Thousands of primary school students sit the first paper of the PSE Over 5,600 primary school students countrywide sat the first paper of the Primary School Examination (PSE) on Monday April 7th. Developed and prepared through the Ministry of Education, the PSE tests the students’ knowledge and skills in four areas, Mathematics, English, Social Studies and Science. The exams are taken on two different dates, with the first date entailing English and Science. Amongst the thousands of students that sat the exams, there were 238 from Caye Caulker Village and San Pedro Town. 92 students were from the San Pedro Roman Catholic School, 45 from New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist, 34 from Holy Cross Anglican School, 31 from Caye Caulker Roman Catholic School, 15 from La Isla Bonita Elementary School, 11 from The Island Academy, eight from Ambergris Caye Elementary School and two private candidates. The examination center for both islands is the San Pedro High School.
Ambergris Today
Discovery Channel Airs Naked and Afraid Belize Episode Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid episode 12 was aired on Sunday, April 6, 2014, and it featured two survivalists who were challenged to survive in a flooded jungle of our beautiful Belize. The man and woman faced a labyrinth of Mayan caves filled with poisonous snakes and rabid bats.
Naked and Afraid takes "survival of the fittest" to the next level. Each week, a new pair of complete and total strangers - one man and one woman - find themselves stranded in and, quite literally, exposed to some of the world's most extreme weather environments. Each duo is left high and dry with no food, no water...and no clothes. They must survive on their own for a full 21 days, with nothing but one personal item each and the knowledge that the only prize is their pride and sense of accomplishment.
Celebrity Couple David Cross and Amber Rose Tamblyn visit Ambergris Caye, Belize Easter is just around the corner and a celebrity couple has already been sighted enjoying the best of Ambergris Caye, Belize. American actors David Cross and lovely wife Amber Rose Tamblyn are rumored to be staying at Cayo Espanto Resort and were spotted at Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
David Cross is known for his acting roles in Small Soldiers, Kung Fu Panda, Scary Movie 2, Men in Black 2, Alvin and the Chipmunks and more.
Amber Rose Tamblyn is known for her acting roles in The Ring, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Django Unchained, 127 Hours and more.
Misc Belizean Sources
BAS Earth Day Celebrations The Belize Audubon Society really knows how to celebrate Earth Day. They've launched a campaign to educate everyone about Belize's protected areas, they'll be doing cleanups, planting trees, showing movies on the subject, and they're having a video competition. They've already visited Roaring Creek Nazarene School and United Evergreen Primary School, click to see their pictures, courtesy of Dirk Francisco. Thanks, BAS, and happy Earth Month!
"In continuing to be a part of this world wide initiative, this April the Belize Audubon Society will once again embark on several activities in celebration of Earth Day. In recognizing the importance of our environment, these events are vital and necessary tools for educating the general public about conservation and creating support in fostering responsible livelihoods for a sustainable and greener environment."
SATIIM accuses US Capital of bullying attempt by US Capital Last Thursday, Justice Michelle Arana ordered US Capital Energy and the Government of Belize to enter negotiations with the Maya of southern Toledo before continuing with their plans and preparations to drill for petroleum within the Sarstoon Temash National Park.
The leaders of the Maya communities surrounding the park are asking for an opportunity to dialogue with the company despite being told that all they want is money.
It appears that US Capital has tried to begin that dialogue – but not in the manner SATIIM would have liked.
A press release issued on Tuesday evening states that within 72 hours of the decision being handed down, indigenous leaders received an invitation to meet with US Capital representatives and their attorney, Michael Peyrefitte in Punta Gorda Town.
Toledo Spelling Bee representatives chosen The Toledo district representatives in the National Coca Cola Spelling Bee have been chosen.
Spellers from the different zones in the Toledo district converged on the Father Ring Parish Hall in Punta Gorda town for the district finals. At the end of the competition Anselmo Choc from Aguacate Roman Catholic School emerged as the first place winner.
(SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY): The Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY): The Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) has expanded its scholarship programme to include Caribbean universities .
The CCRIF website provides information on the scholarship programme, including detailed eligibility criteria, application requirements and selection criteria. Applications for the CCRIF Scholarship Programme must be submitted via the CCRIF website at: http://www.ccrif.org/content/scholarship no later than May 19, 2013.
Joris Hendrik Fall Winter Fashion Show Joris Hendrik is having his Fall Winter 2014 Fashion Show this weekend. The troupe will travel to Belize City for the event, which will be at 6:30pm at the Princess Hotel. It sounds like it'll be another unique show, with Chantae Guy as the headline model.
Joris was one of many artists that participated in the Paint Up A Storm art event this Saturday, and afterwards, he and the models went to Fuego for a post-fitting celebration.
Launch of Traffic Safety Campaign Everyone is invited to the Sir George Brown Field in Belmopan for the launching of an anti-drink and drive campaign this Thursday at 10:00am.
"The Belize National Road Safety Demonstration Project in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Belize Municipal Development Project under the Social Investment Fund launches a don't drink driving education campaign nationally. The don't-drink driving campaign was organized under the BSIF Belize Municipal Development Project to be implemented as a part of the Traffic Safety and Management component with Town and City Councils nationwide with a collaboration with the National Road Safety Project. "
Caribbean Export Launches In-Firm Design and Branding Project The Caribbean Export Developmental Agency (Caribbean Export) has launched an In-Firm Design and Branding initiative that will provide participating CARIFORUM state firms with technical support and financial assistance for the strengthening of their packaging design and product branding. The In-firm Design and Branding Project is the second phase of the Agency’s Brand Development initiative, the first of which was the successful hosting of a Brand Development and Packaging Workshop/Webinar in July 2013.
The Brand Development and Packaging Workshop was developed to address the specific limitations which regional firms face in branding and preparing their products’ packaging for export and to educate them in the required standards for packaging for export to the European Union. This In-firm Design and Branding Project will take a more practical approach, providing a unique opportunity for regional firms to receive technical assistance in the formulation of effective branding specific to their businesses from the internationally recognised UK based design firm Brand 42.
Jury deliberates after trial of accused in 2010 murder A jury of five men and seven women were late this evening considering the fate of 21 year old Leon Gomez, accused of stabbing Salvador Martinez to death in January of 2010 during a high school football match which both attended at the MCC Grounds in Belize City.
On January 18, 2010 Martinez was stabbed four times in the upper chest, abdomen and right leg and died while being transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.
He had gotten into a fight with the accused, Leon Gomez, according to main witness Elton Metzken, who told the court that the incident started when he was approached by Gomez and two other persons and asked about whether he had problems with another individual who was not brought to court in this trial.
Thereafter a struggle ensued and the witness said he saw Gomez and Martinez fighting, leading to the stabbing.
Police capture man accused of chopping an officer in the head Orange Walk Police have taken custody of the man suspected of the attempted murder of police officer Marilyn Pate last December in Trial Farm village.
45 year old Oscar Jose Perez Hernandez was apprehended by Corozal police this afternoon in an area between Camp 31 and Camo 37 in the Mennonite community of Little Belize.
Hernandez, who is originally from Trial Farm village, Orange Walk was being investigated by police and Human Development Department officials for alleged sexual abuse of minors when he attacked the police officer, chopping her in the head with a machete.
The incident happened on December 5, 2013 and left Constable Pate hospitalized in critical condition.
Women helping women in Orange Walk For over 9 years, the MAMAS program short for ‘Mujeres Ayudandando a Mujeres asusperase’ has been a major productive haven for women of all ages and backgrounds.
And for 16 young women, honing their skills in the art and science of beauty is a trade always in demand. Stephanie Avilez travels once a week from San Pedro Ambergris Caye to attend classes. And Lucianni Solis who hails from Sarteneja are testaments that they have the enthusiasm needed to succeed in life. Cosmetology instructor, Aurora Cal, says the group has been evolving over the years.
Choices are plentiful and growth potential is nearly limitless with cosmetology careers. Cal says the possibilities for creating a feel-good career are equally inspiring for these women.
Tomorrow Universe Promo Show The Tomorrow Universe EDM Festival is scheduled for July 11th through the 13th, and you can get a free preview this Friday at the Cayo Welcome Center. DJ Diaz and Xavier will be there mixing some great music.
"LOCATION CHANGED!!!!!!!!!!!!.. BUT NOW ITS FREE....... BRINGING THE MADNESS TO EVERYONE IN CAYO"
Away Go We to San Ignacio Great travel article about San Ignacio. Cahal Pech is highlighted in the article, and they have some great pictures.
"San Ignacio is a unique place as far as Belize cities go in the sense that it actual feels like a bustling town with some life to it (as does Dangriga), but also feels much more Guatemalan than Belizean (very likely due to its close proximity to Guatemala). This is difficult to explain if you’ve never been to either Belize or Guatemala, but the important take away point here is that San Ignacio is not like anywhere else in the rest of the country."
MCHS Open Day Mount Carmel High School had their Open Day today. Education is the key, and everyone should attend high school.
In related news BCAPPS has a video out about the value of a Catholic Education. It's done well, and mentions the 11 member schools, including Sacred Heart College, MCHS, and St. Ignatius High School.
Sanitary landfills and coral reefs On a recent trip to Belize to supervise the execution of the Solid Waste Management Project (SWMP), I visited the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker to assess the rate of progress in the construction of two transfer stations from where solid waste is to be transported into the mainland for final disposal. As I was leaving the town of San Pedro in Ambergris Caye on a small 12-seat airplane to go back to Belize City, the passenger next to me surprisingly told his partner “look at that, we were diving not far from there!”
The passenger was referring to San Pedro’s dumpsite, where the smoke from burning garbage was spoiling the otherwise magnificent view of turquoise waters and the endless barrier reef. I felt unease listening to this comment as this was precisely the reason I was on that plane. We had just visited the sites where the solid waste transfer stations in both islands were being built to assess the progress made to date. Once these stations are finalized and the municipal solid waste from the islands is transferred to the mainland, the works to close the dumpsites will start. However, the works in both transfer stations at San Pedro and Caye Caulker, a nearby island in Northern Belize, have been very slow. This has prevented the initiation of the works to close both dumpsites, both of which are subject to the burning of garbage.
IT'S YOUR MONEY - Is Belize offshore investments in trouble? Offshore investment in Belize is suffering as a result of the “gun to our head” financial and banking laws that GOB was recently obliged to pass, Senator Mark Lizarraga said.
At last week’s Senate meeting, Lizarraga, quoting from a recently published government Gazette, explained that approximately 10,000 foreign companies had been struck from the registry list.
Lizarraga made the assertion that Belize was forced into implementing the financial laws or risk being blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce because the government has become too dependent on borrowing and increasing national debt.
Lizarraga said that Belize has been put at the mercy of these institutions because of having indebted ourselves to them.
According to Lizarraga, in 1987 Belize had an external debt of $200 million. That figure, however, has since increased to $2.16 billion in 2014.
Video: San Pedro Ambergris Caye Reef Belize 4min. Ambergris Caye is the largest island of Belize located northeast of the country in the Caribbean Sea. Though administered as part of the Belize District, the closest point on the mainland is part of the Corozal District.
The caye is about 40 kilometres (25 mi) long from north to south, and about 1.6 kilometres (1 mi) wide.
The Belizean island, where it has not been modified by man, is mostly a ring of white sand beach around mangrove swamp in the centre.
San Pedro Town is the largest settlement and only town on Ambergris.
Tourism development of Ambergris Caye began in the early 1970s and grew considerably in the later years of the 20th century. The main attractions are the Belize Barrier Reef and its beaches. That barrier reef is the second largest in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.
Video: Turneffe Atoll Reef Belize 4min. Turneffe Atoll is a group of small Caribbean islands southeast of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, off the coast of Belize in Central America, 20 miles (32 km) from the capital, Belize City. It is approximately 30 miles (48 km) long and 10 miles (16 km) wide, making it the largest coral atoll in Belize. The atoll was officially declared a marine reserve on May 1, 2013.
Video: Belize Barrier Reef 3min. The Belize Barrier Reef is a series of coral reefs straddling the coast of Belize, roughly 300 meters (980 ft) offshore in the north and 40 kilometers (25 mi) in the south within the country limits. The Belize Barrier Reef is a 300-kilometer (190 mi) long section of the 900-kilometer (560 mi) Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is continuous from Cancún on the north-eastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula through the Riviera Maya and up to Honduras, making it one of the largest coral reef systems in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the New Caledonia Barrier Reef. It is Belize's top tourist destination, popular for scuba diving and snorkeling and attracting almost half of its 260,000 visitors.
Video: Expeditions with Patrick McMillan - Belize 27min. Patrick is the host, co-creator, and writer of the popular, Emmy-award winning ETV nature program Expeditions with Patrick McMillan. For over 20 years Patrick has worked as a professional naturalist, biologist and educator. His range of experience has concentrated on botany (plant science) though he is also well-respected through his work in ichthyology, herpetology, and mammalogy. Patrick is a professional naturalist, faculty member of the School of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Science at Clemson University, and director of the South Carolina Botanical Garden.
Video: The Ecological Impact of the Illegal Xate Palm Harvest in Belize 2min. Illegal harvest of Xate palms in the Chiquibul National Forest along the border of Guatemala and Belize is negatively affecting the forest. Join Friends of Conservation and Development (FCD) in Belize and a group of Sewanee students in Tennessee to raise awareness and funds to help stop the degradation.
Video: Bottlenose dolphin "Pack" inspects our boat during research surveys in Turneffe Atoll, Belize 1min. "Pack" is an adult male bottlenose dolphin who has been seen regularly at Turneffe Atoll, Belize by Oceanic Society researchers since 1993. When encountered, Pack often approaches our boat to get a closer look. Our researchers and research volunteers use a combination of underwater video and a hydrophone to document and analyze dolphin behavior around Turneffe Atoll. The information we gather is used to learn more about these mysterious animals so that we can more effectively protect them.
Video: Scuba diving with dolphins in Belize 1.5min. While on one of my dives I was able to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity and swim with dolphins in the wild. Truly the best dive in my entire life!
Video: Lighthouse Reef Atoll Belize 5min. Lighthouse Reef Atoll is approximately 50 miles east off the coast of Belize City. Equivalent to a large saltwater lake surrounded by a ring of coral in the middle of the Caribbean, the Lighthouse Reef Atoll is 27 miles in length and about eight miles wide.With its unique variety of marine life in such an untouched state, Lighthouse Reef is one of the largest and most impressive examples of an atoll coral reef ecosystem.
Video: HARPER'S BAZAAR INTERIORS May/June 2014 Issue : First Lady Kim Simplis' Belize 5min. Take a look Behind- The-Scenes at HARPER'S BAZAAR INTERIORS: KIM SIMPLIS' BELIZE April 2014 Photo shoot produced by Harper's Bazaar International Style Editor LUIGI IRAUZQUI and be part of this breathtaking pictorial adventure: from the tropical Central American jungles to the turquoise waters of the Belizian Caribbean Sea.
Channel 7
Croc Attack#2 In Bze District Not Fatal There was another crocodile attack at mile 9 on the Western Highway yesterday afternoon, fortunately this one was not fatal. But, coming only 48 hours after a croc killed a man in Ladyville, it is very disturbing. Fortunately, we can confirm that the two male victims received only minor injuries and are out of the hospital.
Here's how it happened: At around 3:00, a 13 year old boy was diving for fish with his adult brother in law – who is a BDF soldier - in the Almond Hill Lagoon off mile 9 on the Western Highway. It's an area they often fish in but yesterday, the 13 year old says he was in the water up to his thigh, when he felt something unusual nudge against his foot. He told us off camera what happened next:
Michael Mark Majill - Survived Croc Attack
"I was in the water toward the roadside, and I just felt something hit my leg. When it hit my leg, I felt it bite me, and when I spun around, the crocodile was right there. When I screamed out, my brother-in-law hit it in the head. I then spun around and watched him. He shoved his hand into its mouth. He was fighting with it, and it dragged him under the water. It brought him back up, and when I saw him run, I ran behind him."
Man-Eating Croc Almost Caught On Tues. Night But he can't be in a greater rush to find a croc than Vince Rose. Rose is the Crocodile expert at ACES the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary in Ladyville. Since yesterday he's been hunting the man-eater that killed 47 year old Carl Diaz, who was fishing in the area of Green Estate on Monday afternoon, when a crocodile killed him.
Vince Rose set traps yesterday and last night he had a close encounter with the ten foot beast – who seemed to have no fear of humans. He told Monica Bodden about it this evening:
Vince Rose - Crocodile Expert, ACES
"I was really close. I had him within a couple feet of me. I just couldn't get him to open his mouth to get that rope around his top jaw - we call it. It's the only croc around here. I looked at the whole area all night. This is the croc; it's probably - it's pretty aggressive. I got into the water, and it charged me, so I am pretty sure that this is the croc. And like I said, it's the only croc in this area, so, I'm just going to try again tonight, and hopefully get him tonight. Like 99.9% sure that it's a fresh water morelet's; it's not an American crocodile, and it's probably right around 9 feet, I'm gonna guess. It is probably going to be euthanized because really, we have no room for any more crocs at our facility, and I think that the Zoo is filled.
Street Mob Attacks Transgender Vanessa Paris And while that killer croc is being hunted – yesterday in a disturbing episode a transgender person was pursued and harassed in a similar fashion on the Belize City streets. It happened in broad daylight at around 5:00 pm. The transgender male from Independence who identifies as Vanessa Champagne Paris was coming from the vital statistics office – where she had gone to get a birth certificate. She was walking back to Vernon Street to catch a bus when, near the Berger Football Field, a group of men seized upon her. She told Monica Bodden about the frightening chase that followed – for her safety we have blurred her face – and we warn you that the story does have some strong language:
Vanessa Champagne Paris - Was Assaulted By A Mob
"When I got close to the football field, there a lot of boys playing football. One of them saw me, and said, 'That's a man'. The other guys started looking at me, and then one of them ran off the field, grabbed stones and started throwing them at me. They were all calling me 'batty man' and 'faggot'. The others joined him throwing stones at me. I tried to avoid that, and I tried to run. When I got a little distance away, some other boys were on the street, and the boy who was chasing me, shouted to them that I was a man. So, they started to chase me, and I started to run as fast as I could, but I couldn't escape. They grabbed him in my dress - because I had on a black dress. They then pulled off my wig, held me down, and started to punch me in my face. They dragged me to the ground and started to beat me up, 4 boys. I walked to the roadside to Central American Boulevard, and some kids were still following me. They were throwing stones at me. I went to a drug store, stood there hoping somebody would help me, but nobody came to my aid. A boy picked up a stick, and tried to beat me with it. He threw the stick at me.
Norwegian Cruise Line Defends Reputation Against BTIA On Monday, we showed you our interview with Environment Minister Lisel Alamilla, about the BTIA's accusation that the National Environmental Appraisal Committee and the Department of the Environment acted irresponsibly when they gave the environmental green light to Norwegian Cruise Line's Harvest Caye Project. As has been widely reported, the company wants to build a cruise port in the south.
But, their complaint was against NCL itself, claiming that the company's Environmental Impact Appraisal was inadequate, failed to meet environmental standards, and basically done only because they wanted the project to get to the next stage.
That's a major allegation to make against an international company, which depends heavily on its reputation of environmental friendliness to do business abroad. So, when we got the opportunity today, we asked one of its senior executives to make a comment. Here's how Collin Murphy, the Vice President of Destinations and Strategic Development responded:
Colin Murphy - V.P. of Destination and Strategic Development, NCL
"My understanding is that the BTIA has concerns over the development. I seem to recall that they first registered their concerns more than a year ago, before really, they knew what the project was. So really, they were against it before they had much in the way of information. My understanding is that they've written a letter to the Department of Environment expressing their concerns in the EIA and in the process. That does not involve us, so we have to kind of rely on DOE, which will respond appropriately, I'm sure. But certainly, we're very confident in our science; we're very confident in our EIA, and we'll let that situation play out."
Neighborhood Claims Police Came Seeking Revenge For Media Interview Last night we told you about 18 year old Christopher Hyde. He's the young man who was accused of a hundred thousand dollar robbery, and then acquitted. But police never gave him back the thousand dollars they found on him when he was arrested. They said it was evidence – but now that the case has fallen away, he can't get it back.
That was last night's story but today his neighbours say the after effect of his appearance on the news was being felt when a police search team descended on the area where Hyde lives and hangs out on West Canal. They ripped down the burglar bar door at an apartment on the canal and ransacked the rooms. A resident told us they showed no restraint or respect. For safety reasons, he asked to conceal his identity:
Voice of: Area Resident
"Well, boss, those men they came through the lane on so many different cycles, ran up here, broke down the gate, and put a thing to my head, telling me not to move and all kinds of things. They stamped open the gate, and stamped open the door. They told me that I was under arrest. They gave me a 'roach' to eat, and they twisted up my neck. They didn't show any warrant, and they just came. This is disrespect to just come into a private property like this without any warrant or anyone concerning them. Last time, when they came, they broke the key for the gate, and this time, they came because my friend went on the media yesterday about a money that they took away from him, and he is trying to get it back."
Pharmacists Want Hon. Contreras' Daughter Gone One month ago we told you about Danini Contreras. She's Minister of Trade Erwin Contreras's daughter – and is the newly installed Director of the Drug Inspectorate in the Ministry of Health. Contreras has a degree in Chemical Pharmaceuticals, but no working experience, and in March, the Belize Pharmacists Association sent out a release saying that she was not qualified for the post.
Since then the Ministry of Health has engaged the Association in dialogue to try and work out a compromise that would satisfy the Pharmacists and keep the young Ms. Contreras in the post.
The news tonight is that dialogue has failed, and the compromise proposal put forward by the ministry has been rejected. A lengthy two-page release from the Pharmacists Association today says that Contreras's contract should be rescinded, because she was contracted in a non-existent post and is not qualified under the job description set out by the Ministry of Health. The Association demands that the Ministry adhere to proper procedure when filling the post, and that it create an entire unit to do the job.
Squatters Tell Hon. King To Remember Pre-Election Promises On Monday, we showed you the Lake I Area Rep. Mark King's no nonsense position on the squatters who are in the way of the Lake I Boulevard development. His message to them was that they needed to move their houses, and join the line of persons who are applying for land in Lake Independence.
Well, it seems that some of those squatters have heard his warning, but are still hesitant to heed it. We spoke with one of them yesterday, and she told us that King should remember that he made promises to them when he asked for their votes in the last elections:
Voice of: Squatter
"I just want to remind the Prime Minister or Area Representative, and our Hon. Dean Barrow, that when we had our meeting with our area representative in November, he promised us that they were going to survey this land, and give us with leases and titles. All that we are asking; we are not asking for everything. We just want a small piece of land to put our houses. We're quarrelling with the Government; we do not want them to do as we are saying. We are begging please and asking for leniency from him. Have some compassion; we are all human beings. As how he said that we are illegal and what's not, the same Government that is in the position make sure that everyone in this area get their nationalities already. All that we want is that for him to please touch his heart and not move us from our houses."
SATIIM Scolds Mike Peyrefitte Last week Thursday, we told you about the decision handed down by Justice Michelle Arana where SATIIM and the Mayan Communities challenged the Government's decision to grant US Capital Energy a permit to drill for oil inside the Sarstoon Temash National Park.
Both sides were claiming an overwhelming victory. Well, it seems that US Capital Energy invited the Mayans to a sit-down meeting in which their Company Lawyer, Michael Peyrefitte, wanted to explain their interpretation of the judgement.
That meeting was supposed to have taken place yesterday at the US Capital Energy office in Punta Gorda, but the communities boycotted. They took that as an attempt by US Capital to try to weaken their resolve, which they found to be outrageous.
A statement sent by SATIIM yesterday says, quote, "When did Mr. Michael Peyrefitte become the legal counsel for these communities? Is this even ethical for his profession?" End quote.
The Statement continues, "US Capital Energy and its operatives need to understand that maintaining the status quo – bullying communities - is no longer an option and that this action by the company is a vile disrespect for indigenous communities."
PUP Convention Contention: Silva's Camp Cries Foul For months we've been telling you about the upcoming PUP convention in Cayo Central pitting Luke Espat against Dan Silva. It's one of the most hotly contested internal political contests in a while – and with only weeks to go tensions are through the roof tonight. That's because Dan Silva's committee says the party's national executive is playing favourites with Luke Espat.
The dispute centers over the location for the convention. The Cayo Central Committee wants it at the Santa Elena RC School. But the Committee is chaired by Collet Montejo – who is a Luke Espat supporter – and he reportedly wants it at the United Pentecostal School. Now, party Chairman Henry Usher has decided that it should be held at United Pentecostal. Party Secretary General Myrtle Palacio was sent to investigate and she agreed with the Committee, that the RC School was better. But Chairman Usher over-ruled her and tonight Silva's Committee is crying foul. They sent a heated press release this evening saying that quote, "(the) decision by the National Executive to side with the Party Chairman and the Luke Espat team to overrule the decisions of the duly constituted Cayo Central Executive Committee and to sideline the written objective recommendations made by the Secretary General of the Party…is strongly condemned by the Daniel Silva Executive Committee."
Solid Waste, The Way Forward Last year, the way your waste was handled was drastically changed, from an unsanitary, unsafe mess, into the model of garbage disposal in the region.
With the transfer stations and the Sanitary Land Fill becoming operational, solid waste management has been streamlined, but the Solid Waste Management Authority is not satisfied with the progress they've made. They want to improve on the model, so today, they held their third workshop to discuss the implementation of a National Solid Waste Management Policy and Strategy.
7News stopped and spoke with the organizers about it:
Today's workshop was the third out of a series of 8 to engage stakeholders on this policy and strategy.
Aboard The Jewel Norwegian Cruise Line's Harvest Caye project has been the source of controversy ever since talks emerged last year between the company and the Government to open the south cruise tourism. Opponents, principally from the Belize Tourism Industry Association say that cruise tourism undermines and devalues their big ticket item, which is overnight tourism.
So, to try to change the perception of cruise tourists as cheapos, Norwegian invited the media unto one of its cruise ships on a tour to show the public a little of what happens behind the golden curtain. Daniel Ortiz attended today, and he was duly impressed:
Daniel Ortiz Reporting
The Norwegian Jewel - this behemoth of a cruise ship, launched in 2005, is pretty much a floating world-class hotel and resort with 15 decks, 1,100 crew members from 60 different countries to manage it, and enough space to comfortably accommodate about 2,500 passengers.
BlakBerry Goes "Internash" With New Video Local reggae artist BlakBerry is one of the most determined and focused artists on the local scene. And now he's hoping that a slick new music video put together by a high profile Jamaican director will get him some much deserved attention. He told us that the video is a two in one and he believes it breaks new ground:
Channel 5
Transgender woman is stoned and beaten by an angry mob
On Tuesday evening, a transgender woman was badly beaten in Belize City. She goes by the name of Vanessa Champagne Paris and was walking on Vernon Street when she was [...]
B.N.E. gifted building is destroyed even before it is handed over
Band Fest 2014 has been moved to the Santiago Ricalde Stadium in Corozal Town. The decision was made on Monday, less than a week before the event. The original venue [...]
NCL Executives comment on EIA for multimillion dollar tourism project
The top executives of the Norwegian Cruise Lines were in the Jewel today and invited the media to a tour of one of its two ships that called on port. [...]
NCL says its port of call project is going full steam
According to Vice President Murphy, Norwegian Cruise Line has been calling on port in Belize since 1998 and the Harvest Caye project will further reinforce its presence in Belize. With [...]
Band Fest 2014 moved from Orange Walk to Corozal
Earlier we told you about the decision by organizers to move the popular Band Fest from the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk to the Santiago Ricalde Stadium in Corozal. There’s [...]
The state of the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk
So that’s the Band Fest story in a nutshell. But since we were at the People’s Stadium, we couldn’t help but take a closer look at the facilities there. It [...]
Update on the consultation called by U.S. Capital Energy in the south
As we reported on Tuesday, attempts by U.S. Capital Energy to convene a meeting with indigenous leaders in the south, in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling in favor [...]
The murder trial of Leon Gomez wraps up
In the Supreme Court today, the murder trial of Leon Gomez was summed up by Justice Adolph Lucas and at news time, a jury was still deliberating. Gomez, a Belize [...]
Mother of 5 fined $10,000 for drug trafficking conviction
A mother of five children, the youngest only one year old, was today imposed a non-custodial sentence and fined a whopping ten thousand dollars for drug trafficking. The court also [...]
A media tour on the Norwegian Jewel
The Norwegian Cruise Ship project on Harvest Caye has been getting a battering from private tourism stakeholders in the south. The project came under fire from as soon as it [...]
Pharmacists Association wants MOH to cancel appointment of Director of Drug Inspectorate
Since the appointment of Danini Contreras, daughter of U.D.P. minister Erwin Contreras, to the post of Director of Drug Inspectorate on March fourth, the Pharmacists Association of Belize has been [...]
Association says it has the support from PSU and NTUCB
President of the association, Hortence Humes, says that they have presented the matter to the Public Service Union, as well as the National Trade Union Congress. She says that they [...]
CTV3
Illegal Trading Of Rosewood Continues In The South The pillage and blatant disrespect for our natural resources in Toledo keep plaguing the southernmost district as loggers are stripping off the rosewood in our forests. These illegal activities have been occurring for a while now and authorities at the Forest Department have their hands full in monitoring the situation.
On Sunday, our colleagues at PGTV TV got a call about illegal logging in the Trio area. Information was that the pieces of Rosewood flitches were being taken to a location in Bella Vista Village. Acting upon the tip, the crew found all this freshly cut and unstamped Rosewood, about seven thousand board feet stowed away at the PG entrance to Bella Vista Village, deposited about half mile off the road.
Fisherman Killed By Crocodile Forty seven year old Carl Diaz, a resident of Benque Viejo Del Carmen was killed yesterday by a crocodile. Authorities in Ladyville report that they received a call around 3:00pm and dispatched a team 900 feet south west to Green Estate property located in Lords Bank Village. Upon arrival, they saw Diaz’ body lying face down in a water channel with his right foot almost severed and what appeared to be a huge irregular wound on the right leg and three bite marks on the left foot.
A witness, who was in the immediate area at the time of the incident, reported that whilst walking in the area to go fishing he heard a noise coming from the water channel and that’s when he saw a male person being dragged down the channel by a large crocodile.
LOVE FM
Transgender Woman Attacked and Assaulted A young man was attacked by a mob after he walked down a city street dressed as a woman. Renee Trujillo and cameraman, Brian Castillo sat down with the victim and brought us the story.
RENEE TRUJILLO REPORTING
Hate crime –it is usually violent, a prejudice motivated crime that takes place when the perpetrator targets a victim because of his or her perceived membership in a certain class or social group …. That is the term being used on the social media to describe an incident that occurred yesterday in Belize City against a young man who has opted to express himself as a woman. It is not an unheard of issue for many as transgender men and women can be found worldwide. What it simply means is that the person chooses to express herself against her assigned sex. Vanessa Champagne Paris is the name that the victim has chosen to use and had begun the paperwork to get a name change while living life as a transgender woman. Incidentally, she was leaving the Vital Statistics office yesterday and upon reaching Vernon Street she was attacked by a mob of men who, for their own reasons, found it offensive that Vanessa was dressed as a woman. Vanessa sat down with Love News, to recount the details of yesterday’s experience.
Belize Represented in Bahamas for Drug Seminar Belize has representation at a drug treatment seminar that began today in Nassau, Bahamas. The seminar is organized by the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission and the Organization of American States. The objective of the training is to strengthen the capacity of the Research and Information Unit of National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) as well as rehabilitation and treatment facilities in Belize to gather, analyse, and report drug related information in a standardized form. According to the Regional Drug Observatory, of which Belize is a member, drug treatment is one of the sectors where drug-related data is most underdeveloped. Ava Jean Budna, Research and Information Coordinator and Ismael Vallejos, Director of Jacob’s Farm Rehabilitation and Treatment Center are representing Belize.
Fined for Not Complying with Visa Permit Forty-two year old Jean Kay Hughes, The project manager of Trextel, an international company with a branch in Belize, was fined $1,000 by Magistrate Dale Cayetano after she pled guilty to failure to comply with the conditions of her visitor’s permit. Hughes was ordered to pay forthwith, in default three months imprisonment. She paid the fine and she was released. The facts of the case revealed that Hughes arrived in Belize on February 19, 2014, via Phillip Goldson International Airport and she was given a permit to remain in Belize until March 18, 2014. Today at approximately 11:15 a.m. Hughes arrived at the immigration office in Belize City and presented her US passport. A check of her passport revealed that she had failed to comply with the conditions of her visa permit.
