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The San Pedro Sun

Dancing closer to your culture
Coming from Northern Belize, I am more than familiar with the traditional dances of the Mestizo. I started dancing at the age of two, learning basic zapateado skills. Of course at that age I didn’t understand much of what I was doing, but as I grew older I started to understand the meaning of each dance and appreciated them even more. Moving to San Pedro meant I couldn’t continue dancing, (no cultural dance classes available… maybe I should offer some) but I still hold the memories of the dances close to my heart (and trust me I still remember all the dance steps I learned). One of the first dances I ever learnt (and one that was a pain to learn), Las Mujeres Que Se Pintan. This dance is a Jarana (Waltz) originally from the Yucantan Penisula, Mexico. The dance is a comedy about women that get all dressed up to go out and flirt with guys. The steps are pretty easy, it’s a six step dance with few upper body movements.

2014 Lighted Boat Parade in full swing!
Back by Popular Demand – The San Pedro Holiday Lighted Boat Parade will be held on Saturday, December 6th starting at 6pm until around 9pm. This traditional event introduces the holiday season and brings us into the holiday mood with a fun event filled with twinkling lights, children’s laughter, and Christmas carols. The dazzling boat parade will start at 6pm and span from Wayo’s Beachside Bar, Boca Del Rio to Caribbean Villas Hotel. Our community will have amazing views of the festive boats from all over town! We look forward to past participants as well as new additions lighting up the sea this holiday season! All boat owners and organizations are welcome to enter a boat in the parade and competition.

Mayor returns from working visit in Trinidad and Tobago
The Mayor of San Pedro Town Daniel Guerrero was part of a Belize Delegation that returned on Monday November 24th from a working trip to Trinidad and Tobago. The work visit to the Caribbean island was coordinated through the Caribbean Local Economy Development Project (CARILED). The purpose of the visit was to attend a forum in which Mayors and other CARILED officials converged from November 20th to 21st to discuss progress on some of the CARILED projects. According to Mayor Guerrero they participated in several activities as part of the Policy and Local Economic Development Forum. They discussed and analyzed progress made on existing policies and programs spearheaded by CARILED, while looking at areas such as Gender Consideration in Policy Reform. During the forum, they took the opportunity to look at current and pending policy reform that have been outlined by the CARILED program.

First Chikungunya case confirmed for Belize
With one confirmed case of Chikungunya (Chik V) in Belize, residents are being asked to take extra precautions to prevent the transmission of the disease. On Wednesday, November 19th the Ministry of Health (MOE) officially confirmed that there was a positive laboratory result for Chik V in Belize from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad. The viral disease, which is transmitted to humans by infected Aedes mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti), has been rampaging countries in the Caribbean, Central and South America. MOE had released preliminary results which confirm four positive Immunoglobulin antibody tests for Chik V. These results do not confirm if a person is positive for Chik V, and as such the tests are sent to CARPHA for further confirmation. The confirmed lab test is the first documented case of Chik V in Belize. The residents that contacted the disease is from the Las Flores community in Belmopan City. MOE had been conducting several active surveillance and vector control activities in the area following rumor of suspected cases of the disease. Since testing was confirmed, the confirmed patient has been receiving treatment and specialized medical attention. The results of three more lab tests are still pending.

$1.2 million identified for new school in San Pedro
Currently there is no Government School on the island, since all are either private or church-run/grant aided school. When the new school is completed, it will address the current need of the island by providing much-needed placement for children that cannot currently attend school. It will also help minimize congestion in some of the existing schools. In addition, because it will be a Government school (public school), it will target those that cannot afford going to a grant aided or private school. Currently San Pedro has a total of three grant-in-aid and three private schools. It is estimated that about 200 students are unable to attend school either because there is not sufficient space or for financial reasons. While he could not say the source of the funds, Hon. Heredia explained that the construction of the school is within the mandate given to him by his electorates, as promised in his manifesto in the last general election. If the land is acquired and all goes as planned, it is expected that the school could be ready to open its doors for the next school year in September 2015.

Misc Belizean Sources

Oceana Bike Ride: Day 1: Corozal to Belize
Day one of the Ride for Belize; Ride with Oceana from Corozal to Belize. A big thank you to all who came out to ride and support Oceana's campaigns. (4 photos)

The Reporter

One more dies in George Price road traffic accident
A traffic accident at around one on Saturday morning on the George Price Highway has claimed the life of 35-year-old Joseph Eiley, a technician of Dunn Street, Belize City. Thr incident occurred between miles nine and 10 while Eiley was driving a blue Isuzu Rodeo from Hattieville to Belize City. Police say he apparently lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road, during which hr suffered severe injuries which claimed hus life at around two a.m.

Venezuela jail drug overdose kills 35 inmates in Uribana
Thirty-five prisoners in north-west Venezuela have died after overdosing on the contents of a jail infirmary they stormed. More than 100 others were being treated, 20 of whom were very ill, said lawmaker William Ojeda from the governing Socialist Party. After breaking into the facility, the prisoners are reported to have consumed a variety of medicines. They had been protesting about conditions in the jail. Ojeda said the inmates at Uribana prison near the north-western city of Barquisimeto had ingested a combination of anti-seizure drugs, insulin, antibiotics and hypertension treatments. Riot police guards the jail in Lara state.

GOB absent for BGYEA mediation
Mediation ended between the government of Belize and the Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association (BGYEA) after GOB’s attorney failed to show up at Friday’s mediation session. BGYEA President Nigel Petillo said that attorney Rodwell Williams’ absence from the mediation session was an act of bad faith by the government. Petillo said the session was actually scheduled for Wednesday but there was an extension given when GOB didn’t show up for that session either. Petillo said BGYEA was willing to mediate and wanted the mediation sessions to work as an act of good faith. Petillo said he was disappointed in the government’s stance on the issue. He also noted that the case has been handed over from former Solicitor General, Nigel Hawke to Barrow & Williams, the Prime Minister’s law firm. According to Petillo, this is also a sign of bad faith.

The Belize Times

UDP BUY ELECTION IN CAYO NORTH!!!
The UDP Government is preparing to use the millions of dollars it has at its disposal from illegal borrowing to buy out the upcoming by-election to be held in the Cayo North Division. Cayo North residents and voters, who have been totally neglected and forgotten over the past seven years by the Barrow Government, will witness a sudden flurry of UDP activity in their communities like never before. Cabinet Ministers dressed in red and white, will be making sudden appearances. Luxury SUVs marked with Government plates will be circling the villages. Santa in the form of Dean Barrow will be coming in early December, with big promises that millions and millions are in Government coffers and can be spent in Cayo North if the people vote for their party. Of course, we know this because that is what occurred only a few months ago when the Elvin Penner immigration scandal broke out and the Prime Minister felt insecure about that seat. He made a first time visit in Cayo North East and promised schools, streets and bridges ONLY IF they support their candidate. The residents of Cayo North East can give those in Cayo North a good advice: PROMISES ARE COMFORT FOR FOOLS.

UDP & Union Senators kill motion to probe Petro-Caribe spending
The Alba/Petro-Caribe Loan motion was approved by the Senate, but not without fierce debate, criticism and dissent from the Opposition/PUP and Business members of the upper House. The motion was voted on by a division which went 8-4 in favor of the motion. Following the debate and voting, Business Senator Mark Lizarraga stood up to introduce a motion “to require CEO in the Government of Belize to come to the Senate to explain the expenditure of Petro Caribe funds”. The motion sought to get accountability in the borrowing and spending of millions under the Petro-Caribe programme.

Police Spitefulness Backfires! – Russell Blackett memo screws up murder case
A controversial move by the Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, Russell Blackett, to bypass the constitutionally-placed Director of Public Prosecutions from the process of consulting before the Police could lay charges on a person has backfired. On September 24, 2014, Assistant Commissioner of Police Blackett issued a directive to all Regional Commanders of the Department instructing that with immediate effect “…the practice of consulting the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as to whether to charge a person or persons for murder or any other crime must cease”. This decision, reportedly taken on the advice of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, has caused a major embarrassment for the Police Department. On Tuesday of this week, the Police charged 18 year old Wilser Echeverria for the murder of Panamanian Diplomat Jose Rodrigo De la Rosa Stanford. But when Echeverria was taken to the Magistrate’s Court for arraignment on Wednesday, as would normally occur, Defense Attorneys Dickie Bradley and Michelle Trapp-Zuniga objected to the process citing section 36 of the Criminal Code which states that when a person claims self-defense in a murder case, the prosecution must have the Director of Public Prosecution’s written permission before laying charges.

COLA drops bombshells! – Police Department – A Political Pawn!
The vocal activist organization Citizens Organized for Liberty thru Action (COLA) dropped bombshells on Thursday afternoon, exposing evidence of high-levels of political intervention in the operation and running of the Police Department by UDP politicians. While standing just outside the Precinct Three offices (formerly Queen Street Police Station) on Queen Street, COLA President Geovanni Brackett ‘leaked’ documents it obtained from “confidential sources” inside the Belize Police Department’s chief watchdog association, the Belize Police Association (BPA). The Association claims that a number of its officers have been transferred as a form of punishment for doing the right thing. According to a September 25th, 2013 letter written by the Association’s President, Eldon Arzu, to the Ombudsman Lionel Arzu, there is sufficient evidence that points at political intervention as a serious problem within the department.

Think About It
The UDP members in the House of Representatives illegally passed the Petro Caribe Loan Resolution to cover-up the unlawful borrowing and spending of millions of dollars since 2012. The government, which has secretly been using loan monies from Petro Caribe funds since 2012 sought to distract attention away from their gross violation of the Finance and Audit law. The law requires the National Assembly – i.e. the House and the Senate to approve any loan of over ten million dollars. It requires that such funds be placed in a special account under the safe guard of the Accountant General. It requires that estimates of how the monies will be spent be submitted to the National Assembly. And it requires that open, public tenders be published for those getting construction contracts. None of these legal requirements were done in 2012, 2013 or up to November 2014. The law makers have become the law breakers.

Bitter Times in Sugar Industry
While time has moved on and a whole year has passed, things within the Belize Sugar Industry seem to have remained at a total standstill. A year ago, the sugarcane season, which normally runs from November to June, was delayed because of an impasse over payment for Bagasse. The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) was demanding $141 per ton for Bagasse while current owners American Sugar Refinery (ASR) has refused to budge from an offer of $51. The farmers consider ASR’s offer an insult and while they subsequently agreed to proceed with the 2014 crop, it was with an understanding that an agreement would have been reached before the end of this past season. Farmers believe that a year is more than enough time to have come up with a suitable agreement and are once again insisting the ASR come to the table to negotiate. Instead of negotiating in good faith, ASR employed the old “divide and rule” strategy. They were urging farmers to abandon their association and deal directly with the factory. This would have been detrimental and the worst thing that cane farmers could ever do. The old truism is as relevant here as it ever was, “united we stand and divided we fall.”

Editorial: WHY BIL?
In April 2013, the government passed a law establishing a company called the Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL). This company would be given public monies and build public projects such as sports stadiums, markets and parks. BIL has a board of directors, all hand-picked by the UDP politicians and is like a fifth wheel to a coach. In a sense BIL is set up to allow hustling and stealing of public monies. The Government of Belize is structured, and like all democratic, parliamentary governments elsewhere, has always been structured along legal and functional lines. There are Ministries and department staff operated by public officers whose duties are laid down by law and who are unanswerable to the various checks and balances in the system. There is a Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a Ministry of Education, a Ministry of Agriculture, a Ministry of Tourism and so on. There is a Ministry of Works. In this Ministry there are technical and professional public officers who are career persons whose years of service allow them to accumulate and pensions.

BTTA hold 2014 BNE junior table tennis championships
Terry Su, Latrell Solis and John Del Cid won their categories in the Belize Natural Energy junior table tennis championships at the Belize Elementary School auditorium on Sunday under the supervision of the Belize Table Tennis Association (BTTA). Some 70 young players competed in the 12 and under category in a knockout format. Terry Su won the championship final 3-1 against 2nd place winner Desire Amagula, who had knocked out 3rd place winner Sahil Hochandani 3-1 in the semifinals. Su had eliminated the other 3rd place winner Samron Pott 3-1 in the semifinals.

San Ignacio United upsets FC Belize 1-0
San Ignacio United picked up its 1st win in 5 outings over FC Belize 1-0 at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio on Sunday, though it remains a cellar dweller in the standings. Brandon Jones and Devaugn “Beckham” Zuniga led the visitors’ attacks with the help of midfielder James Bermudez, but San Ignacio’s Rafael August Jr. and goalie Elmer Calderon handled their challenges. Julian Maldonado looked to put the home squad on the scoreboard but FC Belize goalie German Grajalez was not really put to the test until the 37th minute with Maldonado’s execution of a free kick. Grajalez got another wake-up call from Edmond Martinez’s long range cruise missile that fortunately drained wide of the sticks.

Triple Bs win FFB President’s Cup
The Triple Bs of Belmopan won the 2014 FFB President’s Cup national women’s championship at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio on Saturday, outgunning Esperanza’s DFC Gentle Touch 1-0 in Game 2 of the finals. Mexican import Yamilli Herrera and Miriam Villamil led the Triple Bs’ attacks with the help of midfielders Jennisha Scott, Kursha Pollard, Diana Esquiliano and Anijay Quiroz while regular season MVP Shinel Gentle and Kimberly “Brazilian” Perez led ‘Ranza’s offensive, supported by Cynthia Salazar, Abbie Halliday, Vailene Lambert and Sheryann “Baby” Tracy, forcing the Triple Bs’ defense to goof into giving up a penalty. No harm was done, however, as Abbi Halliday squandered the chance to put the home squad up 1-0.

Young people call for greater economic opportunities – BYM holds youth forum in San Ignacio Town
Young people do not believe that an enabling environment exists in Belize for them to pursue economic opportunities such as through entrepreneurship. This was just one of many views expressed at a Youth Forum held by the Belize Youth Movement in San Ignacio Town on Saturday November 22, 2014. The forum, organised by Cayo BYM and the BYM National Executive at the Cahal Pech Resort, was aimed at providing young people of surrounding communities with an opportunity to discuss issues affecting their inclusion in the development of the country. Cayo BYM includes the constituencies of Cayo North, Cayo North East and Cayo Central, but the forum included representation from the Belmopan, Cayo South and Cayo West constituencies. President Zoila Palma introduced the day’s agenda and the members of the new Cayo BYM executive that include Janine Godoy as Vice President, Cavanny Cabrera as Secretary, Ruben Pulido as Chief of Staff, Karimi Santos as Treasurer and Anthony Bedran as Public Relations/Sports Coordinator. They are supported by National Executive Secretary Sheena Urbina. The members of the new team were sworn in by National BYM President Alberto Vellos.

Massive Turnout in Collet to Support Yasmin Shoman
The People’s United Party held its endorsement convention for the Collet Division Standard Bearer on Saturday, November 22nd, 2014 at 3180 Dakers Street. Despite the threat of inclement weather, over 1,000 supporters crowded the backyard to hear dynamic speeches from Party Leader, Hon. Francis Fonseca, and other PUP Standard Bearers as well as a fiery acceptance speech from Yasmin Shoman, whose “New Beginning for Collet” campaign is the party’s thrust to recapture an old PUP stronghold. Shoman is no stranger to the Collet Division; she was twice elected to the Belize City Council from 1999-2006. She served as Deputy Mayor in 2001, and again in 2003. She is intimately knowledgeable with the problems and challenges facing Belize City and especially the problems of the Collet Division, where she has spent considerable time consulting with residents and working on projects to uplift that area of the South Side of Belize City. Shoman worked closely with former PUP Collet Area Representative, the Hon. Remijio Montejo, to improve the infrastructure of Collet, spearheading a two-year project to eradicate “London Bridges” and build trafficable streets.

WOMAN IN THE HOUSE – The Lady Yasmin
Yesterday I attended the special backyard convention for Yasmin Shoman as she was endorsed to be the PUP candidate for the Collet Division at the next general elections. It was a brilliant decision to have this convention and rally in the heart of the constituency in Ms. Emily’s backyard because it signals our candidate’s connection with the people of Collet and Southside Belize City as well as a grassroots approach to the work at hand. A brief rainshower did nothing at all to dampen the spirits of the large crowd in attendance, only delaying the proceedings by twenty or so minutes. Party stalwarts and officials from Collet and from many parts of the country were out in force, and there was a comfortable air of camaraderie and a deep sense of belonging and pride in the PUP which pervaded the afternoon.

Address by PUP Leader Francis Fonseca – Garifuna Settlement Day 2014
Once again this year it is indeed a great honor and privilege to join with you here in the beautiful southern community of Dangriga as we gather to mark and celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day 2014. I am very proud to be here this year in the company of so many friends and distinguished guests including the Hon. Ivan Ramos (Dangriga), Hon. Rodwell Ferguson (Stann Creek West), Hon. Oscar Requena (Toledo West), and Hon. Mike Espat (Toledo East), Mayor Gilbert Swazo (Dangriga), Deputy Mayor and Councillors of the Dangriga Town Council. My colleagues and I have travelled many miles across Southern Belize but each time we are refreshed and invigorated by the magnificent beauty of the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts. But above all, I have been inspired by the strength and resilience of the people of Southern Belize who toil tirelessly and proudly to provide for their families, to grow their communities, and to develop our beautiful Belize.

Letters: Poor KHMH Treatment
Many people turn away from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for treatment. Why this is the case when the KHMH provides care at a lower cost than other hospitals? Why would people refuse paying less for treatment? Well, according to testimonies gotten, many tend to shy away from getting care at KHMH due to the poor customer service. What surprised me most is that many claim that the poor customer service came at the hands of our fellow Belizeans and not from the foreign nurses and people who work there. This matter brings our country down due to the fact that our people are treating one another in such a manner that isn’t professional. I believe that the employees whether they are Belizeans, or from abroad, should all be trained in the way they act towards others especially in a hospital that treats hundreds of patients.

Letters: New Beginning for Collet
I support Miss Yasmin Shoman’s candidacy in the Collet Division because she is a hard worker and Collet needs a hard worker who will do everything possible to make life better for all the residents. Miss Shoman is also a person who is always there for the little man. Years ago when I was facing strong opposition to start Monica’s Pawnshop from the Commercial Centre near the old Swing Bridge in Belize City, I explained my situation to members of the Belize City Council which included Miss Shoman, and she was one of the first councillors who stood up and supported by request to start my pawning business from that location. While she was a member of the Belize City Council in the late 1990s, Yasmin also proved herself as a no-nonsense councillor. That’s because with Yasmin time to work is time to work.

Letters: Let us do more to promote nationalism
It is difficult for me to understand why “National Pride” is not being instilled in students, especially at the Tertiary Level. The reason why I bring this up is because of a particular situation I faced at the University of Belize. While attending my classes this semester, I noticed that all the campuses nation-wide were in absence of a Belizean flag. Keep in mind, the institution is fully equipped with flag poles at all the UB campuses. As a result, I went about trying to secure a number of Belizean flags from the various Government Ministries, and I was appalled by the responses I got from them. Most of the emails that were sent back contained comments like “limited resources” or “check with the other ministries”. Essentially, I am at a loss of words and in reality I’ve come to the conclusion that the Government itself should make it their responsibility to instill “National Pride”, no matter which Ministry it is. And if they do not make it their business, no one else will in our country. It’s plain to see why Guatemala wants our country, we as Belizeans seem not to want it for ourselves.

Letters: Calling on Fairness and Common Sense to prevail
I write in regards to two issues, the first concerning Education and the second about Special Constable Officers performing traffic duties. The Prime Minister in his 2014 Independence Day Speech said that his administration would “pay for 6 CXC exams for all qualifying students”. A survey test which was conducted in conjunction with the Ministry of Human Development deemed that ‘approximately 58% of the more than 2,000 students’ who applied were qualified for the relief in fees for 6 CXC exams. However, what about the remaining students? Now there has been a change and it is to the advantage of the students who had initially applied but were not granted the relief. In speaking with several high school teachers from only 3 high schools in Belize City they have a general consensus: not all their students applied since they felt strongly that the survey test was not only invasive but political. Surely this is not the sentiments of the majority but if that is the case then we have students who may have benefitted greatly but have now lost an opportunity. They are not to be blamed, since at their age the decisions are dependent upon their parents.

Traffic Department exposes hundreds of residents to identity theft!
The Belize City Council has made no official comment on the reckless manner in which they disposed of sensitive material containing city residents’ very sensitive information. On Tuesday, November 25th a concerned citizen stumbled onto a pile of Belize City driver’s license identification cards behind the Council’s works department compound lot at mile 4 on the Western Highway. Pictures were taken of the mess and shared through Rhenae Nunez’s Facebook page, displaying the City Council’s lack of sensible thinking and action.

Patrick Jones

Day of Healing activities held in Belize City
The penultimate days of healing for 2014 was held today on the grounds of the Unity Presbyterian Primary School on Antelope Street extension in what is known as the Jerusalem area. Organizer Perry Smith says activities included football tournament and yoga demonstration for children. Smith says the activity has been shunned by both the Area Representative Patrick Faber and the People’s United Party standard bearer Yasmin Shoman because they want to control it.

Roger Anthony, accused of attempted murder, is out on bail
Ex-boss of Ghosttown Crips Roger Anthony applied for bail at the Supreme Court on Friday … and got it. He is accused of attempting to murder Sheldon “Shelly” Meighan, mother of his intended targets Ellis Jr. and Tyrone Meighan, with whom he was reportedly involved in a battle for leadership of the group, by shooting at her house on Banak Street on Sunday night, October 26. Only two weeks before the incident, Anthony appeared publicly with Inspector Mark Flowers, Commander of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), renouncing the gang lifestyle and encouraging others to do the same.

Fender-bender knocks taximan out of business
A traffic incident on Friday morning in Belize City has left a taxi operator fuming. The incident happened at the Pound Yard area near the corner of Cemetery Road and Woods Street, where a taxi driver was complaining of his vehicle’s rear left side passenger door being jarred out of place by a passing Ramos Bus from Ladyville which was coming in to park. According to Wilword Pinto, who works with the City Cab Taxi Union, the incident happened as he was preparing to go on a run with a passenger. The bus, according to Pinto, suddenly swerved toward his vehicle, scratching its side and nearly pinning down the passenger.

Coast Guard graduates its fifth recruit intake
The youngest of Belize’s armed forces – established in November of 2005 – the Belize National Coast Guard is also one of its most disciplined. The life of a seaman requires intense discipline and commitment, and is thus not for everyone. So it was on Friday that 44 men and women joined the ranks of the Belize National Coast Guard and accepted the task of making Belize’s waterways safe for everyone. Lieutenant Gregory Soberanis, Coast Guard Operations Officer, says they underwent grueling physical training that brought the numbers down from an initial 80 to the current group of 44.

Man killed in early morning road traffic accident
An early morning road traffic accident on the George Price Highway has left one man dead. The victim has been identified as 35 year old Joseph Eiley. According to police reports, Eiley was driving a Isuzu Rodeo with Belize City license plates around 1 am today when he apparently lost control of the vehicle and overturned between miles 9 and 10 on the George Price Highway. Police say that at the time of the incident, Eiley was traveling from Hattieville village to Belize City.

Fatal shooting reported in Mahogany Heights community
A Belize City family is today mourning the death of a loved one. 25 year old Kenroy Parham was found dead this morning in the quiet community of Mahogany Heights near La Democracia village in the Belize District. According to a family member we spoke with via telephone, Parham’s body was found this morning in the back area of the community with multiple gunshot wounds. Circumstances surrounding the apparent homicide are still sketchy, but reports are that residents of the community heard what they believe were gunshots late last night.

Cayo North Wants Harrison to Debate Figueroa
The sudden resignation of Hon. Joseph Mahmud this week from his post as member of the The House of Representatives for Cayo North electoral division triggered the need for a by-election. The law gives the ruling UDP Prime Minister discretion to call the by-election between 21 to 90 days from the date of resignation. He chose January 5, 2015, obviously trying to take advantage of the fact that his caretaker for the division has been in place since February, while the opposition PUP did not yet have a candidate. Yesterday, the PUP decided unanimously at a meeting of the National Executive to choose Richard Harrison to contest the by-election on the party’s behalf. In a press briefing held after the meeting, the party leader Francis Fonseca stated that it was the party’s assessment that Harrison was in the better position to win the seat for the PUP. Harrison, from the time he agreed to contest, had been calling for an open, free and fair convention so that the people of Cayo North could decide who to represent them in the by-elections.

Blogs

TRAVEL DREAMS BELIZE
This week I am dreaming of a warm, tropical place to visit. Something with warm sands, beautiful blue waters, and a relaxed lifestyle. Belize fits perfectly into my dreams. For many years my family has traveled to Belize and enjoyed the locals, food, and beauty of the landscape. Top on my list is the Blue Hole in Belize. It lies within the coral reef in the Caribbean off the coast of east Belize.

ATTENTION PARENTS: YOUR EMOTIONS ARE CONTAGIOUS
To stay healthy, people will do everything short of quarantining themselves to avoid getting coughed on, sneezed on, or breathed on by the sickly. As a parent, you’re probably well aware of how quickly contagious diseases like the flu can travel through a family—nay, a neighborhood. Teachers notice the same thing when they see student after student calling in sick until the class is but a mere figment of the imagination. Research has also shown that in the workplace, one negative employee can spoil the bunch. A negative outlook on anything, whether it’s the administration, a client, or a department, can affect the morale of everyone around. So what does this have to do with families? Believe it or not, the same research that shows how a negative attitude can “catch on” in families just as easily as it does in the office.

International Sources

Gabon, St Maarten and Belize approved as new members of FINA
Gabon, St Maarten and Belize have all been approved as members of the International Swimming Association (FINA) following a Bureau meeting in Doha. The trio will bring the total number of FINA members to 207, three more than the 204 members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Recognition for St Maarten, the Dutch constituent which was a former member of the Netherlands Antilles before the country dissolved in 2010, is particularly interesting because athletes from the island have had to since compete for either The Netherlands or Aruba. But FINA's decision could pave the way for similar moves from other international federations, with St Maarten also among islands to have benefited from the recent decision to allow non-IOC recognised territories to compete at the Central American and Caribbean Games.

PANAMANIAN DIPLOMAT KILLED IN BELIZE,SUSPECT DETAINED
Authorities in Belize say they have detained a man suspected of killing a Panamanian diplomat. Jose Rodrigo De La Rosa was charge d’affaires at the Panamanian embassy in Belmopan, the capital of Belize. His body was found late Sunday near a highway on the outskirts of the city with cut wounds on his head and neck. The spokeswoman for Panama’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said Wednesday a three-member team of investigators and diplomats had been sent to Belize to familiarize themselves with the case. Spokeswoman Monica de Leon said De La Rosa was a 64-year-old career diplomat. The ministry said he had served in various postings, including in Canada, Bolivia, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and Israel.

Global Slavery Index 2014
The 2014 Global Slavery Index presents a ranking of 167 countries based on the percent of a country’s population that is estimated to be in modern slavery. This year we have also ranked countries based on what actions their governments are taking to end modern slavery. We also analysed the contextual factors that make people vulnerable to modern slavery. HOW BIG IS THE PROBLEM? The table below shows the prevalence of slavery, based on the percentage of the population enslaved and the estimated number of people enslaved by country.

Videos

Video: Belize Trip 2014, 36min.
Family trip to Belize.

Video: Man vs Wild S05E06 Belize, 43min.

Video: Podziemne miasta Belize Podziemie Majow TVRip XviD KilKr Lektor PL, 44min.

November 29, 2014

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Belize Audubon Hosts Urban Bird Watch in San Pedro
Of course shorebirds were the first to be spotted, and sandpipers and plovers scampered along the water’s edge. Also sighted along the beach (and in the skies above) were Yellow-crowned Night Herons, Little Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Brown Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, Royal Terns and Great Blue Herons who were in search of their seafood breakfast. From a far distance Jonathan spotted a large bird landing on the BTL Tower several blocks away, and with binoculars the group was treated to the sight of a Peregrine Falcon. Peregrine Falcons have the greatest airspeed velocity of any bird in the world, and are able to exceed 200 miles per hour in its hunting dives!

SPHS enters Sagicor Visionary Challenge for the second year
San Pedro High School (SPHS) has entered two teams to participate in the 2014 Sagicor Visionary Challenge. A collaboration of the Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF), Sagicor (a Caribbean insurance company) and the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), the Visionary Challenge is held across the Caribbean offering secondary students the opportunity to develop scientific solution for common

Nine Island Academy Students raise funds for Saga
After participating in Saga Humane Society’s Humane Education Presentation, nine Island Academy students decided that they wanted to do a little more for the non-profit organization. Gabbi Alexander, Katelyn Mackay, Arianna Flota, Ayissa Alpuche, Maya Bowen, Louke Van Noord, Noah Beaumont, Alejandra Flota and Kimberly Houghton held a bake sale on Wednesday, November 19th at

Altamar residents in San Pedro express concern over garbage used as road and landfill
Residents in the Altamar Area of San Pedro Town have expressed serious concern about unsightly garbage that has been piled up on one of their access roads. The garbage has been accumulating for some time now and it has become an eyesore, not to mention a serious health risk for local residents in the area.

Fisheries Officer Roberto Carballo transferred to Belize City
There has been no disciplinary action against Belize Fisheries Officer Roberto Carballo by neither the Police nor Fisheries Departments. This is despite accusations in a letter dated October 16th, in which the Police Department expressed serious security concerns as it relates to Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve. The serious allegations were made to the Fisheries Department

Tropic Air expands fleet to 15 aircraft
With the addition of another Cessna Grand Caravan turbo prop aircraft, Tropic Air has increased its fleet to 15. Xanadu Island Resort receives international award
Xanadu Island Resort has won a prestigious International Hotel Award for being one of the Best Sustainable Hotels in the regions. The International Hotel Awards was developed to identify, highlight and reward exceptional hotels in the hospitality industry. More than 50 countries from all the continents participate in this award. Xanadu is among 17 other

Saga Humane Society hosts Humane Education Presentation
In the past month, Saga Humane Society has been hosting several Humane Education presentations at the various primary schools on the island. The presentation aims to educate the children on the proper way to care for pets and humanely deal with animals. On Tuesday, November 25th Island Academy’s eager lower division students listened carefully and

ACES hosts Disability Awareness Workshop
On Thursday November 20th, Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) hosted a Disability Awareness Workshop geared towards working with children with special needs. Teachers from various schools across the island attended the evening workshop, and the event was also open to parents living with children with special needs. The presentation was led by Sarah Freudenberg, special […]

Belizean Breezes- A unique experience
Belizean Breezes is a store like no other on the island. Ride or walk our island streets, and I guarantee there’s no other shop you can walk into and be delighted by the aroma of such things as Monkey Farts! offering over 150 different scents, Belizean Breezes is a specialty soap store with popular bars such as, yes- Monkey Farts, Vanilla Sandalwood, Wow, Chocolate bars, Vanilla Butter Cream and of course the ever popular signature scent, Belizean Breeze. Located on the south end of Barrier Reef Drive, Belizean Breezes is the perfect store to enjoy a lovely stroll to. Walking in there is like walking into a treasure chest of unique hand poured soaps available by the bar, loaf, and yummy looking soap cupcakes and pies that will leave you wanting to take a bite. But don’t do it, as store owner Lynda warns, “They’ll have you farting bubbles!” Haha! (Mind you, were tempted to see if that’s true!)

Ambergris Today

Tropic Air Expands Fleet To 15 Aircraft
Tropic Air announces this week the addition into scheduled service of another Cessna Grand Caravan turbo prop aircraft. This latest addition to the fleet features air conditioning and the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit avionics suite with radar. This brings the number of Cessna Caravans in its fleet to ten, and overall number of aircraft to 15. The latest aircraft arrived last Thursday, November 20, 2014, at the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) after completing its journey from the USA. The latest fleet expansion is to support the growing number of tourist arrivals, the increase in international airlift and bed capacity of expanding resorts, its own route and service expansion, and a general growth in economic activity in Belize.

Pic of the Week: 30th Anniversary of San Pedro Township
Happy Township Day San Pedro! WOW! We have come a long way from the very small fishing village that everybody fell in love in the first place. Today, November 27, 2014, marks the 30th Anniversary of Township for San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. This picture takes us back to 1984 when San Pedro just received its township status. You can see Jenny’s Store, belonging to the Salazar family on Front Street (across Fido’s) welcoming township and celebrating along with the newly town residents. Pictured below is a present day view of the same street – WOW! We will be calling ourselves citizens of San Pedro City pretty soon.

Flashbacks: Signing of San Pedro Township Declaration
The groundwork and lobbying for Township had taken place and November 27, 1984 had arrived. Several government ministers, Dame Minita Gordon, Governor General of Belize, and our Area Representative, Hon. Louis Sylvestre were all in San Pedro for the signing of the declaration. Almost the entire population of the village had gathered to witness the historical event and the memorable moment. Now present on stage were the seven men that comprised the village council, Miss San Pedro Olguita Bardalez, the ministers of government and our Governor General. George Price in his usual humble mannerism chose not to be here but sent his congratulatory message with Honorable Sylvestre. All of this was impressive but did not match that precise moment, at nine p.m. to be exact, when Emcee Angel Nuñez, called Honorable Louis Sylvestre and Gilberto Chico Gomez to the forefront to sign the document.

