lost Due To Present Situation At Mexican Border
Tonight, approximately 50 trucks remain parked at a parking area in the Santa Elena Border with destinations to Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. As we reported last night, since Friday of last week, import and export products were not being allowed to cross the border since its private broker agency; Agencia Aduanal, “Servicios Aduaneros Integrados,” which is the only broker agency for the importation and exportation of goods on the Mexican side of the border in Subteniente Lopez had its license suspended. Today when reporter Victor Castillo visited the Mexican Customs authority, in an off camera interview, CTV3 News was made to understand that there are several reasons for the agency’s suspension. Licenciado Raymundo Loyola in charge of the Customs Department in Chetumal stated that the request of suspension was made by the ‘Servicio de Administracion Tributaria’ and the reason is one of three of the following; lack of information on the declaration form, a falsification on the document or a wrong address.

Onions Rottening In Container Parked At The Border
For weeks we have been reporting on the negative impact of rains to the production of local scale onions for the country. And while the country has faced its share of losses in that agricultural sector, the importation of onions from neighboring Mexico was supplying the local marketing the meantime. And with a halt on imports and exports from neighboring Mexico, today when Reporter Victor Castillo visited the border he came across a container full of onions with markings of its destination into Belize to recipient BMDC, which stands for the Belize Marketing and development Corporation. This container was one of several trucks that have been unable to cross the Mexican border due to the Broker Agency license being suspended since Friday of last week.

OWTC Serious About Taking Over Guadalupe Park
The Orange Walk Town Council is carrying out all necessary procedures to regain control of the Guadalupe Park in Orange Walk East. The Park was this Monday handed over to government from private hands but the idea is to place it under the National Sports Council. Mayor Kevin Bernard says that they are going to pursue jurisdiction of the park since the family members of the donor, Angel Castillo have requested the park remain for the public. Today the Council began cleaning the area. Mayor Kevin Bernard elaborates on the reasons for starting work despite not having full control of the park as yet. Kevin Bernard – Mayor or Orange Walk Town “To show our commitment and our seriousness in ensuring that the Guadalupe Park remains in the hands of the people of Orange Walk and we decided to start immediately in the cleaning up of that area and show them that we will start with those types of work, this is an on-going process and we have put it as part of our maintenance plan and we want to ask the support of residence of that area.”

Nick Jones Laid To Rest By Brotherhood
53 Year old businessman of Corozal Town, Nick Jones, was buried at his farm in Ranchito yesterday. But the funeral service was not a traditional type burial; in fact, he was member of both English Mechanics Rights and the Universal Mixta Masons of Belize. Ii is said that Jones was given high honors because he was of a high degree. The body was escorted from his house to the Alpha Lodge Temple in Corozal where lodge services were held. Present was the Grand Lodge of Belize for both Mechanics and Mixta Masons. Jones was then taken in a funeral parade to Ranchito for a church service and finally taken to his farm for burial.

Baby making Babies, Where Does The Problem Lies?
A United Nations progress report on population has spotlighted what it describes as high rates of teenage pregnancies in the Caribbean and other developing countries. The report has called on Governments to help adolescents achieve their full potential through education and adequate health services. And in this respect, Young people's sexual reproductive health is an area that requires increased attention in policies and programmes. But what are the root causes of this alarming trend and what can we do as a society to this increasing social and economic problem? Reporter Maria Novelo followed this story and filed the following report. Maria Novelo – Reporting Belize is among the countries in the Caribbean Region with the highest rate in teen pregnancies. With 55% of the population below the age of 25, studies show these target groups are the most vulnerable. Executive Director at the Belize Family Life Association, Joan Burke says, while these statistics are not unique to Belize, there are a number of factors that contribute to particular young girls engaging in sexual activities.

Chapel Inaugurated At NRH
It was an event that brought together worshipers of different denominations under one roof, or in this case, one tent. We are talking about the inauguration and blessing of the first ever, chapel at the Northern Regional Hospital in the Orange Walk District. It was a project that took several years to complete but it has finally become a reality for all those who were involved in the initiative from the start. Here is a look at what was a special moment for many. Dalila Ical – Reporting The Serenity Chapel of Faith and Hope is the first of its kind at the Northern Regional Hospital and it is a project that has filled the hearts of many with joy. The idea for the chapel was born from former nurse at the NRH, Ofelia Novelo founder of the MujeresAyudando a Mujeres a Superarse group in Orange Walk Town. North Regional Health Manager Guadalupe Longsworth says After Mrs.Novelo pointed out the need for the chapel; everything soon started to fall into place as shortly officials from Scotia Bank Limited approached them in search of a project to finance.

LOVE FM

Gino Peck Robbed of Internal Tribunal
The Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action, COLA, has joined the Belize Police Department and the list of persons that have offered full support to convicted Police Corporal, Gino Peck. Peck was found guilty earlier this week by Chief Magistrate, Ann Marie Smith, for Keeping Unlicensed Ammunition. The charge against him arose out of an incident in 2012 when members of the Gang Suppression Unit searched his residence on Currasow Street and removed a few rounds of ammunition. Since the case was brought before the court, Peck’s plight has garnered a considerable amount of air time on the official media and even more on the social media networks, from people who are convinced that he was deliberately targeted by the sequence of events that led to his conviction. COLA, in coming to the aid of Corporal Peck, has said that he is the latest example of the double standard practiced by the authorities and that from the start the pursuit by the GSU bears the hallmark of vindictiveness. Delroy Herrera, who is a key figure behind the attempt to get the Government to repeal or amend the current Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act, says that this is another classic example why the law needs urgent attention.

Union Wants Council to Hold Off on Security Privatization
Since Love News broke the news that the Belize City Council is moving to privatize its security services on Tuesday, the Christian Workers Unions have expressed grave concerns about the 36 security officers that are being made redundant. In an interview with Love News on Tuesday, Mayor Darrell Bradley, said that the Council Security Manager, Hiram Longsworth, through his security company, Rangers Company, had been awarded the contract. Mayor Bradley had stated that both he and Longsworth had agreed that the 36 security officer would be re-hired with Rangers Security. We understand that none of the workers have received a 100% guarantee that this will be the case as expressed by some of the affected workers in a press conference this morning. HIPOLITO NOVELO REPORTING “The Belize City Council has opted to privatize and outsource its security services. Thirty six security officers were given their walking papers as last week and were told that their post had become redundant. In an interview with Love News earlier this week, Mayor Darrell Bradley said that privatization is the way to go as it will result in cutting the council’s security budget in half and increase efficiency. The thirty six workers are members of the Christian Workers Union and according to the President of the Union, Audrey Matura Shepherd, Mayor Bradley did not follow the law.”

Trio To Stand Trial for Murder
Three men charged with the murder of 19 year old Raheem Requena, who was fatally shot in his chest in December, 2012, were committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court at the conclusion of a preliminary investigation today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. They are 30 year old Jermaine ”Horse” Garnett, his step-son, 23 year old Cassian Bennett and 35 year old Kenneth Barrow. They are to appear in the Supreme Court on June 17.The prosecution has intimated that it intends to call 30 witnesses, among them the main witness, an eye witness who is reportedly out of the country. The three are represented by attorneys Anthony Sylvestre and Alifa Elrington Hyde. Sylvestre and Hyde told the court that their clients have alibi witnesses. Yesterday Chief Magistrate Smith visited the scene of the crime, corner Kut Avenue and Kraal Road, so that she could get a better understanding of what occurred.

PlusTV

Mr. Aubrey Lopez’s Murder Trial Gets Underway
30 year old Mr. Aubrey Lopez, one of Belize’s elite basketball players, beloved teacher, and son of the Belmopan City Mayor, was gunned down in May of 2010 in the old capital. Mr. Lopez was accosted by his attacker, or attackers, while driving a friend’s vehicle on Prince Street. He...

Council Releases 36 Security Officers, the CWU Fights Back
The Belize City Council is in another spot of bother today after reports that its efforts to privatize and reorganize its security department under a trusted employee have run into an unforeseen snag – the Christian Worker’s Union. The CWU, whose sprawling national membership covers interests as diverse as...

Opposition Leader Responds to Plus TV on Issues Concerning Teachers
PLUS News sat down today with Leader of the People’s United Party (PUP) Francis Fonseca at his Belize City office for a wide-ranging discussion of current national issues. We begin with the teachers’ movement that is today in Dangriga. The PUP leader reaffirmed his support for the cause of...

Passing Vehicle Hits Southern Child, Now at the KHMH
Authorities in Punta Gorda are investigating a hit and run on the highway that has left a 7 year old girl injured. Police say that they believe they have recovered the vehicle involved in the incident. Our colleagues at PGTV spoke with Sergeant Pedro Ical. Mr. Pedro Ical- Sergeant...

Dangrigans Desperate for Completion of Market, says Mayor Swazo
The public tumult that arose from the scandal at the Social Investment Fund, involving high ranking officials within the institution has long died down. However, the aftermath is very much still a reality for residents of Dangriga Town. Due to the mismanagement of finances allocated for the renovation of...

Should Accused Immigration Officers be Given Immunity?
The trio of Immigration Department officers facing possible termination for their role in the passport scandal are not to escape according to the dictum of Prime Minister Dean Barrow who believes he has done enough to their ex-boss, Elvin Penner. But some suggest that instead of punishing the immigration...

Desperate Wife of Accused Corporal Peck Says She Expects a Miracle
Today PLUS News spoke to the wife of Corporal Gino Peck, who waits apprehensively to see her husband tomorrow, Friday, for what may be the last time in a while. He is to be sentenced for possessing unlicensed and prohibited ammunition found inside their Curassow Street home in 2012....

Land Lease Complainant Says Rivals Even Broke Down his House
Earlier this week, we told you of the initiative headed by Rise and Shine to host free legal advice to members of the public who are experiencing land dilemmas. The consultations held over the weekend was made possible through the partnership of five attorneys who volunteered their time to...

The Guardian

Unemployment Down, Inflation Down
The Statistical Institute of Belize’s latest surveys show that Belize’s unemployment rate fell and inflation was at 0.5 percent in 2013. Director General of the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), Glen Avilez, held a press conference on Wednesday, January 29th, to explain the data collection process in its Labour Force Survey and calculation of inflation. Avilez explained that the Labour Force Survey is conducted twice each year, in April and September. The labor force is made up of all individuals of working age who are employed, available and looking for work. In September of 2013, 5,910 households were randomly selected to be a part of the survey. According to Avilez, responses were obtained from almost 90 percent of the selected households which covers over 14,500 individuals 14 years and older. 64 percent of those individuals were in the labour force. The others are students, housewives and others who were not available for work.

Another CCJ judgment in Favor of Belize
The Caribbean Court of Justice has once again ruled in favor of the Government of Belize in a matter which essentially entangled GOB and the Ashcroft Alliance. The matter concerns an appeal to the CCJ as to the constitutionality of two amendments, one in April of 2010 and another in October 2010 to the Supreme Court of Judicature Act. The first amendment was “to strengthen the provisions relating to contempt of court...” the other amended the Principal Act as well as the First Amendment. This amendment sought to “clarify the law as to the ingredients of the offence of criminal contempt of court; to make provision for mitigation of penalties in the case of natural persons in certain extenuating circumstances; to specify the rules Governing Trial on Criminal Information and Complaint;..” The original case was brought to the court of appeals in Belize by the Ashcroft Alliance, at the time their primary argument was that the legislation was specifically designed to target them and that it was unconstitutional. At the end of that trial the court ruled partially in favor of them. That ruling was handed down by Justice Muria on December 22nd, 2010. Immediately after that ruling, the Government appealed at the CCJ and the ruling was handed down on January 24th by Honourable Justices Nelson, Saunders and Hayton, Delivered by The Honourable Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders and Judgment of The Honourable Justices Wit and Anderson.

Heads Roll at BAA
Cabinet announced on Tuesday January 28th that the portfolio of Civil Aviation under which the Belize Airports Authority falls will be moved to the Ministry of Tourism. The portfolio is in effect being moved from the Ministry of Transport. Additionally the Solicitor General and the Financial Secretary will have meetings with statutory bodies to review their operational protocols and advise on how to administer those institutions properly. The current directors of the Belize Airports Authority will be asked to resign. In effect the entire board will now be changed, these persons include the current chairman, Barbara Miller. While the entire board was asked to resign, the General Manager, Kenworth Tillett is also no longer at the head of the statutory body. The shakeup came after a series of checks were publicized in the media and allegations were made that there may have been wrong doing in the issuing of the checks. Since the publications, the Prime Minister has gone on record to say that the entire matter was prompted by improper judgment. In the Cabinet Release it states that "Cabinet was much assisted in its discussion by an informal report submitted to it by the BAA. Cabinet learned that only three cheques were issued in the personal name of Minister Castro. One of those was for per diem in the course of the Minister’s official travel on BAA business, another was for assistance in burying the Minister’s mother, and the third was to pay for assistance with sports in Belize Rural North.

Account for the Money Says PM
Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow announced on Tuesday, January 28th that there needs to be accounting by Area Representatives on how they spent a monthly stipend of $2,300 which they receive. In a release from Cabinet, it was announced that, "the Prime Minister, as Minister of Finance, has instructed the Financial Secretary to require every Area Representative, upon pain of losing the stipend, to account for the $2,300 monthly allocation provided for constituency office rental and secretarial services. We at the Guardian are certain that every single one of the UDP area representatives will have no trouble in providing evidence as to how the stipend is spent. Very much cannot be said about he PUP area representatives who have not opened constituency offices since they took up their offices. Some of the PUP representatives will now be forced to be in their constituencies to do what they were elected to do. For years now, persons living where there are currently PUP representatives have complained that they have been absent from their areas.

Cycling Association to hold Individual Time Trials
The Belize Cycling Association would like to inform all athletes, that the Individual Time Trials that was postponed from last Saturday January 25, will be held this coming Saturday, February 1st, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. on the Boom Road starting in front of CDS Service Station. As an update to this event, please note that this is the first in a series of ITT, where we will be having the elite riding 12 miles, while the Masters 4/5, Females, Youth and Juniors will be doing 6 miles. Please note those who had previously registered your name remains on the list. Anyone who would now like to take advantage of this change in date may register at the Office on the second floor of the Commercial Centre. Deadline to register is Thursday, January 30th. No registration will be taken at the start, as we are required to generate a starting list a day before the start of the event.

IDB provides US$540,000 Grant to Belize for George Price Highway Project Preparation Studies
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Belize today signed a grant agreement for US$540,000 to support the preparation of feasibility studies and social and environmental assessments for the rehabilitation of 32 miles of the George Price Highway between Belmopan and Benque Viejo del Carmen. The agreement was signed in Belize City by Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Gina Montiel, Manager of the IDB’s Country Department for Central America, Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. “We are pleased to support Belize in its efforts to expand and rehabilitate its road network, which is so crucial to the country’s development”, said Gina Montiel. The grant will support the preparation of an investment program to finance the infrastructure works needed to upgrade and absorb growing traffic volumes on the highway.

Controversial Land reverted to Ministry of Lands
Elodio Aragon Jr. along with his father, held a press conference in Orange Walk town in a lot that was once a parking lot to serve Hi-5 entertainment center and the Orange Walk East Sports Complex. During the press conference Elodio Aragon Jr. announced that he had spoken to his father and his brother Adin Aragon and was able to persuade them to return the parcel of land back to the ministry of natural resources and the government of Belize. Last week, concerns had been raised over the Orange Walk East Sports Center where allegations were being made that there were moves by some 'private' individual to take over the land where it stood. Wrapped along with the allegations was an adjoining parking lot which was held by Adin Aragon, the young brother of the Orange Walk East hopeful, Elodio Aragon Jr. During the press conference on Monday, both Aragon Jr. and Aragon Sr. explained what the situation was.

Belize and Guatemala hold forum to strengthen bilateral relationship
In the wake of the uncertainty surrounding the postponement of bi-national referendum on the Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute, Belize and Guatemala signed a new diplomatic initiative on Friday, January 24 at the OAS Headquarters in Washington DC. The agreement is called the Road Map and Plan of Action, and it’s main objective to strengthen the bilateral relationship between both countries during the course of the year to enable public consideration of the territorial dispute before the International Court of Justice. The Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza, and Foreign Ministers Wilfred Elrington and Fernando Carrera were all signatories to the Road Map. Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington told reporters at the event that the agreed document "evidences the commitment and resolution of the governments of Belize and Guatemala, with the support of the OAS, to seek to use our best efforts to develop the essential climate of trust and confidence."

BNTU’s Lies and Distasteful Rhetoric
Leaders of the Belize National Teachers Union seem to be getting more bitter and frustrated at every rally. Sources close to the union say their frustration stems from the fact that they have been unable to get close to fifty percent of their members out to the rallies. There are also many former loyalists who have lost confidence in Luke Palacio’s ability to motivate the troops and some close to him are planning to make a move on his presidency. The frustration from the very uninspiring rallies is felt across the board within the union’s executive. No one seems to be more frustrated than the man who has been hailed as the “Lion of the BNTU”, George Frazer. Frazer remembers the days when the union was fired up and marched mightily. He forgets; however, that the catalyst behind that passion was a desperation to get rid of an administration that was giving away the country’s assets and pocketing the people’s money. That is not the case in Belize today. Where there is wrong there is also discipline. Corruption is not the order of the day in this administration and the Prime Minister is not a lying thief. The “rallies” being organized by the union today are being held in a time when teachers are being paid while furthering their education for free. The union is asking teachers to express displeasure in a time when they are receiving annual increments and more benefits than ever before. This is a time when a salary increase for teachers and public servants is imminent – no wonder why teachers have not attended these “rallies” in impressive numbers.

Belize National Teachers Union holds rally in Cayo
The Belize National Teachers Union BNTU held its fourth rally to muster the support of teachers at the Macal River Park in San Ignacio Town last Friday. A total of three Union branches merged in San Ignacio Town despite a constant drizzle. The Benque Viejo del Carmen’s BNTU Branch was led by Leandra Chulin, the Belmopan Branch by Francis Avella, while the San Ignacio Branch was led by Manuel Medina. Some fifteen speakers took their turn at the teachers’ rally to rationalize why a salary adjustment was needed now. After the speeches, the teachers took to the main streets in San Ignacio Town and crossed the Hawkesworth Bridge to Santa Elena Town to continue their march.

Dara’s fundraiser again
Dara Robinson is once again inviting the general public, primary schools, tertiary schools, churches, the government, the opposition, NGO's, businesses, citizens, visitors and anyone else to support his Food Drive. It is the 5th annual initiative that he is conducting and it will be held on the MCC Tennis court from 10a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday February 6th. Dara says that he will be accepting all manner of non-perishable food items which he will then use to distribute to less fortunate individuals as well as his feeding program. The feeding program he conducts feeds primary school children on the north side of Belize City who are unable to secure a healthy midday meal while attending school. The fund raiser is being done to coincide with Bob Marley's birthday. Being a fan of the legend, dara will also be holding the 12th annual tribute to the musical icon on Sunday Febrary 9th at the Birds Isle. This will take place on February 9th from 4.p.m to midnight.

NCL EIA Consultations underway
On Wednesday, January 22, approximately three hundred and twenty residents from villages and towns in the south gathered at the Independence High School auditorium to give their input at the public consultation on the Environmental Impact Assessment for Norwegian Cruise Line’s proposed cruise port on Harvest Caye. The EIA as it was presented to the public has since been withdrawn with the developer promising to amend it to better address the environmental issues which have been raised about it’s inadequacy. Representatives of NCL, including the Harvest Caye Project Director, Hugh Darley; brothers Carlo and Daniel Arguelles from International Environments Limited; and NCL environmental consultant, Jose Pepe Garcia faced the crowd at around 7:30 p.m. to field any and all questions about the project. They answered to all concerns which had to deal with the environmental impact that the development on Harvest Caye could possibly have. The Department of Environment was also present to witness and conduct the meeting.

New cops for the Beat
One hundred and Twenty Seven recruits passed out of the Police Training Academy on Wednesday, January 29, after 16 weeks of training as part of recruit intake number 89. That’s 90 police constables, and 37 women police constables who have graduated and joined the ranks of the police department. It is among one of the biggest squads, with the record being the 130 recruits who passed out last year. In the same fashion that majority of the officers went to Belize City to become part of the Police Precinct system, majority of these new officers have been assigned to Eastern Division to help maintain police focus on one of the toughest police jurisdictions in the country to maintain law and order. It is this same precinct system to which many have attributed some of the success in lowering the murder rate for this year, reducing it by 46, a decrease of 32% in Belize City, recognized as one of the region’s murder capitals.

Papa Mena takes Dangriga
The United Democratic Party successfully held the second convention to elect a Standard Bearer in 13 constituencies across the country. On Sunday January 19th it was Frank 'Papa' Mena going up against Arthur Roches for the position of Standard Bearer for Dangriga. Voting began promptly at 10 in the morning and in a record breaking turnout for that constituency in a convention, Papa Mena would emerge victorious. A total of 1,676 persons cast their votes; of those Mena received 1,077 while Roches secured 581 votes, 18 ballots were rejected. Immediately after the convention, the results were made known after which the oath of office was administer to Mena. In addressing his supporters, Mena thanked his supporters and he explained that it was now time to work. He said it was all about love and it was also time to unite the party for the better of Dangriga.

Police Department’s position on the matter of Corporal 59 Gino Peck
The commissioner of police with the support of the Ministry of National Security hereby informs the public that the department will be supporting Corporal Peck fully, including payment of all legal fees in his appeal to his conviction on keeping unlicensed and prohibited ammunition. The Belize Police Department is saddened by the manner in which the decision to proceed with criminal charges against Corporal Peck was made in January 2012 as the department is confident that it could have been properly dealt with through its own internal disciplinary process. Unfortunately, the department was not given the opportunity to handle this matter as they have customarily done. It is unfortunate that we are at a point where a long serving member of the department is facing a jail sentence for a matter that could have been handled internally. Should his appeal prove successful, the commissioner of police will then exercise his power to decide what internal disciplinary action will be levied against Corporal Peck in the manner in which it should have been handled in the first instance.

Penner Stripped of Vehicle and Chairmanship
After investigations showed that Hon. Elvin Penner was involved in wrong doing at the Immigration Department, Prime Minister quickly removed him from Cabinet and stripped him of the portfolio which he handled. He was additionally asked to resign from the National Assembly and the United Democratic Party, the latter two he has not yet done. And while the penalty against Penner was swift and severe, there were still outstanding matters as to his tenure in the House of Representatives; he still held a government vehicle and was still the Chair of the House Committee on Public Utilities, Transport and Communication. In a release from Cabinet it was announced that Penner will no longer hold either the vehicle or the chairmanship. The release stated that "Cabinet also examined other areas in which it felt action was needed to combat any suggestion that the Administration would not resolutely act to put a stop to Ministerial or official wrongdoing.

Two-Bit Opinion
Last week when I told you that the convention to select the standard bearer for the Orange Walk East constituency would be exciting and emotional little did I realize that I was making more of a prediction than a promise. I mean, things really got heated over the weekend between the two contenders, Aragon and Constanza. One of the more vocal and radical supporters of Constanza, Landy Burns, came out swinging at the Aragon family, making provocative accusations only days before the convention, which is slated for this Sunday February 2 at the Louisiana Government School. Judging from the feedback on the streets, I can tell you this; for a while there it was a big political notch for the Burns offensive, until Lot Aragon gave his press conference on Monday 26 January and doused the cauldron with cold water. Having known Elodio “Lot” Aragon for many, many years, I can tell you that he is a seasoned politician and will not run and hide from any accusation or shy from any accuser. And to show his skill in these matters, he returned the favor in kind to Burns, but never did once impugn the character of Constanza in his counter. That was a good move and went down well with UDP supporters of both sides in the contest for standard bearer.

New Resources Center for Buena Vista Village
On Wednesday January 29th, area representative for Cayo Central, Hon. Rene Montero along with Japanese ambassador to Belize, His Excellency Yasou Takase And the chairman of Buena Vista Village, Eddy de la Rosa, officially cut open the ribbon to declare the Buena Vista resource center opened. The 26'X80' structure was constructed at a cost of $245,852 through grant funding from the Japanese government along with counterpart funding by the Government of Belize. Along with the building there are also walkways and a perimeter fence. The building was constructed for use by primary and high school students as well as the community of Buena Vista in general. According to Minister Montero, the resource center will have a computer lab and library which will serve some 180 students during normal school hours.

Taiwan Scholarships available
Since the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) made scholarships available to Belizeans in 2002, over two hundred and thirty Belizeans have received scholarships to study in Taiwanese Universities. On Tuesday, January 28th, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Belize-Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) Alumni Society in Belize hosted a public briefing to encourage more students to apply for a scholarship of their choice. There are 29 programs being offered from 21 universities under the 2014 Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) scholarship program. Students and parents from across the country assembled inside the conference room of the Chateau Caribbean Hotel to listen to presentations by officials from the Taiwanese Embassy as well as past scholarship recipients. Jacqueline Ifield, President of the Belize Taiwan ICDF Alumni, was first to address the attentive crowd. She encouraged everyone to apply because a scholarship to study in Taiwan is the greatest opportunity one can hope for. She said the quality of education is excellent; the country is safe and the people are extremely nice. Ifield said living in Taiwan could be a little challenging at first with the language difference but as much as Belizeans are trying to learn Mandarin they are trying to learn English so communication is easier as time passes.

Guardian Bombers - Belize City Senior Male Softball Champs
The Belize City Softball Association 2013 Senior Male Competition finally came to an end on Wednesday January 22, 2014, at Rogers Stadium, after the championship series had to be postponed because of the wet conditions of the playing field. In the third and final game of the championship series, the budding champions Guardian Bombers wasted no time in establishing its supremacy in the game and the outcome of the title when third base Nelberth Flowers with only one out in the top of the first inning blasted a three run homer-run off Oceana Strikers starting and losing pitcher Jerome Carr for a 3-0 lead. The Guardian Bombers then added five more runs in the top of the 2nd inning when it send 9 batters to the plate who collected an assortment of hits including shortstop Carlyon Flores’ 2 run double.

Albert Constituency youth basketball tourney to start
The Albert UDP Committee will be hosting a Youth Basketball Competition for boys living in the Albert Constituency and are between the ages of 11 – 15 years old. The competition is scheduled to commence on February 15, 2014 and teams are quickly forming. Boys living in the Albert constituency that are interested in participating in the competition can pick up application forms from Ms. Mary Guzman at the Youth for the Future Secretariat on Regent Street (Old Hotel Mopan) and at the National Sports Council Office at Rogers Stadium. The Youth Tournament will be played only on Saturdays and is being sponsored by the Hon. Herman Longsworth, Area Representative for the Albert Constituency and the Minister of State with direct responsibility for Youth and Sports.

FC Belize faces the Belmopan Bandits in football finals
The Premier League of Belize Belikin Cup will enter into its championship series on Sunday February 2, 2014, at the MCC Grounds commencing at 4:00 pm between FC Belize and the Belmopan Bandits. FC Belize and the Belmopan Bandits advanced to the championship round when they both eliminated their opponents over the last week in the semi-final round. On Sunday January 26, at the Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo Del Carmen, FC Belize eliminated the home team and number seed into the semi-finals Verdes FC by the score of 2-1. The home team Verdes FC got on the scoreboard first when Rodney Pacheco scored the 1st goal of the game in the 14th minute of play via a penalty to give his team a 1-0 lead. However, the visiting FC Belize was able to get onto the scoreboard when Michael Hernandez scored his team’s equalising goal in the 29th minute of play to tie the score at 1-1. The first half of the game ended 1-1.

Queen’s Baton Relay coming to Belize
The Queen’s Baton Relay is a much loved tradition of the Commonwealth Games and symbolises the coming together of all nations and territories in preparation for the four-yearly festival of sport and culture. The official launch took place on October 9 2013 at Buckingham Palace, where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II placed Her message to the Commonwealth into the baton. The baton then departed from Glasgow for its epic journey to all 71 nations and territories beginning in Asia, visiting India, the Host Nation of the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games. Over 248 days the baton will travel sequentially through each nation creating an engaging journey through Asia, Oceania, Africa, Americas (south), Caribbean and Americas (north), before returning to Europe and the UK. The baton will average one to four days in each nation with an extended duration of seven days in Wales and fourteen days in England.

Central Region Secondary Schools softball to opens
The 2013-2013 Central Region Secondary Schools Softball Competition is scheduled to commence on Monday January 27, 2014, at Rogers Stadium with 8 schools participating in the female competition and 7 teams in the male competition. The schools participating in the female competition are Wesley College, Excelsior High School, Pallotti High School, Ladyville Technical High School, Gwen Lizarraga High School, St. Catherine Academy, Anglican Cathedral College and Nazarene High School. The schools participating in the male competition are Wesley College, Gwen Lizarraga High School, Ladyville Technical, Excelsior High School, Anglican Cathedral College, St. John’s College and Nazarene High School.

Escuela Mexico in Belize celebrates its 31st Anniversary
The “Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico” (ESTM), in San Roman Village, Corozal District, completes today its 31st Anniversary. The Official Ceremony was headed by its Principal, Mr. Carlos Castillo, and the Mexican Ambassador to Belize, Mario Velazquez. More than 800 people attended, including school officials, teachers, students and their families. The Escuela México is a technical/vocational high school that was built and donated in 1982 by the Mexican government as a friendly symbol of recognition of the Independence of Belize. In January 1983, formal classes began with an enrollment of sixty-eight (68) students and a small staff of five teachers. Since its establishment, the student population has grown considerably. The enrollment now stands over 680 students.

Rotary Club of San Ignacio supports future scholars
An innovative educational program for young people is now ongoing in the Cayo District and is being supported by the Rotary Club of San Ignacio. On the agenda at its weekly Rotary Club meeting held recently at the Cayo Center for Employment Training, was a lively discussion for the continued support of our future scholars of Belize. Today, the Rotary Club of San Ignacio has students with scholarships at both the Eden and Saint Ignatius High Schools in Santa Elena Town and at Sacred Heart College in San Ignacio Town. A total of 26 scholars are being supported via these scholarship programs with the top scholar having a choice to a two year tertiary level study at the University of Belize, Galen University or Sacred Heart College. This two year scholarship at the tertiary level is a memorial scholarship for Mrs. Paulita Bedran, whose son Abdala Bedran was a founding member of the Rotary Club of San Igancio.

UB research findings on the effect of salinity on callus formation and organogenesis of Red Kidney Beans published in international research journal
Red Kidney Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a major staple food source in Latin America and particularly in Belize plays a significant role in the cultural and economic activities of Belize. The legume, high in protein content and considered to be on the daily menu across Belize is faced with on-going challenges due to increased soil salinity, global warming and its effect. “The experiment was carried out in an effort to develop a salinity resistant variety of red kidney beans,” said Associate Professor, Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Belize, Dr Thippi Thiagarajan. “It was carried out to test the ability of Red Kidney Beans to form callus and undergo organogenesis under in vitro saline conditions.” Grain legumes have been noted to have a poor regeneration capacity under in vitro conditions, and in light of the sea level rise and its effect on soil salinity, therefore developing a variety that can withstand saline conditions will be an advantage for countries like Belize where climate change can have drastic effect on salinity of soil in the near future. Research is being conducted in generating full plantlets from callus under saline conditions that can tolerate moderate saline conditions that may result from rising sea level.

