February 27, 2015

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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

“Sick” Air Traffic Controllers Shut Down PGIA
History took place on Saturday, February 21st when the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) was closed to air traffic after Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) scheduled to work called in sick. The lack of ATC staff caused much chaos across the country, as no plane could land or take off from PGIA. National airports with scheduled flights to PGIA saw masses of distressed and confused customers who were unable to get to the international airport for their connecting flights. The Belize Civil Aviation Authority reported that the shutdown of PGIA caused two international flight to be diverted to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, but that by 11AM, operations were back to normal. The problem was first noticed when a scheduled Tropic Air flight from Punta Gorda Town to PGIA was diverted to the Municipal Airstrip because there was no response from the tower. The question was “why would six staff members scheduled to man the control tower from 6AM to midday call in sick?” The answer is apparently ‘low wages, long working hours, and political appointment’. Due to the fact that ATC are categorized by law as an essential service, they cannot participate in a strike, so they called in sick as a form of demonstration. The situation came as a surprise to the Civil Aviation Authority, and as such they were caught unprepared. “On Saturday, February 21st at 6:10AM, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation, and its Department of Civil Aviation were informed that the air traffic controllers scheduled to work the 6AM to 12PM shift at the Control Tower of the Philip Goldson International Airport had reported in sick. Subsequently, the Department of Civil Aviation has also received indication that some of the air traffic controllers scheduled to work the 12PM to 6PM shift had also reported in sick,” stated Director of Civil Aviation, Lindsay Garbutt in a press release.

No leads on the murder of Sylvin Chi and Benjamin Molina
Initial investigations from the police revealed that on the same date, at around 11:30PM, 51-year-old Jose Wagner reported that two of his coworkers (Chi and Molina) had gone missing since Tuesday, February 17th at 5AM. Wagner indicated that the men had left to go find coconuts and had not returned since. Officer in Charge of the San Pedro Police, Superintendent Luis Castellanos stated that as a result a search was launched in the area where the men were last seen. “When the police visited the area, 11.5 miles north of the island, they found what appeared to be blood. As a result, the officers concentrated their search in that area which led to the discovery of the grave 50 yards from the beach side. When the grave was dug up, police found the bodies of the two men that had been reported missing,” said Castellanos. One of Molina’s relatives, Ernildo Jones who took him in and was caring for him as a father, stated that police are not doing their best to catch the criminals. “He had told me that he wanted to go find coconut oil. I gave him $150 and he went up north to get the oil from Chi, who works with him. We didn’t want him to go because we loved him, but he still went on Sunday, February 15th and this is what happened. From the state that his body was found, I believe that my son was tortured. I feel that the police are not doing their job. We have given them information on what we are hearing on the murder, yet they do nothing. I believe that there is some money involved in this. I talked to the police and they say that they can’t do nothing because there isn’t any proof,” said Jones.

New Horizon SDA benefactor symbolically hands over donation
The New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist Primary School is boasting a fresh look with two brand new classrooms and a palapa, amongst other donations. A symbolic handing over took place on Thursday February 19th when the school’s largest benefactor Dan Listwin of Canary Coves and Mayor Daniel Guerrero stopped in for a short visit. The donation includes two wooden classroom buildings, the construction of a new zinc roof palapa fitted with eight picnic tables and the renovation of the outer part of the all classroom buildings including the reconstruction of verandahs. In addition, the school got a fresh coat of paint to fit in with the new renovations made to the school’s facility.

Monumental expansion of Hol Chan Marine Reserve is official

Ambergris Today

Ovidio and Elia Guerrero Celebrate Golden Anniversary
The local celebrities of the day are Ovidio “Pinocho” Guerrero and Elia Guerrero who celebrated on Tuesday, February 23, 2015 their 50th or Golden Wedding Anniversary. A large nucleus family which include Orlando Guerrero, Ofel Guerrero, Dimas Guerrero, Omar “Kanasi” Guerrero, and sisters Ofelia Graniel and Omelia Marin were at hand at the couple’s residence to celebrate the special occasion. Also at hand were his children, Martha Perez, Anel Rivero, and Luis Guerrero along with the couple’s grand children and great grandchildren. Friends took time to write and talk about their fond memories of the couple and had fun recollecting Ovidio as a talented skin diver/fisherman, an avid basketball forward, a keen baseball pitcher, a talented musician, a man of service as a Lion Club member, and yes a village councilman who was part of the team that brought township to San Pedro. As for Elia Aguilar, everyone agreed that she was the eye of the village when she entered the dance hall being the first in the hall and the last to leave. Together this couple has contributed to San Pedro by offering the very first self-service shop and store known as Martha’s Store, a first class bar establishment the Skin Diver’s Club, and also Martha’s Hotel.

Maya Artifacts Stolen in San Pedro House of Culture Breakin
The newly inaugurated San Pedro House of Culture has been the target of thieves over the weekend. The thieves made away with an assortment of valuable artifacts. According to the police, a long list of items were stolen that include two conch shell rings, three stone axes, one ink pot, a rare jade ear flare, three net weights, two arrow heads, a loom weight and a conch shell spoon. Guillermo Paz, manager of the House of Culture, says that he secured the facility on Friday, February 20, 2015, and returned on Sunday, February 22, to find that the front door had been forced open and the items were missing. Police are investigating and residents are urged to contact the San Pedro Police Department if they know of any illegal sales of these stolen items/Maya artifacts.