Belize to Observe World AIDS Day 2014
December 1st is World AIDS Day - The National AIDS Commission (NAC), the National HIV Program of the Ministry of Health and their partner agencies invite Belizeans to become an interactive part of World AIDS Day 2014 activities. This year’s theme is: Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS- related deaths. HIV is now considered to be a concentrated epidemic in Belize. The recently completed Modes of Transmission Study suggests that around 70% of new infections in 2014 will occur in men and thus the shift of the response has now turned towards testing more men.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize Coast Guard Anniversary & Recruit Intake No. 5 Graduation Ceremony
44 new intakes ... 39 men and 5 women

Christmas loans up to $5,000
The National Bank of Belize is offering Christmas loans up to $5,000 with an 8% interest rate on the reducing balance! Click below to find out more! The National Bank of Belize...Of the people, for the people! Transforming lives, Transforming Belize...

Channel 7

PM Meets Cane Farmers; A Cause For Cautious Optimism
For weeks now, the future of the sugar industry has been clouded by the ongoing impasse between the cane farmers association and the owners of the sugar mill, ASR/BSI. But, finally tonight, there appears to be some room for optimism in this critical national industry. That's after the Prime Minister and ranking government officials held a meeting in Belize City with the Executive of the cane farmers association and the 18 branch presidents from all over the north. 7News was there from beginning to end and Jules Vasquez reports: Jules Vasquez reporting The directors lined the verandah at the Biltmore to wait for their meeting with the top brass from the ministry of agriculture, the deputy prime minister, and the Chairman of the Sugar Industry Control Board and at 10:20 am - the Prime Minister.

Terrible Fatal Just Outside Of Capital, Claims The Lives Of 2
There was a terrible double traffic fatality on the George Price Highway this afternoon at around 2:00 pm. 35 year old Ishmael Hoare and 20 year old Orlando Pascascio were in a Ford Thunderbird that lost control and veered into the opposite lane - crashing into a Madisco Cargo truck. The impact on the two door car was massive; it hit the cargo truck while skidding sideways across the road.

Richard Harrison, PUP's Pick For Cayo North
Richard Harrison will be the PUP's candidate in Cayo North. That's the decision coming out of a meeting of the PUP National Executive this morning in Belize City. Harrison got the nod after the other prospective candidate Michel Chebat says he stepped aside in the best interest of the party - and after discussion with the party leader. While other reports we've heard from the Western Caucus depict it as a far more sanguinary exercise - the bottom line is that Harrison - who was considered the underdog - is now the man and now has less than 40 days to pull a campaign together. Today at a press briefing after the executive met, Party Leader Francis Fonseca explained the decision:..

PM Cognizant Of Petrocaribe's Reserves; Notes Venezuela's Difficulties
So now that a PUP candidate has been named - we know that it's going to be Jaguar expert Dr. Omar Figueroa versus businessman Richard Harrison in Cayo North. Today, UDP Leader Dean Barrow said it hardly matters who the PUP puts up:.. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "I don't think we were too much concerned as to which of the two aspirants will ultimately be chosen. We honestly feel that Omar Figueroa is an excellent candidate. He has the advantage of having been working the area prior to his February convention win and thereafter. We feel that in all the circumstances the momentum clearly is with him and with the UDP." And the UDP is unusually confident because, yes, the PUP has been caught off guard and must hastily put together a campaign, but also because of all that Petrocaribe money - which will pay for Christmas cheer and other pre-election spending programs in Cayo North.

Emerson, Zimbab's Relative, Gunned Down
There was a murder in the city early this morning. At around 6:45 police arrived on Gibnut Street right after 35 year old Emmerson Arnold had been shot 7 times to the back. Area residents say that after he lay gasping on the ground some minutes, police finally took him to the KHMH where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Arnold, an employee of the Belize Water Services was on his way to work this morning when he was gunned down by a man in a hoodie who rode up and shot him off his bicycle. Now, it has the appearance of being less than random because Arnold lives on Lakeview Street, and just last week, Carlos Zimbab Abraham, a George Street general was shot in front of Arnold's family residence. Abraham is also a relative to Arnold but today his family told Monica Bodden they strongly believe that both incidents are not linked.

Bregal Charge For Jewelry Heist
Police have charged Lionel Bregal for handling stolen goods in connection with the theft of almost four hundred thousand dollars in jewelry and Rolex watches form the Roe residence in Ladyville. Police say that items from the theft were found at Bregal's house - and now they are only waiting on fingerprint evidence to charge him for the burglary. He was supposed to be arraigned for handling stolen goods today - but the Magistrate's were in a training session - so it has been deferred until next week.

What's Up With Stakebank & FSTV
For the past few days we've been reporting on weather related cruise ship cancellations - which has caused millions of dollars in losses for local operators. The situation has highlighted the Belize district's desperate need for a proper cruise ship docking facility - and not a tourist village that depends on tenders to bring in tourists. When the seas are rough the tourists can't get unto the tenders and if they did manage to do that, they could get seasick on the rough 7 mile journey to shore. The Feinstein group's Stake bank Project is waiting in the wings, but it's on a hold because of multiple legal challenges. The Prime Minister discussed the various contingencies today:..

Nationalizations Appeal Start At CCJ
Right now, the Ashcroft attorneys and lawyers for Government of Belize are preparing for what we call "The War of the Worlds", a hugely consequential appeal case at the Caribbean Court of Justice. This appeal will determine once and for all in the highest appeal court in the land as to whether or not the Government was justified and lawful in the way it acquired the utility companies, BTL and BEL. It's a raft of appeals launched by the Ashcroft entities, including Dean Boyce, British Caribbean Bank Ltd, and Dean Boyce and the Trustees of the BTL Employees' Trust. They are challenging the 2009 acquisition and the 2011 re-acquisition of BTL, while Fortis is challenging the Government's nationalization of the country's electricity company in 2011.

BGYEA Complains About GOB No-Show At Mediation
The last time we reported on grassroots organization, BGYEA, is was to inform you that Government had not met with them in mediation to resolve the dispute over the Harmonyville buffer zone land. As we've told you, the organization wants to use parts of the road reserve area to plant corn. They say that it will generate much needed revenue to upgrade the infrastructure of their community, which Central Government has already informed them that they must do on their own. As we've told you, the Lands Department has stopped them with an injunction which has since been lifted, but BGYEA's executive has given an undertaking not to move forward with their plans until a resolution of the court challenge has taken place. BGYEA says that they've been patiently trying to get the Government representatives to sit down and observe the court ordered mediation sessions with them. They problem is, they say, is that for several sessions now, they've had to postpone because Government has refused to show up.

SATIIM: Mediation Not Working Efficiently
Another organization which is locked in a legal battle with Government, and who is also complaining about the ineffectiveness of court ordered mediation is The Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM). As we've told you, neither the Government nor SATIIM and the Mayan Claimant communities from the buffer zone down south are particularly pleased with the outcome of the case as decided by Justice Michelle Arana. So, since July, both sides were supposed to have participated in court-ordered mediation. Once again, however, the Government attorneys applied for the court to dispense with the mediation. We understand that their position is that since the case will be heard at the Court of Appeal, there is no need for mediation. After the session in Justice Arana's court, we spoke with the new Executive Director about today's outcome. Here's what she told us:

SATIIM: Midway Is Still With Them
And if you are unaware, the case which was decided before Justice Arana included SATIIM along with the Mayan buffer communities of Conejo, Crique Sarco, Midway, and Graham Creek. But as we told you, about a month ago, the village leaders of Midway wrote the office of the Prime Minister to declare the community's unswaying support for development and for US Capital Energy's oil exploration efforts. It was signed by the alcaldes, and included a harsh putdown of SATIIM, in which it was alleged that the organization has done nothing to improve the lives of the indigenous Mayan living in the south. That letter said, "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..."

Caribbean Union Of Teachers In Bze
The big Caribbean teacher family met today at the Biltmore. Discussions centered on educational issues and solutions as it relates to teacher training and the quality of education. A total of 19 member units from The Caribbean Union of Teachers were represented today. While each member unit had a specific report outlining their topics of educational interest, all Caribbean members approached the meeting with a common vision: to improve the educational system in their countries. President of the the BNTU, Luke Palacio described the importance of this meeting to education in Belize. Luke Palacio - President, BNTU "This CUT executive meeting, there will be some issue which I a certain the President, Mr. Andall will speak to. In terms of the education conference we are talking about issues which affect the Caribbean, for example we are going to have the Teaching Services Commission make a presentation because throughout the Caribbean there are efforts to establish either Teaching Services Commissions or Teaching Councils so it will also be a sharing and learning activity. We intend to talk about our Belize teacher education to see how teacher training and teacher education happens in the other regions.

Opportunity Belize
The CARICOM Kumbaya continued across the hall at the Opportunity Belize Workshop. The event was held to educate Belizean exporters and entrepreneurs on how to penetrate the international market in the face of those crippling custom tariffs. Jamaican Consultant for the CARICOM Single Market Information flows project, Gillian Scott explains how educating exporters on their rights and opportunities in trade will contribute to building the economy. Tricia Gideon, CARICOM Single Market and Economy Focal Point "And so it's all about how do we get people to move quickly around the region and feel like one. It's a challenge because of course we all have our own nationalities, we have our own cultural backgrounds, but it's about thinking as one and that's really the objective of this workshop; how do we make movement hassle free? How do we encourage Belizeans to take opportunities in the region and other member states within the region to take these opportunities and feel like we are one big country that has no barriers?"

Nurses Build Capacity
For those of you who know anything about the nursing profession, it is an intensely demanding job. The long, arduous shifts and constant patient checkups can impact work, drive and efficiency- which inevitably leads to mediocre patient care. While these work hours and schedules come with the profession, coordinators at the Nursing Education Conference today say that constant training and education can assist both novice and experienced nurses to cope with the challenging environment and enhance performance. Chief Nursing Officer, Augustina Elijio discussed how this nursing conference will enhance the quality of patient care and health. The conference is held every year. Over 130 nurses from across the country were present today.

Intake 5, The Shiny New Coast Guard Officers
On Monday, we showed you the final day of the second Coast Guard Best Warrior Competition in which teams from the different ranks of the Belize Coast Guard competed against each other in a test of fitness by completing 3 days of punishing physical activities. As we showed you, recruit intake number 5, the youngest officers to become a part of the Coast Guard, performed admirably, keeping up with the better trained veterans, and even taking the lead at different points of the competition. That high level of physical performance was attained after 13 weeks of intense training, and today, the hard work of 43 recruits paid off when they were inducted into the Coast Guard as full officers. We spoke with the 5 recruits who earned a mark of distinction through the intake training, and here's what they told us at their graduation:

Sean Paul Is Back To Put On World Class Concert
Sean Paul- He is no stranger to the Dancehall scene but those of who follow his music may have noticed a shift in his style and genre of music over the years. Moving from one of his hits "Temperature" to features with Enrique Iglesias. Well, he is here in Belize to give you the best of both worlds. I met him today at the Biltmore hotel and he shared the reason for that shift in his musical career and of course invited everyone to once in a lifetime experience. His highly promoted concert is scheduled for tomorrow at the BTL park.

PROFILE...
Tonight's I am Belize Profile features Melanie Bodden, a standard 6 teacher from the Hummingbird Elementary School. Bodden was a very introverted individual as a youth, and because of this, the teaching profession may not have suited her. The most experienced teachers will tell you that to maintain order in your class as an educator, you must be assertive or else the students will take advantage of perceived weakness. She tells the profile how overcoming her shy nature led her toward the teaching profession:

Channel 5

B.W.S. Employee Shot and Killed in Early Morning Attack
An early morning homicide in the Old Capital has claimed the life of the cousin of reputed George Street captain Carlos “Zimbab” Abraham. Abraham was hit twice to the neck [...]

Fatal Road Traffic Accident on George Price Highway Claims Life of Two Men
A fatal road traffic accident on the George Price Highway this afternoon has left two Ministry of Works’ employees dead and an employee of Madisco reportedly in critical condition at [...]

P.M. Meets With Caneros to Discuss Sugar Industry Impasse
Is there a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel where the sugar industry is concerned? It appears that way, following a meeting between representatives of the B.S.C.F.A., [...]

P.U.P. Selects Richard Harrison to Run in Cayo North Bye-election
  There will be a bye-election in Cayo North, and it is set for January fifth, five weeks from today. The odds are stacked against the P.U.P., who have had [...]

P.M. Barrow Says He’s Confident Cayo North will Go Red in 2015!
Of course, the PM is not fazed in the slightest. Why would he be? The Petrocaribe money has been rolling all over the place and will no doubt roll into [...]

Harrison Pledges Change to Voters of Cayo North
As we told you earlier in our newscast, the PUP has endorsed businessman Richard Harrison as their candidate in Cayo North. Harrison will go up against a well funded, popular [...]

Are Failed Business Ventures an Indication of Harrison’s Managerial Skills?
Harrison is a businessman who has had his share of successes and failures. But politics isn’t generally a forgiving arena, and his critics have already started attacking his failures as [...]

P.M. on Cruise Ship Cancellations
In the past few days the cruise sector has reeled and rocked after several cruise ships were unable to offload passengers in heavy winds and rough seas. For those not [...]

Is Government Saving for Rainy Days Post Petrocaribe Funds?
With low oil prices on the global market of late there have been concerns of a fallout from the Petrocaribe oil agreement.  While Jamaica, which is also party to the [...]

Mediation Falls Apart, BGYEA Prepares to Return to Court against G.O.B.
  At last check a few weeks ago, the Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association, BGYEA, was in mediation with government over the proposed use of a buffer zone near Harmonyville [...]

BTL and BEL Acquisitions to be Heard in CCJ
BTL Employees’ Trust, British Caribbean Bank and Fortis Energy International continue to campaign for Belize Telemedia Limited and Belize Electricity Limited to be returned to them, but money in the [...]

What’s at Stake Should Government Lose Nationalization Case?
Barrow says all is in play. The biggest stakes center on the controversial Eighth Constitutional Amendment which purported to vest all of Belize’s utility companies in the control of the [...]

Roger Anthony and Kendis Flowers Out on Bail
  Two Ghost Town men, including alleged leader Roger Anthony, are tonight out on bail for the attempted murder of Shelly Meighan, the mother of Ellis and Tyron Meighan. Anthony [...]

Coastguard Graduates Recruit Intake 5
The Belize National Coast Guard held a passing out ceremony today where forty-four young recruits joined the ranks of the organization.  Dozens of invited guests, including family and friends, as [...]

Teachers Unions Hold Regional Conference in Belize
There is an important executive meeting underway at the Belize Biltmore Plaza. For the first time, the Caribbean Union of Teachers has chosen Belize as the host country for its [...]

CTV3

Family Concerned About Missing Teen
On December 2nd will make three months that 16 year old Karen Noemi Trapp went missing and today her family fears the worst. Trapp, who is originally from Chetumal Quintana Roo, Mexico, was last seen by her parents on the evening of September 1st when she visited their home in Chetumal and told them that she was leaving for Orange Walk the following morning to visit her sick grandfather in the Village of August Pine Ridge. According to the mother of the 16 year old, their search for Noemi began when her boyfriend, who is serving in the military in Tamaulipas, informed them that he had received a message from her via Facebook informing him that she had been detained by Belizean authorities for entering the country illegally.

Arthur Saldivar Returns To Court
In august of this year, we told you about a sensational allegation that involved attorney Arthur Saldivar and a very large sum of money that had just recently been recovered in the court of appeal for the Coye family. Saldivar who had been the attorney for the Coye family, accused of laundering millions, got the family acquitted, and got government to give them back all the money that had been frozen for years. Shortly after, in a twist of fate, Melonie Coye stated on record that Saldivar kept a large portion of the money as she claimed that on June 12th, she and Saldivar went to pick up one point six million dollars in unfrozen funds from the Central Bank. Coye claimed they counted the money and then left. And that’s the point where things spin out of control. Coye states that Saldivar was holding a briefcase with over nine hundred thousand dollars in it, and left the scene without giving it to her. She further stated that she has made repeated attempts to get it back, but with no success. Since the incident, Coye has retained the services of Eamon Courtenay in an attempt to get her money back. And today, that case was heard, Attorney Hubert Elrington who represented Saldivar spoke to the media outside the court chambers. “The judge meant that they obtained, the other side of obtained in default of defense was made at their request. Of course we had also made a request for sitting aside. The truth of the matter is that they were so anxious to enter a judgment that they counted wrongly, it was simply a matter of one two three but they succeeded in getting it wrong so having realized that they put it in three days earlier that it was to come in they asked the judge to please set it aside for them and we agreed on a cost to us of $1,000.”

Oceana Rides For Belize
The Ride for Belize: Ride with Oceana initiative was launched today where participants will ride across the country. The initiative which was first held by the Social Security Board has been adopted by Oceana and in this new venture the ride is intended to create awareness on the work of the organization and the environment. As part of the initiative, Oceana has partnered with different parties in the different municipalities. In Orange Walk Ocean teamed up with the Belize Tourism Industry Association. Tourism Information officer at the BTIA, Orange Walk Jasmine Zetina told us more about the ride that kicked off this morning at Corozal. “This ride is Ride for Belize, ride with Oceana is the first time Oceana is doing this ride and they are doing this ride to raise awareness about what Oceana is doing in Belize specifically against the offshore drilling and raising awareness about Oceana as a whole. That Oceana is here in Belize, they want to promote Belize and they want to make sure to all Belizeans that they are here and that they are her to make sure that Belize progresses along with everything that tourism encompasses as well and that is why we decide for BTIA Orange Walk and Oceana to get together nothing than two big organization to join together to promote Belize and to move forward for Belize and have Belize progress.”

Yo Creek Sacred Heart RC School Inaugurates New Monument
The first school term is about to close and at one school there was good reason to celebrate, and this had nothing to do with the first term report cards. Teachers, parents and students celebrated a special occasion at the Yo Creek Sacred Heart RC School as they inaugurated their very first monument. Dalila Ical – Reporting Gabriel Campos- Acting Principal “I identified the project and I said I need to do one but then we said we need to do a big one not just a small one but one that will identify our school, a symbol of unity, a symbol of strength and a symbol of beauty tour school.” And once that plan was made concrete, the work began to find sponsors for the project. The response from business establishments that the school identified was favorable and slowly but surely the school began to receive the support needed.

Saint Francis Xavier Credit Union Equips Students To Face The World Of Financing
Getting students prepared to face the real world is one of the main objectives of a teacher. But as they say, when it comes to molding a child the community also plays an important role. With that in mind the Saint Francis Xavier Credit Union Limited located in Corozal launched its Mad City Money Rush project which offers students a firsthand experience on how to manage, budget and administrate finances. A number of high schools across the Corozal District have joined hands with Credit Union in this new endeavor and yesterday representatives of the institution were at St. Viator High School in the village of Chunox in the Corozal District prepping students for the real world. Reporter Victor Castillo reports. Victor Castillo - Reporting Playing the role of doctors, pharmacists, lawyers, cooks, teachers and managers is not an easy task but it is a challenge that students of St. Viator High School in the village of Chunox in the Corozal District decided to take as they took part in second Mad City Money Rush hosted by Saint Francis Xavier Credit Union Ltd.

La Inmaculada RC School Parade To Promote Parish Fair
Everything has a cost and of course schools comes with theirs. The reality however is that when it comes to schools the extra dollars are for a worthy cause which includes expansions and other infrastructural improvements. These schools often have innovative ways of making their fund raisers beneficial for all involved. This afternoon La Inmaculada RC School held a special short parade to promote their school Christmas fair to be held this coming Saturday, November 29th. Here is a look at what they displayed…

Ambassador Carlos R. Moreno Visits The North
On the 21st of June 2014, His Excellency, Carlos R. Moreno arrived in Belize as the new Ambassador assigned by the US Government. On Monday November 24th, Ambassador Moreno was engaged in a tour at Fruta Bomba where he met with General manager Gilbert Vivas who facilitated a guided tour of the papaya plantations in San Joaquin Village. Immediately after his tour in San Joaquin Ambassador Moreno then visited the Belize Fruit Packers in San Andres Village. His tour of the north also saw Ambassador Moreno visit the Corozal Free Zone, where he met with Chairman, David Ackierman.Ending his short visit, Ambassador Moreno also took the opportunity to tour the local communities and meet with American Citizens living in the Corozal District.

LOVE FM

GO- Belize Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Go Belize- a no governmental organized- celebrated its 10th anniversary today at the Chateau Caribbean Hotel in Belize City. Go Belize was formed as a regional program in 2004 and later localized in Belize with efforts focused on several issues including health. Executive Director, Eva Burgos, spoke to Love News. EVA BURGOS “It has been

PG Host Activities in Ending Violence
Activities in connection with sixteen days of activism to end gender based violence are held in Punta Gorda. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the details. PAUL MAHUNG “One of the coordinators of the activities here is Women Development Officer in the Ministry of Human Development and Social Transformation Lorain Johnson.” LORAIN JOHNSON “The activities began on

CCJ Rule to Nationalize BTL And BEL
The Caribbean Court of Justice will hear the nationalization cases next month. The CCJ will ruled and make a final resolution to the nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited, BTL and Belize Electricity Limited, BEL. The move to nationalize both companies is being challenged by the former owners, the BTL Employees Trust and Fortis Energy International.

Belize Coast Guard – How It Began….Where It’s Going
While the graduation of the 43 recruits today for the Belize Coast Guard was cause for celebration, the Coast Guard was also celebrating its 9th anniversary. Back in 2005 the unit was established under the guidance of Rear Admiral John Borland. Borland recounts the time when the Maritime Wing was converted to the Belize Coast

Road Accident Claims Two Lives
Two men are dead and another critically injured following a road traffic accident earlier today. Correspondent Angelica Cruz has more in this report. ANGELICA CRUZ “A fatal traffic accident on the George Price highway claimed the life of two persons and left the other in a critical condition. Love News understands that sometime around 2:15

Court Battle Continues With US Capital Energy and Mayan Communities
The battle between the Government of Belize, several Southern Mayan Communities and US Capital Energy continued this afternoon in the chambers of Justice Michelle Arana. Since April, attorneys for all three parties had expressed their own interpretation of the judgment that Justice Arana handed down on April 3 in regards to the drilling operations inside

Coast Guard Celebrates 9th Anniversary
While the graduation of the 43 recruits today for the Belize Coast Guard was cause for celebration, the Coast Guard was also celebrating its 9th anniversary. Back in 2005 the unit was established under the guidance of Rear Admiral John Borland. Borland recounts the time when the Maritime Wing was converted to the Belize Coast

Father of Four Slain on South Side Belize City
35-year-old Emerson Arnold also known as Emo was shot and killed this morning at around six thirty. Belize City Police has not release much details of the murder but word on the street is that Arnold was shot at nine times and seven of the bullets caught him. He was shot in the general vicinity

Ombudsman Responds to COLA On Political Interference in Police Department
Yesterday the President of the group, Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) called on the media to release a letter dated back in September 2013 that was given to him. The letter is one that was addressed to the Ombudsman, Lionel Arzu from the Belize Police Association appealing for the Ombudsman’s intervention due to

Man Detained For Stolen Jewelry; Victim of Police Brutality
A man accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in jewelry and other items is currently detained at the Ladyville Police Station. His name is Lionel Brigal and his attorney is claiming that Brigal was beaten up by police until he was forced to confess. We are not aware of the full details of [...]

Matura Says Land Dispute Reaches End of Trial
The land dispute involving Bernadette Pickwood, Maude Williams and Marvin Castillo, continued this morning in the court room of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Both parties are battling over a piece of land situated at the corner of Chetumal and Albert Hoy Streets. Pickwood believes that the land was unfairly taken away from her and re-issued to Williams and Castillo. Pickwood successfully got an injunction to stop all works and after a fail attempt of settling the matter out of court, trial began and as mentioned, continued this morning. Pickwood’s attorney, Audrey Matura-Shepherd, spoke to the media.

Saldivar Accused of Theft; Court Case Resumed
In August, news broke that Attorney Arthur Saldivar was accused of taking nearly a million dollars from the Coye Family. The allegation is that on June 12, Melanie Coye along with Saldivar went to the Central Bank to get one point six million dollars from the FIU. After counting the money, Coye alleges that Saldivar walked out with nine hundred and four thousand dollars in a suitcase. She says she has been trying to get the monies back but Saldivar has refused to give it up. Coye got an attorney in the person of Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay who filed a suit against Saldivar. The matter resumed this morning in the court room of Justice Shona Griffith and Saldivar’s Attorney, Senior Counsel, Hubert Elrington, explained what happened.

Teen Charged For Theft of Diplomats Items
Today 19-year-old Wilser Echevarria appeared in court before Magistrate Aretha Ford where he was charged with theft. This is in connection with items belonging to murdered Panamanian diplomat 64-year-old Jose Rodrigo de la Rosa. Echeveria was charged theft of the diplomat’s vehicle and cell phone. He was remanded into custody until January 27. Echeverria was not arraigned for the murder of De la Rosa and that because there seems to be a web of confusion between the Belize Police Department and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution. The teenager is claiming self defense in the diplomat’s death and according to the law the Director of Public Prosecutions needs to make a determination of the charge. An internal police memo directed police officers not to seek the advice of the DPP before laying charges. According to the Attorney General, Wilfred Elrington, the directive is within the law. Elrington says that the DPP is in charge of stopping and causing prosecution to take place but it is the responsibility of the police department to charge accused persons after collecting sufficient evidence.

Cruise Ships Divert From Belize – Millions Lost
The high season has kicked off for tourism in Belize and it is around this time that local entrepreneurs, tour operators and businesses are looking forward to the boost in their revenues, but today turned out to be a complete loss for them as the cruise ships that were slated to come to Belize had to reportedly turn back due to unfavorable weather conditions. We met up with Valdemar Andrade, the Cruise and Regional Initiatives Director at the Belize Tourism Board for an official comment on the matter.

PlusTV

Two Ministry of Works Employees Die in Fatal Collision The weekend begins with tragedy after two persons died in a head on collision on the George Price Highway this evening, Friday November 28. The fatal accident occurred at around 2:00 pm between miles 46 and 47 on the George Price Highway, involving two employees from the Ministry of Works; 20 year o...

Belize City man murdered early on Friday Police have another murder to solve, which may be linked to the ongoing gang rivalry between Ghost town Crips and George Street.Around 6:41 a.m. 35 year old Emerson Arnold of  Lakeview Street...

Government pushes sugar partners back to table As crunch time for the sugar crop draws ever nearer, the Government of Belize faces greater pressure to intervene. And this week they have, in a manner of sorts. While there is no formal agreement on the table, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers’ Association (BSCFA) says it has come through with a revisi...

Prime Minister not ready to intervene in cruise crisis The cruise tourism industry, so recently celebrating gains in visitor arrivals, took a body blow this week with the cancellation of five cruise ship visits in a two-day span. The passage of an advancing coldfront made tendering passengers from the ship difficult, if not nearly impossible. It has led...

PUP to endorse Richard Harrison for Cayo North The Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) faced a dilemma earlier this week with the resignation of Cayo North area representative Joseph Mahmud and the announcement of two candidates to contest the seat: attorney Michel Chebat and businessman Richard Harrison...

UDP show support for Omar Figueroa When the press spoke with the Prime Minister at the Biltmore Hotel, news had just broken across town at Independence Hall of the announcement of Richard Harrison as the PUP candidate for Cayo North. The Prime Minister however remained steadfast in his support of Omar Figueroa, the UDP’s candidate. H...

Roger Anthony out on bail for attempted murder Ex-boss of Ghosttown Crips Roger Anthony applied for bail at the Supreme Court today and got it. He is accused of attempting to murder Sheldon “Shelly” Meighan, mother of his intended targets Ellis Jr...

GOB failed to show to Harmonyville court case This week the Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association (BGYEA) was due back in court with the Government to continue mediation sessions. Following the postponement of a session scheduled for November 26, the two parties were back today - or BGYEA was. The Government failed to show, risking c...

CCJ ready to hear nationalization cases They have dragged on for many years now, but from December 10-12 in Trinidad and Tobago, there will be a final resolution to the nationalizations of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) in 2009 and 2011, which are being challenged by their former owners, the BTL Employ...

Bridging the Gap with the Annual UB Science Fair The University of Belize’s Faculty of Science and Technology hosted its Annual Science Fair at the UB Canpus in Belmopan earlier today.The University partnered with stakeholders like the Belize Zoo, The Belmopan Diabetes Association, The Belize Audobon Society, and pothers to feature fun science ex...

Accused murderer tells judge that killing the Diplomat was not his choice 18 year old Wilser Echeverria, accused murderer of a Panamanian Diplomat, was arraigned on Thursday, on the charge of theft of motor vehicle and theft of cellular phone...

“Charge War” between DPP and police? We contacted the Police on Thursday, to get an explanation for what happened in regards to the murder charges. We were not granted an interview however we were told that the DPP is being consulted on the matter concerning murder arraignment, which we were told is forthcoming. DDP Cherylyn Vidal affi...

Minister Elrington on DPP/Police tensions and diplomats murder investigation Earlier we told you about the case of 18 year old Wilser Echeverrias who is being accused of the murder of 64 year old Panamanian Diplomat Jose Rodrigo De La Rosa Standford...

COLA accuses Ministers of interfering in Police Department On Wednesday we reported on COLA’s damning accusations that certain Ministers of Government have been interfering in the work of the Police Department, influencing transfers of officers who have earned their ire. On Thursday the organization came forward with a September 2013 memo addressed to Ombu...

Three more cruise ships cancel visits as call for cruise port grows On Thursday morning, Plus News spoke with the Belize Tourism Board’s cruise director, Mr. Valdemar Andrade, via telephone...

The Guardian

Dangriga Gears up for Municipal Elections
The Dangriga Executive is holding a General Membership Meeting this coming Sunday, November 30, 2014 at the Ecumenical Auditorium in Dangriga. The decision was finalized at a local UDP Executive Meeting held this past Monday night. All organizers and supporters of the Party in Dangriga are invited to attend the membership meeting this coming Sunday which starts at 3:00 PM. Special Guest Speaker will be Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley. Also in attendance will be UDP Chairman Mr. Alberto August. Other matters that were addressed at Monday night’s UDP Dangriga Executive Meeting included a full report by Mr. Francis Humphreys on a National Party Council Meeting held in Belize City last Saturday. Also at that meeting, a full land title secured through the efforts of UDP Standard Bearer Frank Mena was handed over to the UDP Dangriga Executive. The land will be used to construct a permanent home for the UDP in Dangriga to be located near the site of the Old Town Pier in the vicinity of Sacred Heart School.

Julius Espat forces Mahmud to resign
For months the discontent and outright contempt that Joseph Mahmud has for Julius Espat has been fermenting. We had thought that his announcement to not run in the Cayo North constituency for the PUP again would have been the end of it, but it wasn’t! Mahmud wrote a simple and straight forward letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly on Monday November 24. It basically stated that he was resigning as the Area Representative for the Cayo North Constituency effective immediately. That rendered the seat vacant and sent the People’s United Party scrambling. In a lame attempt to try to do damage control, Francis Fonseca, the PUP’s so-called leader, faced the media on Tuesday. There was nothing in what he said that could convince a single PUP soul that he and his party were not blindsided and were in fact in distress. The announcement caught him with his pants down and there was one solitary character in a dark corner, grinning to his heart’s content. Of course that character is Julius Espat who is the de-facto leader of the PUP. Mahmud and Espat have never seen eye to eye and there are those who will confirm that their relationship was not one of party comrades rather one of bitter enemies from the onset, from the time Mahmud was selected as the party’s Western Caucus chairman and Julius was made his deputy.

Jan 5th Set for Bi-Elections
The United Democratic Party finds itself in full gear anxiously awaiting Monday January 5 when it will reclaim the Cayo North constituency. January 5 is the day when the Bi-election has been set through a Writ of Election which was signed by the Governor General, Sir Colville Young on Tuesday February 25th. The Writ became necessary after Joseph Mahmud, the PUP Area Representative, unceremoniously and without warning resigned from the seat on Monday November 24. With that decision, a day later the Writ was signed setting the nomination day for Monday December 15 and the election three weeks thereafter. Though unexpected, Mahmud’s decision to vacate the seat is welcomed by the United Democratic Party which will now reclaim the constituency and deliver to the people of the area what has been missing them for almost three years.

Chebat vs Harrison, Julius muscles in to install his cousin!
There is a great hatred burning in the heart of Richard Harrison after a clandestine meeting was held in the dead of night at Cahal Pech on Tuesday November 25. The sole intention was to anoint Michel Chebat as the PUP’s Standard Bearer for the Cayo North Constituency. The decision was arrived at even with Chebat himself being absent from the meeting. But Chebat being absent is one thing, what is another is that Richard Harrison had expressed interest in running in that division. The problem however is that there is a PUP oligarch who also wants to run, he is of course, Chebat and him being the cousin of king maker, Julius Espat that was not even up for question. Harrison would simply have to step aside. We are reliably informed that Harrison had already hitched his wagon on to the idea of running and was in fact soliciting from various sources to have a monetary come-up. The decision made on Tuesday has thrown his whole plan into a tale spin. And the would-be donors say they would not pour money into that old ketchup bottle and as soon as he requested he was rejected.