Accountant Fails to Render Particulars to Social Security Thirty-two year old Oscar Leiva, the accountant for Fuel Logistics Limited, located at the corner of Vernon Street and Youth for the Future Drive, was charged with failure to render particulars, social security numbers of each employed persons no later than 14 days after each calendar month, when he appeared today before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stuart. He pled not guilty to the charge and his case was adjourned until May 8. Leiva is alleged to have committed the offence for the period July 2013 to November 2013. In another case brought to court by Social Security Board, Alfonso Gomez, the general manager for Pasa Belize Limited, a construction company located at 22 St. Thomas Street, was charged with failure to render particulars, social security numbers of each employed person no later than 14 days of each calendar month for the period December 2013 to January 2014. But before Magistrate Stuart read the charge to him his attorney, Stevanni Duncan, submitted that Gomez is not the appropriate person for the charge because he is not the owner of the company and that the charge should be dismissed. The prosecutor for Social Security Board asked for an adjournment to respond to Duncan’s submission and she was granted it. The next court date is April 24.
Jury Deliberates Fate of Accused Murderer A jury of five men and seven women is deliberating today in the court of Justice Adolph Lucas to see if it can reach a verdict in the trial of 21 year old Leon Gomez, charged with the murder of 27 year old Salvador Martinez. The charge arose from an incident that occurred on January 18, 2010, at a high school football game at the MCC Grounds. Martinez was stabbed four times-twice to his upper chest, once to his lower abdomen and once to his right leg. He died while being transported to KHMH. The chief witness for the prosecution was Elton Metzken. Metzken testified that while at the game, Gomez and two of his friends approached him and asked him what he had with Justin Usher. Metzken said he and Gomez friends began to fight and Gomez wanted to intervene. Metzken said that was when Gomez and Martinez began to fight.
General Council Meets with BTL’s Executive Committee Last Friday, the employees at the Belize Telemedia Limited staged their own internal protest within the confines of their offices by banging on their desks for sixty seconds, once in the morning and another time in the afternoon. The protest was geared at getting management’s attention on some issues that they would like to see addressed including a salary increase and other benefits. Since then what we can tell you is that the Executive Committee of the company’s Board of Directors, led by Anwar Barrow and comprising of Nestor Vasquez, Ambrose Tillett and Dr. Colin Young has met with the entire General Council of the company which is made up of representatives of each department countrywide.
Empowerment for Entrepreneurs Through BNE The Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust has launched the first phase of its Empowerment Fund. The objective of the fund is to empower entrepreneurs through the establishment of revolving loan facilities to finance viable business ideas that contribute towards bettering Belizean communities. The first phase is being rolled-out through La Inmaculada Credit Union Limited with seed capital of 750 thousand dollars and will be implemented out of both the credit union’s Orange Walk and Belmopan offices. Memorandum of understanding was signed yesterday at La Inmaculada Credit Union headquarters in Orange Walk Town.
PlusTV
Pharmacists Association not Budging; Threatens Further Action
The Pharmacist Association of Belize say they have not received a satisfactory response from the Ministry of Health about their queries over the sudden creation of a post of Director of Drug Inspectorate which was filled by a Minister’s daughter, and so the Association says it sees no other...
Negotiations Ongoing With BTL and Employees
Negotiations are ongoing between BTL’s executive committee of the company’s board of directors and employees. Last Friday, BTL employees participated in an unusual demonstration as they want a 5% raise of pay while the state-run company counter-offered at 3.5%. The employees made their stand with a one-minute protest in...
What Will the Fate of Leon Gomez be? Jury Deliberating
At news time the jury of five men and seven women are considering the fate of 21 year old Leon Gomez, accused of stabbing Salvador Martinez to death in January of 2010 during a high school football match which both attended at the MCC Grounds in Belize City. On...
Mother of 5, Guilty of Drug Trafficking
A mother of 5 children, the youngest only 1 year old, was today imposed a non-custodial sentence where she was slapped with the mandatory minimum fine of $10,000 for drug trafficking and must pay the court $5,000 now. If in default of that payment, she will be escorted to...
Police Give Detained Man Another Man’s Property
25 year old Jermaine Jergenson, was sentenced to 2 years for theft. This morning, he appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith, after he was accused of stealing $500 in cash and 4 gold rings at a total of over two thousand dollars. These were stolen while...
Employers Charged for Social Security Offences
Today in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, two businessmen appeared separately on charges of failing to render particulars, being Social Security numbers, for their employees within fourteen days of the start of the calendar month as provided for in the Social Security Act. The charges were levied against 32...
Dangerous Mix: Alcohol, Children, Water, Violence and Lewd Behavior
Alcohol, river, sexually explicit moves, children, and violence. Those words just don’t sound like they should go together but at a Belikin Bash this past weekend, they all came together in a most shameful display. The Belikin Bash was held this past weekend at...
St. Matthew’s: Latest Village With Land Complaints
The Villagers of St. Matthew’s Village are complaining about a land issue they say has been brewing since 2011 and is causing much frustration in the village. They say that 15 parcels of 5 acre plots were issued by the Village Council in collaboration with the then area representative...
Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust Empowerment Fund Launched
The Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust and La Inmaculada Credit Union Limited launched the first phase of the today in Orange Walk Town. The overall objective of the fund is to empower entrepreneurs through the establishment of revolving loan facilities to finance viable business ideas that contribute towards bettering Belizean communities. The first phase roll-out...
Man who Chopped Police Officer to the Head Found and Arrested
On December sixth of last year, senior woman police constable Marilyn Pate was chopped to the head when she went on a domestic abuse call to Trial Farm in the Orange Walk District. The alleged assailant attacked WPC Pate with a machete viciously chopping her to the head. Pate...
Cayo Central PUP Convention Woes
There is turmoil brewing in the Cayo Central division concerning the PUP convention to be held on the 27th of April between Luke Espat and Daniel Silva’. The PUP committee for Cayo Central is apparently upset that their decisions are being over ride by what they are referring to...
BTIA Orange Walk Chimes In on Band Fest Decision
The Town of Orange Walk was already gearing up for the much anticipated Band Fest 2014. Twenty three vendors had already signed up and preparing for the thousands of people who attend the event. However, yesterday the Organizing Committee made a last minute change moving the venue to another...
Martial Arts and the Gospel; Christian Combat Team Visits School
Brian Bryan, Brandon Stowers, and Jarred Sweat , are all members of “The Combat Team”, a missionary group that literally combines martial arts with preaching about Christ and his saving power. The group has been together for the last 18 years and has since travelled to 45 different countries....
Two Budget Hotel Options When You Travel to Hopkins, Belize Hopkins, along with Caye Caulker and San Ignacio, Belize, seem to be more “backpacker hotspots”. And so I started with the Funky Dodo Hostel. The hostel is located right in the village center right across the street from King Cassava…most convenient. And dorm rooms start as low as $19bzd or $9.50USD. You really can’t beat that.
A few days later, I spent a bit more money and found a LOVELY spot right on the beach that I can whole heartedly recommend. The place is called Jungle Jeanie’s by the Sea and it is a gem.
About a fifteen minute walk down the beach from the village center proper, I walked into Jeanie’s bar and dining room area.
And the view from the patio is gorgeous.
What is the Eco Kids Summer Camp all about? Officially known as the Children’s Summer Camp Scholarship Program, this annual event gives 24 young Belizeans between the ages of 8 and 13 a chance to learn about their natural world through a mix of adventure, social interaction, and fun filled applied education – all aimed at instilling a sense of wonderment in the unique cultures that constitute Belize and the environment that sustains us all.
Some of our guided educational activities include: Hiking to ancient Maya sites where we will perform archaeological excavations, Horseback Riding through Jungle Trails while studying the medicinal flora within our 365-acre private reserve, Song writing and talent show sessions, Hands-on sustainable organic farming techniques, and Supervised water activities.
The Eco Kids are selected after submitting a 300 word written essay which is reviewed and shortlisted by the Chaa Creek scholarship committee with the winners going on to attend the week long summer camp.
Trouble Shooting Belizean Powder Buns In this video, I go through all the aspects of how to measure the dry and wet ingredients to make our Belizean Poda Buns. I've come to the realization that some of my Belizean viewers are still using coffee cups and eating utensils to measure the ingredients and this will give different results that using the universal measuring utensils.
Who visits Belize I decided to analyze the data from the 2013 Belize tourism statistics and give you an overview of where most people who visit Belize come from. Since I follow tourism news I wasn’t surprised from what I uncovered but I’m sure you, the reader, will find it interesting.
Compared to other countries in the region, Belize receives a small amount of tourist at less than 300,000 overnight arrivals per year. Neighbouring countries such as Mexico receive over 23 million per year and Guatemala receives almost 2 million a year. Those are staggering numbers.
The main countries that visit Belize are the USA, Canada, England, Guatemala and Mexico. As of last year, I hear that a lot of South Americans (i.e. Brazilians) are starting to travel to Belize – now that’s interesting.
2013’s breakdown follows
Overnight tourists
Americans: 183, 513
Europeans: 32, 191
Canadians: 26, 713
Belizeans living abroad: 11, 489
Guatemalans: 8,860
Mexicans: 5,842
Other: 25,567
Total: 294,177
LUBAANTUN ARCHEOLOGICAL RESERVE A devastated ruin in the south of Belize where British explorers claimed to unearth the Mitchell-Hedges Crystal Skull. The Mayan ruin of Lubaantun has had an unfortunate "recent" history.
Discovered and written about in 1903, it was revisited in 1917 by a Thomas Gann who haphazardly used dynamite in his search for treasure. This counter-intuitive method of treasure hunting decimated many of the ruins and hindered possible future research.
It was visited again by a team of British Archaeologists between 1921 and 1930 but little more was documented and evidence suggests they cared very little for the history of the ruins. Thomas Gann returned to the ruins In 1924, with adventurer F.A. Mitchell-Hedges and others in tow. Anna Mitchell-Hedges, daughter of F.A. Mitchell-Hedges, claimed to have stumbled upon the infamous crystal skull while tagging along with her father. While it made a lovely story, there is absolutely nothing to support the claim, and plenty to debunk it—including the unlikelihood that the younger Mitchell-Hedges ever even set foot in Belize.
How to rig a chicken drop Alright now you know the basics now its time to win. The game relies crowd participation and one of the crowds duties is to prep the chicken for the ring and to put them in to play. There is more than most people think involved in prepping a chicken for a quick round. There is a good amount of shaking the chicken, you have to do it fast, and the slow in a circular motion. Then what really gets them ready to go is to lift the tail feathers and blow on the the business bits. Then there off! The real trick is to look at you tickets before you shake your chicken. Then if you do a good enough job of shaking and blowing your chicken put your chicken down on you square. You put them on your square and then hope the walk forward and quickly do their thing.
Infectious case of pupusaria in Belize Wait… it’s not the way it sounds… It may sound like a bad VD that
you got having too much fun in a hostel, but I assure you it is not.
As many travelers to Central America already know its a
shop/restaurant/street cart that makes Pupusas. A Pupusa is a quick,
cheap, filling, and most importantly good meal or snack. I caught my case in Belize, but they can be found throughout the region, and have their roots in El Salvador. They are made of a thick handmade corn tortilla, then stuffed with a meat and beans. Although it seems in most higher end pupusasrias you can get anything from just cheese to fancy lobster ones, and obviously price depends on fillings. You are likely to get a better deal from the ladies selling just the basics, the shops selling the fancy ones are likely catering to tourists.
International Sources
Closing Ports to Stolen Fish The oceans are vast and humans are small — as the monthlong hunt for a vanished Malaysian jetliner demonstrates. Think of the challenge, then, for law enforcement and fisheries managers in going after fleets of shady boats that engage in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. These criminals ply the seas and sell their catches with impunity, making off with an estimated 11 million to 26 million metric tons of stolen fish each year, a worldwide haul worth about $10 billion to $23.5 billion. Many use banned gear like floating gillnets, miles long, that indiscriminately slaughter countless unwanted fish along with seabirds, marine mammals, turtles and other creatures.
The danger that illegal fishing poses to vulnerable ocean ecosystems is self-evident, but the harm goes beyond that. Illegal competition hurts legitimate commercial fleets. And lawless fishermen are prone to other crimes, like forced labor and drug smuggling. The convergence of illegal fishing with other criminal enterprises makes it in every country’s interest to devise an effective response.
That’s the job of the Port State Measures Agreement. It is a treaty adopted by the United Nations in 2009 that seeks to thwart the poachers in ports when they try to unload their ill-gotten catches. Many countries have been unable or unwilling to enforce their own laws to crack down on poachers flying their flags.
Bermuda Student Makes Difference In Belize Aisha Bassett, a Bermuda student pursuing her medical education in the UK and serving a medical internship in Belize, has turned her original dream of lending a hand to Belizeans in need into a charitable opportunity thanks to not only her generosity, but that of all Bermudians.
A spokesperson for the Belize Cancer Center, where Miss Bassett is serving her internship, said “Cancer treatment should be accessible to all, not just the privileged. So it was most welcome when Bermudian Ms. Jenefer Brimmer, President of HI Group Investment and Management Ltd. donated $1000BZ to the Belize Cancer Centre in Dangriga.
“The donations, however, didn’t stop there.
“Ms. Brimmer’s initial support of fellow Bermudian Miss Aisha Basset’s dream of an internship in Belize has been generously supplemented by funding from the Bermuda public. Miss Basset, a medical student in the UK, had appealed for the public’s support a year ago to follow her heart in doing her medical internship at the Belize Cancer Centre.
Lincoln Jones, renowned minister in the Central American Nation of Belize, Dies at 56 Lincoln Jones, a renowned evangelist among Churches of Christ in the Central American nation of Belize, died April 3 after suffering an apparent stroke. He was 56.
Jones was baptizing new souls into Christ as recently as March 23, according to members of the Burrell Boom Church of Christ, who posted photos of the event on the congregation's Facebook page.
"He was such a pillar in the church in Belize," said Barbara Kee, a longtime friend of Jones who served, along with her husband, Windle, as a missionary in the African nation of Cameroon. The Kees, who now live in Texas, made regular mission trips to Belize, a nation of 324,000 souls south of Mexico and east of Guatemala. The couple worked alongside Belizean ministers - including Jones and Andrew "Tex" Nunez - and U.S. missionary Bill Amason, who died in 2011.
Forest degradation: firming up the second ‘D’ in REDD The UN’s programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) has seen considerable attention paid to deforestation but “the second ‘D’ is poorly understood and accounted”, according to a team from Winrock International, US.
With that in mind, the researchers have come up with a simple method for emissions accounting of selective timber harvesting, based on the volume of wood extracted.
“Timber harvesting in tropical forests is often confused with deforestation – we wanted to show unequivocally that the impact of logging is vastly different from deforestation in terms of carbon emissions,” Tim Pearson of Winrock International told environmentalresearchweb. “We also wanted to develop a method that readily correlates emissions with an easily captured metric of logging. We designed an approach that would work equally across forests throughout the world with relatively low fieldwork costs.”
Most of the carbon emissions from logging are due to damage to surrounding vegetation and from infrastructure such as skidding trails rather than arising from the removal of the logs themselves, Pearson and colleagues found.
The researchers calculated emission factors for selective timber harvesting in six tropical nations – Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Guyana, Indonesia and Republic of Congo. To do this, they added up the emissions related to the extracted log, emissions from dead biomass left behind by logging and dead biomass resulting from the construction of logging infrastructure. The emissions factors ranged from 0.99 to 2.33 Mg of carbon per cubic metre of logged wood.
Island Shopping in Belize When your friend tells you she’s thinking about buying an island and suggests you accompany her on a site visit, wouldn’t you jump at the opportunity? That’s exactly what I did when my friend Kendra invited me to Belize. The all-inclusive resort, Yok Ha, which we’d call home while island “shopping”, was priced under $1,000 for two for four nights. Needless to say I was in. Unfortunately, in the end work got in the way and I had to postpone my departure date, never seeing any of the islands Kendra intended to buy. But my later arrival in December was the perfect time to experience the island resort.
Without a doubt Yok Ha has to be one of the most magnificent properties in the Caribbean. Surrounded by lush mangroves and a sea full of brightly colored starfish, dolphins and tropical fish, this secluded little island is off the coast of Dangria in the middle of the Caribbean. From Belize City a small plane whisks you to Dangria, about a 15 minute flight, and then it’s a 30 minute boat ride (more if the sea is choppy) to Yok Ha on Waterfoot Caye (pronounced key). The journey is stunningly picturesque and upon arrival you’ll feel as if you’ve landed in your own little Robinson Crusoe world.
What’s new? The Hotel Bar and Restaurant On Friday, April 5th The Hotel Bar and Restaurant opened its doors to the San Pedro community. Previously known as Molly Malone’s Pub, The Hotel Bar is located just a short drive north of the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge, besides Legend’s Burger House. The Hotel Bar opens every day from 11AM till midnight. Be sure to visit The Hotel Bar and Restaurant next time you’re in the mood for something new!
Baby Joannie Faridi Cortes needs your help Carmen Cortes and family are asking for financial supports from the San Pedro community to help her three-month-old child Joannie Faridi Cortes receive urgent medical attention. Joannie has been diagnosed with severe Retinopathy of prematurity, which has impaired the child’s vision. The baby girl has been referred to the Charles Retinal Institute in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, but the family has been unable to take her due to financial challenges.According to Cortes, Joannie was born prematurely, and as a result, was diagnosed with Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). ROP is caused when abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina, the layer of nerve tissue in the eye that enables sight. The growth can cause the retina to detach from the back of the eye, leading to blindness. Some cases of ROP are mild and correct themselves, but others require surgery to prevent vision loss or blindness.
The fish was HOW big? Guests on Ambergris Caye rarely have to exaggerate about how big the fish was when bragging about their catch when fishing our clear Caribbean waters. On March 31st, while fly fishing for permit in Belize, Amy Trina not only landed a whopper but bragging rights to spare! Amy, who hails from Missoula, Montana USA, sent us this great photo and wrote, ” I caught this beauty my first time ever fly fishing for permit in Belize. It weighed between 25 and 30 pounds and took me an hour and 10 minutes to land! This was my first time to Belize and my second time fly fishing in saltwater. I live in Montana but I really truly am in love with Belize and can’t wait to come back which will be sooner than later!” Amy’s fishing guide was Darrel Smith.
Ambergris Today
FIFA Grassroots Training Takes Place in San Pedro The San Pedro Sports Council, along with the Football Federation of Belize, held FIFA Grassroots Training in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye which consisted of physical and technical training from Wednesday, April 2, 2014 and culminated with a football festival on Saturday, April 5, 2014.
This is the 8th Annual Football Academy Course that is held countrywide in Belize and this year, thanks to the San Pedro Town Council, the youth of the community were able to be a part of the FIFA Grassroots training. Coaches Renan Couoh of the FFB, along with Edward Gongora and Shinya Nabata, were on the island working with children between the ages of 6 to 17.
Training included physical training with the children in three different categories and both physical and technical training with coaches. San Pedro coaches attended physical training along with the children and then had technical classes at the San Pedro Town Hall.
25 Years Ago: Virginio 'Bill' Henkis the Self-Taught Boat Builder I have a ways maintained that I can do something by simply watching someone doing it, but that is something simple like a food recipe or fabricating a kite. This story proves me wrong- that even a complex thing like building a boat can be learned by observation as Mr. Bill Henkis did.
His name is Virginio Henkis, but everyone calls him Bill. He came from a large family and being the first boy after four girls, he would accompany his dad, Fredrick Henkis, on everything and everywhere. It is from him that he learned to sail a boat. He missed a lot of classes due to this and came out of school when he was in Standard 3 or Grade 5. He recalls taking the small boat when his dad got drunk - he and his friends, Eiden Salazar Sr. and Daniel Dawson set sail to Caye Caulker causing the parents to worry and send the police to get them; but they came before the police found them at 1a.m. Hungry and penniless they ate raw conch but not in a ceviche.
Bill Henkis worked with four different boat owners in their boats as a fisherman, mastering the art of sailing and fishing. They were Arthur “Ata” Bradley, Allan Forman, Romel Gomez and Milo Paz. Thereafter he obtained his own boat and worked for himself.
His first sail boat was built by Maurice Bladden, who was well known for his designs, giving the vessel great shape, buoyancy and speed. It was a 28-foot long sailboat named after his sister, La Gloria! He ended up selling the boat and after going through four different owners he repurchased the boat as a wreck! He then rebuilt it together with Hector Alamina better known as Trosa. He did all the deck and cabin work on his own and Trosa did the hull and it was named after his daughter Yanira.
Misc Belizean Sources
Students lay sawdust carpets in Orange Walk town Students from several high schools in Orange Walk were involved in a unique project on Monday in this northern municipality.
The event, which included the laying of sawdust carpets, was organized by the Banquitas House of Culture.
Each year during the religious procession on Good Friday, the townspeople of Benque Viejo del Carmen take to the streets to commemorate the death of Christ.
Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is a weeklong celebration of colorful processions that open on Palm Sunday and culminates on Easter Sunday. The The community cooperates in creating sawdust tapestries, which involves the participation of hundreds of Benqueños of all ages, along the procession´s route.
And this year, organizers of the “El Santo Entierro’ are in Orange Walk to teach interested individuals about the tradition.
Cold front approaches, temperatures to cool down The weather has been on the HOT side in the last week or so, with temperatures in the low to upper 90’s. But the mercury will fall a bit in the next few days as an approaching cold front will bring the temperatures down.
The forecast for Belize and her coastal waters starting this afternoon is for an increase in cloudiness, showers and thunderstorms.
The change in weather will start in the north and inland areas and then spread to the rest of the country tonight.
With the hot daytime temperatures that have dominated our weather recently, this sudden change has the potential to cause severe thunderstorms.
Winds over the open sea and along the coast will be northerly to northwesterly at five to fifteen knots, increasing and becoming gusty later this evening.
Belize Botanic Gardens continues to train professional gardeners The Belize Botanic Gardens continues to provide top-of-the-line training for persons interested in a career in gardening.
According to a press release issues on Monday, students from the Professional Gardeners Training wrapped up a week of landscape design with a competition to choose the most appropriate one for the permanent erection at the Belize Botanic student garden.
garden3 Belize Botanic Gardens continues to train professional gardeners
According to the official release, Kayla Usher won the competition with a simple design which incorporated plants already in the area with new plants which are expected to attract birds and butterflies to the area.
As winner of the competition, Usher will now get to supervise the other trainee gardeners as they construct her design.
These students, according to the Belize Botanic Gardens will graduate on May 23 and be ready to enter the workforce. Before they graduate, the current group of trainee gardeners will proceed on their on-the-job training on Monday, April 14.
BELMOPAN CITY COUNCIL, BELIZE ROAD SAFETY DEMONSTRATIVE PROJECT AND SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND PRESENT THE NATIONAL LAUNCH OF THEIR ANTI-DRINK AND DRIVE CAMPAIGN The don't drink driving campaign is a precursor for a road traffic monitoring exercise, which will be implemented over the Easter vacation. The monitoring for don't drink driving will be a
collaboration between the Department of Transport in each district with authority for traffic on the roadways and highways as well as the municipal authorities responsible for traffic within the town and city limits.
All launch activities are being held under the auspices of the respective City and Town Councils. All are invited to attend the launch to be held in the City of Belmopan at the Sir George Brown Field on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at 10 a.m. Each municipality will host their respective launches in their area on the same date and at the same time.
Another Happy Turtle Rescue (Update) from the Ambergris Caye Marine Turtle Program. UPDATE: The health of the female loggerhead that was sent to Hol Chan for rehab in February has improved. She is now off all medication and fluids and is eating on her own. She is full of strength and will soon be ready for released. We are happy that she has recovered and would like to thank everyone that assisted in her rescue and treatment. Big thanks to the Hopkins Humane Society, Saga Humane Society, Poly Clinic, and the staff of Hol Chan.
Beware of the Pica Pica! Jellyfish in Abundance During Easter Season in Belize Many explain it as having hundreds of mosquitoes biting you all over at the same time. Most of the time you will not be aware that you have been stung by the hundreds of Thimble Jellyfish that you have come in contact with. Spring/Easter season brings the ‘Pica Pica’ jellyfish to the shores of Belize.
The Thimble Jellyfish make their appearance to the shores of Belize during the windy days between March and May, but its not uncommon to find these jellyfish from late January all the way to June. They suddenly arrive when the high winds and strong currents start making their way into the area.
The Thimble Jellyfish is locally known as the Dedal and the discharge of their larvae is called the Pica Pica, although locals call the jellyfish Pica Pica. It is this discharge that contains the stinging cells that will cause a skin irritation. Many will find that playing with the actual jellyfish will not cause any skin irritation unless they are releasing their larvae.
This marine animal is a small jellyfish resembling a thimble that measures about 1" in diameter and is conspicuously mottled with dark brown markings. They appear in dense aggregations which are transported by winds and current.
BHS Spay/Neuter Clinic The Belmopan Humane Society had another spay and neuter clinic, and are trying to have them every month, on the second Sunday. San Ignacio is due for another round of clinics too, courtesy of the BWRC.
"Another successful clinic. A long day, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. We did 12 dogs, 2 cats, 1 emergency treatment, several checkups, a bunch of vaccinations. Thanks to the great team of Dr. Baptist, his assistant Joseph from Hopkins Humane Society, BHS volunteers, Mike Bracewell, Nildy Olmedo, Sonia Neal, Dewey Morison. We try to hold a clinic every second sunday of the month."
Belmopan Defeats Dangriga The Belmopan Bandits defeated the Dangriga Warriors 66 - 54, giving them 2 wins in a row. They travel to Orange Walk to play the Running Rebels this Friday, April 11th.
In related news, the Bandits will be playing the Western Ballaz in a free exhibition game tomorrow night at the SHC auditorium at 8:00pm. The Galen Eagles will play the Dangriga Warriors at 7:00.
"We have won two in a row!!! We stand 4-5, Good game team!!! I love my Point Bandits!!!
When the Levees Broke Screening April's Screen on the Green movie will be 'When the Levees Broke,' and will take place on Wednesday and Thursday since it's a long documentary.
"Belize is no stranger to the devastating impact hurricanes can cause on a community. This week Belize Screen on the Green will feature the documentary, 'When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts' to look at the impact Hurricane Katrina caused in New Orleans, and start a discussion on the environmental and disaster management issues we can all learn from to better prepare for the upcoming hurricane season in Belize. We hope that you will be able to join us for this important screening. Please note this screening will show in two parts on Wednesday and Thursday this week!"
Free medical care provided to Belizean people More than 100 people received medical care from U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and Canadian medical professionals in cooperation with caretakers from a local health facility April 7 in Chunox, Belize.
Free medical care will continue to be available 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. through April 9 at the Chunox Roman Catholic Pre-School. Available care includes optometric, general medicine, pediatric, dental, and pharmaceutical services.
The care is provided as part of a medical training exercise, or MEDRETE, that offers U.S. and Canadian military doctors and nurses the opportunity to train and interact with their Belizean counterparts.
"I think everything went smoothly overall," said U.S. Army Capt. Andrew Nickel, New Horizons MEDRETE officer in charge.
Belizean medical professionals, community coordinators and a veterinarian are scheduled to train side by side with U.S. and Canadian medical providers.
We Were Very Lucky: Life Lessons Learned off Glover's Reef, Belize Lloyd Nunez is a quiet guide . THE 46-YEAR-OLD Garifuna man directs mostly by discreet hand gestures and forced whispers. He’s never been to New York, but wears a shirt that declares, “Brooklyn: Only the Strong Survive.” He has an enigmatic smile and rough, work-hardened hands. He’s guided for bonefish, tarpon and permit off the coast of central Belize for 22 years, and knows the coral isles that make up the Great Barrier and Glover’s reefs well. Because he was raised on them.
Nunez spent most of his youth on South Water Cay, 15 acres of coral with no running water or power (even today). South Water Cay is part of Belize’s Great Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world. The cay and its surrounding isles are skirted with shallow flats, often carpeted with turtle grass. Some have deep coves that hold pods of resident tarpon. And between them, in nondescript patches of ocean water, the reef rises to just under the surface. Here permit sometimes tail in world-class concentrations. This stretch of ocean offers one of the world’s best shots at a grand slam. And this past October, Nunez and his son, Alvin, guided me in search of one.
To the east of the barrier reef, 30 miles out, rests Glover’s Reef. By stringing together angling days on both reefs Nunez promised a bounty of chrome. A true atoll, Glover’s is a ring of coral that surrounds more than 160 square miles of shallow turquoise water. The water thins to skinny as it approaches the eastern edge of the reef, where a fin of jagged coral runs the length of the reef. It’s only exposed above water for a few miles, allowing it to generate four idyllic, remote islands that are decidedly Tahitian in character. Adjacent there are vast expanses of perfect flats teeming with tailing bones.
PUP Cayo Central Committee issue clarification The convention to elect a Standard Bearer for the People’s United Party (PUP) in the Cayo Central division will take place on Sunday, April 27 in Santa Elena Town, Cayo.
But the political temperature has been ramped way up as the fateful date approaches where businessman Luke Espat will square off against former area representative Daniel Silva.
Tonight, the PUP Cayo Central Executive Committee issued a release noting its concern that an attempt is being made to sidestep certain decisions that were previously agreed.
The Cayo Central Executive Committee in its release, explains that 7 of 9 executive members voted in the meeting of Friday, March 21, 2014, that the venue for the Convention be the Santa Elena Roman Catholic School and that the Convention will be a closed convention.
The Committee also agreed that all new voters who register by April 25th will be allowed to vote as long as they bring along the receipt from the Election and Boundaries Department on Convention Day.
Transgender man attacked and beaten in Belize City An 18 year old man was set upon and beaten up by an angry mob in Belize City tonight. The incident happened just after 6 pm.
The young man, who identifies himself as transgender, was dressed in women’s clothing, namely a long black dress.
As he walked down Vernon Street, the youth who gives his name as Vanesa Champagne Paris says she was verbally harassed by a man who hurled derogatory words at him.
According to Vanesa, when his attacker asked why a “f*king fagot is walking this block,” he turned around and responded to the attacker that he did not own the street.
That was when, according to Vanessa, that the man picked up rocks and started to “boom” him.
5 year old boy is crushed by a forklift A five year old boy was killed this afternoon in the Spanish Lookout community in the Cayo district when he was run over by a forklift.
The victim has been identified as Kenton Kornelson.
Preliminary information says that Kornelson and another small child were riding their bicycles in an area near the Reimer’s Service Station on Center Road in Spanish Lookout around 1:30 pm today when the incident happened.
Forklift operator Elias Jacobs, 22, was in the process of moving tires from one place to another, when the boys reportedly climbed up on the forklift, one on the front of the heavy machine and the other sitting near to Jacobs.
Exactly what transpired next is not yet known, but a loud scream was heard as the boy was crushed by the forklift.
St. Hilda Anglican Church announces Easter Services calendar Activities for Holy Week will be held around the country by the various religious denominations.
One group that has already released its calendar of events for the observation which starts on Palm Sunday is the St. Hilda Anglican Church in Georgeville.
The Anglican congregation in the village will be joined by congregants of the Pentecostal and Salvation Army churches for some of the services.
The priest in charge, Father David Alenski says that activities start with Palm Sunday service at 11:30 am.
On Holy Thursday, there will be two services, one at 6:30 pm and the other at 8:30 pm.
On Good Friday, a Spanish mass will be said at 10 am and then the traditional Good Friday service will be held at 3 pm.
Free medical and veterinary clinics offered in Corozal villages Residents of villages in northern Belize are the beneficiaries of a series of free medical clinics and veterinary services.
The services are being offered by the United States military working in conjunction with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, BAHA, the Public Health Department, the Canadian army and Belize Defence Force. Today in Chunox village, Corozal, over a thousand inhabitants got a chance to receive free general health awareness information and services.
A visiting veterinarian also provided free rabies shots for domestic and farm animals in a house-to-house visit.
The medical team’s next stop is in Progresso village on Thursday and Friday.
Next week, the same services will be offered to residents of Libertad village and surrounding areas.
"Think before you drink. Don't drink and drive" Campaign We would like to invite everyone to the Launch of the "Think before you drink. Don't drink and drive" Campaign. We will have demonstrations and the presentation of advertisements, radio jingles and more that make up the campaign. See you all there!
