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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

PUP present municipal election candidates for San Pedro town
The People’s United Party (PUP) Belize Rural South (BRS) Executive presented the candidates that will represent their party in the 2015 municipal elections in San Pedro Town. The presentation took place during a small gathering on Friday May 30th at the BRS PUP headquarters situated on Pelican Street. BRS Executive Chairman Nicholas “Nico” Varela presented the PUP 7 team which includes Mayoral Candidate Dr. Giovanni Solorzano, a medical practitioner on the island with over 20 years of experience. He will appear on the election ballot sheet for the PUP along with educators Conchita Flota, Marina Kay and Alex Noralez, businessman man Mundo Nuñez, contractor Omar “Canasi” Guerrero, and pilot and current councilor, Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez.

Lobster festival Draws Near!
The San Pedro Lobster Festival Committee is pleased to welcome the public to the San Pedro Lobster Festival 2014 featuring our popular Lobster Crawl Passport Event! This year we will kick off the Festival starting from Saturday, June 14th with the pre-season opening party and there will be daytime and night time events leading up to the Central Park Block Party on Saturday, June 21st featuring the musical talents of Supa G and the Pannerifix Steel Band! Each guest attending the Lobster Crawl is given a Lobster festival “Passport”. In the passport there is a page for each Lobster Festival event; for each page that guests get stamped by the participating venue they are entitled to a raffle ticket. Then on June 21st, they bring the “Passport” to Central Park to the Lobster Festival’s official sponsor’s booth. One lucky participant will win a vacation package for 2 to attend the San Pedro Lobster Festival 2015!!

PAHO/WHO calls for stepped-up efforts to detect and treat people with TB/HIV coinfections
In the Americas, more than 1 in 10 tuberculosis patients have HIV, and TB is a leading cause of death for people with HIV Washington, D.C., 4 June 2014 (PAHO/WHO) — Despite progress by countries of the Americas in reducing illness and deaths from tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in recent decades, 280,000 new TB cases and 98,000 new HIV cases were reported in the region in 2012. The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHOWHO) recently brought together the heads of national HIV and TB programs from 27 countries of the Americas to analyze the situation of TB/HIV infections and discuss ways of integrating health services to expand diagnosis and treatment of both diseases. “Tuberculosis and HIV have been and continue to be major health problems worldwide,” said Massimo Ghidinelli, head of PAHO/WHO’s HIV, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Infections unit. “People with both conditions are treated in different health services, making it hard to provide them with comprehensive care.”

Coconuts – the heart of Caribbean cuisine and culture
The coconut is considered a tropical drift seed, designed to survive for months, even years at sea.They are very buoyant and their thick, protective shells are impervious to salt water. During their long voyages they can cross entire oceans, perhaps colonizing the shores of a coral atoll or isolated volcanic island. Sea dispersal is a hit-or-miss method; after a long, perilous journey, other dangers await the vulnerable seedlings. They may perish in the parched sand without adequate moisture or be quickly devoured by ravenous land crabs. But when they are successful in finding a place to plant their roots, the results are beaches lined with custodial coconut trees that help sand from eroding while providing habitat for many shore critters. Found throughout the tropics and sub-tropic areas, the coconut is known for its great versatility, and has been cultivated and harvested for centuries. Coconuts are different from other fruits because they contain a large quantity of “water” which is not only nutritious but delicious, and when immature the tender pudding-like insides are devoured like candy.When mature they still contain some water and can be used as seednuts or processed to give oil from the kernel, charcoal from the hard shell and the fibrous husk can be used for making products such as floor mats, brushes and mattress. The oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking and frying and coconut oil is also widely used in soaps and cosmetics.

Fun in the sun at weekend Water Olympics
On Saturday June 7th, the San Pedro Strength and Swim Club hosted its first ever Sun and Sand Water Olympics. The fun game-filled day kicked off around 12PM and saw three teams challenging each other. With DJ DZL of BumSquad Sounds delivering the best in music, the competition got underway. Games included the frozen t-shirt relay, egg-and-spoon race, sponge relay, water balloon toss, swim relay, cannonball contest, and the sunken treasure hunt. The teams were Buck Furpees, Shark Bait, and ElectroShocks, and while the games did not include a burpee challenge, team “Buck Furpees” sure didn’t forget to remind everyone how they felt about them with their slogan printed on their shirts “I love burpees!- said no one ever.”

Ambergris Today

Security Camera Catches Golf Cart Ram into Utility Pole
A security camera of a private business/home captured this video footage of a golf cart slamming into a utility pole on Seagrape Drive just south of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The driver of the cart was flung out into the street and the passenger slammed into the front windshield of the vehicle. The accident took place this past Saturday, June 7 at around four in the morning. After the impact, the driver of the cart lay on the ground for a minute while the passenger just walked away from the scene after he regained composure, not even checking to see if the driver was okay.

Inspiration Dance Performance Delivers Strong Messages at San Pedro High
San Pedro High School has established a good friendship and student exchange program with Los Angeles Harbor College through now retired Professor, Larry Heimgartner and his wife, Debbie Heimgartner (current costume designer for the Theatre Department at LAHC) for over a decade now. Theatrical drama is presented to students of San Pedro High, a program designed by Larry and former principal Angel Nuñez, to draw attention to social issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, peer pressure, bullying and rape, among others. On Thursday, June 5, 2014, students of San Pedro High witnessed and enjoyed two presentations, one that dealt with inspiration and following one’s dreams and one on women’s rights; they were presented by Jenny Morrison and Sarah MacKenzie of Scotland.

Pic of the Week: Garifuna Collective of Belize on European Tour
Impressive is the crowd that gathered to witness the Garifuna Collective of Belize as they perform at the Afro Pfingsten World Music Festival 2014 in Winterthur, Switzerland. The cultural musical group is on a European tour at the moment, receiving raving reviews and proudly representing Belize’s Garifuna culture abroad.

Sea Turtle Nesting 2014 (4 photos)
LoggerHead turtle nest at Robles Beach. Ambergris Caye Marine Turtle Program is ready for Turtle Nesting Season 2014. 2014 Nesting season on a good start. A total of 11 nests have been recorded on the Nesting Beaches of Robles and Rocky Point.

Misc Belizean Sources

FISHING REPORT: Week of May 31st – June 7th, 2014
Wade was here with his father and brother last week. They took off after some fun fishing and then his wife, two sons and daughter showed up! It’s really fun to see eleven year old Matt talk fly fishing with the other guests. He has the wrap down! So yes, old home week once again as we have had many of our guests return for their El Pescador fix! The Grassedonio family, Mike and Sue and Cutthroat Angler’s own, Jim Buckler. We had big wind which made it tough on our anglers and guides! I was really proud of everyone for making each day a new episode. Big smiles came back to the dock at the end of the day with a ton of support for family members and friends. I know that these vacations you take with your family, or long time fishing buddy, or brand new fishing buddy – all made for good fun life memories. Thank you for sharing your passion for fishing. And thank you for coming to see us at El Pescador!

Ambassadors Present Credentials to the Governor General of Belize
Today Ambassador of Switzerland H.E. Louis-Jose Touron and H.E. Patricia Vaca Narvaja, ambassador of Argentina, both presented their credentials to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in the City of Belmopan. Both ambassadors conveyed their best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen and expressed their mission to sustain and continue to develop strong relations between their respective countries and Belize.

NEBL Statistical Award Winners
Kurt Burgess and Ivan Flowers both received top honors in the NEBL, Kurt for leading in rebounds(197), and Ivan leading in steals(2.3 per game). Many of the Ballaz took other places, so check out Sporting Pulse for more. Congratulations! "Burgess is central force in a dominant front line for the Cayo Western Ballaz. He finished the regular season with 197 rebounds in 14 games for an average of 14.1. His years of experience as a top player in Belize was evident as he proved to be a stabilizing force for Cayo. He was able to best his runner up in the rebounding battle by a total of 40 rebounds to safely secure the title... Ivan Flowers is the starting point guard for the Cayo Western Ballaz. His quick hands landed him atop the the league with 2.3 steals per games. His pace help fueled a great start for the Cayo that landed them in a great position to take it all."

Mount Carmel Graduation
Congratulations, Our Lady of Mount Carmel graduates! They had their graduation over the weekend.

Caribbean Export: Special Call for Proposals- Food Safety
The Caribbean Export Development Agency officially announces the publication of the Special Call for Proposals – Food Safety for CARIFORUM agro- processing firms to receive financial assistance as part of the Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP) funded by the European Union under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF). The Special Call for Proposals – Food Safety is a reimbursable grant funding facility specifically designed to provide financial assistance to legally registered agro processing firms within the CARIFORUM region who are exporting or have the potential to export their products to the European Union. It is a facility for firms looking for funding to support their capacity building to meet the food production standards of the European Union (EU) market. While the challenge also exists among the large enterprises in the Region, it is very prevalent among small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The allocation of this funding is hoped to ensure that goods of regional origin are produced under standard quality control conditions to meet the sanitary and regulatory requirements of the EU marketplace (such as HACCP, GAPs, GlobalGAP, ISO 14000, Fair Trade Certification, BRC, QF 1000, Primus GFS etc).

Walk for a Green Cayo
Saturday was the Walk for a Green Belize initiative, where groups all around Belize had cleanup campaigns. In Cayo, the Rotaract Club of San Ignacio, and the Benque House of Culture got students involved, and they cleaned up the George Price Highway. The Belize Audubon Society did a cleanup too. "The Rotatact Club of San Ignacio participating in walk for a green Belize. Working with the Department of Environment for a cleaner Belize."

Secret Passages at Soul Project
The Secret Passages art exhibit at the Soul Project is a living exhibit. If you want to add to it, just stop by, and have some fun making art. "This art show, is still in progress people from all over the world are now dropping in to ad there creativity to the installation."

Dr. Gbile Akanni at Octavia Waight
Dr. Gbile Akanni will be at the Octavia Waight Centre today for a leadership development seminar. He'll be in Belmopan on Friday, at the Nazarene Church, and Saturday at the George Price Center.

Channel 7

Gunshots At A Graduation Party
Eight people, all under the age of 30 were shot in just 26 hours in Belize City this weekend. It happened between Saturday night at 8:00 and Sunday night at 11:30. Miraculously, no one was killed in these three separate shootings that are believed to be connected. And the connection is gang warfare - which has reportedly erupted between two powerful rival gangs: George Street and Ghost Town. To tell the story of it all, we begin last night, with the most frightening shooting: wild gunshots at a graduation party. The Diaz family was having a graduation party at the Brown Sugar Marketplace - which is where San Pedro Belize Express is headquartered on North Front Street. The party was very crowded, and at the height of the celebration, armed gunmen strode in and opened fire on the gathering. Reports are that close to a hundred high school students were there, and they suddenly became possible targets for the indiscriminate shooters.

16 Year Old Girl Survives Shot To Head
Vernon was the second female to get shot this weekend; the first one was 16 year-old Corine Cory White, a third form ACC student of West Street. Sometime around 3:00 on Sunday morning, White was leaving the Princess Casino along with 2 older male companions - one of them her 27 year old boyfriend who is connected to George Street. They were in his car in front of the Princess Casino parking lot on Newtown Barracks when a gunman emerged from inside the parking lot, and opened fire on the car. One of the bullets struck White in her right ear - but did not penetrate her brain. Somehow, the bullet travelled down along her jaw, went down her throat, and is lodged inside her chest. So far, Doctors have been unable to get it out.

The Two Shootings That Started It All
And all those 6 shooting victims - may have been tied to the first two. At 10:00 on Saturday night, 28 year-old Sigmond Trapp and 25 year-old Anthony Scott were walking on Kut Avenue, and when they arrived at its intersection with Amara Avenue, a black, dark tinted Ford Escort drove past them. When the vehicle got into range, someone from inside fire several shots at them and sped off. Trapp was injured in the right hand and right leg, while Scot got suffered gunshots wounds to his right hand and upper back. They were rushed to the KHMH for medical treatment. Trapp's father Sigmund Senior, known as Sarge told us he's would not comment or make any scenery because the shooting has brought up painful memories of the two sons, Trevor and Andre he's already lost to gun violence.

How Many Supported "Plant Di Corn"?
Last week Thursday, we showed you the formation of the Rod of Correction movement, a coalition of 11 pressure groups including the unions, civil society, and other social partners who have all been agitating on different social issues. The ROC - as they call it - is a collective designed to concentrate their powers, so that they can lash government on a range of issues. The first up on the agenda for the Rod of Correction was BGYEA's demonstration against the Government, which happened on Saturday at the Battlefield Park. As has widely been reported, President Nigel Petillo and his members want Government to grant them permission to use the 20 acres of road reserve in the Harmonville Housing project so that they can plant corn. The problem is that the Lands Department has designated this area as a buffer zone, and they've ordered that no form of development take place there. Petillo and BGYEA pushed ahead with their plans, and Government responded by filing an injunction against them in Court. As a counter, BGYEA planned the "Plant Di Corn" rally, and the Rod of Correction's membership fell in behind him. It was the first time for the rod to be whipped out, and so we stopped by to get a heat check on saturday. Daniel Ortiz found out more:

Does BGYEA Have To Deliver Those Acres?
And at the crux of that argument with the Government of Belize is that the Lands Department approved 1,327 acres of land between miles 41 and 42. The grounds for BGYEA's dispute is that the 29 acres of buffer zone which they want to plan corn on, and which the government wants to leave untouched, is part of that 1327 acres approved. Now, BGYEA's toughest critics have suggested that Nigel Petillo has simply piggybacked on the issue of availability of land to citizens so that he can justify his attempt to strong-arm the Lands Department into allow them to use the buffer zone for corn farming. The motive being suggested is that he is trying to deliver land for BGYEA's business-partner Sam Patton as he had promised. On Saturday, we put that question directly to him, and here's how he responded: Nigel Petillo - President, BGYEA "The investments that are taking place at Harmonyville is not about an individual, its about the development of that community for its people and for this country. I am prepared to make another arrangement with any other individual or business or corporation or organization who is ready to give back to this country and to its people. I still hold no apology. That individual saw it it fit to come and work with us. We have been crying out to government to come and assist us. We have been crying out to government to come and build our roads, work on the buffer - they choose not to.

Immigration Bogus Documents Queenpin Back To Court
On Friday, the alleged arranger of bogus Immigration Documents, Marleny Castellanos applied for Supreme Court bail, and the grounds that the Crown Counsel asked for denial is that more charges are imminent. Well, he wasn't kidding: Tonight, another case of immigration fraud has emerged which the Immigration Department believes is tied to Castellanos. On last week Friday, 27 year-old Wendy Perez and 39 year-old Abel Reyes, both Guatemalans living on Caye Caulker, handed themselves into the Immigration Office in Belize City. They brought bogus Belizean birth certificates and Belizean Nationality Certificates with them saying that Marleny Castellanos was their facilitator. They, like 8 others before them, claimed that they Castellanos deceived them into think she was getting them through a legitimate and legal way.

Krismar Got Off Murder, But Will Go Back Before A Jury
25 year-old Krismar Espinosa, who managed to win his murder trial in which he was accused of stabbing his fellow inmate to death, got some bad news today at opening of the June Session of the Court of Appeal. The court has ordered that he must face a new trial for that same charge. Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal presented the grounds for her appeal against Espinosa in the case where Keon Swasey was fatally stabbed while behind bars on Christmas Eve 2009. Espinosa was acquitted on December 5, 2012 when the trial judge, Justice Troadio Gonzalez upheld a no-case submission from his attorney Rachel Montejo. Well after hearing DPP Vidal's case and the response from Espinosa's new attorney, Hubert Elrington, the Panel, which consisted of President Justice Manuel Sosa and Appeal Justices Samuel Awich and Minnet Hafiz-Bertram, ordered that Espinosa must be retried. The reasons for the decision will be handed down at a later date.

Alleged Robber To Jail
Tonight, Trevor Guy, one 3 men police believe tried to rob a store last week, is in jail after he was taken to Magistrate's Court. At around 1:30 on Wednesday afternoon, 3 men entered Delcid Store at mile 8 on the Western Highway and they tried to rob the owner, Julio Delcid at gunpoint. When he realized what was happening, Delcid pulled his own licensed weapon and fired several shots at them. The men fled the area, but police responded quick enough to set chase. Police say that they spotted the 3 men in the Cemetery a mile 8, and when they approached, one of the fired several shots at him. The officers say that they were forced to return fire, and that's how they apprehended Trevor Guy. The other robbers managed to escape. Police then charged Guy with attempted robbery and aggravated assault; he was arraigned today before the Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith. Because the crimes were committed with a firearm, he was not eligible for bail, and Guy was remanded to prison until July 30.

Tried To Jack His Ex, Man Goes To Jail
28 year-old Kearney Thompson joined Guy today on remand after he pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex and stealing her purse. Thompson's ex, Stephanie Reynolds, told police that on Sunday, she was walking on Antelope Street when he approached her. She says that Thompson then attacked and beat her, after which he stole her purse which had her cellular phone and $50 cash. Police managed to track Thompson down, and they charged him with theft and harm. He was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate, where he pleaded guilty to both charges. The Chief Magistrate ordered that he be remanded to prison so that she can consider his sentence.

March Was Record Breaking For BSI, Set a Regional High
BSI is pushing to meet its cane targets before the heavy rains come - despite a shortened season. And that effort is paying off. A release from the Sugar Association of the Caribbean says that Belize is tops in the Caribbean for sugar production in April. The Sugar Association of the Caribbean sent out a release saying that Belize was the lead producer with 26,302 tonnes followed by Guyana with 25,315 tonnes then Jamaica with 24,881 tonnes. A bulletin from BSI says that four records were set at the Factory in the week of March 17 - 23rd: greatest number of Tons of cane milled for the week, the highest rate of Tons cane milled per hour for week; Tons of sugar produced for a day and Tons of sugar produced for week. Speaking generally about sugar crops in the region, Chairman of the Sugar Association of the Caribbean Karl James says that "Rain could be a retarding factor for the rest of the crop in most member countries."

President Jorge No More
Saint John's High School and Junior College graduated 325 students yesterday in two graduation ceremonies. And while the students said goodbye to the prestigious secondary and tertiary school, so did President of SJC Jorge Espat. Espat - who took up the job as President three years ago - had his last day of official duties on Sunday. He told us he's not leaving SJC - and he hopes to return to the classroom as an Economics teacher. Espat told us no successor has yet been named, but one is expected soon.

Not Alfonso Ayala, But Carlos Ayala
Last week we told you all about that meeting Danini Contreras attended as the Director of the Drug Inspectorate. We said that it was set up by Dr. Alfonso Ayala; that was an error, it was Dr. Carlos Ayala, the International Advisor on Health Systems and Services at PAHO. Dr. Alfonso Ayala has no connection to PAHO and had nothing to do with the meeting, so we apologize for the mix-up.

Evan Mariano Gets Called Up To the Big Time
3 months ago, Belize's premier striker, Deon McCauley got recruited to play professionally for the American Football Club, the Atlanta Silverbacks. Well, the news tonight is that his teammate from the Belize National Team, Evan Mariano has also been given his break to go pro in America. Rumours started circulating as early as last week Thursday morning, but the Houston Hurricanes Football Club made the official this weekend when they announced that Mariano had been officially signed. Hurricanes Head Coach, Brendan Keyes says that recruiting Mariano was part of a plan for 4 new players which will allow the Hurricanes to "challenge for the title this year". Mariano most recently played for the BDF Football CLUB AND IS Currently playing in the FFB President's Cup.

UDP Trying To Get Past Penner's Long Shadow Of Scandal
Elvin Penner is probably the most scandalized and publicly put down politician in memory. And since his public life exploded into scandal in September of last year - the UDP has steadily been trying to distance itself from the politically toxic two-term area representative. One large step in the right direction was to have been taken on Sunday when the UDP held its convention to elect a new candidate for Cayo Northeast. We visited and found Penner's long shadow of scandal still hovering over the proceedings - Jules Vasquez reports:.. Jules Vasquez reporting UDP supporters of Cayo Northeast converged on Sacred Heart High School on Sunday. Alberto August, UDP Party Chairman "The supporters of this party are eager to come out and select a new standard bearer to represent them in the constituency" The party was hoping to get out at least a third of the 6,200 voters from 7 villages and a part of San Ignacio Town. They had 3 candidates to choose from:

Half Moon Beach Filthy
In commemoration of World Oceans Day, on Saturday, OCEANA Belize took a group to Halfmoon Caye on the Lightouse Reef Atoll 53 miles east of Belize City. They visited the Great Blue Hole, and then returned to Half Moon Caye where they conducted a beach clean up - and though it should be a protected area, it was a mess! The volunteers collected more than 25 pounds of trash is just an hour. This included plastic, foam, glass, and even medical waste including hypodermic needles. This garbage is believed to wash up on Belize's islands form other countries as giant islands of waste move along with the currents.

Channel 5

5 persons injured in shooting at a graduation party in Belize City
There was a spate of shootings in Belize City between Saturday and this morning. A total of eight persons were wounded to varying degrees. At a graduation party held at [...]

2 men come under gunfire near a police station
The spate of shooting started on Saturday. Around nine-forty-five p.m., twenty-eight year old Sigmond Trapp and twenty-five year old Anthony Scott were injured at the corner of Amara and Kut [...]

16 year old in critical condition after shooting on Calle al Mar
Five hours later, sixteen-year-old Corine White was targeted near Newtown Barracks on Sunday morning.  The teenager was reportedly in the company of her boyfriend and another person inside a green [...]

An exclusive interview with Christian Ebanks
Christian Ebanks, who also goes by the name Floyd Ebanks Jurado, obtained Supreme Court bail last Friday. He was arrested and charged in May after the Gang Suppression Unit raided [...]

Ebanks on murder allegations in Ecuador
Following his arrest in May, it became known that he was listed as Ecuador’s most wanted in 2011 for a murder in the Guayas province. Ebanks confirms that there are [...]

BGYEA’s “Plant Di Corn” Rally at Battlefield Park
On Saturday, representatives of the Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association, BGYEA organized a ‘Plant Di Corn’ rally at Battlefield Park in Belize City. The grassroots organization is protesting an injunction [...]

Rod of Correction – member organizations say BGYEA rally only the beginning
The rally on Saturday was held just two days after the formation of a group called the Rod of Correction, or ROC. BGYEA is a part of that group, along [...]

Move over Elvin Penner, John August Jr. is the new U.D.P. standard bearer for Cayo Northeast
Turning to politics…The convention for the Cayo Northeast constituency was hotly contested over the weekend. Four candidates placed their names on the ballot to replace former minister of state, Elvin [...]

Mayor Darrell Bradley still undecided on political future
Will Mayor of Belize City Darrell Bradley run for a second term of municipal office? That’s the question that he’s been asked much more than a few times in recent [...]

Court of Appeal orders a retrial for accused murderer, Krismar Espinosa
The second sitting of the Court of Appeal for this year was held today and the bench, which included President Manuel Sosa, Justice Minnett Afiz-Beltran and Justice Samuel Awich, handed [...]

The Maya Leaders Alliance wants back its stolen rosewood
In May, an undisclosed amount of rosewood went missing from the Savannah Forest Station. It was later discovered that the rosewood, confiscated during April operations in the south by the [...]

BGYEA President refutes claims that he has private stake in planting corn
As we told you, BGYEA took centre stage at the rally on Saturday. The group is fighting for the right to plant corn in about sixty acres designated as a [...]

Valley of Peace farmer says Green Tropics not willing to compromise
The discussion between Valley of Peace farmers and Green Tropics is ongoing, but from all accounts there has been little progress. Ministry of Agriculture testing has indicated that damage to [...]

CEMO says it’s prepared and ready for hurricane season
The hurricane season kicked off on June first, and today the City Emergency Management Organization, CEMO, held a press conference at City Hall. While one purpose of the conference is [...]

A comprehensive evacuation plan revealed
While shelters are ready, they should be a last resort. CEMO has also worked on an elaborate and comprehensive evacuation plan. According to Mayor Bradley, that evacuation in the event [...]

Kaya Cattouse with stats from the basketball court, football field, and cycling on highways
Good evening! I’m Kaya Cattouse, welcome to this week’s edition of Sports Monday.   In the National Elite Basketball League we see game 3 kick off at the Sacred Heart [...]

CTV3

Broad Day Light Robbery At Money Gram, Orange Walk
This morning, the attendant at money gram located on Otro Benque Road got the scare of her life, when two masked men rushed in brandishing weapons and demanding money. And while the ordeal lasted a few minutes, the incident was caught on camera. Today, police are seeking two suspects in this latest brazen daylight robbery. Selvin Tillett is the deputy commanding the Orange Walk Police Department. Selvin Tillette – Deputy Commanding, OW Police “Police visited the area and there was one Adrelia Marin 22 years of said area reported that about 8:20 two dark complexion male persons with masks entered and robbed her of approximately $6000.00 and her cellphone and made good their escape, police responded and we understand that there were cameras but it makes a little bit difficult because they were using masks but even with that we have two suspects that we are looking for.”

Pharmacy Week Observed In Orange Walk
June 6th to 13th was observed countrywide as pharmacy week in Belize with the theme “Guardians of Health”. The pharmacist’s role has evolved greatly over the last few centuries. Towards the end of the 1900s to the present, pharmacists have focused on responding to managed care and new concerns about the quality of patient care. In recent times, the pharmacist’s role in public health has evolved. According to an international study, pharmacists were viewed as the second most trusted profession after nurses. Addressing public health concerns has been an issue for many years and the nation is beginning to realize the importance of utilizing pharmacists to improve efforts in this arena. And in lieu of the observance week, we take a look at the daily lives of these trusted professionals.

Lousianna Government School Takes Second Place In Spelling Bee Contest
The Lousiana Government School district finalist, Isabelle Swasey is the country’s second best speller. Twelve district finalists convened at the Countryside Park in Spanish Lookout Friday, June 6th, 2014, to compete for the 20th annual “speller of the year title”. It was a tightly contested competition since all the representatives remained intact for rounds one and two with full points. Topping the competition as the best speller for 2014 was ten year old Shanalene Guyap of Solid Rock Academy in Dangriga. Not only did Gayap capture the 1st place title but she also made history by being the youngest winner in all the 20 years of the competition! We’ll have reactions from Swasey in tommorws newscast.

Police Discovers 31 Pieces Suspected Crack Cocaine
A routine mobile patrol in Corozal Town led authorities to the detention of two men in that municipality. On Friday June 6th at around 9:45 pm, the attention of Corozal Police was drawn to a white in color four doors Toyota Camry bearing license plate CZL C 01701. Police immediately pulled over the vehicle which was being driven at the time by 24 year old Paul Massam. At the time Massam was accompanied by 22 year old Jeovanni Young. Both men were informed that a search would be conducted inside the vehicle for drugs and firearms at the Corozal Police Station. And so said so done. At the station the vehicle was searched and police managed to confiscate a white chopstick shell filled with 31 pieces of suspected crack cocaine hidden between the driver seat and the hand rest. The drugs weighed in at 6.58 grams.

Belize Is Ranked As The Leading Producer Of Sugar
A release from the Sugar Association of the Caribbean ranks Belize as the leading producer of Sugar for the month of April, with Guyana and Jamaica closely behind. In a release, these Caribbean Sugar producers had reasonable production of 80,392 tonnes of sugar. Chairman of the Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC), Karl James says for the current crop, a total of 218,404 tonnes of sugar has been exported to the EU, followed by 8,863 tonnes to CARICOM, and 5,066 tonnes to other destinations. He continues that up to April, no exports were made to the United States Market. Whilst optimistic about the prospects for the remainder of the crop, James says the weather could be a major factor in the months ahead. Belize was the lead producer with 26,302 tonnes followed by Guyana with 25,315 tonnes then Jamaica with 24,881 tonnes.

14 Year Old Hangs Herself At Home
What could possibly lead a 14 year old to take her life away and putting their family members through an immense grief? That is the question being asked by residents of Ranchito in the Corozal District. Over the weekend 14 year old Vianney Vasquez and her younger brother were left home alone while their father, 47 year old Donaldo Vasquez, went to work in Corozal Town. Vasquez told police that when he arrived home around 3:45pm, he asked his son where Vianney was. The response he received was not good as he was told that Vianney had not been seen since 1:00pm and was nowhere to be found.

Another Chopping Incident In The Village Of San Roman
On June 3rd, 24 year old Joseph West was charged for the crime of murder after 34 year old Giovanni Borland succumbed to his injuries at the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital. West is accused of hacking Borland on the head with a machete after they became involved in an argument while in the Village of Libertad in the Corozal District. Tonight there is another chopping incident to report this time in the village of San Roman in the Corozal District that has left two men hospitalized at the Corozal Community Hospital. Information reaching our news room is sketchy but based on what we were told by our sources at the Corozal Police Formation an official report is yet to be filed and police are still carrying out their investigation.

A Closer Look At ER's Icy Treats
Last Friday three young entrepreneurs returned from a trip to Jamaica where they were awarded for their outstanding work as young entrepreneurs. They were nominated by the La Inmaculada Credit Union for the third Annual Citi-CMFA Caribbean Microfinance Awards since they have for some time now been part of the programs implemented by the institution. The Citi-CMFA Microfinance Caribbean Awards recognizes the work of institutions like the LICU and of individuals who ensure maximum financial and social returns within the microfinance sector in the Caribbean. The awards are held to recognize such efforts and to highlight the outstanding achievements of these institutions and individuals who succeed under these institutions. We presented the three winners last Friday and today we take a closer look at their success and how they came about to be young entrepreneurs. Tonight we highlight Eider Romero founder of ER’s Icy Treats who won Best young entrepreneur in the Caribbean.

LOVE FM

City Emergency Organisation Is Ready for Hurricane Season
City Hall was the venue for a press conference called by Mayor Darrell Bradley in his capacity as the Chairman of the City Emergency Management Organisation. While the conference discussed a wide range of issues including the City’s evacuation strategy, hurricane shelters and CEMO’s collaborations with several stakeholders, it basically was called to inform the media that CEMO is prepared and that their plan has been fine-tuned and is detailed in terms of time, transportation, drivers, shelter management and the likes. Addressing the media houses today was Councillor Phillip Willoughby, whose portfolio at the council includes CEMO. PHILLIP WILLOUGHBY CITY COUNCILLOR “We are prepared as we normally do at this time of year as we open the hurricane season. We’re looking at any other natural disasters, manmade or otherwise but one of our marked accomplishment and feature that in partnering with the Belize Red Cross is the signage that is around the city. If you were to look at where the post office is, the old plaza building, the overpass at the roundabout connecting the Phillip Goldson Highway, you would see outlined, the name of hurricane shelters, other minor details that directs the residents of Belize city and others as to where to go and how to reach where you need to go and as I said, other minor details. The second minor accomplishment to that is the evacuation route; we’ve been speaking to this evacuation route for some time.

Three Cops Granted Bail; One on Remand at Belize Central Prison
Four police officers of San Ignacio Police Station faced criminal charges today in the Magistrate’s Court of that municipality. Elaine Berry gives us the details. ELAINE BERRY Cayo Correspondent “The four officers who were involved in an incident on Monday, May 26 at about 12:30am in Unitedville Village, Cayo District with four men who were retuning back from a wake in Ontario Village and who stated that they were assaulted by the officers and during the assault one of the men was fired at after walking away and was shot in his back. They were all arraigned this morning in front of Magistrate Morgan and their charges were read. 3 of the officers met bail of $800 and they are: Corporal Ricky Valencia, P.C Maxwell Valerio and Special Constable Ernesto Budna. While the other officer, P.C Jesus Marroquin was remanded to the Kolbe Foundation in Hattieville until July 31, 2014. Marroquin was charged for deadly means of harm, committing the crime of wounding and attempted murder upon 19 year old Elston Arnold.”

Estranged Spouse Causes Harm to School Warden
Twenty-eight year old Kearney Thompson, charged with theft and harm, became an inmate of Belize Central Prison today when he appeared before the Chief magistrate, Anne Marie Smith and pled guilty to the charges. Thompson was remanded into custody until Monday, June 16, for sentencing. The incident occurred on Sunday, June 1. Stephanie Reynolds, a 27 year old school warden who is the ex-girlfriend of Thompson, reported to the police that she was walking on Antelope Street when she was approached by Thompson who beat her then stole her purse which contained her cell phone and 50 dollars . Reynolds was given a medico-legal form and she was taken to Karl Heusner Hospital. The doctor who examined and treated her classified her injuries as harm. She had injuries to her elbow, her finger and the side of her face.

Police Nabs Suspected Robber
Trevor Guy, one of three persons who police believe attempted to rob Delcid Store at mile 8 on George Price Highway, was charged with attempted robbery and aggravated assault when he appeared today before the chief magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. Guy pled not guilty to the charges. He was remanded into custody until July 30. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4. Julio Delcid, the owner of the store, reported to the police that while he was in his store, three persons entered, one of them armed with a firearm. Delcid said the gunman pointed a pistol at him and he drew his licensed firearm and fired several shots. The culprits fled and Delcid made a report. The police responded quickly and located the suspects in the cemetery at mile 8. The police reported that as they approached one of the suspects fired shots at them and they returned fire. As a result, they apprehended Guy but the other two suspects managed to escape.