Louis Wade Raising Senior Money
Louis Wade raised over $50,000 in a single day to fund his anti-government campaign. The “pastor” held a telethon on November 15 to raise funds for PUP’s favourite television station, Plus TV, and the party’s financiers opened their wallets. The telethon featured a who’s who of “non partisan” activists, also known as backsliding PUPs. There were special segments featuring Richard Dickie Bradley, the unsuccessful PUP Standard Bearer for Queen Square; Hector Silva, PUP sabelo todo; Senator Mark Lizarraga from the meat shop; Kathleen Thomas from the money green union; the Zabaneh that got thrown out of Galen University; Audrey Matura, the most brilliant attorney in the country; Wil Maheia, Heimdall of the Belize/Guatemala border, and Jason Patrick Andrews, the most righteous man in PUP politics.

World Class Youth Center Opens Doors in Belize City
Youths of Belize City now have another world class venue for them to visit and engage in positive developmental activities. On Tuesday, November 25, the Government of Belize and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) opened the doors to the Gateway Youth Center where “A Bright Future Awaits”. The center is located on the Gwen Lizarraga School compound but is fenced off and will operate independently. It is offering instructional programs and support services for students and other at risk youths. Programs being offered at this stage include Literacy and Math, After-School Program, Re-Entry and Outside Referral Services and Family Support Services. The center is equipped with well furnished classrooms, offices, recreational facilities and a craftily built auditorium. The air conditioning system is of the best quality available. Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Hon. Patrick Faber says the center is a model for the type of environment we should strive to provide for our students; an environment that is truly conducive to learning.

World AIDS Day 2014
December 1st is World AIDS Day. The National AIDS Commission (NAC), the National HIV Programme of the Ministry of Health and their partner agencies invite you to become an interactive part of World AIDS Day 2014 activities. This year’s theme is: Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS- related deaths. HIV is now considered to be a concentrated epidemic in Belize. The recently completed Modes of Transmission Study suggests that around 70% of new infections in 2014 will occur in men and thus the shift of the response has now turned towards testing more men.

Demonstration at the Benque Border
There is a demonstration that is being planned for Monday at the Western Border in Benque. Reports to the Guardian Newspaper suggest that it is being organized by residents of the border town to show their displeasure at the Guatemalan border agency which is charging Belizeans who wish to cross the border using a vehicle. The discontent is rooted in a fee of 160 quetzales which is being charged on Belizeans who wish to cross the border using their own vehicles. The charge translates to about 52 Belize dollars and is one which was just recently imposed a few days ago. The fee is applicable for persons who wish to remain in Guatemala for a period longer than 72 hours. Previously the border agency in Guatemala would issue a one day pass however that has now been discontinued and the new policy instituted.

Improper sexual advances may have led to Panamanian diplomat’s death
Belmopan Police are investigating the killing of the first diplomat in Belize, in which an 18 year-old man stands to be charged with murder. He is claiming self-defence because the deceased tried to sexually assault him. Jose Rodrigo de la Rosa Stanford, 64, used to be the Chargé D’affaires at the Panama Embassy to Belize, the most senior diplomatic official from the Government of Panama. Witnesses say that they last saw him leaving his Belize City apartment complex in the early hours of Sunday November 23. 12 hours or so later, he was found in a secluded area known as Central Belmopan. Investigators found his mangled body with cut wounds on the head and his throat was cut. The dumping site for his body was about 1 mile from La Choza Bar, which shut down after a terrible tragedy claimed the life of one the patrons. At the crime scene, the officers found blood everywhere, and the man’s personal documents and his SUV with diplomatic plates were all missing.

4.8 Percent GDP Growth in Third Quarter
According to initial estimates from the Statistical Institute of Belize, the economy of Belize grew by 4.8 percent in the third quarter of 2014, July to September. The economy has rebounded strongly from a disappointing first quarter which saw the economy contracted by 0.4 percent. In the second quarter, the economy grew by 8.7 percent and the cumulative economic growth for 2014 now stands at 4.2 percent. The expansion is due in large part to the performance of the primary sector, agriculture, and a continuous record increase in tourist arrivals. Due to the late start to the sugarcane crop season and the abundant harvest, the season which ended in May in 2013 extended into July this year. 50 thousand long tonnes of sugarcane was delivered during the month of July. This influenced a 20.4 percent increase in agricultural production. The banana industry also rebounded from a tough start to the year. Extended cold fronts during the latter part of 2013 and early 2014 caused the fruit to mature later than normal. As a result, there was a 9 percent increase in banana production from July to September 2014 as compared to the same period last year.

Human Rights Training for Senior Officers held in Belmopan
Senior Officers of the Belize Police Department and the Belize Defense Force (B.D.F.) recently received training on International Standards applicable to the use of force. The training was held at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. This course will allow these law enforcement officers to better execute their duties when carrying out law enforcement operations. Topics that have been covered included an Introduction to International Human Rights Law and an Introduction to the sources, systems and Standards for Human Rights in Belize. During the next few weeks, topics on vulnerable groups (women, the handicapped, and juveniles) will also be covered. The participating security officers will be sensitized on the rights of these groups and on how best to deal with them during law enforcement operations; especially when applying force.

Resign Marco
A month ago the Representative for Cayo North, Joseph Mahmud indicated to his party, the PUP, that he was no longer interested in running as their standard bearer for the next general elections. That’s fine Mahmud, no problem you are not indispensable. A convention will be held to replace you. Then BOOOM on Monday the 24th November, Mahmud dropped a historical bombshell that sent the PUP rank and file scurrying all over the place, totally disorienting them. Mahmud for some very very obscure reason had tendered his resignation to the Clerk of the National Assembly effective immediately. No reason was given and it is anyone’s guess what the cause for his resignation is. Now it has to be something utterly repugnant to cause a sitting member of the house to take this route. After all 250 thousand dollars is a decent amount of money to forego.This would lead one to believe that even their own cannot stand the irresponsible and ridiculous policiesof the People’s United Party. Enough about that, the decent people of Cayo North will not shed a tear of much less miss Mahmud who was to say the least-very invisible. In a little over a month they will be given the opportunity to elect a real representative in the person of Dr. Omar Figueroa who will look after their needs.

Robbers caught in the act while robbing A&R; payroll
Damian Leslie, 20, and Norman Tillett are in prison on remand for allegedly robbing an A&R; employee who was delivering the company’s payroll. Allegations are that on Thursday, November 20, Leslie and Tillett intercepted Eugenio Edwardo Tuz, 21, near the Pallotti bus stop on the Phillip Goldson Highway and held him at gunpoint. Tuz was in the process of taking A&R;’s payroll deposit to the bank, $4,126.73, when the duo approached. Most of the deposit was in cheques but there was over $1,600 in cash. After forcefully taking away Tuz’s black knap sack the robbers fled. They did not get far with the loot; however, because a police mobile unit in the vicinity responded to the robbery in progress and quickly apprehended Leslie and Tillett. All items reported stolen were found and the men were arrested and taken to the police station.

Stephen Davies Charged for Knocking Down BDF Soldier
Stephen Davies, 33, is facing four charges after he knocked down a Belize Defense Force soldier, Ozaine Augustine, on November 11 of this year. Davies was issued a notice of intended prosecution and was summoned to court on Friday, November 21 when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. In court he admitted he knocked down the soldier between miles 9 and 10 on the Phillip Goldson Highway because he was texting while driving. He told the Magistrate that he had agreed to compensate the victim to settle out of court but a relative later intervened and requested $15,000 which he thought was too much. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser entered an equivocal plea of not guilty on Davies’ behalf when it was explained that the charges demand jail time.

Caught breaking into warehouse
A Faber’s Road area resident reported to police that he caught an intruder who he claimed was making attempts to enter his warehouse located at #21 Krooman Road, Belize City, the alleged culprit is on remand at the Belize Central Prison. 24-year-old Lane Grinage, a self employed resident of #6633 Police Street Belize City is being accused of trying to enter as a trespasser, the warhouse of Amir Reid. The attempted burglary is said to have occurred on Monday, November 17, 2014. On Tuesday Novmeber 13, Grinage who is unemployed appeared before Magistrate Dale Cayetano where he was read two criminal offenses, one count of attempted burglary and one count of damage to property. Allegations are that in his attempts to enter Reid’s warehouse, he caused damage to a padlock valued $16 and a burglar bar door value $1,000, all the property of Amir Reid.

Mexican caught at Botes charged for illegal entry
A Mexican national who says he is from Playa Del Carmen, Cancun, Mexico was caught on the Belize side at the border just minutes after he paid for a canoe and crossed from the Mexican side into Belize. The case made against the Mexican national is that he came into Belize illegally. 33 year old Francisco Andremar Rojas Juarez, however, says that he did not come into the country illegally and is challenging the immigration department and will have his case go to trial to prove his case. On Thursday November 20, the Mexican national who was caught in Belize on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 in Corozal was taken before Magistrate Dale Cayetano where he was read a single charge of illegal entry.

Belize hangs her hope on Katy Sealy and Brandon Jones in Veracruz, Mexico
The XXII Central American and Caribbean Games are currently being held in Veracruz, Mexico, where Belize participated in Triathlon, Cycling, Fencing, Table Tennis and Athletics. The Chef-de-Mission to the XXII Central American and Caribbean Games is Arturo “Tux” Vasquez. The Triathlon competition took place on 15 November, 2014 and Belize’s representative was Eric Donis. Donis was disqualified from the event due to him crossing a line that he was not allowed to. In Cycling, Belize participated in the Road Race and the Individual Time Trials. In the Road Race Patricia Chavarria finished 16:57 behind the Gold Medalist from Cuba. In the Individual Time Trial, she finished 8:4 behind the Gold Medalist from Colombia.

FIFA Review Team in Belize
The Football Federation of Belize informs members of the football family and the general public that a team from FIFA will be in Belize from Wednesday 26 November to Monday 1 December, 2014. The team of three will be conducting a review of The FIFA Performance Management Programme which was held in November of 2012 with members of the federation. The review will be conducted by FIFA Development Officer Mr. Julio Rocha, Mr. Rodrigo Kenton – Technical Director and Mr. Kevan Pipe- FIFA Consultant.

The Premier League of Belize Football competition continued over the last weekend with four games on the schedule
On Saturday 15 November out at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan, the national defending champions, the Belmopan Bandits blasted Verdes FC by the score of 4-1. The Belmopan Bandits were the first to get onto the scoreboard when Elroy Kuylen scored the 1st goal of the game in the 3rd minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. It was not until in the 2nd half of the game that Verdes FC got on the scoreboard when Jarret Davis scored the equalising goal in the 52nd minute of play to tie the score at 1-1. However, Belmopan Bandits’ Woodrow West scored his team’s go ahead goal in the 54th minute of play via a penalty kick to give his team a 2-1 lead. The lead was further extended when Highking Roberts scored his team’s 3rd goal of the game in the 79th minute of play for a 3-1 lead. And then the final goal was scored by Dalton Eiley an own goal in the 84th minute of play for a 4-1 victory.

Triple B’s National female football champions
The Football Federation of Belize Women President’s Cup Competition came to an end on Saturday 22 November, 2014 out at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town. In the second and final game of the championship, Triple B’s blanked DFC Gentle Touch by the score of 1-0 to capture the championship. The only goal of the championship game was scored by Yamili Herrera in the 86th minute of play via a penalty kick. At the end of the championship, the FFB presented the championship trophies and the trophies for Individual Awards winners.

Health Hookup - Cirrhosis: The downfall of The Liver
The Doctor's Order We’ve all heard stories of someone drinking themselves “to death”. Often times the chronic cause is liver failure. You have often heard that someone dies from cirrhosis, or once I heard a lady saying that someone she knew died from “sea-roses”. Let us start by addressing what cirrhosis is – it’s basically the liver slowly dying. The liver has the capability to regenerate itself if injured, however repeated injury (in this case due to excessive alcohol) can cause the liver to form scars rather than healthy liver tissue. The liver has an essential role in existence, and without it properly functioning long term and/or fatal conditions may result. While there are many causes of cirrhosis, today we are talking about the link between alcoholism and liver failure.

Impasse continues in the sugar industry
After a four hour meeting of the Sugar Industry Control Board on Tuesday 25 November, there is still no solution on the horizon to the gridlock that grips the sugar industry. The farmers continue to claim 65% of the proceeds from sale of electricity to BEL and continue to claim ownership of the sugar cane even after receiving 85% of the payment within a week after delivering their product to the sugar mill. BSI is maintaining that these points of contention must be settled before the crop starts, and sign an agreement with the BSCFA or with other individual suppliers. Today activities at the sugar mill and the power plant remain in slow mode, since both entities are ready to begin operations after having successfully tested all equipment on Monday 24 November.

CARICOM Governments to increase quality information on the Single Market to CARICOM nationals
CARICOM nationals in six Members States are to benefit from a greater flow of tailored information on the CARICOM Single Market (CSM). This is under a new project that aims to connect nationals with the information they need to work, travel and do business in participating CARICOM countries. Over the next five months, the groundwork for greater information flows and channels on the CSM is being established through technical assistance to governments and training key stakeholders. In partnership with focal point ministries for the Single Market in Belize, Jamaica, Guyana, Dominica, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines, the project will build governments’ and stakeholders’ capacity to develop and sustain well packaged information on the single market to their nationals. This is expected to take place during and beyond the life of the project.

First Confirmed Case of Chikungunya in Belize
As anticipated and now confirmed through our regional reference laboratory, the Ministry of Health has received confirmation of a positive laboratory result for Chikungunya from the Caribbean Public Health Agency(CARPHA) in Trinidad during the 19th November holiday. This is the first confirmed case of Chikungunya in Belize. This case is from the Las Flores Community in Belmopan where the Ministry has been conducting active surveillance and vector control activity following rumored suspected cases of Chikungunya. The Ministry continues to collaborate with the municipality and the local community to conduct clean-up campaigns. Scheduled spraying activities and health education sessions continue with the affected community.

CPBL and Banks holding settle dispute amicably
On Thursday November 13th 2014, the majority shareholders of Citrus Company of Belize Limited (CPBL) namely Banks Holdings Limited and Citrus Growers Association decided to bury the proverbial hatchet, and this time not in each other. On that historic day both Banks and CGA represented to the Supreme Court that their dispute over breach of the investment agreement has ended and that they have amicably resolved this long standing quarrel. This is a major accomplishment as it now signals the possible rebirth of a struggling industry. To appreciate the impact of this event it is important to recall that since 2006 there have been conflicts between these two major shareholders who, prior to March of this year, owned and controlled 97% of the company, CGA owned 51% and Banks 46% with the remaining 3% in the hands of several local shareholders. This ongoing conflict has contributed negatively to the development of the Citrus Industry in Belize as the multi-million dollar industry and the hundreds of farmers and their families have been caught up in a battle that has seen protests and takeover challenges, which in some cases have resulted in law enforcement and government intervention.

CXC Payments for “All Who Applied”
The Government of Belize will cover the cost of up to six CSEC/CXC examinations for every student who applied for assistance up until Friday, November 21. Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber, says the date will not be extended. In the first week of February 2014, the Ministry of Education held a breakfast conference with representatives of the Ministry of Human Development and members of the press to announce that students will receive assistance for CSEC/CXC examinations based on need. The Human Services Department was tasked with developing a methodology to record the socio-economic status of students from standard six to third form. They developed a questionnaire for the students to take home and full out. The Ministry of Human Development collects the information sheets and uses the information in a formula to calculate socio-economic status. There are eight levels, ranging from very poor to not poor. It was stressed numerous times by Minister Faber and other officials that “participation in the survey is not mandatory but it must be done if one wishes to benefit from Government subsidies”. After the national survey was completed the Ministry of Education announced that students could still request to complete the questionnaire if they are in need of assistance. That deadline for participation was further extended to Friday, November 21, to give people another chance to participate if they desire assistance.

Bring Back the Millions
On Tuesday November 18, 2014, the Barrow government pulled off a very first of its kind political power play in the history of Belizean politics. With minimal persuasion the UDP government was able to mobilize more than 8,000 strong supporters in a show of support for PM Barrow’s Petro Caribe spending policy. A very pro Petro Caribe crowd showed up in Belmopan at the foot of the National Assembly Building to encourage the PM to continue the capital projects country wide that are transforming the face of Belize. The Peoples United Party sought to stop the much welcomed projects that provided much needed jobs and significantly stem the spate of serious crimes that had become an everyday occurrence especially in the old capital. The chant of “Petro Caribe, roll it” filled the air. As the Prime Minister gave his opening address, the supportive crowd hung on every word he uttered. On the other hand, when the Leader of the Opposition rose to speak, the crowd mouthed their obvious dislike for the shrieking deviant in such colorful terms not worthy of printing. It was obvious from the gathering that the ongoing projects are touching the public in ways only their presence at the National Assembly can better express. In typical form the PUP and certain media houses made the serious mistake of taking the level of the understanding of the common man for granted. They took for granted that the supporters were ignorant to current affairs and represent the typical PUP rent a crowd.

Canadian found in Mopan River
The body of a Canadian National was found in the Mopan River, Cayo, on Sunday of this past weekend. James Garfield Searles, 59 years of age, was found in the Mopan River; about 200 yards from the residence of Nicole Warner in Bullet Tree Falls Village. He was found at about 4:00 pm only wearing a black jacket; face down in the water. Police transported the body to the San Ignacio Community Hospital where Dr. Ramon Matus pronounced him dead at 5:05 pm. There were no visible signs of injuries to the body. The body now lies at the San Ignacio morgue where a post mortem is expected today. This post mortem is considered crucial as it will determine the route of the investigations.

Busted with pipe and half pound of weed
Casey Jago Reynolds, 30, is in prison for pleading guilty to one count of drug trafficking, one count of drug possession and one count of possession of a pipe adapted for smoking drugs. Police conducted a search of Reynolds’ home at around 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, November 20. According to police, when they arrived they saw Reynolds running out the backdoor of the house. Police set chase after him and saw him throw a plastic bag into an outside latrine pit. Reynolds was apprehended and taken to where the bag was thrown. The bag was retrieved and opened in his presence. It contained green leafy substance which proved to be 229 grams of cannabis. Police also found two grams of cannabis and a 3 ¼ inch pipe inside Reynolds’ house.

Mexican caught at Botes charged for illegal entry
A Mexican national who says he is from Playa Del Carmen, Cancun, Mexico was caught on the Belize side at the border just minutes after he paid for a canoe and crossed from the Mexican side into Belize. The case made against the Mexican national is that he came into Belize illegally. 33 year old Francisco Andremar Rojas Juarez, however, says that he did not come into the country illegally and is challenging the immigration department and will have his case go to trial to prove his case. On Thursday November 20, the Mexican national who was caught in Belize on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 in Corozal was taken before Magistrate Dale Cayetano where he was read a single charge of illegal entry.

Caught breaking into warehouse
A Faber’s Road area resident reported to police that he caught an intruder who he claimed was making attempts to enter his warehouse located at #21 Krooman Road, Belize City, the alleged culprit is on remand at the Belize Central Prison. 24-year-old Lane Grinage, a self employed resident of #6633 Police Street Belize City is being accused of trying to enter as a trespasser, the warhouse of Amir Reid. The attempted burglary is said to have occurred on Monday, November 17, 2014. On Tuesday Novmeber 13, Grinage who is unemployed appeared before Magistrate Dale Cayetano where he was read two criminal offenses, one count of attempted burglary and one count of damage to property. Allegations are that in his attempts to enter Reid’s warehouse, he caused damage to a padlock valued $16 and a burglar bar door value $1,000, all the property of Amir Reid.

Four Remanded for Robbing 13-year-old Boy
Joshua Smith, 19, Alexander Turcos, 19, Leon Quince, 22, and Marquis Coc, 18, are on remand at the Belize Central Prison for taking away $27 from a 13-year-old boy on Tuesday, November 18. The minor was sent by his parents to purchase grocery items at a store on Thomas Vincent Ramos Street when he was approached by the four men. The men bullied the youth and took away $27 with which he was to purchase the items. The traumatized youth told his parents about the incident and they later reported it to police. Police launched an investigation that led to the arrest of Smith, Turcos, Quince and Coc.

Holy Angels girls and Church of Christ boys are National Primary Schools Volleyball champions
The 2014-2015 National Primary Schools Volleyball championship came to an end on Friday 14 November, at the Bird’s Isle and Quan’s Gym in Belize City. The girls’ championship games were played at the Quan’s Gym on Princess Margaret Drive while the boys’ championship games were played at Bird’s Isle. In the girls’ championship game, Holy Angels Roman Catholic School representing the Stann Creek District defeated Belize Elementary School representing the Belize District in two sets by the score of 25-21 and 25-18 to capture the national title. In the consolation game for third place, Toledo Christian Academy representing the Toledo District defeated Louisiana Government School representing the Orange Walk District by the score of 25-15 and 25-7. In the semi-final round in game one, Holy Angels defeated Louisiana Government School by the score of 25-22 and 25-19. And in the second game it was Belize Elementary School winning over Toledo Christian Academy by the score of 25-6 and 25-15.

Central Region high schools basketball enter
The Central Region Secondary Schools Basketball Competition is fast coming to an end at the Bird’s Isle in Belize City. The competition has now entered its playoffs round in both the female and male categories. On Monday 24 November, 2014, in the first of two Quarter Final games played in the male competition, Anglican Cathedral College eliminated Excelsior High School by the score of 64-41. And in the second game it was St. John’s College eliminating Edward P. Yorke High School by the score of 63-50. On Tuesday 25 November, the male Quarter Final round continued with two more games. In the first game of the evening, Sadie Vernon Technical High School eliminated Wesley College by the score of 59-54. The top scorers for Sadie Vernon Technical were Glency Lopez with 21 points and Raheem Staine with 13 points. Meanwhile, the top scorers for Wesley College were Shaquille Crawford with 23 points and S. Morris with 9 points.

Amandala

Police brutality …police brutality …police brutality!
The trial of two police officers, Modesto Cucul, 30, and Frederico Tush, 26 , who had been indicted for the July 29, 2012 murder of Michael Valerio, 47, a Punta Gorda resident, ended in the Southern District of the Supreme Court today when Justice Denis Hanomansingh found them not guilty of murder and dismissed them. In the trial by judge without jury, which lasted eight days, 14 witnesses testified for the prosecution’s case. On the night of Sunday, July 29, 2012, Michael Valerio was severely beaten, allegedly by the two cops, who were under the influence of alcohol. Two days after Valerio died, police charged Cucul and Tush for his murder.

2 PG cops beat murder rap!
Complaints of police brutality have become almost routine on the daily news, but one attorney who said that he has had just about enough of it spoke out today at the Magistrate’s Court in Belize City after his client and another Belize City resident were allegedly brutalized by police in connection with a burglary in Ladyville that reportedly netted hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry. Although little information has been disclosed regarding the crime and no official police report has been released on the matter, attorney Oscar Selgado, who is representing one of the accused men, told the media that he is disgusted with the actions of the Police Department because his client, Lionel Bregal, was brutalized, allegedly by officers of the Ladyville Precinct, after he was arrested yesterday afternoon.

Rough seas deliver $2 mil blow to cruise sector
Choppy seas brought on by a cold front over eastern Belize caused three cruise ships with over 9,000 passengers to abort their port call today, and to venture instead to Roatan, Honduras, because of safety concerns over the use of tender boats to shuttle cruise passengers from the cruise ships, near English Caye, to Belize’s shores. Belize City appears to be the only cruise port in the vicinity that still uses boats to shuttle passengers from ship to shore, but today, a small craft caution was in effect, and winds reportedly exceeded the 50-knot benchmark set by Carnival Cruise Lines. It was the second day in a row that Belize lost out on port calls from Carnival Cruise Lines, which had also decided not to disembark its passengers in Belize on Wednesday, when a small craft caution was also in effect for coastal Belize.

January 5 by-election
Following the bombshell resignation of Joseph Mahmud, Cayo North area representative for the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP), on Monday morning, the party plans to convene an emergency meeting at 10:00 Friday morning, November 28, in Belize City, to determine which political hopeful will be endorsed to run against the United Democratic Party’s candidate, Omar Figueroa, when 6,584 voters are called to go to the polls on Monday, January 5, 2015. That’s a little over 5 weeks away, and one of the PUP’s aspirants, Richard Harrison, a businessman originally from San Ignacio, Cayo, told us today that the PUP will be ready for the election.

Churches call for referendum on sodomy law
The Belize Association of Evangelical Churches, its nationwide chapters and 250 member churches, are calling on the Government of Belize to organize a national referendum on the question of whether Belize should continue to retain section 53 of its Criminal Code, which outlaws sodomy, in the midst of what appears to be mounting pressure from two of Belize’s main trading partners – the United States and the United Kingdom. As our newspaper revealed last week, a team of US diplomats have jointly called on Belize to repeal Section 53, which is being challenged in the Supreme Court of Belize by UNIBAM, an LGBT activist group which has received US funding for work in Belize.

Staggering remand population costing taxpayers millions!
Belize continues to rank among the top ten countries with the highest incarceration rates in the world. Even more appalling is the fact that a third of the country’s prison population is made up of young men awaiting trial behind bars, some having lost their freedom without a court conviction for as many as 7 years. This is deemed to be an atrocious miscarriage of justice – one which has members of both the bench and bar gravely concerned over the ripple effect that this shocking reality has had on the erosion of public confidence in the country’s justice system. Latest information received today from the Kolbe Foundation, which manages the Belize Central Prison, indicates that 580 prisoners are currently on remand, constituting 37% of inmates who total 1,574 at today’s count. The budget for each inmate is $13.25 a day, and so it costs the Government and ultimately, taxpayers, $2.8 million a year to keep these prisoners on remand.

.com.bz/news/cars-burned-belama-4-area/
One car was completely destroyed and another car damaged by a fire that police believe was intentionally set — arson. The fire took place at about 1:30 this morning on Peten Street in the Belama Phase 4 area of Belize City. A 4-door Volkswagen Jetta car with license plates C-36554, owned by Hugh Bowden, 23, valued at $22,000, was completely destroyed, and the other car, a Nissan Morano with license plates BZ C-36386, valued at $28,000, owned by his father, Hugh Bowden, Sr., 57, a mechanic, sustained damage estimated at about $15,000. The vehicle of Bowden, Jr., was insured.

Orange Walk Five-A-Side Tournament Match Three report
The Orange Walk Five-A-Side Tournament continued on Tuesday, November 25, with the third round of matches at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk Town. Five games were scheduled to be played, but the last match between Odette’s and Triple A had to be postponed due to a conflict in the work schedule of Triple A. It will be played at a date to be announced. Referees for these matches were Freddy Gonzalez and Armando Chirinos. The results are as follows: In game 1 in the Open Division, Aquario continued their winning streak with an impressive 7-3 victory over the winless Minionz. Three goals from Juan Rodney, two from Shamir Town, one from Robis Cuello, and an own goal from Alex Quinonez of Minionz were the tally for Aquario. Minionz’ three impressive goals were scored by Henry. Aquario now has 9 pts from three wins, while Minionz is still seeking their first win. Man of the Match was Juan Rodney of Aquario.

Table Tennis – 2014 BNE National JUNIOR Championships results!
The 2014 BNE National Junior Championships concluded on Sunday, November 23, with the following results: 12 and Under Category: 1st place – Terry Su; 2nd – Desire Amagula; 3rd – Sahil Hotchandani; 3rd – Samron Pott. 15 and Under Category: 1st place – Latrell Solis; 2nd – Jaylen Nicholson; 3rd – John Delcid; 3rd – Cody Rivero. 18 and Under Category: 1st place – John Delcid; 2nd – Latrell Solis; 3rd – Luis Bardalez; 3rd – Daryl Palacio. This is the second year that a BNE JUNIOR National Championships has been hosted separately from the BNE OPEN National Championships, due to the increased growth in numbers of our Junior players. The Belize Table Tennis Association (BTTA), in partnership with our sponsor, Belize Natural Energy, will continue to move forward with these events being held separately. Over 150 matches were played, with over 100 Junior players participating across the three age divisions; our biggest Junior event yet!

Central Zone high school basketball semifinals under way at Bird’s Isle
The Central Secondary Schools Sports Association (CSSSA) Basketball Tournament 2014-2015, held its knockout male quarterfinal playoffs at Bird’s Isle on Monday and Tuesday of this week. The female semifinals began yesterday, Wednesday, and today, Thursday, one female semifinal is scheduled along with a male semifinal match-up. The semifinals are best-of-2 games, while the finals, which begin on Monday, will be best-of-3 games series. In the male quarterfinal opener on Monday, November 24, Anglican Cathedral College (ACC) crushed Excelsior High School (EHS) by a 64-41 score; and in the nightcap, it was St. John’s College (SJC) with the 63-50 win over Edward P. Yorke High (EPY).

Triple B’s win FFB Women President’s Cup 2014
After drawing 1-1 with DFC Gentle Touch of Esperanza, Cayo, in game 1 of the best-of-2 games series for the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) Women President’s Cup championship at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Saturday, November 15, Triple B’s, who are the defending national women champions, travelled to the Norman Broaster Stadium on Saturday, November 23, for the deciding game 2, and they returned to Belmopan with a 1-nil victory and the championship. Home standing DFC Gentle Touch had an opportunity to go ahead in the first half, but striker Abby Halliday failed to convert from the penalty spot. The game remained scoreless until late in second half, when it was Triple B’s turn to be awarded a penalty, and Yamili Herrera (86’ PK) made it count to give her team the 1-nil lead, which they held onto until the long whistle for the championship.

Editorial: Mahmud and municipals
A by-election was held in January of 1993 for the Freetown seat in Belize after the UDP incumbent, Derek Aikman, was declared a bankrupt by the courts late in 1992. In that by-election, the PUP’s Jorge Espat easily defeated the UDP’s Howell Longsworth. This result meant that the PUP held 17 seats in the House of Representatives, while the UDP, which had previously lost Stanley Usher’s Toledo West seat to PUP machinations, was reduced to 11 seats from the 13 they had won in the September 1989 general elections. The momentum from the Freetown by-election victory helped propel the ruling PUP to a landslide victory in the March 1993 Belize City Council election, at a time when the Opposition was divided between Manuel Esquivel’s UDP and Philip Goldson’s NABR.

From the Publisher
When I left the United States to return home in June of 1968, it was just a couple months after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had been assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. Black violence had immediately exploded in all of America’s major cities following King’s death, and many smaller ones, and it seemed that the United States was dangerously fractured. The murder of Dr. King, who had been preaching Christian non-violence as the philosophy for the black civil rights struggle, suggested to many black Americans that the “black power” message Stokely Carmichael had begun to preach in Mississippi in the spring of 1966, had to be the way forward instead of Dr. King’s Gandhian methods.

Letters: Surrender to LGBT – what will it cost us?
I refer to your page 1 article of 23rd November – “U.S. Ambassadors …” I have already shown in previously published articles that the Gender Policy and the Belize Constitution cannot be reconciled. Let us again go through this matter. Look at the Preamble of our Constitution wherein is clearly expressed the foundational principles of our society. Article (a) affirms “that the Nation of Belize shall be founded upon principles which acknowledge the supremacy of God….”

ROC and BSCFA met Tuesday; cañeros and PM to meet tomorrow
Two days after members of the young and upstart activist organization known as the Rod of Correction (ROC) had what we understand was a “militant” meeting with the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) this past Tuesday, November 25, we have been reliably informed that Prime Minister Dean Barrow has requested a meeting with the cane farmers which is scheduled to take place at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City. In that Tuesday meeting, we were told that the unions pledged full solidarity and cooperation with the BSCFA in the event of industrial action, which may have prompted PM Barrow to ask for a meeting, because the Government of Belize (GOB) has, for the most part, steered clear of the conflict since tensions rose between the factory owners and the cane farmers in the recent weeks.

Confusion over CXC subsidy settled
Two million dollars from the PetroCaribe fund has reportedly been earmarked to enable high school students to pay for Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations offered annually to high school graduates by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC.) While the Government has promised to pay for up to 6 exams for needy students, the exclusion of hundreds of needy students from the program has apparently forced the Government to backpedal and extend it to “all who applied…,” eliminating a cumbersome appeals process that could have put several students past the CXC deadline, therefore undermining the program’s chief aim of alleviating financial hardships on families. In fact, we know of scenarios where parents have been forced to borrow to pay for exams, because their child was not approved for the subsidy. Furthermore, some parents were told that they would not be reimbursed but that the monies would be applied as a credit towards graduation expenses, if indeed the Government agreed to foot the CXC bill for their child. Hopefully, these problems are mere teething pains which will not rear their ugly heads again next year, when the next batch of students prepare to sit their CXC’s.

City youths now have a “Gateway” to positive recreation
There are a wide range of temptations and distractions lurking within our society that can prevent at-risk youngsters, school-goers especially, from reaching their full potential, but as of today, Belize City youth between the ages of 13 and 19 years have an alternative which will hopefully steer some of those vulnerable adolescents in the right direction. A little over a year ago, in October 2013, a contract was signed for an educational, social and recreational facility that caters to both males and females who are in school and need additional tutoring and support, as well as those out-of-school youth who wish to re-enroll in an educational institution, and it became reality this afternoon when the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation officially opened the youth center at the Gwen Lizarraga High School compound in Belize City.

Ex-Services League in receivership
Supreme Court Justice Courtney Abel is this week perfected an order issued on Monday, November 24, appointing Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai, as receiver to conduct and oversee the election of a new executive council of the Belize Ex-Services League, as a result of litigation lodged in the court by sparring factions of the League, principally the Belize City branch and its executive arm. Sources within the League have informed us that since the court handed down its ruling on Monday, the executive, led by retired Belize Defence Force captain, Bernard Adolphus, has stepped down in compliance with Justice Abel’s order. The Supreme Court’s order restrains the outgoing executive council from managing and administering the affairs of the League.