April 10 • 10:00 A.M. • Central Park
Launch of Traffic Safety Campaign Everyone is invited to the Sir George Brown Field in Belmopan for the launching of an anti-drink and drive campaign this Thursday at 10:00am.
"The Belize National Road Safety Demonstration Project in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Belize Municipal Development Project under the Social Investment Fund launches a don't drink driving education campaign nationally. The don't-drink driving campaign was organized under the BSIF Belize Municipal Development Project to be implemented as a part of the Traffic Safety and Management component with Town and City Councils nationwide with a collaboration with the National Road Safety Project. "
BNECT Empowerment Fund The Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust has launched its Empowerment Fund, and have signed an MOU, which will provide loans to entrepreneurs with projects that better communities. Thanks, BNE!
"The BELIZE Natural Energy Charitable Trust is pleased to announce the launch of the first phase of its Empowerment Fund. The Overall objective of the Fund is to empower entrepreneurs through the establishment of revolving loan facilities to finance viable business ideas that contribute towards bettering Belizean communities. The first phase of the Empowerment Fund is being rolled-out through La Inmaculada Credit Union Limited with seed capital of $750,000 and will be implemented out of both the credit union’s Orange Walk and Belmopan offices."
Paint Up A Storm The Winsom Foundation's Paint Up A Storm at the Cayo Welcome Center drew a crowd as the artists came up with their unique designs.
"For the professional artists they were each given a surprise box ... Each box contained one kind of item which they were told they had to create a costume for their assistant ... All morning was spent doing it with help from the audience.... the designs was then showcased on the stage with the artist giving their concept for the design.... Some times designs was changed half way through the process because it was not working... Sadly some of the Artist did not show up but the ones that was there I think had fun as they were taken out of their comfort zone of their own art form......"
Dr. Arlie Petters at Purdue University. The Corozal Daily wishes to congratulate our wonderful friend and Belizean patriot Dr. Arlie Petters of Duke University giving the "Math is Key" Lecture at Purdue University. Best wishes to Dr. Petters. Belize is proud of you sir.
ART in the PARK Please support our local artists and artisans this weekend April 12th at the monthly ART in the PARK event. If you happen to be visiting Corozal for the Band Fest 2014, make sure you stay for the Art in the Park displays at the Corozal Central Park. Hotel rooms available.
Corozal Junior College (CJC’s) Annual Expo Corozal Junior College (CJC’s) Annual Expo will be this Friday, April 11, 2014. There will be lots to eat, drink and learn. Come and support our talented students. More than 20 businesses from the community will be having special promotions at our Expo!
Interesting and innovative science projects will be a major attraction of our CJC Expo. Everyone come out and enjoy!!
See previews of what to expect!!
Belize Band Fest 2014 Belize Band Fest 2014 sponsored by Love FM moves to Corozal’s Santiago Ricalde Stadium after organizers of the event made a bold decision to relocate the entire Band Fest since the Orange Walk
People’s Stadium is unfit and unhealthy for the program. The committee tried every means to mitigate the situation but unfortunately there is no other option but to move the event to Corozal.
Many sponsors, participants and Band Fest fans will be inconvenienced by the decision to move the entire event at this time to Corozal but Corozal wishes to welcome everyone from all over the country to our beautiful town and hope everyone has a enjoyable and safe Band Fest celebrations.
The parade will start at 8:00 a.m. and the field show at 1:00 p.m. this Saturday April 12th at the Santiago Ricalde Stadium. A total of 9 bands, three marching bands and six jump core will be participating. Come out and witness the colorful display of marching band attire and Belizean style live band music. Let’s give these kids that extra medal they deserve for soldiering this event.
The Secret Beaches of Ambergris Caye, Belize Those of us who live on Ambergris Caye in Belize head to the north island for our beach escape days… We frequent the hidden gems few tourists find–even though it’s fairly easy to reach them. Just hop on a Coastal Express water taxi. The boat trip itself is a thrill…and you’ll get an entirely different view of the island from the water. Water taxis run about every two hours.
Video: Thimble Jellyfish in Ambergris Caye, Belize 30sec. Spring/Easter season brings the 'Pica Pica' (Thimble) jellyfish to the shores of Belize. The Thimble Jellyfish make their appearance to the shores of Belize during the windy days between March and May, but its not uncommon to find these jellyfish from late January all the way to June.
Video: 2min. Hunting lionfish in the waters of Belize 8-3-2013.
A typical LionFish Hunt, diving thee canyons along the outside of the Belize Barrier Reef.
Video: Kate Upton for Beach Bunny Swimwear Spring/Summer 2012 2min. Kate Upton for Beach Bunny Swimwear Spring/Summer 2012 2014 Go behind the scenes with Kate Upton for the very 'Bond-esque' Deep Blue Collection shoot at Sanctuary Belize (). The collection boast.
Go behind the scenes with Kate Upton, Yu Tsai, & Team as they take over the white sandy beaches at Sanctuary Belize () to shoot Beach .
Video: Threatened Cave Systems In Belize 1.5min. Sewanee: The University of the South is working with Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) to help stop the spread of deforestation in the Chiquibul National Park
Video: 2014 San Ignacio Belikin Bash Police Abuse 1min. If alcohol is causing this, then why are our celebrations and community gatherings based on alcohol?
Belikin Bash... Why not Family Bash and leave alcohol out of it? We need to find ways to get away from alcohol not promote it.
Traps Set for Killer Croc Last night the headline news was that a crocodile had killed an unidentified man on a private property in the Ladyville/Lord's Bank area. Well, the victim was identified late last night as 47-year-old father of five Carl Michael Diaz. Diaz is from Benque Viejo, but his family lives nearby and he was fishing when the killer croc caught him.
Tonight while the family mourns for this most unexpected, incomprehensible death, authorities are trying to catch the killer croc. Monica Bodden has the full story:..
Monica Bodden reporting
A routine fishing trip to the back of Green Estate for 47 year old Carl Diaz turned into a tragedy when a crocodile attacked and killed him yesterday.
He was spotted by another fisherman who was in the area at the time and heard a loud cry.
That man told police that he saw Diaz being dragged down this channel of murky waters by what he described as a large crocodile.
27 Year Old charged For Killing 17 Year Old Twenty-seven year old Justin Lemoth, a resident of Hattieville, was charged with murder and attempted murder when he appeared today before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. Lemoth was remanded until May 8.
Lemoth is accused of killing 17 year old Richard Waight Jr. and injuring his 16 year old friend. It happened at 9:25 on Friday night on the basketball court in Hattieville. Waight, his friend, and some other young men had a misunderstanding and the older Lemoth got involved. He stabbed both teenagers to the chest area and Waight Jr. died from sever bleeding shortly after he reached the KHMH.
The police say that they have retrieved a knife which they believe was used in the stabbing.
Did Surge of Water From Vaca Dam Factor Into Double Drowning? Did the runoff from the Vaca Dam have anything to do with the drowning of two teenagers in the Macal River on Friday?
7News has learned from a clothing vendor who sets up right beside the river that every afternoon at around four a surge of water rolls down the river from the Vaca dam. She said she observed when the students - who have no familiarity with the river - and could not swim were swept off their feet by the wave. As is now well known 17 year-old Egar Puck and 16 year-old Anahi Zepeda were swept off into depths where they could not touch and they drowned.
She says they were wading in water up to their ankles and when it suddenly got higher, it swept them away.
Police Investigate 9mm As Stolen Weapon The intrigues are swirling about the 9 millimeter Taurus pistol which police recovered in Belize City on Saturday. As we reported last night, it is being investigated as a murder weapon in last Thursday's killing of 18 year old Anfernee Romero. But, police are also trying to find out if it was stolen from their own department, specifically in the House of Culture Incident in October of 2013, when four 9 millimeter pistols went missing from the Tourism Police Booth. Even more disturbing is a theory being circulated within law enforcement that criminal elements within the department may have sold the weapon to their street counterparts. A senior police officer told us they are aware of this allegation and are investigating it.
Meanwhile the weapon in question is at the Forensic lab for ballistics testing.
Teenager Acquitted, Police Can't Find His Cash Businessman Vinod Chawla was robbed On January 29, 2012, of over $100,000 at his Amara Avenue Home.
He told police that 3 men ambushed him and robbed him at gunpoint. 22 year-old Lloyd Valentine, and 18 year-old Christopher Hyde - who was a minor at the time - were jointly charged with robbery. Well, 7News has confirmed that both men have been acquitted of that charge on February 26, 2014. The case was thrown out because the investigators couldn't produce evidence against both men. Since his acquittal, Hyde has been trying to recover $1,000 which he said was confiscated from him by police, supposedly as evidence of proceeds of that robbery. He called us today to say that police have been turning him around for a month, and they don't seem to want to give him back his money. Hyde who has a speech impediment, tried to explain in his own words to us:
Christopher Hyde
"They charge me for robbery and now I won my case and they are pushing me around. I am tired of that."
Daniel Ortiz
"We understand that you had $1,000 with you at the time."
922-Tips Led To Gun Found On Street Construction Worker Last night we told you about the 3 firearms Belize City police had confiscated since last week Friday. One of them was taken from 26 year old Justin Richards, a construction worker of 11 Flamboyant Street. On Friday April 4, police received a tip through 0-800-922-TIPS saying that Richards - who was working on the street construction programme on Central American Boulevard - had a weapon. They pulled up, searched his bag and found a.38 revolver with 5 live rounds of ammunition.
Twenty-six year old Richards was charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a license when he appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. Richards pled not guilty and was remanded until June 6th.
Belize's #1 Fried Chicken Joint Goes Through Changes Li Chee - it's only a Belize City fried chicken joint, but it's also a cultural fixture - immortalized in song and by the hundreds of patrons it once drew to line up outside burglar bars on Freetown Road. But at the end of last year, the bars were gone, and the Chinese restaurant owners seem to have hit the big time when they opened a ways down the road, in a fancy, air conditioned buffet style setting. In terms of looks and the customer experience it was a welcome upgrade, but in terms of business, apparently not. The buffet was the first thing to go - that only lasted a few months - and now, less than 6 months after it opened, the New Li Chee has closed down! Best part is, the operation has moved back down the street - to the original location - only now it is named Key Ley, not Li Chee. How do we know it's the same operation? Well, first off, we bought the chicken and the flavor is the same. And second, the workers are the same ones from the previous location. They were even wearing the same uniforms they had been using at the fancy spot. When we asked them about it, they told us that the other Li Chee down the road is only closed for remodeling.
Police Crashed Into Sidewalk, Knocked Unconscious This morning in Belize City, a police officer on a motorbike was knocked unconscious when he crashed on the sidewalk. The police press office has not provided the details that we've requested, but we know that this morning at 10:00, 7News responded to a call about a police officer on motorbike that had crashed on Regent Street in front of the House of Culture. When we got there the officer was unconscious - and an ambulance had to be called to take him away. He appeared un responsive as he was being carted off, and an examination of the area suggests that he had crashed into the sidewalk. Reports say he lost control of the motorbike as he rounded the corner.
We'll try and get more information from police about the accident tomorrow.
Cayo Cops Charged Women For River Brawl Social media has made much of a video showing Cayo police running into the Macal River on Saturday to stop a fight between three unruly women.
IT happened at an event called the Belikin River Bash where there was a fight involving three women. Six police officers were on special duty, and they went to break up the fight. But they say that during the process, they were obstructed by a man who threw water on them.
He was taken into police custody - which meant more or less dropping him into the back of a pickup truck. He was later released into the custody of his father who is a town Justice of the Peace. Police say the man had been drinking.
Well Cayo police have confirmed that the three women were charged for disorderly conduct, and one of them was charged for harm. They have all been arraigned in court.
A Fund For Micro Business The Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust and La Immaculada Credit Union Limited have teams up for a novel micro-credit enterprise. The Trust has earmarked three quarter million dollars that has been set aside for micro loans through the credit union. It's called the Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust Empowerment Fund and it was launched today in Orange Walk. We found out who's eligible:..
Daniel Guttierez, TRUSTEE - BNE Charitable Trust
"The interest rates on these LICU loans will remain competitive and be within the framework of what is expected of credit unions. That way the finding is not only easily accessible to those we want to empower but easily repayable. At the trust we believe that empowerment funding need not be expensive funding. It must be competitive and encouraging of the further growth and development of the individuals it serves."
Ena Martinez, President - La Immaculada Credit Union
"We challenge our young inventors, innovators, entrepreneurs and change makers to take advantage of this opportunity afforded by this fund to a make a positive difference that will enhance the social and environmental situation in our communities in time create employment and generate income."
Buying Into Biodiversity Biodiversity offsets - it might not mean anything to you, but the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute is hoping that Belize will adopt it when entrepreneurs come here looking to invest.
It's a principle of planning where the Government Officials try their best to encourage development, but impressing upon investors that certain projects are harmful to the biodiversity in different ecosystems.
The CZMAI has been working with the Australia-Caribbean Coral Reef Collaboration to develop an offset strategy. Today, the organizers held a workshop to include stakeholder partners from the Private Sector, and we stopped by. Here's how they explained the principle to us:
Vincent Gillett, C.E.O., CZMAI
"The goal of the workshop is to create conditions which will allow development and conservation ideals to work together without conflict or serious conflict."
Daniel Ortiz
"Give us an example of where there is symbiosis between the two."
Media Poll Says 7News Most Credible A new poll says that 7News is perceived as the most credible television newscast in Belize. Now, it's not our style to blow our own horn, but the findings do provide some compelling information, and so we'll share.
The poll was conducted by Karim Berges - who has conducted a number of noteworthy polls dating back to 2008. He says this one was a selective poll where he chose 100 persons, primarily adults with a university degree or persons employed in a senior position with an established business or firm. The five question survey sought to establish quote, "media perception within the higher learning population of Belize."
The first question was "Which local newscast do you think is most likely to influence change in your society?" 8% of responde4tns said Channel 5, 60% said Channel 7, while 16% said LOVE TV and PLUS TV.
The second question was "Which local newscast do you think is most informative?"
Again 60% said Channel 7, 12% said Channel 5, 20% said LOVE TV and 8% said PLUS TV.
FFB Stadium Undergoing Major Overhaul The pitch at the FFB stadium in Belmopan is considered the finest in Belize - but it's been gutted because it's not really all that good.
It's part of a major renovation, with a budget of $500,000 US dollars to get it done.
FFB representatives tell us that the field, the locker room, the bleachers, VIP area and the Administration buildings will all get construction upgrades, and the lighting will be changed to meet international standards.
The works started 3 weeks ago, and the upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of May, or the beginning of June.
One of the main reasons that this renovation has become important is that the FFB is trying to become compliant with the standards set for stadiums used to play games in the CONCACAF Champions League. Viewers may remember that Belize couldn't participate in the Champions League 2013-2014 due to a list of regulations the country didn't meet, one of them being the quality of the FFB Stadium.
Few Visited Forestry Fisheries Finance Fair When thinking of big money industries, you may jump first to tourism or oil, but as the final quarter of last year's GDP Figures from the Statistical Institute shows, there is wealth in fisheries. And if the persistence of illegal logging is any indication, there's much the same in forestry.
So accepting that there is a big market from which the country can benefit, the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development held a fair on Saturday. We stopped in to see how it went:
It was the first fair of its kind focusing on Forestry and Fisheries products, showing the public just how important these sectors are.
Hon. Lisel Alamilla - Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development
"Our forest and fisheries sector plays an important role in the social and economic development of Belize."
So booths with all types of wood and marine products were showcased, highlighting innovation and entrepreneurship.
Hunting For Eggs Easter is about a week and a half away, and some children will be expecting their basket of treats and goodies. Well, a little over a hundred pre-schoolers got an early basket from BTL, and 7News stopped in see an Easter egg hunt in action. Here's what the PR officer told us about it:
Channel 5
Benque man is mauled by a crocodile; search party combs the area for the reptile More details are available tonight on how a crocodile mauled a resident at a pond at Green Estates in the Lord’s Bank area on Monday afternoon. It is a rare [...]
5 year old schoolboy is crushed to death by a forklift in Spanish Lookout There is another tragic story to report tonight. A five year old boy, Kenton Kerr Neilson, was crushed to death when a forklift ran over him. The incident happened early [...]
$29 Million in marijuana goes up in flames by the B.D.F. and U.S. forces Twenty-nine million dollars….that’s the value of marijuana that went up in smoke last month. While the destruction of the marijuana happened since then, it is only now that it is [...]
Squatters say Minister King promised them title to the land, but he says not so Tonight, the fate of squatters along Lake Independence Boulevard remains somewhat uncertain. The contractor has done all necessary to work around homes in his way, and residents maintain that they [...]
Should G.O.B. provide land to the squatters of Lake Independence Boulevard? And tonight’s question is: Do you believe that government should provide land to the squatters of Lake Independence Boulevard? Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones to 8686 [...]
Justin Lemott is arraignment for the stabbing murder of Hattieville minor Richard Waight Sr., Father of Murder Victim [File: April 7th, 2014] “The last conversation I had with my son dah fi know how much pain ih deh ina. The last [...]
Mayor Darrell Bradley’s political future Where his political future is concerned, Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley has been dodging the question of late. Months ago, he announced his intention to throw his hat into the [...]
Illegal harvesting of rosewood on the surge The Forestry Department has announced that it will soon be conducting a sweep of the Stann Creek District in an effort to halt illegal harvesting of precious rosewood. The operation [...]
An update on infrastructure works in Belize City As we told you earlier, Mayor Darrell Bradley was a guest on OYE this morning. He’s been in the news a lot lately, primarily due to recurring litigation with sanitation [...]
Temperatures on the rise between SATIIM and U.S. Capital Temperatures are on the rise between SATIIM and U.S. Capital. Last Thursday, the Mayan community, led by SATIIM’s Executive Director Greg Ch’oc, won another major legal victory in the Supreme [...]
2 contractors appear in court for immigration offenses Two contractors, a Belizean and a Salvadoran with permanent residency in Belize, were before the court on separate charges for employing persons not in possession of a valid temporary [...]
Mayor says CitCo’s debt is staggering If Mayor Darrell Bradley has seemed a little frazzled lately, it’s because he is. On one hand, there has been massive works done in the city – that can’t be [...]
Norwegian Cruise Line crew member killed during a robbery in Roatan On Monday, a crew member employed by Norwegian Cruise Line was shot and killed during a robbery on the bay island of Roatan, Honduras. The man, of Filipino descent, was [...]
Coastal Zone Management concerned about controversial offshore developments The Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute held a two-day workshop this week. It discussed controversial offshore developments such as the multimillion dollar project by Norwegian Cruise Lines on Harvest [...]
Marine biodiversity offset – a concept to promote sustainable development Marine Biodiversity Offsets… it is a concept that when put into principle is to be used as a tool for the private sector and the government to work together to [...]
Biodiversity offset gives private sector an opportunity to be creative Day-two of the workshop targeted the private sector on how the concept of biodiversity offsets can help the economic status of the country and alleviate poverty; specifically for those living [...]
CTV3
Another Chinese Store Robbed In Corozal
Thousands Of Students Sit PSE Thousands of students sat the first two papers of the Primary School Examinations today across the country. Those papers are English Language one and two and Science. The examination was taken at various secondary institutions. This afternoon we caught up with some of the students as they exited the schools after long hours of concentrating on the exams.
From the look on their faces standard six students were more than happy to be out and over with the first two exam papers in the PSE. They quickly gathered into their small cliques and no doubt the discussions surrounded the exams.
While some students shied away from the camera, a few were more than happy to share what their experience was. Many felt the exams were rather easy.
Sophia Xia- Student
“I did not find any part difficult because they have all been taught before in standard four. I prepared a lot for today and that is why I was ready and I am excepting a good grade at the end.”
Emily Ma- Student
“I found it to be easy only that some parts I did not understand especially in the Science paper. I prepared a lot and I am expecting a good grade.”
BandFest Moves To Corozal, Field At OWPS In Bad Conditions News spread like wildfire today after Love FM’s announcement of the venue change for the BandFest this year. As we all know, the event was to take center stage at the Orange Walk People’s Stadium, but unforeseen circumstances got in the way and the venue was changed to the Corozal Municipality. It’s one of the biggest events in the country where marching bands and drum corp all meet in one place to showcase their talent. So why the change in venue? According to member of the Bandfest Committee, Julia Carrillo, the People’s Stadium was deemed unfit for the event.
Julia Carrillo– Bandfest Committee Member
“When we went there on Friday with the bands because we normally do an interview, we normally take the bands the week before the Band-Fest, we would take the band directors and we go look at the route and we look at the stadium and do all the final logistics but when we got there on Friday there was no way that we could do band –Fest there because when you walk through it, it creates like a cloud of dust and so you imagine young people dancing on the field on the sound movement you will have a fog of black dust so some of the bands were concerned because they have students who are asthmatic and there was no way they could perform under those circumstances, so we spoke to the Sport Council and we were told way until today that it seems that anything that we can do to remedy the situation and unfortunately it couldn’t be ready for Saturday so a decision has been made and we ask all the bands and they already knew that and we had agreed that we had a backup plan which would be Corozal and this morning when the call came from by the coordinator and the director saying that we will have to go to plan B the arrangements had been made and the Town has been very helpful and I just want to be thankful and fair but the only reason is that the stadium has not been in a situation that is not ready for us to put marching band on that stadium.”
The Art Of Making Sawdust Carpet Each year during the religious procession on Good Friday, the townspeople of Benque Viejo Del Carmen take to the streets to commemorate the death of Jesus Christ. Holy Week, or Semana Santa in Spanish, is a weeklong celebration of colorful processions that opens on Palm Sunday and culminates into the weekend of Good Friday.
For the celebration, the community cooperates in creating sawdust tapestries, which involves the participation of hundreds of Benqueños of all ages, along the procession´s route.
And this year, organizers of the “El Santo Entierro’ are in Orange Walk to teach interested individuals about the tradition. Today, members of the Banquitas House of Culture, along with some high school students, learnt more about the tradition as they engaged in a sawdust carpet making project. Organizer, Josefina Salas, says it’s a tradition brought down from Guatemala that she has been doing for over 14 years.
Orange Walk Fire Department Prevents Catastrophe The heat is on and according to many; the temperature we are experiencing in Belize is unlike that in previous years. With the scourging heat though, come threats of fires, much like the one that the Orange Walk Fire Department officials, monitored this afternoon along the Phillip Goldson Highway. Dalila Ical has more on what could have been a catastrophic incident.
Thick smoke hovered over the Phillip Goldson Highway by Z Gas Belize. The overgrown lot was engulfed in flames. The fire ignited around two thirty this afternoon behind the butane plant.
Daniel Chan – Plant Operator
“They advised us to call the fire station and we called them then the fire went wild and it was going in two directions. The employees deemed it wise to call the Fire Department, and two fire fighters responded quickly and thankfully so. One of them was Miguel Medina, Second in charge at the Orange Walk Fire Station.
Health Post In San Lazaro Village Receives Facelift Today is being observed as World Health Day and municipalities across Belize are being sensitized on the main theme, “Vector Borne Diseases”. A release from the Ministry of Health states that half of the world’s population is at risk from diseases such as malaria, dengue, lyme diseases and yellow fever carried by mosquitos, ticks and flies. In addition, these diseases affect the poorest populations particularly where there is a lack of access to adequate housing, safe drinking water and sanitation. Today, to coincide with World Health Day, residents of San Lazaro inaugurated their newly renovated Health Outpost where testing and medical checks were being carried out.
Isidora Flota– Community Health Worker
“Estamos con el programa de médicos en general y están los dentistas y se está haciendo popsmear pero actualmente cada mes hacemos prenatal, mobile clinic para niños y todo eso hacemos y siempre se hace popsmear. Lo remodelaron otra vez poro este programa siempre ha sido desde anos que siempre estamos aquí con el de prenatal y de los niños y todo ese inmunización y cada mes tenemos popsmear cuando hay tiempo lo hacemos con las enfermeras.”
Tragedy Hits ESTM, Fourth Form Students Will Not Sit Final Exam Without a doubt the unfortunate incident that occurred on Friday has left the students of ESTM in shock especially those who were on the field trip and witnessed the drowning of Edgar Puck and Anahi Zepeda. Today when we arrived at the school we were informed that students are currently receiving counseling from five councilors in order to deal with the dreadful the situation.
What is worse though is that fourth form students are scheduled to take their final exams tomorrow before graduation.
This is cause of concern for parents who believe that students will not be able to perform well since they are still in shock. Over the weekend parents voiced their concern to the school’s faculty. Today, the good news is that in sight of the situation the school’s Board of Directors has decided that forth form students will not sit the final exams and that the daily grades will be used as final grades.
ESTM Students Laid To Rest, MOE Launches Investigation Into Their Deaths The Macal River claimed the life of two promising students from the Corozal District on Friday. The fourth form students of Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico were returning home from a school trip at the Che Chem Ha Caves, when the group made a stop in San Ignacio near the low-lying bridge to wash themselves. That is when death came calling as 16 year old Edgar Puck from the Village of Patchakan and 15 year old Anahi Zepeda from San Joaquin, were carried by the currents and drowned. It is a sad situation, one that has prompted an investigation and has left more questions than answers for those who lost their loved ones. Victor Castillo has the story from Corozal.
Sixteen year old Edgar Puck from the Village of Patchakan and 15 year old Anahi Zepeda from San Joaquin, were scheduled to graduate from Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico in a few months. Puck was scheduled to give the valedictorian speech while Zepeda, an honor roll student was to walk the aisle with the rest of her peers.
But instead of planning a graduation party the families of both students are tonight mourning their death.
Fisherman Kiilled By Crocodile Forty seven year old Carl Diaz, a resident of Benque Viejo Del Carmen was killed yesterday by a crocodile. Authorities in Ladyville report that they received a call around 3:00pm and dispatched a team 900 feet south west to Green Estate property located in Lords Bank Village. Upon arrival, they saw Diaz’ body lying face down in a water channel with his right foot almost severed and what appeared to be a huge irregular wound on the right leg and three bite marks on the left foot.
A witness, who was in the immediate area at the time of the incident, reported that whilst walking in the area to go fishing he heard a noise coming from the water channel and that’s when he saw a male person being dragged down the channel by a large crocodile. Diaz’s screams apparently caused the crocodile to let go of him and the animal submerged, leaving its victim severely wounded. Diaz’s body was transported to the KHMH where it was pronounced dead at 6:02pm. Diaz was a fisherman from Benque Viejo Del Carmen in the Cayo District. The body now awaits a Post Mortem Examination. Police are treating this case as a sudden death.
Five Persons Detained For Armed Robbery In Corozal Yesterday we told you about the robbery that took place at Jing Jing store located in the Santa Rita area of Corozal Town. Tonight there are more details into the robbery. The proprietor of the store, 52 year old Chinese National, Hui Bang Chen, reported to authorities that around 2:50pm he was inside the store attending to customers when three male persons, two described as being of creole descent and the third of Hispanic descent, entered the business establishment.
The men concealed their identity by partly covering their faces with caps. Chen reported that one of the men had what appeared to be a hand gun which he pointed at him. While that took place the other criminals went over the counter and took out approximately $300.00 to $400.00 in cash from the drawer. One of the men attacked a customer and by the use of force stole his wallet containing $150.00 in cash and his I/D cards.
OW Mayor Clarifies Band-Fest Situation As mentioned last night, the football field at the Orange Walk People’s Stadium is in no way adequate to host BandFest 2014. The field is covered with ashes and organizers deemed it unfit to hold the event hence why the venue was changed to Corozal.
Since the news broke out, there is no shying away from the fact that there has been a lot of finger pointing with people wanting to know why the field was not ready and who is at fault. For clarification, the People’s Stadium is managed by the Orange Walk Sports Council, chaired by Mr. Derrick Gillette, who responds to the National Sports Council, which falls under the Ministry of Sports.
Amongst those being accused for the present conditions of the People’s Stadium, is the Orange Walk Town Council, who, according to Mayor of Orange Walk, has nothing to do with upkeep of the stadium.
OWTC Continuous To Work On Guadalupe Park The story of Guadalupe Park located in the Orange Walk East constituency first made headlines in the month of February when it was revealed that the public space had been privatized and ended up the hands of Adin Aragon, the son of Elodio Aragon Senior. After much public outcry, the Aragon’s transferred the property back to the Government of Belize. Right after, the Commissioners of Lands, Wilbert Vallejos, announced that the Ministry of Natural Resources would be taking in applications for the property. In order for the park to remain as a public space, as was first intended, the Orange Walk Town Council jumped at the opportunity and applied for the parcel of land at the Orange Walk Lands Department. Their application though, was not accepted. Instead, the council was informed that they must submit their application in Belmopan.
And that they did, but to date have received no response. Standing firm in their decision to return the park in the hands of the public, the Orange Walk Town Council, in collaboration with the community has been refurbishing the park and today the work continued as a basketball rim was set up.
Norteneous Benefit From New Horizon Belize 14 New Horizons is a project that was first brought to Belize by the US Southern Command in 2001. It was implemented again in 2007, 2013 and now the project is back in Belize for 2014. This time the US Air Force and the US Army arrived in Belize on March 30th and joined forces with the Belize Defense Force, the Belize Agriculture Health Authority, BAHA and the Public Health Sector to carry out the New Horizon Belize 14.
The joint exercise combines training with infrastructure projects and education, health and humanitarian works carried out in different communities across the country especially in rural areas. Today we caught up with the team in the Village of Chunox in the Corozal District and found out what New Horizon 2014 is offering to Belizeans this time around.
Corozal Police On The Hunt For Wanted Men Tonight, the man hunt for two fugitives who are wanted by the Corozal Police Department continues. Despite a warrant for their arrest, Alex Reid, (aka cat) who is wanted for the crime of robbery and Robert Locke who is sought for rape, remain on the run.
Reid, who hails from the Cayo District, is being sought for the November 18th robbery of Chong Sang Supermarket located on College Road in Corozal. He is also wanted by San Ignacio Police for a spate of robberies committed in that district.
As previously mentioned, Reid is no stranger to the law. He was released from the Kolbe Correctional Facility in the month of December 2013. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the two men is asked to contact the nearest police station.
BNE And LICU Launches Empowerment Funding This morning the Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust in conjunction with the La Inmaculada Credit Union launched its Empowerment Fund. These funds are now available to persons especially from the north and western parts of the country that are interested in boosting their micro or small businesses or have a business idea they wish to develop. Reporter Dalila Ical has the details.
Dalila Ical – Reporting
The contract was officially signed this morning between the Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust and the La Inmaculada Credit Union in a brief ceremony. Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust says that just as the title of the fund says, they hope to empower the productive sector of the country contributing to their economic growth.
Students And Cane Farmers Benefit From Fair-Trade Funds A general meeting was held for cane farmers in the Orange Walk branch on Saturday. Part of the meeting included the distribution of school grants for students and grants for sugar cane farmers above age fifty. Alfredo Ortega, Vice Chair of the Committee of Management at the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association told us about the initiative.
Alfredo Ortega
“Es de los el premio de Fair-Trade eso es parte del programa social a el cual La Asociación tiene que dar un porcentaje para apoyar en los programas sociales ya sea a nivel de educación o a niel de la comunidad.”
Dalila Ical – Reporter
“Para los estudiantes este dinero se tiene que usar específicamente para las escuelas o los gastos de las escuelas?”
Alfredo Ortega
“Bueno si porque se les pide que traigan recibos adonde han pagado al colegio y también se les pide que les traigan prueba de que están asistiendo a ese colegió particular porque sabes a nosotros todo somos auditados y entonces eso es lo que refleja si realmente la persona califico para conseguir ese o ser partícipe de ese proyecto.”
LOVE FM
King Reneges on Promise; Squatters Will Have to Move HIPOLITO NOVELO NARRATING
“A few months ago, the Holy Emmanuel Street Squatters met with Lake Independence Area Representative Mark King and in that meeting King promised them title for the lands they occupy. However, the squatters now believe King’s promise might not be fulfilled. “
SQUATTER
“When we had our meeting with our Area Representative in November, he promised us that they were going to survey this land and give us with title and leases; all that we want is for him to please touch his heart and not move us from our houses.”
HIPOLITO NOVELO NARRATING
“Development in the area is ongoing and sooner or later, King says that the squatters will have no choice but to move out.”
MARK KING
“They need to simply move their homes and stay with their friends and families until I can assist them in finding a piece of land. For years, we have allowed squatters in this country to just come and take a piece of land, they need to realize, which they have already realised they are in the wrong.”
