FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Doctor Love: Abandoned and Parental Concern
Dear Doctor Love, I have been in the only long term relationship of my life for the last two years. He was going to school but a year ago he was going to drop out because he lost his job. I had him move in with me and I helped him financially until he got through this crisis. Now, he is going to a different school and he lives in another town. I thought everything was going well until we had a minor argument and he used it as an excuse to end the relationship.

In Loving memory of John Albert Belisle
In Loving memory of John Albert Belisle who departed one sad year ago and dearly missed by family members, friends and children Nigel, Sherlett, Sherlene, John Jr., Karen and Christopher Belisle. “And he will wipe away every tears from their eyes, and there will no longer be any death, there will no longer be any mourning or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Wolfe’s Woofer: Ten Pounds
I got up from the table at Estel’s Restaurant and Charlie asked, “What’s the big rush today? You’ve only had one cup of coffee.” “I have to go to the doctor’s office for a quick checkup,” I told him. “I’ll be back shortly.” As I sat in the waiting room at the doctor’s office a man came in with a newborn baby. The baby was crying loudly and nonstop. When the nurse came out and said, “Next,” I told him to go ahead of me. I never could stand to hear a baby cry. The door to the examination room was not completely closed and the doctor had to speak loudly over the crying of the baby.

Misc Belizean Sources

Happy Baron Bliss Day! (Heroes & Benefactors's Day)
San Pedro Town Council offices will be closed today, Monday, March 10 in lieu to Baron Bliss Day. We will resume to regular working hours on Tuesday, March 11. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Have a Great one!

La Ruta Maya: First 10 paddlers have crossed finish line at Henderson's Bank. They are as follows:
1: Belize Bank Bulldogs 2: BTL Cobb's Arm 3: Joseph & Taylor Steelers 4: NICH 5: Westrac 6: Wateva Boys 7: Happy Cow Natius 8: Black Orchid 9: Coast Guard Ace 10: Coast Guardian

Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, commonly known as Baron Bliss
(16 February 1869 – 9 March 1926), was a British-born traveller who willed almost 2 MILLION US dollars, more so some one million, eight hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The British government decided to contest the matter in court. As a result, at least a quarter of the original amount given to the country by Baron Bliss was taken out for British taxes. Every year, on the 9th March, wreaths are placed on the tomb of Baron Bliss in memory of the great benefactor. The day is celebrated as a public and bank holiday, and a harbour regatta is held in remembrance of a man who loved the sea and who left Belize over a million dollars for its use. Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss was an Englishman born in England. Before leaving England he lived at Quarry Court, Marlow, in the County of Buckingham, England. He was an Engineer by profession, and was married to Ethel Alice Baroness Bliss to whom he left a settlement covenant before traveling abroad. Nothing is known about how Baron Bliss acquired his wealth, whether through his profession, business, or inheritance, or all three. At some time in his adult life he inherited the title of the 4th Baron Bliss of the Kingdom of Portugal, succeeding to ancestor relative who held the position before. Tragedy struck the Baron when, in 1911, at the age of 42 he was attacked by paralysis, which affected him from his waist downwards. He had always been a keen fisherman, and although confined to a wheelchair, he maintained his enthusiasm for his favourite sport.

YWCA Cultural Experience
The YWCA is having a cultural fair Tuesday, March 11th, starting at 10:00am, at the Cancha Marshalleck, which has yet another new spelling for this flier. It'll focus on the Mayan and Mestizo cultures, and there will be cultural presentations, arts and crafts, food and drinks. "The Belize YWCA is mandated to empower women and youth to lead change and has assumed that responsibility of reaching far and near to empower all in order to promote change, March 11 is a date designated to be a Maya Mestizo Day at the Marshall Eck Cancha, come visit the booths and let us all enjoy, learn and take advantage from this unique experience at our town."

La Ruta Maya Pictures
Will Moreno captured some great pictures from La Ruta Maya. Tonight is the last night, and the big party is in Burrell Boom. Have fun!

More pictures from Banana Bank:

Pictures from today's start:

SPSUN Senior Reporter Jorge Aldana reports from day three of the Ruta Maya River Challenge
Day three of the La Ruta Maya River Challenge kicked off from Double Head Cabbage and made its way to Burrell Boom and Henderson's Bank. As expected, hundreds of Belizeans crowded the river banks along the Belize River in Isabella Bank, Bermudian Landing Flower's Bank and even in Burrell Boom to cheer on their favorite teams. Despite a controversial start, spirits were high for the competitors. Paddlers were given periodic time warnings at the start of the race and what appears to be an accidental start blast caused confusion with several top paddlers who were unprepared for the takeoff. In fact, top teams such as Belize Bank Bulldogs were not ready when the blast went off and were the last team to leave Double Head Cabbage. But by the time the participants reached Bermudian Landing, the Belize Bank Team had caught up and maintained their lead up to the finish of the third leg of the challenge. The fourth day and final leg of the race starts at 9AM on Monday, March 10th from Burrell Boom and will conclude in Belize City to culminate the four-day challenge. (6 photos)

Belize Trade Delegation visit to Mexico City
Belize and Mexico have for some time now expressed interest in pursuing a Partial Scope Agreement. Progress with this agenda continues to be made through communication at diplomatic and other levels with both countries reiterating the need for this Agreement. At the VII Meeting of the Belize Mexico Bi-National Commission in Belize, both countries reiterated their commitment to proceed with negotiations for a Partial Scope Agreement (PSA). On Monday, 03 March 2014, The Belize Delegation met with a high level team of officials from the Secretaria de Economía in Mexico City. The primary objective of the meeting was to discuss and agree on the General Framework and a schedule for negotiating a Partial Scope Agreement between Belize and the United Mexican States.

SDBCBelize Beltraide (Taller de Desarrollo de Capacidades)
SDBCBelize Beltraide (Taller de Desarrollo de Capacidades)” A la luz de próximos desarrollos de inversión en el sur de Belice, un taller de capacitación de una semana, ejecutado por SBDCBelize Beltraide con fondos aprobados desde Compete Caribbean, tuvo lugar en Placencia Village en colaboración con el Consejo de la aldea de Placencia. Este taller estuvo dirigido a la orientación de nuevos y existentes empresarios con el fin de mejorar sus habilidades de negocios, servicios profesionales y normas.

RIP: Svea Dietrich Ward
Svea Dietrich Ward, German-born conservationist, citizen of Belize, who sailed oceans with Morgan Freeman, who built her own airplanes, who flew solo across Australia, who once crash-landed on a runway in Connecticut circa 1972 (too accustomed to water-landings), who was cover-model for the German Vogue magazine (c. 1950s) [which I'd love to somehow track down], who raced horses, who reared Arabians and was founding member of the Belize Arabian Stud Book, who had her own farm, who founded the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve off a huge parcel of her private land (and barred access to humans except on scientific expeditions), who had a reputation for cantankerousness, who despite being difficult was very fond of my father—her veterinarian, whom my family often visited, whose books and magazines we would pour over whenever visiting, who loved her dobermanns, who disliked children and who had a gun (as my parents told us kids before visiting), who was openly misanthropic, and yet whom I still found compelling and fascinating, whose house we'd caretake when she was away, whose horses we had cared for and fed with a particular mixture devised for each one, whose gates I'd ALWAYS carefully secure (the same for Rosanne), in whose presence I'd tiptoe, and who could be a real 'pain-in-the-ass'... I doubt anyone expected her to go gentle into that good night; but so she passed away and I'll miss her.

Indian community celebrates spring festival

National Heroes and Benefactors Day observed
March 9, is National Heroes and Benefactors Day, formerly Baron Bliss Day. Originally observing the contributions of the Portuguese Baron Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss to Belize on his passing in 1926, the holiday has been expanded to honor all national heroes of Belize, particularly former Prime Minister and Father of the Nation Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price and Philip Goldson. The annual Harbor Regatta along the sea coast took place under the aegis of the Belize Sailing Association and there is a kite festival ongoing at BTL Park. Tomorrow, the annual wreath-laying at the Baron’s grave will be observed, and then Belizeans will gather at the Belcan Bridge to watch the end of the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge.

Indian community celebrates spring festival
The actual holiday will not be celebrated until next week Monday, but Belize’s Indian community was not about to pass up a good time. Today at the Downtown Plaza Parking Lot on Bishop Street it hosted a fair to mark the official observance of the religious holiday Holi, or the Festival of Colors. It is observed annually on the full moon closest to the vernal equinox on March 22. Also known as Phagwa or the Festival of Colors, it marks the end of winter and the start of spring time and also for devout Hindus, commemoration of the triumph of good over evil.

Video: Flying the plane in Belize
Flying from Belize City to San Pedro, Belize. about 40 seconds

Video: Belize Dive March 2014

Video: Tapir @ Belize Zoo
about 40 seconds

Video: Belize
Our honeymoon adventures recapped. Rated G. Xanadu, 10min

Video: GoPro Ambergris Caye, Belize November 2013 4:45

Video: Belize
Our good times on vacation... 9:30

Video: Diving in Belize 2013
This video is about Diving in Belize 2013, 23min

Video: Belize Part 3 of 4
Echo and family visit San Ignacio's Iguana Farm

Video: Belize part 4 of 4
Echo and family leave San Ignacio, Belize and head home after a grueling bus ride to the airport.

Video: Belize
Our 2014 trip to Belize. 7:30

Blogs

Merida, Mexico: Where to Stay and Where to Shop
Merida, Mexico is known as the “White City”. Maybe because of the white limestone that some of the buildings are constructed from… Maybe because it is so clean and trash free for a city of about 1 million people? Not sure. For two days now, I’ve been telling you the reasons I love Merida. Here are some hopefully useful facts. The places that I loved during my four days and four nights in Merida, Mexico. The hotel that felt like a home for 2 of my four nights. My favorite restaurants and shops. A mini-guide or outline to some great places in Merida’s city center.

Signs of Belize
I’m intrigued and entertained by signs when I travel. Here are a few that I happened across in Belize.

Caye Caulker Beaches and Diving/Snorkeling Spots
Beaches on most of Caye Caulker are of the thin, hard variety—don’t expect to find a thick, soft, endless stretch of sand. Still, there’s sand to feel under your toes, and the ratio of crowds versus beach space is favorable, such that finding your own sandy plot of the island is an easy feat. And if you can get past the first few inches of harmless sea grass and don’t mind the lack of wave action due to the mile-distant Barrier Reef, you’ll find the water is just as soothing and in the same jade color of Belize—all in all, a happy compromise. The beachfront is a public area, and if you prefer to jump deeper into the sea to avoid the sea grass, docks are also a dime a dozen, unless marked “private.” Just be mindful of boat activity and stay alert while snorkeling or swimming underwater.

International Sources

Unstoppable 104-year-old embarks on charity walk for sick kids
SAM MARTINEZ has made some incredible journeys during his long life. During World War II, he was one of more than 800 men from Belize in Central America who braved Nazi torpedoes to cross the Atlantic to work as tree fellers in Scotland. Now aged 104, Sam, who settled in Edinburgh, is the only one left. And, incredibly, he is planning another epic trek, a fundraising walk for charity. His granddaughter Carrie said: “His philosophy is he started again when he turned 100. He says he’s four now, not 104. “He says that he’s surprised every morning when he wakes up and he’s still here.” Sam values his independence and lives in his own home in Edinburgh’s Wester Hailes. He still follows his beloved Hibs, visits the bookies four times a week and walks to church every Sunday. And he only retired 10 years ago when he eventually quit as a meat packer for his local butcher. But he has no plans to sit back with his pipe and slippers. He’s planning a sponsored walk for children’s cancer charity Cclasp, who helped his family when Carrie battled leukaemia as a child.

ROBIN CLARE X STUSSY GUEST ARTIST SERIES VIDEO
Born in Belize to Jamaican parents and growing up between Jamaica, Canada and London, Robin Clare‘s multicultural upbringing;s influence is prevalent in her artwork. Looking to color, rhythm and a repetition of dancehall music in her aesthetics, Clare’s art ranges from hand-drawn typography, to large-scale paintings, to screen prints, all of which combine pop art sensibilities with cinematic riffs. For the latest Stussy Guest Artist Series, Clare presents a number of dynamic clips strung together by illustrations of different dance styles. Enjoy the shorts and share your thoughts below.

The 7 Best Reasons to Move to Belize
From the first time I flew from the mainland to Ambergris Caye—in a small turbo-prop plane—I was hooked on Belize. Gazing down onto the crystal clear Caribbean waters, and at the waves breaking on the Mesoamerican Reef, I was overwhelmed by the scenic beauty around me. This stunning seascape was my intro to Belize. What later convinced me I could live full-time in Belize were the vibrant communities and comfortable lifestyle… So what makes Belize so appealing? I’ve outlined the top seven reasons to live here below:

March 9, 2014

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Sharon Ramclam Appointed as Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Natural Resources
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Sharon Ramclam as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with oversight for Department of Lands & Survey, Hydrology, Mining, Policy Coordination and Planning Unit, and Solid Waste Management Authority. Ms. Ramclam is a natural resource professional with more than 16 years experience in the field. She brings both private and public sector management experience to the Ministry, having served as the Executive Director of the Protected Areas Conservation Trust and the General Manager of the Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust.

Tropic launches New Flight Route to Merida, Mexico
On Monday March 3rd, Tropic Air inaugurated their non-stop flight from Belize to Merida, Mexico. The launching of this service makes Tropic the only airline to offer non stop flights between the two destinations. This new flight destination is Tropic’s fifth international route and the second destination in Mexico. It will allow passengers travelling from Merida easier flight connections to the airline’s other destinations such as Roatan, San Pedro Sula, Flores, and the 11 destinations within Belize. Not only will this service continue to develop the historic relationship between Belize and Merida but it will also foster international trade. In a press release put out by Tropic on February 3rd, the President of Tropic Air stated John Grief lll stated, “”We have been working closely with our partners in the Yucatan on this service, and we are excited to be flying there! We expect the market for this service to grow and we plan to add additional service as that happens. Not only will Belizeans finally be able to fly directly to Merida, but this opens up many new opportunities for the archaeological and eco-tourism markets.”

Day two of the Ruta Maya River Challenge
6PM Saturday, March 8th - SPSUN Senior Reporter Jorge Aldana reports from day two of the Ruta Maya River Challenge: Today’s 68-mile stretch of the race took a little over six hours to complete, ending at Double Head Cabbage Village. Today’s pace was more competitive, with Team Belize Bank Bulldogs sprinting to the finish line to maintain their lead. Tomorrow morning the race continues on to Burrell Boom. (13 photos)

Misc Belizean Sources

Suicide reported in Corozal
A high school student in Corozal has reportedly taken her own life. Reports from Corozal say the body of 13 year old Diana Salam was found late Friday afternoon by her younger sister. Initial reports are that Diana was found hanging with a rope tied around her neck around 4 pm on Friday. She was a student of the Corozal Community College.

Dan Silva holds rally in Georgeville
Aspiring candidate for the People’s United Party (PUP) in Cayo Central, Mr. Daniel Silva had a very successful rally in Georgeville village on Friday night. Over 400 residents of the host village and other communities in Cayo Central came out to the Santiago Waight Basketball Court for the two hour event which started at 7 pm. Guest speaker at the event was former Lake Independence area representative Mr. Cordel Hyde who pledged his full support for the candidacy of Mr. Silva who will square off with businessman Luke Espat in a Standard Bearer Convention next month. Hyde, in addressing the crowd, noted that Silva’s return to seek political office is as if he never left because he still enjoys the love and appreciation of the people.

20,000 Strong Women's Rally Video
The 20,000 Strong rally was Thursday, and Belize in America was there to get a great video. Definitely worth a watch. "20,000 Women's Rally - Thursday, March 6th, 2014"

Ride to the Reef Race
The Ride to the Reef bicycle race is today. The riders go from Belmopan to BTL Park. "The Cycling Federation of Belize in collaboration with OCEANA and in conjunction with Reef Week Belize presents the 1st Ride to the Reef. The ride will leave from Independence Hill in Belmopan and travel the George Price Highway to finish at the BTL Park on Newtown Barracks in Belize City. Registration can be done at Ordonez Bike Shop in Belize City, or at Garbutt's Service Station in Roaring Creek. Free participation"

Video: La Ruta Maya Race Start
It's a beautiful day for a canoe race. Cruz Cambranes got a great video of the start of the race yesterday. "La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge"

Video: Ruta Maya, At Double Head Cabbage... End of Day 2 Ruta Maya River Challenge!

Video: Ruta Maya, Another view from Double Head Cabbage.

Video: Ruta Maya, At St Pauls Bank Belize District!

Video: Howler monkeys at Belize zoo

Video: Scuba dive near Southern Long Caye, Belize
Beautiful shallow coral formations and abundant fish.

Video: 2014 dive off of Ambergris Caye, Belize
Scuba diving Belize using Go Pro. Close-up with Eels, turtles, and sharks

Video: Belize 2014
A video slide show of our first mission trip to Belize, Central America. Were now planning to return next year and do more!

Video: Belize Zipline
A group of vacationeers in Belize went to the Bocawina Zipline course. I seamed together the GoPro videos I shot on the course. I forgot to turn the camera on for the third line, but got everything else in.

Video: Howler Monkeys in Belize
Taken while touring Lamanai Mayan Ruins site.

Video: Belize
Slideshow of sailing vessel Hope as its crew visits the Western Caribbean Sea along the barrier reef offshore of Belize.

Video: Eel in Belize
This is a short video of an eel I recorded with an iGills iPhone 4 enclosure at about 30 feet deep and about 16 miles off the coast of Belize at a dive site called Mid Point.

The Belize Times

A People’s Victory… A People’s Leader! – Court Vindicates Hon. Francis Fonseca & Orders Penner Criminal Investigation
The big mouth of arrogant Prime Minister Dean Barrow has been shut up since last Wednesday February 26th when the Chief Justice granted PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca permission to pursue a writ of mandamus against the Government through the Commissioner of Police. A second blow was delivered this Monday 3rd March when the Chief Justice ruled that the Government, through the Commissioner, Allen Whylie, must investigate with acceleration and to conclusion the passport scandal matter with disgraced UDP Minister Elvin Penner. Although Cabinet met on Tuesday March 4th the loud mouth, quarrelsome Prime Minister was still in a state of shock and panic. Cabinet Ministers were seen hastily leaving Belmopan trying to avoid contact with anyone and in particular the media.

Penner’s Arrest nears March 9th deadline
There is finally some movement, though minimal, in the criminal investigation into the Penner immigration scandal. The BELIZE TIMES has been reliably informed that Immigration Officer Addy Pacheco was called in by Police for questioning. Pacheco was the ...

Only God can eliminate UDP Corruption
It has been described as a “hotbed of corruption” by Prime Minister Dean Barrow and recently two employees close to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources Gaspar Vega were ...

Belize tops US Corruption list – US declares Belize as “major money laundering”, “major drug-transit” country
“I hereby identify the following countries as major drug transit and/or major illicit drug producing countries: Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Belize…” declared a damning September 2013 memo issued by the United States Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, which is attached to the recently released 2014 International Narcotics ...

Politics and the Belizean Woman
The month of March is celebrated each year as Women’s month. It is a month that affords the nation an opportunity to pay tribute to and acknowledge the invaluable role that our women play in a struggling Belize. Overcoming womanizers, chauvinists, physical and verbal abuse (even at the hands of UDP Ministers) is a daily challenge for our women. But more than just facing abuse, women in Belize are now bearing a much heavier burden than times past. Today in many Belizean households, women are playing the roles of both the matriarchs and the patriarchs. Not only do our women have to nurture their young, but they must also now find bread to put on the table, uniforms for their children, and healthcare in a country where proper medical attention is only available to the wealthy. This week, the nation saw the launch of the Women’s Agenda 2014 by the active, vibrant and brilliant women of the People’s United Party. It is an Agenda that charts the course in addressing and fixing the problems facing our mothers and our sisters. It is an Agenda for Belizean women by Belizean women.

Lady Jaguars, SQ Dragons & Jaguars win volleyball
The Lady Jaguars dominated the Belmopan Mystics 25-4, 25-11 and 25-14 as the Belize District volleyball competition continued over the weekend. The young SQ Stars gave the Lady Jaguars a full workout ...

Nazarene stomps SJC in softball playoffs Nazarene stomps SJC in softball playoffs
The undefeated Nazarene High School boys shut out St John’s College boys in the softball playoffs held at the Rogers Stadium in Belize City on Monday, March 3. Nazarene High’s pitcher Jerome Carr struck out 10 hitters, ...

Ladyville Tech bounces Nazarene girls in softball playoffs
The Ladyville Technical High School girls upset the undefeated defending champions, the Nazarene High School girls, in Game 1 of the high school softball playoffs at the Rogers Stadium ...

Faber robs school children of HOPE
Minister of Education Patrick Faber has exposed himself to be a petty bureaucrat, ungratefully looking a gift horse in the mouth, when he shut down the Hope SDA Christian Academy School located in the village of Rhaburn Ridge in the Belize District on Friday February ...

AMAZING GRACE – Flying South
While at an assembly the other day I heard a principal tell a story about a bird who decided to try an experiment in flight. It was a season where all the birds of his flock would fly south but he decided that he was tired of that and would ...

Teaching Children about the Value of a Dollar
I believe parents should teach children that money cannot buy you happiness, but it can afford you many luxuries if you work hard to earn your own money. I began teaching my son about money management when he was very young. I wanted to teach him to ...

SCALES OF JUSTICE – The Cover-Up!
On Thursday the 19th September, 2013, when most Belizeans were getting ready and making preparations for the celebration of our 32nd anniversary of Independence, the Office of the Prime Minister sent out a shocking press release that caught all of us unaware. It decreed that henceforth, Hon. Elvin ...

Magistrate takes GOB to Court
The incompetence and arrogance of the government has caused a sitting Magistrate to take the Barrow Administration to court. Magistrate Nadia Morgan has applied to the Supreme Court asking the Court to order the Immigration Minister and the Director of Immigration to process her application for permanent ...

Edmond Castro – a UDP Pariah!
Edmond Castro’s reputation is sinking into deep disgrace and humiliation. Not even the UDP can stand him right now. The UDP representatives at last week’s House meeting tried their best not to cover their noses at the stink coming out of Castro as he got up ...

REFLECTIONS ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE – The PUP wins one for the people of Belize
On Monday, March 3, 2014 the Chief Justice of Belize handed down a historic decision in the case of PUP LEADER FRANCIS FONSECA v. THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ALLEN WHYLIE. This case was our Party’s last and latest effort to seek justice for and on behalf of the ...

The Real Pappyshow!!
The UDP has been having conventions over the past months which have proven to be jokey drama contests between losers and wanna bes. The results have been disastrous for the UDP, ...

Successful Marshalls meeting in Southern Belize
President of the Marshalls Service Corps Unit continues his working tours, organizing and rebuilding across the country of Belize. On Saturday February 22nd, in Pomona Stann Creek, President Latchman met with members of the Marshalls representing all four divisions of the Southern Caucus. Area Representatives Hon. Mike Espat, ...

Health Professionals Enraged at Appointment of Minister’s Daughter
Health professionals are up in arms after the daughter of UDP Minister Erwin Contreras was appointed to a very important position in the Ministry of Health. Danini Contreras, a recent graduate of a University in Guatemala, has been appointed as the new “Drug Inspectorate” for Belize. The move triggered an emergency meeting of the Pharmacist’s Association in Belize City today. The Association is aware of the hijacking of the post and opposes it strongly. The position was created as part of a plan designed in consultation with the US Government to improve the regulation of the Government-managed pharmaceutical sector in Belize. There has been too much hanky panky going with the importing of pharmaceuticals under the UDP. The intention was that someone with adequate and relevant training and proper experience in the field would take up the key post to lead the Drug Inspectorate Unit. But the hiring turned very controversial when Contreras was awarded the post on Tuesday.

Blogs

The Maya History of Merida, Mexico – What I Think Makes it REALLY Special
Perhaps a lazy Saturday blog…pictures rather than words…but not really. Merida, Mexico is a beautiful colonial city FOR SURE. But what sets it apart from Antigua, Guatemala or Puebla, Mexico or the other beautiful colonial cities of Latin America (and what links it to Belize) is the Maya – both past and present. Merida was built on a Mayan city. Some of the world’s most beautiful and famous sites, Uxmal and Chichen Itza, are just outside… (My brother took these pictures when we were at Uxmal in 2008.) Spanish conquerors in the area were renowned for the harsh treatment of the local Indians and the destruction of the local culture. Based on these carvings/sculptures on the old Montejo residence/current BanaMex bank, they were very proud of it.

International Sources

Belize trip leaves lasting impressions
The Belize we experienced is not the Belize you see advertised by Realtors to prospective buyers of homes in this country. I had the privilege of observing and working in various classrooms in Stella Maris School. It was not necessary for me to prepare lessons or be assigned to a particular class as did the Fredonia students. What inspired me most about this particular school was, it is an All Inclusive School. Children with all types of disabilities, mild to severe, worked, played, and learned according to their abilities, helping each other. What impressed me greatly about our future teachers, Fredonia students, was the selfless giving of their time and talents, bonding with students and teachers. Before the students left the States they collected suitcases filled with shoes for the children. I watched as the youngsters small and tall were fitted with gently used and some new sneakers and shoes. Three other suitcases filled with school supplies were presented to the school at a Closing Assembly.

March 8, 2014

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

61 Teams start strong in first leg of La Ruta Maya River Challenge
61 teams started the first leg of the 16th Annual Belikin La Ruta Maya River Challenge at the foot of the historic Hawksworth Bridge. With excellent cool weather, the race kicked off on time at 7AM following a short ceremony. A multitude gathered for the kick off of the competition along the banks of the Macal River in the twins towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio. The first leg of the race will take paddlers from the Twin Towns, under the wooden bridge, along banks of rural communities such as Esperanza Village, Duck Run I and many more before coming to an end at Banana Bank Lodge.

Will Compol Allen Whylie charge Penner before statute of limitation kicks in?
The Belize Supreme Court Chief Justice (CJ) Kenneth Benjamin has ordered the Commissioner of Police (Compol) Allen Whylie to immediately commence a criminal investigation against Former Minister of State Elvin Penner. The ruling came after CJ Benjamin granted the Leader of the Opposition Francis Fonseca the Writ of Mandamus against Compol Whylie. The top police commandant criminally investigates Penner for his role in the Belizean nationality and passport granted to South Korean criminal fugitive Won Hong Kim. One important element of the case had to do with a memorandum sent from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal to the Head of the Police National Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB), Assistant Superintendent of Police Julio Valdez. The memo, which was leaked to the media days before Writ of Mandamus was heard, shows that an investigation was started by the CIB office but was halted. The DPP’s memo said that in his statement, ASP Julio Valdez said “After the documents were examined it was observed that several nationalities were approved by Immigration to individuals without meeting the criteria for approval, yet they were processed and approved… this line of the investigation did not continue, due to instructions, no other follow [up] was made.” The DPP did not get a response as to who gave the “instructions” to stop the investigation.

Indulging and relaxing at Belize Ocean Club, Maya Beach
Maya Beach is a small community on the Placencia Peninsula, located about 7 miles north of Placencia village. It is a small community, mainly made up of small and luxury resorts, private homes and a few wonderful restaurants and bars. It is where Belize Ocean Club is located and where our weary heads would rest for the night. While walking around and taking in the breathtaking views from the main building being built to take complete advantage of said imagery, we were surprised with a refreshing beverage to cool us down. A cocktail at 10AM? Don’t ever say we’re not up for anything! We awoke refreshed after a great night’s sleep in our comfortable beds, ready to enjoy Belize Ocean Club’s amenities. Once again, the sun shone down on the green of the sea, and the great pool beckoned like the temptress she was designed to be. But first: breakfast! We enjoyed some fabulous eggs benedict on the beach while people watching, a warm breeze feeling blissful and tempting us to pull up to the sun loungers and be utterly lazy bums. This is what people do on vacation isn’t it? We go, go, go, GO all the time so when it’s time to relax, and an avenue presents itself, we can hardly figure out what to do with ourselves.

20,000 Strong Empowerment Rally inspires change
The women of San Pedro and Caye Caulker joined the rousing ranks of energetic marchers attending the Women’s Empowerment Rally and March in Belize City on Thursday, March 6th. Dressed in the power color of the day, bright tangerine and orange, small groups of friends from the cayes were joined by female students and teachers from San Pedro High School and Ocean Academy. They were a proud contingent sporting bright signs which carried the slogan, “R E S P E C T is the CAYE!” Busloads of women from all the districts of Belize emptied along Princess Margaret Drive, filling the area with energy and enthusiasm. The island groups were supported by sponsorships from Caye Caulker Water Taxi, San Pedro Red Cross, Manuel Heredia Jr., and Gecko Graphics. The event was organized by Belize’s Special Envoy for Women and Children and the National Women’s Commission (NWC). Under a searing sun, thousands of women settled into what shade was provided, or stood on the wide field of the 20000 Strong Women's Rally-22Marion Jones Stadium as poignant and empowering speeches commenced. Addressing the crowd as “sisters, mothers, daughters, tias and abuelas”, women from all walks of life took to the stage to rally the thousands. International business icon Marie Sharp encouraged women to follow creative and original ideas, take risks, and not to give up in the face of competition. A tearful 19-year-old Jennifer Lopez detailed her challenging life and road to empowerment; while growing up she received little support from her nuclear family and was threatened by sexual molestation at home. She struggled with much adversity before finding support services from a case worker at Family Services, enabling her to continue her education and nurture her young daughter. Musical artist Melonie Gillett led the thousands ladies in a strong sing-along rendition of Alicia Keyes’ “This Girl is on Fire” and singer Christelle Wilson rallied a danceable version of Chaka Kahn’s “I’m Every Woman.”

Day 1 - 16th Annual Belikin La Ruta Maya River Challenge (13 photos)
The first leg of the 16th Belikin La Ruta Maya River Challenge has concluded after over 4 hours of paddling along the Mopan River. The challenge started at 7AM from the Hawksworth Bridge and saw Belize Bank Bulldogs (Armin Lopez, Armando Cruz and David Cruz) crossing the finishing line of day one at Banana Bank Lodge first at 4 hours, 46 minutes, 45 seconds. Coming in second was team NICH (National Institute for Culture and History): Oscar Cardona, Felix and Efrain Cruz. Third place was Wateva Boys (Jesus Linares, Sergio Lopez and Adrian Williams) and fourth went to BTL Cobbs Arms and fifth to Westrack Stingers. Saturday will see the second leg of the race continue from Banana Bank Lodge starting at 6:30AM. Paddlers will continue into Double Head Cabbage in the Belize District. The San Pedro Sun has teamed up with CAN Belize Network to bring you the latest on the 2014 Challenge.

Video: Along the Macal River for the Ruta Maya River Challenge Day 1

Video: More from the Ruta Maya River Challenge.

Ambergris Today

20,000 Strong Women Join Empowerment Rally in Belize City
The month of March in Belize is celebrated annually as National Women’s Month and as a result, the Special Envoy Office, in collaboration with the National Women’s Commission, staged the 20,000 Strong National Women’s Empowerment Rally on Thursday, March 6, 2014, from 10:00A.M. to 3:00P.M. at the Marion Jones Stadium in Belize City. In a press release sent out by the Roman Catholic Church in Belize, they acknowledged and stated that they celebrate the women of Belize during and beyond the month of March however, they did not endorse the 20,000 Women’s rally because to the Catholic Church the invitation did not speak to the complementarity role between men and women as taught by Christ through the Church. The release continued by stating that the National Women’s Commission promotes values that contradict Christian and moral teachings regarding respect for all human life, family, marriage and human sexuality as ordered by God . “The Roman Catholic Church strongly believes that the well being of women cannot be enhanced by advocacy that promotes abortion and so-called pseudo rights of men and women and same sex relationships,” stated the release.

Teen Talk: There is Nothing Wrong in Being Different
by Ryan Ancona - In today’s society we are all expected to have a similar personalities, clothing, likes, dislikes, opinions, etc. Some examples of these would be like seeing lots of guys wearing the same snapback caps with G-Shock watches and Jordan slippers; the girls would also all wear similar clothing. You will also observe that many people try to emulate the same personality that others portray. It’s like everybody is trying to copy each other or this one person they look up to. But then it seems like everyone has the same personality! So why do people do this? Well the obvious answer is to fit in. If we don’t follow everyone else then we are now outcasts and would be mocked by all of the “normal” people, right? Well what if I told you it doesn’t have to be this way. You should find what fits you; be yourself. There is no reason that you have to follow one single style just to fit in.

ABC Pre-School Annual Spectacular Presentation
ABC Pre-School will once again be hosting its annual spectacular presentation. Join them on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium! Show starts at 7:00 p.m. bring out the family to this wonderful even and witness seing, Hananah Montana, Caullio, Batman, Superman and much more. Prices: Regular Seating Adults $10 and Children $5 Reserved Seating Adults $15 and Children $10

Condolences to the Family of the Late Jeffrey Eiley
It is with profound sadness that we take notice of the passing on of Jeffrey Eiley, who left this Earth at the tender age of 30. He is survived by his parents, Norman and Susana Eiley and by his siblings Olive Dominguez, Tracy Gomez, and Francis Eiley. Jeffrey will be missed immensely by a large family of Arceo’s and Eiley’s as well by his single daughter Valeria. Hundreds of friends shed tears for Jeffrey as well as hundreds applaud his life, achievements and his fun personality. Never a dull moment with Jeffrey! Always a pleasant memory to relive. He lived a short life, only 30 years, but a long life of excitement, camaraderie, and simple joy. Ambergris Today joins the community of friends in the Sanpedrano Farewell offered to Jeffrey Eiley. We are not ready to let you go but our farewell is not our choice, so we bid you good-bye letting you know that even though you are in a better place than us, we would still want you here. However, adios, and rest in peace in the Glory of God in Heaven.