Belize students need more classroom hours, says Education Minister
Education and culture delegations from Central American countries which are member states of the Central American Integration System (Sistema de la Integración Centroamericana — SICA in Spanish) met in Belize last week to discuss, among other things, a new Central America Education Policy, approved by Heads of Governments of the region, as officials begin to chart the way forward for the policy’s implementation. Education Minister Patrick Faber chaired the education sessions, as well as a joint session on culture with Tourism and Culture Minister Manuel Heredia. According to Minister Faber, the policy aligns perfectly with Belize’s national stance on education in key areas such as teacher training, early childhood education, the teaching of English and Spanish, and the expansion of educational opportunities in the region.

Two cars burned in the Belama 4 area
One car was completely destroyed and another car damaged by a fire that police believe was intentionally set — arson. The fire took place at about 1:30 this morning on Peten Street in the Belama Phase 4 area of Belize City. A 4-door Volkswagen Jetta car with license plates C-36554, owned by Hugh Bowden, 23, valued at $22,000, was completely destroyed, and the other car, a Nissan Morano with license plates BZ C-36386, valued at $28,000, owned by his father, Hugh Bowden, Sr., 57, a mechanic, sustained damage estimated at about $15,000. The vehicle of Bowden, Jr., was insured.

Amputee demolishes GSU drug trafficking charge
A Belize City man and his common-law wife who were facing charges of drug trafficking and possession of a controlled drug managed to beat the drug trafficking charge, which carries a minimum fine of $10,000 along with a mandatory 3-year prison sentence upon conviction. Alton White, 50, an amputee who regained his mobility with a prosthetic leg and who is self-employed as a taxi driver and food vendor, was facing the two drug charges along with his common-law wife, Idolly Frazer, 36. Their case concluded late this afternoon in the courtroom of Magistrate Herbert Panton, whose ruling dismissed the drug trafficking charge against the couple, who reside at 44 Collet Canal, in the Conch Shell Bay area.

Belize economy expanded 4.8% in 3rd quarter, inflation 0.7%
The Statistical Institute of Belize released the latest economic statistics today, Wednesday, November 26, 2014, at a press conference held at the training room at the Central Bank of Belize in Belize City. The data included employment statistics for September 2014, 3rd quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures, and data on inflation and external trade. Inflation lowest in Central America On average, prices in Belize are 0.7% higher than prices recorded in last October, said Angelita Campbell, Statistician II at the SIB, who noted that Belize’s inflation rate for October 2014 was the lowest in the Central American region. The rate contrasts with the 1.8% inflation rate recorded in January. The average inflation rate for the period January to October 2014 is now 1.3%. Inflation rates were over 1% in San Ignacio, Cayo and Punta Gorda, Toledo, primarily due to an increase in rent prices.

The Reporter

George Price Highway claims two lives
Two men are dead and a third is critically wounded in the KHMH following a road traffic accident near mile 46 on the George Price Highway just before 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon. The deceased are Ismael Hoare, 35, and Orlando Pascacio, 20, two Ministry […]

Man killed early Friday morning
Emerson Arnold, 35, was shot and killed as he rode his bicycle along Gibnut Street just before 6:30 a.m. on Friday. Reports are that another man on a bicycle approached Arnold, who lived on Lakeview Street in the Ghost Town area, and opened fire in his […]

Panamanian diplomat murdered! Police charge 18 year old with theft of his vehicle and cell phone
Wilser Escheverria, 18, accused of the brutal Sunday afternoon murder of Panama’s Chargé de Affaires to Belize, Jose Rodrigo de la Rosa Stanford, 64, has instead been charged with theft of the victim’s SUV and cell phone. That is because initially, the police had charged him […]

Cops hold Ghost Town soldier for shooting West Street Gang member
Street figure, Ellis Meighan Jr. along with an under-age boy have been arrested and charged for the attempted murder of Carlos “Zimbab” Abraham, a member of the George Street gang. Meighan, a resident of the Ghost Town community where Abraham was shot, appeared on […]

Stakeholders prepare for World AIDS Day
Government departments as well as nongovernmental organizations are preparing activities for World AIDS Day, to be celebrated on December 1. According to the Ministry of Health the day, which is being observed worldwide under the theme “Focus, Partner, and Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation,” is also […]

Churches condemn US Embassy release on sodomy laws
This week the Belize Association of Evangelical Churches condemned a statement issued by the Embassy of the United States in Belize, which called for the repealing of Belize’s anti-sodomy laws. In a release issued on Wednesday, the association, which represents 250 churches, emphasized that dealing […]

UN report names Belize 3rd most homicidal country in the world
A report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) titled “A Global Study on Homicide 2013” has named Belize as the third most homicidal country in the world. According to the report, Honduras, Venezuela, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Swaziland, St. […]

IMF warns Caribbean nations of PetroCaribe program
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is monitoring the impact that changes to the PetroCaribe initiative may have on Caribbean nations amid worsening economic conditions in Venezuela. Despite the warning, the Venezuelan government has committed to continuing the program. According to the IMF, the program […]

Chetumal Street bridge almost complete
The Chetumal Street Bridge is expected to be completed in December and works on roundabouts on the two highways, which the bridge will connect are expected to be completed by March, if the weather permits. Minister of State and Lake Independence Representative, Mark King […]

Boys 17 and 14 were among rapists who mauled 11 year old girl
Three other young persons, Keron Willoughby, 19, a 17 year old and a 14 year old boy will spend their Christmas behind bars along with 22 year old Wilfred Ramirez, accused of gang-raping an eleven year old girl. . The child told police that […]

Police Cpl. faces drug charges
Police corporal, Shawn Andrews, 30, is out on a $3,000 bail bond, facing interdiction, on a charge of drug trafficking. Customs officers found more than three pounds of marijuana under the bonnet of a vehicle he was driving through the customs entry point at […]

Chik-V outbreak on Belmopan outskirts! But health authorities say “We’re ready!”
The Ministry of Health assured Belizeans this week that its people are prepared to mitigate and control Chikungunya, a virus now present in the country. Information Officer for the ministry, Claudette Dakers-Norales, told The Reporter on Tuesday that the ministry had made preparations well in […]

CXC Students won’t have to pay exam fee
The Minister of Education, Patrick Faber said this week that his ministry will pay for all students who applied for government aid for their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exam also known as CXC. At a press conference on Monday Faber explained that even though […]

Strike action ruled out! Grinding season could start Dec. 8th
Sugar Industry Control Board, Chairman Gabriel Martinez, has said that all parties agreed that there should be no delay of the sugar cane crop 2014/2015. All parties have also agreed to go back to the negotiating table on the issue of the starting of the crop. Chairman Martinez was very […]

Did Belmopan Cops mislead judge in the slaying of Panamanian diplomat?
Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Lynn Vidal is scheduled to meet with police officials in Belmopan on Thursday to discuss the case of 18-year old Wilser Eschevarria, who was charged by Police for the murder of Panamanian Chargé de Affairs, Jose Rodrigo de la Rosa Stanford. Police sources say that […]

Editorial
The United States Ambassador to Belize, His Excellency, Carlos Moreno, has written to the Government of Belize to urge the following: 1) Conduct a legal assessment of the state’s constitutional responsibility to its LGBT citizens to guide the development of a formal policy consideration. 2) Repeal the anti-sodomy laws, provisions […]

COLA calls for Compol’s head! Says he allows politicians to interfere with police work
The Citizens Organized for Liberty Through Action (COLA) held a press briefing on Thursday in front of the Queen Street Police Station calling for the resignation of Police Commissioner, Allen Whylie. COLA claimed to be in possession of documents, which implicate high-level politicians in […]

Senate says no to Transparency motion for Petro-Caribe spending
A Senate motion introduced Wednesday, which would have required the Chief Executive Officers from seven Ministries to appear before a Senate investigating committee to account for PetroCaribe loan funds, was struck down. . The motion, introduced by Senator Mark Lizarraga had the support of […]

Fading oil industry still has plenty of commerciality says MESTPU CEO
Despite declining oil production, the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities says that the Spanish Lookout and Never Delay fields still have some ten years worth of production left in them. Chief Executive Officer in the ministry, Dr. Colin Young, told The […]

DPP on collision course with Police DPP says she has the law on her side!
An inter-office memo, dated September 24, 2014 gave police officers the following directive:– “The practice of consulting the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as to whether to charge a person or persons for murder or any other crime must cease forthwith”. The memo is from the Head of […]

Patrick Jones

Two men die in traffic accident near Belmopan
Two people died in a road traffic accident this afternoon just outside of Belmopan on the George Price Highway. The victims have been identified as 35 year old Ishmael Hoare and 20 year old Orlando Pascascio, Junior. According to reports, just before three o’clock this afternoon, a […]

GoJoven celebrates tenth anniversary
GoJoven Belize, a youth-led organization, today celebrated it’s 10 anniversary at the Chateau Caribbean Hotel conference room. According to Executive Director Eva Burgos the organization has, since its establishment in Belize, served as an advocate for young people on the topic of sexual and reproductive health. Burgos say […]

By-election Watch: Omar versus Richard in Cayo North
The stage is now set for a January 5, 2015 showdown between Omar Figueroa for the United Democratic Party (UDP) and Richard Harrison for the People’s United Party (PUP). Following a meeting of the National Executive of the PUP today at Independence Hall in Belize City, an […]

Richard Harrison chosen as PUP standard bearer in Cayo North
The People’s United party (PUP) has chosen businessman Richard Harrison as its standard bearer to contest the by-election in the Cayo North division. Harrison will go up against Omar Figueroa of the United Democratic Party in the poll which will be held on Monday, January 5, 2015 […]

Chilly day in Belmopan
It is a wet and cold Friday in the nation’s capital, Belmopan. This has not stopped the business of the day, especially since it is payday for teachers. The water bill will decrease because containers are collecting heavenly water. The variation of jackets and umbrellas is bringing […]

Early morning shooting in Belize City
An early morning shooting incident in Belize City has left one man dead. Information received say the shooting happened just before 7 o’clock this morning. More information on this incident will be posted during the course of the day. UPDATE: Police have issued a brief report […]

Arthur Saldivar gets summary judgment over turned in Coye case
Embattled attorney Arthur Saldivar faces a civil suit from former clients Melonie and Marlene Coye, who alleged that after he won them acquittal in the Court of Appeal on money laundering charges in March, he took more than half the money they got back from the Central Bank […]

Bernadette Pickwood’s land trial closes in on verdict
The trial of Bernadette Pickwood, land owner in Belama, and the Ministry of Natural Resources continued before Justice Kenneth Benjamin today with testimony from Commissioner of Lands and Surveys Wilbert Vallejos. Vallejos was on the stand to describe the length and style of notice to Ms. Pickwood that […]

Ladyville police accused of brutal assault of burglary suspect
Belize City resident Lionel Bregal is suspected by police in Ladyville of taking part in a reported burglary. Some $390,000 in jewelry was taken from a store and police say Bregal is the man who worked with a San Ignacio police officer to stash the goods. He was […]

More cruise ship cancellations lead to calls for cruise port
This morning the Belize Tourism Board’s cruise director, Valdemar Andrade, via telephone confirmed that three more cruise ships, two from Carnival Cruise Line and one from Royal Caribbean, scheduled to call on Belize today, had to turn back because of unfavorable weather conditions. According to Andrade, the ships were […]

New report prompts changes to criminal justice system
Earlier this year, English barrister Joseph Middleton, a leading human rights attorney in the United Kingdom, visited Belize on behalf of the Death Penalty Project to review conditions at the Belize Central Prison at Hattieville. That review focused specifically on persons facing death for criminal actions, mentally ill prisoners, juvenile offenders, and those serving long-term or life sentences. There was a round-table discussion earlier in the year for feedback from local legal and judicial practitioners. Today the report, titled “Behind the Prison Gates” was released.

Two cruise ships unable to offload passengers; time for a cruise port?
The Fort Street Tourism Village was today forced to turn away two cruise ships owing to unfavorable weather conditions for tendering. More than 6,000 passengers lost an opportunity to see Belize as on the first four-ship day of the “high season” of cruise tourism a northerly wind heralding the passage of a cold front made conditions unsafe. It underscores a call to action made last week by, among others, Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA). At a press conference COLA president Geovannie Brackett warned that unless the impasse between Government, the proprietors of the Stake Bank project and Fort Street Tourism Village is resolved and a cruise port is built, Belize stands to lose all it has gained from encouraging cruise ship development.

Economic statistics: Economy grows, but unemployment rises
Today the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) offered a last batch of statistics on economic and social services for 2014, up to October. The news is encouraging in most sectors but disappointing in others. We begin with the 3rd Quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which grew by 4.8%, about half the record figure of 8.7% seen in the second quarter. Cumulative economic growth through September stands at 4.2%, led by increased output in the agriculture and fishing sector, hotels and restaurants and water distribution.

Blogs

Zen Arcade Shopping Party
The girls at Zen Arcade are turning the Tree Top Studio into a Belizean craft marketplace so you can get jump start on your holiday shopping. Come on out to socialize and shop till you drop :) You will find many unique items from local vendors, savor wine and cheese samples, enjoy great music and good company. After all who doesn’t love a shopping party – Zen bazaar being held Saturday November 29th from 3:00pm – 7:00pm. Raffle tickets will be on sale with proceeds going to support Raise up getting rice and beans to the needy this season. Zen Arcade will ensure that the money goes to rice and beans (by personally buying them) and dropping them off at the foundation center. If you want to donate prize/offer to this worthy cause, there is still time it would be much appreciated, 226 3177 if you want to call Zen Arcade and donate something.

3 Great San Pedro Thanksgiving food options
Happy American Thanksgiving to all I am thankful there are so many great food options for this Holiday. Below is some information on 3 great thanks giving options with varied price ranges to meet all budgets. If you are thinking beyond thanksgiving meals, you can check out the best restaurants in San Pedro, Belize on TripAdvisor

My Thanksgiving, My Year In San Pedro, Belize & Reasons to Visit in 2015
American through and through, Thanksgiving is in no way a Belizean holiday. And while it is still strange to me, after 7 or 8 Thanksgivings here, to see kids going to school and the Belikin guys making their deliveries, the holiday is getting bigger and bigger in San Pedro. Mainland turkey not looking at ALL nervous. They still have about a month until Xmas. (Don’t even ASK why one is wearing a denim vest.) This is the first real week/weekend after the slow season that tourists return en masse and restaurants, delis and bars have plenty of turkey specials to make all us gringos feel at home on Thanksgiving.

Why We Changed Our Retirement Plans to Move to Belize
Scott and Michelle Lyons planned to move to Mexico when their kids went to college. But when Michelle went on a cruise that stopped in Belize…their plans changed. “When I discovered that English was the language in Belize, I knew I had found something that would work for us,” says Michelle. The impossibly blue waters, soft sandy beaches, and wonderfully warm climate of beautiful Belize also helped win the couple over. From the sparkling sea filled with palm-lined islands to the verdant jungles teeming with wildlife, Belize beckoned with an enticing blend of relaxation and adventure…a tropical paradise.

San Pedro 30TH TOWNSHIP ANNIVERSARY - 2014 (20 photos)
On Thursday, November 27, 2014 due to weather conditions, the scheduled ceremony and parade were cancelled. The Mayor and San Pedro Town Council considered it was best to cancel the planned activities because all schools were asked to participate and parading under such unpredictable weather conditions would just put them at risk in getting sick. However, Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nuñez, Councilor Gualberto Nuñez & Miss San Pedro, Michelle Nuñez made some surprise visits to present awards of appreciation to individuals who are constantly working towards the development of San Pedro.

Power interruptions 8:00am to 8:45am and 1:00pm to 1:45pm, Sunday, November 30, Corozal
: entire Corozal Town, Altamira, San Antonio, Santa Rita Heights, Vivas Layout, Paraiso, Chula Vista, and Consejo. BEL to facilitate development works in the area.

Revised Notice: Power interruption 7:00am to 3:00pm Saturday, November 29
: San Antonio Road from Orange Walk Town to Blue Creek including Yo Creek, Trinidad, August Pine Ridge, San Felipe, San Antonio, and Santa Cruz and area from San Lorenzo to Progresso including San Roman, San Luis, San Jose, San Pablo, San Juan, Douglas, Buena Vista and Caledonia. BEL to replace utility poles and conduct repairs on high voltage lines.

International Sources

Belize Suffering Without Any Cruise Ship Dock Last Few Days
Belize has lost millions of potential revenue mainly due to bad weather and cruise ship being forced to cancel the port of call. Belize is located in central America and is a popular destination for cruise ships but the problem is the port doesn’t have a dock so ships have to get passengers on land using tender boats. The vessel anchor far from land and it can take at least 20 mins journey to arrive at the shore. Due to high winds of up to 50 knots several cruise ships including Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean cancelled calls at Belize on November 27th and as a result the port lost millions. It’s too risky tendering passengers in when its high winds especially when so far away from the shore.

The struggle to save the Caribbean's huge barrier reef
The Mesoamerican Reef is a wildlife haven threatened by tourism and overfishing, but it could be saved. The Caribbean's Mesoamerican Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world, stretching 600 miles (965 km). Only the Great Barrier Reef surpasses it. The reef's northernmost point aligns with Cancún in Mexico. From there it stretches south-east alongside the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.

Groping case diplomat loses £320,000 payout
A British diplomat who won £320,000 in damages after his career was ruined by unsubtantiated allegations of bottom-groping has been told by appeal judges he is not entitled to compensation for depression he suffered. John Yapp, 63, the former British high commissioner in Belize, was suspended in 2008 and became clinically depressed after being accused of touching the bottom of a politician’s wife at a party, as well as similar unsubstantiated allegations.

Videos

Video: Belize Training & Employment Centre Prepares Belizeans for work, 4min.

Video: Flyboarding in Belize, 3min.
Grant's first time rockin' the flyboard at San Pedro Water Sports!

Video: Scuba Ambergris Caye Belize 2014 Ken Flower, 27min.
Ambergris Caye and The Great Blue Hole.

Video: Paul Nabor tribute concert & funeral, Punta Gorda, Belize, 2014, 6min.
Andy Palacio & Garifuna Collective, Basketball Arena, Punta Gorda, Belize, Nov 2014.

Video: Belize Legendary Cornelio Estrada, 12min.
Cornelio Estrada is a legendary Belizean musician who started playing the trumpet in the Home Guard/Military in what was then British Honduras. He became a pioneering member of several of the musical bands/groups in the early 50's,60's and 70's in Belize. In the late 70's he embraced a younger generation of musicians and played in the classic "Vibrations" band. This musical journey extended to Los Angeles California where Estrada played with several Belizean bands in the Diaspora. It was there that he recorded the above collections of his favorites songs in a three set CD that he dedicated to his family. Cornelio Estrada is the father of the Legendary Jazz Master trumpet player "Sonny" Bobby Estrada. This recording is release as a tribute to his many decades of contribution to the musical evolution in Belize and his mentor-ship to many young musicians. R.I.P

Video: UNICEF Belize CRC@25 Celebration, 10min.
UNICEF Belize and the European Union invited partners and friends of children to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Belize City.

Video: BELIZE AGGRESSOR III - OCTOBER 2014, 17min.
This is a compilation of videos I took on my most recent trip to Belize. It was a great 10 day trip. There was a diverse group of divers on the Aggressor III - from Korea, Canada, Holland, Belgium, and the United States! Good fun was had by all! As always, the Aggressor Crew was great!

Video: [HD] Beaches & Dreams BELIZE HD, 4.5min.
Go to sleep at night listening to the breathing of the sea and the singing of wind in the palms in one of our 5 spacious rooms situated only 66 feet from the Caribbean Sea. We are the “last resort” on our beach and you can enjoy the feeling of seclusion while being walking distance to other resorts and the Garifuna Fishing Village of Hopkins. Foodies Welcome at the highly acclaimed Barracuda Bar and Grill, serving world class Mediteribbean Cuisine on our open air dining deck only 30 feet from the sea. Fresh Lobster, Shrimp and Fish daily prepared with a Mediteranian flair. Pizza and pasta and our famous smoked dishes round out the menu, but save room for our award winning desserts. 2 for one rum drinks during happy hour every day!

Video: Wild pod of dolphins - Scuba Diving - Turneffe Atoll - Belize, 13min.
Encountered s school of dolphins while scuba diving the Turneffe Atoll in Belize, November 2014.

Video: NCL Sun Tendering at Belize, Nov. 2014, 5min.

Video: Skydiving into the Blue Hole - Belize, 9min.

Video: Thinking outside the lab: NMSU entomology students travel to Belize, 3min.
In March, through the Faculty-led International Programs, a group of eight students, led by Scott Bundy, associate professor of entomology in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University, traveled to Belize to research and experience its biodiversity. From venomous spiders, ants, leafhoppers and even marine invertebrates, the students' non-stop, 10-day trip brought a new perspective of what it's like to work as an entomologist in the field. "The idea was to get them out in the 'wild' because the insect diversity of tropical areas is so different than what we have around here," Bundy said. "The purpose of the class was to learn about arthropod biology, to observe how the animals behave in their environment, to learn proper field research techniques, and to just be more hands-on."

November 27, 2014

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Mr Al’s Poolroom and Karaoke Bar
Mr. Al’s Poolroom and Karaoke Bar is one of the newer establishments around town. And we’ve caught word that not only is it a cool local hangout, but that they also have killer karaoke nights and pretty tasty $1 wings. The San Pedro Sun decided to check out the joint located in town on Pelican Street, and we saw first-hand that not even a rainy Friday night could keep away Mr. Al’s patrons! It was a karaoke competition and the cozy bar was jam packed. Cold drinks were being served, yummy wings at almost every table and karaoke selections in full swing.

Creativity and Style showcased 2014 Belize Fashion Week
The highlight of BFW14 took place on Friday, November 21st and Saturday, November 22nd when the models strutted the runway in the hottest of spring-summer 2015 fashion. Overseen by award winning director Arlando Smith, the two-night show was an exceptional presentation of Belizean creativity. From beautiful ball gowns to slinky swimsuits, the models rocked every outfit. The crowd got to enjoy the creations of local designers such as Joris Hendrik, Adrian Rocker, Maureen Navarette (ICONIC),Char Tolentino (A LIST FASHION), Francis Alfaro, Saskia Alejos, Daniel & Jaeil Torres (Jada’s Design), Gabriel Garcia (GMX), Julie McCord, Andazi, Jeana Casey (jewelry designer) and Panamaniean designer John Bejarano. Following the runway show, the designers had an opportunity to market their fashions at the BWF Expo on Sunday, November 23rd held at Central Park. All outfits, jewelry and accessories featured in the runway show were available for purchase.

Fundraiser for Casper Wood a success
Island residents gathered at ABC Pub and Grub on Saturday, November 22nd to raise funds for bass player Casper Wood. After an afternoon of great food, drinks and music, the fundraiser was deemed a huge success raising approximately $3,000BZ for Casper’s medical expenses. Casper, who is a well-known musician in San Pedro, was recently forced to quit working due to his health. His condition requires the use of a pacemaker (a device that is placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms). The fundraising event consisted of raffles and a turkey dinner sale. Generous patrons also made monetary donations both locally and internationally via PayPal. With the money raised, Wood will be receiving immediate medical treatment here in Belize before leaving for his native country of Panama where he will receive further specialized assistance.

Amazing show of culture at Holy Cross Anglican Primary School
The students of Holy Cross Anglican Primary School celebrated Belizean culture on Friday, November 21st with their annual Culture Day Fair. Students had the opportunity to showcase their knowledge on the country’s various ethnic groups to parents, guardians and friends. Many of the students and teachers dressed up in cultural attire and enjoyed a fun day of activities for the whole family. The event required upper level students to present on the food, clothing, music, dance and history of the three main cultures of Belize: Garifuna, Creole and Mestizo. The day started at the Boca del Rio Park with the reenactment of the historic Garifuna landing on the coast of Belize on November 19, 1832. After that, the students held a procession back to the school where the main activities took place.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro High Academics Enter Sagicor Visionary Challenge
Two teams from San Pedro High School’s Academic Department have entered the Sagicor Visionary Challenge that encourages secondary and high school students to develop effective, innovative and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing them. Their challenge – to find a problem affecting the community and coming up with a solution through their science background. The Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF), SAGICOR, and the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) partnered to form the first Science competition known as the Sagicor Visionary Challenge. That challenge for the San Pedro High Team, led by Mr. Ricardo Sedacy, Head of the Science and Math Department at SPHS, is aimed as using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to develop effective, innovative and sustainable solutions to the problems that they have identified in the community.

Misc Belizean Sources

Hi nature lovers
Instagrammers. Wildlife Conservation Society in Belize has started its local account. So you'll see photos of nature above and below water. And if you have photos of the wild or nature, hashtag #WCSBelize and #Belize in your photos. This means plants of Belize as well. WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. We are in Belize.

Aboard the Uprising in San Pedro Ambergris Caye with our buddy Eric.
It is beginning to feel like Christmas. Tomorrow is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day primarily in the United States of America. This is how we marinate a Red Grouper in Belize. Here is wishing all our North American friends at home and abroad a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Day. Peace!

Christmas Sell-A-Thon at the Lions Den
Saturday, November 29th 8am-1pm

World AIDS Day 2014
Government of Belize Press Office

Channel 7

Arraignment Fiasco For Teenager Accused of Killing Diplomat
Tonight, the family of 18 year-old Wilser Echeverria, the man accused by police of killing Panamanian Diplomat Jose Rodrigo De la Rosa Stanford, continues worry about his fate because police have charged him for murder, but in a confounding twist, the Sitting Magistrate is refusing to arraign him. It all pivots on his claim that he killed the diplomat in self defence because the man wanted to rape him gunpoint. For a few hours today, he was indeed charged by investigators with the capital offence, and Belmopan police marched him before Magistrate Aretha Ford this morning. The arraignment should have gone through, and since it is an indictable offence, no plea would have been taken and Echeverria would have sat in jail on remand for months until the DPP’s Office was able to proceed with a Supreme Court case against him.

Date Set For Opening Of Sugar Crop - but Differences Still Loom
Date Set For Opening Of Sugar Crop – but Differences Still Loom December eighth – that’s the date that has been set for the start of the sugar crop. That’s what was agreed to yesterday at a meeting of the Sugar Industry Control Board. That Government appointed Board acts like a kind of referee in the industry and has representation from the cane farmers association, BSI and the Ministry of Agriculture. They met yesterday – and not surprisingly the Cane Farmers and BSI could not agree on a compromise. But they did agree on one thing: ripe cane is awaiting harvest in the field and the season must start: Oscar Alonzo, CEO - BSCFA "We want the crops to start, early. Especially since we determined there is 1.475 million tons of cane out there that needed to be processed. Yesterday the SICB sought to see if it would be possible let us reach an agreement; But what we did achieve yesterday is set date.

Three More Charged For Gang Rape Of 11 Year Old
Tonight, three more Belize City males have been charged for the alleged gang rape of an 11 year old girl. Today a 14 year old, a 17 year old, and 19-year-old Keron Willoughby were charged jointly with one count each of unlawful sexual intercourse with a female child under the age of 14. They join 22 year old Wilfred Ramirez – at whose Iguana Street home the heinous act allegedly occurred last week Thursday. The trio appeared together this morning all unrepresented before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith. The two minors had one of their mothers present when the charge was read to them.

Cruise Ships Cancel Due to Rough Seas
This morning, the local cruise machinery was well oiled and in high gear – and why not? After all, what’s known as cruise ship season starts on thanksgiving – and this year – Belize is set to see a record number of cruise ships in port. So, several hundred tourism industry workers gathered outside the Fort Street Tourism Village ready to receive more than 12,000 cruise passengers who should have disembarked from 4 ships. But call it a wicked nor’easter, climate change, or what you wish - those 4 ships, 2 from Carnival Cruise Line and 2 from Norwegian, had a hard time getting their guests to shore. Due to the strong winds and the choppy seas, the authorities onboard the Carnival ships decided that it would be too dangerous to get their passengers into the cruise tender vessels. The passengers would first have to walk down a gangway and unto a tender that’s swaying on rough seas – and then endure the eight mile journey to shore on those same seas. Seas so rough it even left an immigration officer seriously seasick! All that meant that both Carnival ships cancelled their calls, keeping some 6,658 passengers away from Belize’s shores.

COLA Says It's Sitting On Something Big
IF you watch the news regularly, you’ll know that the activist group COLA loves hype – and tonight it is riding a wave of it – by promising to bust out a major police scandal. According to a breathless press release issued this afternoon COLA claims to have got its hands on, quote, “an extraordinary amount of files detailing critical issues affecting the morale, manpower and operation of…the…Police Department.” The release says the documents detail a fistful of cop complaints from arbitrary transfers to poor living conditions. But, according to COLA, there’s more than just the usual grousing. The release says, quote, “one document…fingers key Ministers of Government as masterminds of interference in and disruption of the careers of several police officers to preserve their own agendas.”

Unemployment Figure Down Year to Year
What is Belize’s unemployment rate? Well according to the latest labour force survey, it is less than at this time last year. In September of 2013, it stood at 14.2%, but in September of this year it was down to 12.1%. The new Director General of the Statistical Institute of Belize explained at a press conference in Belize city this morning:…. Dr. Leopold Perriott – Director-General, SIB "This graph is telling us that of the labour force that 12.1 percent of the labour force unemployed country wide. 18.4 percent of the labour force in Stann Creek are unemployed. The lowest of course 6.6 percent in Toledo is unemployed. The high levels in Stann Creek reflects the large amount of jobs that were lost over the last quarter, last half of the year. As fas as trends goes, we're experiencing a down turn in the unemployment rates. 18,479 persons are unemployed in September and most of them are in the Belize district; 37.1 in the Belize district and we have. That wouldn't be surprising with the biggest population"

Broke Into A Church
Two men are behind bars tonight for burglarizing, of all places, a church! Ronald Gill and Tyrone Fitzgibbon have seven years to serve for this offense. It happened on October 25th, 2013 at around 12:30 in the morning a police officer and his mother saw Gill and Fitzgibbon sneaking around the SDA Mount Olive Church on Faber’s Road and hiding items behind a building near the church. According to PC Leslie, at around 12:30 a.m., his family and he went over to the church after he learnt that persons were seen on the grounds. He said he took his flashlight out and that’s when he got a clear visual of Fitzgibbon face who was surprised by their entrance. He then ran out the rear door of the Church, with Leslie chasing behind. Fitzgibbon managed to get away by jumping into a nearby swamp and swimming away.

Cameras For The Cancer Of Crime
And because it has gotten burgled like that church one too many times, the cancer society is getting serious with security. At the beginning of the month, we told you how the Belize Cancer Society had been burglarized for the 5th or 6th time. The Cancer Society sent out a public call for help to assist them in acquiring surveillance equipment to secure the facility. The Feinstein Group of Companies answered that call, and today donated over $6,000 in equipment to build a sophisticated system, which should, at best, deter thieves, and at worse, catch them in the act of stealing from the Non-Profit Organization. The Feinstein Group's Fort Point Security officially handed over the system today, and the media was invited to witness it. 7News was there, and the Vice President of the Cancer Society told us that this is a very welcome donation:

Man Claims Police Brutality, No Justice
Tonight a Cayo resident is speaking out after he was allegedly beaten by two police officers. The incident happened on June 19th in the Cayo District. Ernesto Chan, a taxi driver, said two police officers intercepted his vehicle and proceeded to beat him for no reason. His injuries were classified as dangerous harm and since then Chan has made an official police complaint. But it’s been five months now since the incident and Chan says he is still waiting for justice. Today he visited our studios to explain.

Amputee Tells Court He Needs Weed To Ease The Pain
A couple escaped a drug trafficking charge only to get a lesser charge today in court before Magistrate Herbert Panton. 50 year old Alton White and his common-law wife 36 year old Idolly Fraser were accused of drug trafficking when the GSU found 119 grams of weed or 4 ounces of weed at his residence in the Conch Shell Bay area. This happened on September 3rd 2013. They found 108 grams in his septic and 11 grams in his drawer. But White says that he was not going to sell the drugs and that this stash was for medicinal purposes. White is an amputee and has lost use of his leg and he claims the weed helps soothe the pain.

Celebrating The Best On CXC
Some of you might remember the pressure of CXC exams back in high school. Well, the top achievers at today’s National CXC awards ceremony are very familiar with it. Except that while most of us just break into a cold sweat, these top students just dig deeper into their books. And today their were honoured for their hard work and outstanding accomplishments. Courtney Weatherburne spoke with the top finishers. Siian Rancharan- First Place, CSEC "Make sure you believe in yourself because the moment you have any self doubt, that's when you fail yourself. You have to push on, it's a lot of work, a lot of sleepless nights, it really is tough and intense; But at the end of the day when you go up on that stage, when you get that award, it's just that satisfaction you get from achieving from what you have wanted."