HIPOLITO NOVELO NARRATING
“While the argument continues as to whether the squatters are wrong or right, most of those we spoke with said they left their mother country to seek a better life in Belize. Most of them found a bit of it at the swampy area of Holy Emmanuel Street. They have developed the lands the best they could. For years they have been cutting down trees, putting together London bridges and working together to make the area habitable. However it would appear despite his earlier assurance, their area representative has made an about face.”
A Look At the Care for Belize’s Senior Citizens RENEE TRUJILLO NARRATING
“Growing old is what is expected with the passing of time; many people spend countless hours working and saving money to try and safeguard a dignified lifestyle when they reach the retirement age or when they are no longer fully capable of taking care of themselves…..but what happens to those who don’t have the means to safeguard that future, what happens to those who once formed a crucial part of society but no longer have family members who are present or willing to ensure a good life for them in their golden years. This is the reality of many elderly persons in Belize. …. After doing an initial visit to the Sister Cecelia home last week, I went back to find out more about the way of life for these elderly people who make up about seven percent of our population. Ivorine Bulwer is the Executive Director for Helpage Belize, the parent organization for the Sister Cecelia Home located on Wilson Street in Belize City.”
IVORINE BULWER
“Sister Cecilia is a residential home; we have two and under the umbrella of Helpage, we have eleven branches including the two residential homes, Sister Cecelia and Octavio Waight in San Ignacio and very shortly we should be establishing a residential home in Belmopan. Quite a number of older persons may not have anywhere to stay or their loved one may be abroad or their family members might be financially challenged and they really cannot cope or they don’t have the space to facilitate their older persons or sometimes their older persons just want to be out of their residence. At Sister Cecilia, we have four private rooms and so, it facilitates those who can pay for those rooms. Others, as part of the state we have to facilitate those clients who need care and have nowhere to stay.”
Infants Go Easter Egg Hunting The first of what is hoped to be an annual event was held for children, ages 4 – 5 this morning at the BTL Park on Newtown Barracks in Belize City. The staff of the Belize Telemedia Limited lobbied to the company for their support in hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for an estimated one hundred children. Of the five preschools that were invited to attend, two preschools participated in finding treats and sweets hidden within the perimeter of the park. In addition to that the company also presented Easter baskets to the toddlers and engaged them in some fun games. According to BTL’s PR Representative, Gail Ozaeta, the company is also exploring the possibility of having an event for the children for Halloween. This morning’s egg hunt started around nine thirty and lasted just under two hours.
Crocodile Kills Father of Five Belize is known to have two species of crocodiles; the crocodylus acutus known as the American crocodile which can grow up to 20 feet and the morelet which is the freshwater crocodile and can grow up to 12 feet. Described as the smartest reptile, crocodiles have special pores called ISO’s that are capable of detecting pressure changes and vibrations in the water and can even detect vibrations from you when you walk near the water’s edge, using this ability is how they find their prey and that is just what happened yesterday afternoon just after two o’clock in the Green Estate proposed housing site in Ladyville Village, Belize District. Carl Michael Diaz, a resident of Benque Viejo del Carmen in the Cayo District, reportedly went fishing but how his tragic death unfolded is anybody’s guess as his body was discovered by some children who went to the area later that afternoon. Brian and I visited the area this morning and met up with Diaz’ wife and brother to get some answers.
PAUL DIAZ
“He was fishing; that’s his hobby, he loved to fish.”
RENEE TRUJILLO
“Was he familiar with the area around here to know that the ponds had crocodiles?”
PAUL DIAZ
“I think he was because he told my stepfather, he showed him some tracks where the animal had been around; it was a huge beast and I think he was familiar that there was crocodile in the area.”
RENEE TRUJILLO
“Tell me about your brother; I know that he lived in Benque, what was he doing in Ladyville?”
PAUL DIAZ
“Well, he came down and he said he was going to get a job with NEMO down here and he came back on Sunday and I told him the day before that we were going to link up because I was planning on starting up a little something and I want him to be a part of it and that we had to get together and chat a bit.”
Contractors Face Immigration Charges Two building contractors were charged with one count of employing persons not in possession of a temporary valid employment permit when they appeared today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. They are 45 year old Belizean Oscar Chan and 40 year old Salvadoran national Samuel Erazo. Chan pled not guilty to the charge. He was offered a bail of $1,000 and his case was adjourned until May 8. Erazo pled guilty to the charge and he was fined $1,000. He was ordered to pay by April 30. If he defaults on payment he will serve 6 months. Chan and Erazo were busted yesterday when immigration officers went to a construction site at Biltmore Plaza and found a Honduran national, Jose Ortiz, and a Salvadoran national, Edwin ponce, working there without employment permit. Ponce told immigration officers that he was working for Erazo and Ortiz told immigration officers that he was working for Chan. As a result, Chan and Erazo were arrested and charged.
Murder and Attempted Murder Charges Levied Against Lemmoth Twenty-seven year old Justin Lemoth, a resident of Hattieville, was charged with murder and attempted murder when he appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. Lemoth was remanded into custody until May 8. The charges are in connection with an incident that occurred around 9:25 p.m. on Friday, April 4, at a basketball court in Hattieville. According to police reports, there was a fracas on the court and two persons were stabbed. Seventeen year old Richard Waight Jr. was stabbed to the left side of his chest while the second person, a 16 year old boy, was stabbed to the right side of his lower abdomen. Both of them were rushed to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where Waight succumbed to his injury. The 16 year old survived.
Corozal Police Seeks Suspects for Robberies and Rape Corozal Police is asking for the public’s assistance in arresting two wanted men. Corozal Police are looking for 26 year old Alex Reid who is wanted for a number of burglaries and robberies in Corozal Town. Reid is being sought for his role in allegedly holding up the proprietor of Chong Sang Supermarket at gun point on November 18 2013. Reid had a partner at the time of the robbery and he is Kevin Manzanero, who has already been arrested. Reid is also a person of interest for robberies committed in San Ignacio Town. The second person Corozal Police is looking for is Robert Locke. Corozal Police have issued a warrant for Locke’s arrest who is wanted for the crime of rape. You are asked if you know the whereabouts of these men to call the nearest police station, 911 or 922-TIPS.
PlusTV
Child’s Head is Crushed by Forklift
A child was killed when his head was crushed by a forklift. The incident happened at Esso gas station in Spanish lookout when the 6 year old son of Mennonite business owner Melvin Cornelson of Reimer’s Service Station, was somehow run over by a forklift. The exact details of...
25 year old Man Arrested for Stabbing Two Teenagers; One Dies
25-year-old Justin Lemott of Hattieville Village was charged by police for the murder of 17 year old Richard Waight Jr. and for Attempted Murder, Use of Deadly Means of Harm, and Grievous Harm upon 16-year-old Austin Rhaburn today when he appeared for arraignment. 17 year old Richard Waight, Jr., of...
Fugitives on the Run
Corozal police are on the hunt for two fugitives who remain on the run after warrants for their arrest were issued. The wanted men are Alex Reid for the crime of robbery. In that robbery incident, Kevin Midget Manzanero has already been arrested. The robbery incident in question was...
Orange Walk Mayor Upset About Band Fest Move to Corozal
The much anticipated Band Fest 2014 which was to take place in Orange Walk Town has had a last minute change of venue and will now take place in Corozal Town. However, one very agitated Mayor of Orange Walk Town sent out a press release in which he expressed...
Crocodile Kills Man While Fishing
A man was killed by a crocodile yesterday in the Ladyville/Lords’ Bank area. The body of 47-year-old Carl Michael Diaz, Belizean fisherman of Benque Viejo Del Carmen, Cayo District, was found near a pond on a private property called Green Estate. It appears that Diaz was fishing in the...
Chinese Stores Targeted in the North
Last week we reported on the armed robberies of two Chinese stores in Corozal. There was another one last night. This one occurred at Jing Jing store located at the corner of Phillip Goldson Highway and Paraiso Village Junction. Hui Bang Chen, 52 year old Chinese Business man, reported...
Cordell Hyde Back on PUP Saddle
Plus News has been reliably informed that last night, former Area Representative for Lake Independence Cordel Hyde was vetted by the People’s United Party to be a potential candidate for the Lake Independence Constituency. Sources say Hyde’s is the only name submitted to represent the PUP in that division....
SATIIM Decries Bullying Attempt by US Capital
Last Thursday, Justice Michelle Arana ordered US Capital Energy and the Government of Belize to enter negotiations with the Maya of southern Toledo before continuing with their plans and preparations to drill for petroleum within the Sarstoon Temash National Park. The leaders of the Maya communities surrounding the park...
The Never Ending Saga of Rosewood Smuggling
Rosewood in the Toledo district is still being harvested despite a moratorium on the logging of the endangered wood. On Sunday, our colleagues at PGTV said they were called out to the Trio area to see that illegally obtained rosewood was being hauled to Bella Vista Village which is...
Millions of Dollars of Marijuana Destroyed
The United States department of defense is reporting that a marijuana eradication operation in Belize, from March 15-20, was extremely successful. It was a joint military operation involving Belize Defence Force soldiers and Belize police where the Belizean government destroyed 34 marijuana fields at an estimated value of US$29...
Men Busted for Illegal Exportation of Shark Meat
The Fisheries department has reported a large bust of salted shark meat and dried shark fins along the coast between Punta Negra to Abalone Caye. According to the Fisheries Department, the vessel was spotted and there was a boat chase but the culprits were eventually caught. The two men...
UB Students on Community Outreach
Every year for the past 4 years, UB has held its biannual community outreach in which students, enrolled in the department of education, under the guidance of their professor, Dr. Thomasine Baker, coordinate and prepare workshops and symposiums for teachers and students alike at the primary school level. This...
New Garbage Truck for Citco
The Belmopan City council has a new, state of the art garbage truck. The truck came all the way from England and was purchased eight months ago. However, it only recently arrived in the country due to health protocols in relation to shipping. The truck was purchased at a...
Amandala
Crocodile kills man in Lords Bank swamp Police have confirmed a breaking story that a man was killed by a crocodile in the Lords Bank area of Ladyville.
The victim was reportedly fishing in a swampy area of Lords Bank and was in the water when a crocodile attacked him and dragged him under the water at about 2:30 this afternoon.
Police do not yet know who the victim is, because his body has not been recovered.
A man who was in the area who saw what happened, quickly went to the police, and the alarm was raised.
1st leg of PSE held for primary school students The first of a 2-part sitting of the biggest exam in the curriculum of Belizean primary school students – the Primary School Examinations (PSE) – took place today and over 7,500 primary school students faced the challenge of overcoming the first part of the nationwide exams, which included assessments in the English and Science subjects.
As soon as the youngsters had put down their pens and handed in their examinations sheets, Amandala sought some of the participants to find out just how difficult the two exams were.
Interestingly, most of the students whom we spoke to commented that the tests were somewhat easier than they expected and some even ventured to say that they had aced the exams and that they anticipated grades in the 80’s and 90’s.
Shena Reun, a student of Belize Elementary School, told us that she began preparing from the start of the year with the help of her mother so she wasn’t nervous going in to the exams. “For Science I think that maybe I will get an 84 [percent] and for English, maybe like 95 or 98 [percent]”, she speculated.
She remarked that there were only 2 questions that she found challenging while taking the Science exam.
PAIN AND SORROW FOR WAIGHT FAMILY The life of a promising and talented young student and footballer was unexpectedly cut short last Friday night after a fight on the Hattieville basketball court after 9:00 p.m., which resulted in two minors suffering different degrees of stab wounds, one of them proving fatal.
The incident occurred in the jurisdiction of Belize District’s Rural Executive Officer, ASP Chris Noble, and last Saturday, April 5, he told the media what police knew about the stabbing incident, which started out as a small feud between a group of minors and unfortunately escalated into a fatal confrontation which eventually cost a 17-year-old Hattieville resident his life.
Noble said, “Sometime after 9:00 last night, an incident occurred on the basketball court which is very near to the police station in Hattieville. The end result of that incident is that two minors were injured; one of them unfortunately succumbed while being treated at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), and we have one person in custody.
“We’re working with the information that we’ve gathered from other persons that were around and we have contacted CIB in Belize City; and with their assistance, we are trying to cover the entire report. Our information so far is that there were several persons in the area; it is a village and persons in the village are known to each other. It is not something that was imported into the village, so the cooperation is very high.”
SAD, TRAGIC DAY FOR ESCUELA MEXICO HIGH SCHOOL The fourth form students of the Escuela Mexico High School, of San Roman, Corozal, who were on a school tour to the Che Chem Ha Caves in the Cayo District, are mourning the death of two of their classmates who drowned while swimming in the Macal River near the low wooden bridge in San Ignacio, at about 3:30 Friday afternoon. The students had stopped at the Macal River to refresh themselves before travelling back to Corozal.
Anahi Zepeda, 15, of San Joaquin Village, and Edgar Puck, 16, of Patchakan, Corozal District, and other students were in the water near the wooden bridge when Zepeda was dragged down by the river currents.
Puck went to help her, but both of them were sucked down by the strong undercurrent.
People who saw what was happening jumped in to try to help. Puck was found shortly after under the water. CPR was administered, but it was too late.
Puck was then taken to the San Ignacio Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
A further search by tour guides, police officers and people of the area was conducted and the body of Zepeda was found about an hour later in the general area where they went down. She was also taken to the San Ignacio Hospital, where she also was declared dead on arrival.
FIRST DRUG COURT FOR BELIZE Sentencing someone to jail for stealing a phone to satisfy his or her drug addiction does not solve the problem, unless that person is rehabilitated while incarcerated to cure his or her addiction. Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith told us that it is with this in mind that members of the judiciary have been meeting with community activists to set up a drug court, which, she said, will handle crimes driven by drug addiction.
The steering committee, which is chaired by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin, is due to meet this Wednesday. Benjamin, Smith and mental health expert Jenny Lovell traveled recently to Vancouver, Canada, to attend an intensive training, and they will be reporting back to the committee when they meet in a few days.
Meanwhile, officials of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Government of Belize are reviewing a draft memorandum of understanding for the establishment of the drug court.
Chief Magistrate Smith told us that there is a list of offenses which would be handled by the drug court, and a list of those which would continue to be heard in the mainstream courts. She said that the intent is to treat drug addiction as an illness, so that persons guilty of certain offenses would be committed to rehab rather than to prison.
DEADLY SHOOTING ON CA BOULEVARD CLAIMS A LIFE Anfernee Romero, 18, of Central American Boulevard, lost his life in a shooting incident, and his friend, Troy Hyde, 26, also of Belize City, who was shot in the back, is recovering at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH).
The men were at a locksmith’s shop on Central American Boulevard at about 5:00 Thursday evening when they were attacked by the gunmen.
Police say that Hyde and Romero were at the shop when two men riding on separate bicycles rode up to the shop and fired at them. Romero was shot in the right side of the head, while Hyde was shot in the back. The gunmen then rode away.
The injured men were rushed to the hospital, where they were admitted in a critical condition, but Romero died at about 4:30 Friday morning. Hyde, shot three times, continues to recover at the KHMH.
In an interview with Amandala, the owner of the workshop reported that he had just left the shop when he heard that the two men who were at the shop had been shot. He and Hyde were friends, he said, but Romero, who was a friend of Hyde, had just started going to the shop about four days before the shooting, and he was not well acquainted with him.
Editorial: Belizean nation Primarily in an attempt, we suppose, to explain historical voting patterns which still hold true today in the United States of America, the historian and journalist Colin Woodard published an intriguing book entitled American Nations in 2011. He identified eleven rival regional cultures in North America, which included what he called Yankeedom, New Netherland, the Midlands, Tidewater, Greater Appalachia, the Deep South, New France, El Norte, the Left Coast, the Far West, and First Nation.
For us at this newspaper, one importance of Woodard’s book is that it confirms the academic legitimacy of micro analysis within the national framework. There are historical realities which many people, including leaders, prefer to gloss over from day to day, but which help to explain the various socio-political behaviors of certain groups of citizens within the same national borders.
Belize Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington got himself into trouble in 2010 when he described Belize’s border with Guatemala as “artificial.” The adjective he should have used is “arbitrary.” Africa is probably the continent where we can see the most arbitrary of national borders, because most of these states were created by various imperialists and colonialists, not by the people who had lived in these territories for centuries and millennia.
From The Publisher In our editorial last weekend, we mentioned that our various Prime Ministers, and there have been four of them, often have behaved similarly. One of the reasons for this is that all our Prime Ministers have to take instructions from Washington and London where certain crucial issues are concerned.
The most crucial issue in Belize is the predatory Guatemalan claim to Belizean territory. There are many prominent Belizeans who want for the “Guatemalan claim” to be preceded always by the adjective, “unfounded.” I understand their position, but, as a respectful student of Dartmouth’s Professor Vincent Starzinger, it does not matter to me whether the claim is founded or unfounded: what matters to me is that the claim is real. The claim exists in our daily lives.
The claim exists because of the power realities involved. If Belize decided to claim the Petén, that would not be a real claim, because Belize is not in a position to enforce such a claim. Because of a superior size and military, Guatemala is in a position to enforce her claim to Belize. For me, that is what makes the claim a real and present danger.
Until Belize became independent in September of 1981, the defence of the territory was the responsibility of Great Britain, British Honduras having become a colony of hers in 1862. Even after British Honduras became a self-governing colony in 1964, our defence remained a portfolio responsibility of the British.
LETTERS: “The Voice of Authority” and “The Fee” One day awhile back, feeling restless and in the mood for a road trip, I accompanied my friend Robert from Placencia (where I had been living for a few years) to Dangriga, where he had some business to do at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Robert had no car, but he did have a small motor scooter to use for putting around the village, so the two of us hopped on a James Bus and were soon at the DMV, which was conveniently located next to the bus station in Dangriga.
On the trip over, Robert explained to me that both his registration and his license had expired, but he foresaw no insurmountable problem here; a simple matter of renewing the documents and we would be on our way back to Placencia.
Entering the office the first person we saw was a huge sergeant, resplendent in his crisp uniform and sitting at a desk reading a newspaper. Feeling like truant schoolboys, we stood before him until he finished catching up on the news and deigned to look up at us.
Rosewood pillaging by Guats continues It appears that despite a moratorium on the harvesting of rosewood in Belize, and notwithstanding increased international trade restrictions, the pillaging of this prized hardwood continues.
Yesterday at about 3:30 p.m., PGTV News got a call that someone was hauling rosewood from the Trio area and taking it to a secret location in Bella Vista Village, which is in the north of Toledo. PGTV crew followed the story and came upon stacks of rosewood, freshly cut.
The information was relayed to the forest officer at Savannah Forest Station, and had they moved on time all of this could have been confiscated. Up to this time, we have no idea if they did or not, but what we are sure of is that there was no stamp, signifying official certification, on these logs and that they were freshly cut.
12 persons missing since 2014 began The mystery of several individuals who went missing in the first three months of the year deepens, as another person, a Sarteneja resident, is added to the growing missing person list.
So far, twelve persons have been reported missing, including the most recent disappearance, which was reported yesterday, Wednesday. Corozal police found the boat of a Sarteneja resident known as “Dean” abandoned in the Sarteneja area, and 4 expended shells were found in his boat.
The year began with the disappearance of Katherine Illeana Medrano, 16, who ran away from home on Thursday, January, 13. She has not been seen since.
Then Osborne Jones, of Ladyville, left home at about 10:00 Saturday morning, February 22, which was the last time he was seen or heard from.
Two men of San Pedro, Vincent Crawford and Dean Joseph of the San Mateo area, have been reported missing since March 1. They went to sea in the northern San Pedro area and have not been seen since.
Maya leaders urge dialogue to end litigation Following a favorable ruling yesterday by Supreme Court Justice Michelle Arana, the Maya Leaders Alliance (MLA) and the Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA) have stated that the dispute between the Government and the Maya can only be resolved through dialogue, on the premise that their land rights exist, and they are inviting the Office of the Prime Minister, the Attorney General, the Minister of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Forestry and Sustainable Development and the Ministry of the Environment, for talks which they say should put an end to the need for further litigation.
“We want to get to work demarcating and registering our lands, so that both the Maya and Belize as a whole can focus on the more important work of improving the lives of all Belizeans with sustainable development that preserves the environment on which we all depend,” the Maya leaders said.
They noted that later this year, the MLA and TAA will be going to the Caribbean Court of Justice to seek an order for the Government of Belize to recognize and respect the rights of the Maya people to their lands and resources – which they contend is an obligation that Belize has under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Suriname’s Terrence Craig to head OAS office in Belize Terrence Craig, who has been serving as the representative for the Organization of American States (ASO) in Grenada since October 2008, has been picked to head the OAS office in Belize, effective in May.
Craig would succeed Juliet Phillip, who was assigned to Belize in January 2013.
Ambassador Craig, who formerly served as head of the Americas Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Suriname, told us that he has been to Belize twice before, as a government representative for Suriname.
We were advised by the OAS Office in Belize that Craig is due to take up the post on Thursday, May 1; however, Craig told us that he and his supervisor are still working out some details.
1st Forestry, Fisheries and Finance Fair happens in the City The ITVET Campus on Freetown Road in Belize City was the venue for the first ever Forestry, Fisheries and Finance Fair which was hosted today by the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development.
The event featured presentations from the Forestry and Fisheries Departments who mainly showcased sustainable forestry and fishing initiatives, as well as business people and entrepreneurs who displayed various local seafood products and cuisines in addition to wooden creations such as handicraft, sculptures, benches and other furniture, and even fully-equipped miniature children’s parks.
One of the reasons for the fair, according to Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, Hon. Senator Lisel Alamilla, is to showcase a snapshot of the economic opportunities that exist in the forestry and fisheries sectors.
In her keynote address during the opening ceremonies, Alamilla made it clear that Belize’s natural resources need to be protected and preserved if we are to have them for future generations, and that our abundant seas and pristine forests should not be subjected to unwarranted plundering.
World Health Day Observed in Belize The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), and the Ministry of Health have joined forces in the celebration of World Health Day today at the Belize City Lions Club parking lot on Princess Margaret Drive.
According to the World Health Organization, vector-borne diseases are entirely preventable and a newly published article called “A global brief on vector-borne diseases” outlines steps that governments, community groups and families can all take to protect people from infection.
Vector-borne diseases are known to affect the poorest populations, particularly where there is a lack of access to adequate housing, safe drinking water and sanitation, and malnourished people and those with weakened immunity are especially susceptible.
Belize City Council and Belize Waste Control are almost at the brink over the Council’s arrears The Belize City Council continues to struggle to pay its arrears to the sanitation company Belize Waste Control (BWC), and the parties had one more round of litigation on Tuesday in the chambers of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin.
Their case has been adjourned to Friday morning, when the parties are scheduled to return to court to provide an update on the council’s plan to pay its outstanding arrears to the sanitation company.
Coming out of the Chief Justice’s chamber, both parties updated the media on the continuing litigation.
Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley, who represented the City Council at the hearing, said that by Friday, the council is expecting to reduce the amount it owes the sanitation company to just one month of arrears.
The Mayor added,” That itself means that we do owe four weeks, but that does not constitute a breach of contract and so our position is that by Friday…. that would ameliorate some of the issue in terms of the litigation and we are making good faith efforts to try to see that we can maintain that four-week period.”
Calamity in Santa Elena – uninsured house completely destroyed by fire The two-flat uninsured house of Augustine Martinez, 82, of Carillo Puerto Avenue, Santa Elena Town Cayo District, and his belongings, were completely destroyed by fire at about 10:45 Saturday night.
Martinez lived in the lower flat of the house, while Evelyn Estell, lived in the upper flat.
Martinez reported that she was asleep in her house when she was awakened by smoke and heat. She got up to see what was happening, and saw that the house was on fire. She quickly escaped the inferno. Estell also made it to safety.
Martinez said that the house was not ensured.
City Council narrows its debts to Waste Control to two weeks of arrears The Belize City Council and Belize Waste Control (BWC), one of the council’s sanitation providers, have been slugging it out in the Supreme Court of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin over the council’s hundreds of thousands of dollars of arrears to the sanitation company. But when they returned to court on Friday, the two entities appeared to have worked out their differences to an acceptable degree to avoid further litigation for the time being.
Mayor Darrell Bradley told reporters, “I was able to inform the court that we were only two weeks outside of what we owe them and they are still pursuing litigation. I had impressed upon the court to consider the fact that by the terms of the contract, we can be 4 weeks in arrears and I want to make that very clear.”
“What we are saying is that as long as we are within this four-week period, and at the present moment we are two weeks, we are not to be sued and the case is to be discontinued. The judge gave time for Waste Control to file a statement of facts and issues because the judge wants to be satisfied with respect to what remaining try-able issues there are and we are to return to court on the 15th April for the judge to consider that and to consider whether or not the matter has been settled or whether or not the matter is to proceed forward,” explained the mayor.
John Downard, 49, an American accused of importation of hemp seed, has no case to answer An American man who has been living in Belize for ten years and who is the director of Vortech Limited, a company that represents newly patented technologies, was arrested and charged on December 4, 2013, after he was found to be bringing 461 grams of hemp seeds into Belize on his return from a trip to Colorado.
Authorities charged John Downard with one count of importation of a controlled substance and one count of distribution of a controlled drug.
The trial started in February and has been through a number of adjournments. But on Monday morning, John Downard, who resides in San Ignacio, was cleared of the two charges, when in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Leslie Hamilton ruled in favor of a no-case-to-answer submission made by Downard’s attorney, Rachael Montejo.
Guatemalan man drowns in Macal, in Santa Familia Less than two days after two high school students drowned in the Macal River near the low bridge in San Ignacio on Friday evening, a Guatemalan, Francisco Martin Juan, 33, of Huehuetenango, San Miguel Acatan, Guatemala, drowned in the Macal River, in Santa Familia, Cayo District.
According to police, Jose Miguel Gaspar, 48, a Guatemalan laborer of Huehuetenango, San Miguel Acatan, Guatemala City, presently living in Santa Familia, told them that Juan, his nephew, was under the influence of alcohol when he jumped into the river and tried to swim across at about 12:30 yesterday afternoon.
Strong currents, however, dragged him under. People in the area began to search for him, but by the time he was found he had already drowned. He was taken to the San Ignacio Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Byron Pope first, Marlon Castillo second in Pre-Cross Country race Just over 50 cyclists took part in the first ever Pre-Cross Country race that went from Leslie’s Imports to Mount Hope and back, for approximately 115 or 120 miles on Sunday, April 6. There were no foreigners in the race, but a number of “big names” took advantage of the opportunity to further their preparation for the Holy Saturday main event.
Top 5 finishers in Sunday’s Pre-Cross Country were: 1st Byron Pope (Benny’s Megabytes, 5:10:04); 2nd Marlon Castillo (BTL Cycling, 5:10:04); 3rd Henry Moreira (Predators Belize, 5:10:13); 4th Gregory Lovell (BTL Cycling, 5:11:03); 5th Brandon Cattouse (C-Ray Road Addikz, 5:11:03).
We expressed some reservation about the benefits of winning such a race as the Pre-Cross Country; but then, personalities are different, and what may make one person become complacent, may instead further motivate, inspire and embolden another.
Bandits to host Houston Belmopan Bandits FC manager Kenneth Budna informed the sports desk tonight, when we queried the reason for their previously scheduled Saturday night game vs Paradise/Freedom Fighters being moved up to this Wednesday night, April 9, at the Isidoro Beaton, that they had just confirmed an invitational match against the Houston Hurricanes for Saturday. The Bandits had held previous discussions with the League, and once the Hurricanes visit was finalized, they agreed to bring forward the Closing Season match with the Freedom Fighters to Wednesday night at the same Isidoro Beaton Stadium, where the game against the Hurricanes will be played at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Table Tennis Primary school table tennis took center stage at the BES Auditorium just over a week ago on Friday, March 28, where the 2014 3rd Annual Dutch Lady Primary School Tournament resulted in St. Joseph Primary sweeping all 4 top positions. The hosts, Belize Elementary School (BES) fielded the largest team that included some top junior players, but that did not deter St. Joseph Primary School who walked away with the Championship Cup. Other participating primary schools were Hummingbird Elementary, St. Mary’s and Wesley, as well as first time entries St. Ignatius and Ephesus.
According to the Belize Table Tennis Association (BTTA) release on the event, some 64 students from the 7 primary schools played a total of 250 matches in Friday’s event. 8 groups of 8 players took part in an Elimination Round Robin, with the top 2 players from each group advancing to the “16 Draw Double-Elimination Finals.”
Burglary in Punta Gorda Ivan Ramclam, 19, a resident of Punta Gorda, has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison until April 30 on charges of theft and handling stolen goods.
Police believe that Ramclam was the thief who burglarized the house of Stephanie Brown of Hibiscus Street, Hopeville, Punta Gorda.
Ramclam was taken to the Punta Gorda Magistrate’s Court, where he was arraigned on the charges.
Brown reported that on Friday, February 28, she left her home locked, and returned on Wednesday, March 19, and saw that that her home had been broken into.
Robberies on Santa Rita Road in Corozal Two stores were robbed on Santa Rita Road in Corozal on Wednesday and Thursday, and thieves got away with cash, phone cards and an iPhone.
At about 9:15 p.m. Wednesday night, two thieves robbed Bam’s Shop and got away with $1,500 and an iPhone from a storeowner and $7 from a customer and got away.
Then, at about 7:15 p.m. on Thursday night, China Store was robbed and two thieves got away with $1,200 in cash from the cash register and $700 worth of Smart phone cards.
In the incident on Wednesday, Jiam Bon Wu, 28, a Chinese businessman of Santa Rita Road, the owner of Bam’s Store, was robbed at gunpoint. He told police that at about 9:00 that night, two gunmen entered the store when he pulled up the shutters to allow his brother-in-law to come out of the store.
Gun found on Usher Street Residents of the Victoria and Usher Streets area of the old capitol can breathe a sigh of relief now that a gun has been taken out of the hands of criminals.
A .38 Special Revolver, loaded with 6 rounds of live ammunition, was found by police while on patrol on Usher Street at about 9:00 Saturday night.
A newly formed unit called the Quick Reaction Team said that they were on anti-crime patrol and went to the Usher Street area, where they conducted random searches for drugs, guns and ammunition.
Man charged with 3 counts of aggravated assault upon policemen, claims police brutality A Ladyville man who spent four days in the hospital because of an alleged beating by Ladyville police officers was arraigned on a string of charges when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer this morning, Monday.
Henry Pleytes, 25, was escorted up and down the stairs at the court by his sister and another relative, because he says that he is still unable to walk on his own, without assistance.
Pleytes was slapped with three counts of aggravated assault on three police officers. The allegation against Pleytes is that on Sunday, March 30, he assaulted PC #411 Mathias Cholom, Corporal #347 Luis Quixaj, and PC #964 Diego Pech, who are all attached to the Ladyville Police Station.
In addition, police charged him with harm upon Cholom and resisting lawful arrest from Cholom, while in the execution of his duties.
Two Very Funky Businesses in Hopkins, Belize Producing Great Stuff Hopkins, on the southern coast of Belize, has a feel all it’s own. The landscape is beautiful…beach to mountains. And the village proper is tiny, friendly and colorful. (You can look at many of my pictures here.) I really enjoyed my four nights in Hopkins and was busy the whole time.
There are PLENTY of tours to keep you more than busy but I found that just a slow walk or lazy bike ride through town was interesting too. I met some very cool people, both transplants and locals, who are starting small businesses, making a little bit of money and just doing their own thing. The first is Caitlin’s bakery. Caitlin is a American expat turned local who has been in Belize for over 15 years…since her college days. She owns a small piece of land back by the school in the center of town. Look for her handpainted signs…
“Just Can’t Get Enough” from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye,Belize. In Sunday’s edition I tried to provide you with a flavour of what Mérida Centro is like at the weekend and especially on a Sunday.
Hopefully – even though I forgot ((have mentioned repeatedly (well I think I have!) that advancing age may be getting the better of me))to crop a fair number of the photos – I managed to give you a reasonable insight as to what a fun place it is for people that live there and tourists alike.
In today’s edition, the last in this scintillating (who do I think I am kidding) series, I primarily focus on the trip that Rose and I made to Chitchen Itza on our penultimate day.
During our travels around Central America Rose and I have visited quite a few Mayan sites and although there are (quite obviously I suppose) distinct similarities there is always something different to see and be amazed by. And I’ll never cease to be impressed by how clever and ‘ahead of their time’ they were.