Misc Belizean Sources

Teachers are holding a peaceful demonstration in Belmopan
Hundreds of teachers from all over the country have converged on Independence Hill in Belmopan for a peaceful demonstration. As the teachers demonstrate outside, inside the National Assembly Chambers, the Honorable the Prime Minister Mr Dean Barrow has introduced the Bill to appropriate certain sums of money for use by the Public Service for fiscal year ending March 31, 2015. The Honorable the Prime Minister is about to read the Budget Speech to the House. UPDATE: At the start of of the meeting of the House of Representatives members of the Opposition, People’s United Party (PUP) took time out to show their support for the teachers who are demonstrating in Belmopan.

La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge underway
The banks of the Macal River in San Ignacio/Santa Elena was abuzz with activity early this morning. It was time for the start of the 16th annual La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge. Hundreds of paddlers suited up for the biggest canoe race in Belize which started from underneath the historic Hawksworth Bridge. The race will culminate in Belize City on Monday afternoon. The first leg of the race takes the paddlers from San Ignacio to Banana Bank.

Passion of the Christ Cast Call
The Passion of the Christ re-enactment in Benque will be on April 18th, and they are doing a casting call. If you're interested, contact Jimmy Leslie or Lorena Calderon, or call 823-2024. "A call to all youths who would like to be part of this year's cast for "The Passion of the Christ" dramatization 2014. For more information contact Lorena Melgar Calderón or Jimmy Leslie, if you would like to be part of this annual event and reminiscence of our Lord Jesus Christ in Calvary...where He laid His life for the sake of our salvation. The rehearsal dates to be announced soon. If you wish to help in anyway or make a donation to make this event bigger than ever visit Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Parish Office on Church Street in Benque Viejo del Carmen or call 501-823-2024."

La Ruta Maya Kick-Off
And they're off! The 16 annual La Ruta Maya. "Top 10 teams to the finish at Banana Bank are: 1: Belize Bank Bulldogs 2: NICH 3: Wateva Boys 4: BTL Cobb Arms 5: Westrac 6: Happy Cow Natius Wester Home Supply 7: Joseph & Taylor Steelers 8: Black Orchid Resort 9: Crime Fighters 2 10: D&A; Hydroplaners"

Video: Hunting Lionfish in Belize

Video: Belize Tarpon
Tarpon caught at Long Coco Cay Feb,2014 on an 8wt Temple fork fly rod. 45 minute fight to boat. Fly rod broke as Martin was touching the leader.

BELIKIN LA RUTA MAYA CHALLENGE 2014 (94 photos)
From San Ignacio to Iguana Creek Bridge

Notice for National Agriculture and Trade Show Planning Meetings
The National Agriculture and Trade Show Committee is convening two meetings to discuss the new layout of the grounds, prices for concession holders and conduct of this year’s National Agriculture and Trade Show. All interested parties are urged to attend the following meetings: For prospective Alcoholic Bar Concessions holders on Wednesday, 12th March 2014 at 1:30 p.m. at the Agriculture Showground Main Stage in Belmopan. For prospective Stall/Booth Concession holders on Tuesday, 18th March 2014 at 1:30 p.m. at the Agriculture Showground Main Stage in Belmopan. The general public is reminded to mark 2nd, 3rd and 4th May 2014 in their calendars. This is when all roads will lead to the biggest and best show in Belize, the 2014 National Agriculture and Trade Show.

Mr. Gabriel "Gaby" Nuñez elected Deputy Mayor
The San Pedro Town Council hereby informs the San Pedro residents that Mr. Gabriel "Gaby" Nuñez has been elected as the Deputy Mayor for 2014-2015.

San Pedro High School Science Fair
We invite everyone to come out to the San Pedro High School Science Fair 2014 taking place at the SPHS grounds from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Come check out the interesting projects the students have been working on for week!

First day of La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge completed
The first leg of the 16th annual La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge has ended at Banana Bank, in Roaring Creek village. According to the unofficial statistics, Belize Bank Bulldogs finished the first part of the race in a time of 4 hours 46 minutes 45 seconds. Coming in second was NICH with a time of 4 hours 50 minutes 30 seconds. Third place was Whatever Boys with a time of 4 hours 53 minutes 06 seconds. The race will resume on Saturday morning from Banana Bank.

Teachers march on Independence Hill
Approximately 800 members of the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) assembled on the plaza in front of the National Assembly building following a rally at the Belmopan Comprehensive School. The teachers marched along the ring road to Independence Hill. On their arrival at Independence Hill, the teachers told our reporters that they do not care if their pay is docked as threatened by the Honorable the Minister of Education Mr. Patrick Faber. The teachers say that Minister Faber is the problem. The teachers are also calling for the arrest of the Honorable the Member for Cayo Northeast Mr. Elvin Penner and the Honorable the Member for Belize Rural North Mr. Edmund Castro for corruption.

MS. SHARON RAMCLAM APPOINTED CEO IN THE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Government of Belize Press Office

BEL’s Electrical System Remains Stable Following Passage of Unstable Weather
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) advises customers that strong wind gusts and the passage of a lightning storm over sections of the country on Thursday, March 6 caused unplanned power interruptions throughout the country. These interruptions in power supply ranged between 23 minutes to approximately 2 hours in most areas. The first series of unplanned power interruptions experienced in Belize at 2:46 p.m. yesterday were as a result of bad weather passing over Quintana Roo, Mexico which tripped Comisión Federal de Electricidad’s (CFE) 230 kV transmission line that supplies Belize. This caused an interruption that affected Belize’s entire electrical system. Power supply was restored to all areas between 3:08 p.m. and 3:26 p.m.

Western Ballaz Beat No Limit
Congratulations, Western Ballaz, on winning another game. They defeated the Belize City No Limit in a great game that came down to 1 point. The final score was 74-73. "What a great game! The Western Ballaz defeated the Belize City No Limit by one point. 74-73."

20,000 Strong Rally
The 20,000 Strong Rally was a huge success. Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, the Special Envoy for Women & Children, uploaded some great pictures from the event. "Special thanks to all the WOMEN OF BELIZE who came out and made the 20,000 STRONG Women's Empowerment Rally a success! Thanks to all the businesses that supported by coming out as a group or giving your female employees the time to come out! Thanks to all the volunteers and persons who worked behind the scenes both on the day of and the days leading up to the rally! Thanks to those who couldn't make it out but wore your orange shirts in solidarity! I hope you will stay with us for the rest of this journey toward a truly equal Belize! The real work begins now. Thank you all once again!"

World Water Day in Cayo
The World Water Day Exhibition will be on Friday, March 21st, from 9:00am through 3:00pm, at the Bedran Hall in the SIRH. They'll have interactive exhibits, a water quiz, the awards presentations, info booths, and much more. Best of all, it's free.

Political supporters fight outside House
At the close of the House of Representatives meeting this afternoon, around 2:00 p.m., a fight broke out at the foot of the National Assembly between supporters of the major political parties. Police had to intervene almost immediately to separate the groups of PUP and UDP supporters who were nose to nose. It is not clear who threw the first punch, but a riled up Minister of Human Development Anthony “Boots” Martinez and PUP talk show host Vaughan Gill traded choice words while several others jeered at each other.

Video: Snorkeling Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye snorkeling offers exceptionally good visibility and a wide range of marine life encounters. While snorkeling Ambergris Caye, you may observe green sea turtles, nurse sharks, southern stingrays, spotted eagle rays, moray eels and typical reef fish.

Video: Beyond Belize
A first person chronicling of my journey through Belize.

Video: Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge 2014 (Race Start)
La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge

Video: 2014 National Budget presented in the House of Representatives

Video: Scuffle Breaks out at the foot of the Assembly Building, Boots and Vaughn trade barbs

Video: 17th Belikin La Ruta Maya River Challenge kicks off in San Ignacio

Video: Rescued hawksbill sea turtle feeding on jellyfish (Belize)

Video: Belize handlining
Caught numerous fish handlining including a 20lb Barracuda and a 35lb King mackerel.

Channel 7

PM Barrow Presents Budget; Makes Bold Boasts
Budget Day in Belmopan is typically quite straightforward as the presentation of the revenue and appropriations bill takes center stage. But these days, there's always more stuff happening. So today, the teachers union staged its national rally and demonstration in Belmopan to coincide with the budget presentation - even if the centerpiece of that Budget was to give them a raise of pay - the teachers who went to Belmopan still aren't happy - and they made their presence felt all through the prime minister's speech as they sang and vocalized outside on the national assembly stairs. We'll have a full report on that shortly, but that wasn't the only distraction at today's House Meeting. At the end of the meeting, at least one blow was thrown right in front of the House - and right when the representatives were walking out. It was a dispute between the PUP's Vaughn Gill - who was all upset about Anthony Boots Martinez getting land for his constituents in Cayo south - where Gill is the PUP political officer. That got really heated - and we'll show you as much as we have of it later on.

Teachers Rally: Tells PM To Put Salary Adjustment In Writing
But the teachers started their debate today - and they say it's about issues bigger than the budget or any raise of pay. They called today's event a rally on social issues, but they've also thrown in that for all the promises of a 5% salary increase, it has not been formally put to them. But, more than just social issues were driving today's event, and that's because Education Minister Patrick Faber warned on Wednesday that the teachers who attend the rally will get their pay docked for the day of lost classes. That - and the fact that the 5% raise is basically "in-pocket" had to have an effect on the crowd - which was not impressive for a BNTU National Rally; such an event usually draws thousands, today they had hundreds. But those that did appear were spirited and defiant. Daniel Ortiz was in Belmopan, and here's his report:

PM Reacts To Teacher's Rally
And while those 750 teachers railed and rallied outside, inside, in his budget speech, the Prime Minister talked about ingratitude and political agendas by some union leaders. In an interview after the budget presentation, he was more guarded in his choice of words, but still firm:.. Prime Minister Dean Barrow "It can't be done." Jules Vasquez "Yet still the teachers are across the way hollering at you incessantly for hours." Prime Minister Dean Barrow "Well I am not going to quarrel. I have said all that I have to say during the speech. The fact is though is that the Belizean public will surely make an assessment of the legitimacy of their protest in view of this wonderful largess that they are getting by way of salary increases. That also speaks for itself."

Opposition Leader Says Budget Doesn't Meet Anyone's Needs
But the former Education Minister Francis Fonseca was not impressed with the raise of pay that the Prime Minister was beating his chest over. Instead Francis Fonseca was chanting reggae lyrics:.. Hon. Francis Fonseca "The Prime Minister's budget presentation almost moves me to sound. I'm reminded of the Morgan Heritage tune "ends nah meet, dem ah seh dat tings di get betta, but we can't feel it, dem ah seh money di run, buy we can't see it," and I think that is the overwhelming response of the Belizean people to the flowery empty rhetoric we heard this morning. It is a budget divorce and disconnected from reality like this UDP government. That is my initial reaction to the budget, obviously we will pour into the details of the numbers and look at it and give a very comprehensive response at the time of the budget debate."

What Caused That Ugly Scene...
As we told you at the top of the news, there was an ugly episode in front of the House Of Representatives this afternoon. It happened around 1:30when the meeting was finished - and the representatives were leaving. But before we get to the fight where actual blows were thrown, we first have to give you the background. It all started with the member for Cayo South Julius Espat speaking on the adjournment. His matter of public interest was a parcel of land in Cotton Tree Village that has been set aside to allow for 254 lots to be given to Port Loyola residents. Espat said it disenfranchises villagers who cannot get land for themselves: Ok, so that should have been the end of it, right. Issues raised, solution proposed, and things move on…except they didn't. The House meeting adjourned right after that and that's when chaos unfolded. The media was interviewing the Prime Minister at the top of the House stairs when he saw something going on at the bottom of the stairs:..

Man Killed In Bar Brawl
Police say that 20 year-old Earl Baizar, a resident of Dangriga, was involved in a fight inside the club, and they were ejected. The altercation then flared up once again, and where Baizar was stabbed by the man he was fighting with. Today, the Deputy Commander of San Ignacio Police told us what investigators know at this time about this incident: Inspector Reymundo Requena - Deputy OC "Sometime around 12:50 this morning San Ignacio police received information of a male person who has allegedly been stabbed and rushed to the hospital. As a result police went to the hospital and on arrival they saw a male person receiving treatment for a stab wound under the left side of his chest, his arm and whilst undergoing treatment he succumbs to his injuries."

DPP Waiting On Full Penner File
Today word went out that a full file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions about police investigations in the Citizen Kim Passport Scandal. Viewers may remember that on Monday, the Supreme Court compelled the Commissioner of Police to investigate Elvin Penner for this passport scandal. Well, our check with the Director Public Prosecution, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, has revealed that she has gotten some materials from the National Criminal Investigation's Branch, but the file is not complete. This evening, the DPP Vidal told us quote, "On my request, they copied certain statements and forwarded to me, but I have not been given a complete investigation file. As it is right now, I am working with what I have and what has already been in the public domain."

Prison Did Full Body Cavity Search
Last night, 7News told you about Natalie Hamilton who allegedly tried to smuggle weed into the prison. Well, the other woman who was caught in the act is 19 year-old Christy Ramclam, she was taken to court today. Ramclam was busted yesterday when she went to prison to visit inmate Anthony Carballo Jr. She was given a thorough body cavity search which resulted in the discovery of the cannabis wrapped in a piece of toilet paper and tucked in her private parts. Carballo Jr, who is remanded to prison on a charge of murder, is the father of Ramclam's child. She was arraigned before Magistrate Leslie Hamilton where she pleaded guilty to drug possession and was fined $500. She had to pay half of it upfront today, after which, she was released.

DIBARI...
We often hear about shoplifting on the news but it gets quite interesting when a police officer is the accused shoplifter. According to the owner of Dibary Store on Church Street in Belize City, a woman police officer was caught red handed stealing a purse from out the store. The incident happened just before midday on Wednesday and we were told it was all caught on camera. The value of the purse is fifteen dollars. Reliable reports is that quite incredibly another woman constable was caught stealing in the store a few months ago. There are over 20 security cameras in the store.

CCIC Inviting B'zeans To Apply For Grants
There are international experts in Belize being hosted by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center. These experts are from the Carribbean Climate Innovation Center, and they are here to promote their project to Belizean engineers. They're doing so by holding a contest where interested persons can win grants of up to $50,000 US to start projects that takes the effects of climate change into consideration. Today, the CEO of CCIC explained the contest to 7News. Here's how it will work: Interested entries will be assessed for their innovation under the categories of water management, resources use efficiency, energy efficiency, solar energy, and sustainable agriculture. We'll post a link on our website where interested Belizeans can apply to see if they qualify for one of these grants.

PROFILE: Emily Martinez-Palacio
So far teachers have been all over the news tonight. They got their raise in the headline story, and rallied for social issues in the second. But so much of the talk about teachers has been controversial and about money, that in the process, the art of pedagogy and the commitment to it seems to have been forgotten. And that's why the format of the I Am Belize Profile has been changed in timely fashion this year to look at teachers and the first episode features Emily Martinez-Palacio. She's been a teacher for 26 years, and she tells the Profile about some of the challenges she's face while trying to inspire young minds and lead students on the path to success: The profile will now be back on a regular basis.

SDA Sets Record Straight On Women Rally
And as we close tonight, the Women's Empowerment Rally is history - and while many are still trying to size it up - we've got some housekeeping to do. On Wednesday's news we reported that the Seventh Day Adventist Church had joined the Roman Catholic Church in its opposition to the march. We heard that informally, but we should have followed up - and we didn't. Turns out the SDA did no such thing. The SDA church sent out a statement saying our statement caused them distress and consternation because they said no such thing. Indeed, they didn't and we apologize for our error. And while the Seventh Day Adventist Church was not opposed to the march, the PUP seemed to have staged an unofficial boycott of the event. None of the party's prominent women leaders such as Area Rep Dolores Balderamos Garcia or Senator Lisa Shoman were there. But John Briceno was there in support of his wife who was a guest speaker. Also present was former PUP Representative Patty Arceo. Here's why she said it's bigger than politics:..

Channel 5

Is There a Warrant for Elvin Penner’s Arrest?
There is much to report in the news from inside and outside the national assembly, but first we turn tonight to former Minister of State Elvin Penner. News Five has [...]

COMPOL Whylie Fails to Update Francis Fonseca on Progress of Criminal Investigation into Passport Scandal
So while official verification of a warrant issued for Penner’s arrest is pending, his name was very much a part of matters in the House today. Following a writ of [...]

Scuffle Breaks Out At the Foot of Assembly Building, Boots and Vaughn Trade Barbs
Over the years, viewers have come to expect that behavior in the national assembly has generally been unbecoming and unruly. But earlier today that spill outside the national assembly where [...]

2014 National Budget Presented in the House of Representatives
The highlight of today’s news should have been the presentation of the 2014 – 2015 Budget but there was a lot else to get out of the way. So with [...]

Budget by the Numbers
The thrust of the Prime Minister’s budget presentation was on education, healthcare and infrastructure. And then Prime Minister Barrow turned to the real meat of the budget, the numbers contained [...]

Cheerless Response from Opposition Leader to 2014 Budget
It is customary to get a response from the Opposition Leader on any budget presented in the House. To our recollection, there has never been any occasion when that feedback [...]

P.M. Says Details of Salary Adjustment are being finalized
Prime Minister Dean Barrow prefaced his budget proposals section of the presentation today by stating that the priorities can be summed up in three words – Additional Social Protection. And [...]

D.P.P. finally presented with files on the investigation
Ten minutes ago News Five received an update from Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal via email. She confirmed that at five forty-three this evening investigators visited her office to [...]

Hundreds of Teachers Demonstrate on Independence Hill during Budget Presentation
The Prime Minister announced that a big slice of the 2014/2015 Budget will be spent on personal emoluments; that’s three hundred and thirty two million dollars. Teachers and public officers [...]

Dangriga Man Stabbed to Death in San Ignacio Following Argument inside Nightclub
San Ignacio police are tonight looking for Gabino Garnett Jr., whom they believe can assist with their investigation into the overnight murder of twenty year old Earl Baizar.  Reports are [...]

Woman who tries to take weed inside Belize Central Prison pleads guilty
Twenty-one year old Christy Ramclam, a resident of Tigris Street, was arraigned in the courtroom of Magistrate Leslie Hamilton today, where she was read a single charge of possession of [...]

Incoming Commander Discusses Future of GSU
Superintendent of Police, Linden Flowers is the new commander of the Gang Suppression Unit. The news broke this past Tuesday that the career officer was bumped up the chain of [...]

GSU Boss Says Officers Aren’t Above the Law
There are thirty officers in the Unit and Superintendent Flowers says that those who step out of bounds will be penalized; criminal elements will be dealt with and that the [...]

Sharon Ramclam is Appointed CEO in Ministry of Natural Resources
A new chief executive officer has been appointed to replace outgoing C.E.O. Jose Alpuche at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture.  Government has looked outside the public service and [...]

Grant for Climate Change Initiatives
C.E.O. of the Caribbean Climate Innovation Center, Everton Hanson, is in country since Thursday; his mission is to sensitize and bring awareness to entrepreneurs on the availability of grants for [...]

17th Belikin La Ruta Maya River Challenge Kicks Off in San Ignacio
Crowds gathered this morning at the banks of the Mopan River in San Ignacio for the start of the annual Belikin La Ruta Maya River Challenge. More than sixty teams [...]

CTV3

Rotary Corozal Donates Laptops To Schools In Rural Communities
Rotary International is an organization that supports global projects such as eradication of polio and education. Here at home Rotary Clubs mainly support projects that benefit the local community. Further up North, in the Corozal District, the first Rotary Club was established in 1974. Since then the club has done their fair share of community service assisting the community. In a most recent initiative, the Corozal Rotary Club issued 49 Panasonic Though Book laptops to seven primary schools. Earl Johnston – President Corozal Rotary “Mr. Frank he was a part time resident in Corozal has talked to a Canadian company and they had agreed to donate these computers here and actually he has donated seven, for seven schools that I have to go back and look for the list, but these are donated to the primary schools and we give at least five to each primary school that they can get internet if they don’t already have internet connection so these a basic computers so they can learn computer skills and they are internet capable so they can connect to the internet and can do homework and stuff for their computer labs.”

Celebrating Child Stimulation Month
As part of Child Stimulation Month today Rainbow Brite Pre-school, a pre-school that has been in operation for over 23 years, toured Corozal Town it might have been only in town limits but for the pre-schoolers it was very educational as they visited the various public buildings. Lourdes Marin – Director\Teacher “The tour started at the Town Hall, then we went to the post office and the police station and we are ending at the fire station and this is to have these children exposed to these community places because we dealt with the topic last month on community helpers and our community and so this is to reinforce what we taught and like how right now we are in stimulation month so we taking advantage of this month and thanks to the support of the parents we are out.” Under the umbrella of this year’s theme “Early Childhood Education; Where Our Future Begins” teachers decided to take the students to the police station for them to learn more about the laws of Belize and the consequences of breaking those laws. So what did they learn? We asked them that question and here is their response.

LOVE FM

Teenage Mother Gets Fined for Attempted to Smuggle Weed to Boyfriend in Prison
Nineteen year old Christy Ramclam, a mother of one who tried to smuggle 12 grams of cannabis into Belize Central Prison was fined 500 dollars today by Magistrate Leslie Hamilton after she pled guilty to a charge of possession of a controlled drug. She was ordered to pay 250 dollars forthwith and the balance by April 30, in default six months imprisonment. She paid half of the fine and she was released. Magistrate Hamilton told her that she was lucky because the charge could have been drug trafficking for which the sentence would have been three years, ten thousand dollars or both fine and imprisonment. Ramclam was busted yesterday when she went to prison to visit an inmate. She was given a thorough body search which resulted in the discovery of the cannabis wrapped in a piece of toilet paper and tucked in her private parts. As a result, she was charged. Anthony Carballo jr. who is remanded to prison on a charge of murder, is the father of Ramclam’s child.

Fight in Night Club Leads to Murder
Police investigators of the San Ignacio Police Station are seeking answers into a murder that occurred last night in that municipality. The officers on duty were called out to Burns Avenue just after midnight with reports of a stabbing incident near the Atlantic Bank building. When police arrived at the scene, however, 17-year-old, Earl Baizar was already taken to the San Ignacio Town Hospital suffering from four stab wounds; one inflicted to the left side of his chest, his left hand, left under arm and his right thigh. Preliminary investigations into the incident have revealed that Baizar was involved in an altercation earlier that night inside the Blue Angels night club and that while he was on Burns Avenue he got met up with the same man he had a confrontation with earlier and as a result the stab wounds were inflicted. Baizar succumbed to the injuries at around 12:50am today. Police is looking for Gabino Garnett Jr who would be able to help them in their investigation.

Opposition Leader Not Impressed by Proposed Budget
Opposition leader Francis Fonseca was asked for his initial view of the newly presented budget. HON. FRANCIS FONSECA “The Prime Minister’s budget presentation almost moves me to song. I am reminded of the Morgan Heritage tune, ends nah meet, them ah say that things the get better but we can’t feel it, we can’t feel it. Them ah say money the run but we can’t see it, we can’t see it. And I think that is the overwhelming response of the Belizean people to the flowery empty rhetoric we heard this morning. It is a budget divorce and disconnected from reality like this U.D.P. government. So that is my initial reaction to the budget, obviously we will pour into the details of the numbers and look at it and give a very comprehensive response at the time of the budget debate.” The budget will be debated on March 24 and 25.

Prime Minister Presents Budget for New Fiscal Year
Prime Minister Dean Barrow today presented his 2014/2015 budget under the theme “Bettering people, building Belize – a budget for all.” In his remarks the Prime Minister referred to the Caribbean Development’s Bank regional report for February 11, 2014. RT. HON. DEAN BARROW “For 2013 Tourism was down in the traditional powerhouses of the Bahamas, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines. In Belize it was up just under 6 percent in both the stay over and cruise sectors. Overall growth performance improved in Trinidad and Tobago and in Belize. This is in sharp contrast to most of the rest of the Community where economic activity was flat or actually contracted. Examples are Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia, Antigua and the BVI. Average inflation in CARICOM was 2.5 percent while in Belize it is 0.5 percent. In the Bahamas the jobless rate, as measured in May of 2013, was 16.2 percent. In Jamaica it was 15.9 percent through July, and in St Lucia it reached a whopping 23.2 percent. Here it was down in September over 2 percent, from the previous year, to 14.2 percent. Foreign Reserves increased only in Belize, Trinidad and Tobago and the EC Currency Union. They fell in the Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica and Suriname. There are massive Public Sector layoffs in Barbados, and wage freezes in Jamaica, St Lucia and Grenada. Now compare that, Mr Speaker, to the paradisiac situation in our country where Teachers and Public Officers with this Budget, this Budget, Mr Speaker, are receiving the nectar of a not less than 5 percent salary increase on top of the annual 2.5 percent increment. Altogether this translates into around 34 million dollars more that this Government is finding, just this year alone, for its employees.”

PlusTV

Young Man Stabbed to Death in San Ignacio
A man was stabbed and killed early this morning in San Ignacio. Sometime after midnight 20-year-old Earl Baizar was on Burns Avenue in front of Atlantic Bank, when he got involved in an altercation with a person riding a 4 wheeler ATV. During that altercation, the driver of the...

Prime Minister Presents Fiscal Year Plan 2014-1015 Salary Increase Budget
The Budget for Fiscal year 2014-2015 was presented at the House of Representatives this morning by Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow. The budget speech was titled, “Bettering People, Building Belize – A Budget For All” . The Prime Minister started by comparing Belize to its Caribbean counterparts, saying that...

PM Dean Barrow Reflects Belize’s Debt Stewardship Into the Budget
The 1 billion dollar budget will begin to roll out on April 1st of this year with revenue and grants amounting to $956 Million. The deficit will be $57 Million or 1.7% of GDP but according to the Prime Minister, a further $70 Million has to be added to...

Belizean Killed in Honduras Massacre
A Belizean man was killed during a massacre in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. According to Honduran Media House El Heraldo, four people were murdered early Thursday and among them, is believed to be Mr. Mario Roberto Cocom, a Belizean. According to El Heraldo, police authorities believe that the four...

Highway Robbers Hit and Run Away With BZ$1,200
There was a highway robbery yesterday afternoon, Thursday March 6. The incident happened in the afternoon at about 3:30 pm on the Phillip Goldson Highway in Biscayne Village. A white Freight liner Truck was heading towards Orange Walk being driven by Mr. Mason Quiroz. Along with Quiroz was Salesman...

2014-2015 Budget Reading Includes More Infrastructure, Health and Education
At today’s budget reading, the Prime Minister addressed the infrastructural projects which he referred to as this administration’s “Herculean public works drive”. He said that it is one of the highest priorities of the Government. Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow- Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development “In...

Teachers Press for a Written 5% Increase Binding Response
While the House of Representatives met in session for the budget reading, members of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) rallied outside, demanding respect from the Government and defying a reported threat of a pay cut for skipping school at the start of a three-day weekend. As PLUS News reporter Aaron...

The Guardian

$$$22 Million More for Teachers and Public Officers - PLUS Salary Adjustment!!!
Hon. Prime Minister Barrow will introduce the General Revenue Appropriation Bill 2014 on Friday, March 7, and will be asking members of the House of Representatives to approve a $22 million increase for salaries to public servants. The negotiating teams of the Government of Belize and Unions agreed on a formula for a salary increase for public officers in fiscal year 2014/2015. The salary increase is based on the amount of increased revenue collected in the fiscal year 2013/2014 as compared to 2012/2013. Fifty percent of every additional dollar in revenue would be allocated to the salary increase of public officers. The last meeting Prime Minister Barrow held with union leaders was on Thursday, January 30, in which they were updated on the performance of the economy and revenue collection. After that meeting, Prime Minister Barrow shared publicly that the figures were showing the public officers and teachers would get no less than a 4-percent salary increase from revenues collected.

Francis Begs, Kevin Squanders
The Leader of the Opposition is these days floating about from media house to media house trying to convince the Belizean people that the PUP-controlled municipalities are being unfairly treated. He claims that no development is taking place in these municipalities because the Government is not helping them out. He could not be more wrong. Every single municipality is getting more than its fair share of resources to improve conditions for residents, the only difference is that because the PUP-controlled municipalities cannot be trusted with finances, these are being channeled through the Ministry of Works. And there is great reason for the PUP municipalities to not be trusted. There is absolutely no financials available for Dangriga and Punta Gorda and the Orange Walk financials paint a picture of a town administration more interested in personal enrichment than in community development.

Millions More for Municipalities’ Jobs/Infrastructure Project
The Government of Belize is allocating almost $10 million to Belize City for Phase II of the Belize City Council’s Infrastructure Project and at least $2.5 million to all other municipalities. Belize City will be the first to benefit from Government’s newest municipal development initiative. Prime Minister Barrow says the innovative approach to governance by Mayor Darrell Bradley has made it an easy decision to allocate Government’s support behind the City Council’s initiatives. PM Barrow says, “The absolutely splendid job that has been done so far, the way this city has been transformed, these are things that obliged the Central Government to partner with the Mayor and his City Council in trying to move things forward.” Mayor Darrell Bradley thanked Prime Minister Barrow for the support he has shown and continues to show. Bradley says, “There will be a different city in the next 2 years. The city that my son grows up in will not be the city that I grew up in and by the time the next election rolls around we [would be able to declare] that every single primary street, streets which connects people from one area or neighborhood of Belize City, would have been concreted." Bradley says the funds will be used to concrete 35 primary streets. Those include 14 on the Southside of Belize City and 20 on the North side. Polling started at 10 in the morning and carried on until 5 in the evening with a constant stream of residents making their way to the polling rooms to cast their ballots. They came from as far as Gales Point Manatee and by the time the convention was ended, 2,015 residents had voted. Beverly Castillo easily secured a victory receiving 961 votes. Michael Hutchinson received 502 votes while Dean Samuels received 353 votes. Emroy Castillo received 153 votes and Francis Lizama received 19 votes; 28 ballots were spoilt.

20,000 Strong Women Empowerment Rally
The goal of the 20,000 Strong Women's Empowerment Rally is to empower and inspire women to claim our rightful space as equal partners in the development of our country. The event will serve to celebrate who we are, our contribution to development and our journey as Belizean women. The Rally will feature women speakers from the banking sector, private sector, education sector and past elected representatives: all women who have distinguished themselves as leaders in their fields of work. It is very disappointing that the Roman Catholic Church is attempting to ascribe extraneous motives to this event that is intended simply to honor and uplift women. This rally signals the start of a series of other activities to empower women and provide opportunities for them to realize their full potential. Partnership and unity have always been core values of our approach and we will remain open to genuine dialogue and working with the church to empower women in our society. Let us stand together to embrace our womanhood, champion our accomplishments and chart the course forward!

Anyone Else
After the ruling by the Chief Justice on Monday March 3 which directed the Commissioner of Police to effect an investigation into the Penner passport issue, the PUP promptly declared that this was a victory for both the Opposition and for Fonseca personally. Thereafter we were treated to a string of interviews where several PUP personalities and other microphone addicts expressed their “virtuous” opinions on the matter. Let us delve at little deeper into this recent development. I had previously indicated in this column that I think Penner has been sufficiently reproved and humiliated by his own Party and is presently a political exile. The UDP Party Leader has openly said that Penner will never again represent the United Democratic Party and his name will forever be linked with underhandedness.

San Pedro Tigersharks and Cayo Western Ballaz leads in Elite Basketball League Competition
The 2014 Elite Basketball League Competition continued over the weekend with three games across the country. san pedro tiger sharks.jpg - 73.54 KbOn Friday, February 28, 2014, at the Andres Campus Stadium in Corozal Town, the home team the Corozal Heat picked up its first win of the Elite Basketball Campaign when it defeated the visiting Belmopan Point Bandits by the score of 67-54. The top scorers for the Corozal Heat were Jason Daly with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists; Geovanni Lennan with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals; and Kenroy Roca also with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal.

Ron Vasquez wins Spanish Lookout Course
The Cycling Federation of Belize held its Second Hills Circuit event on Sunday, March 2, 2014. The Cycling Federation utilised the Spanish Lookout Course for this event. At the end of the course in the Open Elite category, it was Ron Vasquez of Western Spirit that captured first place. The second rider to cross the finish line was Henry Moreira of Predators, third place went to Oscar Quiroz of Western Spirit, fourth place went to Liam Stewart of Benny’s Megabytes, and fifth place went to Joel Borland of BTL Cycling. In the junior category, the first rider to cross the finish line was Kieron Robateau of BECOL Uprising and he was followed by Zahir Figueroa also of BECOL Uprising, third place went to Zamir Guerra of Cayo High Roads Cycling Club.

Ladyville Technical High School upsets Nazarene High School
The Central Region Secondary Schools Softball Competition is fast winding down at Rogers Stadium with the commencement of the playoffs. On Tuesday, March 4, in the second game of the female playoffs, Gwen Lizarraga High School defeated Wesley College by the score of 15-4. The winning pitcher was Ashley Lucas and the losing pitcher was Breanna Meighan. | In the second game of the male playoffs, Wesley College defeated Gwen Lizarraga High School by the score of 16-15. The winning pitcher was Devon Tillett and the losing pitcher was Devontae Middleton.

Thousands of Women Expected to Gather at Marion Jones Stadium
The Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis-Barrow and the National Women’s Commission are organizing a rally the likes that have never been seen before in Belize on Thursday, March 6. Next year, will make it 20 years since the first world conference on women was held in Beijing, China in 1995 and the organizers of the rally are preparing to host 20,000 women at the Marion Jones Stadium to launch a march towards 2015. According to Anne-Marie Williams, Executive Director of the National Women’s Commission, the 20,000 Strong Women Empowerment Rally is “an opportunity for women to come out and become aware of their collective power.” Buses will roll into Belize City from across the country for a rally scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Belize City women will meet at the Memorial Park at 8 a.m. and parade over to the Marion Jones Stadium with marching bands. The parade will move through the streets of North Side Belize City from the Memorial Park, along the Marine Parade Boulevard unto Newton Barracks into Princess Margaret Drive and conclude at the stadium, where Belize City women will join ladies from all corners of the country.