UB distributes micro propagated planting materials to benefit the agriculture sector
The University of Belize, as a catalyst for change to enable socio-economic transformation and sustainable development in Belize, is producing quality planting materials to benefit the agriculture sector. Its current focus, at its micro propagation laboratory Central Farm Campus, is Belize’s sugarcane industry. To date, the University, in collaboration with the Sugar Industry Research & Development Institute (SIRDI), the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) and individual cane farmers of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA), has distributed close to 30,000 micro propagated plants to the sugar industry to establish demonstration plots in the Corozal and Orange Walk areas. Such plots are to be used by these organizations as trial nurseries to produce quality cane seed for farmers. Spearheading the activities at the Bio-propagation laboratory is Dr. Stephen Williams, Micro propagation Laboratory Manager.

Career Cop faces long Years in Jail
Career police officer, 41 year-old Corporal Gino Peck, was found guilty of ammunition offences in the Magistrate’s Court on Monday, January 27. That’s a very unexpected and dramatic ending in Peck’s case, and the outcome is that his family’s financial stability is slowly crumbling. On January 19, 2012, a little over two years ago, the Gang Suppression Unit raided the Peck family home where they found 8 live rounds of .45 ammunition – a prohibited item - in a chest of drawers in their room. Under their bed, the GSU found 2 knapsacks. In one of them, they found 23 live rounds of 9mm ammunition, 18 twelve-gauge cartridges. The other bag contained six rounds of 9mm ammunition, four .38 rounds and 3 more 12-gauge cartridges. Because of the discovery, the GSU arrested and charged Gino and his wife, Loretta with keeping unlicensed ammunition, and keeping prohibited ammunition. The case caught the attention of the media when the Police Eastern Division refused to support the GSU on their action against one of their own, who they believed could easily be exonerated if the arresting officers would only look carefully at Peck’s reasons for having the ammunition. His defence remains – and has always been – that he got control of the items while on operations as a police officer.

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Caye Caulker Hotel Makes Trip Advisor's 'Top 25 Hotels in Central America'
– Following the announcement of four Belize properties that made the ‘Top 25 Hotels in Central America’ list, the popular travel site, Trip Advisor, announced other categories in its 2014 Travelers’ Choice Awards. We are pleased to say that travelers’ positive reviews and ratings placed Belize in several of those categories. Overall, Belize claimed thirty seven placements in seven categories at the regional and world levels.

Blogs

"Take It to the Limit" in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
On Saturday Rose and I went to the Burns Night Dinner organised by the Belize Branch of The Royal British Legion. It was being held in the Flagstaff Mess, Price Barracks in Ladyville and our journey there should have been a relatively simple one. I’d booked tickets on Tropic Air‘s 16.00 flight to the Municipal Airport where our friend Ian , a serving member of BATSUB, was going to pick us up and take us to his house (well a bungalow actually) on the camp so that we could get changed. I ‘say’ changed because the dinner provided an opportunity to wear a dress. For Rose that is, not me before you let your imagination go in to overdrive. Me? I was going to wear a jacket, shirt (long sleeved too), trousers and shoes (a proper pair, not flip flops or loafers). The first time in twenty months! We left the house at 15.00 hours and after loading our stuff on the ‘cart I put the key in the ignition, started the engine and tried to engage the reverse gear. Nothing, the gear stick was flapping around like a bed sheet on a washing line! Now if I was mechanically minded I would have had a look, got out a tool kit and solved the problem . But I didn’t because I am to motor mechanics what Genghis Khan was to world peace. So I did the next best thing and ‘phoned a taxi and then I ‘phoned Tropic Air to warn them that we would be a little later than the thirty minutes before flight time that they ask you to be. Imagine ‘phoning United Airlines, British Airways, etc in similar circumstances ?

International Sources

¿Belice es nuestro?
Después de seis años de intensos análisis, negociaciones y cabildeos, el Tribunal de La Haya tomó una decisión que algunos ya califican de salomónica y otros de arbitraria. Perú ganó 50 mil kilómetros cuadrados de mar en el océano Pacífico, pero la Corte de la Haya reconoció a favor de Chile el Hito 1 y el paralelo que nace a partir de allí hasta las 80 millas, como su límite territorial y marítimo. Chile no cedió soberanía, pero sí una importante porción de mar en una zona económica exclusiva. Así que en realidad lo jugado trascendió el tema de la soberanía y tuvo más que ver con un tema económico: la explotación de los recursos marítimos de esa zona. Tocará ahora ver qué sucederá con la mediterraneidad de Bolivia y cómo resuelven entre todos su salida al mar. Además, queda pendiente también el asunto del anillo energético sudamericano, ya que cualquier inestabilidad política en Bolivia, Chile o Perú podría afectar en mucho su implementación. Más allá de nuestra mirada al sur, la noticia de lo sucedido en la Corte de la Haya sobre el diferendo entre Perú y Chile, seguro ha provocado un efecto dominó en las vecindades cercanas y no tan cercanas.
Bad translation: Belize is ours?? After six years of intense analysis, negotiations and lobbying, the Hague Tribunal made a decision that already qualify for some other arbitrary Solomonic. Peru won 50 thousand square kilometers of sea in the Pacific Ocean, but the Court of the Hague acknowledged Chile for the Milestone 1 and the parallel that comes from there until 80 miles, as its territorial and maritime boundary. Chile gave no sovereignty, but a significant portion of the sea in an exclusive economic zone. So actually played transcended the issue of sovereignty and had more to do with an economic issue: the exploitation of marine resources in this area. Touch now see what happens to the landlocked Bolivia and how to solve among all its landlocked. In addition, the issue of the South American Energy Ring is also pending since any political instability in Bolivia, Chile and Peru could affect in a deployment.Beyond our gaze south, the news of what happened in the Court of The Hague on the dispute between Peru and Chile, sure has caused a domino effect in nearby neighborhoods and not so close.

Devon high school students heading to Belize
Students from a Devon high school are getting ready to head to Belize, in Central America, for a once in a lifetime trip. The students, from John Maland High School, are part of the school’s jazz band, and will soon be playing and teaching jazz music to the Belizean people Devon’s mayor, Stephen Lindop, came up with the idea. Two years ago he was in Belize building a playground, and he heard about a school with a music program. “I checked out their band and found out they didn't have jazz and I thought, ‘Wow, I'm in Devon, we have a tremendous band program’,” said Lindop. When Lindop returned, he presented the idea of bringing Devon music students to Belize to band teacher John Maland. “These kids have great music skills and we know they can go down, and make a contribution, make some new friends and help out another community,” said Lindop. “What a great thing to do.” The students started fundraising and Maland says the response has been overwhelming. “We’ve got three flutes, a clarinet, twelve trumpets and a cornet, three trombones, a euphonium, a tuba, orchestra bells, keyboard amp, bass amp and a synthesizer we’re bringing down.”

Death by sludge, coal and climate change for Great Barrier Reef?
Authorities approve plans to dump three million cubic metres of dredge spoil into waters of already at-risk reef... There's a phrase environmental scientists and campaigners like to use to talk about the slow and relentless degradation and destruction of habitats and natural wonders. "Death by a thousand cuts", they call it, as small chunks of habitat are lost and environmental laws are eased or repealed. A bit of bush here for a tourism development, a stand of mangroves there for a beachside resort. An entire nature reserve for a coal mine. Sometimes, the threats come like pincer movements with all angles covered. For the Great Barrier Reef, though, the world's most famous and largest coral reef system, a final decision passed down today gives us another gash, through which could rush millions of tonnes of coal. The reef is being threatened from all sides. Dredging for coal and gas ports. Increased shipping frequency. Run off from agricultural developments. Increased ocean acidity and rises in sea temperatures from fossil fuel burning. The threats have got the reef surrounded. Now the government's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has decided to allow up to three million cubic metres of ocean bottom to be dredged and then dumped within the borders of the marine park and also the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area.

Canada-CARICOM Trade Talks Shrouded in Doubt
Negotiations on a trade agreement between Canada and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have limped along for over five years. Unless political will and energy is now put into the process, the negotiations could fizzle out by the end of June – a ‘drop-dead’ date now accepted by both sides. Abandonment of these negotiations would not be good for Canada and certainly not for CARICOM countries. For, while the negotiations focus on trade and investment and rules that guide them, the relationship between Canada and CARICOM goes far beyond these considerations. In Canada’s case, although its merchandise trade with all CARICOM countries is less than 1% of its total trade in goods, successive governments have enjoyed close relations with 12 of the Commonwealth Caribbean countries that are part of the 14 independent countries of CARICOM. Until recently, Canadian governments have been able to rely on Commonwealth Caribbean governments for support on hemispheric and international issues reflecting their shared values and common interests.

Reducing illicit trafficking in the Caribbean: 20 nations meet to coordinate efforts, way ahead
Maritime interceptor fleets, information-sharing mechanisms, regional strategies and human rights were among topics covered by defense, law enforcement and civilian leaders from 20 nations who met in Santo Domingo Jan. 28-30 to examine security efforts in the Caribbean.

January 30, 2014

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Belize Hotels dominate in the 2014 TripAdvisor Awards
Belize continues to rise in the ranks of coveted tourism destinations, capturing several international awards, and 2014 brings in even more accolades! Dominating in 2014’s TripAdvisor Awards, Belize’s hotels and resorts earned 37 distinguished mentions. TripAdvisor Awards are determined through the comments and ratings that visitors post about their vacation and serve as a means of publicity for a destination. As Belize’s top tourist destination, Ambergris Caye hosted its fair share of awards. A total of four island resorts placed in the Top 25 Hotels in Central America, with Grand Caribe Belize Resort taking the 2nd spot, Coco Beach Resort taking the 11th place, Victoria House Resort ranking 12th and Las Terrazas Resort taking 24th place. Grand Caribe Belize Resort also placed 4th in the Top 25 Hotels for Families in Central America. In the Top 25 Small Hotels in Central America, Belize took 11 spots including the top three: Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort (Stann Creek) 1st, The Phoenix Resort 2nd, Pelican Reef Villas Resort 3rd, Coco Plum Island Resort (Stann Creek) 6th, Xanadu Island Resort 7th, Chabil Mar (Stann Creek) 14th, Athens Gate 16th, Turneffe Island Resort 20th, Sleeping Giant Lodge (Cayo) 22ndand Ka’ana Boutique Resort and Spa (Cayo) 23rd. Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort also placed 8th in the Top 25 Small Hotels in the World.

Jerry Jeff Walker Passes the Hat for Saga Humane Society
Long time clients of Pampered Paws, Jerry Jeff Walker and his wife, Susan Walker passed the hat for Saga Humane Society at the Camp Belize concert on Friday, January 24th inside Fido’s Restaurant and Bar. The hat came back full with a grand total of $1,625 raised for the Operation SNIP (spay and neuter) campaign. Being an animal lover himself, Walker has always supported Saga, even seeking opportunities to raise funds however he can. At his concert, Walker shared the information on Operation Snip, the importance of Saga and their mission to find every pet a home, and even had special guests Kathy Marin and Judy Schreiner of Saga attend the concert themselves. Of course Walker sang a song about dogs, (it may have been about his own beloved Bear)while his hat was passed around to his generous audience that was more than happy to donate to a worthy cause. According to Saga, the money received will be used to spay/neuter 30 dogs or cats free of charge during February to celebrate Spay/Neuter Awareness Month and World Spay Day that will be held on Tuesday, February 25th. They would like to thank Jerry Jeff Walker, Susan Walker, their loving dog Bear and all participants of Camp Belize for the continued support and generous donations.

20 years of success for Robin McCutcheon of The Added Touch!
How does a Microbiology professor end up with a business like The Added Touch? From microscopes, cells and laboratories to soaps and wineglasses, sunblock, linens, postcards and more – there could only be one reason for this success. That reason is Robin McCutcheon. She’s no mad scientist – all of her experiments are a winner! But just how did she end up in this business? We asked her during a fabulous meeting in person at her store, and she explained: After a year of teaching microbiology at the University of Belize, Robin took a hiatus, stepping in to help some friends in their store located in Belize City’s downtown area. Customers (hoteliers and gift shop people) were constantly coming by, expressing their frustrations at not being able to find items that should be readily available for their resorts and restaurants. This was a time when anyone who didn’t live within access roads was especially frustrated. “Keep in mind that at that time the Placencia road wasn’t paved, nor was the Hummingbird Highway,” said Robin. “We called Pine Ridge the Outback!” Because getting to that area was tough, and those who had settled in there couldn’t provide their customers with basic items. Friends of Robin then invited her to attend a hotel show in Cancun, Mexico, and according to Robin, that’s where it clicked.

Ambergris Today

Belize Tourism Board and Olson Win Top Honors at In2 SABRE Awards
Belize took Best in Show honors at the In2 SABRE Awards for its ‘Breaking Bad’s Trip to Belize” campaign. The Belize Tourism Board and Olson Engage were recipients of three honors at the awards show that took place last week at the Four Seasons San Francisco. The marketing campaign won the awards for best marketing buzz and digital influence as well as the best in show for turning a potential negative publicity to a great opportunity to promote Belize. If you recall, the hit AMC show “Breaking Bad” used the phrase taking a “trip to Belize” as a euphemism for killing someone. But the Belize Tourism Board and the marketing team at Olson turned things around by posting humorous and light-hearted tweets at the show’s actors. The BTB even sent a letter to the cast of Breaking Bad inviting them on a free vacation to Belize.

Measuring Entrepreneurship in Belize
Belize joins the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), through the execution of a Compete Caribbean project in Belize to strengthen the Economic Development Council (EDC) [BL-CC2037] and improve the business climate and entrepreneurship; Belize, for the first time, has joined the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). Three members of Belize’s National GEM team are attending the annual meeting of GEM national teams in Santiago, Chile. Other team members for Belize are representatives from the Ministry of Economic Development, the Directorate of Foreign Trade, and the Belize Agro-productive Sector (BAS Group). This national team will be the coordinating body for the two entrepreneurship measurement tools, the Adult Population Survey (APS) and the National Expert Survey (NES).

Misc Belizean Sources

BWSL Project Consultation
Dillon Consulting Ltd. will be conducting a consultation at the Lion’s Den on Thursday, January 30th in the evening at 7:00 p.m. The consultation by Mr. Frederick Sandiford of Belize Water Ltd. will bring awareness to the general public and provide a general overview in regards to the project that will be conducted on the north side of Ambergris Caye by BWS. Any questions or concerns can be addressed at the consultation.

BV Belize’s conservation Christmas cracker
A couple of weeks before Christmas the weh di gwan (agenda) board in Bachalar Chico Dive Camp announced that while others are doing data entry and dives, Santa’s fellow-countrymen Kaisa and neighbour Siim (me) are to start the preparation for a Christmas themed conservation party for the children of Sartaneja. It was a getaway from doing data entry and after a couple of hours brainstorming in the warm Caribbean breeze provided a theme and a plan. There was yet more brainstorming and preparation leading up to the party as there were going to be approximately 20-30 children attending the event. The staff and volunteers were organized into workgroups and a board was created that contained all the information about the party – who is responsible for what and where. However, everyone was always welcome to do things and come up with ideas that weren’t marked down for them – for example when one of the volunteers Emily was visiting Corozal Bay she bought candy cane instead of planned lollipops. Plans for the party were to create informal yet informative (and fun) presentations, boards, pictures and a huge 150 x 250cm² paper-board with a reef drawn on it so children could draw fishes and other sea creatures on it. Volunteers and staff also had to prepare cookies for cookie-decorating, Permit Jack shaped medals also had to be handmade. The Blue Ventures (BV) staff house had to be prepared for the party. But the flyers and posters for the party were done in time and with a smile!

Donations for Softball team of the Holy Cross Anglican School
Councilor Gaby Nuñez on behalf of the San Pedro Town Council and the San Pedro Sports Council, presented the softball team of the Holy Cross Anglican School with softball equipment such as mitts, bats, balls and catching gear. The kids were very enthusiastic as they enjoy the sport.

Escuela Mexico in Belize celebrates its 31st Anniversary
The “Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico” (ESTM), in San Roman Village, Corozal District, completes today its 31st Anniversary. The Official Ceremony was headed by its Principal, Mr. Carlos Castillo, and the Mexican Ambassador to Belize, Mario Velazquez. More than 800 people attended, including school officials, teachers, students and their families. The Escuela México is a technical/vocational high school that was built and donated in 1982 by the Mexican government as a friendly symbol of recognition of the Independence of Belize. In January 1983, formal classes began with an enrollment of sixty-eight (68) students and a small staff of five teachers. Since its establishment, the student population has grown considerably. The enrollment now stands over 680 students.

Cayo Quality Honey Producers Cooperative
Cayo Quality Honey Producers Cooperative (CQHPC) is pleased to announce that it has embarked on a process of expansion and education programs of its membershp that was made possible through a grant awaded by the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF/SGP). CQHPC has been operating since 2006 and is recognized in Belize for the quality of its honey and its focus on sustainable environment practices. CQHPC is now looking for energeic, bold, responsible and committed persons (in particular young men and women) over 16 years of age for its expansion. The program includes a four-month training program in basic beekeeping to be carried out during weekends (Friday to Sunday). Applicants should have a good deal of reading comprehension and be committed to attend the training sessions. Interested persons may call Mr. Max Garcia 662-9880 or Mr. Sandy Perez at 625-6448. You can also e-mail us at [email protected].

University of Belize distributes micro propagated planting materials to benefit the agriculture sector
The University of Belize, as a catalyst for change to enable socio-economic transformation and sustainable development in Belize, is producing quality planting materials to benefit the agriculture sector. Its current focus, at its micro propagation laboratory Central Farm Campus, is Belize’s sugarcane industry. To date, the University, in collaboration with the Sugar Industry Research & Development Institute (SIRDI), the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) and individual cane farmers of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA), has distributed close to 30,000 micro propagated plants to the sugar industry to establish demonstration plots in the Corozal and Orange Walk areas. Such plots are to be used by these organizations as trial nurseries to produce quality cane seed for farmers.

The effect of salinity on callus formation and organogenesis of Red Kidney Beans
The University of Belize research findings on the effect of salinity on callus formation and organogenesis of Red Kidney Beans published in international research journal Red Kidney Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a major staple food source in Latin America and particularly in Belize plays a significant role in the cultural and economic activities of Belize. The legume, high in protein content and considered to be on the daily menu across Belize is faced with on-going challenges due to increased soil salinity, global warming and its effect. “The experiment was carried out in an effort to develop a salinity resistant variety of red kidney beans,” said Associate Professor, Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Belize, Dr Thippi Thiagarajan. “It was carried out to test the ability of Red Kidney Beans to form callus and undergo organogenesis under in vitro saline conditions.”

Belize's Ecotourism and Its Greatest Challenge Yet
Nestled on the Northeastern coast of Central America, below Quintanaroo, Mexico, sitting between a beach on a small island and on top of the Maya Mountain range, is Belize -- the 'land of the free by the Carib sea' as our National Anthem reminds the world. Here, the largest industry that is taxed is the oil industry and following that is tourism as the nation's largest producer of foreign exchange. Ecotourism, for arguments sake, since 1960, has been the galvanizing force and still is the spinal wall that keeps tourism upright and standing tall -- as tall as our national tree, the Mahogany. There are those who are strongly in support of an ecotourism product and there are those who want to subscribe to the "new" Cruise Tourism "streets of gold bandwagon". Personally, we prefer ecotourism. However, we must state that coming from the Western part of the country (San Ignacio, Cayo), within the last 15 years we have immersed ourselves in the ecotourism industry as entrepreneurs. Joe for example has been teaching adventure and ecotourism since 2005 and a couple other tourism courses for the local junior college in San Ignacio, Sacred Heart Junior College. Larry has been marketing the entire country since 2008 online via the different social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and different travel blogs.

BRRI Volunteer Opportunities
The Belize Raptor Research Institute has 5 volunteer opportunities this year. Some come with stipends for food and lodging. If you know of anyone who'd be interested, please pass the information to them. The first two listed will take place in Mountain Pine Ridge, and the other three are in Punta Gorda. Solitary Eagle Project Field Technician Solitary Eagle Project Field Assistant Internship Raptor Watch Project Coordinator Raptor Watch Project Compiler Raptor Watch Project Field Assistant Internship In related news, they are doing their Raptor Watch in August. Find out more here.

COBEC Librarian RDA Workshop
The Consortium for Belize Educational Cooperation is having their Librarian Resource Description and Access Workshop Preconferences in Belmopan. They will go until next Wednesday. Next Thursday, COBEC is having their Winter Conference in Dangriga.

Screen on the Green Starts Today
The U.S. Embassy, along with the George Price Centre, is starting their Screen on the Green movie nights today. They'll have a movie every month, and it'll be at the Governor General's Field. Tomorrow, the movie they'll show is The Great Debaters, with Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker. It's free, and it's a great movie. "Belize Screen on the Green will be showing the movie, 'The Great Debaters' on Thursday, January 30th!! Please join us as we launch our monthly movie series with this great film."

Big Rock Trail Progress
Sacred Heart Junior College students are making good progress with the Big Rock Trail improvement. They are half way through their 10 nights there. Check out the pictures so far at https://www.facebook.com/groups/549155755177741/ "The Big Rock Trail Improvement Project is underway. 8 SHJC NRM students, 6 SHJC volunteers, 4 trail builders from New York and team leader Chad Burrow braved rain and cool weather this weekend kicking off the project. They'll work and camp in Belize's Mountain Pine Ridge for 10 nights volunteering their time to make one of Belize's premier destinations safer and more accessible. Belize Trails, Blancaneaux Lodge, the Cayo Tour Guides Association and SHJC's NRM department are proud sponsors of this outstanding effort!"

Police Department comes out in support of veteran police officer
Over one hundred new policemen and women joined the ranks of the Belize Police Department today; but their graduation has been overshadowed by the stunning conviction of career police officer Corporal Gino Peck, 42. Corporal Peck was found guilty of charges of keeping ammunition without a gun license and keeping prohibited ammunition. There has been near unanimous support for the veteran police officer from virtually every sector of the community. And today, more support came in, this time from no less than the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie himself. A statement put out by the police press officer announced that the police department will be bearing the full cost of appealing Corporal Peck’s conviction.

Cold front brings changes in the weather in Belize
There will be some changes in the good weather we have been experiencing the last couple of days. That is because the proximity of a cold front near to the Yucatan Peninsula is supporting a slight increase in moisture over Belize heading towards the weekend. The general forecast for Belize and her coastal waters is for mostly cloudy skies with a few showers or periods of rain mostly over northern and inland areas of the country. Winds over the open sea and along the coast will be westerly to northwesterly at 5 to 15 knots, producing light chop to choppy sea conditions.

Economic data shows unemployment is down
The Statistical Institute of Belize is responsible for the collection and presentation of up-to-date economic and social data for the country. Today they released a veritable avalanche of it – the consumer price index (CPI), which measures year to year changes in prices and inflation; the trade balance and how much Belize sells, and to whom; and finally the Labour Force survey, measuring the unemployment rate and who is working and where. Belize’s official unemployment rate is now 14.2%, down nearly two points from the all-time high of 16.1%. The figure comes from the twice-yearly Labour Force Survey carried out in September 2013. SIB Deputy Director-General Dr. Leopold Perriott said that from 2012 to 2013, there are 3 unemployed women for every two unemployed men; percentages stand at 21.5% for females and males 9.6%. The total labour force – all persons of working age, that is, 14 years of age and older, and who are not students, housewives, retired or disabled persons is over 149,000, of Belize’s total estimated population of 351,600, and 128,000 of these are employed – that is, they work for themselves, for others, or even just “ketch and kill.”

BTIA-Placencia continues to fight Norwegian Cruise Line
“It’s a done deal!” “You can’t win against a big rich company like NCL!” “You can’t fight the Government!” We have all heard these words before, both in Belize and around the world. They are the words of people who are counting on average citizens to shut down their brains, shut up their mouths and bow down to their masters. At tonight’s public consultation these same people—Norwegian Cruise Line and their paid agents—will try to impress you with a large crowd and a lot of noise. Why? Because that’s what you have to do when you don’t have the facts on your side. All we ask from the Department of the Environment, the National Environmental Appraisal Committee and those citizens attending this consultation is to look at the facts behind the Harvest Caye cruise port and decide for yourselves whether it will make life better for you, your children and your grandchildren. It’s all about jobs. At least that’s what they will tell you. The fact is that every time they talk about jobs it’s always a different number. Laura Esquivel Frampton and Tracy Taegar of the Ministry of Tourism claimed 800-1000 direct jobs…but the EIA from NCL says only 250 jobs including both the caye and Malacate on the mainland. With NCL having a ship in port at most only 150 days per year are these jobs full or part time? Year round or seasonal? Salaries? If the cruise line can give a number the must know exactly what the jobs are. For example, how many bartenders? How many cooks? How many landscapers? Security guards? Secretaries? And what about the 25% of employees that NCL has told Government will be filled by foreigners? Presumably they will get the highest paying jobs so where does that leave Belizeans? Please NCL, show us the jobs, the hours and the pay scales.

Eric Chang absent from City Hall
Former Deputy Mayor of Belize City Eric Chang is reported to be out of the country attending to family business in Taiwan. Last September Chang went to Taiwan right around the time that South Korean businessman and fugitive Won-Hong Kim received a passport through former Minister of State Elvin Penner. Chang stayed for nearly three months, until November of 2013, and lost his portfolios and positions as a result. Chang, the first Taiwanese-Belizean in elected political office, has steadfastly refused to offer an explanation for his activities in Taiwan, and today Mayor Bradley told reporters that even he is not sure about his colleague’s innocence.

Belize It Or Not: Rainy Days and Changing Plans
After spending what felt like forever in Mexico, my favorite new place in the world, we were on a whirlwind through Belize. My family was super excited about starting the next part of our trip, but as I’ve come to see during my new traveling life, things don’t always go according to plan. First off, there was the day we left Mexico for Belize. My Family had planned on getting up first thing in the morning, as early as the sun. Instead, we stayed up super late the night before with some new friends, and ended up getting a slow start on our border crossing day. This caused the smell of stress to fill the big truck, leaving me shifting around nervously on Victoria’s lap. The trip to the border of Belize and Mexico was super quick, and we got out of the country exactly as My Family thought we would. The interesting part started once we got to the Belize side of things. I knew there might be trouble, because all My Family had been talking about for the past two days was the fact that we didn’t exactly have my papers in order. I guess Belize doesn’t like new dogs so much, or they’re nervous about making sure everyone is healthy. Given all of the lonely, sick dogs I saw wandering around, I didn’t understand what sort of harm I could do. But they required My Family to ‘import me’, with all sorts of applications. We hadn’t received a peep back that our application was ready, and as Victoria had feared, the nice health officer had no paperwork on me.

I have a Dream for Belize Essay Contest
The US Embassy is hosting an essay contest to honor the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King. Belizean citizens may enter by 9 Feb to win a tablet computer device. In honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month, the U.S. Embassy Belmopan is hosting an essay contest in Belize. Submission: Drawing on the format from the famous I Have a Dream speech by Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, tell us, in no more than 300 words, what your dream is for people and the future of Belize. Who may enter: Open to Belizean citizens between the ages of 16 and 30. How to enter: Send submissions to [email protected]. Deadline: February 9, 2014. Prize: First place winner will receive a tablet computer device and their essay will be published in the local paper.

Channel 7

Police Dept Issues Extraordinary Statement Against Peck Conviction
Tonight the anger in the rank and file of the police department is growing and resentment is simmering over the incarceration of Corporal 259 Gino Peck. As we have reported Corporal Peck is in jail awaiting sentencing after he was convicted for possession of ammunition on Monday. It is a stunner because Peck is known as an upstanding officer, and a good many police have told us it is not unusual for police to have a few loose rounds in their residences at any given time. But Peck has been convicted as if he were a civilian – and that has provoked outrage, anger and disappointment in many police officers. Well, tonight, the real shocker is that the senior command apparently feels the same way. The Police Press office issued an extraordinary statement today saying, quote: “The Commissioner of police with the support of the Ministry of National Security hereby informs the public that the department will be supporting Corporal Peck fully, including payment of all legal fees in his appeal to his conviction on keeping unlicensed and prohibited ammunition.”

Commissioner Says Verde Case Has Not Gone By the Wayside
And while the police department laments the fate that has befallen one of its upstanding officers in the court, this stands in sharp distinction to the Reynaldo Verde case. Peck, a police officer was charged for old, dusty, job related rounds found in his house while the senior sales tax officer was never charged for an unlicensed Glock 380 pistol found in his house in earlier this month. Verde’s case is still on the DPP’s desk, while Peck must throw himself on the mercy of the courts. We asked the Commissioner about this contrast in cases: Allen Whylie - Commissioner of Police "That matter concerning Mr. Verde, I was assured that the statements have been submitted - or the file has been submitted to the DPP's Office. So, it is not to say that Mr. Verde will not be charged, if the DPP so directs. But, I gathered that there were other circumstances that the officers who were dealing with his matter did not feel comfortable about charging. That is why we have reviews done by the DPP."

And What Of Anwar Zetina? Commish Clueless!
And who can forget Belmopan resident Anwar Zetina? He got away with driving his car recklessly on December 20, even though he was busted by police without a valid driver’s license driving an unlicensed vehicle. He was detained, and even though charge sheets were prepared for reckless driving, driving without a valid driver’s license, driving an unlicensed motor vehicle, and using insulting words – the charges were never lodged in court. It is believed that due to his UDP political connections, those charges got buried. In the context of Gino Peck and Reynaldo Verde, we asked the Commissioner to comment on that case, and he told us he wasn’t quite informed on that one: Daniel Ortiz "This ties right in with another case Mr. Anwar Zetina, who is believed to political ties in the UDP, where he was supposed to be charge for wreckless driving and driving without a license. The charge sheets were prepared but that case was buried. So, it's another case where it seems as if though uneven treatment under the law is being applied. Can you comment on that aspect?"

