Recent Belize News, 10/20/2014 to 10/31/2014, BelizeNews.com

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

Halloween Jam Night at Legend’s
Legend’s Road House, formerly known as Legend’s Burger House, just north of San Pedro Town is known for their amazing smoked meats and “legendary” Tuesday Jam Nights. With music by local musicians and a live band, many gather to enjoy cold beers, good food and rocking tunes. On Tuesday, October 29th they too got into the spirit of Halloween, and hosted their very own Halloween Jam Night, masquerade style. While many did not show up in full Halloween attire, the crowd did come out and certainly had a good time.

2015 Public and Bank Holidays
IT IS NOTIFIED for general information that public and bank holidays specified in the First and the Second Schedules to the Holidays Act, Chapter 289 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2003, will be observed on the following days during the year 2015 in accordance with section 3 of the said Act:-

San Pedro Turtles begin recruitment
Rugby, a newly introduced sport to Belize, has taken Ambergris Caye by storm and is quickly gaining popularity among island youths. Recruitment for the San Pedro Turtles Rugby Club (SPTRC) started on Tuesday, October 21st and saw a large crowd of youth eager to get acquainted with the new sport. Spearheading the project in San Pedro is Rugby Belize regional organizer, Martin Dawson with the assistance of professional rugby player, Alex Almas. The first training session was held at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Arena and was aimed at sensitizing the children to the new sport. Originally played in England, Rugby shares similar traits to football as it entails of scoring goals against an opposing team. But unlike football, rugby players can score either by running with the ball in hand or kicking it across the field. The popularity of rugby has grown in the past year and will make its international debut at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ebola Update 2 – Ministry of Health Updates on Ebola Activities
The Ministry of Health continues to carry out activities aiming at containing any possible threats of Ebola in Belize. 1. The Ministry of Health has ramped up a series of coordinated activities in conjunction with the Customs and Excise Department, the Immigration Department and the airlines for further strengthening at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). 2. A meeting was held with the airlines and personnel from the Airport Concession Company to agree on the implementation of new procedures for passengerarrival. A flow chart for processing of passengers is in use as a guide for Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) who are now being rotated at the International Airport. 3. Training continues on infection control procedures for a wide cross section of persons at the International Airport.

What’s Hot around Town: Nails by Angelina!
Today I’m introducing you to Angelina Guerrero. Angelina, is a very vibrant and creative artist. While many artists choose to paint on canvasses and walls, she creates beautiful art on your nails! Whether you want sculpted nails, acrylic designs, the ever trendy “gelish” nails -or maybe you’d just like to polish up on your natural nails, she does it all! Her creative eye translates through bubbly designs bursting with color and creativity on each nail. Whether you want something fun and exciting, or maybe more polished and refined, if anyone can do it this girl can!

Belize loses its Paradero King, Paul Nabor
86-year-old Paul Santino Nabor passed away on Wednesday, October 22nd in Punta Gorda Town. Nabor had reportedly been ailing for months as he was suffering from pneumonia amongst other illnesses. Nabor is a Belizean icon who has contributed significantly the country’s rich musical culture and history. Born on January 26, 1928, Nabor was a musician from Punta Gorda who dedicated much of his life to keeping the Garifuna culture alive. He specialized in paranda music, a mix of percussion and guitar rhythms. Through his music Nabor promoted the need to preserve the rich culture of the Garifuna.

Ministry of Tourism launches brand for Artisan products
On Wednesday, October 22nd and Thursday, October 23rd, the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) launched the first certified brand for Belizean artisan products called Unique Belize at the Ramada Princess Belize City. The brand is part of the Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archaeological Sites Project (MTBCAAS). The product brand was created through the collaboration of the MOT, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and will be sold at nine major Archaeological Sites across Belize. The aim of the brand is for products made in Belize be distinguishable among other Central American products. Currently there are 64 artisans participating and collaborating for Unique Belize. These artisans have received training for small business and product development. Products being sold under the brand will include anything from carvings, bamboo art pieces, woven baskets, hats, stone products and paintings, items that are sought out by tourist for souvenirs. The project is funded by the European Union and the Government of Belize.

Ambergris Today

Belizean Sailors Shine in Guinness Record-Setting Sailing Attempt
No one in the world expected Belizean sailors all to finish among the top 15% and place 4th in the top 50 in the biggest regatta of all time, but guess what? Belize did set itself apart and proved to be a powerhouse when it comes to sailing; and it all happened in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, La Isla Bonita! On September 21, 2014, 28 Belizeans were among 16,780 skippers of all ages, all over the world, and in all sorts of sailboats, participating in Bart's Bash, a regatta that the Guinness Book of World Records accepts as the largest regatta in history. It was held in memory of a beloved champion sailor and philanthropist, Andrew "Bart" Simpson and in support of The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. Bart lost his life at age 37, practicing aboard Sweden's 72-foot America's Cup catamaran that cartwheeled in preliminaries on San Francisco Bay on May 8, 2013. The names of all the skippers in this memorial to his life will be recorded in the Guinness book's on line edition.

Misc Belizean Sources

National Beach Soccer Team
Mr. Betto Lima, CONCACAF Beach Soccer Development Manager, and Mr. Benny Astorga, CONCACAF Beach Soccer Instructor are in San Pedro where they are offering a course to prepare individuals for the National Beach Soccer Team. Selections will be made from San Pedro Town and will participate in Costa Del Sol, El Salvador from November 12 to the 17 of this year. Currently taking the course is Mr. Hector "Tito" Alamilla, Mr. Roberto Canul and Mr. Alex Noralez who are part of the coaching staff that will be preparing the individuals to participate in El Salvador.

HOME DEPOT in Chetumal
HOME DEPOT in Chetumal, Mexico stocks up as they get prepared for their grand opening. They are located at Avenida Insurgentes a few blocks north of Plaza America.

Ebola Update 2
Ministry of Health Updates on Ebola Activities

Placencia Peninsula Nov. 1 planned outage postponed
Postponed until further notice, power interruption previously scheduled for entire Placencia Peninsula, Independence Village and surrounding areas: 7:00am to 11:00am, Saturday, November 1, 2014.

Halloween Spooktacular Fair
It’s back folks, Corozal ITVET does it again! It’s our annual Halloween Spooktacular Fair and you are all invited to come join in all the fun and scares we have prepared for you. Date: October 31st 2014 Time: 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm Place: Corozal ITVET School Grounds Entrance: Free Support Corozal ITVET!

Requests for Proposals for Energy Generation
Recently the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) released the first draft of its report on the 2013 Requests for Proposals for Energy Generation, for which 22 bids were received from 37 proposals. A final list of eight bids was presented which have the greatest likelihood of proceeding to power purchase agreements with Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) once a final “simulation” phase is passed. We understand that the PUC intends to make a decision tomorrow, Friday, to declare which candidates may proceed to negotiations with BEL, and ask that they postpone this decision until the public has heard from each of the top candidates. While we note that there have been no contracts signed, after research and review, COLA endorses fully the seventh-placed project in the list, the proposal by Cohune Energy Limited (CEL) for the following reasons. This project is an example of the kind of Belizean creativity and innovation that will drive the country forward – making use of a local resource to power the Jewel sustainably and efficiently. More importantly, it has secured written financial commitment from international banks to the tune of $350 million, which keeps it from becoming a liability to the Belizean people should it fail. But if it succeeds – as we expect it to – this will become Belize’s newest and fastest-growing industry, providing thousands of jobs and bringing in foreign exchange for the economy.

Old glasses bring new vision to Belize
The little boy trying on glasses of various strengths appeared puzzled when I pointed to the letters on the vision screening chart. A few seconds later, he grinned as I pointed to pictures on a special chart for people unable to read. “What do you see?” I asked, pointing to various shapes. He knew the circle and the star. He called the flag a box. When I pointed to the heart toward the bottom of the chart, he said “I see love.” Tears filled my eyes. Joy filled my heart. “Honey, I see love, too,” I told him gently. “You may have this pair of glasses.” I hugged him and we both smiled. Each of my 36 international medical mission trips have had at least one such magical moment. My recent Volunteers in Medical Missions trip to Belize had two. In mid-October, I was part of a 13-member medical team that represented six states. We flew from Atlanta to Belize City and then traveled by van to the capital city of Belmopan, which served as our base.

LPG PRICES OCTOBER 31, 2014
Government of Belize Press Office

Channel 7

The Holy Helicopter Cometh
Finally, the Belize Defense Force will have its own helicopter. Since the pullout of the British Military Training unit in 2012, government has been going around cap in hand begging their partners in the US, the UK and Taiwan for assistance in getting a helicopter. But at eight to 12 million US dollars for one helicopter, there have been no takers, so now the Barrow Administration has found a multi-million dollar deal, for not one, but two helicopters - and they announced today that they are taking it. National Security Minister John Saldivar was the first to speak at a press conference this afternoon where it was called a glorious day for Belize:.. Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security "Our desire for a helicopter is about to become a reality. We were in discussions with the British, the US, the Canadians and the Taiwanese, however, none of these have borne fruit." Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "Now, what we are looking at is a cost of 4.1 million dollars for two refurbished helicopters; a smaller one and a bigger one."

USA To GOB on Hunting Caye: Give It To The Gautes or Pay Your Own Way
The other security issue of national importance, which was discussed at the press conference today, was the Hunting Caye forward operating base for the Coast Guard. As has been widely reported, the US Army Corp of Engineers subcontracted it out to a Guatemalan contractor named Binarq. After public uproar made that untenable the contract was cancelled and other options were sought. But, it seems no Belizean firm was big enough to meet what are known as the prequalification terms to be eligble for a US Corp of Engineers contract. So, the US gave Belize two choices. The Security Minister outlined them today:.. Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security "We have been advised by the US Army Corps of Engineers that at this point there are only two options for Belize; one, that the construction of the forward operating base continues under the existing contractual arrangements with BINARQ and no change in their workforce configuration. Option 2 is for the Government of Belize to complete the construction of the forward operating base. These two options were presented to Cabinet on Tuesday by my ministry and Cabinet has made a decision to go with option 2 which is for the Government of Belize to continue and complete the construction of the forward operating base."

GOB Not Backing Down On Petro Caribe
So, government isn't flinching at that figure or at the 4.1 million US dollars for the helicopters. And why is that? Petrocaribe, of course! No doubt, the petro-bucks have the Barrow administration drunk in love with Chavvissimo. Except now, the PUP is trying to break up the party - by asking the Supreme Court to intervene and stop the government from borrowing or spending more Petrocaribe proceeds. But the Prime Minister says, the petro-bucks can't stop, won't stop:.. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "I believe honestly and with the utmost conviction that this challenge to the Petrocaribe program and this effort to stop the Petrocaribe spending is a case that the opposition cannot win either in the supreme court or in the court of public opinion. In terms of accounting for the Petrocaribe funds, we account not just to the Belizean people, we account to the Venezuelans. They were here 6 months ago and did a complete evaluation and pronounce themselves, my word not theirs, "ecstatic" about the fact that the program is so absolutely well-run, so impeccably run in this country."

Eastern Div. Strike Team Stops Robbery In Progress
You probably haven't heard of the Eastern Division Strike Team - but they're making news tonight after the impressive and swift apprehension of a carload of alleged armed robbers. Here's what happened: at a few minutes after 4:00, a pair of robbers held up a Chinese Grocer store on Albert Hoy Street. They escaped in a small green car, which was waiting for them. The Eastern Division strike team sprang into action and intercepted the car on Coney Drive a few minutes later. They stopped a green Geo Prizm with four men inside. Inside the car, police found the bag containing the money and also a .38 revolver loaded with live rounds.

CHIK-V: From CARPHA To CDC
Last week we told you about the four suspected cases of Chikungunya coming out of the Belmopan area. As we told you on Friday, it's down to two suspect cases, since two of the women have since tested positive for Dengue. But we've been waiting now for two weeks for the test on the most suspect case to come back from Carpha in Trinidad. Well, things have changed: now it's coming from the Centers For Disease Control in Atlanta. How did that happen? Well CARPHA tells the Belize Ministry of Helath that it's been inundated with requests for tests on Chikungunya from other countries so it was forced to redirect the Belize sample to the CDC. Still, they expect the result to come back by the end of this week. We'll keep you posted.

Major Suit For Government
4 weeks ago, we told you about the lawsuit that Belize City resident Allyson Major Sr. is bringing against the Attorney General and the Police Department. He's seeking an award of damages for the ordeal he experienced while he was wrongly accused of being in possession of a weapon. He's also seeking the get the Supreme Court to strike down sections of the Gun Laws, which have been oppressive and punitive. As we've told you, back in April of 2012, Police seized 2 weapons from a Peter Seco Street home, where 6 persons were charged and remanded. Fortunately, one of the defendants, a resident of the house accepted guilt, but those other 5 did not get an automatic acquittal. Major, who has a visiting relationship with the woman of the house, protested that he knew nothing about the weapons. Still, he was arrested, charged, arraigned and remanded based on faulty police intelligence, and he was held in custody for 38 days. He was forced to stand an entire trial before his freedom and reputation was restored to him after being acquitted.

Cops Captured Drinking Dos Equis
A picture is worth a thousand words. And one image that has attracted quite a negative response is one of two police officers - who were allegedly off duty - drinking Mexican beers at the Benque Free Zone. Now, many might say that police officers like government workers and teachers have a personal life too but not in uniform. We spoke to ASP Daniel Arzu, the officer commanding the Benque Police Formation today about the incident and he says he is well aware of the situation and disciplinary actions have been taken against both officers. He lamented the media exposure.

Titan Securities Case Still In Chambers
For almost the entire day, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin was busy with the billion-dollar securities fraud case which has made it to the Supreme Court due through the efforts of the Financial Intelligence Unit. The convocation of legal eagles representing the 6 men and the 6 companies indicted by a federal court in New York were back in court on Tuesday. They were dealing with preliminary issues that have emerged in the case. They all returned today, and will be back tomorrow for the continuation of the in-chambers hearing. So, what's being discussed in these hearings? Well, we can't tell you because at this time, the media is not allowed to sit in and listen to the progress of the trial.

The Strange Sonic History Of Naguya Nei
Tonight in Punta Gorda preparations for Paul Nabor's funeral are going into high gear - or as high gear as laid back Punta Gorda gets. And tonight at 7News, we continue our examination of his peculiar legend. As we told you last night - his body of recorded work is incredibly small: there are only about three songs on one album that are commercially available - maybe collectors have a couple more from earlier years - and his friends have songs they just recorded at his home, known as The Temple. But the recording of his most famous song is kind of an accident - not in how it happened - but in how it came out. Producer Ivan Duran who made the recording at Diamond Studios in Belize City recalled for us the recording quirk that made "Naguya Nei" a timeless classic: Ivan Duran, Producer - "Naguya Nei" "Naguya Nei has to be one of the most beautiful Garifuna songs ever composed. It's just a song that from the first moment you hear it you know it's something special and it touches your heart."

Gov't Services Are Going Electronic
Last night we told you about the Lands and Survey Department Sweep in ORANGE WALK to solve those long standing land issues. Well, government departments are following the trend of improving services to the public by installing e -government services. This means no more long lines and patiently, or, as the case may be, impatiently, waiting on applications to be processed. We found out more today at an e government conference. There are several projects being implemented under this service such as the license and permit system.

Midway Village Writes PM; Declares Support For Oil
In August, we told you how the Mayan Buffer Community of Midway joined Sunday Wood Village as the only indigenous communities who have openly declared that they support oil exploration in the south around the buffer communities. That's following a meeting with the District Association for Village Councils (DAVCO). Well, in case there is any confusion, the Alcaldes wrote a letter to the Prime Minister 2 weeks ago, on October 17. In that letter they say quote, "We the Alcaldes of the Village of Midway... officially informs the Government of Belize that (neither) the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM)... The Maya Leaders Alliance (MLA), nor the Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA) represent or are authorized to represent the village of Midway..." End quote. This means that none of these organizations or their agents can presume to speak for them on any topical issue, or include them in any court challenge against the Government and US Capital Energy.

The Healing Abilities Of The Mind?
We should all be familiar with traditional western medicine - that is healing through prescription medications and doctor visits, but there is another form of healing that entails nothing more but your mind. Now, the mainstream would be quick to write it off as quackery, but visiting American Health Educator, Dr. Mark Pirtle says it's real. He told Courtney weatherbuene about it today: Dr. Pirtle will host a one day workshop on Saturday at the Radisson.

7 Things You May Not Know About Paul Nabor
We've learned a lot about Paul Nabor this week and through the film The Three Kings many of us already knew a lot about him. But, still, the man is an enigma - and that's because he's a bundle of contradictions: great global fame matched up against great humility; great talent but precious few recordings…and the list goes on. Yesterday we spoke to his great friend Michale Norales from Punta Gorda by way of Dangriga. Along with Darius Avila, he set up the Paul Nabor Birthday concert every January - and yesterday he reminisced with us about some of the little known things about Paul Nabor. Ivan Duran who toured all over the world with Nabor also chipped in with some reminiscences:… And later on - we'll have one more shot of Nabor as we show you highlites from his first tribute concert last night in Punta Gorda Town…

PM Discusses RFP Proposals
Last week we told you about the results for the initial review of the request for power from the public utilities commission. One proponent of alternative energy who got a low rating form the PUC seems to have enlisted COLA to sweat fever for him. A release from the activist group today says quote, "COLA endorses fully the seventh-placed project in the list, the proposal by Cohune Energy Limited". But the PUC didn't seem too taken by it, and today COLA's president Geovannie Brackett put on his journalist hat to ask the Prime Minister about it - which got into a wide ranging discussion about the energy proposals:.. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "I don't know the details. i did inquire of Minister Grant in Cabinet and she said first of all its not really cohune, I forget what she said it really was before you get to the cohune, but she made the point. I don't want to misrepresent her, but the point was made that that project was evaluated, was found not to be viable and there are very many reasons why a project might be found not to be viable in terms of making onto the shortlist; cost, lack of expertise, whatever. But she reminded me and Cabinet that the process of evaluating these proposals was conducted in the most transparent fashion with assistance from the Clinton Foundation.

GSU Seizes Tens Of Thousands In Weed
There have been more drug seizures by the GSU. On Monday GSU personnel searched a small wooden house on West Street and found 996 grams or about 2 pounds of high grade weed, known as Hydro in a barrel, wrapped in a black plastic bag with a street value of $13,000 dollars. No one was found in the area but they believe the drugs are the property of members of the George Street Gang. And on Antelope Street on Monday at about 6:55 in the evening 797 grams or one pound of weed was found underneath a house, separated in 7 black bags. Near that area 91 grams or 3.2 ounces of cannabis was found between a zinc fence. GSU believe it belongs to well-known drug peddlers from the Antelope Street Area.

BBBFF President Under Sustained Criticism
Last night, we showed you how the Belize Body Building and Fitness Federation responded to the allegations of misuse of funds which bodybuilder Cricel Castillo made against them. The President had to answer personally to that allegation, and Castillo is not the only person who's criticizing his leadership. Clinton Tucker, who you may know as the head trainer at the Lion's Den Boxing Gym in Ladyville, is also a bodybuilder and a member of the Federation. He's also the back to back winner of the Mr. Physique competition, a category within the Bodybuilding Championships. He and Moody had a recent falling out over money; he claims that the monetary prizes for winning the competition have been unreasonably decreased, and he blames the federation executives for not raising funds. Yesterday, the president was asked about it at the press conference they hosted, and here's how he explained what he views as an unimportant dispute with Tucker. Stanley Moody, President, B.B.B.F.F. "Last week when Mr. Tucker came to pick up his stipend as we put it for winning the Mr. Physique, he came to my place of business, I had customers in my business, he was given his cheque and on his way out the door he turn around and started making a whole heap of noise about if this is the little bit of money he is getting and that this cant satisfies him and he was being very loud in my place of business.

Positive Vibes' Punta Inna You Blood
The artist Positive Vibes has released a new album. The man who made hits with songs such as "Liabetes" says he's gone fully Punta this time while keeping a premium on entertainment:.. Vibes will be hosting a prerelease show this Saturday at the Downtown Plaza. The official release will be on November 15th.

Channel 5

US Southcom Issues Ultimatum on Hunting Caye F.O.B.
On October ninth, the construction of the Coast Guard’s forward operating base on Hunting Caye came to an abrupt stop. Following public outrage and outcry at the news that a [...]

Belize Defense Force to Receive First Fleet of Helicopters
The press conference by the Ministry was called for two reasons – first to update on the forward operating base, which could classify as bad news, depending on how you [...]

Training to be Provided for Helicopter Pilots
In addition to the four point one million acquisition cost, there is also the matter of what had previously been described as prohibitively expensive operating costs. But those costs, including [...]

Petrocaribe Funds to Cover Cost of Helicopter Acquisition
One hundred and eighty million dollars of the Petrocaribe Funds are unspent. The Prime Minister will use part of that money to pay for the helicopters, since government’s coffers are [...]

P.M. Barrow on Petrocaribe Lawsuit
Of course, there is the matter of the claim which has been filed by Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Julius Espat. In addition to seeking declarations the money was [...]

P.M. Reiterates Transparency of PUC’s Decision on Renewable Energy Providers
Eight companies which submitted bids for the provision of energy to the national grid were recently shortlisted by the Public Utilities Company. One company which wasn’t…submitted a proposal using the [...]

Does Anwar Barrow Have Interest in Southern Renewable Energy?
Two other companies which did make the cut became the subject of a testy exchange this afternoon. The first is SS Energy Limited, owned by the Guatemalan based Santander Group [...]

Financial Secretary Joe Waight Says Cost of Fuel Is Expected to Reduce
The cost of fuel in Belize has dominated the airwaves in the past couple weeks. Actually it’s not exactly the cost – which has been consistently high for years now. [...]

Yanie Cu Offered Compensation by G.O.B. Following Near-Fatal Collision
On October twenty-fourth News Five brought you the terribly tragic case of Benque resident Yanie Cu. Cu was badly injured in a collision with a vehicle driven at the time [...]

Cost of LPG From Mexico Increases By Two Dollars
A few more hours to go, but effective midnight the prices of butane imported into the country by the main suppliers are going up by two dollars across the country. [...]

Allison Major Challenges Firearms Act
This morning, in the courtroom of Justice Michelle Arana, attorney Arthur Saldivar and his client Allison Major filed a claim in which they are challenging the Firearms Act. The suit [...]

Double Head Cabbage Cab Driver Charged for Snapping Pics of Female Minor
A Double Head Cabbage taxi driver is in trouble with the law after he made the mistake of approaching a twelve-year-old student, told her he liked her then took out his cell [...]

Copper Bank Fisherman Busted for Unprocessed Conch
A Copper Bank fisherman was slapped with more than two thousand dollars in fines after he was found in possession of ninety-three unprocessed conchs. The fisheries bust was made earlier [...]

Mayor Bradley on Flooding of City Streets
The rains keep coming down and the streets of Belize City keep flooding. It’s an accepted thing because we know it WILL happen, but that doesn’t mean it’s pleasant. Owners [...]

Schedule for Diabetes Month Released
Activities commemorating the international day of recognition for diabetes have been scheduled for the month of November. Diabetes, otherwise known as the silent killer, is among the leading causes of [...]

National Library Service Hosts Health Fair
Ebola and Chik-V pose potential threats to the health of Belizeans. ChikV is not as dangerous, but is prevalent in the region; but Ebola is deadly and as a recent [...]

ORINCO Joins National Road Safety Initiative
The Organization of Insurance Companies, ORINCO, is the organization under which insurance companies are members. And as an initiative to reduce traffic accidents in Belize, all insurance companies will be [...]

Belizean Artists at Tribute to Paul Nabor
Activities leading up to the official funeral of iconic Belizean musician Paul Nabor continue in Punta Gorda Town. On Wednesday, a handful of artists took to the stage in that [...]

Healthy Living Looks at Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
Over the past few months, there has been an increased attention on viral infections like Ebola and Chikungunya; but, there is one viral menace that is sweeping across the nation [...]

CTV3

SIB Releases External Trade Figures
The Statistical Institute of Belize, SIB today released its consumer price index and external trade figures for the month of September. Latest trade statistics show that for September 2014, the total value for imported goods into Belize showed a 9.6% increase, from $149.3 million last year to $163.6 million this year. Mineral fuels and lubricants accounted for almost half of the increase in the value of imported goods during the month, growing by more than $6 million to $25 million, mostly as a result of increased diesel imports. Machinery and transport equipment rose from $30.8 million to $34.3 million due to higher imports of water pumps and motor vehicles. In the ‘Food and Live Animals’ sector, increased purchases of lard and shortening, coffee, canned sausages and animal feed rose to $2.3million.

PUP Cayo South Area Rep. Files Court Action Against Minister Of Finance
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and PUP Cayo South Area Representative, Julius Espat, officially filed a claim against the Minister of Finance, Honourable Dean Barrow, against the petro caribe program today. As we’ve reported, that money comes from sales of fuel imported into Belize from Venezuela, for which Government only has to pay half, while getting the other half on credit at very favourable terms. In the claim, Espat wants the Supreme Court to follow up on several matters. One: To stop Prime Minister Barrow from spending the millions of Petrocaribe money. Two: For the court to declare the spending unconstitutional and illegal because Barrow is spending the funds without Parliaments approval. And three: For Barrow to explain how the money was spent and for receipts to be shown.

MOH Sets Measures For Ebola Prevention Locally
Concern lingers internationally over the spread and handling of Ebola which has now become the deadliest outbreak in West Africa, according to officials. The virus was first detected in 1976 and up until March of this year it was relatively dormant. The virus was detected in West Africa in March this year and BBC reports that by October 23rd, four thousand nine hundred and twenty-two people were reported as having died from the disease. These deaths have been recorded in Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and the United States. The number of cases detected is in excess of ten thousand, according to the BBC.

Libertad Residence Face Problems With Potable Water
Tonight residents of Libertad Village in the Corozal District are facing challenges with the distribution of potable water. CTV3 News was made to understand that for the past month, residents had to be on a time schedule to fill up their containers for their use. Our news reporter Victor Castillo spoke to a concerned resident on the issue. Concern villager – Libertad “Now we have a problem with this water system that the, we don’t have water main, sometimes the entire morning or the evening we don’t have water, they say the pump is not working very good but then I say why we pay water every month, $10.00 water, and they say they have like 500 users/members of the water board with the villagers.” Out – go and come. It is reported that over 500 consumers from both Libertad and Concepcion Village are benefactors of the water supply and today, from what we have been able to gather from villagers, it is alleged that the chairman of the water board has failed to provide a report on the income generated.

Corozal Health Workers Hold Mini Health Fair
Today Community Health Workers from Corozal Town hosted a mini health fair with the objective of educating and providing medical assistance to those who are facing financial problems and are unable to visit the hospital or much less a private clinic. Elda Sutherland – Community Health Worker. “Today we are having a health fair, this health fair, the Corozal District is divided into Catchment areas so we are in the Corozal Catchment area which is Corozal town, we have San Andres, we have San Antonio, we have Santa Rita and we have Paraiso so all of us health workers get together because we are in this program of Mesoamerica and we are doing health awareness in the community so by doing this we invite all the community in our areas to come out and we have this educational program for the morning.”

Vehicle Robbed In Corozal
There is another motor vehicle theft to report tonight, but this time the victim hails from Patchakan Village in the Corozal District. Thirty four year old Joel Ruiz, Belizean cane farmer, reported to police that on Tuesday around 6:00am, he parked his black and grey GMX Sonoma pickup truck in a cane field off the Ramonal/Estero Road in the Corozal District and went to spray his cane field. Upon his return around 9:00am, Ruiz’s vehicle was nowhere to be found. Police have launched an investigation but all efforts to retrieve the vehicle have been unsuccessful. The estimated value of the pickup truck is $5,000.

Still No Breakthrough On Bagasse Negotiations
The next sugar crop is scheduled to start sometime in late November or early December this year. It appears though, that the crop may very well be affected once again by the deadlock in the negotiations for the bagasse revenue sharing between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and the Belize Sugar Industries Limited. The last meeting to move these negotiations ahead was held on October ninth where BSI officials presented a counter proposal to the association’s proposal that had been handed to them on September eight. Vice Chairman of the Committee of Management at the BSCFA, Alfredo Ortega, says BSI’s response was not favorable to say the least and once more the negotiation is down an unsure path. Alfredo Ortega “Esta ves vinieron de una manera de imposición de que quieren que aceptemos su propuesta de ellos a como dé lugar así es de que en estos momentos estamos en un callejón incierto en estos momentos, n hay nada cercano para llegar a un de acuerdo para firmar en esta position d ambas partes.”

Inflation Rate Goes Up By 0.7% For September
Turning to the consumer price index, statistics show that prices (inflation) went up slightly by 0.7% in September. The all-items consumer price index rose marginally to 103.6 in September 2014, increasing from 102.8 in the same period last year. For the first 9 months, the overall inflation rate was 1.3 percent. Home rentals prices were 2 percent higher than in September 2013. Increases for this item were recorded across all municipalities except Corozal Town. With an inflation rate of 1.5 percent, more than double the national inflation rate, San Ignacio/Santa Elena recorded the highest rate of price increase for the month and Corozal recorded the lowest.

San Pedro Police Officer Charged For Theft
San Pedro Police charged one of their own yesterday based on accusations of theft. Twenty six year old Constable, Dean Perez, was arraigned on Tuesday in the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court for the crime of theft. He was given bail in the amount of $2,000 and ordered to return to court on December 5th of this year. The charge of theft was brought against PC Perez after San Pedro resident, Jose Hernandez, complained that the law enforcement officer stole cash and a cell phone from him with a combined value of $1,000 during an investigation at his home. The San Pedro Sun Newspaper reports that during an investigation on October 5th, PC Perez allegedly swiped identification documents with $600 between them and a $400 cellular phone belonging to Hernandez. Following a complaint lodged by Hernandez, an investigation was carried out and PC Perez was positively identified during an ID parade, after which he was arrested and charged for theft. The Sun reports that PC Perez is also facing an internal police investigation and could end up before a police tribunal.

LOVE FM

Barrow Says Figueroa Will Win Cayo North Division
Last week we reported on the resignation of PUP’s Cayo North Area Representative, Joseph Mahmud. While he has decided to step down, Mahmud says that his support for the PUP is undying. So now, the People’s United Party will now search for a new candidate. However, Leader of the United Democratic Party, Dean Barrow, says that Mahmud never posed any threat. RT. HON. DEAN BARROW “We were going to win in any case, no disrespect to Mr. Mahmud but I think from the time of our convention which produced a phenomenal turn out and not every convention held by the UDP did produce a phenomenal turnout but that one in Cayo North certainly did and it also produced a phenomenal candidate, Dr. Omar Figueroa.

GSU Yields Marijuana in City Operations
Operations on West Street in Belize City by members of the Gang Suppression Unit have yielded two point two pounds of hydro type cannabis with an estimated street value of thirteen thousand dollars. According to reports, the search was conducted today at a small wooden house where a search was conducted inside a barrel which contained a black plastic bag containing a parcel wrapped in transparent plastic bag which contained the drug. No one was in the area at the time of the discovery and it was labeled as found property. GSU operatives are of the belief that the drug is the property of members of the George Street Gang.