Guatemalans with Fake Nationality Documents Surrender to Police
Two Guatemalans, who were allegedly furnished with Belizean birth certificates by Marleny Castellanos, were charged with two counts of using a document that they are not entitled to use when they appeared today before Magistrate Dale Cayetano. They are 27 year old Wendy Perez and 39 year old Abel Reyes. They pled guilty to the charges and they were fined one thousand dollars for each offence. They were ordered to pay forthwith. If they default on payment they will serve three months for each offence. The sentences are to run concurrently. On Friday, June 6, Perez and Reyes, both of them residents of Caye Caulker, went to the immigration Department in Belize City and handed themselves. They both had Belizean birth certificates and Belizean nationality certificates. When immigration officers checked they discovered that they discovered that the names of the persons on the birth certificates were not the name of the biological mothers of Perez and Reyes. As a result, their Belizean nationality certificates were cancelled. Castellanos , who is believed to the supplier of the birth certificates, is currently remanded to prison on several immigration charges and more charges are expected to follow.

Director of Public Prosecutions Wins Appeal Against Accused Murderer
An appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl-Lyn Vidal, of the case of 25 year old Krismar Espinosa, who was acquitted of the murder of Keon Swasey, was allowed today by Belize Court of Appeal. The judges of Belize Court of Appeal ruled that the ruling of the trial judge, Justice John Gonzalez, and the acquittal be set aside and a retrial on a charge of murder be before a judge other than Justice Gonzalez. The judges of Belize Court of Appeal will give their reasons in writing at a later date. Espinosa, a resident of Orange Walk, was charged with murder after Swasey was fatally stabbed on December 24, 2009, at Belize Central Prison. At the time Espinosa was remanded on a charge of murder for the death of his girlfriend. At the trial which began on November 26, 2012 and ended on December 5, 2012, Espinosa’s attorney, Rachel Montejo, had submitted that Espinosa did not have a case to answer due to insufficient evidence. Justice Gonzalez upheld the submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. The DPP had appealed on the ground that the circumstantial evidence was sufficient to go to the jury.

NGOs and Unions Join Hands Against Government of Belize
BGYEA: The Belize Grass roots Empowerment Association is currently fighting an injunction brought by the Government of Belize to prohibit them from disturbing the buffer area of Harmonyville. That’s a problem for BGYEA and Nigel Petillo because he was planning to plant corn in the buffer through an agreement with investor Sam Patten. The facts are that Petillo requested that the Lands and Survey Department removed squatting immigrants from the buffer zone. But when the Land Commissioner found out that Petillo had entered in a private agreement with Sam Patten, an order of cease and decease was issued. Petillo made his media runs stating that the idea was to plant corn in the buffer zone in order to raise funds for infrastructural works in Harmonyville. However, the Lands and Survey Department didn’t buy it and so an injunction was obtain to prohibit BGYEA from planting corn. On Saturday, BGYEA held their “Plant DI Corn” Rally at Battle Field Park and since they became a member of the newly form Rod of Correction, BGYEA was not alone. Love News was out there and here is the story. GEOVANNI BRACKETT President Citizens Organized for Liberty Through Action “You ask yourself the question, why isn’t the government going after the Guatemalans who are illegally farming our land in the buffer zone, in the thousands of acres. “

University Students Benefit from Workshop on Intellectual Property Law
A three week workshop focusing on intellectual property rights began today in Belmopan. Correspondent Angelica Cruz reports: ANGELICA CRUZ Western Correspondent Love News “The University of Belize in collaboration with a team of girls from Middleton Tennessee State University is having a 3-week workshop at the UB Jaguar Auditorium in Belmopan. This workshop is based on intellectual property law and global entertainment transaction. Deborah Watson, Attorney and university Professor spoke to Love News and told us how it will benefit our country.” DEBORAH WATSON Professor Middleton Tennessee State University “The purpose of the international classroom initiative is to join forces between the creative community and Belize and Central America and the United States program where I am a professor at Middleton State University and our department of recording industry within the college of mass communication. What we hope to do is to bring what strengths and knowledge we have to the incredible talent within the Belizean community. To help foster a greater infrastructure for exploitation in the best use of the word and opportunity to have a professional life as a musician, or as a film maker, or as a book writer, or anyone in the art to assist in the process of bringing knowledge and a more mature market skills that the US has developed into this incredible opportunity with very talented young people in Belize. So I am very grateful to Stone Tree Records, who is our partner in the memorandum of understanding, Ivan Duran in particular and also the University of Belize.”

PlusTV

God Gives Away Salvation to a Repented Soul
This week’s Bible verse is taken from Psalm 32: 5 “I have acknowledged my sin to you and my injustice I have not concealed. …and you have forgiven the wickedness of my sin”.

Elvin Penner’s Replacement as Standard Bearer is John August
Former Minister of State Elvin Penner will be replaced by the current Mayor of San Ignacio John August Jr. as the UDP Standard Bearer for the Cayo North East Constituency in the next general elections. On Sunday, June 8th, more than a thousand UDP supporters came out to vote...

Three Shootings in Belize City Over the Weekend
Police are investigating three separate shooting incidents in the Old Capital this weekend, which left eight persons injured, two critically. We begin on Saturday night around 9:45 p.m., when 28 year old Sigmund Trapp and 25 year old Anthony Scott, both residents of Belize City, were walking on Kut...

Two Teenagers Detained for Stabbing a Man
In other police news, Gumercindo Pop is receiving treatment at the Western Regional Hospital, in Belmopan after a stabbing incident at Billy White Village, Cayo District, which involved 18 year old Santos Angel Chacon and a 15 year old minor. According to reports, on Saturday, June 7th, at about...

Krismar Espinoza to be Retried for Murder
The Court of Appeal began its second session for 2014 this morning with criminal appeals. This afternoon, it ordered ]25 year old Krismar Espinoza of Orange Walk Town to be retried at the Supreme Court before a different judge for murder. Espinoza was accused of the stabbing death of...

Money Gram Robbed in Orange Walk
There was an armed robbery in Orange Walk earlier today. According to police at about 8:35 pm two armed men of Creole descent, wearing masks, broke into the office of Money Gram located in Otro Benque, Orange Walk Town and stole an estimated $6,000 and a cell phone. The...

Image Store Robbed on Albert Street
In Belize there was another armed robbery. According to police reports on Sunday afternoon, Indian Supervisor for Image Store located on Albert Street, Belize City was inside his work place along with two other co-workers when two male persons entered the business establishment; one armed with a handgun. They...

Trevor Guy Charged with Attempted Robbery of Store
A shopkeeper had to fight fire with fire last week and as a result police have charged Trevor Guy with attempted robbery and aggravated assault on Julio del Cid, the owner of the Del Cid Store at Mile 8 on the George Price Highway. Guy is alleged, along with...

More Illegal Certificates Uncovered in Caye Caulker
Two individuals who say they were assisted by Marleny Castellanos to illegally obtain Belizean documentation came forward and turned themselves in to police last week. They are Caye Caulker residents and Guatemalan citizens Wendy Perez, 27, and Abel Ruiz Reyes, 39. They both appeared in Magistrate’s Court today before...

Arson Suspected in Corozal
There are reports of a possible arson in the Northern District of Corozal. According to woman Police Constable Rosario Romero, Resident of Libertad village, at about 3:30 a.m. she was awaken by her one month old son and when she got up she saw flames outside her house. Upon...

Penner Recall Petitioners Not Allowed to Vote?
But while over a thousand supporters came out to vote during Sunday’s UDP convention, several voters were denied that privilege. Rejected Voter of Cayo Northeast UDP Convention “They refused me.  Dehn no waa mek ah vote.  Dehn seh that da becaw dehn she me gawn sign the PUP ballaet. ...

Thousands Attend Global Day of Prayer Nationwide
This past Sunday was celebrated on the Christian calendar “Pentecost Sunday” the day when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples as they were gathered together in the upper room for prayer. Since the year 2000, a movement of prayer which started in South Africa, has seen millions of Christians from different...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

20 Kids Receive Holy Communion
On Sunday, June 8, 2014, twenty children from the Caye Caulker R.C. School received their First Holy Communion. Holy Communion is one of the seven sacraments ascribed to by the Catholic church. Congratulations to all the children on this religious milestone.

More Caye Caulker Residents Are Caught With Fake Nationality Documents
In May of this year (2014), over 10 persons were rounded up in Caye Caulker for being in possession of fake nationality documents. According to the ten persons, the person who helped them acquire the fake documents are one Marleny Castellanos and one Well, the immigration net did not end there. Two other Guatemalan residents living in Caye Caulker have surrendered themselves to police. They are claiming they did not know that the documents provided to them by the said Castellanos were bogus. 27 year old Wendy Perez and 39 year old Abel Reyes were formally charged with two counts of using a document which they were not entitled to. They pled guilty to the charges and were fined one thousand dollars each. The fines are payable forthwith, or in default they face three months imprisonment.

Patrick Jones

Krismar Espinoza to be retried for murder
The Court of Appeal began its second session for 2014 this morning with criminal appeals. This afternoon, it ordered 25 year old Krismar Espinoza of Orange Walk Town to be retried at the Supreme Court before a different judge for murder. Espinoza was accused of the stabbing death […]

Trevor Guy charged with attempted robbery of store
A shopkeeper had to fight fire with fire last week and as a result police have charged Trevor Guy with attempted robbery and aggravated assault on Julio del Cid, the owner of the Del Cid Store at Mile 8 on the George Price Highway. Guy is alleged, along […]

More illegal nationality certificates uncovered on Caye Caulker
Two individuals who say they were assisted by Marleny Castellanos to illegally obtain Belizean documentation came forward and turned themselves in to police last week. They are Caye Caulker residents and Guatemalan citizens Wendy Perez, 27, and Abel Ruiz Reyes, 39. They both appeared in Magistrate’s Court today […]

School warden attacked on street by ex-partner
28 year old Kearney Thompson of Belize City pleaded guilty to stealing his former girlfriend’s purse and attacking her on the street on June 1, 2014. He will be sentenced next Monday, June 16, by Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith on charges of theft and harm. 27 year old school […]

Maya Leaders Alliance wants to know what happened to Toledo rosewood
The Maya of Medina Bank in the Toledo District say a large batch of rosewood which they held under protection was illegally confiscated by the Forest Department and has subsequently disappeared. We spoke to Cristina Coc of the Maya Leaders Alliance on Saturday during the Plant Di Corn […]

City gets ready for hurricane season
The 2014 hurricane season has begun. Are you ready? The Belize City Council and its Central Emergency Management Organization (CEMO) say they are, and want residents to be as well. Today Belize City Mayor and CEMO chairperson Darrell Bradley and City Councilor with responsibility for emergency management Philip […]

A bloody weekend in Belize City leaves two people in critical condition
Between Friday night and 12:30 this morning, gun violence in Belize City sent no less than 8 people to the emergency room. Two of the shooting victims are listed in critical condition. Starting with the most recent … five people were injured in a shooting incident late […]

Teenage girl commits suicide in Corozal
A Corozal family is going through immense grief after a 14 year old girl committed suicide over the weekend. Vianney Vasquez, according to reports, ended her life on Sunday afternoon by hanging herself from a beam in a house in her parents’ yard in Ranchito Village, Corozal. […]

New ambassadors from Switzerland and Argentina
Two new diplomats have been welcomed to the ranks Belize’s Diplomatic Corps. They are Patricia Vaca Narvaja and Louis-Jose Touron. According to a brief statement from the Government Press Office, Ambassador Touron is the new representative of Switzerland in Belize, while Ambassador Narvaja is Argentina’s new top diplomat in Belmopan. Both ambassadors presented their credentials to Governor General Sir Colville Young t Belize House in Belmopan, expressing their desire to continue and develop strong diplomatic and bilateral relations between their respective nations and Belize.

Dangriga celebrates World Day of Prayer
Approximately 500 people made their statement for the Lord Jesus Christ during a powerful Christian Parade in beautiful Dangriga on June 8th to pray against corruption, racism, discrimination, hate, and un-Godly behaviour. The faithful gathered near the Drums of Our Fathers Monument on the southern end of the town and paraded through the principal streets ending at Princess Royal Telemedia Park. The energetic crowd joined their voices in hymns and spiritual songs along with prayers and blessings. The organizers were very pleased with the turn out and enjoyed everyone to continue praying for the nation, Education Leaders, Prime Minister and Government leaders. One of the organizers Pastor Evans said that the celebration is to pray against all forms of corruption, evil, and unacceptable behaviours.

Toledo celebrates World Day of Prayer
Hundreds of Belizeans turned out on Sunday at the Julian Cho Technical High School auditorium for the 2014 World Day of Prayer. During the course of the two-hour long church service, the congregation sang, worshipped and prayed for the nation of Belize. Organizer of the event Pastor Victor Hernandez says the Day of Prayer activity served to strengthen the church and believers stand firm in spite of prevailing challenges. The 33 church leaders and their congregations took time out to pray for Belize and its leaders and affirmed that God is supreme over Belize.

Blogs

A Cruise to Belize: AMAZING Excursions from Cave Tubing to Mayan Sites
Or: Planning ahead- what to do with 8-10 hours in Belize? As I mentioned in my previous post, before my honeymoon I visited Belize 3 times on a cruise ship. This was never part of the plan; actually, taking 3 cruises within 10 years was unlikely, much less visiting the same port each time. As it turned out, each of my 3 visits showed me something Belize did well, and gave me enough of a taste for the country that my husband and I decided to return for 10 nights. So what were these great experiences? First visit: Ruins, wildlife and a change of plans My first trip was on a cruise with friends when I was 22ish. We split up – my friend Zac and I planning to visit the ruins at Lamanai while the other two headed off to Caye Caulker and Shark Ray Alley. Lamanai had captured my imagination as soon as I read about it, from the boat trip down a jungle river to exploring- and climbing- the partially-excavated ruins. My Indiana Jones fantasies were about to come true! (No… not that kind…) Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. Two weeks before our trip, the excursion was cancelled. The ship had a mechanical issue which meant slowing down its travel speed, thus shortening our time in port. We wouldn’t be there long enough to make it to Lamanai and back again.

“What a Fool Believes” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Up bright and early yesterday morning and out on the veranda – the western, lagoon facing one on the first floor- with a mug of black coffee (no sugar) and my iPad (the old one, not my iPad Air). I sat out there for around ninety minutes , reading The Times online and catching up on emails and Facebook and then shortly before 07.00 hours I wandered down to the front gate to unlock it so Lloyd and his boys could get in for their day in the garden! With the guys spreading the gravel I then showered, shaved, brushed my teeth, got dressed and headed to ‘Town for breakfast at Estel’s Dine By the Sea where I knew that I could tick off a few of Julian’s photo challenges. Julian’s photo.

The best little Zoo in the World
I have a story to share with you about something incredible that happened in Belize, some might even consider it something straight out of a fairytale book. I’m referring to the Belize Zoo and the tale of its happy ending. Did you know… The latest estimate of species on earth is about 8.7 million species. That’s an amazing number. Some species are still not found yet, now that thought is even more amazing! Unfortunately, many species are not free to live in the wild; to live in the unbridled forests and deserts where the survival of the fittest is the law. Many animals have not been given the chance to defend themselves and win or lose the Darwin challenge. Many animals are taken from their natural places of dwelling to put into cages and exhibits in menageries. In 1982 a National Geographic Animals of Central America filming session happened in Belize. People had some wild animals as pets and they got permission from their owners to be filmed, others were filmed in the wild. After the shooting, the film crew could not get the owners of these animals to take them back – so, then what? Enter Sharon Matola a tall, beautiful and strong intern working on the film. She and her team, with the support of grants, transformed the only way any other zoo in the world should be given a license to exist.

The feeding trough!
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez I expected better! From Genitty, Caritas, Aird, Carol and Brenda Who have been in the school system forever! More so, in the capacity of administrators So they know the constraints as managers But have miraculously forgotten, now that their bread has butter Now that most of them are doctors, sitting at the table of their master They now think they are better because they are now the decision makers We have schools refusing kids You trying to tell me they can’t find space Majority of these parents are single parents Many of the children are truants Pick them up and put them in school Some kids honestly want to go Put 50% of them in school and the other 50% in the army Our children need a structured system We have to find ways to engage them Invest in the army for those who do not want to go to school All the doctors in the ministry of education Are looking to pad up and help their alma maters They do not look at the extenuating and overarching factors They are about helping the Anglicans, the Methodists and the Catholics They are there for their own self interests Hence the reason that it is nonsense what they now suggest Then they are forcing the masses to ingest and digest

The Jungle’s “Elmer’s Glue”
The Belizean jungle provides, like all jungles, special treats to all animals. There are wild berries, cohune nuts, water vines and a Mayan spice called culantro (not cilantro that you know), to name a few. Birds and mammals have a fanatical appreciation for the jungle of Belize. Sure, after all it is their source of food and certainly their home. Every so often, the jungle offers something very different to the universe. An example is the stemadaemia fruit. If we ask anyone to remember the name of this wild fruit for a test, they would, at best take a wild guess on the true or false question or a wild guess on a multiple choice question. However, things change when the local name flavour start enriching one’s vocabulary. The local names give to this particular wild fruit are “horses nuts”, or “Grandfather’s nuts” or the Spanish name “cojotones”. Now, try forgetting those! Whatever name you can remember, we know that toucans and parrots love this fruit which splits in half when ripened exposing a bright orange/red inside with a centre of yellow seeds. Its beautiful and it definitely will get your attention. While we do not consume this nut, we certainly have had much experience as kids using it as a tool.

FIVE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANCIENT MAYA
1. Did the abandonment of ancient Maya cities occur because, simply, the people disappeared into thin air? Answer: No, the ancient cities were not abandoned because of the ancient Maya disappearance. The Maya (descendants) still live in Guatemala, Mexico and Belize. The ancient cities, were abandoned for the most part by 900AD which is at least 600 years before the European conquest began. The abandonment of the cities was perhaps one of the most amazing decisions they made, but after the royalty left these cities, the engineers, architects and mathematicians among them basically left too. There was no one left who knew how to maintain these cities infrastructure. To further fuel the abandonment, these cities were sacred spaces which tremored powerful spirituality that which the peasantry who remained respected with fear, hence it was easier to walk away. 2. Why did the Maya have so many gods? Answer: Ancient people throughout the world created gods out of phenomenon they could not understand. For example, Ra was the Egyptian sun god. Every ancient civilisation celebrated the sun. The Maya sun god was K’inich Ahau (Lord of the the day). The rain god was Cha’ac and K’awil was the god or royal lineage. All the phenomena needed answers. When their science couldn’t explain it, they deified it.

International Sources

World’s Largest Artificial Reef is being built in Quintana Roo
A team of expert engineers, environmentalists, architects and specialized divers embarked upon the greatest adventure of their lives and took on their hands a once-in-a-lifetime challenge: Building the world’s largest artificial reef. The purpose? Diverting the attention and negative impact of time on the natural ecosystem, and fight against climate changes to preserve the Mexican Caribbean’s splendor, by regenerating the marine ecosystem with an enormous labor. Kan-Kanán is an environmental project never-seen before! It means to turn into the new habitat of thousands of sea species, and will protect the coast from natural erosion. Consisting of a mega project, we currently stand before a fascinating and interesting solution to a strong problem: the deterioration of marine systems, product of climate changes. This monumental artificial reef will be built using over 1,000 hollow pyramidal structures created on a concrete and micro silica base. Each one of them approximately weighs ten tons, and must be placed with extreme precision over the seabed by very powerful cranes and a team of specialized divers.

Stewart’s documentary does Belize festival
Journey Through Music — Rhythms of Africa, a documentary conceptualised by former Third World drummer Willie Stewart, will be screened at the July 16-21 Belize International Film Festival. Stewart is executive producer of the film through his Embrace Music Foundation, based in South Florida. Journey Through Music was produced by SteadyImage Digital Media. It looks at 'at-risk' or disadvantaged teens of Caribbean and Cuban descent, as well as Americans, living in South Florida. The documentary shows the positive impact music has on youth with societal challenges. "We produced the documentary because there was a need to engage in the conversation of bringing music and the arts back into the schools globally. There was no message being promoted and we thought the mission and task that Willie had before him was the best story to be told," Adrian Allen, CEO of SteadyImage told the Jamaica Observer.

At Belize Lodge, Lessons in Coffee and Cocktails
Aspiring chocolatiers, baristas and mixologists may find inspiration in Belize this summer. Belcampo, a 16-room luxury lodge and 3,000-acre organic farm in southern Belize, is offering an artisan-in-residence program related to sustainable food production. The program includes a series of half-day workshops, starting with coffee roasting and brewing classes led by James Freeman, the founder of California’s Blue Bottle Coffee company. Mr. Freeman has been an advisor to Belcampo, helping it find agricultural partners with the skills needed to develop plantations at low altitudes. The classes, scheduled from June 4 to 9, include “cuppings,” or coffee tastings, to teach students about aroma, mouthfeel and flavor. Next in the lineup, in July, are hands-on seminars dedicated to chocolate. Taught by Katrina Markoff, the award-winning chocolatier behind Vosges Haut-Chocolat, the course will begin with a flight of drinking chocolates to teach guests the difference between the original Aztec drink and the milky, often sweetened European version.

Humanitarian’s meet in the Caribbean to review and update contingency plans for Hurricane season
The 2014 Hurricane season is now in session as Hurricane Amanda has now passed and Tropical Depression 2-E is now churning off the coast of Mexico unleashing heavy rains, prompting Red Cross National Societies across Latin America and the Caribbean to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. In order to support these preparations, the Red Cross convened its annual preparedness meeting, held in Belize and hosted by the Belize Red Cross, this past 20 to 21 of May, 2014. Contingency Disaster and Preparedness meetings offer a unique spaces for humanitarian actors and government authorities to come together and discuss several of issues pertaining to improving coordination and contingency planning for disaster response and relief operations, key factors in ensuring rapid and effective response. Jan Gelfand, Head of Programmes and Operations for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in the Americas explained “if a hurricane or disaster should impact a given country, the government and civil society capacity to respond is quite limited, therefore we have decided to partner with others through our Red Cross network in order to improve humanitarian response, save more lives, and accelerate recovery efforts”.

More underwater maps to explore in Street View
Back in 2012, Google released some amazing underwater Street View imagery from a few areas around the world. As part of World Oceans Day last Sunday, Google has released some additional underwater Street View imagery that is equally stunning. In partnership with the Catlin Seaview Survey, you can now dive and explore some additional locations in Belize and the Philippines including the Belize Barrier Reef and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. The Catlin Seaview Survey team has documented many underwater locales around the world using their 360-degree panoramic SVII cameras, including a growing number of UNESCO Marine World Heritage Sites. We’ll continue to add this imagery to Street View in Google Maps as it’s collected. In the spirit of World Oceans Day, the goal of this project is to expose the world to the beauty of these marine habitats, and to create a scientific baseline record so that their changing health can be monitored over time.

Notes From Caribbean Week: What's New in Paradise?
Overall Caribbean tourism growth is modestly higher in 2014 with visitor arrivals up by a little more than two percent, according to tourism and government officials gathered at this week’s Caribbean Week New York conference, sponsored by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). Nevertheless there are some clear winners among the 30 destinations that comprise the Caribbean hospitality group’s membership. “The region is up by almost two percent year-over year,” said Beverly Nicholson-Doty, chairman of the CTO and tourism commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands, at a meeting with media during the conference. “And as a hotelier myself I know how important RevPAR [revenue per available room] is and that is increasing as well. We really are very positive about the forecast.” Indeed, several destinations report tourist arrival growth of more than five percent year-over-year for the first quarter of 2014 according to CTO Tourist data released this week show. The winners include Antigua and Barbuda (up 5.8 percent), Belize (9 percent), the British Virgin Islands (10.7 percent), the Cayman Islands (9 percent), the Dominican Republic (6.1 percent), Montserrat (24.9 percent) and St. Lucia (5.4 percent). In negative territory are Curacao (down 4.3 percent) and surprisingly, Grenada (down 5.5 percent).

35 Clearest Waters In The World To Swim In Before You Die – Readers Choice
Ambergris Caye Belize is not only the most popular island in the world but also one of the top places to swim in clear waters according to Daily News Dig, a popular website on the Internet. The article states: Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, and the main destination for travelers to this western Caribbean nation. The weather is mild, the beaches are beautiful, and the history is rich, Belize is a land of swaying palm trees and colorful sunsets.

Videos

Video: Kan Kanán: The Guardian of the Caribbean, 3min.

Video: Golf Cart Crashes into Utility Pole, 1min.
A security camera of a private business/home captured this video footage of a golf cart slamming into a utility pole on Seagrape Drive just south of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The driver of the cart was flung out into the street and the passenger slammed into the front windshield of the vehicle.

Video: Best of America by Horse Back Interviews with Tom Seay and John Carr, 20min.
Lively interviews with Tom Seay host of Best of America by Horseback and John Carr from Banana Bank in Belize bananabank.com

Video: Best of Amercia by Horseback interviews with Tom Seay and John Carr, 30min.
Lively and fun interviews with Tom Seay the host of Best of America by Horseback and John Carr from Banana Bank in Belize.

Video: Belize Fisheries authorites launch drones, 4min.
Chief Coxswain Michael Sabal and Assistant Coxswain Calman Hall explain use of the technology

Video: Belize Medley, 4min.
Brief visit to Caye Caulker and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, followed by ten days of camping on Half Moon Caye at Belize's Lighthouse Reef. Activities included: snorkelling, sea kayaking, kayak sailing, fishing, and standup paddleboarding.

Video: Belize Trip Part 1, 6min.
Kyle Liaw

Video: Arrow Blenny Belize, 1min.
This video is shows an Arrow Blenny in Belize in August 2013

Video: WCUOC BELIZE 2014, 11min.
West Coast University - Orange County Global Public Health Initiative Punta Gorda, Belize 2014

Video: Video, Ambergris Caye 1990, 20min.

Video: FLORIDA AND BELIZE, 57min.
BELIZE STARTS AT 39:00. STARING DESHLER AND MOLLY

Video: Belize Mission Trip June 2014, 9min.

Video: Blue hole, Belize 2014, 21min.
Diving Blue hole, Half moon, Aquarium. May 19 2014

Video: James Le Lacheur (as Matt Berry) on the Belize Rainforest, 7min.

June 9, 2014

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Doctor Love: Mothers and Moving In
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, My mother is a woman who must be in charge of her family. She usually does this by phone but she will come […]

Students in Cayo receive certificates from GREAT Program
Some 64 students from the Saint Vincent Palloti Roman Catholic Primary School in Unitedville Village in Cayo received certificates this evening, marking the completion of instructions under the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program (GREAT). Instructions under GREAT began at the Unitedville School in September of last year and ended in March of this year. Instructor Ciriaco Medina, who is Police Constable 1121 and member of the Community Policing Unit at the San Ignacio Police Formation, gave out the certificates this evening, telling students, “I expect good things from you guys, don’t let me down.”

No passenger manifest …are we missing the boat?
Editorial-LogoWith the apparent influx of mainland gangsters who travel to the island via water taxi to conduct their questionable business; many concerned citizens are calling for a mandatory boat manifest to monitor who these passengers are. Although some argue the process is subject to unfair ‘profiling’and constitutes an invasion of privacy for those who use the service, the safety point of having a passenger manifest is being completely lost in the debate. Hundreds of people are shuttled between Belize City, Caye Caulker and San Pedro via water taxi on a daily bases. What would happen, (God forbid) one of these over-loaded vessels was to sink? How would we know who is on the boat? How would loved ones go about verifying that their significant person had gone down with the ship, when the water taxi business doesn’t have a clue who they were transporting? Surely there must be regulations with the Belize Port Authority that mandate this safety measure, and if not…shame on them. I have always said Belize has GOOD laws, they just lack enforcement. It is more than likely that there is a marine manifest policy that is either on the books or has stalled as a drafted piece of legislature for years. Unfortunately the day something disastrous DOES happen everyone will be up in arms. Why do we have to wait for a crisis to happen BEFORE we do something about it?

Wolfe’s Woofer: Psychiatrist Help
“So overall it has been a really good year for us,” Bruce said. “I’m glad to hear it,” I told him. “I was kind of worried about you when you were here last year.” Bruce and Becky always come down from Texas and spend the month of June here in San Pedro. “What do you […]

Award Winning Chef Victor Nal Returns to San Pedro!
When I heard that Chef Victor Nal was back on the island cooking at El Zafiro Restaurant my taste buds did a wild happy dance!!! Some years ago, 2009 to be exact, Chef Vic was awarded the Belize Tourism Board Chef of the Year at their annual Taste of Belize competition. At that time Chef Vic was the man behind the amazing food at Sunset Grill, which was located on the lagoon side of San Pedro Town. Back then it was one of our favorite places to dine, and the meals were consistently delicious and Chef-Vicsatisfying. I’m not sure exactly when Chef Vic left the island to continue his work at high-end resorts on the mainland, but after his departure the restaurant slowly lost its popularity and closed about a year ago. Luckily for us, Sapphire Beach General Manager Luis Velasquez persuaded Chef Vic to return to La Isla Bonita and head up the kitchen at their El Zafiro Restaurant. Chef Vic, along with Sous Chef Danny Tzib have teamed up with Velasquez (who happens to be a renowned mixologist) to create a unique menu that specializes in Belizean, Mexican and European fusion. With an impressive wine list and exotic cocktails utilizing all fresh ingredients and the locally produced Picasso Spirits liqueur, your meal is more than complete.

Misc Belizean Sources

Sign of the times.
Pay two dollars an hour to park at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City.

Marines, airmen build schools, hospitals and good will in Belize
Marine combat engineers are teaming with airmen and members of the Belize Defence Force to build schoolhouses and hospital buildings during Exercise New Horizons. Members of Marine Wing Support Squadron 472, a Massachusetts-based reserve unit, completed construction of a two-room schoolhouse addition here, one of Central America’s largest cities. Now they’re working on another addition at a nearby five-room schoolhouse, including a kitchen and bathroom. Brig. Gen. David Jones, commander of the Belize Defence Force, said his engineers learn a lot from working with American combat engineers. His soldiers, however, may be called on not only to build new infrastructure, but also to destroy infrastructure that’s being used illegally. That can include busting up a runway that traffickers are using to move illicit drugs by air, he said. In turn, the Marines are learning new techniques from the Belizeans, said Staff Sgt. Matthew Houle, the New Horizons site foreman. For example, they taught the Marines a new way to finish interior and exterior walls called parging.

Bullet Tree Falls Animal Health Clinic
Feelgood news of the day. The Institute for Sustainable International Studies vet students held a spay and neuter clinic in Bullet Tree. They have a video from the clinic. The next clinic will be in San Antonio on Saturday, June 21, starting at 9:00am, at the community center. Thanks, ISIS!

CTV3

Three Men charged For Illegal Logging
By now, we are all aware of the illegal rosewood harvesting occurring rampantly in the South and while this precious timber is sought after for its value, a small scale but significant amount of illegal logwood cutting is invading the northern region of the country. This morning, a joint operation with the Forest Department and the orange walk police landed several persons in custody pending charges for illegal logwood cutting and hunting. Our newsteam was privy to tag along with the officials to the site and filed the following report. Dalila Ical – Reporting At its most basic, illegal logging occurs when trees are cut, transported, brought or sold in violation of national laws. And these 32 freshly cut pine logs is testament that illegal logging is not only a battle in the south. This morning, forest department officials and members of the police department travelled to the New River Pine Ridge area, some six miles deep inside the Crooked Tree Village where the illegal harvesting was halted. The cutters had already set camp and were deep in illegal activity.

Negotiations Between BSI/ASR And BSCFA On Hold Again
Turning to the Sugar industry….representatives of the Belize Sugar Industries/ASR and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, met once more at the negotiating table for the quantum payment for bagasse. As we have been reporting, BSI/ASR were adamant to give farmers payment for bagasse but the negotiations yielded famers a quantum of 51 cents, but the farmers claim they deserve more for the cane by-product. We can tell you that the discussions remain at a stalemate since BSI is sticking to its guns. Vice Chairman of the BSCFA Committee of Management, Alfredo Ortega, says they will need to consult with the Associations membership to chart a way forward and that it is looking grim when it comes to finalizing negotiations by crops end. FRED ORTEGA “Entramos con BSI otra vez para la negociación del bagazo, realmente hicimos presentación de los dos lados y siempre seguimos quedando en lo mismo, BSI insiste con su cincuenta y un centavo que presento la vez pasada y nosotros les estábamos mostrando un poco de diferencia sin embargo no pudimos lograr de que haiga un incremento de ese cincuenta y un centavo entonces ahora no vamos a ir a una junta general con los caneros para que allí se tome una decisión de que si aceptamos o que será el camino que vamos a seguir para adelante.”