Can Police Assure Even Application Of Law
So, after reviewing these 3 different cases, the logical conclusion which comes to mind is that the law is not being evenly applied. Gino Peck, a career lawman, with a sterling reputation, gets prosecuted to the full extent and the letter of the law. Renaldo Verde the flipside to that coin, gets a pass after senior officers accept his explanation that he was being framed. And Finally, Anwar Zetina gets a free pass, even though it was clear that he had violated the law. We asked Commissioner Whylie today about the perception that deferential treatment is clear to outside observers, and here’s how he responded: Daniel Ortiz "At the helm of the police department, are you concerned about appearances uneven treatment under the law, where you have the case of Mr. Anwar Zetina, then there is Mr. Renaldo Verde, and then you have Mr. Corporal Gino Peck who has been sort of given the full hammer blow in this particular instance? How address the public who says that there is a perception that uneven treatment under the law exists, and these are three examples of which that has happened?"

What About The Dental Bill, BAA?
Tonight the aftershocks of Cabinet’s executive thunderclap are still being felt. The Belize Airports Authority Board of Directors is preparing to resign, and, we are informed, so is the General Manager of the BAA Kenworth Tillett, who has been given that option to demit office in an orderly fashion. And, as the Board accepts Cabinet’s invitation to resign, we know that at least one of them is leaving a little further ahead than when she took office. That board member got the BAA to pay her daughter’s hefty dentist bill – and was supposed to pay it back out of her monthly Director’s stipend. Outgoing board member Lindsey Garbutt explained how that worked out: Jules Vasquez "Now, you have one here for the Dental Center $2,040. I understand that it was to assist a board member with a dentist bill for child, for her daughter. Explain to me, what went into making that decision."

Unemployment Down From Record High
The Statistical Institute of Belize – they’re the folks who generate the numbers on everything from the population to the inflation rate. And this year, the SIB - which usually just sends out press releases – is taking a higher profile. They held a press conference today to release the latest figures on unemployment, the trade imbalance and the inflation rate for 2013. First to the unemployment figures. Those come from the September 2013 Labour Force Survey – an annual exercise. Those figures show that unemployment is down form the record high of 16.1% in September 2012. It’s down to 14.2% which is still very high – but it means that 1,500 more people are working. Deputy Director General Leopold Perriot explained this morning: Leopold Perriott – Deputy Director General, Statistical Institute of Belize “The number of unemployed persons is twenty-one thousand three hundred persons in all. That’s the entire country, that’s the estimate for September, mid-September 2013. An unemployed person is a person that is fourteen years or old without a job, looking and able. Of that, we have males are almost nine thousand, eight thousand seven hundred and seventy-six of the unemployed are males and the females dwarf them, twelve thousand five hundred and twenty-four females and unemployed.

SIB: Trade Balance in 2013 Was Highest, Inflation Was Low
The other figures released today were for the consumer price index and the external trade ratio. As the Director General explained, the trade imbalance was higher than ever: Jules Vasquez Reporting Glen Avilez - Director General, SIB "At the top you have 2 lines, the blue one and the red one. The blue one represents all imports, and the red one represents all imports excluding the Corozal Free Zone. You'll see that there is a huge difference between what we import, and what we export. In fact, it seems that we import almost 3 times what we export as a country. In 2013, we imported a total of 1.3 billion dollars' worth of goods from the rest of the world. This is an increase of 8%, or roughly 133 million dollars. I want to highlight 2 of the categories that combine for 106 million dollars of this 133 million dollars that I spoke to you about. Machinery and transport equipment, up by 51 million dollars in 2013. For the 10-year period between 2003 and 2013, imports were growing at an average annual rate of 5.3%. In 2013 that rate accelerated to 8%." And while imports were at a record high - exports were down by 51 million dollars: Glen Avilez "The decrease in our export revenues were largely due to lower oil and citrus receipts. In fact, these 2 products combine for 90 million dollars less revenues."

New Cops For The Street
Today, 127 recruits from squad intake #89 passed out to become full police officers. They’ve been training for the last 16 weeks. At their graduation, their Police Minister, John Saldivar, welcomed them to the Department, and after the ceremony, we asked Commissioner Whylie about this infusion, and where they will go. Here’s what he told us: Allen Whylie - Commissioner of Police "It's amongst the largest indeed. I think the last squad 88, they were 130 recruit. This one is 127 recruits, so it’s amongst the largest indeed." Daniel Ortiz "Where will these officers be posted? We understand that majority of them will be assigned to Belize City." Allen Whylie "Yes, Belize City continues to be our area of focus. And so, the majority of the officers will be posted within Belize City, Eastern Division. I have tried to look at the situation in terms of the needs, and try to measure that quite carefully. As a result, other officers are also going to be posted in every formation across this country. So, every formation will be getting a few officers. I am certain they'll say that they needed and deserved more, but there is only so much we can give. So, I've tried to assist every formation."

New Equipment for Regional Hospitals
Yesterday, the Northern and Western Regional Hospitals received $311,000 worth of medical equipment which was handed over at a short ceremony. Since the neonatal tragedies at the KHMH last year, the country has been working to improve neonatal and maternal care at all the major hospitals. This donation is part of the Mesoamerican Health 2015 Belize Project, and its Quality Improvement Project Manager hosted the handing over jointly with the Minister of Health. Here’s what he told our colleagues at Plus TV about the importance of the equipment that is now in the hands of the Northern and Western Health Regions: The Mesoamerican Health 2015 Belize Project is five year health initiative aimed at improving primary healthcare services in maternal and infant, child and reproductive health in vulnerable communities.

Security CEO In Road Accident
CEO in the Ministry of National Security George Lovell was in an accident on the George Price Highway today but luckily he was not seriously hurt. Lovell – who drives a Volkswagen Jetta with private plates - told us that between miles 39 and 40 his driver was trying to overtake a vehicle that also started to overtake. The Jetta had to take for the soft shoulder where the vehicle flipped once and landed back on its wheels. Lovell says he was not hurt, and his driver only received a small cut from the windshield.

Owning Dean Street
Dean Street is Channel 7’s home base – so forgive us if we take a victory lap now that it’s finally gotten paved. In the past few weeks, we’ve gotten a chance to see the process up close – and come to know the guys who work on the street. Now that it’s finished we asked them what they feel about it: Juliet Soberanis Street from Albert Hoy Street to the Phillip Goldson International Highway will become a one- way street for the life of this contract.

Tacos Vendor Works 12 Hours x 7 Days: Says She Loves Job More Than Huzzy
Tacos – it’s the breakfast of choice across Belize where the low cost, high protein food is a staple for people on all kinds of budgets. And even as the price of everything has gone up, form chicken to the price of a pound of tortilla, for decades the price of tacos has remained stable: 3 for a dollar whether you buy it in Corozal or Punta Gorda. But if you really want grade-a tacos – you know you have to go to Orange Walk. We passed through recently and took a slice of life from one hard working vendor:

IDB's 4 Year Plan For Belize
Belize has been a member country of the Inter-Development Bank since 1997, and to date, the country has made around 190 million dollars in loans from the bank. As one of the largest donors to the country, the IDB has been working closely with different government administrations, and in December, it gave the green light on a country strategy to be implemented for the next 4 years. The Financial Secretary and the IDB’s country representative explained its significance: The country strategy’s main goals are to assist in education, tourism, transport, trade, and tax policy.

Highway Works Are First Up
And that spending on transport was in evidence today when the IDB and GOB signed a grant agreement for five hundred and forty thousand US dollars to support the preparation of feasibility studies and social and environmental assessments for the rehabilitation of 32 miles of the George Price Highway. That is between Belmopan and Benque Viejo del Carmen. The agreement was signed in Belize City by Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Gina Montiel, Manager of the IDB’s Country Department for Central America. Here are their remarks. An official statement says, the grant will support the preparation of an investment program to finance the infrastructure works needed to upgrade and absorb growing traffic volumes on the highway. The IDB is also supporting the development of a national transportation master plan to address existing bottlenecks in the country’s roads, ports, air travel and transit systems. If they have the courage, we’d encourage them to take a look at the bus system.

Channel 5

Police Department put their full support behind Convicted Cop, Gino Peck
wenty-three year veteran of the Belize Police Department, Corporal Gino Peck, will stand in court on Friday to have sentence imposed upon him. On Monday, he was found guilty of [...]

Peck’s family braces for sentencing set for Friday

Gino Peck clearly enjoys the solidarity of the police force and this Friday it is known that their presence will be felt when he is brought to court to learn [...]

ComPol says Reynaldo Verde is not home free
he conviction of a Police Officer and his sentencing on Friday for ammunition found in his home has brought new attention to the Reynaldo Verde case. An unlicensed weapon was [...]

Statistical Institute of Belize Report: Imports are up, exports down
he Statistical Institute of Belize today hosted a press briefing to provide an update on comparative unemployment, inflation and external trade statistics for 2013. Traditionally the institute is accessed only [...]

Unemployment rate down since 2012
he figure for unemployment was also released by the S.I.B.  But first, the largest employer is the private sector, no surprise here; it employs fifty-eight percent of the work force [...]

C.E.O. in Ministry of National Security in a traffic accident
At about three-thirty today, as he headed back to Belize City from the Police Passing-Out Ceremony, C.E.O. in the Ministry of National Security, George Lovell, was involved in a relatively [...]

Meeting of National Environmental Appraisal Committee postponed
oday there was to have been a meeting of the National Environmental Appraisal Committee to consider the EIA on the Norwegian Cruise Line tourism project, but it was postponed. Information [...]

James Gibson escapes confinement for drug trafficking conviction
he mandatory jail term for drug trafficking conviction is usually a fine along with confinement. But today, forty-eight year old James Gibson escaped the full weight of the law because [...]

Public weighs in on Peck’s conviction
here is growing outrage among the ranks of the police force on the conviction of Gino Peck, a long serving officer of the force. But while his colleagues are standing [...]

Police Passing Out Ceremony: A historic number of women join the police force
oday, the top brass and rank and file of the Belize Police Department, along with family, friends and supporters joined to welcome the eighty-ninth recruit squad…the men and women who [...]

IDB and G.O.B. sign agreement to rehabilitate 32 miles of George Price Highway

Government announced in November 2013 that it will be spending seventy-six million dollars on infrastructure works across the country. This morning, the Inter-American Development Bank signed an agreement with G.O.B. [...]

CTV3

Students Involved In Bus Accident Tell Their Story
Today a special Thanks Giving ceremony was held at the Belize Adventist College Auditorium where recognition was given to those students who were involved in a traffic mishap last week Thursday in the Corozal District. The event saw the participation of the student body, teachers and invited guests from the Ministry of Education. It was a spirited event as it saw testimonials from the students involved in the accident and included prayer segments. CTV3 News spoke with Pamela Herron, Teacher and Counselor of the school who told us more on the day’s event. Pamela Herron– Teacher/Counselor “We are doing this in the acknowledgement that that protected us during that accident with the children, we can see that it could have been worst but we are grateful to God so today we are having special people like Mr. Magana from Scotia Bank who was the only person that stop and helped out the students that needed to go to the hospital and then we have Mrs. Alvares, she is from the ministry of education, she was there with us for the whole entire day, she even brought lunch for us and each student toady will get a purple ribbon thanking God for their bravery and we know this is a dramatic experience but we have seen how God has Secured your life.”

Annual Primary School Softball Tournament Gets Underway
The annual Primary School Softball Tournament officially kicked off today at the San Andres Civic Center in Corozal Town. Coordinator of the tournament Carlos Acosta told us more on this year’s tournament. Carlos Acosta – C.S.C “It’s the beginning of the district primary school softball tournament 2014 and we have eight schools participating and four females and eight males participating in this tournament which will take about six weeks to eight weeks of tournament before we go the national tournament for softball for primary schools.” Victor Castillo – Reporter “Is this a rural or an urban competition?” Carlos Acosta – C.S.C “It is a district competition and we have schools from Chan Chen, Ranchito, Xaibe and the Town schools, and it is eight schools that will participate this year.” Victor Castillo – Reporter “At the end of the tournament, will these teams represent Corozal?” Carlos Acosta – C.S.C “The winner in the male division and the male division will represent Corozal at the national championship games to be held in Belize City and it should be in April of this year.”

Central American Cup TO Be Played In The U.S
Since the inception of the Central American Cup in 1991, the United States, will for the first time, be hosting this year’s tournament. This was announced by the Central American Football Union. The Central American Cup will be held in September, and will be played in three offices: Washington, Houston and Los Angeles. It was also confirmed that Panama is part of group B, with selections from the United States, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. While the group A teams is comprised of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Belize. It is of note that Copa Centroamericana gives five seats to the Gold Cup.

Orange Walk Town Council To Apply For Land In O/W East
The issue on ownership of the Guadalupe Park on Aurora Street in Orange Walk East was put to rest on Monday, or so we thought. The matter continues to be of concern this time for the Orange Walk Town Council which is now trying to obtain the land under their control. The council met last Friday and passed a resolution to reclaim the land and thus return it to the people, according to Mayor Kevin Bernard. Now that the land has been reverted back to government, the council is looking at applying for it and according to the Mayor, they started that process today. Kevin Bernard- Mayor Orange Walk Town “This afternoon we will be continuing that process in ensuring that we get that application. I am also being encouraged by my family members to take out a petition drive for the residence to sign on behalf of the people of Orange Walk in support of the council in ensuring that that land is returned to the people of Orange Walk. The only best way that that can go to, is by giving it, like I said it doesn’t have to be a title, it can go as a lease land to the municipality or it can be written their documents that it ought to be vested in the town council for and on behalf of the people of Orange Walk.”

Statistics Show Unemployment Rate Is Down
The Statistical Institute of Belize has released its latest report on Unemployment, Inflation, and External Trade. In its latest report on the Labour Force Survey, which measures employment, and which is conducted twice annually – in April and September – unemployment decreased by nearly two points. Since September 2013 the unemployment rate stood at 14.2%, down from 16.1% in September 2012. To be more specific, the number of employed persons increased by 1,500 in September 2013 compared with September 2012 and the median monthly income was $900. Figures for those without a job show that there are 3 unemployed women for every two unemployed men; percentages stand at 21.5% for females and males 9.6%. Unemployment among persons aged 14 to 24 was 25.3%. Those aged 25 to 34 accounts for half that figure while only about ten percent of people over fifty-five years are unemployed. Belize’s labour force, which is measured from persons fourteen years and older, stands at 149,000.

SIB Report Shows Prices In Goods Have Gone Up
The Statistical Institute of Belize also reported on the consumer price index and the news remains the same for the public. Prices have gone up, but according to the report, it is not by much. In its report, the SIB shows that it researched 260 products in all the municipalities except for Benque and San Pedro, and found that on average, Belizeans are paying just over a cent more for basic goods, or 1.5% more for food staples like ground beef, red kidney beans, eggs, milk and vegetables. The prices are less in regards to alcohol and cigarettes, clothing and footwear, house furnishings, recreation, but remain more or less the same for housing and utilities, communication and transport. Gas and fuel has stabilized somewhat and butane is actually down on average from year to year. The report adds that in other sectors the price index has gone down. The national inflation is at 0.5%. The highest average inflation is registered in Belmopan at 1.4%.

Exportation And Importation To And From Mexico Prohibited For The Time Being
Tonight, there are reports coming from Subteniente Lopez at the Santa Elena Border that products are not being allowed to be exported or imported to and from Belize and Mexico. So, what’s the rationale behind this? Well, turns out the license for the Agencia Aduanal, “Servicios Aduaneros Integrados,” which is the only broker agency for the importation and exportation of goods on the Mexican side of the border in Subteniente Lopez, has been suspended since Friday of last week until further notice. CTV3 News understands that the agency was suspended for no apparent reason. But the true question is, how does this affect commercial trade here in Belize? The brokers and businesspersons we spoke to today state that millions of money is being lost as they cannot carry their products, much less sell it when the trucks have been stationed at the border.

Sugar Crop Looks Promising
Without a doubt the progress of the Sugar Industry is one of interest to all Belizeans especially Northenos. This is based on the fact that when the industry catches a cold the trickle effect is felt especially here in the north. But all indications are that the 2013/2014 crop season, despite some minor hiccups, has gotten off on the right foot. Since the start of the crop on January 24th, to date, the factory has milled 18,400 tons of cane producing 1,702 tons of sugar. It’s much less than last year when the factory milled 53,305 tons producing 4,908 tons of sugar. The good news is though, that compared to last year, less mud is being extracted from the cane. Moving on to a very important figure, TCTS, or tons cane per ton sugar, stands at 10.81.This, according to BSI/ASR is very encouraging. Last year during the same time frame TCTS stood at 10.69. We here at CTV3 News will keep our viewers informed on the progress of the crop through our weekly crop review scheduled to commence next week.

NRH Gets New Equipment
The Ministry of Health Mesoamerican Health 2015 Belize Project was launched in 2013 with the aim of improving access, usage and quality of maternal, infant, child and reproductive health in northern and western Belize The regional health initiative is being carried out by the Inter-American Development Bank with funding from a number of charitable organizations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. And from all indications Government is doing its part. Yesterday the Ministry of Health handed over medical equipment valued at approximately BZ $311,000 to the Northern and Western Health Regions during a ceremony held at the grounds of the Western Health Regional in Belmopan. The equipment’s, which include incubators, operating theatre tables, resuscitators and basinets, were handed over to Western Regional Health Manager Pearl Ellis and Northern Regional Health Manager Guadalupe Longsworth by Minister Pablo Marin and Quality Improvement Project Manager for the Mesoamerican Health 2015 Martha Woodye.

LOVE FM

Fonseca Says Penner Is Getting Slaps on the Wrists
Yesterday, Cabinet sent out a release in regards to the Elvin Penner Immigration scandal and the Edmund Castro BAA cheques corruption. The Directors of the Belize Airports Authority have been asked to resign following numerous media reports that the Board had issued a number of cheques to Belize Rural North area representative Edmund Castro. The Prime Minister has called the action “wrongdoing” however he said it is not corruption. The portfolio of Civil Aviation, which includes the Belize Airports Authority and over which Castro exercised day to day jurisdiction, will be removed from the Ministry of Transport and placed with the Ministry of Tourism. Leader of the Opposition, People’s United Party, Francis Fonseca says that the action taken against Castro is not enough. HON. FRANCIS FONSECA “It’s good that the Prime Minister and the Cabinet have recognized that there is need for them to take action regarding this matter given the outcry across the country. It is good and I give them credit in recognizing that it is necessary for the Government to take action but to remove the Department of Civil Aviation from the Ministry of Transport and to move that to the Ministry of Tourism is clearly not the answer.

Opposition Leader Says Recent Statistics are Misleading
As you heard, the latest unemployment figure is at twenty one thousand three hundred, a decrease. The report presented by the Statistical Institute of Belize also indicates that inflation in Belize decreased to zero point five percent. For the Leader of the PUP, Francis Fonseca, the figures are misleading. HON. FRANCIS FONSECA “Certainly, that doesn’t, in my view, reflect the reality of life in Belize today. The reality of life in Belize today is that more and more people are losing their jobs, there is higher unemployment particularly among young people and our women, there are thousands of young people coming out of school who have no jobs; yes, they have created some jobs on the streets with street construction programs but that target a particular sector of our society. The reality is that the vast majority of our young people who are graduating from school can’t find meaningful employment and that is the reality. In terms of cost of living, you only have to go into the store and you will know that everything has gone up since this government came into office in the last six years. The price of goods and services has gone up; I think that is very misleading, like I said I haven’t seen the press conference and so I don’t want to be too harsh in my comments but it certainly does not correspond with the reality of life today.”

International Bank Grants Belize A Million Dollars for Highway Project
Belize will receive over a million dollars in grant from the Inter-American Development Bank for a preparation study on a George Price Highway Project. Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the Bank’s Country Department Manager for Central America, Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, Gina Montiel, signed a grant agreement for 540 thousand US dollars to support the preparation of feasibility studies and social and environmental assessments. These are for the rehabilitation of 32 miles of the George Price Highway between Belmopan and Benque Viejo del Carmen. The grant will be invested in the preparation of a program needed for the upgrade of the highway to meet growing traffic volumes. Transport is one of the four priority areas of the IDB’s new country strategy with Belize, which was approved in December. The other areas are education, tourism, and trade and tax policy. The Bank will focus its support in the transport sector on the rehabilitation of roads that promote trade and integration and improved access to major tourism sites. The IDB is also supporting the development of a national transportation master plan to address existing bottlenecks in the country’s roads, ports, air travel and transit systems.

Statistics Show Unemployment Rate is Down and Imports Are Up
The unemployment rate has gone down from 16.1 percent in September of 2012 to 14.2 percent in September of 2013. Those figures were released this morning at a news conference that the Statistical Institute of Belize held. At that rate, Deputy Director General of the Institute, Dr. Leopold Perriott, said that the number of unemployed persons in September of 2013 amounted to 21 thousand 300 persons. DR. LEOPOLD PERRIOTT “Estimates at mid-September 2013, the number that we estimated was about 351,600 persons in the country of Belize and of that almost precisely two thirds, sixty six point six per cent or 234.300 persons were of working age, meaning they were fourteen years or older. The employment rate is the number of unemployed persons divided by the number of persons in the labour force. It is the percentage of unemployed persons in the labour force and countrywide is fourteen point two percent. The number of unemployed persons decreased evidently.” The Institute also reported that the annual inflation rate for 2013 was point zero five percent as Director, Glenn Avilez shared.

Police Department Rallies Behind Convicted Cop
On Monday 40-year-old police corporal Gino Peck was found guilty of two counts of kept ammunition without a gun license and one count of kept prohibited ammunition. Peck was charged on January 21, 2012 when Police went to his house on Curassow Street and found a dusty kit bag which contained twenty-two 12 gauge cartridges, five .38 rounds and one .45 caliber bullet. Peck, who had been a police officer for 22 years, was assigned to Special Branch. Ever since Peck was arrested, he has had the support of most of his colleagues and the public who believe he was not treated fairly. A number of people have called in to the various talk shows to make their displeasure known. Today the Police Department issued a release stating that the department is fully supporting Corporal Teck as was reaffirmed by the Commissioner of Police, Allen Whylie. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE “Myself as the Commissioner is deeply saddened at the turn of events and I am certain that the members of the Belize Police Department are also saddened and disappointed at the result. I want to say that the department will be fully supporting Corporal Peck during this period; we will be funding the entire fees for him for his legal appeal of his conviction. I believe that the matter could have been handled differently; it’s a matter that was before my term when I took up post but as I said, we are deeply saddened and we will be assisting him in his appeal.”

From Attempted Murder to Murder
The charge of attempted murder against 30-year-old Hensley Ryan Jones of Ranchito Village in the Corozal District was upgraded to murder this morning in the Corozal Magistrate’s Court. Jones faced the attempted murder charge on January 4, 2014 following a shooting incident on New Year’s Day that left his father hospitalized, later succumbing to his injuries on January 25, 2014. Police reports say that the son had allegedly shot his fifty three year old father, Hensley Jones, also known as Nick Jones in the head multiple times on New Year’s Day. The authorities say that when they arrived at his home the elder Jones approached them with blood running down his head. He was taken to the Corozal Community Hospital and then to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

Western and Northern Health Regions Benefit From Health Project
Medical equipment valued at an estimated three hundred and eleven thousand Belize dollars has been handed over to the northern and the western health regions. The equipment geared at improving the services of maternal and child health care in vulnerable communities, ranged from incubators to operating theatre tables, resuscitators and basinets. The donation comes as part of the five year initiative dubbed, ‘The Mesoamerican Health 2015 Belize Project”. Minister of Health, Pablo Marin handed over the equipment on Tuesday, January 28 during a brief ceremony at the Western Health Regional in the City of Belmopan. Marin, during his keynote address, commended the dedication of the health workers in both the northern and western regions as Belize had been recognized for achieving a maternal mortality rate of zero in 2013. On hand to receive the donation were Pearl Ellis of the Western Health Region and Guadalupe Longsworth of the Northern Health Region.

Matura-Shepherd Says Mayor Bradley Lied
Yesterday we told you about Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley decision to privatize the council security services. Mayor Bradley says that is an effort to reduce staff and cost. The contract to provide the council security services has been given to the current Security Manager at the council, Hiram Longworth, through his company, Rangers Security. More than thirty security officers have been given their walking papers but Mayor Bradley says that they will be immediately hired by Rangers Security. The Christian Workers Union which is the recognized bargaining unit for the workers is concerned. The CWU says that the Belize City Council failed to comply with section 45 sub-section 3 paragraph A of the Labor Amendment Act number 3 of 2011 which mandatorily requires the Council to quote, “inform as early as possible but no later than one month from the date of the existence of any circumstances,” end of quote. In a letter sent to the Labour Commissioner, Ivan Williams, the Christian Workers Union is requesting the Labour Department to ask the City Council to reconsider the implementation of their redundancy program until after consultation with the Union. The Christian Workers Union is also requesting that the Labour Department intervene to mandate the consultations and to have the Belize City Council postpone its date of termination slated for January 31st. President for the Christian Workers Union, Audrey Matura Shepherd, spoke to Love News.

Compol Says Verde May Still Be Charged
And while Peck is awaiting his sentence, Commissioner of Police has commented on a similar case involving firearm that did create quite a stir among the Belizean populace. On January 3, 2014, a senior supervisor at the General Sales Tax office in Belize City got off on a firearm charge after a search by Police at his home uncovered an unlicensed weapon. But the find was not what made the news, but rather, the news became how the charge against Verde was handled. For the average citizen, once an unlicensed firearm or ammunition is uncovered it would end up in an automatic remand or a minimum of fifteen days in jail but that didn’t happen for Verde. At around 6 o’clock on the morning of January 3, 2014, Police had gone to Verde’s home just off Faber’s Road in Belize City and conducted a search where they uncovered a Glock 380 pistol in the washroom of his home. Verde was unable to produce a gun license for the weapon and was taken to station…and… up to this point that would be the norm but then it all went awry as while it was mandatory for him to be remanded as stipulated in the gun laws; he was set free and never spent any time in jail. Police Commissioner commented on the way this case was handled and assured the public that Verde may still be charged.

PlusTV

Statistical Institute Survey says Unemployment Went Down!
Belize’s official unemployment rate is 14.2%, down nearly two points from the all-time high of 16.1%. That is the major news development coming out of a press conference hosted today by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), the country’s primary provider of economic and other statistical data. The figure...

Improving Maternal and Child Health Care Services
A significant step toward improving Maternal and Child Health Care Services in the Northern and Western Health Regions of the country was taken yesterday. The Ministry of Health, through the initiative of the ‘Mesoamerican Health 2015 Belize” Project, donated medical equipment valuing approximately BZ $311,000, at a ceremony held...

What the Heck Happened to Peck
In January of 2012 the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) conducted a search at the residence of a 40 year old Police Constable Gino Peck. As a result, Corporal Peck was busted and charged with possession of unlicensed firearm, unlicensed ammunition and prohibited ammunition. In his defense, Mr. Peck claimed that...

San Ignacio Residents Complained of Polluted Water
Residents in the Burns Avenue area of San Ignacio are complaining of contaminated water in their taps for the past week. Construction is currently taking place on a street in the neighborhood, which is believed to have led to pollution of the water system. Mr. Kent Pandy, a local,...

Commissioner Wiley Discusses Reynaldo Verde Case
Earlier, we told you about Corporal Gino Peck and the fact that he was convicted on ammunition and firearm charges. We also told you that the police department says it is supporting Peck. After speaking to the about Peck’s conviction and his possibly facing a sentence of five years,...

Belize Buying More, at Home and Abroad
The Statistical Institute of Belize today called reporters to a press conference in Belize City to release the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures the cost of living in the Jewel, as well as to report on Belize’s trade balance and performance in the year gone. As most...

Blogs

Finally some Fabulous San Pedro Weather
Our fabulous San Pedro Weather combined with a too long to do list have been keeping me from writing. It has been perfect beach and walking weather so I have taken advantage of that since Saturday afternoon when I went to go see Yancey De Veer play at Wayo’s. What a great show and the highlight was when Yancey and Cowboy Doug hijacked two Spanish musicians that were riding down the beach road and got them up on stage to jam for a bit. Later I took out the hula hoops and about 8 of us hooped for a long while. Now for the do to list – we are aiming to do 4 First Aid classes in February and there is a lot to be done. The first one will be at Friday Feb 7th at Casa Picasso, they are getting all 7 of their staff trained. Also sending staff to that class are Corona Del Mar Hotel, Caribbean Villas and Pedro’s Hotel. Feb 8th will be 15 people from the wildlife conservation group upstairs at El Divino.

A Quick Look Around Independence, Belize Or Is it Mango Creek?
The town of Independence is not a tourist hotspot (YET – the cruise ships are coming!) but its well known in the country for other reasons. 1. It’s the home of Big Creek, the deep water port that is the hub of the oil and fruit industries. Here is the home of the Banana Growers Association at the Big Creek port. Fenced in CLEARLY so you can not take a picture on top of it. The colonial style housing for those who manage the port. 2. It’s a stop for every bus headed south even the express buses stop at Belmopan –> Dangriga –> Independence –> Punta Gorda. It’s a good sized village…population somewhere around 3000. And 3. Many tourists go through Independence to get to the much more touristy town of Placencia. This bus to Independence/Mango Creek runs with much more frequency than the direct bus to Placencia…and is often faster. It’s a quick hop across the lagoon from Independence to Placencia. 10 minutes, $10bzd on the Hokey Pokey ferry.

Chili With Beans
In one of my prior videos I made Chili (no beans). This dish is a variation on the Chili with the addition of Red Kidney Beans. This dish can be a whole meal or can be used a dip.

Time to leave GDP behind!
Gross domestic product is a misleading measure of national success.

Colonialism and the Colonial Mentality
“On Baron Bliss Day, 9th March, 1928, the writer journeyed on his bicycle from Belize to the Pine Ridge near Freetown on the Old River, about ten miles, to witness a cricket match. On arrival he found quite a large number of people from Belize, including thirty or forty bicycles and four motor cars. On returning the idea came to him or organizing an expedition from Belize to Cayo on bicycles. At first the subject was dismissed as impossible. But, like a recurring decimal sum, the thought came back again and again.” - pg. 11, BLAZING TRAILS, by Monrad S. Metzgen, BRC Printing, 2002, edited by Emory King Colonialism in British Honduras for native schoolchildren meant that they sang “God save the Queen” twice a day. When citizens of this colony traveled abroad, their passports said, “British subjects.” The tariff structure was such that we imported almost all our manufactured goods from the colonial motherland – Great Britain. Where infrastructure was concerned, such as roads and bridges, these were built for immediate utility.

Belize, still in the squalid shadow of British colonialism, reminds us of the value of independence
Stumbling on-line I found this insightful article that actually made me mad; not mad at the person writing it, but mad at us. YES, mad at US, WE have allowed ourselves to be this way; for what reason? I have no idea. I know many will read this article and start to say negative things about the author, but I ask that instead of doing that, sit back and ponder on what the message is saying about us. THAT is what we look like to the world. Do we want to remain that image or do we want to change? Now ask yourself this question and try to answer it honestly.. What am I willing to do to ensure that our nation changes for the better and that future generations of Belizeans will not have to live and be seen by the world the way we are today.