San Pedro Boasts Expansion of Hol Chan Marine Reserve
In 2010, a community initiative spearheaded by the San Pedro Tour Guides Association, The Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development and The Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) commenced work in establishing Mexico Rocks, the fly fishing shoals on the leeward side of Ambergris Caye and its associated wetlands as a protected area. After several public consultations it was agreed that the proposed area be added as an extension of the HCMR. Through an integrated approach and with full participation of government and stakeholders, a final draft was agreed on early February 2015. On Tuesday, February 17, The Government of Belize, through cabinet, approved the expansion of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. On Wednesday, February 25, an official signing ceremony took place in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Misc Belizean Sources

The Real Story Behind Harmonyville
A collection of videos and other information

International Living Belize comments on the current Electoral process in Belize!
This is a local election year in Belize and bright, vibrant signs have been hung along the streets throughout the towns, for each party. We've been watching "Good Morning San Pedro" most mornings, to hear each party give their pitch. Belizeans take their democracy very seriously. A high % of them vote. It's a pleasure to watch this young democracy in action. It really makes a difference when you learn about your adopted country's local and national politics...

Public Health Notice: Measles Advisory
The Ministry of Health has been advised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of an outbreak of Measles at the Disneyland Resort in California in the United States of America (USA). In addition, cases are being reported in Canada and one case related to the Disneyland outbreak has been reported in Mexico.

Belizean Chocolate
Maya Mountain Cacao Newsletter, February 2015

Cayo Sinkholes by Horse
Did you know you can ride horses from Bullet Tree Falls to the giant sinkholes behind Santa Familia? One of the sinkholes is huge. Definitely worth the trip. The sinkholes are catching on. Kenny Lamb has an album of pictures from the trek there.

A Better Man Album Launch
Deniss Gee is having his CD release party and concert for his album 'A Better Man' this Saturday in Roaring Creek. "This coming Saturday, February 28th, Alida Sharp will be one of the artist before at Dennis Requena album launch in Roaring Creek. Encourage all to come out and show your support."

ROCK THE VOTE CONCERT!!
Contact a field representative in your area for transportation information: Celeshia Guy for Belize District 607-4405, Judy Waight for Corozal District - 660-0723, BTIA Jazmin Zetina for Orange Walk District - 651-4860, Julie Sanchez for Cayo District - 623-7301, Rubiere Ramirez for Stann Creek District 636-4621 and Cordelia Shal for the Toledo District - 605-0999 or call Amelita Knowles at 610-4874 or 822-2792. For Placencia Village contact Arreini Palacio at SEA 523-3377 and Independence Village Maggie Muschamp 670-1246

Neotropical River Otter
Did you know that the Neotropical River Otter does not only eat fish? Here it digs into rotting wood for a tasty larva or even a frog if he is lucky.

Harvest Caye
Flying to PG today we got an exclusive look at the real devastation at Harvest Caye. This can not be seen from the ground... suddenly the true horror is revealed. 10 new photos have been posted to my album, but this sums it up.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Thursday, February 26, 2015: 61. FANTASY 5: 8 27 2 28 19 A

Ms. Teresa Lopez passes
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Lopez and Caliz family on the passing of Ms. Teresa Lopez. May her soul rest in peace.

Corozal House of Culture (NICH)
Thank you to the Standard 6 teachers and students of St. Francis Xavier School for visiting and viewing the Belize Heroes, Patriots and Benefactor's Exhibit today!

New Mexican Ambassador in Belize Press Conference
The New Mexican Ambassador in Belize Carlos Quesnel Meléndez, offered his first press conference. Took place at the Institute of Mexico in the city Belize with the assistance of journalists eight of the most important means of the country, both printed as radio and television. In the context of a breakfast of work, ambassador offered a scenic of the Bilateral relations between Mexico and BELIZE, wish to highlight the issues of economic, Commercial, Tourist and technical cooperation and science.

Chiquibul from Below
The Maya Mountain Adventure Challenge is happening again in 2016, and they went scouting all through MPR and the Chiquibul to figure out the route. They captured some incredible pictures from the area. "NoHoch Chen sink hole is tucked away in the secrets of the Chiquibul Forest. Want to know where? Join us for the 2016 MMAC! Registration is now open!"

Calling all the sound technicians or lovers of the art of audio productions
Are you interested or do you know someone who would be interested in learning something really cool? Here is an opportunity you cannot miss! Please share with all who might be interested!

Protecting artifacts
Key stakeholders learning how to care for important Belizean artifacts in order to protect and preserve them for future generations...

Belize Heroes, Patriots and Benefactors Exhibit Ceremony
This year's exhibit featured the addition of Ms. Vivian Seay, Ms. Dorothy Bradly and Corozal's very own Mr. Jesus Ken. So far 21 persons have been featured including Belize's two National Heroes, Benefactor and several patriots and unsung heroes. The exhibit is being hosted at the Corozal House of Culture until June.

Channel 7

21 Year Old Ian Adolphus Jr Dies
Last night police spoke about how they had been holding crime down in the city - after a month with no homicides in the murder capital. Well, they spoke too soon. Tonight, sadly, the news is about two men killed in separate shootings within 30 hours. First, yesterday's shooting victim, 21 year old Ian Adolphus Jr died early this morning. That's murder number one. And then this afternoon at 2:15 pm, 29 year old Hubert Bodden was shot dead on Cedar Street behind Habet and Habet. We start with Adolphus. He was shot yesterday morning at 9:30 am on Freedom Street and died at the KHMH this morning at 4:30. The 21 year old was shot to the arm, chest and elbow. His father tells us that the shot to the chest was the fatal injury because it caused major internal bleeding and also damaged his heart. He said that after surgery Adolphus was listed as 50/50, and later in the night Doctors lowered his chances. He was then taken off life support.

Two Murders In 30 Hours
And then this afternoon at 2:15 pm, 29 year old Hubert Bodden was shot dead on Cedar Street behind Habet and Habet. He was in the area taking money for his young son - and he was reportedly caught by a bullet intended for another man who was fleeing. 7News was on the scene, and later we spoke to his stepfather. Dennis Bodden - Stepfather of Herbert Bodden "I feel sad, because he was a respectable person and he is a kind person and we usually get along with each other, with the family. It really hurt when I got the message this morning. I didn't expect this to happen to him. He is not a piece of cloth and I don't feel like it is right. I don't think that will end like this, because he was too kind. He was just at the wrong spot and it hurts me. Anywhere he goes, he is well-known. You would always meet him pushing his cart."