Elroy Bastarachea Remanded To Kolbe Correctional Facility
Tonight Elroy Bastarachea, a resident of Patchakan Village in the Corozal District, accused of 13 charges of obtaining property by deception, is spending his first night at the Kolbe Correctional Facility after he was unable to meet bail of $10,000.00 plus a surety of the same amount. As mentioned last night, Bastarachea is being accused of swindling BZ$23,875.00 from 31 year old Grisel Botes, a Cosmetologist of Libertad Village Corozal District. Botes alleges that she gave Bastarachea the money to purchase several parcels of land. But when she saw that he kept coming backing for more cash and with no land title, she became suspicious and reported the matter to police. Botes has a recording where Bastarachea is heard claiming that he is related to Commissioner of Lands Wilbert Vallejos. Vallejos refuted that statement last night in an interview we had with him. He further stated that the public has been warned about Bastarachea’s rip-off habits.

Department Of Archaeology Holds Workshop For First Hand Officers
The Country of Belize is known for its heritage and numerous cultures and especially for the history left behind by the Maya’s with their unexplainable art. Without a doubt it is everybody’s business to protect our countries heritage. But sometimes there are those who rather rob history blind. Despite that there are no major reports on the illegal possession of artifacts here in the north; the Department of Archaeology is opting to keeping it that way by bringing awareness to the public through workshops. Dr. Allan Moore – Archaeological Dept. “What we are trying to do is to extend our horizon, our tentacles on this anti-luting campaign to sensitize people on our heritage to protect it and more so to interact with stakeholders which is the police, we just had a mini workshop with the police to sensitize them on the legislation surrounding the protection of archeological resources and heritage antiquities and to have them have a firsthand feel on the artifact and try to give them names as to which one is real and to make them interact ,more with the pieces so they can tell which is fake or which is real so it was a good day for the police officers and they enjoyed it and hopefully we will be taking this to other districts.”

Police Department Empowers Citizens On Patrol
An initiative by the Belize Police Department of including members from the community to assist in keeping Belize at a minimal crime rate has spread like wild fired across the country. C.O.P’s, or Citizens on Patrol, is a Community Policing program sponsored by the Belize Police Department. The purpose of the program is to enlist private citizens to volunteer time to actively patrol their community, to listen, watch and report criminal behavior to the police. Citizens on Patrol provide greater observation of neighborhoods, both residential and business which increases police presence in the community and reduces crime. Today Rudolph Orillo National Coordinator for COPS told us more on the amendments done to the program. Rudolph Orillo – COPS “The Commissioner of Police, Mr. All Willey, has empowered the citizens to come on board along with the police to fight the crime that is affecting this nation and other matters of quality of life that are affecting our community.”

Corozaleno charged For Controlled Drug
Two men from the Corozal District have been charged by police for possession of controlled drugs. They are 19 year old Moises Puck, Belizean sales clerk of Paraiso Village and Roque Ricardo Santana 35 year old Belizean maintenance worker also of Paraiso Village. Their arrest stems as a result of a search police conducted at a residence located in the village around 9:00 last night. Police say when they arrived close to the Pimento house the strong aroma of cannabis caught their attention. As they got closer to the residence a group of young men ran out of the yard. But Santana and Puck remained behind and police searched the residence for drugs and firearms. While nothing incriminating was found inside the house, police did find a transparent plastic bag containing suspected cannabis, inside the outdoor bathroom in an old toilet seat.

The Reporter

Colombian government and rebel group set up truth commission
After five decades of killings of thousands of people the Colombian government and the Farc rebel group have agreed to formullate a truth commission to investigate the deaths. The two sides ae prepared to hear victims state their demands in Cuba, where the peace talks are being held. Estimates put the deaths at over 200,000 persons, many of whom were civilians. A statement released in Cuba on the way forward lays out 10 points that will be the basis for discussions focusing on the victims of the conflict. The left-wing rebels and the government have so far denied allegations of human rights abuses and blamed each other for the deaths.

GOB says DAVCO supports oil exploration in southern Belize
Prime Minister Dean Barrow met on Friday with the executive of the Toledo District Association of Village Councils (DAVCO) to discuss oil exploration in the south. The government’s press office issued a press release which stated that the association has put full support behind the endeavor “citing its benefits to education, health and infrastructure in the Toledo District.” But according to the government the association agreed to go further than that and to engage their communities in a series of consultations to gain support for the initiative. The release names Ministers of Forestry and Technology, Lisel Alamilla and Joy Grant, as well as Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Technology, Dr. Colin Young as government representatives at the meeting.

Patrick Jones

New standard bearer for the UDP in Cayo Northeast
San Ignacio/Santa Elena town Mayor John August bested a field of three today to become the new United Democratic Party (UDP) standard bearer for the Cayo Northeast division. A constituency convention was held at the Sacred Heart College gymnasium and saw the participation of August, Eduardo Juan and Anthony McNab. The results show that August obtained 975 votes, nearly triple what his nearest competitor got. Eduardo Juan obtained 398 votes, while Anthony McNab received 72 votes. A total of 1,454 ballots were cast in Sunday’s UDP convention in Cayo Northeast. 9 of the ballots were rejected. John August will now go head to head with the People’s United Party’s Orlando Habet in the next general elections constitutionally due in 2017.

National Festival of Arts comes alive at the Bliss
Bliss Center for the Performing Arts was ablaze with talents from all over the country during the national Festival of Arts Golden Performances Showcase. Opening Ceremonies were held at the Bird’s Isle on June 3rd, which made way for the Primary School Students who received golden certificates at their district level to present their talents from June 4th to the 6th. Belmopan Area students showcased their performances on June 5th along with students from the Orange Walk and Belize District. What a delight it was to see the students filled with anticipation, anxiety, and pride as they transformed themselves on the stage with their dancing, singing, rapping, poetry, drama, and musical instruments. Thursday, June 5th was also busy with the 2nd Annual Secondary School Competition.

Belmopan Comprehensive School Graduates 173
The school with the highest number of graduates thus far in the Belmopan Area said thank you and goodbye to 173 graduates during its 41st Graduation Exercise. Belmopan comprehensive School held its commencement exercises with the theme “Education unlocks the world, our passport to freedom”. Proud parents, teachers and supporters gathered at the University of Belize Gym on Thursday, June 5th, 2014 to witness the culmination of 4 or 5 years of dedication and perseverance made by the graduates. The Valedictorian, Susana Petkau, reflected on her years at her great school and encouraged her peers to aim high and focus on their life’s goal. She also received one of the distinguished graduate awards along with Elsbeth Guerra, the salutatorian, and Zaida Osorio, the student who read the vote of thanks.

National Speller chosen at Spanish Lookout
Twelve district finalists convened at the Countryside Park in Spanish Lookout Friday, 06 June, 2014, to compete for the “speller of the year title”. It was a tightly contested position because all the representatives remained intact for rounds one and two with full points. The challenge started in the reserve round because new words are introduced to test the students’ spelling skills. At the end of round three 10 year old Std. IV student Shanalee Gayap from Solid Rock Academy spelt her two words correctly and captured 1st place, giving Stann Creek District a back to back victory as the last year’s champion also hailed from Stann Creek District. At the end of the excitement Isabelle Swasey from Louisiana Government School (Orange Walk District) received second place and Geon Codd from St. Andrew’s Anglican School (Cayo District) captured the third position.

The Cost of Water and Competitiveness in Belize
“The Belize Water Services Limited should live for the people, not the people for BWSL” ~ R Sydney H Belize is blessed with an abundance of ground and surface water….and over six months of rainy season. Our environment is still clean, so that our rain water is very close to pure. Water, like fuel, is a basic starting resource that drives costs all the way through a production chain. Unlike fuel, which we import 100% of…..we have and control an abundance of water resources….ground water, surface water and rain water. This should be used as part of our design of competitive advantage for living and doing business in Belize….once we protect our water resources, no one can take this source of competitive advantage away from us. The Belize Water Services (BWS) Is Belize’s MONOPOLY water and sewage utility that serves approximately 49,000 customers with a total average water demand of roughly 150 million US gallons per month.

Blogs

Finding Paradise on Caye Caulker
As the taxi boat approached the island my sight was filled with palm trees, pastel-coloured houses and locals with dreadlocks; we had unmistakably arrived in the Caribbean. Instant happiness flooded my heart when I stepped ashore – this was what paradise must look like. A white sandy road lead from the pier towards the settlement. I started walking in my normal upbeat pace. “Where are you going with that speed”, a man yelled at me from the shore. Surprised by the sudden yelling I slow down my pace. Again the man shouts to me, but this time in a much more friendlier tone, “Welcome to Caye Caulker”. I was traveling south from Yucatan, Mexico and decided to make a short stop in Belize and explore the small island Caye Caulker. It lies less that an hour’s boat ride away from the more populated and hectic capital Belize city. The island consists of three main streets: the front, middle and back street. Leading away from the pier is Front Street, seamed with small shops and restaurants. Here is where the crowd initially gathers. It is the place for the best lobster on the island, colourful wooden houses and girls in bikinis and street vendors sell homemade souvenirs and sunscreen in their stacked shops. But as soon I leave this road I can only hear silence – and the waves crashing on the beach.

International Sources

A Boy And His Jaguar Speak To Children Who Feel Misunderstood
Alan Rabinowitz is famous for studying jaguars. The renowned zoologist and conservationist is responsible for the world’s first jaguar sanctuary, the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve in the mountains of Belize. His books about working with big cats have sold millions of copies. His latest book is different — it’s not about conservation policy or animal behavior. It’s a picture book about his own childhood. Rabinowitz grew up with a severe stutter, something he had to overcome before he could pursue the career that has made him a voice for endangered animals. Rabinowitz spoke with NPR’s Arun Rath about the book, A Boy and a Jaguar, and why he still finds it painful to read his own story. Interview Highlights On his first encounter with a big cat The first time I saw a big cat was when my father took me to the Bronx Zoo, when I was about 4 years old I believe, and I went into … the Big Cat house, which they had back then — cage after cage of big cats, of lions and tigers and jaguar. And it was after that first instant, even at that young age, I knew that this was to be my home away from home.

Videos

Video: Mangoes, 3min.
Variety of succulent mangoes available in the Village of Burrell Boom, Belize.

Video: Setting Up Pressure -- Navy Divers Set Up a Transportable Recompression Chamber, 2min.
Divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit TWO (MDSU 2) set up a recompression chamber on a coast guard base in Belize. I'm on four-month deployment through Central America with the MDSU divers as part of Southern Partnership Station 2014. We haven't started actually diving yet, and I was itching to shoot something, so I tried to see if I could edit something on the less-glamorous side of diving. I hope you enjoy. -bc This video was shot on government time with government equipment, so feel free to use it.

Video: Diving Belize - A week at Turneffe Atoll. Blackbird Caye Resort, 9min.
One week of diving Turneffe Atoll in under ten minutes. Dive Sites include: Coliseum, Oasis, Blackbird Cut, Crab Walk The Great Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye, Aquarium, Stingray Motel, The Elbow, Grand Bogue. Dive Masters: Cardinal, Kenly Williams

Video: Belize - BV Expedition 2-14 (PART 10), 7min.

Video: University of Arkansas Belize Health Team 2014, 3min.
Dangriga, Belize

Video: A Manatee spotted in Belize, 1/2min.
Watch this Manatee walk along the ocean floor, so cool!

Video: Playful Spider Monkeys at Chan Chich Belize - NATHAB ULTIMATE BELIZE SAFARI 2014, 3min.
Spider Monkeys in Rainforest

Video: reef shark belize, 2min.

Video: Belize - Part 1, 3min.
A portion of our spring vacation to Belize. Beach, Boat, Bush package put together by Renee and Kevin at The Farm Inn just outside of Punta Gorda. Filmed spring 2014.

Video: Caye Caulker, Belize (Shark & Stingray Alley), 5min.
Snorkeling on Caye Caulker with Tsunami Adventures

Video: Suya Tours Snorkeling | Ambergris Caye, Belize, min.
norkeling off Ambergris Caye, Belize, with Suya Tours offers a chance to encounter diverse marine life at the offshore barrier reef. This POV video of Suya Tours snorkeling was produced by SNORKELINGDIVES.COM in May 2014.

June 8, 2014

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Abel Guerrero is the New Town Foreman
Abel Guerrero has joined the San Pedro Town Council staff as a town foreman. Guerrero is now in charge of the upkeep and sanitation of Coconut Drive and Seagrape Drive and the stretch of beach from Tropic Air to Belize Water Services, including the sub-areas of San Pablo, San Marcos, DFC and Escalante. The San Pedro Town Council now has three foremen, Samuel Gonzalez Jr., Freddy Gonzalez Jr. and Abel Guerrero, each is in charge of garbage collection and upkeep in a selected area of San Pedro.

Office Wear brought to the runway at Public Service Fashion Show
A grand audience came out to witness the first ever Public Service Fashion Show that took place on Thursday June 5th at Senor Marlins beach bar. Featuring office wear and high fashion outside the office the event was both entertaining and informative. DJ Chabo kept the tunes coming, as both male and female models graced the runway showcasing familiar uniforms such as the Belize Coast Guard, Immigration, Public Health Nurses, police, firefighters, and several other government offices. The second segment took on a bit more glamour as Foreva Fancy High Street Fashion dressed the ladies up for fashion outside the office. Near the end of the show, M.C for the night Jorge Aldana kept the crowd entertained with surprise giveaways compliments of Foreva Fancy. Public servants that attended the show were treated to drinks and a meal, during the fun show!

Puerto Azul: Belizean Paradise or Themepark
The conservation community of Belize hereby calls upon the Government of Belize to make an official statement on the exact status of proposed resort development project “Puerto Azul” on Northern Two Caye and Sandbore Caye, located within the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. The scale and scope of this project as outlined in its May 2014 international […]

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Sailing Club
The dedicated children of the San Pedro Sailing Club are setting up their sailboats on a breeze Saturday morning.

Misc Belizean Sources

Bigabite Burgers
There's a new burger house in Cayo, and it's called Bigabite. They have a wide selection of burger combos, which come with juice and curly fries. They can be found across the street from the SISE Town Council, right next to Dr. Sanchez's clinic. Their house rules, which can be seen as you walk in, are great. Pictures on fb.

“Close to You” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
On Thursday Rose and I went to Belize City to attend the July Wine Club Social at the Radisson Hotel. I booked seats on the 17.00 hour Tropic Air flight to the Municipal Airport and cognisant of this I had arranged with Caribbean Depot to make the final (well I hope they prove to be final) two deliveries of gravel by 15.00 hours. We’d agreed -Carmen of Caribbean Depot and I – (well I thought we’d agreed) that if they couldn’t be made by this time that it would be deferred until Saturday.

Winner of Adventures in Belize Facebook Contest
Ian Anderson’s Adventures in Belize has completed their First Facebook contest. After a month of competition they are pleased to announce the winner of the 3 nights’ stay for two persons at the luxurious El Secreto Resort is no other than Vania Vasquez from Belize. The contest began on May 7th, 2014 and concluded on June 5th, 2014. Contestants were required to submit a picture of themselves on vacation anywhere in the world and tell them why they want to visit Belize, share their photo and encourage as many people as possible to vote for their photo so that they could make it into the top 3. At the end of the contest there were a total of 24 entries and 1,411 votes had been cast, with Vania Vasquez of Belize, Charles Leslie Jr. of Tarpon Caye Belize and Jessica Hernandez of Belize being the top three contestants who would be considered for the fabulous prize. Their photos and descriptions were then reviewed and after much deliberation the judging panel from Adventures in Belize felt that Vania Vasquez of Belize had the best submission of the 3 and was awarded the victory.

NGO donations imperative for New Horizons completion
If not for donations from non-government organizations, four schools and one medical facility in Belize would be receiving empty new buildings. The Midwest Mission Distribution Center and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints donated school supplies and medical kits to New Horizons Belize 2014, an exercise that offers Belizean, Canadian and U.S. professionals a valuable training opportunity in civil engineering and medical care. "We welcome working with NGOs - non-governmental organizations," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ricardo Gonzalez, Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché at the U.S. Military Liaison Office in Belize. "It's for the common good." Combined with the efforts of the Department of Defence Humanitarian Assistance Program, the MMDC and LDS have helped make it possible for the school buildings and medical facility are ready to open their doors.

Importing food is damaging the Caribbean: Why no action?
It is shameful that golden opportunities to produce more food in the Caribbean and significantly reduce the astronomically high annual food import bill of US$4.75 billion are being woefully neglected. If this misguided trend continues, the economies of many of the countries of the region will be increasingly imperilled. At a time of very low or no economic growth, extremely high ratios of debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and declining foreign exchange earnings in many of the 14 independent nations that comprise the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the majority of them continue to spend huge sums on buying food outside the Caribbean. In 2013, only four countries were exceptions to those with unsustainably high debt-to-GDP ratios. They were: Haiti 21.3 per cent, Suriname 29.2 per cent, Trinidad and Tobago 30.6 per cent, and Bahamas 56.3 per cent. Of the others, Jamaica 138.9 per cent, Grenada 115 per cent, St Kitts-Nevis 104.9 per cent, and Antigua and Barbuda 92.9 per cent have the highest debt-to-GDP ratio.

Invasive lionfish imperiling ecosystem
It sounds like something from a horror film: A beautiful, feathery-looking species of fish with venomous spines and a voracious appetite sweeps into the Gulf of Mexico, gobbling up everything in its path. Unfortunately for the native fish and invertebrates it’s eating, this invasion isn’t unfolding on the big screen. In recent months, news has been spreading of lionfish, a maroon-and-white striped native of the South Pacific that first showed up off the coast of southern Florida in 1985. Most likely, someone dumped a few out of a home fish tank. With a reproduction rate that would put rabbits to shame and no predators to slow its march, the fish swept up the Eastern seaboard and down to the Bahamas and beyond, where it is now more common than in its home waters. “The invasive lionfish have been nearly a perfect predator,” says Martha Klitzkie, director of operations at the nonprofit Reef Environmental Education Foundation, or REEF, headquartered in Key Largo, Fla. “Because they are such an effective predator, they’re moving into new areas and, when they get settled, the population increases pretty quickly.” The lionfish population exploded in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas between 2004 and 2010. As lionfish populations boomed, the number of native prey fish dropped. According to a 2012 study by Oregon State University, native prey fish populations along nine reefs in the Bahamas fell an average of 65 percent in just two years.

ELROY BASTARACHEA charged
Corozal alleged con-artist, posing as a Lands Department employee, rests in jail today. ELROY BASTARACHEA was charged at the Corozal Magistrate court with (13) counts of obtaining property by deception. He was offered bail in the sum of $10,000.00 and the case was adjourned to August 15th, 2014. BASTARACHEA did not meet bail and was escorted to the Kolbe Foundation (jail). Media reports that this is not the first time Bastarachea has been accused of swindling people’s monies on similar lands deals. On Jun 3rd, 2014 Elroy Bastarachea was accused by a Libertad business woman of swindling her $23,875.00 BCY. 31 year old Grisel Botes, cosmetologist of Libertad Village, Corozal District reported to Corozal Police that that between April 3rd, 2014 and June 3rd, 2014, she had given monies amounting to $23,875.00 Bcy to a friend whom she knows for the past 10 years as Elroy Bastarachea of Patchakan Village Corozal District in exchange for pieces of lands on San Pedro Ambergris Caye Island, Belize District and in the Cayo District.

Corozal Drug Trafficking Report
On the Jun 6th, 2014 at around about 9:35 p.m. Corozal Police were conducting mobile patrol on 7th Avenue, Corozal Town, when their attention was drawn to a white in color Toyota Camry 4 door Car L/P Czl C- 01701. As a result, the revolving lights of the police mobile was put on so as to signal the driver to stop whereby the said car stopped on the right hand side of the road. The driver was recognized as PAUL MASSAM who was along with a passenger identified as JEOVANNI YOUNG. They were informed that a search would be conducted inside the vehicle for drugs and firearms at the Corozal Police Station.

Belize Film School Students Open Mic
Video of the day. The Belize Film School students spent a lot of time at the Soul Project while they were in Cayo, and many of them took advantage of Open Mic Night. The Soul Project, which is famous for its Open Mic nights, is open on Friday and Saturday nights until midnight. "2014 Belize film school, students jamming on the soul project stage, after screening Creative Kaos. lots of talent, fun night."

PACT Celebrates 18 Years
Happy anniversary, PACT! The Protected Areas Conservation Trust had its 18th anniversary yesterday. Keep up the great work. In related news, PACT is doing a call for proposals for small and medium grants. It's all about the protected areas management and preservation. The deadline is July 11th.

Western Ballaz Crush No Limit
Congratulations, Western Ballaz, for winning the semi-finals against the No Limit. They defeated them 75 - 57 in an action packed game. The Ballaz will now travel to San Pedro to take on the Tiger Sharks. They date is still being decided. Pictures on fb. "The Western Ballaz hosted the No Limit last night in game 3 of the playoffs. They crushed them, and after multiple technical fouls and bouts of non-sportsmanlike conduct, the refs called the game early."

LOVE FM

Patchakan Man Faces 13 Counts of Obtaining Property by Deception
Elroy Bastarachea of Patchakan Village in the Corozal District has been charged with 13 counts of obtaining property by deception. He was offered bail in the sum of ten thousand dollars and the case adjourned to August 15. Bastarachea was unable to meet bail and was remanded to Central Prison. Earlier this week 31-year-old Grisel Botes of Libertad Village told Police between April 3 and June 3 she handed over almost 24 thousand dollars to Bastarachea in exchange for pieces of lands in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District and Cayo District. According to Botes, he told her he was employed at the Lands Department and within a month of the first payment she would receive the land papers, which did not happen. As a result Bastarachea was arrested and charged.

Village Councils of Toledo Meet With Prime Minister
Prime Minister Dean Barrow met with the executive of the Toledo District Association of Village Councils to discuss oil exploration in the south. According to a government press release the association expressed their full support for the endeavor citing its benefits to education, health and infrastructure in the district. All parties agreed that moving forward communities will be engaged in a series of consultations to inform community residents and garner support. Mayan leaders have accused the Government of using DAVCO to create division within the communities. Prime Minister Barrow was accompanied by Ministers Joy Grant and Lisel Alamilla as well as CEO Colin Young.

Police News: Drugs and Incest
Last night around nine o’clock Corozal police encountered a group of young men socializing in the village of Paraiso surrounded by a strong aroma of marijuana. Upon seeing the police mobile, the several of the young men dispersed with the exception of Ricardo Santana and Moises Puck. A search was conducted on Santana and Puck followed by a further search of the yard which unearthed a transparent plastic bag hidden in an old toilet seat containing herbs suspected to be marijuana. Both men were taken to station where the drug was weighed in their presence, amounting to 26.6 grams. 19-year-old, Puck and 35-year-old, Santana were bother charged with the offence of possession of a controlled drug. Meanwhile, Corozal Police were doing patrols earlier yesterday at around 10:30am in the Finca Solano Area when their attention was drawn to two Hispanic men in a yard; one was sitting on a bucket and was seen with green leafy substance and a white bag. Police approached the men and found the substance to be marijuana. As a result 51-year-old, Pedro Vellos, a Belizean fisherman was arrested and charged for the 212 grams of cannabis found in his possession. He was charged for the offense of drug trafficking.

BNE Staff Gives to Medical Facility
A staff initiative coming out of the offices of the Belize Natural Energy has led to the donations of several pieces of furniture to the San Ignacio Polyclinic. The initiative has been called, ‘The Energy for Life Program’ and entails a salary deduction from its employees in order to finance the donations made. The program, as recent as this week, has seen the contribution of two executive chairs, a water cooler, several shelves inside the medicinal store-room as well as a cupboard measuring eight by seven feet. According to a release, the donation will add comfort to the patients who visit the clinic.

The Reporter

More clashes precede World Cup in Brazil
Brazilians have turned to their country’s metro system to show their discontent with the high level of priority that their government has given the World Cup, scheduled to open next Thursday, over their economic needs. This time, Brazilians held a metro strike, forcing the closure of almost half of the country’s metro stations in Sao Paulo, creating a huge transport chaos which reportedly resulted in more than 125 miles of traffic jams across the city. On day two of the strike police used tear gas to break up protesters. Workers are demanding a 10 percent pay increase and a new round of negotiations has yielded no tangible common ground. Brazilian police have since said that on Friday, they intervened to pacify clashes between picketers and commuters trying to enter the stations.

Study suggests eating white bread can cause obesity
White bread as a diet staple can lead to obesity, according to a new study. The study was scheduled for presentation on Friday at the European Congress on Obesity in Bulgaria. It does not actually show, however, a cause-and-effect relationship between white bread consumption and weight gain, just an association. When researchers tracked the eating habits and weight of more than nine thousand university graduates for an average of five years, it showed that participants who ate only white bread and had two or more portions of white bread a day were 40 percent more likely to become overweight or obese than those who ate less than one portion of white bread a week.

BGYEA’s ‘Plant the Corn’ rally draws hundreds
The well-advertised ‘Plant the Corn’ rally, an initiative planned by BGYEA (Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association) drew a crowd of not more than 400 on Saturday, but its attendees came from a wide cross-section of Belize’s society. Nigel Petillo, BGYEA’s president and brainchild behind the effort told The Reporter during the rally that he knows it will take time for the masses to latch onto the idea of this kind of activity over national issues. “This is an opportunity to send those messages to the government…there’s a lot that we’re faced with right now,” Petillo added. While he feels that every Belizean should own a piece of land, he pointed to information that suggests that 80 percent of Belize is owned by foreigners. Petillo said that the problems that affect Belizeans cross political lines. He said his struggle is to fight against nepotism and to promote good governance.

Patrick Jones

Men charged for the illegal logging in Orange Walk
Three residents of Carmelita Village were charged on Friday for the crime of illegal logging. Anthony Rhaburn, Wayne Adophus and Herbert Reynolds were reportedly spotted early yesterday morning by a Forest Department and Police team following a tip about illegal activities taking place in an area of Crooked Tree village known as New River Pine Ridge. According to reports, when police arrived at the scene around 6 am on Friday, they found the men inside an old bus. Further checks in the area led authorities to find that the men had four blue neck parrots in their possession. This is an illegal act punishable under the Wildlife Act. The men could not produce a permit to be in possession of the wildlife and were informed of the offence. About 500 yards away, the joint Police and Forest Departments team found 32 freshly cut pine logs lined side by side.

Police say decomposing fetus at KHMH was abortion attempt
According to the Reporter Newspaper, police have identified the individual who was responsible for leaving a decomposing fetus under a patient’s bed at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital last Friday night, May 29. They believe it was a young woman who was rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital after reportedly attempting, unsuccessfully, to conduct an abortion, needing medical treatment. The remains, in a small white box, were found by hospital staff around 8:00 p.m. after the patient under whose bed the box was found alerted them. The KHMH says the abortion victim was appropriately treated and discharged. The hospital has since issued a public apology to those negatively affected by the incident, admitting that “appropriate procedures were not followed.”

Plant Di Corn Rally in support of BGYEA
Saturday, June 7, 2014. AARON HUMES Reporting: This morning nearly 300 Belizeans, including delegations from the Toledo District and Valley of Peace, Cayo, descended on Belize City’s Battlefield Park in support of the Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association (BGYEA)’s “Plant Di Corn” Rally. The rally was held in advance of next week’s injunction hearing against BGYEA brought by the government of Belize in the Supreme Court. The group, which is managing a 1,300-acre parcel known as the Harmonyville Subdivision at Mile 41 along the George Price Highway, has been told to cease and desist from a plan to plant corn in the 15-feet buffer zone along the George Price highway. But it says the plan, which features support from an American investor, is a more effective way of keeping the area clean and generating much-needed income to build roads and other needed infrastructure for the community.

Blogs

A unique gift for someone who has everything
You know how it is exciting to find a unique gift for someone who has everything on an island with not much for shopping? Super exciting. I knew if anyone could help me solve my gift giving dilemma it would be Bruce, he and Jane do Mmm taste this food blog. I popped Jane fb messenger, one of the top 3 phone chat apps, especially here in Belize. She immediately helped work it out for Bruce to do a short notice order and make Peter’s favorite desert Crème brûlée.

Emergency Medical Technician Graduates
Congratulations to the 16 new Emergency Medical Technicians that graduated from the Spanish Lookout Rescue Team's EMT course. The SLRT has been giving courses in everything from Vehicle Extrication to IV insertion to water rescue. They have 100's of pictures from the courses in their EMT Training album. Best of luck!

Arriving by Cruise Ship? What to Expect From A Day In Belize
Somehow, despite being not much of a “cruise person,” I’ve taken 3 cruises- and all of these featured stops in Belize City. I blame the fact that Western Caribbean routes are often the cheapest from Florida ports, but I also find these ports to offer a large variety of things to do, unlike some more beach and shopping-centric options in places like Naussau, Bahamas and St. Thomas. Belize City is a controversial cruise port- both from the Belizeans’ perspective (many in the industry would prefer to attract overnight guests), and from that of travelers themselves. Anyone who frequents cruise planning sites can see examples of the second point- those people wondering if it is even “worth getting off the ship” in Belize City.

International Sources

You're Putting On Your Bug Spray All Wrong
Insect repellant is certainly a good way to ward off disease-carrying critters (if you're concerned about what chemicals are in bug sprays, we have a visual explainer here), but there are some things you may be doing wrong that could minimize its efficacy. The CDC suggests using repellents with picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus -- like Cutter Advanced, Repel, Off! and SkinSmart -- to prevent mosquito bites.

Caribbean youths unite for LGBT rights
British High Commissioner Arthur Snell; Lance Price, founder of Kaleidoscope Trust and other prominent supporters of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community came out yesterday in support of the launch of Generation Change — a Caribbean initiative geared towards the acquisition of rights for the LGBT. Hosted at Kapok Hotel in Port-of-Spain, regional leaders in the LGBT community representing Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, Belize and Trinidad and Tobago, gave graphic and detailed accounts of the discrimination they and other members of the fraternity face on a daily basis. The activists also signed a Declaration of Intent as they seek to share information and come up with a united approach to improving social acceptance of the LGBT and changing unfair laws against them.

Belize international player signs with TPSL club Houston Hurricanes FC
The Houston Hurricanes FC announced June 5 the signing of Belize international player Evan Evimar Mariano that adds strength, experience and a player profile that further enhances the club and league as we march forward toward the TPSL's second season. The player that can play midfield, winger or forward so will be utilised well by the Hurricanes coaching staff with Head Coach Brendan Keyes saying, "The team is very excited about bringing Evan to Houston Texas and he will definitely bring another level of play to our already strong team." "I believe with Evan and three or four more quality players we are bringing in, we can challenge for the title this year. He brings the experience of playing at international level to the team, he has speed and he is a danger to any defenders when running at them." continued the Irishman, "I like his character, he is a pillar in his community back home and helps out with the kids whenever he can. We would ideally like Evan to stay with the Hurricanes for the whole season but it will be hard to hold on to him when the big teams see what he's got."

Gulf low dissipates
A tropical low has run out of time to develop, but the threat for flooding and mudslides remains in southern Mexico and neighboring Central America. The area of low pressure that AccuWeather.com meteorologists have been monitoring has moved inland and is dissipating, ending the potential for it to become the Atlantic Basin’s first tropical depression of the year. However, the concern for downpours has not lessened. Unsettled conditions will continue over southern Mexico and part of Central America into next week between the remnants of the low and additional tropical moisture. Daily rainfall rates of 3 to 5 inches are likely with isolated reports of over 10 inches in the area from southeastern Mexico to Guatemala and Belize through the weekend. Over the past 24 hours ending late Saturday morning, local time, near Heroica Veracruz, Mexico has seen over 8 inches of rain. The rainfall will act as a double-edged sword. “While the rain can lead to long-term and short-term drought relief, it can also lead to incidents of life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides in the region,” AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Rob Miller said.

Videos

Video: Rio On Pools, Cayo, Belize, 1/4min.
Rio On Pools is a beautiful natural water park with pools, waterfalls, and slides.

Video: Reef CI June 2014, 3min.
A montage of GoPro Hero3 video from the first week in June 2014 diving the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve off Punta Gorda in southern Belize with Reef Conservation International (reefci.com)

Video: Belize Snorkeling, 7min.

Video: 2014 Belize Termite eating, 1/2min.