Ministry of Education explains why Rhaburn Ridge school was closed
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports views with grave concern the continued operation of the Hope SDA Christian Academy, located in the village of Rhaburn Ridge in the Belize District despite the fact that approval of a licence to operate the school was not granted. In July, 2012 the school Management of the Belize Union of Seventh Day Adventists submitted an application for a licence to operate a school in the village of Rhaburn Ridge in the Belize District. The Education Rules, 2000 (Rule 11 (1)) requires that an application for a licence to operate a school be submitted 16 months prior to the proposed opening of the school.

Social Investment Fund appoints new Executive Director & Public Relations Officer
The Board of Directors of Social Investment Fund is pleased to announce the appointment of the new Executive Director, Mr. William Lamb, and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Selwyn King with effect March, 2014. Mr. Lamb is an Engineer by profession with more than 25 years. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, with Honors in Structural Engineering from Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom in 1995, and a Diploma in Structural Engineering from the College of Art, Science & Technology, Kingston, Jamaica, 1990. Mr. Lamb served as Project Manager and Site Engineer for the expansion of the Philip Goldson International Airport Terminal Building and for the construction of the new San Ignacio Hospital as well as provided technical advice on all Engineering aspect of JEBCO’s construction works. His last tenure was Project Manager for US$10.5M project at the Belize Water Services Ltd.

Third Spanish Lookout Commercial Expo held
Belize’s third Spanish Lookout Expo was held on Friday and Saturday of last week at the 100- acre Country Side Park in Spanish Lookout. Thousands of Belizeans from around the country came to learn about what businesses from Spanish Lookout have to offer to the rest of the Country. “It really is just to get a lot of businesses to have a venue to showcase their products and services and also for the Belizean people to come and visit Spanish Lookout to see what the business community has to offer,” says Norman Dueck, the Director of the Business Chamber in Spanish Lookout and who was responsible for organizing the two day event. With over one hundred companies showing up for last weekend’s Expo, the Spanish Lookout community has once again laid a welcoming mat for visitors to have an exciting time with Belize’s most productive sectors.

2013 Tourism Statistics
The final figures for the 2013 tourism year are in, and we are happy to report that Belize’s Overnight and Cruise arrivals are up! Last year, Belize recorded 223,510 in PGIA arrivals. March 2013 saw the highest tourist arrivals at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) with 28,623 visitors; this is a 10.2% increase in comparison to March 2012. The month with the largest increase in 2013 was August, with a 10.5% increase when compared to August 2012. While there were 3% decreases for April and September, overall PGIA arrivals are up 5.5%. Preceded by a decrease in cruise arrivals in 2011 and 2012, 2013 saw an increase in cruise visitors to Belize. Overall, Cruise passenger arrivals grew by 5.7%. August 2013 saw the largest increase in cruise arrivals, with a 30.2% increase over August 2012. Belize recorded the highest cruise arrivals in January 2013 with 102,871 visitors, which is a 19.4% increase over January 2012. In 2013, a total of 677, 350 cruise passengers visited Belize.

Eulogy for Lionel Lincoln Robert Welch
Lionel Lincoln Robert Welch was born on the 3rd December 1950 in Gales Point Village to Mr. Lincoln Welch and Mrs. Emma Cattouse. On Sunday, 16th February 2014 he left Damion, Shanna, Keisha, Diedra and Franlina to remember his passing. He was the beloved and only child of his Mother and is survived by his siblings Natalie, Jacqueline and Stephen Welch. Nel! A child well Loved Lionel attended St. Augustine Anglican Primary School where he excelled and transitioned to St. Michael’s College for his secondary Education. This all-boys school helped in shaping and moulding this boy into the man we all came to know as Nel. Many of his friends recall his earlier years as a good sprinter and they recall the many bicycle races from this Cathedral back to Michael’s after attending compulsory mass along with St. Hilda’s. His friendship with Cushin Neal, and Desho Rock ignited his interest in weight lifting and he became an avid body builder. His interest and love for football was already kindled but, back then, only the bigger boys caught the school team, so he collaborated with Albert Arnold and other friends and organized an informal football team called ‘Ramblers’, which later ventured into Second Division competitions in Belize City. Sorry FC Belize you were not his first football team!!!! For the record, his squad was always beaten by the “Braves”, a team from Fisher Waterside area that was considered inferior by all his players. His initial sojourn with football was arrested by his departure to UWI.

“Fused Response 2014”
The Government of Belize and the Government of the United States of America have approved a joint Belize Defence Force/U.S. Military training exercise to take place here from March 5 to 14. The exercise, titled “Fused Response 2014” will be conducted by the Belize Defence Force, along with members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The training events will be held in the Cayo District and in the San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The joint training exercise, in which approximately 500 military personnel from both countries will participate, is aimed at improving the interoperability of the participating forces and increasing their capacity to confront common threats, such as organized crime and illicit trafficking. The Belize Defence Force, U.S. Southern Command and Special Operations Command South conduct military activities every year, which keep them updated on the advances in the areas of military operations, readiness, and the mutual interaction between both militaries. Observers to the exercises will include military personnel from Canada and Brazil.

CJ tells Compol to investigate Penner
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin has ordered that Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie must commence an investigation against former Minister of State Elvin Penner for his connection to the fraudulent passport issued to South Korean, Won Hong Kim. The court has found that Whylie acted irrationally, unreasonably and unlawfully when he exercised his discretion to try to save resources on an inquiry he believe would not yield fruitful results. The hearing for the Writ of Mandamus was held on Friday, February 28, where Senior Counsel Edwin Flowers, Anthony Sylvester and Kareem Musa represented Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca in his claim against the Commissioner Whylie. It has been widely reported that Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow required Elvin Penner to resign as a Minister of State in the Immigration Department for his role in the passport scandal where international fugitive Won Hong Kim ended up with a Belizean passport while in jail. Penner sent an email a few days later explaining how he pushed the documents through to get the passport for Kim, whom he says he was duped by.

Inaugural Meeting - Belize/Guatemala Administrative Commission
The inaugural meeting of the Belize-Guatemala Administrative Commission was convened last Friday 28th February, 2014 at the George Price Centre in Belmopan, between a high level delegation of trade and other officials representing the Government of Belize and an official delegation from the Republic of Guatemala. Mr. Michael Singh, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Trade, Investment Promotion, Private Sector Development and Consumer Protection, welcomed the Guatemalan Delegation Headed by Vice Minister Maria Luisa Flores Villagran. CEO Singh reaffirmed the Government of Belize’s strong interest and commitment to maintaining formal trade relations between Belize and Guatemala with Belize serving as an important conduit for trade with CARICOM. Vice Minister Flores Villagran recognized the importance of establishing the Administrative Commission and reiterated commitments from the Government of Guatemala.

PUP do not support women
The Prime Minister's Wife, Kim Simplis-Barrow has taken on the task of bringing to the forefront many social issues that generally linger in the back of the minds of Belizeans. She has single-handedly been able to inspire cancer survivors, being a survivor herself. She has been able to bring forth to discussion tables, issues of persons with different abilities. She has even championed the cause to ensure that every child has an identity by doing birth registration drives across the country. Now, she is taking on the task of highlighting the importance of women in Belizean society, with a 20,000 woman march scheduled for Thursday March 5. The importance of such a cause can never be second guessed as women from all walks of life will be participating.

Adolphus Palacio and Callin Castillo Charged with Arm Robbery
Adolphus Palacio, 19, and 20-year-old Collin Castillo, both residents of La Democracia, are in jail after they were remanded on a charge of armed robbery upon 18-year-old Priscilla Wagner on Friday, February 28. Wagner reported to police that at about 2:30 p.m. on Friday, February 28, she was walking down the Coastal Road after exiting a bus at the junction with the highway when two dark complexion males rode past her very slowly and watched her in a suspicious manner. According to Wagner, one of the men, who was tall and had a gold tooth, turned back and snatched her chain as he rode from behind. The other man, who she described as muscular and short, pointed a firearm at her and demanded that she hand over her purse. The men took a white Samsung Galaxy S3 cell phone valued at $1,486; a gold chain valued $800; a brown purse valued $150 and containing $60 cash; a key value $50 and a flash drive value $80, a total of over $2,600.

Miss Bev takes Rural Central
The Phillip Goldson Highway in front of the Our Lady of the Way primary school in Ladyville took on an air of festivity and combustion that is brought on during a general election. But it was no general election on Sunday as Beverly Castillo, Emroy Castillo, Michael Hutchinson, Francis Lizama and Dean Samuels gave it their all to become the next UDP Standard Bearer for the Belize Rural Central Constituency. Polling started at 10 in the morning and carried on until 5 in the evening with a constant stream of residents making their way to the polling rooms to cast their ballots. They came from as far as Gales Point Manatee and by the time the convention was ended, 2,015 residents had voted. Beverly Castillo easily secured a victory receiving 961 votes. Michael Hutchinson received 502 votes while Dean Samuels received 353 votes. Emroy Castillo received 153 votes and Francis Lizama received 19 votes; 28 ballots were spoilt.

Fort George has new Standard Bearer
The Fort George Constituency held a convention to select a new Standard Bearer for the United Democratic Party on Saturday, March 1. While the numbers were not as impressive as other conventions held across the country, it was not less a sweet victory for Belize City Councilor Roger Espejo who has been holding on to the constituency as caretaker for the past two years. At the end of polling at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall, Roger Espejo had received 268 votes, his competitor, William Schnarr received 190 votes and 15 ballots were spoilt. There were a total of 475 persons who cast their ballots.

Loans Available for Businesses Interested in Exporting
Hundreds of thousands of dollars are available for Belizean business owners interested in hitting the export market. The Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) launched an export program in Belize on Wednesday, March 5. IIC is collaborating with the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) to introduce FINPYME Export Plus to Belizean entrepreneurs. The IIC is the investment arm of the Inter-American Development Bank, which deals with private sector lending. The launch on Wednesday is the start of a series of workshops aimed at assisting local business owners to access international markets by addressing certification requirements, improving operations and management processes.

Uplifting Conch Shell Bay
Through the efforts of councilor Philip Willougby residents of the Conch shell Bay area in Belize City, received a visit by a high powered delegation of key players who will be able to make a difference in the lives of the residents there. On Wednesday morning, Mayor Darrell Bradley; Bishop of the Anglican Diocese, Philip Wright; President of the Council of Churches, Roosevelt Papaloute; Commissioner of Lands, Wilbert Vallejos; Director of Hand in Hand Ministries, Bernard Panton and Councilor Willoughby himself, did a walk-through of the area. According to Mayor Bradley, the city council through the efforts of Willoughby did a site assessment to look at the conditions in the area and see how the residents can be assisted. Willoughby says that the players were brought together after he had a meeting with the residents three weeks ago and they brought up concerns that they would like addressed. Among those concerns is the issue of land where tenure of some of the residents need to be addressed. Another key issue was that of the poor living conditions.

Six Traffic fatalities in March
For the month of March 2014, which has just begun, six persons around the country died because of injuries suffered from traffic accidents. Because of the alarming spikes in accidents on the Northern Highway in the Jurisdiction of the Ladyville Police, the Rural Executive Officer, who commands the formation has, said that they will step up their efforts to try to prevent traffic mishaps. -

Freezone heist suspects caught
Corozal Police have charged four men for the brazen armed robbery, which happened in the Commercial Free Zone, that netted the thieves $208,000. Corozal residents 26 year-old Hector Kelly and 18-year-old Brandon Myers were charged with robbery, while Israel Rancharan was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. All three were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on Monday, March 3, where they were granted bail of $20,000. On Friday, February 28, 21 year-old Benigno Loria of San Andres Village was charged and arraigned for conspiracy to commit robbery.

Lenny Benguche Gets 10 years for Shooting Ex-Girlfriend
Lenny Bennett Benguche, 27, is now serving a ten-year sentence after he was convicted of maim on Friday, February 21. On January 29, 2008, 21-year-old Christina Zetina was shot in the left foot by Benguche while riding her bicycle in Ladyville Village. Benguche is Zetina’s ex-boyfriend and she was in the company of her new boyfriend, Kareem Young, at the time of the shooting. Five months after the injury, Zetina’s leg had to be amputated due to an infection. Benguche was arrested and charged with attempted murder and maim. In June 2010, a 9-member jury found him not guilty of attempted murder but they were deadlocked on the charge of maim. Therefore, a retrial was ordered for the charge of maim.

Ryan “Lippo” Alvarez accused of Pulling Gun on Uncle
Ryan Alvarez, also known as “Lippo”, is behind bars after he was accused of threatening his uncle with a handgun. 49-year-old Dwight Alvarez told police that he and his nephew, Ryan’s brother, were engaged in an argument when Ryan intervened and told his uncle that he won’t let anyone take advantage of his brother. According to Dwight, Ryan then went behind the yard of their family house, located on Supaul Street, and came back with a 9 mm pistol. Dwight said Ryan pointed the gun at him and, fearing for his life, he walked away and went to report the matter to police. Police arrested and charged Ryan Alvarez with one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Nurse caught with stolen items
A stolen item at the San Ignacio Hospital has been successfully recovered by Police. According to a press release issued today by the Police Department, on the 13th of February 2014, Doctor Guillermo Rivas, 53-year-old Medical Officer at the San Ignacio Community Hospital reported to Police that sometime around midday he was in the maternity ward section of the hospital where he returned a few minutes later because he had forgotten his white in color Samsung brand Tablet with a black casing valued at $800.00 and discovered it missing. As a result Police visited the Hospital and conducted searches on personnel working at the time but nothing was found. An investigation was launched into the matter as it was then learnt that this was not the first time that items have been stolen from the facility, yet no report was made. Hence the reason Police exhausted all efforts to recover the missing tablet.

Wanted American Fugitive arrested in Belize
Cody Safadago, 42, is wanted in the United States for leaving the country while out on bail for spousal abuse. According to Immigration officials, Safadago has been convicted of spousal abuse, drugs offenses and human trafficking. Safadago was captured by Immigration officers at a house on Benbow Street after he entered the country illegally on Friday, February 28. He was deemed a prohibited immigrant and remanded at the Belize Central Prison until he was arraigned on Monday, March 3. Safadago appeared before Magistrate Leslie Hamilton and pleaded not guilty after he was told he is being deemed a prohibited immigrant. Safadago told Magistrate Hamilton, “I came through Blue Creek and there was no one there [from Immigration Department].”

Corwin Bennett walks from murder charge
Corwin Bennett was acquitted of murder on Wednesday March 5th, after being on remand for more than 4 years. He had been accused of the January 12, 2011 murder of Kraal Road leader, Raymond "Killa" Gentle. He was thought to be one of two men who either shot or accompanied the shooter when Gentle was killed. The decision was handed down by Supreme Court judge, Adolph Lucas at around 10:00 a.m. The matter had concluded on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 and the judgment came one week later.

Boom Posse shoots Man in the Face
Ladyville police are looking into a shooting incident where Belize City resident 43 year-old Giovanni Berry ended up being shot in a case that resembles vigilantism. It happened on Saturday, March 1, in the pre-dawn hours, where a group of about six residents of the Burrell Boom Village stormed a house he was taking care of. At around 1 a.m., someone broke into Chad Gillett’s home in the village and stole his licensed 9 mm pistol. Fortunately, Gillett woke up in time to catch the thief as he fled. Gillett fired a shotgun blast at the unknown man, who seemed to have been hit by pellets, but he managed to get away on foot. Gillett then immediately called the village police officer, and got a group of his close friends, who are owners of licensed weapons, and they went out to do their own investigation.

Retrial ordered for Edward Buller
On Wednesday, March 5 a retrial was ordered for 55-year-old, Edward Buller, who was initially charged on June 24, 2009, for the murder of Ella Mae Bennett. The body of the 41-year-old Honduran national had been found inside an abandoned home on Central American Boulevard on June 20. On September 19, 2011, a jury of 12 had found Buller not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. Buller was later sentenced to 16 years imprisonment for the crime.

All Green in Citrus Industry
On Friday, February 28, Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow announced to the nation that all stakeholders in the citrus industry had signed off on a Memorandum of Understanding that should solve the flagship company’s cash flow crisis and settle its executive level tug-of-war. A new Board of Directors will be configured for the Citrus Products of Belize Limited (CPBL) to include representation from the Citrus Growers Association, Banks Holdings Limited, the Government of Belize, the Social Security Board and Heritage Bank Limited. Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Barrow bridged negotiations between key stakeholders in the citrus industry in an effort to dissolve longstanding disputes that drove CPBL to the brink of collapse. The working capital for CPBL dried up after the commercial banks decided not to release any more money until the company could provide audited figures of its operations, which it was unable to do because the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) and its strategic investor, Banks Holdings Limited, could not agree on an auditor. Without working capital, CPBL could not pay farmers for their fruits and the company would’ve had to discontinue operations.

St. Luke Methodist Girls and Boys win in Primary schools Softball Competition
The Belize City primary Schools Softball Competition continues at Rogers Stadium with a number of games during the week. On Tuesday, March 3, in the girls’ competition played, St. Luke Methodist School defeated its sister school Trinity Methodist by the score of 15-2. The winning pitcher was Destiny Dobson and the losing pitcher was Davina Perrera. In the boys’ game, St. Luke Methodist also won over St. Mary’s Primary School by the score of 12-4. The winning pitcher was Avery Rudon and the losing pitcher was Michael Segura. On Monday, March 3, in girls’ competition, Calvary Temple School defeated Wesley Upper School by the score of 8-6. The winning pitcher was Pauline Jex and the losing pitcher was Erica Cadogan.

Central Region High Schools Softball Regular Competition ends
The 2013-2014 Central Region Secondary Schools Softball Competition regular season came to an end on Friday, February 28, 2014 at Rogers Stadium. In the female competition game played, Wesley College defeated Pallotti High School. The winning pitcher was Brianna Meighan and the losing pitcher was Shenelle Flowers. In the second female game, Gwen Lizarraga High School defeated St. Catherine Academy. The winning pitcher was Ashley Lucas and the losing pitcher was Jacqueline Alas. On Thursday, February 27, in the female game played, Ladyville Technical High School defeated Anglican Cathedral College by the score of 23-1. The winning pitcher was Amber Wade and the losing pitcher was Ashley Alarcon. In the male game played, St. John’s College defeated Ladyville Technical High School by the score of 10-8. The winning pitcher was Dylon Snaggs and the losing pitcher was Isaac Dominguez.

Announcement For Poster Contest For World Water Day
An International Day to celebrate Freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), and the United Nations General Assembly responded by designating March 22, 1993 as the first World Water Day. Every year thereafter, World Water Day is celebrated on March 22 around the world. This year, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture, in collaboration with other Ministries and Departments, has taken the lead for the celebration of the annual World Water Day (WWD) event as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater.

Amandala

JOBLESS MOTHER OF 4, HOMELESS
The single mother who last November took to downtown Belize City with a placard which said that she needed a job so badly she would even work for food, visited our newspaper today with her four children, dressed so smartly in their school uniforms that you would not even know by looking at them that they had nothing to eat for breakfast. “We less fortunate people are the ones suffering. We are not getting the crumbs falling off the table,” Juanita Paulino said. The latest labor force survey published in December indicated that women have an unemployment rate of 22% – double that of their male counterparts. The survey also had found that while the unemployment rate for men had fallen from 11.9% to 9.6%, it remained steady at 22 percent for women, which means that women like Paulino who were seeking gainful employment were having a harder time finding jobs than their male counterparts. The dire consequence of this is that for poverty-stricken, single mothers struggling to find a job, they are unable to meet the basic needs of their children: food, clothing, shelter, education, and healthcare.

TEACHERS WILL “FLEX” IN BELMOPAN
Despite a notice from the Ministry of Education that the salary of teachers who will participate in Friday’s march on Belmopan will be docked for three days, the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) is still pressing ahead with plans to hold a rally and demonstration at the steps of the National Assembly tomorrow, when Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dean Barrow is expected to read the national budget. Barrow had announced that the new budget includes an additional $22 million to finance a 5% salary adjustment for teachers and public officers. However, the BNTU said that it’s not all about the money – and there are pressing national issues—such as corruption—which the Government has failed to address. BNTU estimates that it has around 6,000 members, but we are told that the announcement from the Ministry, that the pay of teachers who participate in tomorrow’s demonstration will be docked, has dampened the drive to get teachers onboard. “We are very disappointed in this move to intimidate the teachers of this country,” said Luke Palacio, BNTU’s national president, in a statement issued Wednesday.

JEFFREY EILEY, 30, GUNNED DOWN ON BARRIER REEF DRIVE
The Eiley and Arceo families of San Pedro are mourning the death of Jeffrey Eiley, 30, who was shot multiple times on Barrier Reef Drive in San Pedro at about 1:30 this morning, Thursday. Eiley was rushed to the San Pedro Poly Clinic, where he was declared dead on arrival. Residents of Barrier Reef Drive reported that they were awakened from their sleep by multiple explosive bursts of gunfire. Four gunshots were heard first, and a few seconds later, about six more shots were fired. Shortly after, they heard someone crying out for help. They went out to see what was happening and that was when they saw Jeffrey Eiley, a tour guide of Marina Drive who was well known to them, and who was the nephew of Patty Arceo, bleeding and wounded. Police responded quickly and took him to the San Pedro Poly Clinic, where he was declared dead on arrival. He was then taken to the morgue at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

13 Bowen and Bowen employees sacked
Late yesterday evening, 13 employees who did not show up to work for two days in protest of an adjustment in their terms of employment that was recently implemented by their employer, Bowen & Bowen Ltd., were laid off by the company. The group of workers – primarily deliverymen— were reluctant to sign the new work contracts issued by the company, believing that their eligibility for holiday pay, commission and benefits would be severely cut. Apparently, the company concluded, after the employees were absent for two days that those workers had abandoned their posts without proper notification, and so they were replaced and presented with termination letters which informed them that their services were no longer required. Today, Amandala met some of the affected employees at the Labour Department in Belize City, where they had initially gone to contest the terms of the new work contract. Kevin Garbutt, who said that he has worked at the beverage company for 8 years, told us that they were given a new contract to sign, but they refused to do so. He said, “We didn’t sign because they were not going to pay us overtime and for holidays, which is due by law, so we got together and took it to management, but they refused to hear from us and decided to terminate us even though we have our doctor papers.”

KREM will be on the river for this year’s La Ruta Maya River Challenge
The yearly spectacle of canoes and paddlers which has become known as the Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge will come to pass this coming weekend, and for the first time, an all-female coverage team representing KREM Radio will be bringing live play-by-play coverage of the event to radio listeners across the country for the entire 4-day duration of the canoe race. Scores of paddlers and fans will converge on the banks of the Macal River in San Ignacio this Friday to either participate in, or witness the start of the event, and the KREM team promises to broadcast all the thrills and spills that occur along the way. The event will be a 4-day, 180-mile race, in which 300 male and female paddlers of different ages in 100 canoes will compete. One of the Belize Defence Force’s military nurses, Venice Lambert, will also be a part of the KREM team. She spoke about her role in providing the coverage. “We will be providing facts along with interviews so that radio listeners feel like they are there on the spot with us”, she said.

CATHOLIC BISHOP OPPOSES “20,000 STRONG” MARCH
Plans for an unprecedented “20,000 Strong” march for women—in commemoration of Women’s Month observed every March—were met with resounding opposition from the most powerful church in Belize, the Roman Catholic Church, which issued a rare caution to its membership about the event, on suspicion that the move to have women rally behind the women’s empowerment banner is part of a wider agenda to get them onboard with changing gender norms, including the promotion of abortion and same-sex relations. The march is one of the highlights of Women’s Month, which Anthony “Boots” Martinez, Minister of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, said, in a printed message in commemoration of the celebration, is “a time to pause to celebrate the achievements of women in their quest for gender equality.” Before the controversial 2013 Gender Policy came into effect, such a statement would not have elicited a strong response, but against the backdrop of a new gender policy which makes clear provisions to accommodate genders other than male and female, and which acknowledges the lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transsexual (LGBT) community and rights for which they have been lobbying, the temperature of the conversation has changed.

PUP launches 2014 Women’s Agenda
The Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) launched its 2014 Women’s Agenda, “Charting Greater Pathways for Belizean Women as Nation Builders,” to coincide with Women’s Month on Wednesday, at its Independence Hall headquarters. Senator Lisa Shoman said that this is the fifth Women’s Agenda that the PUP has launched. It is written by women and based on consultation with the women of the PUP, which also plans to incorporate it as part of the party’s manifesto. The six-point Women’s Agenda is focused on Education and Skills Training; Health and Wellness; Socio-cultural/Political; Economic Empowerment; Land, Housing and Property Rights; and a Legal section. In its Education and Skills Training section, the agenda sets out a seven-point objective which includes bringing about parity for girls and women from pre-school through tertiary education, including in technical and vocational programs. The PUP also wants girls and women to have equal access to education and employment and to expand and sustain relevant skills training for girls and women in the rural communities.

Beverly Castillo wins big in UDP’s Belize Rural Central Convention
The ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) held a convention to select its standard bearer for the Belize Rural Central constituency on Sunday, March 2. After the ballots were counted, newcomer Beverly Castillo, the former Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Natural Resources, emerged as the winner, edging out Michael Hutchinson and three other candidates in the five-way race to become the UDP Belize Rural Central standard bearer. Castillo, who ran a sophisticated campaign with media advertisements, posters, and hordes of workers projecting her message on T-shirts, garnered 961 votes, while Michael Hutchinson, a former UDP Minister of State who appears to have fallen from grace with the UDP’s top brass, was a distant second with 502 votes; City Councilor Dean Samuels managed to capture the third spot with 353 votes, while Emroy Castillo picked up 152 votes, and John Lizama finished the race with 19 votes.

CitCo presents mid-term progress reports
The current City Council administration – led by Mayor Darrell Bradley – has arguably been making tangible strides to improve the ambiance, and develop the infrastructure of the Old Capital, and this morning, the Belize City Council (CitCo) presented their report card encompassing recent accomplishments within the last year and future plans for further infrastructure works and policy implementations across the evolving city of Belize. In his presentation, the Mayor proceeded to update the public on what CitCo has been up to, while boasting that all city residents can see that the city is moving forward. “Significant efforts have been made to ensure that City Hall is run in a way that comports with the highest level of ethics and accountability”, Bradley stated. He told the audience of three core areas of development on which the council is focused, which are infrastructure, governance and economic development.

PUP give ComPol Friday 2 p.m. deadline
Attorney Edwin Flowers, S.C., the lead attorney for Opposition Leader Francis Fonseca, who steered a judicial review through the Supreme Court, resulting in the court’s granting of a writ of mandamus directed to Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie to “continue, accelerate and conclude criminal investigations against Elvin Penner and others for their role in the illegal issuance of a Belize passport and nationality certificate”, has written to the Commissioner requesting an update on the investigation by 2:00 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, March 7. Flowers’ letter, dated today, March 6, reminds Commissioner Whylie that: “Of course you are also aware that willful disobedience of the orders of the court makes you liable to contempt proceedings.” On Monday, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin issued the Supreme Court’s prerogative writ of mandamus to the Commissioner of Police, whom the court found had acted “unreasonable, irrational and unlawful”, in the handling of the Penner passport scandal.

Weed and white supremacy
When the anti-colonial movement began in British Honduras in 1950, the dominant presence in the local economy was that of the Belize Estate and Produce Company, Limited, known to us here as “BEC.” BEC owned incredible amounts of prime real estate and raw land all over the colony, and it was really as if they were the business extension of the colonial administration the British Empire ran from Government House. Because of the fact that they were working partners with Government House and because BEC had grown out of the rule of the Baymen in the settlement of Belize, Belizeans hardly thought of BEC as “foreign direct investors.” But, technically, BEC would have to be categorized as such by modern PUDP politicians and their economists. Those of us in the resistance movement, on the other hand, would describe BEC as a predator organization, because they brought little investment into Belize, and they exported all their profits to Britain. In fact, the British peer who came here in 1985 was quite similar to BEC: he brought little investment and exported all of his profits. For decades, however, he was dubbed as a “foreign direct investor.” And, he was favored by both the PUP and the UDP.

FROM THE PUBLISHER
This has been an unprecedented post-general election period in Belize’s modern political history, in the sense that it has seemed as if campaigning continued and has not stopped since the March 2012 general election. One of the reasons for the highly energetic politics from then till now was the narrowness of the UDP victory back then. Another reason was the need for the new Opposition PUP Leader, Hon. Francis Fonseca, to consolidate the gains in prestige he had achieved with his party’s 14-seat performance in the 2012 generals. Remember, Mr. Fonseca had been defeated by Hon. John Briceño in the PUP leadership convention in March of 2008. Then, when Mr. Briceño resigned, under some financial duress, in October of 2011, Hon. Mark Espat had been the PUP Interim Leader for 11 days, and in fact endorsed for the substantive leadership by 30 of the 31 PUP constituencies. It was not as if Mr. Francis entered the leadership like a conquering hero after Espat declined the PUP leadership offer: it was more like emergency surgery. The surgery was successful. The PUP came within 60 or 70 votes of winning the general election. It was a stunning performance, and Mr. Fonseca welcomed and deserved his party’s accolades.

LETTERS: WAR ON WEED HAS FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS
Like, where is the compelling governmental interest? Dear Editor, I looked at a recent eye-opener, the case of the one-legged man receiving six months for 1/10 of a gram of cannabis. Yeah, I know he had committed similar violations of the law in the past and still owed money. Last I recall, the courts had fined him $10,000 for a past similar violation. How does a one-legged man pay such a fine? This is only one example of casualties in this war on the people. With all that said and understood, what are we looking at here? What is the cost in time and money in just this one case? I can’t tell you that, but I can tell you the cost of the cannabis involved. Let’s see what 1/10 of a gram of cannabis is, in the material world – pretty much $35.00 an ounce in most places in rural Belize. OK, 28.3 grams in an ounce, $35.00 divided by 28.3 grams in an ounce = $1.24 per gram. 1/10 of a gram is twelve and one half cents.

LETTERS: City females’ backbreaking work for an honest living
Dear Editor, I write to say congratulations to the 12 young ladies, many of them single mothers, who have accepted work digging trenches through rocks in the hot sun in Belize City to earn an honest living. Digging trenches through rocks with spade and pickax in the sun is backbreaking work, best suitable for men. Given the choice no parents would want to see their daughter or other female relatives doing that type of manual work, that could result in birth problems or other serious effects on their bodies down the road. The fact that females have to accept that type of employment, speaks of the massive unemployment in the country or the huge difficulty in getting a job, especially among single mothers, who don’t have the benefit of a high school education. By accepting backbreaking construction work to earn an honest living, the ladies on the Southside of the city have also struck a severe blow to an often repeated lie against them. The lie is: that Southside women,who are marginalized, are satisfied with a little $20.00 or $30.00 from a Minister once per week and have no interest in decent steady employment to care for their families.

LETTERS: Belize’s major alcohol problem
Gentlemen, Thank you so much for inviting me to participate at the liquor licensing regulations meeting. I believe it was very worthwhile to get input from so many different levels and sources that will help craft a better piece of legislation. I have two issues, obviously requiring more evaluation, before consideration of legislation. They are as follows: a. Consider creating “jurisdictions” and putting a maximum number of licenses based on population, with ­­­­­­distance limitations from schools, churches, residential area and add appropriate zoning. This accomplishes two things (probably not popular with local Councils): (i) it prevents discretionary granting of licenses. This is a country that needs to do all it can to curb corruption and a fixed number of licenses for defined areas is simply that, fixed. (ii) it also adds value to the license, which, barring violations that would render the license invalid, has a financial value. People who have that license, and knowing that there are not others readily available, would be much more concerned to follow rules and regulations. They will follow the rules on closing, they will follow the rules on noise abatement, because they don’t want to lose that license!

SPORTS IN BELIZE – PRIVILEGE OR OPPORTUNITY?
It is difficult to discuss sports in Belize without provoking emotional responses from various quarters, but we hope that in this essay we can provide clarification and background instead of sparking controversy. The recent announcement of the new appointments to the National Sports Council suggests to us that power has returned to those who see sports as privilege, rather than opportunity. All children, even handicapped ones, love sporting competition, and we can view sports as an actual human right. So no reasonable person would want to deny Belizean children the right to play sports. The problem is that we are a poor country, with limited facilities. It has happened, most notably in the case of the Belize City Center, that there are disagreements between those who see sports as privilege, and we generally refer to such peoples as “amateurists,” and those who see sports as opportunity, and those are the people who support professionalism in sports.

Ideas and Opinions – Coconut Grove
Some ideas are more valuable than silver or gold. Most people spend their whole lives without conceiving one such idea. But a precious few are blessed to have more than one. I first heard of the idea that the establishment of a national bank by the government could transform our economy, from Dr. Leroy Taegar and Bill Lindo, at about the same time. They were associates, so they might have conferred. Bill went further; he has been studying the subject for the past fifteen years, read the books of, and corresponded with one of the foremost experts in, the field of national banking. It took a long time till a government saw merit in the idea and had the courage to take action. It is to the credit of our present government that our national bank is a reality. The government is advised by people it considers experts, but Bill is saying that they are making some mistakes which might be avoided. If they listen to what Mr. Lindo has to say, it might be less expensive.