Hope for Harmonyville
In May of last year, the dispute between the Lands Department and the grassroots organization, BGYEA, first emerged in the press over the Harmonyville community housing project. You probably remember that the Lands Department ordered that certain tracts of land set aside for Harmonyville has to be left aside for road reserve. But, BGYEA members and their supporters believed that the government was being unreasonable because the amount of land that the Lands Department wanted to leave untouched was significantly larger than in other communities. Secondly, they wanted to plant corn in this buffer area, and the proceeds would be used to construct proper roads and other infrastructure for the community. The Government refused to approve it, and when the grassroots organization agitated to move forward with its plans, Government got an injunction to stop them.

Election May Cause Two Day Holiday In Some Areas
Next week Wednesday, March 4 is the date of the 2015 Municipal Elections, something which the mass parties, their candidates, and the independent candidates know only too well. But while that day is not a public and bank holiday, the Ministry of Education has decided that there will be no classes country wide. Parents who have children going to schools which will be used as counting stations will have to monitor the progress of the elections in their town or city closely because if there some dispute over the results, and there is some form of a recount required, or if the counting takes extra time, classes for Thursday March fifth may also be called off. Today, the Ministry of Education's Education Information Officer discussed with what will happen on Wednesday and possibly Thursday at the different schools: Yma Casey Gordon - Education Information Officer, MOE "We have through the chief education officers, sent out a memo a while back, to general managers and to principals, identifying March 4th as a non-school day. We've also inserted in that memo, the possibility of having a non-school day on March 5th and of course this is to accommodate certain circumstances if the needs be when we look at our school who will be used as counting stations as well as polling stations."

The Tale Of The Tablet
We caught up with Yma Casey Gordon at the UB Gynmasium in Belmopan while the Ministry of Education was continuing the distribution of the ASUS computer Tablets. As we've reported, the giveaway to the tertiary students started on Tuesday - but since then we've seen at least one for sale online. We asked Casey about this and the question of whether the tablets should have been distributed strictly on a needs basis: Yma Casey Gordon - Education Information Officer, MOE "We had a total of about 1200 students and this is at the UB Belmopan Campus. Up to date we are on our second day. We have one more day left and we have about 400 tablets left to distribute." Daniel Ortiz "Ma'am, some have made issue of the fact that there are some students who qualify who don't particularly need the tablet. Was there any sort of screening done or is there any sort of policy on that, because you don't need the tablet, means you don't necessarily received it from the Ministry of Education?"

Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Now 6x Bigger
It's already one of the most famous marine reserves on earth and tonight, Hol Chan is even better than that because it's gotten 6 times bigger. Last week, Cabinet approved an expansion to include a 40 acre plot of lagoon and wetlands - called Sunset Cove. It was designated as Zone F of the reserve some time ago, but in September reports emerged that it was being surveyed for house lots. That raised howls of protest - and the good news is that it worked - and yesterday a ceremony was held to celebrate the accomplishment. We found out more from the park manager: Miguel Alamilla, Hol Chan Marine Reserve "Hol Chan Marine Reserve has a total coverage currently on 56sqkm. This expansion will greatly add to what it is Hol Chan right now. I think it's over 330sqkm of additional mangrove, sea grass beds and coral reef that we are adding to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. So, in all we are multiplying what we have by more than 6 times."

The Shame Of Shafane
19 year old Ernest Leslie, today walked from a charge of grievous harm after he was accused of breaking the jaw of a female 18 year old Excelsior student, Shafane Flowers. How did it happen? Well, the alleged victim, Shafane Flowers did not show up at court today for her own trial which forced the court to withdraw the very serious charge against Ernest Leslie. When Leslie got the news, he was at court alone and unrepresented and wasted no time in dashing out of the court.

FFB: The New Face Of Football
Viewers may remember vividly how the country's National A Football Team, the Jaguars, qualified for the Gold Cup in 2013. It was a first for Belize, and a triumph for the Ruperto Victente Administration of the Football Federation of Belize which was determined to show that they were managing football properly. Since then, poor performances have killed the hype, and the hope in the Vicente administration has also ebbed. It hit rock bottom when the team came in last in the 2014 UNCAF Copa Centroamericana - or Nations Cup. Well, the FFB is determined to get it right for the first round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Belize plays against the Cayman Islands on March 25, and this new National Team Selection has been practicing as a team since November of last year. The full National Team has since been selected, and according to the FFB, it is a younger, more cohesive selection which will allow football at this level to develop. The Federation invited the media today for a meet and greet session with the new team, and 7News was there. We saw quite a number of new faces, but also some familiar ones. Here's what they had to tell us today.

A Change Of Mood and Mind For National Team Coaches
And the man who will is leading the team as Head coach is Jorge Nunez, a native of Brazil who has been around Belizean football as a coach for over 25 years. He's has coached some of the biggest names in football, and today, he told us why he wants your support to lead the Jaguars into these World Cup qualifiers: Jorge Nunez - Head Coach, National Team "I played football with Juventus. I play football in Central America, I play football in my country, Brazil, professional. I have had training, I have received my certification from FIFA and I did my training in Guatemala, so I am certified to coach in any part of the world." And as you may have noticed from our footage, Charlie Slusher is back at the FFB as the Assistant Head Coach of the National Team. Now, the last time we spoke with Slusher, which was about 2 years ago, it appeared that he and President Ruperto Vicente had major differenced of opinion about what's best for the National Team. Slusher exited on less than amiable terms, and so today, we asked both men how they were able to mend fences. Here's what they had to say:

A Field of Dreams, Deferred
And the first match that the Jaguars will play for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers will be a home game against the Cayman Island National Team. They will play that match at the FFB Stadium. Now, you may remember well the controversy which arose when the FFB promised last year that the football Pitch would be ready for the 2014 Champions League. It was a big fail for the Administration because in the very last days coming up to the match, Belize, which would have been represented by the Belmopan Bandits was yanked from the competition because the field wasn't ready. Well, the FFB has had months to make sure that the pitch is up to international standards. So, we asked about it today, and the President said that it has passed inspection with flying colors:

Civil Aviation Minister Iffy on Penalties For Air Traffic Controllers
Yesterday in San Pedro, Minister with responsibility for civil aviation Manuel Junior Heredia addressed the issue of the air controllers sick out on Saturday. It shut down the airport's operations for five hours - and raised many public questions about the state of the equipment in the air control tower. Heredia today told the media that no one complained to him - but he does have his own complaints:.. Hon. Manuel Junior Heredia "These people should not have acted n that way. Probably they didn't get good advice, but we are hoping that this will not be repeated in the future and we are also working in additional support, which at this point I cannot reveal, when it happens you will know, but definitely from our own government department's we are looking into training other people. I have been very open. When I met with them before the Christmas holidays, I was very open, look, if you are not happy with what is happening over there and people are not listening to you, there is the minister who will entertain from the guy that sweep the area to the highest officer. There is no special for anyone. That is the way I have operated and that is the way I will continue to do so, but at the end of the day, if you do your investigation and you find out that there is mischief, then you have to deal with the issue. You cannot allow anyone..."

Be Your Own Boss!
Be your own Boss! That is the motto of the new Youth Apprenticeship's entrepreneurship program. A ceremony was held at the Youth for the Future building this afternoon to honor the 16 participants who will be benefiting from this program. Una May Gordon, the founder of the Institute of sustainable livelihood leadership and Exchange, told us that this program gives youth a chance to reinvent themselves. This program which covers a year, is being sponsored by Australian Aid. The series of workshops and training for participants should start in March.

The Inevitability of Aging
We're all gonna get old, but despite its inevitability, aging is not a topic freely discussed. And while we'd rather not talk about it, but the national council on ageing say that it is a timely and relevant discussion. They held a conference today at the Radisson under the theme "Policy Dialogue: Toward an effective Continuum of Care for Older Persons". The dialogue centered on how to improve services for older persons in order for them to live healthy and dignified lives. Judith Alpuche, CEO of the Human Development sector further discussed how this will impact the quality of life for older persons. The National Policy focuses on persons ages 60 and older.

The Central Corridor's Comeback
The last time the Central Belize Corridor - also known as the jaguar corridor - made the news was in 2012 when the company Green Tropics raised an environmental red flag when they dug a 2 mile canal through it. But, this corridor extends 750 kilometres - or approximately 466 miles - of the country, and a part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, and this protected area is vital to the wildlife which calls it home. But among those 466 miles, there are private land owners, and different communities which make up parts of it, so the conservationists are trying to make sure that the human interaction with the corridor is beneficial, instead of the deforestation and shrinking of the wildlife habitat which happens whenever forests are cut down for agricultural or housing purposes. The constant threat to the corridor is something that the University of Belize's Environmental Research Institute knows very well, and so a very involved, very exhaustive consultation process in which 15-member task force was put together. This taskforce comprised of representatives from governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations, and their objective was to put together a corridor Action Plan.

Reef-Ready Kids
In December of last year, we told you about Grace Primary student Amber McKay. She won the art competition held by the Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage. Well, yesterday it earned her and 34 of her fellow students a trip to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in a glass bottom boat. The city students left for San Pedro early in the morning and for the kids, it was a real eye opener - in the most literal sense of the word!

Whale Shark Sightings Underway
And they would have had to open their eyes even wider if they were in southern waters where whale sharks usually pass through close to the middle of the year. But this year, they've been spotted as early as January in Belize. According to Director of Reef Conservation International in Sapodilla Caye, Polly Alford, this is not a rare occurrence - over the past 10 years she and her team have sighted them throughout the year. They spotted a whale shark last week and also saw one on New Year's Eve near Tom Owen's Caye and Sapodilla Caye. So if you are looking to snap a picture of one of the whale sharks you can spot them in those areas.

Channel 5

Princess Casino Wing Evacuated After Fire Scare
The 2015 Fire Season has just started and already two major hotels have caught fire. In Belize City, a major catastrophe was averted when a fire broke out on Wednesday [...]

Belize City Man Gunned Down
The city has been relatively peaceful for some time as police beef up their presence on the streets. But in less than twenty-four hours, two persons have been murdered in [...]

Shooting Victim Succumbs
We say two murders in less than twenty-four hours because Wednesday morning’s shooting victim, twenty-one year old Ian Adolphus Jr., succumbed to his injuries just before five a.m. today. Adolphus [...]

Government/BGYEA Reach Mediation Settlement
The Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association had its day today, and it wasn’t even in court. The organization got one up on G.O.B. in the second mediation session to settle [...]

Harmonyville Plans To Proceed Soon
Matura-Shepherd says that the agreement will be taken to court and returned as a court order. She says that they expect implementation to go smoothly because they were very judicious [...]

F.F.B. Introduces National Team
With an ambitious calendar before them, the Football Federation of Belize today introduced the national ‘A’ selection team which, by next month, will be playing its first home game against [...]

F.F.B. Field Ready for Play
As we said earlier, the first international game for the national ‘A’ selection team will be played on March twenty-fifth at the FIFA sanctioned national field on the F.F.B. compound [...]

Slusher Back With the National Selection
The last time we heard from the Football Federation, there was an impasse between Assistant Coach, Charlie Slusher, and the Executive of the F.F.B.; Slusher was removed from the coaching [...]

World Cup Qualifier Set for March 25th
But football is an expensive sport. There is the cost for training of the players, salaries for the coaching staff and the players as well as the maintenance of the [...]

Still No Arrests in Murder of San Pedro Infant
In the wake of the gruesome murder of baby Daniel Espat in San Pedro on Tuesday morning, police have detained several individuals for questioning.  Initially, in the hours immediately following [...]