June 7, 2014

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

The San Pedro Tigersharks makes it to the finals
The San Pedro Tigersharks Basketball team has made it to the finals of the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL). The home team won their ticket to the finals after sweeping the Belmopan Point Bandits. The Tigersharks won 2 straight games out of 3, with the second playoff victory landed on Friday May30th at the University of Belize, Belmopan Campus Gymnasium. The winner of Friday night’s game will play the San Pedro Tigersharks in the NEBL finals. The first of the three final games is scheduled to be played on Sunday June 8th at 1PM at the Rafael Angel Nuñez Auditorium. Everyone is invited to come out cheer for their favorite team. Tigersharks fans are being asked to wear black T-shirts to show support to the home team.

KHMH under fire again, Decomposed fetus found under hospital bed
The country’s largest referral medical facility, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), is once again under heavy public criticism after an abandoned and decomposing fetus was found under a patient’s bed. The discovery was made around 8PM on Friday May 30th after a patient in the observation section alerted nurses of a highly offensive stench coming from under her bed. It is believed that a female patient had expelled the fetus days prior to the discovery, but no one at the KHMH had noticed the fetus under the bed. It was not until a patient admitted at the observation ward smelled something wrong, and called on the nurses to inspect under the bed, that the disturbing discovery was made. According to a police report dated June 2nd, authorities were alerted by personnel at the KHMH and upon arrival they observed ‘what appeared to be residue of human tissue believed to be a fetus in a small white box under the bed in an apparent state of decomposition.”

The Island Academy Graduates 11
11 students graduated from The Island Academy on Friday May 30th, much to the delight and pride of parents and guardians in attendance. Heartfelt speeches by each graduate were the highlight of the ceremony, and after certificates of completion were handed out, the Barry Bowen Cup recipient was recognized. The Barry Bowen Cup is awarded annually to a student whom the staff and teachers deem an excellent representative of high personal values and dedication to citizenship and education. Eric Rodriguez, youngest son of Guadalupe and Guillermo Rodriguez, proudly hoisted the cup on Friday, to the loud cheers of classmates and attendees. Congratulations to all, and we wish the graduates the best in their new venture into high school.

Tropic Air announces new flight and cargo rates
The last time Tropic Air Belize saw an increase in rates was in November 2011, but since then, the cost of doing business across the globe has increased. For that reason, the management of Tropic Air has announced that effective November 1st, there will be an increase in flight rates. In addition, on June 9th, cargo rates will also see a slight increase. The announcement was made by the airline via a press release on June 2nd. Tropic Air’s Director of Marketing Anthony Hunt explained that the new rate is reflective of the increase in doing business around the globe. He said that operational costs have increased over the past few years and as such, the new rates will help the company address inflation rates that they have been incurring. “The new prices are going up in November 1st, but we decided to put out the notice in June so that customers can be aware. The increase is reflective of the additional cost of doing business. Our company has invested in brand new airplanes, and we are constantly investing in customer satisfaction and comfort. Over the past years we have been absorbing the increases of doing business and unfortunately we are now forced to pass part of those increases on to our customers,” said Hunt.

Belize Sotheby’s unveils office on Ambergris Caye
The real estate business in Belize is officially global now that Belize Sotheby’s International Realty has been officially unveiled on Ambergris Caye. Thursday June 5, 2014 saw the official opening of only the fourth office in Central America for this prestigious luxury brand. At the helm of this new venture into top tier real estate market are Shane and Brittany McCann and their partner Curt Fisher. Members of the community were invited to the grand opening of the office located at the end of Barrier Reef Drive. A video of Belize, featuring the tagline “Belize, A Country Whose Time has Arrived”, clearly depicts how the McCann’s have interpreted the Sotheby’s brand, incorporating it into the office and the ethics that will guide their venture.

San Pedro Celebrates World No Tobacco Day
Saturday, May 31st was observed as World No Tobacco Day under the theme “Raise Tobacco Tax, Lower Death and Disease”. To celebrate the event in San Pedro Town, The National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) in collaboration with the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and the San Pedro Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute (SPADAI) held a Sports and Information Day at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Arena. The purpose was to raise awareness on the negative effects tobacco has on a community, and overseeing the event was Kristina Romero, NDACC representative in San Pedro. A small football competition was held to engage the children in alternative means of entertainment. “Sports are a good way to keep children busy and out of trouble. If children are kept busy then they are more likely to stay away from tobacco, alcohol and drugs,” said Romero. Trophies were awarded to the teams that placed first and second, while consolation prizes were given to all participants.

Ambergris Today

Sotheby's International Realty Brand Enters Belize
Excitement built up yesterday, June 5, 2014, as Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC announced that its luxury real estate services are now available in Belize with the opening of Belize Sotheby's International Realty, owned and operated by McCann & Fisher Ltd. The realty franchise invited members of the community to the official opening of its office in downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, located at the end of Barrier Reef Drive. The firm, which is managed by Shane and Brittany McCann, serves the luxury residential real estate market throughout Belize. "Ambergris Caye is considered one of the most desirable islands in the world," said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC. "The lifestyle offered there is coveted by people everywhere. Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, ancient Mayan Ruins, waterfalls, caves and the well-known Great Blue Hole. We are proud to be able to offer our services in this beautiful and unique market."

Puerto Azul: Belizean Paradise Or Theme Park?
The conservation community of Belize hereby calls upon the Government of Belize to make an official statement on the exact status of proposed resort development project “Puerto Azul” on Northern Two Caye and Sandbore Caye, located within the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. The scale and scope of this project as outlined in its May 2014 international debut to potential investors is cause for substantial alarm and raises a long list of questions that Belizeans deserve answers to: 1. The last official word on this project was in August 2013 to announce that a feasibility study was going to be conducted on Puerto Azul. What are the findings of that study? We hereby request that the study be made public. 2. Has a terms of reference for the project or the EIA been finalized? 3. The current plans for Puerto Azul include significant alternations to the natural state of the cayes. How does this plan reconcile with Belize’s tourism marketing strategy of “authenticity”?

Misc Belizean Sources

Students in Cayo receive certificates from GREAT Program
Some 64 students from the Saint Vincent Palloti Roman Catholic Primary School in Unitedville Village in Cayo received certificates this evening, marking the completion of instructions under the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program GREAT. Instructions under GREAT began at the Unitedville School in September of last year and ended in March of this year. Instructor Ciriaco Medina, who is Police Constable 1121 and member of the Community Policing Unit at the San Ignacio Police Formation, gave out the certificates this evening, telling students, “I expect good things from you guys, don’t let me down.” Jason Jones, along with Roland Augustine from the Community Policing Program at the San Ignacio Police Formation also joined in this evening to encourage students to continue being good citizens.

BELIZE ATTENDS 44TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE OAS
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Attorney General of Belize, the Hon. Wilfred Elrington, headed Belize’s delegation to the 44th Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States held in Asuncion, Paraguay on June 3rd - 5th under the theme "Development with Social Inclusion". In the Declaration of Asuncion hemispheric leaders undertook, “To commit their efforts to eradicating hunger and poverty, in particular extreme poverty, combating inequity, inequality, discrimination, and social exclusion, and increasing equitable access to health services, as well as to quality and inclusive education; priority objectives which should inform actions of the inter-American system.”

Corozal Police Report
Corozal mobile patrol nabs two men for possession of controlled drugs: On June 5th Corozal Police were on mobile patrol in the village of Paraiso, when they reached a pimento house where a group of young men ran from the yard whereby the smell of a strong aroma of cannabis was coming from inside of the house. One Ricardo Santana and Moises Puck remained behind whereby Police conducted a search for drugs and firearms in their presence. A search in the yard, lead to the discovery of a transparent plastic bag inside the bathroom in an old toilet seat in the said bathroom containing a leafy substance consistent to cannabis (weed). The bag was shown to the accused, they were cautioned and escorted to the Corozal Police Station. The drugs were weighed which amounted to 26.6 grams. 19 year old Moises Puck, sales clerk of Paraiso Village and Roque Ricardo Santana maintenance worker of Paraiso Village were both arrested and charged for the offence of possession of controlled drugs.

Frankie, problem jaguar
Several years ago, The Belize Zoo received Frankie, a problem jaguar from Franks Eddy Village in Central Belize. The residents of that village chose not to kill this amazing yet potentially dangerous wildcat, and asked the Zoo to intervene instead. Frankie passed through the Problem Jaguar Rehabilitation Program with flying colours, eventually finding a new home and new name (Jutai) in Philadelphia Zoo in the USA. Frankie even got a girlfriend named Kanga, and fathered a cub three years ago. Here is LUCHA, the Belizean-American Jaguar all grown up and living in the Los Angeles Zoo. He has become a handsome, powerful and proud jaguar like his father. A big thanks to Tammy Schidmt at Philadelphia Zoo for sharing this wonderful photo with us! We are so proud of Frankie and his family! Courtesy Belize Zoo!!

National Community Policing Unit meets with heads of leading Corozal neighbourhood watch groups
Rudolph Orio, retired Superintendent of Police and Acting Commander of Belize’s Community Policing Unit along with Woman Sergeant Marleni Montejo of Corozal’s Community Policing Unit met yesterday with heads of various neighbourhood watch groups in Corozal to be able to assist in coordinating a public meeting to reactive the Citizens on Patrol Program (COP) in the Corozal District. The aim is to involve the entire community to be the ears and eyes of the Corozal Police Department to aid in suppressing crime and other delinquencies in the area. Citizens on Patrol is a voluntary program endorsed by the Commissioner of Police which involves citizens participating in the fight against crime in our community. Those who volunteer do not have arresting powers but are trained in police procedures, Belizean law and equipment handling.

Sacred Heart Parish Summer Fair
The Sacred Heart Parish is having their annual Summer Fair on Sunday, June 15th, at the Sacred Heart Auditorium. They'll have tons of fun for the kids, including face painting, a dunk tank, shows(including a concert), trampolines, and miniature golf. There will be plenty of delicious food and drinks too. It all starts at 3:00pm.

The 1st ever Healthy Active Life 5K Run will be happening this Sunday morning in Belmopan. The proceeds will go towards Marla's House of Hope. "5K run for everybody but mostly for beginners who want to have a healthy life and they see in this kind of races the best way to start with this new challenge, in Belmopan."

Chicken manure
Hundreds of pounds of good quality manure available immediately! Call Brigitte in Unitedville on 633.2444

Belize City hospital coordinates with US military for New Horizons
Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital has played a crucial role in the New Horizons Belize 2014 surgical readiness training exercises, or SURGRETEs, conducted in Belize City, Belize. By providing not only the physical space to conduct surgeries, but also overseeing the patient selection process for those surgeries, KHMH staff members has helped ensure patient surgeries were prioritized for U.S. Air Force urological and gynecological surgery teams. "The [Belize] Ministry of Health had been the main engineer for us to have this kind of conversation," said Dr. Adrian Coye, KHMH director of medical services and chief of cardiothoracic surgery, about the opportunity to host New Horizons. "Talking with my different services, we came to the conclusion that these two areas were in the greater focus and where a certain need was. ... Those were the gaps that I had identified within our services. "

4th MAW instrumental to New Horizons
Scores of U.S. Marine Corps engineers traveled to Belize starting in April for New Horizons Belize 2014, a multinational exercise providing training opportunities for the host nation, as well as Canadian and U.S. military members, in the fields of civil engineering and medical care. Typically scattered throughout the U.S. with their respective units, Marines from different Marine Wing Support Squadrons came together in Belize as they constructed additions for Belizean schools. "A total of 120 Marines are scheduled to come through by the end of the exercise," said U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer Patrick Robb, officer in charge of New Horizons Marine Corps engineers. "Each of the Marine Wing Support Squadrons is broken into detachments and some of them are as far apart as California and Massachusetts." The 4th Marine Aircraft Wing encompasses Marine Aircraft Groups 41 and 49. And subordinate to the MAGs are the various Marine Wing Support Squadrons with Marines currently supporting New Horizons: MWSS 471, MWSS 472 and MWSS 473.

San Pedro Blood Drive
Sponsored by Washington University of Health and Science Medical School/San Pedro Red Cross/Belize Blood Bank Time: 10am – 4pm Date: Saturday, June 7, 2014 Place: Washington University of Health & Science Medical School (Across from SAGA Humane Society and in front of Pedro’s Inn) Give Blood, if you can’t give Blood, make a donation, if you can’t give money, donate non-perishable food. Refreshments will be provided. For questions contact: [email protected] or [email protected] *No appointment necessary

Unprecedented demonstration for right to participation called by civil organizations in Belize
An important demonstration is being called by the Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association (BGYEA pronounced ‘Big ’) and other organizations for Saturday at the Battlefield Park in Belize City, Belize. The rally follows the filing of an interim injunction by the government of Belize against BGYEA that threatens to imprison, fine or take away assets from members of the group if they proceed with a plan to plant corn in the buffer zone of their community, known as Harmonyville, as part of an initiative to provide for infrastructural development for the community. The rally is entitled the ‘Plant Di Corn’ rally and its stated purpose is to act as a reminder that “all Belizeans share the right and the responsibility to sow the seeds of national development”.

Toledo DAVCO Pledges Support to Government of Belize
This morning Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow met with the Executive of the Toledo District Association of Village Councils (DAVCO) to discuss oil exploration in the south. The association expressed their full support for the endeavor, citing its benefits to education, health and infrastructure in the Toledo District. Furthermore, all parties agreed that moving forward, communities will be engaged in a series of consultations to inform community residents and garner support.

Dangriga: It's time to cleanup the beach!!!
In honor or World Oceans Day and National Oceans Month, The U.S. Embassy is partnering with the Dangriga Town Council, the students enrolled in the Community Policing Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T) program, and the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) Belize to bring together over 100 volunteers to clean up the beach area in Dangriga near Y-Not Island, and collect all plastic and glass materials for recycling next Monday. During the campaign both the U.S. Charge d’Affaires Margaret Hawthorne and Mayor of Dangriga Gilbert Swaso will participate and encourage the community effort.

Channel 7

Ecuador's Most Wanted A Free Man In Belize
He's listed among Ecuador's most wanted, but Floyd Wendel Ebanks is out on bail tonight after his attorney managed to secure Supreme Court bail for him today. Ebanks' attorney, Senior Counsel Ellis Arnold, applied for bail before Justice Troadio Gonzalez today, and the approval was almost automatic. Crown Counsel Leroy Banner did not object, and so Justice Gonzalez granted bail of $8,000 dollars. The conditions of the bail are that Ebanks has to surrender all travel documents, periodically report to the nearest police station, and he must not interfere with any prosecution witness. He returns to Magistrate's Court for the unlicensed firearm on July 21. Ebanks was most recently listed as Ecuador's most wanted in 2011, when he was wanted for murder in the Guayas province of Ecuador. He's been living in Belize four the past three to four years where he is a citizen. He was below the law enforcement radar until mid-May when police got tipped that he had an unlicensed firearm in his house. He was remanded for that but is now out on bail because he is not wanted for murder in Belize. Ecuador has reportedly expressed an interest in have him returned to that country, but there is no extradition treaty, and he is Belizean, so…it's complicated.

5 More Cavetubing.com Employees Charged
Five employees from Yhonny Rosado's company, Cavetubing.com are facing criminal charges tonight. Investigators have charged them for dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm on Vitalino Reyes Jr, who remains in a coma. The five join another employee, Leon Gentle who was charged on Tuesday. So, despite denials that they had anything to do with the Reyes beat down, six of Rosado's employees have now been charged for it. Outside court today, their attorney Audrey Matura Shepherd expressed her displeasure with the way things have progressed:.. Audrey Matura Shepherd, attorney "Those maintained yes they were at that bar but they never touched that person. The second thing with that however is that I really have an issue with how police dealt with this case because yesterday I sat with sergeant Milan who is responsible for this case and he had ask if my clients would do an ID parade and I explain to them no and why. These gentlemen were at the bar that night, 4 police officers arrived, did on the spot interview to determine who was by the guy and who wasn't. These guys were cleared totally.

Four Cops Charged For Shooting 19 Year Old
Tonight, 4 officers from the San Ignacio Police Station are awaiting arraignment after they were criminally charged for shooting 19 year-old Unitedville Resident, Elston Arnold. Those officers are 31 year-old Constable Jesus Marroquin, 24 year old Constable Maxwell Valerio, 33 year-old Corporal Ricky Valencia, and 29 year-old Special Constable Ernesto Budna. And while four stand charged, the man who police believe was the shooter is Constable Marroquin. The police have come down hardest on him, and he was charged separately with attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and wounding. Additionally, he was charged jointly with the other 3 officers for the charge of harm. And finally, Marroquin and Valencia were internally charged with 1 count each of a disciplinary charge. Their deputy commander, Inspector Reymundo Reyes, has been compiling the case against them, and today he spoke with us about how these charges came about: Inspector Reymundo Reyes - Deputy OC "The officers were placed on identification parade. Two of them were identified, then we had to gone through the process of doing a group ID parade. As a result of the results of the identification parade the information was sent to the office of the director of public persecution where we were given the go ahead to proceed and charge all 4 officers for the crime of harm and PC Marroquin was additionally charge for attempt murder, use of deadly means of harm and wounding."

NTUCB Ups The Ante On GOB
Last night we told you about the "Rod of Correction" movement - a coalition of all the social partners, unions and pressure groups who came together yesterday to bring pressure to the Barrow administration. Their first public engagement is tomorrow when they will join the BGYEA "Plant Di Corn" Protest at the Battlefield Park in Belize City. Today, in advance of the that, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize sent out a strong statement saying the protest is, quote, "intended to sound the warning that this National Trade Union Congress cannot sit idly by and watch the executive arm of government utilize the judicial machinery to subvert a process they do not agree with." The Congress has sent out the call to all its affiliates to join in tomorrow's protest. The NTUCB also issued a statement on the Elvin Penner criminal case - the private prosecution of which is stalled because of a lack of evidence.

Employee Stole Major $$$ From Mike Feinstein Group
Tonight, Marsha Gillett, a resident of West Landivar in Belize City, is out on bail after she was taken to court for allegedly stealing from Mike Feinsten's company while she was an employee there. Gillett was arraigned before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stewart late this evening for 85 counts of theft, and the court had to adjourn for a short break after she burst into tears while her charges were being read to her. The allegations against her are that between April 2012 and December 2013, she was working for the Feinstein Group of Companies, and during that time, she stole over $30,000 dollars. No plea was taken because the charges will be treated as indictable offences, and she was granted bail of $9,000, which she was able to meet. She returns to court at a later date.

Guys From Gang Neighborhoods Hired To Pour Cement For New Bridge
One of the most ambitious projects currently underway in Belize City is the Chetumal Street Bridge. At 5 million dollars, it will span the Belize River between Belama Phase one and Lake Independence - and provide a major release for traffic congestion in the city. The project is well underway and is expected to be finished by the end of the year - and a big part of that is the manual labour that is being used on the project. 9 months ago, we showed you how scores of men from different city gangs were preparing the base fill for the road to the bridge by hand. Well today, 60 of them were pouring cement for the bridge. Monica Bodden stopped in:.. Monica Bodden reporting The first big cement pour took place today for the Lake I bridge which will be linking North and Southside's of Belize City.

Deon Bruce Denied At Supreme Court
Belizean Deon Bruce, who is facing extradition to the United States for murder and attempted murder was rejected by the Supreme Court today. His attorney Audrey Matura Shepherd was seeking judicial review of Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith's ruling that he should be extradited, and also making what's called a Habeas Corpus application. For two days, she argued mightily before Justice Courtney Abel but in the end, all of the eight points she advanced were shot down. She discussed it with the media outside the courtroom today:.. Audrey Matura-Shepherd, Attorney "Every point we made, we fought for them but it was ruled against us; however, that's not the end of it. I've just received instructions from my client that he wants to appeal the decision and therefore going to submit a stay of execution of the order and submit appeals and we are looking at other options, not only in terms of his case but he is looking at other principles of law that we've discussed that we need to challenge in the courts and I think that as more and more Belizeans will be sought for extradition, ...

Seasoned Swindler Back At Court
He's been well publicized as a land swindler and con man, but Corozal Resident Elroy Bastarachea continues to prey on people desperate to get a piece of land. Tonight, he's at the Belize Central Prison after he was taken to court for once again receiving money for bogus land transactions. 31 year-old Grisel Botes, a resident of Libertad, reported to Corozal Police that between April 3 and June 3, she paid Elroy a total of $23,875. Botes said that she trusted that he was selling her land in San Pedro, the Belize District, and the Cayo District, because he was her friend from Patchakan Village for the past 10 years. She says that instead of getting those lands for her, he jilted her and stole the money. She found out because he told her that he would have been able to get the land papers from the Lands Department, where he claimed he was employed. She says that she's not gotten any land papers.

BDF Cracked Down On Guatemalan Invaders
"Incisive Gallop," it may sound like the name of one of those horses that's running at the Belmont Park Race Track in New York tomorrow, but it's actually the name a of a joint law enforcement operation which was conducted in the Chiquibul Forest in the last week of May. It focused on repeated areas of incursion along the border, namely, Cebada, Sapote and Valentin Camp - which is just west of the Caracol Archeological site. The BDF discovered and destroyed a total of 25 fields of illegal crops being grown by Guatemalans on Belizean territory. 15 of those fields, (approximately 29 acres) were of pumpkin, 6 fields (approximately 90 acres) of corn, 2 fields (approximately 10 acres) of beans, and 2 fields (approximately 6 acres) containing sweet potatoes, cassava, plantain, and bananas. Several recent clearings along the border were also discovered and recorded. A release from the BDF says, that there is now quote, "a substantial reduction of illicit activities in this area which over the past decade have become known to be very active."

Youngest National Spelling Bee Champion ever
Today, the top spellers at the primary school level converged at the Countryside Park in Spanish Lookout for the 20th Annual National Spelling Bee. After 3 hours of competition, 3 students emerged as the best of the 12 finalists. Today's champion was Shanalene Gayap of Solid Rock Academy. She;'s only ten years old, but she knew how to spell "Beau" - as in boyfriend, and "coucal" - a kind of bird. She's the youngest winner ever and she told us how she earned her spelling mastery: Shanalene Gayap "I feel very good and I give all the credit to the good Lord." Duane Moody, Ch5 "Was it hard for you competing? Tell us about the effort you put into it to make sure that you come out on top." Shanalene Gayap "I put much effort thanks to my friends and to the school and I thank everybody for helping me and also it was kind of a challenge to make it this far and I thank the lord for everything."

GOB Turns to DAVCO For Oil Support
SATIIM is sabre-rattling about its contentious relations with US Capital Energy, but the Prime Minister if trying to shore up support among village leaders. A few weeks ago, he met with leaders from villages in the buffer communities, and today at the Cabinet room in Belmopan, he met with the Executive of the Toledo District Association of Village Councils to discuss oil exploration in the south. According to a government release, the association expressed its full support. The release adds that that going forward, communities will be engaged in consultations to inform community residents and garner support. Ministers Joy Grant and Lisel Alamilla also attended.

A Summer Camp For "Turntablism"
There are all kinds of summer camps on the event horizon for idle children and fed up parents, but one of them is truly a first of its kind. DJ Lindy - D wanted to give back to the community - and he figured out that the best way he could do that is by teaching what he knows best. So he set up a summer youth DJ Camp. It starts on June 23rd., but he wants to get kids enrolled, so he came to make his pitch:.. The Camp runs from June 23rd to August first and is for youths aged 12 - 19. The cost is fifty dollars and forms can be picked up at the Bliss center.

PROFILE ...
Tonight's I AM Belize Profile features Yolanda Martinez, an inspirational teacher from Ladyville Technical High School. Like quite a few of her colleagues, she was looking at another profession - in her case, it was nursing - but instead she fell in love with teaching after trying it out. Martinez tells the profile that defining moment in her career was when she started working with students from Excelsior High School:

Starting Study On Nutrition
A study released by Unicef has shown some alarming trends in child nutrition. It's called the MICS, a survey of the heights and weights of all children under the age of five years old. It found that under-weight children - indicating malnourishment were highest in the Stann Creek District. Maya Children had the highest rate of being underweight at 8%, followed closely by Garifuna Children. We'll have more on this study next week.

BES Girls Are Best
The Belize Elementary School Girls won their second National Championship in Volleyball at the Bird's Isle this evening. They managed to defeat Stann Creek's Holy Angels in 2 sets of 25 to 13, and 28 to 16. Allyanna Musa was chosen as the most valuable female player. In the male tournament, Orange Walk's Chan Pine Ridge Government School boys won the championship defeating Cayo's Howard Smith Nazarene boys. Howard Smith took the first set by winning 25 to 14. Chan Pine Ridge quickly recovered and won the final 2 sets with a score of 25 to 20 and 15 to 12. Naim Reyes was chosen as most valuable male player.

Is That A Factory?
Recently, we've gotten a lot of questions form viewers asking us about the industrial operations that's under construction on the western highway. If you've passed Ontario Village on the Western Highway recently, you might have seen it. We stopped and found out that it is a milling factory for corn and beans owned by a company called Cayo Grain. Right now, it's still in the process of assembly.

Channel 5

Supreme Court upholds Deon Bruce extradition
The legal battle for the liberty of Deon Bruce, wanted by U.S. authorities for murder and other related offences, is set for another round of challenge, following a decision by [...]

4 police officers charged in connection with the shooting of Unitedville youth
Four cops have been charged in connection with the shooting of a Unitedville youth. The officers: police constables Maxwell Valerio and Jesus Marroquin and Special Constable Ernesto Budna, as well [...]

Bruce Valencia says QRT officers have been victimized
As the officers stood inside Columbus Park in front of the police station, they, as well as their relatives, were irate about the actions taken against them. The officers together [...]

5 more employees of Yhony Rosado charged for assault on Vitalino Reyes Jr.
On Wednesday, Belize City police arrested and detained a group of tour guides employed by businessman Yhony Rosado, in connection with a violent assault which landed twenty-three-year-old Vitalino Reyes Jr. [...]

Operation Incisive Gallop; B.D.F. destroy illegal vegetable farms in Chiquibul
In April, Belize Defence Force personnel were called off operations in Belize City. The rationale was that border patrols would be beefed up to detect and counter illicit incursions. Today, [...]

DAVCO supports G.O.B. and oil exploration in the south
Oil exploration in the south remains a contentious issue, as parties for and against exploratory works within the Sarstoon Temash National Parks have strongly voiced their opinions on the matter.  [...]

Incest: 16 year old 8 months pregnant by her father
A sixteen-year-old Belizean domestic of Aguacate Village, Toledo District visited the station in the company of her sister and reported that sometime in the month of September, 2013, her father [...]

Christian Ebanks, wanted for murder in Ecuador, freed on bail
  Belizean Christian Ebanks, also known as Floyd Ebanks Jurado, was granted bail in the Supreme Court this morning before Justice Troadio Gonzalez. He had been remanded for keeping an [...]

Couple accused in immigration hustle denied bail
Marleny Elizabeth Castellanos and Alfredo Orlando Gonzalez, the alleged masterminds behind an illegal immigration hustle, were denied bail in the Supreme Court this morning. They were charged on May thirteenth, [...]

Belize City woman accused of stealing thousands of dollars from former employer
Belize City resident Marcia Marie Gillett was today slapped with eighty-five counts of theft before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stewart. She is accused of misappropriating thousands of dollars from her former [...]

MCC Field closed for much needed upgrade
The MCC Grounds is closed, and it will remain closed for at least the next two months. Now the MCC is the only somewhat adequate football facility in the city, [...]

10 year old is the top speller in Coca Cola National Spelling Bee
Primary school students from across the country converged on the Countryside Park in Spanish Lookout today where the twentieth annual Coca Cola National Spelling Bee competition was hosted.  A total [...]

Louisiana Government School in Orange Walk wins banner competition
The theme for the 2014 Coca-Cola National Spelling Bee is “Go for the Goal!” and annually a banner and poster competition is held simultaneously during the finals. 2012 winners from [...]

The winners of the High School Talent Competition of the 2014 Festival of Arts
On Thursday evening, the Bliss was the venue for an intense secondary school competition in the performing arts.  The challenge is part of the National Festival of Arts.  When it [...]

CTV3

Visiting American Charged For Coral Damages
Visiting American tourists, David and Michelle Freund have found themselves in quite a predicament while vacationing in Belize. The couple have been detained in Belize for the last two weeks indefinitely. David is faced with “Civil Charges” related to a coral-damaging incident, while sailing, which occurred only two days into their vacation in Belize in May. A blog dedicated as a platform to tell their story alleges that ‘most of the damage was done by Moorings (the boat rental company) when they were improperly towing them off the coral in an aggressive manner in order to conceal their unethical practices of renting to uncertified tourists, failing to provide the renters with proper navigational information and additional safety equipment, and their failure to report the initial incident to the Belize Port Authorities.

LOVE FM

Health and Safety Standards For Xunantunich
A ceremony highlighting the signing of health and safety standards at the Xunantunich Archaeological Site in the Cayo District took place on the grounds of the Mayan ruin on Thursday. The document outlining the health and safety standards to be adopted and implemented by the Institute of Archaeology was drafted as part of the project dubbed, Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archaeological Sites. According the George Thompson, the Associate Director of Parks Management, the adaptation of these health and safety regulations seeks to improve the tourism experience in Belize. GEORGE THOMPSON Associate Director Parks Management “Today marks a special day as we take one more significant step in improving the quality of service at our archaeological and tourism destinations. It brings me great pleasure to see us taking significant steps towards our mission which first and foremost is protection and preservation. It is only by ensuring that these communities feel that they are a part of what we’re doing and what we’re managing that they will ultimately have the buy-in that is necessary to move protection and preservation to another level. Today we seek not only to have exceptionally beautiful well managed archaeological parks, as is evident here at Xunantunich; it is really a beautiful environment.

PlusTV

Four San Ignacio Police Officers Charged with Harm
Four officers attached to the San Ignacio Police Station have been implicated after it was reported that they used unlawful means of force upon a teenager. According to reports made by 19 year old Elston Arnold, on Monday May 26th, he and a few friends were returning from a...

Deon Bruce Loses Extradition Case
This afternoon, Supreme Court Justice Courtney Abel declined to issue a writ of ha-beas cor-pus and upheld the decision of Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith issued in January to extradite 28 year old Deon Bruce to Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., to face trial of charges of murder and attempted murder for a fatal...

Five Cave Tubing Workers to be Charged in Reyes Attack
At news time, five employees of Yohnny Rosado’s business, Cavetubing.com (Butts Up) have been formally charged with dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. This is in connection with last Thursday’s brutal attack on 23 year old rival tour guide Vitalino Reyes, Jr., who continues to recover...

Meeting for Bagasse Continues in Orange Walk
A meeting was held in Orange Walk today between representatives of  the Cane Farmers and American Sugar Refinery’s BSI team. The negotiations lasted some three hours but when Alfredo Ortega, exited the meeting he declared an impasse in negotiations. Ortega told the media on hand that his team needs...

Ebanks is Granted Bail While Castellanos and Marcos Must Wait
Three weeks ago Christian Ebanks, a naturalized Belizean businessman of the West Landivar area, was picked up at home and charged with keeping a firearm and ammunition without a gun license. Gang Suppression Unit officers searched his residence on Teacher Street on May 14 and found a chrome 9mm handgun...

Chinese Bar Owner Charged for Hiring Undocumented Workers
Zhaohang Huang, a 50 year old naturalized Belizean-Chinese businessman, pleaded guilty today to five counts of employing persons not in possession of a valid temporary workers’ permit. He was charged in the same raid that netted two other bar owners on Wednesday night, June 4. In his case, officers...

Belmopan Citco Police and Clean Walkways to Reduce Crime
High level of criminal activities, primarily theft and robberies, occur on some of the pathways that run through the main City of Belmopan. The latest of these incidents occurred on Tuesday of this week where a 17 year old minor stole a woman’s purse as she made her way...

Toledo DAVCO Pledges Support to Government of Belize
A Government Press Release issued late this evening states that this morning Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow met with the Executive of the Toledo District Association of Village Councils (DAVCO) to discuss oil exploration in the south. Both Hon Joy Grant, Minister of Energy, Science and Technology and Public...

Belize Attends 44TH Regular Session of the OAS
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Attorney General of Belize, Wilfred Elrington, headed Belize’s delegation to the 44th Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States held in Asuncion, Paraguay on June 3rd thru the 5th under the theme “Development with Social Inclusion”. In the Declaration...

Joint Law Enforcement Operation Conducted in Chiquibul
The joint law enforcement operation conducted in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve between the period of May 23 to May 30th lead to the destruction of approximately 135 acres of cultivated crops. According to a press release issued by the Belize Defence Force this morning, the purpose of the operation...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Fitness expert Luna Novelo Ellis to host fitness bootcamp
FREE Bootcamp with Luna & Samantha! We will be getting our sweat on during a full body beach workout Saturday, Aug 9 and we want you to join us!! It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an expert – all fitness levels are welcome! ***Must sign-up by June 27th*** Date: Saturday, August 9th. Time: 9 a.m. Location: Beach at Palapa Gardens Admission: FREE! ***SIGN-UP REQUIRED TO ATTEND!!! Please sign-up with Shary Trejo at The Island Link Internet Cafe. If for any reason you are unable to go and sign-up please send me a private message and I would be happy to help you.