PM Says Government Will Assist Yanie Ku with Medical Bills
Barrow also shared that Yanie Ku, the driver of a taxi that was involved in an accident with Miguel Segura, will received some sort of financial assistance for his medical attention. RT. HON. DEAN BARROW “The CEO approached me and I said ”Look I have to be careful because Mr. Segura is not accepting liability and so ultimately what a government is going to be liable or not remains to be determined but I have said to him let me look at it, give me the figures”, the expenses that the man has incurred and for sure we will either meet all of those medical expenses or contribute a great portion to it.”

Government Makes Offer to Mother of Daniel Conorquie
The killing of Special Constable Daniel Conorquie by Guatemalan men stunned the nation in September. Conorquie was sitting under a palapa at the Caracol Archaeological Site when a group of men pounced on him and shot him several time. Conorquie was on duty at the time of his murder and so the question of compensation has risen several times. Cabinet met recently and it was decided that a financial compensation will be given to Conorquie family. Prime Minister Dean Barrow says that he believes the amount is fair. RT. HON. DEAN BARROW “An offer has been made, I don’t want to disclose the details because they have not yet responded and perhaps it’s better to wait for that and I believe that the offer made to Danny Conorquie’s mother is fair. I tried to do my very best to ensure that it would reflect the tremendous value that we put on the sacrifice he made. I also had to bear in mind as I was told there are other people that have fallen in the line of duty.

Man Sues GOB for Infringement of Constitutional Rights
Allyson Major along with his attorney, Anthony Sylvestre, appeared before Justice Michelle Arana this morning in regards to Major’s constitution motion challenging specific provisions of Belize’s Firearms Act. The constitution challenge stems from an incident that occurred in April 2012 when Major was arrested for firearms offences. He was imprisoned for 38 days and he now is suing the Government for infringing on his constitutional rights. Sylvestre and Major spoke to the media. “Last year in November we brought this claim to the Supreme Court claiming damages and exemplary and aggravated damagers for various breaches of Major’s constitutional right in particular his right not to be charged unless there is reasonable suspicion. As the public is well aware the provisions of the Firearms Act allows a person to be charged when applied even if that person in real sense may not necessarily have any knowledge of the particular ammunition or firearm and therefore there might not have been any reasonable basis for that person to be charged.

PlusTV

The Guardian

PUP’s Petrocaribe Hustle!
“ Benefits of Petro-Caribe were being channeled away from the intended beneficiaries of the program, the Government and People of the recipient countries, towards a coterie of private interests;” In June 2007, the MUSA administration being ill prepared to deal with the Petro Caribe initiative, awarded a contract to Petro Fuel Belize Limited (hereinafter, PFBL). PFBL, a subsidiary of the Big Creek Group, was awarded the right to import and distribute on the local market refined petroleum products, lubricants and LPG delivered under the Petro-Caribe Agreement. The table below attempts to illustrate the loss to the Belizean Public as a result of that ill advised move by the MUSA administration. The income and fuel imports figures are actual figures reported to GOB rounded to the nearest million. The local expenditure is a generous estimate.(see table) A report entitled “Brief History” at a Petro Caribe (http://www.petrocaribe.bz/) web site states that, “During the period 2007 to 2009, PVDSA (Venezuelan counterpart) delivered 457,680 barrels (19,222,560 gallons) of refined petroleum products valuing over $41 million USD (FOB).” From the above financial data received from a reliable source, PFBL is only reporting receiving Belize $63 million worth of product. What pray tell has happened to some Belize 19 million dollars worth of products?

New Chief of Medical Staff for KHMH
In last week's edition of the Guardian, we told you how Mr. Adrian Coye had been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Dr. Lisa Johnson, who had been offered his post as the Director of the Hospital's Medical Services, has accepted, and she is now the second most senior staff member at the KHMH. She then returned to Belize where she practiced medicine from 2003 to 2007. She then returned to Jamaica, where she became the consultant general surgeon St. Ann's Bay Regional Hospital, where she remained for 5 years. Dr. Johnson says that she wanted to increase her capacity further as a medical practitioner, and so, she took up a clinical fellowship through the University of Toronto, at both Saint Michael's hospital and the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Saint Michael's Hospital runs a level one trauma center. Level 1 trauma centers are where all the dire medical cases are referred to whenever the other hospitals in the area are unable or unequipped to handle them.

Louis Wade Yet to Accept PUP Offer
Silence from Julius Espat and Louis Wade of Plus TV is frustrating senior members of the People’s United Party. Over a week ago the press found out that Joseph Mahmud, Area Representative for Cayo North, had submitted a letter to Francis Fonseca signaling his resignation as PUP Standard Bearer for Cayo North. Mahmud resigned out of frustration due to constant undermining and disrespect by PUP Deputy Leader Julius Espat. Since Mahmud’s resignation, Espat’s supporters have been lobbying for the party to insert Louis Wade as the Standard Bearer for Cayo North. Espat’s supporters believe Wade’s television station’s reach in the Cayo area is one of the main reason the PUP were able to make up ground in the West from 2008 to 2012. They believe Plus TV can benefit the entire PUP Western Caucus.

Governor General of Belize Welcomes New Costa Rican Ambassador
This morning at the Belize House in Belmopan, His Excellency Edgar Garcia Miranda, the Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to Belize, presented his credentials to His Excellency Sir Colville Young, Governor General of Belize. In his presentation to the Governor General, the Ambassador expressed his “desire to further strengthen the cordial relations of friendship which happily exist between Costa Rica and Belize”. For his part, the Governor General welcomed the Ambassador on behalf of the people of Belize and thanked him for his “kind words of cooperation and friendship”.

Department of the Environment’s Online Licensing System
In order to facilitate a quick and easy application process of obtaining licenses to import used batteries and tires and to export scrap metal, the Department of the Environment has obtained the assistance of the Central Information Technology Office (CITO) of the Government of Belize to develop an Online Permits Application and Licenses (OPAL) System. OPAL is a web-based application for the purpose of issuing permits on behalf of the Department of the Environment (DOE). The DOE is authorized under the Laws of Belize to issue permits/licenses for the import or export of scrap metal, used tires, lead-acid batteries, ozone depleting substances/halogenated gases, refrigeration/air conditioning equipment and petroleum products. The OPAL system should be used by all persons or companies applying for a permit/license to import/export of any one of these items/commodities. This new system will be used in line with the Customs Department’s online system, ASYCUDA WORLD, which is already being used by custom brokers and other clients. The DOE is committed to assist the Customs Department in administrating ASYCUDA WORLD to ensure the proper vetting of imported and exported items/commodities. The product or electronic license from OPAL will feed into ASYCUDA WORLD to improve on the current importation and exportation process of the above-mentioned items/commodities.

Micah Out because Goodin is No PUP Name Brand
It did not make news and no member of the PUP executive body felt the need to comment publicly last week when Micah Goodin decided to step down as PUP Standard Bearer for the Collet Constituency. One senior PUP activist told the Guardian, “His [Goodin’s] decision was more of a resignation from the crazy belief that he actually was the Standard Bearer.” Goodin’s rise to familiarity came when the poet led a small group called Nation Builders in protest against the Government’s Budget commitment to youth development in 2012. Goodin said the amount committed to youth development was not enough. He failed to understand that the largest slice of the National Budget, by far, is committed to youth development in the form of education. Ironically, it was that same “small portion” of the budget that was going to be used to help him when the funds from his Hunters Commission Scholarship dried up in January of 2013. Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber, extended an offer to assist him using the Budget for Education and Youth so that he could finish his associate degree in Criminal Justice at SJCJC. This offer was not accepted; making it clear that Goodin had an agenda other than finishing his studies at SJCJC.

Petro-Caribe Haunting the PUP!!!
This is the season of tricks, treats and hauntings as the PUP is using every trick in the book to stop Prime Minister Barrow from delivering the well deserved treats to Belizeans made possible by the scary, for them, Petro-Caribe Initiative. Never has a Government of Belize been able to execute such a comprehensive national infrastructure development project like this one currently being executed by the UDP Administration. Every road that is fixed is a nail in the limbs of the mummified blue party. Every multipurpose facility constructed adds gasoline to the burning plaza on Queen Street. And every new house built for a first time home owner is a dagger in the hearts of PUP aspirants. These are the reasons why Petro-Caribe re-loaded is haunting the People’s United Party this Halloween. Using funds available through the Petro-Caribe Agreement, in just two years, Prime Minister Dean Barrow has already committed over $160 million to development projects. Of those projects, the initiative he may be most proud of is the opening of the National Bank of Belize Ltd.

Ghost Town Crips’ boss remanded
Roger Anthony, the reputed boss of the Ghost Town Crips, who announced to the entire press 2 weeks ago that he will walk away from gang life, has been remanded to prison for allegedly shooting up the house of his rivals. Sheldon Meighan, mother of the well-known Tyrone and Ellis Meighan Jr., reported to police that on Saturday, October 26, she was inside her house on Banak Street. She said that she saw Anthony wearing a camouflage outfit and a warm cap. They allegedly shared hard words, and immediately after that, Anthony reportedly opened fire on the Meighan residence breaking 4 window louvers, piercing a bedroom door, and the cement walls of the house, all in the spray of bullets.

Mowers to beautify villages
The Ministry of Rural Development handed over 5 riding mowers and 2 weed eaters valued at over $35,000 to villages across the country. 2 mowers will be used to benefit ten villages in Toledo, 1 was handed over to the village council of Redbank in the Stann Creek District; 1 was handed over to the Xaibe village council and another went to Patchakan. The two weed eaters were handed over to the villages of Dolores and Machakila Ha. On Friday one of the mowers was handed over to Xaibe village chairlady, Leidy Triminius. Handing over the equipment was area representative Hon. Hugo Patt and Rural Development’s CEO Candelaria Saldivar Morter. After 30 years of PUP control the village council had no equipment to maintain their football field, community center and school compound. The villagers that were present, for the ceremony were glad to see that this UDP government, continues to support the Village of Xaibe.

Minister Rene Montero examines works in Cayo Central
With the recent passing of the remnants of a tropical storm over Belize, the Representative of the Cayo Central Division and Minister of Works, the Hon. Rene Montero has seen it suitable to examine the many projects within his division on Tuesday to study the effects of the excess water flows. Minister Rene Montero walked around with his team of engineers to inspect Bishop Martin and Salazar Street in Santa Elena Town where works are still in progress. His team was particularly drawn to Bishop Martin Street where they were able to observe the drainage system and how well it was working.

Herman Longsworth assisting unfortunate Albert resident
The home of 82 year old Randy Cabral tumbled to the ground on Tuesday morning at around 1a.m. on Mangrove Street. Cabral was inside the house when it fell, luckily he was unhurt. On Wednesday when the Guardian visited the site, we found Area Representative, Hon. Herman Longsworth on the ground. He was there to explain to Cabral that within the next couple of days work will commence to put some land fill in the yard, clear up the debris and shortly thereafter start the construction of a new house for him.

Government of Belize Responds to Opposition Lawsuit Regarding Petrocaribe Funds
The Government of Belize deplores the suit filed by the Opposition PUP against the Petrocaribe program, as an abuse of the process of the court. This unpatriotic attempt to play politics with a breakthrough program that is of vital national financial and developmental importance, in truth has nothing to do with the law. The question arises whether the Petrocaribe initiative, restarted by the current Administration with such spectacular success, is at all a loan agreement requiring National Assembly approval. It is a special commercial and diplomatic arrangement under which our sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela sells Belize petroleum on terms that oblige us only to pay a part of the purchase price upfront, and keep the rest as credit to be paid instead on installments over 20 years. Certainly when the program first began under the PUP in 2005 it was never taken to Parliament, and there was never any accounting of how the financed portion of the petroleum purchases was spent by the then Government, or even how much it amounted to.

Melvin Hulse in Cowpen during rainy days
The rains over the past few days have been affecting the entire country with areas that are prone to flooding being affected most. In the past one such area was the Azteca area in the village of Cowpen. The torrential rains that are coming down in the past used to inundate the area making life unbearable. But that was a thing of the past as UDP Standard Bearer, Melvin Hulse has been hard at work trying to alleviate those conditions. In the past couple of months he has been busy installing drains to ensure that water runs off and that work is now paying off. One resident of Cowpen explains that “it rained all night and now the Azteca area didn’t get flooded thanks to the new drainage done with the help of our hard working standard bearer Mr. Melvin Hulse... I would like to ask the government to please continue to support Mr. Hulse cause with him work is done and delivered.” And the work that was done in Cowpen is benefitting 30 families as the drains remove water from even inside houses where some of the residents sleep on the ground.

Gary Emmanuel Clark Jr. Charged for Burglarizing Democracia Primary School
La Democracia resident Gary Emmanuel Clark Jr., 21, is at the Belize Central Prison on remand for the burglary of Saint Agnes Anglican Primary School in La Democracia Village. According to police report, sometime between Friday evening, October 17, and Monday morning, October 20, a trespasser broke into Saint Agnes Anglican Primary School and stole a Dell laptop computer, 36 energizer batteries and $730 in cash. Police investigation led to the arrest and charge of Clark on Thursday, October 23.

19-year-old student busted with prohibited sawed-off shot gun
On Monday October 27 a team of police officers acting upon information received visited the Novelo’s Terminal area where they set chase behind a group of 4 men who had just exited a bus at the terminal. In the end they caught up with a former Gwen Lizarraga High school student who was found in possession of a prohibited firearm, a sawed-off shot gun loaded with 4-20 gauge cartridges.

Shopping sprees on a stolen debit card
Ladyville resident, Ron Haylock, 37, is in jail for going on a shopping spree after he found John Hun’s lost debit card. According to police, Hun lost his visa debit card on October 12 and sometime between October 12 and October 19 Haylock found it and went on a shopping spree. Haylock used the card on four different occasions: sums of $110, $65.60, $200 and $405. He signed as Hun on each occasions. He also managed to draw cash in the sums of $441, $25, $550 and $1,456.

Leon Savery loses his life 6 weeks after being shot
Leon Savery, one of the 4 men who was shot on Angel Lane, on September 17, passed away on Tuesday, October 26, almost 6 week later. Savery’s injury was not considered life-threatening at the initial stages, but over the course of his treatment at the hospital, he suffered severe complications, and his health took a turn for the worst. The 28 year-old Belama resident was hanging out with 26 year-old John Aviles, 30 year-old Mark Alamilla, and 28 year-old Nigel Ferguson at Aviles’ house on Angel Lane at around 9 p.m. It is unclear what motivated the mass shooting of these men, which at the time was the 4th in 8 hours. Investigators believed that these shootings were all connected due to retaliations for the murder of a relative of a George Street affiliate.

Central Region basketball competition opens at Bird’s Isle
The 2014-2015 Central Region Secondary Schools Basketball Competition opened on Tuesday 28 October, 2014, at Bird’s Isle. There are seven schools participating in the female competition which includes Anglican Cathedral College, Gwen Lizarraga High School, Ladyville Technical High School, Maud Williams High School, Pallotti High School, St. Catherine Academy and Wesley College. Meanwhile, in the male competition there are eleven schools which include Anglican Cathedral College, Gwen Lizarraga High School, Maud Williams High School, Nazarene High School, St. John’s College, Wesley College, Belize High School, Excelsior High School, Edward P. Yorke High School, Ladyville Technical High School and Sadie Vernon Technical High School.

Belize Elementary boys and girls are Belize City primary schools volleyball champions
The 2014-2015 Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Championship came to an end on Tuesday 28 October, 2014, at Birds Isle with the championship game in both the boys and girls category. In the girls’ championship game, Belize Elementary School defeated Holy Redeemer School in two straight sets 25-9 and 25-18 to claim the title. In the boys’ championship game, Belize Elementary won over St. John’s Primary School in two sets 25-11 and 25-15 to capture the championship. On Monday 27 October, the semi-final round was also played at the Birds Isle with four games on the schedule. In girls’ game one, Belize Elementary School eliminated Ephesus SDA in two sets 25-4 and 25-7 to advance to the championship round.

Time Longer than Rope
Many ideas that are terrifying when first encountered become widely accepted as they grow domesticated over time. Younger people are generally more open to new ideas than older folk and often there is a generational difference in acceptance. The time frame for these changes appears to be shortening as younger generations, with greater access to education and information than previous ones, take over the reins. Changing moral perspectives is a disruptive process, especially to those who benefit most from the status quo, but change is unstoppable in the long run. The most successful campaigns are those that reassure those who are most fearful of and have the most to lose from change.Slavery was abolished in the entire United States at the end of the American civil war in 1865 but one hundred years later a framework of institutional racism in the Southern States and unofficial but pervasive racism in the North was still firmly entrenched. It took the concerted efforts of many to begin to dismantle this edifice and still fifty years after the passage of the Civil Rights Bills of the 1960’s vestiges of individual and institutional racism still remain, as evidenced by recent events in Ferguson, Missouri.

Contracts Signed for almost $9 Million In Infrastructure Development
The Government of Belize signed contracts for the execution of major road works in the Belize, Stann Creek and Toledo Districts on Monday, October 27. Contracts were signed with CISCO Construction for the construction of roundabouts at the Lake Independence Boulevard’s intersection with the George Price Highway and the Chetumal Street’s intersection with the Phillip Goldson Highway. These contracts are for a total of $3.6 million. A contract was signed with RODLA Construction to pave five miles of the Old Northern Highway with Hot Mix. This project will cost $3.4 million. The parking area for Sir Charles Bartlett Hyde (Complex) building will be rehabilitated by M and R construction for $300,000.

Triple B’s and DFC Gentle Touch lead in Women President’s Cup playoffs
The Football Federation of Belize Women President’s Cup Tournament Playoff round commenced on Saturday 25 October, 2014, with a single game on the schedule between the Toledo Strikers and DFC Gentle Touch. In the game, it was DFC Gentle Touch that came up victorious when it defeated Toledo Strikers by the score of 5-2. The goals for the DFC Gentle Touch were scored by Shanel Gentle in the 5th, 47th ,58th and 77th minutes of play and Ethlene Gentle in the 15th minute of play. Meanwhile, the goals for the Toledo Strikers were scored by Melonie Gamboa in the 38th minute of play and Kelsey Polanco in the 64th minute of play. The playoff round then continued on Sunday 26 October, 2014, with another game on the schedule. The game was played at the People’s Stadium between Triple B’s and Sugar City Girls. Triple B’s blasted Sugar City Girls by the score of 8-2.

Vega Cup Tournament fast coming to a close
The Vega Cup Tournament continued on Sunday 26 October, 2014 with four games on the schedule for the San Juan Football Field. However, in the end only two games were played as two were won via the default route. In the first game on the day, Old School won over San Pablo Youth via the default route. The score was 3-0 in favour of Old School. In game two, White Eagles also won via the default route over United Ballers. The score was 3-0 in favour of White Eagles. In the third game of the day, San Roman FC blanked A.C. Aliari by the score of 2-0. The goals for San Roman FC were scored by Alfredo Villamil in the 7th and 19th minutes of play.

Our Lady of Guadalupe girls and Belize Christian Academy boys are Belmopan zone volleyball champions
The Belmopan Zone of the National Primary Schools Volleyball championship was played on Friday October 25, 2014, in Belmopan. In the girls’ competition, five schools participated in the zone qualification. The schools that competed in the zone qualification are St. Jude Roman Catholic School from Camalote, United Evergreen School, Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic School, Belize Christian Academy and Kuxlin Ha Government School. In the first game of the day, Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic defeated Belize Christian Academy in three sets by the score of 15-3, 10-15 and 15-4. In the second game played, St. Jude Roman Catholic School from Camalote Village defeated Kuxlin Ha Government School in two sets by the score of 15-7 and 15-9.

Health Hookup
The Doctor’s Orders - Constipation “plumbing appears to be backed up.” Recently I’ve started to notice a trend where the elderly population would be complaining that they were constipated. Upon further questioning I realized that almost 95% of them were not constipated but in fact were having normal bowel movements. The first item that should be addressed is the definition of ‘constipation’. Medically speaking, constipation is defined as having less than 3 bowel movements per week. So if you had 3 bowel movements in a seven day period then chances are you are not constipated. You are considered constipated if you have two or more of the following for at least 3 months: • Straining during a bowel movement more than 25% of the time. • Hard stools more than 25% of the time. • Incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time. • Two or fewer bowel movements in a week.

When Baby Waahn Cry
A common phrase being repeated by candidates from the three incumbent PUP Town Councils, when making reference to their performance over the past two years, is “standing tall”. With respect to this, many of my fellow Orange Walkeños view that expression as highly debatable in every sense of the phrase, as will be pointed out to you in the following paragraphs. In the specific case of Bernard and Carballo there at the OWTC, we would have thought that these gentlemen would have preferred to steer clear of that adage since, to be honest, those words do carry a comical meaning when voiced by these particular two men, if you get my drift. But coming back to the actual performance of the OWTC, the prevailing opinion on the streets is that this crowd has been too much talk and too little action. Our town has never been in a worse state of deterioration in terms of streets and drains; two core services which the Council is charged with providing, and two which they have failed miserably in delivering.

Minister King represents Belize in Mexico
Hon. Mark King leaves the country today for Mexico to participate in the “7th edition of the Ministerial Forum for Development in Latin America and the Caribbean.” Hosted by the United Nations Development Program and the Ministry of Social Development (Secretaria de Desarrollo Social) of Mexico, Ministers in charge of social and economic policy from thirty-three Latin America and the Caribbean countries will get together on October 30 and October 31 to share their experiences in policy making in the social and human development realm, and debate policy alternatives for current and future institutions challenges in the region.

La Democracia resident Gary Emmanuel Clark Jr., 21, is at the Belize Central Prison on remand for the burglary of Saint Agnes Anglican Primary School in La Democracia Village. According to police report, sometime between Friday evening, October 17, and Monday morning, October 20, a trespasser broke into Saint Agnes Anglican Primary School and stole a Dell laptop computer, 36 energizer batteries and $730 in cash. Police investigation led to the arrest and charge of Clark on Thursday, October 23. Clark was unrepresented when he appeared before Magistrate Hettie-Mae Stewart on Friday, October 24. He was read a single charge of burglary and pleaded not guilty. There was heavy objection to bail by prosecuting Inspector Pablo Pikney. Pikney objected pointing to the prevalence of such crime. He also based the objection on the strength of the police’s case against Clark saying that the accused may interfere with the crown’s witnesses.

Patrick Jones

Allyson Major challenges gun law in court
The first hearing of a challenge to the provisions of the Firearms Act in favour of Allyson Major of Belize City was heard this morning by Supreme Court Justice Michelle Arana. Major was acquitted of firearms-related charges almost a year ago in Magistrate’s Court after being remanded for […]

Minister of Finance defends use of Petrocaribe funding
People’s United Party deputy leader and chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Julius Espat is seeking injunctive relief from the Supreme Court to block the Government from further spending of the Petrocaribe funds. But Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dean Barrow says this will be a non-starter, […]

Belize may assume over Hunting Caye construction
Guatemalan company BINARQ was appointed by the U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers and Southern Command to build the forward operating base at Hunting Caye, but after criticism by the Belizean people the project was suspended. Today Minister of National Security John Saldivar updated on the options the Government […]

Government announces plan to buy helicopters for military
The Ministry of National Security and the Belize Defence Force have dreamed of it for several years and now it is a reality: the people of Belize will now benefit from at least one helicopter to be bought from a leading provider, Bell. The plan is to buy […]

GSU finds thousands of dollars worth of marijuana
The Gang Suppression Unit of the Belize Police Department today said it had removed $13,000 worth of “hydro type” marijuana from a south side Belize City neighborhood. A press release sent out by the GSU said that during operations in the West Street Area today, a search […]

Corozal preparing for Christmas
The Corozal Town Council and residents of Belize’s northernmost municipality are putting the final touches on plans for the 2014 Christmas season in the north. The base for the municipal Christmas Tree is nearing completion in Central Park and some stores have already decorated their showcases with Christmas […]

Toledo teachers attend health and nutrition training in PG
Teachers from the Toledo district today attended a day-long workshop which focused on improving the health and nutrition for children in their classrooms. According to Joan Palma, the Health and Family Life Education officer, the training provided theoretical ideas for the teachers who will in turn now go […]

Blogs

Celebrity hotspots – Where to avoid if you want to escape the media
Hey, are you a celebrity? Are you interested in vacationing in Belize and would like to keep it on the down low and escape the media? Well, I’m here to help. With the rise of social media it seems that everyone has the need to document everything and it’s harder to unplug and really get away during a vacation. More and more celebrities are choosing to vacation in Belize and where they go has become so predictable that “local paparazzi” are always on the alert. Use this short guide to avoid the two common places that are known to be celebrity hotspots. Avoid: Ambergris Caye is the most visited place in Belize and it is not without merit. Picture a small Caribbean island surrounded by water that is all kinds of blue. It is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beach or do adventure activities such as snorkeling and diving. But it’s the most touristy spot in Belize and MOST celebrities end up there. So unless you want to be photographed, avoid La Isla Bonita.

CHILLIN’ CAYE CAULKER STYLE
There is a reason that the motto of Caye Caulker is “Go Slow” – it’s too hot to get anything done faster. The little island off the Caribbean coast of Belize is a world in itself. The moment you step off the water taxi, the energy turns to a slow meander. After a decent amount of rain for days prior, I was happy to be amongst the palm trees and reggae music. The island doesn’t actually have any beaches, which might turn some travellers off. It’s an island made of limestone coral meaning there is no real sand. However, it also seems to have kept a low radar because of this and it’s certainly not lacking in beauty. Caye Caulker has become a popular destination for backpackers and budget travellers, probably because there are no resorts or big chains taking up the waterfront. Case in point: we stayed at the misleadingly named Dirty McNasty’s Hostel for about CA$13 a night. What did we get with our stay? A private bathroom, two fans which needed to be set to full blast at all times, and free rum punch after 8pm.

International Sources

CIPA students raise money for Belize Zoo
If the Oct. 25 fundraising event was any indication, the Belize Zoo has a strong foothold in upstate New York. Nearly 100 people, including supporters from the Cornell Veterinary School, the Cornell Institute for Public Affairs (CIPA) and SUNY-Cortland, welcomed staff from the Belize Zoo to the Ithaca area for 10 days of education events and meetings. The fundraiser launched a capital campaign to build a new commissary and hospital for the zoo and took in $13,400. The Belize Zoo is a client of the CIPA capstone program, which offers students pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree the opportunity to participate in a pro bono team consultancy clinic. Laurie Miller, CIPA associate director for public engagement, and her team of graduate students will create a fundraising plan for the zoo and initiate targeted fundraising events to support the zoo’s new clinic. The project will cost between $100,000 and $300,000.

Stories about sports … from Belize
Eight visitors from Belize will share global perspectives on Belizean athletes and coaches during a panel discussion from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, in the Capitol Room of the Holmes Student Center. The delegates will share their personal stories related to sport. Many are current and former elite competitors, including an international cyclist, a soccer player and a professional basketball player. They will connect their experiences to Belize’s needs for youth sport as well as share descriptions of their current professions related to youth development. Significant time for audience questions will be included. The event is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served after the panel discussion.

St. John members on mission trip in Belize
Four members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John (Missouri Synod) are in Belize laying the foundation for a Lutheran church there. Pastor Robert Weinhold, Beth Gehrke, Larry Wood and Craig Peterson left last Sunday and will return on Saturday. They will train to become team leaders for future mission work there. This is a very poor country where the people are eager to hear the word of Jesus Christ. The people there do speak English, so communication is eased by this fact.

Candice Accola and new husband Joe King 'honeymoon in paradise' on Belize private island
The Vampire Diaries star Candice Accola and new husband Joe King didn't waste a second in jetting off to Belize for their romantic honeymoon. The newlyweds, who tied the knot in a beautiful New Orleans ceremony less than two weeks ago, have shared a series of touching shots of their idyllic break as husband and wife on the private five-star island and resort in Belize, Cayo Espanto.

Bringing to Light Mysterious Maya Cave Rituals
Why did the ancient Maya take their sacrificial rites underground?Inside Actun Tunichil Muknal, a giant limestone cave in the jungle of western Belize, it has been raining for thousands of years. Water falls lightly from the tips of stalactites into the river flowing through the cave. Beneath this light shower, I wade up the river with University of California, Merced, archaeologist Holley Moyes. She is 5 feet 4 inches tall, and the water reaches up to her chin, leaving a ripple in her wake as she moves deeper into the chamber. In the vast and echoing hall, ou...

Videos

Video: canal from Anderson Lagoon to Sittee river, Belize, 1min.
We were exploring the coastal area around Hopkins and found a canal that led to a lagoon (we later found out it is Anderson Lagoon). From there we found another canal that connected the lagoon to the Sittee River. SHOW MORE

Video: Lamanai Mayan Ruins -- Belize, 3.5min.
Carolina Dive Center -- Rainy day trip to see Lamanai ruins. Shot with GoPro Hero3+

Video: Paul Nabor x7,9 min.
We've learned a lot about Paul Nabor this week and through the film The Three Kings many of us already knew a lot about him. But, still, the man is an enigma - and that's because he's a bundle of contradictions: great global fame matched up against great humility; great talent but precious few recordings…and the list goes on. Yesterday we spoke to his great friend Michale Norales from Punta Gorda by way of Dangriga. Along with Darius Avila, he set up the Paul Nabor Birthday concert every January - and yesterday he reminisced with us about some of the little known things about Paul Nabor. Ivan Duran who toured all over the world with Nabor also chipped in with some reminiscences:…

Video: Lina Point @ San Pedro, Belize Overwater Living, 3min.

October 30, 2014

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 Police Officer Dean Perez charged for theft
According to San Pedro Police, following an intensive investigation, an Identification Parade was conducted where PC Perez was positively identified. On Tuesday October 28th, Perez was formally arrested and charged for the crime of “theft” Perez has since been arranged before the San Pedro Magistrate Court where he was offered and met bail in the sum of $2000. He has been ordered to keep away from the complainant and is scheduled to reappear in court on December 5th. Inspector Jemott said beside the criminal investigation, PC Perez will also face an internal investigation and will be taken before a police tribunal on similar charges. PC Perez, who has recently been transferred to San Pedro Town, has been placed on interdiction on half salary.

The new sport in town: Rugby
Recently an organization called ‘Rugby Belize’ has been introducing a new sport to the country. While rugby is quite popular in our mother country, England, it is still relatively unheard of here in Belize. But it looks like that is about to change as Rugby Belize has made it way to San Pedro Town! Practice was held at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Arena (Saca Chispas) and I was certainly surprised at the number of children that had come out to learn more on the new sport. Rugby, which is a style of football, encompasses scoring goals against the opposing team by either running with the ball in hand or kicking it. It is quite an aggressive contact sport that incorporates tackling and body slamming. But, in my view this is a healthy way youths can release the stress and frustration of everyday life (Yes, even homework can be stressful).

Belize’s SGA proposes the complete use of the conch at regional conference
According to Schwendinger and Lawrence, if the conch flesh is extracted with the right tool and the conch shell is kept intact, it can fetch not less than US$1 per pound if properly marketed. In addition, parts of the conch can be used as organic food meal for poultry and other livestock. When processed, it can be used as vitamin and calcium supplements and even road/landfill materials. Schwendinger said, “We want to create extra income for the fishermen because of the delicate nature of the species and to discourage fishermen from harvesting juvenile conch. We will assist in the process by showing them how to use parts that are currently not being used and empower them, eventually creating work during the closed conch season.” To be able to use, develop, market and most importantly trade any byproduct of the Strombus Gigas, CITES would need to be on board since they are the international organization that deals with all forms of threatened and endangered species worldwide. “We would need the cooperation of CITES to allow the movement of byproducts derived from the harvesting of legal-sized conch without the many restrictions in place to save the animal. In implementing these restrictions, CITES has endorsed the treating of species such as bears, elephants and sharks in a similar fashion, which we disagree with. CITES allows the equivalence of using the paws of the bears, or the tusk of the elephant and leave the rest of the animal to die and go to the garbage. We think the Stombus Gigas can be treated differently and the entire conch can be used to benefit the local communities of Belize and the wider Caribbean,” Schwendinger highlighted.