I could fill up a fair amount of space and ‘pad’ this edition out with Interesting facts (for some of you anyway) about the Maya and specifically those that constructed and lived at Chitchen Itza but I’m not going to. There’s loads of interesting facts about the people and the archeological site by just clicking on the links I have provided (I’ve only provided two but there are many, each with interesting information). Instead I am going to have a relatively easy time with this edition and let the photos ‘do the work’ (I deserve it, I’ve ‘knocked out’ so many editions in the last few days it’s been like being at work. I mean it’s not as if I’m doing this for a living!).
Guatemalans Illegaly Entering Belize The situation on the Belize Guatemala border has become very dangerous and threatens the national security of Belize. The “authorities” informed local media house that there was only one truck that passed to Guatemala and it did not open fire on the SAT check point but was fired on by Guatemala military. Our further investigations have revealed that this claim by “Belize Authorities” is false. Eye witnesses to the event state clearly that there were two vehicles that approached the SAT checkpoint at the border. The occupants of the first truck disembarked and fired over the heads of the SAT officers and then both trucks crashed the checkpoint. The Guatemala military base is on the west side of the bridge at least 100 yards from the SAT check. The Guatemala military was alerted to the forced entry and were able to get off only a few rounds as the trucks sped by. The trucks did not fire on the military but did fire at SAT as they forced across the border.
Following this the Guatemalans formed an armed detail who proceeded to the entry of the Benque Viejo Free Zone where they demanded the guards on duty produce the documentation for the two trucks that had just crossed. The guard had no paperwork or records of any kind. The armed Guatemalan detail proceeded into the Free Zone which is Belize territory and started to make their way down the road looking for the source of the contraband. It was at this point that Supt. Thompson arrived on the scene and the armed Guatemala detail agreed to leave Belize territory. This was by any definition an invasion of Belize by armed Guatemalan detail even though the Guatemalans appear to have right on their side. Let those who do not believe that this government sanctioned contraband is a treat to our sovereignty should take note. On 29 March the Guatemala government intercepted a load of cigarettes leaving Melchor for the interior. This shipment was of approximately 3 Million cigarettes. Last year Mexico busted around 200 Million cigarettes all from the Belize Free Zones.
Best Beach Resort for 2014 Outside Magazine just named South Water Caye, Belize the best beach in 2014 and Pelican Beach Resort the best place to stay while you're there. From the Belizean styled wooden cottages to the breathtaking views, Pelican Beach Resort on South Water Caye is a the perfect spot for everyone looking to escape the chaotic city life and go wild on their Belize beach and active adventure. Find peace and tranquility surrounded by the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Families love the safe sheltered beach for swimming, where kids can even have their first snorkeling experiences. Adult travelers love this piece of paradise because of the flexibility to either join a guided excursion or just get kayaks and snorkeling equipment and ‘get lost’ on a short adventure. Not to mention this is the perfect place for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Don't just take my word and Outside Magazine's word, check out what resent travelers have shared with us:
"We loved the Pelican Beach Resort. Being right in the middle of the ocean is magical. It was clean and comfortable. We had an eagles nest platform right above our room and the stargazing was incredible. We watched both sunrises and sunsets on the beach. The snorkeling was superb and we could do it right from the beach at the resort. All the people there are great and really took care of me. I asked to meet the two women who cooked for us because they did such a wonderful job for me. Every place in which the food was prepared, especially at Pelican Beach Resort the managers, servers, and chefs knew what my restrictions were and were careful that what I was served was correct for me. I give it a 10!" - Tina Straley and Joy Reed, March 2014
What Expats moving to Belize need to know There are many reasons why Expats choose to move to Belize. Its warm climate, diverse cultures and the overall relaxed lifestyle of the country are just a few of the reasons. Moving to Belize, however raises several questions for expats and the whole process appears daunting especially when you may not know what to expect when it relates to the health care system, the education system, cost of living and other aspects of your new life in Belize. Here, we will provide you with a guide that we believe all expats moving to Belize should know.
Healthcare in Belize
Belize has a relatively well established medical care system both at the private and public sector level. In Belize, there are hospitals or poly clinics in every major city and town in the country with eight public hospitals and approximately 70 public health facilities that you can have access to. Anyone can attend these clinics or hospitals. Having medical insurance is recommended but not mandatory, for expats that are moving to Belize to gain access to healthcare.
Suspicious Activities in Belize’s Western Border Area For months reports have been pouring in of suspected illicit activities near Belize’s western border with Guatemala.
Strong allegations have implicated even Minister of Trade Erwin Contreras and his senior person at the Benque Viejo Free Zone, Alfred Satler. According to sources the two along with others have colluded in the smuggling of contraband in and out of Belize.
NBZLive was recently contacted with reports that children are being used as mules to ferry contraband cigarettes into Guatemala. The rationale for all this is still unknown however there have been reports in the media of busts in the area of illicit cargo either destined for Guatemala or for the free zones in Belize.
A recent activity was captured on video by an alert observer.
International Sources
Off the Eaten Path: Expect the unexpected Anita Martinez fished through the refrigerator, pulling out a plastic container. She popped off the lid and took a whiff of the peppery, deep red paste.
“That smell,” she said of her annatto paste. “I grind this myself — every week.”
Martinez grinds it the old-fashioned way, as she did in her native Belize; with a hand-cranked grinder that crushes the corn-like nibs against a stone. She mixes in her secret blend of spices and a little water to get that thick, buttery consistency.
Hand-ground annatto paste might be the last thing you’d expect at a restaurant called The Gathering Place. But nothing about this funky little breakfast-lunch spot is expected.
“You get hints of her flavor throughout our menu,” co-owner Tony Clark said, “in the chicken salad and in the Cordon Bleu sandwich. She’s our secret ingredient.”
Clark opened The Gathering Place in February with partner Shawn Leiva, Martinez’s son. The restaurant is hidden away in the guts of the Beacon Executive Suites, a nursing-home-turned-business-park sandwiched between Beacon Boulevard and U.S. 41 in south Fort Myers.
Clark and Leiva originally envisioned a Belizean food truck. But when this out-of-the-way café — the space used to be a nursing station — opened up they saw an opportunity. Clark spent his life in restaurants, cooking and serving and bartending. Leiva grew up at his mother’s side, making food of all kinds from scratch.
Exploring Belize with the Moon Travel Book as Your Guide Moon Travel Book Belize - Travel writer, photographer, and Belize expert Lily Girma knows the best ways to experience Belize. Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon Belize gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Listen to the interview below or download it from the link;
http://www.nationaltravelradio.com/Audio/Moon_Travel_Book_Belize.mp3
LISTEN: Pitbull & Jennifer Lopez Debut "We Are One (Ola Ola)" For Brazil World Cup! Pitbull released the 2014 FIFA World Cup official song... and it's hot, hot, hot!
The Cuban-American rapper dropped "We Are One (Ola Ola)" on Tuesday, two months ahead of the Brazilian games. The anthem, which features Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte, will be performed by the Latin trio during the soccer tournament's opening ceremony on June 12 in Sao Paulo, the Huffington Post reports.
Pitbull tweeted an iTunes link to the track and posted the song to his official YouTube account.
Listen to the song! Do you love it?
SPHS volleyball and basketball teams to travel to North Carolina The San Pedro High School (SPHS) volleyball and basketball teams are holding a series of fundraising events to raise money to travel to Jacksonville, North Carolina, USA. The trip will enable the students’ participation in a sports exchange program with Northside High School which will be held from April 16 to 25, 2014. A total of 25 students will be travelling and the estimated cost for travel expenses is $10,000. On Friday, April 4th the students and teachers of SPHS held a radio-thon and dollar-drive in front of Reef Radio on Pescador Drive. The Radio-thon brought in an estimated $4,000.
Message on World Health Day world-health-day-2013Every year more than one million people die from diseases carried by mosquitoes, flies, ticks and other insects, such as triatomine bugs. These vector-borne diseases – which include malaria, dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis – cause chronic illness and immense suffering for hundreds of millions more. Climate change, altered habitats and increased international trade and travel are exposing more people to the vectors that transmit these diseases. They present a risk in all regions, including countries where the threat had formerly been eradicated, but the most affected are the world’s poorest people, especially those who live in remote rural communities far from health services or in urban shanty towns. By profoundly affecting people’s health, vector-borne diseases are a serious impediment to poverty reduction and sustainable development.
Saga Humane Society presents 2013 Annual Report Since 1999, Saga Humane Society has been assisting Ambergris Caye with the abuse, neglect and overpopulation of island pets. Throughout 2013, Saga implemented several projects aimed at reducing strays and unwanted pets on the island. These projects included Operation SNIP (spay and neuter campaign) and mobile clinics to provide vaccinations to pets whose owners are unable to take them to the clinic. Saga reports that 170 dogs were taken off the streets and into the shelter in 2013, a 5% decrease as compared to 2012. Out of 170 dogs picked up, 32 were returned to their owners. Unfortunately, Saga reported a 2% increase in euthanization, as 101 of the dogs that were roundup had to be humanely put down, due to age and other medical reasons. Owner surrenders also saw a decrease as only 266 pets were given up to Saga, out of which 178 were euthanized. Sadly, adoption figures were also down, with only 108 animals adopted into new homes. This 36% decrease in adoptions is believed to be a result of the buying and importing of full breed animals.
Lazy Croc – Southern style food, BBQ, and PLENTY of it! I think it’s safe to say that barbeque is a staple around here. There’s just something about grilled and smoky meats that has us licking our chops! One place that offers a taste like no other is Lazy Croc BBQ Smokehouse. I might even be so bold to as to say it is one of the best on the island- especially when it comes to good ole Southern style BBQ! Located just a couple miles north of the bridge, Lazy Croc serves up some true, finger-licking smoked dishes: baby back pork ribs, BBQ chicken, smoked fried chicken (yes, I said smoked), and plenty more. As a matter of fact, my mouth is watering just thinking about all the yummy goodness. Owner Christiano has really added to Lazy Croc’s menu, and its location! With two wooden patios overlooking one of the island’s many salt water lagoons, which is also home to Jaws the resident crocodile, Lazy Croc is the perfect place for both a great meal and sightseeing. Unfortunately, my partner in crime, Monique, and I didn’t get to see the croc Jaws; regulars say he’s a bit shy with newcomers. Nevertheless, we got our wildlife fix spotting several green iguanas and various birds; however don’t bother asking me the names because I’m not a birder like some people (side-eyes the boss). We enjoyed the atmosphere and the sightseeing from the comfort of our reserved seating on the “Huckleberry Ferry.” Yes, the Huckleberry Ferry – I swear that’s what it’s really called! It’s a picnic table set atop a floating platform that takes customers on a smooth ride from one end of the lagoon to the other, all while they enjoy their meal and take in the scenery. Very idyllic and indeed, unique and fun.
Ambergris Today
Pic of the Week:
Touch the Horizon in Belize Nothing short of spectacular sunset viewings in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize where you can touch the horizon. Sit on the shore line as the waves creep up to your feet or step into the water and head for the horizon. Enjoy these and many more amazing sunsets that can only be found in Belize. - picture by Gerry Badillo
Oceana and Maya Community Win One Against Oil Drilling in Belize SATIIM and Indigenous Mayan Communities Supreme Court Victory is a Victory for all Belizeans - The Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage and Oceana in Belize salute the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) for its ongoing efforts to have the indigenous rights of the Maya of Southern Belize respected.
Madam Justice Michelle Arana's historic ruling on April 3rd 2014 affirmed those rights when the Supreme Court found that while the Government of Belize has the right to issue permits to explore for oil and even drill, they must consult with the members of the affected indigenous communities to determine what activities can happen on their lands as well as the forms of compensation to follow.
The lesson all Belizeans should take away from this issue is that we all have the inherent right to be part of a consultative and participatory process in the management of our resources - especially when political policies have the potential to cause irrevocable damage.
University of Belize Sports Delegation Heads to Central American Games On Friday, April 4, 2014 a contingent of more than 80 persons—including athletes and coaches—will represent the University of Belize (UB) and the jewel in the V Juegos Deportivos Universitarios Centroamericanos (JUDUCA V)—translated in English (The Sport Games of Central American Universities 5). "Brotherhood, Solidarity and Integration" is the theme for this fifth edition of JUDUCA scheduled from April 07 – April 12, 2014 in Managua, Nicaragua. The delegation from UB will join counterparts from 21 other Central American universities to compete in the disciplines of chess, soccer/football, basketball, track and field, futsal, table tennis, swimming, karate, and volleyball.
In 2012 at JUDUCA IV held in Guatemala City, Guatemala, UB Black Jaguars team won gold for male basketball and two bronze medals for track and field. Irice Reyes finished third in the female long jump (4.95 m) and Mark Anderson also finished third in the Male 200 m clocking 11:01 seconds. In basketball, UB Black Jaguars defeated University de San Carlos de Guatemala to take the gold with an undefeated record after overpowering Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. UB Black Jaguars finished fourth in male volleyball and soccer/football.
Easter's Traditional Religious Celebrations in San Pedro San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is the place to be for Easter Break, the mainland folk flock to the island and the tourists come to enjoy their spring break. Nothing like spending some great time on the beach, soaking up some sun, sipping on cool cocktails partying on endless night…but one aspect of Easter in San Pedro goes pretty much unnoticed by the masses.
Amongst all the chaos of parties there is also the religious celebrations that take place during Easter. The San Pedro Roman Catholic Church is responsible for conducting a Lenten Schedule every year. The staff of Ambergris Today took turns in participating on the highlights of the schedule and discovered the rich and traditional celebrations of the Catholic Church for Easter.
Misc Belizean Sources
FISHING REPORT: Week of March 30th– April 6th, 2014 The Fly Shop of Redding brought a great group of anglers down this week that made our lodge an even better place to live and work. My heartfelt thanks to Kara (of The Fly Shop in Redding CA) for her undying enthusiasm for our sport that made all of us here at El Pescador a little happier each day..
Students who drowned have been laid to rest The two high school students from Corozal who drowned in the Macal River on Friday afternoon have been laid to rest.
They have been identified as 15 year old Anahi Zepeda and 16 year old Edgar Puck, both Fourth Form students of the Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico in San Roman village, Corozal.
Zepeda and Puck were with classmates on a field trip that earlier in the day had visited the Che Chem Ha Caves. On the return journey, police say that a teacher told them that they stopped so that the students could wash themselves in the river near the low-lying wooden bridge.
While in the river, police say Anahi Zepeda was dragged down by the currents.
Seeing that she was in trouble Edgar Puck reportedly tried to assist Zepeda when they both went under the water and did not resurface.
Guatemalan man drowns in the Belize River The body of Guatemalan man has been retrieved from the Belize River in Santa Familia village, Cayo.
The victim has been identified as 33 year old Francisco Martin Juan who is from Huehuetenango, Guatemala.
Police say that Juan’s uncle Jose Miguel Gaspar, also from Huehuetenanco, Guatemala, reported to them that around 12:30 on Sunday afternoon, he and his nephew went to the river to swim.
Gaspar told police that at the time he entered the water Francisco Juan was “highly under the influence of alcohol.”
The police report says that as Juan was attempting to swim across the river, the current pulled him under and he did not resurface.
Fire guts house in Santa Elena Town A late Sunday night fire in Santa Elena town, Cayo, has left at least two people homeless.
Just before 11 o’clock last night, fire officials were called to a house on Carrillo Puerto Avenue in Santa Elena town where a two storey building was engulfed in flames.
Preliminary reports indicate that Evelyn Estelle was asleep in the lower flat of the building, made of concrete, when she smelled smoke.
When Estelle went to investigate, that was when she found out that the building was on fire.
The upper part of the building, which was made of wood, was being occupied at 82 year old Augustine Martinez.
Residents accuse San Ignacio police of abusive behavior A group of women is expected to be charged in the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court today following a melee at an event over the weekend. A scuffle broke out among patrons of the event which was taking place at the Macal River Park but the police is taking heat for the way officers handled the situation.
As a third-party video – which is used with permission – shows, police officers pushed a handcuffed man into the pan of a pickup truck.
He had apparently been detained.
An officer then got into a verbal exchange with another man who was concerned for the way the man was being handled.So far there haas not been any response from the Police Department pertaining to accusations of excessive force being used by the officers in apprehending the man who was taken away from the scene in the back of the vehicle.
Toledo farmers discuss food security The Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, IICA, is facilitating a discussion in Toledo on the issue of family farming and how it can contribute to Food Security.
Farmers from different communities are taking part in the discussion which is looking at the topic of “the role of family farming in food security.”
The forum is being moderated by IICA’s country representative Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, with inputs from the Chief Agriculture Officer Roberto Harrison.
Organizers of the discussion are hoping that through networking, farmers in the Toledo district will come to realize that they can contribute effectively to food security.
Coming out of the discussion were ideas on how the individuals and their families can become self-sustainable and by extension, help in the development of their communities.
Orquidea Negra with BNDC and Friends The Orquidea Negra Dance Company represented Cayo by performing at the Bliss Centre with the Belize National Dance Company in their 'BNDC and Friends' production this weekend. Awesome photographer Will Moreno was there, and he got some amazing shots. Well done, BNDC and Orquidea Negra!
"We are proud of all the wonderful performers who graced the Bliss Stage last night and tonight for 'BNDC & FRIENDS' Dance and Music/Dance Concerts. You were all amazing! and THANK YOU!"
UB's Evening of the Arts The University of Belize is having their very first Evening of the Arts tonight, Tuesday, April 8th. They'll have art from the famous Carolyn Carr, and also Valerie Penner, an up-and-coming artist, who did an exhibition at the Soul Project recently. The event will also have music and poetry from the talented UB family.
"The upcoming Evening of the Arts, which will take place on April 8th from 5 to 7 p.m., will feature the works of two visual artists: Valerie Penner, an Associate's degree student here at UB whose work is presently on display at the Bliss, and Carolyn Carr, a well-known, very accomplished Belizean artist. The evening's line-up will also include about a dozen sensationally gifted vocalists, pianists and poets who are students, faculty, and esteemed friends of UB. The event is free of charge, so bring your family and friends, and let's make it a lovely, fun-filled evening."
$29 million of marijuana destroyed in Joint Task Force-Bravo supported marijuana eradication operation in Belize Joint Task Force-Bravo and the U.S. Embassy Military Liaison Office in Belmopan partnered with Belizean military and police forces in a highly successful marijuana eradication operation in Belize, March 15-20, 2014.
The operation resulted in the Belizean government destroying 34 marijuana fields and approximately 57,283 mature marijuana plants for an initial estimated value of USD $29 million. In addition, the team also found and destroyed 25 pounds of marijuana seeds.
Joint Task Force-Bravo provided aviation support, on-call casualty evacuation and caving ladder training for 52 Belizean personnel who participated in the operation.
Face of Defense: Marine Connects Using Sign Language Hands wave through the air in an organized fashion, and children follow the movements as they enjoy the children's story "A Day at the Farm." Marine Corps Cpl. Parnell Sararana put his Universal Sign Language skills to use here April 4 as he translated while Air Force Staff Sgt. Jon Espinoza read aloud at the Stella Maris School Belize Academy for the Deaf.
Sararana is deployed from the 1st Civil Affairs Group at Camp Pendleton, Calif., in support of New Horizons Belize 2014, an exercise in which U.S. service members train with Belizean professionals in engineering and medical care. The civil affairs role in the exercise is to engage with the local population, as well as government and nongovernment organizations, to facilitate the best possible environment to build educational and health facilities and provide medical, dental and veterinarian care throughout the country.
Millions of dollars worth of marijuana goes up in smoke The United States department of defence is reporting that a joint military operation involving Belize Defence Force soldiers and Belize police has resulted in the destruction of twenty nine million dollars worth of marijuana.
The operation was carried out during the week of March 15 to March 20. According to a news report compiled by Captain Steven Stubbs and published on the department of defence website, a total of “34 marijuana fields and approximately 57,283 mature marijuana plants” were destroyed.
The exercise was carried out by Joint Task Force-Bravo and the U.S. Embassy Military Liaison Office in Belmopan in partnership with Belizean military and police.
According to the online story “Joint Task Force-Bravo provided aviation support, on-call casualty evacuation and caving ladder tr
World Health Day celebrated Today is World Health Day and the focus is on control of vector-born diseases; that is, diseases caused by insects such as mosquitoes that carry deadly viruses and bacteria.
Common examples include dengue fever and malaria.
A formal ceremony was held in Belize City and we spoke with CEO in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Peter Allen, who reports that the Ministry has made great strides in certain areas, reducing the number of malaria cases in Belize to 26 last year, as well as a consistent spraying and eradication program.
He notes that there is still much work to do to completely eliminate diseases like these and reminds Belizeans to get rid of possible breeding sites for mosquitoes and insects carrying malaria and dengue fever.
Following the ceremony there was an informational health fair.
Man shot near bar in Ladyville An altercation inside the Blue House Bar on the Philip Goldson Highway, a stone’s throw from the police station, early on Saturday morning led to injuries for two men.
Dennis Burke, 47, apparently got into an altercation with one Edwin Perez and both had to be escorted out.
They continued to brawl and Perez’s brother, Oscar Perez, a construction worker of Airport Road, intervened.
He, it is alleged, pulled out a folded five-inch pocket knife and stabbed Burke in the chest. Burke retaliated by shooting Oscar Perez with his licensed 9mm handgun in the abdomen.
Both men were treated at the BDF hospital at Price Barracks before being transported to the KHMH.
Hattieville youth stabbed during fight Promising youth athlete Richard Waight Jr of Hattieville died this weekend after being stabbed in the chest in a late-night melee on the basketball court next to the police station.
Two men, an adult and a minor, have been detained as part of the police’s investigations. A second teenager, aged 16, was also stabbed during the assault.
Police report that a fight had broken out on the court between two Hattieville teenagers and an older man was trying to part it. That man was then assaulted and this was when the teenagers were wounded.
Corozal families say sad goodbye to fallen students Two promising lives were cut short on Friday afternoon when two fourth form students of Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico drowned in the Macal River.
16 year old Edgar Puck a resident of Patchakan village and 15 year old Anahi Zepeda from San Joaquin were scheduled to graduate in a few months time.
But instead on Sunday, their families were bidding sad goodbyes as they were laid to rest in their respective villages on Sunday. Puck was to have been the valedictorian at his graduation, while Zepeda, an honor roll student herself, would have taken her place among the graduates; but instead their bright smiles will be missing from the class of 2014 graduation.
Armed robbery in Corozal town; police investigate A broad daylight robbery in the Santa Rita Area of Corozal Town this afternoon has left police searching for three suspects.
Around 4 o’clock this afternoon the proprietor of Jing Jing Store reported to police that three men entered the store, one armed with what appeared to the a fire arm.
Fearing for her life the proprietor says she handed over an undisclosed amount of money.
According to reports one of the customers who was inside the store at the time of the holdup was pistol-whipped by the assailants.
Police have processed the crime scene and continue investigate the armed robbery.
Disturbed, Disappointed I am Kenny Jacobs, Executive Director of Teens Belize Organization and television host of Developing Toledo TV Show aired on PGTV. First of all, our education system needs to change its ways of teaching. Students are enrolled in an institution and are fed with materials daily, all of which, I agree, is important to their learning. The question remains, are they being taught to graduate and look for a job? Or are they being taught to construct their own business after graduation?
Every year there are thousands of graduates from high schools and tertiary institutions countrywide who are unable to move on, due to financial and/or other constraints. These students have been taught by our education system to seek employment at a company/business after graduation. We cannot allow our system to continue doing this. Our students deserve an utmost challenge from primary school or high school to be bred with the relevant knowledge and skills to start their own business, once they graduate.
Businessman released from drug trafficking charge The difference between cannabis and hemp proved vital to a San Ignacio businessman who walked away today from charges of drug trafficking and importation of a controlled substance. 49 year old naturalized Belizean John Daniel Downard, who is director of a company called Vortech which is researching the potential of pulverizing hemp seed, was busted with 460 grams of hemp seed in his luggage at the Philip Goldson International Airport last December. The item was declared but investigators pressed charges even after tests run locally came back negative for cannabis resin. Hemp seeds are not banned under the Misuse of Drugs Act and thus, according to attorney and former Magistrate Rachel Montejo-Juan, the prosecution had not proved that Downard was trafficking or importing a controlled substance, which cannabis is. Magistrate Leslie Hamilton agreed that Downard had no case to answer and dismissed the charge.
High hopes for good 2014 PSE performance Teachers across the country are holding out high hopes for their students to do well on the first part of the Primary School Examination which was administered today.
Students wrote papers in Language Arts and Science.
Thousands of Standard 6 boys and girls across the country took the PSE today. In Toledo, there were three testing centers; namely Toledo Community College where 266 students sat the PSE; Corazon Creek High School where 338 students took the PSE and Julian Cho Technical High School where 97 students sat the PSE.
Dr. Carmen Lopez who works with the Ministry of Education in Punta Gorda town says that no matter what the outcome, the Ministry will continue to work hard with teachers, students and parents in providing quality education for the children.
“I believe we have done out part and it is now for the students to show us that yes indeed we have done an effective job,” says Dr. Lopez.
Clayton Williams - Bibagari Musical interlude. Clayton Williams, a promising Garifuna musician, has released Bibagari, proving yet again that Belize has some of the best music in the hemisphere. Clayton's Canadian tour with the Lebeha Drummers last year has inspired him to create some really touching music. Thanks for the music, Mr. Williams!
He has a behind the scenes video on Youtube.
"Here is my new single Bibagari (your life) written by me and produced by Juni Mar. I like to apologize to everyone for the delay releasing the song but its here now,tell me what you think, like it and most of all don't forget to share. The song is also available to download on Soundcloud.
Purchasing Belize Real Estate Purchasing Belize real estate is very simple and extremely secure. The extensive documents that are common with a property purchase in the USA, Canada and/ or Europe are thankfully not part of the buying process here. There are no barriers to foreign investment and, as a member of the British Commonwealth, Belize has a legal system based on British law and is the only English speaking country in Central America.
Understanding your documents will be much easier than in other countries in Central America. Title is fee simple absolute title so is extremely secure. Title insurance is available yet rarely utilized. Foreigners have the same property rights in Belize, as do local citizens. Foreigners can own beachfront property in Belize.
In addition, Belize has no capital gains or inheritance taxes and a growing private offshore banking sector. Corporate income taxes are also quite low and can be as low as 1.75% of gross sales! Property taxes are extremely low (normally below $US 100 annually) so holding costs are very low.
Lincoln Jones, renowned minister in Belize, dies at 56 Lincoln Jones, a renowned evangelist among Churches of Christ in the Central American nation of Belize, died April 3 after suffering an apparent stroke. He was 56.
Jones was baptizing new souls into Christ as recently as March 23, according to members of the Burrell Boom Church of Christ, who posted photos of the event on the congregation's Facebook page. "He was such a pillar in the church in Belize," said Barbara Kee, a longtime friend of Jones who served, along with her husband, Windle, as a missionary in the African nation of Cameroon. The Kees, who now live in Texas, made regular mission trips to Belize, a nation of 324,000 souls south of Mexico and east of Guatemala. The couple worked alongside Belizean ministers — including Jones and Andrew "Tex" Nunez — and U.S. missionary Bill Amason, who died in 2011.
SATIIM And Indigenous Peoples - Another Legal Victory SATIIM, the foremost environmental and human right organization in Belize along with four indigenous Q’eqchi’ Maya communities have achieved another monumental legal victory yesterday. The Belize Supreme Court Justice, The Honourable Michelle Arana declared:
That the decision of the Government of Belize to allow oil drilling and road construction in the National Park is irrational and Wednesbury unreasonable, that decision having been made without the free prior and informed consent of the indigenous Maya communities;
That the decision of the Government of Belize to allow oil drilling and road construction in the National Park is in breach of the legitimate expectation of the indigenous Maya Peoples, that the Government of Belize would comply with their obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to respect the rights of Indigenous Maya Peoples to their lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired;
ORDER directing the Government of Belize to obtain free, prior and informed consent from the indigenous Maya peoples with respect to any contract permit or licence that falls within the National Park.
Corozal Family Fun Day Youths from San Pablo Presbyterian "Emmanuel" Church will be hosting this activity. Kite Flying, Games and Music for the entire family!! April 26th at 2:00 P.M.
Corozal Drowning On April 4th, two fourth form students of Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico (ESTM) tragically drowned while on a field trip to the Cayo District. Today was a sad day for the family of the late Anahi Zepeda as she was laid to rest on Sunday April 6th with special honours from her alma-mater. Thanks for supporting the ESTM Family on a difficult day! Photo shared by Modesto Cano.
Video: Belize City Tourist Guide 5min. I make a short video in Belize City about why I believe it is worth seeing when one visits Belize. It represents a country in the infancy of independence and all that is good and bad in these early stages.
Channel 7
Croc Kills Man In Ladyville A man was killed by a crocodile today in the Ladyville/Lords' Bank area. It happened on a large private property known as the Green Estate. Reports are sketchy but we do know that the body of a Hispanic man was found near a pond all the way to the back in the area - and there were signs that a crocodile had killed him.
It happened on a private property called Green Estate. The unidentified man's body was found near a large drain which feeds into the river that runs along the property. Police say he had markings and indentations on his body - but it will be up to the forensic examiner to determine if a crocodile killed him.
Police got the call at around 3:00 pm -from someone who heard him screaming. There is also an eyewitness account form a minor who reportedly partially witnessed the croc attack but is too traumatized to speak with police at this time.
2 Students Die, When School Trip Turns Into A Swimming Trip On Friday we told you about the two high school students from Corozal who drowned on a class trip to Cayo.
Fourth former 17 year old Edgar Puck would have been his school's valedictorian - but when he saw his 16 year old classmate Anahi Zepeda get under by the Macal's currents, he had to save her. He couldn't and they both drowned. It is tragedy beyond words for their family and school community, and there is also rage because the students should not have been swimming.
Today we went north to San Roman, Corozal find out about a class trip gone terribly wrong:
Daniel Ortiz reporting
The entire faculty, staff and student body of Escuela Secondaria Technica Mexico joined the families of 17 year-old Edgar Puck and 16 year-old Anahi Zepeda in their continued mourning.
Jahmoor Lopez - Representative, Ministry of Education
"We continue to mourn. As a school community we ask the nation to keep us in their prayers, to keep the family of these young persons and very promising Corozalenos and Belizeans - to keep them in their prayers and that's what we are asking for. Certainly we are doing an investigation."
Stabbed To Death By A Grown Man; He was Only 17 And our next story is about another teenager's death - but this 17 year old didn't drown; he was killed. Richard Waight Jr., a resident of Hattieville lost his life in a village brawl on Friday.
It started out a fight between boys, but things escalated when one of the parties went for an older man to settle the beef, not with conflict resolution, but with a blade. He stabbed two teenagers, leaving one critical and another dead. We visited the grieving family today:...
Jules Vasquez reporting
Today Richard Waight Sr. thumbed through his son's certificates; Richard Jr had been an exceptional football player - but now all that was gone.
Richard Waight Sr.
"I found my son dying Jules."
Richard Waight Jr. was stabbed in a fight that broke out here on the village basketball court near to the village police station - seen in the background in yellow. An older man stabbed him and a 16 year old friend. The stab was to Waight's chest. He fell on the grass and bled profusely.
Police Recover 3 Guns from the Street; One May Have Been Stolen From The Department Belize City Police have taken three weapons off the street since Friday.
This one - a 38 pistol - was found by Precinct 3 police on Usher Street Saturday. It was concealed under an abandoned pick up truck and carried 6 live rounds.
Precinct two police found two guns as well, a 38 pistol and a nine mm pistol. 7News has confirmed from multiple sources that the 9 mm is being investigated as the possible murder weapon in last Thursday's murder on Central American Boulevard where 18 year old Anfernee Romero was killed.
A very disturbing twist on this story, is that police are looking at the likelihood that this 9 millimeter pistol was stolen form the police department. The theft, investigators believe was carried out by a police officer who sold the weapon unto the streets. IT could be related to the theft of the trove of weapons from the house of culture, where four 9 mm pistols - and plenty of ammunition were stolen.
Fishermen In South Found With Shark Fin For Guatemala On Friday March 24th Fisheries and TIDE Rangers had to play sea sleuths with a boat carrying a large amount of salted shark meat and dried shark fins - likely designated for illegal export to Guatemala. First, they had to team up to catch the vessel which tried to escape from the Port Honduras Marine Reserve Rangers.
Then after they detained the vessel and its two crew, and were escorting them back to Punta Gorda, they escaped again, this time under the cover of night.