Human Rights Group Goes Behind The Prison Walls
“Jail is where they put the bad people” – that’s what we all learned growing up – but often-times it’s not that simple. Many accused persons are stuck behind prison walls – it seems indefinitely - awaiting trial or a bail hearing – which often never comes – for those who can’t afford an attorney, or pay the bail application fee. Indeed, there are many barriers to freedom for accused persons – who stand before the law innocent until proven guilty – even as they are stuck behind prison walls. And that’s where a British Human Rights group called the Death Penalty Project comes in. They came to Belize in July 2014 to sort of troubleshoot the penal system, to find out where accused persons were falling between the cracks into legal oblivion. British Barrister Joseph Middleton compiled a 40 page report called “Behind These Prison Walls” which is meant to serve as a sort of call to action. The report was officially launched today – but the program to rescue some of the forgotten persons is already underway:…

Talking Taiwan
The Taiwanese Embassy today held its annual end-of-year Luncheon and Experience Sharing at the Chateau Caribbean. It is sort of a review of how the year went from the Taiwanese Embassy's perspective – and the Embassy's invites the media and key organizations from the Public Sector to share in. This year's observance was also the first that the New Taiwanese Ambassador, Benjamin Ho, hosted. We attended and spoke with the ambassador about his perspective on the gains and the losses made during his few months in Belize.

Channel 5

Police and D.P.P. Tangle Over Murder Charges for Wilser Echevarria
The murder of Panamanian diplomat Jose Rodrigo de la Rosa Stanford on Sunday is a sensational case. The allegations of attempted rape brought against him by Wilser Echevarria and his [...]

11-year-old Girl Gang Raped on Iguana Street
There is a most disgusting report tonight of the gang rape of an eleven year old girl. The incident allegedly occurred on Iguana Street last Thursday at the house of [...]

What’s the Latest on the Sugar Impasse? B.S.C.F.A. Gives an Update
On November fifteenth, cane farmers from eighteen branches of the B.S.C.F.A. met and issued an ultimatum to the Sugar Industry Control Board. In a nutshell, the farmers had two requests [...]

2014’s Top CXC/CAPE Performers Awarded in Orange Walk
There were happy students and proud parents this morning at the national ceremony for CSEC and CAPE awardees which took place in Orange Walk Town. Hundreds of students were recognized [...]

Patrick Faber Shares Success Stories in Education
At the onset of his speech at today’s CXC/CAPE Awards ceremony, Minister of Education, Patrick Faber spoke to the gathering on the current state of the education system. Faber thumbed [...]

Is Hunting Caye F.O.B. Still a Joint Belize/U.S. Effort?
On Tuesday, News Five had an opportunity to speak with Minister of foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington on a variety of issues, including the murder of the Panamanian diplomat. We also [...]

Derrick Bain Convicted of Theft for a Second Time
A convicted thief, who is already serving time behind bars, picked up his second conviction for crimes of dishonesty after pleading guilty to theft for snatching a chain from an [...]

Behind the Prison Gates
The penal system, despite various initiatives by the Kolbe Foundation to improve overall wellbeing at the Belize Central Prison, is bogged down by a number of human rights issues that [...]

A Look at Belize’s Criminal Justice System
According to Executive Director, Parvais Jabbar of the Death Penalty Project, the presentation of the report is not a question of people being released from prison, in light of the [...]

Bar President Acknowledges Efforts of Lawyers in Prison Report
While the Bar Association has been panned for its so-called political affiliations, as well as its seeming lack of interest in assisting with legal aid, President Eamon Courtenay acknowledges that [...]

SIB Says Employment Is Up
The quarterly press conference of the Statistical Institute of Belize was held today in Belize City. It’s a mixed bag of good and bad news. The good news is that [...]

Cruise Ships Cancel Call on Belize Due to Choppy Seas
Today marks the beginning of the high season for the tourism industry, which coincides with the U.S. Thanksgiving Day. But the season got off to a choppy start because two [...]

Would A Cruise Port Prevent Cancellations?
B.T.B. has gone on record to make clear its support for a cruise port of any kind to be built in Belize.  Andrade told us that today’s incident underscores that [...]

Will P.U.P. Accept a Petrocaribe Funded Christmas Cheer?
Christmas is less than a month away which means that the government’s annual Christmas Cheer Program is around the corner. While the opposition takes credit for starting the program with [...]

CTV3

BSCFA Says Cane Farmers Are On Their Side Of The Ring
After BSI presented cane farmers with the contracts earlier in the month, there have been several consolations with them on the content of the agreement. So far, we have not been able to confirm if any farmer has signed this contract and the BSCFA has repeatedly cautioned farmers to reflect on the long and short term implications of such a contract. It appears though that there is some misinformation being spread which BSCFA’s CEO, Oscar Alonzo, sought to clarify today. The rumour is that farmers in Corozal are already signing that agreement with BSI but Alonzo says this is not the case and they have the support of farmers in Corozal.Oscar Alonzo – CEO BSCFA“What the farmers are signing there we understand that certain members of the St. Francis Xavier Credit Union are also members of the other Association and they are being given forms to join that Association, not to sign the BSI agreement so farmers are not signing any agreement as we understand there so we just want that to be clear that our farmers are still solid and we are getting increasing support from other organizations in the country.”

SIB Release Shows Improvement In Belize's Economy
And while SIB figures reveal that the transport index was cause for the consumer price index to increase, the third quarter statistics also point out that Belize’s economy grew by 4.8%. The latest Gross Domestic Product estimates reveal that the Belizean economy grew by 4.8percent during the months of July to September 2014 in comparison to last year. Strong performances were reported in several key sectors including agriculture, fishing, hotel and restaurants, while electricity, water and construction were down slightly for the quarter.Production in the Agriculture and Forestry sector rose by 20.4 percent as both crop yields and livestock production increased during the quarter. In the sugar industry, almost 50 thousand long tonnes were being delivered. Banana production is up by 9 percent, while Livestock products increased three-fold to meet the demands from Mexico and Guatemala.

Date for Commencement Of Crop To Be Negotiated
On Tuesday the representatives of the Belize Sugar Industry and ASR group, Belize Sugar Cane Farmer’s Association, and the Sugar Industry Control Board finally met after repeated requests by the BSCFA to have a third party intervention. Now, while the SICB acted as a mediator in this round of discussions, and both principal parties agreed upon three major points, the process of negotiations is still, as they put it, a “very delicate” matter. The two major points of interest to the BSCFA to have the SICB’s participation in the process are to recruit an independent expert in the negotiations for revenue sharing for bagasse and secondly to set a date for start of crop with an interim agreement signed.The BSCFA has stated that it is within their interest, like BSI’s to start the crop early. This was mutually agreed upon yesterday and both parties cited December eight as an ideal start date. Both parties also agreed to restart negotiations but nothing specific was settled upon. In an interview late yesterday evening, Chairperson of the SICB Gabriel Martinez would not go into details of the discussions. Today, representatives of BSCFA elaborated more about the results of yesterday’s meeting and how they hope the matters are addressed in a favourable manner for all sugar stakeholders. Dalila Ical reports.

Belize's Inflation Rate Remains At 0.7%
The Statistical Institute of Belize has released its latest inflation and trade figures. According to the latest statistics for the Consumer Price index, the national inflation rate for the month of October reflects that of last month and stands unchanged at 0.7%. A release from the SIB reveals that the consumer price index rose slightly in comparison to last October from 102.9 to 103.6.For the first ten months, the average inflation rate remains at 1.3 percent. This month the prices for food items such as eggs, pasta and bread went down by an average of 1.2 percent. And while home rental prices remain high particularly in Orange Walk Town and San Ignacio for October, the transport index, one of the primary drivers of the Consumer Price Index, rose marginally by 0.5 percent. This resulted as higher fees for driver’s license across municipalities were virtually offset by a 10 percent drop in price per gallon of diesel.

LOVE FM

Angelita Campbell Speaks About Inflation Rate For October
The Statistical Institute of Belize today released its latest figures including the inflation rate for the month of October which remained unchanged from the previous month which recorded a 0.7% inflation rate. According to Statistician, Angelita Campbell, the consumer price index rose slightly in comparison to last October, from 102.9 to 103.6. ANGELITA CAMPBELL “The annual change of the CPI for the month of October stands at 0.7 percent which means that on average the prices are 0.7 percent higher than that of last October. The average rate of inflation from January to October is at 1.3 percent and there was relatively no change in the price in the TPI in respective to the previous month which is the month of September. The diagram here represents the index for all the food items index as well as the fuel index. If you will look specifically at the oil index which is in blue, we are moving from 102.9 to 103.6 which would correlate with an increase. The all food index shows a decrease from 108.6 to 107.3 and the fuel index also reflects a decrease from 111.5 to 108.5 and that will be explained later on. Higher prices were experienced in the transport category of 0.5 percent and that can be explained by an increase in driver’s licenses which was offset by a decrease in fuel prices. The housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels went up by 1.5 percent and that can be attributed to an increase in rent of 2 percent.”

Taiwanese Ambassador Promotes Opportunities for Alumni
The Embassy on the Republic of China on Taiwan hosted a briefing this morning at the Chateau Caribbean where the focus was on the employment opportunities available in Belize following their studies in Taiwan. The morning event had several presentations made focusing on entrepreneurship, business development and accessibility of finances as well as the emerging industries in Belize. One of the speakers this morning was Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington, who painted quite a dismal picture of Belize, its environment when it comes to attracting foreign investments and the high number of single and uneducated mothers.

CEO Alpuche Responds to Mother’s Complaint of Abuse
It was almost ten days ago when we brought to you the story of a mother, who has claimed that her child was abused and injured whilst in the care of a privately run children’s home in the Belize District. The story was a disturbing one as relayed to us back then by the mother and the child with claims of physical abuse and rough manual labor. At the time, we had made attempts to get feedback from the Department of Human Services and while those efforts didn’t pan out at the time, Love News did meet up with the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Human Development, Judith Alpuche, who told us that an investigation into the matter was launched and that the case is far more complicated than was relayed to us by the child’s mother, Devaun Cacho.

A Report on Status of Prisoners Inside Kolbe
As of July 2013, the Belize Central Prison’s population stood at 1,586. Of that figure 37 are females77 are young men and there is one man in there that has been sentenced to death. The prison also holds more than five hundred prisoners on remand from either the Supreme Court or the Magistrate Court. HIPOLITO NOVELO “A study, called “Behind the Prison Gates” was made reality through the efforts of the Death Penalty Project and the Bar Association of Belize. The study was conducted by Joseph Middleton who visited the prison between July and August 2013. What he found was alarming.” JOSEPH MIDDLETON “We have together with lawyers from Belize some of whom are here today worked to identify miscarriages of justice ad through work with both prisoners and the prison. We have higlighted significant failures in the criminal justice system leading to what we would call fundamental human rights violations.”

Cayo Resident Waits For Justice in Case of Police Brutality
Five months ago, a Belizean man made a report of police brutality to the Belmopan Police Department after he was allegedly assaulted on June 19, 2014 in San Ignacio, Cayo by two police officers. 40-year-old, Ernesto Chan who works as a taxi driver in San Ignacio spoke to Love News today and said he is still awaiting justice. ERNESTO CHAN “This is the second time I am here and the reason I am here is because I believe in justice and I believe in fair in the law. I reported police brutality in San Ignacio and so far nothing has been done. I haven’t gotten an answer about what happened. The commissioner stated that there will not be tolerating officers in police brutality or officers being corrupted. Sgt. Octaviano Victorin and Corporal Rudolph Rodrigues, they brutally battered me up. They are the ones who assaulted me, they chased me and I have witness that saw everything that happened to me when these officers were beating me up.

US Energy Gives to Claver College in Southern Belize
Two computers handed over to Claver College Extension in Punta Gorda was a timely donation. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports. PAUL MAHUNG “The computers were donated by US Capital energy in Toledo and were officially handed over on Monday afternoon Clavier College extension institution by US Capital energy Country Representative Allister King.” ALLISTER KING “Mr. Floyd Lino and Mr. Andre Price who is the head of the Clavier College extension told us that their computers had been stolen from the school and they were badly in need of replacement so I got a hold of Mr.Ben Juarez who is US Capital’s computer man and he immediately expedited these two computers down to replace the stolen ones. So I’d like to thank Ben Juarez for his quick action on this as well.”

DPP Orders That Hendy Be Set Free Following Fatal RTA
Three charges were withdrawn from 36-year-old, Eldon Hendy, a technician of Isabella Bank, when he appeared today before Magistrate Dale Cayetano. The charges were manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct and driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention. They were withdrawn on instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. The charges arose from an incident which occurred on December 4, 2013. According to the allegation, Hendy was driving a white pick-up truck when he knocked down 75-year-old Gregory Lopez, who was riding a bicycle between miles 6 and 7 on the Philip Goldson Highway. Lopez received injuries to his head and body and he died on the spot.

Fort Point Security Reaches Out to Cancer Society
The Belize Cancer Society is a non-profit organization geared at providing guidance and support to both adults and children who are diagnosed with cancer. The centre also serves to promote awareness, regular check-ups and to encourage a healthy lifestyle. As an addition to their services rendered, the Society works at providing Christmas cheer to cancer patients particularly the young children and as part of this initiative, they appeal for donations of gifts each year starting from as early as October and private citizens, business and other entities are always willing to give. Up to early November, several gift items had been collected and stored but those disappeared when thieves broke into the centre and stole the presents valued at about five thousand dollars. Diane Finnegan is the Vice President of the Belize Cancer Society and today, she was on hand to receive some Christmas cheer on behalf of the society from Fort Point Security.

Echevarria Charged With Murder For Panamanian Diplomat
19 year old Wilser Echevarria has been charged for the murder of 64 year old Panamanian Diplomat, Jose Rodrigo De la Rosa. We understand that Echevarria was charged with murder and theft- one count in regards to the motor vehicle and one count in regards to a cell phone. Echevarria confessed to killing De la Rosa but he says it was self defense after De la Rosa allegedly made unwanted sexual advances on him. Echevarria family and friends were out in front of the Belmopan Police Station displaying their support for what they believe is an injustice. SISTER-IN-LAW “I am his sister in law and I am here to support him, we are all here to support him because all he did was defend himself and we know that he did not want to do that because he is a hard worker. He is paying for something that all he was doing was defend himself. We are poor but not because of that the rich will come and do whatever they want with their money.”

Remanded Prisoner Plea Changed From Not Guilty To Guilty
Derrick Bain a remanded prisoner charged with theft from the person, changed his plea from not guilty to guilty when he appeared today before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. The complainant, police constable Tanisha Dawson reported to the police that on October 22, 2013, she was walking on Sixth Street when Bain rode beside her on a bicycle and ripped her gold chain from around her neck and rode away. The chain was never recovered. Bain said it fell from his hand when he rode around a lane. Bain was sentenced to nine months. He has already served his sentence because Chief Magistrate Smith said that the sentence was time served. But although Bain has already served the sentence he was not released because he is remanded for a charge of grievous harm. Dawson was not a police officer when the incident occurred.

Eleven Year Old Says She Was Gang-Raped
One adult and two minors were charged with carnal knowledge of an 11 year old girl when they appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. The adult is 19 year old Keiron Willougby and the ages of the minors are 14 and 17 years old. The girl reported to the police that the defendants had sex with her on November 20 at a house on Antelope Street Extension. The defendants were remanded into custody until January 9, 2015.

PlusTV

Evangelical Association outraged by US Embassy’s meddling in Belizean domestic issues
On Tuesday, we reported on statement issued by the US Embassy in Belize, in which the Ambassador called for the repeal of Belize’s Section 53 law. As we told you, retired U.S. judge Carlos Moreno, in June of this year, became the new US Ambassador to Belize...

Four charged for assault of 11 year old girl
Four Belize City men, including two male minors, are being accused of gang raping an eleven year old schoolgirl, sometime last week. Police have rounded up 22 year old Wilfred Ramirez of Iguana Street,  as well as Kieran Willoughby, and two boys aged 14 and 17, and charged them with unlawful sexual ...

City man pleads guilty to theft
Derrick Bain of Belize City pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a charge of theft, after 9 months on remand at the Central Prison. He was given credit for time served by Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith, but remains on remand on a separate charge of grievous harm. On October 22, 2013, Bain is accused of ...

Traffic charges withdrawn for 2013 accident
36 year old Eldon Hendy of Isabella Bank, Belize District, no longer faces charges of manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct and driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention. The charges were withdrawn on his appearance on Wednesday, before Magistrate Dale Cayetano, ...

COLA plans to release documents showing ministerial interference in police matters
Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) issued a press release on Wednesday  evening, claiming that it has come into possession of an extraordinary amount of files detailing critical issues affecting the morale, manpower, and operation of the Belize Police Department. COLA states that ...

Economic statistics: more buying, less selling
On Wednesday the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) offered a last batch of statistics on economic and social services for 2014, up to October. The news is encouraging in most sectors but disappointing in others. We begin with the 3rd Quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which grew by 4...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

R.I.P. Mr. Bartolo Rodriguez
With deep regret, the Rodriguez Family wishes to announce the passing of Mr. Bartolo Rodriguez, on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. He was the last remaining child of Juan and Arcadia Rodriguez of Caye Caulker. He was 91 years old. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Valentina Rodriguez; his children: Abel, Bartolo Jr., Roger, Arcadia Cruzita, Maria Amparo Montero, Mirta Smith, Jilmar, and Jose Homero, Kay Zehms, Ishmael Hernandez, their spouses, 29 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson, several nieces and nephews. Mr. Bat or Don Bat, as he was known by many, was a lobster fisherman. He enjoyed music, poetry, sports and teaching his trade. We wish to thank all who, in any way, helped us through this time of bereavement.

Patrick Jones

Belize City taxi operators want to keep license moratorium
A majority of taxi operators in Belize City who met with the Belize City Council on Monday afternoon would like a moratorium on new licenses which has been in effect from 2012 to be lifted. But despite the important service they provide to the Belizean population, there has […]

PUP leader says Joseph Mahmud “made poor decision”
Monday’s resignation of Cayo North area representative Joseph Mahmud from the House of Representatives was a bombshell despite his announced intention not to seek reelection. But no one is more affected than the People’s United Party (PUP), whose leader and executive are, to say the least, disappointed not […]

Gateway Youth Center opens
The Community Action for Public Safety (CAPS) initiative of the Government through the Ministries of Education, Youth and Sports and Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation on Tuesday opened a brand-new youth center near the campus of Gwen Lizarraga High School in Belize City. It is intended […]

Forum on masculinity underway in Belize City
A first of its kind national symposium on masculinity is underway at the Biltmore Hotel in Belize City. Organized by the National Women’s Commission, today’s forum is seeking to bring Belizean men together to strengthen efforts in reducing gender-based violence. During the course of the day various […]

Blogs

Battle with the Sea
There are two things that you know are always going to lead to a good story: "So shit, there I was..." "Hey, hold my beer..." I like bullet points, and "things in threes" - so this is a third bullet point; although completely useless...pretty much made my day First you must know that the tale told did happen. The events that you are about to read are 100% based in reality; the identity of the people has not been changed...cause I'm more than happy for all of you to know about the events that nearly ended my life. It was a dark and stormy night, a front blowing in heavy from the North. Damn this Belizean winter. My brother and I, heroically crossing the sea, reaching the dock. Eric skillfully navigated through the traitorous shallows as we approached the island, our dock, and our safe haven for the night. Now - to tie up. Waves were crashing over the back of our tiny vessel; like the constant bat of a cat with a mouse - the ocean knew it could take us at any moment. Unbeknownst to us it had started a series of events that nearly did just that. Those waves had taken the back tie line off our stern, so as I grabbed the pole and reached for the bow tie the engine wrapped the line on the prop. Stopping it dead.

Belize’s Beautiful Placencia Peninsula

NATO to reside in Belize
NATO is also expanding into the Southern Hemisphere. NATO and Colombia have signed a partnership agreement, the first such agreement with a Latin American nation. Colombia reportedly agreed to facilitate the stationing of additional NATO troops in Central America and the Caribbean, including European colonies and ex-colonies such as Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Belize.

The San Pedro Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Back by Popular Demand – The San Pedro Holiday Lighted Boat Parade will be held on Saturday, December 6th starting at 6pm til around 9pm. This traditional event introduces the holiday season and brings us into the holiday mood with a fun event filled with twinkling lights, children’s laughter, and Christmas carols. The dazzling boat parade will start at 6pm and span from Wayo’s Beachside Bar, Boca Del Rio to Caribbean Villas Hotel. Our community will have amazing views of the festive boats from all over town! We look forward to past participants as well as new additions lighting up the sea this holiday season! All boat owners and organizations are welcome to enter a boat in the parade and competition. The Central Park Block Party will feature plenty of booths where you can buy food, special holiday drinks, gift items and enjoy fun activities such as taking your family pictures with Santa!

Belize Fashion Week in San Pedro is Finn Approved: Lights, Designer Collections and Catwalk!
From SanPedroScoop.com fashion correspondent Fin Kardashian: This past week, BFW (Belize Fashion Week) showcased the best designing talent in Belize and even featured some international designers from around Central America. Although it’s not a Mercedes-Benz Bryant Park NYC fashion show, I would SO love to congratulate Pat Grief for putting on an outstanding event. We have Tropic Air’s 2014 Belize Fashion Week! Me sitting in the front row with designers Joris Hendrick, Francis Alfaro and organizer, Ms Grief. The show is 100% Finn Approved and is one of a kind. The Designers and their collections: Andazi- Andazi, Maureen Navarette-His Glory Designs, Francis Alfaro- Heartink, Saskia Alejos-Saskia Alejos, Adrian Rocker-Iconic, Char- A list Fashion, Joris Graniel- Joris Hendrick, Daniel Torres- Jada’s, Gabriel Garcia- GMX, Julie McCord- Julie Mango and John Vejerano- John Vejerano. Quite a line up.

International Sources

Panama Diplomat Killed in Belize; Suspect Detained
Authorities in Belize say they have detained a man suspected of killing a Panamanian diplomat. Jose Rodrigo De La Rosa was charge d'affaires at the Panamanian embassy in Belmopan, the capital of Belize. His body was found late Sunday near a highway on the outskirts of the city with cut wounds on his head and neck. The spokeswoman for Panama's Foreign Affairs Ministry said Wednesday a three-member team of investigators and diplomats had been sent to Belize to familiarize themselves with the case. Spokeswoman Monica de Leon said De La Rosa was a 64-year-old career diplomat. The ministry said he had served in various postings, including in Canada, Bolivia, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and Israel.

Death of Winnipeg man in Belize under investigation
Officers launched an investigation into the death of a Winnipeg man in Belize, on the coast of northern Central America, earlier in the week. Winnipegger James Searles, 59, was found dead in a river in Belize. Superintendent Dinsdale Thompson of St. Ignacio Police said the newlywed had just arrived in Belize to reunite with his wife, Nicole Warner. The Canadians spent Saturday, Nov. 22, night together in St. Ignacio after Warner picked up Searles at the airport. They shared some drinks before going to sleep that night at Warner’s home in Bullet Tree, a village just outside of St. Ignacio. “They stopped at a location got some beers. When they got to St. Ignacio town, they stopped at another store and got a quantity of rum, which they went to their home and they consumed, ” said Spt. Thompson.

These spider monkeys kill their male infants
Male infanticide among mammals is quite common, and infants of either sex can be killed. But a new study of spider monkeys has found that, in this species, only the male infants are targeted. What's more, the infants were all from the monkeys' own social groups. Over 119 species of mammal are known to commit infanticide, including about 35 primate species. But in spider monkeys infanticide has only been previously recorded five times. A new long-term field project has now recorded this behaviour again in three separate suspected incidents. The researchers now believe that it may be more common than was originally thought. The report in Primate Journal proposes that males commit infanticide due to sexual competition between the males in the group. If there are too many new males, the competition would only get worse.

Technology to the Endangered Language Rescue?
Much has been written on how technology is helping endangered languages. Creative as they are, online dictionaries, mobile apps, interactive graphics and dedicated keyboards can't by themselves resuscitate or maintain a language. But as part of a larger cultural revitalization effort, technology can help. As William Brennan wrote last year in The New Yorker: "Simply embedding endangered languages into the keyboards of smartphones will not save them. But, keeping these languages enmeshed in the fabric of daily life--which, particularly for the newer, younger speakers who are key to these languages' survival, means being a viable way to communicate through technology--is the only way they will have even a slim hope of surviving." With all the emphasis on high tech, modest community radio stations are reaching thousands of people with easily accessible and low cost technology. They provide forums for indigenous peoples to listen and talk in their own language. Some are specifically geared toward revitalizing languages, like Cultural Survival's network of 80 radio stations in Guatemala, El Salvador and Belize. Others, like Radio Indonesia's Balinese programs, have developed organically. How many people still listen to the radio?

Top Picks: World’s most exciting caves
10 - Belize: Mayan Ceremonial Site In the Cayo District of Belize, the Maya archaeological site of Actun Tunichil Muknal is especially captivating for its evidence of what is thought to be Mayan ceremonial sacrifices. Skeletons, ceramics and stoneware still lie within the cave walls, alongside cave formations that were modified by the Mayans to create shadows or silhouettes against the light that streams in. Tourist numbers are limited to preserve the cave and its artefacts.

National Car Rental expands Emerald Club in Latin America
Frequent travelers to Latin America can now experience the speed, choice and convenience offered through National Car Rental's award-winning Emerald Club loyalty program. National has expanded its Emerald Club Priority Service to airport locations in Aruba, Belize, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Curacao, Peru, Uruguay, Trinidad & Tobago and Tortola. "As National Car Rental continues its Emerald Club expansion in Latin America, we're pleased to provide membership benefits to more of our customers," said Rob Connors, assistant vice president of brand marketing, National Car Rental.

Videos

Video: Belize Night Dive, 10min.

Video: Belize, 12min.
Slide show of Belize Dive trip live aboard.

Video: The Great Blue Hole, Belize, 21min.
Dive trip to the Great Blue Hole in Belize on November 17, 2014 with Frenchie's Diving on Caye Caulker.

Video: Belize Night Dive Green Moray and Snapper, 1min.
Green Moray out and about fishing on a Night Dive with a Snapper at Hol Chan Marine Reserve Ambergris Cay Belize.

Video: Belize 2014 Video, 14min.

Video: Belize trip 2012, 4min.
Group of Old Dominion students take a trip to Belize for a study abroad course. With our leader Dr. Butler, we explore and learn about the various ecosystems found within the marine world.

November 26, 2014

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Parliamentarian Resigns; Bi-election to be held in Cayo North on January 5th
The two leading political parties have to be ready when the GG issues the Election Writ which gives them a minimum or 15 days or a maximum of 21 days before the bi-election. While the UDP has elected Dr Omar Figueroa as their standard, the PUP is yet to identify who will be their candidate. They had originally hoped to have had that candidate by January 2015, but with Mahmud’s unexpected decision, the PUP is forced to have their candidate within 15 days in the worst-case scenario. Two names have surged as possible candidates for the PUP, including well-known Attorney Michel Chebat and well-known businessman Richard Harrison. Mahmud’s decision is also making history in Belize’s politics. That is because since 1981, there has only been two bi-elections that have been called – the two were forced by circumstances. The first was to replace Derek Aikman in Freetown in 1992 after he was forced to step down after declaring bankruptcy. The second was October of 2013 in Cayo South which was forced by the death of Agripino Cawich who lost his fight with cancer. But this is the first time in Belize’s political history that a bi-election is being called by the voluntary resignation of a parliamentarian. Political observers believe that PUP will fight to retain the PUP seat in Cayo North that will keep the UDP on their toes with a very slim majority in the House of Representative. But the UDP will try to regain the UDP strong hold to stretch their slim majority and to check and flex their strength ahead of the municipal elections scheduled in seven towns and two cities on March 4, 2015.

Belizeans dominate Mexican fishing tournament in Mahahual
The Belizean fishing teams of San Pedro Town dominated the 3rd Annual Wahoo de Plata Sport Fishing tournament in Mahahual Quintana Roo, Mexico. The two-day event took place on the 22nd and 23rd of November, and five teams from Ambergris Caye participated. Following two days of intense fishing, the Reel Challenge Team headed by Enrique Marin of San Pedro Town captured the championship. According to organizer of the fishing tournament Carlos Zafra Perez, the tournament ended up being a great success for the many sea and fishing aficionados despite the forecast which called for bad weather. “The prediction for bad weather discouraged many fishermen from entering the tournament. However, the tournament also attracted avid and serious fishermen from outside of the state and from Belize,” said Zafra Perez.

The Battle is on for the semi-finals at the Mayor’s Cup Tournament
It’s been four weeks since the Mayor’s Cup Five-a-side Football Tournament started, and the semi-finals are near. There are four spots available, and one team that doesn’t have to fight for one is Dorados FC, who has automatically earned a spot for being the leading team throughout the tournament. With only one more week of games in the regular tournament season, the teams played extra hard on Saturday, November 22nd and Sunday, November 23rd, trying to gain some much needed points. In the first game on Saturday, November 22nd Eagles FC faced off against Green House FC. It was a grueling match and neither team wanted to lose, but in the end, the victory went to Eagles FC with a 5-4 point game. Pro Divers FC defeated Island Pure FC in the second game of the night in a 3-1 point game. In the third game, the unstoppable Dorados FC easily defeated Warriors FC with a 4-1 score. Swampedrito Lazy Boyz faced off against Airstrip Taxi Strikers FC in the fourth match. The game ended in a 4-2 win for the Swampedrito Lazy Boyz. FC Aluminum Fabricators narrowly defeated Venecia del Caribe in the final game of the night in a 2-1 point game.

Ambergris Today

Saga Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Top Chef Challenge
Celebrate the Saga Humane Society 15th anniversary with Saga Humane Society on Tuesday December 16, 2014, cook-off style. In closing out the year, Fido’s Restaurant and Bar will host the Saga Humane Society December cook off where the 2014 Saga Top Chef will be crowned. Ambergris Caye’s best chefs and 2014 Cook Off winners will be invited to participate in the cook off. The theme for this last cook off will be “chef’s choice” and is expected to draw a record crowd. Seating is limited to 75 total and VIP seats will be extended to the first 15 reservations. Fido’s Restaurant and Bar will be donating $1.00 directly to Saga for each draft and local rum drink sold during the event and will be serving their full menu.

Gaia Riverlodge in Top 10 Eco Resorts in Smith Hotel Awards
In a recent series of environmental initiatives, GAÏA Riverlodge is also one of the only five properties in Belize to be Green Globe Certified. The hotel prides itself in upholding the highest standard of sustainability and recently developed a fresh vegetable garden on-site, where guests can now enjoy hyper-local cuisine at GAÏA's acclaimed restaurant.

Belize Fashion Week 2014 Highlights Belizean Designers
But Fashion Week was also a great platform for new designers like 16-year-old Saskia Alejos who is still attending San Pedro High School, but has a passion for clothing designing. She was one of the designers whose line shined bright on the runway over the weekend. Char Tolentino is also a local from Ambergris Caye who amazed the audience with a stunning collection of sexy swimwear. Needless to say, Belize Fashion Week was very entertaining and a great opportunity for all the designers who participated including the bevy of beautiful models from around the country who also took the event as an opportunity to steer their modeling careers.

Misc Belizean Sources

Bloody Violence Or just Good Chocolate?
Ok my Friends! Help needed! Had a chocolate accident yesterday and was sure refreshing! The belt gave up on our new BIG machine, placed a new one in, started it and kicked chocolate all our me!!!!!!!. All in a mad rush to have enough quality, high-end Mayan chocolate for Christmas. I need someone to come clean me while it is still available.

US Ambassador to Belize visits Corozal
Ambassador Moreno visited the Corozal district! The Ambassador met with the General Manager of Fruta Bomba Limited, Mr. Gilbert Vivas, who facilitated a guided tour of the papaya plantations in San Joaquin Village. He also visited the Belize Fruit Packers in San Andres Village. In addition, Ambassador Moreno visited the Corozal Free Zone, where he met with Chairman, David Akierman. He also took the opportunity to tour local community and also meet with American Citizens living in Corozal. What else should Ambassador Moreno know about Corozal Town? (6 photos)

Corozal Predators’ Basketball Team
The Corozal Predators’ Basketball Team makes two local sport headlines in the neighbouring state of Quintana Roo, Mexico within the last three weeks of competition. This past weekend, the Predators won over Chetumal to take the First Place lead in Bacalar with the final win against Cancun. The Predators are hoping to make national headlines in that country as they travel to the state of Guerrero, Mexico to face off on a 10 Teams Tournament. The Corozal Daily wishes the Preds, organizing staff and fans the best of luck. We thank all the financial supporters on their behalf.

The Gateway Youth Center officially opened today in Belize City
The Center is an intiative of the Community Action for Public Safety (CAPS) Project, which is funded through a loan facility between the Inter-American Development Bank and the Government of Belize. The project is being executed by the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, and is a part of the Education Support Services of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. The Gateway Youth Center offers organized instructional programs and support services under the following categories: Literacy and Math program, Afterschool Programs, Re-entry and outside referral services and family support services. Equipped with classrooms, offices, auditorium, security and recreational facilities, the Center provides a safe environment and is the ideal location for creating opportunities for youth. Youth must register in order to participate in the programs being offered by the Center. To find out more or register, contact a Youth Officer at 227-0840 or visit the Center at Dakers Street.