$30,000+ For Undersized Conch
It may very well be the largest fine to be imposed on a family for fisheries offenses, but this morning a father and his son along with the father’s three [...]

Ladyville Resident Charged for Flashing
A twenty-seven year old Ladyville resident was today before the court for twice exposing his person to a woman living in the Vista Del Mar area, but whose name is [...]

SIB Releases Latest Stats
The Consumer Price Index for January 2015 has been released, indicating that prices were down one point one percent last month.  That comparison is made against the same time period [...]

The Coalition Speaks on Reserve Expansion Signing
On Wednesday night we told you about the signing of the expansion at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and while it is a win for conservationists, who have been pushing for [...]

Mexican Embassy Works to Improve Border Experience
Mexican Ambassador to Belize Carlos Quesnel is taking on a number of bilateral initiatives, some new and others in the pipeline. A priority area is in trade for which a [...]

Mexico Offers Anti-Crime Aid
And that partnership to strengthen the trade and investments in Belize is also being backed up with assistance to fight crime and narco-trafficking, two of the biggest challenges for the [...]

No School Day on March 4th
The Ministry of Education announced today that next week Wednesday will be a non-school day due to the March fourth elections in nine municipalities. There will be no classes for [...]

A Defining Moment in the Military Career of a Former B.D.F. Soldier
It made national headlines back in February 2000 when a twenty-five man Guatemalan patrol captured a four-man B.D.F. and police patrol and accused them of illegally crossing over into Guatemalan [...]

Healthy Living Looks at Teenage Pregnancy
Teenage pregnancy is not just a health concern for the nation; it is also a human rights issue.  Each and every child has the right to achieve their full potential [...]

CTV3

International Ice Cream Company Interested In Belize's Sugar
A potential buyer visited and toured the Sugar Industry in Belize today. We are talking about Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Holding Incorporated which trades as Ben & Jerry’s. The American company is based in Vermont, United States and operates internationally. The diary company is famous for their top shelf ice cream, which is not popular in Belize. Still, the company seems to have an interest in Belizean sugar, as the sweetener is an important component of their product. CEO Jostein Solheim is on vacation in Belize but has taken a day out to visit the industry. Jostein Solheim – CEO, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream “Sugar is a very important ingredient for us and we use a hundred percent Fair Trade sugar, including sugar from Belize.”

PUP Party Leader With Orange Walk PUP Team
With only 6 days to the much anticipated Municipal Elections, political parties are making their last minute rounds with the electorate and in Orange Walk Town it is no exception. Today the PUP slate was joined by Party Leader, Honorable Francis Fonseca as they visited with the people on their trails in the core of Town. Our newsteam capitalized on the opportunity and posed questions to the Party Leader as it pertains to education, the elections and machinery. According to Fonseca, the plan the People’s United Party is offering to its people in all municipalities compliments that of the quality of candidates that are running in the PUP slates.

MJC Students Receive Tablets From GOB
Today, over 280 students from the Muffles Junior College were recipients of ASUS brand tablets, an initiative of the Ministry of Education and the Government of Belize to bridge the gap between education and technology. And while the FREE GIFT may seem like a genuine offertory from the Government, much public debate surrounds the initiative since many students have forfeited the item and sold it to the highest bidder. We asked Party Leader Francis Fonseca for commentary on the initiative and while he is not opposed to the program he did infact set the record straight citing that the plan was not a “well thought out one” and a cheap political gimmick since the information collected by the Ministry has been passed on to the UDP Secretariat where they are now calling and emailing students to vote. Information he says that the students gave the Ministry in confidentiality, here is that clip…

Other Project Under SIF
On Tuesday we told you about the progress works in the rehabilitation project of the Central Park that is seeing its final stages of completion. As reported, the project is one in collaboration with the Government of Belize, the Social Investment Fund and the Orange Walk Town Council of which funding was provided from the World Bank in the form of a loan. And while the park project was a major one for SIF, on that day of the inspection, Project Coordinator Ernest Raymond filled us in on the other road works that they have been working on around Town. Maria Novelo – Reporter “Sir, any other projects you guys are working within town or surrounding villages in Orange Walk?” Ernest Raymond – Project Coordinator, SIF “We had under the BMDP we have rehabilitated San Ignacio Street, Avilez Lane, Tangerine Street, and then we now doing Santa Familia Street that is to be completed shortly.”

Fire At Old Sugar Factory
This afternoon Fire officials from Corozal Town responded to a fire at the old sugar factory in Libertad Village, Corozal District. The officials arrived at the scene around two in the afternoon. According to official reports, a worker at the premises was burning some dry bushes near an old, abandoned building and did not notice when the fire spread to a pile of dried lumber near the structure. The fire spread quickly and engulfed the entire structure. According to reports, the building was not in use and nothing of value was lost in the flames. Fire officials brought the fire under control shortly after arriving. The fire had also spread to nearby bushes and trees in the compound but did not destroy anything of value to the owners of the old sugar factory. The establishment is owned by Mexican Business persons and is overseen by Belizean employees.

BSI/ASR Have Commenced Works On Strategic Development Plan
It is only a little over a month since the 2014/2015 sugar crop commenced and so far the reviews have been positive. Today, in speaking with International Relations representative Mac McLachlan he reiterated that good news and even commended cane farmers for the quality of their cane which he describes as excellent. McLachlan added that the mill has also been performing well. The work being achieved, he says, is a good step in the right direction. As we have reported several times before, the season has for the first time seen changes within the industry as two new associations have signed contracts with the company forcing changes in the operations. McLachlan says the relationship with all stakeholders has been good and work on the strategic development plan has commenced.