Amandala

“Plant di corn!” rally
This Saturday, June 7, the Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association (BGYEA) will hold what they call a “Plant di Corn rally” from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Battlefield Park in Belize City to garner support from the wider public in their efforts to pursue a proposed agricultural project at the Harmonyville community which has recently been blockaded by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture. The organization is calling for support from other local activist organizations, concerned citizens, the business community and the public at large in the face of a court injunction which was sought by the Government of Belize (GOB) late last month to prohibit the representatives of BGYEA from carrying out any agriculture-related activities in the 29-acre Harmonyville Buffer Zone that separates the community from the George Price Highway. This morning Amandala spoke with BGYEA’s president, Nigel Petillo, and he told us about the purpose of the rally and why citizens need to come out in full force.

Deejay charged for having sex with child, 14
A Belize City deejay was remanded to the Belize Central Prison this afternoon after he was arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court on a single count of unlawful sexual intercourse – an offense previously known as “unlawful carnal knowledge” of a girl who is above the age of 14, but below the age of 16. After reading the charge to Elvis Sutherland, 24, who appeared unrepresented, Magistrate Dale Cayetano explained to him that his court could not grant him bail for the offense with which he is charged before a 90-day period has elapsed. He has to apply for bail to the Supreme Court through an attorney. Cayetano also explained to him that no plea would be taken from him, because his case will be heard in the Supreme Court on indictment. After those basic rules were established, Cayetano remanded Sutherland to prison until his next court date on August 6, 2014.

“Rod of Correction” formed to “lash” an uncaring administration
In what has been described as a historic moment for present-day Belize, a merger of trade unions, civil society organizations and activist groups teamed up to create a new movement known as the “Rod of Correction” (ROC) – geared towards fighting the current United Democratic Party (UDP) administration, which has been perceived by the factions as being out of touch with the Belizean people, and contemptuous of their needs. The ROC was launched today at the office of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) in Belize City, but was preceded by a solemn joint bulletin which was published last Friday, May 30, proclaiming that “Cabinet seems to have reached a new height of arrogance, or believed to have taken on supreme and demonic powers like unto demagogues.” That bulletin – which headlined “Let freedom…ring…Our democracy on edge”, highlights six major issues that are points of contention for the group, and today, NTUCB President, Dylan Reneau shared these points of contention and explained why the organizations linked to unite and form an alliance to ensure that their voices are heeded on the various hot-button national issues with high stakes for the country.

Not a fetus, but “products of conception” – KHMH
After news broke last Friday, May 29, of the ghastly discovery of an abandoned, decaying fetus which was stashed under a bed at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), the hospital’s authorities, in an attempt at damage control, initially refused to answer questions from the media. When questioned on Monday, June 2, KHMH authorities would only say that the matter was in the hands of the police. Yesterday evening, however, the KHMH finally broke its silence and stated that it was extending its “sincerest apologies” to those patients and members of the general public who have been negatively impacted by the recent discovery of what they termed as not a fetus, but rather “products of conception” in their Accident and Emergency Department.

Bar vexed with Barrow over Awich!
The Bar Association of Belize called a special meeting on Monday, June 2, at which members passed a resolution which suggested that there may be “an appearance of bias” on the part of Justice of Appeal, Samuel Awich, in his ruling on the constitutional challenge to the nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). Justice Awich, 67, who retired from the Supreme Court bench, was appointed on a two-year contract to sit on the Court of Appeal. His contract expired around the time that his judgments on Belize Telemedia Limited and Belize Electricity Limited were delivered by the President of the Court, Justice Manuel Sosa. The Bar resolution said in part that “…on the said 15th May, 2014, the Court of Appeal delivered a decision in an important constitutional case relating to the nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited and Belize Electricity Limited in which the lead decision for the majority in favor of the Government was written by Justice Awich, and on the 19th May 2014, the Prime Minister wrote to the Leader of the Opposition advising that he intended to propose that Justice Awich be appointed as a Judge of the Court of Appeal until he reaches the age of retirement [75].”

Puerto Azul on Belize cayes alarms leading local and int’l NGOs
International NGOs – the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), Oceana, and Healthy Reef for Healthy People – in conjunction with the regional MarAlliance and three local NGOs: the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), The Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations (APAMO), and the Belize Audubon Society, have issued a joint statement calling on the Government of Belize to make an official statement on the status of the proposed multi-million-dollar, mega-tourism project by Puerto Azul Belize Limited which the company wants to set up at the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, only 8 miles south of the majestic Belizean wonder – the Great Blue Hole. “Belize’s greatest asset is the pristine nature of its world class natural wonders. To place what can only be described as a theme park for billionaires in the middle of Lighthouse Reef, perhaps the nation’s most valuable natural asset, is nothing less than a crime committed against our future generations,” the joint statement said. The NGOs express concerns over the fact that the area slated for the mega-tourism project, directed by Italians Domenico Giannini & Fabio Nicola La Rosa, is environmentally sensitive in several ways.

SUPPORT BGYEA
This newspaper unconditionally supports BGYEA’s Saturday morning rally in Battlefield Park. A very few of you may not know what is BGYEA and what is Battlefield Park. BGYEA (Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association) is some roots Belizean citizens trying to put food crops and plants in the ground. Battlefield Park is the historic protest site for the city and nation of Belize. It took a long time for the masses of the Belizean people to realize that we were actually losing our country, similarly to how the Palestinians lost theirs after World War II. Israel serves an important purpose for the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which is the military arm of the US and the European Union (EU). Israel is a powerful military surrogate for the US and NATO which looks over the critical oil fields of the Middle East. The United States and the European Union desperately need the Middle East oil fields for their economies to survive and grow, but the American and European problem was that these Middle East oil countries were often Arab and often Islamic. Israel is an anti-Arab and anti-Islamic bully boy, a nuclear one at that, for the US and the EU. That is why the Palestinians had to lose their country. And that is why the Palestinians are now a people without a state.

FROM THE PUBLISHER
Reports from Corozal are that Delmar Sutherland, a championship semipro football goalkeeper during the 1990s, is seriously ill. This is a sad state of affairs. Delmar is a fine gentleman, and in September of 1993 he helped to prevent serious violence in and around the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk Town. In 1993 Mayflower Street was already one of the toughest streets on Southside Belize City, but football was still competing with gang life for the attention of the young boys and young men on the street. One Saturday afternoon in July of 1992, a Mayflower-based team, the Kremandala Warriors, sponsored by our business organization, won the second division football championship in Belize City. The following night, the Kremandala Raiders lost to Penta Lakers in the inaugural semi-pro basketball championship. The inaugural semi-pro basketball season in 1992 had been a big success under Commissioner Gus Perera, while the Commissioner of semi-pro football, the late Telford Vernon, had run two successful tournaments, in 1991 and 1992. Amidst the general optimism surrounding semi-pro sports at the time, Kremandala decided to purchase a semi-pro football franchise for the Kremandala Warriors. This was a business decision, but it was more a community interest decision, because several of the young Warrior players had grown up working part time at our newspaper.

Drastic dropout rates at GOB high schools trigger merger
Against the backdrop of alarming dropout and repetition rates at certain Southside government high schools in Belize City, the Ministry of Education today confirmed reports that as early as this September, it intends to implement a sweeping reform at three government high schools which it says is intended to turn back the tide that has seen hundreds of young people fall by the wayside since 2009. That reform, though, may mean that some educators will be displaced, as the plan calls for a merger of programs currently offered by Sadie Vernon High School – the most beleaguered of the three, having seen its enrollment drop by nearly half and its number of classrooms reduced to a mere 6, amid public allegations of mismanagement; Maud Williams High School, which has seen a sudden shift from a steadily growing population to a sharp 23% decline in 2013; and Excelsior High School, which saw a 34% decline in enrollment between 2009 and 2010, but whose population had more or less stabilized at about 100 over the past three years.

Milestone photographic exhibit features trailblazing women
Dance director Althea Sealy, software innovator Tiffany Simpson, businesswoman Marie Sharp, author and poet Corinth Morter-Lewis, bank manager Sandra Bedran, Belize’s “first lady of comedy” — Beverly Smith-Lopez, Belize Cancer Society founder Juliet Soberanis, the country’s first female judge — Michelle Arana, and the organizer of the first village council – Cleopatra White, are among the women who are featured in Milestone, a photographic exhibit and commemorative “newspaper” which tell the stories of some leading Belizean women who have spent their lives “making a difference” in their communities across Belize. Briheda Haylock is the talented artist who put together the exhibit which highlights these accomplished women. Twelve of the twenty-two women nominated for the photographic highlight have their pictures displayed at the House of Culture in Belize City. Haylock told us that she was contacted by the Special Envoy’s office and commissioned by them to undertake the project.

Placencia villagers plant mangroves in memory of environmentalist
Mangroves exist to protect the coastline from natural occurrences such as floods and hurricanes, but since they are usually chopped down and thrust aside to give way to expensive seashore development projects nowadays, more than forty volunteers gathered in the Crimson Development community area of Placencia last Friday, May 30 to participate in a mangrove planting activities organized in memory of an environmentalist, Adrian Vernon. Amandala understands that approximately 400 seedlings were planted by members of the Vernon family, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Southern Environmental Association (SEA), Oceana, the Placencia Village Council, the Placencia Citizens for Sustainable Development, the Placencia Fishermen’s Cooperative, Friends of the Placencia Lagoon, and the Coco Plum Resort and Residential Development.

Moratorium on “buffer,” Mr. Minister?
Slavery was abolished in British Honduras, as in other British colonies, in 1838. (The trans-Atlantic slave trade was outlawed in 1834.) 1838, … 1938. I was born in 1953. In 1973, an elderly “Able Creole” man (very dark skinned) told me that his great grandmother told him, when he was a little boy, that she used to be a slave in her very young days in Belize town. (That was before the whole country’s name was changed to “Belize.”) From logwood to mahogany, it was all about labor in the logging camps and at BEC sawmill. From “free” slave labor to cheap labor in the “free market capitalist system of parliamentary democracy.” “I owe my soul to the company store.” There are old time stories of grown men, who owed the “camissary,” and failed to show up for the start of the new season of work at the logging camp, who were physically accosted, detained, delivered a number of lashes with a whip, and taken to camp to fulfill their work obligations, for which they had signed with their “X”, since they couldn’t read or write.

We reap what we sow…BGYEA TO SOW CORN
“If we plant corn, we will reap corn; if we plant deceit we will reap enemies; if we plant abuse of power we will reap resistance; if we plant oppression, we will reap a revolution.” June 3, 2014 (Audrey Matura-Shepherd) I am the daughter of farmers. My father was a large sugar cane grower and to date my mother refuses to give up her cane field even after sugar prices plummeted. Planting is in our blood because when you plant you are bound to get a crop of what you planted. A mango seed does not bear coconut, nor does a plum seed bear apples. It is no coincidence that one of Jesus’ most famous parables is “The Parable of the Sower” (MATTHEW 13), because he planted many figurative seeds in the lives of many even to date. So planting, in both the agricultural sense and figurative sense, is important because it denotes life, hope, productivity, positivity, abundance, and makes one feel they are making something good happen. I don’t have a farm to plant but the few vegetables and garden plants I do plant make me appreciate the value of what the soil can produce when humans act in harmony with it.

Country’s energy supply will be stretched by 2016
Belize’s energy demand is growing, and within just a few years, in-country supplies will be strained if new sources of power are not added to the national grid. Last October, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities jointly launched a call for bids to supply 75 megawatts of power to the national grid over the next 10 years. At the headquarters of the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) on Wednesday morning, John Avery, the PUC’s chairman, publicly read bids submitted by 22 entities with both foreign and local interests, which want to produce power and sell to the national distributor, BEL, a government-owned utility. Avery said that most of the bids were surprisingly good proposals, although some seemed too ambitious. The prices proposed range from US9 cents to US21.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, he said.

Immigration sting operation nabs three bar owners
In making their rounds at various city recreation spots, the Immigration Department nabbed three bar owners who had employed persons without valid temporary work permits. The three accused were arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court late this afternoon. Abdon Cal, 42, the owner of Island Berries Bar, located on Barracks Road, was booked with two counts of employing persons not in possession of valid temporary work permits. According to Immigration officers, Cal employed two Honduran nationals, identified as Martha Rodriguez Lopez and Amanda Amaya. Mara Mejia, 42, the owner of La Catracha Bar, located on Coney Drive, was charged with three counts of the same offense. Mejia hired Honduran nationals Doris Margarita Perez Navarro, Carla Castro and Esmin Laura Aguliar.

Accident on Mapp and Cran Streets leaves victim’s leg in bad shape
Emeth Fortune, 23, an employee of the JEC Company on Youth for the Future Drive, is at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in a serious condition after he was knocked off his motorcycle and the vehicle rolled over his foot in a collision that occurred at the junction of Cran and Mapp Streets at about 11:30 this morning. Fortune was travelling down Cran Street and made a left turn into Mapp Street when he was hit by an SUV, which was travelling down Mapp Street towards Freetown Road. As a result Fortune’s foot was crushed and his left femur, which was broken, was protruding out of the skin, and the dislocated ankle was dangling, among other injuries. A neighbor told Amandala that she was in her house when she heard a loud noise and looked out, and saw a man lying on the ground. His motorcycle was beside him, and a white SUV was parked nearby. She noted that his right leg was badly damaged and the bone was out of place. The ambulance came later and took him away.

Bagasse talks to continue on Friday
Since the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) / American Sugar Refining (ASR) and representatives of the local sugar cane farmers met more than 2 months ago, on March 28, to continue negotiations on a quantum payment for bagasse, there has been a lull in bagasse talks – that is, until this Friday, June 6, when both parties, along with the Sugar Industry Control Board, acting as mediator, should resume consultations. According to Alfredo Ortega, Vice Chairman of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA), BSI is currently offering the cañeros 51 cents per ton of bagasse compared to the farmers’ initial request for $10 a ton; however, they (the cane farmers) believe that they should be able to get more for their bagasse, especially since experts have advised them that their price should be in the vicinity of $4 per ton, as a base. Ortega contended that all the farmers want at the end of the day is a fair payment for BSI’s use of their bagasse, and nothing more than that. In the meanwhile, the 2013/2014 sugar crop season will soon come to an end, and in fact, reports from up north are that it is being contemplated to take place at the end of this month, if not sooner, depending on the cooperation of the weather.

Accused British sex offender on trial down south
David Taylor, 42, a British national who was accused of committing an unnatural crime – having sex with an underage boy in Placencia in December of 2012 – appeared in the Independence Magistrate’s Court today; however, indications are that Taylor may soon beat the charge, since the prosecution was still not ready to provide full disclosure for the case to proceed. As a result, Taylor’s lawyer, Ellis Arnold, asked Magistrate Americia de Moya to strike out the case due to the length of time since the initial arrest and charge, and the fact that still no disclosure has been made by the prosecution. In its defense, the prosecution stated that the file is with the Director of Public Prosecution’s office, and that it was just submitted to them (the DPP’s office) a month ago.

Belizean Consulate
By way of introduction, we preview Mr. Yorke’s article with portions of an email received by our sports desk today from Belize boxing announcer Leonard Ysaguirre, who made the article available to us. Ysaguirre: As you know, James Adderley and myself have been involved in a marginal fashion in reviving boxing in Belize. An offshoot of this involvement is a relationship formed with Mr. Roland Yorke, the Belizean Consulate to Los Angeles, who himself is an avid boxing fan. He is enthused with the effort being made here in Belize and has supported by securing donations for equipment which he is shipping to Belize. I will provide a list of these equipment and a date for their consignment to Smart and Lions Den boxing gyms. More immediately, Mr. Yorke would like to have an article (attached) published which he wrote on Rudolph Bent. Bent and Ludrick Lightburn were probably Belize‘s most accomplished fighters. This article was prompted by the announcement of the demise of Jimmy Ellis, a former Muhammad Ali contender. Bent fought Ellis, Robinson and several high ranking international boxers of varying weight classes.

TIDE Junior
In the only game played on Monday, June 2, at the Toledo Union Field in the TIDE Junior Freshwater Cup, St. Peter Claver Boys dropped Seventh Day Adventist Boys, 3-1, with goals from Andres Miranda (29’), Thomas Garbutt (35’) and Andre Vernon (38’); while Joash Ramirez (20’) scored for Seventh Day Adventist Boys. The other scheduled game was a no-show for Seventh Day Adventist Girls, who lost by default to St. Peter Claver Girls. On Tuesday afternoon, June 3, two games were played at Columbia Field and one at Golden Stream Field. In game 1 at Columbia Field, San Pedro Columbia Boys blanked Forest Home Methodist Boys, 3-0, with goals from Gabriel Che (5’), Ramon Tesecum (20’) and Gilbert Chiac (29’); and in game 2, San Pedro Columbia Girls won by the same score, 3-0, over Forest Home Methodist Girls, with goals from Jocelyn Coh (13’ & 25’) and Kaisy Thimbrel (28’). In the only game at Golden Stream Field, Indian Creek Boys played to a 2-2 draw with Golden Stream Boys. Andres Rash (5’ & 35’) struck twice for Indian Creek, while Darren Cal (11’ & 32’) did the same for Golden Stream.

Dangriga sports stats
We apologize for an error in our previous report, where Joslyn Chavarria was named as the first rider to cross the finish line in the 7th Annual Benguche Day Cycling Classic which took place on Sunday, May 25. Actually, Joslyn placed fifth. The correct list of top finishers follows: 1st place went to Wilson Assencio; 2nd was Edmund Camal; 3rd Shawn Cod; 4th Rizden Flowers; and 5th Joslyn Chavarria. Once again, our apologies for the mistake. More cycling in ‘Griga The Dangriga Amateur Cycling Association will continue its monthly race next week Sunday, June 15, which will be the Fathers’ Day Cycling Classic. This race will start (and finish) from in front of Wadani Shed at 10:30 a.m. on June 15 and head all the way to Hopkins junction and back. First place receives $250.00; 2nd $150.00; 3rd $100.00; and 4th $50.00. Registration is only $5.00. For more information, riders who are also fathers can contact Moses Lopez at 625-4022 or Mr. T. at 662-3310.

It’s “Win or go home”
Last Friday night, there was not one, but two potential series-clinching game 2’s in the best-of-3 National Elite Basketball League playoff semifinals. The San Pedro Tigersharks were at the UB Gymnasium in Garden City Belmopan to take on the Belmopan Point Bandits, while the Cayo Western Ballaz were in Belize City to face the Belize City No Limit Soldiers at Bird’s Isle. The Tigersharks had a 1-0 series lead, as did the No Limit Soldiers. The No Limit Soldiers were looking to put an end to the series with a victory on Friday night, but with their season on the line, the Cayo Western Ballaz came out strong in the first half, as they led by as many as 13 points, and ended the half with a 39 to 27 advantage. But The No Limit Soldiers would not go down without a fight, as they outscored the Western Ballaz 20 to 9 in the third quarter, to bring them within a point, 48-47, before the start of the fourth and final quarter.

Cricket corner
Well, over the weekend, nature did not permit games to be played in the Harrison Parks National Cricket Competition 2014. Hoping for better weather, these are the games scheduled for this weekend: On Saturday, June 7 – Western Eagles vs Excellence at Double Head; Wicked 11 vs Brilliant at Crooked Tree; and Brave Union vs Sunrise at Lords Bank. On Sunday, June 8 – Excellence vs Excelsior at St. Paul’s Bank; Brilliant vs Brave Union at Burrel Boom; and Wicked 11 vs Uprising at Isabella Bank.

SCFA and Dangriga
The Stann Creek Football Asssociation (SCFA) and Dangriga Girls & Boys Club U-15 Tournament, sponsored by Frank “Paapa” Mena, came to an end on Sunday, June 1, after two months of football action with the future footballers of Dangriga. The first afternoon match was for 3rd place, where DYFA went up against Wagiya. DYFA won, 4-1, with 3 goals from Gregory Ovado, Jr. and 1 by Myrick Marshall, Jr.; while the goal for Wagiya was by Warren Moss, Jr. In the championship match-up for 1st and 2nd place, featuring Umadagu vs Wagierale, the regular time ended, 3-3, with 2 goals from Jefton Apolonio and 1 from Gabriel Ramos for Umadagu, and 2 goals from Garrett Bowen and 1 from Latrell Middleton for Wagierale. Wagierale won, 5-4, in the penalty shoot-out. The final game was highly contested, and both teams played their hearts out.

The Reporter

Western Ballaz crushes SMART No Limit in basketball playoffs
The Cayo Western Ballaz eliminated SMART No Limit 75-57 in the third game of the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) playoffs before a packed house at the Sacred Heart College auditorium in San Ignacio on Friday night, June 6. Farron Louriano led the Ballaz’ offensive, ramming home four monster dunks to achieve the highest individual score of the tournament: 34 pts and 12 boards, as they took a 21-11 lead in the first quarter. Richard Troyer drained in a long 3-pointer almost from half court; as he added 17 pts, 16 boards; while Travis Lennon scored 12 pts, four boards and to lead 38-26 at intermission. Kurt “Chengo” Burgess had three points, and six rebounds and was a major force in the Ballaz defense until he was ejected from the ball game following an altercation with No Limits’ Andrew Ortiz, who was also thrown out of the game.

National primary schools volleyball championships held
The undefeated girls of Belize Elementary School and the Orange Walk District champions, the boys of Chan Pine Ridge School, won the national primary schools volleyball championships organized by the National Sports Council at Bird’s Isle on Friday evening, June 6. The Belize Elementary girls won their second national title, after winning the national football championships in 2012, by dominating the Stann Creek district champions, the girls of Holy Ghost School from the Pomona Valley 25-13 in the first set of the championship final. The Holy Ghost school rallied to make a real fight of the second set, taking it to several match points at: 23-22, 24-23, 25-24, and 27-26 before the BES girls took it away 28-26. The Chan Pine Ridge boys recovered from a deficit after the Cayo District champions, the boys of Howard Smith Nazarene School of Benque Viejo had dominated the first set: 25-14. The Chan Pine Ridge boys rallied to win the second set 25-20 and took the third set: 15-12.

Ten-year-old wins 20th national Coca Cola Spelling Bee

Ten year old Shanalee Gayap, a Std IV student at Solid Rock Academy in the Stann Creek District, became one of the youngest winners of the annual Coca Cola Spelling Bee when she edged out 11 older contestants from across the country on Friday, June 6. All 12 participants survived the first two rounds of the Ministry of Education co-sponsored event held at the Countryside Park in Spanish Lookout, Cayo District, but only Shanalee correctly spelled both her words “beau” and “coucal” from the reserved list in the third elimination round. This won her the first prize of a Dell laptop computer from Bowen & Bowen Ltd, complete with a computer printer, a laptop bag, external speakers and a host of other accessories. She also won a full four-year scholarship from the Ministry of Education to the secondary school of her choice, and a two-year scholarship from The Belize Bank to any tertiary level institution, along with a book grant. She also won a computer and printer for her teacher and school principal, Elcedia Awe, and for her school.

Supreme court upholds Magistrate’s decision on extradition hearing
Deon Bruce, 28, lost another round of his fight against extradition when the Supreme Court upheld a decision of Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith. Smith had granted a request by American authorities’ for Bruce. Justice Courtney Abel ruled that there was no merit to the allegations of bias by Smith in conducting pre-trial matters, nor was there procedural irregularity in considering evidence alleged not to have been properly introduced. Additionally, Justice Abel did not agree with Bruce’s claim that there was abuse of process when Smith allowed crown counsels from the Office of the Solicitor General rather than the Director of Public Prosecutions office to argue the case. He said that there were no arguments on these at trial hence the Chief Magistrate could not have considered them. Evidence provided Justice Abel stated, however, that Bruce’s strongest argument, presented by his attorney Audrey Matura-Shepherd, is that the evidence the U.S. authorities have furnished was insufficient to allow for Bruce’s extradition. All they have provided is the evidence of the only alleged eyewitness. The evidence presented would have been admissible in Belize except for the testimony of the case detective, Abel said, and in any event, it is not the province of the sitting judge or magistrate to weigh up evidence before a trial.

Toledo teen says father impregnated her
Toledo police are looking for a man after his teenage daughter reported that he had sexual relations with her and she is now pregnant for him. The 16-year-old of Aguacate Village, Toledo, went along with her sister to the Punta Gorda Police Station where she told investigators that her pregnancy is almost full term. She accused her father of committing the crime last September.

IMF in Barbados
Barbadian officials met on Thursday with a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of a monitoring program on fiscal measures which aim to restructure their government’s finances. The IMF representatives have met with that country’s Chamber of Commerce, Central Bank officials and private bankers. The IMF visit follows a previous statement that the island was suffering from a weak macroeconomic performance that began since 2008 and a 0.7 percent shrink of the economy.

Guatemala’s ex-police chief gets life
Erwin Sperisen, Guatemala’s ex-police chief is serving a life sentence in a Switzerland prison for the deaths of seven prisoners in 2006. Sperisen, 43, was found guilty of being involved in extra-judicial killings that were committed during a police raid on the El Pavon prison outside Guatemala City. His trial took place in Geneva because he could not be extradited since he holds Swiss citizenship. The case was held under a law that allows Swiss nationals to be tried in their own country for crimes committed abroad.

Chop victim dies, attacker charges to be upgraded
Chopping victim Giovanni Borland died on Friday and his attacker’s charges will be upgraded to murder. Borland died last Friday at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital as a result of chop wounds he received to his head in an altercation at the Mil Amores Bar in Libertad on Sunday, May 11th. Joseph West, a 24-year-old Libertad resident, was initially charged with attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm following the incident. His charges will now be upgraded following Borland’s death.

Supreme Court allows Coye family access to accounts
Skeptical of the arguments made before her, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Young declined to continue a freezing order made against Melonie and Marlene Coye and their company Money Exchange International Limited. The ruling allows the Coyes to resume access to their various bank accounts as soon as the order is made available, even as the civil matter continues. She had previously continued the order on May 5, mere hours after fellow judge Shona Griffith lifted it, pending arguments for an interim injunction asked for by Senior Counsel Lisa Shoman on behalf of Panamanian company Internet Experts S.A., also doing business as Instadollar.

Trevor Vernon ends involvement with Castro case
Facing the possible selling off of his assets, Trevor Vernon appeared to back away from continuing his pursuit of Edmond Castro over alleged violations of the law, after paying the remainder of his court costs to Senior Counsel Denys Barrow. Vernon, a resident of Burrell Boom, saw his effort struck out by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin, who ruled that the case was improperly founded. The Chief Justice ordered $5,000 in costs to be paid to Barrow, and Vernon met nearly half that – $2,489.50 – in two pillowcases full of shillings which he brought to Barrow’s office on Coney Drive last Tuesday. But on the strength of a writ of execution, court bailiffs and representatives of Barrow visited Vernon the day after and marked several appliances for sale, and ordered Vernon to pay the remainder of his costs by June 2.

Test results confirm crop destruction by herbicide
Samples sent abroad for testing have confirmed that vegetables in the Valley of Peace area, Cayo, that were destroyed in March were done by Roundup, a lethal herbicide. This week Jose Alpuche, chief executive officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, told The Reporter that the Ministry and the Department of Environment are looking specifically at strengthening the guidelines as they pertain to the application of chemicals to avoid a re-occurrence of the incident. “The initial investigation [of the incident] revealed that the operators, who were contracted by Green Tropics to conduct the spraying, did not follow existing protocol as it relates to wind speeds.” Alpuche explained that aerial sprayings are prohibited when the wind velocity is above a certain limit. He added that the additional measures being looked at includes a number of relevant government agencies.

CFATF commends Belize for financial legislation
The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) has commended Belize for enacting nine pieces of key legislation, six laws and three regulations to boost Anti Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) standards. The statement from the CFATF, last week, stated that Belize has brought into force significant mechanisms to address its AML/CFT deficiencies. The statement also said Belize and the CFATF should continue to work together to ensure that Belize’s reform process is completed, by addressing its remaining deficiencies and continue implementing its Action Plan.

NICH Partners with Taiwan for primary school art programme
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and the Republic of China Taiwan have teamed up to launch the Primary Schools Art Skills Training (PSAST) Pilot Project. The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presented a check a cheque for $35,206 to the President of NICH Diane C. Haylock on Monday. The donation, which will go towards the projects’ implementation, was handed over by First Secretary Amino Chi on behalf of H.E. David C.K. Wu, Ambassador to Belize from the Republic of China (Taiwan). Information Officer for NICH, Shari Williams, told the Reporter that the PSAST will last six months, running from July to December. After the pilot period is over, the Taiwanese government will decide whether or not the programme will continue.

Yohnny Rosado: I did nothing to Vitalino Reyes Jr
Yohnny Rosado, owner of Cavetubing.com, said that contrary to reports neither he nor any of his employees were involved in the altercation that has Vitalino Reyes Jr. in the hospital on life-support. Rosado said he was shocked to learn the following day that he was being implicated in the incident and wished to clear his name for the integrity of his business and his reputation. According to Rosado he and his employees were at the Long-Island Bar on Blue Marlin Drive on Thursday evening and did see Reyes but they never engaged in any conflict with him. Rosado said he was aware that Reyes was involved in a scuffle with some other persons at the bar but never saw Reyes unconscious. According to Rosado’s attorney, Audrey Matura-Shepherd, their evidence shows that after the incident police arrived on the scene and later Reyes and his associate, Yoney Vega, were escorted away by the officers.

Milestone photo exhibit kicks off countrywide tour in Belize City
The Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children is paying homage to outstanding women throughout Belize with its photo exhibition entitled “Milestone.” The launch of the country-wide tour was held at the Belize City House of Culture last Friday. The exhibit showcases black and white photographs of 12 pioneering women in fields such as medicine, the arts, politics, and even technology. Additionally, the milestone newspaper was distributed at the launch, honouring another 22 women for the contributions they have made to the country and to women on a whole. The exhibit features outstanding personalities such as first female Medical Doctor, Bernice Marjorie Hulse; and Belize’s first Lady of Comedy, Beverly Smith Lopez.

Commitment to Rule of Law, an Imperative
We often hear the phrase ‘rule of law,’ but rarely discuss what it means and how it’s relevant to our collective efforts to earn our daily bread. In the dictionary and therefore at its most basic, rule of law refers to “the principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced; the principle of government by law.” Breaking it down a little further, the World Justice Project states that “the rule of law is a system of rules and rights that enables fair and functioning societies” and goes on to define this system as “one in which the following four universal principles are upheld: •The government and its officials and agents as well as individuals and private entities are accountable under the law. •The laws are clear, publicized, stable, and just; are applied evenly; and protect fundamental rights, including the security of persons and property.

Time to move on
After a brief break it’s good to be back. Relationships that do not work always end in breakups and the time has come for the administration of the UDP to move on. This administration has lost the faith of the people and has failed the nation as a whole. In just three short weeks since I last wrote an article, there has been Rio Azul, Mark King’s inside view of how the party feels about its citizens, nurses transfers and a fetus under a bed at KHMH. Just when we think things cannot get worse, it does. I fail to see what this administration is doing to tackle the real issues that are affecting the nation such as unemployment and a growing increase in violent crime. The administration seems to be focused on mass corruption and basically filling their pockets just in case they are not in office for another term. The growing feeling from the citizenry is that the UDP have morphed into the same people they promised not to become. It’s difficult to see why they continue to cling to office, when it has become brutally clear that the people no longer want them in office. The right thing for this administration to do is to call an early election so that the people can remove them from office and a new mandate for the nation can be set.

Rod of Correction Social partners unite under new movement
A wide variety of civil society organizations have come together in a new movement to address national issues. Led by the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), and featuring such groups as the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM), Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association (BGYEA), Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA), the Council of Churches and the Evangelical Association, the members of the new “Rod of Correction Movement” have one thing in common – a frustration with the current Government of Belize. In unity there is strength, goes the old saying, and the organizations aim to promote their various causes – land, governance, democracy, social issues, labour and many more – on a level playing field. According to President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, Dylan Reneau, the group’s first activity is drumming up support for Saturday’s “Plant Di Corn Rally” in support of BGYEA at the Battlefield Park in Belize City.

Contreras in, Anderson out! Chief pharmacist banned from pharmaceutical meeting
Chief Pharmacist Sharon Sanchez-Anderson was barred this week from a technical meeting regarding the procedures in place for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. Danini Contreras, director of the Drug Inspectorate, attended the meeting, amidst the controversy of her appointment and the call of the Pharmacy Association of Belize that she be removed from the post for lack of qualification. According to Anderson’s Public Service Union representative, Ray Davis, the organizers from the Pan American Health Organization informed her, just prior to the session, that she could not attend the meeting on Wednesday. PAHO also informed Anderson that the organization is not supposed to have direct contact with her, based on directives from the Ministry of Health.