Power interruptions scheduled for Orange Walk and Corozal Districts on Saturday, November 29
7:00am – 3:00pm: San Antonio Road from Orange Walk Town to San Felipe including Yo Creek, Trinidad, August Pine Ridge, San Antonio, and Santa Cruz. Also 7:00am to 11:00am: San Lorenzo to Progresso including San Roman, San Luis, San Jose, San Pablo, San Juan, Douglas, Buena Vista and Caledonia; and 7:00-7:30am and 3:00-3:30pm: Blue Creek. BEL to replace utility poles and conduct repairs on high voltage lines.

Captive parrot licensing program
Just in case anyone is unaware of the captive parrot licensing program run by the Forest department. All indigenous captive parrots in Belize require a permit. The permitting program will end January 1st 2015. The permits last from the day of issue until the death of the bird. From Jan 1st 2015, nobody will be able to apply for a new permit. Anyone found in possession of an indigenous parrot without a permit will have the bird seized and they will face prosecution. Ignorance of the law will in future cease to become a valid excuse. You can find details of the program at the link below, as well as download a permit application and the standards of minimum care that have to be met before the issuance of a permit. There is no fee for a licence to keep a parrot.

Channel 7

New Year, New Representative For Cayo North
The New Year will start off with a bang for the voters of Cayo North - and that's because the date for the by-election has been set for the fifth of January 2015. The Governor General has signed the writ of election - and set nomination day for 20 days from now, on Monday December 15th. The election will be held 21 days after that on Monday, January fifth. And while that total of 41 days is fairly quick - we're told that the Barrow administration would have wished for it to be sooner - but the Christmas holidays got in the way of that plan.

GF of Accused Teenaged Male Says Diplomat Tried To Rape Him
But, first to news of a compelling story coming out of the murder of Panamanian Diplomat, Jose Rodrigo De la Rosa Stanford. As we told you last night police were quick to detain the prime suspect and even recover the Charge D' Affairs stolen vehicle. Tonight they are preparing to charge an 18 year old male for the crime. But, there's a disturbing counter narrative that has appeared. It's being led by the girlfriend of the accused. She's not saying he's innocent - she says that the teenager was acting in self defence, as he fought off an unwelcome sexual advance from the 64 year old diplomat.

Hon. Elrington Has To Speak To Panamanian Counterparts
And while the narrative and the confession from the 18 year old should serve to ease the scare in the diplomatic community - the ugly details make it no easier for Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington who has to communicate the news to his Panamanian counterpart. Today, we caught Elrington as he was heading into a cabinet meeting. He told us that he has been in contact with the Panamanian Government to assure them that the authorities in Belize are doing all they can to bring De La Rosa's killer to justice: Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs "My understanding is that he was seeing leaving his apartment at the Marina Towers on Sunday morning and then his body was found sometime on Sunday afternoon. So it was a 12 hour period within which this incident occurred. It's a very unfortunate situation. We are very saddened about it, exceedingly saddened. I had met the Ambassador, he was only been here for a brief while and I think everybody who came across him were impressed with him. They liked him very much and he was very enthusiastic, he really wanted to get the airline coming out of Panama into Belize as quickly as possible.

Hon. Fonseca Says The Blame Is On Mahmud
As we told you at the top of the news, there's going to be an election in January. That's in Cayo North - a division that went blue in the last election - but, right now it's up for grabs after the Area Representative Joseph Mahmud resigned yesterday. The UDP hopes it can re-claim the seat which it controlled consistently up until 1998 - while the PUP is hoping to hold on in an area where they currently have no elected standard bearer. Making it harder for the PUP is the fact that the outgoing standard bearer Joseph Mahmud will clearly not help his successor, whoever that will be. How do we know that? Well, he didn't tell his party leader he was resigning, and the party leader says that he didn't even tell his committee. At a press briefing at Independence Hall this morning, Opposition Leader Fonseca admitted to being caught off guard:.. Jules Vasquez "Is it something that you might have expected or were you caught off guard?" Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition "Yes I would say that I was not anticipating that that would happen. If it were to happen I thought it would may have happen later on and not so quickly."

Hon. Espat Deflects Blame For Mahmud Departure
As you heard, the PUP will also be moving shortly to name a candidate, but first it has to do some house-keeping. The historic Mahmud resignation is like a body blow - and the political subtext is that the first blow against Mahmud was thrown by Deputy Leader for the West, Julius Espat. Ever since the 2012 election, he and Mahmud have been jostling for control of the west: Mahmud was chair of the Western Caucus, and Espat the Deputy for the West. Mahmud's supporters say he was eventually boxed out of that position as Chairman - and that was through the calculation of Julius Espat. Now, that is only one side of the story. Today, in Belmopan we got the other, when Espat answered the media's questions about the perceived tension between him and Mahmud. Reporter "Sir, would you say it was irresponsible for him not to notify the party and the party leader?"

Hon. Elrington Says UDP In Gear
And while the PUP tries to move on from finger-pointing to candidate picking, is the UDP's plan? We know they are eager to get it over with quickly, and we tried to speak with Prime Minister Dean Barrow about it when he came out of the Cabinet meeting this afternoon, but he told us that he couldn't grant an interview because he was running late. We did get a chance to speak with Attorney General Wilfred Elrington about the UDP's take on Mahmud's abrupt departure: Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs "That's a crisis for the People's United Party and they seem to be lurching from one crisis to the next. I am hoping that in fact the leader Francis Fonseca is not going to be adversely affected by it. These things normally have unintended consequences and I am certain that this kind of resignation brings really great pressure on him. He has been having a difficult time so far and I don't think this helps him. But certainly one has got to commend Mahmud for being principle. I imagine he is taking a principle position on matters of a political nature. I myself had at one time gone off on my own dependently, so these happens with politicians, so again, part of the reality of our democratic system, I think it's healthy. I think it is good that people can feel strong enough about an issue to be prepared to resign."

Will PUP Take Petrocaribe Funded Christmas Cheer
As we said, Petrocaribe is expected to factor significantly into this Cayo North election. Indeed, it is the driving force behind politics right now - and if you don't believe that, just ask the thousands who were rolled up to Belmopan to defend the programme a week ago. Petrocaribe is being used principally for infrastructure projects, but it is also used the Christmas Cheer programme. Last year Christmas, the opposition got shared into the Cheer programme with an allotment - albeit a lesser one - for each PUP representative. But, they took it - one prominent opposition member even asked for it in cash to reimburse himself for toys he had already bought. But, that was before the Petrocaribe challenge - since then the PUP has gone to court to try and shut down the programme as unauthorized spending.

11 Year Old Alleges Gang Rape
There is a very disturbing case of rape to report tonight - it involves an 11 year old primary girl who is alleging that she was gang raped by four men on the southside of Belize City. She told police she doesn't know all their names - but one suspect was charged today. He is 22 year old Wilfred Ramirez of Iguana Street - and she says it happened at his house late last week. He was charged with a single count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a female child under the age of 14. Ramirez who was unrepresented asked to speak in court and told the Chief magistrate, Anne Marie Smith that he is being wrongfully accused. He said he had asked for an identification parade but got none. He also said he has been detained for four days until he was charged today. He claims he even asked for a DNA test but that too was denied.

Cops and DPP Going Separate Ways
As we've been telling you since yesterday, the killing of the Panamanian Diplomat, Jose Rodrigo De la Rosa Stanford, is a high-profile case being treated in a sensitive manner. And while you might think that all authorities at the state level are being engaged to ensure that the prosecution airtight when it goes to the Supreme Court, that's not so. That's what we found out today when we contacted the Director of Public Prosecutions to inquire about her office's input into the investigation at this time. She told us that her office has not been sought for any advice on how the investigator may proceed to ensure that a prosecutable case is brought against the accused person. Typically, after a case is investigated, the DPP's Office would advise investigators on what evidence they would need to lead a successful prosecution.

Police: Fixing Up From The Inside Out
We know police love the get-tough approach, but the Eastern Police Division is trying to transform its headquarters into a customer friendly environment. A workshop was held on Customer care for 20 police officers today at the Raccoon Street Police station. Instead of learning about suppression techniques or weapons handling, they got training in topics such as effective communication skills, front desk management and job etiquette. Courtney Weatherburne found out more:.. Courtney Weatherburne reporting Usually the focus of a gathering of police officers such as this would be on weighty matters such as crime control and follow up meetings on ongoing cases. But that was not the focus of today's gathering. These officers are participating in a Customer Care and Front Desk Services Training. Douglas Hyde, Police Press Officer "The idea of the training is to better their skills, of course their approach, their public relation when dealing with the general public when they walk in and these officers who are participating in this two days training are the front line workers. These are the persons when any person walk within the precincts or headquarters here, these are the persons that they will see."

Licenses Discarded In Dirt
If ever there comes a time when you can't find your driver's license - you might want to go to the City Council Compound at mile 4 on the Western Highway where there's a virtual cemetery for them. Today, these pictures of carelessly discarded licenses went viral on Facebook. We found them at the very back of the Belize City council works department compound where some had been recently burned while others were just strewn around the fire. City Councillor Dean Samuels went on Facebook to say that the Council has to discard licenses that accumulate over time. He said they were at the city dump - but in fact they are not.

A Gateway To A New Future
The Gateway Youth Center- it is an initiation of the Community Action for Public Safety Project which aims at creating constructive use of free time for teenagers. The educational, social and recreational facility caters to both males and females who are in school and need additional tutoring and support as well as those out of school youths who wish to re-enroll in an educational institution. Today the official opening of the youth center was held and 7news was there. The project is funded through the Inter-American Development Bank and the Government of Belize. The youth center provides instructional programs such as Literacy and Math, afterschool program, re-entry and outside referral services and family services. It's equipped with classrooms, offices, auditorium, security and recreational facilities. If you are between the ages of 13 and 19, you can contact a youth officer at telephone number 2-2-7-0-8-4-0 to register to participate in the programs offered.

Yasmin and Patrick Call Names
As the three term representative in the Collet Division Patrick Faber is considered very difficult to unseat. But don't tell that to his new opponent Yasmin Shoman. She's been waging an active campaign on social media - and challenging Faber to do something about the living conditions in his division - which is one of the poorest in the country. Yesterday Faber told the media that she should have done something about it when she was in municipal office:.. Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education "To work in the division, continuing our efforts to improve the quality of life for the residence of Collet. I am going to be the first to admit and to agree with Ms. Shoman that in terms of the infrastructure, it has never been what we want it to be, but it is given that it is in an area that is difficult to develop. I would want her to show us her plan as to how she will eradicate the London bridges over Crooman Lagoon. If she can tell us that then I'll let you know. If she can show us where she is going to get the money to fill up Crooman Lagoon, so that no London Bridges are there. It will be a great initiative. I am nor even sure the Petrocaribe funds would be enough. It's a sink hole."

Bze Will Have New Mex Ambassador
Belize will have a new Mexican Ambassador. He is Carlos Quesnel Meléndez. Quesnel holds a Mexican law degree and did graduate studies at the Institute of International Law and Comparative Constitutional Law at the University of Zurich. He also has a Masters degree in International Law from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Switzerland. He joined the Mexican Foreign Service in 1990. He has served at the Embassy in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Channel 5

Bye-Election for Cayo North Set for January 2015
Joseph Mahmud handed in his resignation to the offices of the Speaker of the House on Monday indicating that with immediate effect, he was stepping down as P.U.P. Area Representative [...]

P.U.P. Leader Says Joe Mahmud Disrespected the Party
  The People’s United Party is still reeling from the devastating blow it has suffered in the wake of that announcement.  Party Leader Francis Fonseca has gone on record to [...]

Francis Fonseca Says P.U.P. Cayo North Campaign will be Spirited
While the date for the upcoming bye-election has been set for January fifth, 2015, opposition leader Francis Fonseca says that the P.U.P. will lead a spirited campaign in Cayo North, [...]

Did Wilser Chavarria Kill Panamanian Diplomat?
Tonight, eighteen year old San Martin resident Wilser Chavarria is being held by Belmopan Police, and we are told he will be charged for murder by Wednesday. Chavarria is the [...]

Panamanian Officials Arrive in Belize
This afternoon, high level representatives from the Panamanian government landed at the P.G.I.A. to deal with the gruesome murder of one of their own.  While they declined an interview, News [...]

Francis Says Mahmud’s Abrupt Resignation was a Poor Decision
The unceremonious stepping down of Joseph Mahmud on Monday as a duly elected area representative for Cayo North is raising serious concerns about the integrity and unity of the P.U.P.  [...]

Is P.U.P. Western Caucus a House Divided?
Prior to Mahmud’s resignation, there were reports of contention within the P.U.P. Western Caucus.  The rift was said to be between Deputy Party Leader, Julius Espat, and former chairman Mahmud [...]

Boots on Mahmud
The issue of Joseph Mahmud’s resignation as Cayo North area was also discussed at today’s Cabinet meeting.  News Five also raised the issue with Minister Anthony “Boots” Martinez on what [...]

“Robbery” Charged with Drug Possession
Well-known criminal figure, Kareem Lopez, aka “Robbery” was back before the court today to answer to a single charge of Possession of a Controlled Drug, being ten grams of marijuana. [...]

Attorney General Comments on Office of D.P.P.
Last week, News Five broke the story of a memo from Assistant Commissioner of Police Russell Blackett to all formation commanders. In that memo, dated September twenty-fourth, Blackett directs that [...]

Expired Drivers Licenses, Are They Being Disposed of Properly?
Earlier today, there were reports that driver’s licenses were being incinerated at the garbage dump near mile three on the George Price Highway. Residents of Belize City were incensed that [...]

Mayor Darrell Bradley on Moratorium on Taxi License Plates
On Monday evening, dozens of taxi operators representing various unions and associations across Belize City participated in a public consultation where they shared opinions on an existing moratorium on the [...]

Youth Center Opens in Belize City
The Getaway Youth Center was officially opened today at the Gwen Lizarraga Compound. The facility is intended for use by youths between thirteen to nineteen years to channel positive behavioral [...]

Police Officers Receive Training in Customer Service
The Police Training Academy in Belmopan is the location where officers of the department get the necessary physical training and knowledge to arrest crime. But while they get physical training, [...]

OCEANA Rides for Belize
OCEANA’s Ride for Belize begins this Thursday in Corozal where participants will ride-off on a four day ride across the Jewel. The OCEANA initiative is intended to create awareness on [...]

CTV3

Negotiations To Resume Between BSI/ASR And BSCFA After Meeting With SICB
At a critical point in the state of affairs of the Sugar Industry a long awaited breakthrough has finally been made. There will be a crop and negotiations between the Belize Sugar Industry and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association will restart. This was agreed upon following a meeting among representatives of the BSCFA, BSI and the Sugar Industry Control Board. The meeting took over four hours and at the end of the discussion, which at points became very tense, all parties agreed on three important points. Chairman of the SICB Gabriel Martinez spoke with the media but refrained from going into much details of the discussion. Here is an unedited interview with Martinez. “The Sugar Industry Control Board met this afternoon to consider the request of the BSCFA and the points in the agenda was basically two of them; one was an update of the negotiation between the BSI/ASR and BSCFA as well the start of crop, as we agreed for the sanity and the good advancement of the negotiations, wish to first of all give thanks to all the parties that were involved, the BSCFA, BSI and representatives from government as well as independent members all parties agreed that we should start crop no delay of the crop and they also agreed that they are going to carry on the process of going back to the negotiations on the issue of the starting of the crop and I must say that it means a lot for the industry and basically, I wish not to comment on any details because that was agreed on and basically that is all what I can say.”

Opposition Leader Response To Mahmud Resignation
Yesterday we told you about the abrupt official resignation of PUP Area Representative for cayo North, Joseph Mahmud. The move comes shortly after Mahmud had stepped down from contesting the next general elections. And while there is the public debate on why or what his reasons were for resigning from the party, today the People’s United Party held a briefing at its headquarters in Belize City. Party Leader Francis Fonseca says while Mahmuds decision to not inform the party reflects poorly on him, the party will move on with an intensive campaign for Cayo North. Here is that clip provided with the help from our colleagues at 7news. Francis Fonseca – Party Leader, PUP “And in fact, that is where we are today, moving forward and yes disappointed the Mr. Mamud has resigned from the National Assembly and I think that his decision to do so and let me make it clear that his decision to do so without a consulting the party, without informing the party, without informing his executive in Cayo North, I think reflects poorly on him and I view that as disrespectful to the party.”

Suspect Detained For Diplomats Murder
Belmopan police have one man detained in connection to the murder of Panamanian diplomat Jose Rodrigo De La Rosa and he should be facing charges no later than tomorrow. Authorities have also recovered the missing vehicle and personal belongings of De La Rosa including his cellular phone. The vehicle was found in another area in Belmopan. As has been reported, the body of sixty-four year old was found in the La Choza area in West Belmopan on Sunday evening. He had sustained cut wounds to his neck and head according to police. According to reports from other media, police were led to a person of interest who gave a caution statement and then led them to the vehicle hidden in some bushes.

Corozal Police To Set Christmas Anti-Crime Operational Orders
Each year law enforcement agencies around the country “beef up” their presence on the streets and security measures to curb crime especially during this holiday season. As is customary every year, formations across the nation launch their crime prevention campaigns. And while we have yet to hear of Orange Walk Police’s plans for public security during the holidays, the Corozal Police have launched their operations to minimize crime in that municipality. We spoke to Officer Commanding the formation, Andrew Ramirez who elaborated on the initiative. “On a national level, because first I just want to mention that whatever Corozal is doing is basically on a national level; every formation must step up their patrols so what we have in place is the annual Christmas Anti-Crime Operational Orders, that Orders run from November 16th 2014 to January 15th 2015, what that does is that on a daily basis the police will have to be out in strength until 10pm Sunday to Sunday, there is ten additional officers minimum that have to do additional patrols.”

Education Department Urges Parental Involvement In Schools
That education is important for every child cannot be overstated but what happens when a parent is not as involved in their child’s or children’s’ education? Or perhaps the better question for many parents is why get involved in their education? The answer is not too much of a surprise. Research shows that when parents are involved in their children’s education they get better grades, have better attendance, obtain higher graduation rates, and get this – they develop better self-esteem, use less drug and alcohol, and have less violent behaviors. Now while the benefits are many, being involved can prove a bit difficult for some parents, particularly parents who work. The matter is an important one, and it is especially important for education officials here in Orange Walk. According to Education Center Manager, Carla Alvarez, the lack of parent participation can prove a bit overbearing. “As the child gets older we find out that we don’t see the parents as much and we have gotten to the point where there are some principals who have started to complain and starting to say that the parents are coming to us and say I can’t control my child, you discipline my child, in those communities what we are doing because we have certain communities that we have targeted, we have started what we call parenting sessions; right now we have started in Guinea Grass R.C school and we are working along with the Human Development Department and what we want to do is that we want to foster and we want to help the parent to work on their parenting skills because parental involvement is very important in a lot of communities the parent think that it is the teachers job to educate the child but it is everybody business.”

Renovation Of Orange Walk Well Underway
While you may have seen road and rehabilitation works around the Town Core, you may have drove past the orange Walk central park and seen the works being done there. It’s a great development project for the North but many residents came to us with concerns on the projects timing. Most of the people we spoke to off camera said, they could not understand why they took this “holiday” season to start on the project. Despite the concern, we are happy to report that the park works are coming along just as planned. As we have previously reported, the project is expected to be completed by February of next year. The project is one in collaboration with the Social Investment Fund, Government of Belize and the Orange Walk Town Council.

Dalla Taxi, A Main Issue Among Other Taxi Associations
And while we were filming at the park, we were approached by several persons who had concerns surrounding the operation of the “Dollar Taxis” in Town. It’s been a highly debated topic among other taxi operators who have strict laws to follow as they form part of several taxi associations. But for these Dollar Taxis, the people we spoke too claim that these operators have no regulations to follow or designated parking areas and is creating a traffic issue. We have been informed from reliable taxi operators that suggestions to set a designated parking spot for these dollar taxis and having them operate beyond the two traffic lights would ease the worries of many, but up to date, not much has been done. We’ll take a closer look at this developing story in our subsequent newscasts.

Woman Claiming She Was Robbed, Charge For Mischievous Act
Tonight a couple is in custody at the Corozal Police Department, pending charges for mischievous act. According to Corozal’s Commanding Officer, Andrew Ramirez, on Sunday night Nailea Cardenas was heading back home after spending some time with her aunt in the village of Xaibe in the Corozal District, when she was allegedly robbed. Cardenas told authorities that around 7:45pm she was riding her bicycle towards her house when a man whom she did not recognize came out of nowhere and punched her on the left eye causing her to fall off her bicycle and hit her head on the ground. Cardenas further stated to police that somehow she got up and ran back to her aunt’s home. But not before her attacker managed to get a hold of her purse which contained her cellular phone valued at $600.00bcy and $300.00 in cash. Cardenas was taken to the Corozal Community Hospital where doctors classified her injuries as harm. But why was the woman charged for mischievous act? Today when we caught up with Officer Commanding the Corozal Police Department, Andrew Ramirez, he expanded on the findings of the investigation.

LOVE FM

Elrington Speaks on Diplomats Death
According to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington, the murder of Jose De la Rosa would not affect any diplomatic relationship between Belize and Panama. MINISTER WILFRED ELRINGTON “I am very saddened about it, exceedingly saddened. I had meet the ambassador, he has only been here for a brief while and I think everybody who came across him were impressed with him and liked him very much and he was very enthusiastic he really wanted to get the airline coming out of Panama into Belize as quickly as possible. I know that was a project he was working on with a great deal of enthusiasm. I was very disappointed to hear of his passing. Our police have been doing excellent work however and I am told in fact they are just about to charge someone for the offense, they have recovered his cellphone, vehicle and they have gotten a caution statement so if there is anything that is good about that situation it is that in fact police have done an excellent job in seeming to resolve that problem.” HIPOLITO NOVELO “Does this hinder the relationship between Belize and Panama?” MINISTER WILFRED ELRINGTON “Absolutely not, people understand that these things happen, it doesn’t reflect on the government. Crimes are committed all over the world and every minute of the day so they understand that. Panama is an exceedingly mature society and government and they understand that these things happen in the scheme of things.”

18 Year Old Charged For The Murder of Panama Diplomat in Belize
Belmopan police is waiting to charged one man for the murder of 64 year old Jose Rodrigo De la Rosa, the Charge d’ Affaires for the Panama Embassy in Belize. In most cases, we are unable to release the name of the person detained until he is charged, but his family spoke to the media giving us his side of the story and permission to use his name. And so tonight, we can tell you 18 year old Winsor Chavarria is in a holding cell and expected to be charged sometime tomorrow. Today the story took an unusual twist; Chavarria’s family told reporters that Chavarria acted in self defense. The family said that De la Rosa made unwelcome sexual advances on Chavarria. Hipolito Novelo has the details. Sixty four year old, Charge d’ Affaires for the Panama Embassy, José Rodrigo De La Rosa was found dead on Sunday evening in the Las Flores Area in Belmopan. He was found with a cut wound to the thought and injuries to the head. His accused murderer, 18 year old Winsor Chavarria of the San Martin Area, is behind bars waiting to be charged with murder. However, his common law wife, who asked to appear off camera, told us, that Chavarria acted in self defense after Del la Rosa, made unwanted sexual advances on him.

PlusTV

Suspect in diplomat’s murder alleges self defence
On Monday we told you about the murder of Panamanian Diplomat Jose Rodrigo De La Rosa Standford, whose body was reportedly found around 4 o clock on Sunday evening about a quarter mile from La Chosa in Western Belmopan. Very little information was available as the police remained tight lipped in their handling of information regarding this case; however now we have been able to confirm that a man from the Las Flores Area, Belmopan, has been detained pending charges. The man, who is only 18 years of age, accused of the heinous murder, lead police to recover De La Rosa’s missing white vehicle which had been hidden in the bushes. All in all it seemed like the closure of a high profile murder. However the story took a bizarre turn when the common law wife of the detained spoke to the media outside the police station, claiming her common-law husband acted in self-defence, when he allegedly killed the Panamanian Diplomat.

Couple relaxing on veranda shot at
28-year-old Kareem Morris, a fisherman of Belama Phase 3, Belize City, reported that about 11:30pm on Sunday November 23, he was on the veranda of his residence, along with his common-law wife, when a clear complexion man, wearing a brown shirt, long jeans pants and black cap approached them. Upon reaching about 15 feet away from them he pointed what appeared to be a 9mm pistol at them and fired several gunshots in their direction. No one was injured; however, the cement wall of his residence was damaged. The man then ran towards the Haulover Creek and made good his escape. Three 9mm expended shells and (2) fragments were retrieved from the scene. Police investigations continue.

Amandala

Panamanian diplomat murdered in Belmopan
Belmopan police are presently attempting to unravel the circumstances surrounding the shocking death of the Charge d’ Affaires of the Panamanian Embassy in Belize whose lifeless body was reportedly found, with cut wounds to the neck and head, at about 4:00 p.m. yesterday, November 23, in the western part of Belize’s capital, Belmopan. Today, police reported that the mutilated body of Jose Rodrigo De La Rosa Stanford, 64, was discovered about ¾ mile from the La Chosa area, and sometime this evening, his vehicle, a white Nissan with diplomatic license plates, which had been stolen, was recovered by police. While authorities have launched an investigation into the apparent homicide, details of the events leading up to the grisly death of De La Rosa Stanford remain unknown, and while we have confirmed that an associate of De La Rosa is currently detained and being interrogated by police, it is still unclear whether was De La Rosa killed in the area where his body was found, or if he was killed elsewhere and his body left in the area near La Chosa, where it was found by police on Sunday evening.

Bombshell: Mahmud resigns!
Since the Immigration scandal broke last year September, there have been calls for Elvin Penner, Cayo Northeast area representative of the ruling United Democratic Party, to resign from Parliament – a move which would be unprecedented in Belize’s parliamentary democracy. Although legally the provisions do exist for such a departure from electoral politics, it has never happened in Belize; that is, until this morning when the National Assembly received a resignation letter – although it was not Penner’s. It was the sudden, bombshell farewell of the PUP’s Cayo North area rep, Joseph Mahmud, who had resigned as the PUP’s standard-bearer for that division last month but who had indicated that he would continue to serve until the general elections, scheduled for 2017. The unexpected resignation of Mahmud in the middle of his first term, and with immediate effect, is unparalleled in Belize’s electoral history. In 1992, Derek Aikman, then Freetown rep for the UDP, was forced to resign due to having been declared bankrupt. In 1975, Vicente Choco crossed the floor from the UDP to the PUP, and in 1989, it was Stanley Usher who did the same, crossing from the UDP over to the PUP.

Epilepic found dead in pit latrine
Herbert Francis, 33, a resident of Eldridgeville, Punta Gorda, who suffered from seizures, yesterday was found dead in a pit latrine with his feet up and his head at the bottom of the latrine. Police took him out, and took him to the Punta Gorda Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. Francis suffered a seizure and fell head-first into the pit, causing him to suffocate. He was found about 10 hours after he fell into the pit, police said. No foul play is suspected, and the death has been ruled to have resulted from a seizure and suffocation.

Ellis Meighan, Jr., remanded for attempted murder of Carlos “Zimbab” Abraham
Two persons, Ellis Meighan, Jr., and a 17-year-old minor, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith, who arraigned them on attempted murder and related charges this morning. Police charged the two with the attempted murder of Carlos “Zimbab” Abraham, 43, a reputed “general” of the George Street gang. No plea was taken from the two accused, because attempted murder is an indictable offense and will be heard in the Supreme Court if the prosecution can make out a prima facie case against Meighan and the minor when the matter comes up for a preliminary inquiry. In addition to the attempted murder charge, Meighan and the minor are also facing charges of use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm against Abraham.

Mexican girl, 16, reported missing in Belize
Noemi Briceño Trapp, 16, a Mexican national of Chetumal, Mexico, whose grandparents and other family members are Belizeans of August Pine Ridge in the Orange Walk District, has been reported as missing since September 4. The family reported that Trapp left her Chetumal home ,Thursday, September 4, and came over to Belize by the way of Botes, a bordering village between Belize and Mexico, along the Rio Hondo, but she did not arrive at her grandparents’ home in August Pine Ridge. She has not been seen or heard from since. On the night of Tuesday, November, 4, the family told police, the girl communicated with them and said that she was being detained at Belize’s northern border by police.

Cañeros and SICB to meet next week
Today was set as the deadline for the ultimatum that the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and it membership, at a meeting last Saturday, November 15, gave the Government-appointed industry regulator, known as the Sugar Industry Control Board (SICB), to arbitrate the longstanding dispute between the cane producers and the sugar processors, Belize Sugar Industries (BSI)/American Sugar Refineries (ASR). Since we understand that two of the members of the SICB are presently out of the country, a meeting could not be arranged, and therefore, the BSCFA has agreed to wait until November 25, which is the date that the SICB had first planned to hold its meeting. Also of note is that today, the BSCFA executive met with Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Gaspar Vega, and while we have not been able to receive any official comment on the outcome of that meeting, we were told that Hon. Vega simply encouraged the BSCFA to return to the negotiating table with BSI/ASR — something BSI/ASR has been reluctant to do.

Marion Jones Sports Complex to be opened soon, says Sports Minister
Earlier this year, this newspaper chronicled the setbacks that have befallen successive governments as they have attempted to complete a comprehensive facelift of the Marion Jones Sports Complex, one of the country’s most prominent sporting facilities, and today, five years after the last groundbreaking ceremony for the facility was held, current Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Hon. Herman Longsworth, announced that the protracted refurbishments on the stadium should be completed by the end of this month. If works go as planned, the completion of the facility will be welcomed news for both athletes and sports enthusiasts, especially in the population center, Belize City, and when the media caught up with Longsworth at an unrelated event today, he indicated that the long awaited conclusion of the upgrades on what had become a project that was plagued by holdups, is right around the corner.

Five-A-Side Football Tournament in Orange Walk
The Orange Walk Five-A-Side Football Tournament got started on Tuesday, November 18, at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk Town. Five games were scheduled to open the tournament. The results are as follows: In game 1, in the Inter-Office Division, Leo Corado scored 2 goals for Cuello’s Store, who registered their first big W of the season over Centaur, 2-0. Game 2, in the Open Division, saw Rig Parts overcoming Minions, 5-1, with 3 goals from Mauricio, and 1 each from Nelson and Christian. Filodelfie Quinonez scored the lone tally for Minions. In game 3, in the Open Division, it was Landy’s drawing, 1-1, with Leonardo’s. Bram scored his first goal to open the scorecard in the first half for Leonardo’s, but Enrique Castillo evened the score for Landy’s in the second half.

FFB seeks help in locating its Garifuna drums
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) needs your help in locating these drums. A set of Garifuna drums, a Primero and a Segundo, bearing the name and picture of the Jaguar, designed, built, engraved and donated to the FFB by Mr. Austin Rodriguez. These drums were removed from the Federation Headquarters in Belmopan. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of these drums is asked to please call the Federation at telephone numbers 822-3410 or 822-3717. Thank you for your kind assistance in the recovery of our Federation’s drums.

Nobody safe, 6 teams in hunt for 4 playoff spots in PLB Opening Season
If the Premier League of Belize (PLB) was looking for a formula to obtain parity in the league, it could hardly have done much better, where the competitiveness of this race to the playoff is concerned. Despite the fact that 3 teams are now out of playoff contention, none of them is a pushover, and there is still room for upsets and heartbreaks for the 6 frontrunners chasing 4 playoff spots, as the regular season draws to a close. And none of the 6 teams is yet certain of a playoff berth. Week 6 was completed over the past weekend, with two games each on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23. And there was nearly a monumental upset in capital city Belmopan on Saturday night, where star studded Police United FC found themselves trailing 3-1 at halftime against visiting Paradise/Freedom Fighters from Punta Gorda. But in the end, after Freedom Fighters lost their sweeper and captain Wilmer Garcia to a red card early in second half, Police came back strong to take the 5-3 win. It was a real scare for Police United, whose playoff hopes may have been in serious jeopardy. Shaking the net for Paradise/Freedom Fighters were Kenroy Arthurs (19’) and Wilmer Garcia (23’ PK & 34’); while Police got their goals from Harrison “Cafu” Roches (28’ & 51’), Marlon “El Matador” Meza (59’ PK), Kishane “Grill” Pech (79’) and Amin “Tacos” August, Jr. (90+’). The other Saturday encounter took place at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence, and saw visiting Belmopan Bandits leaving with a 1-nil victory, courtesy of a 36th minute strike by Elroy “Bibs” Kuylen, to deal home standing Placencia Texmar Assassins their first season loss and first goal conceded.

Editorial: Politics and money
The individuals and corporations who finance political parties in Belize, as indeed all over the world wherever there is electoral “democracy,” may be referred to as “smart money.” These are calculating people who know what they are doing, and they don’t make mistakes. In Belize, the smart money finances politicians in order to get returns on their investments. In the United States, planet earth’s superpower, by contrast, a lot of the financing of the political parties is done by citizens and companies who have a certain agenda or socio-political philosophy which they want to push. This is not to say that when the party they are financing wins, the financiers of American politics do not expect to get back their money, and then some. They do. But, it is to say that in Belize the return on the investment is the primary, and often only, concern for the financiers of the major political parties. And, this is the case in Belize because there is very little difference in socio-political philosophy between the People’s United Party (PUP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP).