One Person Sought For Murdering Patch Moreno
It has been over a year that the skeletal remains of the Luis “Patch” Moreno were found in a remote area on a farm off the Guinea Grass road. At the time, the forensic pathologist concluded that Patch was brutally beaten and stabbed before he was executed and his body dumped. But while it may seem like the case has gone cold, recently investigators pulled that file out since they have one person that is being sought for questioning. According to Superintendent Dennis Arnold, in due time the suspect will be interviewed in the hope that the case can be solved and an arrest made. “All of these investigations are on the back burner, we have certain people who we need to speak with but we have to speak to that person at the right time, we don’t want to move too quickly because we don’t know what next but we have our suspect and as soon as the time is right we will interview that person. We are not dragging our feet they say people who don’t understand the art of investigating would say that we are dragging our feet but we are not we got the information but we just need to take our time because we don’t want to make any slip up or make a mess of the whole investigation.”

Minor Traffic Accident on Liberty Avenue In O/W
Around two thirty this afternoon, a small traffic mishap was recorded on Liberty Avenue and according to authorities, speeding could have been the factor. According to eyewitnesses we spoke to off camera, this maroon taxi was coming out of the driveway of Calin’s Purified Water when this speeding maroon Wingle slammed into the driver’s side causing it to come to a halt on the avenue’s division bar. Authorities responded quickly and took statements from both drivers. The taxi driver sustained a small gash to the back of the head and the driver of the wingle seemed unharmed.

LOVE FM

Woods Rebuts to Allegations on Street Works
Yesterday a group led by the People’s National Party in Toledo held a demonstration at the site of ongoing street works in that municipality. PNP Mayoral candidate Will Maheia told our correspondent Paul Mahung that while they appreciated the street upgrade it should be done properly. Maheia said they had spoken to a number of contractors who said it did not make any sense to build a street without putting steel in it. According to Maheia the street works is a temporary fix because when big trucks start running on it, the streets will break apart. Today Love News spoke with contractor Francis Cisco Woods who told us that contrary to Maheia’s comments, the streets are being built to last.

Adolphus Jr. Succumbs to Injuries
Meanwhile sometime after four o’clock this morning, 21-year-old Ian “Uno” Adolphus succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Adolphus was shot yesterday morning at the corner of Louise Bevans and Freedom Streets in Belize City and received three gunshot wounds, one to the right elbow, one to the right shoulder and the other to the heart. He underwent surgery however as we mentioned, he passed away this morning. Love news spoke to his father, Ian Adolphus Sr. IAN ADOLPHUS SR. “He doesn’t give trouble he just plays ball and he lives here with his grandmother. He likes playing ball he was going to school and he just hangs out with the wrong set of people. He was hanging out with the guys he plays ball with I don’t know if those young men robbed him for his friends. He was working with those kids on the streets when the area reps give them jobs on the street. He didn’t need to be hanging out on the streets with anybody. I was with him all the time and he never told me that anyone was bothering him so like I tell you, I don’t know why that occurred.”

Belize City Man Succumbed to Gun Violence
Another Belize City man was gunned down today. Sometime around two o’clock this afternoon shots rang out on Cedar Street and when it was over 29-year-old Herbert Bodden laid on the ground fighting for his life. Bodden died while being rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. According to eyewitnesses, Bodden was in front of Kevin’s mechanic to purchase parts when he became a victim of gun violence. We were told approximately ten shots were heard, several of which hit Bodden to the chest. Eyewitnesses said the gun man escaped by running towards Vernon Street.

Military Summary Hearing Scheduled For Missing Ammunition
Just over a month ago, we brought you the story of over two thousand ammunition that had gone missing from the explosive and ammunition storage facility for the Belize Defense Force through Lords Bank Road in Ladyville Village, Belize District. It has been five weeks now and there have been no substantial leads in recovering the stolen ammunition, specifically, one thousand live rounds of 7.62 calibre ammunition and one thousand six hundred and forty live rounds of 5.56 ammunition. Tonight, what we can tell you, however, is that there are eleven men of the Belize Defense Force that will be facing the Brigadier General, Commander David Jones, in the next coming days in what is referred to as a military summary hearing.

The Guardian

Where will Yolanda be when the counting is happening if she is not good with numbers?
After any elections, the ballot boxes are taken into counting rooms where the process of counting takes place. All candidates are free to be present at the counting stations and they can actively participate in the counting process. The question on the minds of all Belizeans at this point in time is: where will Yolanda Shackron be? She has publicly admitted on National News that she is not good with numbers and that anything to do with such she would have to ask Jules. So when the counting takes place and the numbers go beyond 300 what will happen with Shackron's brain. Surely Jules will not be there for her to ask him for help so we would really want to know what will happen. Of course that question will be answered next week Wednesday and even though she will not be able to know what number she was beaten by, one thing is certain she will be beaten!

BIL - Transforming sporting facilities countywide
Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL) is pressing ahead with government’s initiatives to have sporting complexes upgraded across the country. This week work began on the demolition of the Benque Viejo Del Carmen Football Complex. It is not a move of spite, rather one of Transformation as the Belize Infrastructure Limited presses on to construct a new facility there. A total of 4.5 million dollars will be invested and will see the stadium transformed with the placing of lighting to Concacaf Standards, new bleachers, a new natural grass pitch among other amenities. Construction is being done by BCG Limited headed by Salvador Habet and is expected to run between 10 to 12 months. In Belmopan four projects totaling a million dollars are being implemented in Belmopan City. Already construction has been completed at the Belmopan Comprehensive School with a new roof having been placed on the existing basketball court. Another such shed has also been completed at the Our Lady of Guadalupe school with a third under construction at the May Garden area, a fourth and final structure is scheduled to commence shortly in the Hilltop area of Belmopan.

Belmopan City Council meets with residents
Members of the Belmopan City Council held their last public meeting with Belmopan residents on Wednesday of last week at the Belmopan Civic Center; just before the March 4th elections. It was an opportunity for local residents to learn about the inner workings of the Belmopan City Council as well as its financial status. In a summary of financial statements, issued by the Belmopan City Council for March 31, 2014 and 2013, it was revealed that the total revenue in 2014 for the Council was $4,461,480.00 while the total expenditure was $4,489,784 and the total assets stood at $12,700,816. From the available data just released, total revenues had increased from $4,442,900.00 in 2013 to $4,461,480.00 in 2014.