The rangers searched all along the coast, but found nothing. It wasn't until the next morning when a good Samaritan called TIDE and reported that two fishermen had requested his assistance in exporting salted marine products to Guatemala. With that, an arrest was finally made on the morning of Saturday March 22nd. The fishermen, Jose A. Chulin of Ranchito in the Corozal District and Lineker Ortega of Temash River in the Toledo District were charged with shark finning, possession of a gill net longer than 100 metres, and attempting to export fish without an exporters license.
More Rosewood Smuggling Revealed And the resource rich Toledo is also still being stripped of its rosewood. On Sunday our colleagues at PGTV responded to a call that someone was hauling rosewood from the Trio area and taking it to a secret location in Bella Vista Village which is at the northern boundary of Toledo. PGTV followed the info and found all this freshly cut and unstamped Rosewood, about seven thousand board feet stowed away at the PG entrance to Bella Vista village, deposited about half mile off the road. Wil Maheia says he gave the information to the Forest officer at Savannah Forest Station, but today the Chief Forest Officer reports that they only found a single individual in a pickup carrying ten pieces of Rosewood totaling about 160 board feet. That is going to court later this month, but Forestry says that's not the end of it. Chief Forest Officer Sabido tells us via text, quote, "we recognize that there is a lot of rosewood in farms in that area, (which) we are going to systematically start confiscating later this week." Maheia says if they had moved on this haul they could have confiscated it all.
After X Week 13 year old Ishmael Flores is the little boy who was knocked down in a hit and run incident just outside of Burrell Boom Village 6 weeks ago. He was knocked off his bicycle in the Buttercup area on February 23th - while returning from his aunt. After spending a week and a half in a coma at the KHMH, he succumbed to his injuries. Three weeks after his death, and still no one has been arrested and charged. His family believes the police are dragging their feet in the investigation.
Octavia Lucario, mother of Earl Flores
"From last night I told my gentleman that I am going to Channel 7 to make a report because I am tired of this. The police are pushing us around and we want justice, I am tired of it. Up to this moment we are not hearing anything. They told us that they will give us a call and we are not getting any calls or anything."
Monica Bodden
"You mentioned to me earlier that blood samples were taken?"
Octavia Lucario, mother of Earl Flores
"Yes."
Monica Bodden
"Explain that to us because we understand that a vehicle is at the police station that is supposedly the vehicle that hit your son."
Man In Accident Says They Crashed Into Him Last week we told you about the head on collision involving two Belizean drivers and two tourists. It happened at mile 3 on the Western Highway where a new pedestrian cross walk has been installed. Well today, one of the drivers told us that the cross walk is what led to the crash where he was the victim. Edmond Carter was driving his Toyota Previa says when a Mazda Protege crashed into him:
Edmond Carter, contractor
"I reach the pedestrian crossing and I came to a stop and then the gold vehicle, the guy says that his foot got stuck on the accelerator and the brake. What happen is that there was a vehicle in front that had passed and then he came from behind that vehicle and swerve into my lane. Now I am heading up to Belmopan and he was heading to town and the impact from his vehicle spins my van into the direction of Belize City."
Hon. King Says Squatters Need To Move All last week we showed you those squatters on the area known as Lake Independence Boulevard - which will lead to the new bridge cross from Belama into Lake Independence. There are 6 families and they are playing the sympathy card to the max by begging government to find somewhere to put them.
That falls to area representative Mark King. We'd been trying to reach him all last week and he agreed to an interview today. He explained that asking for land in Lake I is asking to get into a long line:...
Hon. Mark King
"They concur with the government. They moved, we got the contractor to assist them to move whatever - their houses are very small and so we believe we can move them. But at the end of the day they can't force us to just find a piece of land and give it to them. I have to wait for that information to come in to know where there is land and a sub-division is being done. Again if that information comes in and there is no land available then I simply can't give it to them. I would apply for them at the Lands Department just like regular folks that I apply for."
Blue House Bru Haha Leaves One Man Shot On Saturday morning at 1:55a.m, there was as shooting and stabbing in front of Blue House Bar in Ladyville Village. 47-year-old Dennis Burke from Vista del Mar was stabbed to the right upper chest and was lying on the side of the highway along with 31-year-old Oscar Perez a construction worker of Airport Road, with a gunshot wound. Police say Burke was inside Blue House Bar when he got into a fight with Edwin Perez. They were thrown out, and Perez's brother Oscar intervened and reportedly stabbed Dennis Burke to his chest. Burke then took out his licensed 9 mm Luger brand Pistol and fired one single shot at Oscar Perez which caught him in the Abdomen.
Both men were rushed to the BDF hospital, but police say the Blue House Bar and its environs are a source of recurrent problems:..
Supt. Chris Noble, Regional Executive Office
"The incidents occurred outside of the establishment. Far and few between is that the incidents occur inside. However inebriated these persons might be or amped up on whatever they do inside there, it spills over into one; a major highway and trying to avoid it we made attempts to communicate this to several agencies to see what they can do. The establishment has limited parking, it is on a major highway, it prolongs into the wee hours of the morning where people would want to get in or out of the city for work purposes. It is a wonder that we have not dealt with the loss of life and hopefully other entities that are involve will see it our way and assist us in looking at it in another way that we don't have loss of life."
Hon. Alamilla Talks About Harvest Caye Last Wednesday, we told you about scolding 3-page letter which the Belize Tourism Industry Association wrote to NEAC Chair Martin Allegria demanding that the body rescinds its decision to approve NCL's Harvest Caye Project.
That 3-page letter outlined what the BTIA believes to be oversight or ignorance of the environmental laws. But, is it being taken seriously? That's what we asked Lisel Alamilla, the Minister in charge of Environment, this weekend at another event, and here's how she responded:
Hon. Lisel Alamilla
"On Friday the ministry met and reviewed the environmental compliance plan for the Harvest Caye development and so they have gotten clearance from NEAC and we are just now developing the easy peak."
Daniel Ortiz
All The Cycling Hopefuls Head For Mount Hope The Holy Saturday Cross Country classic is only 12 days away - and this weekend, the Belize cycling Association held a crucial warm up event. It's a race from Belize City to the feared Mount Hope and back. 7News followed along and witnessed who could stand up to the test on the road:...
The next event is the 86th Annual Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic.
Wondering About World Health Day? Today was celebrated as World Health Day under the theme Small Bites, Big threats. Protect yourself and your environment from vector borne diseases.
An official ceremony to mark the day in Belize was held this morning at the Lions Club Parking Lot, in Belize City. Dr Peter Allen explained:..
Channel 5
Crocodile kills a man in Lord’s Bank A crocodile reportedly killed a Lord’s Bank resident this afternoon. Police are processing the scene and not providing details at this time, but sources tell us the grisly death occurred [...]
17 year old stabbed to the chest in Hattieville and dies in his father’s arms A senseless murder on Friday night has left the Hattieville community in shock and a family grieving the loss of one of their own. The murder victim is a seventeen [...]
Escuela Mexico students who drowned in Macal River are laid to rest This weekend, two families in the Corozal District laid their loved ones to rest after a tragic accident on Friday. Fifteen year old Anahi Zepeda and sixteen year old Edgar [...]
School and Ministry of Education ask who’s responsible According to school officials, two students who were on the trip have had to be hospitalized. It is an extremely serious matter, and the parents of Edgar Puck and Anahi [...]
Guatemalan man drowns in the West A third person lost his life in the west due to drowning. On Sunday afternoon, thirty-three year old Francisco Martin Juan went swimming with his uncle near the Belize Old [...]
Businessman is arraigned for a shooting at a Ladyvillle bar Less than five hours after the murder in Hattieville, Rural Belize Police officers responded to a shooting incident in front of Blue House Bar on the Phillip Goldson Highway. Ladyville [...]
More than 7000 students sit day-one of the P.S.E. Primary school students around the country were up bright and early this morning for day-one of the Primary School Examination. More than seven thousand six hundred sat the exam, for [...]
Still no answers in hit & run that claimed the life of 13 year old The family of thirteen year old Earl Flores Junior continues to reel over his death. The minor was hospitalized since February in a coma after he was injured in a [...]
Fisheries Department in Toledo record a huge bust A routine patrol in the south has yielded a huge catch of salted shark meat and dried shark fins. The Fisheries Department is just reporting the incident that took place [...]
American national freed of drug charge In December 2013 American national John Downard, a Director and someone who was living in Belize and going back and forth to the United States was busted at the PGIA in [...]
A case of arson in Santa Elena There is a case of alleged arson in Santa Elena. Police believe the ex-common-law-husband of Evelyn Estell, is responsible for setting on fire her house located on Carillo Puerto Avenue, [...]
Man, who claims police brutality, charged for assaulting cop On March thirtieth, twenty-five year old Henry Pleytes reportedly went to get two of his children from his common-law-wife, Jessica Hernandez, whom he claims, had taken them with her to [...]
World Health Day 2014 celebrated World Health Day is being commemorated universally today. In Belize City, representatives from the Ministry of Health, as well as the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO, formally recognized the day [...]
The latest stats on basketball, football, cycling and billiards Good evening I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. We take you immediately top the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Capital City where the Belmopan Bandits played host Verdes FC [...]
LOVE FM
The King Promised Land Papers; Will the Squatters Become Homeless? The situation of the squatters on Holy Emmanuel Street remains unresolved amidst ongoing developments in the area. The Government’s project is threatening the homes of those who have come to call the swampy area their home. Seeing the necessity of having a roof over their heads, the people built their own houses from scratch, cleared the area of huge trees and constructed “London bridges” over the murky swamp waters. But a few months ago, surveyors came around, nailed pegs in the ground near their homes. In a meeting last year, Lake Independence Area Representative, Mark King, told the residents they would be given titles for the land they are on.
HON. MARK KING
“That land in the Gungulung area; the people there were worried because they thought that we would kick them off but I am happy to tell you that that is not so. What we will do, Mr. Morris is surveying the land and when he is done surveying the land, all I will do is give you the paper; that is what I promised you before the election. Remember when I went and protest my own city council, you called me crazy but I keep my promise to you guys. Now, at the end of the day, all of you who live just across the bridge in Gungulung, you are going to get your land title very soon.”
Fire Consumes Home in Santa Elena Police in San Ignacio and fire officials are investigating a fire that occurred in the Santa Elena Town, Cayo District just before eleven o’clock last night. Reports indicate that the authorities were called out to Carrillo Puerto Avenue, where they encountered a 2-storey green building engulfed in flames. Preliminary investigations have revealed that naturalized Belizean, Evelyn Estell was asleep in the house when she was awoken by the smell of smoke. Upon making checks, she realised that the house was on fire. The wooden, upper flat of the house was occupied by the owner, 82-year-old, Augustine Martinez while Estell, who was renting, occupied the lower flat of concrete. All items inside the house were destroyed and neither the structure nor its contents were insured.
Crocodile Kills Man in Rural Belize; Police Seeks Identity of Victim A man is dead tonight after he was attacked by a crocodile in the Green Estate compound, a proposed housing site in the Ladyville area. Up to news time investigators were still processing the scene of the incident but we do understand that just after two o’clock this afternoon, a man, unidentified to us was gathering fish out of a pond in the Lord’s Bank area in the Belize District when the crocodile made its move. Details are not forthcoming as the police was not allowing the media on the scene. We will have the details for you in tomorrow’s newscast. We do know that police are seeking assistance in identifying the victim. The man bears a rose tattoo on his left arm and a peace sign tattoo on his right arm. he is of fair complexion and is about five feet six inches in height; he has a mustache and beard. A blue fishing net and red sack was found in the water.
Construction Worker Found with Firearm and Ammunition Twenty-six year old Justin Richards, a construction worker of Flamboyant Street, was charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license when he appeared today before the Chief magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. Richards pled not guilty to the charges. He was remanded into custody until June 6. The incident occurred on Friday, April 4. The police were on mobile patrol on Central American Boulevard when they saw Richards with a bag in his hand. The police reported that when they stopped Richards and they searched the bag they found a Smith and Wesson .38 revolver with 5 rounds of ammunition in its chambers. As a result, Richards was arrested and charged. The firearm and ammunition were labeled as exhibits.
Arrested and Charged for Hemp Seed Forty-nine year old John Downard, the director of Vortech, a company investigating the potential of pulverizing hemp seeds, was freed of charges of drug trafficking and importation of cannabis seeds today by Magistrate Leslie Hamilton. Downard, who is a naturalized Belizean originally from the United States, was charged with the offences on December 4, 2013, when he arrived in Belize via Phillip Goldson International Airport and 460 grams of what was perceived as hemp seed with cannabis resin. Downard was charged despite the fact that he declared that they were hemp seeds and they were tested twice and the presence of cannabis resin was negative. Today at the close of the case for the prosecution, Downard’s attorney, Rachel Montejo Juan, submitted that Downard did not have a case to answer to because the prosecution had not proved its case. Magistrate Hamilton upheld the submission and dismissed the charges. The prosecution has given notice that it intends to appeal Magistrate Hamilton’s decision.
PlusTV
Man Shot and Another Stabbed at Notorious Bar in Ladyville
There was nearly a second and possibly third death in as many nights this weekend, this time in Ladyville. According to police, there was an altercation inside the Blue House Bar on the Philip Goldson Highway, a stone’s throw from the police station. One Dennis Burke, 47, apparently got...
House in Santa Elena Goes up in Flames
There was a fire in Santa Elena on Friday night which totally engulfed a house on Carillo Puerto Avenue. Evelyn Estelle was at home sleeping when she was awakened by the smell of smoke and realized that her house was on fire. Augustine Martinez- Fire Victim “One of my...
Edgar Puc Drowns Trying to Save his Friend
On Friday April 4th, we reported on another drowning incident when two High School students lost their lives in the Macal River, in San Ignacio. According to the official police report, at about 3:30 p.m. 4th form High School students were on their way back from a school trip...
Hattiville Youth’s Life Cut Short by Stabbing Incident
He had a promising future as an athlete, but his life was cut short in the blink of an eye on Friday night. 17 year old Richard Waight, Jr., of Hattieville, Belize District, died at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after receiving a stab wound to the chest during...
Sunday at the Gorgeous Rojo Lounge on North Ambergris Caye, Belize The weather on Ambergris Caye continues to be beautiful. Warm (and getting warmer), windy and lots and lots of sun. Apparently, for the past few weeks, the terribly beach-chic Rojo Lounge has been opening on Sundays for a bit of a Sunday fun day celebration. (Rojo is a favorite on all sorts of international best bar lists.) But only this week did I see the announcement… Time to head up there…to just soak in the gloriousness that is the Rojo Lounge. Finn snapped a picture of me soaking it in. Can you imagine better ways to spend a Sunday afternoon?
But let me concentrate on my department, food. And a myth that I can now dispel properly. This food is not really expensive. First, it is DELICIOUS. DEEE-Licious. Everything we tried was really really, worth coming back for, good.
The prices might look a bit steep but the portions are for 2 or even three people. You get tongs with your dish…it is one to be shared. Not for just one person.
Belizean Beef Soup In this video, I show you how simple it is to make beef soup Belizean style. The recipe is simple the soup is scrumptious and the beef is tender. This recipe uses very few ingredients and can also be done in the slow cooker.
International Sources
How New York City Embraced the Chocolate Revolution Chocolate used to be simple to buy. There was chocolate candy, and then there was chocolate to make brownies and other baked goodies. In more recent times, however, chocolate buyers have been inundated with new terms and compound words printed on the labels of this much sought-after sweet. Artisan, single origin, blend, percentage, fair trade, are a few relatively new designations given to chocolate bars found everywhere from supermarket chains to small gourmet shops. One of the newest of these nomenclatures is bean-to-bar, a term and practice easy enough to understand that is inching toward a revolution in the chocolate-making industry and paving its way through American cities, especially New York.
Raaka Virgin Chocolate, which makes unroasted (or raw) chocolate bars, is praised for the impact of the raise it gives to the farmers: an effective 20 percent for their beans, far higher than even Fairtrade standards and essentially unprecedented in the industry. Raaka’s co-founder, Ryan Cheney, claims that this premium not only guarantees net monetary gain for the farmers but it also supports local growth and development. One of the farm-towns Raaka buys from, for example, from the Moho River Valley of Belize, has seen a 40 percent increase in school enrollment for children of cacao farmers.
Cayes to the Forest With its rainforests, unspoilt coastline and eco-retreats, Belize is a must for intrepid travellers with a penchant for luxury, writes Anisha Shah
Blessed with virgin beauty, tiny Belize is wedged between Guatemala and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Pristine beaches give way to translucent azure waters that wash over the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Two hours inland, dense rainforests and remote rivers shelter endangered species, many indigenous and unique to Belize, the rich foliage also concealing Mayan ruins. Alongside the astonishing array of marine and jungle life, a laid-back Caribbean vibe completes the allure.
Belize has become renowned for its luxury eco-lodges and retreats, and its government has earned praise for designating large swathes of land as protected. Although an influx of visitors means that things are changing fast, eco-conservation remains at the heart of the tourism industry, which is determined to preserve the Belizean soul.
And what a soul it is! Distinctly different from its neighbours, Belize is Central America’s sole English-speaking nation, with an ethnically diverse population of Mayans, Mestizos, Mexicans and Afro-Indians alongside immigrants from across the globe, the latter attracted to the relaxed work-life balance of the country’s cayes and atolls that lie just off the coast. Myriad luxury properties are peppered across Belize, offering serious rest and recreation. None are finer than the multiple-award-winning retreats of film director Francis Ford Coppola, a godfather of the country’s hotel industry.
Wolfe’s Woofer: Late For School “Hi, Grandpa,” Davin said, after knocking on the door and coming in. “Hey, boy,” I said. “Where is your mom?” “She’s outside in the golf cart. She wants to talk to you.” I went outside to Melody’s golf cart and said, “Hi, Sweetie. What’s up?” “I need a big favor,” she said. “My golf cart’s […]
Letter to the Editor: Saga says thanks! Saga Humane Society would like to give a big Thank You to Bella Italia for hosting our Cook Off Italian/Pasta March 26. There was an air of hungry eagerness as the Chef’s began to arrive with their pasta entries. It was a lively crowd that kept our raffle tickets sales busy. The new VIP tables for six sold quickly to Saga HS supporters Wolfgang Wind and Eisenberg family to enjoy. Thank you to everyone who attended to help support Operation SNIP, we consider you all Very Important People. It was a pleasant night for all that raised money for 25 SNIPs (spay/neuter) for low income residents.
After the votes were tallied the winner was Lasagna – Heather Smith. 2nd Place went to Tuscan Italian Soup with pesto toast- Nancy Nida from Fido’s. 3rd Place was Mama’s Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs – Rosa La Rosa. The other fine dishes were: Macaroni & Cheese Balls with ranch dip and Chipotle – Luna Loca, Penne Pasta With Cheese Sauce – Carolina Mckay (sponsored by Michele Colbert), Bacon Spaghetti – Bella Italia, Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Faride Lima. We are grateful to the Chef’s for their scrumptious entries, creativity and for their support.
Works to complete the police barracks has restarted! Meanwhile, another project addressing the same housing issue is the completion of the new police barracks building spearheaded by a group of business people. The group announced last week that they were short $44,750 to complete the building, and they appealed to the business community for support. Since then four more monetary donations: $3,000 from Lola’s Pub, $5,000 from a frequent guest at The Phoenix, $500 from Hidden Treasure Restaurant and $500 from Henry and Mary Beissner have come in. With those donations, the project remains short $38,750 from completion. Three in-kind donations were also made; Abel’s Painting has donated $10,000 worth of paint and labor, Kama Lounge is donating new sheets, pillows and ten toilets amounting to $5,000 and The San Pedro Sun will donate a full sized refrigerator. Work on the building is expected to commence on Friday April 4th as well. .
Anyone wanting to contribute financially or in-kind to the barracks building is asked to contact Mukul Kanabar at [email protected], Gricel Graniel at [email protected] or The San Pedro Sun at 226-2070.
Doctor Love: Affair of Love Readers, please send your letters. They can be emails, formal letters or handwritten notes. They are edited solely for grammar and spelling. Also, they are sometimes edited for length. Dear Doctor Love, I am a fifty-one year-old man who has been married for twenty-nine years this month. My wife and I have three beautiful children […]
Misc Belizean Sources
Fire guts building in Santa Elena town A late Sunday night fire has gutted a building in Santa Elena town in the Cayo district. The fire happened on Carrillo Puerto Avenue. More details will be posted as they become available.
Primary School children to sit PSE part 1 on Monday Thousands of Primary School boys and girls will head to examination centers on Monday morning for the first half of the Primary School Examinations, PSE.
The students will write papers in Language Arts and Science.
For the last few weeks, teachers and tutors have been working with the Standard 6 students to get them ready for the PSE. Private candidates will also be sitting the PSE on Monday.
The second half of the PSE will be administered in May and the results are expected to be released shortly thereafter.
Good luck to all the primary school boys and girls.
IMF says Trinidad and Tobago economy is performing well The International Monetary Fund, IMF, is giving Trinidad and Tobago good marks on its economic outlook.
The just concluded Article Four consultation mission of the IMF had issued a preliminary report indicating that the twin-island nation is experiencing more robust growth than previous years.
According to the IMF, the projected economic growth for this year is 2.5%. In 2013, Trinidad and Tobago registered a 1/5% economic growth.
Further evidence of good fiscal standing is shown in the country’s external position with ten billion US dollars in external reserves.
How Big H Changed Belize’s Coconut Fortunes Big H launched its fresh bottled natural coconut water at the Agricultural Show in 1998.
Before this….coconut production in Belize was falling rapidly….especially since a disease called “lethal yellowing” was rapidly disseminating the coconut palms.
The sale of dried coconut was still vibrant, since housewives still used it to make home-made coconut milk for use in baking creole bread and preparing the popular “rice and beans”. A small amount was used in cottage industries to make coconut oil. However, even this was in decline, since importers started to bring coconut milk powder in convenient sachets for a rather inexpensive price….and they also imported large amounts of coconut oil already packed for retail sale. Today, this imported milk powder has almost completely displaced the grating of dried local coconuts.
Suspected drowning in Santa Familia village The body of a man has been retrieved from the Belize River in Santa Familia village, Cayo.
The name of the victim, believed to be a Guatemalan national, is being withheld, pending proper notification of his family.
Reports of the suspected drowning came in around midday and officers from San Ignacio town were dispatched to the area to investigate.
More information on this story will be posted as information is received and confirmed.
Corozal man wins new vehicle from Courts Corozal resident Aron Cowo is the proud owner of a brand-new 2014 Kia Sportage SUV courtesy of Courts Belize Limited after emerging the winner of the Get Ready for the Road promotion which climaxed in Belize City on Saturday morning.
Cowo and five other winners from each of Courts’ branches countrywide participated in several rounds of games of chance to determine who would advance and Cowo, who bought various household goods at the local branch to enter the raffle, survived all four challenges.
He is a first-time vehicle owner and says he didn’t expect his good fortune.
The father of two couldn’t wait to drive his new vehicle back to Corozal Town but will have to, at least until Monday.
He also gets free gas for a year from Puma Energy and free insurance from RF&G; also for a year.
Belize's Underdevelopment The enemies amongst us is crafty
The enemy has made themselves our deity
They even gave us ethnicity
To keep us divided and in constant rivalry
They even placed us strategically
In different parts of the country
They even denied us accessibility
If it was not for cross country
Which not a sport; initially they were brave riders who dared to travel the country
We should also be grateful for Hurricane Hattie
For opening up our country
We need to acquaint ourselves with our own history
Paint up a Storm 2014 The Winsom Foundation's Paint Up A Storm was Saturday at the Cayo Welcome Center, and it was a big hit. Daniel Velasquez was there to get some pictures of the event.
"Paint up A Storm in San Ignacio has ended for another year and the Winsom Foundation would like to Thank all the people that was involved in making it a success… The artists giving of their precious time… Marlene for weeks and weeks of driving me to get items etc… The volunteers on the day…Bowen and Bowen for providing a tent Alicia for a tent, Fuego Bar & Grill for providing a wonderful lunch for the artist and their assistance , SISE House of culture for helping with materials and last but not least the Welcome center,,, not only providing the space but bags of water which was so needed in this heat… Again Thanks everyone for taking part or sponsoring.. Winsom Foundation Paint Up A storm…."
Western Ballaz Defeat Running Rebels The Western Ballaz hosted the Orange Walk Running Rebels Friday night, and they crushed them with a score of 100 to 50. The Western Ballaz are the first team in the league to hit the century mark. Adma Photography got some great shots from the game.
In related news, the Western Ballaz will be playing a friendly game on Wednesday. The Western Ballaz, Dangriga Warriors, Galen Eagles and Belmopan Bandits will be playing. Entrance is free, and the fun starts at 7:00pm.
BAS Earth Day Film Competition The Belize Audubon Society is having a film competition to celebrate Earth Day, with the theme being 'Our Protected Areas.' Wow, doesn't that make around a dozen or so different Earth Day competitions around the country? Kind of proves how beautiful and sustainable Belize is, and, percentage-wise, how there are more reserves and parks than most other countries...let's keep it that way.
There will be 3 prizes, and first place will get $500, and a tour to Cockscomb Basin. The deadline for entries is April 22nd. Good luck!
Video: Belikin Livin It Up Video Belikin has released a new video entitled 'Livin It Up.' Once again, it has a little bit of most districts in it.
"Whether a game of pool, a rice and beans stand, with friends at the sandbar hanging out, a domino game or cooking up some barbecue, it is always a great time with Belikin, the beer of Belize."
Video: Belize - Immersion 2014 Oakwood Secondary School took a surreal and amazing trip to Belize and immersed themselves into their culture for eleven days.
ITVET Displays The Work Of Students The Orange walk Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, ITVET, hosted its annual Expo at the school grounds today. The event marked an opportunity for trainees to showcase some of the work done since the beginning of the new school year. The invitation was extended to our studios and Reporter Maria Novelo and video journalist Fernando Sanchez was on hand to capture their vocational accomplishments. Here is that story.
Maria Novelo – Reporting
With a student population of 160 full and part time trainees, the Orange Walk Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, ITVET, has evolved into an integral center for learning that assists trainees with obtaining employment, job retention, increased wages and career development. And today, these trainees went all out to showcase their skills and talents. From Auto Mechanics, Carpentry, Electrical to welding, they all had one thing in common, unique aspirations and abilities.
“All I Wanna Do” when away from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. Today’s edition brings you the next ‘thrilling’ instalment about the recent trip that Rose and I made to Mérida in the Yucatan, Mexico. So far it’s been compulsive reading. If you’ve been (notice the past tense) suffering sleep deprivation that is!
Still awake? Good, I’ll get on with then.
In the first of this series I told you that I’d booked accommodation for our stay at El Gran Hotel.
As you can see from the photo above, it’s been around for a long time, 113 years in fact. Not surprisingly-given its longevity- it’s had some illustrious and/or notorious (depending upon your political leanings) guests. And Rose and I had only been there a day when we were informed (with some pride I might add) that Fidel Castro had stayed there in July 1955 after being released from prison by Fulgencio Batista.
We were told that although he only stayed there a few days (before heading to Mexico City where he resided for around eighteen months before returning to Cuba) he was insistent that he be allocated a room without windows. Do you think he may have been concerned about his well being ?
ReefCI doing amazing stuff with Lionfish! WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP WITH THE LIONFISH INVASION??
EDUCATE YOURSELF on the invasive lionfish and the devastating effects they are having on our reef! Then, help educate others!
ReefCI recently started a community outreach program in local primary schools. The main focus is to educate the children about this fish and its long term effects on the already fragile marine ecosystem! Get them young we say!
BOOK A LIONFISH TRIP: ReefCI operates all year, with the exception of October. This means that you can learn to spear lionfish any week you visit ReefCI. If you want to totally immerse yourself in everything lionfish then visit in July when we are running our next “Lionfish Special”.
Join our LIONFISH WEEK in July!
Cruising, Zipping In Belize Our stop in Cozumel is a non event since we have been there so many times. A day at the beach and we are soon back onboard the Conquest ready to sail to Belize.
With rough early morning seas our tendering is delayed about an hour.
It is about a fifteen minute boat ride to Belize city were we join fellow cruiser for our off ship excursion with “Butts Up.Com”.
An hour bus ride across this small but diverse Central American country and we are soon seeing a part of it from an exhilarating hundred feet or so up in the air and learn an interesting fact.
International Sources
Into the blue: The jawdropping 310 metre wide Great Blue Hole in Belize AT 310m wide and 125m deep, this azure submarine sinkhole is a paradise for divers in search of crystal-clear water that hides treasures in its depths.
Welcome to the Great Blue Hole near Belize, a spectacular sight which Lonely Planet has explored for the new book The World’s Great Wonders.
From above, it looks like an eye — a large, dark pupil surrounded by a sliver of turquoise iris, framed by the eyelids of the reef. But now that you’re within its embrace, it’s hard to get a sense of its circular shape.
A school of yellow angelfish linger by the reef. A lone parrotfish nibbles on the coral. Pressing on your scuba gear’s purge valve, you follow the stream of bubbles from fellow divers. As you sink lower, you are surprised by the absence of marine wildlife down here. You peer into the darkness, hoping for a glimpse of a turtle, or maybe a shark. But 40m down, there is an even more spectacular sight.
Local students do mission work in U.S. and Internationally During her trip to Belize, Hannah Myrick was overwhelmed by how grateful the people were for the small gifts that the student missionaries brought.
“We went to one of the poorest villages and passed out rice and soap,” Myrick said. “That was probably my favorite part. They were just flocking to us and it was like ‘Wow, all they’re getting is rice.’ It wasn’t anything spectacular and they were jumping up and down, they were so excited. I go home and I have a pantry full of food and they were excited because we brought them packets of rice.”
While William Outlaw remembers the ministry work his team did in Israel, he also remembers seeing for the first time the places mentioned in the Bible.
High number of stranded turtles washing up on Ambergris Caye Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the entity that runs the Ambergris Caye Marine Turtle Program, is reporting that a high number of young and juvenile turtles are washing up on shore. These “stranded turtles,” if possible, are cared for, rehabilitated and then re-released into the open seas.
Police Report Robbery, Forgery and Claiming Upon a False Document
Acting upon information received of a fight behind the San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School sometime around 6:50PM on the Tuesday, March 25th, San Pedro Police visited the area where they found Justin Romsa, American businessman and owner of Mata Grande Grocery located 4.5 miles North Ambergris Caye and a resident of the same address. Romsa handed over a person identified as Eulalio Witz, 59 years old, Belizean mason of San Pablo Area, to the police along with some money and a Belize Bank Check #000646 dated March 25, 2014 in the name of Eulalio Witz for the sum of $875.
Initial investigation revealed that sometime around 2:50PM on the same day, Tamara Romsa, American businesswoman and co-owner of Mata Grande Grocery was giving Witz a lift from town to North Ambergris Caye of San Pedro Town and upon passing Lost Encantos, Witz pulled out a knife and took away her bag containing cash, personal documents and her check book and ran away. The check, American passport in the name of Tamara Romsa and other personal documents were recovered. Eulalio Witz was detained and is pending charges.
Burglary
*Ezequiel Witz, Belizean Businessman of Bayside Area, San Pedro Town visited the San Pedro Police Station and reported that between 1AM and 5AM on Saturday, March 29th someone burglarized his business place, namely Olympics Gaming Center located on Angel Coral Street, San Pedro Town.
Sunshine Scholarship Foundation says thanks!! The Sunshine Scholarship Foundation would like to thank Estel’s Dine by the Sea for allowing them the opportunity to host a 50/50 draw fundraiser during their BBQ Cook Off held on Saturday, March 11th. The 50/50 draw raised $480, and coupled with a generous $600 donation from Estel’s, the Sunshine Scholarship Foundation was able to raise a grand total of $1080 which will go towards paying tuition fees for deserving students of La Isla Bonita Elementary. The Sunshine Scholarship Foundation thanks the owners and staff of Estel’s, the band and the patrons for making the event a huge success. Currently the Sunshine Scholarship Foundation is funding six children with full tuition scholarships. To learn more about the non-profit foundation or to make a donation contact Joy Flowers at 610-0084 or [email protected], or Eve Dirnback at 623-9962 or [email protected].
San Pedro Lions gear for membership elections The San Pedro Lions Club has announced that it is gearing up for the election of new officers for the next calendar year. The elections have been set for April 10th, during the monthly membership meeting of the Lions Club. All posts will need to be filled, except for Treasurer which Lion Abel Guerrero has agreed to continue to hold. The other position that needs to be filled is that of the President, whose main duty is to be the club leader, ensuring the smooth running of the general affairs of the club. Also vacant are the post of Vice President whose main duty is to assist the President and serve as the second in command of the club, Secretary whose post is considered extremely important since this person keeps all the records of the club, and the membership Chairman who is tasked to ensure the attraction of potential candidates to the club. Also needed is the Tail Twister whose main duty is to promote harmony, goodwill and enthusiasm at club events, and a Lion Tamer who is responsible for the safekeeping of the clubs’ property and paraphernalia. The club will also need two Club Directors, whose main duties are to ensure that the club, as well as the board, is carrying out their respective duties as mandated by Lions Club International.