Environmentalists question Puerto Azul Project!
Seven organizations have issued a joint, seven-point statement to demand answers from the Government of Belize regarding the status of the proposed Puerto Azul project. Oceana, the Belize Audubon Society, the World Wildlife Foundation, MarAlliance, the Belize Tourism Industry Association and the Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative demand a more transparent process. “There has to be a mechanism that Belizeans can participate and be consulted and have it be meaningful with these types of developments, and government policies,” Janelle Chanona, Oceana Belize vice-president, told The Reporter Thursday. The asked for clarification on whether or not the current administration has or intends to endorse this project, especially in the light of the fact that two government ministers—Investment Promotion Minister Erwin Contreras and Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Jr—attended the project’s launch Cannes, France.

Ministry of Education: Streamlining not amalgamating high schools
The Ministry of Education clarified this week that it is “streamlining its resources” and not amalgamating Maud Williams, Excelsior and Sadie Vernon high schools. Minister of Education Hon. Patrick Faber, accompanied by members of the Secondary School Unit and other ranking ministry officials, explained that each school will remain its own independent entity, and both first and second form classes will remain unaltered. The changes In third and fourth forms, courses of study will be shared between the three schools, and some classes will be offered at alternate campuses. Some classes will also be offered at the Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and training. “The school with the best science lab will be designated to offer Sciences (Chemistry and Biology), and students from all three schools will report to the designated campus for that class,” said Brenda Armstrong, of the Secondary School Unit. “Likewise with other subjects such as Technical and Vocational, Business and Arts.”

Belize a money laundering hotspot?
Multiple International media outlets have recently named Belize as a money-laundering hotspot, but the International Business Companies registrar, Gian Gandhi, speaking to The Reporter on Thursday, said there’s no cause for concern. On Monday, an Associated Press article entitled “Foreign banks agree to reveal Americans’ hidden assets to IRS”, published by a Pittsburgh Pennsylvania paper, described Belize as one of several tax-evasion havens. “As much as $25 trillion … was stashed in 70 or more countries whose banking laws allowed individuals and corporations to mask their wealth from the Internal Revenue Service and avoid paying taxes,” the article stated. “To demonstrate how easy it is for people to stash money out of the IRS’ reach,” the article by Trib Total Media alleged that two of their reporters spent less than $1,000 to set up a shell company and bank account in Belize. The money, they say, was then “accessible through ATMs”.

The Belize Times

Bar Opposes Barrow – Bar & Opposition Leader Reject Barrow’s Re-Appointment of Judge
The Belize Bar Association has bucked heads with Prime Minister Dean Barrow again over the proposed re-appointment of Justice Samuel Awich to the Court of Appeal. The Bar, in a strongly-worded resolution that was crafted following an important general meeting of its members on Monday, June 2nd, has declared that Awich’s appointment “gives rise to a real likelihood of an appearance of bias”. The “appearance of bias”, according to the Bar, lies in a sequence of events leading to the Prime Minister’s notification of his decision. The Prime Minister had given notice to the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Francis Fonseca via a letter on Thursday May 19th, four days after Awich delivered the lead decision in favour of the Government in a constitutional case regarding the Barrow Administration’s takeover of Belize Telemedia Limited. The Government had been aware that Awich’s contract was coming to an end for months. It should have been more proper to sort out any negotiations for a contract renewal way before. The Bar also noted in their resolution that they had previously opposed Awich’s appointment back in 2012, but Prime Minister went ahead with his decision.

Ecuador’s Most Wanted Linked to UDP
When the news of the arrest of Ecuador fugitive, Floyd Wendel Ebanks Jurado, went public the UDP spin masters were quick to find every possible way to paint him as a PUP. Channel 7 was on the forefront and reported that Ebanks “was very active in the 2012 general elections” for the PUP, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. Ebanks was involved in the PUP Cayo West campaign until mid-2011, when PUP officials learnt of his close links with the UDP. Ebanks was immediately removed from the PUP’s campaign. The truth is that Ebanks has a very close relationship with then UDP Freetown Candidate Lee Mark Chang. A photo obtained by the BELIZE TIMES, taken at one of Lee Mark Chang’s political rallies in 2011, shows Ebanks and Chang almost cuddling. The photo had been posted on a previously existing Floyd Ebanks Jr. Facebook profile page with the caption reading “Lee Mark for Freetown”. Under the photo, a comment was posted by Lee Mark saying “Nice Pic”.

Unions/Social Partners Unleash “ROD OF CORRECTION” on Barrow administration
It’s been said before, and repeated to infinity, that Belizeans are beyond fed up with the constant disrespect, disregard and abuse of power that has swollen the ranks of this UDP administration, as maestroed by the incompetent, power-hungry marshal, Dean O. Barrow. And while there have been multiple attempts by the social partners and the Unions to fight against the excess and rein in the Barrow government’s continued lust for power, it has never quite reached a point where action has become the only outlet to bring this out-of-control Government to permanent heel. That all changed this morning with the launch of a joint Union-social partner movement known as “The Rod of Correction” Movement, during a meeting with various stakeholders at the Belize National Teachers’ Union’s (BNTU) conference room on Mercy Lane in Belize City. The media was not invited to the closed-door meeting, but BELIZE TIMES understands from a close source that President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), Dylan Reneau stated in the movement’s initial mission statement: “The movement recognizes the fight against the rampant, if not absolute abuse of power, and has been brought together, unified to fight against it….”

Singhing for More
A proposed mega resort on the Lighthouse Reef Atoll appears to have encountered a major glitch from an unsuspecting source. Mike Singh, whose name was once called up in an investigation of a major money laundering ring in El Salvador, has weighed in on the Puerto Azul project which, from all appearances, has the backing of heavyweight Ministers, Erwin “Danini’s Papa” Contreras and Manuel “barefoot and wasted” Heredia. The two were photographed rubbing elbows and partying like rockstars with Hollywood superstars John Travolta and Adrien Brody at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Like Castro, who took a page straight out of Dean Barrow’s book of nepotism and started issuing checks to his family members, these two lavish Ministers appear to be following in the footsteps of their leader’s wife, Kim Barrow, who too seems determined to make it to superstardom no matter the cost (at our expense of course).

Judiciary: Danger Ahead!
By G. Michael Reid It is not chance that rules the world. Ask the Romans, who had a continuous sequence of successes when they were guided by a certain plan, and an uninterrupted sequence of reverses when they followed another. There are general causes, moral and physical, which act in every monarchy, elevating it, maintaining it, or hurling it to the ground. All accidents are controlled by these causes. And if the chance of one battle—that is, a particular cause—has brought a state to ruin, some general cause made it necessary for that state to perish from a single battle. In a word, the main trend draws with it all particular accidents. ~ Montesquieu The period known as the age of enlightenment began sometime during the 17th century and flourished until about the end of the 18th century. This period produced great thinkers like Francis Bacon, Spinoza, John Lock, Voltaire and Isaac Newton; whose ideas drastically changed the way of the world; both spiritual and secular. It was a time when the world underwent a scientific revolution as well as a revolution in human thought. New discoveries afforded man a greater ease of industry while new perspectives challenged traditional concepts in culture and politics. There was a significant shift in the existing paradigm of relying on tradition, faith and superstition to a system based on sound reasoning. The status quo of politics also fell under the axe of reconstruction and the ideas of one man in particular, shook the existing monarchies and “ancien régime” to their very foundation. His The Spirit of the Laws (1748), discourse on government was adopted as the blueprint for many modern day governments.

Enough Is Enough!
Something is going very wrong in Belize, and most Belizeans at home and abroad can see it. The government, elected to serve, without fear or favour and with no discrimination to race, creed or colour, has failed the Belizean people miserably, and in such a short time. According to Mark King, the UDP policy is UDP first, Belizeans second and PUPs last. Imagine that! On an almost daily basis, Belizeans are left to wonder in amazement and disgust when the elected Government of Prime Minister Dean Barrow will get things right. Our people are under constant assault, as safety has become an expensive luxury. While citizen’s security is under attack, so is our national security. This is the result of the Barrow Administration’s failure to define a comprehensive security policy to protect our people from internal criminal activity and our national territory from external attacks. In fact, looking at the level of disregard for our nation’s security and territorial sovereignty, and the lack of appropriate response and inaction from the Government, one would think we have no security policy. This means our security forces are left to figure things out on their own, operating in a haphazard manner.

Duck Run I wins Football Marathon
Team Duck Run I won a football marathon organized with the assistance of Orlando Habet and the PUP Cayo North East committee on Sunday May 25, 2014. Second place went to Billy White and Third Place went to Team Two of Duckrun One. Other participating teams were Duckrun Two and Westrac. PUP Standard Bearer Orlando Habet will continue to support and inspire the young people of Cayo Northeast with positive activities and opportunities.

Belize Bank Bulldogs defeats 2 opponents in softball
The undefeated Belize Bank Bulldogs posted their 2nd back to back win: 17-7 by mercy rule in the 4th inning against the Ministry of Education/Belize Water Services in the Belize City interoffice softball competition at the home of softball at the Rogers Stadium on Saturday. Other games: BEL Powersockets vs. KHMH – 33-13 BEL Powersockets vs. Guardian/National Sports Council – 14-6 Customs/Central Bank vs. Belize Telemedia – 19-18

Victor Valencia is 2014 Strongman Champ
Victor Valencia demonstrated that he is true champ material when he repeated as strongman champ in the Belize Body Building & Fitness Federation (BBBFF) 2014 strongman contest held at the Riverside Tavern on Saturday. Of the four contestants, Valencia scored the most – 32 points – in 9 events to retain the title and win the $600 1st prize. Theo Gentle, 2008/2010 champ, who had also placed 3rd in the 2011 and 2012 contests, scored 21 points to win the $400 2nd prize. Emir Perez of Muscle Hut Fitness Club in Belmopan scored 19 points to win the $350 3rd prize, while Allan Gallardo, also of Muscle Hut, was 4th with 18 points.

Celebrating Our Bright Minds – Featuring: Anglican Cathedral College, Excelsior High, Sadie Vernon High, Maud Williams High, Gwen Lizarraga High, Pallotti High and St. John’s College
Our third series on the special High School Graduation Season begins with Anglican Cathedral College, located on Albert Street in Belize City. According to Principal Ismael Requena, who spoke with the BELIZE TIMES via phone last Wednesday, May 28th, 92 out of 103 students took their march at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, June 1st at 2:00 p.m. Requena admitted the 2014 class was “the biggest graduating class” since the school commenced following the amalgamation of St. Michaels and St. Hilda’s in 1982. Leading those ranks are: Brandon Jackson (Valedictorian, with a Grade Average of 92%), Jorge L. Rodriguez (Salutatorian, with a Grade Average of 87.3%), Eluid Miller (3rd Place, delivered the Vote of Thanks), and Ajaih Hamilton (4th Place, who introduced Graduation Guest Speaker Dr. Carol Babb).

Eulogy for Hon. Marcial Mes
We gather this morning in the vibrant, majestic community of San Pedro Columbia, Toledo to celebrate and honor the life of our dear friend and colleague, Hon. Marcial Mes. On behalf of the entire People’s United Party family, I express our profound and deepest sympathies to his wife Odelia; his father Bartolo; his sons Luis, Estevan and Orlando; his daughters Rosita, Felicia, Elena and Isabella; his sisters Amelia, Donicia and Patricia; and to all the other members of the family. We love you all and we are here to support you. I first met Marcial Mes when I was only 10 years old and he was a student/teacher at the Belize Teachers College in Belize City. My own father, William Fonseca, had spent almost a decade teaching in rural Toledo in the 1960’s and it was right here in San Pedro Columbia while teaching at the Roman Catholic School that he met the Mes family and a young Marcial Mes

PUP Western Leaders – United in Purpose!
The six leaders of the People’s United Party Western Caucus: Hon. Julius Espat, Hon. Joseph Mahmud, Senator Patrick Andrews, Dra. Lesbia Guerra Cocom, Orlando Habet and former Minister Daniel Silva, gathered in Belmopan with PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the Party’s work in the Cayo District. The Western leaders committed to working in unity to bring about PUP victory in all constituencies and much needed change for the people of Cayo. The UDP have long considered the Cayo District as the safe seats of the “red hills”. That notion was shattered in the 2012 elections when Cayo South and Cayo North turned against the UDP, while in Cayo North East and Cayo Central they barely held on to victories despite massive fraudulent registration of voters and vote buying. This time, the people of Cayo will send their message loud and clear: they deserve better, with true and humble PUP leadership.

REFLECTIONS ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE – UDP: A Threat to the Rule of Law
At a Special Meeting of the Bar Association of Belize held on Monday, June 2, 2014 the Bar Association expressed in very strong and clear terms its opposition to the proposed re-appointment of Mr. Justice Samuel Awich to the Belize Court of Appeal for a further period of seven years, and condemned the grant of this extension of contract just after the delivery of the judgment by the Court of Appeal in Civil Appeals No’s 18, 19 and 21 of 2012 in favor of the Government of Belize as detrimental to confidence in the administration of justice in Belize. Mr. Justice Awich was first appointed to the Court of Appeal on May 16, 2012 for a period of two years over the strong objections of both the Bar Association and the Leader of the Opposition. The “Nationalisation” appeals were heard in October of 2012 and a majority decision by Justice Awich was delivered on May 15, 2014, the very day of the expiration of his appointment. Both the Bar association and myself, as Leader of the Opposition, have objected once again to the proposed re-appointment of Justice Awich.

Town Council vehicle crashed then abandoned
A Benque Viejo Town Council vehicle, property of taxpayers, was badly damaged in a collision and left abandoned by the UDP driver and crew last week. The occupants apparently in an attempt to conceal the identity of the vehicle accident removed the license plates, but they forgot that the Council’s identification sticker remained on the vehicle. Typical airhead UDPs. What were they trying to hide? Answer: their culpability, recklessness, abuse and waste of tax payers’ money for wrecking the town’s property. Information to the BELIZE TIMES is that the vehicle was driven at the time by Town Council employee, Obed Contreras. The vehicle was outside its jurisdiction and driven at night with no authorization. Sources say Contreras and his passengers identified as Ricardo Garrido and Heraldo Rancharan were returning to Benque after a night of partying in Belmopan when they crashed into a horse that was on the road side in Roaring Creek village.

Big Break for COLA’s Prosecution! – Penner file to be tabled at House Meeting next Friday?
COLA’s private prosecution of corrupt UDP Minister Elvin Penner is about to get a big break! Government sources have confirmed to the BELIZE TIMES that the much-coveted Auditor General’s “preliminary report” into the Immigration scandal involving Penner’s criminal wrongdoing could be de-classified once it is introduced at the next House Sitting scheduled for Friday June 13, 2014. Both Auditor General Dorothy Bradley and Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie have rejected COLA’s request for the provision of material evidence found in their investigations. In a March 28th 2014 letter, the Auditor General stated as one of her reasons for refusing to cooperate or provide disclosure that the information sought by COLA is “exempt” under the Freedom of Information Act because of a “rebuttable presumption” that it is being reviewed by Cabinet. Documents under review by Cabinet are only made public if they are tabled before a House Meeting.

UDP’s end in Cayo North East is near!
The UDP are at war with themselves in Cayo North East. With Elvin Penner pushed out by royal decree to save the UDP some major embarrassment, several opportunists have jumped into the race thinking that the people of the area are fools to give them another chance. The war is on and getting intense between three losing candidates vying for UDP Standard Bearer for Cayo Northeast. The post became vacant after Elvin “Passport” Penner turned politically radioactive for the UDP. This is after Dean Barrow discovered that Penner had cheaply signed away Belizean patrimony to a wanted fugitive who was in a Taiwan prison. The two frontrunners in this race of losers are John August and Eduardo Juan. John August’s campaign against Eduardo Juan is that Juan is a Penner lackey and supporter. A win for Juan is a win for corrupt Elvin Penner. Juan proved that much in a Channel 7 interview last Thursday in which he spoke insanely saying that Penner is “still loved” by the people. When he referred to “the people”, he probably meant folks like Kim Won Hong, to whom Penner gave away Belizean citizenship and passport illegally.

Patrick Jones

7 Awe-inspiring Photos that Prove Belize is a Beautiful Country
In 1934, Aldous Huxley wrote that if the world had any ends, British Honduras (now Belize) would certainly have to be one of them. Of course you have to agree with the late Aldous Huxley because as you will see in these 7 awe-inspiring photos, Belize […]

Workshop of preserving cultural heritage held in Corozal
The Institute of Archaeology is being proactive in taking care of the nation’s cultural heritage. With the recent destruction of the Noh Mul site in Orange Walk still fresh in everyone’s mind, the Institute of Archaeology today facilitated a workshop on preserving Belize’s cultural heritage. The workshop, which […]

Five Cavetubing workers face charges in the Reyes attack
Five employees of Yohnny Rosado’s business, Cavetubing.com, have been formally charged with dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm in connection with last Thursday’s brutal attack on 23 year old rival tour guide Vitalino Reyes, Jr., who continues to recover from severe head trauma sustained from […]

Deon Bruce loses extradition case
Supreme Court Justice Courtney Abel has declined to issue a writ of habeas corpus and upheld the decision of Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith issued in January to extradite 28 year old Deon Bruce. Bruce is wanted in Chicago, Illinois, to face trial of charges of murder and attempted […]

Christian Ebanks makes bail; Guatemalan couple kept waiting
Three weeks ago Christian Ebanks, a naturalized Belizean businessman of the West Landivar area, was picked up at home and charged with keeping a firearm and ammunition without a gun license. Gang Suppression Unit officers searched his residence on Teacher Street on May 14 and found a chrome […]

Bar owner charged for hiring undocumented workers
Zhaohang Huang, a 50 year old naturalized Belizean-Chinese businessman, pleaded guilty today to five counts of employing persons not in possession of a valid temporary workers’ permit. He was charged in the same raid that netted two other bar owners on Wednesday night, June 4. In his case, […]

Woman charged with 85 counts of theft from her employer
Today an employee of the Feinstein Group of Companies was read 85 counts of theft. The charge against Marsha Gillett arose out of an allegation that she stole monies from the Group of companies over a 20-month period. Gillett, a resident of Queen Helmut Avenue in West Landivar, […]

Why I Love Caye Caulker Belize
Caye Caulker is definitely one of my favorite places in the world…..and I have seen many beautiful places. For me…a place must not only look beautiful….but it must have soul. Caye Caulker has soul. I saw the place transform from a fishing village to one of Belize’s premier tourist destinations…and it keeps getting better every day. The people are warm and friendly….down to earth….you can still talk with them without having to listen to yenking and fakeness…..I have made many friends and acquaintances in Caye Caulker over the years. I started going there way back when I started sixth form in Belize City. My student budget allowed me to buy cheap food…I would take my bottle to keep the drinks cost down….and party all night or take naps closer to dawn on a pier to avoid the hotel bills. It was quite safe to do so….and actually the sea is warm and inviting at that hour. I witnessed many a perfect sunrise from these experiences…

Toledo vegetable farmers learn better production techniques
Farmers in the Toledo district now have access to technical advice on how to better produce vegetables for the local market. On Thursday, close to three dozen farmers from rural Toledo attended a one-day workshop on vegetable production; which was facilitated by the Agriculture Department. Extension Officer Amir Pulido and his team, share with the farmers the different techniques on improving hybrid varieties, irrigation systems and the proper care and cultivation methods. As part of the day-long workshop, the participating farmers also got to tour the Agriculture Department’s demonstration plots in Elridgeville where they saw in practical terms, all of the theory that was explained to them during the workshop.

Toledo man wanted for allegedly impregnating his daughter
There is another disturbing story of the sexual abuse of our young girls by grown men. The latest story comes from rural Toledo district and police are classifying it as a case of incest. A 16 year old girl from the remote village of Aguacate went to police this week accompanied by her sister to report that last September, her father had sexual intercourse with her. Police say that a medical examination conducted on the minor not only certified that she was raped, but that she is 8 months and 3 weeks pregnant.

Blogs

The Volcano’s of Belize
The forming of the landmass of our planet after Pangaea has been nothing short of remarkable. Plate shifting is still going on today with the evidence of earthquakes and the consistent growth of the Himalayas based on the crashing of the plates up from India. It is a very impressive phenomenon. Sixty five million years ago a meteorite struck the North Eastern coast of the Yucatan and caused catastrophic devastation to the planet. The cloud of dust that choked the sunlight from the earth immediately affected the plants, which then affected the herbivores and later, the carnivores for the most part were demolished. For what we know of the earth now, the sight of it then was not pretty. Mother earth went barren. The devastation caused volcanic reaction all over the planet. The earth experienced tsunami’s like never before and the earth opened up under the pressure. This started the movement of the plates of the earth. Landmasses started to move toward the formation of the continents. Landmasses at one time were under the sea and at other times above the tide. There is geological evidence that Belize was covered by water at least three times in its history. The evidence of that is the remains of crustaceans deposits – calcium carbonate (limestone), the soil type which according to geologists, colonises sixty five percent of Belize’s land mass.

Helping Roni Martinez protect the Scarlet Macaw
It’s not always easy to discover if something you are donating to on line is real or just a sham, but this was fairly simple. First it was part of The San Pedro Sun newspaper, second I didn’t find anything bad about them on SNOPES.com, third I asked a friend that lives down there and she suggest I contact Belize Bird Rescue Avian Rehabilitation Centre and Sanctuary, I called first, no answer so I emailed and got a fast reply from Nikki Buxton. So in less than four hours I had my answer, donated on line safely and passed the info to all my friends on Face Book. Roni does marvelous work and it’s hard and sometimes dangerous, they need these long range radios to help these beautiful birds. I’m not in Belize yet, in fact have NEVER been there, except on line and in my mind…but planning a trip there soon. So I wanted to begin to help a cause that is part of the Country I hope to call home someday. This was a perfect start! No amount is too small, it’s easy and you’ll feel really good about it! I hope someday to be able to see these beautiful birds in their natural habit and thriving instead of teetering on the brink of extinction in the Country. Go to the Scarlet Macaw Protection Belize page on Go Fund Me and help Roni there. It’s easy!

“Lay It Down” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
In the previous edition I mentioned that I was diligently (OK, maybe not diligently but I am gradually ‘ticking’ them off) working my way through my current ‘to do’ list. Yesterday I felt like I was really going to start cracking it when I set off from home with my mini list. And my instincts subsequently proved to be correct. Before I left home though some more of Lloyd’s guys turned up at the gate in the back garden with some more sand to complete the land filling job.

International Sources

Invest 90L in Gulf of Mexico a Heavy Rain Threat for Mexico
A tropical disturbance in the Southern Gulf of Mexico's Bay of Campeche, Invest 90L, is nearly stationary, and is bringing a few heavy thunderstorms to the Gulf waters and Mexican shore along the Bay of Campeche. Satellite loops show that 90L is poorly organized, with a broad area of spin that is not well-defined, and only limited heavy thunderstorm activity. Radar out of Alvarado shows the storm has developed two low-level spiral bands near the coast that bear watching, though. Wind shear as diagnosed by University of Wisconsin CIMSS is a high 25 - 30 knots, which is keeping the system from developing. Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the Southern Gulf of Mexico are about 28°, which is about 0.5° above average. These warm waters do not extend to great depth, and the total heat energy available to intensify a potential storm is rather low. The Hurricane Hunters are on call to investigate 90L Thursday afternoon, if necessary.

Turks Caicos and Belize Leaders in Tourism Growth in the Caribbean
Turks Caicos and Belize were tourism destinations of master growth in the Caribbean during the first quarter of 2014, said official sources here. According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Turks Caicos experienced a 30 percent growth in arrivals during the first quarter, with 105 thousand 506 visitors, compared to the same period of the previous year. Belize welcomed 101 thousand 981 visitors in the first quarter this year, for an increase of 9.7 percent compared to the same periodo f 2013. The other great increase was registered by Cayman Islands, where arrivals increased by nine percent in 2014, according to CTO data. However, in the same period, Grenada had the greatest fall in the sector of this region, with a reduction of 6.6 percent in tourist arrivals, while Curazao saw a drop of 4.3 percent in the same activity.

EU concerned about challenges to small island states
The European Union is has expressed concern about challenges and threats facing the sustainable development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). In a message to mark World Environment Day on Thursday, Head of the European Union Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Mikael Barfod, said that while most SIDS have made significant efforts in the past years, the EU wants to see development of tools for measuring the common economic, social and environmental vulnerabilities. According to Barfod, the Third International Conference on SIDS to be held in Samoa in September, "takes place at a crucial time, as several other international processes that clearly relate to SIDS vulnerabilities and resilience are ongoing. On climate change, the EU and SIDS share common objectives and should pursue existing cooperation during the upcoming negotiations.” The EU also supports the implementation of the Warsaw International Mechanism that addresses loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change. “In terms of development cooperation, the EU has provided significant funding to the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), located in Belize and we have just signed a financing agreement for EC$39.5 million to support Climate Change activities in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS),” he said.

Videos

Video: DEVELOPING TOLEDO MAY 22, 2014, 33min.
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) on PGTV

Video: Coral Reef Restoration in the Caribbean, 3min.
Coral reefs are a Caribbean treasure threatened by climate change, overfishing and pollution. A fisherman in Belize is on a quest to restore this ecosystem with his own hands.

Video: 24th Year Serving Belize-Dr. Paul, 2min.
Dr. Steve (and 38 of our Mission Team volunteers) surprising Dr. Paul Whisnant with a cake to celebrate his 24th year serving as a full time missionary to Belize.

Video: Jack Goes To Belize-HD (720p), 12min.

Video: Holy Cross Belize 2014 Dance, 4min.
The students of Holy Cross Anglican Primary School performed this dance at the 2014 Festival of Arts - winning GOLD. We are so proud of them. Huge thanks to Kim Bartling for all the work she did coaching our students.

Video: Ambergris Caye, Belize Party with friends, 4min.
You need to make a party in Belize with all of us... You will make sure you always go back to Belize.. Thanks to Swim Skinny for this awesome song... Hope you can make the trip with us this year.

Video: Belize!!!, 9min.
Kaya Volunteering

Video: Adventure Tales Belize, 7min.
Living a boys adventure tale

Video: Amazing Solar Powered Home located at Grand Belizean Estates in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize., 3min.
Peaceful and serene Off-the-grid solar home located at the Grand Belizean Estates subdivision on the west coast of Ambergris Caye has become available for sale. Charming two bedroom one bath, elevated home has nice vaulted ceilings with mixed Belizean Hardwoods, has Santa Maria hardwood floors, fully equipped kitchen, open living and dining area and plycem exterior walls. All exterior wood has been treated. The home sits on a 60 x 75 lot appealingly landscaped with approximately 840 sq. ft. of living space! Separate facility for caretaker (as needed).

June 6, 2014

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Town receives 100 Garbage Containers
On Monday, May 2nd the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) received 100 garbage containers from an anonymous donor. The garbage containers were painted and bear the slogan “Keep La Isla Bonita Clean”. The containers will be placed in areas throughout the island to promote proper garbage disposal and sanitation. The much needed containers are very welcomed as unsightly garbage has long been one of the major issues on the island.According to councilor in charge of Solid Waste Management Kenrick Bracket, the containers donated will be used primarily in the town core and beach areas. “We have seen that people are littering our beaches and parks, so we are going to be putting some of the new garbage containers along the beach approximately 25 meters apart. We are also going to be placing garbage containers in all the parks, schools, the Sunset Boardwalk and the Honorable Louis Sylvester Arena,” said Bracket.

Favorite Belize treats – the Fry Jack!
One particularly delicious combination to break one’s fast is what we call Maya eggs, with re-fried beans, and, when in season, avocados. To scoop up all that goodness, nothing better than a few puffed and crispy fry jacks. It’s really one of life’s little pleasures to sit down and enjoy such a treat. Made of the same dough as a flour tortilla, instead of baking the flattened disc, we fry it up. Because, of course we would! (We didn’t promise you fat-free anything – and you know you don’t want that anyway! Save the granola and non-fat Greek yogurt for later; fry jacks are worth it…) Celi’s stuffed tortillas also get major love from us. The fabulous ladies at the deli will make thick tortillas that they then slice in half, filling it with a spread of re-fried beans, meats (our favorite is bacon) and cheese. We go so far as to ask for some Marie Sharp’s pepper sauce sprinkled on there too, and when they toast everything up, the cheese melts and the morning can start. If you’re too late for these deliciousities (yes, it’s a word!), have no fear. There’s an alternative: meat pies!

Stakeholders declare Puerto Azul project “preposterous”
According to some of the dive companies in San Pedro Town that offer trips to the Lighthouse Reef Atoll as a tourism attraction, the development will impact nursery and breeding sites for 2/3 of the marine ecosystem, thus impacting the entire atoll. “Northern Two Caye is the largest juvenile habitat for the ecosystem that eventually makes it way out to the rest of the atoll. If we kill Northern Two Caye, we will kill the Blue Hole and we will kill the entire atoll,” said the owner of a San Pedro based tour company that has been operating in the area for over 20 years. According to the tour operator, the area is highly sensitive, and more should be done to ensure the protection instead of the degradation of the atoll. But beside the tour operators, traditional fishermen who are members of the two fishing cooperatives in northern Belize also find their livelihood is at stake. That is because SandboreCaye and Northern Two Caye have been used by traditional fishermen for almost a century as shelter from sudden extreme weather condition. In addition, the two cayes in question are the only place within the atoll they are allowed to shelter and stock up on fresh water while on long fishing trips. More importantly, traditional fishermen also claim that mangrove clearance and dredging will have a direct effect on their usual fishing grounds since it will affect fish, conch and lobster stocks.

Ambergris Today

Participate in San Pedro’s Lobster Fest Lobster Crawl Event!
The San Pedro Lobster Festival Committee is pleased to welcome the public to the San Pedro Lobster Festival 2014 featuring the popular Lobster Crawl Passport Event! This year the Festival will kick off on Saturday, June 14, 2014, with the pre-season opening party. There will be daytime and night time events leading up to the Lobster Fest Central Park Block Party on Saturday, June 21, featuring the musical talents of Supa G and the Pannerifix Steel Band! Each guest attending the Lobster Crawl is given a Lobster Festival “Passport”. In the passport there is a page for each Lobster Festival event; for each page that guests get stamped by the participating venue they are entitled to a raffle ticket. Then on June 21, they bring the “Passport” to Central Park to the Lobster Festival’s official sponsor’s booth. One lucky participant will win a vacation package for 2 to attend the San Pedro Lobster Festival 2015!!

Adrenaline Rush Adventures with San Pedro Water Sports
A vacation in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is not a complete one without some adrenaline in your body. Yes, most vacationers tend to only want to relax and lay out on the beach working on their tan. But there are also those who seek adventure and a rush that they cannot find in their hometown. Besides the adventures found underneath the water at the various marine parks there is also much fun to be had above the crystal clear waters of San Pedro Ambergris Caye. San Pedro Water Sports is just the place you need to check out on your next visit to San Pedro. Providing water sports such as paddle boarding, kayaking and jet ski services, there is surely some type of fun for everybody at any level of adventure.

Misc Belizean Sources

San Pedro Town power outage Friday
Belize Electricity Limited advises its customers in San Pedro Town that the supply of electricity will be temporarily interrupted from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2014. Areas to be affected: North San Pedro from Journey’s End to Tranquillity Bay. BEL apologizes for the inconvenience caused but this scheduled power interruption is necessary for the Company to install intermediate arms to support regulators on the power distribution system in the area.

2014 Dia de San Pedro Fishing Rodeo
IT'S BACK! The Dia de San Pedro Fishing Rodeo will take place on June 29 at the Central Park! ARE YOU READY?

International Costa Maya Festival
Belize will be hosting the annual International Costa Maya Festival from August 7th – 9th, 2014 on the beautiful island of Ambergris Caye. Pageant night is on Thursday, August 7th. Ramon's Village is the host resort for all of the Costa Maya participants! Make plans now to join us for this spectacular event!

Corozal Police News
Stolen GUN from Immigration Officer – 44 year old Antonio Tech, immigration officer of Corozal Town, reported to Corozal Police that on June 3rd, 2014 about 9:15 p.m. he arrived at his house from the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino along with his son Jian Teck, as he was not feeling well and asked his son if he could assist him by taking out his bag out of his vehicle and his firearm which is a black 9mm CZ brand - compact with serial numbers AD2421 with a magazine containing (14) live rounds value $3000.00bcy. His son took out his firearm and placed it under his pillow and told him to secure his house and then left.

Superintendent Alden Dawson from the Belize City Police Department was in San Pedro Town
On Wednesday, June 4, Superintendent Alden Dawson from the Belize City Police Department was in San Pedro Town where he visited the San Pedro Police Department, Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nuñez and Councilor Kenrick Brackett where they discussed the crime outbreak happening in San Pedro and how they can tackle the situation.