From the Publisher
Inside the House of Representatives, to the immediate right of the Prime Minister, sits a man who has been publicly accused of murder. Earlier this year, the Commissioner of Police was ordered by the Chief Justice to carry out a thorough investigation into the involvement of the Hon. Elvin Penner in the sale of a Belize passport to an indicted South Korean businessman who was locked up in a Taiwan prison when the said Belize passport was processed and flown to Taiwan for delivery to him. It really does not appear as if the Commissioner of Police made any serious effort to do as he was instructed to do in the Penner matter. So that, it is very, very difficult for the people of Belize to believe that the police will carry out a thorough investigation into the aforementioned murder allegation. In fact, the accused murderer has gone on a legal offensive. He has retained the Prime Minister’s law partner to commence libel proceedings against his political opponent, the person he considers ultimately responsible for airing the murder allegation on national radio, and so that political opponent must shut his mouth or risk aggravating whatever damages the courts may award to the plaintiff, who, to repeat, sits next to the Prime Minister in the House.

Belize’s first confirmed case of Chikungunya in Las Flores
Chikungunya, a viral mosquito-borne illness which began to spread in the Caribbean a year ago. Director of Health Services (DHS), Dr. Michael Pitts, told Amandala that the positive result was confirmed last week, following tests conducted at the laboratory of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), based in Trinidad and Tobago, on samples taken from a woman of Las Flores, Belmopan, whom he declined to identify. Pitts said that Chikungunya (also known as Chik-V) has been a concern since it began to spread in the Caribbean in 2013. “We have all the conditions: the two subtypes of mosquitos, environmental conditions, the rains,” Pitts said. He noted that Chik-V has been spreading in many countries in the region, including Jamaica, Grenada, Santa Domingo and Salvador, the country from which Belize’s index case was imported.

Allegedly intoxicated cop charged in Pan
Constable Luis Cobarruvias, of the Belmopan police, has been released from custody on a bail of $1,500 and ordered to return to court on January 15, after he was arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court this morning on charges of discharging a firearm in public, common assault, damage to property and obtaining services by deception. Police claim that while in uniform, at about 7:30 Thursday evening in Belmopan, Cobarruvias, in an intoxicated state, broke a taxi cab mirror, refused to pay a taxi fee after he was taken to his destination, and fired shots in the area. In taking further action against him, the police department has interdicted him from duties and he will face additional charges in front of a police tribunal.

Missing Canadian national, 59, found floating in Mopan
The lifeless body of a Canadian national who had been reported missing since this past Saturday, November 22, was retrieved from the Mopan River yesterday, Sunday, wearing only a black jacket, San Ignacio police reported today. According to police, Canadian accountant Nicole Warner, 45, a naturalized Belizean, told them that at about 4:00 p.m. last Friday, November 21, she went to pick up her husband, Canadian national James Garfield Searles, 59, from the Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, after which they headed to San Ignacio Town but stopped to have a few drinks on the way. Warner said that when they reached their destination, she fell asleep with her husband at her side, but when she woke up at around 3:00 a.m. the next morning, she realized that Searles was missing.

Cañeros and SICB to meet next week
Today was set as the deadline for the ultimatum that the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and it membership, at a meeting last Saturday, November 15, gave the Government-appointed industry regulator, known as the Sugar Industry Control Board (SICB), to arbitrate the longstanding dispute between the cane producers and the sugar processors, Belize Sugar Industries (BSI)/American Sugar Refineries (ASR). Since we understand that two of the members of the SICB are presently out of the country, a meeting could not be arranged, and therefore, the BSCFA has agreed to wait until November 25, which is the date that the SICB had first planned to hold its meeting. Also of note is that today, the BSCFA executive met with Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Gaspar Vega, and while we have not been able to receive any official comment on the outcome of that meeting, we were told that Hon. Vega simply encouraged the BSCFA to return to the negotiating table with BSI/ASR — something BSI/ASR has been reluctant to do.

Patrick Jones

Cayo North Bye-Election set for January 5, 2015
People in the Cayo North constituency will go to the polls on Monday, January 5, 2015 to elect a new Area Representative. Governor General Sir Coville Young has issued a Writ of Election, paving the way for a bye-election to replace the People’s United Party’s Joseph Mahmud who abruptly resigned on Monday morning. According to a government press release, Nomination Day will be Monday, December 15 with the Administration Building in San Ignacio town being the place where the nomination of candidates will take place.

Forum on women’s issues held in Punta Gorda town
The Punta Gorda branch of the Women’s Department today hosted a forum for students of the St. Peter Claver Primary School. The Father Francis Ring Parish Hall was the venue for the event which was designed to create awareness of current issues that women face on a daily basis. According to Lorraine Johnson from the Women’s Department, the presenters at today’s forum were from various sectors of the community who shared information on HIV stigma and discrimination and violence against women, among others.

Rianne Gutierrez is Miss Teen pageant winner
A first of its kind Teen Pageant was held over the weekend in Benque Viejo del Carmen. Rianne Gutierrez beat out four other beautiful young ladies to claim the crown on Saturday, November 22, 2014. According to organizers Lupita Kuylen, the pageant was a huge success and Miss Teen Rianne Gutierrez will not be involved in various community activities during her reign. According to Gutierrez “words can’t describe how it felt to get something you’ve worked so hard preparing for and this was an unforgettable experience and the journey is just starting.”

Warm weather conditions; but a cold front is approaching
It is a warm, sunny morning in San Ignacio town. Indeed across the nation today, the weather is beautiful; but change is on the way. The Belize Weather Bureau says that an increase in moisture later in the day will herald the arrival of a Cold Front. In the meantime however, the sunny conditions will continue for most of the day; then an increase in shower activity will start inland and move across the entire country tonight. Winds are easterly to southeasterly at 5 t 15 knots; but will shift to the north-west on Wednesday morning. The sea state will be choppy today; but will become locally rough near showers and thunderstorms tonight.

Charges expected soon in the murder of Panamanian diplomat
Police in the nation’s capital, Belmopan, are reportedly close to bringing charges against a suspect in connection with the killing of Panamanian diplomat Jose Rodrigo De La Rosa. The body of the 64 year old diplomat was found late on Sunday evening about a mile off the Hummingbird Highway in west Belmopan. Cut wounds were visible on De La Rosa’s neck and head. Police continue to be judicious their handling of information surrounding the murder. Sources say that the break in the case came late Monday when the suspect allegedly gave a caution statement and subsequently led authorities to where the diplomat’s vehicle was hidden in some bushes.

Blogs

Belize Winter Vacation: When yuh hot, yuh hot!
How I beat the freeze and became a hero: Lounging here by the side of the infinity pool, watching clouds drift across an impossibly blue sky, serenaded by parrots and other tropical birds while enjoying an ice cold beer, it’s hard to process the images we received this morning from our friends in New York. White mountains of snow with cars buried beneath, people leaning into freezing winds, roads clogged and residents breaking out their snow shovels, it looked like winter on steroids. And Boston looked even worse. I put down the tablet and jumped in for another swim, thinking how amazing it was that all of this was happening just a few hours away. And when she-who-is-often-skeptical joined me, I could tell from her smile that I was still enjoying hero status. Last month she wasn’t so sure when I suggested we take our main vacation early this year and spend it in Belize. For me, it was a snap decision that began with a coworker coming back to the office with a healthy looking tan, fresh attitude and stories of what sounded like the best two weeks one could imagine. “It’s the most amazing place I’ve ever been,” she said, “On one side of the country you have these huge wilderness areas filled with ancient Maya temples and ancient cities, and on the other the Caribbean Sea and all these little islands and coastal villages and resorts, all protected by a huge barrier reef. The people are really friendly and, to top it off, everyone speaks English!”

Snapshots Around Belize This Past Week or So
I post photos in a few places – on my blog for sure, on Facebook and then, the most casual “out and about during the day” photos on Instagram. Instagram certainly has those who love it and those who don’t. It’s packed with all sorts of filters that can turn even my most dull washed out photo into the City of Oz. It makes it fun and artsy but doesn’t always present the real picture. Just a different medium…and I love it. Express yourself. And honestly? There are many people that I’d prefer do that in photos rather than words. And so, for lack of a more serious topic today (like the upcoming election season or Thanksgiving in Belize), here are some snapshots that I’ve taken and posted on Instagram over the last week…or so.

International Sources

IMF wants to know what PetroCaribe money was used for in St Vincent
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says it is monitoring the potential impact of Venezuela's current economic stress on PetroCaribe, the country’s oil alliance with several Caribbean islands, and it also wants to know what PetroCaribe money was used for in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Merco Press reported. According to SVG Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Caracas has invited PetroCaribe member countries to a meeting about “reaffirming” their commitment to the initiative, the brainchild of the former Venezuelan president, the late Hugo Chavez. IMF Western Hemisphere advisor, Elie Canetti, told reporters that the IMF’s main concern “is that we know Venezuela is going through increasing financial stress, and oil prices have dropped from around US$120 a barrel to mid 70s a barrel and Venezuela is hugely dependent on selling oils.” “So, we are mindful and concerned about the feasibility of PetroCaribe continuing, certainly at the level it has been, and we are looking into what will be the impact on Caribbean countries,” Cantelli said. “So if PetroCaribe is, in the extreme, wound down, or if PetroCaribe financing benefits become less generous, it is something that will have to be taken in account in the fiscal strategy,” he said, adding that the Washington-based financial institution is trying to understand what exactly PetroCaribe money was used to pay for in SVG.

Belize take note. Belize cited as one of four countries urged to reduce reliance on Petrocaribe Funds
Venezuela Turmoil Signals End of Oil-for-Jeans Giveaway. For a decade, countries from Guyana to Nicaragua have gained from a program that allowed them to trade for Venezuelan oil using everything from the jeans they produced to the pasta they made. Now, the $8 billion Petrocaribe subsidy, which also allows countries to finance part of their oil purchases at 1 percent for 25 years, is looking less secure as Venezuela faces inflation that’s risen to 63 percent and the world’s widest budget deficit. In response, at least four countries are taking steps to reduce their reliance on Venezuela’s subsidy as crude prices plunge, according to the International Monetary Fund. It’s a move other countries should follow, said David Voght, managing director of energy consultancy IPD Latin America. “The scale of the oil price decline should trigger some adjustments,” Voght said by telephone from Miami. He urged countries to “react quickly to the fact that in its current form, this agreement presents a huge financial burden for a struggling Venezuela.” The four countries are Guyana, Haiti, Belize and Jamaica. Cutbacks in the subsidy, created by former President Hugo Chavez, would ripple across the Caribbean and Central America, said Franco Uccelli, an emerging markets analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in Miami. Those financing terms are “almost free money,” Uccelli said in a telephone interview. “If somebody were to pull the plug on those flows, it would be difficult to replace with well-priced funds from a different source.”

City man found dead in river near Belize home
The family of Winnipeg's James Searles is in shock after the 59-year-old was found dead in a river in Belize hours after arriving to be with his new bride. "The family is mourning and grieving. This is a complete shock -- the reality hasn't set in," his daughter and family spokeswoman Jennifer Stringer said Tuesday from her home in British Columbia. "Until he's brought home (to Winnipeg), we don't want to speculate," she said, declining to speak further. In an interview with Belize Channel 5 television, police Supt. Dinsdale Thompson said Searles flew into Belize on Saturday and was picked up by his wife, 45-year-old Canadian Nicole Warner, a local resident whom Searles had married in September. They retired to Warner's home after going out for drinks, Thompson said. Thompson told the TV station Warner woke up on Sunday to find Searles gone, and went to the police station to report her husband missing.

Jeff Ransom: Ancient-History Preservationist
When he was a 9-year-old Boy Scout, Jeff Ransom and his fellow troop members got lost in a Venezuelan cave. Flashlights were dying. Kids were crying. Even their adult Eagle Scout leader shed tears. Luckily, the future archaeologist of Miami-Dade County was there to save the day. "I wasn't scared, and I remembered the way back out, so I got everybody out," Ransom, now 49, recalls as he sits in a 12th-floor conference room at the Stephen P. Clark Center. "I've always felt very comfortable in caves." Rather than developing a serious phobia, that early incident sparked a lifelong passion for archaeology. Ransom returned to the caves while studying at Florida Atlantic University and later did graduate field work in Belize, where he documented ancient Mayan activity in caves for five years. But Miami called to Ransom, who wanted to be closer to Venezuela and his family. He began working as the county's official archaeologist in 2006. It's a tricky job that's part scientist and part negotiator. The science part happens whenever another billionaire developer wants to dig up Miami to put up a swanky hotel. Ransom is the guy who makes sure there aren't any ancient artifacts that could be destroyed in the process.

Before You Slice the Turkey, Give Thanks to Those Wild Cousins
According to USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, the U.S. is the world’s largest turkey producer and largest exporter of turkey products. An estimated 46 million turkeys will show up on American tables this holiday, and most of those will come from turkey production facilities. A much smaller percentage featured on the holiday table will be wild turkeys hunted on private and public lands. There are more than 7 million wild turkeys roaming the countryside, but their numbers were not always that robust. According to the National Wild Turkey Federation, which partners with the U.S. Forest Service, the tasty game bird native to the U.S. faced extinction in the 1930s. The Forest Service works with the Wild Turkey Federation to improve the fowl’s habitat. The federation’s “Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt” campaign has a goal to enhance more than 4 million acres of upland wildlife habitat. Blatt said improving wild turkey habitat includes other projects, such as ridding the area of invasive species. There are only two species of turkeys that fall under the scientific genus Meleagris: Meleagris gallopavo, or the North American wild turkey that includes five distinct subspecies, and Meleagris ocellata, the oscillated turkey that exists only in a 50,000-square-mile area that includes parts of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala.

CARICOM expands diplomatic relations with Eastern European
The expansion of the Caribbean Community's diplomatic relations with Eastern European countries continues with the accreditation of the first ambassador from Georgia to the regional organization. Otar Berdzenishvili is the newest diplomatic representative following the accreditation last week of an ambassador from Lithuania, CARICOM said in a statement on Monday. "This is an historic occasion. The expansion of diplomatic development, trade and economic relations constitutes for CARICOM a deliberate and key element of our coordinated foreign policy," Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque said.

Videos

Video: Manatees in Belize, 1.5min.
Earlier this month, we were lucky enough to stumble upon five manatees during a routine survey at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. In honor of Manatee Awareness Month, we put together this quirky, little video.

Video: Blue Tang Inn San Pedro - San Pedro - Belize, 1min.
Picture yourself in a spacious room with the blue Caribbean at your doorstep youre at the Blue Tang Inn. Stretch out on your deck or stroll on the beach. Sunrise at the Blue Tang Inn is something special. We will serve you freshbrewed coffee and Island tasty fruits. No charge, by the way, its on us. All suites are air conditioned, have fully equipped kitchens and are decorated in soft tropical colors. Enjoy the sunlight and breeze provided by the large windows in each suite. Our third floor suites have hard wood floors, vaulted ceilings and Jacuzzi bathtubs. The beautiful accommodations, fun daily activities, unique dining and friendly local culture are all part of what makes your stay at the Blue Tang Inn a truly unique experience.

Video: Belizean Dreams tours, 23min.
Follow two of our guests as they enjoy all that Belizean Dreams Beach Resort has to offer! From the night life at our Palapa Bar in Hopkins Belize, to ziplining, cave tubing, hiking, Mayan ruins tours and more!

Video: Dangriga Belize Service Learning Project, 7min.
Students talk about their experiences in Dangriga Belize as part of the service learning project.

Video: Belize Tire Depot, 1min.
Belize Tire Depot is Belize's number one tire company whose friendly staff will help you find the tires you want at a price you can afford. Belize Tire Depot offers a wide range of manufacturers and a huge selection of styles and sizes and is committed on providing you with the best service and the best quality in tires, car products and construction hardware tools.

Video: Belize Project by Bradlie Morgan, 5min.

Video: Follow the leader... Belize style!, 1min.
Shark footage I shot on Half Moon Caye in Belize November 2014 while at Turneffe Island Resort.. These segments were from one longer video - I edited out parts where the Reef Shark got a little further away from me and resumed where I caught up with him again.

Video: Brenda Johnson: Belize's Humble Softball Giant!, 35min.
The eleventh episode in a video documentary series called Belizean Legends that will profile the legendary Belizean softball player and gold medalist Brenda Johnson who played on the Belize national selection that won the gold medal in the 1974 Central American & Caribbean Games in Santa Domingo. Johnson discusses her softball career in Belize with Belizean Legends host Bilal Morris and revisits highlights of the game where Belize won its first gold medal in an international sports competition, and the homecoming reception that the Belize national team received from Belizeans and government alike. Johnson also championed the legendary Belizean softball pitcher, the late Isolene Heath as Belize's best pitcher ever, and also championed the legendary coach the late Collect Gill as the best softball coach that Belize ever had. Johnson who became a coach herself after retiring from softball as a player, continue to contribute to the development of sports in Belize through her working with young people in Belize to develop the discipline of sports again.

Video: Blue Ventures Belize, 69min.
Blue Ventures Belize Blue Ventures are an award winning marine conservation organisation running expeditions in Belize and Madagascar. Part of the work volunteers are involved wi.

Video: Belize 2014, 5min.
San Pedro, Turneffe, Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye, Goff Caye, Caye Caulker.

Video: Jetski and Snorkeling in Belize, 3min.
So blessed to have the opportunity to jetski and snorkel in the barrier reef! This was our second day on the island.

November 25, 2014

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Fresh New Menu Items at Running W Steakhouse in San Ignacio
Running W Steakhouse will launch its latest menu that features new, innovative items made fresh daily by our Chefs. The restaurant, known for its local and international cuisine, welcoming atmosphere and premium meats from their own family ranch, will introduce the new menu on December 1st which includes eight new appetizers, four new sandwiches & salads, nine new entrées, six new desserts and several new cocktails. During the process of revamping the Running W Steakhouse menu, the restaurant tested many of the new dishes on the weekly specials menu. “We had so many great ideas for new dishes that it became extremely difficult choosing what should be featured permanently,” said Kristin Utsman, Assistant Manager. “We have enough new dishes to feature 3 different menus that will be introduced seasonally.” The lunch and dinner menu now showcases the new appetizer, Filet Mignon Beef Carpaccio: tender thin sliced grass fed filet topped with house made caper crème, roasted red peppers and shaved parmesan accompanied with our own French baguette garlic crostini. If you’re in the mood for a lighter appetizer, you can try our new Chicken Lettuce Cups: Hoisin scented chicken vegetable slaw served with spicy peanut coconut dipping sauce and fresh lettuce leaf wraps.

Photo:
A Blue Heron hunts for breakfast shortly after sunrise on Ambergris Caye.

Joseph Mahmud resigns as PUP Cayo North Representative
It is announced from the House of Representatives that the Honorable Speaker has accepted the resignation letter of the Honorable Member for Cayo North, Honorable Joseph Mahmud, who advised the Office of the Clerk this morning that with immediate effect he resigns his seat in the House as Member for Cayo North. The resignation letter was received at around 11:00 o’clock this morning, 24th November 2014, by the Clerk to the House of Representatives, Mr. Eddie Webster. In accordance with section 126 of the Belize Constitution, the Honorable Speaker Michael Peyrefitte has accepted the resignation of the Honorable Member for Cayo North. The Honorable Speaker who is currently attending the ACP Meetings in Strasbourg, France, was contacted this morning by the Clerk and he was informed of the resignation letter. The Honorable Peyrefitte has accepted the resignation of the Honorable Member with immediate effect.

Get your Red Cross First Aid Kit today!
The San Pedro Red Cross (SPRC) is now offering first aid kits for both residential and business use. Having a proper first aid kit is very important in case of emergencies, and SPRC’s aim is to make the island a safer place. The American National Standard Institute (ANSI) First Aid Kits contain all the essentials for the immediate treatment of injuries. SPRC offers the Bulk ANSI Kit which contains 196 pieces, and is ideal for a small business with up to 50 employees or for a family home. The kit is Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certified and carries 20 critical products needed for first aid treatment. It comes in a convenient plastic case for easy storage.

Strombus Gigas Alliance attends 67th GCFI conference in Barbados
According to James Azueta from the Belize Fisheries Department, the forum in which the Belize SGA made the presentation was not organized by Government agencies of the region, but by various international non-profit organizations. He explained that such a forum is open to any NGO who wishes to submit presentations. Azueta said that while he is aware of the points made by Belize SGA, the reason it was not being fully entertained was because the US-based NGO, Wild Earth Guardians had petitioned the US government to list the queen conch as threatened or endangered under the USA Endangered Species Act (ESA). That petition, explained Azueta, was rejected earlier in November by the US Court. Notwithstanding the rejected petition, Azueta further explained that as it is, the CITES regulation has benefited Belize tremendously as the conch population has shown constant growth. “That has been contributed largely to the recommended good management mechanism put in place and adopted by fisheries authorities in the region,” said Azueta. The Belize Fisheries Department has confirmed that currently, beside the exportation of conch flesh, there are at least two license holders who are beginning to export conch shell. One of the permit holders is currently exporting about 20,000 conch shells annually at an estimated $5 each. Those shells have been exported and processed into jewelry amongst other products.

Island in need of foster families
There are several different types of fostering families that are needed. “We have different types of fostering available. You can choose to foster children only in cases of emergency. These cases range from an overnight stay to a weekend. You can also foster a child for a week or till we can locate other family members that would wish to care for the children,” said Kay. Person wanting to foster children for a longer period of time can choose the short or long term, which range from three months to three years. “A short term foster would be anything from a week to three months. During this time HHD will determine whether the parents of the child can be rehabilitated and the child returned to them. If the case is not so then the parents will be taken to court so that custody of the child can be taken from them. A long term foster is from a year to three years. This is done for families that would like to adopt a child. During this time they work on a relationship with the child and determine whether adoption is the right choice,” said Kay. Families can also choose to foster children during vacation. Many of the children in need of foster care come for dysfunctional families. Kay explained that removing a child from its home is usually the last resort and is only contemplated when the child’s well-being is at risk. “There are several reasons why a child is removed from its families. Some of the main reasons include physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, mental disability, and drug abuse and alcoholism on behalf of the parents. Another reason for a child to be taken away is if his/her parents simply cannot protect or provide for the child,” said Kay.

NICH inaugurates San Pedro House of Culture
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) inaugurated the facility that will host the San Pedro House of Culture. The new building is located on Angel Coral Street directly across the Honorable Louis “Cuz” Sylvester Sporting Arena (Saca Chispas). The facility was inaugurated on Wednesday November 19th by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Hon Manuel Heredia Jr. While the San Pedro House of Culture (Casa de Cultura) has been operating for almost three years without a physical structure, the new building will strengthen the work being done to preserve the island’s rich history and culture. During the ceremony, the San Pedro House of Culture Coordinator Mito Paz indicated that the project is a dream come true.

Ambergris Today

WORLD AIDS DAY is December 1
- The San Pedro AIDS Commission has released a schedule of events. Let's show them our support.

Fisheries Department Announces Fisher Folk License Renewal
The Fisheries Department hereby informs the PUBLIC that it will start the renewal of fisher folk licenses for 2015 on December 01st 2014. Licensing in the fishing communities will commence on December 15th 2014. The following are the scheduled dates for licensing in the fishing communities:

Misc Belizean Sources

Diplomat Murdered!
UPDATE: Official police report states: At about 4:00 p.m. on 23.11.14 the body of a male Hispanic person was found in the west area of Belmopan about ¾ mile from La Chosa. The person was later identified as 64-year-old Jose Rodriga De la Rosa Stanford, Panamanian national who works at the Embassy of Panama. The body had cut wounds to the neck and head. Investigations revealed that his white Nissan with diplomatic License plates that he was reportedly driving is also missing. Police investigations continue -------------- The body of the Panamanian Chargé d’ Affairs, Jose Rodrigo de la Rosa, was found with his throat slit. His body was found in the outskirts of Belmopan in an area known as La Choza. He was found by a resident of the area who was returning home from church. There are reports that while his car is missing, his personal belongings were found on him. More on this story in tonight’s newscast

San Pedro wins First Place in the "Wahoo de Plata" Fishing Tournament 2014 in Mahahual, Mexico
Ricky Martin was San Pedro's head captain of the winning team. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and Mahahual, Mexico share a very close friendship with each other. On Saturday November 22, the Governor of the State of Quintana Roo Roberto Borge Angulo signaled the opening of the Third International Fishing Tournament “El Wahoo de Plata” at the fishermen’s wharf in the heart of the Grand Costa Maya, Mahahual. 24 fishing boats with over 150 fishermen from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Belize, Tabasco, Chetumal, Calderitas and Mahahual took part. Congratulations to the San Pedro Team!

SPORTS NEWS
This weekend Corozal Predators played their basketball game against Chetumal and won.The Preds took Cancun on the second game which they won in a very close one 55 - 67 to take Championship between 4 teams, Cancun, Chetumal, Bacalar, Corozal Predators. Congratulations to the Corozal Predators and best of luck in the next tournament. (5 photos)

Belize FISHING REPORT: Week of November 15th – 22nd, 2014
We know that weather does as it wishes. We had some serious rain this week, but this did not dampen the spirit of our anglers. I mean it poured, and the guides said, “let’s go!” They went out with a prayer and their anglers came back drenched and smiling. A big shout out to Jim, “Catcher on the Fly,” – he landed his slam over the week. He was beyond excited. See photos. And Scott, all we can say is, “wow!” Congratulations on your first slam and the epic tarpon fishing. Nice work Krista on video and stills! And to all who participated in the Orvis Bonanza week, thank you. As I said when you were awarded your bonefish pins – you made lemonade out of lemons. This is the spirit that shares our sport. Thank you.

VENEZUELA HONORS A HONORABLE BELIZEAN STATESMAN ON SATURDAY! (5 photos)
The Venezuelan Ambassador, Señor Yoel Perez Marcando and his staff, has announced that the revolutionary Belizean thinker, Economist, Belize's Ambassador of Trade, and Internationalist, Adlabert Alexander Tucker, will be honored this coming Saturday, November 29, 2014 in Belize's capital city, Belmopan, at the Venezuelan Institute, at the Canada Precinct, at 9:00 o'clock in the morning. The special program honoring the former Belize's Ambassador of Trade in the Barrow administration, who passed away recently this year in Jamaica after a long battle with cancer, will be having a street named in his honor. All arrangements has already been made to by the Venezuelan Embassy in getting the Street Sign purchased, the area where the sign will placed cleaned, and material to have the Street Sign install by a private contractor, has already been done.

Channel 7

History! Mahmud Resigns House of Rep's, Triggers Bi-Election
Tonight, political players in both mass parties are preparing for a surprise bi-election in Cayo North. That's after a most unexpected thing happened: the PUP's Cayo North Representative Joseph Mahmud abruptly resigned as a member of parliament. Now, he had already indicated he would not run again - but that was a month ago - and the understanding was that he would serve out his term. But all that changed today when he up and resigned. That immediately puts his seat into a play and a bye-election must be held within 90 days to fill the vacant post. The UDP is rearing to go with its standard bearer Omar Figueroa who was elected in February. The PUP on the other hand has not found a new standard bearer since Mahmud indicated he would not run again. Attorney Michel Chebat and businessman Richard Harrison have declared an interest in the division - but the party will now have to move swiftly to have a convention and elect or endorse someone.

Panamanian Diplomat Slain In Bze; Police Have Suspect; Recover Vehicle
And while an elected representative stepping down is a first - so is our other top story tonight: the murder of a diplomat. The Panamanian Charge d' Affairs was found murdered in the greater Belmopan area on Sunday afternoon. There is major breaking news concerning that killing tonight, but we start at the murder scene today:.. Jules Vasquez reporting This is the road off the Hummingbird Highway across from La Cabana where Jose Rodriga De la Rosa's body was found. It is known as West Belmopan - and the road is called La Choza after the Bar that used to be a popular watering hole - it has now closed down.

Ellis Jr. Charged For Shooting Zimbab
Tonight, the well-know Ellis Meighan Jr. and another 17 year-old minor are prison after being accused by police of shooting Carlos "Zimbab" Abraham, a ranking member of George Street who was targeted in a broad daylight shooting on last week Thursday. Meighan, who lives around the corner from where the shooting happened, and the minor were both arraigned today before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith on the charges of attempted murder, dangerous harm, and use of deadly means of harm. Due to the nature of the offences, they couldn't be granted bail, and they have been remanded into custody until January 30, 2015.

Corozal Cops: Corporal Andrews Had Compressed Cannabis
On Friday night we had breaking news about a police corporal who was busted for marijuana trafficking at the northern border. Well tonight we can tell you that his name is Shaun Andrews, a 30 year old from Corozal attached to the Precinct 2 strike team. He was driving and his passengers were 25 year old Brandon Casey of Camalote and 26 year old Dwayne Zuniga also of Corozal Town. As we told you, his red Geo PRizm had mechanical difficulties right at he northern border customs checkpoint. Andrews lifted the bonnet and that's when alert customs officers saw two parcels wrapped in transparent plastic. Both were retrieved and found to contain 1.5 kilos or about 3.2 pounds of compressed cannabis. All three were handed over to Corozal police and charged for Drug Trafficking. They were arraigned today and bailed for three thousand dollars and scheduled to return to court n January.

Drunk Corporal Discharged His Weapon Negligently?
And it didn't make news last week but another Corporal was criminally charged. Details are somewhat sketchy but a corporal Cobarubia attached to the Belmopan police station. According to reports he was intoxicated and refused to pay a taxi-driver who he had hired to give him a ride home on Thursday night. When the police man told him he owed him 7 dollars for the ride - and instead the Corporal let loose with 7 shots from his service weapon. He was charged disciplinarily and criminally for Common assault damage to property discharging a firearm in public obtaining property by deception.

MOE Working Out CXC Subsidy
Right now, a little over 4,000 students countywide are currently in 4th Form, and they're only a few months away from taking their CSEC Exams - better known as CXC's. Now, these exams aren't cheap, and at the beginning of the year, Prime Minister Dean Barrow promised in his 2014 New Year's Message that the Government of Belize would cover the costs for 6 of the exams for needy students. The requirement is that the parents of these students needed to have applied to the Ministry of Education for the subsidy on or before last week Friday. To ensure that the needy families are the ones who are receiving this financial assistance, the Department of Human Services went out to survey and assess the families who applied for it. The Survey was completed by the Department of Human Services, several months ago, and the Government of Belize set aside a budget to accommodate around 1,600 of the students. The parents of approximately 640 students applied, and just over half of them were accepted. The rest were rejected, and upon further consideration, the Ministry decided that instead of forcing those families to go through a complicated and tedious appeal process, they will pay for all students, whose families applied early.

Hon. Faber Discusses Petrocaribe Rally
And while we had the chance, asked Faber about the Petrocaribe Rally that the UDP held last week at Tuesday's House meeting. As we've told you, it's the first time that a ruling party has protested the Opposition Party, and as we told you, an element of that demonstration was to test the machinery in preparation for the municipal elections, which are a little over 4 months away. Faber claimed that he brought out 12 busloads of supporters from Collet to take part in last week's rally. We asked him about a few of the criticisms which emerged in its wake. Here's how that conversation went: Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education "The people in my area especially came out. Some of them decided not to go to their jobs on that day because some of the very same work that they do in the constituency rely on the Petrocaribe funds, but we didn't pay anybody.

How The Best Warriors Do Battle
Last week Thursday and Friday we took you deep inside the Coast Guard's Best Warrior Competition. The events were punishing tests of physical and mental endurance that pitted the coast guard against other elite law enforcement units. But what we saw on Thursday and Friday was no match for the merciless obstacles of Saturday. 7News was out there all day getting our own workout and Daniel Ortiz reports:.. Daniel Ortiz reporting When we arrived, the first 4 teams were already on the Hattieville Boom Road; we met up first with the favorites of the competition, the BSAG team. The squad was moving along, full gear in hand, weapons at the ready, and a 40 pound Bergan each to carry on their backs. They were in Second place up until this point, and this was the event they were expected to dominate in. A little further up were the Seals, some members, walking some trotting, the first 2 days of exertion clearly having taken its toll.

WE TAXI'S HATE CITY HALL...
Does Belize City need more taxi's? Ask any average driver and they'll tell you, "heck no!". And the city council agreed with that when it was first elected two and a half years and ago and put in place a moratorium on new taxi licenses. But now the council is revisiting its policy based on a revised plan for the transport industry. The council this afternoon called all stakeholders to a meeting at BTL Park where it got a lot of feedback. Here are a few clips:.. Alifah Elrington, Councilor With Responsibility for Traffic "We knew and we understood that we must therefore actually have a discussion in relation to this particular moratorium. I believe that there were no such consultation when we the moratorium was actually put in place and I believe that that need has now arise seeing that we are changing the direction in which we want to take the city and the transport issues in the city whereby we want to regulate the taxi system; we want to regulate the bus system; we want to regulate the dollar van system. We are hoping that this consultation will assist us in actually coming to an understanding between operators and the council with a way forward if it is that there is the need for the lift for the moratorium or if it is that the moratorium should remain, but we must be able to look at different aspects at which point we are going to allow a license plate here, a license plate there."

Stephen Davies' Traffic Arraignment
On Friday's Newscast, we reported on the case of 33 year-old Stephen Davies, a resident of Lords Bank, who is facing 4 traffic offenses after knocking down a BDF Soldier. He told Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer that even though he does not have a driver's license, his took over the wheel from his wife because of the glare which prevented her from seeing the road well. He explained that his vision was also impaired by that glare and it contributed to the accident. All that is accurate, but in Friday's story, we reported erroneously that at the arraignment, Stephen Davies admitted in open court that he was texting while driving. That was wrong; Stephen Davies did not make any such admission. He said he was texting while in the passenger seat - not while driving. We apologize for the error.