US and Belize strengthen collaboration efforts to protect cultural properties
The United States Government, through their embassy in Belize and the Belize Institute of Archaeology, hosted a half- day workshop in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye on Wednesday October 22nd. The workshop highlighted the importance and potential benefits of protecting the country’s cultural heritage. It also served to update stakeholders about an agreement between the two governments to protect cultural heritage in an effort to address looting, pillaging and illegal trading of cultural and historical artifacts and antiquity. The agreement between Belize and the US was signed in February 2013 and falls in compliance with the 1970 UNESCO convention on the Means of Prohibition and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Trade of Ownership of Cultural Property. The agreement is seen as a step forward in addressing a serious concern as it relates to the looting of ancient monuments, including archaeological sites, colonial landmarks and even shipwrecks. In many instances, items found during the reckless looting is transported illegally and eventually finds its way into some illicit lucrative collectors market. In Belize, many sites have been looted over the past couple decades, more recently was El Pilar Archaeological site in western Belize.

Another Special Operation conducted on San Pedro
On Wednesday, October 22nd, a team of San Pedro Police, Criminal Investigation Branch, Special Branch and Belize City Gang Suppression Unit personnel, assisted by Special Branch Intelligence conducted a joint anti-drugs and HUTRAC operation within San Pedro Town. • A search was conducted near the residence of a known drug dealer in the DFC Area, which led to the discovery of a black plastic bag containing two transparent plastic bags which had 36 grams of suspected cannabis. The said drug was labeled as found property. • A search was conducted at an apartment room located in the San Pedrito Area occupied by 21-year-old Honduran Nationals Evelin Pamela Enamorado and Oneida Carolina Enamorado. Both persons were requested to produce their travel documents (passports). Police observed that they both had overstayed their time in the Country. Therefore, subjects were detained for “Failure to Comply with Visitor’s Permit” and were handed over to the Belize Immigration Department for charges.

Ambergris Today

House Fire Quickly Averted by Quick Thinking
It was the quick thinking of the security personnel of Atlantic Bank who saved the day as two of them extinguished the fire with fire extinguishers. Both BEL linesmen and firefighters arrived at the scene just in time to assist and cut power to the building. An electrician who was passing by at the moment commented that there are still some old homes in downtown San Pedro with old wiring and residents should consider rewiring their building and connections to the main electrical supply. In this case a handy fire extinguisher is also a very essential item to have around the house and business. Local electricians and personnel from the electric company can make assessments for homes and businesses to be safe.

Misc Belizean Sources

THE BART'S BASH REGATTA RESULTS - BELIZEAN SAILORS SHINE
No one expected it. No one in the world expected Belize sailors all to finish among the top 15%, and place 4 in the top 50, in the biggest regatta of all time. On September 21, 2014, twenty-eight Belizeans were among 16,780 skippers of all ages, all over the world, and in all sorts of sailboats, participating in Bart's Bash, a regatta that the Guinness Book of World Records accepts as the largest regatta in history. It was held in memory of a beloved champion sailor and philanthropist, Andrew "Bart" Simpson and in support of The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. Bart lost his life at age 37, practicing aboard Sweden's 72-foot America's Cup catamaran that cartwheeled in preliminaries on San Francisco Bay on May 8, 2013. The names of all the skippers in this memorial to his life will be recorded in the Guinness book's on line edition. It has taken the regatta's volunteer committee in the UK 5 weeks to compile the results, but they are finally in, and they are something of which all Belize can be immensely proud. The performance of the Belizean skippers establishes their homeland in the eyes of the international sailing community as a venue for sailors everywhere to admire, to yearn for, and to come and experience. 1179 of the boats contending were Optimist class dinghies, sailed individually by children aged 8 - 15. Young Belizean Optimist skippers in this massive regatta finished with ranks among the top 5% in their class and among the top 8% over all. Here are their scores:

First Annual Sarteneja Community Day!
Bring the entire family out and have lots of fun! It's all happening this Saturday!

BELIZEANS: remember, you DO NOT require a visa to visit Mexico
With your Belize passport you can travel anywhere in Mexico. You just have to fill out the entry form called FMM, which you can obtain at any Mexican border or airport. Welcome to Mexico!

Corozal Daily - Picture of the Week
Talented artist from Sarteneja Chuy Carillo, owner of Chuy's Arts. Visit him when in Sarteneja, Corozal.

Shark Satellite Tagging along the MesoAmerican Reef
We are pleased to have caught some of the species that we are targeting in our Mesoamerican Reef study on the spatial ecology of large reef-associated sharks. Thanks to the efforts of a crack team of fishers from Punta Gorda, Monkey River, Sarteneja and San Pedro documented by videographer extraordinaire Becky Kagan Schott, we are off to a good start!

6th Traveling Caribbean Film Showcase in BELIZE!
Monday, November 3 at 6:00pm in UTC-06 Leo Bradly Library & Bliss Center in Belize City The 6th Traveling Caribbean Film Showcase in BELIZE starts next week Monday, Nov. 3rd to Friday, Nov. 14th. ALL FILMS ARE FREE!! The Official program for the 6th Edition of the Traveling Caribbean Film Showcase is made up of 27 documentaries and 3 short animations that represent 13 countries throughout the Caribbean. It will screen over the course of two weeks in Belize City with screenings for the first week taking place at the Leo Bradley Library’s AV Room from Mon. Nov. 3rd to Friday Nov. 7th and the second week at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts from Mon. Nov. 10th to Friday Nov. 14th. In both places, the screenings are scheduled to take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. During the same time period, additional public screenings have been scheduled to take place at the various Libraries and Houses of Culture in the other 5 districts as well as individual screenings at schools and other established institutions.

Channel 7

PUP Seeks Injunction ot Block Petrocaribe Spending; GOB Scoffs
The PUP has filed suit against the Barrow Administration – seeking to block government from spending anymore of the Petrocaribe money. As we've been reporting, Julius Espat, the representative for Cayo South and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee has challenged the Petrocaribe Loan Motion ever since it went to the House of Representatives. Espat says it is too late to ask the House's approval for 114 million US dollars – since the money has already been borrowed and much of it spent. The Auditor General didn't buy his argument – so Espat has filed a law suit in the Supreme Court. It names Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dean Barrow, the Attorney General, and the local company for Petrocaribe, ALBA PETRO CARIBE (BELIZE ENERGY) LIMITED. They are asking the court for an injunction restraining the Minister of Finance Barrow from paying the Petrocaribe loan out of the public purse, and an injunction restraining Barrow from spending any of the Petrocaribe money. The PUP says it violates the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act and the Belize Constitution.

Cricel Castillo Takes On Bodybuilding Federation
2 weeks ago, the Belize Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation held the 2014 Bodybuilding Championships. As we've told you, Rigo Vellos was crowned Mr. Belize for the 3rd time in a row, and veteran Gina Lovell was chosen as this year's Miss Body Fitness. The tournament went off without a hitch, and it was well supported by the public who went out to see the parade of chiselled bodies. But, all that ends well, is not always well: defending Body Fitness champion Cricel Castillo did not compete. She's been banned for two years. She spoke with our colleagues from KREM News about it and hearing those comments The Federation jumped to action and called the media for an impromptu press briefing. Daniel Ortiz has both sides:

82 Year Old Man Explains How The House Tumbled Down
Last night we told you about the 82 year old man whose house collapsed while he was in bed sleeping early Tuesday morning. It happened on Mangrove Street near the Bel China Bridge. Randy Cabral escaped unhurt but tonight he is begging lodging at his neighbor's house since he is now homeless. We visited the elderly man today as he tried to recollect what happened. Area Represented Herman Longworth told 7news that Cabral's case is considered an emergency and all efforts will be made to rebuild a home on his property as soon as possible.

Andy Palacio's Central Role InThe Wider discovery Of Paul Nabor
Paul Nabor's Funeral will be held on Saturday in Punta Gorda Town. The humble fisherman and parandero from Toledo will receive an official funeral witnessed by hundreds of adoring fans. But while he leaves this earthly plane as a national and international icon - had it not been for some name dropping by Andy Palacio back in 1995, Paul Nabor might never be as widely known or celebrated as he has become. That was revealed to us today in a conversation with Ivan Duran, the founder of Stonetree records who produced the only Paul Nabor songs most people have ever heard including of course, the anthemic Naguya Nei. Today, we spoke to Duran via Face time in Montreal, Canada where he told us the story of how Paul Nabor came into his life – and nothing was the same after that:… Tomorrow, we'll have more gems on the legend of Paul Nabor from our extended conversation with Duran, including the happy accident that led to those very familiar opening chords of Naguya Nei.

Lands Dept. Trying To Solve All Those Land Problems
If there is one thing that Belizeans are familiar with whether it be from firsthand experience or accounts from disgruntled family members and friends: its land issues. From stolen land leases, to lost applications, there's a bottleneck of mythic proportions at the lands office. But the Lands and Survey department has been trying to clear things up by conducting Field Inspection Sweeps around the country. They were in Orange Walk from Monday and they told us how this project will help resolve your land issues.

Taking A Look At Tower Hill
In June we showed you the ground breaking for the Tower Hill Airstrip in Orange Walk – and now they're getting ready to officially open the refurbished runway. And it is quite a transformation from a scratch of rough cement to a fully paved strip. The airstrip is ideally located to get tourists get to Lamanai, which is close by. The runway is located just about a mile away from the BSI factory and is now fully operational.

Man Accused Of Pulling Gun On Cops
26 year-old Ronald Smith allegedly got caught with a firearm, and while he tried to escape from police, he was cornered. What happened next, according to police, was that he took aim at the pursuing officer with the illegal weapon. Police Constable Roman Cantun reported that while he was at the Hatieville Police Station on Saturday, he heard a gunshot. When he went outside to investigate, he allegedly saw smith with a firearm. He said Smith ran into some nearby bushes, that's when he and other officers set chase. Cantun said when he caught up with Smith, the man pointed a firearm at him, which forced him to draw his service weapon. The officer says that he attempted to fire a warning shot, but his weapon misfired twice. Another officer then drew his firearm and apprehended smith but by that time Smith had already gotten rid of his weapon, which they have not managed to retrieved.

Mild Inflation in September; Highest In San Ignacio
The consumer price index rose marginally in September 2014 - The national inflation rate for the month was 0.7 percent, slightly lower than the 0.9 percent recorded in August. For the first nine months of 2014, the overall inflation rate was 1.3 percent. Prices for Breads and Cereals declined by 1.2 percent while vegetables, which had seen continuously rising prices since last year, were down by 2.1 percent. San Ignacio/Santa Elena recorded the highest rate of price increase for the month. The lowest was in Corozal Town, where consumer prices rose by a negligible 0.2 percent compared to the same month last year.

The Reason For Red Ribbons
A recent global survey by the World Health Organization which was launched last week in Europe showed that Belizean drinkers consume large volumes of alcohol. From 2003 to 2008, the average consumption for persons 15 and older was 5.3 litres of pure alcohol per year - that's about 12 pints. But for 2008 to 2013, it was up to 6.8 litres, about 14 pints. And while drug abuse among youths would seem to be on the upswing, every year, students march in Red Ribbon parades. Courtney Weatherburne captured their messages today The theme for this years Red Ribbon Week is "Love yourself and be drug free."

Rigo's Dominance Underappreciated
The Cricel Castillo controversy may be dominating the headlines, and 3-time Mr. Belize Champion, Rigo Vellos has been – perhaps unfairly reduced to a peripheral figure. But his dominance demands more: He won his weight category at the 2014 Body Building Championships, and he was also chosen as the overall winner of the competition. Today, we spoke with him about it, and he said that his winning moment was to return the stage in the shape he had envisioned at the start of the year: In order to take the record for the Most Mr. Belize Championships, he must win 5 more times.

Channel 5

Julius Espat Sues P.M. Barrow Over Petrocaribe Funds
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, as Minister of Finance, is being taken to court over what the Opposition says is the unlawful borrowing of two hundred and twenty-eight million dollars of [...]

Espat Says Petrocaribe Is Not a Bank
Government has presented a loan motion in the House under the Finance and Audit Act which states that they can give approval for a loan if it’s from a financial [...]

Will Belizeans Enjoy Declining Oil Prices at the Fuel Pump?
Turning to a related issue…oil. It is no secret that on the world market, the price of oil has gone down considerably. But consumers in Belize are yet to feel [...]

San Pedro Cop Busted for Theft
A police officer attached to the San Pedro Police Formation will be tried for the crime of Theft. Twenty-six year old Police Constable Dean Perez, originally from Belize City, has [...]

Roaring Creek Resident Acquitted of 2011 Murder
Twenty-three-year-old Jamie Gill was accused of fatally shooting sixteen-year-old Raheem Vasquez in 2011 during an incident in Roaring Creek. Vasquez was shot three times to the body, twice in the [...]

Brian Charlesworth Guilty of Carnal Knowledge of Minor
A jury panel had a split verdict in the case of a Belize City man accused of the sexual abuse against a minor. At least two of nine jurors, who [...]

Should G.O.B. reduce price of fuel due to decrease in the cost of crude?
And tonight’s question is: Should G.O.B. cause a reduction in the price of fuel given a decrease in the cost of crude in the world market? Send your comments and [...]

Cricel Castillo Tangles with Bodybuilding Federation
The Belize Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation has announced the suspension of bodybuilder Cricel Castillo, for a period of two years, effective immediately. The decision came after a nasty bout between [...]

B.B.B.F.F. Accused of Misappropriation of Funds
According to Cricel Castillo, the Olympic Association told her that they gave the B.B.B.F.F. money to support Rigo Vellos and herself with funding for airfares. That money allegedly never reached [...]

Cricel Explains Suspension from B.B.B.F.F.
The suspension came following Castillo’s participation as Miss Fitness Belize at the Arnold Classic Bodybuilding Tournament in Columbus, Ohio earlier this year. Castillo and Mister Belize, Rigo Vellos, both competed [...]

Mr. Belize Rigo Vellos Offers Advice to Cricel Castillo
According to the Federation, the ban is final and at this point, non-negotiable. According to President Stanley Moody, anyone who represents the B.B.B.F.F. must maintain the highest standards and be [...]

Suspended Body Builder to Compete in World Beauty Fitness Federation
That suspension has prevented Castillo from competing in the 2014 Body Building and Fitness Championship earlier this month. But like the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens. [...]

CARICOM Joins Gay Activist Maurice Tomlinson In Suit Against Belize & Trinidad
On May ninth, the Caribbean Court of Justice handed down a decision on behalf of gay activist Maurice Tomlinson, allowing for special leave to challenge the immigration laws of Belize [...]

SIB Releases September Statistics for Consumer Price Index
The Consumer Price Index for September 2014 has been released by the Statistical Institute of Belize. The CPI, as it is known, indicates a marginal increase from the same month [...]

Rainy Weather Forecasted for Remainder of the Week
The rains have been pounding the country for days and it is expected that in the next few days, the downpour will persist. The weather report will have more details [...]

Wesley College Celebrates 16th Annual Red Ribbon Drug Prevention Week
A recent survey by the National Drug Abuse Control Council and the University of Belize shows that the use of drugs among students is on the rise and it is [...]

CTV3

NASA Shuttle Explodes During Launching
The NASA is reporting no injuries in the explosion of an unmanned Antares rocket that exploded seconds after liftoff from a commercial launch pad in Virginia today. The 14-story rocket, built and launched by Orbital Sciences Corp, bolted off its seaside launch pad at the Wallops Flight Facility late this afternoon carrying a Cygnus cargo ship for the International Space Station. It exploded seconds later and the cause of the accident was not immediately known, said NASA mission commentator Dan Huot. US media described that flames could be seen shooting into the sky as the sun set.

GOB Releases Holidays Date For 2015
The Government today announced its schedule for public and bank holidays for the year 2015. Next year, Belizeans will enjoy a total of 13 holidays and 8 three day weekends.

Paranda Icon To Be Buried On Saturday Morning
The Government announced today that an official funeral will be held for Alfonso Palacio, better known as Paul Nabor who passed away last Wednesday, will be held on Saturday morning at 11:00 am at St Peter Claver Church in Punta Gorda Town. It will be preceded by a tribute concert on Friday night from the multi-purpose building. The funeral will be aired via several television and radio stations.

Dr. Lisa Johnson, New Director Of Medical Services At KHMH
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Belize’s biggest health care provider is under new leadership with Dr. Adrian Coye who replaced Dr. Francis Gary Longsworth as Chief Executive Officer. And while he plays the role as leader, it left his former position as Director of Medical services open and today management announced his replacement. Dr. Lisa Johnson, who had also applied for the CEO post, was assigned that post. Dr. Johnson is Belize's first female general surgeon and the first staff manager of the KHMH in its 19-year history. According to Doctor Johnson, she will supervise a new education campaign to target Belizeans on the specific services of the hospital, including those which have gone unnoticed and unmentioned. Dr. Lisa Johnson “We also recognize that many of us, I mean I went to medical school, I went through residency, I went through fellowship, we are not necessarily trained to relate well. What use to be the old style of bedside manner and there are times particularly when some of my staff are at the front lines dealing with very difficult situations and we recognize that and we recognize too that they require some assistance in dealing with the public.

LOVE FM

Mister Physique Wants More Prize Money; Prez Says There’s No More
Cricel Castillo is not the only person who has problems with the Belize Body Building and Fitness Federation. So does Mr. Physique 2014, Clinton Tucker. Tucker vented his frustration to President Stanley Moody last week as he picked up his cheque for winning the Mr. Physique competition. Tucker says that the winnings are not enough for what they had to do in order to win but Moody says that they have no obligation to give out any financial award to the winners. We have both sides of the story. STANLEY MOODY “Last week when Mr. Tucker came to pick up his stipend as we put it for winning the Mr. Physique he came to my place of business, I had customers in my business, he was given his check and on his way out the door he turned around and started making a whole lot of noise talking about if this was the little bit of money he was going to get that this can’t satisfy him.

PlusTV

Hon. Julius Espat files lawsuit against Minister of Finance Hon. Dean Barrow
It has recently come to light that PetroCaribe funds accessed in loans since 2012 never made it to the house for approval. PetroCaribe sells fuel to Belize in terms of concessionary payment, which in turn gives GOB access to millions of dollars which can be accessed through loan agreements. Since th...

Self defence ruled in Jamie Gill murder case
A man who fatally shot and wounded another during an incident in Roaring Creek village is now home free from a murder charge, after being on remand for more than three years. 23-year-old Jamie Gill was charged back in 2011 at the age of 19, for the shooting murder of a minor, 16-year-old Raheem Vas...

Mechanic charged for drawing gun on police
Twenty-six year old Ronald Smith, an assistant mechanic of Hattieville, who allegedly pointed a firearm at a police officer, was charged with aggravated assault when he appeared on Wednesday before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stuart. Mr Smith pled not guilty to the charge...

Repeat offender jailed again for weed
Forty-two year old Clinton Fraser, aka “Hog”, who was recently released from prison after serving 3 years, went to jail on Wednesday when he appeared before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stuart and pled guilty to possession of 6 grams of cannabis. Mr Fraser begged Magistrate Stuart not to send him to pr...

PC With Sticky Fingers Arraigned in San Pedro
Police officer Dean Perez, a 26 year old attached to the San Pedro Police Station, is being accused for having “sticky fingers” and has seen been arrested and charged. The San Pedro Sun Reports that the alleged theft occurred during an investigation on October 5^th , at the residence of Jose Hern...

Incapacitated man found on Belize City street
On Wednesday morning an apparently unconscious man was found on the side of Rocky Road in Belize City. Initially it was thought that he had died, but closer examination found him to be alive and breathing, but apparently intoxicated. Police and an ambulance responded and took the man for medical att...

Belize Leadership Summit on the way
Belize Leadership summit got started on Wednesday in the Capital City. Individuals from various business and organizational sectors attended day one of the two day session at the George Price Center. International and local speakers addressed some of the issues that affect, impact, and influence or...

The Reporter

ROC (Taiwan) president receives Eisenhower Medallion for peace initiative
President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Ma Ying-jeou has received the Eisenhower Medallion from People to People International (PTPI) for his efforts in promoting regional peace. In presenting the award, PTPI Chairman Micah Kubic said that the award followed Ma’s “efforts to further cross-cultural communications, for his extraordinary leadership, and for exceptional contributions to world peace and understanding.” The medallion was presented primarily in recognition of President Ma’s East China Sea Peace Initiative, proposed in August 2012, and which calls on all parties in disputes over the Diaoyutai Islands to refrain from confrontation, controversies and encouraged them to keep dialoguing, to observe international law and resolve disputes through peaceful means. It also calls for all parties concerned to seek consensus on a regional code of conduct, and to establish a mechanism for the joint exploration and development of resources.

Patrick Jones

Wesley College parades against drugs
If it’s the last week of October in Belize City, it must be time for Wesley College’s Red Ribbon Week, an initiative begun 16 years ago at the Methodist-managed high school to promote drug awareness and smart decision-making by a vulnerable section of the population. With evidence that […]

Body Building Federation responds to corruption allegations
The rift between members of the Belize Body Building and Fitness Federation (BBBFF) has now exploded into the public eye. Former body fitness champion Cricel Castillo made public allegations of misappropriation of funds intended for herself and three-time Mr. Belize Rigo Vellos to attend the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic […]

Gospel music explosion set for next month in San Ignacio
A gospel music concert featuring Belizeans and visiting artists will be held in San Ignacio town in mid-November. The event, called Explosion Musical 2014 is being billed as a family event where members of the audience will be ministered to through different types and styles of Christian Music. […]

Caldo for dinner
Caldo: it has been a staple on the dinner table in many Maya homes for generations. The traditional meal, which is still prepared by Maya women in communities in the south, has as its main ingredient local chicken meat cooked a soup with added ingredients such as onion, […]

Opposition parliamentarian takes the PM to court over Petrocaribe funds
There are legal fireworks between the government of Belize and the opposition People’s United Party after Cayo South area representative took the Prime Minister, the Attorney General and Alba Petro Caribe Belize Energy Ltd to court over millions of dollars of Petrocaribe funds. The suit was filed […]

Policeman accused of theft in San Pedro
A policeman stationed in San Pedro town on Ambergris Caye has been accused of having “sticky fingers” and has been formally arrested and charged. Constable Dean Perez, 26, was arraigned on Tuesday in the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court for the crime of theft. He was given bail […]

Still no agreement on bagasse payment for cane farmers
An entire Sugar Crop Season has passed and another is about to start and there is still a stalemate in the finalization for payment of bagasse or a signed commercial agreement in the Sugar Industry. And while we have been reporting on every new development, both sides, […]

Organic fair this weekend in Punta Gorda town
For the sixth year running, an Organic Fair will be held in Punta Gorda town. The dates for the event are Friday, October 31 and Saturday November 1, 2014. The annual Organic Fair is organized by Sustainable Harvest International, a non-profit organization operating in the Toledo district. Coordinator […]

Fire truck damages parked vehicle
The National Fire Service has taken responsibility for an incident which took place late on Monday evening as trucks responded to reports of a fire near the Majestic Alley area of Belize City. But they claim that it might not have happened if the fire report had not turned out to be a false alarm. Around 4:15 p.m. a call came to 911 of the reported fire and trucks responded. But en route the truck’s bin opened suddenly and slammed into the back windows of a parked white van in front of Angelus Press on Queen Street, damaging two of them.

KHMH makes history with first female medical director
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) has new leadership, with Dr. Adrian Coye replacing Dr. Francis Gary Longsworth as chief executive officer. Before his moving up Dr. Coye was Chief of Medical Services and on Tuesday, the hospital unveiled his replacement, Dr. Lisa Johnson. Dr. Johnson is Belize’s first female general surgeon and the first staff manager of the KHMH in its 19-year history. She is an alumna of All Saints Primary School, St. Catherine Academy, Belize Technical College and the University of the West Indies (UWI) and interned in the Bahamas before receiving a general surgery qualification in Jamaica.

Belize to be represented at Development Forum in Mexico
Belize will have representation at the Seventh Ministerial Forum for Development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation Mark King is scheduled to travel to Mexico City today to attend the two-day forum. According to a press release from Minister King’s office, the forum on Thursday and Friday will bring together Ministers in charge of social and economic policy from 33 Latin American and Caribbean nations “to share their experiences in policy making in the social and human development realm, and debate policy alternatives for current and future institutions challenges in the region.”

Blogs

Belize’s Maya and Indigenous Groups: Protecting the Environment
Here’s something we just received via the Earth Island Journal out of Berkeley, California. In the lead article of the latest quarterly, published 27 October 2014, headlined, “Indigenous Communities Challenge Big Oil in Belize” reporter Sandra Cuffe writes about efforts by local Maya, Garifuna and other groups to stop US Capital Energy from conducting oil exploration and drilling in Belize’s otherwise pristine Sarstoon Temash National Park. And it’s not just the drilling – the oil company’s roads have opened the park to further damage and incursions by foreign poachers illegally hunting and taking other resources. A quote early on in the article caught our attention: “’ I mean, (the Belizean government is) going to tell me you can’t go and cut the leaves you want to make a thatched roof without their permission, you can’t go and fish, and you can’t do farming there — but it’s okay for a company to come and put a big rig in there?’ says Tricia Mariano, president of the local Barranco branch of the National Garifuna Council, a group that works to preserve and strengthen the culture of the Garifuna people. ‘It’s contradictory’ she says, laughing.”

Guides Birdwatching
The tour guides of the CTGA thrive to be the best tour guides that they can be so training is very important to us all. On this day for example guides that wanted to fine tune their birdwatching skills could have done so with the help of other guides. They had a field trip to crooked Tree where the birds are plenty full here are some of those pictures I received from Daren Lamb.

Belizean Light Cake with Royal Icing
I did a different spin the the Belizean Light Cake and I also tried the Royal Icing based on the recipe from one of my viewers Dorita Alonzo Weir.

Che Chem Ha Guide Training
Earlier I showed you pictures of a birding expedition that the tour guides did in Crooked Tree. This time around, the guides visited the site of Actun Che Chem Ha Cave. This adventure is part of our guide betterment project which means tour guides are, and should be, constantly upgrading their skills in different fields. We also want more guides to access the cave so the guides needed to be trained by other guides. So, here are a few pictures of this tour, images provided by Daren Lamb.

International Sources

RoboForex transfers clients to new operations in Belize
RoboForex, a retail FX broker registered originally in New Zealand, has announced that it will transfer all of the clients of its RoboForex LP business to RoboTrade, its new subsidiary in Belize. The transfer will be automatic and will start on November 5, 2014. RoboForex LP has been registered as a Financial Services Provider (FSP) in New Zealand since October 2012, with the register still displaying that the company maintains this status. A representative of RoboForex stated to LeapRate today that the company does not plan to cancel its registration in New Zealand. In connection with the relocation of the company’s client base, there will be changes in the client agreements at RoboForex LP, which will become RoboTrade Ltd, the most important being that all clients wishing to withdraw their money will have to pass a full verification procedure and some may be asked to provide extra data when logging into their live accounts. This has to do with the anti-money laundering (AML) policy pursued by Belize’s financial regulator – the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC). The broker announced it had obtained a license from the IFSC on October 21, 2014.

Summit Church travels to Belize to help Blue Thumb Missions
An 11-member mission team from Summit Church recently traveled to Belmopan City, Belize, to provide labor at Blue Thumb Missions. Blue Thumb Missions is a 10-acre Christian Camp and Training Center that provides facilities for camps, retreats and conferences. They also serve local villages in humanitarian outreach. Joe and Piper Hensley have been directors of Blue Thumb for 10 years and are assisted by their son, Stephen. Blue Thumb is expanding its ministry and reach in the local community and needed assistance updating and building additional dormitory space for the increasing number of people who use the facility. Summit outreach director Ryan Richards found out about the ministry and the need and asked church members if they would be willing to help.

Real-life Indiana Jones on hunt for lost Mayan cities
THERE are days when Ivan Šprajc gets fed up with his job. Hacking pathways through the Mexican jungle with machetes is exhausting. Keeping a constant eye out for deadly snakes can be nerve-racking. The risk of finding nothing to show for all the effort is real. But then there is reward that comes when the contours of a plaza, palace, ball court or pyramid emerge from beneath the tree cover, or inscriptions that could help explain them are revealed by brushing off undergrowth. “I’ve said to myself quite a few times that this is the last season, because it is so difficult. But it is such a reward when you find a new site,” says the Slovenian archaeologist, who has made a career of finding lost Mayan cities. “It’s tough work, but it’s dead romantic.” This year Šprajc’s team found two — Tamchén and Lagunita — which followed last year’s discovery of a large site called Chactún. Šprajc’s first expeditions focused on an area close to the Belize border where the existence of small settlements meant local people could guide him to ruins they knew were on their land.

Videos

Video: Morning squall releases some heavy rain in San Pedro, 10sec.

Video: Bouncing in Belize!!!, 1min.

Video: GAÏA Riverlodge Belize, energized by nature, 1.5min.

Video: Belize 2014, 4min.
Fischer Family vacation to Belize October 2014

Video: HAPPY GARIFUNA SETTLEMENT DAY, 1min.
Buidula Hafeduhani Haweyuri Garinagu! Belikin wishes all of Belize a Happy Garifuna Settlement Day!

Video: Blue hole and crystal caves Armenia, Belize t84v9jAKJzY, 5.5min.

Video: Belize Pro Dive Center 2nd Anniversary, 8min.
Thanks to all our past guests, family and fans, without you we wouldn't be here. Currently the number 1 dive operator on the number 1 island in the world on tripadvisor. Here's your crew for the new season, we look forward to blowing some bubbles with you soon, ocean hugs!!!.... Happy Birthday Belize Pro DIve Center!!

October 29, 2014

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

Island residents invited to participate in 5K and 10K run
On Saturday, November 1st, the San Pedro Sports Committee (SPSC) will be hosting a five kilometer (K) and a 10K running competition. The competition is scheduled to commence from the Boca del Rio Park at 6AM. Runners of all ages and gender are invited to participate, as there are cash prizes and trophies to be won! The competition will be divided into three main categories: male, female and group. The group category consists of teams of five members with at least four members completing the race to win. Each team participating in the group category must have of at least one female member and wear similar colored T-shirts to represent individual teams.

Letter to the Editor: Miss San Pedro Michelle Nunez
On October 19, 2014, I was invited to an amazing dinner at Ramon’s Village and met such wonderful people. I knew I couldn’t miss this opportunity to get to know the nonprofit organization, On Eagles Wings Ministries. It all started on September 10th, when I was crowned as the official Miss San Pedro 2014-2015. I had a short conversation with Alexis Guerrero, I told her how much it meant to me to reach out to the young ladies who have been victims of sexual abuse or lack self esteem, since that topic hits home to me. Alexis Guerrero is the present counselor at San Pedro High School. Last week I received a message from Emily Fitchpatrick, founder and president of On Eagles Wings Ministries (OEWM). She messaged back setting up an appointment for us to meet each other and the group. At last I found a nonprofit group that would suit my goals. We talked as we had known each other for years. Emily is such a caring person and full of ideas. It was an honor to meet another key person, Amena Mchea, employee at the OEWM Hope House. I also met Autumn Hanline, who is the prevention coordinator and also enjoys running and we both shared our good work out habits. I got to meet Ashley Frady, a nursing student who wanted to help out. Blake Davis, an intern with the ministry and works with the girls at the safe house. The entire team welcomed me at dinner with big smiles.