Corozal featured in Belize Travel Magazine
The beautiful Corozal Bay - Corozal Town - Belize Travel Magazine

THE CIRCUS IS HERE!
"Circo Hermanos Ponce" from Guatemala to perform in Corozal beginning this Saturday Jun 7th at the Civic Center grounds. Bring out the entire family to enjoy two weeks of great fun and entertainment

Senior Computer Technician
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Senior Computer Technician in the Information & Communication Systems Department.

Electrical Technician I
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Electrical Technician I in the Substation Department, Belize City.

Healthy Active Life 5K Run
The 1st ever Healthy Active Life 5K Run will be happening this Sunday morning in Belmopan. The proceeds will go towards Marla's House of Hope. "5K run for everybody but mostly for beginners who want to have a healthy life and they see in this kind of races the best way to start with this new challenge, in Belmopan."

Belmopan Comprehensive Graduation
Congratulations to the Belmopan Comprehensive graduates! Continue on to the next phase.

Journey Exhibit at SISE HoC
The SISE House of Culture is currently displaying the 'Journey' exhibit. It's an insightful collection of art created by Cayo's Stacy Ann Rodriguez. This is one you don't want to miss. Most of the pieces are for sale too, and they are priced right. Picture album on fb.

Western Ballaz Host No Limit in Playoff Game 3
The Western Ballaz triumphed over the No Limit in playoff game 2, and Adma Chuc Photography was there to snap some great pictures of the game. She also got a video of the Ballaz fans after the win. The Ballaz will be hosting the No Limit tonight in what will be their last game together this year. The winner goes to San Pedro to play on Sunday. Head to the game early to see the Benque Viejo Marching Band. Go Ballaz!

Cayo Classifieds - Issue 19
This week's Buy and Sell Classifieds. They have some good deals in there. The feature is about Midas Resort.

The Impressionist of Belize
Art, culture, history; all easily found here in Cayo. Been to Handprint Cave yet? Nat Geo has a great picture of it. Joe Awe wrote an entertaining article about it. He's also written about the Maya in regards to rain water and corn. Keep up the great articles, Joe. "In Belize, one of the most amazing pieces was not on canvas. It was on the walls of a cave. Interestingly, the Hand Print Cave, which gets its name from the tremendous pieces an artist with no name etched on a wall of the cave. By all means, this was a masterpiece! The nerve-wrecking imagination within this person to even conceptualise an image which he or she would take out of his or her imagination to put somewhere else deserves a standing ovation."

Channel 7

Unions, Activist Groups From "Rod Of Correction" Movement; Will They Lash Barrow
In August of 2004, large public protests against the Musa Administration rolled out led by a cluster of social groups. That was 17 months into the administration's second term and it came after both the G7 fissure and the revelations that Government was using Social security money to pay Glenn Godfrey's private debts. 27 months into its second term, the Barrow Administration has not had to face anything close to those kind of internal and external shocks. But that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of hot issues out there, even if they aren't as seismic as G7 or Glenn Godfrey. Many see it as a gathering storm, and today the BNTU called all the agitators for various causes together to try and harness their collective energy, and muster a united front against the Barrow Administration. 7News was at BNTU Headquarters in Belize City to see how it all came together:..

Conservation Groups Come Out Against Puerto Azul, Ask Pointed Questions
One activist group that was not represented at BNTU headquarters today is the conservation community. Right now, they have a lot on their minds with Puerto Azul - and today those groups issued a strong unified position on the controversial project. A statement endorsed by OCEANA Belize, Healthy Reefs For Healthy People Initiative, World Wildlife Fund, MarAlliance, APAMO, Belize Audubon Society, and the Belize Tourism Industry Association are demanding that Government state clearly at what stage this project is. The release listed 7 pointed questions which they want answered. Those questions ask generally about the project, but include queries about those now famous photo bombs from France where Ministers Erwin Contreras and Manuel Herredia are seen profiling with A - List celebrities at the Puerto Azul Launch Party. They ask, "Does the presence of the Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia and Minister of Trade, Investment Promotion, Private Sector Development and Consumer Protection Erwin Contreras at the project's unveiling in Cannes, France indicate an official endorsement of the project by the Dean Barrow administration?"

Ch'oc Calls Justice Arana's Perfected Order "A Travesty"
But unlike the conservationists, SATIIM's Executive Director Greg Ch'oc is through with asking questions. That's because in its fight against the oil company US Capital, his organization has come to the conclusion that might makes right. Today we got him to comment on the perfected judgment from Justice Michelle Arana. As we've reported, that document significantly weakens SATIIM's legal position because it says that Government must "seek to obtain free, prior, and informed consent." The insertion of the words "seek to obtain" basically means "try your best", but move on if you fail - it does not irrevocably compel the oil company. Ch'oc says it is a travesty:.. Greg Ch'oc, Executive Director, SATIIM "The court going back on its original order is rather unfortunate and a travesty of justice in this country. It is neither here nor there for us because we have concluded that there is absolutely no rule of law in this country. So we could have gotten a case where or an order where US Capital permit was quash, I know that they still would be there now, so it doesn't really matter."

Deon Bruce, Still Fighting Extradition
Belizean Deon Bruce, who is wanted by the US Government for murder and attempted murder, went back to the Supreme Court today after 2 and a half months. Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith has already ruled that he should be sent back to the US to face trial for the 2010 shooting of Americans Aaron Carter and Bryan Rodgers, which happened in Chicago on July 28, 2010. Normally, the next stage would have been to take the matter to the Supreme Court where a Habeas Corpus application would have been made. That's in the works, but Bruce's new attorney, Audrey Matura-Shepherd, is challenging it by a second means. She wants Justice Courtney Abel to grant a judicial review of the Chief Magistrate's ruling. As far as we know, that legal avenue has not been explored before, and today, Matura-Shepherd explained it to us outside of court: Audrey Matura Shepherd, attorney "When you are brought before the magistrate court for an extradition matter, once that decision is made there is no appeal, but you can get a writ of habeas corpus saying that you are being wrongly held, but that s very difficult barrier to cross.

Audrey Claims Cops Sweating Yohnny's Employees
And while we had the opportunity, we asked Matura-Shepherd about one of her other clients, Yhony Rosado, and his employees, who are being investigated for the coma inducing assault inflicted upon Vitalino Reyes Jr. She says police are misusing the 48 hour detention limit stipulated by law. She says that for her clients to be held for the entire period police must show justified cause, which, in her opinion, they haven't done at this time: Audrey Matura Shepherd, attorney "The situation and his cave tubing workers is really a tragic situation and I say tragic because there is tragedy on both sides. There is a person who clearly suffers some kind of injury that has left him in a coma for a while and I am told that he is out and there are people on the other side who are being wrongly accused and who are seeking to cooperate with the police.

Drones Over Belize's Seas
This year, the Fisheries Department has been making news with some high profile busts of illegal product, form lobster and conch to sea cucumber. Policing the country's coastline, however, is not an easy task, and it is also very expensive because of fuel costs. In their effort to become more efficient, and the Department is now employing high-tech aerial drones to help with maritime enforcement. The media was invited to the unveiling of these state of the art aircraft which will now be their eyes over the water. Daniel Ortiz reports: Daniel Ortiz reporting It might look like just a remote controlled plane, but this sophisticated new toy for the Fisheries Department is a drone. It is supposed to be the Department's new means of policing Belize's waters in trying to detect illicit activities.

PSU's Contentions Against Contreras
Last night we told you about the controversy that was caused when the Chief Pharmacist Sharon Anderson was snubbed for a training session at PAHO, and the Director of the Drug Inspectorate Danini Contreras was sent in her place. Emails obtained by 7News show that in mid May when PAHO started the conversation about the training the conversation was between Dr. Carlos Ayala and chief Pharmacist Anderson. One email we saw refers to upgrading the technical procedure to ensure the quality of pharmaceuticals and medial supplies. This conversation continued until the 21st. May when it abruptly ended - and that's because higher-ups at the Ministry of Health gave Dr. Ayala the memo - that the training would be for Contreras not for Anderson. That's what has the Public Service Union upset and their Industrial Relations Officer Ray Davis expanded on it today:.. Hon. Ray Davis, PSU Industrial Relations Officer "At the end of the day when the meeting was scheduled she naturally was expecting to be a part of that meeting. She was approached at the level of PAHO. Instructions were given that they should not have communications with her. At the union we found that peculiar because I know of the type of protocol that exists at PAHO and from the information that we got it was a verbal request or directive or however you want to interpret it and that really forced the personnel at PAHO to prevail on the chief pharmacist not to go to the meeting."

Alleged Drivers License Forger Freed
It made big news in April 2011, when Rayford Benguche was caught by the Gang Suppression Unit with materials to mass produce fake driver's licenses. Well, Benguche got to walk out of court a free man today when he was acquitted before Justice Troadio Gonzalez. The allegation against Benguche was that on April 3, 2011, police went to his apartment at 4 Neal Pen Road and found a laminating machine, laminating plastic and a driver's license in the name of Henry Velasquez. He was also allegedly caught with a stamp which said City of Belize Department of Transport. The officers suspected that he intended to commit mass forgery, and so he was charged with preparation for a crime. He stood trial before Justice Gonzalez in which 5 witnesses were called to testify against him, but after those witnesses finished, Benguche's attorney, Simeon Sampson made a no-case submission that the evidence tendered wasn't enough to prove his guilt.

Administrative Tremor At SBB: Senior Staffer Dismissed
There was an administrative tremor at the Social Security Board on Tuesday. Ana Gonzalez, the General Manager in Belmopan and a staffer with some 30 years experience was summarily dismissed, reportedly after a dispute with CEO Richard Flowers. Gonzalez we are told was basically driven out of the Institution's Belmopan Headquarters; sources tell us she was given until 11:00 am to pack up and leave. What's behind the sudden dismissal? Well, we could not reach her for comment but we have learned that she was opposed to certain features of the ongoing Strategic Business Transformation Project. The project is in its second incarnation - and the cost already accrued is expected to be in the tens of thousands of dollars. When it was first embarked upon in 2007, the proposed budget was four hundred thousand dollars.

No One Hurt In Downtown robbery
No one was hurt in a robbery this evening in downtown Belize City. It happened at around 5:15 at the Party Center on North Front Street. An armed man reportedly went into the business, held up the female cashier, and took her to the back to get into the cash pan. He left with an undisclosed amount of money. Police have made no arrests.

BIFF is Back!
The Belize International Film Festival is back for the 9th time, with its opening night gala scheduled for Thursday July 17 at Robert's Grove Resort in Placencia. They've got films from across the globe, including 5 from Belize. Organizer Suzette Zayden told us what to expect at this year's film festival.

The Corn Planting Controversy
As we told you at the top of tonight's news, B(i)GYEA now has major backative for its Plant The Corn Protest on Saturday in Belize City. The collective unions and activist groups have joined with them to form a group they call the R-O-C, a sin the Rod Of Correction - and Saturday is the first time we'll see that rod unveiled. But while the protest is one thing; the deeper issue is what BGYEA plans to do with the 29 acre buffer zone that runs between Harmonyville and the Western Highway. Government has said it must remain untouched as a buffer, but BGYEA is determined to use it to plant corn:.. Jules Vasquez "Are you all still determine to plant corn on the road buffer?" Nigel Petillo, President - BGYEA "The corn has to get plant. Roads have to get build, the buffer has to be maintain, people need to eat, plant has to grow in the ground." Giovannie Brackett, reporter "Concerning the fact that they want to plant corn in the buffer zone area, does the ministry of agriculture have a position on that?" Jose Alpuche, CEO - Ministry of Agriculture "I don't think the issue of the buffer zone is one of agriculture production. As it relates to the development of the land held by the individuals on Harmonyville, of course we would be more than happy to assist them in any way to put the land into productive use. Quite frankly a tricky situation where assets not own by a particular party have been contracted out to others - that's at the end of the day the long and short of the problem at this time."

Stirm On The Christian Way, The activists' Way and Meeting In the Middle
And while Petillo now has the Rod Of Correction Collective behind him, one group we saw today, which we don't usually see amongst activists is the Belize Evangelical Association. And that's because, one, they aren't as focused on worldly matters, and, two, they seem to have a very open door with the Prime Minister - in fact, Church Leaders have even addressed Cabinet this year. So today we asked Evangelical Association representative Stirm how they fit in with this movement:.. Jules Vasquez "The church has it own way of approaching dialogue leaders - that sort of thing, but is it prepared to stand with these social agitators and activists?" Pastor Scott Stirm, Belize Action "Well again, I came representing Belize Action. Pastor Crawford was unable to make it so I was deputizing for him. I think because it affects people the church is very concern and then obviously the issue of good governance. I think that's concern for all of us everybody involved."

Tourist Blues for Sailboating US Couple
American Couple David & Michelle Freund, say that a vacation to Belize has turned into a nightmare after they ran aground on the reef in Southern Belize. On May 16, they chartered a sailboat from a rental company in Placencia, and took a trip out to Ranguana Caye. The next day, while on open waters, they ran aground on the reef. They claim that company reps negligently towed the vessel off the reef breaking off several pieces and doing mass damage. Freund posts on the internet that that it went all downhill from there when the company blamed them for the damages, and which the Port Authority agreed. They were subsequently charged with criminal offences for the damage to the reef, and they were arraigned in magistrate's court. Freund says that he is appalled that his ignorance to Belizean laws was allegedly being exploited by the authorities, and he claims that he has had to ask the US Embassy to intervene on his behalf.

Channel 5

Seven NGO’s Brace GOB on Puerto Azul Project
While controversy has subsided in the respect of the Norwegian Cruise Lines Project on Harvest Caye, opposition is mounting on the Puerto Azul project. Since its over-the-top unveiling a few [...]

Fisheries Administrator Concerned About Project
Concern about Puerto Azul is growing because there is little known about the proposed project. The only information out there is what Belizeans saw and heard in news reports from [...]

ROC Formed to Tackle Injustice
In its second term in office, an organization called ACB, the Association of Concerned Belizeans brought pressure on the Musa administration. ACB dismantled soon after the government changed in 2008 [...]

Deon Bruce Extradition Case Continues in Supreme Court
A judicial review of a decision handed down by Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith in the extradition case of Deon Bruce commenced inside the chamber of Justice Courtney Abel today.  [...]

Belize City Man Injured in Motorcycle Accident
Earlier today, a Belize City man riding on a motorcycle collided with a Nissan pathfinder. Emmett Fortune was returning to work when the accident occurred. He fell off his motorbike [...]

Greg Ch’oc Speaks on Perfected Order
On April third, Justice Michelle Arana handed down her judgment in the case of SATIIM et al versus the Government of Belize and U.S. Capital Energy. SATIIM sought an injunction [...]

PSU Waiting on Labour Response in Danini Contreras Dispute
On April thirtieth the Public Service Union sent a letter to the Ministry of Labour asking for intervention in the appointment of Danini Contreras as Director of Drug Inspectorate. Now [...]

CEO Allen is interfering in technical decisions, says PSU
On Wednesday, Danini Contreras attended a teleconference session at PAHO. That in itself is no cause for cause for controversy, but in the current atmosphere at the Ministry of Health, [...]

Matura-Shepherd Says Police Disrespected her Clients
On Wednesday afternoon, five employees of Yhony Rosado’s Cave-tubing.com were arrested as they returned tourists to the Fort Street Tourism Village.  The men were detained pending an ongoing investigation into [...]

Fisheries Use Drones for Monitoring
The Fisheries Department is modernizing; today it received technology to monitor the waters and to better fight illegal activities at sea. After receiving training from Conservation Drones, the officers attached [...]

Sixty videos features at Film Festival
The annual Belize International Film Festival will not open until July, but today, a preview of what you can expect was revealed. The National Institute of Culture of History announced [...]

Talented Students take to the stage
Day Two of the Golden Showcase of the National Festival of Arts was staged today at the Institute of Creative Arts. Taking the spotlight were the best performers from the [...]

Getting Fit At Home…Online!
Getting healthy and staying motivated is difficult. Many of us struggle finding a workout routine that we can stick to. Belizean fitness coach, Joel McD, has embarked on a brand [...]

CTV3

Elroy Bastarachea Scams Another Land Owner
In November of 2011 we reported on the land scam where then 29 year old Elroy Bastarachera, a resident of Patchakan Village in the Corozal District was accused of scamming approximately $113,370.00 from 52 year old U.S National Victoria Jackson and 74 year old U.S. National Sharon Boniek in two different incidents. At that time the women paid Bastarachea the huge sum for the purchasing of several parcels of prime land which they never received their papers for. Well, actually, Boniek did receive land documents but they were not genuine. In fact even the signature of Commissioner of Lands Wilbert Vallejos had been forged. The women made a report to police and Bastarachea was levied several charges and offered bail which he met. And that is the last we heard from him, that is until he once again made the news last night.

Bastarachea Is A Scam, Says Commissioner Of Lands
While you heard Elroy Bastarachea make reference in that video that Commissioner of Lands, Wilbert Vallejos is his cousin, that’s utterly false says Vallejos, whom we placed a call to this afternoon. Vallejos says in numerous occasions they have warned the public about scam artists, specifically Bastarachea. Wilbert Vallejos– Commissioner of Lands “I don’t understand why people are still allowing themselves to this scam because we issue Press releases over and over warning people about this guy because look like this guy lies at immigration and a lot of things, as a matter of fact he wrote my name of documents but he had to written my name because the documents had the Commissioner of Lands and I am the Commissioner of Lands.”

Elroy Bastarachea Arraigned And Charged In Court
And today Bastarachera was arraigned in court where he pleaded not guilty to 13 charges of obtaining property by deception. He was offered bail to the sum of $10,000.00 plus a surety of the same amount. When we spoke with Grisel Botes, the victim of the land scam she gave us her reactions on the outcome of charges. Grisel Botes – victim “First of all, I don’t want him to get another bail because if he will come out and do the same thing and I just hope that if he cannot give me my money back I rather see him in jail and I want him in jail.” Victor Castillo – Reporter “So what is police saying, what is the outcome of that?” Grisel Botes – victim “Well, I think that we will be having court in August so I have to take all what I have and I just hope that there is justice.”

Visiting American tourists, David and Michelle Freund have found themselves in quite a predicament
Visiting American tourists, David and Michelle Freund have found themselves in quite a predicament while vacationing in Belize. The couple have been detained in Belize for the last two weeks indefinitely. David is faced with “Civil Charges” related to a coral-damaging incident, while sailing, which occurred only two days into their vacation in Belize in May. A blog dedicated as a platform to tell their story alleges that ‘most of the damage was done by Moorings (the boat rental company) when they were improperly towing them off the coral in an aggressive manner in order to conceal their unethical practices of renting to uncertified tourists, failing to provide the renters with proper navigational information and additional safety equipment, and their failure to report the initial incident to the Belize Port Authorities.

The Importance Of Bees As Pollinators
We have reported on the various challenges being faced by bee keepers in Belize including the Small Hive Beetle and flooding. But these tiny insects have a lot more threats and over the last year, concerns have been mounting across the world surrounding their survival and ultimately, the survival of the human species. That is because bees are key pollinators of the food we consume on a daily basis, but they are fast disappearing leaving a trail of worry in all corners of the world. Given that situation, we spoke to key officials in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture to find out more about that situation in Belize. Dalila Ical – Reporting There are a total of 1, 800 colonies in all six districts with Belize, Orange Walk and Cayo having the largest concentrations. Bee keepers are facing difficulties, but there is no record of bees simply disappearing as reported in Southern France, England, India and china. In the US alone, about six hundred thousand of 2.6 million colonies have vanished. But reports are being made in Italy, Poland Portugal, Central and South America and some reports indicate that these disappearances are happening in a matter of hours. Experts call it the colony collapse disorder.

Tough Weather Challenges For Farmers To Deliver Crop To Mill
Stake holders in the sugar industry continue to monitor the weather as they try to push in as much crop into the mill before the season is closed. The rains have begun and already many farmers are facing difficulties. Alfredo Ortega, Vice Chair of the Committee of Management at the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association says it has been very challenging for farmers to harvest their crop since the rains started. Alfredo Ortega “Esta lluvia que experimentamos este fin de semana, bastante difícil para poder cosechar per sin embargo la mayoría de caneros están luchando ver como ellos pueden sacar su cana que tienen maduro. En estos momentos hasta el lunes ya habíamos entregado 159 mil toneladas de caña la cual ha producido 101 mil toneladas de azúcar cual es muy bueno sin embargo tenemos una estimación alrededor de 300 a 350 mil toneladas de caña que está en el campo, sabemos de qué no se va poder cosechar todo pero estamos pidiendo a los líderes de grupo que le una oportunidad a todos los miembros de su grupo cosechándole un porcentaje de esa cana para que hacía el peso no quede sobre unos caneros nada más y se pueda extender sobra la mayoría de caneros para que así juntos podamos absorber esta situación del porcentaje de cana que nos va a quedar a nivel de campo.”

Three Orange Walkeno Receives Annual CITI-CMFA Caribbean Micro-Entrepreneurs Award 2014
Three young microentrepreneurs from Orange Walk are currently in Montegobay, Jamaica tonight, receiving awards at the Annual CITI-CMFA Caribbean MicroEntrepreneurs Award 2014. The winners include; Eider Romero who was named- Best Young Microentrepreneur for his Icy Treats mobile business….. Eliel Reynoso - 2nd Best Young Microentrepreneur with his ‘Hawaianas’ shaved ice business and Eved Corado won for Best Technology Microentrepreneur. The candidates were selected by the board at the La Inmaculada Credit Union and they are expected to return to Belize, tomorrow. Last year to add to their successes, LICU was recognised for its dedication to informing clients of the terms and details of their financial services and actively educating and training them on how best to utilise the Credit Union's services. We will have more on this story inn tomorrows newscast as we will be at the airport to greet these young microentrepreneurs.

International Mexican Artist Passes Away
Internationally renowned Mexican Artist from Chetumal Quintana Roo Elio Carmichael Jiménez the author of the book Los Murales De Congresso, died early this morning after battling cancer for a number of years. We report his death because Jimenez was a promoter of history and culture, including the Mayan Culture from the rise of the Maya, the conquest to the present day highlighting memorable episodes. We also report Jimenez’s death because he has ties to Orange Walk. His mother Valentina Jimenez is originally from Orange Walk and his family lived here for quite some years. In fact Jimenez studied at Saint John’s College in Belize City.

More Irregularities In The Lands Department
Land issues continue to surface and the latest report was made to the Corozal Police Station. Thirty-one year old Grisel Botes, a cosmetologist of Libertad Village in the Corozal District reported to authorities that between April third and June third 2014, she paid Elroy Bastarachea of Patchakan Village for lands located in the San Pedro Island, Belize District and Cayo District. Botes says she paid a total of $23, 875 Belize dollars to Bastarachea whom she also claims is a friend she has known for the last ten years. Botes adds that she made the transactions after Bastarachea told her he worked at the Lands Department and was told that she would have her papers in order within one month from the first payment was made. t That was on April third but up to date she says she has not received anything. An investigation was launched and authorities found out that Elroy Bastarachea has not been working on any papers and even worse, he cannot give account of the money he received. Police have in their possession several vouchers he signed for receiving the money. The thirty-two year old Belizean accountant has been detained for the crime of obtained property by deception and Corozal police continue to investigate the case.

Corozal Police Investigates Hit And Run Incident
A mother and her four year old daughter are lucky to be alive tonight after they were knocked down this morning while they were on their way to school. While information is sketchy reports are that 21 year old Evalicia Tzul was hit from behind while riding her bicycle on 7th Avenue Corozal Town by what is believed to be a grey pickup truck that failed to stop and render aid. When we visited the home of the victim this afternoon, we were informed that she was assisting Corozal Police with her statement. We were made to understand that police are currently looking for one person of interest. Luckily both victims only received minor scrapes on the body.

Sugar Cane Crop Weekly Review
Despite the incessant rains the 2013/2014 crop season continues full speed ahead. Here is a look at the weekly crop review. Carmelita Perez – Reporting June 1st 2014 marked the end of week 19 of the 2013/2014 sugar cane crop season. The report, provided by the Belize Sugar Industries Limited, shows that for week 19 the factory milled forty two thousand one hundred and fifteen tons of cane. To date, the factory has milled a total of nine hundred and fifty nine thousand four hundred and fifty five tons of cane. Last year the factory milled seven hundred and ninety three thousand three hundred and ninety four tons cane during the same time frame. Taking a look at sugar production, three thousand eight hundred and seventy five tons of the sweetener was produced for week 19. An overall of one hundred and one thousand seven hundred and forty six tons of the product has been produced so far. Last year, the factory produced eighty three thousand seven hundred and twenty four tons of sugar during the 19 weeks of crop. This week the factory worked at a grinding rate of six thousand sixteen tons cane per day. Overall, for the 19 weeks of crop, the grinding rate per day stands at seven thousand four hundred and thirty eight tons cane. Last crop it was at six thousand one hundred and fifty tons cane per day.

ESTM Recommends Suspention of Four Teachers for Drowning Incident
Exactly two months ago on today’s date, two teenaged high school students of Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico, fifteen year old Anahi Zepeda and sixteen year old Edgar Puck drowned in the Macal River. The forth formers were on a class trip to the Che Chem Ha Maya Ruin in Benque Viejo del Carmen and upon their return that Friday evening, the bus made an unscheduled stop near the low-lying bridge in San Ignacio. Reports say that Anahi, Edgar and other students were in the water when Anahi was swept away by the current. Edgar, who could not swim, went to her aid and they both drowned. Since then, an intensive investigation into the matter was launched by the Board of Management of Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico and today the results of that investigation was released to the media. The release states and we quote “An intensive investigation was conducted, and the Board has unanimously agreed that the four teachers who accompanied the students erred in modifying the itinerary during the educational trip.” End of quote.

LOVE FM

Greg Choc: “….there is absolutely no rule of law in this country.”
Since April, attorneys for the Government of Belize, US Capital and SATIIM, were sharing their own interpretation of the judgment that Justice Michelle Arana handed down on April 3 in regards to the drilling operations inside the Sarstoon Temash National Park. The April 3 judgment demanded that GOB obtain free, prior and informed consent from the Mayan Villagers. But the May 9 perfected judgment, says that Government should “seek” and make good faith attempt to obtain consent from the villagers. Executive Director of SATIIM, Greg Choc, reacted to the perfected order. GREGORY CHOC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SATIIM “The court going back to on its original order is rather unfortunate and a travesty of justice in this country. That’s not what article 32 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People says. So while the court has discretion in perfecting an order, what I have been told is that it only supports to clarify. So the order of Justice Arana has been globally circulated and that order is what it was when it was handed to us on April 3, 2014. It is neither here or there for us because we have concluded that there is absolutely no rule of law in this country. So we could have gotten an order where the US Capital permit has been quashed. I know that they would still be there now. So it doesn’t really matter; I think It emphasizes the process rather than the result, it’s unfortunate.”

Police Detains Yhony’s Employees
Yesterday five employees of CAVETUBING.COM were detained by police in connection with the brutal attack on Vitalino Reyes Jr. Reyes Jr. is currently at the KHMH in a coma on life support. Vitalino Reyes Sr. is blaming Yhony Rosado and his employees for the attack. Rosado and his employees have strongly denied any involvement in the incident. However, two days ago, police detained and charged Rosado’s employee, Leon Gentle for the attempted murder of Vitalino Reyes Jr. Rosado has retained the legal services of Audrey Matura Shepherd who gave us an update. YHONY ROSADO OWNER CAVETUBING.COM “What was tragic was that when I went to the police station, five of the employees were detained. I mean just because we were caught between the two entities we are being punished and dragged in here. Police have their statements that they were not there but that doesn’t matter.

City Resident Says King Broke His Promise to Her
Lake I resident, Lolita Smith is claiming that her representative Mark King has turned his back on her and her entire family. Smith who has lived all her life in Lake I says that King promised to help her out. But since Election Day, King has not returned to her home much less make good on his promise. LOLITA SMITH LAKE INDEPENDENCE RESIDENT BELIZE CITY “My problem is my house; i need to fix my house and the Area Representative, Mark King promised me that he will fix my house. He came at my gate before the elections with a paper and a pen, asking me a lot of questions like how many sheets of plywood I need for the house. I gave him how many I needed and also zinc and everything else. All I saw him did was write on that piece of paper. He told me Ms. Smith, there’s no need to worry I will see to it that your house is fixed. So far up to now up to today going to 2 years now, I still cannot see anyone coming to check the house or to see what is happening to the house at all. “

Municipalities Scheduled to Present Development Plans
Next week the municipalities involved in the Belize Municipal Development Project will meet in Belmopan to present their development plans. The project is being implemented by the Social Investment Fund at a cost of 30 million dollars and is being financed by the Government through a loan from the World Bank. Urban Planning Officer Keisha Rodriguez told Love News since May of last year they have been working with the planning committees in each of the municipalities to prepare municipal development plans. KEISHA RODRIGUEZ URBAN PLANNING OFFICER BELIZE MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT “We have worked with them in capacity building in five modules; the first one being assessment of the conditions of the town; the second one being their visioning and development of strategies and scenarios; the third one being their land use proposal and the fourth was the infrastructure planning and investment and the 5th module was the implementation strategies. So these 5 modules that the local planning group has gone through have allowed them to prepare a municipal plan that consists of 5 chapters. So at present we all have 7 municipalities: the city of Belmopan, Benque Viejo Del Carmen, San Ignacio Santa/Elena, Orange Walk Town, Corozal Town, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda having completed the draft and next week they will be making presentations to two stakeholders including government agencies, the Land Department, Department of the Environment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development as well as potential funding agencies on their development plans, the infrastructure and investments that they want to have in their town with potential projects. In particular one of the key aspects of the plan are catalyst projects that each municipalities, which are small scale projects in which they can do in a short term and these are just some of the ways in which they can start implementing the plan and the ultimate goal of the plan is to have a guide for future development within these towns and to improve the quality of life for the citizens.”

Injured Manatee Recuperates
Last month we told you of the four manatees that died as a result of boat collision. There was a fifth manatee that was hit by a boat, an adult female, but she survived and is recuperating. Jamal Galvez of the Belize Manatee Conservation Program gave us an update of on how the manatee is doing. JAMAL GALVEZ BELIZE MANATEE CONSERVATION PROGRAM The animal is in open water; it’s not confined to any area. So, there’s not any attention given to the animal. We’re monitoring it, the guys are throwing water hysen in the area in case the animal doesn’t want to leave because normally when animals get hit by a boat or they are sick, they tend to go in these quiet areas to try and recuperate but what they tend to do is not eat and normally these animals die because of not eating rather than from the injury. These animals are resilient, they’re tough they tend to do well healing but during the healing process they tend to not eat and so, we’re just having the guys throwing water hysen. So, food is available if the animal chooses to eat at any point in time. So it’s just basically attention but we’re monitoring from a distance because remember this is a wild animal, it’s a huge animal, we don’t want to impact its behavior and you don’t want to get wild behavior to be able to say that the animal is actually being like a manatee.”

Soft Launch for Belize Film Festival 2014
They may not be featured on the major television networks and they may not make it to the Oscar Awards but sixty low budget films and music videos will be featured in this year’s Belize International Film Festival in Belize which kicks off on July 16, 2014. It is the 9th film festival that will feature an average of six Belize films as Director, Suzette Zayden explained. SUZETTE ZAYDEN DIRECTOR BELIZE FILM FESTIVAL “Out of the 45, there are 6 films that are either by Belizean filmmakers, Belizean filmmakers in the diaspora or by filmmakers who came and did a film about Belize. So that’s what we classify as Belizean films for the festival. There are only 6; that’s pretty much the average of what we’ve been getting; we’ve had less but we have 15 music videos and we had 35 submissions. Some years we’ve had just exactly 15 submissions and all 15 went in, this year we had to turn back. We bring in an international jury of 3 persons to judge the film section. They decide the criteria amongst themselves. For this year, the president is a British-Italian producer, Donald Runveau. He was here in 2005 when he brought a film, Children of God – a movie that was nominated for the Oscars. He’s going to be the President of the jury.

Transition for Students Explained by Secondary Schools Unit
The third form students of Sadie Vernon, Maud Williams and Excelsior High School will go through a transition of sorts as the Ministry of Education announced yesterday that there will be a combining of some classes for the students from the three schools. It was an idea brewing since January 2014 and yesterday, via a press conference, the players in the initiative announced how the synergy came about, the reasons for the concerted efforts and what can be expected for the coming school year. SISTER CARITAS LAWRENCE RSM SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNIT MINISTRY OF EDUCATION “We had meetings with the administrators of three schools and those three administrators agreed that one way to help with the problem would be to come up with one plan for the three schools because the areas of difficulties and challenges were the same. So, we started working on the program and it is not a program that came out of our heads; when we started the Quality Child Friendly School Initiative, I didn’t even dream that three schools would agree to say let us make a plan together, let our staff work together, let us plan together and let us find a way to work our children out of poverty, lack of education and prison.”