Madness and mandamus
There is an eerie feeling in the air over this nation and only those with a sense of discernment can detect it… others are oblivious of the forces at work. It makes me think of the old Biblical days when literally offerings were burnt to God and so the smoke of the burnt offering permeated the atmosphere. But those offerings greatly depended on the heart of the “offeror.” So we are not “burning” offerings, but our individual conduct and acts and especially those of our leaders set the tone of what is out there, the “smoke-screen” in the public domain. It’s like madness going on and people being allowed to get away with madness! The tone on many things are set by our leaders, be it political leaders, church leaders, youth leaders, women leaders, social leaders, sports leaders, just leaders on a whole. Union’s right to rally An interesting power play took place the past week and I wrote about it in last week’s edition of this column and this week I sat back and saw the power play but did not anticipate that such a gigantic player as the Catholic Church would step in. From this writer’s corner I was looking at the duplicitous nature of the Ministry of Education under the leadership of Patrick Faber and several things came to mind.

SATIIM’s former Finance Officer charged for embezzlement
A 40-year old villager of Forest Home Village, who was formerly employed as the finance officer for the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM), located in southern Belize, was today charged for a portion of funds that were reportedly embezzled from the organization over a 15-month period. Between January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013, David Duncan – who held the post of administrator and finance officer at SATIIM – allegedly forged, deposited and cashed several cheques belonging to the environmental organization, which amounted to approximately $110,000. Some 10 months ago, in May of 2013, the report was initially made by SATIIM’s Executive Director, Greg Ch’oc. At the time, Ch’oc was reluctant to comment on the matter because he said that it was in the hands of police, who were doing their pertinent investigations.

Blazin’ Reggae Showdown at Bird’s Isle this Sunday
Community members and reggae lovers in particular are being invited out to Bird’s Isle this Sunday, March 9, to support a worthy cause, while enjoying a variety of reggae music from 4:00 p.m. until midnight. The event, dubbed “Blazin’ Reggae Sunday”, will feature a host of local deejays who will be providing the audience with a mixture of both old and new reggae songs, and the subsequent proceeds will be used to assist in the administration of some much-needed feeding programs which are conducted to help disadvantaged schoolchildren in Belize City. Today, Amandala spoke with two of the organizers, Anthony “Tony G” Grant and Deon “Ras Pitta” Pitter, who told us about the show and about their intent to make it a monthly event. “We are putting together a show called Blazin’ Reggae Sunday and it’s a kickback from my show on KREM called ‘Blazin’ Reggae Vibes’ which is aired from Monday through Thursday from 5:00 a.m. until 6:30 a.m.”, Grant said.

2 DEAD AFTER FATAL TOLEDO ACCIDENT
Two men from the Toledo district are dead following a fatal traffic accident in Trio in the Toledo District, while a female police constable and two motorists were seriously hurt in separate traffic mishaps in the Belize district. Police reported that at 7:05 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2014, they visited an area in front of the primary school in Trio, where they saw a white pickup truck overturned in a drain. However, no one was seen in the vehicle at the time. Police said that they then visited the Independence Polyclinic, where they saw the bodies of 25-year-old Wilfredo Jaime, a farmer of Independence, and Antonio Mejia (age unknown). Police also observed 19-year-old Christopher Gutierrez, another farmer of Independence, who appeared to be in a state of shock. Gutierrez was transported to the Southern Regional Hospital, where he was later admitted.

Brother and sister die 28 hours apart
Double tragedy has struck the Garbutt family of Corozal – with the deaths of two siblings of the family occurring within 24 hours of each other. Special Constable Loneth Ferguson died first at about 1:30 Monday morning after a bout of illness at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, and then her brother, Lennox Garbutt, 43, according to reports, died at about 1:30 Tuesday morning at the scene of an accident he had – he was travelling from Corozal to Belize City to make preparations for her funeral and make other arrangements in connection with her death. The traffic collision in which Garbutt was involved took place between Miles 6 and 7 on the Philip Goldson Highway. He was officially declared dead at about 5:30 a.m., at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Garbutt was driving his Toyota Corolla car with L/P CZL-C- 027302, in which Gary Williams, 34, a laborer of 11- 6th Street, Corozal Town was a passenger, when a head-on collision occurred between the Corolla and a Sebring Touring car, being driven at the time by Steven Wade, 23, an employee of the Ministry of Health, who resides on Water Lane in Belize City. As a result, Garbutt suffered massive injuries to his left foot, chest, right arm and hip.

COROZAL HEAT
Last Friday night at the Corozal Civic Center, the Corozal Heats (1-3) whipped the Belmopan Point Bandits (2-2) with a score of 67-54 and secured their first win of the season in the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) tournament. The first quarter was well played by both teams, with very few turnovers committed by either side. As a result, the lead was volleyed from one team to the other. At the end of the first quarter, Belmopan was up 17-14. The teams’ evident scoring drives made the second quarter very interesting. Corozal had the upper hand in regards to their three-point shooting which was, by far, much better than Belmopan’s; however, Corozal had many more turnovers. Unfortunately for Belmopan, the Bandits failed to capitalize on those turnovers. By the end of the second quarter, the Corozal Heats had taken the lead, 35-27. The third quarter saw the Heats trample the Point Bandits, as their lead grew to 12 points, mainly through the hands of Jason Daly and Kenroy Roca. Roca was on fire, sinking 4 three-pointers from 6 attempts. The third quarter ended 53-41 in favor of Corozal.

Gwen Liz girls, Wesley boys win
In the NSSSA Central Division High School Softball playoff games today at Rogers Stadium in Belize City, the girls’ team of Gwen Lizarraga High School and the boys’ team from Wesley High School were both victorious in their matches. In the first game, the #3 seed Gwen Lizarraga female team trumped the #4 seed Wesley girls’ team by a score of 15 to 4. The winning pitcher was Ashley Lucas, and the losing pitcher was Brianna Meighan. The second game was much more competitive, as the #3 seed Wesley boys’ team edged out the #4 seed Gwen Liz males by 1 run, the game ending with a 16-15 score. The winning pitcher in that game was Devon Tillett of Wesley College, while the losing pitcher was Devonte Middleton of Gwen Lizarraga School.

Tennis news
This past Saturday, March 2, twenty-two children ranging from ages 4 to13 years participated in a tennis tournament hosted by the Belize Tennis Association at the Belize Pickwick Club Tennis Courts. There were three different categories: green/advanced, orange/intermediate, and red/beginners. The advanced and intermediate category played doubles. In the green/advanced category, Harnadar Tut and Gavin Riveroll took the 1st place, with Adrian Marshalleck and Jonathan Smith taking 2nd place. In the orange/intermediate category, which had the most participants, the competition was tight; but in the end, Jayda Smith and Devesh Hukmani took 1st place, and Sofia Solano and Marianna Diaz took the 2nd place medals. In the red/beginners category, Daniel Musa came out on top, with John Paul Jaramillo taking the runner up position. Both Daniel and John Paul are extremely promising players, and they held the longest rallies of the entire tournament, impressing all parents and fans present!

Dangriga sports stats
Classic Gold Mayor’s Cup The Classic Gold Mayor’s Cup football tournament, sponsored by Traveller’s and Belikin, will get under way this Sunday, March 9, at the Carl Ramos Stadium with a Grand Marathon, commencing at 10:30 a.m. Teams taking part are: Benguche, New Site, Silk Grass, Wagiya, Wagierale, Green Gold Hope Creek, Hopkins, Southside, Riverside, and Conquerors. All teams are asked to please be on time. First place for the Marathon will be $1,000.00, second $500.00, third $300.00. Registration per team for the Marathon is $75.00. The regular season begins the following weekend with 2 games on Friday and 2 games on Sunday. This will be a short season, so teams have to be fully prepared both mentally and physically. BDF hosts PLB season opener The Premier League of Belize (PLB) will kick off its Closing Season tournament throughout the country of Belize this weekend; and here inside Dangriga’s Carl Ramos Stadium this Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. will be the “southern derby” battle, as home team BDF will see action against their worst foundation rivals, Punta Gorda’s Paradise/Freedom Fighters.

Gwen Liz girls overpower Nazarene High
Gwen Lizarraga High girls softball team coach Keith Madril was worried about “making team,” but otherwise exuded confidence going into this evening’s clash with regular season #1 seed Nazarene High. In Monday’s playoff first round, Nazarene High had gotten their first taste of defeat, when they fell to #2 seed Ladyville Technical, 6-5; and it was older sister Amber Wade on the mound for Ladyville Tech who took the victory over baby sister Elma, pitching for Nazarene. #3 seed Gwen Liz girls had made light work of #4 seed Wesley on Tuesday, crushing them 15-4, so today they got their chance against Nazarene to earn a spot in the finals on Friday against Ladyville Technical. Gwen Liz coach Madril confessed that his team lost to both Ladyville Tech and Nazarene in regular season games because he made some tough decisions with problem players, whom he promptly benched for coming to games late or not showing up at all. His biggest worry was having power pitcher Ashley Lucas protected by her reliable battery-mate Tyra Moreira.

EX-SPECIAL CONSTABLE BUSTED TRYING TO SMUGGLE WEED INTO PRISON
A former Belize City Council Special Constable was busted on Wednesday when she went to the Kolbe-managed Belize Central Prison to visit her boyfriend and was found in possession of 0.3 grams of cannabis. The former Special Constable, Natalie Hamilton, 31, a resident of Periwinkle Street, appeared before Magistrate Leslie Hamilton, who arraigned her on the drug possession charge. Hamilton pleaded not guilty and was released on $500 bail plus one surety in the same amount. Hamilton had gone to visit Gyon Bernard, a remanded prisoner who has a number of cases pending in court, including two counts of attempted murder.

Raymond “Killa” Gentle’s accused killer, Corwin Bennett, walks
Earlier this week, we reported on a shooting which had taken place in Burrell Boom whilewherewhen a mob of villagers were in pursuit of a thief or thieves who had burglarized the home of Chad Gillett. Based on information we had received at the time, we were told that it was a fellow resident of Burrell Boom who was shot; however, Amandala understands that the shooting victim was 43-year-old Belize City resident, Giovanni Berry. Berry was reportedly in the village working on a newly built house and had decided to bunk for the overnight, but he ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time when he was caught in the middle of a horrifying ordeal and woke up to the nightmare of a hail of gunfire in his direction, allegedly by a vigilante group.

“Weedy” wanted to chop security guard
A security guard of Discount Superstore escaped being “chopped up” at the supermarket by a man who chased him with a machete in the store. The storeowner quickly called police and the machete-wielding man ran out of the store and drove away in a taxi. The incident occurred about 7:40 Monday morning at the store on Mahogany Street Extension. Christian Ramirez told police that at about 7:37 Monday morning, while at work, a man whom he knows as “Weedy,” who was armed with a machete, approached him and attempted to chop him. He ran into the store, and the man chased him inside the supermarket.

Corozal Free Zone robbers captured
On Tuesday, February 25, a Mexican businessman, Ricardo Villasenior, 43, of Las Flores Manzoni, Calle Alcatraz, Quintana Roo, Mexico, was robbed at gunpoint in the Corozal Free Zone. The thieves got away with $1,250,000.00 pesos in different denominations, which is the equivalent of BZ$208,000, and then, after further taking Villasenior’s cellphone and an additional 800 pesos out of his pocket, locked him up in his car trunk. Police have arrested Benigno Loria, 21, of San Andres, Corozal, who is a former employee of North American Store where Villasenior was robbed; Israel Rancharan, 22, a laborer of Venezuelan Site, Corozal Town; Hector Kelly, 26, a laborer of Halls Layout, Corozal Town; and Zandon Myers, 18, a laborer of 4th Avenue, Corozal Town.

Court of Appeal orders retrial for Edward Buller, convicted of manslaughter
The Court of Appeal has quashed the 16-year sentence of Edward Buller, 55, and ordered a new trial. Buller was convicted of manslaughter for the June 20, 2009 death of Ella Mae Bennett, 41, a Honduran national whose body was discovered in an abandoned house on Central American Boulevard. The trial judge had failed to direct the jury on a caution statement that Buller had given to police, the court found. Buller had contended that the statement was taken from him by force, and this was the legal lynchpin which resulted in the appeal justices ruling to overturn the conviction. At his trial, Buller denied being at the crime scene. He told the court that he was at home watching television. In June 2011, Buller was tried on a murder indictment, but after deliberating for over four hours, a jury of six men and six women returned into the courtroom of Supreme Court Justice Adolph Lucas with a not guilty of murder verdict, but a verdict of guilty for the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Man shot in the face in Burrell Boom was Belize City resident
Earlier this week, we reported on a shooting which had taken place in Burrell Boom whilewherewhen a mob of villagers were in pursuit of a thief or thieves who had burglarized the home of Chad Gillett. Based on information we had received at the time, we were told that it was a fellow resident of Burrell Boom who was shot; however, Amandala understands that the shooting victim was 43-year-old Belize City resident, Giovanni Berry. Berry was reportedly in the village working on a newly built house and had decided to bunk for the overnight, but he ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time when he was caught in the middle of a horrifying ordeal and woke up to the nightmare of a hail of gunfire in his direction, allegedly by a vigilante group.

BUS DRIVER AVERTS COLLISION WITH LOWBOY
At about 9:00 last night on the Philip Goldson Highway in Biscayne, an alert and quick-thinking driver of a BBOC passenger bus averted a collision with a tandem truck, probably saving the lives of his passengers and preventing untold damage to his bus. The bus driver told police that about 9:00 last night he was traveling in his BBOC bus from Orange Walk to Belize City, when upon arrival at Biscayne he saw a lowboy swerving across the road and coming towards his bus. He immediately took evasive action and drove off the road to avoid a collision. He reported the matter, and police say that a vehicle checkpoint was set up at the Burrell Boom junction where, around 9:30 p.m., a blue International towhead truck with license plates L/P A-2825 that was towing a red trailer with license plate TO199 coming from the direction of Orange Walk toward Ladyville, was stopped.

The Reporter

Bandits Release McCaulay to Atlanta Silverbacks; Reportedly Signed Contract with US team from January
The Belmopan Bandits released their key striker, Deon McCaulay, to the Atlanta Silverbacks on Saturday, March 1st, effectively ending McCaulay’s contract with the team. McCaulay, 26, who entered the contract with Bandits in February 2013, was in limbo since the news broke that he […] Nazarene & Ladyville Tech girls lead high schools softball

Nazarene & Ladyville Tech girls lead high schools softball
William Ysaguirre Freelance Reporter The girls of Nazarene High School and Ladyville Technical High School are leading the Belize City High Schools Softball Competition and will face off against each other when the playoffs under the Paige system begin at Rogers Stadium in Belize City on Monday, March 3. The […]

Nazarene & St John College boys lead high schools softball
WIlliam Ysaguirre Freelance Reporter The boys of Nazarene High School and St John’s College are leading the Belize City high school softball competition and will face off against each other when the playoffs under the Paige system begin at the Rogers Stadium in Belize City on Monday, March 3. The […] New clinic offers diabetic patients hope

New clinic offers diabetic patients hope
Orange Walk is now home to the first Diabetic Clinic in the country. Opened on Saturday, March 1, the clinic is the brainchild of Drs. Vladimir and Perlita Sarrión. The clinic named “Nueva Esperanza,” translates to “New Hope” in English. And true to its name, the clinic offers new hope […]

Domestic violence wake-up call issued by UK watchdog
Devoted dog owners Doctors and nurses should receive special training so they can recognise the signs of domestic violence and ask questions, the health watchdog says. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is publishing new guidance to raise awareness among those coming into contact with victims. NICE […]

Passport case exposes malfunctioning system
If there is any one thing that the “Citizen Kim” passport scandal has done, it has re-emphasized the extent to which Belize’s oversight mechanisms are indeed malfunctioning. Since last September, We, the Belizean people, have watched in real time the true manipulative powers of the One-Party Government. We’ve watched it […]

A New Lord for Belize?
His name appeared almost as a blip on Channel 5 News in July of 2013: Lord Neil B Gibson, of LNBG, LLC. But after the win of the now UDP standard bearer for Cayo South, Ralph Huang, the name is back in the public domain, and with […]

Finally free! Court of Appeal exonerates Coye family
By Aaron Humes Freelance Reporter BELIZE CITY, Tues. Mar. 4, 2014 Court of Appeal Justices Dennis Morrison, Douglas Mendes and Samuel Awich on Tuesday acquitted Melonie Coye; her late father, Michael; employees Atlee Matute and Dietrich Kingston; and the family owned Money Exchange International Limited, ending a five-year odyssey for […] Corwin Bennett, 20, not guilty of Raymond Gentle murder

Corwin Bennett, 20, not guilty of Raymond Gentle murder
By Aaron Humes Freelance Reporter A Belize City youth was acquitted of murder charges for the death of a reformed gang boss three years ago. The verdict came on Wednesday morning in the Supreme Court. Justice Adolph Lucas told Corwin Bennett, 20, that he was not guilty of the January […]

Belize’s fading oil industry
The Statistical Institute of Belize’s latest data reveals that Belize’s Petroleum industry is in steady decline, but the Ministry of Energy says that companies are working to address problem. The SIB’s data revealed that crude oil production fell as much as 23 percent when compared […]

National Budget includes 5% Salary Adjustment for Public Officers
Teachers and public officers will get a 5% salary adjustment and the 2014-2015 National Budget calls for no new taxes, but teachers will still march on Independence Hill on Friday during the presentation of the Budget. Their decision to demonstrate is grounded in their […]

Forms with Function – Can we do more to encourage startups?
An enabling environment consists of the set of conditions that allow something to grow and thrive -or keep it from doing so. In agriculture, these conditions include weather, irrigation, fertilizer, and the other factors required to have a particular crop grow in abundance. In the case of business, such conditions […]

Controversy over 20,000 woman rally
The Special Envoy for Women and Children Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow said that while she is disappointed at the religious groups who didn’t endorse her office’s 20,000 Women rally, she stands ready to work with churches for women upliftment. “It is very disappointing that the […]

Belize and Guatemala hold first meeting eight years after agreement is signed
Belize and Guatemala have recently formed an initiative to promote amicable relations between the two countries. Representatives from both countries signed on to the Belize-Guatemala Administrative Commission at an inaugural ceremony held at the George Price Center meeting last Friday. The commission will serve as […]

VIP calls for COMPOL resignation
The Vision Inspired by the People (VIP) has called for Commissioner of Police, Allen Whylie to resign. The VIP said that they are “of the opinion that the current Commissioner of Police is unable to carry out and execute under his command, a true, […]

NCL’s EIA sparks controversy
Unconfirmed reports say that the National Environmental Appraisal Committee has reviewed Norwegian Cruise Line’s amended Environmental Impact Assessment and approved the project despite unanimous public disapproval, Michael Heusner, NEAC Belize Tourism Industry Association representative, said. Heusner confirmed to The Reporter that NEAC met Tuesday, […]

MOE threatens to dock teacher’s pay. BNTU not scared
The Ministry of Education has threatened to dock the pay of teachers who attend the Belize National Teachers Union rally scheduled for Friday, but the BNTU says that its rally will proceed as planned. Minister of Education Hon. Patrick Faber told the media this week […] Women’s Rally for empowerment garners fair numbers

Women’s Rally for empowerment garners fair numbers
Women from all walks of life in the Belizean society from across the country marched and rallied from the Memorial Park to the Marion Jones Stadium in Belize City today as part of a movement for greater empowerment and to celebrate their cause as […]

Blogs

Merida, Mexico: I Love So Many Things About this City
I DO LOVE A CITY. Especially one with fabulous museums, music, art, FOOD, cafes, culture, parks, history, shopping, nightlife, very low crime and options, options & more options. And Merida has all of that. SO MUCH OF IT. The gorgeous view flying on Tropic Air from Belize City to Merida. Low enough so that you can see the beautiful and mostly empty landscape. From chalky ocean to the sprawling White City of Merida. Gorgeous homes, hotels, gardens, pools and restaurants “hiding” behind cement walls and facades in the Centro or city center. An impressive boulevard constructed during Merida’s hey day as one of the richest cities IN THE WORLD. Mansions as private homes, banks and office buildings, crumbling facades and some…used for more practical things.

Belize Tourism Statistics 2013
The Belize tourism statistics for 2013 are in and I must say I am impressed with the numbers. Compared to other countries, 294,000 tourist arrivals (roughly) in a year may sound meagre but for a country with a population of 330,000 it makes a huge impact to the local economy. I believe that three out of every five people are directly impacted by tourism and indirectly, everyone profits. From the taxi driver to the local farmer, everyone benefits!

Exploring the ATM Caves in Belize: A Most Excellent Adventure
The ancient Mayan sacrificial caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal, Belize invoke a rare sense of discovery on the often worn out tourist trail. The genuine feeling of exploration makes the ATM caves one of the most exciting and worthwhile adventures we’ve experienced during our travels, and we couldn’t recommend it enough. We arrive at the park entrance early, grab our gear and take off on the hike to the cave. Along the way our guide Luis tells us stories of jungle jaguars, saving lost hikers and Mayan history. After crossing through three rivers and walking for an hour we get to the cave entrance. From here it’s goodbye to the bags, and our cameras. They have enforced a strong ‘no gear’ policy in an attempt to preserve the caves. If you’re claustrophobic you don’t need to worry too much. The cave itself is spacious, and only rarely are you stuck in tight spots. The cave twists, turns and has a number of different levels. For the more adventurous type there are a few challenges if you’re up to it, but ask your guide before wandering off. After 45mins we hit the end of the wet chamber and arrive at the dry chamber, where we climb up a rock and into an upper shelf of the cave.

PENNER ABSCONDS
Reliable information is that infamous former Minister of Immigration, Elvin Penner has absconded! NBZLive has been reliably informed that following word that police were going to pick him up before the weekend was out – Penner boarded a Guatemalan tour bus and headed to Mexico. On Monday, March 3, 2014, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin issued an order of mandamus ordering reticent Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie to conduct an investigation into circumstances which resulted in jailed in Taiwan, South Korean citizen, Won Hong Kim, procuring a Belizean passport and citizenship. The document was signed by the disgraced former Minister, Elvin Penner. The ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) has refused to conduct investigations into the matter that has outraged Belizeans at home and abroad.

International Sources

The State of Sexual and Reproductive Health in Belize
When picturing Belize, many people imagine beaches, snorkeling, and Mayan ruins. The Caribbean country is about the same size as the state of Massachusetts, and has a population of just over 324,000. The people who live in Belize are as diverse as its environmental attractions. Because of its natural beauty, Belize has become a popular tourist destination. Despite its riches of natural and cultural diversity, Belize is not a paradise for all. Women face many unique challenges. According to the World Economic Forum’s measure of gender equality—which is based on women’s economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment—Belize was ranked 102nd out of the 135 countries in 2012. It falls second to last among the Latin American and Caribbean countries. The National Gender Policy in Belize states that women are recruited for jobs and promoted at lower rates than men, and they receive lower salaries and fewer employee benefits then men who hold the same positions. The lack of opportunities for women means they often find themselves financially dependent on their male partners.

Latin America and the Caribbean Host 30 Percent of World's Murders
Latin America and the Caribbean, it seems, are two of the most blood-wrought regions on the planet. Statistics indicate that 30 percent of the world's homicides occur in the Latin American and Caribbean region. World Bank Citizen Security Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean Rodrigo Serrano-Berthet revealed in a World Bank report that despite Latin American and Caribbean region having only 9 percent of the world's population, almost one of every three murders globally are committed there. Berthet also states that out of 50 cities around the world with the highest homicide rates, 42 are in Latin America, including the top 16. "Other areas of concern to Latin Americans, such as inflation, poverty and unemployment, have improved. By contrast, the incidence of crime and violence has not changed in recent decades, and remains at very high levels, much higher than in other regions," Serrano-Berthet said.

Mexico: Dismantling the Sinaloa cartel’s financial structure
To dismantle the Sinaloa cartel once and for all, officials must attack its finances and networks of business and political accomplices that aided Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera during his 13 years as a fugitive. “The arrest of ‘El Chapo’ means nothing more than a change in leadership for the criminal organization,” said José Reveles, a security analyst and author of El Cártel Incómodo (The Uncomfortable Cartel). “To ensure the group is actually destroyed, we cannot leave intact the organization’s financial capacity or the political protection at the state and local levels that gave it impunity.” The arrest of Guzmán on Feb. 22 in Mazatlán must lead to an intensive effort by money-laundering investigation units to locate funds and companies the Sinaloa cartel allegedly uses to acquire weapons and bribe officials, Reveles added.

Fortis Inc. Recommends Shareholders Reject TRC Capital Corporation's "Mini-Tender" Offer
Fortis does not endorse this unsolicited mini-tender offer and recommends that shareholders reject the offer and do not tender their shares in response to the offer. The Corporation's recommendation is based upon the fact that this offer is at a price below the market price for Fortis common shares (4.51% less than yesterday's TSX closing price of $30.63) and is subject to numerous conditions. TRC Capital's offer states that it may terminate the offer if, among other things, the market price of Fortis common shares declines from the close of business on March 4, 2014, or if it is unable to enter into a credit facility satisfactory to it to obtain the financing necessary to consummate the offer.

Record year for Central America with nearly 13 million visitors in 2013
Nearly 13 million visitors in 2013 The final visitor figures for 2013 released by the Ministries of Tourism of the seven Central American countries - Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama - show that tourism to the region continued to grow last year, with a total of 12,959,843 visitors, 3.83% more than in 2012. The region also continued to grow in popularity amongst European visitors, with a total of 890,821 European travellers in 2013, an increase of 3.44% compared to the previous year. Spain (172,529 visitors) and Germany (128,770 visitors) remain the main source markets in Europe, followed by the UK (104,810 visitors). Costa Rica and Panama were the two countries that experienced the greatest increase in the number of European visitors, 5.6% and 18.5% up respectively.

March 7, 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

Stranded Loggerhead Turtle being treated on Ambergris Caye
On Saturday, February 22nd a female Loggerhead turtle was found stranded in a stretch of beach in the Maya Beach Area of the Placencia Peninsula by a tourist from Minnesota, USA. The turtle was observed to be severely dehydrated and in poor physical condition. Authorities were called on scene and the turtle was transported to a nearby resort until arrangements could be made to transport it to the Ambergris Caye Marine Turtle Program rehab center at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. In order to properly diagnose her, an X-ray was performed at Los Pinos Medical Center. According to biologist Kirah Foreman, the X-ray revealed that there is a foreign object in the turtle’s intestine that is causing severe infractions. “We still do not know if the turtle will survive. It is still weak and there hasn’t been any significant change in her health since she was brought here. She has no apparent cuts or visible damages and the X-ray shows that a foreign object is jammed in the turtle’s intestine causing it to be ill. We at Ambergris Caye Marine Turtle Program are trying to find a way to save her and release her back to the sea when she heals,” said Foreman. Veterinarian Orlando Baptist of Saga Humane Society has been treating Ellen with a series of vitamins, saline drips for hydration and dextrose (a form of glucose).

Consultations on ‘Withholding Tax’ & ‘Contract Tax” being held countrywide
The Belize Income Tax Department is currently holding country wide consultations on the contract tax and the withholding tax on payment to non residents for technical and management services (the “withholding tax”) as provided for in the Income and Business Tax Act. On February 24, 2014, the Income Tax Department made a presentation on the contract tax and withholding tax in San Pedro at the Lion’s Den. The Income Tax Department is also enforcing Section 113 (3) and (4) of the Income and Business Tax Act. Section 113 (3) and (4) places a 25% withholding tax on payments to a non resident for management fees, professional or technical fees and insurance premiums. There is also a 15% withholding on interest on loans paid to non residents. The above mentioned withholdings are assessed only on the service element of the payment. Furthermore, there are additional provisions for special treatment of payments made to recipient resident in “Treaty Countries.”

San Pedro mourns the tragic loss of Jeffrey Eiley
The residents of San Pedro Town are in shock following the death of one of their own. 30-year-old Jeffrey Eiley, member of well-known San Pedro Town family, passed away after being shot in the early hours of Thursday March 6th. According to preliminary reports, sometime around 2AM, residents on Tarpon Street heard about four gunshots and a few second after, about six more. About 15 minutes later, residents on the southern end of Barrier Reef Drive heard someone calling and pleading for help along the road. When residents in the area went out to see what was happening, they saw Eiley still alive, bleeding profusely on the concrete pavement. The residents immediately notified the police and other family members, after which they rushed Jeffrey to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Poly-Clinic II, where he later succumbed to his injuries. When police arrived at the clinic, they observed Eiley still alive and suffering from (3) gunshots wounds below the left elbow, below the right elbow and at the right tricep . All bullets had exited the body. He was pronounced dead at about 3:30AM. Police believe that the previous altercation led to the shooting and they are seeking one suspect, Rafael Juarez. As they believe that he is no longer on the island, San Pedro Police have issued photographs of Juarez at all major points of entry/exit throughout the country and district terminals.

Tigersharks win third game in the NEBL against Western Ballaz
The once undefeated Cayo Western Ballaz (3 wins – 1 loss) went to San Pedro to take on the Tigersharks (3 wins – 1 loss) in front of a packed house, as the game kicked off with a lot of intensity. Tigersharks jumped out to an early lead that they were able to maintain at the end of the first quarter, finishing at 18 – 16. At half time the lead was 33 – 30 in favor of the home team. The defense from both teams were extremely physical, which accounted for the low first half score. Winston Pratt had the game’s high averages, with 26 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals, while Ashton Edwards finished with 13 points. Tyron Edwards netted 10 points while dishing out 7 assists and grabbing 2 steals and Michael Adams finished with 8 points and 8 rebounds. In a losing effort, Farron Louriano sank 26 points while pulling a game high 15 rebounds and Kurt “Chengo” Burgess finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Richard Troyer had 6 points and 7 rebounds while Travis Lennan finished with 8 points for Western Ballaz.

16th Belikin La Ruta Maya River Challenge…the coverage starts!
The final preparations are being put in place for the 16th edition of the annual Belikin La Ruta Maya River Challenge which is scheduled to kick off in mere hours. The four-day event will see paddlers make their way through from the foot of the Hawkesworth Bridge on the Macal River in the twin Towns of Santa Elena/Cayo to Belize City along the Belize River. The 180-mile race is set to kick off at 7:00AM on Friday March 7th and end on Monday March 10th, consists of four legs. During the first leg of the challenge the participants will make a 46-miles journey to Banana Bank Lodge outside of Belmopan. On the second day of the race, the paddlers will continue from Banana Bank Lodge to Double Head Cabbage Village on the Belize River for a total of 60 miles. Day three sees the contingency make their way 36 miles along the Belize River resting in Burrell Boom, and on the final day, the paddlers will go downstream the Belize River for 25 miles ending in Belize City.

Ambergris Today

Downtown Shooting Claims Life of Sanpedrano
Initial investigation revealed that Jeffery Eiley and male person he knows were involved in an altercation on the beach front where they were dispersed by the police. Jeffery Eiley left the area and upon reaching the corner of Angel Coral Street and Tarpon Street he was met by unknown person (s) who fired several shots that fatally injured him. Jeffery Eiley was transported to San Pedro Town Polly Clinic where he was pronounced dead at 3:30a.m., the body was later transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital morgue where it awaits a post mortem examination. Police investigations continue and are on the lookout for a suspect. Jeffery was a loving son, father and great friend. He not only leaves behind a grieving family but an entire community who loved him dearly and will always remember him for his great smile and loving ways.

Don Juan Carnaval Burnt Post Celebrations
The burning of the image of Don Juan Carnaval takes place at the end of the Carnaval celebrations every year in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, as the folkloric significance of his burning stems back to the 1930’s. It is believed that if the ceremony does not take place bad luck will descend upon the island and even bring death to some island residents. So on Wednesday, March 5, 2014, the San Pedro Town Council held the folkloric symbolical burning of Don Juan Carnaval at Central Park. It was the culmination of a great festival filled with music, dance, color and joy.

Presentation of Maya Wedding Ceremony at Santa Rita Maya Site - March
The Corozal Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) in conjunction with Corozal Town Council (CTC), Corozal Junior College (CJC) and the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) will be presenting a Maya Wedding Ceremony, depicting Prehispanic and Mestizo eras, at Santa Rita Archaeological Site on Friday, March 22, 2014 from 7:00PM – 9:00PM. Historically Santa Rita Archaeological Site is the only site where a marriage took place between a Spanish Conquistador and a Maya Princess. This presentation will showcase the unique historical and cultural potential of this site as the “Official Maya Wedding Garden” of Belize. The revival of this center as an official Maya Wedding Garden will honor our culture and heritage and will greatly benefit our present and future generations.

Misc Belizean Sources

Rain Patterns in Belize
In Belize, we don't actually have clear cut Dry or Wet season. . .. And event then, the patterns change considerably. Some years we have not had a proper Dry season, other years not a proper Wet season. Last year 2013, we had real proper, long, badly long Dry season. . . . AND a real proper, long bad Wet season. These patterns also change over long times, generally been similar for the last 50 years, but can change. Generally thought to be one reason why the Maya civilisations in Belize/Mexico died out a few hundred years ago. But our Typical patterns in Belize also vary considerably across even our small country. Belize Annual Rainfall - mm/Month The chart below is the official Met Office chart. And the Belmopan Chart for 2013 :

Tour guide shot and killed in San Pedro town
A shooting incident early this morning in San Pedro town has claimed the life of one man. The victim has been identified as thirty year old Jeffrey Eiley, a local tour guide. Police say Eiliey was shot multiple times just after 2 o’clock this morning at the corner of Angel Coral and Tarpon Streets in the municipality. A motive for the shooting has not yet been ascertained. Today’s police report says that Eiley and another man known to the victim got into an altercation on the beach front. That altercation was reportedly broken up by the police and Eiley left the area. Police say that shortly after, Eiley was met by an unknown person or persons who fired several shots, fatally wounding him. Jeffrey Eiley was taken to the San Pedro Poly Clinic where he was pronounced dead at 3:30 am. Eiley’s body now lies at the morgue at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City awaiting a post mortem examination. Police investigations continue.