My favourite Belize blog posts of 2013
Although John McAfee’s media attention dominated the beginning of 2013, I won’t include any of those articles in my top Belize blog posts of 2013, haha. But thinking about it, maybe I should, McAfee’s ludicrous behaviour and the international media’s love for him (his actions/ thoughts), brought Belize the most attention it has EVER received. I hope the BTB sent him a thank you Christmas card, because even if the publicity was considered negative, it did more good than bad. Here are the top posts, in no specific order.

International Sources

TAMUK athlete represented Belize in 2012
When one thinks of the Olympics, one would never imagine that one of those athletes would go to school at Texas A&M; University-Kingsville (TAMUK), but meet Kaina Martinez. Martinez is a freshman from the Central American country of Belize and competed in the 2012 London Olympic Games running in the 100-meter race and the 200-meter race. Martinez was raised in southern Belize by a single mother of three. Belize is the only country in Central America that speaks English as a first language, and with a population of 324,060, Martinez said the country has a family feel. “I’m honored to say I grew up in a little village in southern Belize. It’s very orientated; your neighbor is like another mother, father, sister or brother,” she said. As a child, she loved reading books and would travel to different countries through the stories she read. Martinez started to venture into athletics her last year in elementary school.

Central American national teams could hold Copa Centroamericana tourney in US
The Copa Centroamericana – the championship of Central American national teams and a qualifying tournament for the CONCACAF Gold Cup – could be held in the United States in fall 2014 or January 2015, according to FutbolMLS.com and reports from Prensa Libre in Guatemala and Prensa Grafica in El Salvador from UNCAF meetings this month. The tournament, held in January in recent years, would mark the 25th anniversary of UNCAF, the governing body of the seven Central American national associations, if held in 2015. The idea of hosting the tournament in the United States was raised publicly at UNCAF meetings in Costa Rica last month, but discussions have evolved this week with the suggestion that El Salvador is bidding to host. Officials are also considering moving the tournament to the autumn months of 2014. If the tournament is held in the United States, possible sites include Washington, Dallas, Houston, and multiple cities in California.

Bloomberg Philanthropies Commits $53 Million to Save the Oceans
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s throwing his philanthropic weight behind saving the oceans and the decimation of fish species worldwide. His charity, Bloomberg Philanthropies, has committed $53 million dollars over the next five years to reform fisheries and increase sustainable populations through the Vibrant Oceans Initiative, a partnership between three groups, Oceana, Rare and EKO Asset Management. “It’s a big day for the oceans and for Oceana. We’re so happy about it,” Oceana CEO Andrew Sharpless tells The Hollywood Reporter. “This is the first ocean grant that the philanthropy has made.” Bloomberg isn’t the first big name to team up with Oceana, the international advocacy organization which works to protect and restore the world's oceans. How I Met Your Mother's Cobie Smulders and Parks and Recreation's Rashida Jones have traveled with the organization to Belize to learn about protecting the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Miranda Cosgrove (Despicable Me) will soon launch a public service announcement in partnership with Oceana about protecting dolphins.

Manatee Death Toll Is At An All Time High, And Nobody Knows Why
Sea cows, mermaids of the sea, gentle giants, whatever you want to call them -- manatees are in trouble. The economy of Crystal Rivers, Florida is dependent on a healthy manatee population. It is the only place, outside of Belize, where people can legally swim with the manatees, and tourists come from far-and-wide to get close to these aquatic mammals that can weigh over 1,000 pounds. Last year, however, something unusual happened to the manatee population -- there were 829 known deaths, the highest annual death toll ever recorded. Though there are many contributing factors to why manatees are endangered (boat strikes, cold temperatures, disease, infant mortality), scientists are stumped by what killed the record number in 2013. It is known that 276 manatees were killed in southwestern Florida by a red tide -- toxic algae eaten and breathed in by the animals in fatal quantities. But according to National Geographic, nobody knows what killed the manatees in the Indian River area of east-central Florida. "It started out pretty baffling, and to this point they still have no clue," Bob Bonde, a research biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, told NatGeo.

Caribbean walks the talk on clean energy policy
Despite having an abundance of wind and sunshine, Caribbean countries have found that going green is requiring significant shifts in policy, and most importantly, significant financing. But despite these challenges, they are not daunted. Barbados, for instance, which spends an estimated 400 million dollars annually on fossil fuel imports, has announced plans for a wind, gas and solar energy programme that requires almost one billion dollars in investments. "Plans for the area include a 680-million-dollar waste-to-energy plant; a leachate treatment plant costing about 31.9 million dollars; a landfill gas-to-energy project to cost 9.4 million dollars; a solar project costing 120 million dollars; and a wind-to-energy facility projected to cost 24 million dollars," said Environment Minister Dr. Denis Lowe.

My outfit with shorts and sandals in San Pedro Town, Belize
La ciudad de San Pedro (Belize) es un entorno de postal. Las pequeñas casas pintadas de colores junto a las calles de arena que desembocan al mar turquesa, las palmeras de coco y los bungalows hacen que sea el lugar perfecto para pasar unos días en shorts y sandalias, disfrutando de algo único.

In Pictures: The Main Islands of Belize
Belize has about 200 islands off its coast. Most of these are in fact small cayes scattered throughout the shallow waters, used as hideaways by 17th-century pirates after they plundered Spanish gold. But Belize’s two main islands are Ambergris Caye and its little sister, Caye Caulker. Ambergris Caye and the islands that surround it are quaint and pretty. If you’re looking for ocean sports during the day and partying at night, Ambergris won’t disappoint. Whiz from beach to bar with a golf cart, the favorite means of transportation on the island. Arguably more beautiful and less developed, Caye Caulker offers a more relaxed lifestyle than Ambergris Caye. Caye Caulker makes you feel as if you really are away from it all. Reveling in its no shirt, no shoes lifestyle, Caye Caulker is a tiny, laid back island known to attract backpackers from around the world.

January 29, 2014

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

OPM Clarifies that the Unions Requested Meeting with the Prime Minister
The Office of the Prime Minister wishes to clarify that the Honorable Prime Minister did not request a meeting with the Union leaders as was stated by George Fraser, Senior Advisor to the BNTU, at the BNTU rally last Friday and carried by Channel 7 News. Fraser is quoted by Channel 7 as saying, “Just a while ago, not even half hour ago we got a phone call, the Prime Minister wants to meet with us.” The facts are that in a letter dated January 8, 2014 the Unions’ Negotiating Team wrote the Prime Minister asking for a meeting to discuss three areas of concern. After receiving assurance that the meeting was to be with the Union leaders only, and not the full Negotiating Team, the Prime Minister agreed to the meeting on the day suggested by the Unions which is January 30th, 2014.

Blues Dogs Blues Band sing for Holy Cross
What’s better than delicious food and cold drinks on the beach with live music by the Blues Dogs? Enjoying all that and knowing it’s for a good cause! On Sunday, January 26th, Estel’s Dine by the Sea hosted the Colorado, USA band for the second time as they teamed up with local musicians to deliver great music and a lively fundraiser. In addition to Estel’s lucky diners , several members of the Holy Cross staff and music fans came out to hear a bit of the blues while contributing to the worthy cause. The concert was a hit, as the total proceeds raised from the event earned $2,817.85.

BEL Launches 2014 Golden Citizen Electricity Bill Pay Program
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) today presented awards to recipients of its 2014 Golden Citizens Electricity Bill Pay Award during a ceremony held this morning at the Company’s Corporate Headquarters in Belize City. The 20 Golden Citizens awarded today represent only a portion of the approximately 160 randomly selected senior citizens countrywide, whose monthly electricity bill will be paid by BEL for an entire year. BEL’s Golden Citizens Bill Pay Program is one of several initiatives through which the Company fulfills its new Mission “to provide reliable electricity at the lowest sustainable cost, stimulate national development and improve the quality of life in Belize.” The remaining 140 awardees from across the country will be visited and presented with certificates at their homes during the next week.

PM Barrow cleans house following string of scandals
At its meeting today, Cabinet discussed thoroughly the highly publicized matter of cheques issued by the Belize Airports Authority (BAA) to politically assist Minister Hon. Edmond Castro.Cabinet was much assisted in its discussion by an informal report submitted to it by the BAA. Cabinet learned that only three cheques were issued in the personal name of Minister Castro. One of those was for per diem in the course of the Minister’s official travel on BAA business, another was for assistance in burying the Minister’s mother, and the third was to pay for assistance with sports in Belize Rural North. Cabinet was also informed that the other cheques not in Castro’s name, but issued to help the Minister in his constituency, did not amount to even a quarter of the seventy alleged by the Opposition. After due consideration, including hearing from Minister Castro himself, Cabinet was of the view that while there was nothing illegal in the actions of either the BAA or the Minister, there was poor judgment leading to a perception of abuse of authority on both sides. In light of this, the Prime Minister took the following decisions:

Ambergris Today

UB Continues To Train Leaders To Transform Belize’s National Development
A total of 481 graduates received diplomas at the Associate, Bachelor, Certificate and Diploma levels at the University Of Belize Eighteenth Commencement Exercises on Saturday, January 25, 2014, at the University’s Central Campus, Belmopan. Of the total number of graduates 307 were females and 174 males representing 63.8 and 36.2 per cent respectively. The Award of Academic Excellence in all Bachelor Degree Programs was presented to Nelson Joevanie Amaya, who scored a 3.96 GPA with a Bachelors of Science in Spanish Education.

Misc Belizean Sources

Save Ms. Elena
Help us save her life!!! Keep informed on how you can help! Ms. Elena Chee is a single mother of three. Kristy, Karissa and Kyrone need your help to save their mom. If you live on the Island of San Pedro, chances are you have seen or know Ms. Elena. She worked for 14 years at the Jade Garden before dedicating 9 long years to serving us all at Elvi's Kitchen. Help us keep her alive!!! To donate blood please see Nurse Madril at the blood bank next to the KHMH. You may deposit to Belize Bank Acc # 670-01-1-014387 or donate at Belize Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Center in Belize City. Elvi's staff is holding a fundraiser (radioton) and selling food tomorrow. The Elvi's Kitchen Staff is raffling a stove at $10 per ticket! The winner will be chosen on the San Pedro Morning show on January 31st! PLEASE HELP!

FISHING REPORT: Week of January 19th – 25th, 2014
Only a few boats went out in the beginning of the week as the wedding party departed leaving an empty lodge behind for a few days. Our Orvis Group arrived on Thursday with 10 anglers ready to learn the art and science of bonefishing. A half day seminar followed by 3 -1/2 days fishing overlapping into next week is off to a great start. Thanks to Orvis’ Vincent C. for his help and efforts making the seminar a blast.

National Protected Areas Presentation
Please take note of the invitation to a presentation for the National Protected Areas System this Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014 at the Sun Breeze Conference Room. Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development

The Cartel-Like Nature of Belize’s Political Ruling Class. A Deformed Democracy to a Kleptocracy
by: Hubert Pipersburgh Both Political parties in Belize have developed over the decades since independence a flawless blueprint to ensure the relative success of the individual party. They have both colluded to perfect a clientele spoils system of machine politics that will ensure that the nepotism, cronyism, and subjugation to a deformed system continues unabated. Both parties nibble around the periphery with a few cosmetic adaptations and amendments here are there, which only sort to guarantee the continuation of the status quo and their priveledge place in it. This system of patronage and handouts inherited from our colonial masters reinforced under self-government, is now an institutionalize pattern of dependency and limited participation in the affairs of the state by its people. The model fostered is a form of democracy without the genuine participation of the people. However, it is now effectively a kleptocracy, a form of government in which no outside oversight is possible. An all powerful prime minister that enjoys demigod status, control both the supply of public funds and the means of determining their disbursal.

VACANCY: ACCOUNTS CLERK San Pedro Town Council
Candidates are invited to submit their resume for consideration

A Story of Resistance in Belize
The exhibition entitled 'A Story of Resistance in Belize' is back at the SISE House of Culture. It opened this week. If you missed it last time, you have around a month to see it this time.

UB Graduation - January 2014
The University of Belize had their 18th Commencement exercise over the weekend, and they got a plethora of great pictures. Ms. Kay Menzies gave the keynote address, and it's worth a read. Congratulations, UB students, and best of luck in the world! "A total of 481 graduates received diplomas at the Associate, Bachelor, Certificate and Diploma levels at the University of Belize Eighteenth Commencement Exercises on January 25, at the University’s Central Campus, Belmopan. Of the total number of graduates 307 were females and 174 males representing 63.8 and 36.2 per cent respectively. The Award of Academic Excellence in all Bachelor Degree Programs was presented to Nelson Joevanie Amaya, who scored a 3.96 GPA with a Bachelors of Science in Spanish Education."

Wingstop Comes to Burns Avenue
Cayo has a Wing Stop now. It's on Burns avenue, across from Flayva's, and has been open around a week and a half. They have some great wings and burgers, and are the new downtown hot spot on weekends. It's great to see good businesses opening downtown. "Cayo has a Wingstop Restaurant and Bar now. They have great wings at a good price, and their bar is well stocked, with bartenders that know what they're doing. It's a popular spot on weekends now that the vibe on Burns has changed for the better."

Cruise on the BAY
The Belmopan Active Youths are having their 'Cruise on the BAY' fundraiser on Valentine's weekend. They'll have Panerrifix and DJ Karizma there for entertainment. The boat leaves at 6:00pm from Old Belize. Call 602-4812 for more information. "Cruise on the BAY! Support the Belmopan Active Youths Fundraiser!"

Belize People’s Front and VIP on the Hubert Pipersburgh Show
Featured guests are Nefretery Nancy Marin of the Belize People’s Front and Hubert Enriquez of the VIP.. The two leaders of these parties will share with us their vision for Belize’s future.

23 Reasons Why I Love San Pedro, Belize
San Pedro definitely wasn't love at first sight. I despised the garbage along the beach, the seemingly looking "run-down" town, and the millions of no-see-ums/mosquitoes (the reason why I was so itchy all god-damn week). But after my week or so there, I finally realized why Madonna dubbed this island "La Isla Bonita". Sure, the palms and beautiful blue skies were easy on the eyes, but the island called to me in a deeper way than any other, say like Maui or St. Lucia. It was just different. Tons of character in every direction. The longer I stayed there the more I felt I was connecting with the island. I had met so many people coming back year after year, bringing their families and small kids. It finally made sense. And when I sat down and actually thought about my newfound love with this tiny blip of land in the ocean, I discovered what my life is truly missing- the stress-free island life atmosphere.

Channel 7

Cabinet Thunderclap!: BAA Board Fired, Castro Stripped, Penner Stripped
For weeks the pressure has been mounting on the Belize Airport Authority and Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport, Edmund Castro. And today, that pressure finally reached Cabinet- which has acted decisively to close the stable door, even if it's long after the horses have bolted. First off, the entire Belize Airports Authority Board chaired by Barbara Miller is being required to resign. Second, the portfolio for the Department of Civil Aviation, which has responsibility for Airports, is being removed from the Ministry of Transport and is being put under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, with Manuel Juniour Heredia. This is the equivalent of stripping Castro of the ministry. This was confirmed in a rare Cabinet Release that came out an hour ago. Holding the official line of wrongdoing but not corruption, it says, quote, "After due consideration, including hearing from Minister Castro himself, Cabinet was of the view that while there was nothing illegal in the actions of either the BAA or the Minister, there was poor judgment leading to a perception of abuse of authority on both sides." End quote.

Incarcerated Lawman’s Family Distraught, Destroyed
Last night, 7News told you about the dramatic, unexpected outcome in the case of Corporal Gino Peck who was convicted of firearm offenses in the Magistrate's Court. He remains at the Belize Central Prison tonight, while awaiting sentencing. He will learn on Friday how much years he's going to get. While Peck endures that agony of grim foreboding, he has a wife and 5 children, 4 of which depend on him as the breadwinner. Their lives have been thrown into ruin by the guilty verdict - a verdict they never could have expected would befall a career lawman. His family invited 7News into their Belize City home today, and they spoke with Daniel Ortiz about the case and about who Peck really is:

Pickwoad’s Win Interim Victory
A week ago, 7News told you about the Supreme Court case that aspiring politician Beverly Castillo was caught up in. She was accused of orchestrating a land grab on Chetumal Street just before she left office of CEO of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Bernadette Pickwoad, a Belizean American, claims that Castillo used her influence to have her lease cancelled and then then transferred to Castillo's son and mother, Mervin Castillo and Maud Williams. Beverly Castillo continues to fervently deny the allegation, and the Commissioner of Lands has spoken to 7News explaining that the lease was lawfully revoked because Pickwoad violated the terms. Audrey Matura-Shepherd, attorney for Bernadette Pickwoad, got an injunction to stop Castillo, her son, and her mother from making any further developments on the land to try to strengthen their claim to it.

Football Fight Continues Off-Field
Last night we showed you the tumultuous finish of the Premier League Playoff game in Benque Viejo at the Marshalleck Stadium. Tonight, the after effects are just coming on. We have learned that Verdes is protesting the outcome of the game. And that's because #32 for FC Belize Michael Hernandez was allegedly registered in two leagues, which is not permitted. 7News has learned that he played in the Mayor's Cup in July, which was not an FFB sanctioned event, but Verdes argues that still he was not eligible to play on Sunday night. As we showed you he came on as a late substitute and scored the winning goal.

Eric Chang Goes Back To Taiwan; Mayor Not Amused
Eric Chang, we've not reported on him since December of last year, 7 weeks ago, when we made yet another failed interview request of him. Well, the mayor confirmed today that he intends to leave the country once again, to return to Taiwan. Chang has a vested interest in that country because that's where his family lives, but because he was in Taiwan when Citizen Kim's bogus passport was delivered, the strong suspicion is that he was the one who brokered the deal. Chang has refused or ignored all interview requests for him to answer to the allegations, even at the urging of his boss, Mayor Darrell Bradley, who has repeatedly encouraged him to make a public statement.

PM Puts Fraser “To Right”
If you watched the news on Friday - you'll recall the angry, bitter and just downright mean words that BNTU senior advisor George Fraser had for education minister Patrick Faber. And if you missed it, the Prime Minister didn't. He certainly listened to this line:.. George Fraser, BNTU Senior Advisor "Just a while ago, not even half hour ago we got a phone call, the Prime Minister wants to meet with us. I don't know about what, but when the heat di come on and they deh under fire, let him meet with Patrick and tell him to behave himself, little boy." So, from that you'd conclude that the PM hurriedly called for a meeting because, in Fraser's words, he was "feeling the heat." Well, yesterday the Office of the Prime Minister sent out a release to make it clear that it's no such thing.

FCD: Caracol Incursion Is Serious
On Friday night's new we also spoke to Rafael Manzanero about the felling of trees right near to the Caracol road. It's a most disturbing incursion because that is the heart of the archaeological park - and the trees were some of the largest in the area - mostly because prior to this no Guatemalan poacher would have dared go so close to a clear sign of Belize's civil authority. But two weeks ago, they did. The spot is only four miles from the Guatemala border in northern Chiquibul and tonight Rafael Manzanero discusses the seriousness of this incursion in greater detail. Rafael Manzanero, Executive Director - FCD "We are looking at over a dozen of trees that were cut in a period of less than 3 weeks. The most aspect of the concern is because it is very close. In fact the trees that were cut less that 2 weeks ago they actually were dropped right over the highway; over the road. We are actually talking about no more than 1.5 miles from the Caracol center."

BAA Board Takes Down Kenworth, Before Getting Taken Out
Today in cabinet, it was like thunder struck. The entire board of the Belize airports Authority was required to resign immediately. This in the wake of revelations that cheques had been issued to its Minister Of State Edmund Castro and his various political interests. But, there's more. During the course of this newscast we've confirmed that in its last act, the Board reportedly fired Airports Authority General Manager Kenworth Tillett. We have been reliably informed of this though there are varying reports. Of course, the board did not know that would be its last act when it moved to fire Tillett this morning. And yesterday board member Lindsey Garbutt - unaware of that fate that awaited him today - came forward to bite the bullet, take the heat for the Board's dubious decisions. First off, he explained those Castro Cheques... Jules Vasquez "How did you feel when the Prime Minister said that if he were member of the board when these wrong and distasteful checks were being issued, how did that make you feel?"

Will NCL EIA Have to Go Back To The Drawing Board?
The National Environmental Appraisal Committee was supposed to meet tomorrow to discuss the NCL Project for Harvest Caye, but there are reliable reports reaching 7News tonight that it this meeting has been postponed until a later date. That's because the public concerns raised at the EIA public consultation meeting on last week Wednesday in Independence have highlighted many environmental concerns that the developer has not properly dealt with in their EIA. Yesterday, an organization called Peninsula Citizens for Sustainable Development sent out a release criticizing the EIA for its inadequate details on the project's daily water usage, the effects of dredging needed, the destruction which will take place on Harvest Caye, the effects of the operation of the cruise ships, and its socio-economic impacts.

BEL Gives Senior Citizens
One hundred and sixty senior citizens from across the country have been awarded one year of free electricity courtesy the Belize Electricity Limited. It is a part of BEL's Golden Citizens Bill Pay Program which was launched in 2012. An award ceremony was held this morning for 20 of the persons selected from Belize City. Monica Bodden reporting This morning the Belize Electricity Limited presented 20 Golden Citizens from Belize City with awards for payment of one full year's worth of electricity. Hector Vallejo - Customer Care Rep. "We are here this morning to present 20 golden citizens from Belize City with award for payment of one year full worth of electricity courtesy of BEL. These citizens are here only representing a fraction of the 160 golden citizens across the country who are being randomly selected to receive this special gift. BEL's golden citizen bill pay program is one of several initiatives through which the company fulfills its new mission to provide reliable electricity at the lowest sustainable cost to stimulate national development and improve the quality of life in Belize. We are also proud to introduce this program publicly as one that has evolved like many others out of our employees to reach out in meaningful ways to make a difference in others in the community we serve."

How to Get a Taiwanese Scholarship
The Taiwanese Embassy is once again accepting applications for its scholarship program for Belizean students to go study in that country. Today, the Embassy hosted their annual scholarship briefing, and 7News attended. Here's what the Taiwanese Ambassador told us about how you can get into the programme: H.E. David Wu, Taiwan Ambassador to Belize "Today is the briefing for the year 2014 scholarships awarded by Taiwan. There are 2 kinds of scholarships; one is called ICDF, that's stands for International Cooperation and Development Fund and this program will be taught in English and it will be divided into post-graduate and under-graduate. Last year we had 21 students who were awarded this ICDF scholarship. The other one is called the Taiwan Scholarship. This scholarship is sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan and this program is study is Mandarin Chinese. For those who speak English when they go to study in Taiwan for this scholarship, they need to learn one extra year of Mandarin in the language center."

Channel 5

G.O.B. takes action on the Castro Cheques Scandal: the Belize Airport Authority Board to resign
Late this evening, Cabinet issued a release in response to an ongoing check scandal involving U.D.P. Minister of State Edmond Castro and the Belize Airports Authority. Castro came under fire [...]

Penner stripped of government vehicle, while Marilyn Williams to chair Integrity Commission
Also included in the lengthy Cabinet release is word that disgraced former Minister of State Elvin Penner will be stripped of his government vehicle. He has had it, and enjoyed [...]

Chief Justice issues decision on Pickwoad land dispute; injunction stands
Since December, a prime parcel of land located on Chetumal Street has been the center of intense legal dispute. In a nutshell, the piece of land in Belama Phase One [...]

PM says he’s not fazed by teachers who asked for a meeting on Thursday despite a scheduled rally
Teachers held their largest rally to date in San Ignacio last Friday, and it was also the most focused, on the Prime Minister and his Minister of Education Patrick Faber. [...]

Show me the money; PM says salary adjustments for teachers uncertain
The Prime Minister wasn’t quite finished there. He then turned to the issue of the salary adjustment, because he maintains that for teachers, it’s really all about the money despite [...]

Was the issuance of BAA cheques to Minister Castro corrupt or distasteful?
Tonight’s question is: Do you think the issuance of cheques by the BAA on behalf of Minister of State Castro is corrupt or distasteful? Send your comments and responses using [...]

Mayor Bradley says he’s still unsure of Councilor Chang’s role in immigration scandal
Councilor Eric Chang has been in the hot seat in respect of the immigration scandal. Chang allegedly had a role in the passport issued to Won Hong Kim, the South [...]

Belize City Mayor says Castro cheques scandal is distasteful
Cabinet has issued its official proclamation on the Castro check situation, basically exonerating the U.D.P. Minister of State from all-wrongdoing, but asking the BAA Board to resign. But today, Belize [...]

Darrell Bradley still has his sights on Central Government
And from City Hall to Central Government, where Bradley has set his sights…the young politician has stated that he will throw his hat into the ring for higher office. He [...]

National Elite Basketball League Tournament to be aired live on Channel 5
After years in hiatus, senior male basketball is back. A national elite tournament kicks off on February seventh with the first game to be played in the city. There are [...]

2 men freed of murder charge
Tonight, two men who were on trial for the gruesome murder of Rudolfo Villatoro were freed of the charge. After deliberating for hours, a jury of twelve on Monday afternoon [...]

Taiwanese Embassy holds scholarship applications briefing
Scholarships for Taiwan generally attract scores of applicants; aside from earning a degree it provides students with the chance of learning Mandarin. This year, high school and sixth form students [...]

UB’s 18th Commencement Exercise; 481 graduate
The University of Belize came under scrutiny last year because its president, Doctor Cary Fraser, resigned effective the end of the academic year 2014, but then took leave. There has [...]

156 golden citizens receive the Electricity Bill Pay Award
The Golden Citizens Electricity Bill Pay Award – it’s an initiative put in place by B.E.L. in 2011 to benefit golden citizens all over the country. It all started with [...]

A huge scoop of ice cream from The Ice Cream Shoppe
Scoops ice cream was once an all time favorite where family and friends went for a special treat. Well that simply delicious and decadent ice cream is back at its [...]

LOVE FM

Belizean Students Briefed on Requirements of Taiwan Scholarships
Several high school and university graduates gathered at the Chateau Caribbean earlier today to be briefed on the details of an estimated 25 scholarships that will be awarded through the Embassy of the Republic of China on Taiwan. Ambassador to Belize, David Wu told Love News that the gesture from his country to ours is a sign of goodwill that seeks to strengthen our already good diplomatic relations. He explained that the scholarships fall under two categories for the scholars. DAVID WU “To apply for the scholarship to study in Taiwan has become a big event for many graduates either from the high school or university. Last year we awarded twenty six Belizean applicants and they are now studying in Taiwan; half for undergraduate and half for post graduate. Again, I believe that there will be between twenty three to twenty five full scholarships that will be awarded. There are two kinds of scholarship; the ICDF scholarship is taught in English and the Taiwan Scholarship is taught in Mandarin Chinese. For those who want to take the Mandarin program will have to study an extra year to learn Mandarin first and they will go to the language centre where they have good tutors who teach Mandarin.

Belize City Mayor Weighs in on Issue of Airport Funds
Mayor Bradley also weighed in on Belize Rural North Area Representative, Edmund Castro’s latest scandal. Castro is accused of inappropriately using the funds of the Belize Airport Authority for personal and political use. While Prime Minister Dean Barrow has stated that it is distasteful but not corruption, Mayor Bradley says that the allegations against Castro are affecting the United Democratic Party. DARRELL BRADLEY “I haven’t followed that situation very closely but I have made this statement very clearly; no Government can perform effectively unless there are principles of good administration, unless the people at the very top adhere to the highest levels of ethical conduct. It is something that is distasteful; it is something that causes a scourge on the administration and on the UDP on a whole. I am a UDP and I want to know that every single member of my party is doing things on behalf of members of the public and we don’t really get side tracked by these allegations; we are doing a lot of work in the City, the Central Government is doing a significant amount of work both in the city and countrywide and I think that these things just detract from the good work of the Government and it is very unfortunate and it is very distasteful.”

Mayor Bradley Still Hopes Councilor Chang Would Clear His Name
When Belize City Councilor Eric Chang returned to the country after being accused of having part in facilitating Kim Wong Hong a visa, Love News attempted to obtain a comment from Chang on numerous occasion. We did so to give Chang an opportunity to clear his name but he refused. We spoke to Chang last month but he told us that he would rather not comment and let the allegations fade away. He did, however; sent a correspondent to Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley in which he explained that his extended stay in Taiwan was as a result if his ailing grandfather. Well the news tonight is that Chang, who was demoted from Deputy Mayor with several responsibilities to a councillor with no responsibility, is out of the country, allegedly to Taiwan. Mayor Bradley spoke about it. DARRELL BRADLEY “He didn’t get permission to leave; the situation is that since he had returned on the last occasion, we have tried to reintegrate him back into the City Council and it is my responsibility to ensure that he is performing his duties and that he is acting in accordance with his oath of office as a City Councillor and we have been working with him to integrate him back but at the present time, we understand that he is not in the country.”

Corozal Woman Caught Stealing Wipes and Deodorant in Chetumal
Corozal resident Marisol Cortez was caught stealing from a store in neighboring Chetumal, Mexico. Cortez is being accused of attempting to steal 24 deodorants and a box of wipes. A Mexican newspaper reports that theft has been the most recorded crime in Chetumal and several Belizeans have been the culprits. Reports are that Mexican police were called after the store’s employees had Cortez detained. The Manager Francisco Bojorquez handed Cortez to authorities and was taken to the Public Prosecutor of the Common Jurisdiction where she was charged for theft.

Cabinet Strips Penner of Government Vehicle; Directors of Airport Authority Asked to Resign
Cabinet met today and quite a bit of news came out of today’s session. The matter of Edmund Castro receiving cheques from the Belize Airports Authority was discussed. After hearing from Castro Cabinet was of the view that while there was nothing illegal in the actions of either the BAA or the Minister, there was poor judgment leading to a perception of abuse of authority on both sides. In light of this the portfolio of Civil Aviation, which includes the Belize Airports Authority and over which Castro exercised day to day jurisdiction, will be removed from the Ministry of Transport and placed with the Ministry of Tourism, the Solicitor General and the Financial Secretary will meet with all Statutory Bodies to review operational protocols and advise on proper administration and the current Directors of the BAA will be asked to resign. Ex-Minister Elvin Penner is asked to turn in the Government vehicle he has and will also lose the chairmanship of that House Committee on Public Utilities, Transport and Communications. The Prime Minister, as Minister of Finance, has instructed the Financial Secretary to require every Area Representative account for the $2,300 monthly allocation provided for constituency office rental and secretarial services. Following the consultations between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, the new Integrity Commission to be chaired by ex-FIU Director Marilyn Williams, has been agreed and will be formally constituted at next month’s sitting of the Senate.