Refurbished streets will relieve traffic pressure into Belmopan
Inaugural ceremonies were held on Thursday of last week for the opening of the Almond Boulevard and Chiquibul Street, opening a new vista for Mountain View and the Las Flores Community; as well as relieving some traffic pressure going into Belmopan. The project for Almond Boulevard and Chiquibul Street was submitted during the second Cabinet meeting in 2008 and its realization just last week has been a test of patience for some. Improvements to Almond Boulevard and Chiquibul Street has come as a result of a $12,534.06 financial contribution from the Belmopan City Council as well as $417,802.00 from the Government of Belize, under the Belize Municipal Development Project. The newly refurbished roads are just components of the 30 million dollars that the Government is financing on behalf of the people of Belize, from the World Bank. These roads were implemented by the Project Implementation Unit headed by Ernest Raymond at the Belize Social Investment Fund BSIF under the direction of William Lamb Jr., Executive Director of BSIF. The ground work for both streets was done by Isaak Banman, from Synergy Construction.

12.5% salary increase for BSI workers proposed in new CBA
On Tuesday February, 24, the Belize Workers’ Union and Belize Sugar Industries arrived at a tentative collective bargaining agreement (CBA) which calls for a wage increase of 12.5% spanning over 4 years. In the first year, beginning 1 July 2014, there will be a 3% increase followed by another 3.5% on 1 July, 2015. Thereafter it will be 3% for each of the following two years. In addition it was agreed that the premium for shift work will be increased and the rate for abnormally wet or dirty work and sandblasting will be adjusted upwards.

Should a Productive Citizen Go to Jail for Smoking Weed?
A report on the pros and cons of the decriminalization of marijuana in Belize will be in the hands of the Cabinet Secretary, Carlos Perdomo, on Thursday, February 26, 2015. It will then be made public on Friday, February 27, at 10 a.m. According to the Decriminalization of Marijuana Committee (DOMC), “The document will include the objectives, findings and recommendations on this issue.” In July of 2012, the Ministry of National Security appointed a committee to examine the pros and cons of the decriminalization of up to 10 grams of marijuana. Their task was to “evaluate and, if appropriate, make proposals for the decriminalization of the possession of small portions of Marijuana”.

Matura never brags about lost cases
Audrey Matura has become such a glory hound that wherever there is a dispute that attracts media attention she can be found. Readers may recall the time, on October 26, 2013 when she raced to the ‘aid’ of the Yearwood family after a land dispute arose between them and Senior Counsel Rodwell Williams. On December 2, of that same year she made a grand stand in court claiming that parcel 1141 which sits on Cemetery Lane in fact belonged to the Yearwoods and that the owner, Senior Counsel Rodwell Williams was taking advantage of his position, she claimed, “you’re dealing with an attorney who clearly knows everything and every nuance how to get it done and I’m calling him out on that.”

Ministry of Health puts out Measles Advisory
The Ministry of Health has been advised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of an outbreak of Measles at the Disneyland Resort in California in the United States of America (USA). In addition, cases are being reported in Canada and one case related to the Disneyland outbreak has been reported in Mexico. Measles is a contagious disease characterized by fever, rash, runny nose and red eyes. It spreads through air droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Although Measles remains prevalent in many parts of the world, Belize has been free from the disease since 1991. In order to maintain our Measles free status, the recommended and most cost-effective public health approach is to advise persons to get vaccinated with the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Old Northern Highway goes from Old to New
The Old Northern highway has been neglected and abandoned for decades now, when the new highway was constructed traffic was diverted and the old highway was forgotten. Since that time the highway fell into complete disrepair where only minimal work was done on the road to allow the villagers of the 10 or so villages in the area to go in and out of the area. One man who has never given up on the highway has been Hon. Edmund 'Clear the Land" Castro. Even before becoming the representative for Belize Rural North, he has been lobbying and actually doing remedial work on the highway himself through funds he managed to raise and out of pocket. After years of doing this type of effort to improve the road, in September of last year he got what he had been lobbying for, at least partially, when the government decided to pave the first 5 miles of the highway. Shortly thereafter the roadwork began by Rodla Construction Company. Extensive work has gone into the first five miles of road with it being raised and proper base material being compacted on the road. By late January of 2015 the process of hotmixing the road began and when the Guardian visited this week, the first five miles of road are almost now completely hotmixed.

Police officers conclude Investigative Procedures Instructor Course
On 27 February 2015, 30 police officers from around the country will graduate from the ‘Investigative Procedures Instructor Course’ at closing ceremonies being hosted by the British High Commissioner, HE Peter Hughes and the Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy, Mr Bruce Matthews. The course is being run by two accomplished trainers from the UK’s College of Policing at Bramshill, who are police officers with over fifty years of experience between them spanning traffic, domestic violence and CIB. This has been made possible as a result of a fruitful collaboration between the criminal justice sector, the British High Commission and the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Division of the US State Department. This intensive two week course has covered best practice for investigative policing, including how to treat suspects detained by the police, how to carry out police station interviews and what is just the right amount of evidence to justify the laying of a criminal charge. The course is focussed on the new Police Guidelines for the Interviewing and Treatment of Persons in Police Detention that will hopefully be introduced by the Commissioner next month and that will introduce a requirement for all interviews and confession statements to be digitally recorded and prescribe minimum standards for the treatment of persons in police detention.

Charged for allowing alcohol consumption
Xiang Chen, 40, Chinese businessman of 2 ½ miles on the Phillip Goldson Highway is on bail after he was arraigned for unlawfully permitting consumption of liquor on his premises. According to police, on July 25, 2014, Chen sold alcohol and allowed patrons to consume it on his property without authorization to do so. He was arrested and charged but failed to show up at court until Friday, February 20, when he appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Herbert Panton. Chen pleaded not guilty to the offense and was offered bail in the sum of $500 plus one surety of the same amount.