Belmopan Bandits vs. Tiger Sharks
Saturday night, at the University of Belize gym, the Belmopan Bandits will take on the San Pedro Tiger Sharks. "Entrance fee: $5.00 adults - $3.00 Kids"

Cayo Classifieds 4-Mar
This week's Buy and Sell weekly classifieds are online. This issue highlights Bella Dee's soaps, and Midas Resort.

Battle of the DJ's
The Battle of the DJ's is Saturday night at the Cancha Marshalleck in Benque. It's a dance where the DJ's will have 3 rounds of battle: introduction, mixing ability, and thinking outside of the box. They'll also have a presentation of the Miss Mopan contenders. Sounds like it'll be a great night for music. "Hi, Friends! Have you decided your schedule on next weekend? If not yet, why don't you come and Join "Battle of the DJ Competition + Dance? Miss Mopan Candidates will also join & give their presentation. We offer Free Jello Shots before 10:00 p.m. $5 for a pre-sale ticket (@ Front desk at town hall) , and $7 for a door ticket. Don't miss it!"

Howler Monkeys roaring in the Belize jungle
A quick video showing the excellent habitat near El Pilar, Belize, with the wonderful and slightly terrifying background sound of roaring Yucatan Black Howler Monkeys.

Murder of a promient tour guide shocks la Isla Bonita
Video

Empowerment rally short in numbers but big on energy
Video

An early reaction on Friday's budget
Video

Spanish Lookout Hosts Commercial Industrial Expo'
Video

Sr. Carolee Chanona giving an empowering speech for women countrywide
Video

Traffic enforcement theories and practices training
More than 100 traffic enforcement officers from the Northern and Belize Districts including the Cayes were being trained today in traffic enforcement theories and practices at the Belize Institute of Management (BIM), Belize City. The training was aimed to equip traffic enforcement officers with relevant skills and training that will significantly contribute to a reduction of traffic accidents and fatalities on our roadways across Belize. A notable feature of the training centered on the use of portable alcohol testing equipment/Breathalyzer, which is enshrined in the traffic laws of Belize as a monitor for testing driver alcohol consumption levels. It is in this context, the training forms part of a traffic campaign to address and mitigate with respect to driving under the influence of alcohol. Partnering in this training initiative is the Belize Road Safety Demonstration Corridor Project, which complements the on-going traffic enforcement training. This project, which falls under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, is designed to improve and enhance the George Price Highway between Belize City and Belmopan.

Rick Galvez Album Coming Soon
Its official now. Belizean artist Rick Galvez has announced that he'll be releasing his first studio album soon. This video gives some updates and thanks to all his supporters. You can usually catch him at Open Mic night at the Soul Project. Can't wait for the album. "As you probably know I've been really busy working on an extensive set of projects that will be happening throughout the course of the year. My last performance was done to debut new material that I have been writing for some of my recent musical endeavors and for the first time in a long time I feel very excited and confident in what I have been working on. The first project for this year to reach completion is going to be a compilation album of selected pieces from all the new songs I've been writing."

SIPL Visits Hope Preschool
The SIPL is celebrating Children's Month by visiting local schools and doing some fun storytelling. So far this week, they've visited Hope Preschool and Santa Elena Preschool. Thanks, SIPL! They have a little video from their visit to Santa Elena Preschool. "The San Ignacio Public Library had another Santa Elena town pre-school visit. Hope Pre-school had a blast!!"

I Have a Dream for Belize Winning Essay
Congratulations one last time to Elvis Usher for winning the 'I Have a Dream for Belize' essay competition. Well done! What an amazing essay. Here's the essay as it was published. "This week the Amandala featured Elvis Usher's, 'I Have A Dream for Belize' winning essay in the local paper. Check it out here!"

Man drowns in the Caribbean Sea in Placencia village
There was a drowning this morning in Placencia village in the Stann Creek district. The victim has been identified as Guatemalan national Minor Dupales Rodriguez. Reports are that Rodriguez, who worked as a yard hand at Los Porticus, went paddling in the sea on his surf board. Reports are that as he paddled in front of Los Porticus, Rodriguez fell off the surf board and drowned. When police and a doctor arrived at the scene, they found residents in the area administering CPR; but the doctor pronounced Rodriguez dead. His body was transported to the morgue at the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga, where it now awaits a post mortem examination.

Corozal schools get laptop computers from Rotary Club
Seven primary schools in the Corozal district have received laptop computers for use by students doing research on the internet. A total of 49 Tough Book laptops were distributed to the institutions through an initiative being promoted by the Corozal Rotary Club. According to the president of the Corozal Rotary Club, the objective of the project i to help the students to be able to complete their assigned work. The schools that are beneficiaries of the laptop computers are Escuela Mexico, Concepcion, San Antonio, Xiabe and Copper Bank. The Corozal Rotary Club, which consists of 11 members, plans to bring in an additional 150 f these Tough Book laptops for distribution to schools as part of the initiative.

Women’s Empowerment Rally considered successful
A mass of femininity paraded along Marine Parade, Newtown Barracks and Princess Margaret Drive from the Memorial Park to Marion Jones Stadium for the Women’s Empowerment Rally. Organizer and Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simplis Barrow was naturally disappointed by the resistance to the rally but maintained that all it was about was celebrating the successes and achievements of women. Chair of the National Women’s Commission, Ann Marie Williams, added that this is the start of a permanent movement to address women’s issues.

Survey says Belize can do better with public health emergencies
The Central American arm of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has scored Belize poorly among Central American countries concerning our capacity to respond to public health emergencies. The survey was conducted in 2012 and Dr. Jorge Polanco, Deputy Director of Health Services, said Belize scored very well in surveillance capability for monitoring communicable and infectious diseases. However, there are still gaps in administrative planning and communication which dragged down the score. Local health officials led by Director of Health Services Dr. Michael Pitts met with the consultant team in Belize City this morning. Dr. Bernard Benecke, the deputy director of the CDC in Central America, preferred not to focus on the actual scores. He preferred to say that Belize had room for improvement and noted that we did fairly well for a country with limited resources and a small population.

Ex-Bowen and Bowen employees demand justice
One of Belize’s largest employers, Bowen and Bowen Limited, is embroiled in labour trouble tonight. Earlier this week, 13 delivery truck drivers raised concerns with new contracts offered to them by the bottling giant, who distributes Coca Cola, Crystal Water and Fruit Beverages, Belikin and Lighthouse Beer and Guinness among other brands. They were told that they would receive 27% more pay but commissions on sales were sharply cut and workers’ overtime was eliminated. They are expected to deliver on contracted sales for the company and officially promoted to supervisors. But this group chose to take one day sick day off on Wednesday, communicating this to the employers. As a result, they were terminated and today they went to the Bowen worksite on Slaughterhouse Road and were turned away.

Local researchers discuss HIV epidemic in Belize
Less people are contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, in Belize. But HIV is still considered a stain on the reputation of a person who contracts it. The National Aids Commission and its international partners hosted the second annual HIV National Research Conference, seeking to identify and share local HIV-related research and how these studies impact the national response, especially in the areas of epidemiology, stigma and discrimination and policy efforts. Director of the National AIDS Commission Allison Green shared that Belize still has some way to go to eliminate stigma and discrimination and provide proper health and other services to persons living with HIV. Green went on to tell us that this research will inform future policy and the national response to HIV in all sectors. Presenters ranged from prominent health officials including Dr. Marvin Manzanero and Dr. Martin Cuellar to Caleb Orozco of UNIBAM and Eric Castellanos of the Coalition of Persons Living with HIV.

Channel 7

Special Envoy Kim Barrow Pulled A Crowd For Women's Empowerment Rally
We apologize for the break in transmission due to power failure caused by heavy thunderstorms in our area. Here now is the news. Today was a very different kind of day in households, offices and schools: thousands of women took a break from their daily duties at home and work to go and rally for women’s empowerment in the twenty thousand strong rally. So, did the event live up to the advance billing? Did they have twenty thousand? Well maybe not all that, but the crowd was mighty big, and so was the message.

Murder On San Pedro Appears To Be Revenge Killing
There was a murder in San Pedro Town early this morning. 30-year-old tour guide Jeffery EILEY was killed at around 2:00 am –shot to death, apparently as an act of revenge for a fight on the beach earlier on. Police broke up that fight, and sent both sides their separate ways. But, at the corner of Angel Coral Street, a short distance from his home, Eiley was attacked, beaten and then shot at close range. The injuries were only to his arms, and he ran from his attackers, who kept firing at him. He collapsed a fair distance away and was found still alive and taken to the town polyclinic. He died at 3:30 am, and his body was brought to Belize City for transfer to the morgue at 5:30 am.

Belizean Killed In Honduras Drug Deal Gone Bad
Newspaper reports out of Honduras say that a Honduran, Mexican, Guatemalan and Belizean were killed this morning in San Pedro Sula. Reports say that the quadruple murder resulted from a drug deal gone bad. The four men were killed in the streets of the Rivera Hernández. At the crime scene police found two passports in the name of Mexican Miguel Torres Jimenez, and Belizean Mario Roberto Cocom. The other two are presumed to be Guatemalans. The bodies were taken to the San Pedro Sula morgue. This is the third multiple killing in Cortes Honduras this week, which left twenty dead and several wounded.

Fired Bowen & Bowen Employees Show Up For Work
Last night, 7News told you that 13 employees who were complaining about new contracts were terminated from Bowen and Bowen yesterday at the end of the business day. The company says that they self-dismissed because they abandoned their posts for 2 days straight with no communication, so new people had to be hired in their place so that the company could continue to serve it's customers. From the perspective of the employees, they were simply exercising their rights as labourers under the law to get advice from unionists on how to protect themselves against a contract that they say will cause them to lose earnings.

Hon. Herman Says He's Being Undermined By DPM Vega Who's Backing Willoughby
Last night on the news we showed you Phillip Willoughby waltzing through Conch Shell Bay. That’s one of the poorest, most under-served areas in the Albert Division – and Willoughby is clearly trying to psoiton himself as the next UDP standard bearer in Albert. But they already have a standard bearer, and even more important, he’s an elected area representative. And now - so to speak - Willoughby is pitching a tent in his back yard! We asked Longsworth about it today:…

Of Failed Attempts To Get Weed Into The Prison
31 year-old former Special Constable, Natalie Hamilton is out on bail after she was busted trying to smuggle marijuana into the Belize Central Prison. According to Prison Officers, yesterday, Hamilton entered the facility saying that she was going to visit her boyfriend, Gion Bernard, who is currently on remand. The officers searched her and found that she was trying to smuggle 9 grams of marijuana into the facility, most likely for her boyfriend. She was handed over to the police, who charged her with possession of controlled drugs. She was arraigned today before Magistrate Leslie Hamilton. She pleaded not guilty and granted bail of $500.

SIF Turns A New Leaf After Scandals Of 2013
In September of last year, when the Dangriga Market Scandal unravelled at the Social Investment Fund, 4 senior staffers were terminated including Former Executive Director, Daniel Cano, and Former Public Relation's Officer, Mike Hernandez Jr. Well, after a little more than 5 months, they have been replaced. The new Executive Director is William Lamb, and a release from the Government says that he's an engineer by profession for more than 25 years. And the new public relations officer is Selwyn King. As viewers may remember, recently resigned from his post as the Director of Office of Public Information at the University a month ago.

Learning Lessons From AIDS In Belize
The 2nd HIV National Research Conference in Belize was hosted today by the National Aids Commission. Results and findings of various studies conducted over the last year were reported and discussed. And while the commission is moving towards a more evidence based approached to the work they are doing in the national response to HIV and Aids in the country - they plan on changing strategies and approaches to best use their resources. Allison Green - Director, National Aids Commission "What we we're doing is we're socializing the results and the findings of various studies that have been conducted over the last year or so. As we're moving towards a more evidence-based approach to all the work that we're doing in the National Response to HIV and AIDS in the countries, we're looking a trying to make sure that we're making use of the resources in as effective and with the most impact as was we possibly can. And so, all the research and the findings that will be reported today is going to shed some light on how we can best use those resources but also change the strategies and the approaches that we've been using from before.

Public Health In Emergencies: Can It Be Better?
And while the AIDS experts were at the Radisson, the Ministry of Health was at the Radisson to discuss the “Belize Public Health Capacities to Respond to Emergencies” survey, which was conducted in 2012. Stakeholders from all over the country attended the session to examine the strength and weaknesses of the report and to find ways to better respond to emergencies:

Wil Maheia Says Watch The Border
Earlier this week we told you about the first meeting of the Administrative Commission for Belize and Guatemala, a high level group discussing the partial scope trade agreement and many other issues of shared interest between both countries. But Wil Maheia's PNP says that while they're talking brazen incursions into Belize sovereign territory continue on a daily basis. A statement says Guatemalans feel free to come into Belize and take whatever they can find. Maheia - who recently took another trek to the border with the Territorial Volunteers again calls on government to clearly mark the border.

Joseph Nunez, Playmaker
Joseph Nunez has been working with high school talents to put on a show where young people get a chance to express themselves through the arts. It's called "Fun Instead of the Gun", and it would have been the third episode of the variety show which takes place at the Bliss. It's a continuing series, and on Tuesday, he told 7News why the public should support it: The show takes place every Thursday night at the Bliss Center at 7:00.

Channel 5

Empowerment rally short on numbers, but big on energy
Led by Kim Simplis Barrow, the Special Envoy for Women and Children, the planned women’s empowerment rally took place this morning in Belize City travelling from Memorial Park to the [...]

The vibe on the ground at the rally
The rally got plenty attention; a lot of it even before today. Politicians weighed in, and so did social activists, humanitarian organizations, the B.N.T.U., anti-gay protesters, gender-policy dissenters and even [...]

Murder of a prominent tour guide shocks la Isla Bonita
In San Pedro tonight, there is a sense of numbness at the brutal murder of Jeffery Eiley. The homicide of the well-loved tour guide who comes from a very prominent [...]

Belizean gunned down in San Pedro Sula
And in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, El Heraldo newspaper, is reporting that a Belizean is among a group of four persons murdered in a massacre this morning in the Rivera [...]

An allegation of theft against a female cop
An allegation of theft against a female cop is being reported tonight. News Five has confirmed that the police department is currently investigating a report that a female police officer [...]

Immigration officers questioned, but not Elvin Penner
On Wednesday, Nationality Department Counter Supervisor Ady Pacheco was questioned by officers from the National Crimes Investigation Branch. Pacheco was prominently featured in the internal investigation into the Won Hong [...]

Herman Longsworth blasts the Deputy Prime Minister
It seemed like a good move…providing a little upliftment to the lives of those living in poverty in the ill-names Conch Shell Bay. On Wednesday, aspiring politician Phillip Willoughby covered [...]

The churches divided on the women’s rally
As we said earlier, the Roman Catholic Church was first out of the protest gate when the twenty thousand strong rally was announced. A letter signed by Bishop Dorick Wright [...]

An early reaction on Friday’s budget
On Friday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow will present the 2014 – 2015 Budget in the House of Representatives. Barrow has stated that it will be, in his words, a good [...]

When will the Marion Jones Sporting Complex finally open?
The Marion Jones Sporting Complex is one project that is likely to be revisited in Friday’s budget. The complex is far from completion and according to the Minister of State [...]

Natalie Hamilton charged once again for weed possession
Thirty-one year old Natalie Hamilton, a resident of Periwinkle Street, was once again before the court today, on a criminal charge for weed possession.  The former special constable appeared before [...]

Man acquitted of murder; so who killed “Killa” Gentle?
After more than four years on remand for the January twelfth, 2011 execution style murder of Kraal Road leader, Raymond “Killa” Gentle, one of two accused men was found not [...]

Healthy Living looks at boosting your infant’s alertness and development
Last week, to kick off Child Stimulation Month, Civic Education Coordinator at the Department of Human Services, Diana Pook, explained why stimulation is important at an early stage of a [...]

CTV3

Faber Warns Teachers Not To Take Part In Rally Or Else
Tomorrow Prime Minster Dean Barrow will present the budget for the next fiscal year at the House of Representatives in Belmopan City and while that in itself leaves much to wonder, there are other matters that will be holding the attention of the nation such as the rally teachers are expected to hold during the sitting of the house. However, even before that happens, there is tension forming as the Ministry of Education has indicated via memo that teachers who fail to report to their classrooms will have their pay for that day deducted. The Belize National Teachers Union is saying that this is a double standard since teachers were allowed to skip classes today to attend the women’s rally without any threat to dock their salaries. Yesterday BNTU National President Luke Palacio gave their view point on the Ministry’s move. Luke Palacio, National President, B.N.T.U. “When we look at what we have dubbed as a double standard is simply because the issues at hand…if we are talking about people having their constitutional rights, the last time the unions indicated that they were going to be having these rallies throughout the country, there were all sorts of negative statements made implicating the teachers as being irresponsible, unprofessional, etc. On the other hand, the Ministry now says to teachers you can go to this rally and you will not suffer any types of consequences. The Catholic Church, which manages the largest number of schools in this country have sent out their take on the matter of this women rally. The B.N.T.U.’s position on that matter is that Catholic Church has its policies, its principles; what it believes in. And so therefore if they are saying to the teachers in their management that it don’t believe that they should go there, our position on it as the B.N.T.U. is that we are asking our teachers to use their discretion.

Belizean Killed In Guatemala
Belizean has been assassinated in Honduras on account of drugs according to the international press. The international media is reporting that the Belizean, one Mario Roberto Cocon was killed along with three others, a Honduran, a Mexican and Guatemalan national in what authorities believe is a drug delivery gone bad. The four men were killed early this morning in the Colonia Rivera Hernandez in San Pedro Sula, located north of Honduras. Police recovered two passports, one belonging to Cocon of Belize and the other to Miguel Torres Jimenez of Mexico. Authorities have still not identified the other two men but they are believed to be of Guatemalan and Honduran nationality. Police are investigating the case and reports indicate that this marks the fourth massacre to be registered in Honduras for this month alone.

Commissioner Of Lands Confirms Corruption In His Department
A couple weeks ago we reported on the dismissal of three high ranked officers at the Ministry of Natural Resources on the grounds of corruption. The Registrar of Lands and Deputy Commissioner of Lands along with National Estate Officer Darlene Padron were reportedly fired under directives from the Prime Minister, Dean Barrow himself. In an interview with Commissioner of Lands Wilbert Vallejos, many days after the report surfaced, he clarified the situation but pointed out, or should we say reiterated that there is rampant corruption in the department of lands. Wilbert Vallejos, Commissioner of Lands “The National Estate Officer, Miss Darlene Padron, has been transferred to a different ministry—a ministry where she can be of much more assistance—taking into consideration that she has a degree in sustainable development so she has been transferred to the Ministry of Fisheries and Sustainable Development. The other officer who has gone through a change is the deputy commissioner who has tendered his resignation as deputy commissioner of lands and service.”

SSEDAT II Promotes Tourism As An Alternative Economic Activity
The La Inmaculada Credit Union Limited under the Small Scale Enterprise Development in Agriculture and Tourism (SSEDAT) II held a presentation last night at the LICU SSEDAT Center. The presentation titled, “Archaeological Sites in Northern Belize as Historic Tourist Attractions”, was facilitated by archaeologist Dr. Allan Moore. Project Coordinator Albino Vargas told us more about the event. Albino Vargas – Project Coordinator “Under the project we are going to have a specific activity which is the promotion of tourism as an alternative economic activity, as you may recall last year we started training some tour guides; last year we completed 22 of them and this year we have completed another 22. What we are trying to do is to keep them inform and trying to build their capacities because they will soon going to go and work into the world of tourism and we are trying to bring people with experience, people who can deliver relevant information, of what they can offer there and how they can market Orange Walk and Corozal as viable tourist destinations.”

The Budget What It Entails?
As mentioned at the top of the newscast the House of Representatives will converge at the national Assembly Building in Belmopan tomorrow and the Prime Minister is scheduled to make his presentation on the National Budget for Belize. The national budget which includes roughly $800 million in recurrent spending and $200 million in capital spending, for a total of approximately $1 billion was submitted to Cabinet on Thursday, February 27. Almost 40% of that is earmarked for wages and pensions, including funds programmed for a salary adjustment for teachers and public officers, which is due to take effect in July 2014. But while that is yet to be officially announced, we asked former Party leader for the People’s United Party, John Briceno to weigh in on the PM’s presentation. John Briceno- Orange Walk Central Area Representative “I expect a lot of gimmicks from the Prime Minister you know he is a wonderful spin doctor, he is a good defense lawyer and I always give him credit for that I think that in many instances he forgets that he is the Prime Minister and thinks that he is in the court room defending a client. Obviously From what we have seen from the SIB it is telling us that we have an economy that is flat lining, that we have an economy where the business sector is not investing because the business sector does not have the confidence in the Government.

Women Power Takes Over Belize City
Despite criticism of the Belize Catholic Church, a first ever national Women’s rally, focusing on women empowerment, was staged today at the Marion Jones’ Stadium in Belize City. It drew thousands of women from all corners of the country and in a showing of mass participation and celebration; it was history in the making for women of Belize. Reporter Maria Novelo followed the story and filed the following report. “Imagine Belize without Women”, that was the theme in which the rally was held. Women from all corners of Belize marched, joined hands, chanted, danced, laughed, celebrated and partook in the first ever National Women’s Empowerment rally which was spearheaded by the Special Envoy for Women and Children in collaboration with the National Women’s Commission. The mass event was one-of-its-kind that garnered support from Belizeans who stood in solidarity. It was evident that a seed of change was planted for a new Belize.

Tour Guide Murdered In San Pedro Town
A well-known tour guide of San Pedro Town was mercilessly gunned down around two this morning in that municipality. The victim has been identified as 32 year old Jeffrey Eiley, son of Philanthropists Norman and Susana Eiley. According to the police report, Jeffery was shot multiple times at the corner of Angel Coral and Tarpon Streets. Eiley who worked as a tour guide on the island was found conscious and bleeding profusely on the pavement and residents report that minutes before he was found, they heard up to ten gunshots in the area. He was rushed to the Dr. Otto Rodrigues San Pedro Poly-clinic II where he later succumbed to his injuries around three this morning. Ctv3 News spoke to a livid and teary eyed Aunt of the deceased, Patty Arceo. Patty Arceo – Aunt of Deceased “We are in very pain right now as a family, we are sharing a pain right now that we see every week on the television over and over again, of families being hurt through gun and violence and these are issues that we need to address, not shuffling people back and forth every so many months let us get on our feet I am asking the minister of security, the minister of defence, the minister of police get down on your knees and start doing your job because families are suffering. Today my little niece just four years old is being left without a father but I know every week there are many children who are also left without fathers when we will put a stop to this let us work together and today in the platform let us use this platform and send a strong message to government to get back on the horse and start to do the job that you were elected. I honestly I can’t express how I am feeling right now because I know it is a pain that every week is being shown in the television and I have to say I never expected to come on TV and be expressing this but honestly we need to do something and something very fast. “

Mexican Ambassador Discusses Importation and Exportation Halt At The Belize/Mexico Border
At the beginning of this year, the importation and exportation of goods at the Belize/Mexico Border was hindered when the license for the Agencia Aduanal “Servicios Aduaneros Integrados”, which was the only broker agency for the importation and exportation of goods on the Mexican Side of the Border was suspended. The issue caused a huge negative impact here in the north especially in the construction area since steel and cement became scarce. To solve the problem a new agency opened at the border but the processing of cargo trucks and goods has been rather slow. Today in an interview with Love F.M, Mexican Ambassador Mario Velazquez gave reason as to why there is only one Agencia Aduanal at the border. He indicated that because the trade is minimal, the Association of Custom Brokers believes that there might not be enough business for more than one agency.

Special Envoy Response To Catholic Chancery Press Release
Yesterday we told you about the fiery press release sent out to the masses by the Roman Catholic Chancery office on their stance to not support the “20,000 Strong Women Empowerment Rally’ and promised to have a response from the Special Envoy for Women and Children today. Well, the office of the Special Envoy responded indeed but it was a subtle response to say the least. While many of us were anticipating a harsh counter reaction, the Special Envoy for Women and Children release says while the rally seeks to ‘empower and inspire women to claim our rightful space as equal partners in the development of the country…. It is very disappointing that the Roman Catholic Church is attempting to ascribe extraneous motives to this event that is intended simply to honor and uplift women.’

LOVE FM

Unidentified Minor Drowns in Southern Belize
A minor drowned this afternoon in Placencia. His identity has not been confirmed and police there have labeled him as a John Doe. We understand that the male minor who is said to have been Guatemala and was in a yard at Los Porticus, went paddling on that white surf board and fell into the water where he drowned. Police and doctor were called to the area, and found neighboring citizens performing CPR. He was later pronounced dead by the doctor.

Foreign News Reports on Belizean Murder in Honduras
Reports coming via a Honduran news website have stated that a Belizean has died in northern Honduras in San Pedro Sula. It was reported that the quadruple murder resulted from an alleged drug delivery gone awry (ah-rye). The news website states that four men were killed in the streets of the Riviera Hernandez area where authorities recovered two passports; one belonging to a Mexican national, Miguel Torres Jimenez and the other belonging to Belizean, Mario Roberto Cocon. The article goes on to say that it is believed that the other two murder victims are of Guatemalan and Honduran descent. The bodies were retrieved from the streets and taken to the San Pedro Sula morgue. Investigations are on-going by the Honduran authorities, who continue to seek confirmation, if it was indeed a drug transaction gone wrong. Meanwhile, Love News Centre contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and we were told that while they too are doing their due diligence on the matter, they are not in a position to confirm or deny the story.

Females Caught Smuggling Weed in Central Prison
The Belize Kolbe Foundation has been keeping its eyes on visitors recently and they had reasons to do so. Tonight Kolbe Management is reporting that two female visitors who have been identified as Natalie Hamilton and Kristy Ramclam attempted to smuggle marijuana into the prison on March 5th and 6th respectively. A release from the prisons says that Hamilton attempted to smuggle 9 grams of marijuana while Ramclam attempted to take in 12 grams for their boyfriends. The women were caught and handed over to Hattieville Police where they were charged for the offense. The Kolbe Foundations sees that these two incidents highlight the increased of drug interception by Prison Officers within the past month and draws attention to the cleverness and ingenuity of smuggling tactics, especially by females, and the importance for constant vigilance on the part of Prison Officers.

Tour Guide Murdered on Ambergris Caye
Investigators on Ambergris Caye are trying to put the pieces together following a murder that occurred early this morning, just after two o’clock. Early morning gunshots broke the silence on the island and caused fatal injuries to the nephew of the island’s former Mayor and former Area Representative for Belize Rural South, Patricia Arceo. Reports are that at around two thirty this morning, 30-year-old, Jeffery Eiley of a Marina Drive address was heading home after socializing with friends when he was accosted by his assailant. Eiley had reportedly gotten involved in an altercation earlier during a social that was broken up by the police. On his way home, upon reaching the corner of Angel Coral Drive and Tarpon Street, he was accosted and shot four times. Reports say the victim collapsed in-front of the Royal Caribbean Sports Bar on Barrier Reef Drive where civilians tried to render aid to him. Police got on the scene and with the help of a taxi, he was then transported to the Otto Rodriguez Poly Clinic where he later succumbed to his injuries. Arceo, who attended this morning’s rally, spoke to the media regarding her nephew’s murder. PATRICIA ARCEO “I understand that two thirty this morning, he was ambushed going home by two persons; one of them, I understand has been detained. They riddled his body with thirteen bullets; these are things that I don’t even think in Belize City you hear about; it goes to show that violence is not just in Belize City, it is throughout the country and unfortunately, it is in our back yard in San Pedro. My other brother, Panny brought the brother along with Norman, my nephew’s father; we have been dealing at the morgue and with funeral services and the Police are doing their investigations. It was totally unexpected; Jeffery was a young man that goes out with his peers and friends in San Pedro. Many times they are invited by the same tourists to go out and have fun with them. I was not there in San Pedro but I am totally shocked because we know Jeffery not to be that type of person for gangs and things like that.”

GSU’s Boss Says He Will Look Into Justifiable Force and Harm
The infamous Gang Suppression Unit that has been headed by Marco Vidal for almost four years is now in the hands of Superintendent Linden Flowers. I had the opportunity to sit down with Superintendent Flowers on Wednesday to get an understanding of where the unit is headed. RENEE TRUJILLO REPORTING “The formation of the Gang Suppression Unit was announced in April 2010 by Prime Minister Dean Barrow. Since then Marco Vidal has been at the helm of the GSU – that is, until March 4, 2014 when Superintendent Linden Flowers officially took over the reins of the unit, which is made up of just under thirty officers. Love News sat down with Superintendent Flowers yesterday evening and we asked him what the public can expect under his administration.” SUPERINTENDENT LINDEN FLOWERS “I am aware that the unit has had its plan; it is a three and a four year plan and I will certainly make use of the plan that has been there and continue to build on those plans. I have not yet met with the Commissioner of Police or with the wider department and look at our structure, our weaknesses and strengths but over the next couple of days, I will take an inventory of where we are and move it forward. I will use every resource at hand including the community support and the media and the members of the Police Department and the current GSU members to impact on the surge in the gang or criminal activities across the country.”

PlusTV

Current council’s financial operations
In Tuesday night’s newscast Mayor Kevin Bernard of Orange Walk Town reported that the Sugar City is making strides to clear a debt inherited from the previous Town Council. But what does that mean for the current council’s financial operations? We caught up with him in Belize City yesterday....

Tour Guide Shot and Killed in San Pedro
Police are investigating and said to have one person detained for the death of tour guide J Jeffrey Eiley of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, early this morning. Police information states that the 32 year old Eiley and a man known to him were involved in an altercation on...

Ex-Bowen and Bowen Employees Demand Justice
One of Belize’s largest employers is embroiled in labour trouble tonight. Earlier this week, 13 delivery truck drivers raised concerns with new contracts offered to them by Bowen and Bowen, the bottling giants who distribute Coca Cola, Crystal Water and Fruit Beverages, Belikin and Lighthouse Beer and Guinness among...

Women’s Rally Held in Belize City
Some 3,500 women turned out for the 20,000 women rally in Belize. Before the rally, 1,700 persons paraded along Marine Parade, Newtown Barracks and Princess Margaret Drive from the Memorial Park to Marion Jones Stadium for the Women’s Empowerment Rally. Organizer and Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim...

Traffic Accident on Boom Road
A traffic accident occurred yesterday just before noon on the Burrel Boom Road, at the junction where the bridge meets the cutoff to the village. The accident involved a blue van carrying tourists and a blue Chevy S-10 pickup truck which contained a family from Guinea Grass Village in ...

Belize told to Improve Response to Public Health Emergencies
A report card given to Belize’s Ministry of Health concerning its capacity to respond to public health emergencies in 2012 by the Central American arm of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control was released today. Belize scored rather poorly in certain key areas, however, Dr. Jorge Polanco of the...

Blogs

Spring Break in Belize is Seriously Cool – This is Why!
Sure there’s the usual sun, fun, heating up and hooking up as everyone converges to enjoy a well-earned getaway, but Belize also offers activities you won’t find in other places of the world, and certainly not as easily accessible. Where else can you wake up in the middle of a pristine rainforest, hike to the top of a Maya temple, hop a short affordable flight, snorkel a while sandy beach that afternoon, and then dance the night away barefoot on a Caribbean island? A year or so that local air service opened up all these new possibilities to combine so much in such little time. To me, it makes Belize the ultimate new Spring Break vacation spot. You have all the usual stuff from zip lining to kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding, scuba diving, snorkelling and he usual moderate to extreme sports, but you also have the ability to pack so much adventure into a very little cool English speaking country some 180 by 70miles wide, with the world’s second largest barrier reef, the famous Blue Hole, which even blew away that most experience of divers, Jacques Cousteau, whale sharks (the world’s largest fish) visiting for their annual migration, and so much more.

Tasting Thursday NOLA Style – March 6th
It’s Tasting Thursday at the Casa. This week it is NOLA style in honor of Mardi Gras. Along with our regular menu, we have our weekly 5-course tasting menu for your dining pleasure. You can also enjoy our optional wine flight with wines selected for each course. This week’s tasting menu: First Course - Crab & Sausage Gumbo – A thick rich stew of local crab & sausage meat with peppers, onions & okra, flavored with Louisiana spices & the “holy trinity” Second Course - Shrimp Remoulade – Poached & chilled local shrimp with a Cajun aioli remoulade dipping sauce Third Course - Smoked Chicken & Pork Jambalaya – Smokey chicken & pork belly in a traditional jambalaya sauce with peppers, onions, celery, tomato & rice. Slow cooked and lightly spicy. Fourth Course - Blackened Snapper – Lightly blackened snapper with a spicy brown butter, red & yellow grape tomatoes, garlic & sweet peppers over jalapeño & asiago cheese grits Fifth Course - Housemade Beignets with powdered sugar & a drizzle of white & dark chocolate sauces For reservations, call 226-4443 or 671-2326, email [email protected] or message us on Facebook at facebook.com/CasaPicassoBelize.

International Sources

Fly Fishing with DreamCast Idaho, Belize Video 2014
Join Patti and Michael on their recent trip to Belize. We spent a week on a little island fishing, relaxing, and enjoying the warm salt air.

Bounty of books bound for Belize
A man has truly lived up to his name. Robin Sherwood has spent the last year taking from the rich and will now give to the poor. Of course, Sherwood’s tale doesn’t involve the sheriff of Nottingham, but instead it involves 900 boxes of books. Last week, a sea can filled with 34,000 pounds of books and school supplies made it’s way from Vermilion to Edmonton where it was loaded onto a rail car. From there, it travelled to Vancouver to be loaded onto a ship headed for Belize via the Panama Canal. “It took me a little while to get my head around what 34,000 pounds of books looked like,” said Sherwood. “When you get a block of books that eight feet high by eight feet wide by 20 feet long it’s kind of daunting.” “I don’t think they have any conception of the quantity and quality of what they’re getting,” said Sherwood. “The children’s books we got were just pristine. I think they’ll be tickled pink.” The sea can was filled with a variety of books from Stephen King and Tom Clancy to dictionaries to The Berenstain Bears along with school supplies. “On my first trip to Belize, I was in a local library in a little town and I had more books in my house than they had, and this was the town’s library and the school’s library,” said Sherwood. “It was sad how little was there, I just got thinking about it more.”