Murder Case of Son of Belmopan’s Mayor Goes to Trial
The trial for the man accused of killing Aubrey Lopez began today in the Supreme Court of Justice Adolph Lucas. Lead prosecutor, Kaysha Grant called her first witness. The allegations being made by the crown is that on May 12, 2010, Paul Jex was one of many persons who was inside the vehicle of Aubrey Lopez when he was murdered. He is believed to have been the trigger man who shot him and threw him out of his own vehicle, leaving him to die on Prince Street. According to Grant, Lopez left his girlfriend’s home driving in her blue Maxima car and headed to E. P. Yorke High School to socialize with friends. After socializing, Lopez left the compound at around 11:00 p.m., but after he left E P Yorke, he met up with the accused, Paul Jex and others who boarded his car and upon reaching Prince Street, Lopez was shot in the head and his body shoved out of the vehicle. Later that same night, two officers on patrol in the city, saw Lopez’s blue Maxima car and the police set chase from Central American Boulevard and caught up with it on West Collect Canal and Jex was found inside. A jury of seven men and five women were selected this morning to hear the case. Prosecutor Grant is being assisted in this trial by two other newly appointed crown council of the DPP’s office, they are Shanice Lovelle and Porshia Staine. Paul Jex is represented in the murder trial by Attorney, Tricia Pitts-Anderson.

A Tale of An 83-Year-Old Woman Propels Benefits for Senior Citizens
Today the Belize Electricity Limited, BEL, extended its social assistance to the public to 20 of the country’s senior citizens. Overall, some 160 senior residents countrywide benefit from its Golden Citizen Program. The company’s Customer Care Representative, Hector Villaje, explains how the program works. Hector Villaje “BEL’s Golden Citizen program is one of several initiatives through which the company fulfills its new mission, to provide reliable electricity at the lowest sustainable cost, stimulate national development and improve the quality of life in Belize. We are also proud to introduce this program publicly as one that has evolved like many others out of the passion of our employees to reach out in meaningful ways to make a difference for others in the community that we serve. BEL employees who interact with customers on a daily basis have come to see the various circumstances being faced by some of our golden citizens when trying to meet or make payment of their electricity bill. An inspiring incident that occurred in our Customer Care Department in 2011 was the catalyst for this program. In 2011, an eighty three year old woman visited our office to pay her account as her electricity had been disconnected for nonpayment and not having paid her bill for some time.

University of Belize Graduates 481
A total of 481 graduates received diplomas at the Associate, Bachelor, Certificate and Diploma levels at the University of Belize Eighteenth Commencement Exercises on January 25, at the University’s Central Campus, Belmopan. The Award of Academic Excellence in all Bachelor Degree Programs was presented to Nelson Joevanie Amaya, who scored a 3.96 GPA with a Bachelors of Science in Spanish Education. The Award of Academic Excellence in all Associates Degree Program was presented to Brianni Grace Hyde who achieved the highest overall GPA score of 3.83 in Biology. And, the Award of Academic Excellence in a Certificate/Diploma Program was presented to Trisha Monique Hulse-Silva scoring the highest overall for Certificate/ Diploma with a GPA of 3.95 graduating with a Diploma in Education Methodology. The awards were presented by Chairman of the UB Board of Trustees Harrison Pilgrim. Guest Speaker, President of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kay Menzies in her Keynote Address outlined ten ingredients of success, and also made reference of the clarion call embedded in the mission and vision of UB for its graduates to contribute to the development of Belize. The Acting President of the University of Belize, Dr Wilma Wright, congratulated the graduates for their dedication, commitment and achievement. Since its inception on 1st August 2000, there has been close to 7,000 graduates from the University of Belize.

PlusTV

Castro Scandal Damaging Government’s Image, says Mayor
The Mayor also briefly touched on the scandal enveloping fellow UDP and Minister of State for Transport Edmund “Clear the Land” Castro, accused of obtaining thousands of dollars of public funds belonging to the Belize Airports Authority for his personal use in his constituency of Belize Rural North. As...

Cabinet Removes Belize Airport Authority from Castro’s Portfolio, Asks Directors to Resign
Today, Cabinet made the decision to remove the Belize Airport Authority from the Junior Minister’s portfolio and request that the Directors of the Authority step down. In a release today, Cabinet states that the resolution came after thoroughly discussing the “highly publicized matter of cheques issued by the Belize...

Penner’s Ministerial Perks Stripped by Cabinet, Integrity Commission to be Constituted
But that’s not all the housekeeping that Cabinet did today, in fact, the Prime Minister has required ex-Minister Elvin Penner to turn in the Government vehicle that he kept, after removal from Cabinet. As Chair of a House Committee. Hon. Penner will also lose the chairmanship of that House...

Three Men Acquitted of the 2009 Murder of Mr. Rudolfo Villatoro
Three men from the south were today freed of the 2009 murder of Rudolfo Villatoro. Villatoro was decapitated and mutilated and his body disposed of in a latrine pit. A week ago, a no case submission made by defendant, Gilbert Lamb resulted in his freedom. We understand that Lamb...

Streets Being Paved in Belmopan
After the Public Accounts Committee meeting which took place on Friday, we spoke with Hon. John Saldivar, Representative of Belmopan. There have been major works done in Belmopan on some of the residential streets and other Belmopan City roads. The Area representative says several streets have been paved, several...

Isidoro Beaton Stadium to Receive Major Facelift
Football fans will feel glad to hear that there is to be a complete face lift of the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan. According to the Belmopan Area Representative, the contract for the project has been awarded to an architecture firm and the design phase of the project is...

Speedy Trial for Pickwood Land Dispute
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin has chosen to continue an injunction he issued last December on activity at the parcel of land, located corner Albert Hoy Avenue and Chetumal Boulevard in Belama Phase I, Belize City. The land is the subject of a dispute between former leaseholder Bernadette Pickwood and...

Police Corporal Facing 5 Years Sentence for Ammunition Convictions
A Police Corporal is facing a possible 5 year sentence, after he was convicted of possession of unlicensed ammunition and prohibited ammunition. The Gang Suppression Unit, in January of 2012, conducted a search of the residence of 40 year old Gino Peck, where they uncovered a 9 mm. pistol,...

Taiwanese Scholarships Available to Belizeans
For Belizeans seeking the next level in academic achievement, it is often difficult to find finance to pursue studies in their chosen field. The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize is launching its annual program of scholarships to Belizeans, including the ICDF (International Cooperation and Development...

CTV3

Improper Disposal Of Garbage Taking Place In Carmelita, Residents Are Concerned
During the past few weeks, concerned citizens and residents of Carmelita Village have noticed illegal dumping taking place near the entrance of the village, aligning the highway. According to local residents, this has been going on for quite some time and is now getting out of control. Our news team followed the story and reporter Maria Novelo filed the following report. Styrofoam items, plastic bottles, soiled baby diapers, and accumulated household waste, litter the stretch of the Philip Goldson Highway, immediately upon entering Carmelita Village. It is a definite eye sore for many, and we found out that garbage generated during the last few weeks or months, remains uncollected, defacing the Village and causing much nuisance to the residents with its unbearable stench and possible health hazards. That is the sentiment we got from many residents when we visited Carmelita Village today. One such resident who requested to remain anonymous says it’s the villagers within the community causing this disturbing trend.

Minister Marin Accused Of Abuse Of Political Authority
On November 28th of last year, we reported on the re-distribution of a 20 acre lot at the Consejo Road South East of the Corozal District, which had the name of Lennox Garbutt as former lessee of the property. At the time of the report, Garbutt acquired the land back in November of 2011 and had paid his taxes on the lease up to 2013. But last year he received a letter indicating that he was no longer owner of the parcel due to non-development and the parcel was to be issued to Ada Luz Romero, sister of Minister of Health Pablo Marin. Since that report aired, Garbutt claims that walking on the streets of Corozal has not been the same. And to make matters worse, Garbutt claims that this past Sunday he was detained by Corozal Police for approximately 4 hours. But what was the rationale behind his detention? He spoke to Victor Castillo this morning. “I was hanging out with some friends and my son, the kid, the minister passing on his vehicle, according to the police because I didn’t saw him, when the minister passed in his vehicle and like ten minutes after the police come and start to, they have to detain me because the minister said that I showed him my middle finger so when they came and they detained me and I asked them to just drop my son and then go at the station, they didn’t wanted so I had to make my son walk by himself. When I was detained I went to the station and they asked for my properties and stuff and they wanted to put me in the cell but a police constable said no, leave him alone on the bench and I was there for about three to four hours because the sergeant told me that it is an order from Mr. Ramirez to detain me and until he comes back and so I asked what was my charge and they said because I pointed my middle finger to the minister.”

Cabinet Sees Major Shifts Castor And Penner Stripped
Following much scrutiny and public debate, Prime Minister Dean Barrow made major shifts in Cabinet today. According to a lengthy release issued late this evening, after much consideration and hearing from Edmund Castro, Cabinet was of the view that while there was nothing illegal in the actions of either the Belize Airports Authority or the Minister, there was poor judgment leading to a perception of abuse of authority on both sides. In light of this, the PM took the following measures; 1. The portfolio of Civil Aviation, which includes the Belize Airports Authority and over which Minister Castro exercised day to day jurisdiction, will be removed from the Ministry of Transport and placed with the Ministry of Tourism. 2. The Solicitor General and Financial Secretary will meet with all statutory bodies to review operational protocols and advise on proper administration. And 3. The current Directors of the BAA will be asked to resign.

P.M Says "I Did Not Call The Union"
On Friday of last week, the Belize National Teachers Union's continued its rallies in the Cayo District where the union branches of Benque, San Ignacio and Belmopan joined in a spirited gathering. And while many of the union leaders took center stage to speak at the podium, many were enraged on the comments made by Minister of Education, Patrick Faber in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Well, while that did not sit well with the union, Senior Advisor of the BNTU George Fraser, made a remark which was carried by Channel 7 news in regards to the PM calling on Faber to reel him in from his comments in the house. The comment Fraser made was and we quote ‘Just a while ago, not even half hour ago we got a phone call, the Prime Minister wants to meet with us." Apparently, that was not the case and as a result, the office of the Prime minister issued a press statement to clarify that the PM did not request a meeting with the Union Leaders as stated by Fraser.

More Bullets Removed Off The Streets
Orange Walk police have scored once again as they were able to retrieve, this time not a firearm, but a number of bullets off the streets. On Tuesday January 28th 2014, at about 4:00pm, Orange Walk Special Branch visited a vacant property on Royal Palm Street, Orange Walk Town, where a Nescafe Dolca Coffee Bottle containing forty five gold color S & B hallow point 9mm Ammunition, was retrieved from under some dry grass. Nobody was in the area at the time of the finding and the bullets were deposited as found property.

Onion Producers Continue To Struggle Following Incessant Rains
The struggle continues for farmers as they try to salvage whatever crop they have left following the incessant rains that fell over the last few weeks. The most affected in the north have been onion farmers. In the most recent update to their situation, CTV-3 News understands that out of the thirteen point five acres that had been planted for this crop, only about three were spared. The remaining acreages were destroyed by the rains. According to official reports, from the remaining three acres, farmers are expecting to harvest around fifty thousand pounds of onions. According to officials, this is not even twenty percent of their projected production for this year. That onion will be harvest between the next two weeks. Preparations are also underway to import onions to supply the demand. We understand that the price of onions will remain unaffected. Onion farmers have replanted and are expecting to harvest another crop in March this year.

Trinidad School Gets Facelift
The Trinidad Government School today received a much welcomed facelift. The work was done free of cost to the school and community by a group of students and teachers from Millwoods Christian School in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. Our news team caught up with the team as they painted over school buildings and had some fun in the sun with the students. Dalila Ical has that report. The group of 32 students and seven staff members are in northern Belize visiting several primary schools conducting service projects. These include repainting schools or parks and holding presentations at these institutions. Assistant Principal Dan Vandermeer tells us about their objectives.

2013/2014 Crop Season Well Under-way, But Sugar Roads Still Pose A Major Problem
After close to two months of delay the 2014 Sugar Crop Season is now in full effect. Today when we spoke to Vice Chair of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, Alfredo Ortega, to get an update on the industry, we were informed of a few hiccups. But those glitches aside, the season is going rather smoothly. Alfredo Ortega– Vice Chair, Management Committee, BSCFA “At this point it time everything is going well, farmers are really pushing forward in bringing their product as clean as possible maintaining the quality and they are doing the best on their part to fix the pieces of road for them to travel on.” Maria Novelo – Reporter “Now the weather has improved for a few days, paint a picture for us in terms of the sugar road works being done?”

Amandala

“PATRICK, YOU DA BOY TO WI!” – GEORGE FRAZER
The constant rains and the muddy grounds of San Ignacio’s Macal River Park could not deter the more than 500 teachers from the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) Belmopan, San Ignacio and Benque branches. They came out here to express themselves on Friday morning, as the BNTU continues its month-long, countrywide rallies. Gathered under six tents, some lining the perimeter of the park, decked out in their lime green T-shirts with the slogan: “Teachers gat yu back,” the teachers appeared to be in a jovial mood, as speaker after speaker castigated the Barrow administration and, in particular, Education Minister, Patrick Faber, who bore the brunt of their indignation after his controversial remarks on Wednesday during the House meeting. The BNTU, when it announced its month-long rallies, had said that the union rallies would also address national issues, apart from the salary adjustment issue it has been negotiating with the government for years.

BUSINESSMAN DIES AFTER BEING SHOT IN HEAD BY SON
A businessman of Ranchito Village lost the fight for his life at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he died at about 1:30 Saturday morning after battling for his life for almost a month. Hensley Jones, 53, was shot in the head about 10:00 on the night of New Year’s Day in his house in Ranchito, Corozal, by his son, Ryan Jones, 25, said police. Hensley was shot in the left side of the head and in the back of the head. Police said that Hensley and Ryan were in the kitchen of their house when Ryan shot his father for reasons unknown, and fled the house in a SUV.

CORPORAL GINO PECK GUILTY!
Police Corporal #259 Gino Peck, 42, a 22-year veteran of the Belize Police Department who was found with illegal ammunition, has been remanded to prison until Friday, when he is to return to court with his attorney, who will make a mitigation plea before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith sentences him. On Monday, Peck was found guilty on two counts of keeping ammunition without a gun license, and one count of keeping prohibited ammunition, but his attorney, Simeon Sampson, S.C., asked the court for time to prepare a mitigation plea. Amendments to the Firearms Act have introduced stiffer penalties, with a minimum prison sentence of five years each for the .38 ammunition and the 12-gauge cartridges, and an additional three years for the prohibited .45 round.

21-YEAR-OLD RAPED 16-YEAR-OLD BROTHER’S GIRLFRIEND, 16: POLICE
Police say that a girl, 16, reported to them that she was raped by her 16-year-old boyfriend’s older brother, 21. The girl also told police that she had been engaging in sex with her boyfriend, the 16-year-old brother. The two brothers were released on bail of $5,000 each on Friday after they were charged with sexual assault. In the presence of his father, the 16-year-old was charged with unlawful carnal knowledge for engaging in sexual acts with his girlfriend, despite the fact that he and the girl are the same age, while his older brother, Rolando Espat, who was arrested on Wednesday, was charged with rape and grievous harm.

OSH BILL – SERIOUS PENALTIES FOR EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS!
This week Parliament is expected to set a program of national consultations to garner public feedback on the recently tabled Occupational Safety and Health Bill (OSH), 2014 – a 72-page bill which, for the first time, sets out clear provisions which would make it a criminal offence for an employer to endanger the health of its worker, but which would also make workers criminally liable for failure to take protective precautions, or for creating risky situations to disrupt work. Under the proposed law, workers would be protected from injury to the body and from diseases, and employers would be required to “implement an effective system for the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases, ill health and damage to property at workplaces.” The Occupational Safety and Health Bill, 2014, was created “to make new provisions relating to occupational safety and health of workers, of other persons at work or other persons affected by such work…”

SUGAR CANE SEASON STARTS AMID WORRYING SUGAR ROAD CONDITIONS
Despite intermittent showers and deplorable sugar road surfaces, the sweet smell of sugar permeated the air in Tower Hill this morning as hundreds of sugar cane farmers, primarily from the San Narciso branch in Corozal, covered the entranceway to the factory with their cane trucks, which were loaded with freshly harvested sugar cane stalks – ready to be milled. After being deferred for eight weeks for various reasons – including persistent rains and a bagasse dispute to which there had been no resolution since late last October – the 2013/2014 sugar cane crop season finally got underway at 10:00 a.m. today. It was a bittersweet moment for the cañeros, who told us that although they are glad to get the mounting yields of crop ‘off their back’, many of them must also endure unimaginable road conditions in order to get their product delivered to the factory.

Editorial: BARROW’S CRISIS: BELIZE’S CRISIS
This newspaper’s editorials are where we seek to educate the Belizean people. In most of the rest of the newspaper, our focus is on information and entertainment. In feature stories over the last year or so, our reporters, columnists, and contributors have discussed the unraveling of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) where its moral authority is concerned. Amandala has covered, and quite adequately we think, the rosewood scandal, the Noh Mul incident, the Social Investment Fund (SIF) problems, the meltdown in the Ministry of Lands, the Penner criminality, the Castro adventures, and so on and so forth. In our editorials, however, we spend more time looking at the deeper issues, such as neoliberal capitalism, the role of Christianity, Belize’s trade union history in the modern era, the nature of our parliamentary democracy, and so on and so forth.

FROM THE PUBLISHER
As we approach the 45th anniversary of the founding of the United Black Association for Development (UBAD), I think it desirable to update the present leadership structure of Kremandala and the UBAD Educational Foundation (UEF). UBAD was officially dissolved in November of 1974, but over the years I’d made a conscious effort to run things in such a way that those Belizeans who contributed their time and energy to UBAD, which was the parent organization of Kremandala and UEF, would feel that they had not wasted their UBAD time and energy. I’ve said before that UBAD essentially went through five phases between its founding on February 9th, 1969, and its November 1974 dissolution. The first phase lasted from its foundation until October of 1969, when the remainder of the UBAD leadership made an alliance with the People’s Action Committee (PAC), led by Assad Shoman and Said Musa. I say the “remainder” of the UBAD leadership because several of the UBAD officials who had been major personalities in the sensational summer of ’69, had migrated to the United States by October of that year. These included Robert Livingston, Edgar X Richardson, and Karl X Menzies (all now deceased). Two other UBAD personalities who were not elected officers, Bert Simon (now Nuri Muhammad) and Odinga Lumumba, also migrated during that period. Bert Simon returned to California and Odinga returned to England.

ERIC CHANG: MIA AGAIN!
Former Belize City deputy mayor Eric Chang has pretty much remained out of the public spotlight for the last few months since he was named by multiple highly-placed sources as the man who brokered the deal in last September to get the South Korean fugitive, Kim Won Hong, his bogus Belizean passport which, in turn, resulted in former Minister of State, Hon. Elvin Penner, being sacked from Cabinet. He had left the country on September 3, 2013, for an official visit to Taiwan, and after a seemingly unwarranted, extended stay – which eventually cost him his position as deputy mayor and his City Council portfolios – Chang returned to Belize 12 weeks later, in late November of 2013. At the time, he had stated that his prolonged absence was due to an illness in his family.

NO COMPENSATION TO GIOVANNI BLEASE FOR PARCEL 3820: MAYOR
For the past two weeks, we have been following the story concerning Seashore Drive Park in the Caribbean Shores area of Belize City, which until recently had been labeled as “Ground Zero” in a land dispute between the current City Council and Giovanni Blease – a landowner who allegedly has UDP connections. Last Wednesday, during a break from the Special Sitting of the House of Representatives, the current Caribbean Shores area representative, Hon. Santiago Castillo, had commented that he (Castillo) “brought it [the issue] to Cabinet on Tuesday [January 21st],” and that “the PM told the Deputy Prime Minister to find another piece of land for Giovanni Blease or compensate him [for the said parcel].”

SUGAR ROADS STILL IN TERRIBLE CONDITION
The annual sugar crop season will get off to an unfavorably late start, and although the sugar cane farmers have agreed to start cane deliveries this Friday, they are still facing a rough and rugged road ahead – actually a lot of rough and rugged roads. Earlier this week, we had reported that the start of the 2013/2014 sugar crop season had been postponed yet again for another four days to facilitate the repair works that are currently being conducted on the badly battered sugar road networks in the northern districts. On Tuesday, Amandala headed north to get a firsthand view of the state of some of those vital passageways which have also partly contributed to the delay of the crop season. During a press conference in late November 2013, the Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow, placed an ultimatum to the embattled cane farmers when he vowed not to do any repairs to those roads unless a date for the start of the crop season was established.

NEARLY 90% OF BELIZEANS HAVE NO ACCESS TO SEWERAGE SERVICES
Although there is almost universal access to water services in Belize, almost 90% of Belizeans have no access to sewage services, according to a report released earlier this month by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). “As for sewerage collection and treatment, only 11 percent of Belize’s population… has access to sewerage services, which include both wastewater collection and treatment”, said a recently released technical note published by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) titled, Water and Sanitation in Belize. The technical note, which was prepared to support the policy dialogue between the IDB and Belize, adds that in rural areas, access to sanitation primarily involves the use of pit latrines and septic tanks. Connections to the sewer line have primarily been set up in Belize City, Belmopan, and San Pedro.

NEW ROADMAP LOOKS TO ICJ IN 2015
A road map signed by Belize and Guatemala at the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) on Friday, January 24, 2014, sets out a 12-month program of activities, to culminate with subsequent review to determine the possibility of holding simultaneous referenda in 2015, so that the electorates of both countries could vote on whether the parties should submit the territorial differendum to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). According to the OAS, the main objective of the roadmap signed Friday is “the strengthening of the bilateral relationship between the two countries during 2014 in order to make concrete the holding of popular consultations to enable the consideration of the territorial dispute before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).” The vote which was slated for last October was aborted after Guatemala unilaterally pulled out of the process, claiming that Belize’s referendum law, which requires that 60% of the electorate participate to make the vote valid, does not create a level playing field to secure a “yes” vote.

GOOD NEIGHBORS AGAIN TO THE RESCUE!
A house owner on Lakeview Street, Radiance Tablada, is very grateful to her neighbors, whose quick reaction today saved her house from being destroyed by fire. Neighbors and members of the family who were at home at the time quickly threw water on the flames that erupted from an extension cord that had caught fire and was scorching the wall, and which damaged a portion of her sofa. The fire was soon extinguished. The incident occurred about 3:30 this afternoon. Tablada told Amandala that she and some family members were at home when the extension cord that was plugged into an outlet, into which the refrigerator was plugged, suddenly began to burn and emit smoke. The cord was near the sofa and the window, and the curtains on the window began to catch fire. According to Tablada, she quickly shut off the switch box so that the fire would not intensify.

FIRES IN SAN ROMAN, STANN CREEK DISTRICT, AND BELIZE CITY
Two separate fires destroyed a house in San Roman in the Stann Creek District, and destroyed the interior of the upper flat of a two-flat house on Miller Street in Belize City. The fire in San Roman occurred at about 2:30 p.m. yesterday, and the Miller Street fire was about 2:45 this afternoon. Police said that they responded to reports of a house fire in San Roman, and on their arrival they saw a thatched house measuring about 20 by 15 feet engulfed in flames. The house and its contents were completely destroyed, and the cost of damages was estimated to be about $5,000. The owner of the house, Magdalena Bou, 25, reported that she was cooking on a fire hearth in her house when the flames caught the dry walls and quickly spread out of control, and engulfed the house. The house was not insured.

AMERICAN FUGITIVE WITH ROOTS IN BELIZE SURRENDERS TO POLICE IN FLORIDA
A fugitive from American law enforcement, who has been on the run since November 30 on a murder charge for the death of his wife, has been captured. Edly Atherley, 29, of San Bernadino, California, USA, gave in himself to police officers and the FBI in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday, January 25. Atherley is now being held at a Hillsborough County Jail in Florida, waiting to be returned to San Bernadino to face trial. His wife, Ashley Atherley, 28, was found dead in their home on Sunday, December 1, with her throat slashed. According to information, Ashley Atherley went to the house for Thanksgiving November 30 last year, and people who became concerned when they did not see her, called police to check on her. When they went into the house, Ashley was found dead in the bathroom. She had been badly beaten and her throat slashed.

BUDNA FACES ANOTHER KIDNAPPING HEARING IN GUATEMALA
The trial of Joseph Budna, a Belizean accused of kidnapping Abimael Lopez Palma, 23, in the Guatemalan City of Chiquimula and taking him to Honduras to extort ransom from his father, is expected to conclude this week. Budna, who is being defended by a public attorney, Nery Garcia, has already been sentenced to 25 years in prison in Guatemala for the kidnapping of a US teenager, Luis Byron Reyes Onofre, back in August 2012. We understand that an appeal of that conviction is pending. In the Palma case, the complainant has alleged that he was taken from near the Central Park of Chiquimula, from in front of the town board in that area, by Budna, who he alleges wore a bulletproof jacket and carried a firearm, pretending to be an investigator. The complainant alleges that he was asked to participate in an ID parade in a case where a woman alleged that she had been robbed of her motorcycle and cell phone.

THE PARTY IS OVER IN BENQUE
All indications pointed to another Verdes victory in the re-scheduled football game after a wet-field postponement at the Marshalleck Stadium, when the Saturday night match against FC Belize from Belize City was re-scheduled to Sunday at the same venue. But Verdes fans were out for a shocking disappointment, for FC Belize left Benque Viejo last night with a 2-1 overtime victory and a spot in the PLB finals. The Police United team had suffered the same difficulty in regular season, and the excessive travelling on short notice took its toll on their players, leaving a bitter Police management to sulk in the off-season after they failed to gain the victory they needed to make the playoffs. It was a 1-1 draw against Verdes at the Marshalleck, but that wasn’t enough for Police, who must now look to next season. It was looking like a replay of the same script over this past weekend, as once again the travelling team, this time FC Belize, had to deal with a postponed match, due to very wet field conditions, after they had travelled all the way from Belize City to Benque Viejo, approximately 81 miles sitting in a regular “school” bus, for their scheduled Saturday night semifinal against Verdes FC.

CSSSA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS BEGIN TODAY
The Central Secondary Schools Sports Association (CSSSA) 2014 high school football competition, which kicked off less than a month ago on Wednesday, January 8, began its semifinal playoffs today for both females (F) and males (M) at the MCC Grounds. Five (5) female teams and sic (6) male teams participated in the tournament, the females playing a double round-robin, while the males played a single round-robin in the regular competition. The semifinals and finals will both be best-of-2 games series.

POSTPONED
A release from the Belize Cycling Association (BCA) this morning said that the Individual Time Trial (ITT), which was postponed from last Saturday, will now be held this coming Saturday, February 1, beginning at 2:00 p.m. on the Boom Road, starting in front of CDS Service Station. This is the first of a series of ITTs, where the Elite will ride 12 miles; while Masters 4/5, Females, Youth and Juniors will cover 6 miles. Previously registered names remain on the list, but registration remains open for those who would now like to take advantage of the change in date; they may register at the BCA office on the second floor of the Commercial Center. Deadline for registration is Thursday, January 30. No registration will be taken at the start, as the starting list must be generated a day before the start of the event.

FFB INTER-DISTRICT SEMIFINALS
Round 1 of the semifinals in the FFB (Open) Inter-District Football Tournament 2013-2014 took place yesterday, Sunday, January 26, at two different venues. At the Louisiana Field in Orange Walk Town, it was home standing Progresso FC taking the 2-1 win over MnM Steelers from Independence, with goals from Gabriel Perez (21’) and Alexander Diaz (80’). Rolling Burgess (12’) got the only goal for the Steelers. Meanwhile, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan, Roaring Creek United was held to a 2-2 draw by visiting San Estevan FC from Orange Walk. Roaring Creek grabbed a 2-nil lead in first half with goals from Norman Neal (6’) and Kenny Williams (15’); but San Estevan came back with goals from Otoniel Sandoval (60’) and Edwani Munoz (65’) to tie it up in second half.

BRANDON “BT” TILLETT, 28, REMANDED ON ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE
Brandon “BT” Tillett, 28, who claims to be a car dealer of #100 George Street, was remanded to prison after he was arraigned on attempted murder and related charges before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith on Monday. Tillett was also charged with use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm against Kevin Alvarez. Chief Magistrate Smith remanded Tillett until February 27, when he is to return to court. According to police, Kevin Alvarez, 19, a construction worker and resident of Supal Street, reported to them that he was standing on a bridge on George Street, around 9:05 p.m., when a man rode up on a beach cruiser bicycle, pointed a handgun at him and fired several shots.

MORE BURGLARIES IN ORANGE WALK AND SAN PEDRO
Burglaries were reported by police in Orange Walk and San Pedro. In Orange Walk, a preschool was targeted and over $1,000 stolen by thieves, and in San Pedro, thieves burglarized the home of an American woman and deprived the owner of over $6,000 worth of her belongings. The American woman, of Ambergris Lake Villas, told police that between 2:30 and 7:30 yesterday evening, Sunday, a thief or thieves burglarized her apartment and stole an HP Laptop computer valued at about $1,600US, and other assorted items totaling $6,532 in value. San Pedro police began an immediate investigation that led to the recovery of some of the stolen items, and they detained a security guard.

Blogs

Placencia, Belize Has a Serious Food Scene: Great Restaurants You Want to Try
The Placencia Peninsula has a relatively small population. Placencia, the most visited village at the tip of the peninsula, has only about 1000 permanent residents. So it’s shocking to me each and every time that there is such a diverse selection of restaurants and bars. How do they do it? A smarty pants friend had the answer for me: lower rents, lower food costs, lower barriers to entry can equal more room for experimentation and creativity. And in Placencia, it definitely does. The list of great eateries is long & DEFINITELY includes the amazing gelato shop called Tutti Frutti. The flavors change all the time. May I suggest Hazelnut and Dark Chocolate on a cone for your walk down the Placencia Sidewalk? Or a late morning affogato…a shot of Bailey’s gelato with hot espresso drizzled over it? This most recent visit, I asked a friend in the know what the “hot spots” are in town, and the list kept me busy (and stuffed) for the next two days and nights. Let’s start with Rumfish Y Vino. Called a gastro-bar…Central American style. I went upstair in this colonial style building for lunch.

Yo! Jesse Pinkman! We’re still waiting
Our more loyal readers may remember the brief exchange Chaa Creek had with Breaking Bad Star Aaron Paul last year. This all happened after the infamous Breaking Bad episode where Saul Goodman, the lawyer of dubious ethics and moral fibre, suggested that Walter White’s brother in law, DEA agent Hank, be “sent on a trip to Belize” as a euphemism for killing him. Walter deferred, but the remark about Belize was heard round the world. What to do when your tiny country is used in such a manner? Great minds thinking alike, both the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and The Lodge at Chaa Creek decided to turn the statement into a marketing opportunity. The BTB, in conjunction with their US based advertising agency Olson Engage, ran an invitation to the Breaking Bad cast to come visit Belize.