Governor General of Belize Welcomes New Costa Rican Ambassador
On Monday morning at the Belize House in Belmopan, His Excellency Edgar Garcia Miranda, the Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to Belize, presented his credentials to His Excellency Sir Colville Young, Governor General of Belize.

The fun, scary and plain ‘olé creepy at Holiday’s Halloween Bash
It was a night to let your freak out at the annual Holiday Hotel Halloween Bash held on Saturday, October 25th. The long anticipated event saw a crowd of islanders and visitors alike, dressed in their most ghoulish and terrifying attire. Of course there are always those that prefer to dress up as the sweeter, classier or even down right hilarious side of Halloween. This year’s event saw wicked costumes, as partygoers reveled in the night and strutted the orange carpet. Holiday saw it all, from the scary monsters, vampires, witches and werewolves to the not so scary 80’s chicks, hard rockers, fairies and even a couple angels here and there.

Ambergris Today

Pic of the Week: Spectacular Skies in Belize during October
We always say that October has the most amazing sunrises and sunsets in Belize. Practically every day there is a spectacular show during the morning and evening hours that occur around 5:30 a.m. and p.m. We notice many residents sharing their unique views of both daily events and marveling at the awe-inspiring sight. Here is just one of those sunrise moments in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

Tropical Storm Hanna Develops Over Nicaragua & Honduras
It may not pose a big threat to Belize but the ninth named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season may bring more unwanted rain to Belize this week. The remnants of Tropical Depression 9 which crossed over northern Belize late last week now have developed into Tropical Storm Hanna. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has sent out a press release informing the public that as of 3:00 p.m., the center of Tropical Storm (TS) Hanna was located near 14.6N 83.9W over northeastern Nicaragua. Maximum sustained winds remain at 40 miles per hour and TS Hanna was moving towards the west at 7 miles per hour.

Misc Belizean Sources

Evidence of Journey
Come and make it a Family Affair! An event you don't want to miss! Free Christian Concert in San Pedro, Louis Sylvester Sports Complex, Nov. 1, 8pm

Bert Belize
ready to serve Belize! Access to swift, skilled medical care and evacuation may save your life!. If you have access to a usable airstrip in your area Bert Belize is willing to come to you assistance.

Public and Bank Holidays, 2015
Thursday, January 1st: New Year’s Day Monday, March 9th: National Heroes and Benefactors Day Friday. April 3rd Good Friday Saturday, April 4th: Holy Saturday Monday, April 6th: Easter Monday Friday, May 1st: Labour Day Monday, May 25th: Sovereign’s Day/Commonwealth Day (in lieu of Sunday, 24th May) Thursday, September 10th: St. George’s Caye Day Monday, September 21st: Independence Day Monday, October 12th: Pan American Day Thursday, November 19th: Garifuna Settlement Day Friday, December 25th: Christmas Day Saturday, December 26th: Boxing Day

Reinado Internacional del Tropico 2014
Belize Pageant Updates shares pictures of Adriana Rain Haylock (Belize Delegate) at Reinado Internacional del Tropico 2014 Pageant in Honduras. The delegates of Reinado Internacional del Tropico 2014. Miss Belize Adriana Haylock is on the far left.

Looking for talented kids
CM3 media Group, Inc. is looking for Belizean kids that are talented in the area of Music - Art - Culture Dance, please do post and we will review.

Haunted House at Wayo's Bar
Friday October 31st!! Haunted House from 7pm - 10pm (Haunted house will also be open the 29th and 30th from 7pm - 9pm) Kids candy give away at 4pm! Costume Contest at 9pm!! Win awesome Raffle prizes from Restaurants, Hotels and Tour Operators in San Pedro!! Try your luck with the 50/50 Raffle Come join us for an amazing afternoon and evening all benefiting a great cause!! All proceeds benefit San Pedro AIDS Commission

Power interruption Placencia Peninsula
Power interruption, 7:00am to 11:00am, Saturday, November 1: entire Placencia Peninsula, Independence Village and surrounding areas. BEL to repair hotspots at Independence and Placencia Substations, install and repair lightning arresters and replace utility poles in area.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT Week of October 18th – October 26th, 2014
It was a special week at the lodge but it was even more special for 2 guests. Daniel and Maria were engaged to be married during their stay at El Pescador! He proposed while they were diving, it made the whole lodge happy!

Belize fights to save a crucial barrier reef
Home to the second longest barrier reef in the world and the largest in the Western Hemisphere, which provides jobs in fishing, tourism and other industries which feed the lifeblood of the economy, Belize has long been acutely aware of the need to protect its marine resources from both human and natural activities. However, there has been a recent decline in the production and export of marine products including conch, lobster, and fish, even as tourism figures continue to increase. The decline is not helped by overfishing and the harvest of immature conch and lobster outside of the standard fishing season. But the primary reason for less conch and lobster in Belize’s waters, according to local experts, is excess ocean acidity which is making it difficult for popular crustacean species such as conch and lobster, which depend on their hard, spiny shells to survive, to grow and mature. According to the executive director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCCC), Dr. Kenrick Leslie, acidification is as important and as detrimental to the sustainability of the Barrier Reef and the ocean generally as warming of the atmosphere and other factors generally associated with climate change.

Clown Theatre Performance in Belize City "Triciclo Rojo" (90 photos) 25 Oct 2014
The Embassy of Mexico presented the theater clown company “Triciclo Rojo”. "Triciclo Rojo" is a group of dancers and clowns that integrate dance, juggling, animation and music, in vivid complicity with children’s imagination. This show has been recognized for its stage authenticity. "Triciclo Rojo" has presented its art and work at important venues in Mexico, such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Palace), as well as in other countries such as Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, India, Portugal, Spain, and USA. In Belize City, they presented the play: "The Basin Poet" which tells the story of Etolo, a wandering knight, who is always looking for small miracles to restore people's faith in their dreams. With the help of Bum and Hum, he will discover where do forgotten dreams go and he will conquer fear and danger before climbing the world.

Cultural tradition of Hanal Pixan
The Corozal House of Culture will be showcasing the cultural tradition of Hanal Pixan - the Maya tradition of honouring the dearly departed. Please visit us this Friday October 31 and view the traditional altar on display. Learn more about this cultural celebration as we offer free lectures at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. with Mr. Roy Rodriguez. Yours in Art and Culture, Debra Wilkes Coordinator Corozal House of Culture 1 Avenue Corozal Town

Thunderbolt Water Taxi resumes operation on Friday, 31 October.
The Thunderbolt Water Taxi Facebook has been out of service from 15 October until Friday, 31 October, for its yearly maintenance.

Channel 7

Toyota Thief Worked For The Dealership
Last week when police recovered a Toyota Hilux that had been stolen minutes earlier from the Institute of Archaeology, it gave them their first real opening in the case of the stolen Hilux pickups - four of them since July. And tonight, the news is that police have made their first arrest - and it's huge. Huge because the man who stands accused is an employee of the Toyota dealer, Belize Diesel and Equipment Company. His name is Hector Monterosa, a 22 year old maintenance man from St. Matthews's village. His job at Belize Diesel was to wash vehicles after servicing and in some cases deliver them back to the clients. Information so far suggests that he would use that time to make the unauthorized duplicate keys, which would later be used to steal the vehicles. But we're getting ahead of ourselves; so far he's only been linked to one stolen Hilux - and that's the one from the Institute of Archaeology. Today the Officer Commanding Belmopan - who's been working overtime to crack this case told us about the arrest - and the important missing link which they need your help to find:..

Gang Boss "Roger" Appears In Court on Crutches; Arraigned, Remanded
Tonight, 37 year-old Roger Anthony, the reputed boss of the Ghost Town Crips, is at the Belize Central Prison along with 23 year-old Kendis Flowers. That's after being taken to court for shooting up the Meighan residence. Anthony showed up walking on crotches after he injured the arch of his foot. Both Anthony and Flowers were charged with attempted murder, damage to property, and aggravated assault. Anthony was additionally charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm, and keeping unlicensed ammunition. As we told you, Anthony appeared beside GSU Commander Mark Flowers and announced on national television that he was leaving the gang life behind. 2 weeks later, he now stands accused of opening fire on the house of his rivals, Tyron and Ellis Meighan Jr.

September 17th Shooting Victim Dies
Violence erupted in Belize City on of September 17th.; within six hours, 3 persons were dead, while 5 others had been shot. Well, of those five who were shot, one died last night. He is 28 year old Leon Savery, a resident of Belama. On the night of September 17th, at 8:00 pm, he was hanging out with John Aviliez, Nigel Ferguson and Mark Alamilla at the corner of angel Lane when a gunman pulled up and opened fire. Avilez was killed and Savery was shot in the buttocks - which, most times, doesn't end up in a fatality. But, in his case, the family tells us, the bullet travelled up inside his midsection. Despite numerous surgeries doctors could not remove it - and he died from pneumonia at a few minutes to eight last night. So he joins John Avilez as the second person to be killed in that shooting - and becomes the fourth casualty from the 6 hours of gun violence on September 17th - which is the highest single day murder count in Belize so far for 2014.

Alleged Immigration Queenpin Beats 10 Charges
In May, it made major news when 46 year-old Marleny Elizabeth Castellanos, and her common-law husband, 42 year-old Alfredo Orlando Gonzalez Marcos, were charged for fraudulent immigration documents built around stolen identities of dead Belizean citizens from Benque Viejo. That led to them being scrutinized as part of a wider immigration ring. All the circumstances pointed to Castellanos being an immigration fraudster who facilitated documents for other illegal immigrants in the country. Well, the news tonight is that Castellanos and her common-law, Gonzalez Marcos, have been acquitted of the first 10 charges they faced for those illegal documents, and they may also get a full acquittal of the other charges they currently face. When they were first arraigned in May, from the details of the investigation, it appeared as if though the Immigration Department had an airtight case against them both.

Man Who Rode "Up-Stop" Got Beat Up By Cops
We know police have been cracking down on quality of life crimes, but on Friday, 28 year old Sherwin Baizar felt the brunt of it. Police reportedly caught him riding contrary to traffic, or "up stop" on Collet Canal near the Michael Finnegan market. They arrested him for causing a bicycle to proceed on a one way street. But, they say he also resisted arrest assaulted a police officer and used insulting words on the police. And that, it seems earned him some raw street justice - when police put a beating on him. He said during his ride to the station the officers began beating him for no reason. Today he gave 7news his account of what happened. Sherwin Baizer - Allege Police Brutality "On Friday the 24th, I went to the market to buy vegetables on my bike and like the men (police) were coming on the lane the same time I am going to a stall to buy.

45 Year Old Man Convicted of Molesting 6 Year Old Girl
Tonight, 45 year-old Brian Charlesworth is on remand awaiting his sentencing hear after he was found guilty of having sexual relations with a girl who was 6 years at the time. He stood trial before Justice Troadio John Gonzalez where the girl testified against him as the main witness. She told the court - in a closed session - that between January 20111 and October 21, 2011, Charlesworth had intercourse with her. The child's mother also testified for the jury and explained what her daughter had told her about the sexual violation. A medico-legal form was tendered into evidence in which the doctor who inspected the child says that what he found was "suspicious, but not confirmatory." In his defence, Charlesworth testified under oath and denied that he had committed the offense, explaining his version that he was elsewhere when this violation of the child happened. After deliberating for 4 hours, a jury of 9 found him guilty in a Majority verdict of 7-2.

Stole A Visa Card, Went On A Spending Spree, Now Going To Jail
Yesterday 28 year old Ron Haylock was sentenced to two years in jail for stealing a BDF's visa debit card and spending over $2000 dollars. According to BDF Jose Hun he lost his visa debit card on Wednesday and reported that about $2,115.32 was missing from his account. Police found 4 invoices and slips with what appeared to be Hun's signature, but when the signatures were shown to him, he said he had not signed for any of the transactions. Apparently Haylock found the card in Green Jades Restaurant on Poinsettia Street and used it to buy items for his son and himself then to throw a party for his friend. Haylock pleaded guilty and said that he told Hun that he would pay him back all the money he spent but that the authorities wanted him to pay more.

82 Year Old Man Emerges From Rubble of Collapsed Home
Tonight an 82 year old man is lucky to be alive after his wooden house collapsed with him inside. It happened around 1am this morning on Mangrove Street near the Bel China Bridge. Neighbors say Randy Cabral was inside his home sleeping when they heard a loud sound. When they ran outside, they saw the elderly man crawling out from under the rubble. Cabral lived in the house alone and his neighbors say something like this was bound to happen.. Voice of: Neighbor "Well I was watching TV and about minutes to one I heard a crack and when I heard that I told my girlfriend Mr. Ranny house drop. We ran outside and we saw the house on the ground and I yelled out for him and he climb out from under the house and I ask if he was alright and he said yes. I send my husband for him and I bring him here to spend the night. Every time you have a hard breeze or the weather comes, the house shake like a hammock - like crazy.

Teenager Charged For Street Robbery
Yesterday, we told you about the 64 year-old woman and her daughter who were robbed at knife point. Well, police say that they have made a quick arrest, and tonight, 19 year-old Khalil Heusner is out on bail. As we told you, it happened on Saturday afternoon at around 3:15. The elderly woman and her daughter were walking on Albert Street west when 2 men approached them in front of Anglican Cathedral College. One of them pulled a knife on them, and placed it on her daughter's throat. When he had her subdued, the culprit then grabbed her purse, which contained an iPhone 5 and other personal documents, and ran off.

Dr. Lisa, New DMS At KHMH
3 week ago, we told you how the Board of Governors chose Dr. Adrian Coye to become the new CEO of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Dr. Lisa Johnson had also applied for the job as CEO, and she got avid support from board members. In the end though, after a close vote, they chose Coye, and offered Johnson his old job as the Director of Medical Services. Well, Dr. Johnson has since accepted the post, taking over as the second most senior staffer at the hospital. Today, she introduced herself to the media and discussed what her vision for the hospital will be while she is in charge as Director. She told us that the focus will be improving relations with the public that medical staff serve: Dr. Lisa Johnson "Sometimes you get caught up in the moment as you are dealing with patients and you try your very best and I will tell you that most if not every doctor and nurse as they are dealing with a patient, or not necessarily a trauma patient but every patient, have a stake in how that patient does and they are very much engaged and not only engaged but are extremely empathetic to the situation that we find our patients in and It's something that I said a lot in the emergency room and I think that we all feel that way that a lot of times when we see our patients we need to understand that it is possible that patient's worse day and relatives worse day and sometimes unfortunately it may be that patient last day and we strive to give excellent patient care and to also treat patients with dignity.

19 Year Old Gun-toting High Schooler Looking At 8 Years In Jail; Tells Court Tired of Being Chanced
19 year-old Jonathan Gideon, a high school student, is spending the first night of an 8-year sentence after he pleaded guilty to being in possession of a sawed-off shot gun in Magistrate's Court today. The incident happened yesterday at around 10 a.m. at the Novelos Bus Terminal. Police officers were on mobile patrol, and one of them spotted Gideon and 3 other males exiting the terminal area. The officer decided to search the group, and as soon as they made for the 4 men, Gideon tried to avoid them. Because he acted suspiciously, the officers detained him and searched his Old Navy school bag, where they found a 20-gauge sawed-off shotgun with 4 cartridges. Police subsequently charged Gideon with keeping a prohibited firearm, and keeping unlicensed ammunition. He was arraigned today before Magistrate Herbert Panton, and he pleaded guilty to both offences.

A Chance For a Climate Change Discussion
Last night we told you about UWI's poster competition that reflects the effects of Climate Change. Well, today the more formal discussions began at the UWI open campus. It's called the Belize Country Conference and the focus of this year's conference is to examine the factors that threaten the region's economic stability and the well being of its people. We spoke to two of the invited guests and they explained the dynamics of the discussion and the way forward. Dr. Mark Bynoe, Senior Resource Economist, Climate Change Center "The idea is to begin to sensitize and get the information more out that climate change is a real phenomenon and what are some of the things we need to be looking at, some of the actions we need to be taking so that we can build our resilience to climate change. In terms of what has actually been accomplished, we have pass the stage of just educating. Within Belize I can speak for my own organization; we have been working with government; we've been working with other organizations; we've been working with the University of Belize. So for example, we have put in place hydrometeorology stations, coral reef early warning systems. We've been doing vulnerability assessments and training. We are also working with community such as the Ya'axché NGO which is a group down in the Toledo District as well as the Flowers Bank community where we are looking at the cohune palm and how that can be used as a source as renewable energy."

If We Took a Holiday...
The holiday list for 2015 was released today and you can start to mark your calendars for those vacation days. First off New Year's Day falls on Thursday January 1st while National Heroes and Benefactors Day falls on a Monday March 9th ; so that's one long weekend for you. Then for the Easter holiday, it begins from Friday April 3rd with Good Friday to April 6th which is Easter Monday. And there's another long weekend for Labor Day which is on Friday May 1st. There is another long weekend with Sovereign's Day on Monday May 25th. Looking at September now, the 10th falls on a Thursday and Independence falls on a Monday while Pan American Day, October 12th will also be on a Monday. Garifuna Settlement Day is on a Thursday and we end off another year with Christmas on Friday December 25th and Boxing Day observed the Saturday.

9M In Works Contracts Signed
Contracts were signed yesterday in Belmopan for major road works in Belize City and Punta Gorda. 5 miles of the Old Northern highway will be paved with hot mix by RODLA Construction for 3.4 million dollars. Then, a four-leg roundabout will be constructed at the intersection of the George Price Highway, Faber's Road and Lake Independence Boulevard. That's to make way for traffic coming off the southern end of the New Chetumal Street Bridge. A similar 150 foot reinforced concrete roundabout will be placed on the Phillips Goldson highway to regulate traffic on the northern side of the bridge, at the intersection with Chetumal Street. This will be done by CISCO construction for 3.6 million dollars.

Channel 5

Roger Anthony & Kendis Flowers Arraigned for Shooting at Meighan’s Residence
Thirty-seven-year-old Roger Anthony and twenty-three-year-old Kendis Flowers were arraigned this morning in the courtroom of Magistrate Herbert Panton on a battery of firearms-related offences. The charges stem from a shooting [...]

Leon Savery Succumbs to Gunshot Injuries Five Weeks After Deadly Shooting
A victim of a shooting spree back in September died on Monday night at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Leon Savery was among a group of men who were targeted [...]

Hector Armando Monterosa, What’s His Role in Toyota Hilux Thefts?
Last week Belmopan Police narrowly missed capturing a man who was stealing a Toyola Hilux assigned to the Department of Archaeology. He abandoned the vehicle and escaped in the bushes [...]

82 Year-Old Man Escapes Injury During Overnight House Collapse
An elderly Belize City resident is tonight lucky to have escaped grave injuries when his home on Mangrove Street suddenly collapsed in the wee hours of this morning. The elevated [...]

UN Says Belize is Third Deadliest Country In the World
Belize and four other countries in the region continue to take the lead with the highest murder rates in the world. The other hotspots for murders are Honduras, El Salvador [...]

Marleny Castellanos and Alfredo Marcos Walk Off Immigration Charges
For several months, we have reported on an alleged immigration scam which was suspected to be masterminded by Marleny Castellanos, aided by her husband Alfredo Marcos, both Guatemalan nationals residing [...]

Gwen Liz Student Busted with Sawed-Off Shotgun
On Monday, a team of police officers on mobile patrol in the area of the Novelo’s Bus Terminal in Belize City set chase behind a group of men who had [...]

Cabinet Agrees on Financial Compensation for Danny Conorquie
Danny Cononquie was executed at the Caracol Archaeological Site on September twenty-fourth. His murder sparked national outrage because it is believed that he was killed by Guatemalan encroachers; and then [...]

Caracol Park Manager Recalls Last Conversation with Danny Conorquie
The Caracol Archeological Site reopened on Monday, and for the tour guides and tourists who visited, it was business as usual. The tour guides have not told their guests about [...]

Khalil Heusner Arrested for Belize City Robbery
Over the weekend, a sixty-four year old mother and daughter were accosted in broad daylight by two men on Albert Street West, near the Anglican Cathedral College. One held up [...]

Will Compensation Be Extended to Yanie Cu?
Twenty-eight year old Yanie Cu was badly injured when a vehicle being driven by Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura slammed into his taxi on August sixteenth. Today, he cannot [...]

Sugar Crop Season Approaching, Where Are B.S.C.F.A. and A.S.R. on Bagasse Agreement?
For months, we’ve been reporting on the impasse in the sugar industry between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and the American Sugar Refinery. Both sides have been unable to [...]

2014 Climate Change Conference Opens in Belize
Four days ago, the European Union agreed on targets to protect the changing climate. The principal target was a pledge to reduce emissions by at least forty percent by 2030. [...]

Paul Nabor In Concert Revisited
The National Institute of Culture and History, NICH, has released information on the upcoming events which will culminate on Saturday with the funeral of Paranda legend Paul Nabor in Punta [...]

CTV3

No One Arrested Or Charged For Stabbing Incident At CJC
Last week Friday we reported on an unfortunate incident that landed one student of Corozal Junior College at the Northern Regional Hospital. The student, who is said to be a minor, was stabbed by one of his fellow classmates allegedly over a seat on the bus. The incident is said to have transpired on the afternoon of Thursday October 23rd on the school campus. To date, CJC’s administration has refused to speak on the matter simply stating that they are investigating the incident.While the names of both the victim and his attacker are yet to be released, we do know that Corozal Police is aware of the incident and are carrying out their investigations. But it hasn’t been easy since authorities have been unable to interrogate the minor who remains hospitalized at the NRH.According to Officer Commanding the Corozal Police Formation, Andrew Ramirez, as soon as they have all details in hand they will proceed with necessary measures.

One Year After Canadian's Murder Arrests Are Yet To Be Made
Today makes exactly one year that 57 year old Canadian National Patricia Lynn Nichiporowich was brutally murdered at her home located in the Consejo Shores Area in Corozal Town. Since the incident, no one has been charged for her murder and all indications are that the case has gone cold as police have no leads. Today, Officer Commanding the Corozal Police Formation, Superintendent Andrew Ramirez, updated us on the case.Andrew Ramirez – OC Corozal“Unfortunately I must apologies to the Corozal community that the Corozal formation has no other lead in relation to what we have already had in constantly being informed to the community, we still look forward in getting the opportunity to interview that male person who had left the day prior to Mrs. Patricias’ unfortunate demised and in the absence of that we could basically say that the investigation has been stalled somewhat but we must be mindful as well that these cases that were committed basically in a planned manner tend to take a little bit more longer than the normal haphazard type of killings and we would hope at least during my tenure here as the Commanding Officer that we get some sort of break truth to satisfy the family especially the family, whilst we have not had any other serious matter there in Consejo, remember a live lost is far too much for us.”

Hanna Weakens, Rain Still Expected
Storm watchers continue to monitor what was Tropical Storm Hanna which had moved into Central America and weakened midweek. According to forecasters, the system could redevelop and another system bears watching. The system has headed towards Belize and forecasters give it a 20% chance of returning to a Tropical Storm. The high pressure system to the north will prevent Hanna from moving northward into the Gulf of Mexico and approaching coastal areas of the United States. Part of the lingering zone of showers and thunderstorms from Hanna could redevelop nearby along the coast of Belize, Honduras and Guatemala this week, according to reports. As a result, this part of Central America could continue to deal with locally drenching rain and gusty storms through the end of the week. Reports indicate that the system is currently carrying maximum sustained winds of 25 miles per hour and moving west-northwest at 10 miles per hour. By midday on Wednesday, Invest 96L should be inland over Belize and northern Guatemala. Hanna formed in warm waters of the western Caribbean, right along the coast of Nicaragua, on Monday morning. The system originally formed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico as Tropical Depression 9, but then weakened while crossing the Yucatan Peninsula late last week. Hanna was the eighth named system in the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season. The next name on the list of the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane season is Isaias.

Murder Rate For Corozal Remains Same As Last Year
The first three quarters of this year has surely proven to be similar to that of last year when it comes to the murder statistic for the Corozal District. But while the murder rate for 2014 is similar to that of 2013 in Corozal, statistics also reveal that all murders committed so far for 2014, are registered in the rural areas and 60% of the murder cases have been solved. Andrew Ramirez – OC Corozal“For 2013 we had five murders within the Corozal District including the death of Patricia but we had an incident in Sarteneja where a woman was charge in relation to that one, we also had an incident in Libertad where a male individual was charged, we had an incident in the Patchakan village outskirt of ChanChen where a gentleman had lost his life and two person were charged in relation to that, then we had Darwin Salazar whose body was found just in the outskirt of Chan Chen heading toward the Phillip Goldson Highway so as a recap those were the five murders so basically we solved 60% 3 out of 5 we solve, and we hope to get assistance from one family in relation to that two and the other two as I mentioned those were well planned as a result we do not have any suspects so to speak.

Confication Of Drugs In San Pedro Leads To Several Arrests
Over the weekend, San Pedro police with help from GSU members of Belize City, conducted several raids and searches to get rid of drugs, firearms, ammunition and any illicit articles off the streets. And while these reports may seem petty to the average Belizean, authorities on the island are not taking anything lightly and are treating these cases with the same severity. In the first instance 8 persons were arrested for being in possession of a pipe. According to police, a search was conducted at the residence of 40-year-old Claudia Cabanas, 19-year-old Diannie Cabanas, 21-year-old Laura Valencia, 21-year-old Nayelie Cabanas, 31-year-old Jaime Campos and 21-year-old Alexis Alvarenga in the San Juan Area. The search led police to the discovery of a silver and green metal pipe measuring 3.25 inches suspected to be used for smoking cannabis. All persons were formally arrested and charged for the crime of “Possession of pipe”.

Former Lands Committee Of Palmar Village Refuses To Hand Over Reports To New Committee
Earlier this month the residents, particularly those who have descended from the founders of San Jose Palmar Village, concluded a several months long wait for a new lands committee. With the input of the Lands Department, representative of the Government as trustee to the village’s land, a legal and binding election was held on October fifth for three of the new committee members. That should have concluded the conflict between the former committee members and descendants who claimed irregularities in how the former committee handled the village’s land affairs. Well, it is not and today there is continued contention and the latest being, that the former committee members are reportedly refusing to hand over all documents to the newly elected committee. Chairman of the village and member of the new committee, Orlando Balam told us more about the situation.

PUP Seven Endorsed In Orange Walk Town
In five month’s Belizeans across the country will once again head out to the polls to elect the team they believe will best run the affairs of their respective town or City for the next three years. With Municipal Elections right around the corner both political parties in Belize have cranked up their machinery and from all indications it will be a highly contested election. Here in Orange Walk the incumbent P.U.P Seven Team, with the exception of Councilor Neri Ramirez, was endorsed during a special convention held by the party on Saturday night at the Crystal Palace Auditorium. Taking Ramirez’s seat is Councilor Candidate Gian Vazquez who is no stranger to Orange Walk and to the P.U.P. Here are the highlights of the endorsement. Carmelita Perez – Reporting The endorsement of Mayor Kevin Bernard and his team was attended by young and old and had the support of Party Leader Francis Fonseca, Former Party Leader John Briceno and other members of the party including Standard Bearers and Area Representatives from across the country.

James Bus Line Now Offers Free WiFi Services On Buses
Passengers, especially students and businesspersons from Punta Gorda to Belize and vice versa will be benefitting greatly, thanks to the added convenience of wireless internet in the express James bus Line. The project is in its testing stage and according to Manager James Williams, they wish to expand on this service since the reception from their passengers and commuters have been positive. James Williams– MANAGER, JAMES BUS LINE “We decide ways to give back to our customers and we decided that WIFI was going to be one of the best things to give back and it took a long while to figure out how to implement it on the bus but now I guess we are successful because today was the first test run.” Maria Novelo – Reporter “Now, is this implemented on all the fleet or only on the buses that take students to UB?”

Tropical Storm Hanna Brings Rain For Belize
Tropical Storm Hannah is expected to make landfall in Honduras tonight and for Belize it means heavy rainfall and squally conditions. The National Emergency Management Organization, (NEMO) reported that at 3:00pm today the centre of Tropical Storm Hanna was located over north eastern Nicaragua. Maximum sustained winds remain at 40 miles per hour and Hanna was moving towards the west at 7 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, has Tropical Storm Hanna heading deeper into Nicaragua and Honduras. On the present track the center of circulation is expected to remain inland along the border of Honduras and Nicaragua. This track over land will weaken the system. Tropical Storm Hanna currently poses no significant threat to Belize; however, its proximity will support some showers and thunderstorms around the country during the next 24 to 36 hours. The Rio Hondo and Mopan Rivers are slowly rising. The Low-lying Bridge and the Iguana Creek Bridge on the Macal River are at flood state. Both the Baking Pot and Succotz ferries remain closed.

Two Of Four Blood Samples Sent For Testing Prove Positive For Dengue
On Friday we reported on an active investigation by the Ministry of Health on suspected Chikungunya cases in the Belmopan area. And while the Ministry is yet to receive official confirmation, public relations officer Claudette Dakers told us today that two of the four suspected cases of Chikungunya in the Belmopan area have come back positive for Dengue. These two cases are related since the two female individuals are sisters from Las Flores. In the first case, the Ministry is still awaiting results from CARPHA, which they project to come in on Wednesday. In the fourth case, the Ministry is still working on getting samples from family since they are not fully cooperating but authorities say they are actively investigating that case. Still, as of late his evening, there is no confirmed case of Chik-V in Belize, just two confirmed cases of Dengue and they are being treated accordingly. More on this story as it develops.

Ambassador Of Costa Rica Presented Credentials To GG
In a short ceremony this morning, His Excellency Edgar Garcia Miranda, the Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to Belize, presented his credentials to His Excellency Sir Colville Young, Governor General of Belize in Belmopan. The Governor General welcomed the new Ambassador who expressed his desire to quote, “further strengthen the cordial relations of friendship which happily exist between Costa Rica and Belize”.

PUP Standard Bearers And Area Reps. Endorses PUP Seven
Also coming out in numbers to witness the endorsement of Mayor Kevin Bernard and his team were P.U.P Area Representatives and Standard Bearers from across the jewel, including down south. Those who addressed the crowd brought along with them a message of hope for Orange Walkenos and the nation. Oscar Requena- PUP Area Representative Toledo West“I have every confidence that this is the winning team, this is the team that is going to deliver for Orange Walk and it is the team that is going to send a clear message to Dean Barrow that this is strike one, strike two, strike three, when we take over Belmopan under the leadership of Honorable Francis Fonseca and team 31 whenever he calls the elections. I will tell and I am certain that when we go to Belmopan under the leadership of the honorable Francis Fonseca and team 31 we will have a hell of a bloody job to fix back this country because everything is in shambles; whether it is in the lands department, whether it is in education, whether it is health worst in infrastructure we are going to have a hell of a job but I will tell you nation building is for giants and the RT. Honorable George Price said it, nation building is about giants and we are the giants, the PUP is going to respond to bring back this country, to save back this country my friends and that is why tonight I proudly endorse our Mayor Kevin Bernard and his team.”