Midday Accident Injures Cyclist
A traffic accident occurred around midday today on Mapp Street in Belize City when an Office Assistant received severe ankle injuries after being knocked down off his motorcycle. Reports are that 44-year-old, Emmet Fortune of a North Creek Road address was riding his motorcycle on Mapp Street when he was hit by a Nissan Pathfinder SUV being driven at the time by 36-year-old, Roberto Carrillo of University Heights in Belize City. The extent of the damages caused to Fortune in yet to be ascertained but we can tell you that a notice of intended prosecution has been served on Carrillo. Investigations into the incident continue.

PlusTV

Social Partners Join Forces to Act as “Rod of Correction”
“In Unity There is Strength!”, goes the old saying, and if the gathering of community and social activists and official social partner organizations on display at the headquarters of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) in Belize City this morning is any indication, then the Government may have something...

Deon Bruce Challenges Extradition Decision in Judicial Review
There was some legal history today in Belize City, as for the first time in a case involving extradition, there has been a challenge mounted to the lower court’s actual decision in addition to the standard habeas corpus application filed in such cases. 28 year old Deon Bruce is accused of...

Identification Parade of Accused Police Officers in San Ignacio
Charges are expected to be levied against 4 officers attached to the San Ignacio Formation after a shooting incident at Unitedville left one teenager hospitalized. According to reports made by 19 year old Elston Arnold, on Monday May 26th, he and a few friends were returning from a wake...

Disc Jockey Charged for Sex with Runaway Teen
24 year old disc jockey Elvis Sutherland turned himself in on Monday to police and appeared in court today on a charge of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor aged 14 years and under. His victim was a 14 year old student. The minor and her mother told police that on April...

Two Teenagers Apprehended After Foiled Robbery Attempt
Quick police response led to the apprehension of two would be robbers, teenagers for that matter.  According to police reports on Wednesday, June 4th, at a store located at Santiago Juan Lay Out Area, San Ignacio, a 41 year old woman, while inside her kitchen, heard her daughter- in-...

City Man Acquitted of Preparing to Commit Crime
Supreme Court Justice Troadio Gonzalez today ordered Rayford Benguche to be acquitted by a jury of nine on a charge of preparation to commit a crime, specifically forgery. He is accused of being in possession of various tools, specifically a rubber stamp, laminating machine, laminating plastic, and a driver’s...

The Prosecution of David Taylor Given One Final Adjournment
British Belizean David Taylor, an accused paedophile, appeared before the Magistrate Americia De Moya at the Magistrate’s court in Placencia on Wednesday, June 4th to answer to charges of pornographic exploitation of 4 boys in Placencia, and for the crime of having sexual relations with a 13 year old...

SATIIM Displeased with Perfected Court Order
The victory thought to have been won by Sarstoon Temash Institute of Indigenous Management (SATIIM) in April of this year, where Justice Michelle Arana ordered the Government to enter into good faith negotiations with the Maya communities in the buffer zone of the Park before allowing U.S. Capital Energy...

BGYEA Previews Saturday Rally
They face the Supreme Court next week, but the Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association (BGYEA) will not be alone as they seek to overturn an injunction barring their corn-planting project in the Harmonyville buffer zone. Today president Nigel Petillo gave thanks for the support of fellow organizations that have...

Cavetubing Workers Detained as Police Continue Investigations Into Reyes’ Beating
Police are continuing their investigations into the brutal beating of Vitalino Reyes Jr.  Yesterday we showed you Yohnny Rosado at the Queen Street Police Station where he had gone to see to five of his workers who were detained by police in connection with their investigation into the attack...

Conservation Community Gravely Concerned Over Puerto Azul Project
The proposed project to transform the Northern Two Caye and Sandbore, located in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll into an exclusive resort complete with airport runway and massive marina has raised many eyebrows and the environmental community is now sounding the alarm. Earlier this week,  Michael Singh, CEO in the...

The Guardian

Better Secondary Education taking Shape
“We can succeed only by concert. It is not can any of us imagine better? but, can we all do better? The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise - with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.”- President Abraham Lincoln Hon. Patrick Faber referred to this quote from President Lincoln when the Ministry of Education launched the Belize Education Sector Reform on January 16th, 2013. He has said numerous times, “We all know the problems that exist in the education sector; the question is do we have the guts to fix them.” Minister Faber has taken hits from critics for every reform he has championed; including, introduction of the Teaching Services Commission, ban on corporal punishment and the reform of secondary school financing. Now the Minister’s critics are accusing him of attempting to amalgamate three high schools on the Southside of Belize City.

Ensuring Energy Security
The Public Utilities Commission along with the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology and Belize Electricity Limited began a request for proposals for electricity generation in October of last year. BEL is looking for a provider or providers to supply 60 megawatts of firm capacity and 15 megawatts of renewable energy from intermittent sources. Investments in these power sources will run anywhere between 200 and 400 million Belize dollars. After 8 months since the start of the exercise, the PUC publicly opened bids which have been received so far. The exercise took place at BEL’s corporate headquarters and was witnessed by representatives of bidding companies, representatives of the ministry, BEL, the PUC and the media. At the end there were 20 submissions each with its distinct type of energy source, company who will supply, cost of installation and cost of kilowatt hour to BEL. Public Utilities Commission Chairman, John Avery, explained that there were bids for hydro electric projects, biomass projects that will use sugar cane bagasse, ethanol, and cuhune; there were also thermal projects that would burn natural gas, diesel or heavy fuels. There was one wind power proposal as well as multiple solar energy projects.

Boldness Solidarity Determination: UDP Women Celebrate 25
On May 27, 1989, thirty-eight bold women joined together and formed the United Democratic Party’s National Organization of Women (UDP-NOW). Their goal was to place women issues on the forefront of the party’s national agenda. These bold women would lobby for equal treatment, greater educational opportunities, pathway to decent work and positions at the highest decision making tables of the country. 25 years later, there is still much work to be done in the area of women empowerment. However, whether it is Hon. Faith Babb at the national political level or women like Kathy Esquivel in civil society, the efforts of the great 38 have paved the way for women of today to shatter any glass ceiling that stubbornly continues to exist. It is for that reason that the United Democratic Party honoured the Great 38 on the 25th Anniversary of UDP-NOW on Saturday, May 31. Hundreds of women from across the country gathered on the House of Culture grounds on Saturday to celebrate the UDP-NOW’s 25th Anniversary. Anne Marie Williams hosted the event and speeches were delivered by Diane Haylock, President of UDP-NOW, and Alberto August, Chairman of the UDP. Jackie Castillo pumped up the ladies in attendance with her motivational song ‘We are Women In Charge’. August then handed out certificates of appreciation to the Great 38.

Joseph Roland Bermudez Accused of Hitting Ex-wife with a Vehicle
On Friday, May 30, a 39-year-old Contractor of Santa Elena Town, Joseph Roland Bermudez, was before the court to answer to four criminal charges after he allegedly knocked down his ex-wife with his vehicle. Allegations are that on Thursday, May 29, Bermudez hit his ex-commom-law-wife with a vehicle in front of her work place at Courts Belize Ltd. Bermudez, who already had a restraining order taken out against him says he went to Courts Belize to get his vehicle from his ex-common-law wife as his visitation rights entitles him to get his son from her at work. He says that when he went to do so, as he was driving off, the ex ran to the vehicle and started to break the windows. It was then that he allegedly hit her with the vehicle causing injuries to her left elbow, chin and left leg.

Dwayne Bradley an Accused Ganja Farmer
Dwayne Bradley of Biscayne Village is out on bail after he was charged with cultivation of marijuana and drug trafficking. According to reports, police officers from the Anti Drug Unit busted the 24-year-old Bradley with 101 marijuana trees and 73.6 grams of marijuana. Police say that on May 29 at about 2:30 p.m. between Miles 29 and 30 in Biscayne Village they discovered a small marijuana plantation with mature plants ranging from 2 to 7 feet in height. There they found a black beach cruiser bicycle near a green tent. Inside the tent police found a carton box and a camouflage jacket which contained six $100 bills and eight $50 bills. Bradley, who is linked to the tent, was detained and charged. In court on Friday, May 30, Bradley was read two drug related charges: one count of drug trafficking for having 73.6 grams of marijuana in his possession and one count of cultivation of controlled drugs for 101 Class B trees ranging from 2 to 7 feet in height. Bradley told Magistrate Hettie Mae Stewart that he had the drugs to sell but the Magistrate was not convinced he understood the nature of the charges and entered an equivocal plea of not guilty on Bradley’s behalf. There was no objection to bail which was offered in the sum of $3,000 plus one surety of the same amount. Dwayne Bradley’s next court date is set for July 31.

Cayo Man in Serious Condition after traffic accident
A man from the Cayo District is now in serious condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) after being involved in a traffic accident. Eighteen year old Byron Estevan Marcina ran his motorcycle into a lamp post on George Price Avenue in Santa Elena Town at about 10:20 pm on Saturday of this past weekend. The impact of Byron Estevan Marcina with the lamp post caused him to be thrown violently and as a result he went into an unconscious state. He was discovered by San Ignacio Police on that night bleeding from the face. He was immediately transported to the San Ignacio Town Hospital and then to the KHMH. His passenger Jevone Guerra was apparently unhurt in this accident. Byron Marcina was a laborer, who resided in the Hillview Area in Santa Elena Town.

Mark Gentle, 25 on remand for use of deadly means of harm
Belize City Stevedore, Mark Gentle, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison for one count of deadly means of harm and one count of wounding upon Radman Welch whom he allegedly shot on May 12. Gentle appeared before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith, where the charges were read. He was represented by attorney Alifah Elrington-Hyde who made a submission asking for the charge to be withdrawn since the virtual complainant had retracted his statement and requested that no further court action be taken. Elrington-Hyde said she had a memorandum in her possession but Chief Magistrate Smith said her office had received no such directive from the DPP’s office; therefore, the case would proceed. Due to the nature of the offense, bail was not granted to Gentle and he will be on remand at the Belize Central Prison until his next court appearance on June 27.

Honduran National killed in Cayo
A Honduran national has died after being hit on the head in the Cayo District. Oscar Armando Gomez Alvarez, 28 years old, died of injuries he sustained about three weeks ago at the hands of an unknown person. From that time, Oscar Alvarez had received two large chop wounds to the left side of his face and four on the left shoulder area where he had received treatment at the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan and then released. The Honduran National, who was illegally in the Country, was discovered by a ten year old male child, dead on Wednesday of last week at about 4:00 PM in Los Tambos Village. He was found on a bed foaming from his nose and mouth. Beside his shirtless body was a large piece of board. The body was located on a farm on the outskirts of Los Tambos.

Jerson Grinage Charged with Drug Trafficking
Jerson Grinage, 21, of the Mahogany Heights community has been arraigned on a single count of drug trafficking. Allegations are that police busted him with 100.1 grams of cannabis in Mahogany Heights on Saturday, May 31. Grinage appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Monday, June 2, and pleaded not guilty to a charge of possession of a controlled drug with the intent to supply (drug trafficking). There was no objection to bail which was offered by the Chief Magistrate in the sum of $1,000 plus one surety of the same amount. Grinage was also ordered by the court to surrender his travelling documents to the Clerk of Court and report to the Mahogany Heights Police Station every Monday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. He must not apply for any other travelling documents and he is not to leave the country without the court’s permission. Grinage’s case has been adjourned to July 31.

Another San Pedro Man Murdered
Alfred Kelvin, a 49 year-old San Pedro resident who is originally from Corozal, was killed on the island on Saturday, May 31, in the early morning hours. Just before 2 a.m., San Pedro police officers were on patrol in the San Juan area, and they spotted Kelvin standing in front of Richie’s Supermarket on Pescador Drive. The business place had long since closed for the night, and so he was loitering. The officers kindly requested that he move from the location and go home, and he complied.

Lloyd Alexander King to Stand Trial for Murder of Ronald Rivers
Lloyd Alexander King was charged for the March 4, 2013 murder of Belize City Tour Guide and popular basketball player, Ronald Rivers. Rivers was ambushed while fixing his car near the BelChina gas station. He was shot and rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he underwent a number of surgeries to remove a bullet that was lodged in his body. However, after three weeks of treatment and numerous blood transfusions he succumbed to his injuries. On Tuesday, June 3, a preliminary case for murder against King was concluded before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. During the preliminary inquiry, King was unrepresented and did not challenge any of the prosecution’s evidence. King was asked if he has any alibi witness and he said no. Senior Magistrate Fraser gave him up until June 10 to provide the court with an alibi witness should he have any at the time.

Elvin Penner back in court
The PUP backed organization, Citizens Organized For Liberty Through Action (COLA), has 4 weeks to come up with evidence against Cayo Northeast Area Representative Elvin Penner, or else the case draws closer to being struck out of court. He’s currently facing 2 criminal charges under the Belize Passport Act, and the Belize Nationality Act, in a private prosecution brought by Geovannie Brackett and Nedal McLaren of COLA. On Thursday, May 29, Penner went back before Magistrate Aretha Ford in the Belmopan Court for an adjournment, when COLA and their attorney, Kareem Musa, was supposed to have provided disclosure. Readers may be aware that when disclosure is promised, that is usually when the prosecutor is able to provide a copy of all the evidence against an accused person. It usually comes in the form of witness statements, exhibits and other materials that the prosecutor intends to use to convince the court that a defendant is guilty of a crime.

South Side constituencies benefit from Municipal Development Project
The United Democratic Party keeps blazing a trail of development in the South Side Constituencies of Lake Independence, Port Loyola, Collett and Pickstock. Over the past couple of weeks, workers and materials have been mobilized in over a dozen streets in these constituencies. Under the Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow's 10 million dollar pledge to the Belize City Council for infrastructure works, 2 million dollars has been air marked for earthen streets. The project is such that area representatives from the 4 named South Side constituencies put in the name of the streets that they would like to take priority and resources are invested in them. Finances are secured from central government and the Belize City Council provides labor, expertise and heavy equipment.

Untrained Redundant Teachers to Receive Pension for Life?
In an effort to improve quality of education and maximize resources, Maud Williams, Sadie Vernon and Excelsior High Schools are merging their curricula. This school year the three schools combined to enroll a little more than 500 students. To educate those 500 students the schools had 61 teachers. That is about eight students per teacher when the minimal acceptable ratio is 15 students per teacher. Now that secondary school financing is no longer based on teacher salaries but instead on student enrollment, schools are forced to discontinue such obvious exercise of inefficiency. The curricula merger has resulted in some teachers being redundant. The schools have not yet finalized how many teachers will be needed for the upcoming school year but it certainly will not be 61. Included in the teachers that will be declared redundant are those who are not trained in pedagogical methods and have not attempted to do so. Minister Faber says those are the teachers he is most disappointed in because the Ministry urged them numerous times and provided ample opportunities for them to get pedagogical training.

Massive Turnout for Cancer Walk 2014
“Facts Can Save Lives… Power Up!!!!” The Belize Cancer Society held its annual Cancer Walk on Saturday, May 31, and a record number of participants showed up to help raise awareness on the indiscriminate disease. Despite a bleak weather forecast, Belizeans got out of bed early on Saturday to show their resilience against the disease or support for loved ones who are and have battled cancer. The symbolic walk has done a lot to raise awareness on all types of cancer. The event has grown significantly every year; going from a small crowd of Cancer Society reps and community organizers in 1996 to a national assembling event. Men, women and children of all ages, races and social backgrounds lined up in front of Celina’s in Ladyville Village for a 5 a.m. start time. Some were driven to the commencement site but most boarded buses to reach. The Belize Cancer Society had pick up spots in front of the Belize Water Services Limited, Pallotti High School, Channel 5 building, Friendship Restaurant and Brodies Supermarket on the highway. Participants had various reasons for taking on the nine-mile journey from Ladyville to the Belize Cancer Society headquarters on Mercy Lane in Belize City. Most participants came out in support of a relative or friend who had been diagnosed with cancer. There were also a number of cancer survivors who continue to support others engaged in their battles. A number of participants also walked in memory of loved ones who had lost their fight. Quite a huge number of people participated who say they have no personal experience with the disease or no recollection of it affecting any relative but they want to walk in solidarity with other Belizeans affected. Corporate sponsors offered their support in financial or organizational assistance. Bowen and Bowen and San Cas handed out water and juices.

Placencia Mangrove Planting Project Organized in Memory of Environmentalist Adrian Vernon
On Friday morning more than forty volunteers gathered in the Crimson Development community area of Placencia Village to participate in a mangrove planting activity organized in memory of environmentalist Adrian Vernon. Approximately four hundred seedlings were planted by members of the Vernon family, the World Wildlife Fund, the Southern Environmental Association, Oceana, the Placencia Village Council, Placencia Citizens for Sustainable Development, the Placencia Fishermen’s Cooperative, Friends of the Placencia Lagoon and the Coco Plum Resort and Residential Development. The mangroves now line the canal adjacent to the Placencia airstrip and will serve as a buffer for the residential plots of the Crimson Development community area.

Saint Ignatius Evening High School in Cayo - The school of a second chance
For the first time in the history of the Saint Ignatius High School in Santa Elena Town, in the Cayo District, a joint graduation will be held this coming June 7, 2014 at the Octavia Waight Center Convention Hall, bringing together both the day and night divisions. Those 42 graduates from the evening and night time classes had an opportunity to celebrate their achievement on Friday night of last week at the Saint Ignatius High School. Present for the celebratory occasion last Friday were members of the Board of Directors, Manager of Schools as well as prominent members of the Cayo Community. Director of the comprehensive programs of the evening school time at Saint Ignatius, Cynthia Ellis, described it as “…a time of appreciation and achievement, we can be proud and confident that we have strong visionaries and leaders for Belize.” Past students at the evening division at Saint Ignatius, such as talented singer Carolina Bonilla, who is now taking international business and environmental science at Galen University, encouraged the students to surpass their obstacles, saying “I am proud of you, because I was here with you.”

Belizean athletes medalled at Central American Junior Championship
The Belize Athletics Association participated in the Central American Junior Athletics Championship that held in Managua, Nicaragua from the 23rd to the 25th May, 2014. Belize had representation in the following events and by the following athletes in the Jr. B Female category: Shanicka Augustine in the 100m, Long Jump and Triple Jump; Ashanti Carr in Shot-put, Long Jump and Triple Jump; Ashonti Carr in 400m, Shot-put, and Long Jump; Deannia Cooke in 100m and 200m; Zhanea Jex in 100m, 200m and 400m; Julia Puerto in the 1500m and 3000m and Catherine Tan in the Shot-put, Discus and Javelin. The Belize Athletics Association would like to take this opportunity to thank the National Olympic Committee, Atlantic Bank Limited, RF&G; Insurance, Atlantic Insurance Co. Ltd., Belize Bank Limited, Atlantic International Bank Limited, the Minister of Sports Hon. Herman Longsworth, the various high schools and parents for their support.

Patrick Jones

Conservation groups want government’s position on Puerto Azul project
The proposed Puerto Azul development project within the Lighthouse Reef Atoll has raised “substantial alarm” within Belize’s conservation community. An alliance of conservation groups including Oceana-Belize, Healthy Reefs for Healthy People and the Belize Audubon Society today issued a statement calling on government to make an official statement on the exact status of the proposed resort development project. The conservation community statement also lists 7 of what it says is a long list of questions that needs answers, including whether or not the terms of reference for the project or the EIA has been finalized, whether the presence of Ministers Heredia and Contreras at the project’s unveiling in Cannes, France indicates an official endorsement of the project by government and whether the large amount of money being spent to promote Puerto Azul is not just an attempt to legitimize a “highly speculative venture.”

Attorney asks: is it right for the police hold Cavetubing workers?
On Wednesday evening, five employees of Cavetubing.com, owned by Yohnny Rosado were detained by police in connection with their investigation into the attack on competitor Vitalino Reyes Sr.’s son, Vitalino Jr. Vitalino Reyes, Jr is recovering from being kicked and hit in the head with a pint bottle at the Long Island Bar one week ago today. According to attorney Audrey Matura-Shepherd, who has been advising Rosado legally, police have stonewalled her attempts to find out whether the workers are being charged for anything, despite voluntarily giving their statements and cooperating with the investigation. Police have even refused, according to Matura-Shepherd, to accept her cooperation to bring the workers in to talk if they are not charged. They hold to the line that the detentions are part of their investigation into the incident.

Deon Bruce challenges extradition decision in judicial review
There was some legal history today in Belize City, as for the first time in a case involving extradition, there has been a challenge mounted to the lower court’s actual decision in addition to the standard habeas corpus application filed in such cases. 28 year old Deon Bruce is accused of murder and related charges in the United States and Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith ordered him to be extradited to stand trial in Chicago, Illinois earlier this year. But Bruce’s attorney Audrey Matura-Shepherd is challenging how she arrived at the decision via judicial review. She told reporters that there is precedent for simultaneous cases such as this in UK law and that the case against the extradition decision is solid.

Hicatee hatchling unveiled in Toledo
he Toledo Institute for Development and the Environment, TIDE is reporting success in incubating a set off Hicatee eggs rescued late last year. A posting on TIDE’s Facebook page today reported that the first hatchling was recorded on Wednesday by the organization’s Private Protected Lands project. According to the social media post “during the first week of December 2013, the rangers came across an eroding bank with a set of Hicatee eggs. The team decided to incubate the set of eggs to learn more about this data-deficient species.”

SATIIM displeased with perfected Supreme Court order
The victory thought to have been won by Sarstoon Temash Institute of Indigenous Management (SATIIM) in April of this year, appears to have been watered down. At least that is the perspective of SATIIM and its executive director Gregory Choc. In the April ruling, Justice Michelle Arana ordered the Government to enter into good faith negotiations with the Maya communities in the buffer zone of the Sarstoon Temash National Park before allowing U.S. Capital Energy to continue work in the area. But a perfected version of the court order released last week shows that Justice Arana made a very important edit, in which Government is now asked to “seek to obtain free, prior, and informed consent.” The normally mild-mannered executive director of SATIIM, Gregory Ch’oc, let loose with a tightly controlled display of frustration at what he says is a stacked deck.

Social partners unite as “Rod of Correction”
In unity there is strength, goes the old saying, and social partners from across the spectrum of issues – land, governance, democracy, society, labour and many more – have joined forces to form a new organization that puts all these issues on a level playing field. President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, Dylan Reneau, says they have been frustrated with their approach to Government and find it necessary to cooperate, beginning with Saturday’s Plant Di Corn Rally in support of BGYEA in Belize City. The new Rod of Correction will employ dialogue with Government among its strategies, but things seem to be building up to a national demonstration like the one in 2005, which also featured union leadership. Reneau says that though he is tired of the same formula, he is prepared to use it if need be.

Blogs

What’s new and upcoming on La Isla Bonita
The reason I was out and about taking San Pablo pictures is Cowboy had wanted to take Maria up on her rein check for more gravy after their weekly Tuesday closure at Georges Kitchen. He texted around 12:30 and told me he could go for late breakfast as soon as Wachee got back in 20 min. So I finished up my work was about to walk east to go meet him, I got as far as locking our gate before I was offered a ride. It was hot so I gladly accepted, so much for increasing my daily steps lol. Thanks to a bank line up, 20 min turned into Belize time fast and it took us about 2h to be ready to leave turning our late breakfast into a late lunch – we barely made it before 3:00pm closing time. By that time I was so hungry I managed one pic of Cowboy’s breakfast and got sidetracked as soon as my steak and eggs showed up. Did you know that they do not usually give change out in rolls at Belize banks? It will often come in envelopes or clear plastic bags like the dollars below.

A Recent Traveler Answers the Question: WHY BELIZE?
One of the things I heard most after telling people that Mike (my husband) and I vacationed in Belize this past March was, “Belize? Where is that?” To be fair, I didn’t know where it was before Mike suggested we go. Now that we’re back, though, with 9 days in paradise under our belts, I tell everyone who will listen to go to Belize. And here’s why. Well, let’s start with the best reason. This water. Such as plain and simple logistics. To many, Belize sounds exotic and half a world away, but our flight to Belize was a non-stop, 2.5 hour flight. (We live in Texas.) We left at noon and arrived before dinner. It takes longer (for us) to fly to California than to Belize. When we honeymooned in St. John, we left before the sunrise, stopped in Miami, stopped in Puerto Rico, landed in St. Thomas, rented a car, took the ferry to St. John, drove across the island, and finally got to our rental house twelve hours after our early morning flight. That’s an entire day lost to travel.

San Ignacio Belize: The Top 7 Cultural Attractions
San Ignacio, Belize is a small lovely town located on the Cayo region of the country and mere minutes away from the border with Guatemala. Considered as the heartland of the Belizean Mayan World, San Ignacio has its fair share of cultural and adventure attractions, even for those who travel with a tight budget. Here’s some of my favorite ones: 1. Discover the Cave of the Crystal Maiden (Actun Tunichil Muknal or ATM) 2. Explore the charm of the downtown 3. Climb the ancient Mayan Pyramids: 4. Enjoy horseback riding 5. Learn about the unique history of Belize 6. Go tubing down the river 7. Visit the Iguana Conservation Center

International Sources

Sotheby's International Realty Brand Enters Belize
Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced its luxury real estate services are now available in Belize with the opening of Belize Sotheby's International Realty, owned and operated by McCann & Fisher Ltd. The firm, which is managed by Shane and Brittany McCann, serves the luxury residential real estate market throughout Belize and is located at Barrier Reef Drive in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. "Ambergris Caye is considered one of the most desirable islands in the world," said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC. "The lifestyle offered there is coveted by people everywhere. Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, ancient Mayan Ruins, water falls, caves and the well-known Great Blue Hole. We are proud to be able to offer our services in this beautiful and unique market." According to Brittany McCann the affiliation with the Sotheby's International Realty(R) brand will help achieve their goal of raising the bar in Belize's real estate market. "We also want to help promote the economic growth of our country, and we believe the Sotheby's International Realty brand will help change the dynamics of the real estate market in Belize," she said. "Our company has raised the standards of service and ethics here in the property and rental management field, and this has set us apart from other real estate groups in the country. It is our mission to be the best in the industry and build a team of knowledgeable professionals, and we will continue this as we grow with the brand."

Houstonians behind Sotheby's deal to enter Belize luxe home market
Two Houstonians are behind New York-based Sotheby’s International Realty Inc.'s latest venture — this time into Belize. The real estate subsidiary of Sotheby’s auction house has opened Belize Sotheby's International Realty after inking a deal with McCann & Fisher Ltd., which will own and operate the brokerage. The McCann part of that namesake comes from Shane and Brittany McCann, both native Houstonians who studied marketing at the University of Houston's Bauer College of Business. The husband and wife business team have lived in Belize since 2010 and have worked in the vacation rental and property management businesses. Belize Sotheby's will serve the luxury residential real estate market on Belize's mainland and islands and has set up shop in San Pedro, which is on the island of Ambergris Caye.

Bird migration contains down-to-earth lessons
It’s a spring tradition now, more than 25 years in the making. Slices of juicy, fragrant oranges impaled on wooden pegs send an invitation skyward. Two small bowls of grape jelly and strawberry jam await visitors beneath a small cedar shelter hanging from a clothesline post. The feeders are filled with black birdseed. On a table near the windows in the family room rest a pair of binoculars and my time-honored Peterson Field Guide. Two key points in the link that brings bursts of color and song to our part of the world are Belize and the Osa Peninsula of southwestern Costa Rica. The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin points out that 55 species of Wisconsin birds spend the winter in the Osa Peninsula. Belize, located just west of Guatemala and north of Honduras in Central America, provides welcoming habitat for about 80 species of birds that make their way to Wisconsin. It’s apparent that the habitat of those faraway places as well as the habitat here will have a say in the future of bird species we call our own.

Importing Food Is Damaging The Caribbean: Why No Action?
It is shameful that golden opportunities to produce more food in the Caribbean and significantly reduce the astronomically high annual food import bill of US$4.75 billion are being woefully neglected. If this misguided trend continues, the economies of many of the countries of the region will be increasingly imperilled. At a time of very low or no economic growth, extremely high ratios of debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and declining foreign exchange earnings in many of the 14 independent nations that comprise the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the majority of them continue to spend huge sums on buying food outside the Caribbean. In 2013, only four countries were exceptions to those with unsustainably high debt to GDP ratios. They were: Haiti 21.3%, Suriname 29.2%, Trinidad and Tobago 30.6%, and Bahamas 56.3%. Of the others, Jamaica 138.9 %, Grenada 115%, St Kitts-Nevis 104.9% and Antigua and Barbuda 92.9% have the highest debt-to-GDP ratio. At the lower end of the unsustainable high debt-to-GDP ratio are Guyana 63.9%, Dominica 74.95, Belize 75.5%, and St Vincent and the Grenadines 76.4% (source IMF and World Bank). It should be noted that in the case of Haiti, while its debt-to-GDP ratio is low, it has the highest rate of poverty at 77% of its population. Other countries with high levels of poverty are: Belize 41.3%, Grenada 37.7%, Guyana 36.1%, and St Vincent and the Grenadines 30.2%.

Tropical Depression may form this weekend
An area of disturbed weather over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico is being monitored closely for tropical development over the next few days. According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Rob Miller, “While conditions are somewhat favorable for development in the low levels of the atmosphere, conditions are hostile for development aloft.” Miller is referring to disruptive winds at middle and upper levels of the atmosphere known as wind shear. These westerly winds often cause a developing or established tropical system to lean to the right and can cause dry air to invade the storm’s circulation. “Because of the wind shear, we may see a low-level circulation move westward toward the coast of Mexico and the upper part of the system driven off to the east over time,” Miller said. It is possible that some of that moisture in the form of drenching showers and thunderstorms could be steered over part of Florida and the Bahamas next week. “Should the system develop a low-level circulation we will be likely be only dealing with a minimal tropical system, such as tropical depression or tropical storm,” Miller said.

Best Caribbean resorts for anniversary trips
Whichever anniversary you're celebrating, gold — as in sunshine and sandy beaches — is always appreciated and the right Caribbean resort can help you make that milestone memorable. While there are honeymoon resorts that are also great choices for the more experienced, without the distraction of a recent marriage you may be just as interested in great food, a spa and outdoor activities as in the indoor amenities. The key to getting the trip that will rock your romantic Richter scale is to pinpoint what you both want and, when you find it, say "I do" — quickly. If you were casting a location for a movie about a forest hideaway, Blancaneaux Lodge would be perfect. It should be — it was built by film director Francis Ford Coppola. It's not simple to get to — a couple of hours over sketchy roads from Belize City — on purpose. Perched on the edge of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in western Belize, the Lodge has just 20 rooms along Privassion Creek. The hilly grounds are punctuated by waterfalls and festooned with wild orchids. It seems less like a hotel and more like your fabulously rich uncle invited you to enjoy his mountain estate — an estate that happens to have a pair of restaurants, a spa with a natural hot spring and a nice wine list featuring (surprise) Coppola's own wines. There's no beachfront stocked with windsurfers and kayaks but there are swimming holes in the pristine river and day trips to the Maya ruins at Caracol and Tikal, horseback riding, mountain biking and just taking in some of the hemisphere's most peaceful scenery from the deck of your thatch-roofed cabana. That should inspire some Oscar-worthy moments.

US, Partners Begin Military Exercises In Caribbean
Members of 11 Caribbean partner nations joined the U.S. and Canadian militaries in Antigua to kick off Phase I of Tradewinds 2014. The exercise, hosted in Antigua and Barbuda, is designed to enhance defense force abilities in maritime security and disaster response training, American Forces Press Service reported. The Caribbean partner nations, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, deployed maritime, national police, and coast guard units to take part in multiple training events. "Tradewinds is all about ensuring interoperability among Caribbean forces and advancing cooperation and coordination in various security and disaster-related scenarios," said Lt. Cmdr. Auden Nicholas, commanding officer of the Antigua Barbuda Defense Force's Coast Guard, and Antiguan co-director for Tradewinds 2014. The U.S. military plays an important maritime security role in the region and worked closely with Nicholas and his staff in setting up the Tradewinds exercise.

Entry to Latin America complicated by patchwork regulatory quilt
The regulatory picture for dietary supplements in Latin America is still very much a patchwork quilt, according to an expert who has studied the markets. But harmonization is on the horizon, and companies that are up to speed stand to reap the benefits.

The first Belizean Hurricane!
Sources from TPSL say The Houston Hurricanes FC signed `#Belize International player Evan Evimar Mariano a player that can play Midfield, winger or forward. Head Coach of the Hurricanes Coach Brendan Keyes said the team is very excited about bringing Evan to HOuston Texas, United States, he will definitely bring another level of play to the already strong team. He said "I believe with Evan and three or four more quality players we are bringing in we can challenge for the title this year. He brings the experience of playing at