San Pedro Tigersharks and Toledo Diplomats Well the second face-off between San Pedro Tigersharks and Toledo Diplomats can't be disputed! Final score: 86 Tigersharks, 52 Diplomats!!! Go 'Sharks!!!
Misc Belizean Sources
Prep finalized, community ready for New Horizons construction U.S. Air Force, Army and Marine Corps civil engineers unpacked their tools and are ready to engage with members of the Belize Defense Force Light Engineer Company to start construction on five sites in Belize.
The U.S. and Belizean teams will construct four school facilities in Belize City, one school facility in Hattieville and a medical facility in Belmopan.
The New Horizons civil engineering commander, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Peter Feng, met with officers from the BDF engineer company April 3 to solidify cooperative schedules, and members of the BDF company are set to join U.S. engineers on the construction sites April 7.
"I'm excited to see how the local Belize construction unit operates," said Tech. Sgt. Steven Ernst, project manager at the Hattieville school construction site. "We don't work with block as much as they do, so I'm interested to see their expertise level and if we'll be able to improve our processes. I'm hoping both sides will be able to make our processes more efficient."
Marine uses sign language to connect with community Hands wave through the air in an organized fashion, children following the movements, as the hands relay the children's story of "A Day at the Farm."
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Parnell Sararana spent time April 4 putting his Universal Sign Language skills to use translating while U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jon Espinoza read aloud at the Stella Maris School Belize Academy for the Deaf in Belize City, Belize.
Sararana is deployed from the 1st Civil Affairs Group at Camp Pendleton, Calif., in support of New Horizons Belize 2014, an exercise encompassing U.S. armed forces services as they train with Belizean professionals in the fields of engineering and medical care. The civil affairs role in the exercise is to engage with the local population, as well as government and non-government organizations, to facilitate the best possible environment for U.S. and Belizean engineering and medical professionals as they build educational and health facilities and provide medical, dental and veterinarian care throughout the country.
Jewel Of Belize's National Park System Tarnished By Poaching, Gold Seekers, Border Strife Gold is an alluring color, whether woven into the feathers of a Scarlet macaw winging through the Maya Mountains rainforest or mixed in the gravels of streams that thread beneath the understory of Chiquibul National Park in the Belizean highlands.
You hear the macaws before you see them. These magnificent birds, nearly 3 feet long from beak to tail feathers, give themselves away with their raucous squawking as they fly in groups to a roost. The flecks of gold in the soils of Chiquibul, the largest protected area in this Central American country, are not as easy to spot. But they're equally precious. And both birds and metals lie at the root of illegal activities that are poking holes in the park's faunal assemblage and streambeds. Encompassing 416 square miles, Chiquibul is said to contain mountainous landscapes undisturbed since the Maya lived here centuries ago. Within the forests are Scarlet macaws, an endangered species that breeds in the park, Spider monkeys, and toucans, while beneath the forests the Chiquibul Cave System worms through the karst geology. It is thought to be the largest cave system in Belize and the longest in Central America.
Forestry and Finance fair held in Belize City A first of its kind Forestry, Fisheries and Finance fair was held today in Belize City.
The grounds of the ITVET Compound on Freetown Road was the venue for this event which was sponsored by the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development.
Organizers say the purpose of the fair was to give the general public a more in-depth look at what goes into the finished products that consumers see on the market from day to day.
The fair included display booths, food tasting stalls and information centers designed to connect, facilitate and promote the members of BCCI and the general public.
The Magnificent Belize Manatees Manatees are lovable and gentle water creatures that spend their entire lives in the water. According to researchers, manatees can have a life span of up to 60 years and are found habitually in warm shallow waters. They only eat plants making them herbivores.
Belize has the region’s largest concentration of manatees by the count of the United Nations Environment Programme due to the fact that our country has the largest coral reef in the western hemisphere and extensive mangrove swamps. In addition, Belize’s network of rivers and lagoons which is protected in part by the reef provides fertile feeding grounds and shelter for these amazing mammals.
Manatees can be spotted along Belize’s entire coast line and can weigh as much as 1000 pounds. According to a UNEP report, manatees in Belize number fewer than 1000 but the population’s birth rate and cub survival rate is moderately stable and analogous to the population of Florida’s Crystal River area.
Voice of the West Winners Rotary had their Voice of the West Elocution contest this week. Congratulations to all the winners, and every student that participated. Thanks, Rotary!
"In the eyes of the Rotary Club of San Ignacio all participants were winners. We would like to thank you and your Schools for all the hard work that you put into the outstanding presentations.
Official Winners:
Impromptu Speech:
1st Place.........Kiely Gonzales ........... Eden Seven Day Adventist 2nd Place........Antwan Leslie ........... Our Lady of Guadalupe
3rd. Place........Nelson Hernandez ..... Mopan Technical
3 hour double stage dive in Giant Cave Awesome 3 hour double stage dive in Giant Cave yesterday- Laid about 400 feet of line and was gifted a pre 1900's peppersauce bottle while mucking around under Pauls "famous" boulder on my deco stop at 40 feet- Life is good!!
On The Scene The Corozal Bay Sailing Club is hard at practice on the Corozal Bay for the upcoming optimist regatta sailing race, to be held in San Pedro Ambergris Caye during the Easter holiday. More information will be forthcoming on this sailing regatta.
Exhibition: A History of Slaves and Emancipation The Corozal House of Culture in association with the Institute of Social and Cultural Research is looking forward to opening an educational exhibit that delves deep into Belize's past. Opening April 29, 2014 at (CHOC).
Father Accuses Son Of Burglary Corozal Police are tonight seeking one man from Libertad Village for questioning into a burglary. Fifty eight year old Israel Torres, Belizean Security Guard of Libertad Village, reported to police that on Thursday April 3rd 2014, at about 4:15pm, he was checking a bus belonging to the Libertad Seventh Day Adventist Church that is parked in his yard, when he noticed that one black battery valued at $380.00 was missing from the vehicle.
Corozal Police are currently seeking the complainant's son, Melvin Torres, for questioning. Of note is that it’s not the first time that Israel Torres makes a burglary report against his son.
Time Changes In Mexico And for those who like to travel over the border be informed that Mexico will begin observing Daylight Saving Time on Sunday.
In a press release issued today, the Mexican Embassy in Belize makes it known that starting Sunday, April 6th; clocks in Mexico will go forward by one hour.
This means that Mexico will be one hour ahead of Belize’s local time. The observance of Daylight Saving Time will apply to most of Mexico, including Chetumal, Cancun, Merida and Mexico City.
School Trip Turns Deadly For Students Of ESTM, Two Drown A class trip for forth form students of Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico in San Roman Corozal went horribly wrong when two students drowned in the Macal River in the San Ignacio area near the low lying bridge around four this evening.
Authorities have retrieved the body of 16 year old Edgar Pook of Patchakan Village in the Corozal District and 15 year old Anais Zepeda of San Joaquin Village also in the Corozal District. Both victims were in fourth form. They were part of a group of students from Escuela Mexico that were on a field trip to the Chechem Ha cave in Benque Viejo Del Carmen in western Belize.
Information to our newsroom is that the students were on their way back from their trip in a Morales Bus when they stopped near the Macal River Park in San Ignacio/Santa Elena. A group of the students decided to go swimming and that is when things went terribly wrong as Puk and Zepeda were carried away by the current, disappeared under the water and never resurfaced. We’ll have more on this story in Monday’s newscast.
Ruthless Criminals Attack Chinese Businesses In Corozal Two more Chinese business establishments in Corozal fell victims to the hands of robbers last night. In the first incident Ri You Lin, 42 year old Belizean/Chinese Businesswoman of Santa Rita Road, Corozal Town, informed police that on Thursday April 3rd, at about 7:15pm, she was at her business place namely China Store when two male persons of dark complexion entered the store.
One of the individuals, armed with a pump action shotgun, was wearing a red jacket with a dark color hood and black stocking mask while the second, armed with a machete, was wearing a dark color jacket with hood and black stocking mask. According to Lin, as soon as the men entered the store they demanded that she hand over all the cash. Fearing for her life, she did as she was told and handed over $1,200.00 to the criminals. The men also walked away with $700.00 worth of Smart phone cards. Police are looking for two men suspected to be from Belize City.
First Orange Walk Town Music Summer Camp and second one for San Pedro Last year’s music camp in San Pedro was such a hit they are doing it again and expanding to host the first Orange Walk Town Music Summer Camp August 25-30, 2014 At the Banquitas House of Culture Daily classes Monday to Saturday.
Maestro Carlos Perrote will bring a truck load full of percussion instruments to the Banquitas House of Culture to provide for the
participants of the First Orange Walk Music Summer Camp and will teach how to play Steel Pan, afrocuban percussion, acoustic guitar and keyboards
In the afternoon children can join acoustic guitar and keyboard lessons in small groups.
8:30 – 10 a.m. PERCUSSION, all instruments are provided
10:30 – 12 ACOUSTIC GUITAR, bring your own
1 – 2:30 p.m. KEYBOARDS, bring your own
Children starting age 5 will learn how to play Steel Pan, Bongos, Batas, Timbal, Tambor, Cajon, Congas, drum set, Garifuna and Afrocuban percussion instruments and much more. Minimum age : 5 years for percussion and keyboards, 7 for guitar. Guitar and keyboards classes are limited to 10 participants.
Hopkins, Belize’s Bioluminescence Night Tour: Dip Your Hand into the Burnin’ Wata! But one of the major draws to this part of Belize is the landscape…and the wildlife. Within the hour, you can be at the beach or on the gorgeous green Sittee River searching for manatee or hiking the Cockscomb Wildlife preserve searching for jaguar tracks.
My very first night, the manager at my hotel, Parrot Cove Lodge, insisted that I go immediately out on a tour. The lovely Yoli is so passionate about Belize and knew this is a trip that I would love. She was very right.
I knew absolutely nothing about the burning water. I’d never heard a peep about this trip. But at 7pm, I made my way over to Jaguar Reef Lodge – they arrange for guests to go out on this very cool lagoon. About 12 of us loaded into a van and set off for the 10 minute ride to the Sittee River Marina.
Here’s a daytime look at the main lodge Jaguar Reef Lodge.
International Sources
Circa 1920 Crisfield-built buyboat Winnie Estelle joins Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s floating fleet The historic 1920 Chesapeake Bay buyboat Winnie Estelle has arrived at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels where she will remain as the new workhorse of CBMM's floating fleet for scenic Miles River cruises and a wide variety of on-the-water educational programs.
The Winnie Estelle joins CBMM’s floating fleet of historic boats, which includes the recently restored 1955 skipjack Rosie Parks; the 1889 nine-log bugeye, the Edna E. Lockwood; the 1912 river tug Delaware; the 1909 seven-log crab dredger Old Point, the 1934 dovetail Martha; the 1931 Potomac River dory boat; and the 1961 tuck-stern, Jackson-built Pot Pie skiff. The authentic buyboat replaces the museum’s replica buyboat Mister Jim, which has operated as a passenger boat since 1982. The museum currently has the Mister Jim for sale. “About a month ago, we began fundraising to acquire the Winnie Estelle,” said CBMM President Langley Shook. “We are so fortunate that a generous donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, stepped right up to purchase her for an undisclosed amount to donate her to the Museum.” CBMM will engage in fundraising to build an endowment to cover ongoing and long-term maintenance of the historic buyboat.
Ancient people anything but jaded To the ancient Maya, jade was the most precious of all stones. Its green color symbolized water and sprouting plants, hence fertility, life, rejuvenation and rebirth.
Jade was carved into religious and ornamental objects that were placed in temples and tombs. Jade necklaces and earrings adorned the members of royal families, who also inserted jade beads into holes in their teeth to further flaunt their status. Kings made public appearances wearing belts and breastplates accessorized by remarkably realistic-looking, mosaic jade masks of human faces and decorative, ax-head-shaped jade bars called “celts.”
8 Reasons Why Half Moon Caye is an Amazing Caye in Belize Half Moon Caye is located at the southwest corner of Lighthouse Reef Atoll and just this week was selected as a top dive site by Jacksonville Business Journal, a popular business website in the United States.
Kristina Fazzalro, the writer who put together the article entitled “10 Best Dive Sites in North America” described the Caye as follows: Half Moon Caye in Belize offers divers the chance to go on a wall dive–a dive in which the vertical facades of the earth’s landmasses are explored. The depths at Half Moon Caye (and really at any wall dive) are tremendous, giving you the very correct feeling that you are staring into an abyss. The waters at Half Moon Caye are particularly clear, despite the depth, so you will be able to see all manner of wildlife, including loggerhead turtles, rays, barracuda, and eels.
St John’s College hosts reading fair St John’s College School in Belize City hosted its third annual reading fair on Friday March 28th, with newspapers as the highlight for this year’s event. Held under the theme “Newspapers matter: they connect us to the world,” the event was aimed to encourage students to look at newspapers as an alternate source for reading. Amongst the newspaper publications invited to attended was Ambergris Caye’s only print media, The San Pedro Sun. According to Angie Moody, Head of Language Arts Department at St John’s College, the idea of the reading fair was conceptualized three years ago. Moody said that over 66.6% of Caribbean Examination Council’s curriculum caters to reading, and given that the students were not reading as much, the school introduced a campaign encouraging them to read in their leisure time.
Child Stimulation Month ends with parade On Friday March 28th, Child Stimulation Month came to a close with a parade through the streets of San Pedro Town. The preschoolers, accompanied by teachers and parents/guardians, were dressed in brightly colored school tee’s waving balloons as they made their way singing and dancing from Central Park north to the roundabout along Pescador Drive and back. Schools present included Ambergris Caye Preschool, ABC Preschool, Holy Cross Preschool, Little Angels, Brighter Tomorrow Preschool and San Pedro Preschool. Under the theme “Family and Culture” the second week of events included a trip to Lady Bug Garden Shop, storytelling day, a cultural day and family movie day.
Unsightly Garbage at new Sunset Boardwalk raises concerns Residents neighboring the Honorable Louis “Cuz” Sylvestre Sporting Arena, commonly known as the Saca Chispas Football Field, are irate at the amount of garbage being left behind after The San Pedro Sports Committee Football Tournament and other events. According to residents’ complaints, which have surfaced on social media networks, the field is not cleaned after use and the mounds of garbage drift into other neighboring areas. The lack of adequate garbage cans in the area also adds to the dilemma. This past weekend in particular, the unsightly garbage was in larger volumes due to the fact that the field was used both for the football tournament and a softball tournament.
According to Kenrick Bracket, Councilor in charge of Solid Waste Management, both The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and The San Pedro Sports Committee (SPSC) have been made aware of this problem. According to Bracket, SPSC members in charge of the football tournament are not ensuring that the public picks up their garbage after they leave the field, nor are they providing garbage bags for people to dispose their trash in.
Take the Belize adventure eastward to the Reef! Belize is bordered to the east by the Caribbean Sea, from Corozal down to Toledo, and these seaside areas are a haven for those seeking something different from the mountains and flats. Options include enjoying the flight of pelicans and seagulls over the howls of monkeys or cheep of the rainforest birds if only for a moment. For these sorts of delights, there are islands dotting the crystal waters of the Caribbean, offering powdery white sand, swaying coconut trees, seagrape and almond trees offering shade from the blinding sunshine, and water everywhere to wash away every ounce of stress.
Small vessel has capsizes off the coast of Ambergris Caye The San Pedro Sun can confirm that a small vessel has capsized off the coast of Ambergris Caye shortly around midday today, Friday April 4th. Personnel from the Belize Coast Guard stationed in San Pedro Town and local tour guides were deployed to the area to assist in rescue efforts.
Despite a small craft warning for choppy to rough seas, the group of three local men decided to venture into the high seas off of the Belize Barrier Reef on board a small Mexican type skiff. Somewhere near the San Pedro Main Channel, located directly in front of San Pedro Town, the vessel capsized sending all men into the sea. According to a Coast Guard official, when they arrived on the scene, the men had received assistance and the vessel had moved away from the area.
Ambergris Today
New Belizean Rum Sold Exclusively In The USA Wins Award Belizean rums may not be world famous, but locals and visitors from all over the world who taste rums from the country fall in love with them and are always looking for ways to get their Belizean rum back home. There is exciting news as a new product of Belizean rum has entered the market, Tiburon Rum, a Belizean premium rum sold exclusively in the United States.
Tiburon Rum hit the US market about a year ago and has already garnered its first award. Tiburon Rum was entered in the 14th Annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition that took place on March 20 through the 23, 2014 at the Hotel Nikko in downtown San Francisco. Thirty-nine spirits experts convened at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco where Tiburon Rum was awarded with a Bronze Medal.
Misc Belizean Sources
Corozal Police have been reporting a number of armed robberies and burglaries, lately The Corozal Police is asking the neighborhood watch groups in the different areas to be more vigilant and to report any suspicious activities or persons in their areas.
As Easter approaches, Superintendent Andrew Ramirez would like to advise all the business community and public at large that as we enter the Easter season, criminal elements will step up their criminal activities.
Whilst the Corozal Police will commit itself to do its constitutional part, they are asking the public to do the same and together they can combat crime.
Corozal Police is asking the general public to please assist in the following:
1. Report anything suspicious vehicle or person(s) especially
anyone not known from to live in your area.
2. Close your business on time and do not risk opening after
the prescribed hours.
3. Be vigilant at all times and take nothing for granted.
Chinese stores on the Philip Goldson Highway in Corozal targeted by armed robbers. Naturalized Chinese/Belizean, 28 year old JIAM BON WU, businessman of Philip Goldson Highway, Corozal Town, reported that on Wednesday April 2nd, 2014April 2014 about 9:00 p.m. whilst he opened the shutter in order for his brother in law to exit his shop namely Ban's Store located at his address, two male persons one of Hispanic decent and the other of dark complexion with dark clothing and who had what appears to be warm caps covering their faces came out from the side of his shop and walked up towards him. The dark skin male person was holding what appears to be a .38 revolver hand gun in his hand pointing it at him.
Congratulations Jacinta! Lots of young Belizeans are placing Belize on the map with their successes. Earlier this week, Miss Jacinta Gomez was crowned the University of South Florida's (USF) Miss International.
Congratulations Jacinta! We're proud of you for - as you said -putting "[OUR] beautiful jewel on the map" and for "educating the USF community about what we have to offer as a country, as a people."
Paint Up A Storm This year's Paint Up A Storm is tonight, Saturday, April 5th, at the Cayo Welcome Center. The fun starts at 9:30am, and goes until 2:00pm. They will show the movie 'Wasteland' at 6:00pm. Go see, and make, some art.
NEMO Donates Houses NEMO turned over the 2 houses that were made for the families that lost their houses in November's flash floods. Thanks, NEMO!
SISE Town Council's pictures. Video.
"Mr. Calbert Thompson and Mr. Vigilio Requena Sr. and their families were recipients of homes built by Plett’s Home Builders."
Mexico to observe Daylight Saving Time Mexico will begin observing Daylight Saving Time on Sunday.
A press release sent out by the Mexican Embassy in Belize says that starting on Sunday, April 6, clocks in Mexico will go forward by one hour.
Horario de Verano means that Mexico will be one hour ahead of Belize’s local time.
The observance of Daylight Saving Time will apply to most of Mexico, including Chetumal, Cancun, Merida and Mexico City.
Daylight Saving Time in Mexico will end on October 26.
Corozal town gets a donated garbage truck The municipality of Corozal has received a donation of a garbage truck to help with keeping the town clean.
According to Mayor Hilberto Campos, the truck has already been pressed into service.
Mayor Campos says the Town Council hopes to acquire another truck like this one to compliment the work of the municipal body.
High School principals meet in Punta Gorda The Belize Association for Principals of Secondary Schools ( BAPS) met with stakeholders in the education sector to discuss ways of improving the overall efficiency of Secondary Schools in Belize.
The meeting was held at the Social Security Board Conference room i n Punta Gorda Town and had the participation of principals form all over the country. According to the president of the Association Maria Johnston, “we are here to discuss the main topics about how we can go about improving the delivery and the quality of education in the Secondary Schools, to understand what are the roles of Principals, teachers and of course the role of students. They are the key stakeholders in education. “
Belize City youth succumbs to gunshot injury An 18 year old Belize City youth is dead, following a Thursday evening shooting incident.
Anfernee Romero died early this morning while undergoing treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.
Romero and another man, 26 year old Troy Hyde, were injured when a pair of gunmen opened fire on them at their workplace on Central American Boulevard around 4:45 pm yesterday.
Police say Romero was shot to the left side of his head, while Hyde sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Two students drown in Macal River There are reports that two students have drowned in the Macal River in San Ignacio/Santa Elena.
Preliminary information is that one of the bodies has been recovered so far.
More information as they become available.
High school students from Corozal drown in the Macal River Two high school students drowned this afternoon in the Macal River in San Ignacio/Santa Elena town.
The deceased students of Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico in Corozal, have been identified as 16 year old Edgar Puk and 15 year old Anahli Zepeda.
The two students were part of a class trip to the Chechem Ha cave in Benque Viejo del Carmen. On the return journey to Corozal, the bus stopped in the vicinity of the Macal River Park.
And that was when some of the students decided to go for a swim. Around 4 pm, tragedy struck.
Puk and Zepeda were carried away by the current in the river and disappeared under the water and did not resurface.
American diplomat visits Belize, donates to library On Thursday, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central America and the Caribbean in the Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Francisco Palmieri, began a two-day visit to Belize.
After meeting with the heads of the Belize Defence Force (BDF), Brigadier General David Jones, and the National Coast Guard, Rear Admiral John Borland, his next stop was the Leo Bradley Library, headquarters of the Belize National Library Service and Information System (BNLSIS).
He handed over a donation of books for the establishment of the Education USA Reference Center, to be housed at the Leo Bradley Library on Princess Margaret Drive.
The books include reference guides on education, U.S. culture and law and is intended to help students going to the U.S. to develop their knowledge of our giant northern neighbour.
Mayor not backing down from Waste Control Belize Waste Control (BWC) will continue its lawsuit against the Belize City Council despite Mayor Darrell’s Bradley’s stance, which is that by the terms of the contract the Council is allowed to be four weeks behind on payment but not more without being sued.
The Mayor repeated his concerns about the high cost of sanitation and suggested that City residents are obligated to take on more of the burden.
After all, he says, it’s their City too.
The Council also has sizable payments owed to the other sanitation company, Belize Maintenance Limited (BML.)
The case returns to court on April 15.
Mayor missed deadline to run for second term Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley has admitted he missed the Monday, March 31 deadline to file papers declaring his intent to run for a second term under the United Democratic Party (UDP).
While he has earned rave reviews for his work thus far, his chances of continuing past next March depended on making that deadline.
But it does not seem to bother the Mayor, who says he is more worried about keeping up his current performance and being able to report continued success to the people of Belize City. So that is that. Or is it?
The Mayor says he does wish he could run again, but he was honest enough to say that before he considers a second term, he wants to fulfill the promises he made in his first.
Nevertheless, he admits it is now out of his hands.
BTL employees protest pay negotiations This afternoon in Belize City, there was an unusual protest at the Church Street office of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL).
Employees of the state-run telephone company are negotiating with management for a 5% raise of pay.
Following negotiations last week, the Belize Communications Workers’ Union (BCWU) met with its members to present a counter offer of 3.5%.
With a transition in executives taking place this week, the employees seized the opportunity to make their concerns known.
At 10 this morning and again at 3 this afternoon, employees observed a one-minute protest in which they knocked their knuckles on their counter-tops, causing a short delay in tending to customers.
Air Force major deploys to support Belizean, US medical training A U.S. Air Force major is taking advantage of an opportunity to interact with the Belizean people and learn about their culture as she's deployed in support of New Horizons 2014 in Belize, Central America.
Maj. S. Kellie Williams, an international health specialist, is the New Horizons Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron deputy commander, a role that puts her at the heart of U.S. medical coordination with Belizean medical officials.
New Horizons is an annual event coordinated amongst U.S. Department of Defense service members, the U.S. Embassy and the host nation government to conduct civil engineer and medical training. The training benefits U.S. forces as they are offered an opportunity to practice deployment and joint training procedures.
As the deputy commander, she is responsible for relaying the EMDOS commander's intent to all U.S. medical operations at each of the New Horizon's medical readiness training exercise sites throughout the country of Belize.
Western Ballaz Hit Century Mark The Western Ballaz proved they are the best team in the league last night! They hit the century mark, and won against the Orange Walk Running Rebels 100 - 50. Awesome job, Western Ballaz!
"The Western Ballaz hosted the Orange Walk Running Rebels tonight, and they hit 100 points, winning the game 100 - 50. The Cayo over 35 team won the first game against the Belmopan over 35 team, 74 - 66. Western Ballaz are number 1!"
AKT Weekends AKT - Art for Kids and Teens - is starting up their Saturday art weekends, starting today, April 5th. It all happens at Barn and Grill. Today is dance.
"It's about to happen! Opening April 5th here at Barn and Grill"
Supreme Court Declares Belize’s Obligation to Protect the Maya People under UNDRIP. The Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcaldes Association would like to express our gratitude to the Supreme Court for its careful consideration of the issues that were before them in the SATIIM vs. Attorney General Claim no. 394 of 2013. We are pleased that the court has reaffirmed our people's right to the land that we use every day and depend on to survive, and that our Free Prior and Informed Consent must be given for activities on these lands. We are encouraged by the words of Justice Arana where she declared: [the] Defendants [Government of Belize and US Capital Energy] would comply with their obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to respect the rights of the Indigenous Maya Peoples to their lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired [when issuing permits and concessions]. (Claim no. 394 0f 2013 decision pages 55 and 56)
Southern Tour - Ministry of Natural Resources & Agriculture The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture - Honorable Gaspar Vega, Minister of State - Honorable Hugo Patt, Chief Executive Officers of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture and senior officers of the Lands and Agriculture Departments and the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) toured the southern districts on April 1 and 2, 2014.
Video: Beautiful Belize Chillout and Lounge Mix Del Mar 2014 1hr18min. Mellow music and views of Belize by Chillout King Ibiza. LOTS from Ambergris Caye. "this week's episode of my Chillout Holidays series takes us to beautiful Belize - did you know it was the Belizeans who actually invented chewing gum? Anyway, enjoy this Lounge trip and tell a friend!"
Video: Sacred Heart Flashmob Sacred Heart School in San Ignacio in Cayo, Belize performed 'Gotta Keep Reading' to raise awareness for literacy in Belize. This was done in cooperation with the 'Literacy Alive' project which was supported by Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Red Deer, Ab, Canada as well as the Rotary Club of San Ignacio.
Video: Cave Kayaking in Belize Kayaking 9 caves south-east of Belmopan, Belize. We toured with Maya Guide Adventures (www.mayaguide.bz) and had an amazing day!!
Video: Snorkeling with Sharks and Turtles in Belize: Ambergris Caye Gopro HD Filmed with GoPro Hero 3 White edition. Here are a few clips from our snorkeling adventure in Ambergris Caye Belize, staying in El Pescador Lodge. This is primarily a fly fishing destination, but we were able to go out for an afternoon of snorkeling. Nurse sharks were everywhere, as well as rays and big mutton snapper.
Video: Swimming with Reef Sharks in Belize Two Grey Reef Sharks show-up while we are snorkeling on Ambergris Kaye - Belize. Sharks became very agitated when food ran out ... we quickly climbed back on board the fishing boat.
High School Class Trip Turns Terrible: Two 4th Formers Drown Two teenaged high school students, a male and a female drowned today on a class trip to the Cayo District. It happened at around 4:00 pm in the Macal River near the low lying bridge in Santa Elena. The students - who are from Escuela Technica Mexico in San Roman, Corozal - had gone on a class trip to the Che-Chem Ha caves in Cayo. On the way back, the entire contingent travelling on bus stopped for a swim in the river. This, we are told, was not on the planned agenda.
During the swim two students went under - reportedly pulled by the currents - and they did not re-surface. The body of the male student was retrieved shortly after, and about an hour ago, the body of the female, was found. We have their names, but will not release them until we are certain all family members have been informed of their death. We can say that they were both fourth form students he from Patchakan and she from San Joaquin.. Both bodies have been transported to the morgue. She was wearing long jeans pants when her body was found.
Alleged Contract Killer Says He Made It Up; UDP's Pawpa Mena Still Uneasy Earlier this week we told you about the disturbing report of a death threat against UDP Standard Bearer for Dangriga, Frank "Pawpa" Mena. A Dangriga resident named Jermaine Miranda told police that no less than the clerk of the National Assembly, Eddie Webster had contracted him to kill Mena. The charge was outlandish in the extreme since both men are prominent UDP's in the town. Well, today we learned that Miranda has withdrawn the allegation. He tells the police he made it all up. But, that doesn't make it all just go away, because there's still a great sense of disquiet since the story is not the kind that just gets pulled out of the air. Today all sides: Mena, Webster, the accuser Miranda and the Speaker of the House Michael Peyrefitte met with the officer commanding for the Southern formation Senior Superintendent Robert Mariano to try and clear the air. That meeting happened at 11:00 and 7News was in Dangriga when it was finished an hour and fifteen minutes later. We spoke to Peyrefitte and Mena:..
Hon. Mike Peyrefitte, House Speaker/Attorney
"We cannot get away from the fact that Mr. Webster is the clerk of the National Assembly and when I heard the matter on the news and clearly it was troubling to him understandably and it was affecting his work, so I decided I had to get involve and try in some way to accompany him to visit the police station. I made a call as well to Mr. Pawpa Mena and Superintendent Mariano and we agreed we will meet here to discuss this matter along with the person who allegedly made the report against Mr. Webster. We met and the young man was present in the meeting and he stated categorically that the entire matter was mischievous, that he was trying to create some problems and when we ask him to what benefit he refused to answer."
Mayor Dragged Back To Court On Tuesday, we told you about the latest development in the dispute between the Belize City Council and Belize Waste Control. Again, they're battling in court over arrears for garbage collection.
On Tuesday, Waste Control wanted to press the case because the council owed 6 weeks in arrears. Well today, 3 days later, Mayor Darrell Bradley told the media that City Hall has paid for 4 weeks, and only owes 2 more.
He told the media, after the adjournment before the Chief Justice, that he's hoping the company drops the case this time:
Mayor Darrell Bradley
"I was able to inform the court that we were only two weeks outside of what we owe them and they are still pursuing litigation. I had impress upon the court to consider the fact that by the terms of the contract we can be 4 weeks in areas and I want to make that very clear. It doesn't mean that we don't owe the two weeks, but there is a difference between owing a sum of money and being in breach of contract giving rise to a suit and giving the claimants in this case Waste Control the right to sue you for the arrears. This is something common in when people pay their rent - you pay your rent by the end of the month but they tell you, you can pay up until the 7th of the following month. Within that period which is a grace period you are not to be sued. What we are saying is that as long as we are within this 4 week period and at the present moment we are two weeks, we are not to be sued and the case is to be discontinued. The judge gave time for Waste Control to file a statement of facts and issues because the judge wants to be satisfied in respect to what remaining tri-able issues there are and we are to return to court on the 15th April for the judge to consider that and to consider whether or not the matter has been settled or whether or not the matter is to proceed forward."
The Burdens Of High Office Weigh Heavily On Bradley So, as you've seen many times, Bradley has consistently told the media that the current sanitation charges are an unsustainable and unmanageable burden on the council. With many other no-win situations like that one in the sphere of municipal affairs, we wondered if the cumulative load of woe played into Bradley's decision not to enter his name as a mayoral candidate for the next election.