Increasing The Number of School Hours?
Education minister Patrick Faber was also the chair of SICA's 20th Ordinary meeting Of Education Ministers of Central America, which was held on Ambergris Caye last week Friday and Saturday Faber oversaw a progressive discussion into the Central American Education Policy. It's a document which seeks to address the similar challenges that all the SICA member countries face. He told us today that there was an intensive discussion at that meeting about how the countries might lengthen the school days. This means more hours in each school day, and more days in the school year, but Faber says that the Education Ministers agree that the quality of education should improve accordingly:

Channel 5

Joe Mahmud’s Untimely Resignation Triggers Bye-election in Cayo North
At news time tonight senior P.U.P. officials are in closed door session following the announcement of the resignation of Cayo North Area Representative Joseph Mahmud from the House of Representative. [...]

Career Panamanian Diplomat Murdered in Belmopan
Tonight, police has one man detained for the vicious murder of a senior career diplomat from Panama, and we are told he is a close friend. The bloody body of [...]

Ellis Meighan Charged with Attempted Murder of Zimbab Abraham
There are arrests in the attempted murder of a George Street boss who was shot in rival territory last Thursday. Twenty-two year old Ellis Meighan, another street figure and a [...]

Canadian National Dies In Bullet Tree. Did He Drown?
The body of a Canadian newly-wed was retrieved from the Mopan River on Sunday morning. James Searles arrived in Belize on Saturday to reunite with his wife of two months [...]

5 Illegal Cuban Immigrants Busted Near Western Border
Also in the west, immigration officers on routine patrol in the Cayo District arrested five Cuban nationals who illegally entered the country. Reports are that on Sunday, the Cuban nationals [...]

Missile Unearthed at Site of Victor Galvez Stadium in San Ignacio Town
A mortar is a military weapon that fires explosive projectiles or bombs at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing ballistic trajectories. For about three weeks now, construction works have been [...]

Joel Gordon Charged with Aggravated Assault of his Sister
A fifty-six year old man was before the court today to answer to two criminal offenses after he was accused of committing an aggravated assault with a machete upon his [...]

Belize City Cop Busted for Drug Trafficking in Corozal
Corozal police busted one of their own on Friday evening when the officer attached to Eastern Division was caught along with two other men inside a vehicle stuffed with suspected [...]

Government To Cover Cost of Up to Six CXCs
High school students across the country will benefit from some financial relief in their senior year, as the Ministry of Education has announced that it will be paying for six [...]

Will Reimbursement Be an Issue for Those Who Have paid?
The method of payment, according to Faber, will be handled internally since government would essentially be paying itself.  The hiccup, he says, may come when students who have paid in [...]

Patrick Faber of Yasmin Shoman’s Collet Candidacy
Aside from the political battle in the Cayo North, there is another fight in the Collet division in Belize City. P.U.P. standard bearer Yasmin Shoman, who replaces Micah Gooding as [...]

Belize City Taxi Drivers Take on CitCo and Transport Department
Taxi drivers from various associations and unions across Belize City converged on B.T.L. Park this afternoon, where they met with representatives of the Belize City Council and the Transport Department.  [...]

Patrick Faber’s Take on Petrocaribe Funds
The Petrocaribe Loan Motion was passed in the House of Representatives last Tuesday, amid massive support for the initiative by stalwarts of the United Democratic Party.  Prior to the meeting, [...]

Sporting highlights with James Adderley
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   Stop the press. In week 6 of the PLB Football season, San Ignacio United finally got its 1st win [...]

CTV3

Panamanian diplomat Murdered In Belize
Police are tonight investigating the homicide of 64 year old Jose Rodrigo de la Rosa Stanford who was found in the western part of Belmopan on Sunday evening, about 3/4 of a mile from La Chosa bar. The case is of special interest as De La Rosa Stanford worked as Chargé d'affaires for the Embassy of Panama in Belmopan and the white Nissan automobile with diplomatic license plates that was assigned to him, is missing yet his personal belongings were found on him. When authorities found his body around four yesterday they observed cut wounds to his neck and head but have not released much information about the incident.

GOB To Pay for Six CSEC Exams
Government will be paying for CSEC examination. This was confirmed by Minister of Education Patrick Faber today in a brief meeting with the press. Minister Faber says they will pay for up to six examinations. Students who had applied up to the deadline last Friday will be benefiting from the service says the minister. “There have been some glitches in terms of rolling this initiative out an so because the funds are there and because we want to help the maximum amount of people what we decided to do is to assist all of those who applied now clearly there are those who did not apply and that is an issue for us want to make sure to favor those person who can’t pay that is a major criticism that came for the free tuition issue back in under the Esquivel administration that there were many people who could pay and of course if they could pay they should pay so we turn the idea for paying for all and those who signed up for CXC up to six but decided in the end to go for those who applied. Now what I want to be cautious of is that we don’t set a bad precedence, I want to be clear to people that in fact the way we have gone about trying to get information so that we could pay for these CSEC Examinations is exactly what this ministry and this administration believes in, is just a matter of ease for this first leg that we are doing it in this manner to pay for all those who apply but the foundation is that we want for people to use this mechanism as it was designed that is apply, take the mean survey so that we are able to find out what the conditions are from these families and the situation so that we could provide the various resources from various different initiatives to help these families.”

Tacos Fest Proves To Be Another Success In Orange Walk
Hundreds of Belizeans from all the corners of the country flocked to the 4th Annual Tacos Fest held under the Banquitas House of Culture on the picturesque riverside bank of the New River. The glorious renowned Shugga Citi ‘tacos’ got the spotlight it has long deserved when the tortilla-wrapped fave was celebrated at this food and music festival. Our news team which comprised of Videographer, Jesus Melgar and Reporter Maria Novelo were there and bring you the following report. For most of Sunday, the aroma of the tacos invaded the lower flat of the Banquitas House of Culture during breakfast rush as the many tacos stalls found in Orange Walk Town took part in Tacos Fest. Friends and taco aficionados had the opportunity to taste the best tacos from among a dozen vendors. Whether it was the traditional chicken or pork tacos, rest assure, the event drew a large crowd for the undeniably best tacos in Belize. Our rounds of the event began when we touched base with the vendors, who after only a few hours in, were sold out.

Police Corporal Charged For Drug Trafficking
On Friday night vehicle failure led authorities to a big weed bust that landed three men, one of them a police corporal, behind bars. About five forty-five on the evening of Friday November 21st, Customs Personnel on duty at the Belize Northern Border had cleared a red in color Geo Prism vehicle at the checkpoint but shortly after it began experiencing mechanical problems. While still at the checkpoint, the driver, thirty year old Shaun Andrews, a police corporal, lifted the hood of the vehicle and that is when Custom officers saw two parcels wrapped in transparent plastic bags inside. Andrew Ramirez – OC Corozal “Corporal Andrew who was the driver apparently lifted up the hood as a result two packages were found inside underneath the hood, the Customs Officer suspect the contents to be Cannabis and as a result I was contacted after which myself and a team of officers went up to the Corozal Northern border where we met Corporal Andrews and the two other individuals, I must say the Corporal Andrews did not resist he realized it was a mistake that it was alleged that he had committed and he cooperated fully with us, the offence of trafficking is not a bail able offence by the police and as such he had to remain with the police here in Corozal throughout the weekend.”

Woman Claimed She Was Robbed, Charge For Mischievous Act
Tonight a couple is in custody at the Corozal Police Department, pending charges for mischievous act. According to Corozal’s Commanding Officer, Andrew Ramirez, on Sunday night Nailea Cardenas was heading back home after spending some time with her aunt in the village of Xaibe in the Corozal District, when she was allegedly robbed. Cardenas told authorities that around 7:45pm she was riding her bicycle towards her house when a man whom she did not recognize came out of nowhere and punched her on the left eye causing her to fall off her bicycle and hit her head on the ground. Cardenas further stated to police that somehow she got up and ran back to her aunt’s home. But not before her attacker managed to get a hold of her purse which contained her cellular phone valued at $600.00bcy and $300.00 in cash. Cardenas was taken to the Corozal Community Hospital where doctors classified her injuries as harm. But why was the woman charged for mischievous act? Today when we caught up with Officer Commanding the Corozal Police Department, Andrew Ramirez, he expanded on the findings of the investigation.

PUP Cayo North Area Representative Resigns From His Seat
P.U.P Area Representative for Cayo North Joseph Mahmud has officially resigned from his seat. The announcement was made with immediate effect today and the resignation has been accepted by the Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Michael Peyrefitte. This comes shortly after Mahmud had stepped down from contesting the next general elections. Late this afternoon the People’s United Party issued a release thanking Mahmud for his service since March 2012 and wished him and his family continued success. Chairman of the Party, Henry Usher says that for his part, he is disappointed in the new developments. Henry Usher – Party Chairman of People’s United Party “As the Chairman of the party, I am disappointed by the news I consider Joseph to be a good friend and a brother in the party so the news is not totally expected and to be honest with you the day that he sent in his resignation letter to not contest the next election we had begun the process of selecting the new standard bearer in Cayo so it is not as if caught us off guard we had begun that process of selecting a new candidate.”

Christmas Tree Goes Up In Orange Walk
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Orange Walk Town as the Town Council sponsored Christmas tree has been assembled at the Fort Cairns Market Square. The 35 foot Christmas tree signals the start of the holiday season and for many residents the gesture sets the mood. Since the Central Park is currently going through its rehabilitation phase, the Fort Cairns plaza will be the venue for many Christmas activities this year, including our annual Christmas Bram.

Mexican National Charged For Bottle Of Perfume
A Mexican National is tonight wishing he did not visit the Corozal Free Zone after he stole a bottle of perfume valued at $11.50 Belize currency and ended up paying a high price for the crime committed. On Friday November 21st, Ada Micheali Fabro, 46 year old Belizean Manager of Hearts International Limited store located at the Corozal Free Zone told authorities that a Hispanic male person, later identified as Mortime Sanchez Silva, entered the store and purchased two perfumes. He later returned and took one Royal Platinum Perfume from the store. The item valued at $69.00 pesos or $11.50 Belie currency was found in his pants pocket by security officers who intercepted him at the exit gate. He was taken back to the store and authorities were called. The 39 year old Mexican Laborer of Chetumal Quintana Roo, Mexico was arrested and charged for theft. He appeared before the Corozal Magistrates Court today where he was fined $500.00 to be paid pay forthwith or in default 4 months in prison. Up to news time Sanchez Silva remains in police custody as he has been unable to pay the $500.00 fine.

LOVE FM

Hotel In Cayo District Dubbed As Top Eco-Hotel
The GAIA (GA-EE-YA) River-lodge, formerly known as the Five Sisters Lodge in the Cayo District has been dubbed as a top Eco-Hotel by the Smith Hotel Awards. According to a release, the announcement came after almost twenty five thousand votes were reviewed on various destinations, a panel of judges declared that GAIA River-lodge be put on the short list as one of the top ten Eco-Hotels in the world. GAIA River-lodge, owned by Daniel Lighter, is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge area and is a hydro-powered destination and has also been recognized as one of only five properties in Belize that is Green Globe Certified. In order to be recognized as an Eco-hotel, the establishment has to be committed to conserving and protecting the environment and must have an ethical approach while striving to minimize their carbon footprint. The Smith Hotel Awards is an award system established in 2003 by a London-based couple with the idea of identifying hotels that were the perfect getaway for couples. Mr. and Mrs. Smith is a travel publisher and hotel-booking service specializing in boutique, individual and small luxury hotels with their website being voted as the best website by CondeNast Traveler Readers’ Travel Awards in 2011 and 2012.

Nello Player Selected To Perfom At One Caribbean Music Festival
Belize’s reigning champ for its National Song Competition, Nello Player is moving up to the regional scene as he has been selected to perform at the first annual ONE Caribbean Music Festival in December at the Central Regional Broward Park In Florida, USA. Nello Player, whose original name is Kernelle Nykonie Parks is a local songwriter, producer and Reggae artist who began his professional career in 2005 and has since taken the award for National Song Competition three years in a row since 2012. In addition, Nello Player was named Belize’s Top Male Vocalist at the Belize Music Awards over the last two years as well as Reggae Artist of the Year and Best Dancehall Artist for 2011. Nello Player will be performing his award winning songs at the ONE Caribbean Music Festival. The ONE Caribbean Music Festival is an event aimed at recognizing and celebrating the diversity of Caribbean people and the oneness in culture through music and other forms.

City Council Held public Consultation Pertaining Taxi Moratorium
This afternoon the Belize City Council held a public consultation with the City’s Taxi Associations and private operators to discuss the Taxi Moratorium and the issuance of taxi license plates. It’s a very touchy and serious topic for the taxi operators and several opinions dominated this afternoon’s consultation aside from the actual moratorium. But to make it simple, the City Council wants to properly regulate the transport system in Belize City and asked taxi operators whether they want or not the moratorium lifted or left as it is. The consultations was held at BTL park where Transport Councilor, Alifa Elrington Hyde shared a few comments. “The difficulty the council faces as we try to regulate the entire transport system it hasn’t been an easy road. We’ve had some serious hiccups along the way so it’s not that the council doesn’t want to have regular consultations but it requires much more than just saying that we will talk to the people one day. But to that end we are trying to have better relations in an effort to provide a better transport system in the city. As Mr. Jefferies alluded earlier it was in 2008-2009 that the moratorium came about which means that this current council was not there when they established this moratorium.

Panama Diplomat in Belize Found Dead
The body of a Panamanian national, who had been serving as a diplomat in Belize, was found Sunday evening three quarters of a mile from the La Choza establishment in the Las Flores area of Belmopan. The body of the 64-year-old, Charge d’ Affaires, Jose Rodrigo de la Rosa Stanford, who resides in Belize City, was found by a resident of the area at around four o’clock with a cut to the throat and injuries to the head that investigators suspect were caused by blows with a blunt object. It is not clear whether de la Rosa was killed at the area where his body was found or if he was dumped after the fact. Up to late Sunday night, authorities were in the area processing the scene. Love News made several attempts to receive further information; however, investigators have been hushed in their preliminary findings and we were referred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but when we contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we were told that Foreign Affairs Minister, Wilfred Elrington, would be speaking to the press following the post mortem examination. Police are currently seeking the victim’s diplomatic vehicle, a white Nissan X-trail with diplomatic plates. Love News understands that investigations and leads have led the authorities to the detention of one individual.

Faber Speaks About CSEC Payments From Government
Earlier this month we brought to you an interview with the Minister of Education, Patrick Faber who had discussed with us some of the challenges that the Government had been experiencing when it came to residents taking advantage of the various initiatives being offered as they pertain to education. One of the more recent programs being offered was the payment of up to six Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations for students in either third or fourth form. Initially the program was designed for parents who are struggling and who could use the financial assistance but since our last interview with the Education Minister, he has met with the Prime Minister and some changes have made regarding who will benefit from the CSEC payments being offered by Government. PATRICK FABER “Indeed the last time we spoke was probably a week and a half ago at the (Cancaid) meeting where I was saying to people ”Listen if you did not apply now is the time to go into your schools to get in a late application for the survey to be done”.

Man Found Dead In Pit Latrine
The body of a man was found in an outdoor pit latrine yesterday morning in Elridgeville in the Toledo District. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the details. PAUL MAHUNG “A family member, Adelita Williams who sighted the body of the person in the pit section of the outdoor latrine spoke to Love News about the incident.” ADELITA WILLIAMS “When I got to the toilet on Sunday morning and when I stepped in to use it I saw two feet in the corner and I ran and told my brother. When my brother got there he told me that he had already died when they took him out of the hole.” PAUL MAHUNG “Who took the person to the Punta Gorda hospital.” ADELITA WILLIAMS “Police.” PAUL MAHUNG “How old was the person and what was his name?”

Belize Federation of Fisheries Facilitates Series of Training Workshops
Fisher-folks participated in a series of training workshops facilitated by the Belize Federation of Fishers. We hear more in this report from correspondent Harry Arzu. HARRY ARZU “Compact, the Oak Foundation and PACT recently the Belize federation of fishers with financial grants that are currently being used to empower fisher folk in Belize and their communities through a series of workshops. Nigel Martinez BFF director told Love News that over the past weekend on November 22nd and 23rd the organization held two of three training workshops in Sarteneja Village in the Corozal district and in Belize City. The training workshops he said focused on natural resources management with the objective to provide fisher folk with the knowledge of the importance of marine protected areas and its benefits to the member’s community as well as reviewed a legislation governing marine protected areas. Martinez said that the second presentation which focuses on aquaculture enhanced the participant’s knowledge of the history of aquaculture in Belize including harvesting and global aquaculture industry. Moreover he said that fisher folks were also able to gain knowledge about seaweed farming and production which is an alternative to fisher folks leaving the fishing industry. The Grants that the BFF received from the said financial institutions will also assist BFF in the development of a documentary that will highlight the life of Belizean fisher folk.”

Two Men Charged For City Shooting
Two men have been charged with the attempted murder of 44-year-old Carlos Abraham also known as Zimbad. Today Ellis Meighan Junior and a 17 year old minor appeared before chief magistrate Anne Marie Smith. The two were charged with attempted murder, dangerous harm and deadly means of harm. They were remanded into custody until January 30, 2015. Last Thursday morning just before ten o’clock, Abraham was at a mechanic shop at the corner of Banak and Lakeview Streets when he was shot.

Belize Has New Designated Mexican Ambassador
Mexico’s president, Enrique Peña Nieto, has designated a new Mexican ambassador for Belize. He is Carlos Quesnel Meléndez. Quesnel Meléndez holds a law degree from the UNAM and did graduate studies at the Institute of International Law and Comparative Constitutional Law at the University of Zurich. He also has a Master’s degree in International Law. He has served as Legal Attaché at the Embassy in the United States and officer for Legal Affairs and Human Rights at the Embassy in the United Kingdom. Quesnel Melendez’s appointment goes before the Mexican senate for approval and then he presents his credentials to Belize’s head of state, Sir Colville Young, before he replaces H.E. Mario Velazquez who has been Mexico’s ambassador in Belize since 2011.

PlusTV

Panamanian Diplomat murdered in Belmopan
The Nation is in a state of shock following the discovery of the dead body of Panamanian Diplomat Jose Rodrigo De La Rosa Standford in the Capital City of Belmopan. Police report that sometime around 4:00 pm on Sunday November 23rd Jose De La Rosa, The Charge De Affairs for the Embassy of Panama to ...

Motorcycle accident on Belmopan Ring Road
A motorcycle rammed into the side of a white ford pickup truck on the South Ring Road, Belmopan, as it attempted to overtake. The incident happened shortly after 1:00 pm on Monday. Reports are that 35 year old Rene Pott, of Belmopan, was driving a white ford pickup on the South Ring road from an Eas...

Police charge Ellis Meighan in Abraham shooting
Ellis Meighan Jr., 22, and a seventeen year old male minor face charges of attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm in last Thursday’s shooting of 46 year old Carlos “Zimbab” Abraham on Lakeview Street in Belize City. Carlos Abraham, formerly affiliated with the George Street...

Missing man’s body found floating in Mopan River
45-year-old Nicole Warner, a Naturalized Canadian Accountant residing in Bullet Tree Village, Cayo District, reported that on Friday November 21 at about 4:00pm, she arrived at Phillip Goldson International Airport and picked up her husband 59-year-old James Garfield Searles, a Canadian National als...

Belize Corporal and company busted with weed
A Belize Police Corporal and two others were busted with suspected weed at the Customs Checkpoint at the Belize Northern Border. According to Police reports, on Friday November 21st sometime around 5:45 pm., a red Geo Prism car with Belizean license plates approached the check point...

Belmopan burglars caught in the act
Belmopan Police intercepted a burglary on Thursday last week in broad daylight. According to reports, at around 1:45 pm police responded to a burglary in progress at a two story yellow wooden structure house in Belmopan. The owner of the building lives in the USA. When police arrived at the house, t...

Possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol
On the night of Friday November 21, Belmopan police were on mobile patrol, and passing in front of a bar on Cemetery Road, Belmopan City. They say that a blue Ford Ranger pickup suddenly reversed out from the establishment, almost running into the police vehicle. Police pursued the vehicle and pulle...

Best Warrior Competition’s second year
The Coast Guard’s Best Warrior Competition was held for the second year last week, and the winners acknowledged on Saturday. The tournament tests the fitness, strength and endurance of its members, and includes grueling tasks such as a 2 mile ocean swim, a 6 mile run, 4 mile obstacle course, and tre...

Patrick Jones

Police charge two people in connection with Zimbab’s shooting
Ellis Meighan Jr., 22, and a seventeen year old male minor face charges of attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. This is in relation to last Thursday’s shooting of 46 year old Carlos “Zimbab” Abraham on Lakeview Street in Belize City. Abraham, formerly […]

GOB extends payment plan for CXC examinations
Approaching the final deadline for payment of fees for high school students to take the Caribbean Examination Council’s (CXC) Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), Belize’s Ministry of Education has decided to extend its plan to pay fees for up to six subjects to all students who applied through […]

Sport Minister promises quick opening for MCC and Marion Jones
Belize City’s premier sport venues, the MCC Grounds and Marion Jones Sport Complex, have been out of commission for several months – and in the case of Marion Jones, years – owing to major upgrades and improvements at both stadia. The MCC, which hosts the City’s top football […]

Joseph Mahmud resigns Cayo North seat
Joseph Mahmud who earlier this year announced he will not seek reelection has gone a step further and officially resigned as the area representative for Cayo North, effective immediately. A government statement sent out this afternoon said that Mahmud’s resignation letter was delivered to the Clerk […]

Orange Walk hosts Tacos Fest 2014
For the fourth year running, Orange Walk town this past weekend hosted the much-anticipated Tacos Fest. Organizers say this year’s event was a huge success, bringing in a large crowd of tacos lovers from all over the country. About a dozen taqueros took part in the event […]

Teenager arrested for driving without license
A fifteen year old boy has been arrested and charged for traffic offences in Cayo. Due to his age, the name of the boy cannot be revealed; but police say he was arrested on Sunday in Santa Familia village. Officers on mobile patrol in the village pulled […]

Panama diplomat found dead in Belmopan
Police in Belmopan are investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder of a Panamanian national in the nation’s capital. According to police reports, around 4 pm on Sunday, the body of 64 year old Jose Rodrigo de la Rosa Stanford was found in the western part of Belmopan. Police say De La Rosa Stanford worked at the Embassy of Panama in Belmopan and that his vehicle, with diplomatic license plates, has not been recovered. Police also say that when the body was found, it had cut wounds to the neck and head.

Vehicle overturns in San Ignacio town
There was an early morning traffic accident today in San Ignacio town. Around 12:15 am today, an SUV went out of control on the roundabout at the western entrance to San Ignacio town on the George Price Highway and overturned with its four wheels in the air. The vehicle, according to reports received, ended up inside of the compound of a church in the area.

Blogs

The Great Belize Barrier Reef: No to a luxury resort!
In media, as it life, sometimes when it rains it pours… After posting about the recent Travel Pulse article on Belize that we liked (Belize’s Charm Is Difficult to Describe But Easily Experienced November 21), another piece, this time in the Huffington Post, was brought to our attention. And, as this one has Cheers television star and well known environmental activist Ted Danson sharing the byline with Oceana CEO Andrew Sharpless, our ears picked up. Mr Danson has graced our pages before, largely as a board member of Oceana and as a particular friend of Belize who has been selflessly instrumental in helping with things like banning the destructive practices of commercial bottom trawling and oil drilling on the Belize Great Barrier Reef.

Kardashian Correspondent Covers Belize Fashion Week 2014…A Sneak Preview
So this past week, when I saw the announcements for BELIZE FASHION WEEK 2014, I immediately realized two things. 1. That this was a super cool, international, cosmopolitan-style event taking place right here in San Pedro and 2. that I was NOT the one to cover such an event. Fin K., my trusted travel correspondent and man-about-town, to the rescue. He even assured me that he would have the correct outfits and “bling” for the occasion. I mean…PHEW. From Fin: Fashion week has come and gone and Belize has showcased the best in the country and Central America! More to come….2500 pictures is a lot to work on!

Working Together to Spread the Word about Bullying
An Interview with Guest Editors Shelly Hymel, Ph.D. and Susan Swearer, Ph.D. Bullying is an ever-present problem in the lives of school kids. There is not a day that goes by where we don’t hear from parents about a cruel bullying story – the 1st Grade Boy trapped in the Boys Bathroom, the 3rd Grade girl who is excluded from her former friends during every recess, the 5th Grade Boy who came home with a sign taped to his back that read “call me weirdo,” or the 8th Grade girl who was the victim of an untrue rumor that she had sex. This could be your child-one out of three students are bullied every year. Parents of bystanders, children who bully, and victims all must take a proactive stand against these statistics by getting involved in their school and in their community. The movement to dispel bullying has already begun. Parents teach their children tolerance and try to provide a stable, secure home environment; teachers and school administrators work to put policies in place to keep bullying out of their schools; top scholars focus research on the root causes of this behavior.

SALAD BAR – ENSALADA SENCILLA
•2 hard-boiled eggs •1 head romaine or iceburg lettuce •3 medium size ripe tomatoes •1/2 white or yellow onion •1 (6 oz) can tuna in oil •2 oz (50 gr) green olives •2 oz (50 gr) black olives •3 Tbsp (1.5 oz) red wine vinegar •6 Tbsp (3 oz) extra virgin olive oil •salt to taste

International Sources

Belize Lawmaker Resigns
Joseph Mahmud, member of Belize’s House of Representatives for the Cayo North constituency, has tendered his resignation. The news was announced by Belize’s government on Monday afternoon. Mahmud, a member of the opposition People’s United Party, advised the Office of the Clerk that his resignation would take effect with immediate effect, and Speaker of the House Michael Peyrefitte has accepted his resignation. The move was reportedly made because Mahmud will not be seeking re-election.

Emilina Nidia Martinez, Janesville, WI and Corozal Town, Belize, (1934-2014)
January 16, 1934 - November 22, 2014 Emelina Nidia “Mama” “Bibi” Martinez, age 80, of Janesville, and Corozal Town, Belize, died Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center, Janesville. She was born in San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize, on Jan. 16, 1934, the second child of Pedro and Amalia (Awe) Ochaeta. Emelina married Leodi Martinez on Oct. 8, 1960. He preceded her in death on Nov. 24, 1984 They had seven children: Lisette Martinez, Jamili Umezawa, Nurlette Arrez, Hamid Martinez, Amini Mendez, Sister Marie Lucette Martinez, and Emil Martinez. Emelina was a housewife and helped with the family tailoring business in Corozal, Belize, while raising her children and spent her later years with her children and grandchildren in Belize, Japan, and America. She peacefully passed in Janesville.

Belize's Blue Hole wins Conde Nast Traveler's 'Best Deep Holes in the World'
This accolade comes as the tourism season gears up in this increasingly popular Caribbean country, featuring natural environments from rich rainforests to beautiful beaches. From November to May Belize welcomes a wave of water enthusiasts, including fishermen, families, and fun-in-the-sun-seekers. They combine with transplanted Americans, Canadians, and Europeans who own property in Belize and enjoy warm winters in the sand and sea. The Blue Hole holds tremendous attraction for those who want to experience a unique SCUBA experience or just test the waters of the beautiful Belize Barrier Reef; Conde Nast comments: “One of the largest sea holes in the world, the Great Blue Hole is located 43 miles from the coast of Belize in the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hole is a popular recreational scuba diving spot, made famous by Jacques Cousteau in the early 1970s. This submarine sinkhole is nearly 1,000 feet wide and more than 400 feet deep. Lighthouse Reef atoll surrounds the Great Blue Hole, where sand and coral contrast intensely with the dark blue water.”

Say hello to Dandelion Chocolate’s $45 design-centric chocolate bar
So. Here is a $45 chocolate bar now available from Dandelion Chocolate. It’s dubbed the “Break Bar.” The limited edition six-ounce bar — described as “this holiday’s most delicious design object” — is actually a collaboration with Cool Hunting and Brooklyn-based collaborative designers Snarkitecture. As you might be able to tell, it’s a chocolate bar that looks broken … but actually comes together perfectly with its opposite half. All profits benefit San Francisco non-profit Southern Exposure. And how about that price point? Well, Dandelion’s Jennifer Roy points out that the bars are so time-intensive that they can only make 50 a day, and there are only about 500 available. Apparently, the trial and error with using nesting 70% Belize chocolate bars took the team several months to perfect. “It’s a piece of art. It’s absolutely gorgeous. The packaging is letter-pressed, specifically for the chocolate bars,” she says. “If you saw what went into making each bar, it’s ridiculous.”

Hazel I. Lowe, owner of South Side boutique known for elegant apparel, dies at 97
Bejeweled and behatted, Hazel I. Lowe’s customers were her best advertisement. They emerged from her shop ready for a wedding or black-tie ball — or maybe, stopping traffic. For 43 years, Hazel Lowe’s Boutique was a one-stop destination for women who knew Ms. Lowe would deck them out from shoes to chapeau. She dressed the Rev. Johnnie Coleman, founder of Christ Universal Temple; singer Natalie Cole; business leaders; and wives of pastors and bishops. Services have been held. A native of Belize City, Ms. Lowe immigrated to Chicago to join an uncle, a Belizean mahogany dealer with high-end clients such as the Wrigley family. The lustrous wood played a key role in Belize’s economy and history. Mahogany is the country’s national tree, which appears on the Belizean flag. “She always said to me, when I pass, I want a mahogany casket,” Hart said. “They are expensive, but there was nothing too good for her.”

Drilling the Caribbean: Indigenous Communities Speak Out Against Oil and Gas Exploration in Honduras
In 2013, the Honduran government granted BG Group oil and gas exploration rights in a 35,000 square kilometer block off the coast of the Moskitia. Miskitu and Garifuna community leaders are speaking out to defend their territories from oil and gas activity. In contrast to Belize and Costa Rica, where environmental NGOs, scientists, and others formed powerful national alliances to fight oil exploration, in Honduras, Indigenous opposition is as of yet largely unheard and unsupported. Source: Beacon Inez Eduardo Arzú finds a patch of shade and sits next to the wall a small wooden home in the coral reef cay community of Chachahuate. The clear, turquoise Caribbean waters surrounding the archipelago sparkle in the midday sun. The Afro-Indigenous Garifuna residents of the Cayos Cochinos off the coast of Honduras and their mainland sister communities have fought long and hard for their rights to live and fish in the cays.

IDB supports foreign direct investment in the Caribbean with US$0.9m to CAIPA
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is providing financing under a Regional Public Goods Programme (RPG) that will be managed by Caribbean Export Development Agency in its capacity as the Secretariat for the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA), the IDB said in a statement Saturday. "The IDB has provided US$900.000 to CAIPA to support several initiatives geared towards increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Caribbean and will be implemented over a 2 year period. These initiatives include the build-out of an investment opportunities atlas for the Caribbean, providing information on the projects and sectors in the region that are ready for investment, the development of an intra-regional investment programme, the procurement of a client relationship management system for the region's investment promotion agencies (IPAs) and good practices missions, exposing the IPAs to improved methods of investment promotion," the IDB said. It added:

GAIA Riverlodge named by the Smith Hotel Awards as Top 10 Eco Resort
GAÏA Riverlodge, a celebrated ecotourist destination in Belize, has unveiled its recent recognition as a Top Eco Hotel by the Smith Hotel Awards. After careful review of nearly 25,000 votes globally, a panel of expert judges named GAÏA Riverlodge to its short list of top ten Eco Hotels in the World. Tucked away in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and surrounded by the Five Sisters waterfalls, travelers seek out this hydro-powered destination for adventure and to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of Belize’s culturally rich landscape. In a recent series of environmental initiatives, GAÏA Riverlodge is also one of the only five properties in Belize to be Green Globe Certified. The hotel prides itself in upholding the highest standard of sustainability and recently developed a fresh vegetable garden on-site, where guests can now enjoy hyper-local cuisine at GAÏA's acclaimed restaurant.

Videos

Video:Top 5 Adventures in Belize , min.
Andrew Zimmern’s Top 5 on Travel Channel: American television personality, chef, food writer counts down his most memorable moments in Belize. Find out where he ranks his trip to Gales Point.

Video: Belize’s Beautiful Placencia Peninsula, 2min.
Belize’s Placencia Peninsula is 17 miles of white sands, blue Caribbean waters, and gently swaying palms. The paving of the road the length of the peninsula has opened it up for development, with homes and condos ranging from luxury to affordable. Expats are drawn to Placencia by the laid-back lifestyle and tropical climate. If you’re into listening to reggae at a beach bar – you can do that. Boating? With several marinas and anchorages, it’s a center for sailors and other boaters. You can fish, snorkel, and scuba in the surrounding waters. And the small village at the tip is a walkable community of cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and more. And you can always just relax on the beach – without the crowds.

Video: Carnival Liberty Cruise Day 4 - Belize, 13min.
Day 4 Excursion booked through Carnival - Snorkeling Wonders of the Barrier Reef Excursion. This was amazing. I would highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys snorkeling. All levels of experience will be able to enjoy this. The guides do an awesome job of taking care of everything you need.

Video: Belize Cave Tubing Tour - St. Herman's Cave, 3min.
This video contains the walk to cave,