Woman Get Stab Over Cellular Phone
A brawl over a cellular phone almost turned tragic for one Orange Walk resident over the weekend. Authorities say on Sunday, 21 year old Embrece Franklin, domestic of Asuncion Street, was socializing at Xunan Bar located on Lovers Lane, when she had an altercation with 39 year old Sherlaine Smith of Smithsonia Street. The altercation allegedly stemmed from a cellular phone and resulted in Franklin being stabbed on the left hip by Smith. After the report was made, police detained Sherlain Smith who was arrested and charged for aggravated assault. Smith was arraigned in court this afternoon.

DPP Is Back In Belize
The Director of Public Prosecution, Cheryl Lyn Vidal is back on the job after taking what was reported by the Government as a study leave of three months. Information provided to CTV3 News by our colleagues at KREM News in Belize City, state that reporters ran into the DPP today while at court. She was asked if the Kim Wong Hong passport was already at her office and about her studies. Her response was: why would her vacation be of interest to anyone. She then proceeded to dispel that she had gone on study leave.At the time of her leaving the country, the COLA private prosecution of former minister Elvin Penner was at court and the NGO was hoping that the Kim Wong Hong case file, that the police had sent to the DPP for further directives, would be sent to them but this never happened. When questioned about this today, the DPP is quoted as saying, “today is literally my first day on the job," end quote.

LOVE FM

Garifuna Celebrations Declared Opened
November 19 has been observed as a national holiday since 1977. Through the efforts of civil rights activist Thomas Vincent Ramos, the day was set aside to celebrate the settlement of the Garifuna people in Belize. A number of activities will take place leading up to the day and today the President of the National Garifuna Council, Senior Superintendent Robert Mariano, declared this year’s celebrations open. ROBERT MARIANO “The Garifuna race continues to struggle for survival and therefore needs the contribution of all. If this great race of people is to meet its fullest potential. This year we celebrate under the theme ‘Let’s not just talk, let the work progress. God before us and we behind’. This is a theme that is very important because as a struggling nation we cannot do it standing on the peripheries bickering, hating or by separation. The bible speaks of the impact of separation when it is said that a house divided will fall. We need to have cohesion and unity with everyone to stand on the side and bicker about the work of the organization can no longer do.

Structure Collapses on Elderly Man While In Bed
An 82 year old man is lucky to be alive after his house collapsed with him inside. Ronald Cabral Senior was asleep when around one o’clock this morning, his house which is located on Mangrove Street in Belize City, came crashing down, trapping Cabral Senior among the rubble. His neighbors heard the noise and ran to Cabral’s aid. Cabral Sr. did not receive any serious injuries. Rosa Cadle spoke to Love News. “When we were sleeping we heard the thing crash down and when it crashed down my son yelled for me and we ran out and that is how we got over there to see what was wrong and my son hold his hand and brought him out on the piece of bridge and asked him if he got hurt and he said cabral house 2no only a bump in the head. So we took him over and he went to sleep in my warehouse. The house is already old, he has no finance to repair it, nothing because he is an old man. He has no way of income.” Hipolito Novelo “He is luck to be alive.” Rosa Cadle “Yes, He’s very lucky because all the neighbors who would see it always wish that he would not be in the house when it falls down.”

A Synergy of Maya Mountain Cacao and French Chocolate
A long term business agreement was signed between Maya Mountain Cacao of Toledo and a French chocolate manufacturer. Paul Mahung “The signing of the agreement on Friday October 24th marked an exciting partnership with Chocolate Colleagues in France as explained by CEO of Maya Mountain Cacao of Toledo Emily Stone.” EMILY STONE “Maya Mountain Cacao has signed a really exciting partnership with the chocolate maker Valrhona out of France. This partnership is specifically related to one single large farm in Belize and we will set a new standard for quality and consistency of production coming out of country that is now so valuable in the global cocoa industry.”

Trapp Brothers Freed of Attempted Murder Charge
Two men were acquitted of attempted murder in the Southern Session of the Supreme Court. Correspondent Harry Arzu reports. HARRY ARZU “24-year-old, Norman Trapp and 29-year-old, Dennis Trapp, both of Punta Gorda Town, were today acquitted of two counts of attempted murder in the Supreme Court of Justice Denis Hanomansingh. Both men were charged for attempted murder as a result of a shooting incident, where they were accused of shooting in a crowd on the Main Street of Punta Gorda Town sometime between 11:30pm and 12:00am on the 28th of February 2011. The victims in the incident were John Sanchez and William Sanchez. As a result, the duo were arrested and charged for the said crime but were granted bail. After the decision was handed down by Justice Hanomansingh, Love News Spoke with the attorney for the Trapps, Arthur Saldivar.”

A Look at Health Issues Within East Indian Community
The East Indian community in Belize is one of the smallest ethnic groups in the country. Despite this, the small community is making all efforts to retain as much of its culture and traditions for the sake of present and future generations. Arturo Cantun reports. Arturo Cantun “The first Indian Diaspora Conference in Belize was held in August. During the four day event, several topics were discussed which included history, social economic issues and health. Dr. Raju is East Indian and has been a doctor for the past 39 years. She was one of the presenters at the conference who spoke on health matters affecting East Indians in Belize. Dr.Raju explained that a study was conducted among East Indian families that exposed the common illnesses within that community.” Dr. Raju “The majority of diseases they are experiencing is diabetes, and then high blood pressure or hypertension, heart complications and obesity. So I gave them a few tips on how to prevent these diseases because prevention is better than cure and health is wealth and the family nuclear unit is very important, the belief systems and how they live as a family and community. So I talked about team work and to work as a team together so that they can have a better, healthier society, happier and then I gave some illustrations on how to take care of their bodies as a temple of the living God.”

PlusTV

Man arrested in connection to missing Government Vehicles
Belmopan Police are making progress in the case of the missing Government issued Hilux vehicles, which police believe are all connected in some way or another, but have yet been able to prove it.Last week, the fifth vehicle since July would have gone missing; but by a stroke of luck, it was spotted...

Quality Poultry Broiler Explodes, Employee Dies
There was a work related accident at Quality Poultry Products’ facility in Spanish Lookout on Thursday October 14th. Sabino Primentel, a resident of Santa Familia Village and the manager of the boiler system at the rendering plant for Quality Poultry Product, received severe burns when there was a...

Fire truck damages vehicle
The National Fire Service has taken responsibility for an incident which took place late Monday evening as trucks responded to reports of a fire near the Majestic Alley area of Belize City. But they claim that it might not have happened if the fire report had not turned out to be a false alarm.Arou...

Brian Charlesworth found guilty of carnal knowledge of child
45 year old Brian Charlesworth was convicted of carnal knowledge today by a jury of 9, before Justice Troadio Gonzalez in the Supreme Court. The jury voted 7-2 to convict Charlesworth of molesting a six year old female child. The incident occurred at an unknown date between January of 2011 and Octob...

Guatemalan couple beat charges
A Guatemalan couple, 42 year old Alfredo Marcos and 46 year old Marleny Castellanos, who were charged with using document that they were not entitled to use, were freed of those charges on Tuesday when they were dismissed by Magistrate Dale Cayetano, after presentations were made by Crown Counsel Sh...

Teenager jailed for prohibited firearm
He says he is tired of being disrespected and taken lightly, but 19 year old student Jonathan Gideon will spend the next eight years in Central Prison, after pleading guilty on Tuesday to keeping a prohibited firearm and keeping ammunition without a gun license. Magistrate Herbert Panton set sentenc...

Accused hand bag thief charged
Nineteen year old Khalil Heusner, a construction worker of Berkeley Street, Belize City, is one of two persons who the police believe stole a hand bag containing an I Phone. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of robbery, when he appeared on Tuesday before Magistrate Dale Cayetano...

Land fight on Ambergris Caye goes to court
The case of Santa Rita Holdings versus Reef Village Limited and others went to court on Monday. It is a dispute over usage of lands along the sea coast in Northern Ambergris Caye. Proprietor and resident of Santa Rita Holdings and Tabony’s Industries, Gus Tabony, tells us about his company’s efforts to stop rival developers from using his property for their own. Gus Tabony – Proprietor and Resident of Santa Rita Holdings “What we’re trying to do in enjoin is the unloading of materials from barges from front of our beach front property. We feel that this is a private use of the public right of way, and that it’s damaging the sea wall. They’ve destroyed our pier, and the defendants just claim that they have the unlimited use of the sea front in front of our property, in which we are claiming because of our rights to the sea front, that’s why we buy sea front property is to have the use and the access to the sea, that it’s a violation of our rights to that part of the property. There’s some issues here to what is a private use as to a public use, because yes the public has the use of the right of way. There’s no Queen’s land in San Pedro, which is owned by the Government, but there is a right of way. It’s just a legal issue.”

Fire in PG Guts House; Resident Lost Everything.
An overnight fire over the weekend gutted a small cement building with zinc rooftop at Lovers Water Supply area in Punta Gorda. The fire started sometime before midnight on Friday September 24th. When police arrived at the scene they found the building already engulfed in flames. Contrary to police reports the house was not abandoned. 22 year old Rigo Zuniga says he has been living there with his brother. He had left Punta Gorda for Belize City to find a job, and had not been home for a week and a half when he got the call. Rigo Zuniga “The building was in flames. I got the call at 12:27 a.m. on Saturday morning. Everything is totally destroyed. The house itself was [worth] 40 plus thousand dollars. The belongings inside was probably like maybe 15 or 17 thousand dollars. I went to the Fire Department this morning trying to get a fire report, to submit to the bank, because I had a loan from the bank. That’s still at the preliminary stage right now.”

Steven Buckley attempted murder trial put off again
On April 28 of 2010, construction worker Steven Buckley and two companions were shot at in a Dodge Ram vehicle, stopped by Police on Kraal Road, Belize City, as part of their investigations into a shooting incident. The shooter was identified as Inspector of Police Dennis Lopez from Belmopan. Four years after the events of that Wednesday night, Stephen Buckley still waits for his day in court. It should have been Monday, but as he tells us, Inspector Lopez’s trial has been traversed again. Steven Buckley “When I want to the Court, they tell me the case is adjourned till next year. They said that it’s due to the lawyer for the policeman not coming. So they say they adjourn it again, for sake of that.”

Cayo Cancer Society walks for awareness
There was a cancer walk in San Ignacio on Saturday October 25th . The San Ignacio branch of Cancer society started at 6:30 a.m. from Running W on the George Price Highway, all the way to the Macal River Park. It was a good turnout to raise awareness of the disease and the need for support of victims and their families. We spoke to one cancer survivor, John Lopez, who participated in the walk. John Lopez “All my life I work out, and that is the best I can do. I work out. I don’t drink now. I got about ten years I don’t drink. I think exercise really helps. Cancer is for everybody. Anybody could get cancer. I would advise the majority that don’t exercise, to exercise, because I believe in exercise.”

Amandala

Hanna hits Honduras, will drench Belize
The 8th named storm of the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane season made landfall south of Belize this afternoon, in Honduras, and while the storm does not pose a direct threat to Belize, it is expected to trigger heavy rainfall and squally conditions, according to an alert today from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). In its first advisory on Tropical Storm Hanna, which has been downgraded to a tropical depression after it made landfall in Honduras at 2:00 p.m. today, Monday, October 27, 2014, NEMO says that the proximity of the tropical system will cause showers and thunderstorms around the country during the next 24 to 36 hours. “The Rio Hondo and Mopan Rivers are rising slowly. The low-lying bridge and the Iguana Creek bridge on the Macal River are at flood state. Both the Baking Pot and Succotz ferries remain closed,” NEMO reports.

Crips vs Crips!
Roger Anthony, the reputed leader of the Mayflower Street-based Ghost Town Crips, who renounced his gang leadership two weeks ago, is in police custody pending charges, the police press office reported today. According to a police press release dated today, Monday, October 27, on Sunday, October 26, Shelly Meighan, 39, reported that around 10:10 p.m., “whilst inside her house on Banak Street, she noticed a male person standing outside her house and shortly after, she heard what sounded like gunshots and realized her house was shot at, causing damage to a glass louver.” The police report said that four expended shells were retrieved from the scene. “No one was injured,” the report said. “Quick police response in the area led to the detention of Roger Anthony, 37, and a .9mm pistol which was seized. Anthony is in police custody pending charges,” said the report.

Minor traffic violation leads to alleged police beating and four charges
A resident of the West Lake community at Mile 8 on the George Price Highway was arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court late this evening on four charges stemming from a minor traffic violation. Typically, someone accused of such a violation is promptly released on station bail and he or she is given a date on which to appear in court. That, however, was not the case with Sherwin Baizar, who had been in police lockdown since Friday, October 24, when the incident occurred. Baizar was brought to court this morning in the police mobile unit transporting prisoners. Baizar, a 28-year-old musician, pleaded not guilty to “causing a bicycle to proceed on a one-way street; resisting lawful arrest; assaulting a police officer; and use of insulting words,” when Magistrate Hettie Mae Stewart arraigned him on the charges.

Exploding boiler kills Quality Poultry employee
A resident of Santa Familia, Cayo District, succumbed to varying degrees of burns he received following an incident in which he was accidentally drenched with boiling water while working at a local chicken processing plant belonging to Quality Poultry Products in the Spanish Lookout community in the Cayo District. The incident reportedly happened a little over a week ago, on October 16; however, the victim, Sabino Pimentel had been fighting for his life since then until he died on Thursday, October 23, while undergoing specialist treatment in Guatemala. Raymond Barkman, general manager of Quality Poultry Products, issued a statement this evening explaining the sequence of events concerning the unfortunate incident. The statement said that on October 16, 2014, the management was alerted to an accident that had occurred in the boiler section of the compound, and upon arriving there they saw Pimentel under a water fountain cooling himself down from an obvious steam burn, after which an instant decision was made to get him out of the country to a burn victim facility in Guatemala City.

BNE and Maranco case goes to Caribbean Court of Justice
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will hear the final appeal in a contract dispute between Belize Natural Energy and Maranco, which had been hired to work for Belize Natural Energy in the early stages of its operation here, particularly in relation to the onshore drilling contracts of May 1, 2008. Court documents indicate that a dispute arose under the contracts between the parties concerning the amount of demobilization fees, the daily rates and damages payable to Maranco for alleged breaches of the contracts by Belize Natural Energy.

Court mediation in Maya land rights dispute faces GOB challenge
Conejo, Crique Sarco, Midway and Graham Creek are four Maya villages surrounding the Sarstoon Temash National Park, where US Capital Energy has been drilling for oil in rural Toledo. The communities have gone to court challenging the decision by the Government of Belize to permit drilling inside the national park, on what they insist is Maya ancestral lands, without properly consulting the indigenous communities in question. Supreme Court Justice Michelle Arana has ordered that the parties meet for court-connected mediation, but the Government of Belize is challenging that mediation order on the claim that the matter has been submitted for appeal. A date and time have been set for the hearing of the Government’s challenge. At 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2014, Justice Arana is scheduled to hear the Government’s petition to have the mediation order vacated.

Jadas win male, female softball finals games
The Orange Walk softball league championship games were held yesterday, October 26, 2014 at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk, and Team Jadas of Orange Walk won both the male and female championships in grand fashion. In the male championship game, Jadas defeated Mad Bull Productions 3 -2. The winning pitcher in that game was Jeremias Chi. In the female game, Carmelita Caribbean Queen faced off against Jadas, and in the end, Jadas won 16 – 4 in the fourth inning after the Mercy Rule was applied. The winning pitcher was Marina Gongora. Game three of the finals series featuring Jadas and Carmelita Caribbean Queen, who won game 1 (9 -5), comes up on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at People’s Stadium at 2:00 p.m.

Southern region volleyball semi-final competition results
This weekend, in the semi-finals of the NSSSA Southern Regional Volleyball tournament, Stann Creek Ecumenical College came in first, while Toledo Community College and Delille Academy placed second and third respectively in the female category. In the male competition, Toledo Community College boys were the first place winners, and Georgetown Technical High School and Delille Academy settled for second and third place respectively. Of note is that the top two teams in both categories will now go on to play each other for the NSSSA Southern Regional Volleyball tournament championship.

Talking football – Part 7 – End
Hurricane Hattie of 1961 (October 31) started a process some months afterwards that continued to have a great impact on Belize football development over the years. If it is stars that fill stadiums, then there may be a clue here as to why it has been difficult over the years to keep fans crowding the stadiums like they used to “back eena di day.” When the USA “opened the door” to Belizean families following the devastation of Hurricane Hattie, an exodus of Belizeans began, and that exodus was joined especially by the brightest of Belizean sports stars, one after the other. And it continued for decades. It is sometimes said that one man, Babe Ruth, was responsible for the building of the great original Yankee Stadium, so great was his popularity, and his effect on fan attendance at games played there. When Pine, and Chico, and Pops Hamilton, and Frankie Clarke, and Reds Wilson, and the Roo, and the Mugger, etc. … when these star players left Belize for the U.S. still in their prime, it had to have a negative impact on fans who were their contemporaries. Of course, many fans of their generation also joined the exodus themselves.

Editorial: Infrastructure
The real yardstick by which future generations of Belizeans will judge our contemporary political leaders is not by what they have thought or by what they have said, but by what they have built. Economists refer to the “infrastructure” of a nation, and this includes roads, bridges, ports, public buildings, water and sewerage systems, and so on. We are not economists at this newspaper, but we thought of opening up a conversation to which more knowledgeable readers may care to contribute. Belize has had four Maximum Leaders in our lifetime, and these are Rt. Hon. George Price, Rt. Hon. Manuel Esquivel, Rt. Hon. Said Musa, and Hon. Dean Barrow. Mr. Price had the longest run as Maximum Leader, from 1961 to 1984, whereas Mr. Esquivel spent a total of ten years as Prime Minister, likewise Mr. Musa, whereas Mr. Barrow is working on his seventh year in office. Mr. Price was also Maximum Leader from 1989 to 1993, but the evidence suggests that he may have been a figurehead during that term of office.

From the Publisher
When United States President John F. Kennedy was murdered by right wing elements in November of 1961 in Dallas, Texas, Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson assumed the presidency. Business proceeded to go on as usual. But when Mexican President Francisco I. Madero and Vice-President José María Pino Suárez were murdered by Mexican Army elements in February of 1913 in Mexico City, it was a Mexican Army general, Victoriano Huerta, who took over the presidency after a plot which involved the United States Ambassador to Mexico, Henry Lane Wilson. Business did not go on as usual: a bloody civil war broke out in Mexico. During his presidency, Victoriano Huerta, who is reviled in Mexican history, was supported by the Roman Catholic Church in Mexico. It is primarily for that reason that the Mexican Constitution drawn up in 1917 by the nationalist forces which had forced Huerta into exile in July of 1914, was distinctly anticlerical.

Letters: Dealing with deadbeat dads!
I heard the understatement of the year this morning when one of the panelists on the Talk Show declared: “Our women are overwhelmed!” During the discussion of Sexual Abuse of Children, one of the main causes seemed to be the economic deprivation of women and children which leads to various other abuses too. The inability to prosecute perpetrators is a problem that needs national attention. But such prosecution is related to cure and we should be looking to prevention as much as cure. Our laws and our practice must pay keen attention to find practical ways to deal with the root causes. Take, for instance, the widespread economic deprivation that occurs because many fathers won’t pay child support. One woman told me the problem is the court says she has to get DNA proof that the guy is the father because he denies that the child is his. The woman, of course, can’t find the $900.00 (her quote) to pay for the test so the guy walks free! I believe the following, properly girded by legal firewalls, is a practical solution that should be considered:

Bus line installs onboard Wi-Fi
James Bus Line, which is known for its daily runs to western and southern Belize, has launched an initiative that will now enable its customers to access Wi-Fi services while travelling on its express runs. The owner of James Bus Line, James Williams, told us today that at this point, the service is undergoing a testing stage to determine how it will work and what else will be needed to make it possible, and that once it is up and running, it will be there for as long as the bus line exists. It comes as a welcomed idea for university students who utilize the bus line to travel to and from school in Belmopan, since we understand that they plan to use the Wi-Fi to occupy their time or catch up with assignments while on their way to school.

BSCFA, BSI discuss upcoming sugar season
While there may still be no finalized commercial agreement between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI)/American Sugar Refineries (ASR), representatives of both parties met with the Sugar Cane Production Committee (SCPC) in Orange Walk yesterday to plan for the start of the upcoming sugarcane crop season, which is slated to commence in about five weeks, at the end of next month. Despite the gloomy future of this year’s sugarcane crop delivery season, the stakeholders are assessing the produce in the fields to outline a plan for a successful and manageable harvest, which is currently estimated to be in the vicinity of 1.3 million tons of cane. After the session, Alfredo Ortega, vice chairman of the BSCFA Committee of Management, told the media that as long as weather conditions are conducive during this crop season, the season should go smoothly, given that cane farmers take into account what needs to be done at the farm level with regards to harvesting, so that any problems with the quality of cane delivered to the mill can be reduced.

Mayor and Minister exchange words at deferred Dangriga market opening
After having been delayed for a lengthy period on account of a major setback that was reportedly the result of a sizeable chunk of its funding having been allegedly siphoned off by former employees of the Social Investment Fund (SIF), the government entity that was in charge of the project, the long awaited renovation of the Dangriga market has finally been completed and yesterday, amongst political fireworks, it was handed over to the Dangriga Town Council. The market project had been launched in May of 2012 and was slated to be completed a little over a year later; however, in September of 2013, it was struck with controversy which resulted in a change of contractor, termination of at least four SIF officials, including the executive director, and reallocation of financing in order for the market to be completed. All that, coupled with the fact that the market was delivered 15 months past its scheduled completion date and $400,000 over its proposed budget, apparently caused Dangriga Mayor, Gilbert Swazo, to lash out at SIF and Government officials during the opening ceremony yesterday in the “Culture Capital”, Dangriga.

The FIU’s move to freeze accounts of securities companies
The courtroom of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin was filled with about a dozen attorneys yesterday, Tuesday, because the Belize’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) had made a move to freeze the assets of six companies and their employees who were indicted on money laundering and securities fraud charges in a United States Federal District Court in Brooklyn, New York, on September 9. All media representatives were asked to vacate the courtroom as the arguments over accounts that the FIU had secured a court order to freeze in Belize’s banks got underway “in chambers.” The six individuals who have been indicted in the U.S. are Belizean, Andrew Godfrey, 51; Bahamians, Kelvin Leach, 34, and Rhon Knowles, 29; Canadians Brian De Wit, 45, and Cem Can AKA Jim Can, 44; and American Robert Bandfield,70. Knowles and Leach were released on Supreme Court bail after they were arraigned on an FIU charge of attempting to leave Belize with more than the prescribed amount of money allowed under the law. After the two were granted bail at the Magistrate’s Court, however, they were rearrested and taken directly to the Belize Central Prison.

The Reporter

Supreme Court orders Mayor to pay arrears of $525,026 to Belize Waste Control
The Supreme Court of Belize has ordered the Belize City Council, to pay more than half a million dollars to Belize Waste Control (BWC) for arrears on garbage collection owed to the company. For every day that the City Council fails to make the payment an additional $86.30 will be added to the total as interest. The City Council did not offer a defense in court, so the ruling became a default judgement. Mayor Darrell Bradley has indicated that CitCo has already reached out to Belize Waste Control Limited and is in the process of formulating a payment schedule with the sanitation company. Belize Waste Control Limited had previously taken the City Council to court in April of this year over arrears that the Council owed. At the time both sides had agreed to an out-of-court settlement when the debt was reduced to just two-weeks of outstanding balances.

Guatemalan boys shot in Belize near Guatemalan border; One still missing
A trio of Guatemalan teenagers who entered Belize illegally at Clarissa Falls near the border in Cayo last Sunday were shot at by an unknown aassailant. One was wounded, while another is possibly dead. A third teenager who fled during the shooting, has returned to his home in Melchor de Mencos. . Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu, Officer Commanding the Benque Police Formations, disclosed that they were three Guatemalan boys from Melchor de Mencos, aged 15, 16 and 17 respectively, who crossed into Belizean territory illegally to fish in the river. Based on the information the police received from the 17-year-old youth who has been hospitalized at the San Ignacio Community Hospital, police believe that the boys were trailed by another Guatemalan who shot at them, wounding two.

A tribute to the life and work of the late Karlie Menzies
The death of the late Karl H.Menzies, at the age of 86, has evoked a flood of tributes from the business community of Belize City, where he was well known and greatly appreciated at every social level. The following nostalgic tribute was prepared and delivered by Mr. Marion Usher, his lifelong friend. “Mr Karlie may not have written any works that made it into the Harvard Business Review, the Economist or the Wall Street Journal, but there was no need to publish his words of wisdom. “We all knew. He had a stellar set of core and common sense values, which he developed in the Belize school of hard knocks, and which he willingly shared with all of us. “When he spoke his words of wisdom I listened. I will always remember my discussions with him and his response as I considered venturing into business. He raised his head slowly, looked me squarely in the eyes and said: “My brother, measure twice and cut once”.

PAC Chairman urges Auditor General to perform her duty
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman, Julius Espat has urged the Auditor General to use her authority to look into the government’s recent PETROCARIBE loan motion and he warned that to not do so would be a “complete abdication of responsibility.” Auditor General, Dorothy Bradley told The Reporter on Thursday that since the funds in question originate from 2012, she would only be able to audit the matter when she receives financial records for that period from the Accountant General. Bradley explained that her office, once in possession of those financial records, would conduct a comprehensive audit not just particularly as it relates to PETROCARIBE funds, but all government spending.

Cacao farmers organizing to increase production
Cacao farmers in southern Belize, under the umbrella group Maya Mountain Cacao (MMC), have organized to improve growing techniques and boost the level of production of local farmers. MMC, which is made up of mostly Maya cacao farmers along with Belizean chocolate makers and American entrepreneurs, have started developing a world-class demonstration farm which, when in full bloom would boost Belize’s cacao production by 50 percent. MMC Field Director Gabriel Pop said the demonstration farm will be a great tool to create economic opportunities in southern Belize while passing traditional Mayan agricultural techniques to the younger generation. MMC recently acquired 120 acres just outside the village of San Pedro Columbia in the Toledo District and have started cultivating the land for their demonstration farm. The purpose of the demonstration farm is to share techniques and train younger generations on how to grow cacao in the hope that the industry will expand even further and improve economic activity in the area.

New bird regulations will restrict ownership
People and families who want to keep the birds they already have in their possession as pets can apply to do so before December 31, 2014. The Forest Department will review each application and where the requirements are met, it will grant permission for bird owners to keep them, except for the Scarlet Macaw parrot. This is under program that allows for one person per household to apply as a registered keeper of up to two birds maximum. After December 31, 2014, the law will be vigorously enforced to protect endangered birds. Under the current laws, it is unlawful to hunt, capture or keep a native parrot, but officials charged with protecting these creatures have found that people secretly go to extreme lengths to capture them, causing more harm in the process. So the Forest Department has embarked on a program that offers families an opportunity to keep birds that have already been taken from the wild.

On Taiwan’s Anniversary A renewed pledge of solidarity with Belize
On the occasion of the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Taiwan, Ambassador Ben Ho had some special words of appreciation for Belize . “Our people and government are most grateful to your government for voicing unwavering support for our participation in international mechanisms and present for the occasion and gave a speech extolling Taiwan for her economic and industrial strides, and for her enormous help to the country and people of Belize. Ambassador Ben Ho, in reply said that under the principle of mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual assistance, bilateral relations between Belize and Taiwan since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1989 have been growing from strength to strength. “With the guidelines of “transparency, accountability and good governance our bilateral cooperation projects in infrastructure development, in technical cooperation projects, in infrastructure development, in technical cooperation, in medical cooperation, in capacity building and education, in youth and culture exchanges, we have effectively and efficiently implemented as planned”, he said.

Video symposium to be held in November
A media and video symposium will be held on November 4th to help small businesses, non-profit and government organizations become better marketers, communicators and visual storytellers. The symposium is being coordinated by the Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative along with South Shore Productions Incorporated and will be held at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina. Erika Gilsdorf, founder of South Sore Productions, told The Reporter that the idea for the symposium arose after multiple jobs in the Caribbean indicated a need for this type of information disemination. The all-day session will be held at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and include insider tips and advice from Belize’s leading media and video professionals. Speakers at the session will include representatives from PGTV, Centaur Communications, KREM TV, Channel 7, Channel 5, The Reporter, The San Pedro Sun, TAS Belize, 13 Productions, Belize Filmworks and Idea Lab Solutions.

EDITORIAL
Every now and then the news of the day reveals an incident so outrageous that even seasoned journalists find it hard to believe. Such an incident was reported last week by a Belize City man who spent two days and three nights in a Queen Street police holding cell after […]

Dead Guatemalan retrieved from Mopan
Police have retrieved the body of Rudy Leonel Salazar, 22, one of two Guatemalan youths who were shot by a person who was stalking them as they crossed the Mopan River into Belize on a fishing expedition. Benque police confirmed to The Reporter on Thursday evening, that Salazar’s brother positively identified the body. The young man from Melchor de Mencos, had crossed from Guatemala into Belize along with two others. Based on testimony given by one of the boys who received treatment at the San Ignacio Hospital, for a bullet wound in his right thigh, police believe that the person who shot them was a Guatemalan who followed them from Melchor. The youth in the San Ignacio Hospital was shot in the leg, while Salazar was shot twice in the neck. He fell into the Mopan River. His body was found on Thursday evening in the River, about a mile north of Calla Creek in the Cayo District.

Paul Nabor, Soul of Garifuna Music, dies at 86 in Punta Gorda
Belize is mourning the passing of legendary Parandero, Paul Nabor, who died on Wednesday evening in his native Punta Gorda Town. Nabor had been ailing since 2009, when he first fell ill and had to be air-lifted to Belize City for urgent medical treatment. Nabor, 86, had composed many Paranda songs, mostly in Garifuna, which have gained him recognition in Belize and in international music circles. He lived a humble life in PG, but gained international recognition with his 1998 hit release, Naguya Nei, a tribute to his dying sister and her last wish. Nabor, whose real name was Paul Santino, came to be called “Nabor” by his friends and in known internationally by that name. On a 2004 visit to Honduras, he was declared a distinguished guest of the City of Tegucigalpa.

GOB court battle continues BISL wants $60 M in damages
The government of Belize on Wednesday filed an application in the Supreme Court for the BISL suit against it to be struck out. Belize International Services Limited, the company that used to operate the Merchant Marine Registry and the International Business Registry is suing the government for $60 million. The attorney representing the Belize Government, Denys Barrow,argues that BISL’s claim for a violation of its constitutional rights is incorrect and therefore the case should be struck out. Barrow said BISL should have instead filed a claim for breech of contract. BISL attorney Eamon Courtenay said that BISL’s claim is for damages because the government did in fact violate BISL’s constitutional rights by forcefully taking over the International Business Companies Registry and the International Merchant Marine Registry (IMMARBE).

Pervert charged for biting boy’s penis!
Police in Independence Village, Stann Creek have arrested and charged a 25 year-old man from that community with aggravated assault after he allegedly bit the penis of his neighbour, who is a five- year-old boy. According to police, the boy’s grandmother took him to the Independence Police Station and reported that on Sunday, October 19th, her neighbour had bitten the boy. Police ordered a medical examination which confirmed that the child had indeed suffered an injury which doctors classified as harm.