While we had the opportunity, we asked Bradley about it, and here's how he responded:
Mayor Darrell Bradley
"People always ask that question and I maintain this view that I can see myself going forward in the City. Of course these things do not make it easy. The job of being mayor is very difficult, we are in litigation a lot, there is a lot of problems that I have inherited. I do think that think that we have made in-roads in terms of the parks and the infrastructure, quality of life and in terms of reduction in crime - all of those things putting the financial house of the City Council in order and I have maintained to the media and to the public that the thing that I am chiefly concerned about is being able to deliver on our manifesto promises and services. From the very beginning, because you want me to go a certain way, which I haven't given a lot of thought to. I have maintained that we are about service, we are about cleaning house at City Council, and we are about delivering on core promises. Right now we are at 107 concreted streets. The city has 8 streets going on including Buttonwood Bay's Independence Drive, Seashore Drive, the extension of Vernon Street, the extension of Dean Street, West Canal, Castle Street - we have a lot of infrastructures going on, those things are causing headaches because we are coordinating with people in terms of traffic and business and all of those things. Those are the things which keep me up at night, those are the things that I am worried about - I am not worried about an election. I am worried about performance and being able to stand in front of every member of the city and tell them that I have done right by them and I have discharge my obligations to the fullest extent possible."
Teenager Was Shot At Work, Died This Morning Last night, we told you about the shooting at the eastern end of Central American Boulevard where 26 year-old Troy Hyde and 18 year-old Anfernee Romero both suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Well, tonight, we report that Anfernee Romero, who was shot in the head, died at around 4:20 this morning, 12 hours after he was shot.
Police say that Hyde and Romero were doing their work at Locksmith Service on Central American Boulevard, where they are both employed, when 2 gunmen rode past and opened fire at both of them.
Death found Romero at his workplace, which is especially tragic for his family since he had worked very hard to become gainfully employed. He graduated last year as part of the 4th intake of the Youth Apprenticeship Program, a Belize City based second-chance program for young adults. Coordinator Diane Finnegan spoke with us this afternoon, and told us that when she had learned that one of her promising past students had been shot, she took it as if Romero had been her own son. Here's how she explained it:
Squatters Beg For Some Solution Last night, you saw the squatters who were getting in the way of the construction of Lake I Boulevard which will connect the Western Highway with Belama's Chetumal Street. The reports we were getting on the ground were that 20 houses and 100 people needed to move. Tonight, we've confirmed with the contractor that based on their official survey, only 6 of those houses will have to be moved from where they're currently located.
But since yesterday, the group of people who believed that they were being forcibly removed for the development, have been trying convince the Government to basically leave them be. Things got confrontational this morning when the loads of clay ended up right at the door step of one those houses in the way, and we went back to find out what would be their fate. Daniel Ortiz reports:
BTL Workers, Desk Bangers If you were in BTL offices this morning at 10:00 am or this afternoon at 3:00 pm, you probably witnessed a strange thing: employees spontaneously banging on their desks for one solid minute - and one minute only. It caused quite a stir at the usually very business-like offices, and President of the Communication Workers Union Emily Turner says it's simply a show of solidarity for the union as it negotiates a new collective bargaining agreement with management. Turner says the negotiations have been proceeding in good faith, and today's action was only intended to show the union's unity.
Turner says the negotiations started last year, and she hopes they can be concluded by the end of this month or next month. Reports say the Union is asking for a 5% increase and management has offered 3.5%.
Police Puzzle Over Inconsistencies In Canadian's Rape/Robbery Report On Wednesday's Newscast, we told you about the report coming from the Placencia Peninsula that a Canadian Couple was robbed, and that the woman was raped by the assailants. Well ambiguities in the report are surfacing and police are looking more closely at it.
As we told you, the Canadian couple told police that 2 men held them up, raped the woman and robbed them of cash and electronics. Well, police say there are some details that they've given that aren't adding up.
Other sources from Placencia tell 7News that the couple left without participating in a medical checkup as a routine part of the investigation into a case like this one.
Haylock's Bus Banned (For A Week) Yesterday we showed you the outrageous traffic maneuver pulled off by a driver for Haylock Bus. He drove the bus diagonally across the Northern Highway at mile 1, going from Captain Eiley Street across the lane of northbound traffic, and then forced himself into the southbound lane. We called it so lawless, it seemed even laughable. But it's no laughing matter for the City's Traffic Department. Reports to 7News say the Department has recommended that Haylock's Bus Line be suspended for the period of one week from their Belama Run within the city. Haylock's also runs from Ladyville - and because the city has no authority over that run, it remains intact.
It would be the second high profile suspension for Haylock's bus - which was forced to do the same in late 2012 when a young student fell out of the back of a moving bus when the door sprang open.
Belize Famous For Contraband Smokes Jalisco, it's one of the most economically active and culturally prominent states in Mexico, but a watchdog group in that country says that it's also a hotbed of contraband cigarettes, most of which they say comes from Belize.
According to the El Universal website, authorities estimate that 46% of Jalisco's cigarettes are contraband made in Vietnam, China, Paraguay and the United states, smuggled into Mexico through the Belize border. In March authorities seized 103,000 illegal cigarettes in the state - and those were said to be from Belize.
Both Drivers Served With NIP In Tourist Accident Last night we showed you the aftermath of a scary head on collision between two vehicles, one of them with tourists as passengers. Tonight police say it was a white westbound Toyota Previa crashing into an eastbound Mazda Protégé four door car - both of them with private plates. The Previa was driven by 30 year old EDMOND CARTER from Western Paradise while the Protégé was driven by 48 year old Orlando Arnold from Maskall Village. Four persons were injured and notices of intended prosecution were issued to both drivers.
PRE Panicked Parents Buying Up Preparatory Software Last year we told you about Game Prep, digital entrepreneur Tanya Simpson's PSE preparatory software. The game's popularity has taken off with software and an app for mobile platforms. And, with paper one of the PSE exam on Monday, sales this week have stepped up sharply. It may be a purchases driven by panicked parents coming just a little too late, but Simpson tells us she's used to the last minute spike:..
Father Fundraises for Son's Surgery Today, a father from St, Margaret's Village took out his bar-b-que put and got staffers from his son's school to come out and help him fundraise. His son, 9 year old Kriss Salam has hydrocephalus commonly known as water in the brain, where spinal fluid accumulates in the cavities of the brain. It can be treated with the installation of a shunt to drain the fluid and the procedure can be performed locally. But it's going to cost and this father told us he's fundraising in advance:
Those wanting to help can call Longino at 660-3866.
Channel 5
2 students from the Escuela Mexico drown in the Macal River A field trip ended tragically this afternoon; two students from Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico in the Corozal District have drowned in the Macal River. The body of Edgar Pook was [...]
Anfernee Romero, 18, killed in Central American Boulevard shooting In 2013, the number of murders fell significantly below the hundred mark but since the beginning of the year, crime figures are creeping up. According to our count, there [...]
Mytheon Solutions under scrutiny; millions in revenues? Tonight there is much scrutiny of a company called Mytheon Solutions, registered in Belmopan in 2009. The family operated business deals in phone credit. In this case, at least, the [...]
Squatters removal imminent On Thursday, News Five visited the plight of squatters on Holy Emmanuel Street, many of whom have been there for years. Squatters, Belizeans and immigrants, find a piece of unused [...]
Mark King promises squatters land titles Residents of the area, all squatters, have told News Five that Area Representative Mark King conducted a survey late last year. They say that they were even given house numbers, [...]
Mayor Darrell Bradley and Belize Waste Control negotiate outstanding debt Mayor Darrell Bradley, in his dual capacity as attorney for the Belize City Council, was back in court this morning where he appeared before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin in ongoing [...]
Will Darrell Bradley run for mayor again? The deadline for entry into the upcoming U.D.P. mayoral convention expired last Friday. While it is expected that Mayor Darrell Bradley would seek another term in office, his candidacy is [...]
Environmental community supports Supreme Court decision in SATIIM/GOB lawsuit On Thursday, Justice Michelle Arana handed down a judgment in favor of the Sarstoon-Temash Institute for Indigenous Management. Justice Arana declared that the decision of the Government of Belize to [...]
2 San Pedranos rescued after skiff capsized off the coast of Ambergris Caye Three residents of San Pedro were successfully rescued from the sea earlier today when their small Mexican skiff capsized off the coast of Ambergris Caye. The men were in the [...]
Belize Communications Workers stage minute-long protests at B.T.L. We’ve been reporting in the past few days on the changes in the top management of Belize Telemedia Limited. As you know by now, Anwar Barrow, the son of the [...]
Mexican Reports: Contraband cigarettes entering country through Belize Reports that the contraband of cigarettes is big business at the Commercial Free Zone and the Western Free Zone are nothing new. But a Mexican newspaper is bringing it closer [...]
A first ever Forestry and Fisheries Expo The annual Expo Marketplace organized by the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry is five months away. But on Saturday, in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable [...]
Valley of Peace farmers seek legal counsel for loss of damages to crop On Thursday, Green Tropics’ Country Representative Beverly Burke, along with Chief Agricultural Officer Roberto Harrison and a team from the media, flew over the acreage of produce near Valley of [...]
Highlights of the 2014 Preschool Festival of Arts The 2014 season of the annual Festival of Arts got underway last Monday, as preschoolers from districts across the Jewel performed in dance, music and drama. For the Belize District, [...]
CTV3
How To Keep Your Baby Cool During The Hot Weather Whether you spend it inside or in the great outdoors, when it’s hot, like this time of the year, it takes some tricks to keep an infant safe and comfortable. Overdress a baby and he or she could develop an angry heat rash; expose his or her fragile body to hot conditions could lead to a painful, damaging sunburn or heatstroke, a serious affliction characterized by a high fever and rapid breathing.
It is important to note that overheating has also been linked to sudden infant death syndrome, a fatal sleeping disorder. To make sure your little one stays cool and protected during the long, hot days here is some advice.
If you're going to be indoors, dress your infant in loose-fitting, lightweight garments, preferably made from a natural fiber like cotton, which absorbs perspiration better than synthetic fabrics.
Standard Six Students Prepare For PSE Exams For standard six students, the Primary School Examinations or as we call it the ‘PSE’ can be frightening to some and a welcomed challenged for others. And on Monday, students across the country will be sitting part one of the examination, those are the Science and English papers. And while many schools have been preparing their students from the very onset of the school year, we felt it imperative to highlight their academic preparations for the big day. Reporter Maria Novelo and Video journalist Jesus Melgar followed the story and filed this extensive report.
Maria Novelo – Reporting
Thousands of standard six students across the country will be sitting part one of the primary school examinations on Monday. The examinations serve as a grading scheme and reflect the effectiveness of the National Curriculum, and for the teachers it is an important assessment of what students have learned in 8 years. Today, we visited with several schools and got insight on the preparation process.
Couple From Progresso Village Claim Police Brutality There have been countless reports on police brutality and abuse of power and there will be many more ahead of us and tonight we have another incident of alleged abuse of authority by police. This time around however, a couple alleges that they have been unable to find help even from the higher ups. Twenty six year old Maricruz Heredia, a resident of Progresso Village, says that their ordeal began on the morning of April first. She says the officer attached to the Progresso Police substation entered her house around five in the morning armed and furious.
Maricruz Heredia
“Yo estoy durmiendo cuando oí que están golpeando la puerta y se abrió y cuando yo me levante ya estaba abierto mi puerta y el entro y yo Salí con solo calzón y bracea y yo le pregunte qué, que hace acá y él me dice que adonde esta mi marido y le dije que mi marido no está porque él no queda acá y después de haya él dice que él tiene que rebuscar mi casa y le dije que él no puede registrar mi casa si el no trae un search warrant y él me dice que él no necesita un search warrant.”
LOVE FM
School Trip Turns Tragic in Western Belize A day that started out with much excitement and anticipation of their school trip to Chen Chen Ha Caves, ended in tragedy for a group of students from La Escuela Secundaria Technica Mexico in San Roman Village, Corozal District when two of their classmates drowned earlier this evening in the Macal River near the low lying bridge in San Ignacio Town. Reports are that after their visit to the caves, the students went near the low lying bridge when the incident occurred. Tonight, we can confirm to you that both bodies, a young man and a young girl have been retrieved from the waters by the authorities in that municipality. The bodies were taken to the San Ignacio morgue where a post mortem will be scheduled. Love News will continue following this story and will bring further reports to you as they are made available.
PlusTV
U.S. State Department Donates to National Library
The Belize National Library Service and Information System (BNLSIS) yesterday received a donation from the U.S. State Department for the establishment of the Education USA Reference Center, to be housed at the Service’s headquarters at the Leo Bradley Library on Princess Margaret Drive. The books include reference guides on...
School Trip Disaster: 2 Students Drown
Fourth form students from Escuela Mexico in Corozal were on a school trip to San Ignacio today and with the heat on, some of the students went for a swim in the Macal River by the wooden bridge connecting the twin towns. However, something went wrong and two of...
Teenager Shot to the Head; Other Man Multiple Times
Last night we told you about a shooting that happened just before our news time in the Port Loyola area of Belize City. Police have released information on the incident and it was not only one man who was shot. There was a second victim as well. Police say...
Man Admits Lying About Clerk of the National Assembly Hiring him as a Hit man
On April 1 we reported a strange story coming out of Dangriga. It highlighted two prominent men from the community, both Political personalities in the UDP. They are the Clerk of the National Assembly, Eddie Webster. and Dangriga’s UDP Standard Bearer, Frank “Pawpa” Mena. According to a known criminal,...
Chinese Businesses Targeted Back to Back in Corozal
A Chinese store in Corozal was robbed at gun point on Wednesday night. The incident happened at Ban’s store on Santa Rita Road in Corozal Town. According to the proprietor, at about 9:00 p.m. while opening the shutter s of his store in order for his brother in law...
BTL Employees Protest Pay Negotiations
This afternoon in Belize City, PLUS News was witness to an unusual protest. Employees of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) are negotiating with their management for a 5% raise of pay. The state-run company has counter-offered at 3.5%. Still, with a newly reshuffled executive taking control this week, employees at...
Belize CitCo Working to Clear Waste Control Payments
Earlier this week, Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley was on the receiving end of scathing criticism from attorney for Belize Waste Control (BWC) Eamon Courtenay, who suggested he was “living in another world” for being unable to grasp the importance of consistent payments of the sanitation bill...
American Diplomat Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Belize
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Francisco Palmieri is on a two-day visit to Belize to meet with his local counterparts in various sectors ranging from Government to civil society. He describes his visit thus far. H.E. Francisco Palmieri- Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the USA “I just had a...
Butane Fueled Vehicles: Are They Safe?
Taxi driver Douglas Paguada is up in arms over the confiscation of his taxi by transport department. He says that around 8:30 this morning, he was parked inside the taxi parking lot adjacent to the Belmopan bus terminal, then he was confronted by the traffic authorities who told him...
Mayor Bradley Missed Deadline to Run Again
Earlier this week Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley asked for time to formulate a response as to whether he would run for a second term. The simple fact of the matter is that, by his own admission as he told us today, he missed the Monday, March 31 deadline...
Amandala
JUSTICE ARANA REAFFIRMS MAYA LAND RIGHTS! “No to oil drilling until our rights to land, resources, culture, identity and equality are recognized…” This was the message boldly printed on the back of white T-shirts which members of the Maya community wore when they listened to the announcement this morning by Supreme Court Justice Michelle Arana that she had ruled in their favor in a claim filed last year to stop drilling inside the Sarstoon-Temash National Park (STNP).
Eamon Courtenay, SC, attorney for the Maya, said that the company, US Capital, can only proceed with drilling until April 30, 2014, but every day that they drill or that they prepare to drill without free prior and informed consent, they are in violation of the rights of the claimants.
“The courts have said, repeatedly said, and Arana has said yet again, that the indigenous people should not be forced to go to court to have those rights respected. It is the obligation and duty of the Government…,” he said.
“The Government is duty-bound to pass enabling legislation, and Arana says that it is the duty of the Government to enter negotiations so that they can be compensated, as of right, despite the neo-colonialist garbage coming from the mouth of Mr. Peyrefitte,” Courtenay added.
“THEY ARE TRYING TO BURY US ALIVE!” Lately it seems that there is hardly any infrastructural development project in Belize that isn’t faced with opposition or resentment from concerned or affected citizens who take it upon themselves to sound the alarm regarding some type of perceived injustice or the other, and today, another saga unfolded as some frantic residents of Lake Independence railed about proposed infrastructural works which, according to the residents, threaten to drive them from their residences, or as some said, “bury them alive.”
Their concerns stem from the Chetumal Street Bridge Project, which is currently taking place in the extended areas of Belize City’s Lake Independence constituency where a road is being constructed to bridge the north and south sides of the city in addition to infrastructure works to create a proposed bus terminal, a full-fledged police station and a multi-purpose sports facility in that vicinity.
Scores of persons reside on properties which are apparently in the way of the Chetumal Street Boulevard project.
The residents are now up in arms because they are claiming that they were previously promised that their homes and properties would not be affected.
UNIBAM CHALLENGES BELIZE AT OAS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION HEARING In addition to facing legal challenges from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community to the country’s sodomy laws in the Supreme Court and its immigration laws before the Caribbean Court of Justice, Belize is now facing a human rights challenge before the Inter-American Commission on Humans Rights (IACHR) – a challenge led by United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM), the same NGO which had petitioned the Supreme Court to have the law criminalizing sodomy struck off the country’s law books.
The State of Belize was summoned to appear in Washington, DC, USA, before the IACHR—an instrument of the Organization of American States (OAS)—on the morning of Friday, March 28, 2014, after UNIBAM petitioned for a human rights hearing in which the NGO is demanding that the Government of Belize implement measures to protect the rights of the LGBTI community in Belize.
UNIBAM is also demanding legislation to sanction persons for what it calls “hate crimes” and “hate speech” against LGBTI persons. It claims violation and discrimination in health, education and employment, and major security concerns for LGBTI persons – citing the recent January 2013 murder of Joseph Sanchez, a transgender individual who police said was killed in the process of an aggravated robbery by two men, although UNIBAM had wrongly called it a hate crime.
5 P.M. SHOOTING – 2 MEN CRITICAL IN KHMH Gunshots rang out near the southern end of Central American Boulevard shortly after 5:00 this evening, and when the shooting was over, two men had to be rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Ward for treatment.
Reports are sketchy at this time, but Amandala has learned that the two shooting victims are Alfernie Romero, 18, and Troy Hyde, 26.
The two friends were socializing in a yard when two gunmen rode up on bicycles and opened fire, hitting both men multiple times.
Romero was hit in his back, leg and hand. The bullet in his back is said to be lodged in an area of his spine. Hyde, street sources say, was shot twice in the head.
Isabel lights fire of activism on rough road to recovery Even as she lies confined to a hospital bed, her neck and hip braced because of excruciating injuries she sustained in a road traffic accident a week ago, Isabel G. Bennett, a well-known lecturer in the Department of Nursing at the University of Belize and an activist in her field, has pledged to start a movement for victims of road traffic accidents and their families, who are often left out in the cold to grapple in the aftermath.
She has suffered a fractured hip and three hairline fractures in her cervical spine – c3, c4 and c5. She wears a neck brace to avoid further injury—which should be avoided at all cost to avert the risk of paralysis.
Bennett, a resident of Ladyville, Belize District, was returning home from Belmopan last Tuesday night when the non-stop James Bus in which she was riding was involved in a collision with a towhead truck which was transporting a tractor. Bennett said that it was after 7:00 in the night and the road was “very dark” – what she believes was one of the contributing factors to the accident.
Karen Bevans joins BTB on April 9 Karen Bevans, who recently resigned her post as Chief Operations Officer at Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) after 25 years of service—is due to assume her new post as Director of Tourism at the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) next Wednesday, April 9.
Bevans was hoping to take on local and overseas consultancies after demitting office at BTL; however, the new job will mean that she will have her plate full.
The new Director of Tourism told Amandala today that her focus has to be on bringing the team together and fostering an environment of teamwork. She said that although her background is telecommunications and not tourism, she is optimistic that she can bring the kind of leadership to the organization that will build camaraderie among staff, which would then pay dividends in boosting productivity within the organization. She expressed confidence that the management staff has the technical tourism expertise the organization needs to oversee the sector.
PUP and Anwar Barrow clash over BTL appointment The Opposition People’s United Party has issued a statement calling on the board of directors of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL)—headed by Net Vasquez—to rescind the appointment of Anwar Barrow, son of Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dean Barrow, as head of the company’s executive committee.
“While Anwar Barrow has served on the board of directors and executive committee of management, this latest appointment places him in full and direct control of the day-to-day management of BTL,” said the Opposition.
It noted that the phone company is state-owned and government-controlled, and they view Anwar Barrow’s appointment as a blatant act of nepotism, and added that this is not in the best interest of BTL or the people of Belize.
The Opposition said that, “If the BTL board fails to act, we call on Prime Minister Barrow to do the right thing and to ask his son, Anwar Barrow, to resign.”
Belmopan City Council Mundialito Kids The Belmopan Football Association (BFA) held Week 4 games at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium over the weekend in the Belmopan City Council Mundialito Kids & Female Cup 2014.
On Saturday, March 29, in game 1 at 1:00 p.m., (Kids) Salvapan1-Brazil clipped San Martin-Mexico2 by a 1-nil score with a goal from Rolando Galdamez (42’). In game 2, (Female) San Martin-Mexico won, 3-0, over Piccini-France, with a goal apiece from Clarisa Salgado (19’), Shian Wade (32’) and Ashly Rodriguez (53’). And in game 3, (Kids) Mountain View-Italy got the 3-1 win over Las Flores-Spain, with a goal each from Tahj Reid (37’), Jodie Reyes (40’) and Jamal Brooks (52’); while Justin Menendez (59’) got the only goal for Las Flores.
Cricket competition The following games were played over the weekend in the Harrison Parks National Cricket Competition 2014. At Sandhill, Brave 11 scored 90 runs (S. Flowers had 29 runs, and A. Fermin took 2 wickets); but Bright Star reached 95 runs for the win with 4 spare wkts (Marlon Rhaburn had 36 runs, and Gilly Segura took 4 wkts). At Rancho Dolores, it was Excellence with 144 runs (Vernon Stevenson scored 38, and Marlon “Camala” Nicholas took 7 wkts) over Western Eagles, who managed only 71 (Jonathan Benjamin scored 27, and Emilio “Peng” Perez took 5 wkts). At Isabella, Isabella was all out for 106 runs (Terry Budd batted for 39, and Norman Pook took 4 wkts), but Berlan tallied 107 with 5 spare wkts for the win (Jeovany Baiza had 49, and Jerry Casasola took 3 wkts). At Carmelita, Brilliant racked up an unbeatable total of 298 runs (Brandon Lewis scored 58, and Andrew Banner took 4 wkts), as home standing Suga Boys could only manage 142 (Orvin Wade had 36 runs, and Jaime Wade took 4 wkts). At Boom, Brave Union was all out for only 41 runs (Zaghi took 2 wkts), as Sunrise easily passed that mark with their 46 runs with 7 wkts to spare (Martin Joseph had 12 runs, and Edison Parks took 5 wkts for 5 runs). At Lords Bank, it was Wicked Eleven over Cashu Medicos; and at Belmopan, Easy Does It defeated Police. (No details were received for these games.)
House of Shotokan Karate students win 15 trophies in Chet’ Seven students from the House of Shotokan Karate Academy journeyed to Chetumal, Mexico on Saturday, March 22, to compete in the National Blackbelt League (NBL) Karate Championships along with participants from Puerto Morales, Cancun, Acapulco and other Mexican states.
At the end of the competition, Andre Cervantes (Yellow Belt) won 1st place in the Fighting Division and 1st place in the Kata Division; Norman Usher (White Belt) won 2nd place in the Fighting Division; Anthony Usher (White Belt) – in his first karate tournament – won 2nd place in the Fighting Division and 3rd place in the Kata Division; Jorge Aguilar (White Belt) won 2nd place in the Fighting Division and 2nd place in the Kata Division; Samara Vasquez (Purple Belt) won 2nd place in the Fighting Division, 1st place in the Kata Division and 1st place in the Weapons Division; Elias Myers (Brown Belt) won 2nd place in the Fighting Division and 2nd place in the Kata Division; and Landon Cocom (Tigo Shodan Black Belt) won 3rd place in the Fighting Division, 2nd place in the Kata Division and 2nd place in the Weaponry Division.
No Limit Soldiers win The first half of the National Elite Basketball League regular season is officially in the books, and the sedond half got underway this past Friday night, March 28, when the Belize City (Smart) No Limit Soldiers clashed with the Orange Walk Running Rebels inside the Orange Walk Multipurpose Complex.
This match-up was intense and exciting from start to finish, as neither team was able to accumulate a double digit lead at any point in the game. The largest advantage for the Running Rebels was 6 points, while the biggest lead for the Soldiers was 7. It was a close game throughout the entire 40 minutes, with 14 lead changes and 18 ties.
The game was tight until the very end, and with the score knotted at 74 apiece with 30 seconds on the clock in the 4th and final quarter, the No Limit Soldiers made a mental error, committing a defensive foul to send a Running Rebel to the charity stripe to shoot 2. As he stepped to the line, the silence was deafening, as every Running Rebel fan was on the edge of their seats praying that he could hit at least one to give the home side the lead with mere seconds remaining in the game. The first shot went up, it looked good as it approached the rim, but it rimmed out. And with the score still tied at 74, he released the 2nd free throw. It was all net, and as the ball exited the bottom the crowd erupted, as the Rebels were now in front 75 to 74.
Hon. John Saldivar 8-Ball The Hon. John Saldivar 8-Ball Tournament in Belmopan continued on Sunday, March 30, at Mike’s Cue Club in Belmopan, as Round 1 ended, and Round 2 got underway. Let’s look at the individual results and standings.
Match 1: Las Flores downed Shattaz, 2-1. Las Flores’ Salvador Orellana hurt Jason Tsu, 3-1; and Julio Hernandez dropped Juan Gusman, 3-1. For Shattaz, it was Erwin Paredes over Victor Orellana, 3-0, by default due to work. Match 2: Twin Stars defeated Cotton Tree, 2-1. Twin Stars’ Sam Yam beat Mario Lopez, 3-1; and Moises Aguirre won Danilo Rivero, 3-1. For Cotton Tree, it was Robert Sanabria over Jose Palma, 3-2. Match 3: Special Effects blanked Barrio Fino, 3-0. Special Effects’ Edmund Guy got over Brian Mira, 3-2; Juan Maiestro got past Stanley Mira, 3-2; and Erwin Woodye won Santos Palma, 3-
1.
Police sits pretty on top With the FFB taking over the management of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Belikin Cup Closing Season tournament, there have been a few glitches in the communication flow. There was an error in our Week 4 report last week, where the Police United goal in their 1-0 win over Verdes at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Saturday, March 22, was by Harrison “Cafu” Roches, not by Harrison Tasher as erroneously reported. Tasher plays for BDF.
Catching up with Week 5 mid-week games on Wednesday, March 26. At the Marshalleck Stadium, FC Belize dropped home standing Verdes by the same 2-1 score as on that controversial semifinal night in January. FC Belize goals were by Leon “Chow” Cadle (30’ PK) and Francisco Briceno (52’); while Verdes’ sole tally was by Marlon “El Matador” Meza (52’ PK). Down in Punta Gorda, a late goal by Clifton West (88’) gave visiting Police United the 1-0 win over Paradise/Freedom Fighters. And in Dangriga, BDF got a goal in each half by Frederick Flores (21’) and Shane Flores (83’), respectively, to beat visiting San Ignacio United, 2-0.
EDITORIAL: Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s decision to promote his younger son, Anwar, to the top of the management of the nationalized telecommunications company is an act of defiance on his part. The original move to appoint Anwar to the BTL board was insolent enough, it being the case that there were more qualified, more experienced candidates for the lucrative board post, but this week’s elevation of the young Barrow to the BTL leadership essentially confirms what we have been trying to emphasize at this newspaper for some years now. That is, that the system of government which we have in Belize, exaggerates the power of the Prime Minister to such an extent as to make a mockery sometimes of participatory democracy.
On election night two years ago, it appeared that the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) was about to blow a general election they had been expected to win easily. The Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) had swept the South and done serious damage in the West earlier that day. In fact, but for sixty or seventy votes, the PUP would have won four of the six seats in the West and would have formed the 2012-2017 Government of Belize. This PUP, however, had changed Leaders twice in the four months before the March 2012 general election, and had ended up with a Leader appointed by an anonymous party cabal instead of elected in a leadership convention. This was the PUP that had the UDP shaking in its boots at 11 p.m. on general election night.
From The Publisher “On 30 May 1969, Curacao’s capital, Willemstad, was in flames. A labor conflict that erupted into a revolt ended with the deployment of Dutch marines to restore order. Once the smoke had cleared, part of the historical city lay in ruins. The long-term consequences of this revolt were to be far-reaching.”
“A few individuals, like the progressive priest Amado Romer, had warned of a possible outburst. Yet despite such warnings and recurrent demonstrations organized by the Vitó group, the revolt of 30 May came as a complete surprise to almost everyone on the island. The local government seemed to believe that a gradual improvement of the economic situation would resolve the discord, and hence tended to downplay its significance. In the Netherlands, only a few were concerned with the Caribbean parts of the kingdom at all and even those had no idea what was brewing. Even the Antillean and Dutch security forces were taken completely off their guard by the revolt.”
“Thee Amigo identified the cause of the outburst as ‘the festering feeling of uncertainty (…) of the ordinary man, the – misplaced or otherwise – realization that he is no more than a ball being tossed around by the lucrative arbitrariness of impersonal powers, which keep on growing as he becomes disproportionately smaller.’”
Phillip Gallaty, 56, charged with driving motor vehicle without due care and attention Phillip Gallaty, 56, a resident of 876 Bella Vista and the manager of Victor L. Bryant and Company Limited, pleaded not guilty to driving without due care and attention when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer on Thursday afternoon.
But before Frazer read the charge to him, Gallaty told the court that he had not been aware that he had been involved in a traffic accident.
The alleged accident reportedly occurred on Saturday, March 22, 2014 around Mile 2 ½ on the Philip Goldson Highway, and it involved a vehicle driven by Belize City Traffic Magistrate Stephanie Gillett, 39.
Gallaty said that he first became aware that he had been involved in a traffic accident when police showed up at his office with a warrant for his arrest.
Family house destroyed in Belmopan; 9 homeless The house of a single mother, Narcissa Dionicio, 52, of Salvapan, the mother of twelve children, was completely destroyed by fire at about 7:30 Sunday evening. Her belongings and household furnishings were destroyed.
Dionicio and her children are now homeless, and she is asking the public to help her to acquire materials to rebuild a house, clothing, food, books and uniforms, and also monetary donations to buy needed items for survival.
A family member told Amandala that on Sunday night, Dionicio was at home doing some work when suddenly one of her grandchildren came running to her and told her that the baby had put a lighted candle on the mattress where the grandchild sleeps, and it had caught fire.
Dionicio immediately ran into the room to see what was happening and that was when she saw that the mattress was burning. She quickly tried to get water to throw on the burning mattress, but there was insufficient water.
Fires destroy properties in Ladyville and Corozal A house and a warehouse, in Biscayne and Corozal respectively, were completely destroyed by fire on Sunday.
The Corozal Fire Service reported that they responded to a call at about 5:00 a.m. Sunday reporting a fire at Johnny’s Construction, Mile 85 1/2 on the Philip Goldson Highway. When they arrived at the scene, the building was already engulfed in fierce flames.
Fire officials believed that the fire started in the office of the company. Firemen put out the fire, but the building, made of concrete, was destroyed.
Reports are that in the warehouse at the time were four vehicles in good condition, a boat and other machinery worth thousands of dollars, and they were all destroyed.
After investigating, fire officials concluded that the fire started in the office, which was located in the storeroom of the building.
What we’re eating and feeding our children I came across an article by Dr. Mercola (mercola.com) titled, “Environmental toxins linked to rise in autism,” and thought it relevant to the recent discussion about the potential dangerous effects caused by the spraying of our crops with the chemical called “glyphosate” that wreaked havoc on our farmers in Valley of Peace. Their problem is financial; the rest of us consumers have to think about our health, especially considering that there may be poor monitoring of what the Mennonite farmers are doing on their farms, whose products come to our market and then to our dinner tables.
Below is an excerpt from Mercola’s article dated April 2, 2014.
Fluoride and Glyphosate—Two Toxins That Need to Be Urgently Addressed
When you consider how pervasive those 12 toxins are (not to mention the thousands of others, which we still know little about), it’s no wonder so many children are born with severe health problems and disabilities. Fluoride alone, which is still being added to many public water supplies around the US, can contribute to a seven-point drop in a child’s IQ score, on average!
6 survive ordeal at sea for 11 hours Five men and a boy, 13, are alive and well after a harrowing ordeal, floating at sea for 11 hours after their boat capsized about nine miles off the shore of Dangriga Town, in the Coco Plum Caye area.
The group had been travelling with Senior Supe