NOAA Issues El Niño Watch
NOAA has issued an El Niño Watch for the summer and fall of 2014, giving a 50% chance that an El Niño event will occur. The March 6 El Niño discussion from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center noted that "While all models predict warming in the tropical Pacific, there is considerable uncertainty as to whether El Niño will develop during the summer or fall. If westerly winds continue to emerge in the western equatorial Pacific, the development of El Niño would become more likely. However, the lower forecast skill during the spring and overall propensity for cooler conditions over the last decade still justify significant probabilities for ENSO-neutral. The consensus forecast is for ENSO-neutral to continue through the Northern Hemisphere spring 2014, with about a 50% chance of El Niño developing during the summer or fall." None of the El Niño models predict La Niña conditions for peak hurricane season, August-September-October 2014, and 8 of 18 predict El Niño conditions. Temperatures in the equatorial Eastern Pacific need to be 0.5°C above average or warmer for three consecutive months for an El Niño episode to be declared; sea surface temperatures were -0.6°C from average as of March 3, and have been +0.1 to -0.7°C from average since April 1, 2013. El Niño conditions tend to make quieter than average Atlantic hurricane seasons, due to an increase in upper-level winds that create strong wind shear over the Tropical Atlantic.

1 in 10 Americans think HTML is an STD, study finds
If you're talking tech with Americans, you may want to avoid using any jargon. A recent study found that many Americans are lost when it comes to tech-related terms, with 11% saying that they thought HTML — a language that is used to create websites — was a sexually transmitted disease. The study was conducted by Vouchercloud.net, a coupons website, as a way to determine how knowledgeable users are when it comes to tech terms. Besides HTML, there were some other amusing findings: 77% of respondents could not identify what SEO means. SEO stands for "Search-Engine Optimization" 27% identified "gigabyte" as an insect commonly found in South America. A gigabyte is a measurement unit for the storage capacity of an electronic device. 42% said they believed a "motherboard" was "the deck of a cruise ship." A motherboard is usually a circuit board that holds many of the key components of a computer. 23% thought an "MP3" was a "Star Wars" robot. It is actually an audio file. 18% identified "Blu-ray" as a marine animal. It is a disc format typically used to store high-definition videos.

Great Barrier Reef Faces 'Irreversible' Damage: Report
The Great Barrier Reef may be in serious trouble. Unless immediate action is taken, the famous coral reef system will be unable to recover from the "irreversible" damage that climate change will wreak on it by 2030, a new report out of Australia warns. Published by the World Wildlife Fund-Australia, the University of Queensland report paints a bleak picture for the future of the ecosystem. "If we don't increase our commitment to solve the burgeoning stress from local and global sources, the reef will disappear," the report, prepared for Earth Hour's upcoming annual event, states. "This is not a hunch or alarmist rhetoric by green activists. It is the conclusion of the world's most qualified coral reef experts." The reef has already experienced extensive damage in the past few decades from tropical storms and other harmful events, which can lead to coral bleaching, a condition that occurs when stress from changes causes coral to weaken and turn white. A 2012 report indicated that 50 percent of the Great Barrier Reef has disappeared since 1985.

New Horizons equipment to begin arriving in Belize March 8
Belizeans will begin noticing an influx of U.S. military equipment traveling from the Port of Belize to various locations throughout the country in support of New Horizons beginning March 8. The shipment, which left Cape Canaveral, Fla., on March 1, includes various construction and maintenance vehicles (tractor trailers, dump trucks, excavators, pickups, forklifts, backhoes and gas trucks) and a variety of shipping containers that will be used to support exercise requirements. The New Horizons Logistics Port Team in charge of coordinating air and sea shipments have been coordinating with the Belizean government, Port of Belize officials, U.S. Transportation Command and various military and civilian entities to ensure logistical success since last August.

Audubon Aquarium redefines 'grand opening' with 'Great Maya Reef' exhibit
The first thing a visitor notices after getting his ticket inside the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is a formidable batch of schooling fish grooving in near-perfect formation along the right side wall seemingly headed toward the aquarium’s 30-foot-long tunnel. What was there before this latest water-filled display? Just the wall. And that is just the beginning of the recent renovations to the aquarium. The $1 million, 4,200-square-foot “Great Maya Reef” exhibit is a more interactive way to greet visitors and send them through to the rest of the sea life on display. The exhibit opens to the public on Saturday (March 8). Elected officials and community leaders will gather Friday (March 7) to celebrate the opening; visitors have been able to get glimpses of the work through cut-out peepholes surrounding the work-in-progress. The 30-foot tunnel and ensuing round gallery room now feature Mayan stone work as facade and trim, with replicas of artifacts nestled in the sea beds. It’s all to help visitors imagine that they are entering a submerged city off the Yucatan peninsula -- home to the second-largest reef in the world behind the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Spider monkey society is sexually segregated
Ew, boys! A species of spider monkey has been found to live in strictly sexually segregated societies, apparently because the males attack the females if they spend too much time together. They are the first non-human primate species known to systematically separate along gender lines. Geoffroy's spider monkeys, Ateles geoffroyi, live in loose groups of a few dozen individuals, and anecdotal evidence suggested they are sexually segregated. To find out if that was true, Kayla Hartwell of the University of Calgary, Canada, and colleagues spent almost two years studying a group of 34 monkeys in the rainforests of Belize. They tracked the monkeys' movements and found that males and females lived separately for 15 out of 23 months. While males foraged in groups, females often foraged with just their infants. Only when food was scarce did males and females come together.

Belize Fairtrade producers visit Northern Ireland
Facilitated by the consulate of St Vincent and the Grenadines to Northern Ireland in partnership with Fairtrade Ireland, Alfredo Ortega, vice-chair of Belize Fairtrade Sugar Farmer’s Association, and Alex Flores, Fairtrade cashew nut producer from the Co-operative APRAINORES in El Salvador, visited Belfast City Hall as part of Fairtrade Fortnight. They shared their experiences and highlighted the differences Fairtrade exports to Northern Ireland, the rest of the United Kingdom and Ireland have made to their communities in Belize and El Salvador, through ethical consumerism and purchasing Fairtrade certified products for all developing world farmers, especially in the Caribbean and Latin America. Dr Christopher Stange, Hon. Consul for St Vincent and the Grenadines to Northern Ireland, commented: “It is wonderful to have our CARICOM and Association of Caribbean States (ACS) members visit Northern Ireland to meet with various stakeholders to tackle poverty and improved market access through the mechanism of Fairtrade.”

Travel Thursday: Xunantunich
One of the places we went to on our honeymoon was Xunantunich, or as Alan likes to call it, Tuna Sandwich. Xunantunich is the site of Mayan ruins in Belize on the border with Guatemala and it was my favorite shore excursion we took on our cruise. Ever since I saw The Second Voyage of the Mimi in elementary school where they go to Mayan ruins, I have wanted to see them myself. You better believe I was so excited to finally get to see some! The ruins are located on a hill top and to get there we had to take a boat across a river then climb up the hill. It was also my first real experience in a jungle and it was awesome. Reminded me of something out of Indiana Jones. I loved exploring the ruins, probably my favorite part was getting to climb to the top of the pyramid. The views were fantastic!

7 Reasons Why Belize Should Be Your next Fishing Destination
To be clear, the post you’re about to read could’ve just as easily listed 77 reasons to fish in Belize, considering this relatively miniature Central American country offers a wealth of incredible traits to those looking for the highest quality of sport fishing of virtually any kind. But that would make for a quite a lengthy article, and I don’t want to cut into any of your precious gear-packing, plane-ticket-to-Belize-booking time! Before you run and tell your spouse about the happy news and try to convince her/him how you’re really committed to spending some quality time together this time around (unlike the Mexico deep sea fishing trip last year), let us journey through the top 7 reasons why Belize just might be the fishing land of your dreams. A couple of quick rules and regulations heads-ups: You’re going to need a license before any kind of fishing can happen: whether it’s casting from the docks or trolling far offshore, you’ll have to take it with the Coastal Zone Management Authority first. The sport fishing license sells for about 20$ for a week, 50$ per month, or if the factors we’re about to cover inspire you to leave it all behind and just straight up and move to Belize, for just a hundred bucks you are free to infinitely fish in the translucent Belizean waters all year round.

US gives contrasting reports on Belize-Bahamas fight against illegal drugs
The United States says Belize faces a challenging struggle against the threats of illegal drugs and warned that drug trafficking and drug use appear to be rising, and will continue if left unaddressed. Washington said that while it would continue to assist the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country in the battle against criminal organizations, it would encourage the country to strengthen its public security and law enforcement institutions through more effective anti-corruption legislation, comprehensive background checks and vetting of new and existing personnel, better training, and continuing education programmes. Washington said through the “2014 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report” released earlier this week, that Belize remains a transshipment point for cocaine and precursor chemicals used in the production of illicit drugs.

March 6, 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

FC United and Joker FC take the lead in the SPSC Football Tournament
Top football teams are starting to take the lead as the San Pedro Sports Committee (SPSC) Football Tournament advances. After just four rounds of the tournament, rankings are being set among the 14 participating teams. It is crucial for each team to deliver at every game to ensure a winning spot in their grouping. Taking this to heart are teams FC United and Joker FC. Friday, February 28th saw two games. In the first game, Joker FC faced the Warriors, in a blowout game that ended in a 6-0 point game in favor of Joker FC. The second game was between FC United and the Veterans, which ended in a 4-0 crushing defeat for the Veterans. In Group A, Joker FC is leading with 10 points. Followed by Legends (2nd) with seven points, Island Pure (3rd) with seven points, Caye Caulker (4th) with seven points, UH Bombers (5th) with four points, Communicacion (6th) with no points and Warriors (7th) with no points. Jordy Craft of Joker FC is the leading scorer in Group A with seven goals.

Don Juan Carnaval
takes his last tour of town before being 'laid to rest'/cremated to mark the end of the Carnaval celebrations on La Isla Bonita. (4 photos)

Inaugural Meeting-Belize/Guatemala Administrative Commission
The inaugural meeting of the Belize-Guatemala Administrative Commission was convened last Friday 28th February, 2014 at the George Price Centre in Belmopan, between a high level delegation of trade and other officials representing the Government of Belize and an official delegation from the Republic of Guatemala. Mr. Michael Singh, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Trade, Investment Promotion, Private Sector Development and Consumer Protection, welcomed the Guatemalan Delegation Headed by Vice Minister Maria Luisa Flores Villagran. CEO Singh reaffirmed the Government of Belize’s strong interest and commitment to maintaining formal trade relations between Belize and Guatemala with Belize serving as an important conduit for trade with CARICOM. Vice Minister Flores Villagran recognized the importance of establishing the Administrative Commission and reiterated commitments from the Government of Guatemala.

Reina Del Carnaval brings fun and laughter to San Pedro Town
The Rafael A Nuñez Auditorium was the place to be on Friday February 28th as it was the venue for the first ever Reina Del Carnaval Pageant. The pageant was the second fundraising event to be held by Flor Ancona’s Carnaval Comparsas group. The show opened with a dynamic performance by the San Pedro Dance Academy who performed to a medley of upbeat song selections that set the atmosphere for the amazing show that would follow. As the night got underway Master of Ceremonies David Marin announced the lovely contestants that would be vying for the title: Sherlette Beslisle, Zeida Alamilla, Mel Spain, Shelly Huber, Edilma Aguilar Leal and Leonor Rosado. Tasked to judge the pageant were Lisa McCorkle Guerrerro, Melly Badillo and Einer Gomez who certainly had a tough decision at the end of the night. The packed auditorium was buzzing with the group of ladies guaranteed to deliver a spectacular show.

Ambergris Today

Carnaval 2014 Day Three Highlighted by Passport Scandal Parody
El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro has come to end, for this year that is! Carnaval painters and dancers hit the streets of San Pedro early to enjoy the last day of Carnaval on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. The painting and dancing was at its max! Music and dancing by the comparsa groups livened up the streets of San Pedro and let us not forget the herd of Carnaval revelers running up and down the streets painting each other. Oh the fun of one of San Pedro’s most loved tradition! It was the men’s comparsa (Barbies of San Pedro) that parodied one of the country’s biggest scandals – the sale of passports and visas by ministers Elvin Penner and Edmund Castro had everybody bursting in laughter as the Penner and Castro impersonators, complete with hundred dollar bills and passports and of course ‘women’ companions, hit the streets to entertain for the last day of San Pedro Carnaval 2014 celebrations.

Misc Belizean Sources

Sunny, hot weather continues across Belize
Warm and mostly dry conditions are dominating factors in our weather heading into the second half of the week. The general forecast for Belize and her coastal waters is for sunny skies this afternoon and tomorrow morning. Tonight will be cloudy at times. Winds over the open sea and along the coast will be easterly to southeasterly at five to fifteen knots. The sea state will be light chop to choppy. High temperatures this afternoon will be around 86 degrees Fahrenheit along the coast; 90 degrees Fahrenheit inland and a comfortable 74 degrees Fahrenheit up in the hills.

The winners of the Comparsas are as follows
Mayor Daniel Guerrero and the San Pedro Town Council would like to congratulate all the Comparsas Groups who participated in the 3 days of Comparsas during the Carnaval Festivities. We appreciate your enthusiasm & spirit in keeping the tradition of Carnaval alive through the Comparsas. GREAT JOB! We can't wait to see what you all come up for next year! The winners of the Comparsas are as follows: ADULT CATEGORY 1st Place - The San Pedro AIDS Commission 2nd Place - The Barbies 3rd Place - Mrs. Flora Ancona's Group JUNIOR CATEGORY Only Winner - Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) PICTURES AND VIDEOS TO COME SOON!

War On Drugs Has Fundamental Problems
Like *Where is the compelling governmental interest? I look at a recent eye opener. The case of the one legged man receiving six months for 1/10 of a gram of cannabis. Yea I know he had committed similar violations of the law in the past and still owed money. Last I recall the courts had fined him $10,000 for a past similar violation. How does a one legged man pay such a fine? This is only one example of casualties in this war on the people. With all that said and understood, what are we looking at here. What is the cost in time and money in just this one case. I can’t tell you that but I can tell you the cost of the cannabis involved. Let’s see what 1/10 of a gram of cannabis is, in the material world. Pretty much $35.00 an ounce in most places in rural Belize.

PUPPIES, puppies, and more puppies...
They all need homes by March 20, They are well behaved, love bug mama. Call Lilly Morison at the Belmopan Humane Society 602-7947!

Commissioner of Police Must Resign
The judgement by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin forcibly ordering the Commissioner of Police to conduct a criminal investigation into the Won Hong Kim passport scandal and his statement that the Compol’s refusal to conduct such an investigation was “irrational, unreasonable and unlawful” is a damning and most humiliating indictment of the performance of the Commissioner of Police in this said matter. Ever since the Elvin Penner Immigration Scandal broke, the VIP along with Civil Society Organizations and the Opposition have made repeated requests for the police department to conduct a criminal investigation into the scandal. These requests fell on deaf ears notwithstanding that the chief perpetrator of the scandal (junior minister of Immigration, Elvin Penner) had incriminated himself via an email letter that he had sent out to the media. As a further testament of his culpability, the said junior minister was fired from his Cabinet post and other house select committees which he attended, and later ordered to give in the government vehicle that had been provided to him.

Board of Directors of Social Investment Fund new Executive Director
The Board of Directors of Social Investment Fund is pleased to announce the appointment of the new Executive Director, Mr William Lamb, and Public Relations Officer, Mr Selwyn King with effect March, 2014. Mr. Lamb is an Engineer by profession with more than 25 years. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, with Honors in Structural Engineering from Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom in 1995, and a Diploma in Structural Engineering from the College of Art Science & Technology, Kingston, Jamaica, 1990. Mr Lamb served as Project Manager and Site Engineer for the expansion of the Philip Goldson International Airport Terminal Building and for the construction of the new San Ignacio Hospital as well as provided technical advice on all Engineering aspect of JEBCO’s construction works. His last tenure was Project Manager for US$10.5M project at the Belize Water Services Ltd.

PRESENTATION OF PREHISPANIC ERA: MESTIZO ERA: MAYA WEDDING CEREMONY
The Corozal Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) in conjunction with Corozal Town Council (CTC), Corozal Junior College (CJC) and the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) will be presenting a Maya Wedding Ceremony, depicting Prehispanic and Mestizo eras, at Santa Rita Archaeological Site on March 22nd, 2014 from 7:00PM – 9:00PM. Historically Santa Rita Archaeological Site is the only site where a marriage took place between a Spanish Conquistador and a Maya Princess. This presentation will showcase the unique historical and cultural potential of this site as the “Official Maya Wedding Garden” of Belize. The revival of this center as an official Maya Wedding Garden will honor our culture and heritage and will greatly benefit our present and future generations.

OVER 150 BRITISH COMPANIES MEET IN LONDON FOR MAJOR UK-CENTRAL AMERICA TRADE CONFERENCE
Leading business and government figures from Britain and Central America are in London today for a high level conference on trade and investment in the region.

Western Ballaz Host No Limit
The Western Ballaz, who are tied for first place, play the Belize City No Limit on Friday, at 9:00pm. The opening game will be between SHC and Benque. There will be plenty of food and entertainment, along with gate prizes and a $250 half court shot attempt. The after party will be at Meluchi's. Come out to the SHC auditorium for another great night of basketball. "If you thought the game against Dangria was great, then just wait until this Friday when Western Ballaz goes up against Belize City No Limit. It's going to be CRAAAAAZZZZYYYYYYY Fun!!!!!!"

Belize Film School
You could be in Belize making a Wildlife Documentary! See where life takes you!

Villagers of Boom Creek want garbage situation fixed
Residents of Boom Creek village in the Toledo district are complaining about uncontrollable dumping of garbage at the entrance to the community. Residents describe the situation as the conversion of the entrance to a dump site that is very unhealthy and unwelcoming to visitors. One of the residents of Boom Creek, Mr. Valentin Sanchez told Belize Media Group that the dumping of garbage in his village worrisome. “We have two tourist resorts that are near to the village and the tourists have to pass everyday and smell the bad odor of the garbage,” said Sanchez. He noted that everything from dead animals to regular household debris are dumped at the entrance to the village. “It affects us a lot because we walk the road everyday and it is not good for our health and of course for our children,” says Sanchez.

20,000 Strong Rally
The 20,000 Strong rally for Women's rights is today, and while it's not being held in Cayo, it certainly affects it. They are having transport from all major towns for the event. Happy Women's and Children's month! "BUS INFORMATION FOR BELMOPAN, SAN IGNACIO/SANTA ELENA AND BENQUE VIEJO!"

Benque HoC Celebrates Women's Month
The Benque House of Culture is celebrating Women's month with some fun activities. They've been posting tons of great pictures from their events lately. https://www.facebook.com/BenqueHOC/posts/755982647758678 "Traditional papel picado workshop facilitated by Mrs. Elvira Duarte, empowering and celebrating womens month by sharing the traditional art for festive decore..."

Revival Fire Crusade
The Generation of Fire Youth Group is having their Revival Fire young adult crusade starting tomorrow, Thursday, March 6th, and ending on Saturday. It'll start at 6:30pm, and take place at the Octavia Waight Centre. "Calling all youth and young adults! We invite you to join us as we ignite the Fire of Revival in the hearts of the young people of Belize. We believe these services will be life-changing and you will never be the same! There will be dynamic praise and worship by the Impact Worship team from Impact International Ministries . Pastor Ryan LeStrange and other ministers from the USA will be bringing a Prophetic word that will challenge and change your life!"

La Ruta Maya Kick Off Party
The La Ruta Maya Kick Off Party is tonight at Meluchi's. The LRM Cultural Night is at the Cayo Welcome Center. Friday is the race. "We Gwen Da Blue!!! The Official Kick-off for La Ruta Maya River Challenge AT MELUCHI'S THURSDAY MARCH 6th ***FREE BAR TABS courtesy BELIKIN*** ***2 CELL PHONES + PHONE CARDS courtesy SMART*** Live Performances by:#1 BANDSWEET PAIN BANDMethod - Jobo - Junimar - Johnny P - Elroy...SKINNY DIP [we gwen da blue...baby]...BAYAHU...JUST LIKE THAT [tuku tuku]...HOUSE HUSBAND...JOE GRINE...COME FI DI HUDUT...REMEDYand more"

BHS Blues Revue Fundraiser
The Belmopan Humane Society had their big Blues Revue fundraiser, and it was a huge success. 'Feed the Dog Band.' Great name. "Well over 180 people were rockin and dancing to tunes of the past and recordings never heard before. Thanks goes to Steve Hack our MC who kept us informed as to what was happening. Kerby Sutherland kept the sound and mixing perfect. I sincerely hope we can bring these great people together for a future event. A huge thank you to you all for your contribution."

Truck driver arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated
A man who police say was driving while intoxicated has been arrested and charged. Felicito Sho, 40, was booked on a charge of driving a motor vehicle with alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit, following an incident late on Tuesday night. Police say that just before 9 o’clock on Tuesday night they received reports of a tow head truck heading towards Belize City that was swerving across the Phillip Goldson Highway. The swerving truck, according to the reports, nearly ran a passenger bus off the road. Police say that they then set up a vehicle checkpoint at the Burrel Boom junction, and sure enough around 9:30 pm, the tow head, hauling a trailer pulled up.

Julie with Howler Monkeys at Sanctuary in Belize
Video

Archaeological Excavation in Belize Pawnce the Archaeologist
Video

Belize Bonefish
One of numerous bones caught on my Sage 4wt fly rod during a recent trip to Belize.

Hawksbill sea turtle rehabilitation in Turneffe Atoll, Belize
This baby hawksbill sea turtle was rescued by a local resident and brought to our Blackbird Caye Field Station in Turneffe Atoll, Belize for rehabilitation. The turtle was extremely weak, could barely move, and was wounded on its rear flipper. It also had problems diving. Our staff began to care for the turtle, feeding it pieces of jellyfish and fresh fish and allowing it to rest. As its condition has improved, we have been bringing the turtle out into the ocean for supervised swimming every morning, as seen in the video. The turtle seems to be doing great, and we look forward to releasing it back into the wild very soon. Hawksbill turtles are Critically Endangered with extinction; every individual counts!

Channel 7

Bowen & Bowen Fires 13 Workers Who Were Complaining About Contracts
13 employees have been fired from Bowen and Bowen because they failed to show up to work. Public Relations Officer Christelle Wilson told 7News that at the end of the business today the company took the decision to terminate the employees for services no longer required. Apparently, the company concluded that they had abandoned their posts, and so they were replaced. Most were delivery-men. That's a real stunner because just yesterday the workers had been going around to labour unions and the media trying to get their story out. This morning, they went to the labour office. They were contesting the terms of a new work contract. Well, not anymore. One hour ago, when we called one of those terminated employees, he told us he knew nothing of it, and that all of them had their doctor's papers. He said the labour office told them to go into work tomorrow. But, now all that is very up in the air. Their complaints was that if they sign the new contracts, their commission and their overtime would be severely cut.

PM's Wife says Catholic Church Is Sexist For Not Endorsing Women's Rally
Tomorrow, the Prime Minister's wife, Kim Barrow is calling out all women to march twenty thousand strong in an empowerment rally. But, the Roman Catholic Church, now joined by the 7th Day Adventists have come out against the event. The Catholics say the National Women's Commission is behind it, and that office, quote, "promotes values that contradict Christian and moral teachings regarding respect for all human life, family marriage, and human sexuality… the well-being of women (cannot) be enhanced by advocacy which promotes abortions and so called pseudo rights of men and women and same sex relationships." That's the equivalent of a drop kick in karate, delivered just less than 48 hours before the rally. Today Special Envoy Kim Barrow reacted: Kim Simplis-Barrow - Special Envoy For Women And Children "Well, it's of course disappointing. It's something that I wasn't expecting. It's regrettable that I was not asked for an audience, that no clarification was requested from me as to what this is about. So, it's really bothersome, but we move on. We respect the church."

Faber Says Teachers Will Get Their Pay Docked If The Rally In 'Pan On Friday
Ministry of Education is allowing female teachers to attend tomorrow’s women’s rally – but warning all teachers that if they attend the Union’s rally and demonstration on Friday in Belmopan – they’ll have their pay docked. The call that a double standard. This evening at the ITVET Compound in Belize City, we caught Education Minister Patrick Faber who told us that indeed, the teachers who go to rally on Friday should expect a pay cut. He told us why: Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education "Also the fact that the teachers and public servants are now getting that 5% that they had clamoured for, and really, if their concern is about the other issues they're rallying for, then why is it that the children of our nation should suffer as a result of that. There are ways of giving that support for the causes that they claim without putting our children through all of this. You know, I take issue with the fact that they behave as if things are no moving to several of these issues that they've pointed out. There is activity happening, you might not agree with the level of it, but to say, the Government is sitting on it's hand. We're at that point where we have invoke industrial action which is clearly what that is, then we're not there. We're simply not there. The negotiations have not broken down. They will get a raise of up to 7 1/2% if you include the increment, the annual increment that is given. What is it that you have to protest, rally and to invoke industrial action about. And I am sorry. I don't see it, and so, as I've said, we've been lenient and patient, and I don't want anybody to get the impression that this ministry sits on its hands as it relates to enforcing the laws, the Education and Training Act and the accompanying rules. We're not sitting on our hands, and if the teachers have a right to demonstrate, rally and to invoke industrial action, there is power given to ministry as well, and we intend to use that power well."

Judge Says Corwin Didn't Kill Killa
Justice Adolph Lucas has ruled that 20 year-old Corwin Bennett did not kill 34 year-old Raymond "Killa" Gentle. And so, tonight, Bennett is a free man at home after 3 years on remand awaiting his trial. Bennett stood trial for murder without a jury before Justice Lucas and his case finished last week Tuesday. After deliberating for a week, Justice Lucas delivered his judgment today, explaining that Bennett gave written statements implicating himself. He rejected the dock statement in which Bennett claimed that he had been threatened into confessing. And so Justice Lucas accepted the confession statements as proper evidence, he said the prosecution did not test their contents in open court to ensure that they were factual. Because this was the main evidence that the prosecution relied on, Justice Lucas found Bennett not guilty, and he was able to walk out of court and go home.

SATIIM Accountant Charged, Finally
10 months ago, 7News told you how 250 thousand dollars plus was reportedly embezzled from the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management – that’s Greg Choq’s organization, known as SATIIM. Well, tonight we can confirm that SATIIM’s former Finance Officer, David Duncan, has been charged for some of that money. PG Police have confirmed to us that with the directive of the Office of the DPP, Duncan was charged with 9 counts of theft because he was reportedly connected to 9 cheques for a total of just over 100 thousand dollars. He was arraigned in the Punta Gorda Magistrate’s Court yesterday, where he pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of $10,000.

Silver Rodeo Was Behind City Shootings
Tonight, 2 men are hospitalized after they became victims of the latest city shootings which happened on Raccoon Street Extension. Police from Precinct 2 are noting a spike in random shootings in their area, so they have stepped up operations. Nevertheless there was another shooting in the area last night. 27 year-old Darrell Alvarez nearly became the victim of a well-planned hit. Police say that after 9:00 a silver rodeo pulled up and 2 men got out and fired shots at him. Here's what police know about that shooting incident: Corporal Jorge Lemus - Admin Section, Police Precinct 2 "At about 6:25 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, police responded to Holy Emmanuel Street in the Saint Martin De Porres area, where they met one Darrell Alvarez. He's a Belizean labourer of Holy Emmanuel Street, who reported that a silver in color 4-door SUV type Rodeo pulled up to his residents, and 2 gunmen fired 3 shots in his direction. He managed to escape without being harmed, and the male persons sped off in the said vehicle. No expended shells were recovered from the scene. No one was injured."

Immigration Officer Ady Pacheco Is Questioned by Police About Penner
Belmopan police are investigating Elvin Penner for criminal wrongdoing just as the court ordered them to, and today Immigration Officer from the nationality section Ady Pacheco was called in to give a statement. Pacheco who is the second in command in the section had possession of the Citizen Kim file and is seen as crucial in the entire process. She went to the police accompanied by her attorney Godfrey Smith who, we are told, sat with her throughout the questioning. We understand she put the responsibility for any wrongdoing squarely on Penner's shoulders saying that he directed the entire process, and was advised that the Citizen Kim file was incomplete. Still, she said, he requested that a certificate be prepared and said he would handle the deficiencies in the file with the Director. We understand that tomorrow her co-worker Gordon Wade will go in to give his statement.

Deon McCauley Is Now A Silverback
Last week Friday we told you about the difficulties Deon McCauley was having in getting a release to play professionally for the Atlanta Silverbacks in the USA. Well, tonight, can we say, all's well that ends well? It seems the Belmopan Bandits relented on their position that he was under contract until the end of May. And so, today, the international transfer certificate was finalized at 1:42 pm, making Deon McCauley officially an Atlanta Silverback. It was a free transfer, meaning the Bandits were not paid. He now joins the team for pre-season, in advance of the regular season which starts in April.

Two Years In, City Mayor Has a Lot To Boast About
The Belize City Council is celebrating the second anniversary of its being elected to office. This morning at City Hall, Mayor Darrell Bradley hosted a press conference where he discussed the Council's accomplishments in those two years – and he had a lot to boast about: Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City Council "When I became mayor, nobody really looked at the municipality with any kind of seriousness or credibility. They thought that city governance was a joke. 2 years later, nobody can do any project in Belize City without coming to us. Our audit also shows that the City Council rose from an organization with an expected income revenue of 17 million dollars to 23 million dollars. So, we're growing as an organization. Our audit also shows that in March of 2012, when the last audit period began, this City Council had in its accounts 37 thousand dollars. One year later, when that audit period closed, on March 2013, the council had 5.3 million dollars. We have a City Council which is in a much better financial health that we inherited. It is not where we want to be, but we are moving in the right direction. We are so comfortable that the City Council could have aborted the planned implementation of the 10-dollar residential garbage fee.

Mayor Commits To Transform City Slum
But serving himself a heaping dose of self-praise wasn't the only thing that the mayor did on his council's second anniversary. He went into an area that most professional politicians with any instinct for self-preservation stay far from – that's Conch Shell Bay, one of the poorest, most enduring slums of Belzie City. But the mayor went there, and he did so with a posse, including the heads of the Methodist and Anglican Churches, backed up by Hand in Hand Ministries, and the Lands Commissioner. That's a combo which should have the cure for any combination of spiritual, material and social ills. The mayor says he's determined to transform Conch Shell Bay: Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City Council "As a result of Councillor Willoughby's involvement, he managed to procure donations of material, so that today, you will be seeing that every single area is going to be filled. Ever lot in the area will be filled. Councillor Willoughby will be distributing plywood to residents and also zinc material. So, it's a think that we are trying to do what we can. These are often times band aid solutions because when we originally did our assessment, the need of people in this community is far greater than what we can handle with these kinds of interventions. So that, what we are trying to do also is Councilor Willoughby will be leading a partnership with the churches and with hands in hands to see if we can work with a more permanent solution. This morning, we had a meeting with the Commissioner of Lands to see if they could arrange and rectify all the title issues that are in this area."

Ag. Natural Resources CEO Speaks About Corruption In His Ministry
Probably the most curious face in the whole socio-political shindig this morning was Lands Commissioner Wilbert Vallejos. He's also the acting CEO in that ministry and while he had every valid reason to be there because it is a land labyrinth, he is not known for his public appearances. But, if we can connect the political dots, we see Willoughby airing a political advertisement and it features an endorsement from German Vega, the brother of the Natural Resources Minister Gaspar Vega. So, in that context them it's not too unusual to see Vallejos at this morning's event. The media also used the opportunity to ask him about reports of recent firings in the Ministry – and almost "by the way", he gave a candid commentary on corruption in the Lands Department: Wilbert Vallejos, Commissioner of Lands "There are changes happening in the Ministry of Lands, strategic changes, I say, where some people are being moved indeed, and others are being put into place. The National Estate Officer, Miss Darlene Padron, has been transferred to a different ministry - a ministry where she can be of much more assistance - taking into consideration that she has a degree in sustainable development so she has been transferred to the Ministry of Fisheries and Sustainable Development. The other officer who has gone through a change is the deputy commissioner who has tendered his resignation as deputy commissioner of lands and service."

Man For Manslaughter Wins Appeal
Today, the Court of Appeal granted the appeal of Edward Buller who was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years in jail. His attorney, Anthony Sylvestre was able to succeed on the single ground that the trial judge failed to give the jury a proper direction to a technical aspect of the case. His 16-year sentence was set aside, and a retrial was ordered, with the reasons for the decision to be delivered at a later date. Buller was charged with the murder of Ella Mae Bennett who was found partially nude with wounds to head and face on June 20, 2009. Her body was discovered in an abandoned bungalow concrete building on Central American Boulevard. The Investigators found a bloody cement block next to her body.

Education Minister Explains Decision To Shut Down School
Last night we told you about the brewing controversy at the Hope Seventh Day Adventist Academy located in the village of Rhaburn Ridge. The newly opened school has been operating for the past 2 months without a valid license after they were refused by the Ministry of Education for a number of reasons. On Thursday the school received a letter from the Ministry of Education stating that it had to close down within 24 hours or else face police intervention. Today a handful of teachers, parents and the school principal WAITED FOR the Minister at the ITVET for answers. Before the Minister addressed the group, he gave us an interview on the situation.