EBOLA WATCH…Cruiseship threat averted! Belize will forego passport checks
Two major cruise lines have threatened to boycott Belize if the government were to insist on Ebola screening measures that would require Belize officials to inspect passengers’ passports. Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia, disclosed this week the initial idea was to require each cruiseship passenger to present his/her passport on entering Belize. Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise lines have objected to this procedure and have threatened to remove Belize from their cruise itenary. Heredia explained that the cruise lines were concerned because their passengers would have already been screened by the time they reach Belize and individual screening of each passport would take away from the tourists’ time in Belize.

Patrick Jones

Belize Country Conference on Climate Change opens
Climate change has made an impact on Belize that few can ignore. But in terms of a unified response from the nation there is little to see by way of observation. To fill in that gap and make the issue more relevant to all Belizeans, a Country Conference […]

Brian Charlesworth found guilty of carnal knowledge of child
45 year old Brian Charlesworth was convicted of carnal knowledge today by a jury of 9 before Justice Troadio Gonzalez in the Supreme Court. The jury voted 7-2 to convict Charlesworth of molesting a six year old girl. The incident occurred at an unknown date between January of […]

Accused hand bag thief charged
Nineteen year old Khalil Heusner, a construction worker of Berkeley Street, is one of two persons who the police believe stole a hand bag containing an I Phone. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of robbery when he appeared today before Magistrate Dale Cayetano. He was released […]

Teenager jailed for prohibited firearm
He says he is tired of being disrespected and taken lightly, but 19 year old student Jonathan Gideon will spend the next eight years in Central Prison after pleading guilty today to keeping a prohibited firearm and keeping ammunition without a gun license. Magistrate Herbert Panton set sentences […]

Roger Anthony charged for shooting incident
Despite announcing two weeks ago that he was leaving the gang lifestyle for good and encouraging others to do the same, 37 year old Roger Anthony is back in trouble. He and 23 year old Kendis Flowers are accused of attempted murder, aggravated assault and damage to property […]

James Bus line offers free wifi internet to customers
James Bus Line is undoubtedly the premier public transportation provider of bus service from Punta Gorda to Belize City and back. For decades, James Bus Line has been a mainstay on the highways and roads of Belize and in keeping with the times, has introduced a new on-board […]

Murder of Patricia Nichiporowich remains unsolved one year later
Exactly one year after the brutal murder of Canadian national 57 year old Patricia Lynn Nichiporowich, police are no closer to solving the crime than they were last year. Corozal police have not made any arrest in the case and officially the crime remains “under investigation.” Indications are […]

Remnants of former Tropical Storm Hanna heading for Belize
The tropical system that was TD-9, then Tropical Storm Hanna, then a Tropical Depression again and now Invest 96L, just does not seem to want to go away. After going ashore on the Nicaragua/Honduras border as Tropical Storm Hanna on Monday, the remnants of the former Tropical […]

Arguments in FIU/Titan trial set
Later this week, on Thursday at 9:00 am., arguments in the case of Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) versus Robert Bandfield and several persons and companies allegedly linked to an alleged billion-dollar fraud scheme in the U.S. will be heard before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Six persons from four […]

Deliveryman charged for stealing motorcycle
Thirty-three year old Orlando Salazar, a delivery driver for Chon Saan Palace, was charged with robbery and harm when he appeared yesterday before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stuart. Salazar pled not guilty to the charges. He was released on a bail of $1,500 and his case was adjourned until […]

Steven Buckley attempted murder trial put off again
On April 28 of 2010, construction worker Steven Buckley and two companions were shot at in a Dodge Ram vehicle stopped by Police on Kraal Road as part of their investigations into a shooting incident. The shooter was identified as Inspector of Police Dennis Lopez from Belmopan. Four […]

Can CitCo handle BML absorption?
It has been nearly three months since Prime Minister Dean Barrow and his Economic Affairs Ambassador, Mark Espat, negotiated a solution to the crisis involving Belize Maintenance Limited (BML) and the Belize City Council. BML workers had vehemently protested their possible firing by their employers because they could […]

Land fight on Ambergris Caye goes to court
The case of Santa Rita Holdings versus Reef Village Limited and others went to court yesterday. It is a dispute over usage of lands along the sea coast in northern Ambergris Caye. Proprietor and resident of Santa Rita Holdings and Tabony’s Industries, Gus Tabony, sought an injunction to […]

Blogs

Chikungunya Virus
Chikungunya (pronunciation: \chik-en-gun-ye) virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. The most common symptoms of chikungunya virus infection are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In late 2013, chikungunya virus was found for the first time in the Americas on islands in the Caribbean. There is a risk that the virus will be imported to new areas by infected travelers. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat chikungunya virus infection. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. When traveling to countries with chikungunya virus, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.

“Grand Hotel” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Up bright (well as bright as I’m ever likely to be nowadays) and early this morning and out on the veranda – the western, lagoon facing one – with a mug of black coffee and my iPad by 05.15 hours. I sat out there enjoying the tranquility and solitude for a couple of hours (or three mugs of coffee’s worth) before showering, shaving, taking care of the molars and dressing (and yes, I do it in that order) and setting off for breakfast. But it’s Tuesday you’re thinking -Estel’s Dine By the Sea isn’t open on Tuesday. And you’re right, but I wasn’t going there. I was going to Caribbean Villas Hotel for one of these And very good it was too. Knowing that Rose and I have been invited to the Grand Opening

Pet Adoption in Belize: Have I Got The Dog For You – Meet Boo
Just Sunday morning I found a puppy. A sweet white, hazel eyed pup climbing the steps at an empty condo next door. Far from anywhere she should be. Clearly lost. She stuck around for a few hours. No one was coming to pick her up. So I borrowed a collar and a leash… The kids loved her… the adults loved her.

The San Pedro, Belize SAGA Humane Society’s 11th Halloween Spooktacular Is the Biggest Yet!
Yesterday afternoon the entire town turned out for the SAGA Humane Society‘s BIG Halloween Fundraiser Costume party at Carlo & Ernie’s Runway Bar. The spot was JAM PACKED. Kids, adults, tons of dogs… …games, raffles, a smooching pooch booth…drinks, food. It was a roaring success. I took a ton of pictures and Mike, a SanPedroScoop reader who just came down with his wife to adopt a puppy that they met at the Bacalar Chico ranger station, took even more. Beautiful close-ups of kids, pets and volunteers.

Food Becomes Art at Casa Picasso Restaurant
Casa Picasso hosted their annual smash hit party to kick off their reopening for high season. This year’s event was bigger and better than ever and it has definitely gained its place as one of the “must do” parties. The restaurant is also looking better than ever as they did some major renovations during slow season and totally opened up the place. Two hundred or so people came out to enjoy refreshing cocktails, delicious food, great ambiance and fun people. Throughout the night, 2,200 mouth watering appetizers were served by Picasso’s fabulous staff and, as I chatted with different people, our opinions were all the same “simply delicious” and “glad to be there.”

International Sources

The Rough Guide to Belize by Singha
The whole book online

Belize and Caribbean Real Estate and Vacation Resorts!
Volume 1 Issue 4

Living the dream: Guiding tours around Central America
I have just completed by fifth 49-day trip bringing groups of tourists around Central America. I was interviewed for an article for Generation Emigration just after finishing my first tour with a company called Tucan Travel last February, but I’ve learned a lot since then and wanted to offer a more rounded perspective of my job after several tours. I love my work but it is an undeniably tough challenge. As a tour guide, you are responsible for organising all logistics and managing group dynamics, and regularly face unforeseen problems which have to be solved on the spot. Some days, tour leading feels like the hardest job in the world, and on others it is like working in paradise; either way, you end up with good stories, which I’ve been collecting on my blog. We start our grand tour of Central America in Mexico City. Mexico is a diverse country, with an unfair reputation for drug violence. The ruins of many ancient civilisations, such as the half-excavated Palenque jungle ruins (pictured above), are a sight to behold. I would recommend avoiding the big cities in the Yucatan peninsula like Cancun – if you venture down to submerged caves called “cenotes”, you will discover the real beauty of Mexico lies underground. In Belize, these caves have been left untouched, with the surprises of sacrificed Mayan skeletons awaiting you in the famous Actun Tunichil Muknal caves (pictured above). Caye Caulker takes the chilled-out Caribbean island stereotype to a whole new level.

Caribbean Tourism Report Q4 2014 - New Report Available
The Caribbean region is returning to sustained growth, with all countries expecting tourist arrivals to increase in 2014 and 2015 . However, this is expected to remain below pre-2007 trend growth, with regional arrivals now averaging about 3.0% annual growth. Nonetheless, we expect that improving growth prospects will encourage greater investment in the region, particularly in the hotel sector. Our tourism report for the Caribbean considers the impact of ongoing global economic uncertainty on the Caribbean tourism industry and how the region's fiscal issues are affecting its tourism arrivals. Following the decline of the financial services industry after the economic downturn hit in 2007, tourism has increased in importance to Caribbean economies. Although Cuba and Trinidad & Tobago have more diversified economies, the majority of the Caribbean islands are now primarily dependent on tourism as their major source of revenue.

"The Boy and the Jaguar"
“This book is sure to entertain. It takes place in New York and Belize, perfectly wrapping itself around the Book Buzz theme of accepting our differences. “Alan has a stuttering problem. No matter how many doctors he sees, or how many medicines he takes, nothing works. Although he has trouble talking to people, he can speak fluently to animals. Alan understands that animals haven’t been heard, like him. He becomes determined to keep animals safe and give them a voice. “The author wrote this book in the perfect way. Within the first two pages, he hooked me on the story, just like a good book should. While reading it, I felt empathy for Alan and was cheering him on throughout the book! “My favorite part is when Alan explains how he feels misunderstood like his pets. I also love the part, ‘The jungle makes me fell more alive than I have ever felt,’ and ‘I promise that if I can ever find my voice, I will be their voice and keep them from harm.’

Videos

Video: Charity work by Miss America Belize program, 14min.
CHARITY AT HOME -Belizeans for Belize!

Video: Paul Nabor Tribute, 3.5min.
1930 to 2014, Paul Nabor king of Paranda, Belizean singer song writer, and Icon, this tribute a made from clips of the documentary about Nabor, "Paul Nabor to bring you love" and clips of a visit with early this year. i am very happy to have had worked with this great legendary artist my good friend PAUL NABOR.

Video: Placencia Belize - Belize In America on tour, 2min.
So, I'm in Placencia, Belize capturing the many beautiful faces and places of this precious jewel. While it's quite convenient t move around the southern side of Placencia on bicycle, I'll park my bike and head over to Captain Jak's Rentals to rent a golf cart.

Video: Living in Rural Belize 15 min version 23 Oct, 16min.

Video: Belize cave medical training - Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Jungle Lodge, 5min.
Caves Branch would not be what it is today if it weren’t for our tour guides. We take each guests safety very seriously. Our guides are all trained to international standards to provide each person the highest degree of personal safety while on our adventure tours.

Video: Lamanai: een prachtige Maya-tempel in Belize, 3min.
Kijk meer video's op Chris Zegers verblijft in de Lamanai Lodge en bezoekt de mooiste Maya-plek van heel Belize: de Lamanai.

Video: Dasha Belize - Photoshoot 2014, 9min.
Dasha Belize - Photoshoot 2014.

Video: Chris Zegers vliegt over Belize, 1min.
Kijk meer video's op Chris Zegers is in het tropische Belize, in het hart van Midden-Amerika. Hij stapt daar in 'n vliegtuigje dat hem het land én de zee van bovenaf laat zien.

Video: Paul Nabor, 3min.
Paul Nabor about his love for his guitar. He will be tremendously missed and forever remembered.

Video: BELIZE SIZZLE 720, 8min.

Video: Belize Diving -- Dolphin Encounter, 3.5min.
Carolina Dive Center trip to Belize. Day 3 of diving encountered curious dolphins at Victoria Tunnels dive site.

October 28, 2014

Seal Paul Live in Belize City!

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

Fine dining at Pineapple’s Restaurant
Tucked away on one of the oldest and most prestigious resorts on Ambergris Caye is a restaurant with food as unique as its name. Pineapple’s Restaurant at Ramon’s Village Resort is synonymous with delicious food, so when the My Beautiful Belize gang gets a special invitation to go sample some their signature dishes, it’s a unanimous “Yes” around the office. Pineapple’s atmosphere is quite different from other restaurants. Surrounded by lush vegetation that recreates the ambiance of a Maya village, yet complimented by an astounding view of the Caribbean Sea, the main dining area sits under 35 foot tall thatched roof. But what really caught my eye was a huge Maya stone head and other artifacts displayed at the rear of the room. It is a truly awesome sight! If you’d rather bask under the sun while having lunch or revel in the moonlight while having dinner, opt for the seating on the veranda instead.

Adriana Haylock to represent Belize at Reinado Internacional del Tropico 2014 Pageant
La Isla Bonita’s very own Adriana Haylock is set to represent Belize in the Reinado Internacional del Tropico 2014 pageant. The pageant will be taking place in San Pedro Sula, Honduras on October 31st. Twenty year old Adriana, will be Belize’s third delegate to represent the country at this pageant since its inception in 2010. No stranger to pageantry Haylock has also partaken in several pageants including Miss San Pedro 2012-2013 and Miss Tourism Belize. Haylock looks forward to representing her country alongside the other thirteen delegates from Central America, South America and the Caribbean region. With countries across the region boasting rich rainforests and many landmark and wildlife reserves ,the pageant itself, is aimed towards promoting the awareness and preservation of natural resources and habitats for present and future generations to come. Miss Reinado Internacional del Tropico 2013-2014 Joely Bernat of the Dominican Republic, will be crowning this year’s winner. As Adriana travels to Honduras today, October 27th, The San Pedro Sun and community of San Pedro wishes her the best of luck.

Coast Guard calls off search for Eric Garcia
The Belize Coast Guard has officially called off all active searches for missing San Pedro Town resident Eric Garcia. The 21-year old went missing at sea on Monday October 13th, and his disappearance which led to a massive search and rescue operation. Garcia was a part of a group of three who went on a fishing trip onboard a canoe that capsized at sea near the coast of Ambergris Caye. Garcia’s friends, 28-year-old Joseph Hernandez and 25-year-old Jamal Martinez were rescued at sea alive and in good health during the initial stage of the search and rescue operation. Garcia, who was not an avid swimmer, is believed to have drowned after large waves and swift current dragged him into the deep sea. Local diver masters, tour guides and fishermen joined Coast Guard officials in an underwater and surface search and recovery effort for four days. Despite miles of search, all that was recovered were diving gear, pieces of Garcia’s clothing and other items believed to be related to him.

SPJC participates in ATLIB National Volleyball Tournament
On Sunday, October 19th the San Pedro Junior College (SPJC) male and female volleyball teams participated in the Association of Tertiary Level Institutions in Belize (ATLIB) National Volleyball Tournament. Held in San Ignacio, it saw the participation of six tertiary schools: SPJC, Ecumenical Junior College (EJC), University of Belize (UB), Saint John’s College Junior College (SJCJC), Sacred Heart Junior College (SHJC), and Independence Junior College (IJC). At the end of the competition, UB took first place in the male division while SJCJC took first place in the female division. The tournament was split into two divisions. First to play were the female volleyball teams. Four female teams participated, each playing a total of three matches. Winners of the matches were determined by a best out of five sets. Taking the female championship was SJCJC who played astoundingly, winning all three of their matches. In second place was UB who won two matches but lost to SJCJC. Third place went to EJC with one win and two losses, while SPJC had to settle for last place with three losses.42 SPJC Male Volleyball

World Pediatric Project – Facial Plastics Mission
A team of outstanding Facial Plastic Surgeons will be in Belize next week with the World Pediatric Project. They will be conducting a clinic at Karl Heusner Hospital on Saturday, November 1st afternoon and all day on Sunday, November 2nd at Southern Regional Hospital. If you know of anyone in your community who has a child with a facial deformity, scar, cleft lip or palate, or some other issue with their Eyes, Nose or Throat, They can be brought to either of these clinics to be evaluated and scheduled for surgery if necessary. For additional information please can the World Pediatric offices and speak to Milagro Garel at 223-7300.

The Belize Mission Dental Project returning to Ambergris Caye
The Belize Mission Project is gearing up once again to serve the residents of Ambergris Caye. Led by Dr. Frank Whipps, the team of dental professionals is expected to be on the island on Monday October 27th, to commence the first day of the annual two-week community dental clinic. The project has been coming to Belize for over 23 years, hosting clinics in various parts of the country including but not limited to, Placencia, Corozal, Valley of Peace (Cayo District) and Ambergris Caye. Last year’s project comprised of approximately 100 US medical volunteers, including professional dentists who conducted dentistry clinics at the San Pedro Lions Den and physicians that volunteered at The Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic II. While the trip to serve the Belizean communities is certainly not a cheap one (last year’s clinic cost an estimated total of $800,000 in combined time, supplies and contributions to the country), the volunteers and partners do it for the love of the country and Belizean people.

Ambergris Today

The Biggest Halloween Bash of the Year in Belize
It may not be Halloween just yet, but the Holiday Hotel in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, decided to celebrate one weekend earlier on Saturday, October 25, 2014. It is definitely the biggest Halloween celebration on Ambergris Caye, (probably in all of Belize) as hundreds flocked to the popular venue in costumes to celebrate. The black carpet was rolled out once again for the huge crowd of spectators outside of the Holiday Hotel to come enjoy all the great costumes as people walked into the party.

Saga Humane Society Rocks Halloween in San Pedro
Now in its 11th year, Saga Humane Society’s Halloween Spooktacular event shows no sign of slowing down. The fundraiser party keeps getting bigger and better with a record number of attendants at this year’s event that took place at Carlo and Ernie’s Runway Bar and Grill on Sunday, October 26, 2014. Pet owners, mostly of the canine kind, gathered in packs all dressed up in funny and spooky costumes along with their beloved pet dogs. It has always been a big family affair, with lots of young participants showing off their pets, even with matching costumes. There was food, music, candy, a silent auction and prizes for the best costumes. The event was a big success and very well attended; islanders to like to pamper their pets. Here are some of our favorite costumes/moments of the event.

Rugby Training Starts in San Pedro
Under the guiding hand of Martin Dawson as Organisor, San Pedro Turtles RUFC has been very fortunate to attract the attention of San Pedro resident Alex Almas, a qualified coach, and he has now run two training sessions with the eager youngsters. “Volunteers like Alex are going to be so important for this sport.” Says Rugby Belize Founder, Tony Gillings, “Rugby can be a rough game, it’s very physical and that’s why it attracts youngster; they can let off steam while getting fit and being part of and enjoying an unbeatable team spirit environment.”

San Pedro Beauty to Represent Belize in Honduras
Adriana Haylock, 20 year-old business major of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, was selected to represent Belize at the Reinado Internacional del Tropico 2014 pageant. Adriana will be Belize’s third representative at this pageant. The final is set to take place in San Pedro Sula, Cortes, Honduras on October 31st, 2014. Adriana has been training with her sister Annabell Haylock, who herself has pageant experience as she represented Belize at Miss Teenager Universe 2011 in Guatemala. Adriana is very excited at the opportunity to represent her country internationally as a beauty ambassador and promises to do her best to make her nation proud. She will leave Belize en route to Honduras, via Tropic Air, on October 27, 2014.

Misc Belizean Sources

Joint operations and patrols in the villages inside Belize and Guatemala along the border
Could someone explain why the Belize Defense Force and Guatemalan Armed Forces are conducting joint operations and patrols in the villages inside Belize and Guatemala along the border. Is the BDF and the GAF fighting a mutual enemy or they are searching for SC Donny Conorque's murderer? Guatemala claims that the entire country of Belize belongs to them. Is this the diplomatic and foreign policy statement that we are adopting for the national security of the Nation State of Belize? Is this the way we hope to secure the integrity of our borders with Guatemala? Someone please tell us the truth. Hubert Enriquez is this the new Border protection policy and if it is who is the Commander of a joint BDF/GAF operation? In situations like these if the patrol is in Belize the BDF would be in charge but when we cross into Guatemala, the Guatemalans will take command of the BDF troops. Is this a show of independence or what?

Papsmear and Immunization Campaign
Papsmear and Immunization Campaign at the Dr Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic II on Nov 8th! Don't miss it folks.

Saga Halloween fundraiser
A big Thank you to our volunteers, the huge crowd that came to support our Halloween fundraiser and to our host. Enjoy some pictures. — with Hayley Baer and 14 others at Carlo & Ernie's Runway Bar. (40 photos)

NEMO ADVISORY NO. 1 - TROPICAL STORM HANNA - LANDFALL ON HONDURAS
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) hereby informs the public that as of 3:00 p.m., the center of Tropical Storm (TS) Hanna was located near 14.6N 83.9W over northeastern Nicaragua. Maximum sustained winds remain at 40 miles per hour and TS Hanna was moving towards the west at 7 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida has Tropical Storm Hanna heading deeper into Nicaragua and Honduras. On the present track the center of circulation is expected to remain inland along the border of Honduras and Nicaragua. This track over land will weaken the system. Tropical Storm Hanna currently poses no significant threat to Belize, however, its proximity will support some showers and thunderstorms around the country during the next 24 to 36 hours.

Meet Suzanne....a surrendered parrot!
Meet our latest arrival Suzanne - a Belize City surrender. Her owner realised that Suzanne would be better off meeting other birds, and we can't disagree. She's a contented little soul provided she has lots of chewable items: cardboard, books, leaves, sticks, berries... If she doesn't have anything handy, she'll pick on herself. It's a full-time job keeping her satisfied, but even after just one week, you can see a few new chest feathers already peeking through. Thank you so much to her caring owners for giving her a second chance - can't wait for her first introduction to another yellowhead!

Unique Belize Artisan Portfolio. Must View

Corozal Basketball League
Five teams have already signed up in this year's Corozal Basketball League competition. Looking forward to seeing some of these teams in action. Best of luck to all.

“No interim agreement…NO sugar”
This morning on a TV talk show Vice Chairman of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmer’s Association (BSCFA), Alfredo Ortega stated that if Belize Sugar Industries (BSI/ASR) cannot or will not meet an interim agreement with BSCFA that favours the sugar cane farmers….then there will be NO sugar cane delivery for the upcoming sugar cane harvest season which is scheduled to open in the next five weeks. BSI/ASR continues to claim that they have a Buy and Sell Agreement with the cane farmers, while the cane farmers claim they have a legitimate partnership and sharing agreement. The Corozal Daily has been following the stalemate between BSI/ASR and the BSCFA since September of 2014 when BSI had originally sent a proposal which the BSCFA countered, entirely. Since then, both parties have failed to finalize a commercial purchasing agreement. Earlier this month Vice Chairman of the BSCFA, Alfredo Ortega told the media that he is disappointed at the result of the negotiations because the company refuses to compromise to arrive at a resolution equitable to both parties.

Channel 7

Ghost Town Boss "Roger" Caught By Cops After Alleged Shooting
It made headlines two weeks ago when the commander of the Gang Suppression Unit brought out Ghost Town boss Roger Anthony - who professed to the world that he had left the gang life behind. But tonight, Shelley Meighan, the mother of the Meighan brothers who are considered inter-gang rivals for Anthony - alleges that Roger himself shot up her house last night. She told police she saw him stand right in her yard on Banak Street wearing a warm cap, and a camouflage outfit. She says she exchanged hard words with him and he proceeded to open fire on her house. Bullets shattered the glass louver, penetrated the bedroom door and found their mark on the concrete wall in the hall. Very luckily no one was hurt. But what's even more remarkable is that police responded almost instantly and found Roger Anthony in the empty lot adjoining their home. Incredibly, police say they found him with the camouflage outfit, the warm cap and they also recovered the weapon used, a 9 millimeter pistol. We note how unusual this is because while the 37 year old Anthony has been charged for numerous offences over the years - he has never been found at a crime scene, much less with a weapon.

The Caracol Comeback
Today, 4 weeks after the murder of Special Constable Danny Conorquie, the Caracol Archaeological Site was re-opened to the public. As we've told you, immediately after his killing, the area became the focus of national security concerns, since it is believed that the lawman was executed to send a statement to Belize's law enforcement. The Belize Defense Force closed the site down so that they can secure it from armed assailants, by stationing a permanent deployment of soldiers there. But setting it up took time - and while the multi-agency team was busy getting things in place, the tour guides were losing money because they couldn't deliver on pre-booked tours to the site. So, the re-opening was important for both the tour guides and the park managers, and a number of tourists made sure to visit Caracol today. Our news team was at the Archaeological Site for most of the day, and Daniel Ortiz has that story:

TD-9 Forms Into TS Hanna, Now Weakening
When we left you on Friday night we were talking about Tropical Depression 9, which was dumping rain over Belize as it jogged east back into the Caribbean. The models predicted that the weekend cold front would break up the system - but tonight, TD9 is still around, except that it is became Tropical Storm Hanna this afternoon as it touched down on the border of Honduras and Nicaragua. The good news tonight is that it is weakening and at 6:00 pm, it was a Tropical Depression with winds of 35 miles per hour. NEMO today issued an advisory saying, quote, "Tropical Storm Hanna currently poses no significant threat to Belize." End quote. But, the advisory does warn that the main threat from Hanna is heavy rainfall and squally conditions. That's because the Rio Hondo and Mopan Rivers are rising slowly. The Low-lying Bridge and the Iguana Creek Bridge on the Macal River are at flood state. Both the Baking Pot and Succotz ferries remain closed.

Nabor Funeral Saturday In PG
The funeral arrangements for Paul Nabor, legally known as Alfonso Palacio, have been finalized. The funeral will be held on Saturday morning at 11:00 am at St Peter Claver Church in Punta Gorda Town. The 86 year old parandero is being given an official funeral. It will be preceded by a tribute concert on Friday night from the multi-purpose building. The media is teaming up to try and air the events live and technical arrangements are being finalized.

DPP Returns After Long Leave
Today, after being on leave for 3 months, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal was officially back on the job as the Director of Public Prosecutions. There was some confusion caused when she left because Attorney General Wilfred Elrington told the media that she applied for study leave. Today, she clarified to us that she went on vacation leave. She said that she had accumulated 104 vacation days over her tenure as a public officer which she had not taken. She decided to take 74 days from that, and her leave officially ended last week Friday.

Mayor "Worried" About Having To Take On 170 BML Workers
Back in August when Belize Maintenance Workers erupted in a defiant and ugly protest in front of City Hall - government had to get involved to patch things up - and part of the reconciliation deal was that the workers would be hired by City Hall when the BML contract is terminated. But today the mayor confessed that the prospect of hiring 170 workers is keeping him up at night. He spoke candidly outside the courtroom. Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City "One of the biggest things that is concerning me though is working very closely with the transition to the new regime after BML's contract is expired and I think that that is something that should cause members of the public some concern because its causing me some concern to find out how we will incorporate into our system 170 people. What kind of hot our budget will take by having to take on 170 people and not only talking about salaries, you talking about pension liabilities, you are talking about housing them in terms of an area, and you are talking about equipment. We recently got a report that as a result of just those 170 people we have to hire 4 more HR staff to process their tax payments, Social Security benefits sick thing, like all those kind of things - just to deal with that addition and that will grow the city council the compliment of our staff by 35%.

Cemented City Streets Being Dug Up For Drainage
The flood mitigation project is causing significantly less stress for the mayor. That's because it is funded and executed by Central Government. But it was causing stress to drivers today when Douglas Jones Street at its junction with the Bel China bridge was closed. The mayor explained that it's all about drainage:.. Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City "You can see work going on right beside Princess Hotel in an area of Sanlighters Prominade - they are digging up an area there. All of this is to connect the drainage system from the Douglas Jones canal under the street having that go through Cinderella Plaza, go up Baymen Avenue, go to the side of Calle Del Mar and then out into the Caribbean Sea and the connecting of those two waterways; the canal and then the Caribbean Sea would alleviate tremendous amount of water flow problems and drainage problems in that area. We just ask for patience and we are doing the best we can to ensure that everything is done quickly but also safely and professionally."

Bad Patches Of Cement Streets Still Not Repaired
But while GOB is paying for that one, who will pay for the city's cement streets which are being eroded by the rains? It's only happening on very few streets, but it is very distressing since those streets are supposed to last for decades - and it hasn't even been a year. Today we asked the mayor who's going to fix them and when:.. Jules Vasquez "One sees that the last section of New Road one of the blocks of concrete pavement is breaking up, as it is on Cemetery Road." Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City "I will concede that there is some capacity issues in relation to the municipality and I am saying that you are correct in recognizing that in terms of properly cataloguing the inventory of roads that we have to ensure that we have a rapid response on the contractors and I would agree with you that the response on Cemetery Road has been woefully lacking and we've allowed that to be there for too long."

Streets In Time For Santa
And while those "A-class" streets have a few bad spots, some streets are just plain horrible. We think of East Canal, Vernon Street, St Joseph Street and others. Today, the mayor told us that there is a plan:.. Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City "We are trying to sign off on new projects for example, Blue Marlin Boulevard, the continuation of Vernon Street, the finishing up of Princess Margaret Drive, the doing of a section of St. Joseph Street, the commencing of Slaughterhouse Road and Cleghorn Street. These are projects and I am working with at the highest level trying to coordinate with the water company in ensuring that we can get these works finish before Christmas." Bradley says that so far 130 streets in the city have been cemented.

Weekend Robberies Reported
On Saturday at around 3:15 in that afternoon a 64 year old woman was walking with her daughter on Albert Street West when two men approached them in front of Anglican Cathedral College and pulled a knife on the daughter. The culprit then grabbed her purse containing an IPhone 5 and other personal documents. And, a Taxi man was held up on a late night run on Saturday. At around 10:30 Saturday night a taxi man was driving on Princess Margret Drive when a woman signaled for him to stop. He did and that's when two men also jumped into the car. The culprits pointed what the taxi man said felt like a firearm to his neck and ordered him to drive to West Landivar Area. That's when he surrendered $475 dollars, a cellular phone as well as his $10,000 dollar vehicle.

Beers and Babes, the Belikin Formula
Let's face it: no one ever went broke selling beer hawked by scantily clad women. And by now, Belikin has it down to a "T." But more than just a gimmick - as the beer of Belize faces a tougher lineup of imported brews than ever before - the calendar has become a key marketing tool in emphasizing Belikin's Belizean-ness. The calendar been around now for 14 years, but, arguably, the most successful edition was last year's, when the production team launched the behind-the-scenes videos. Riding last year's wave, they were under pressure to reproduce or out-do that success. So how did they do? Well, we found out at the 2015 launch on Friday night:

Seafront Dispute In San Pedro Could Set Public Policy Precedent
A property developer on San Pedro was in court today arguing an interesting case. He claims that his neighbor is abusing his sea frontage - and bringing down the value of his property. Gus Tabony was asking the Supreme Court for an injunction to block his neighbor Jeff Pierce from Reef village from unloading barges in front of his property. We heard from Tabony and from Pierce's attorney, Darrell Bradley on a case which may set out an interesting public policy precedent:.. Gus Tabony "What we are trying to do is unjoin is the unloading of materials from barges from front of our beach front property. We feel that this is a private use of the public right of way and its damaging the sea wall. They've destroyed our pier and the defendants just claim that they have the unlimited use of the sea front in front of our property in which we are claiming because of our rights to the sea front, that's why we buy sea front property is to have the use and the access to the sea, that it's a violation of our rights to that part of the property."