Entrepreneurship Program for Innovation in the Caribbean
We invite you to read up more on this great initiative.

Information on warranty collected from selected establishments in Belize
The Belize Bureau of Standards is currently conducting a cell phone survey to capture information about warranties provided by selected establishments across Belize. Kindly click on the link to view the results for Belize City and San Ignacio collected in January 2014.

Metrology in Food Processing
During the last quarter of 2013, the Bureau conducted a metrology survey that collected a wide range of information on the inventory and use of metrology equipment across the productive sector in Belize. The results show that of the 1865 equipment documented, 496 (26.6%) items are used to monitor/measure pressure. These equipment are used to measure fluid (water) and gas (primarily ammonia) pressure. Pressure equipment is prevalent across many sectors in Belize especially the food processing and agro-processing sectors. The bulk of pressure equipment in Belize can be found in power generating and refrigerating equipment used in activities such as citrus processing, shrimp processing and storage and fish processing.

Benefits of Accreditation to Private Sector, Consumers and Regulators
A National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) would be incomplete without its important elements which include the fields of Metrology, Standardization, Testing, and Quality Management including Certification and Accreditation. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on accreditation and its benefits to private sector, consumers and regulators. Accreditation is a process that allows a business or person to be seen as a knowledgeable body that can carry out a specific task. This approval is provided by a respected organization (Accreditation Body) that recognizes that such a business has the systems in place to continually provide reliable and quality services or products.

Accreditation: Facilitates Trade
International trade is the exchange of goods and services across international borders or territories. However, with the rapid increase in globalization the demand for a vast number and range of quality products and services is becoming more available to the consumer. Most of us would find it impossible to imagine a world where the choice of goods and services was limited to only those we can produce in our country. Despite all the varieties of products available, we still demand that the goods and services be of acceptable quality. How do we assure that the goods and services provided are safe and of acceptable quality? International trade represents a large share of our gross domestic product which means that we must have the systems in place to ensure that these goods meet specified requirements of acceptable quality.

5 Benefits of Buying Belizean Made Products
“Buy Belize, Build Belize!” continues to be the clamour of local business and manufacturers and it is with good reason why this is so. For purposes of this article let us examine a few notable ones to stir some interest and thought: 5) Foreign Exchange Savings: The Foreign Exchange Reserves is important for Belize to maintain its current peg to the US dollar. With an imbalance in trade favouring a high and continuous demand for imports it means that more foreign exchange is needed to purchase imports. This leads to a draw down on the country’s international reserves and is made worse where not sufficient foreign exchange is earned through exports. . . Also the high demand and low supply encourages black market transactions lessening the ability of the country to maintain its international reserves.

Pacing Towards Accreditation
A few years ago I was to be tested at a local public laboratory for diabetes after having developed an unusual blister that had appeared on the surface of my skin. A young lad appearing to be invincible and immune, I remained unconvinced and dismissive of this possibility. Yet my family history got the better of me, my grandfather a victim himself of this chronic disease I was more on the better side of being forced than encouraged to be tested. Medical attention whether by force or will, there is always that dreaded result that we happen to fear. My experience no different, I awaited the results in agony perhaps due to the fact that I spent much of my time reflecting on the life changes I would have to make. After all, having to give up some of life’s little pleasures in dramatic fashion on the heels of better health is easier said than done. Results are just one part of the ordeal that the mind becomes preoccupied with, on the flip side is the more critical element such as the accuracy and the reliability of the results which sometimes at the individual level is overlooked. As luck would have it, my results proved to be negative and for me that was sufficient to the ear.

BBS Consumer Watch Newsletter: Volume 5 Issue 3
The Belize Bureau of Standards presents its Volume 5 Issue 3 of our Consumer Watch Newsletter. Please feel free to download, read and circulate with your friends and colleagues. Kindly click on the link below to view the document.

International Sources

Illegal Whale Shark Factory Found in China
A factory which processes around 600 whale sharks annually has been found in southern China, a conservation group said Monday, calling it the world's biggest slaughterhouse for the endangered species. Hong Kong-based conservation group WildLifeRisk said it discovered the factory in the town of Pu Qi in Zhejiang province after a four-year investigation. It said the sharks are slaughtered and processed mostly to produce shark oil for health supplements. Undercover video footage produced by the group showed workers cutting up the large dotted back fins of whale sharks and other shark species. "How these harmless creatures, these gentle giants of the deep, can be slaughtered on such an industrial scale is beyond belief," said a WildLifeRisk statement sent to AFP. "It's even more incredible that this carnage is all for the sake of non-essential lifestyle props such as lipsticks, face creams, health supplements and shark fin soup." The slaughterhouse also handles other species of sharks including blue sharks and basking sharks and produces 200 tons of shark oil annually from the three species, its owner -- identified only as Li -- said in the video. Li also said he needed to "smuggle" whale shark skin out.

River View students return from trips with new experiences
Seven students studying German went to Germany from Dec. 31 to Jan. 9, while 13 students studying Spanish went to Belize. Students going on each trip had been working on projects, including journals and videos, and will present their projects to the school board in February. For many of the students, this was their first time traveling outside the United States, which led to some culture shock. Freshman Sami Trowbridge went to Belize. “This experience was one of the best times of my life and I would go back again in a heartbeat,” Sami said

Six Caribbean countries eligible for US visa programme
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) says six Caribbean countries are among 63 countries worldwide that are eligible to participate in two visa programmes this year. The H-2A and H-2B Visa programmes allow US employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricultural and non-agricultural jobs, respectively. The USCIS identified the Caribbean countries eligible to participate in the visa programmes as Barbados, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti and Jamaica.

Caribbean Walks the Talk on Clean Energy Policy
In 2012, another Caribbean country, Belize, which currently generates 63 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources, announced plans for a National Energy Policy and a Sustainable Energy Strategy. We have ambitious targets. We have set ourselves to change from fossil fuel to renewable energy and at the same time decrease our energy intensity,? Energy Minister Joy Grant told IPS. We are pursuing all types of renewable energy “ hydro, bio energy, solar, ocean, thermal and wind and waste-to-energy,? Grant added. But like all other small developing countries, Grant said Belize's efforts in renewable energy were constrained by the high cost of renewable technologies; the lack of domestic capacity; inappropriate frameworks to incentivise the private sector to invest in renewable energy; and small population size.

Entrepreneurship Program for Innovation in the Caribbean (EPIC)
infoDev’s Entrepreneurship Program for Innovation in the Caribbean (EPIC) is a seven year $20M program funded by the Government of Canada that seeks to build an enabling ecosystem to foster high-growth and sustainable enterprises throughout the Caribbean. EPIC has three core activity pillars: mobile innovation, climate technology, and women-led entrepreneurship.

January 28, 2014

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Another government Minister, Edmond Castro, embroiled in scandal
Another scandal is brewing and it involves the Minister of State in the Ministry of Works and Transport with responsibility of Civil Aviation and Area Representative of Belize Rural North Honorable Edmond “Clear the Land” Castro. A number of checks have been written by the Belize Airport Authority (BAA) to Castro and for expenses incurred by him. The checks have been surfacing in the media and are all from BAA, a statutory body that falls under the responsibility of Castro. The San Pedro Sun has gotten possession of images of nine checks. Two of the checks are made out to Bowen and Bowen, one for the sum of $5000 and the other for $5321.66. According to Channel 5 News, those checks were used to pay for beverages for political functions held by Castro. There are three checks of varying amounts made directly to Castro as well. One is in the sum of $4,000, another for $900 and the third for $5156.55. According to the People’s United Party Belize Times Newspaper, the third check was given to Castro to offset burial expenses for a family member. But there is yet another check made out to David Coye Funeral Parlour for the sum $3337.50, which is believed to have been related to that very same burial expense.

Two wheels can be better than four when it comes to police patrols
Editorial: Tamara Sniffin The ongoing problem of transportation for our San Pedro police offers has been a topic of debate for years. It seems that whatever the vehicle may be, a four-wheeler, motorcycle, Polaris or truck, it is reduced to shambles in a matter of months. We all know how hard the island environment is on vehicles, from rust to rain and ruined roads, they all take a beating, but it seems that police transportation suffers to the extreme. Is this because they have to take the vehicle to the limit in search of the bad guys or is it due to driving it without a care? I know this might be a touchy subject, but a lot of us own and maintain a vehicle here on La Isla and gosh knows they don’t look like the junk on wheels that sat on blocks in front of the hardware store on Pescador Drive for the last few weeks. It wasn’t until our Senior Reporter Jorge Aldana posted something about it on his personal Facebook page that the spectacularly beat-up police truck was removed. Ironically his post merited a call from OC Castellanos to this editor, stating that the truck had not been “crashed and abandoned” but left there with the intent of making the public aware of their less than adequate means of transportation.

nuDE architectures + interiors
nuDE architectures + interiors is a young San Pedro-based architecture company, owned by San Pedro native Javier Alamilla. nuDE(new Designers) made its premiere in 2011, offering services such as commercial ,resort and residential consultations, planning and designs. While nuDE typically delivers modern designs with rustic twists and simple warmth so as to compliment a natural environment, the company’s versatile design portfolio allows them to meet the needs of almost any clientele agenda. From a young age,owner Javier had a passion for design, and at 15 he was given the opportunity to do summer internships with established island architect Vicky Nelder. It was through this that he decided to pursue studies in architectural designs in Mexico. While enrolled in school, Javier was actively involved in several projects with his peers. After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture specializing in Bioclimatic Design, Javier decided to invest in the start-up of his own company here in his hometown of San Pedro.

Ambergris Today

Belize/Guatemala Minister Strengthen Relations
On Friday, January 24, 2014, The Honorable Wilfred Elrington, Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belize, His Excellency Fernando Carrera, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala and His Excellency Jose Miguel Insulza, signed a document entitled Roadmap for Strengthening Bilateral Relations in 2014 at the headquarters of the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C. The signing of this important undertaking took place before Ambassadors and representatives of OAS member states.

Pic of the Week: Total Relaxation in Paradise
Days off in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize are usually spent doing something like this. Locals take advantage of their free time and enjoy the island as tourists do. Well, if you are a tourist, then you can do this all day long for the length of your stay. Total relaxation at its best, seen here at Rojo Beach Bar's infinity pool in North Ambergris Caye.

Flashbacks: Building San Pedro High School
Indeed this was early 1980’s and perhaps the very first efforts by students of San Pedro High to construct their new high school building. They were tired of using the community center, now the Town Hall and were on their way to clear the bush of the property at Boca Del Rio Area to prepare for the big project. The land had been a donation of the government of Belize under Area Rep. Hon. Louis Sylvestre. The building committee was busy raising funds and the kids took the pride and the task of cleaning the high bush. As they paraded, they reminded San Pedro to co-operate under this slogan: IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME.

25 Years Ago: A Wealthy Living Lagoon
Today we know that this body of water right behind the town of San Pedro is void of fishes and has no economic benefits. The only purpose of this so called lagoon is for boat navigation from the sea on the east of the island to the west or back side of the island. There is no swimming, no hand line fishing, no fish traps, no casting of nets- nothing. Not so years ago in San Pedro. In this lagoon there are several sink holes (posas) where fishing was frequent and exciting. Some of the largest black snappers and even Jew fish were caught with hand line in these sink holes. Most folks disliked fishing there due to the fact that if a fish did not bite the hook would get caught on some rock or coral on the edge of the sink hole. That meant that you had to forcibly break the line and you lost several yards of your precious line and the hook.

Misc Belizean Sources

The Grand Belize Entertainment Group Announces Plans for World-Class Casino Resort and Online Casino
The Grand Belize Entertainment Group has announced plans to build a world-class casino resort and spa paired with an online casino, a concept slated to be the very first of its kind by integrating an online entity within the design of a casino resort. Casino gaming is projected to be a $390 billion industry in 2013. The online gaming segment remains one of the fastest growing in the industry with an average growth rate of 23% per year since 2003 and 32% in 2011. Michael Glauser, chief operating officer of The Grand Belize Entertainment Group, said, “we are excited to be on the forefront of this innovative concept in gaming. As one of only four licensed casinos to Belize, the launch of the online casino will attract gaming aficionados around the globe while promoting our world-class property in Belize, even before it opens.” According to Glauser, Peak Gaming Group will support the development, launch, and management of the online casino, which is scheduled to launch worldwide second quarter 2014. Blue Sky Advisory Group has been selected to assist in the development and manage the day-to-day operation of the casino resort and spa.

RICE PORRIDGE
1 cup uncooked rice 4 cups water 1 cup milk 1 cup evaporated milk 1 can condensed milk (or to taste) 1 cinnamon stick 1 tablespoon vanilla 2 inch piece of ginger, grated ENJOY!

Western Ballaz Schedule
The Western Ballaz, who were on Sports Zone tonight, have their schedule out. Their first two games are on the road, and they'll face the Corozal Heats and Orange Walk Running Rebels. They'll play their first home game at the SHC auditorium on February 21st, and they'll take on the Dangriga Culture Warriors.

Amazing Adventures in Cayo
Arran and Alison Bevis, from Mountain Equestrian Trails, were interviewed recently, and they had a lot to say about Cayo, and Belize. Many of the great spots in Cayo are talked about in the interview, including Cahal Pech, Xunantunich, the Green Iguana Conservation Project, and MPR. "I can take any of my kiddos here: both of these places are easily accessible with small children. At Rio On, there’s a variety of depths of water and many natural pools to choose from, so it’s great for swimming with the kids and sliding down the waterfalls. The enormous Rio Frio Cave, with its huge, impressive entrance, is also a great attraction for all ages, perfect for some spooky exploration, and easy to get in-and-out-of."

Belize History Association Formed
Congratulations to the newly elected executive board of the newly formed Belize History Association. Can't wait to see what they come up with. "History was made in Belmopan on Saturday, January 25, 2014 with the formation of the Belize History Association and the election of its Executive Board. Congrats to the elected members: Mr. Francis Humphreys - Chair Mr. Gian Vasquez - Vice-Chair Ms. Myrna Manzanares - Senior Member Mr. Fred Hunter Sr. - Senior Member Ms. Ifasina Efunyemi - Junior Member"

Belikin Stout National Domino Tournament
Belikin had their domino tournament in Cayo this weekend. The 2 winning teams received beer and a cash prize. "The Belikin Stout National Domino Tournament was this weekend at the Spot Bar on Bullet Tree Road. The teams consisted of 8 players each. They had great prizes, beer and money, and trophies for the first and second place teams."

Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafers
This recipe for Banana Pudding with Nilla wafers is divine and simple to make. While waiting for the pudding to set, I got invited to a jewelry party so Jada stepped in and tasted the dessert for me. I didn't want it to go overnight before I showed you guys what the pudding looked like.

Government minister to undergo spine surgery in the USA
The Honorable the member for Mesopotamia division and Minister of Housing Mr. Michael Finnegan left Belize today for the United States where he is scheduled to undergo surgery to his lower spine. The wife of the veteran parliamentarian Diane Finnegan today confirmed to Patrick Jones that Mr. Finnegan’s stay in the USA is dependent on the success of the surgery. The five-time Mesopotamia area representative has a degenerative condition that, when it last flared up, wore down two spinal disks and caused pain in his left leg after touching a nerve root. Hon. Finnegan is a prostate cancer survivor and has lived all his life with a disability that has affected his arms.

Heavy sedimentation reported on the Sittee River
Concerns are being raised over the extraction of material from the Sittee River bed. The operation, which was photographed near the Kendall Bridge over the weekend, could be under legal permit from the Department of the Environment, although this has not been confirmed. A request for information from DOE via email has not yet obtained a response. Indications are that the activity on the Sittee River may have been going on for a while now and there are complaints of heavy sedimentation downstream. We await a response from the Department of the Environment and will post an update when that expected response is received.

Good weather and lots of sunshine in the forecast
There will be sunshine this week … lots of it. That is the general consensus of the Belize Weather Bureau where forecasters say mainly fair weather conditions will prevail over the course of the next couple of days. Today will see mostly sunny skies. Skies will be clear tonight and little or no rainfall is expected. Winds are easterly to southeasterly at 5 to 15 knots and the sea is choppy. High temperatures this afternoon will be 89 degrees Fahrenheit in Punta Gorda town, Belize City and Corozal town. It will be 84 degrees Fahrenheit in Belmopan, San Ignacio town and Spanish Lookout community. Up at Baldy Beacon, the high temperature this afternoon will be a comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Channel 7

Despite His Police Connection, Corporal Gino Peck Found Guilty
Police Corporal Gino Peck is at the Hattieville Prison tonight - sent there by the GSU for possession of firearms and ammunition. Peck, who has been in the Department for 22 years is staring down a 5 year sentence after he was convicted of firearm offences at the Magistrate's Court this afternoon. Viewers may remember the sensational case of Peck and his wife who were busted at their home on Currasow Street on January 19 of last year with unlicensed and prohibited firearms and ammunition. Peck's case was particularly scrutinized because it divided the Police Department's Eastern Division. The Gang Suppression Unit said that he needed to be charged, while the senior rank and file refused to support the GSU on that action. As we reported, at around 6:30 a.m. on that day 53 weeks ago, the GSU raided his house, and Peck handed over his police issued glock 9mm pistol with 13 live rounds of ammunition. The officers continued their search and inside a chest of drawers, they found 8 live rounds of .45 ammunition which is prohibited.

Son Faces Murder Charges For Killing Dad
54 year old Hensley "Nick" Jones said he was shot three times in the head by his own son on New Year's Day - and tonight that son Hendley Jones is accused of patricide, killing his own father. "Nick" Jones, passed away on Saturday from complications relating to his head injury. As we told you, on New Year's Day, Corozal police responded to a report in Ranchito Village where they found Hensley Jones suffering from 3 gunshot wounds to the head. He told police that his son shot him in the head for no apparent reason. He suffered 2 wounds to the left side, and 1 to the back of the head, and police found him running out of his house, and they rushed him to the hospital. After 24 days in which he had showed encouraging signs, he passed away while undergoing treatment.

Tajah Is Surviving
And while Nick Jones was shot on New Year's Day, 19 year old Tajah Staine was shot on New Year's Eve in Belize City. The young lady was shot ten times, allegedly by her own 16 year old male cousin. But, incredibly, she survived and four weeks later is continuing to to make strides back to health. Today her mother told Monica Bodden how Tajah is doing:.. Jermaine Thompson - Mother of Shooting Victim "So far we found another bullet lodge in the wrist part of her hand. We will try to see if we can take that out tomorrow, but other from that is as we go along. The other two bullets are still lodge in the back of her neck. The doctors are still contemplating whether they should move it or leave it as it is because they say if it is not affecting any nerve then its best they leave it as is. That is where we are when it comes to the bullets." "Tajah bounced right back, I mean it surprise me, she is ready to back to school. The only thing that bothers her is the bullets that are still lodge in her. She cries in the night of pain, so she lives on pain killers until the doctors decide what they will do."

Aragon Jr. Distances Himself From Land Scandal
And turning now to politics, there was an interesting development in Orange Walk East today. That's the division where the UDP is having a convention in a few days' time on February second. And last week, aspirant Elodio Aragon Juniour was dogged by allegations that his father, former area representative Elodio Sr had snatched up an abandoned piece of public park land as his private property. Add to that the fact that the title for an adjoining basketball court is missing, and you had the key elements for a land grab scandal. The interesting part is that the Aragon attack was allegedly orchestrated by fellow UDP's - from the rival camp in this hotly contested convention. So today, Aragon had to move smartly to gain distance from a toxic political situation. But he couldn't very well renounce his own father. So how did he play it? That's what Jules Vasquez went to Orange Walk to see:... Jules Vasquez reporting Guadalupe Park, it's been in a state of ruin for decades, but recently it became the site for a different kind of sport: political football. And this morning Elodio Aragon Junior tried to score an equalizer after losing points when it was alleged that his family was guilty of a land grab with public lands.

BT Charged For George Street Shooting
Last week, 7News told you about the shooting of 19 year-old Steven Alvarez, which left him with a bullet in his left leg. Well, police believe that the shooter was 28 year-old Brandon "BT" Tillett, a well-known figure to police who lives on George Street, the same street where Alvarez was shot. Tillett was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith, on the charges of attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, and dangerous harm. Due to the nature of the offences, he was remanded to prison until February 27, his next court date. Tilett made our newscast as recently as last year in August when he claimed that the Gang Suppression Unit brutalized him. The Gang Suppression Unit charged him for allegedly assaulting one of their officers, Detective Constable Abner Itza. He is facing charges of assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest and wounding. That case is still pending in the Magistrate's Court.

Leroy Gomez Acquitted Of Escape
26 year-old Leroy Gomez, who is currently serving a 15-year sentence dodged more jail time after he was able to beat an escape charge which was brought against him. A jury of 9 heard his case where it was alleged that on August 27, 2011 he escaped from Police Constable Jarcel Savery while being detained at the Mahogany Police Station. During that time, he was wanted in connection to rape and robbery. Savery told the court that he handcuffed Gomez, and while he was making a call Gomez escaped from custody. He says that when he returned, he saw Gomez running down Oleander Street. He fired warning shots in the air but Gomez made haste. He was caught 3 days later. Gomez, who was unrepresented, chose to remain silent, but called an alibi witness on his behalf.

Horse And Others Still Waiting For PI
30 year-old Jermaine "Horse" Garnett, his 23 year-old step-son, Cassian Bennet, and 35 year-old Kenneth Barrow will have to wait until Friday for the Chief Magistrate to determine whether or not they will have to stand trial in the Supreme Court. Viewers may remember that on last week Wednesday, the Preliminary Inquiry started for these men. The issue at this time is that the main witness is believed to have left the jurisdiction, and police can't locate her. She has fingered all 3 men as the shooters who killed 19 year-old Raheem Requena in her statement to police, the prosecution's case against the men is at a crossroads. Attorneys for all 3 accused submitted that even if that main witness could be located, the evidence she would give is flawed because in her account, there are discrepancies of line of sight and visibility.

Sugar Deliveries Moving Along Steadily
The 2014 Sugar Crop season started on Friday and tonight the good news is that deliveries have come up to speed - and everything is proceeding apace. That's a rare stretch of good news in an industry that has seen nothing but discord and discontent for months. Alfredo Ortega gave us the update:.. Alfredo Ortega - Vice-Chair, BSFCA's CoM "On Friday we were unable to achieve the six thousand. We were a little bit below; 400 tons was needed to meet the target, but as of Saturday and Sunday we have met the target which we have delivered up to this morning at 6am above 18,000 tons of cane." Jules Vasquez "From there you all are hoping to step it up. Will you all be able to step it up? Will you have the supply?" Alfredo Ortega - Vice-Chair, BSFCA's CoM "Yes, of course. Once the weather continues as is - we have seen that farmers are really geared in bringing the cane. We have seen that farmers are coming together in some areas where works were not done - they are coming in with stones and put where the trucks can pass and they are bringing the material right now to the mill."

Benque Game Was Brutal
Was It was win or go home this weekend in Premier League Football, as both semifinals series played their second and final games. In game 1 on Saturday in Dangriga, the BDF Team was unable to overcome a three goal deficit when they drew with the Belmopan Bandits and one goal apiece. So with that, it's over for BDF and the Bandits advance to the finals. On Sunday night, the action moved to a very wet Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo where the home Team FC Verdes just had to score one goal more than the visiting Belize FC team to advance. But, let's just say weather was an issue, a major one at that. The game couldn't be played on Saturday in Benque because it had been raining all day, and then on Sunday the field was still too wet so the game was moved to Norman Broaster. But, it was quickly moved back because the Benque fans wanted their team on their turf.

UDP PAC Looking Into Venezuelan Housing Money
7News has been telling you about the Public Accounts Committee meetings which have been going on without PUP Chairman Julius Espat. It is the only committee which the Oppostion is allowed to chair, but Espat has repeatedly claimed that he refuses to support an inquiry that is reportedly not the mandate of this current PAC. That's because the UDP majority wants to look into public spending prior before and after 2008, when there was a change in government administration. The 2014 meetings of this UDP led PAC started up, and they looked into the spending which happened to the Venezuelan housing money in 2008, which was given away indiscriminately in the run-up to the general election. After the PAC meeting, our colleagues at Plus TV asked the Pro Tem Chairman, John Saldivar, what the PAC has unearthed so far. Here's what he told them: Hon. John Saldivar - Pro-tem Chairman, PAC "This morning we were looking at the Venezuelan Housing Project - you know the 20 million US that was granted to the country by Venezuela half of which came initially and was given out within a 30 day period by the People's United Party government prior to the 2008 election and the other 20 million which we eventually got back from them under this new government. The report of the auditor general covered that first 20 million that was spent between December of 2007 and February of 2008."

Gill Got 6 Months For A Roach
33 year-old Lyndon Gill is at court tonight serving a 6-month prison sentence after he was convicted of drug possession in the Magistrate's Court. Police on patrol, they saw Gill riding a bicycle on Vernon Street. When he spotted the mobile, he threw away a small package, which the police retrieved after he was detained. They found that it was less than one gram of cannabis, and so, he was charged with possession of controlled drugs. Normally, he would have been given a fine, but because he has outstanding fines for drug possession, Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith sentenced him to serve 6 month in jail, instead.

UB Graduates 481
481 students graduated from the University of Belize on Sunday. It's a welcome bit of good news for the University which has repeatedly made headlines because of the sudden decision of President Cary Frazer to leave his post. Our colleagues from Plus TV attended, and here's what Kay Menzies, the President of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry told the graduates as the guest speaker: Kay Menzies - President, BCCI "Often in our society we don't talk enough about success. We talk about success as achieved, like for example when you go out today and tomorrow and so on everybody's going to say you got your degree, cool, congratulations, what you get your degree. But they are not aware of what went in to getting that degree. As the master of ceremonies said earlier, early morning bus rides, long hours, missed occasions - it's been a really tough few years I am sure but today you have achieved academic success and the proof is in your hand."

Papa Mena Won Dangriga Convention
Former UDP Mayor for Dangriga Frank Papa Mena is now the UDP's new standard bearer in that division. In a convention on Sunday, he bested former UDP Area Representative Arhur Roches by almost 500 votes. The final tally was Frank Mena, 1,077 Frank Mena?and Turo Roches 581 votes. 1,676 ballots were cast which the UDP Chairman says is the largest convention the UDP has ever had in Dangriga.

Channel 5

Belize Airports Authority stands by its minister; Board member speaks out
Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport, Edmond Castro, has been in the hot seat for some time. But this time, he came under fire after Belize Airports Authority [...]

Land Dispute in Orange Walk Town; land reverted to G.O.B.
Last Friday, we reported that a parcel of land used as a park in the Orange Walk East Constituency had ended up in the hands of the politically connected Aragon [...]

Aragon family says land issue a smear campaign by Landy Burns
According to the Aragon family, a smear campaign was prompted from within the U.D.P. camp by the constituency caretaker; Orlando “Landy” Burns, in an effort to hurt the political career [...]

Ranchito resident, shot in the head by son, dies at the K.H.M.H.
On New Year’s Day, thirty year old Hensleigh Ryan Jones allegedly picked up a gun and shot his father three times in the head. Miraculously, Hensley ‘Nick’ Jones survived, and [...]

Cop behind bars for a firearm conviction
There was a sensational conviction in court today. A police corporal was convicted this afternoon inside the courtroom of Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith in a trial that began six [...]

CCJ hands down judgment on challenge to an amendment to the Supreme Court of Judicature Act
But in the regional Caribbean Court of Justice, a judgment was handed down last Friday concerning a challenge to an amendment to the Supreme Court of Judicature Act.  The parties [...]

2013-2014 Sugar Cane Crop Season off to a good start
The 2013-2014 Sugar Cane Crop Season got off to a late start this past Friday after months of delay. The cane farmers and the Belize Sugar Industries were at odds [...]

But deplorable condition of sugar roads still an issue
The biggest setback for the industry, according to Ortega, is still the deplorable condition of the sugar roads in a number of areas. So farmers are taking matters into their [...]

Trouble brewing in the citrus industry; delay in payment to growers
While the sugar industry is up and running, there is trouble in the citrus industry tonight after a delay of payment to growers by the Citrus Products of Belize Limited. [...]

Move over xaté; gold panning by Guatemalans is new illegal activity in the Chiquibul
The Chiquibul Forest Reserve has seen increased national exposure following a symposium which drew attention to the park, its benefits and challenges. One of the biggest challenges in recent years [...]

George Street Associate remanded for attempted murder
Also in the courts, a well-known George Street associate is tonight on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was accused of attempted murder. He is Brandon Tillett, aka [...]

The controversial EIA for NCL tourism project; 1 consultant says he didn’t work for it
Last week Wednesday, Norwegian Cruise Lines executives were part of a consultation process in Independence, seeking input on the Environmental Impact Assessment for their proposed cruise tourism port on Harvest [...]

Elodio Aragon Junior resigned as Deputy Commission to pursue political career
Earlier today when we spoke to Elodio Aragon Junior, the U.D.P. political aspirant for Orange Walk East, we also questioned him about the reports that he had been using government [...]

Belize Fishermen Cooperative receive donation from CRFM
The Belize Fishermen Cooperative Association (B.F.C.A.) on Friday was presented with a Sony laptop computer and accessories as well as significant fisheries publications. The donation is part of the Implementing [...]

James Adderley has all the weekend sports on football, cycling and canoe race
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. The 2 finalists for the Belikin Cup emerged over the weekend and the 2 game finals begin this Sunday. First [...]

CTV3

Corozal Resident Caught Stealing In Chetumal, She Is Charged For Theft
No country is speared of crime and while we normally don’t report on crimes in other places tonight there is one of interest. Reports from neighboring Chetumal Quintana Roo, Mexico is that they are seeing a continuous occurrence of theft. Now, this becomes of interest to us because among the reports made are reports against Belizeans visiting the city. According to Mexican media, on Friday, six thefts were recorded at the police department and among those arrested was Corozal Resident Marisol Cortez. According to reports, Cortez was caught trying to steal twenty-four deodorants and one box of wipes from a popular store located on Avenida Insurgentes, corner Javier Rojo Gomez. Police were called after the store’s staff had secured Cortez. The Manager Francisco Bojorquez handed Cortez to authorities and was taken to the Public Prosecutor of the Common Jurisdiction (MPFC) where she was charged for theft.

FFB, Trains Young Athletes To Become Professional Football Players
Football may be well on its way to its former glory in Orange Walk and the entire country for that matter. That’s because the Football Federation of Belize has embarked on a youth program for both males and females. That program entails organizing talent schools for under thirteen, under fifteen and under seventeen players. The program was been officially launched in the Orange Walk District last week and on Saturday young football lovers gathered at the People’s Stadium for a festival, and it was all about having fun. Dalila Ical has the story. Children as young as six up to twelve years old and all in between mingled on the football field over the weekend as they took their first steps into learning everything there is to learn about football. Jayden Michael “Good, I like football because it is fun and I get to meet with other friend too” Talent schools have also been opened in the Toledo, Corozal, and Stann Creek Districts. Executive member of the Football Federation of Belize, Chris Gamez is in charge of Youth Development and the program falls directly under his portfolio.