Zabaneh Says He's Not A Kingpin!
Tonight we have the third part of our extended interview with business man and industrial farmer John Zabaneh. The United States Office of Foreign Asset Control has designated him as a Kingpin, and alleged that he is the head of a local drug organization that works for the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexican. Now, since the boss of the Sinaloa Cartel Joaquin “Chapo” Guzman has been arrested in Mexico, Zabaneh is begging US authorities to clear his name, by asking Guzman if he knows Zabaneh and if he plays any role in the Cartel. It’s simplistic and far-fetched, but that’s how far Zabaneh is willing to go. He’s a desperate man, desperate to get out from under the Kingpin Designation, which has destroyed his business, and doesn’t even permit him to have a bank or credit union account. On Monday, Zabaneh told us about the man he believes tried to entrap him. That is Kahari Nash – who Zabaneh first discussed inMonday night’s interview. Since then we have also been trying to find out about Nash – but neither the US Embassy in Belize nor the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Washington would comment. But, he’s a compelling part of Zabaneh’s story – here’s how he explained it:

PUP: An Agenda For All Women
At the top of the news, 7News told you about the controversy surrounding the 20,000 Strong Women Empowerment Rally. Well, that is not the only event for Women's Month that is making the news tonight. The PUP today launched its 2014 Women's Agenda today under the theme, "Charting Greater Pathways for Belizean Women As Nation Builders" Independence Hall was filled with PUP women for the launch of the agenda, and 7News as there. Here's what the Opposition Leader had to say about it:

March Is For Child Stimulation too
At the top of the news, 7News told you about the controversy surrounding the 20,000 Strong Women Empowerment Rally. Well, that is not the only event for Women's Month that is making the news tonight. The PUP today launched its 2014 Women's Agenda today under the theme, "Charting Greater Pathways for Belizean Women As Nation Builders" Independence Hall was filled with PUP women for the launch of the agenda, and 7News as there. Here's what the Opposition Leader had to say about it:

Channel 5

Kim Simplis Barrow says she’s disappointed by church’s position
Final preparations are being put to the Twenty Thousand Strong Women Empowerment Rally, organized by the Special Envoy for Women and Children, with logistical support from the National Women’s Commission. [...]

Women’s Commission says there’s intense intimidation from the Catholic Church
The organizers are hoping that twenty thousand women and young girls will be marching in Belize City on Thursday as part of a women empowerment rally. Unfortunately, the planned empowerment [...]

Over $250,000 to be spent on rally
It is hoped that there will be a massive turnout of women at the rally, but aside from the Roman Catholic Church, the organizers have received another very surprising declaration [...]

B.N.T.U. says its teachers can go to the rally
The Belize National Teachers Union, despite permission being granted to its membership by the Ministry of Education to attend the rally, also finds itself in the middle of the standoff [...]

Lands Commissioner only god can clean up the corruption
Two weeks ago, reports surfaced that three highly-ranked officers in the Ministry of Natural Resources had received their walking papers, allegedly for reasons of corruption. The three were very close [...]

13 Bowen & Bowen employees terminated
Thirteen employees of Bowen and Bowen Limited have been terminated. That decision was taken by the management of the company after the group of employees comprising of drivers and their [...]

Employees discontent with new terms of employment and salaries with Bowen
Wilson says that the restructuring of the company was necessary to provide quality service to customers.   Christelle Wilson, Internal Legal Counsel & PR Officer, Bowen & Bowen “We have [...]

B.N.T.U. says the Ministry of Education has double standards
The Belize National Teachers Union is also hosting a massive demonstration on Independence Hill this Friday, where the House of Representatives will be convening to present the 2014 National Budget.  [...]

P.U.P. says it will support B.N.T.U. at its rally on Friday
The B.N.T.U. will also be getting some support from another source at its rally on Friday in Belmopan. Today, P.U.P. Leader Francis Fonseca confirmed that the party will be on [...]

P.U.P. women launch their Women’s Agenda
As we told you earlier in our newscast, the P.U.P. women will not be at the twenty-thousand strong rally set for Thursday. The party has stated that it does not [...]

SATIIM’s former finance officer charged for theft
In Punta Gorda, nine months after the theft of one hundred and ten thousand dollars was reported, an arrest has been made. Forty year old David Duncan has been charged [...]

City Hall to rehabilitate Conch Shell Bay
You could be forgiven for hearing the name Conch Shell Bay and picturing pristine beaches overlooking the picturesque waters of the Caribbean. But if you’re a resident of Belize City, [...]

Busy artery converted into a one-way street has residents up in arms
Mayor Darrell Bradley and the Belize City Council are days away from celebrating two years in office. And for City Hall it will be a celebration, boasting one hundred and [...]

Mayor Bradley says that zoning was necessary for 6th Street
Bradley also alluded to one major problem which has caused the current hostilities on Sixth Street – zoning. That’s why the previously residential street has a commercial feel…with large supermarkets, [...]

2 Belize City men fighting for their lives following late evening shooting
Two Belize City men are tonight fighting for their lives at the K.H.M.H. following late evening shootings in the Old Capital. The shootings occurred within ten minutes of each other [...]

Mayor Darrell Bradley celebrates two years in office with report card
Earlier we told you that the Mayor is celebrating his two years in office. To mark the occasion, surrounded by councilors, Mayor Darrell Bradley today presented the report card of [...]

CTV3

U.S and Belize Armed Forces Join Hands For Training
An exercise, titled “Fused Response 2014” will be conducted by the Belize Defense Force, along with members of the U.S. Armed Forces from March 5th to the 14th. The training events are being conducted by the Government of Belize and the Government of the United States of America, in the Cayo District and in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The joint training exercise, in which approximately 500 military personnel from both countries will participate, is aimed at improving the interoperability of the participating forces and increasing their capacity to confront common threats, such as organized crime and illicit trafficking.

Orange Walkeno Nearly Stabbed To Death
Authorities in Orange Walk Town are investigating an aggravated assault upon a male person in this municipality. On Saturday at about 11:30p.m, police visited the Northern Regional Hospital where they met Juan Ramirez on a bed suffering from multiple cut wounds to his body. Initial investigation reveals that Ramirez and his brother, 26 year old Jose Rafael Ramirez Nationalized Belizean of East San Martin Street, were socializing at MI CASA cool spot when they were attacked by three male Hispanic persons with broken bottles. As a result Juan Ramirez sustained injuries, and his brother Jose Rafael Ramirez received a small cut wound to the back of the head. Police have since detained one man and are seeking two others as investigations continue.

Traffic Accident Claims Life Of Corozaleno
A traffic collision on the Philip Goldson Highway in the earlier part of the morning today, claimed the life of resident from Altamira Corozal. Lennox Garbutt decided to head out to Belize City in the wee hours of this morning after learning that his sister had passed away. Little did he know that death was also calling him. He took the wheel and upon reaching between mile 6 and 7 of the highway Garbuit became involved in a traffic accident. Tonight his family is having a double wake as Garbutt passed away this morning at the KHMH. Reporter Maria Novelo followed the story and filed the following report. Maria Novelo- Reporting This narrow stretch of meandering roads between the Haulover Bridge and the junction to Burrel Boom has seen a lot of traffic mishaps recently and that was compounded early this morning around 3:00am when another traffic mishap occurred, taking the life of an Alta Mira resident of Corozal Town. Reliable reports to our newsroom is that after hearing of his sisters passing last night, Lennox Garbutt took to the road to meet up with his grieving family in Belize City, little did he know, his life would be cut short. According to Assistant Superintendent of the Ladyville Police Station, Chris Noble, the collision occurred between mile 6 and 7 of the Philip Goldson highway involving a red Chrysler and a blue/grey Toyota Corolla.

The Special Envoy Response To The Catholic Chancery Press Release
Yesterday we told you about the fiery press release sent out to the masses by the Roman Catholic Chancery office on their stance to not support the “20,000 Strong Women Empowerment Rally’ and promised to have a response from the Special Envoy for Women and Children today. Well, the office of the Special Envoy responded indeed but it was a subtle response to say the least. While many of us were anticipating a harsh counter reaction, the Special Envoy for Women and Children release says while the rally seeks to ‘empower and inspire women to claim our rightful space as equal partners in the development of the country…. It is very disappointing that the Roman Catholic Church is attempting to ascribe extraneous motives to this event that is intended simply to honor and uplift women.’

Mexican Embassador Gave Reason As To The Belize/Mexican Border Problem
At the beginning of this year, the importation and exportation of goods at the Belize/Mexico Border was hindered when the license for the Agencia Aduanal “Servicios Aduaneros Integrados”, which was the only broker agency for the importation and exportation of goods on the Mexican Side of the Border was suspended. The issue caused a huge negative impact here in the north especially in the construction area since steel and cement became scarce. To solve the problem a new agency opened at the border but the processing of cargo trucks and goods has been rather slow. Today in an interview with Love F.M, Mexican Ambassador Mario Velazquez gave reason as to why there is only one Agencia Aduanal at the border. He indicated that because the trade is minimal, the Association of Custom Brokers believes that there might not be enough business for more than one agency.

BJAT Results Finally Released To Principals
The Belize Junior Achievement Test (BJAT) is an examination intended for all students in sixth grade, or as we know it standard three. It is not offered simultaneously and is designed to inform bearing minimal negative consequences for the student. The 2013 results are in and the Ministry of Education has distributed these results to the schools. Principals are asked to conduct an analysis of the results. District Education Manager Jahmor Lopez says the exam can be very useful for schools. Jahmor Lopez - District Education Manager “We finally gotten the 2013 BJAT results and we’ve distributed those to our principals here in the Corozal District and what we are asking our principals to do along with their respective school communities is to do a detail analysis of the performance of their schools. The BJAT exam is normal sat by students who are in standard three and it sorts of like a barometer reading a litmus test if you wish to call it that way to see where the schools are at and to see where those students are performing because in the next three years they would be sitting the PSE which is the final exam, the BJAT in education terms is sort of like a formative evaluation where it is on-going and we can put interventions in places to see how we can how we can have students improve and the Primary School Examination which is done in standard six is punto final, that is the final and there isn’t anything that we can do at that point because it is the school leaving exam.

Child Stimulation Month "Early Childhood Education, Where Our Future Begins"
March 3rd marked the opening of Child Stimulation Month across the country and this year it brought along a menu of activities. In the Corozal District the month also kicked off with a colorful display of banners which were on exhibited during Monday’s parade which saw the participation of 37 pre-schools who marched down the principal streets of Corozal Town. This year’s theme “Early Childhood Education, Where Our Future Begins”, promotes the importance of toddlers attending pre-schools. It is also the aim of educators to bring to light the benefits of Child Stimulation Month.

SIF Appoints New Public Relations Officer
The Social Investment Fund (SIF) has announced the addition of new faces to its executive panel, on Tuesday. According to the release, the board of directors appointed William Lamb as Executive Director and Selwin King as Public Relations Officer. Lamb, who has an extensive history as an Engineer, has an excellent grasp in implementations of social infrastructure projects mainly in health, education, water and sanitation sectors in urban and rural areas. Selwin King, who has been known as the Public Relations for the University of Belize, has with him a wealth of knowledge in corporate communications. Their tenures became effective in March.

Ash Wednesday Is Conmemmorated
Today is considered to be the first day of lent leading to the Sunday of Resurrection commonly known as Easter Sunday. For many Christians today marks the beginning of the 40 day liturgical period of prayer and fasting and abstinence. Of the 46 days until Easter, six are Sundays. As the Christian designation of Sabbath, Sundays are not included in the fasting period and are instead "feast" days during Lent. It is traditional that each year at Masses and services of worship on this day, ashes are imposed on the foreheads of the faithful. The priest, minister, or in some cases officiating layperson, marks the forehead of each participant with black ashes in the sign of the cross, which the worshipper traditionally retains until it wears off.

Two Person Charged Of Robbing CFZ Business Man
And in an update to the Free Zone heist of Mexican businessman Ricardo Villasenor, who was robbed of 1.25 million pesos; the perpetrators have been caught, arrested and charged. They are 22 year-old Israel Rancharan and 21 year-old Benigno Loria who were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery; and 26 year-old Hector Kelly, and 18 year-old Zandon Myers, pictured on screen. These are the men who have been accused of robbing 48 year-old Ricardo Villasenor of $208,000 Belize dollars inside the Corozal Free Zone, a few weeks ago.

Lennox Garbutt Dies By Traumatic Shock Due To Multiple Trauma
Last night, CTV3 news told you about a traffic collision on the Philip Goldson Highway that claimed the life of 42 year old Lennox Garbutt, a resident of Corozal Town. Tonight, after a post mortem was conducted on his body, it was certified that his death was caused by ‘Traumatic Shock due to multiple trauma’ as a result of road traffic accident. As we’ve reported, 5 persons have died in traffic accidents over the past 3 weeks around the country. 3 of them were on the Northern Highway in the jurisdiction of Ladyville Police, where there were 5 accidents; Lennox’s passing was 6 in a span of weeks.

LOVE FM

Task Force Conducts Interrogation Into Immigration Fiasco
A Task Force under the umbrella of the National Crimes Investigative Branch of the Belize Police Department has undertaken the investigation into the immigration scandal that brought much criticism after a South Korean national who was imprisoned overseas, acquired a Belizean passport during the time of his incarceration. Since the scandal began unfolding, Area Representative for Cayo Northeast, Elvin Penner has been stripped of his portfolio as a Minister of State, several immigration officers have faced the Public Services Commission while a number of transfers have taken place within the Immigration Department…And while some months have passed and many thought it would have blown over after some time, it seems that a natural death is nowhere in sight for this issue as just this week, the Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin has ruled in favour of the Opposition Party, the PUP, and a writ of Mandamus was granted, thus compelling the Commissioner of Police to pursue an investigation into the immigration debacle. It is an interesting turn of events, as in the past months, Love News Centre has reported on several entities and individuals who have submitted letters to the Commissioner appealing for an intense investigation into the matter. In the courtroom of the Chief Justice, it was learned that the Commissioner of Police took the decision to not pursue an investigation into the matter. Today, we spoke with Attorney Lisa Shoman on the matter.

Woman in House of Representatives Says Budget for Women’s Rally Is Exorbitant
It is an event that has been much publicized and that has thousands of women in Belize preparing to converge at the Marion Jones Stadium in Belize City for what has been dubbed, 20,000 Strong. Today we asked Dolores Balderamos Garcia, the only woman in Belize’s House of Representatives, if she would be participating in tomorrow’s event. HON. DOLORES BALDERAMOS GARCIA “I was personally invited; I don’t believe any invitation came to the People’s United Party as such but I did receive a personal invitation and I did speak with Ms Kim Simplis Barrow and respectfully, I declined to participate but I do want it to be known that I didn’t lightly turn it down – it is a woman’s event but when we consider carefully, not only the climate of the country but also the issues of women and how it would look if myself, as the only elected woman in the House would go and participate in what we call a rah rah rally when the woman who attend that rally will go home to the same reality and having gotten information about the kind of budget that is being expended out of public funds to fund that couple hours of event, we could not in good conscience and like I said, when I say ‘we’, I was personally invited but I don’t take decisions on my own; I have to consult with the Party Leader, I have to consult with the leaders of the party and we had to take a decision to respectfully, not participate but mainly because we believe that it is not something that is real; it is not something that is going to change the lives of women in our country.”

Shooting Incidents in Belize City Leave Two Hospitalized
Investigators at Precinct Two of the Belize Police Department are investigating two separate shooting incidents that occurred on the south side of Belize City on Tuesday night. Reports to Love News centre are that at around 6:25 last night a silver Rodeo SUV passed in front of the home of Darrel Alvarez on Holy Emmanuel Street in Belize City and one of the two men who were on board, fired three shots at Alvarez. Fearing for his life, Alvarez attempted to flee the area and the two men pursued him, firing several more shots at him but Alvarez managed to evade the assailants and was unharmed. But just about ten minutes later, a similar silver Rodeo SUV was on Racoon Street Extension where two men were shot. In that incident, 27-year-old, Leroy Richards, a construction worker of Antelope Street Extension and Jermaine Cattousse were socializing with a female near a public pipe on Racoon Street Extension when a silver SUV came from the direction of Neal’s Pen Road and one of the passengers fired several shots in their direction, injuring Alvarez with two wounds to the left side of his neck while Cattousse received a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Police recovered 2 nine millimetre shells and a slug in the area and are currently seeking two suspects for these incidents.

Justice Lucas Acquits Bennett of Murder
Twenty year old Corwin Bennett, charged with the murder of 34 year old Raymond “Killa” Gentle, was acquitted of the charge today by Justice Adolph Lucas. It was a trial without jury. Justice Lucas will give his verdict in writing at a later date. Gentle, a notorious street personality was shot and killed on January 12, 2011. He was doing construction work on a house on Kraal Road when his assailant appeared and fired several shots at him. Bennett had given two oral and written statements that were admitted as evidence. In one statement he said he was the shooter and in the other statement he said he was with the shooter. Bennett also said in the statement that he was paid $5,000 to take the rap and that a gang leader had told him to take the rap because he cannot afford for the real killer to go to prison. Bennett gave a statement from the dock in which he said that at the time of the incident he was doing construction work at a house on Jane Usher Boulevard. The main witness for the prosecution was the deceased brother, Elvis Bevans. But Bevans in his testimony did not identify Bennett. Bennett was represented by attorneys Baja Shoman and Michelle Trapp-Zuniga. Crown Counsels Shanice Lovell and Portia Staine represented the prosecution.

Appeals Court Accepts Buller’s Case on Manslaughter
An appeal by 54 year old Edward Buller, who was convicted of manslaughter and was sentenced to 16 years, was allowed today by Belize Court of Appeal. Buller’s conviction was quashed, his sentence was set aside and a retrial was ordered. The appeal succeeded on the ground that the learned trial judge failed to give the jury the mushtaq direction in relation to a caution statement Buller had given in which he said he was beaten. The respondent, represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Lyn Vidal, conceded that Buller should get a retrial. Buller was charged with the murder of 41 year old Ella Mae Bennett, who was killed on June 20, 2009. Bennett’s body was found two days later on the verandah of an abandoned bungalow concrete building on Central American Boulevard. She died from trauma caused by an injury to her head. A concrete block was found near to her body. In Buller’s statement he said they had an argument and he pushed her and she fell. He said when he checked her she was not moving. But in his testimony Buller said that at the time of the incident he was at home watching television. Buller was represented at the appeal hearing by attorney Anthony Sylvestre.

PlusTV

BNTU Says Demonstration Set for Friday Despite Intimidation Tactics
The teachers are planning a demonstration in Belmopan on Friday March 7, during the reading of the national budget. A memo was written to the BNTU on March 4th from the Ministry of Education, expressing its concern that classes will be disrupted again and reminding the Union of Rule...

Lands Commissioner Reports on Land Situation in Lemonal
The village of Lemonal in the Belize River Valley is one of the oldest and most recognizable in the country. But it does not exist – at least, not according to the Ministry of Natural Resources, who says their maps do not plot it. That has caused some issue...

Belize City Council on the Ground in Conch Shell Bay
This morning, Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley and City Councilor Philip Willoughby were on a walk-through tour of the Conch Shell Bay area north and east of Vernon Street. It is one of the poorest areas of the City and there are several key concerns which Mayor Bradley says...

Investigation on the Way Into Passport Scandal
As instructed by the courts, it appears that investigations have once again begun into the Won Hong Kim passport scandal. Plusnews has been informed that since yesterday, Police Officers in Belmopan have been questioning relevant immigration officers, including those who were transferred from the Immigration Department in November. The...

VIP Calls for Compol’s Resignation
In related news, Vision Inspired by the People is calling for the resignation of the Commissioner of Police, Allen Whyllie. In a press release issued today, the party says that “The judgement by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin forcibly ordering the Commissioner of Police to conduct a criminal investigation into...

Corwin Bennett Freed of the Charge of Murder
Supreme Court Justice Adolph Lucas today freed 20 year old Corwin Bennett from a charge of murder, after ruling that his guilt had not been proven by the Crown beyond a reasonable doubt. Bennett was tried for the murder of Raymond “Killa” Gentle, a former gang boss, in January of...

Mr. Edward Buller Retried for the Death of Ms. Ella Mae Bennett
52 year old Edward Buller will be retried for the death of Ella Mae Bennett in the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal struck down his conviction for manslaughter and 16-year prison sentence this morning. Buller was acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter in September of 2011...

Fatal Traffic Accident on Phillip Goldson Highway
There was a fatal traffic accident between miles 6 and 7 on the Phillip Goldson Highway yesterday. Corozal Resident, 42 year old Lennox Garbutt, perished in that accident. According to police reports, Garbutt was driving his black Toyota Corolla from the direction of Corozal to Belize City. With him...

Special Envoy for Women and Children Addresses Catholic Church’s Boycott of Rally
Yesterday, the Roman Catholic chancery office issued a press release saying that it does not support the 20,000 women rally scheduled for Thursday March 6th. The release says that organizers, the National Women’s Commission, promotes values that contradict Christian and moral teachings regarding the respect for all human life,...

Cancer Society Receives Donation from Women’s Group
This evening at the Bull Frog Inn, the Belmopan International Women’s Group (BIWG) hosted a special Handing Over Ceremony in which they donated BZ$500 to the Belize Cancer Society, Belmopan Branch. We spoke to the President of BIWG Michelle Rodriguez, who explained to us that this donation was very...

Blogs

Belize, Part II (Placencia and Monkey River)
More from beautiful Belize! This post features lots of photos of foliage and animals taken on a tour of the Monkey River and during a romantic sunset cruise on the Placencia Lagoon. My upcoming Belize posts detail the second part of our honeymoon, when we traveled from the sandy sea beaches of Placencia to the rugged Maya Mountains rainforest. We certainly got the best of both worlds! Stay tuned. The highlight of the cruise came when a Mom and baby dolphin decided to hang out with us for a bit. They raced the boat and did twirls and basically made my wife and I clap and squeal with glee like a bunch of toddlers. It was truly special.

Would They, Should They…Kill Carnaval On Ambergris Caye?
Carnaval 2014 in San Pedro, Belize is coming to an end. I was there for the first day (Sunday) of painting and comparsas but missed Monday and Tuesday to fly with Tropic Air on the inaugural flight from Belize to Merida, Mexico. Carnaval is great fun. So unique to the island and messily beautiful… Kids being kids… And adults getting their party on. People drink. Alot. And paint gets everywhere…whether purposely or accidentally. Eggs are hurled. Belize Tourism Board posted this picture yesterday to celebrate San Pedro’s Carnaval. Has the vandalism outweighed the fun? I’ll say it again. It’s Carnaval. It’s not supposed to be neat and tidy. Here are some more photos of the celebrations – of Carnaval being Carnaval. Some are mine, some from my friend Finn from Rojo Lounge and some from Maya at Conch Creative.

Launch of FINPYME ExportPlus
With the opening conference in Belize City, the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) launched its flagship export program, FINPYME ExportPlus, in Belize, in conjunction with the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), IIC’s key partner in Belize. Apart from the launch, the one-week event will consist of a series of trainings on resources and tools to improve the export competitiveness and capacities of over 35 local exporters. The trainings will be in the export development areas of certification, operations, and management processes:

International Sources

World's Richest 85 People Now Worth Same Amount as Poorest 3.5 Billion
Global capitalism, we have a problem. We’ve long known that life isn’t fair and that the world’s wealth is unevenly distributed. But the latest factoid from Oxfam on global poverty and inequality is breathtaking. In a new report, the nonprofit reports that just 85 people—the richest of the world’s rich—hold as much wealth as the poorest 3.5 billion. That’s half the world’s population. In other words, the top 0.00000001 percent are worth as much as the bottom 50 percent combined. The top 1 percent, meanwhile, control nearly half the world’s wealth, or 65 times as much as the world’s less-fortunate half.

Has Belize Been Spoiled?
Twenty-seven years ago, David Ewing Duncan wrote a magazine article about a secret tropical gem called Belize, inspiring a wave of adventure travelers that changed the tiny country forever. Braced for a few stabs of guilt, he went back with his son and found that paradise was different, but not completely lost. Mostly I remember the ocean’s sharp blue phosphorescence. Looking like a patch of water that Jesus might walk on, it stretched with hardly a ripple from the beach out to a wall of frothing surf just off the coast. That’s where one of the finest coral reefs in the world lay submerged below the surface, a diver’s magic kingdom beckoning. This memory comes from my first trip to Ambergris Caye, in 1987, back when few outsiders knew about this idyll off the Belizean coast. Those who did stayed mainly in palm-thatched huts with few frills. The sole town, San Pedro, had a small airport, a few open-front bars, and two sandy, unpaved streets. There was at least one luxury hotel on the far north end of the skinny, 26-mile-long island, near the Mexican border, and a handful of American and British expats had erected bungalows near San Pedro. Mostly, though, Ambergris attracted hardcore divers ogling the reefs and fly-fishermen pulling in a profusion of tarpon and bonefish.

Belize Reports 6.1 Percent Increase in Tourist Arrivals
Tourist arrivals to Belize rose by 6.1 percent in 2013, according to preliminary data released by the Caribbean Tourism Organization. The country received a total of 294,176 tourist arrivals, up from 277,136 tourist arrivals in 2012, according to the CTO. The country’s 2013 growth was among the largest improvements of any tourism destination in the Caribbean last year. It was buoyed by a very strong winter season that saw improvement of 10 percent, although the summer months actually saw a 3.6 percent decline in arrivals over the summer of 2012.

Lecturer talks processed foods, global consumption
Richard Wilk, director of the Food Studies Program at Indiana University, spoke about the complexities of the food movement and its roots in American history in Park Shops Wednesday evening. He pointed specifically to Belize, where he noted the “nutritional transition” of the Belizean diet. According to Wilk, diets that consisted of crops grown natively in Belize have transitioned into a diet made up of imported, processed foods. The transition toward processed food has resulted in a rise in obesity, Wilk said. Wilk said villagers native to Belize are moving away from subsistence farming and transitioning toward working with larger companies to provide money that goes toward cheaper food alternates.

Not yet up the creek without a paddle
Rain and thundery grey skies greeted us in Belize, a small Central American country half the size of Canterbury tucked in below Mexico and beside Guatemala. We had flown down to Belize in December (the middle of the northern hemisphere winter) as the first part of a month in Central America, particularly to explore the Belize barrier reef. This reef is second in size to the Australian Great Barrier Reef, and the largest of its kind in the northern and western hemispheres. Extending for more than 290km along the Caribbean coast of Belize, in 1942 Charles Darwin called this reef "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies". Marine reserves have been established over large areas to protect them from fishing and damage, so I was keen to see how these worked in protecting the marine life, and how engaged the locals were in this ecological wonder they live beside.

Latin America accounts for more than 30% of the world’s homicides
Interview with a Latin American security expert, who recommends strengthening municipal governments and developing local partnerships to stem violence. Addresing Youth Violence Through Music in El Salvador From the formation of self-defense committees in Michoacán, Mexico and to the murder of a former Miss Venezuela, to gangs in Central America and the murder of police officers in Argentina at the hands of criminals, the lack of citizen security continues to be a leading concern of Latin Americans. The United Nations has qualified crime and violence as an “epidemic” and considers the region to be the most insecure in the world. In 2012, one in three inhabitants in the region was a victim of a crime, mainly theft.

Feds to set aside land in Southwest for endangered jaguar
Some 764, 207 acres of critical habitat will be set aside to protect endangered jaguars in the borderlands of New Mexico and Arizona. The move was announced yesterday by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Over the last several years, only one jaguar has been spotted in the area, which consists of Pima, Santa Cruz and Cochise counties in Arizona, and Hidalgo County in New Mexico. But the newly protected mountain ranges used to feature more of the majestic predators, biologists say, and a healthy jaguar population has been documented across the border in Mexico.

March 5, 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

Carnaval 2014 kicks off with music, dance and color
Carnaval 2014 kicked off on Saturday, March 1st with the annual Street Block Party at the Central Park. The event was organized by the San Pedro Cultural Committee in collaboration with the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH). This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme “Alegría y Color, La Máscara de la Tradición”. The main on-stage event included dance performances by the some of the best young artists of San Pedro Town. Master of Ceremonies, Eiden Salazar emulated the carnival spirit as he introduced the performances which included routines from Little Angel Pre-school, Miss Chiquitita 2013 Zillah Flota, San Pedro High School, San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School, San Pedro Revolution Dancers and the San Pedro Dance Academy.

Belize Defence Force and U.S. Military training exercise
The Government of Belize and the Government of the United States of America have approved a joint Belize Defence Force and U.S. Military training exercise to take place here from March 5 to 14. The exercise, titled “Fused Response 2014” will be conducted by the Belize Defence Force, along with members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The training events will be held in the Cayo District and in the San Pedro,Ambergris Caye.

Steven Bowen Jr. injured in Shooting Incident
On Saturday, March 1st, the San Pedro Police responded to a shooting incident that occurred around 7:40PM in the San Mateo Area of San Pedro Town. The victim of the incident was identified as 26-years old-tour guide, Steven Bowen Jr. He was transported the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinic II where officers observed him suffering from apparent multiple gunshot wounds across his body. An official medical report revealed that Bowen had gunshot wounds to his left leg, right leg, right elbow, left shoulder and back. Further investigations by police revealed that the shooting occurred while Bowen was walking to his home in the San Mateo Area, along with some friends. Two male persons approached them from some nearby bushes armed with handguns and fired several shots in Bowen’s direction. As a result, Bowen fell to the ground for cover, at which point one of the assailants approached Bowen and fired several shots at him, causing the injuries.

20,000 Strong National Women’s Empowerment Rally
Women from the districts and surrounding villages will journey by buses and boats while Belize City women will march from Central American Boulevard to the Marion Jones Stadium where all women will descend for a rally featuring dynamic speakers with women’s rights messages. On March 6th, we are asking all women to wear something orange. This vibrant colour brings together every woman under the banner of the UNITE Campaign to end violence against women and girls. Our empowerment efforts will continue from that event into various nationwide activities, all designed to motivate and empower our women. It is against this backdrop that we are asking you to support our effort to show women their limitless potential and signal your own commitment to women’s empowerment by allowing your female employees to come out to the rally on March 6th.

¡Que viva el Carnaval!
Carnaval dates back to 150 years and is centered on a Mestizo character called Juan Carnaval. The celebration of Juan Carnaval was brought to Northern Belize and San Pedro by the Mestizos who migrated from Southern Mexico. In San Pedro, Carnaval is three days of celebration including comparsas (groups) that choreograph original dances and songs that they perform through the town streets. The groups wear vibrant costumes that depict all forms of livelihood. By standers are painted and all enjoy the three day festivities. So if you are ever in San Pedro on the three days prior to Ash Wednesday join in the festivities as we celebrate Carnaval!

Carnaval 2014 (64 photos)
Comparsas dancing and much painting - a colorful tradition of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye!

San Pedro Carnaval Paint Party Video
Every February on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize, islanders and visitors celebrate Carnaval. There is much dancing and partying in a unique way. By unique I mean, going out on the town and painting one another. Painting at Carnaval is spread into three days. The first and second day is for the children and lastly is a mixture of children and adults. On the third day at approximately five-thirty in the evening is when everybody heads to the central park to get their paint on. This year I set a goal to get the best footage of our unique Carnaval for all of you to enjoy.

Ambergris Today

Belize Defence Force/U.S. Military To Conduct Training Exercise in San Pedro
The Government of Belize and the Government of the United States of America have approved a joint Belize Defence Force/U.S. Military training exercise to take place here from March 5 to 14. The exercise, titled “Fused Response 2014” will be conducted by the Belize Defence Force, along with members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The training events will be held in the Cayo District and in the San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The joint training exercise, in which approximately 500 military personnel from both countries will participate, is aimed at improving the interoperability of the participating forces and increasing their capacity to confront common threats, such as organized crime and illicit trafficking. The Belize Defence Force, U.S. Southern Command and Special Operations Command South conduct military activities every year, which keep them updated on the advances in the areas of military operations, readiness, and the mutual interaction between both militaries. Observers to the exercises will include military personnel from Canada and Brazil. During the conduct of the exercise, the public is asked not to be alarmed at the sounds of simulated explosives, gunfire, and low-flying aircraft. Training activities will be conducted with strict adherence to security procedures that will prevent harm or injury to any member of the public.

Leonor Rosado is San Pedro’s First Mrs. Reina del Carnaval
It’s that time of the year when our beautiful island comes alive and colorful with all the street dancing and painting during Carnaval. To add more fun to this year’s celebration Mrs. Flora Ancona’s Comparsa Group decided to hold the first ever Mrs. Reina del Carnaval Pageant where older women challenged the stage as the pageant was not for the ‘Miss’. The contestants proved that beauty comes in all ages. The Angel Nuñez Auditorium was a full house on Friday, February 28, 2014, as spectators gathered to enjoy an evening with the six beautiful contestants who had promised an evening of much entertainment. The crowd went wild as the lovely contestants Shelly Huber, Sherlette Belisle, Leonor Rosado, Edilma Leal, Mel Spain and Zeida Alamilla came out in their opening presentation in colorful costumes and proudly introduced themselves to everyone in attendance.

VIDEO: San Pedro, Belize Carnaval Comparsas Day 1
The painting and street dancing (comparsas) were in full swing on the first day of Carnaval in San Pedro, Belize as the traditional celebrations commenced on Sunday, March 2, 2014. Carnaval revelers took to the streets of downtown to enjoy in the painting while other residents came out to see the fun and entertaining comparsas (street dancers).