Making Posters For Climate Change
The most conventional way to approach the topic of climate change is through forums and discussions. But another more engaging way is to organize a poster competition where youths can portray their understanding of Climate Change through Art. That's the approach the University of the West Indies took and today 4 winners were recognized for their works of Art depicting the effects of Climate Change. 1st place winner 14 year old Pedro Bernal says it took him 3 weeks the finish his painting but it was all worth it. 1st place winner Pedro Bernal received $300, 2nd place winner Caitlyn Tillett from St. Catherine's Academy got $200, 3rd place winners Class 4A1 from Gwen Lizarraga High School got $100 while 4th place Neeraj Pagarani from the Belize High School received $50. The Belize Country Conference on Climate Change will be held tomorrow and Tuesday the 29th at the UWI open campus.

Wi-Fi On A Bus?
For anyone who commutes, just talk about the public transport system and eyes immediately roll. But, James Bus line out of Punta Gorda is trying to make the experience for its commuters a little more convenient by installing wi-fi services in buses. Today we spoke to the owner James Williams about this innovative service. It is still in the testing stages for now but Williams says that it's off to a good start.

Channel 5

Roger Anthony Suffers Relapse: Criminal Charges on the Way
Thirteen days ago, reputed gang leader Roger Anthony, bolstered by the Gang Suppression Unit chief, Mark Flowers, gave a televised statement renouncing gang life, in this case the Ghost Town [...]

Caracol Reopens to Visitors Following Danny Conorquie Murder
The largest archaeological site in Belize was reopened this morning. Caracol was closed down by National Institute of Culture and History on September twenty-fifth after Special Constable Danny Conorquie was [...]

Roads to Caracol Remain Deplorable
The Caracol Archaeological site is located approximately fifty miles from Georgeville in the Cayo District. But due to the condition of the road, the journey can take anywhere from two [...]

Stephen Buckley Back In Court, Case Against Dennis Lopez Adjourned
Steven Buckley was wounded by police back on April twenty-eight 2010. Buckley was hit in the head by multiple pellets fired from a service weapon. The construction worker and two [...]

Chetumal Street Bridge Set for Completion by Mid-December
Millions upon millions of dollars are being spent on infrastructure works in the city. One such project is ongoing at Chetumal Street where a bridge is under construction and nearing [...]

FIU versus Titan International Securities Adjourned
The case against Titans International Services Limited came up again in the Supreme Court this coming. The Financial Intelligence Unit wants to freeze assets of various persons and companies linked [...]

Ron Haylock Pleads Guilty to Forgery
A Ladyville resident who went on a spending spree at someone else’s expense, was before the court today. Ron Haylock reportedly found John Hun’s visa credit card sometime between October [...]

Sister Accuses Brother of Incest in Belmopan
In the capital, a juvenile is claiming that she has been sexually abused by her own brother for three years. The minor made the report to the police on Friday [...]

Weekend Robberies in Old Capital
There were a number of robberies committed over the weekend which kept the Police Department on their toes. On Saturday, a sixty-four year old Belize City mother and her daughter [...]

James Bus Steps Up to Wifi
James Bus Line has been providing public transportation services to the country for the past thirty-three years. But tonight, the southern bus company is going high-tech. Commuters on the express [...]

Climate Change and You
A two-day conference under the theme “Climate Change and You” begins on Tuesday at the UWI Open Campus on Princess Margaret Drive. This morning as a prelude, UWI revealed the [...]

Test Results Positive for Dengue, Still No Chik-V Cases in Belize
Despite the presence of the epidemic in neighboring Central American countries as well as in the Caribbean, there are still no reported cases of CHIK-V in Belize. That’s the report [...]

Tropical Storm Hanna is No Threat to Belize
We will have more details on Tropical Storm Hanna later in our newscast, but for now we can tell you that Hanna poses no threat to Belize. In an advisory [...]

World Pediatric Project Helps Kids With Facial Deformities
For the tenth consecutive year, a team of plastic surgeons will be conducting a two-day clinic in Belize. Doctors Alan Burke and Howard Krein will be heading this year’s mission [...]

Milagro Garel on World Pediatric Project Fund Raiser
The annual plastic surgery clinic is among the many health programs that are provided by the World Pediatric Project. Country Representative, Milagro Garel told News Five today about the [...]

Softball and Football Stats on Sports Monday
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. We start off with Saturday’s big clash in the Cayo 1st Division Football Competition as Bullet Tree battled Westrac [...]

LOVE FM

Security Guard Robbed on West Street
Police have detained one person following the robbery of a motorcycle. A 27-year-old security guard told Police he was pushing his red and black motorcycle on West Street when three male persons approached him and took away his cycle valued at one thousand five hundred dollars. Police have since recovered the motorcycle.

Drastic Increase In Belize Maintenance Limited Staff
While the debt of Belize Waste Control is surely a burden on the Mayor’s Back, Bradley says that he is more concern over the one hundred plus workers from Belize Maintenance Limited that are schedule to transition into the council’s staff list by January of next year. Bradley says that the addition of the workers is a complete reversal of what he is accomplishing at the City Council. Mayor Darrell Bradley “One of the biggest things that is concerning me though is working very closely with the transition to the new regime after BML’s contract is expired and I think that is something that should cause members of the public some concern because it is causing me concern to find out how we will incorporate into our system 170 people. One of the things I hoped as mayor is that our cash flow position would have increased next year because that $78,000 per week that we won’t have to pay BML but now one of the things that we factor in is what kind of hit our budget will take by having to take on 170 people.

Mother And Daughter Robbed of Iphone And Several Personal Documents
Police are investigating a robbery that occurred on Saturday afternoon in Belize City. A 64-year-old woman told Police she was walking with her daughter on Albert Street West when upon reaching in front of Anglican Cathedral College, two dark complexion male persons approached them. She said she struggled with of the men while the other held a knife on her daughter and took away her hand bag containing one Iphone and a number of personal documents.

Taxi Man Robbed of Cash and His Belongings
A taxi driver has reported that his vehicle, a red 2000 Mitsubishi Montero, has been stolen. According to the man, he was in Princess Margaret Drive when a female requested his services. He said when he stopped, two men jumped into the vehicle along with her. He was told to proceed to West Landivar. He said while driving, he felt something to his neck and noticed what resembled a firearm. The men relieved him of cash amounting to 475 dollars, his cellular phone and his vehicle. Police continue their investigations.

Shot in The Head By Police; Buckleyâ€™s Case is Adjourned Till Next Year
The case of Steven Buckley has been going on for more than four years. Buckley was shot to the head by a police officer on April 28, 2010. Buckley survived and he lodged a suit against the Belize police department. He got a preliminary settlement of one hundred thousand dollars. But his day in court is yet to come. Buckley appeared for his court case today but was informed that it had been adjourned until next year. Buckley “They say it is due to the lawyer that the police did not come so they said they will adjourned it again because of that. It is taking too long because right now I have no help to deal with my kids, no money to deal with my kids the way I want to. Right now my biggest son is in college and I need shoes for him and I do not have that. I just have to wait a little longer until justice next year so until next year.”

Villagers Irrated At Former San Jose Palmarâ€™s Committee Members
Earlier this month, the Lands Department oversaw elections for a new San Jose Palmar’s committee. It was believed that the move would have brought an end to the friction among villagers, however that has not been the case. Arturo Cantun reports. Arturo Cantun “On October 5th, about 70% of San Jose Indian descendants took part in an election to choose a new lands committee to oversee the distribution of house lots and administer the finances of the committee. Friction had risen after new elections for new committee members was held for more than ten years, but following the elections at the beginning of the month it was believed everything was solved and peace would reign among the descendants; however, that is not the case as Love News has been informed by village council chairman Orlando Balam that a handing over ceremony was held on Sunday October 16th. Balam explains that the former lands committee members simply refused to recognize the newly elected members and refused to hand them any of the financial documents.”

Sustainable Harvest International Belize Annual Organic Fair
Sustainable Harvest International Belize continues to promote awareness on the importance of sustainable organic agriculture in Toledo. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports. Paul Mahung “Sustainable organic agriculture will be the focus of a major event organized by Sustainable Harvest International Belize as explained by SHI Belize regional coordinator, Candido Chun.” Chun “In our continuous effort in raising awareness on the importance of sustainable organic agriculture, SHI Belize is once again hosting its sixth annual organic fair to be held on October 31st and November 1st 2014. The theme for this year’s event is ”Go Organic”. On Friday October 31st an organic forum will be held at the multipurpose building starting at 9am followed by a farm tour at 1PM. Prizes are going to be awarded for the female farmer of the year, Junior Farmer of the year and senior farmer of the year. On Saturday November 1st, a fair will be held at the PG central park starting at 8AM and ending at 1:00PM. During the fair, farmers have the opportunity to showcase and sell their products and organizations display their information. The fair is a great opportunity for our farms and organizations to meet and exchange information and formulate partnerships with each other and with potential markets.

Elderly Man Robbed of a Large Sum of Money From Police
A story on the abuse of power by members of the Belize Police Department is coming out of a rural area in the Belize District. Love News has gotten information of where officers allegedly robbed a church elder of four hundred US dollars last Friday after detaining him at a checkpoint near Bainsville at mile 18 on the George Price Highway. 50-year-old, Alfonso Crawford, a church elder and caretaker for the Grace Outreach Ministry in Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District told us that he was traveling to Freetown Sibun on a D & E Bus on Friday morning when the bus was intercepted at a checkpoint and the passengers were requested to vacate the bus. A search was conducted on the bus and the passengers were allowed to re-enter the bus……all the passengers with the exception of Crawford, who was not allowed back on the bus but rather, he was allegedly detained and robbed. Here is how the story went, according to Crawford as he spoke to Love News via a telephone interview.

Delivery Driver Charged with Robbery and Harm
Thirty-three year old Orlando Salazar, a delivery driver for Chon Saan Palace, was charged with robbery and harm when he appeared today before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stuart. Salazar plead not guilty to the charges. He was released on a bail of $1,500 and his case was adjourned until November 24. The bail was offered on the condition that Salazar does not interfere with the complainant and other prosecution witnesses and that he reports to Queen Street Police Station Every Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The incident occurred on October 24. The complainant, Estoval Sandoval, reported to the police that Salazar punched him and stole his red and black motor cycle, valued at $1,500.

Sugar Commercial Agreement on the Table for Revision
The signing of a commercial agreement between BSI/ASR and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association remains on hold as both parties continue reviewing the last proposal tabled by BSI. There are several reason why the signing of the commercial agreement cannot move forward. Arturo Cantun reports. ARTURO CANTUN “The main reason known to be holding back the signing of a new commercial agreement between BSI and BSCFA is agreeing on a formula that will determine a quantum to be paid for bagasse. But this is only one element of this key document that governs the commercial relation between the two main partners in the industry. LOVE NEWS spoke with BSCFA’s CEO, Oscar Alonzo, who explained that another main contention is the period the commercial agreement would regulate business between the two stakeholders. Alonzo says BSI wants the commercial agreement to be seven years but cane farmers just want it to be one year.”

Court Orders City Council to Pay Garbage Company
The Belize City Council was hit with a major ruling last week in the Supreme Court of Belize. The Belize City council was ordered to pay Belize waste Control five hundred and twenty five thousand dollars in debt owed. Bradley says, that they will pay Belize Waste Control, but not immediately. Mayor Darrell Bradley “We have a subcommittee that is chaired by Councilor Willoughby, Councilor Leslie and Councilor Elrington that meets with them on a bi-weekly basis and they are working with them in relation to a series of issues including the arrears position we have with them. This is something that I have had to deal with since I have been elected as mayor and it should be no suppose to members of the public that these garbage contracts because of the volume is too tremendous for us to meet especially in our slow season, but we are acting responsibly as a municipality and we will ensure that they are satisfied and we are working with them in terms of putting them a payment plan.

Land Dilemma: Public Beach vs Private Beach
There is an ongoing land dispute on Ambergris Caye that has been brewing since 2009 surrounding a beach. The complainant in this case is August “Gus” Tabony, the owner of a prime land just a few yards away from the portion of beach in question. Tabony’s problem is that a private developer is using the beach for private use and he will not stand for it. He sought an injunction against the developer back in 2009 and attempted to seek another one today. Tabony, explained why he is seeking an injunction on Reef Village Estate Limited and other parties… AUGUST ‘GUS’ TABONY “We feel that this is a private use of the public right away and that it is damaging the seawall and they’ve destroyed our pier and the defendants just claimed that they have the unlimited use of the seafront in front of our property which we are claiming because of repairing and rights to the seafront, that is why we buy seafront property is to have the use and the access to the sea that it is a violation of my rights to that part of the property. There are some issues here, as to what is a private use as to a public use because yes, the public has the use of the right away. There is no Queensland in San Pedro which is owned by the government but there is a right of way, it’s just an illegal issue.”

A Week of Red Ribbons At Wesley College
As part of the fight against drugs and in an effort to bring drug education and prevention into the classrooms, Wesley College is holding its annual Red Ribbon campaign. With the story on this initiative, we join Renee Trujillo. RENEE TRUJILLO “The Red Ribbon Campaign is an initiative that started in the United States almost thirty years ago after a drug enforcement agent; Enrique Camarena was murdered in Mexico while working in the fight against drugs. Though it’s been decades ago, the fight against drugs remains at the forefront of scores of every Government administration and Belize is no exception. The fight is one that many organisations and institutions are united in undertaking including schools such as Wesley College in Belize City. Today marks the beginning of the 16th annual Red Ribbon Week for Wesley College, an initiative they had adopted from the United States after School Counselor Elizabeth Goff returned from a conference and had the school implement the idea which brings drug awareness and education to their students. According to Goff, the idea is one that students look forward to each year.”

Gang Leader Reneges on Words of Reformation
On October 14, 37 year old Roger Anthony, the very well known leader of the Ghost Town Crips Gang appeared before the cameras, flanked by Head of the Gang Suppression Unit Inspector Mark Flowers, renouncing his title as the leader of the gang…..but tonight, just a day short of two weeks later, Anthony is in the hospital recuperating from a broken ankle under heavy police guard and that is because Anthony is the main suspect in an attempted murder case. The official police report states that 39 year old Sheldon Meighan reported that on Sunday, at about 10 o’clock she was inside her house on Banak Street when she noticed a man standing in front of her house. Seconds after gun shots rang out. Luckily no one was injured. Police quickly responded and they captured Anthony with a 9 mm pistol. While that is the official report, word on the streets is that an internal Ghost Town feud places Anthony in the predicament that he is because Anthony was ready to hand down the leadership of the gang to one of his loyal followers…..the only problem with that is that another key player, who thought that he was next in line, opposed the idea. Tensions rose and Anthony was caught at the scene of an attempted murder. We understand late this evening Anthony was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, damage to property and kept firearm without gun license. This comes at the heels of what Anthony said two weeks ago….

PlusTV

“Changed” gang member allegedly shoots up house
Two weeks ago Roger Anthony, who has been recognized by many as the leader of the Ghost Town Crips, renounced a lifetime of crime and violence. In an interview he did with members of the media on October 14^th , he explained that his family was the inspiration behind this dramatic change and made a c...

Car washer accused of indecent assault
Fifty-five year old car washer Austin Gotoy, who allegedly committed an indecent assault on a 13 year old girl, was denied bail when he appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith and was arraigned on a charge of aggravated assault. Austin Gotoy pled not guilty to the charge...

La Democracia resident charged with school burglary
Twenty-one year old Gary Clark Jr., a resident of La Democracia, who was charged with the burglary of St. Agnes Anglican Primary School in La Democracia, was denied bail when he appeared on Monday before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stuart. He was remanded into custody until November 7...

Brother sexually molests sister
A female minor from Belmopan reported to police that she has been sexually abused by her brother for a long time. On Friday October 24^th the female minor accompanied by her mother visited the Belmopan Police station where she reported that from the year 2011 up to the 16^th of October 2014, she has b...

Elderly woman robbed by two young men
A 64 year old Belize City woman was walking on Albert Street West, Belize City, accompanied by her daughter on Saturday 25^th October, at three in the afternoon, and when they reached in front of Anglican Cathedral College, two dark complexion men approached them...

Passengers rob taxi driver
A taxi man was robbed on Friday night in Belize City. Sometime around 10:30pm, while on Princess Margaret Drive, a female requested his services, but when he stopped the cab, two men also jumped in the vehicle with the female...

Tropical Storm hits Nicaragua, Belize in the clear
Belizeans have been watching the weather closely with Tropical Storm Hanna in the vicinity. Monday evening, at around 3:00 p.m., the center of Tropical Storm (TS) Hanna was located over North Eastern Nicaragua...

DDP Back from Vacation
The Director of Public Prosecutions Cherly-Lynn Vidal left offices on July 15^{th ,}to take a study leave in the middle of a very critical moment for COLA, who took up a private prosecution against former Minister of State Elvin Penner. In an interview with the Attorney General Wilfred Elrington, he t...

Patrick Jones

La Democracia resident charged with school burglary
Twenty-one year old Gary Clark Jr., a resident of La Democracia, who was charged with the burglary of St. Agnes Anglican Primary School in the village, was denied bail when he appeared today before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stuart. He was remanded into custody until November 7. The prosecution […]

Car washer accused of indecent assault
Fifty-five year old car washer Austin Gotoy, who allegedly committed an indecent assault on a 13 year old girl, was denied bail when he appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. Gotoy was arraigned on a charge of aggravated assault. Gotoy pled not guilty to the charge. […]

Corozal man given bail for cocaine trafficking
Attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley has secured bail for thirty-six year old Axel Fuentes, a fish vendor of Ranchito Village who was remanded into custody for drug trafficking of 18 kilograms of cocaine. He was released on bail of $50,000 offered by Justice Herbert Lord on the condition that […]

UWI awards climate change poster competition winners
A high school poster competition announced by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Belize Open Campus to design a poster communicating students’ representation of climate change and its impact on the community has produced a winner. Pedro Bernal of Ladyville Technical High School took the $300 first […]

Mayor of Belize City updates on infrastructure projects
Earlier this month the Belize City Council and Central Government launch of a fourth phase of the Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Project in the area of Douglas Jones Street, Cinderella Plaza, Baymen Avenue and Newtown Barracks. It will see the construction of an underground canal linking the drains […]

Orange Walk women brawl over a cell phone
A bar fight in Orange Walk town over the weekend resulted in criminal charges for one woman. Thirty nine year old Sherlaine Smith was arrested and charged for the crime of aggravated assault today, following the fight on Sunday. According to court reports, Smith is accused of […]

New Costa Rican ambassador accredited to Belize
The government of Costa Rica has sent a new diplomatic representative to Belize. Ambassador Edgar Garcia Miranda presented his letters of credence accrediting him to Belize this morning to Governor General Sir Colville Young. During the presentation at Belize House in Belmopan, Ambassador Garcia Miranda pledged his […]

Quality Poultry Products employee dies after burn incident
The General Manager of Quality Poultry Products Raymond Barkman, this afternoon responded to queries from Belize Media Group regarding an incident at the company’s production facility in Spanish Lookout, which has left an employee dead. Sabino Primentel, a resident of Santa Familia Village and the manager of […]

PUP endorses municipal candidates in Orange Walk
The People’s United Party held an endorsement convention on Saturday night for its municipal slate in Orange Walk town. The Crystal Palace Auditorium was the venue for the event where supporters and party officials fathered for the endorsement of the PUP 7 for the March 4, 2014 […]

Orange Walk Central Park rehabilitation works continue
Work continues on the project to rehabilitate the Orange Walk Central Park and the areas surrounding it. The project, which is carrying a price tag of $1.8 million will dramatically improve the ambiance of the area and make the public space more user-friendly. The Orange Walk Town Council is providing counterpart funding to the tune of three percent towards the park rehabilitating project, which includes drains and pedestrian walkways improvements.

Charges pending against Roger Anthony
Police have released additional information regarding the detention self-proclaimed former gang leader Roger Anthony, 37. According to a release from police press officer Douglas Hyde, Anthony was taken into custody on Sunday night, following a shooting incident at a house on Banak Street. Police say that a resident of Banak Street reported that around 10:10 pm on Sunday, a man was spotted standing outside the house and soon after shots were fired at the house.

Tropical Storn Hanna forms in the Caribbean Sea
The remnants of Tropical Depression 9 which crossed over northern Belize late last week has developed into Tropical Storm Hanna. The eighth named storm of the 2014 Hurricane Season formed early this morning near the coast of Nicaragua. Tropical Storm Hanna, with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour, poses no threat to Belize and her coastal waters at this time. Forecasters expect that Tropical Storm Hanna will be short-lived as its west-southwest movement at 7 miles per hour, will take the storm over land this afternoon after which it is expected to quickly break up and dissipate within the next 24 hours.

Burn victim succumbs to injuries
A man from Santa Familia village in the Cayo district has succumbed to injured nearly two weeks after he was injured on the job in Spanish Lookout. Belize Media Group confirmed over the weekend that Sabino Primentel was reportedly badly burned when he was doused with boiling water while at work at a local chicken procession plant in Spanish Lookout. The incident reportedly happened on October 16. A request for information from the company in Spanish Lookout has so far gone unanswered.

Blogs

Spooktacular Saturday and Sunday in San Pedro
After dinner at Blue Water Grill, tacoboy and I were both feeling pleasantly stuffed and like we were not going to last long at the Holiday Hotel party. As it turns out we did not get home till after 2:00am. After dinner, our evening was delayed by watching the UFC fights and drinks at Lola’s. By the time we got to the Holiday Hotel, the red carpet grand entrances were done but the party was still packed and going strong. Everyone knows there is no spookier way to spend Halloween than the Holiday Hotel party. I think they were smart to get the jump start on the parties by holding it the week before. Tacoboy wondered if that would cost them turnout, but I knew that this was always the “must do” party. I will say, however, there were more people without costumes this year that came to checkout the action. For those that did opt to dress up, many went all out as usual and there were some great group costumes. My favorites were the shark week girls and the Lego boys.

AMAZING Photos of San Pedro Belize’s MASSIVE 2014 Halloween Night- Part Two AND THE WINNERS!
San Pedro’s biggest Halloween party of the year. Well…human party. Saturday night the adults partied until dawn (or very close to it) and then Sunday afternoon, the pets and the kids dressed up for the SAGA Humane Society Party that may have been the biggest yet. I posted lots of gorgeous pictures yesterday (taken by Steve of Lola’s Pub) at the Holiday Party and there are lots more. SO many good ones. This is my hardest assignment yet! Here is Part Two.

“Won’t Get Fooled Again” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Regular readers will know (well I have probably mentioned it to the point of boredom) that I spend a fair amount of time when I get up -‘me time’ as I refer to it- out on the veranda (the western, lagoon facing one on the first floor) with a mug of black coffee and my iPad (yes, equipped with a camera Mike). I normally start off with The Times online but when I’ve satisfied my need for news I normally switch to Facebook and it was while I was on Facebook that a couple of posts really caught my attention. The first was posted by a guy by the name of Larry Harmon who has created a free to use type of craigslist specifically for Belize amazingly called Belizelist. The concept of this type of website specifically for Belize intrigued me and I contacted Larry to find out a bit about him and the aspirations he has for his website.

It's Impossible to Hate a Canadian
Who said Freedom and Islamic Terrorists can't just get along?! I submit the photo to the left as evidence that Freedom and Islamic Terrorists can in fact get along...a lot of rum really helps to expedite the process, but it did work none the less. So - Holiday Hotel Halloween Bash 2014...what a good time! This party is quite the staple in the lives of those on the fabulous Ambergris Caye. People from all walks of life, that one doesn't usually see around town (such as Hitler) just hanging out and having a good old time. Anyone who knows me, knows that while I'm not a big 'dress up' kinda guy. I am a fan of looking like a moron just for the hell of it.

Bird Watching Hotspots in Belize
bird watching in Belize locations, ranging from broadleaf forests to wetlands, mangroves to pine forests, and savannahs to rainforest. Home to 16 endangered bird species; Belize protects these ecosystems in its many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. What is good for the bird is good for the bird watcher. Here is a list at some of Belize’s protected areas to brief you on what to look for at the best bird watching spots in the country. Observing the unique qualities of different bird species while wandering through secluded forests, marshes and grassland takes adventure travel to a whole new level. Bird watching will let you fall more deeply in love with Mother Nature and appreciate her variety.

Pan Dulce or Conchas
As a child growing up in Belize, I use to enjoy the occasional Pan Dulce from the panadero man going by with this cart. These breads are delicious while still not being too overtly sweet. The topping is like a cookie on top of a bread. SHOW MORE

The October 26, 2014 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

Hot Point Marijuana Bust:
A man from Santa Elena Town was today arrested and charged for the possession of a controlled drug with the intent to supply. On Tuesday, October 21, at around 1:15 pm, on a search for drugs, police visited the residence of Patrick Gordon located in the Hot Point area of Santa Elena. Just as the police was approaching they saw a shirtless male person running from the house with a black plastic bag in his right hand. Police set chase after the fleeing man. He was found hiding in bushes without the plastic bag. When asked about the whereabouts of the bag he reportedly pointed to an area about three feet away and said “See it deh, dat da the bag”. Police retrieved, not one, but two black plastic bags, both containing suspected marijuana.
Burglar Caught Red Handed In Spanish Lookout:
A male resident of Billy White village was today remanded to the Hattieville Prison on a burglary charge. San Ignacio police inform that on Wednesday, October 22, at about 12:15 a.m. they received an anonymous phone call informing that a burglar had been detained at Farmers Choice Butane Gas in Spanish Lookout. Arriving about an hour later, police found a handcuffed male person in front of the building. The owner of the burglarized business place, Geharel Rempel, 45, informed that he was at home when he received a call from a friend informing that the friend and the friend’s brother captured a male person who was burglarizing the business place.
Ministry of Health Celebrates Dental Health Week:
The Ministry of Health is this week celebrating Dental Health Week under the theme, “BELIZEANS BIG-UP YOUR SMILE, IT REFLECTS YOUR STYLE”. Activities are being carried out by dental departments across the regions. The Public is especially invited to a Dental Health Fair which will take place on Friday, October 24th, at Central Health Region Compound in Belize City. Within the last year, the Dental Department has conducted and participated in several trainings to update the staff and improve on the services offered to the public. One training session was focused on dental care for children with special needs and in addition, staff also benefitted from lessons in sign language.
GOB Host Violation Exercise:
The Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology and PublicUtilities in collaboration with the Inter– American Development Bank and Costalia Strategic Advisors is hosting the final validation exercise of the Belize Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Strategy at the Radisson Fort George Hotel on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. The session is geared towards getting a final feed back on the Sustainable Energy Strategy and Action Plan from the original set of stakeholders who have participated in the consultation process or have vested interest in the energy sector. It is expected that at the end of this validation exercise, consensus will be agreed upon on the way forward with the action plan which outlines schedule, process and cost estimates on the activities that will allow Belize to achieve a sustainable energy scenario by 2033.
Rugby Training Starts:
Though it may only be a sandy patch of ground, the Saca Chispas field in San Pedro made history recently as it became the venue for the first official training session for children participating in Belize’s newest sports activity, rugby, as members of the San Pedro Turtles rugby club. “We’re starting small,” says Martin Dawson, organisor of the San Pedro Turtles, “and we are aiming to get a rugby sevens team organized very soon. We know there are more children and youth in San Pedro that would like to play rugby with us, and they are welcome to come along”. The game, already popular throughout Central America, is played by both girls and boys, young and old, and in a variety of variations.
Ministry of Health Conducts Activities for the Possible Entry of Ebola:
The Ministry of Health continues to conduct multiple activities associated with the global threat of Ebola. The Ministry of Health is pleased to share an update on several activities carried out within the past week. Two isolation facilities have been stationed at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) compound and the precise specifications of these facilities are currently being reviewed. Revisions have also been conducted on surveillance activities at the airport for further strengthening.
A Eulogy:
Not long ago, I was privileged, honoured and blessed to visit my father's birthplace, the small town of San Francisco in Peten, Guatemala. After a royal tour provided by relatives, I visited, at my request, the town's cemetery. It was a sight to behold! It was more than the resting place of departed loved ones. It was more like a garden come alive with freshly, recently placed wreaths on each and every tomb. It was divine! In a few days' time, All Saints Day or Finados will be upon us once again. Santa Rita Cemetery in San Ignacio and the Santa Elena cemetery will be visited by friends and relatives of the departed and wreaths will be left in kind remembrance of them. But the sad truth is that many tombs have remained abandoned and forgotten. As a grateful people we should do something about it.
You Can't Cram for What Matters Most:
I checked my watch as I sat down to study. Twelve hours until my test. Pouring a cup of coffee, I added sugar, stirred, tasted and added another teaspoon of sugar. I was going to need it to prepare for the all-nighter before me. Oh, there were many reasons I could have given you for waiting until the night before to study: my part-time jobs, other demanding classes and a boyfriend who I was sure would be my husband one day. They were good excuses ... but underneath all the superficial reasons was the truth: I hadn't done a good job of studying. Rather than tackling a little bit each day when I had free time, I used that time for other things ... things I felt I deserved for working so hard! Plus, I was counting on an adrenaline surge the night before the test and laser focus due to the pressure.
Farewell: Paul Nabor- A Belizean Cultural Icon:
In 2011 and 2004, Paul Nabor was honoured for his contribution to culture and music at the ‘Tribute to Belizean Patriots’ with the Order of Distinction and Meritorious Service Award, respectively. In 2004, this international icon who was fluent in English, Spanish and Garifuna, was bestowed with the honourable title of “Distinguished Guest,” during a visit to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. While there for the release of fellow Paranda musician, Aurelio Martinez’s Garifuna Soul album, Nabor received a signed proclamation from the officials in Honduras; an honour which further cemented his popularity, not only in Belize, but in the region.
Rotaract Club of Benque Viejo’s First Annual Cancer Walk:
The Rotaract Club of Benque Viejo held its First Annual Cancer Walk on Saturday, October 18, 2014. The objective of the Cancer Walk, which will be an annual community service event, is to raise awareness about cancer which affects women, men and children, especially Breast Cancer Awareness which is observed during the month of October. The Cancer Walk was also a fundraising event to raise funds for cancer patients in Benque Viejo and San Jose Succotz. Rotaractors approached residents and businesses within the community for monetary donations. Participants of the Cancer Walk and attendees at the Benque House of Culture’s Annual Art Fiesta also gave monetary donations. The Cancer Walk started about 4:45 p.m. in front of the ferry in San Jose Succotz, and it was escorted by Mr. Heraldo Rancharan from the Benque Viejo Traffic Department. There were about 40 participants from Benque Viejo del Carmen and San Jose Succotz.
Breast Cancer:
Breast cancer is the development of cancer from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid coming from the nipple, or a red scaly patch of skin. In those with distant spread of the disease, there may be bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, or yellow skin. Risk factors for developing breast cancer include obesity, lack of physical exercise, drinking alcohol, hormone replacement therapy during menopause, ionizing radiation, early age at first menstruation, and having children late or not at all. About 5–10% of cases are due to genes inherited from a person's parents, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 among others.
Mahmud Resigns:
Joseph Mahmud, he's the elected PUP Representative for Cayo North. We have confirmed that he has told the party he is stepping down as standard-bearer and will not contest that seat for the PUP in the next general election. We have confirmed that Mahmud sent a letter last week to the party headquarters announcing his decision. What's behind it? Well, reports tell us that Mahmud had differences with the other PUP General's in the West, principally Julius Espat, who is the PUP Deputy Leader for the West. Today Deputy Espat wouldn't discuss it only saying, quote, "It's a sensitive issue…I wish him all the best. And I''ll be there to support him in whatever decision he makes…" End quote.
STAR Humor
Your Weekly Horoscope and Lucky Numbers
Letters to the Editor
Public Notices

International Sources

Indigenous Communities Challenge Big Oil in Belize
Groups push to keep US Capital Energy out of Sarstoon Temash National Park. The old school bus rattles along the dirt road, heading through the rainforest to the southernmost reaches of Belize. The sign would be easy to miss. Morning glory vines climb the small, rusted notice off to the right, nearly blending in with the banana plants and palm-thatch roofed houses in the Mayan community of Midway. Sarstoon Temash National Park. No Hunting, Fishing, Logging Or Fires. A few hundred feet down the road, there is another rusting metal sign outside a small building that serves as the community health clinic: U.S. Capital Energy Belize. Oil Company Working For The Community. Like the clinic, the school and pre-school across the road are painted in the Texas-based oil company’s colors, yellow and green. Even the metal garbage bins around here are emblazoned with the company slogan: Energy that becomes life. The road ends where it meets the Caribbean Sea in the small Afro-indigenous Garifuna community of Barranco, one of the villages buffering the park. The Belizean government created Sarstoon Temash National Park — a 42,000-acre swath of waterways and lands rich in biodiversity that forms part of traditional Mayan territory — in 1994 without community consultation, but local communities have largely come to embrace the protected status of the area. And they have refused to cave to US Capital Energy as it attempts to develop oil prospects both in and outside of the park, pointing to the lack of consultation as well as the government’s double standards when it comes to environmental protection.