Guadalupe Park Returned To GOB
Last week, our news centre was first to break the story of a public space that ended in private hands; namely the lot next to the East Sports Center in orange Walk Town, supposedly the proposed Guadalupe park. As we’ve reported the land in question was registered as a private property on October 17th, 2011 to Elodio Aragon of #8 Aurora Street. This parcel #2215 was transferred from the Government of Belize. In June of 2012, the same parcel was transferred in the name of one Adin Glen Aragon, son of Elodio Aragon Sr where a land certificate verifying entitlement was issued. And while the story has been drawing a lot of fanfare from Orange Walk residents, today there was an impromptu press conference which was held by the Political aspirant for Orange Walk East, Elodio Aragon Junior. Our news team was on hand for the event and filed the following report. Former Assistant Police Commissioner turned Political Aspirant for the Orange Walk East, Elodio Aragon Junior, flanked by his father, also former politician and a few members of his political camp staged an impromptu press conference this morning at the land in question; parcel number 2215. And while the story drew a lot of attention, this morning’s conference saw a ‘hand over’ of the land in question back to the public, or in this case, the Government of Belize.

Belize Red Cross , Keeping Belize Clean
Communities keep growing in our country and with that come different needs based on their location and size. Meeting those needs however can prove a real challenge for Village Councils and therefore when that much needed assistance is rendered; it is only to the benefit of the people. In Northern Belize, at least eight communities are receiving such benefits under projects implemented by the Belize Red Cross Society and financed by the American Red Cross. These projects are all part of the Resilience in the America’s Project. Over the weekend we visited San Antonio Rio Hondo in the Orange Walk District which is benefiting from a garbage bin project currently being implemented. Reporter Dalila Ical has that story. Ian Glory – Field Coordinator “The idea is to establish garbage bins for the community, in this way improving the cleanliness, health, hygiene, sanitation programs as well as improving the waste management and drainage within the village because we know it is prone to flooding.” Ian Glory is the Field Coordinator for the Resilience in the America’s Project which was first launched in late 2012 and is being implemented in three phases until it’s conclusion in 2015. Glory says the projects implemented vary depending on each community’s need. In San Antonio Rio Hondo, the garbage bin project was most ideal.

Charge Against Ryan Jones Upgraded To Murder
Tonight, an attempted Murder charge has been upgraded to Murder as the victim has succumbed to his injuries. As we reported at the beginning of the year, around 10 pm, 30 year old Hensleigh Ryan Jones shot his father, 53 year old Nick Jones on the head while they were both standing in the kitchen of their home located in the Village of Ranchito in the Corozal District. Jones was taken to the Corozal Community Hospital where doctors discovered three bullet holes on his head; two on the left side and one to the back. Ryan was charge for attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm and was remanded to the Kolbe Foundation until his next court date. It was the first major crime reported in this municipality and tonight, Ryan’s charge will be upgraded to murder since his father Nick Jones has succumbed to his injuries at the KHMH after being hospitalized for about 25 days. Hensley Jones was the proprietor of Nick’s Waste management in Corozal Town.

Mayor Bernard Say's Guadalupe Park Should Have Been Reverted To The Council
And while the parcel of land has been proposed to be given to the National Sports Council, the news did not sit well with the Orange Walk Town Council who claims that the land should have been given back to the people of Orange Walk. Mayor Kevin Bernard claims that the council has faced much taxation and hardships to access the recreational spaces for Town events. Here is that interview after the press conference held this morning. Kevin Bernard – Mayor of Orange Walk Town “Well, of course it has been returned to the Government of Belize, I believe that we as a council we will try our best as well to try to get back this park. We have already spoken about it on Friday but of course we don’t want to be caught in the middle of any personal or any internal political issues that they are currently facing and as such we have decided to deal with it on our angle and so that is the reason we decided to pass that resolution. We believe that also this is a park that was maintained many years ago before and gradually deteriorated of course way back I understand way back in 2003 it started becoming aground for old vehicle and so forth because of the same issues, people were wondering ever of not this was a park again and whose hand it was in and so we have found out the truth but I believe that what is important is that we need to ensure that these places be return to the people of Orange Walk and not to a ministry of sport because if you would speak to the councilor in charge of sport the difficult he has to carry out events under the people stadium or at the Multi-Purpose Complex because it is being politicize and all we are doing is trying to promote something healthy for our young people so if this is to remain as a park let keep it as a park under the hospices of the Orange Walk Town council and we are here prepared to bring up this park as well and work with the community of the east to bring it up to standards.”

Police Break Into Dias' Home, She Alleges Money Is Missing
Last Friday we reported an incident in which police allegedly broke into a home when no one was inside. The owner of the residence, Aleida Dias told CTV-3 News that she was away late Friday afternoon and received a call informing her of what had transpired. Dias’ front door was pried open and the door frame was broken. While the house didn’t seem to have been searched, Dias alleges that money she had put away was missing. A small storage house located behind her residence was also broken into and ransacked. Dias says she was going to make an official report of the incident at the Orange Walk Police formation and by all appearances she did. Today Ctv-3 News followed up the story.

LOVE FM

Police News
A skiff was reportedly stolen from the Placencia dock between two and four on the morning of January 23rd. The 30-foot long white fiberglass skiff with a Yamaha 250 horse power four-stroke, belonged to Placencia Eagle Ray Tours. The company is offering a reward to anyone who has useful information that leads to its recovery. People who wish to assist can call the owner at 602-9315 or the nearest police station. Police in San Ignacio removed a firearm off the streets this past weekend. On Saturday morning Police responded to reports of shots fired on Second Street. Police say they searched the home of a known drug base but did not find anything. A search in the nearby bushes led to the discovery of a loaded double barrel chrome pistol with two live round of ammunition. No one was in the area and the firearm and ammunition were labeled as found property.

Car Dealer Faces Attempted Murder Charge
28-year-old Brandon Tillett, a car dealer of a George Street address is facing a charge of attempted murder. Tillett, who is accused of shooting 19-year-old, Kevin Alvarez was charged with attempted murder when he appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. In addition, Tillett was charged with grievous harm and use of deadly means of harm and has been remanded into custody until February 28. The incident occurred around 9:05 p.m. on January 23. Alvarez reported to the police that he was standing on a bridge on George Street when a man rode up to him on black beach cruiser bicycle and fired several shots at him and one of the bullets struck him in his left leg. The police visited the scene and reported that they recovered 5 expended 9 millimeter shells.

Special Branch Corporal Found Guilty of Unlicensed Ammunition
A Police Corporal has been found guilty of three ammunition offences. Earlier today, 40-year-old, Gino Peck stood before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith and answered to two counts of kept ammunition without a gun license and 1 count of kept prohibited ammunition without a gun license. Chief Magistrate Smith has deferred sentencing until Friday, January 31 at which time Peck will be allowed to call in character witnesses to testify on his behalf. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on January 21, 2012 when members of the Gang Suppression Unit went to Peck’s house on Curassow Street in Belize City and conducted a search of his home. The officers uncovered a dusty kit bag under the mattress of his bed which contained twenty-two 12-gauge cartridges; five .38 rounds and one .45 caliber bullet. Peck did not have a license for the ammunition and therefore he was taken into custody and charged. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Lynn Vidal called 4 witnesses to prove her case. In an unsworn statement, Peck admitted that found the .45 round in a gang related area and he was going to hand it in as found property. Peck, who had been a police officer for 22 years, was assigned to Special Branch. He called one witness, Sergeant Randy Sanchez, who testified that he often issued ammunition of that kind to Peck but he could not say if the ammunition found was issued by him. Peck was represented by attorney Simeon Sampson.

Jury Deliberates on Leroy Gomez’ Case of Escape
A jury of 7 women and 2 men is deliberating today in the court of Justice Adolph Lucas to see if it can reach a verdict for 26 year old Leroy Gomez, charged with escape from lawful custody. Gomez who is serving time for rape and robbery, allegedly escaped on August 27, 2011, from the Mahogany Street Police precinct where he was detained for an investigation of a rape allegation. Police constable Jarcel Savery testified that he saw Gomez on oleander Street and he detained Gomez and took him to the Mahogany Street Precinct. Savery said he left Gomez at the precinct with his hands hand cuffed behind his back and he went to make a telephone call to CIB. He said that when he returned he saw Gomez running on Oleander Street. He testified that he pursued Gomez for about 3 blocks and he fired a warning shot in the air but Gomez still managed to escape. Gomez was captured 3 days later. Gomez chose to remain silent but he called an alibi witness who testified that he was with her babysitting at the time of the incident. Gomez was not represented by any attorney. Crown Counsel Shanice Lovell represented the prosecution.

PlusTV

Man Allegedly Shot By Son Dies Over The Weekend
The attempted murder charge against 30 year old Hensleigh Ryan Jones, who allegedly shot his father, has been upgraded following the passing of the victim, 53 year old Hensley Jones. Jones succumbed to his injuries at the KHMH on Saturday morning. Mr. Jones was shot twice to the left side...

PAC Says Only Half of a 40 Million Dollar Grant was Properly Accounted for by the then PUP Government
Today, after almost a two months break, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) met at the National Assembly to resume discussion of the Auditor General’s report. In today’s PAC meeting, the monies for the 20 million US dollar grant received from Venezuela, which was granted through the Venezuelan Housing Project...

PM Responds to Statement Made at BNTU Rally
The BNTU is making quite a roar in its latest effort to get the attention of Government on a number of key national issues, including a salary adjustment expected in July. Indeed, they have obtained GOB’s attention – Minister of Education, the Hon. Patrick Faber and the Union have...

Private Owner Returns Park Land to the Community
Meanwhile, a land dispute in the north, seems to have been resolved quite amicably. Last week, Mr. Orlando Burns, a former UDP Standard Bearer for Orange Walk East, revealed to CTV3 News that a parcel of land, which was donated to the community, had somehow ended up in private hands...

Taxi-Men Attend a Training Workshop
Last week, the Department of Cooperatives hosted a two day training workshop that targeted registered cooperatives in the transportation sector- taxi-men and bus drivers- operating in the Cayo District. The workshop took place at the George Price Center on Thursday and then again on Friday. Several stakeholders were invited...

City Center Near Complete Demolition
The Belize City Center is to be replaced by a $30 million stadium at some time in the near future, but before that can happen the old one, which has been standing since 1992, has to disappear. Last week, PLUS News went to the site on Central American Boulevard...

Housing Minister Leaves Belize for Spinal Surgery
Minister of Housing and Urban Development (Michael Finnegan left Belize today for the United States where he is scheduled to undergo surgery to his lower spine. The five-time Mesopotamia area representative has a degenerative condition that, when it last flared up, wore down two spinal disks and caused pain...

Blogs

An AWESOME Tour in Belize’s Banana Belt Or “Going Bananas in Belize”
My home island of Ambergris Caye isn’t known for agriculture. Years ago, there were coconut plantations but now tourism is a way of life in San Pedro. On much of mainland Belize though, that is not the case. Head up north and you will see papaya and sugar cane fields, to west, you’ll pass miles of cattle and farmland and when you head over the Maya Mountains towards Dangriga, the hills roll with citrus trees. I’ve passed this sign headed in and out of Placencia a few times over the past year in the small village of Riversdale, Belize and this trip? I gave these guys a call. I like bananas. I know very little about how they are grown. I’m DYING to know why they are so cheap in the states. 19 cents a pound at Walmart? And I’ve never been on a real industrial farm in Belize… had also taken this picture a few days before in the port town of Mango Creek. The port that carries all of the bananas and much of the oil out of Belize.

International Sources

BEST CARIBBEAN MANGROVE EXPERIENCES.
Venezuela ruined mangroves for me forever. Over a decade ago, I spent an afternoon silently gliding through a magnificent mangrove forest on Venezuela’s Margarita Island. Belize: The mangrove forests here are associated with the magnificant 220 km barrier reef and is interlinked with those in Mexico and Honduras. Here in Belize, you have the opportunity to also spot matanee’s while exploring the mangrove forests. Book a five hour adventure to the mangrove forests of Swallow Caye near Belize City with Tour Belize or a mangrove snorkeling excursion to Twin Cays with Island Expeditions.

VIDEO: Epic 2 Day Journey to San Pedro, Belize
Hi! I'm Anna from The Legendary Adventures of Anna ! I took a car from Sumter, South Carolina, train from Columbia, South Carolina to Raleigh, North Carolina, bus to the Raleigh Airport, flight with a layover in Atlanta, Georgia to Cancun, Mexico-met my friend Gladys, car to Cancun central bus terminal, overnight bus to Belize City, taxi to the ferry, and finally a ferry to San Pedro Belize. This documents my journey in 38 seconds.

War on lionfish shows first promise of success
It may take a legion of scuba divers armed with nets and spears, but a new study confirms for the first time that controlling lionfish populations in the western Atlantic Ocean can pave the way for a recovery of native fish. Even if it's one speared fish at a time, it finally appears that there's a way to fight back. Scientists at Oregon State University, Simon Fraser University and other institutions have shown in both computer models and 18 months of field tests on reefs that reducing lionfish numbers by specified amounts – at the sites they studied, between 75-95 percent – will allow a rapid recovery of native fish biomass in the treatment area, and to some extent may aid larger ecosystem recovery as well. It's some of the first good news in a struggle that has at times appeared almost hopeless, as this voracious, invasive species has wiped out 95 percent of native fish in some Atlantic locations. "This is excellent news," said Stephanie Green, a marine ecologist in the College of Science at Oregon State University, and lead author on the report just published in Ecological Applications. "It shows that by creating safe havens, small pockets of reef where lionfish numbers are kept low, we can help native species recover. "And we don't have to catch every lionfish to do it."

January 27, 2014

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Wolfe’s Woofer: The Drink’s Not On Me
The Drink’s Not On Me “Why don’t we just meet at Wet Willy’s at one o’clock?” I asked “That sounds like a plan to me,” Richard said. “I’m sure some of the other guys will be there already.” Richard Cartwright and his lovely wife Vicky usually spend two or three months visiting San Pedro each […]

Caye Caulker Police Report
On Thursday 16th January 2014 about 5:30am Caye Caulker Police Personnel conducted an Anti-Drug Operation within the island where a search was conducted at the residence of Shawn Bennett age 37. Upon arrival at the house the police knock on the door and identified themselves at which time they observed one of the window facing north of the building being opened where someone stretch of their hand and threw out a black object which fell in the nearby yard. Upon gaining entry inside the house it was observed that Shawn Bennett was inside the house along with his Common Law Wife Betty Petillo age 33 and another male person learnt to be Justin Usher age 22 . They were escorted outside where the object fell and it was retrieved in their presence and observed to be a black plastic bag which when opened contained green leafy vegetable substance suspected to be cannabis. They were informed of the offence committed and escorted to the Police Station along with the suspected drugs where it was weighed which amounted to 66.9 grams of cannabis. They were formally arrested and charged for the offence of Drug Trafficking and will be escorted to San Pedro Magistrate Court on Friday 17th January 2014 for arraignment.

Doctor Love: Sad Mistake
Readers, please send your letters. They can be emails, formal letters or handwritten notes. They are edited solely for grammar and spelling. Also, they are sometimes edited for length. Dear Doctor Love, I met a man while I was here on vacation a year and a half ago. We stayed at the same resort and […]

Misc Belizean Sources

There is no trust between Belize and Guatemala
By Wellington C. Ramos. Since the 1800s, Guatemala has been claiming our country with no end in sight. Plus, they continue to teach their citizens that Belize belongs to them. Every day many Guatemalan citizens cross the border at will with no regard for the military, immigration or custom officers. They even establish villages, take land to grow their food and settle permanently to await their citizenship through amnesty programs from Belizean politicians, who need their votes to get elected.

Dangriga UDP convention
Frank Mena 1,077, Arthur Roches 690, Spoilt 18. Congrats are in order to Papa Mena!

Damaged equipment cause big blackout
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) technicians were working late Sunday to fix damaged equipment at the company’s Westlake Substation. A brief statement put out by the state-owned company said that the damaged equipment was the cause of an “unplanned power interruption” which plunged the Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo districts into blackout. The blackout struck at 3:35 pm and it took roughly 3 hours for BEL to fully restore power to all the affected areas.

Archaeology Sites Reopened
The Institute of Archaeology, NICH, has advised all tour operators, tour guides, and the general public that water levels have receded, and the following sites are now open for visitation: Nohoch Che'en (Caves Branch) Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Barton Creek Xunantunich

Blogs

Placencia, Belize: The Beach, The Sidewalk, The Bars, The Restaurants, I’m Loving It
And what’s not to love? I’ve been here a few times in the past year and this place grabs you when you first get off the plane, or the bus or even the Hokey Pokey Shuttle boat from mainland Mango Creek to the Placencia Peninsula.

Central America: You better Belize it, baby! (Part 1)
12 hours, a (very long) bus ride, one border crossing and a boat ride later, and we were on the beautiful island of Caye Caulker. Of all the stops on our itinerary, this was the place I was most excited for. As soon as we approached the jetty and I caught a close-up of the island, I knew I was going to love it. Lush azure waters, a sandy perimeter and colourful shops and houses dotting the 3-street-long island. I mean, how could you not fall in love with this mini haven? Playa Del Carmen may have had the picture-perfect beaches, but Caye Caulker was winning in the attitude stakes; the island’s motto: GO SLOW, MON! (Think Caribbean – a big influence on the island, perhaps even more so than it’s Latin neighbours). Originally part of the British Empire, Belize is an English speaking country (although the locals often speak a mixture of Creole or Spanish), and so it’s also an easy destination for non-Spanish speaking tourists to get by. After dropping our bags at the Paradise Hotel, we followed Kaylie on a short ‘tour’ of the island which took all of 10 minutes and soon I was racing back to the hotel to jump in the shower before we reconvened for dinner. En route, I passed a guy driving a golf cart and as I raced passed him, he shouted after me “Go Slow!”, a welcome reminder for a Londoner like me to take advantage of the more laidback lifestyle whilst I had the chance.

The reason BTL was Nationalized?
I told you all back then and I’ll keep saying it.. The issue was never about nationalization as in making it for the people, initially I thought it was just to get to slip a backdoor into the Constitution to give the politicians in Government all power but it seems it goes way beyond that. Doing research for my article about the CARICOM Union that we are heading into, I stumbled on this and you have to know about it. To fully understand this you will have to read the CARICOM article.

International Sources

Pictures: Massive Maya City Revealed by Lasers
Airborne lasers have "stripped" away thick rain forests to reveal new images of an ancient Maya metropolis that's far bigger than anyone had thought. An April 2009 flyover of the Maya city of Caracol used Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) equipment—which bounces laser beams off the ground—to help scientists construct a 3-D map of the settlement in western Belize. The survey revealed previously unknown buildings, roads, and other features in just four days, scientists announced earlier this month at the International Symposium on Archaeometry in Tampa, Florida. University of Central Florida anthropologists Arlen and Diane Chase have spent decades hacking through the tangled undergrowth that has engulfed the powerful city—which thrived between A.D. 550 and 900. So far they've uncovered only a tiny fraction of the ruins.

Maya Rise & Fall
Interactive map: Explore 15 key Mayan sites that archaeologists and historians are using to piece together the story of this once great civilization.

Belize Tourism Board with Olson Engage Take Home Top Honors At In2 SABREs
The Belize Tourism Board with Olson Engage took home Best in Show honors for its “Breaking Bad’s Trip to Belize” campaign at the In2 SABRE Awards at the Four Seasons San Francisco last week. The campaign — which also won in for marketing buzz and digital influence — took home best in show for turning a potential negative into a memorable, remarkable opportunity. Earlier this year, the hit AMC show “Breaking Bad” used the phrase taking a “trip to Belize” as a euphemism for killing someone. Following this, the Belize Tourism Board showed its sense of humor in a series of light-hearted tweets directed at the show’s actors and TV influencers. The team also partnered with the New York Times for an exclusive story inviting the cast of “Breaking Bad”on a free vacation to Belize.

Belize and Guatemala agree on 'road map' to address the territorial dispute
Belize and Guatemala agreed at the headquarters of the Organization of American States on a “Road Map and Plan of Action”, which has as its main objective the strengthening of the bilateral relationship between the two countries during 2014 in order to make concrete the holding of popular consultations to enable the consideration of the territorial dispute before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza emphasized the importance of the two countries deciding to coordinate joint activities, because doing so “means moving toward a more stable relationship.” “The more dense the international relations between countries, the greater their stability and permanence,” he added, because “to be able to develop significant projects in the areas of the environment, security, labor, immigration, health or education helps people to get to know and value each other.”

Orvis announces 2014 matching grants
Every year, Orvis awards cash grants to causes important to its customers. This year’s target grant recipients include the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and its Oyster Restoration Program. Rare, for its Fish Forever program in Belize. Fish Forever empowers local Belizean communities to sustainably manage their fisheries, thereby increasing food security, conserving important marine habitats and species, safeguarding local jobs and creating coastal climate resilience. The $30,000 grant from Orvis will match customer contributions up to the same amount, for a total of $60,000 support for this program.

Belize and Guatemala agree on plan to strengthen relations
The foreign ministers of Belize and Guatemala, Wilfred Elrington and Fernando Carrera, and the secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, on Friday at the headquarters of the multilateral Organization signed an agreement entitled “Road Map and Plan of Action", which has as its main objective the strengthening of the bilateral relationship between the two countries during 2014 in order to make concrete the holding of popular consultations to enable the consideration of the territorial dispute before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Insulza emphasized the importance of the two countries deciding to coordinate joint activities, because doing so "means moving toward a more stable relationship."

Marshalleck rises from humble beginnings to a leader in his field
From humble beginnings in Central America, Francis Marshalleck, M.D., has risen to become the director of pediatric interventional radiology at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health -- as well as the only fellowship-trained pediatric interventional radiologist in Indiana. A native of Belize, Dr. Marshalleck, assistant professor of clinical radiology at the IU School of Medicine, attributes his work ethic to his mother, a seamstress. “You do it until the job is done -- give your best effort with what you have,” said Dr. Marshalleck, whose early struggles were rewarded with scholarships. “I see myself as blessed.” A graduate of the Regis University in Denver and the University of the West Indies, Dr. Marshalleck returned to Belize for two years after medical school in Jamaica to work as an emergency room physician, a requirement of his scholarship. He wasn't able to return to practice in the United States, however, until the radiology fellowship director at the University of Texas at Houston -- whose father spent time as a missionary in Belize -- recognized his talent and enthusiasm amidst harsh circumstances, selecting him to join the program.

BELIZE TRAVEL VIDEO
Picking the right destination for your hard-earned vacation is no small feat. Where can you go that is close enough to your home, where one can minimize travel time, potentially be within a similar time zone and where the locals can actually understand you? Insert the tiny island of Belize. Located on the northeastern coast of Central America this country is bustling with adventure, culture and some spectacular Mayan ruins. Did I mention that they also speak English for those of us that are not that proficient with languages? I visited this magical gem at the ripe age of 19 and recall having been blown away by the generosity and kindness of the people. A country that is uncomplicated and simple, yet rich in history. When determining potential locations to shoot the travel show, Belize was at the top of my list. From flying over Mayan ruins in an ultralight, to trekking through waterfalls and exploring the local Garifuna cuisine. Watch the video to explore this exotic and remote country!

BELIZE FRYJACKS
Belize is an amazingly diverse country due to immigration, colonisation and slavery throughout its history; this has had a knock on effect on its culinary history. Having recently completed a few other countries in the same geographical area I was keen to try something different from the region. Inspired by a blog I read about a lady cooking breakfasts from around the world (unfortunately I can’t find the link again to reference her) I thought I’d have a go at a Belizean breakfast. Breakfast in Belize consists of a fried dough called Fry Jack (the plural remains Fry Jack, rather than Fry Jacks in the creole language), served with cheeses, beans, eggs, sausages and meats. Coffee is the usual accompaniment along with fruits. I’m a huge fan of mangoes which are grown in Belize so enjoyed a large glass of mango juice. The Fry Jack are made from flour, baking powder, vegetable shortening and water. The ingredients are mixed, kneaded and rested in the fridge (I left the dough overnight last night). The dough is then rolled out and fried in vegetable oil. The Fry Jack puff up and float; they can then be fished out and drained.

January 26, 2014

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Full Basket Belize begins annual scholarship search
Full Basket Belize has begun its annual process of looking for deserving secondary students to receive scholarships for the 2014-2015 academic year. Each scholarship is worth up to $1,000 BZ and covers tuition, books, fees, and uniforms. The first step in this process is for interested Belizean secondary schools to apply to be “participating schools.” This involves a school representative completing a short online Participating Schools Form found at www.fullbasketbelize.org and agreeing to abide by the conditions required by Full Basket Belize in processing its scholarships. Once a school has completed and submitted the Participating Schools Form, Full Basket Belize will send the school a scholarship application to photocopy and hand out to students who they feel are in great need of a scholarship. The organization is looking for outstanding students who demonstrate financial need, represent their schools positively, do well academically, and participate actively in their communities.

The San Pedro Sun Announces Annual Valentine Poetry Contest
With February right around the corner it’s time to start thinking about that oh so sweet and romantic holiday, Valentine’s Day! With visions of cupid dancing in your head (and heart) why not put those thoughts of love and inspiration to pen and paper…declaring your passion in the form of a poem! The San Pedro Sun is proud to again sponsor our annual Valentine Poetry Contest, with fabulous prizes for poems of different categories, such as most romantic, funniest, Spanish and of course, the ode to the beloved lobster, whose season closes on February 15th when the tasty crustaceans take a well-deserved honeymoon until mid-June. Poetry prizes range from one night stays at exotic resorts, dinners, golf cart rentals, gift certificates and much more!

Largest number of turtle nests recorded on Ambergris Caye in 2013
Hol Chan Marine Reserve has released the Ambergris Caye Marine Turtle Program survey report on sea turtles for the year 2013.The report indicates that while last year saw the largest number of nests recorded on the northern portion of the island, hatching success went down by over 11% in comparison to the previous years. Weather is believed to have been one of the major contributing factors as sea surge from storms during the hurricane season damaged nests along the beach. The Ambergris Caye Marine Turtle Program observed turtle nesting from mid-May to late November on northern Ambergris Caye. Efforts were concentrated on Robles and Rocky Point beaches – areas that have seen the most activity throughout the years. Generally, three native turtle species’ nests were studied; the Loggerhead turtle (ChleoniaCaretta), the Green turtle (ChleoniaMydas) and the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate).

Misc Belizean Sources

Guatemalans Stealing Gold from Chiquibul
The gold panning activities cause severe alteration to the small streams in the area. It seems that sections of the streams are zoned off in large blocks representing different groups/factions of gold panners. The expedition surveyed an area of non-stop panning 'blocks' for almost 2hours. Entire streams are dammed off, river banks are deforested and large areas are excavated. — at Ceibo Chico, Chiquibul National Park

Beginning Meditation Workshop
There will be a free beginners meditation class today from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Soul Project. A real Buddhist monk will be leading the class. Call 668-1498 for more information.

CACHE Has New Executive Team
CACHE has a new executive team, and Elvis Avila is the new president. Looks like it'll be a great year for art and culture for CACHE.

Santa Elena Football Stadium Upgrade
The Santa Elena football stadium started the first phase of getting its upgrade last week. Belize Infrastructure Limited signed contracts to do feasibility and environmental studies, and come up with some design plans for the project.

Job Listing, Station Manager, Tobacco Caye Marine Station, Belize
Tobacco Caye Marine Station (TCMS) is an education and research facility on the island of Tobacco Caye within the South Water Caye Marine Reserve. The station manager is responsible for all aspects of the continuing operations of TCMS from scheduling and leading international and domestic students groups in the classroom and in the field to assisting visiting researchers collect data on the health of the Belize Barrier Reef System (BBRS) World Heritage Site (WHS). Role Responsibilities Hosting and guiding domestic and international student groups participating in field study programs. Providing education on the tropical marine environments of Belize through a mixture of classroom based learning and snorkel excursions to the reef, mangrove and seagrass habitats of the SWCMR and beyond. Coordinating study group programming with supplier in Belize and abroad. Securing continuing business for TCMS's education programs through designing and marketing marine ecology field courses for new and existing clients. Recruitmentment and management of volunteers and interns and providing sufficient opportunities for professional and personal development during their placements. Development and implementation of funding proposals for new research projects and grants for further development of the Station. Liaising with governmental, national and international departments and organisations. Managing the station - administration, finances and budgets, general maintenance including the building and grounds, solar power supply, lab equipment and snorkelling gear. Managing website, social media, email and developing promotional materials.

The Show Must Go On!
Delivery of sugar cane in Corozal started early this morning (Jan. 24th). The Corozal Daily caught up with a few loaded cane trucks and cane farmers early this morning. It is a bitter sweet moment as cane farmers have already irrecoverably lot over 10,000 tonnes of sugar cane equivalent to over ten million Belize dollars as a result of the undue delays. The 2014 sugar cane harvest was due to begin November of last year but due to a stalemate in the negotiations of “bagasse” payment, between BSI/ASR and the Belize Sugar Cane Famers Association, the harvest had been delayed. To make matters worse the inclement weather and incessant rains deteriorated most cane roads and inundated cane fields. Many farmers this morning were calling the media to complain that their particular roads have not been repaired and they cannot access their cane fields to harvest them.

CTV3

O/W Town Council Will Fight For Guadalupe Park
The circumstances surrounding the controversy on the parcel of land known as the Guadalupe Park in Orange Walk East continue to intensify. There is no shadow of a doubt that the parcel 2215 has been privatized and already the family of the donors of that parcel of land have shared their dissatisfaction at the situation. The members of the family stated that they are willing to fight the case and reclaim the land but invited the Orange Walk Town Council to take the lead and reclaim the parcel for the people. Today, Mayor Kevin Bernard stated that they will be doing just that. Kevin Bernard– Mayor of Orange Walk Town “As a Council definitely tonight I have drafted a resolution on that matter which I will be tabling tonight at the Council in order for us to one, ensure that that property is return to the hands of the people of Orange Walk, it has to be because at the end of the day it was given for that purpose for the people of Orange Walk to be able to use as a facility, as a park so that they can have their children and great grandchildren come out there and have some form of activity, I know as well that the area is lacking development but at the end of the day it needs to be develop, it needs to be there, the people gave us that property to the previous council and I as the Mayor and this council is going to fight for the use of it along with those who support us at the same time am supporting the family relative who has come forward who has come to speak about this issue.”