Carnaval 2014 Day 2: El Chapo Guzman Comes to San Pedro!
Day two of El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro was full of laughter, color and fun! Children and adults hit the street in bright colors painting and having much fun. The comparsas did not fail to impress this year once more as four comparsa groups hit the streets of San Pedro and danced the night away. Coming out with Comparsa groups on Monday, March 3, 2014, were: * The San Pedro AIDS Commission: with a rendition of The World Cup dressed in soccer uniforms * Doña Flora's Group: that dressed up as the Belizean Creole and celebrated their culture with authentic dresses, headbands and accessories * The Barbies: always entertaining with a tribute to El Chapo Guzman *Ambergris Caye Elementary School: (ACES) stepped out with a comparsa dancing the May Pole a typical and traditional Mestizo Dance

Carnaval 2014 Day 2: El Chapo Guzman Comes to San Pedro!
Day two of El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro was full of laughter, color and fun! Children and adults hit the street in bright colors painting and having much fun. The comparsas did not fail to impress this year once more as four comparsa groups hit the streets of San Pedro and danced the night away.

Misc Belizean Sources

Final preparations for the Belikin Ruta Maya Challenge
Video

Rescue operation saves drifting vessel off the coast of southern Belize
Video

Trip to Belize to shoot a Teak Tree Plantation
Video

Video: Esmerelda, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Nurse sharks, morays and a little bit of chum.

The Egg, Blue Hole, Belize, Feb. 2013
The effects of pressure on an egg at 130 feet.

Visiting Snakeman in Belize
This Fellow earns his living by putting on show like this for tourists.

Weekly Mill Report - week 5
Belize Sugar, A review of the milling performance in Week 5.

Accident claims the life of Lennox Garbutt
Traffic accident between mile 9 1/2 on Northern Highway around 2 a.m. on Tuesday morning claims the life of Lennox Garbutt of Corozal. More on this accident as we get the official report.

Corozal Preschoolers Parade for Child Stimulation Month
For the past twenty-seven years, preschoolers have marked the beginning of March with a parade through the streets, promoting early childhood education. Yesterday, that tradition continued countrywide, as the activities for Child Stimulation Month got underway. The events planned for the next thirty days are tailored to encourage parents, not only to enroll their children in pre-school, but to actively support them in that important period of development. The Ministry of Education wants to create awareness in the general public so people can know the importance of sending their pre-school aged children to pre-school. It is very important that at a very young age our children be stimulated since that is the time in the child’s life when the brain is rapidly developing. The Corozal Daily congratulates all the efforts made by our teachers to educate our children of Corozal. Power to the teachers in the struggle.

World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day was yesterday, and in celebration of the event, they had a fair and MOU signing in Belmopan. The BWRC was there to sign and capture the historic event in pictures. "Congratulations to Victoria Chi for setting up an awesome first ever World Wildlife Day today, with our fabulous Honorable Minister Lisel Alamilla, a historic signing of MOUs for 4 organizations and several school classes visiting lovely information booths of Belize Forest Department, Fisheries partners. Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic was honored to be within the signing organizations together with Wildtracks, Belize Bird Rescue and ACES."

Bandits Visit Corozal Heats
The Belmopan Bandits travelled to Corozal to play the Corozal Heats. They didn't win, but the Bandits are 2 and 2 and are ranked in 3rd place.

Spanish Lookout Expo
The Spanish Lookout Expo was this weekend, and the students from Cayo Christian Academy went to the event to have some fun and food. In related news, CCA is having their Science Expo on the 21st of March. "The Spanish Lookout Business Chamber hosted its annual Spanish Lookout Commercial/Industrial Expo on Friday and Saturday, February 28 and March 1, 2014 from 9:00a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ... at the Country Side Park in the Spanish Lookout Community. CCA Students visit. Come see CCA's Science Expo on 21 March!"

San Pedro Town Council
Out staff went to the schools to educate the kids on the rules and regulations of Carnaval in order to have a safe Carnaval

San Pedro Town Council
We would like to inform everyone that ANYONE caught covering their faces with bandanas, rags, t-shirts, etc., throwing eggs or caught in a mischievous behavior, they will be arrested and taken to the police station. We would like to wish everyone a HAPPY and SAFE Carnaval 2014! We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

Video: Belize in America in Belize
Belize in America is currently traveling all over the Jewel (Belize), producing videos ranging from the stories of prominent Belizean figures to major sights, eateries, recreational spots and resorts. This mission, we believe, will inspire, encourage and empower Belizeans at home and in the diaspora. If you would like to be featured (business or individual), feel free to email us at [email protected].

BDARRT Leadership Training
The Belize Disaster and Rescue Response Team conducted some leadership training over the weekend. Just in time for La Ruta Maya this weekend. "A training was conducted over the weekend which introduced six participants from NEMO into our unit leadership program. This will enhance their leadership skills and ensure that they have the necessary skills to conduct and mean a small search and rescue operations."

Belize Raptor Research Institute Bird-a-thon
The Belize Raptor Research Institute is having their 2nd annual Bird-a-thon. Interesting and unique idea. It lasts just over a week, from March 14th to the 23rd, and is open to all lodges. It's basically a bird count. La Milpa Ecolodge won last year. Who'll win this time. "The Belize Raptor Research Institute announces the 2nd Annual Lodge Bird-a-thon from March 14-23, 2014. Any and all Lodges, Inns, Hotels, Resorts in Belize can participate. Last year there were 3 competing lodges, which included Hidden Valley Inn, Belcampo Lodge and La Milpa Ecolodge. With 171 species, La Milpa Ecolodge took home the H. Lee Jones Cup. Our goal is to have 10 participating lodges this year. Register your team, form your team, choose your date, find sponsors and compete to win prizes! Does your lodge have what it takes to take home the cup this year, which will be showcased at your lodge? register your team by sending us an email [email protected]."

Video: Sylvia Martinez Death
The death is announced of Sylvia Louise Martinez, affectionately known as Ma Lou.

Court of Appeal strikes out money laundering convictions
The Court of Appeal this afternoon allowed the appeals of Belize City businesswoman Melonie Coye, her late father Michael, employees Atlee Matute and Dietrich Kingston and the family company, Money Exchange International Limited, and quashed their convictions and set aside their sentences from the August 2012 retrial before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. […]

Legally Speaking: The Cover-Up
“The Cover-Up!” By Anthony Sylvestre, Jr. On Thursday the 19th September, 2013, when most Belizeans were getting ready and making preparations for the celebration of our 32nd anniversary of Independence, the Office of the Prime Minister sent out a shocking press release that caught all of us unawares. It decreed that henceforth, Hon. Elvin Penner, […]

Heroes and Benefactors exhibit opens in Orange Walk
The annual Heroes and Benefactors Exhibit is underway at the Banquitas House of Culture in Orange Walk town. Organizers say the event is designed to provide educational insight into the rich history of Belize, particularly as it relates to our founding fathers and ancestors. Primary and Secondary Schools from the Orange […]

Belize Court of Appeals quashes money laundering convictions
The Belize Court of Appeal has ordered the government of Belize to return BZ$1.5 million that was forfeited from Money Exchange International after its principals Melonie and Michael Coye and employees Atlee Matute and Dietrich Kingston were convicted of the crime of money laundering. The quashing of the convictions, bring to an […]

Vanzie Lamb awaits jury decision following delay
The fate of 44 year old Vanzie Lamb of a Tambran Street address in Belize City is delayed until Friday, after Justice Troadio Gonzalez postponed the summing up of his trial for rape. A male member of the nine-member jury was not present in court today and sent a medical form indicating […]

Self esteem training for Orange Walk women
Women from the rural areas of Orange Walk today participated in a self esteem booster training as part of activities for Women’s Month. The month of activities, organized by the Women’s Department, got underway on Saturday. Chief facilitator at today’s training session which focused on communication was community activist Myrna Manzanares. […]

Ministry of Education closes Biscayne school
Residents of the village of Biscayne on the Philip Goldson Highway want to know why the Ministry of Education has closed the newly constructed Biscayne Seventh Day Adventist School which opened its doors this year. A number of students have transferred there from the local Government School. One parent, Dasia Robinson, says […]

Early morning traffic accident claims one life
Another fatal road traffic accident has been reported on the Phillip Goldson Highway. It happened around 2 o’clock this morning and claimed the life of Lennox Garbutt. Reports are that upon hearing of his sister’s passing last night, Garbutt set out from Altamira, Corozal enroute to Belize City to meet up […]

BFLA has special offer for women
Throughout the month of March the Ministry of Human Development is encouraging women of Belize to get their breast exam and to do a regular pap smear. Belize Family Life Association ( BFLA), has a special offer for the month of March only where it is offering PAP Smear, Breast Exam, Pelvic […]

Here is the Team Police - La Ruta Maya 2014 TVC
Video

Channel 7

Coye Conviction Overturned
The Court of Appeal has ruled that Melonie Coye, and her late father, Michael Coye, are not money launderers, and that they should have never been convicted. That's the bombshell that the Judges of the Court handed down today after they heard the appeal of Belize's first ever money laundering conviction. After fighting this case for 5 years, being incarcerated, their fortunes reduced to the point that they couldn't properly bury Michael Coye, whose illness worsened during the course of this case, the Coye family are finally getting things to turn around. And it's a giant shift - 1.557 million dollars' worth - that's because the Appeal Court has also ruled that all that money police confiscated back in January 2009, must be returned to them within 60 days. It's a seismic judgment, and 7News was there when it was delivered. Daniel Ortiz reports: Daniel Ortiz reporting Melonie Coye and her family walked out of court free of a 5 year-old ordeal. They were cleared today of all charges, when the court reversed the decision of the Supreme Court. It's a complete reversal and quash of all crimes and inferences of criminal behavior.

Catholic Church Pulls The Religious Rug From Under Women's Empowerment Rally
By now, you've surely heard about the "20,000 Strong Women Empowerment Rally." It's set for Thursday March sixth - and organizers from the Women's Commission and the office of the Special Envoy For Women and Children are planning for it to be huge. But today they took a serious hit when no less than the Roman Catholic Church came out saying it does not endorse the rally. A quite remarkable release issued this afternoon says quote, "the invitation does not speak to the complementary role between men and women as taught to use by Christ through Her Church." And if that wasn't direct enough, the next sentence makes it clear. It says, quote, "the National Women's Commission promotes values that contradict Christian and moral teachings regarding respect for all human life, family marriage, and human sexuality…we do not believe that the well being of women can be enhanced by advocacy which promotes abortions and so called pseudo rights of men and women and same sex relationships." That's a heavy dose of criticism and the church says it won't be persuaded to support any group which quote, "advocates violence against the unborn or any disordered sexual activity." End quote.

Supt. Vidal And GSU Part Ways
Today, surprising news filtered out of the police department saying that Superintendent Marco Vidal has been removed as head of the GSU, which is the unit he created. Vidal confirmed that the command has already changed. Reports say Superintendent Linden Flowers who is presently at the training school will now assume command. Since its inception in early 2011, the GSU and its hard charging, uncompromising tactics have been synonymous with Vidal's no nonsense command. Even through the thickest of controversies when leading politicians from the ruling party were questioning the unit's tactics, Vidal held on. But, now, quite suddenly, a new commander has been installed and Vidal is left as the head of Special Branch - which is a very senior post in its own right. Still, it's not the feared and respected GSU - and so why was he transferred? Well, Minister of National Security John Saldivar told us via text message, quote, "the head of Special Branch and the GSU have always been two separate persons. But when Vidal's expertise was required at Special Branch, we did not feel it prudent at the time to remove Vidal from the GSU given the difficulties we were experiencing with gang warfare." Saldivar adds, quote, "gang warfare has reduced significantly over the past year and we believe we can now transition to new leadership at the GSU and retain Vidal with the singular focus of inteliigence gathering."

Sixth March Death From Fatal Accidents
Last night, 7News told you about the 5 persons who died in traffic accidents over the past 3 weeks around the country. 3 of them were on the Northern Highway in the jurisdiction of Ladyville Police, where there were 5 accidents. Tonight, we tell you of a sixth accident which happened last night. It happened on the stretch of road just after the Haulover Bridge, and it claimed the life of Lennox Garbutt, a Corozal resident. Today, the Officer Commanding Ladyville Police told us about the frightening spike in accidents in his area: ASP Chris Noble - Rural Executive Officer "Police responded to the call of a traffic accident in the area between mile 6 and 7 on the Phillip Goldson Highway where we met teo vehicles out there and persons out there that had been injured. They were transported to the Karl Heusner Hospital early part of the morning. One of the occupants of on of the vehicle passed. We are presently dealing with an autopsy for that person. Pretty young is our information so far, but we have established that vehicles were traveling in opposite direction; that is, one was traveling to the City and the other to the Ladyville area."

Bowen and Bowen Employees “Bex ‘Bout” New Contracts
For the past few days, we've been hearing whisperings of a group of employees who work for Bowen & Bowen, and who have been unsatisfied with a change in their terms of employment. The problem they're having is that the administrations wants them to sign on to new contracts that they say are unfair to them. It involves their eligibility for holiday pay, commission earned when they sell Coca Cola Products, and the benefits that they currently enjoy. A group of these workers are saying that if they don't sign, their jobs are on the line. Well, it seems that a small group didn't go into work today, and they went to a labor union to see what protection they can get because they refuse to sign the new contract.

The Feinstein Group Takes Over Fresh Catch
The Fresh Catch Tilapia Farm in La Democracia will be going back into operation and the man at the helm will be developer Mike Feinstein. Feinstein told 7News that the deal was finalized last Friday and his group will bring everything back into operation and expects to be harvesting in about a year. That's a dramatic change for the company that's been in receivership after the First Caribbean Bank foreclosed on it in 2010. That was under the Mena group. The Mena's had financing difficulty but still they were doing 4.3 million pounds of fish at their peak in 2008 - and Feinstein told us he is confident he can bring it back. Feinstein says he will be rehabilitating the farm and within three to four weeks he will be importing fish and putting them back into the ponds. And so what's the price? Well, Feinstein is sure to be getting it on the cheap at a distress price. At its inception, before expansion the farm was valued at 36 million Belize dollars and in 2011, the Mena's tried to bring it back with a 15 million dollar buyout form the bank, which was said to be a price of 38 cents on the dollar. That attempt failed.

Johnny Zabs Takes On Tough Questions Says He Wants His Life Back
Like him or loathe him, one thing we can say about Johnny Zabaneh, is that he's got "ganas." Not only did he do an interview in front of the US Embassy in Belmopan, he also spoke out against the feared Sinaloa drug cartel, in which the Americans said he was a Kingpin. So, in a sense he was daring both the Embassy and the Cartel to dispute or disprove his claim that he has never been a part of the cartel. Zabaneh told us his truth, and Jules Vasquez put the tough questions to him. Here's how that went. Johnny Zabaneh, Refutes Kingpin Status "I'm here, for the naked truth. And I hope, at the end of the day, my truthfulness is evaluated by the members of this press and abroad, the US Embassy, Washington and all concerned." Jules Vasquez "However, sir, let's speak plainly and I don't do it to insult you but it is a perceptual fact in Belize, that doesn't mean it's a fact, but it's how people perceive - I grew up hearing that "you da di drug man down south, da you run di drugs down south" and that has morph into a perceptual fact that it's widely accepted Johnny Zab as you are called "you da di king pin down south, you da di boss down south.""

Alleged Free Zone Robbers Offered Big Bail
Last night, 7News told you about the 4 men who police charged for the robbery at the Corozal Free Zone. We'll tonight we can provide you with photographs of 2 of them 26 year-old Hector Kelly, and 18 year-old Zandon Myers. Kelly and Myers were charged robbery, while 22 year-old Israel Rancharan was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, and all 3 were arraigned yesterday in the Magistrate's Court. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of $20,000. Last week, 21 year-old Benigno Loria was arraigned for conspiracy to commit robbery in relation to this robbery. These men are accused of robbing 48 year-old Ricardo Villasenor of 208,000 dollars inside the Corozal Free Zone, a facility with tough security protocols.

Ministry Moves To Close SDA School In Biscayne, Rhaburn Ridge Community Cries Out
There's a controversy brewing in the village of Rhaburn Ridge which is in the extreme north of the Belize District. And that's because the HOPE Seventh Day Adventist Academy was closed down. It had no valid license to operate and the Ministry stepped in for a number of reasons. Today Monica Bodden went to the school to find out more:.. Monica Bodden reporting The school first opened its doors on January 6th - but on Thursday they received a letter from the Ministry of Education stating that it had to close down within 24 hours or else face police intervention. Parents of the 25 students who attend Hope SDA Christian Academy - located in the village of Rhaburn Ridge in the Belize District - were informed by the school principal in a meeting yesterday. The school had half day classes on Monday and today when we visited, all doors were closed on the compound. Lorena Vasquez - Villager "On Friday the Ministry of Education came here to the school and say the school have to be shut down by Friday evening and then the principal came and alert all the parents and villagers that they have to be present for a meeting on Monday morning because they will come and shut down the school, so the parents agreed and went to the school. Meanwhile they were waiting for the Ministry of Education they were having a meeting and at the same time they (Ministry of Education) reach and they came in and they didn't even say morning to the parents and the principal told them that the parents have questions for them. They just came and they say that they won't answer any questions."

US & Belize Military Learning about "Interoperability" in "Fused Response"
Starting tomorrow, if you live in the Cayo District or San Pedro, don't be too startled if you hear explosives, gunfire or low flying aircraft. Don't worry, it's not a cartel takeover, it's only a test. Actually, an exercise between the Belize and US Military called Fused Response in which some 500 military personnel from both countries will participate. A release says it's aimed at "improving the interoperability of the participating forces and increasing their capacity to confront common threats, such as organized crime and illicit trafficking." There will be observers from Canada and Brazil. And if you're still worried about those simulated explosives, gunfire, and low-flying aircraft, the release says quote, "Training activities will be conducted with strict adherence to security procedures that will prevent harm or injury to any member of the public."

Channel 5

Move over Marco Vidal…there is a new head of the GSU
Tonight, News Five has confirmed that Officer Commanding Special Branch, Marco Vidal, who has been at the helm of the Gang Suppression Unit since its formation in 2010, has been [...]

Melonie Coye exonerated; Court of Appeal orders the return of money
A five-year ordeal is finally over for the Coye family of Belize City. This afternoon, the Court of Appeal overturned Melonie Coye’s conviction for money laundering and ordered the Financial [...]

Attorney speaks on writ of mandamus
On Monday, People’s United Party leader Francis Fonseca won a significant victory in the court of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. With commendable dispatch, the CJ issued a directive to Commissioner [...]

Police begins rounding up immigration officers
Today, News Five tried to contact Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Minister of Immigration and Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie. Those attempts were unsuccessful. We actually wanted to ask just one [...]

2 immigration officers reprimanded by Services Commission
On February nineteenth, three public officers appeared before the Services Commission after Director of Immigration, Maria Marin, recommended their termination. The officers – Sharon Neal, Omar Phillips and Erwin Robinson, [...]

Should the ComPol step down following Supreme Court ruling
Do you think the Commissioner of Police should step down given Monday’s Supreme Court ruling? Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones to 8686 or post your vote [...]

The Church versus the National Women’s Commission
This afternoon, the Roman Catholic Church sent out an unprecedented release signed by no less than the Bishop of Belize City and Belmopan Dorick Wright. The Catholic Church is taking [...]

Attorney says Belize’s nationality cheapened by immigration scandal
On Tuesday’s newscast, News Five showed you three nationality certificates signed by former Minister of State Elvin Penner. We have been able to confirm that these documents were under scrutiny [...]

A further look at the Burrell Boom shooting
The shooting of a Belize City resident in Burrell Boom is drawing criticism in the village. Giovanni Berry was shot by a group of villagers who were reportedly accompanied by [...]

2014 International Report lists Belize as a money laundering country
The following is not good news for the jewel despite a raft of legislation passed in February that includes the Financial Intelligence Unit Amendment Act and the Money Laundering and [...]

Fatal traffic accident on the Philip Goldson Highway
The sixth traffic fatality since the beginning of March, but the fourth fatality for Rural Belize in less than two days was recorded this morning following yet another traffic mishap [...]

20,000 strong women’s empowerment rally
Earlier we told you that the church is not endorsing the twenty thousand strong women’s rally organized by the National Women’s Commission. All indications are that the rally will proceed [...]

Cop stabbed eighteen times remains hospitalized
Twenty-five year old police constable Abimael Romero remains hospitalized after being stabbed multiple times in Orange Walk on Sunday morning.  The officer was reportedly in town visiting with his in-laws [...]

Rescue operation saves drifting vessel off the coast of southern Belize
A daring rescue operation on Sunday night, conducted by rangers attached to the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE), resulted in the successful retrieval of a fishing vessel and [...]

Belize Territorial Volunteers plant trees along Belize/Guatemala border
Also in the south….Over the weekend, the Belize Territorial Volunteers organized yet another trip along the Belize/Guatemala border in the south. Residents in the southern communities led by activist and [...]

Final preparations for the Belikin Ruta Maya Challenge
The yearly coming together of paddlers in San Ignacio for the Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge is often a spectacle of colors and athletic abilities and with the [...]

Rural Executive Officer of Police say safety in full effect for canoe race
Aside from the marketing aspect of the Belikin La Ruta Maya River Challenge, there is the issue of citizens’ safety over the extended weekend. The finishing touches of the canoe [...]

CTV3

Roman Catholic Chancery Is Not In Support Of The Women's Rally
On Thursday it is expected that Belize City will be invaded by women as the 20,000 Strong National Women’s Empowerment Rally takes place. It is an activity organized by the Special Envoy Office, in collaboration with the National Women’s Commission in celebration of Women’s Month. But all indications are that the news of the rally did not sit too well with the Roman Catholic Church of Belize. And the church makes its sentiments known in a lengthy release issued today by the Bishop of Belize, Dorrick Wright. The release cites that the Roman Catholic Chancery is not in support of the rally since and we quote “The invitation speaks to the complementarily role of men and women as taught to us by Christ through HER church. Furthermore, the national commission, promotes values that contradict Christian and moral teachings regarding respect for all human life, family, marriage and human sexuality as ordered by God.” End quote.

Self Booster Training To Kick Off Women's' Month
Women’s Month officially kicked off on Saturday, March 1st and the organization spearheading the month’s slew of activities is the Women’s Department in Belize City. It is set aside as a time for society to celebrate and showcase the achievements of women across the country. There is no doubt that in the many years since the first Women’s Week was celebrated, women’s development in Belize has come a long way and progressively women are working their way towards gender equity and equality within society. As part of the menu of activities set aside for the women in our societies, today women of rural areas of Orange Walk got a much needed self-booster thanks to the uplifting training sessions by Educator and Counselor, Myrna Manzanares. When we caught up with the ladies, training today was based on ‘communication’, Manzanares told us more on the empowerment camps.

Mayor Kevin Bernard Clarifies That He Will conitnue To Serve The People Of Orange Walk
March 7th will mark two years since the Orange Walk Town Council was elected into office by residents of Orange Walk Town. This means that the council has one year remaining in office before the next Municipal Elections. Of course, the council’s record speaks for itself. Without GOB’s assistance Mayor Kevin Bernard and his team of councilors have been able to carry out their mandate for these last two years including the paving and cementing of streets across town. But the council has much more work ahead as their vision for Orange Walk surpasses financial constraints. Projects for 2014 include the rehabilitation of Central Park; continue the upgrading of the remaining of Santa Familia Street under the Belize Municipal Development Project. While the council will have to dig deep into their pockets they are committed to see the upgrading of Mahogany Street, Sapodilla Street, Westby Alley and the remainder of Tangerine Street. The council also plans to see through the double coating of Belize Street, Muffles Street, Staines Alley and portions of San Pedro Street and Barbados Street. The continuous upliftment of low lying areas also forms part of the councils to do list.

MOE Says Hope SDA Christian Academy Needs To Close Down
We have been following the story of Hope SDA Christian Academy in Rhaburn Ridge Village in the Belize District closely. In fact, we can safely say that we were the first to bring the issue to light The school was opened on January sixth this year without a valid license and classes have been held with twenty-five students from infant one to standard four for the past two months. The Ministry of Education has warned the school’s administration to cease all classes but the school continues open. Today the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports issued a press release on the matter. In the release, the Ministry says that the school management of the Belize Union of Seventh Day Adventists submitted an application for a license to operate the school in July 2012. This was referred to the Belize District Education Council for review and recommendations. In august of 2013 however, the license was denied. The reasons include that Rhaburn Ridge is only about 10 miles from Biscayne Government School, which services all communities within a ten mile radius. Second: is that the Ministry of Education provided school transportation for the small number of students from Rhaburn Ridge to the Biscayne Government School.

Heroes And Benefactors Exhibit Opens At BHOC
The annual Heroes & Benefactors Exhibit was launched today at the Banquitas House of Culture. Primary and Secondary Schools from the Orange Walk District joined in on the educational tour which saw guest speaker Fred Hunter share the rich history and culture of our forefathers and ancestors. But while the students got a lesson on Belize’s much cherished roots, inside the Banquitas House of Culture, was an exhibition with a wealth of knowledge. Director of the National Institute of Culture and History in Belize, Nigel Encalada, says two national heroes were added in this year’s exhibit; Trade Unionist Clifford Betson and Pioneer, Lee Richardson. He explained to us their significance and impact to the jewel. Nigel Encalada– Director, NICH Belize “Lee Richardson was one of the original leaders who founded if you want to use that word the movement toward greater constitutional reform and advancement rather and eventually Independence. His early role is perhaps under, he is an unsound hero, his role is understated but he is one of the coeditors of the Belize Billboard and during that period I think the newspaper would have been at least twice a week and the featured regular articles condemning the colonial structure at the time as a matter of fact along with Phillip Goldson, Lee Richardson they were sentenced eighteen months imprisonment with hard labor and I think they ended up serving about twelve and along with Goldson they were the only two nationalist leaders to observe the prison time eventually they split Richardson, Goldson and Jex from the People United Party and in some sense it set in motion events that would lead the merchants of Belize’s democracy eventually left for the US and not much since that time not much had been said about his early contributions in that critical period where the Nationalist Movement took root. Clifford Betson on the other hand he was knows as a Unionist and by his occupation as a shipwright Clifford Betson is what you would consider the guy who was able to galvanize and strengthen the general workers Union in particular during the 1940’s managing to lobby and negotiate wage increases for forestry and water front workers I think one estimate suggest that the strength of the Union had reached at its peak and about 10,000 members during 1940’s of course by that time he was already would have been in his early 50’s more or less and what he did given the strength of the Union he then handed over the Union to the nationalist leaders; Pollard, Price, Goldson who then form partnerships with the BWU and then eventually use Union support to move the constitutional agenda forward.”

Winners For The Grand Fuel Promotion Held At Shell One Stop Service Station
Six winners have been selected in the grand end of the year fuel promotion held at Shell One Stop Service Station. The promotion was kicked off on December 23rd last year and closed on February 7th this year. For every thirty dollar worth of Shell V Power or Shell Diesel purchased at any shell gas station countrywide, customers received a coupon to fill out. The promotion was held last year and due to the response from consumers, the company decided to repeat it. Sangeev - Retail sales and marketing “The highlight of it was of course our flag ship fuel, the V-power so for every $30 of fuel that was purchase for the Shell diesel or the Shell V-power you were able to get a coupon to enter into our raffle where you be able to win fuel for one year, fuel for six months and fuel for three months. It was a single winner for the first prize, two winners for three months and three winners for the three months.”

BTB Holds Training With Artisans On How To Market Their Products Surrounding Archaeological Sites
The Belize Tourism Board launched the Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archaeological Sites project in March 2013. Yesterday, under that BTB concluded a three day training with artisans in the Orange Walk District on how to place added value to the products that are marketed at surrounding archaeological sites. Geraldo Flowers, Policy Coordinator, told us more about the project’s objectives. Geraldo Flowers – Policy Coordinator “The project in totality aims to improve economic conditions through tourism for people who live around archaeological sites in Belize. We have around 333,000 tourist that visits Belize every year and millions of dollars are spent by these tourist in the industry and we want to make sure that communities surrounding Lamanai, communities surrounding the Xunantunich in Cayo, communities surrounding Nim Li Punit and Lubantun in Toledo also benefit from the largest of these tourism dollars that are coming to Belize.”

Nahil Mayab Contributes To Assist Feeding Program At Saint Peters School
There are several socially conscious business establishments in the Orange Walk District that have made their contributions within the community. Today one of these business establishments made a significant contribution towards one of the noblest work being done with children at the Saint Peter’s Anglican School. The school is currently running a feeding program that has been benefiting fifty-five children. Proprietor of Nahil Mayab, Osmany Salas, and his team of employees, joined forces with the school’s administration and held a salpicon sale that was one hundred percent success. Salas says the gesture in helping the community, is something they as an establishment, try to do once a year.

LOVE FM

Trio Rescued from Sea in Southern Belize
Three men who were stranded at sea off coast Toledo were rescued and returned safely to Punta Gorda yesterday. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports. PAUL MAHUNG “The rescue operation was undertaken by a team of Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE’s) Port Honduras Marine Reserve Rangers as explained by Captain of the operation Edwin Cabrera” EDWIN CABRERA “Last night at around seven thirty, we received a phone call from Ms Celia stating that there was a sailboat drifting outside of Punta Negra. The last time the vessel was seen was in front of Punta Negra at about five o’clock yesterday evening. When we received the call, we told Ms Celia about the sea state as it was very choppy and so, her advice was to wait until the weather condition was better so that we can make a search around the Punta Icacos area just below Punta Negra area but while in the abalone we went to the left tower and we saw the light outside on the direction of the Snake Cayes and that was when we decided to see if that was the vessel that was drifting. We went; I was the captain and we went with two rangers, Henry and Narciso Martinez and one of our captains that was out with the research crew, Mikael and not far from our base, we encountered the vessel.”

Ministry Closes School Leaving Students Displaced in Rhaburn Ridge
An estimated twenty five students have been displaced following the closing down of a private primary school in Rhaburn Ridge Village of the Belize District. The Ministry of Education issued a release today to notify the media that the Hope Seventh Day Adventist Christian Academy had been operating illegally as the Ministry did not grant them a license to open the facility. According to the release, in July 2012, the School Management Unit of the Belize Union of Seventh Day Adventist had submitted an application for a license to operate the school but by August 2013, that application was denied but by this time, the land had already been obtained through the assistance of the Area Representative, Edmond Castro and the construction of the school was near completion. Now, we tell you that the license was not granted and while the ministry is saying that this was made known to the local board, the school still went ahead and opened its doors in September 2013. And that is how the twenty five students ended up outside the classroom as the school was required to close down by the ministry, which is what they did, according to Pastor Leslie Gillett of the Seventh Day Adventist Union.

Five Years Later - Appeals Court Frees Coye Family of Money Laundering Charge
Melonie Coye and her father Michael Coye were sentenced to three years in jail after they were found guilty of money laundering. After years of fighting to prove their innocence, last year Michael Coye passed away a few days after being granted bail. Today Melonie Coye was freed of all charges in the appeal court. On August 8th the father and daughter were found guilty in the court of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Their accounts were also frozen. As a result of today’s ruling Melonie Coye is a free woman. MELONIE COYE “I feel good and I know my dad is smiling from heaven and I just want to say, ‘Thank you, Lord.’” ARTHUR SALDIVAR, Attorney “On the ground that forgery was proved, it really and truly wasn’t. Forgery, by virtue of the law, requires that an intent to defraud to be established and as that intent was absent there couldn’t have judged the appellants as being guilty of that offense.

Roman Catholic Church Does Not Support Women’s Rally
The National Women’s Commission along with the office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children has organized a rally for this Thursday. Dubbed 20,000 strong the rally will take place at the Marion Jones Stadium in Belize City and is expected to see the participation of women from across the country. Organizers have said one of the objectives is to imagine our world without women. Today the Roman Catholic Church issued a release in which it states it does not support the initiative. The release says the Church has withheld its support because the invitation does not speak to the complementary role between men and women as taught by Christ. It goes on to say quote “The Women’s Commission promotes values that contradict Christian and moral teachings regarding respect for all human life, family, marriage and human sexuality as ordered by God. We do not believe that the well-being of women can be enhanced by advocacy which promotes abortion and so called pseudo rights of men and women and same sex relationships.” End quote.

PlusTV

Roman Catholic Church Does Not Support National Women’s Commission’s Rally
This month is observed as women’s month. There are many activities scheduled to take place all over the country in observance and one major event is the Women’s Empowerment rally, 20,000 strong scheduled for this Thursday. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Special Envoy for women and children...

Belize Lands on International Narcotics and Money Laundering Lists
Belize has landed on two lists published in the newly released “2014 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report” released by the US State Department. The report declares 65 countries as having been listed as jurisdictions of Major concern regarding money laundering. 22 countries have been named as major drug-transit countries....

New Favored Position in Ministry of Health Causes Problems
There was no announcement from the Ministry of Health but PlusNews has been reliably informed that Belize now has a Director of Drug Inspectorate in the Ministry of Health. It is a new, but controversial post. The new post and the official to fill the post appeared only over...

Mr. Vanzie Lamb’s Rape Verdict Delayed Until Friday
The fate of 44 year old Mr. Vanzie Lamb of a Tambran Street address in Belize City is delayed until Friday, after Justice Troadio Gonzalez postponed the summing up of his trial for rape. A male member of the nine-member jury was not present in court today and sent...

Footballer Deon McCauley Released to the Atlanta Silverbacks
On Saturday, March 1st, the Belmopan Bandits released a statement in their official Facebook page in which it announced that Deon McCauley has been officially released to the Atlanta Silverbacks at no return cost. The release stated that they had “…originally requested a small transfer fee of US$ 4,000...

Men’s Rally Held in Belmopan
There was a men’s rally held on Friday of last week at the steps of the national assembly. The rally was organized to raise awareness of issues affecting men including father absenteeism, serving the family by leading under Christ’s guidance, and stepping out to minister outside the church. The...

Spanish Lookout Hosts Commercial-Industrial Expo’
On Saturday March 1st, the Spanish Lookout community hosted a commercial and industrial expo where many businesses showcased their goods , services, animals, or equipment. The event was held at Countryside park in Spanish Lookout and was well atten