Sea turtle conservation in remote Western Australia
Recently, I resigned from my position as Science and Technology editor with the Manitoban to participate in an once-in-a-lifetime experience with an Australian marine turtle conservation program. Over the next six months I will be documenting my experience with the program and struggles with Australianisms at Gnaraloo Bay in the column, Notes from Gnaraloo. I completed my undergraduate studies at Vancouver Island University, a program which included field schools and excursions. I attended a five-week tropical ecology field school in Belize which changed my life forever and provided me with the hands-on skills I needed to break into the “turtle world.” Currently, my master’s thesis in Aquatic Toxicology is on hold so I can “chase turtles” in Australia.

Different teams take different approaches to CONCACAF Champions League
Some clubs or leagues don't want to take the CONCACAF Champions League seriously while others see it as paramount – and that's OK. Media members too often look to war or fighting sports for their metaphors. We'll avoid that trope this week, as the MLS teams in Central America showed no fighting spirit. The Portland Timbers didn't battle Olimpia. Sporting Kansas City didn't tussle with Saprissa. They were outplayed in their defeats as they crashed out of the CONCACAF Champions League. To some, that's OK. The Timbers needed a win Saturday to get into the MLS playoffs (they got the win but still missed the playoffs thanks to a Vancouver victory) and Sporting had a Sunday match with New York that could've improved its seeding (it lost to the Red Bulls). Clearly, the timing of the matches was hardly ideal, and some teams simply don't prioritize the CCL. Costa Rica doesn't even have three automatic berths into the continental championship but was the beneficiary of Belize being stripped of its spot. Saprissa, Herediano and Alajuelense are the latest reasons to believe that the Ticos aren't just challenging the Mexico-United States duopoly when it comes to soccer in the region. Costa Rica is right there as one of the region's powers.

Lessons in survival from wild jaguars
In conversation Simon Worrall talks to Klan Rabinowitz, who is a pioneer in the jaguar conservation initiative. Klan Rabinowitz, author of Jaguar: An Indomitable Beast, has devoted his life to studying and protecting jaguars. He established the world’s first jaguar sanctuary, the Cockscomb Basin Preserve, in Belize. And he was the moving force behind identifying and securing jaguar corridors throughout Central and South America. Speaking from his home in New York, he talks about how looking to jaguars could help us deal with problems we face, like climate change. Excerpts: You call the jaguar the “sumo wrestler of the animal world.” What do you mean by that? The jaguar is the largest cat in the Western Hemisphere and the third largest cat in the world, behind lions and tigers. But compared with a lion or a tiger, the jaguar looks like a fireplug. It’s got a massive skull, similar to a tiger’s and lion’s skull; a big, stocky body, which is much larger and more physically powerful than a leopard or even a mountain lion; short, stocky limbs; and a low center of gravity. All the good characteristics of a top-notch sumo wrestler. I read somewhere that jaguars are the only big cat that can’t be tamed, which is why they have never featured in circus acts. Is that right? They can’t be tamed in the manner that lions, tigers and even leopards can be. They’re much more unpredictable. I could see that as a kid. At the Bronx Zoo, all the other cats were doing almost what was expected of them: coming to the bars, charging at people, vocalising. The jaguar just sat back.

To Nibble: Chocolate at Home in Red Hook
Having settled into a spacious new factory in Red Hook, Raaka Chocolate now turns out 20,000 chocolate bars a month and is starting to make truffles and dipped bonbons for the holidays. Ryan Cheney, the owner, picked the name Raaka, which means raw in Finnish, because he liked the cadence of the word. His cacao beans, imported from small growers in Belize, Bolivia, Madagascar and the Dominican Republic, are fermented but not roasted. The company calls it virgin chocolate. It takes days for Nate Hodge, the chocolatier, to process the cacao to a satiny finish, then turn it into bars sweetened with honey or maple sugar, or seasoned with tea and sea salt. One is made with dark chocolate cured in used bourbon barrels. The new facility accommodates tours and classes for children and adults: Raaka Chocolate, 64 Sebring Street (Van Brunt Street), Red Hook, Brooklyn, 855-255-3354, raakachocolate.com.

17 REASONS WHY YOU MUST VISIT BELIZE
When visiting Belize there will never be a dull moment. Not only will you be able to relax and enjoy the wonderful nature but there are also plenty of things to do for the real thrill seekers and culture addicts. We’ve listed 15 reasons why you should visit Belize..

Videos

Video: Caye Caulker Carnival 2014, 4min.

Video: Belize Honeymoon, 16min.
October 2013, Honeymoon starts on a catamaran and ends in the jungle.

Video: Caye Caulker, Belize Scuba Diving, 13min.

Video: Live, Learn, Latin America: Belize, 3min.
Student narrated story describing an MSU Spartans Without Boarders service learning trip to Belize.

Video: The Flavors of Belize Cooking Show: BLOOPERS, 2min.
For those of you that think cooking shows are boring... Here's proof of how much fun we have during filming.

Video: Belize Tourism Board App, 1min.

Video: Good Reasons to Invest Belize Real Estate and Tips to Do So, 2min.
Belize real estate offers a good opportunity to live and invest in the country. Know valid reasons to make the investment and some tips on how to make this process go smoother. You might think that investing in property in any part of the world right now is madness; after all, house prices in the United States and United Kingdom are falling so the value of your equity is on the slide. Along with this, it has become harder and harder to arrange domestic mortgages, and even raise one to buy abroad.

Video: Why Belize For Ocean Front Property Investment, 1min.
You can’t go wrong with ocean properties in Belize.

Video: Ranger Rover thru Belize, 1min.
Riding thru Belize back-roads in a dilapidated Range Rover. June 2014.

Video: Scuba Diving Ambergris Caye Belize - Sandy Point Reef Boat Dive - 2014, 5min.
Scuba Diving Ambergris Caye Belize - Sandy Point Reef Boat Dive - 2014. Diving at the barrier reef off the shore from the coco beach resort in September 2014. Bottom depth of 66 feet. Tuff E Nuff dive shop. $110 for 2 tank dive with BCD weights and regs. Shot with SJ4000 which is similar to the gopro. Some of the best diving in the Caribbean.

Video: San Pedro Belize Express - GENERIC AD, 1min.

Video: Ben's travels #3 BELIZE 2014, 4min.

October 27, 2014

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

Wolfe’s Woofer: Skin Grafts
“Hey, John,” I said. “Pull up a chair and tell me how life is going up in Canada.” One of the nicest things about living here is all of the people you meet. You might only see them once or twice a year but some become old familiar friends. John pulled up one of the […]

Letter to the Editor: Chriss Roggema
Hey, Chriss why did you stop writing your articles? I mostly answer by asking, “What do you think I should write about.” Or I say “Pardon my French, but we say the more things change, the more they stay the same whatever one says or writes” Yes, I do admit I have been frustrated these last six months because my private situation and divorce but not that alone. I look around and see people still kill each other because one is red or the other is blue or one is sunny and the other is shite or one is Belizean and the other is Guatemalan. Where is the love? Where is the respect? Where is the acceptance of our differences? Where is the care for the betterment for our children? The one person who answered my question about what to write about mentioned the high school situation. How many cases of dengue do we need at the Caye Caulker Ocean Academy before social security and thus central government is willing to invest in the future of our island? And I am not talking what will this do to tourism. I’m talking about our children!

Doctor Love
Readers, please send your letters. They can be emails, formal letters or handwritten notes. They are edited solely for grammar and spelling. Also, they are sometimes edited for length. Dear Doctor Love, I have been married for six years. After we had been married for a year I had an affair with an old girlfriend […]

Misc Belizean Sources

La Feria Frontera Sur EXPOFER
the fun continues at "La Feria Frontera Sur EXPOFER" in Chetumal as tonight is celebrated as "Noche Beliceña" or "Belizean Night". Last night was a packed night with many Belizean musical artists performing on stage..Enjoy and be safe! (4 photos)

NOHOCH CHE'EN OPEN
The IA would like to inform all Tour Guides, Tour Operators and the General Public that as of Sunday 26 October 2014 the NOHOCH CHE'EN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVE is OPEN.

CTV3

Stabbing Incident At CJC Leaves On Student Injured
A student enrolled at the Corozal Junior College is tonight admitted at the Northern Regional Hospital recuperating from a stab injury inflicted on him by another student. The incident is said to have occurred yesterday inside the school campus. Up to news time the administration at CJC is being tight lipped about the situation and has refused to speak on the matter based on the grounds that anything they say can jeopardize the investigation. What we understand happened is that the two male students got into a fight over a seat on the bus yesterday afternoon. That fight reportedly escalated and led to one student stabbing the other.When we questioned Dean Jose Mai whether an official report has been made to the Corozal Police Formation he stated and we quote. “To my knowledge the police are already involved and are doing their investigation, which i will need to find out.”This afternoon reporter Victor Castillo caught up with Officer Commanding the Corozal Police formation, Andrew Ramirez, who confirmed that the victim is a minor while the aggressor is an adult.

MOH Still Awaiting Results Of Samples Sent To CARPHA
Two days ago we told you about the suspected cases of Chikungunya in Belize emerging from the Las Flores area of Belmopan City. When we left you, officials at the Ministry of Health had conducted a rapid test which proved inconclusive and so the blood samples of the possible patients were sent for further testing at the CARPHA headquarters in Trinidad. Today when we tried contacting Vector Control Chief, Kim Bautista, we were informed that he was unavailable. Our calls were directed to the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Claudette Dakers, who told us that they are still awaiting the results.Claudette Dakers – Public Relations, MOH“Today as of 4:25, we have not received any official note at all from CARPHA, we sent specifically two to CARPHA for their confirmation because we will only take confirmation form them even if there has been tests down here in Belize with whatever test they are using; rapid test in order for us to establish it here we have to get the confirmation from CARPHA and we haven’t gotten that as yet but we are pushing it for Monday.”

Courts Kicks Off New Promotion With Eating Competition
Today the daily routine at Courts Orange Walk Branch was interrupted for a rather interesting competition between two men. Their challenge was to get through one of the biggest burgers to be on sale in Orange Walk Town. We are talking about the “man burger” prepared by the Burger Hut in Town. The management of Courts teamed up with the restaurant to launch their latest promotion. Branch manager at Courts, Cesar Ramirez tells us more about the partnership. Cesar Ramirez – Manager, Courts “We had two very worthy competitors, we have Mr. Gian Montero who came out the champion he did it in it was approximately eighteen minutes that he devoured this huge burger, you guys have the shot earlier but it was very fun and exciting to see and we brought burger hut into our store and we definitely excited to do some more promotion along with them.”

Dental Week Comes To An End
The week long, countrywide activities to commemorate Dental Health week, ended today with a dental fair in Belize City. The Dental Health Department along with other organizations who have an interest in maintaining healthy teeth were on hand to provide the community with dental tips and proper oral care. Senior Dental Surgeon, Dr. Rafael Samos, spoke on how many times you need to visit your dentist and what you can do to brighten your smile. Dr. Rafael Samos- Senior Dental Surgeon, MOH“We encourage each person to visit the dental clinic at least twice a month so let’s do the maths if your age is twenty multiply that by two and that is the amount of visits you owe me for this year.”Reporter“Between those visits, how would you advise in terms of brushing teeth, flossing teeth that kinds of thing.”

TD 9 Brings A Lot Of Rain
Yesterday we told you about slow moving Tropical Depression #9 that crossed over Belize from the Yucatan Peninsula. While the satellite images now show a disorganized depression, Chief Meteorologist Dennis Gonguez, says Belize can expect cooler weather since a cold front is surfacing in our horizon.Dennis Gonguez - Chief MeteorologistThe remains of tropical depression #9 continue moving eastwards, however, there is a cold front that's entering the Yucatan Peninsula tonight and eventually crossing Belize before dawn tomorrow. Cold air from this cold front will wrap around into the remnants of tropical depression #9 and that will impede its redevelopment for a couple of days and subsequent to that the cold front will lie on Sunday evening near to the northeastern Honduras and the remnants of tropical depression #9 will also be at the tail end of the cold front at near northeastern Honduras. The more tricky part comes on Monday when the cold air breaks up over us and whatever is out there starts moving westwards us on Monday. We are not sure what it will be. Presently all the intensification models are forecasting that - it will not reach anywhere. Tropical depression #9 will not redevelop. However we still have to be cautious that something could happen at the tail end of the cold front because typically this time of the year that is the scenario that occurs - that we get systems developing at the tail ends of cold fronts."

Mexican National Charged For Drug Trafficking
Orange Walk Police have confiscated quite an amount of drugs over the last days. In the first report, police were conducting a patrol on Tuesday this week on the Yo Creek/San Lazaro Road when they intercepted two Hispanic male persons. Both men were riding a motorcycle and when stopped officers noticed that one of the passengers pushed his left hand in his left front pocket and pulled out a shiny object and threw it to a side. Police retrieved the item which was an aluminum foil and opened in the presence of the men. Authorities found it to contain a powdery white substance suspected to be cocaine. Both men were informed of the offense and detained. They are fifty-six year old Alfredo Antonio Perez, a Mexican Laborer of Botes Quintana Roo in Mexico and fifty-year old Leonardo Gonzalez of San Lazaro Village. The drug weighed a total of 6.5 grams. Both men were charged with drug trafficking but since Perez took full responsibility, he was the only one remanded to prison.

Three Men Charged For Robbery And Wounding At CZL Magistrates Court
Daniel Mendez, thirty year old Belizean cane farmer of Concepcion Village in Corozal, is tonight recuperating at home from several injuries. Mendez was attacked by three male individuals while walking home on Friday night after purchasing some groceries at a Chinese Store. The good is that the 30 year old was able to recognize his attackers who hit him several times; fracturing his nose and causing him bodily pain.After being identified by Mendez, 21 year old Celedonio Pinelo, Belizean construction worker, 34 year old Herminio Rodriguez, Belizean Laborer both of Concepcion Village, Corozal District and Manuel Flores were jointly charged for the crimes of robbery and wounding. Of note is that Flores is on the run. As for Pinelo and Rodriguez, they both men appeared before the Corozal Magistrates Court yesterday where they were offered bail to the sum of $3,000 plus a surety of the same amount which they met.

The Reporter

BEL Assists CARILEC Member Utility with Hurricane Restoration Works
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) gas announced that it will assist Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) and Anguilla Electricity Company Limited (ANGLEC), who suffered damages caused by the passage of Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricane Gonzalo on October 11 and 17. Bermuda and Anguilla are members of the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC). In Bermuda, over 80 percent of its customers were without power while Anguilla’s electrical infrastructure suffered extensive damage.

Brazilians re-elect Rousseff as President
Brazilians have re-elected Dilma Rousseff as president with more than 51 percent of votes in the closest election race in many years. An official count showed her rival, candidate Aecio Neves, taking just over 48 percent of the vote. In her victory speech, Rousseff said she wanted to be “a much better president than I have been until now”. She faced protests last year against corruption, record spending on the football World Cup and poor services. She has been in power since 2010 and is popular with poor Brazilians.

Eat more eggs for a healthier Belize says Poultry Association
The Belize Poultry Association is striving to debunk the old stereotype that eating lots of eggs is harmful because it raises cholesterol levels. General Manager of the BPA, Orlando Habet, told The Reporter on Sunday that traditional research failed to make the distinction between good and bad cholesterol when determining that too much eggs is bad for you. “Eggs actually raise the good cholesterol which decreases the negative effects of the bad one,” Habet said. He added that traditional research was also based on consuming an unrealistic consumption of eggs. The American Heart Association explains that by itself, cholesterol can’t dissolve in the blood and must be transported through your bloodstream by carriers called lipoproteins. which got their name because they’re made of fat (lipid) and proteins.

Cuba responds to Ebola outbreak with deployment to West Africa
Cuba has responded to the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa with a deployment 91 health workers. The medical experts are joining 165 of their colleagues already working in the region to halt the spread of Ebola. Although Cuban government officials say the majority of the health workers being sent to West Africa are veterans of previous tough postings, the risks that Ebola presents are unique.

MOH wraps up Dental Health Week
The Ministry of Health closed off Dental Health Week on Friday with a health fair at the Central Health Region compound. The health fair featured information from the dental health unit as well as several other MOH departments, including the Water Analysis Unit, and the Health Education and Community Participation Bureau (HECOPAB). The fair also featured booths from health related non-governmental organizations, including the Belize Cancer Society and the Diabetes Association of Belize.

The Belize Times

Ebola Scare
I was for the most part, incommunicado when the main shock from the Ebola quake hit Belize. I returned to the country on Sunday morning but immediately began feeling aftershocks. I had spent the past week in Cuba where internet access was at best, sporadic. I grabbed whatever I could read because it seemed that something big had happened, or had almost happened. From what I could gather a health care worker (to this point unnamed) who had handled a blood sample of Thomas Duncan the Liberian man who died from Ebola in the US on October 8th, was on board a cruise ship and was attempting to enter Belize. Now given what we know about Ebola, which is little enough, one can understand the apprehensions and concern felt by not only Belizeans but Mexicans and citizens of every other country, including the US. Upon arriving in Cuba, the first questions asked were, “have you been to Africa” and “have you been to Texas”? I’m not sure what procedure would have followed had I answered in the affirmative but I imagine it would have been immediate quarantine.

Mr. Barrow is in deep trouble
In September of 2005 the great leader of Venezuela Hugo Chavez was able to realize one of his dreams and aspirations for the region. Venezuela holds one of the world’s largest proven reserves of black gold-oil. Mr. Chavez, who grew up from humble beginnings to become the most popular modern leader of his nation, was of the vision that his nation’s oil wealth should be of some help to the struggling countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. Such a vision found its way into his government’s policy. That foreign policy initiative was the Petro Caribe program. Under the program Venezuela would sell oil at reduced prices and more than half the price could be held back and treated as a loan. In the case of Belize, the arrangement was for Belize to pay only 40 percent of the low selling price for Venezuela petrol. The remaining 60 percent was to be treated as a loan to Belize. That money, instead of being paid was to be used by Belize for worthwhile development projects and after 25 years would need to be repaid. The interest rate was ridiculously low at a mere one percent. Viva Hugo Chavez and the people of Venezuela.

3-in-a-row for Rigo Vellos as he wins Mr. Belize title
Since winning the Mr. Belize bodybuilding title in 2012, Rigo Vellos has dominated the arena and on Friday October 17th 2014 he continued to rule by winning his third consecutive title. Vellos won the Light Heavyweight category and advanced to the Overall Category against the winner of the Masters and Middleweight Categories, Clayton Greenidge, and Lightweight Category newcomer Oyinkro Okpobodor who settled for 2nd and 3rd places respectively.

SCA & BHS lead high school volleyball
The St. Catherine’s Academy girls are undefeated as they lead the high school volleyball competition with 5 wins, while the Belize High School girls also have 5 wins and a loss at the Stars’ training gymnasium last week. The SCA girls completely dominated the Pallotti High School girls: 25-2, 25-2 for their 5th win on Tuesday evening. Kevanna Sebastian hammered the Wesley College girls last Wednesday for their 3rd win, and with Karen Quan, Mya Musa and Juel Lewis serving up aces they dominated 25-4, 25-4. The Belize High School girls posted their 5th win against the Anglican Cathedral College girls last Friday: 25-11, 25-3.

Verdes FC, BDF & Wagiya win in PLB football openers
Verdes FC bombed San Ignacio United 4-2 at the Norman Broaster Stadium; the Belize Defence Force stopped FC Belize 2-1 at the Peoples Stadium, and Wagiya stomped the Paradise Freedom Fighters 2-0 at the Toledo Union field in Punta Gorda in the Premier League of Belize football tournament openers on Sunday, October 19. Richard “Cheety” Jimenez struck first for Verdes, blasting in a low level cruis missile past goalie Gerardo Vanegas in the 20th minute. Joel Guzman equalized for San Ignacio in the 29th minutes but Vanegas could not stop Nahjib Guerra’s left foot shot in the 46th minute as Verdes took a 2-1 lead into the break.

US “disappointed” at Belize decision regarding possible Ebola victim
The boys in Belmopan are worried over the initial reaction of the United States to the Government of Belize’s decision to refuse a couple including a woman suspected of having the Ebola virus, from disembarking from a cruise ship that had moored on Belizean waters ...

Minds VS Hands – Art by Inga Woods
hadow and light dance. Will you seek balance? Even in this tense and tight environment, one can forge out a tiny space of reflection and create big works. A new artist completely burst a reflective space in the art ...

Current and Future State of Tourism in Belize
The World Bank estimated that tourism arrivals in Belize in 2000 were 196,000 visitors, with total spending of US$111 million. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) estimated that in 2013, a total of 294,177 tourists visited the country. This reflects an annual growth of between 4-8%. The Center on Eco-Tourism ...

IN MY PERSPECTIVE – Don’t be so cocky!
One of the proudest moments in my life was in June of 2013 when I learned that the Belize Jaguars football team was coming to the United States of America to play in the gold cup in Salt Lake City. Like most Belizeans I felt proud and this ...

Do The Right Thing!
“I didn’t tell you to go and mek so much pickney”, “I am not your pickney pa”, “I can’t mine yu”, “I am not yu man”, “Money nu the grow pan me”, “A nu de se nobody till wa mont fra now”, and “A done gi yu ...

MORE RAIN IS COMING!!…….Belize City braces for more cement streets disaster
Weather conditions across the country are expected to deteriorate over the next few days with heavy showers and possible thunderstorms as Tropical Depression Nine moves west-southwest over the Yucatan area of Mexico and Belize. TD9 formed in the Gulf of Mexico late Tuesday night about 160 miles ...

Rotten from the start…
These pictures are of Election Day 2012. The disgraced and corrupt Elvin Penner is seated in the black vehicle. He was reportedly signing notes which indicated how much each person would get after they have voted. They then ...

YOLANDA AND KIM
Word started going around within the past four weeks that the Government of Belize may have contributed as much $300,000 towards the recent travels and engagements in New York and London of Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simplis Barrow. We even heard that the hotel ...

Pablo Marin – incompetent where it matters
Conspicuously absent from last Friday morning’s emergency press conference called by the Prime Minister Dean Barrow to calm public anxiety over the country’s possible exposure to Ebola was the head of the Ministry of Health, Pablo ...

REFLECTIONS ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE – The UDP Government: Fast Asleep On The Job
Over the past few weeks our focus and attention has rightly been on specific issues of national importance such as BORDER SECURITY, the ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS AT CHIQUIBUL, and the latest EBOLA SCARE. Each of these issues requires preparation, planning, dialogue and attention to detail. This is the responsibility of ...

Ministry of Health drops the ball – Too much talk and no action!
Almost two weeks after Ministry of Health officials had promised the nation that they would get things right for Belize to be ready in case the deadly Ebola came knocking on our doors, they proved just how unprepared ...

Hon. Julius Espat writes Auditor General on Petrocaribe loan
Mrs. Dorothy Bradley Auditor General Dear Madam, Re: Loans of US$18,031,336.00, US$76,331,016.00 and US$19,944,954.00 in 2012-2013, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 contracted from ALBA PETROCARIBE Belize Energy Ltd. (APBEL) As you are aware the Government of Belize (GOB) on the 2nd October, 2014, tabled a loan motion before the National Assembly seeking a resolution ...

Auditor General responds to Hon. Julius Espat on Petrocaribe loan
Hon. Julius Espat Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Forest Drive Belmopan Dear Chairman Espat, This is to confirm receipt of your letter dated October 8th, 2014 regarding the referenced loans from ALBA PETROCARIBE Belize Energy Ltd. (APBEL). At the last sitting of the House of Representatives the motion was introduced for consideration and ...

Hon. Julius responds to Auditor General – Loan Motion-Petro Caribe
Auditor General Attention: Mrs. Dorothy Bradley Dear Madam, Re:Petro Caribe Loan Motion Thank you for your response of October 17th, 2014, to my letter of October 8th, 2014, regarding the captioned matter. You should recall that by the terms of my letter I raised two concerns arising out of the pending motion: (1)

Patrick Jones

Dry and cool weather conditions blanket Belize
Atmospheric conditions over Belize are currently supporting mostly dry conditions. Little or no rainfall is expected over mainland Belize and her coastal waters heading into Monday. Sunday afternoon and Monday morning will see sunny skies. Overnight Sunday will see partly cloudy skies. Winds during the forecast period will be northerly to north-westerly at 5 to 15 knots, producing choppy sea conditions. High temperatures today will peak at 81 degrees Fahrenheit along the coast; 84 degrees Fahrenheit inland and 75 degrees Fahrenheit up in the hills.

New member for the San Ignacio Rotary Club
The Rotary Club of San Ignacio has a new member. During a special meeting of the club on Friday, October 24, Linda Kimble was officially installed and pinned as the newest Rotarian. The induction was conducted by the Acting President of the San Ignacio Rotary Club William “Bill” Butcher. Kimble was sponsored by Rotarian John Acott and the visiting Governor of Rotary District 4250 Jose Mauricio “Chepe” Rodriguez was given the honor of pinning Linda as the newest Rotarian.

Blogs

AMAZING Photos of San Pedro Belize’s MASSIVE 2014 Halloween Night- Part One
Awesome, awesome AWESOME pictures that speak for themselves – and show you how very seriously Ambergris Caye takes Halloween. If you love a good party and you love dressing up, I’d start planning for 2015. It’s not easy to win the costume contests around here… Take a look. They are in no particular order…and there will be LOTS more coming on Facebook for days to come. SO MANY GREAT SHOTS! Thank you Steve.

Diwali Celebrated in Belize
Every year the Indian community in Belize come together to celebrate Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. So what is Diwali? Diwali as described on Google is “a Hindu Festival of Lights, held in the period October to November. It is particularly associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and marks the beginning of the fiscal year in India.” For us, the Belize Indian Community, Diwali is a very festive season with excitement and celebrations that start a few days prior to the day itself. My experience of Diwali has been slightly different than the way it is celebrated in India, since I reside on the western side of the world. However, the Belize Indian Community does follow the traditional aspects of the Festival of Lights and accommodates the celebrations for us to enjoy it.

International Sources

Paul Nabor: on the passing of a national treasure
Garifuna singer and Belizean national cultural treasure Paul Nabor (January 26, 1928—October 22, 2014) died on 22 October 2014 at the Punta Gorda town hospital. Nabor had been hospitalized in January 2014 for pneumonia and dehydration, had been in poor health for some time, and on October 12 suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed. From the coastal village of Barranco, Toledo District, Belize, Paul Nabor (born Alfonso Palacio) or “Nabi” was best known as a singer and writer of Garifuna paranda songs, a ballad form accompanied on guitar and percussion. Like many Garifuna men, forced by socioeconomic circumstance to migrate in search of work, Nabor lived his life between Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Nabor had been a boxer in his younger years (his assumed name comes from his days as a pugilist). At home in Belize, Nabi was a fisherman, sailor (in his hand-built dory), traditional farmer, herbalist, and Garifuna buyei or priest and spirit medium, presiding at dügü rituals at his dabuyaba or Garifuna temple. Spanish-Canadian filmmaker Katia Paradis' award-winning documentary Three Kings of Belize (Amazone Films 2007 - see below) offers a touching portrait of Nabor, along with brukdown accordion king (Wilfred) “Mr. Peters” and Maya traditionalist Florencio Mess, two fellow masters of Belizean roots music.

Exploring Belize and Guatemala One Geocache at a Time
Whenever you get the chance to travel somewhere new, do it. If you add geocaching to the mix, trips become even more adventurous and rewarding. I had the opportunity to travel to Central America and explore two fascinating and beautiful countries: Belize and Guatemala. Along the way, I geocached underwater, through a rainforest and next to a smoking active volcano. Here are six amazing geocaches that I found and believe all geocachers should add to their bucket list. First stop was in Belize where the people are friendly, the way of life is chiller than an ice cube, and the geocaching is a blast. There are only 110 active geocaches in the entire country of Belize (yes that’s right, 110.)

Videos

Video: Caves Branch Cave Rescue, Guide Training, 3min.
Caves Branch would not be what it is today if it weren’t for our tour guides. We take each guests safety very seriously. Our guides are all trained to international standards to provide each person the highest degree of personal safety while on our adventure tours. As you can see in the video our guides go through some pretty extensive training. This training exercise was done on our Waterfall Cave Expedition. So, when you take an exciting tour with the guides from Caves Branch, you can rest easy knowing that you are in experienced and qualified hands.

Video: Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley Snorkeling, 8min.
In Belize for Danny and Joy's wedding and had the chance to do some amazing snorkeling!

Video: Romantic Activities in Belize for Honeymooners, 2min.
Despite its small size, Belize so many activities to offer, even to newlyweds spending their honeymoon. There are several romantic activities that couples can enjoy while in this beautiful country. For its small size, Belize offers a surprisingly wide variety of romantic activities. From the lush jungle in the west to the Caribbean white sand beaches in the east, the people are friendly with English as their first language. Formerly under the British rule, Belize is easy to navigate. Activities packages transport visitors seamless from jungle to sea between resorts.

Video: Belize Honeymoon, 1.5min.
Caye Caulker

Video: Hawksbill sea turtle feeding on sponge among angels. Belize 2014, 4min.
This is a video of a Hawksbill sea turtle feeding on sponge among angels. Belize Aggressor III. October 2014.

Video: Belize scuba diving and beach, 10min.

Video: Belize, 2min.
Feliz cumpleaños padre!!!

Video: Belize, 2.5min.
Snorkel trip to the Barrier Reef in Belize, October 2014

October 26, 2014