Another Disturbing Report Of Carnal Knowledge Surfaces
There is another disturbing report of unlawful carnal knowledge to report tonight. Police report that on December 17th, 2013, a 16 year old student of Orange Walk Town visited the San Ignacio Police Station accompanied by her mother and reported that on the June 14th 2012 at about 10:00pm, while in San Pedro Town she visited the home of a 16 year old male in the San Pedrito Area where they had sexual intercourse. On a second occasion, on December 15th 2012, the minor went back to San Pedro Town where she also had sex with the young man. The minor further stated that on the January 3rd 2014, she once again visited the home of the 16 year old and while there his older brother identified as Rolando Espat, went inside the same bedroom and forced himself upon her without her consent. On January 7th, a medical examination was conducted on the child in the presence of her mother where the doctor confirmed that she was carnally known and certified her injuries as Grievous Harm.

Faber Say's BNTU Rallies Are Uncalled For, Musa Thinks Otherwise
On January 10th the Belize National Teachers Union launched a series of nationwide rallies here in Orange Walk and Corozal. Chief among the teachers’ demands is the case for a minimum five-percent pay increase by July. Teachers’ are also calling for an end to corruption in public office. Today the protest took place in San Ignacio and while a large number so teachers joined in the cause, one person that is not in agreement with the rallies being carried out is the Minister of Education Patrick Faber. And he made that known loud and clear during Wednesday’s House Sitting. Faber lashed out at the teachers and even said that they are simply wasting time and that the rallies are uncalled for. Patrick Faber- Minister of Education “Let me just make the example Mr. Speaker, in Orange Walk the rallies got started at around nine with the parade and so on and by midday everything was lock down and teachers were all over doing business and so the entire afternoon was wasted Mr. Speaker. In Corozal the rallies were held in the afternoon and so the entire morning was wasted and if anybody doubts that look at what happened in Belize City where ther rallies got finished by twelve o’clock and the entire afternoon was lost, what prevents them Mr. Speaker, for having these rallies, there is one schedule for this Friday I am told in Cayo, what prevent them from starting these rallies at two o’clock an dismissing school at one o’clock , if we are really concerned about the students Mr. Speaker, and about the quality of education in this country. If it is Mr. speaker that these rallies that are distracting the progress of our children in education are being held because they are not getting a raise then that is bogus because we know that the raise is coming, if it is that they are invoking industrial action Mr. speaker because the negotiation have broken down then that is a lie because I will tell that there is no breakdown in communication between the union and this government at any level so waht are they rallying for.”

Ministry Of Education Will Crank Down On Half Days Teachers Take To Collect Salary
The ongoing rallies are not the only thing the Minister of Education is not in agreement of. He also has a problem with the fact that some teachers are not adhering to the rules and regulations of the Ministry of Education. One such point of contention is the half day teachers take to collect their salaries every last Friday of the month. Faber says, while this is a no, no some teachers, under the advice of the union, still take the half day to collect their pay. But if you are one of those teachers then you better watch out because, according to Faber, well, its best you hear it from him. Patrick Faber- Minister of Education “Next week Friday is payday and the teachers in the Stann Creek District are famous for breaching the policy and many of them, breaching the policy of the ministry when they should know they should not be taking that time off so payday Friday for them is already holiday, even though ministry says it shouldn’t happen, and we will be cracking down on that, but so normally because they done get that day off, yes because it is wrong the children deserve the best, the children deserve maximum hours in the classroom especially in the light of the fact that we are not doing well in these examinations, Mr. speaker they decided they will not have the rallies of Friday because that they would have rather already gotten that off, and of course that will create an inconvenience to them because it is payday so they will do the rallies in Thursday.”

Contractor Receives Financing To Commence Work On The San Estevan/Progresso Road
The incessant rains over the last months have not only caused damage to the sugar roads. Mother Nature has also caused extreme damage to the road network countrywide. An initial assessment conducted by the Ministry of Works sets the cost of damages on roads at $18.4 million. According to Minister of Work Rene Montero, his Ministry is currently carrying out works damaged areas including Orange Walk and Corozal. Rene Montero- Minister of Works “In Corozal a total of $423,500.00 has been spent in this district which includes grading and small patching in Buena Vista and Caledonia, rehabilitation of Tony New River Road, Laguna Seca Road amongst other, works were also going includes grading, spot patching along the Santa Cruz, Caledonia road, narrow sugar road, Corozal, Patchakan Road, and the rehabilitation of all sugar roads in the district at an estimated cost of 1.6 million dollars. It is estimated Mr. Speaker, that we will require an additional 1.6 million dollars in order to address the Pueblo Nuevo roadway, Sarteneja and Chunox and the constructions of sections of the Phillip Goldson highway which passes through Corozal Town. Mr. speaker, in Orange Walk a total of $237,150.00 has been spent carrying out emergency works as follows; grading and spot patching in the Yo Creek/san Antonio Road, San Luis Village Road and the pot hole and pre-mix patching of the section of the Philip Goldson Highway between miles 52 and 58 with an estimated cost of 2 million dollars for the ongoing works which includes grading and spot patching on the Santa Martha Road, san Felipe, Blue Creek Road, also drainage in the Trial Farm Area and all sugar roads in the district, additionally Mr. speaker we will require an additional 3 million dollars in order to reconstruct the section of the Phillip Goldson highway which passes through Orange Walk, conduct grading and spot patching in other areas affected like in Guinea Grass, Indian Church, Santa Cruz and San Carlos amongst others.”

2013/2014 Crop Season Finally Gets Under-way
The 2013/2014 Sugar Crop Season went into full effect today as the harvest and delivery season officially kicked off after a 60 days delay. It was a much anticipated day for all stakeholders in the Sugar Industry who patiently waited for the Belize Sugar Industries Limited and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association to iron out their problems when it came to the negotiations for payment of bagasse. With that issue now forming a part of the past, at least for now, the crop is now being mobilized full speed ahead. Our news team was on hand this morning for the opening of the delivery gates. Reporter Maria Novelo and Video Journalist Jesus Melgar followed the story and filed this report. Maria Novelo – Reporting After close to two months of delay, at 10:00 this morning, the delivery gates to the sugar factory was opened which signaled the official start of the 2014 Sugar Crop Season. As early as 6:00am, cane farmers, with their harvest in tow, lined the factory road corridor to delivery their cane. Vice Chairman of the BSCFA, Alfredo Ortega, says the San Narciso branch in the Corozal division was first to deliver at the first hour.

The Belize Times

9 LIVES?? – Castro Hustles, Barrow Forgives Again
Over $42,000 siphoned from the account of the Belize Airport Authority, a Government-run Department, was wrongfully and possibly criminally dished out to UDP Minister Edmund Castro, members of his family or to the embattled UDP area representative for supposed political purposes. To everyone’s shock, Prime Minister Dean Barrow defended Castro’s latest scandal with all his might and with a twisted tongue, after the Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca lashed out at the level of corruption that exists under his administration. According to Barrow, “it is distasteful and wrong…but it’s NOT corruption” and so no offense was committed, in his almighty opinion.

Faber lambastes teachers
Like pouring gasoline on a wildfire, the words blared at Wednesday’s House Meeting by Minister of Education Patrick Faber in his attack on teachers who are protesting the UDP Government’s refusal to give a salary increase, ...

Think About It
CHAMBER SUPPORTS TEACHERS For ten years the teachers of Belize have received not a single salary increase. For ten years they have been patient. Their patience has been wearing thin. For ten years the cost of living has been galloping out of reach. Basic food items, medicine, rent, mortgage, electricity, water, ...

Error of Impunity
By G. Michael Reid If the Prime Minister and Elvin Penner are indeed waiting for this matter to “blow over”, they are in for a very long wait. Channel Five on Monday released even more information on Pennergate and the cry for justice is getting louder. The consensus is that Elvin ...

Editorial: What Needs to Change
In presenting the New Social Justice Agenda at Independence Hall on Wednesday morning PUP Leader Francis Fonseca said: “It is fair to say that at times, we have walked away from the straight path that we have been on, and today, we’re saying that we recognize that. We accept that, and we are absolutely committed to making sure that we are walking on the path of social justice.” Poverty is on the rise in Belize today. Almost half of the population is living in poverty. Thousands of Belizeans are living in abject misery, no job, no income, wretched housing conditions, dependent, unskilled, hopeless and penniless. What is equally disturbing, hundreds of families who once were part of a growing middle class of Belizeans are now falling into the poverty trap, a vicious cycle that finds many high school and Sixth Form graduates at the street corners of our cities and towns struggling, begging, caught up in the sub-culture of gangs, crime and violence. We see so many mothers desperately trying to find food for their children. So many cannot pay their grocery bill, the light bill, the gas bill, the water bill, the school fees. The high cost of living and the high cost of dying (with the ever escalating funeral expenses) are a heavy burden for the many struggling jobless families. One way out of this vicious cycle is through an effective education system. ...

Gwen Liz & SCA trail undefeated Wesley College girls
The Wesley College girls are undefeated as they lead the female high school football competition in the Belize District, posting a 3-1 win over the St. Catherine’s Academy girls at the M.C.C. Garden last Saturday afternoon. Elisha ...

SJC leads high school football SJC leads high school football
St. John’s College is undefeated with a 4-0 record in the high school football competition, posting their 4th victory in a 5-1 win over Wesley College at the M.C.C. Garden last Saturday afternoon. SJC’s Sydney “Bucket” Bradley ...

Belmopan Bandits assault BDF 3-0 Belmopan Bandits assault BDF 3-0
The Belmopan Bandits are almost into the Belikin Cup football finals, after they blasted the Belize Defense Force 3-0 at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan on Saturday night. The BDF ...

UDP bullies Union Leaders – NTUCB banned from National Assembly
Under directives of the UDP-appointed House Speaker, uniformed Police Officers blocked Union leaders from entering the National Assembly building prior to the start of the House of Representatives meeting on Wednesday. Union leaders belonging to the ...

Belize Airport Authority must undergo an audit!!!
With the mounting evidence of corruption at the Belize Airport Authority, one wonders why the Prime Minister has not ordered the immediate removal of the members of Belize Airport Authority Board, headed by UDP cronies Chairlady Barbara Miller and General Manager Kenworth(less) Tillett. Miller and Tillett’s signatures ...

AMAZING GRACE – Chasing Tails
Human beings have a tendency of chasing things. Like a dog chasing its tail, we run after that elusive happiness that always seems to be right there, just out of our reach, but still so far away. Some ‘tails’ that we run around and around in circles to capture are: ...

HOME ECONOMICS – Huge potential in Clay Bricks Industry
By Richard Harrison Over the weekend, I stopped in at mile 32 George Price Highway to see the progress being made at a small business that manufactures kiln-fired clay bricks. I have had a long-term interest in this industry and was very happy to see this development by a roots investor. This ...

AIDS: Deadly but Preventable!
By Angela Banner-Joseph This is the story of Matthew, a law student who gave me a brief synopsis of how he believed he contracted the HIV virus that progressed to AIDS. It was after my first encounter with him that I spoke with the Dean of the law school where I ...

SCALES OF JUSTICE – “He thinks we are fools!”
By Anthony Sylvestre I am now convinced that Dean Barrow believes that he is lord and master of us all, and as such, that what he says does not have to make sense: it is what it is because, well, just because he says so and because we are fools. For ...

UDP infighting in Dangriga gets nasty! UDP infighting in Dangriga gets nasty!
The UDP in Dangriga are in a bitter war amongst themselves as they prepare to select a losing candidate this Sunday. Just how bad it is? Very bad! So bad that someone woke up to the ...

Fail to the Chief! – Dean’s dull machete for corruption
“…I tell you…any UDP Government that I lead will never be engaged in corruption. As soon as it rears its ugly head, I personally will cut it off. And I will tell you I will sharpen a special machete with blades on two sides ...

Shame on the UDP for Sabotaging Recall
By Gilroy Usher, Sr. It is shameful what the UDP government has done to stop all efforts to trigger a recall of former UDP Minister of State Elvin Penner for his handwork in the provision of a Belizean passport to a criminal, who was in Taiwan and has never visited Belize. In ...

Another president walks the political highwire at UB
By Norris Hall. The University of Belize continues to be on life support as the Ministry of Education and a politically-appointed Board of Trustees lock horns with yet another President of this faltering Institution. Given the present uneasy state of affairs and the repetition of conflicts between the Ministry ...

WOMAN IN THE HOUSE – Women Rising
By Dolores Balderamos Garcia There was an event last week which in my view should not have been the footnote that it was. It ought to have been headlines. I am talking about the “elevation” to Senior Counsel of three women attorneys-at-law, which was announced by the Chief Justice at the ...

Chamber responds to Faber’s insults & threats
The Belize Chamber of Commerce has warned that Minister Patrick Faber’s insults and threats launched at them at Wednesday’s House Meeting is not being taken lightly by their organization and is not considered “the wisest course of action”. Faber attacked the Chamber of Commerce for supporting the ...

Shameless! – Corrupt UDP Elvin Penner surfaces, stinks up National Assembly
The audacity and sheer shamelessness of disgraced Cayo representative seems to know no bounds; but even he reached a new low when he dared to show his face in the National Assembly for Wednesday’s special sitting of the House of Representatives. Penner sat alone in a corner on the back bench of the ruling United Democratic Party side of the House. His UDP colleagues seemed to be in no discomfort at the sight or proximity of this political pariah. Why Penner even bothered to attend remains a mystery, as he uttered not a peep in the entire session. Which is just as well, as he as lost all credibility. The cold hard fact that citizen Kim Won Hong was in a Taiwanese jail at the time his Belizean passport was issued has totally exposed the untruth of Penner’s claims that he personally escorted “Kim Wong Hong” to the Immigration Department to ensure that he got his passport as fast as possible.

REFLECTIONS ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE – STOP DEFENDING CORRUPTION
By Francis W. Fonseca It appears that every time a new corruption scandal, and they seem to be coming monthly, rocks this UDP administration, Prime Minister Barrow reverts to LAWYER MODE, becoming the chief explainer and defender of those Ministers whose actions and conduct are under public scrutiny. One could fairly argue ...

Tarpon Caye Belize calls on Government to Map Belize’s Barrier Reef
Dear Editor, On January 14, 2014 it was reported on amerisurv.com's website that the Mexican National Commission for Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) have commissioned EOMAP, a value added service provider of satellite data, to take the very first high resolution sea-floor and bathymetry survey of the Mexican Riviera Maya. The ...

Shame on the PM!
Dear Editor, When Dean Oliver Barrow got into power in 2008 I was so happy that finally we will have a Prime Minister that would bring accountability and transparency in government, but after his first term and into his second term I must say that I am so disappointed in him. Look at all ...

Blogs

Unplug from social media
I’ve been away for a while. Away from Toronto, away from blogging, away from social media. Don’t get me wrong, I love social media, heck I work in it, but it can consume your life and that’s when it gets bad. You sometimes get so caught up in sharing every aspect of your life that you forget to actually enjoy it. My recent travels reminded me of how nice it is to unplug. On the first day of 2014 I sat on the roof of my apartment in Havana reflecting on how much more nourishing and relaxing life is without the pressures of social media. I had been there for a week and I didn’t have any internet access… eek. The first couple of days were hard since I couldn’t do anything with my smartphone and that made me anxious. Then one day during dinner, as I exchanged stories with friends I noticed my phone was on the table. A little embarrassed, I slowly reached for it and put it away.

Diving in Belize with Whale Sharks
Whale sharks are intelligent, gentle giants that migrate into the Caribbean waters of Belize from April to June. Snappers (dog snapper, mutton snapper, cubera snapper, etc) spawn in great numbers off Belize during these months, usually during the full moon periods, attracting the hungry whale sharks that feed at night. It is often a hit-and-miss when guessing their arrival. Even the experienced dive instructors cannot predict which moon and which location the whale sharks will be from year to year. Whale sharks are filter feeders, feeding on the snapper's suspended fish spawn. They migrate from great distances to mate. Amazingly, it is safe for scuba divers and snorkelers to swim and play around with these huge and curious creatures. When you spot them in the water, they are huge and intimidating but surprisingly graceful and non-threatening. Some catch a ride on the larger whale sharks and reportedly, some of the younger whale sharks are so curious that they will actively engage with human swimmers. It is a real privilege to be able to swim with the largest fish in the world.

Roadmap for the Strengthening of Bilateral Relations between Belize and Guatemala
Foreign Ministers of Belize and Guatemala agree on “Roadmap for the Strengthening of Bilateral Relations” between Belize and Guatemala at OAS Headquarters in Washington, DC. The Honorable Wilfred Elrington, Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belize, His Excellency Fernando Carrera, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala and His Excellency Jose Miguel Insulza, today signed a document entitled Roadmap for Strengthening Bilateral Relations in 2014 at the headquarters of the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C. The signing of this important undertaking took place before Ambassadors and representatives of OAS member states. The Roadmap identifies specific aspects of the Framework Agreement for Negotiations and Confidence Building Measures between Belize and Guatemala and other measures that the parties will focus on for implementation in 2014 with a view to promoting peace, security and cooperation and an environment conducive to the holding of the agreed simultaneous referenda that was postponed in October 2013. The Roadmap should also contribute to the management of bilateral relations between Belize and Guatemala until such time as Guatemala’s claim to Belize is finally and definitively resolved.

International Sources

New Initiative To Deal With Border Dispute
Belize and Guatemala have signed an agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between each other as they seek to end a border dispute going back several decades. Belize Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington and his Guatemalan counterpart Fernando Carrera met on Friday in the presence of the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Jose Miguel Insulza. At the end of the meeting, the two ministers signed the Roadmap for Strengthening Bilateral Relations in 2014 between Belize and Guatemala. The accord identifies specific aspects of the Framework Agreement for Negotiations and Confidence Building Measures between the parties to promote peace, security and cooperation. The agreement paves the way for revisiting the simultaneous referenda that was scheduled for October 6, 2013.

Broadcasting Giant Russ Withers Dies
The founder and owner of Withers Broadcasting Companies which owns six television stations and 30 radio stations died Friday night at his home in Mount Vernon, Ill. W. Russell “Russ” Withers, Jr. was 76. Withers began his career in broadcasting as an announcer/salesman for KGMO in his hometown of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He joined LIN Broadcasting Corp. in Nashville, Tenn. in 1961 as a disc jockey, transitioned to sales and became vice president in 1963. During his tenure with LIN, Withers founded their cable TV division, building 50 systems throughout the Midwest and West. He also served as president of Schertle Galleries, Inc., another LIN subsidiary, franchising 100 art galleries. In addition to broadcasting ventures, Withers served as chairman and CEO of Withers Beverage Corp. of Mobile, Ala., vice president and board member of Turneffe Island Lodge Ltd., a fishing lodge in Belize and chairman and CEO of Productos de Atlanticos, S.A., Costa Rica, a lobster processing company. He was also a regent of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.

Caye Caulker: Paradise And Horny Germans
As mentioned in a previous post, I made a break to Belize after a depressing week or so in the Yucaton hoping to break away from my mopy attitude and stress late July. I was determined to meet some other travelers and finally have some fun. I caught a four hour bus from Playa del Carmen, Mexico down to the border town Chetumal where I hopped in a taxi to the water border to board my boat to the beautiful Caye Caulker – it cost about 30 – 50 pesos for the taxi although it may be cheaper if you don’t go straight up to the docks. I had heard so much about the cayes and I had high hopes for my border run. I was a little nervous about crossing borders by myself (which is why I choose the pricier $80 ocean-border route rather than going through Belize city) but met a fourty-something american man on the bus and with the help of his superior spanish skills we made it to the port quite easily. The Chetumal ocean border was not at all how I imagined – we were well and truly on our way to the carribean with reggae music blearing, laidback staff wandering around and one of the freindlier immigration officials I’ve dealt with. I was able to get currency out at a nearby bank to the righthand side of the ticket office (approx 5 mins walk) and change the money outside the ticket office into Belizean dollars. The only unchilled part of the experience was having our bags lined up and being lightly inspected by the border guards – nothing too much, just a bit intimidating as this was one of the first times I’ve been surrounded by a bunch of young men with guns (something I still haven’t gotten used to seeing).

January 25, 2014

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

“Through Di Alley” by Jenko Veli
The perfect vision of a Belizean backyard party, replete with a panades stand, Belikin or rum punch on tap, sawdust on the ground, big speakers (all the better to blast those party sounds) and a motley crue of beautiful Belizean people – Jenko Veli’s “Through Di Alley” brings to life everything wonderful about Belize. Talent? Available in spades! Heck, the song includes panades, garnaches and salbutes and only leaves you hungry (get it?) for more! Beauty? Just check out all the lovely ladies and handsome gentlemen co-mingling and enjoying the hella talented Jenko (himself an easy-on-the-eyes individual). Friendliness? Time for a party for a few hundred in Miss Banks’ backyard!

1 year later; OIC Luis Castellanos Reminisces
Assistant Superintendent of Police Luis Castellanos has been the Officer in Charge of the San Pedro Police Department since January 14, 2013. Castellanos was transferred to Ambergris Caye after the immediate transfer of OC Vienne Robinson was requested. Castellanos came San Pedro with 28 years of experience, his strong belief in community support and collaborations have improved the police force and the public’s relationship throughout the year. “The relationship with the community has been improved but is still not at the level that I was aiming for. Like I said when I first came here, ‘Without the community little can be done’. I think at the beginning of the year the police department was developing a strong bond with the community but it seemed to die down as the year ended,” said Castellanos.He stated that relationship building with the community and fostering good public relation skills for his officers continues to be his mission. In his short time as Officer in Charge, Castellanos also addressed the living conditions of the police officers. Castellanos spearheaded the start of the construction of a new wooden police barracks by seeking monetary donations from the business community.

What’s New? DC and Szana’s Country Cabaña
The San Pedro Sun is pleased to introduce DC and Szana Comegys, owners of DC and Szana’s Country Cabaña (formerly known as Tio Pil’s). DC and Szana are originally from Dallas, Texas USA and moved to Belize in November of 2013, after having visited the island earlier in August. In addition to being great hosts the Comegys are also Country Western singers, and aren’t shy about that fact as they incorporate live music and good ol’ Southern hospitality into every inch of DC and Szana’s Country Cabaña.

People’s United Party launches Social Justice Agenda
To commemorate national hero and Belize’s first Prime Minister, Right Honorable George Cadle Price, the People’s United Party (PUP) launched a Social Justice Agenda on Wednesday, January 15th at Independence Hall. The agenda was launched on what would have been Price’s 95th birthday. Price, who formed the PUP in 1950, devoted his life for social justice and aimed of the PUP to serve as a beacon for social justice in Belize. According to PUP Leader, Francis Fonseca, the launching of the social justice agenda is to celebrate the life of Price and enforce the principles on which PUP was created on. “It’s always important for us in the People’s United Party to pay tribute to the Right Honorable George Price on his birthday. It is a special duty, responsibility and obligation to keep Price’s legacy alive,” said Fonseca. The social justice agenda has ten points geared to improve issues in poverty, education, health, employment, land, legislation, human rights and the economy.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Resorts Make Top 25 Hotels in Central America
The Belize Tourism Board is pleased to announce that four properties in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, have made Trip Advisor’s “Top 25 Hotels in Central America” 2014 Travelers’ Choice list. Congratulations to the following properties: #2: Grand Caribe Belize Resort & Condominium, #11: Coco Beach Resort, #12: Victoria House, #24: Las Terrazas Resort. Director of Marketing and Industry Relations, Alyssa Carnegie, says that these accolades are testament to the hard work and dedication of Belize’s tourism industry partners, “Properties in Belize continue to top lists and garner huge recognition internationally, and I am proud to say that we can certainly expect to receive even more of these awards. The BTB lauds the efforts of our stakeholders as they continue to raise the bar through hard work and marketing of Belize.

Perfect View of Paradise at Mayan Princess Hotel
After checking in at the Mayan Princess Hotel and dropping my bags on the floor of my room, I found myself standing in the middle of the verandah staring at the amazing beachfront view. Mind you it was night time, but I was on the third floor and a cool tropical breeze swept through the room and the view was still spectacular. You see, the Mayan Princess Hotel is located right on the beach and towering three stories high each beachfront suite offers a fantastic view of the Caribbean Sea, be it day or night. My view that evening included that of the lighted pier of Amigos del Mar Dive shop where their dive boats had been put to sleep down for the evening. The beach is very well lit and you can enjoy the island go by while you relax on your private verandah. Tourists walk by with Belikin beers in hand having a jolly good time, locals stroll with their families and enamored couples stroll leisurely enjoying the beach ambience that caters for intimacy and romance; the beach just comes alive with activity. Having purchased a bottle of wine from a store around the corner, I just sat back on a lounge chair, sipped away and enjoyed a peaceful evening watching the San Pedro nightlife go by.

Misc Belizean Sources

Photographing Belize from the Air
Over the last 20 years, Tony Rath and LightHawk have teamed up to photograph the jungles, coastline, and reefs of Belize from the air countless times. Tony shares what he’s learned over the years about making aerial images with LightHawk. My flight day begins with a motion sickness pill and a good breakfast. Even the hardiest stomach can churn when banked 45 degrees while peering through a viewfinder. A peek into my gear bag reveals two camera bodies, two wide angle and a couple telephoto lenses, extra batteries and CF cards. If we will be shooting over water, then a polarizer filter is a must. A flash (for in plane photos), batteries, lens cleaning equipment, and notebook and pen round out my kit. I slip on long pants, t-shirt and a long sleeve shirt, as it can get cold at altitude. A pair of hiking boots rounds out this photographer’s ensemble – a holdover from my military days.

THE ONLY CURE FOR LITTER IS YOU! (15 photos)
Private property on the Marina Road

SHJC and the Big Rock Falls Trail Improvement Project
Sacred Heart Junior College students are spending just over a week at Big Rock Falls, where they'll join forces with Blancaneaux and Belize Trails to help fix the trail leading to the site. The current trail is in bad shape, and really needs the upgrade. Thanks, SHJC NRM students! "Tomorrow is the big day when SHJC's NRM department, Belize Trails, Blancaneaux and other partners commence the Big Rock Trail Improvement Project. Trail leader Chad Burrow of the US National Park Service will lead the crew for 9 days teaching principals and applications of Sustainable Trail Design. Environmental Assessment professional and instructor Charles Britt of the Scarlet 6 will be on site. We're hoping to see Roni Martinez and Lenney Gentle out there as well. Feel free to join us!"

BNTU Rally and March in Cayo
The Belize National Teacher's Union had their Cayo rally and march today, and the turnout was spectacular. Support the teachers of Belize. With a voice a big as was witnessed today, they should definitely be heard. "The Belize National Teacher's Union had their rally and march today. Macal River park was the setting. It was an amazing turnout."

Western Ballaz Back to School Bashes
The Western Ballaz are teaming up with SHC and having a couple of back to school bashes next weekend. Friday, they'll have a dance at SHC, and Saturday there will be a dance at Meluchi's. Come out and support Cayo's new elite basketball team, and have a great time doing it. They'll have a meet and greet, so you'll get to talk with the future champions.

Teachers rally in San Ignacio town
Clost to 500 teachers from the Cayo district attended a rally in San Ignacio town today. Under the banner of “Teechaz Gat Yu Bak” teachers from the Belmopan, Benque Viejo del Carmen and San Ignacio/Santa Elena branches of the Belize National Teachers Union braved a constant drizzle at the Macal River Park to attend the event. Among the speakers at the rally were BNTU president Luke Palacio and BNTU negotiator and former Secretary General George Frazer. Also addressing the teachers were members of community groups from Cayo and other districts who had journeyed west to show their solidarity with the teachers.

Pueblo Nuevo Ferry to be Closed
The Ministry of Works has informed the general public that the Pueblo Nuevo Ferry in the Corozal District will be closed to traffic beginning on Monday, January 27 through Saturday, February 1, 2014, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. The closure has become necessary to carry out urgent repairs to the deck structure. The Ministry apologizes for any inconvenience caused. Note that this is the ferry between Corozal Town and Copper Bank.

The Show Must Go On!
Delivery of sugar cane in Corozal started early this morning. The Corozal Daily caught up with a few loaded cane trucks and cane farmers early this morning. It is a bitter sweet moment as cane farmers have already irrecoverably lot over 10,000 tonnes of sugar cane equivalent to over ten million Belize dollars as a result of the undue delays. The 2014 sugar cane harvest was due to begin November of last year but due to a stalemate in the negotiations of “bagasse” payment, between BSI/ASR and the Belize Sugar Cane Famers Association, the harvest had been delayed. To make matters worse the inclement weather and incessant rains deteriorated most cane roads and inundated cane fields. Many farmers this morning were calling the media to complain that their particular roads have not been repaired and they cannot access their cane fields to harvest them.

Channel 7

The Teachers’ Western Rally Rails Against Hon. Faber
The Belize National Teachers Union's month of rallies continued today in the Cayo District. The country's most powerful union has done the north and center of the country, and today they moved west where the union branches of Benque, San Ignacio and are Belmopan are known to be well organized. But then, it rained...as Jules Vasquez that didn't stop a spirited rally:.. Jules Vasquez reporting Umbrellas set the tone this morning in the Macal River Park where a steady drizzle forced a late start. An observer might have been led to conclude that there would be a poor turnout but the teachers kept streaming in in their neon green shirts and their carefully composed signs - designed for maximum insulting effect to the Minister of Education.

BAA Cheques Are a Mixed Bag, About 30% Tied To Castro
Last night we laid out 76 cheques from the Belize Airport Authority from a whistle-blower who alleges that all 76 were issued at the request of Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport Edmund Castro. But, two sides to every story, and we today spoke to a board member who preferred to remain anonymous. First to the cheques - 10 of them issued to Jafari Castro - Edmund Castro's son. They were issued in amounts of less than 300 dollars between February and April, 2013 and total $2,240 dollars. Well, 7News managed to speak with a BAA board member today who told us that Jafari Castro worked at the Airports Authority before he left for school and those were his pay cheques. And what about the cheque for Norman Middleton - Edmund Castro's driver? Well, the board member says he was paid 300 dollars to clean off the Belize City Municipal runway when it was flooded over.

Belize And Guatemala Undertake Major New Guatemalan Initiative In DC
Belize and Guatemala signed a major new diplomatic initiative today at OAS Headquarters in Washington DC. Foreign Ministers Wilfred Elrington and Fernando Carrera, and the OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, signed an agreement entitled "Road Map and Plan of Action." They discussed the agreement in Belize two weeks ago and the idea behind it is to embark on a new course of confidence building, moving towards consensus building in the populace of both countries, so that when a referendum is held - whenever that is - it has a better chance of success. All 3 officials spoke to the media after the signing, and here's what Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington had to say about it: Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs "This occasion evidences the commitment and the resolve of the Government of Guatemala and of Belize with the support of the American States to use our best efforts to develop that climate of trust and confidence that is absolutely essential for a successful resolution of the Guatemala claim to Belize."