Two men killed and buried in San Pedro
San Pedro Town, known to be the number 1 tourism destination in the country, continues to be plagued by drug-related murders, and on Wednesday, February 18, police found 2 men buried in shallow graves 11 miles north of the town. These men have since been identified as 41 year-old Selvin Chi, and 23 year-old Benjamin Molina, and according to their fellow business partner, 51 year-old Jose Wagner, they went on a short mission and didn’t return at the agreed time. Wagner told police that they left his house, located at 11 and a half miles north of the town, at around 5 a.m. that morning. They went out looking for coconuts to prepare coconut oil, but up until midday, they still hadn’t returned. So, police were immediately dispatched to try to look for the men. About less than a mile from Molina’s house, the officers found a blood trail. They concentrated their search efforts in the area of the trail, when they found both men buried in shallow graves.

Free from local charges extradition battle still pending
Bahamian businessmen Kelvin Leach, 34, and Rohn Knowles, 29, are free of money laundering charges after their attorney Godfrey Smith made a successful no case submission before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser on Wednesday, February 25. The men have been out on bail since September 29 on a charge of failure to declare that they were leaving Belize with more than $10,000 cash. In handing down her decision, Senior Magistrate Fraser pointed out that though there were testimonies that both of the men had more than $10,000 in their possession, no money came to the court as evidence. She also spoke of the word “leaving”. She says a person is deemed in violation of the law when all clearing has been done and you are deemed to have officially left the country. She says the police acted prematurely so she must uphold the no case submission. Leach and Knowles were told they are free to go. However, they cannot leave the country since they are still battling an extradition request.

Clive Geban and a minor to stand trial for murder
A Preliminary Inquiry (PI) conducted on Monday, February 23, has concluded that there is sufficient evidence for Clive Geban, 21, and a 17-year-old minor to stand trial in the Supreme Court of Belize for the murder of Ervin Morales, 67. The murder of Morales was extremely upsetting for the people of the peaceful village of Maskall. The senior citizen usually showed up for lunch at the same time everyday at the home of a neighbour who cooks for him. However, the cook became concerned when Morales did not show up on Saturday, January 19, 2013. At around 1:30 p.m. the cook alerted Morales’ neighbour that he did not show up for lunch. The neighbour went to look for him and discovered his body wrapped in a sheet inside his bedroom. Police investigations quickly led to the arrest of Clive Geban who was detained at a checkpoint near the Altun Ha site cutoff two days after the murder, on January 21. Police then apprehended the minor who was 15-years-old at the time. Both were charged for Morales’ murder and have been on remand since.

Haitian in prison for living illegally in Belize
Haitian national, Obed Lewis, 25, is an inmate of the Belize Central Prison because he was unable to pay a fine for living in Belize illegally over the last five years. Police picked up Lewis on Thursday, February 19, while he was walking in the King’s Park area. He was handed over to the Immigration Department when he was unable to produce any document to show his legal status in Belize. Immigration investigation shows that Lewis came to Belize in December of 2010 and was living in San Pedro before moving to Belize City in January of this year.

Mahogany Heights wins in Beverly Castillo Football Competition
-The 2015 Beverly Castillo Football Competition continued on Sunday 22 February, with three more games on the schedule out at the Ladyville Football Field in Belize Rural Central. In the first game played, Rockville and Largos FC played to a 3-3 draw. The goals for Rockville FC were scored by Omar Maskall (2) and Emerson Gonzalez. For Largos FC, the goals were scored by Denroy McCord (2) and Harold Nava. In game two, La Democracia FC and Williams FC played to a 2-2 draw. The goals for La Democracia FC were scored by Paul Smith and Lincoln Jones. Meanwhile, the goal scorers for Williams FC were Robert Sanker and Walter Sedacy.

Ignacio Prado Valentine Day Cycling Tour champions
The Cycling Federation of Belize in collobration with Digicell held the Digicell Valentine Mini Tour on Saturday 21 February and Sunday 22 February, 2015. In the Elite category at the end of the 2 days, Ignacio Prado of Benny’s Megabytes captured the Digicell Mini Tour in an accumulative time of 5:29:21. Prado was followed by Brandon Cattouse of C-Ray Road Addikzx with a time of 5:29:26, and he was followed by Marlon Castillo of Santino’s Ride to Victory in a time of 5:29:35. Oscar Quiros Jr. of Western Spirit Cycling Team finished fourth in a time of 5:29:36 and he was followed by Byron Pope of Benny’s Megbaytes in a time of 5:29:42 to round off the top five finishers in the Digicell Valentine Mini-Tour. The other top ten finishers includes Jose Angel Lopez Robles of Western Spirit Cycling in a time of 5:29:45, and he was followed by Nissan Arana of Predators in a time of 5:33:15, and he was followed by Joel Borland of Digicell 4G Elite Cycling Team in a time of 5:33:25, and he was followed by Ron Vasquez of Western Spirit Cycling Team in a time of 5:33:27, and he was followed by Darnell Barrow of Smart Zoom Team in a time of 5:33:31.

Trinity Methodist School boys lead in primary schools softball
The Belize City Primary Schools Softball Competition continues at Rogers Stadium with games in the girls and boys competition on a daily basis. On Tuesday 24 February, 2015, in the first of two games in the boys’ competition, Trinity Methodist School defeated Salvation Army School by the score of 10-5. The winning pitcher for Trinity Methodist was Marcus Lucario and the losing pitcher was Cassian Billary. In the second game of the day, Unity Presbyterian School defeated St. John’s Primary School by the score of 8-3. The winning pitcher was Dennis Colon and the losing pitcher was Maleek Wagner. On Monday 23 February, in the girls’ game played, St. Luke Methodist School defeated Buttonwood Bay Nazarene School by the score of 21-12. The winning pitcher was Samantha Foreman and the losing pitcher was Ivana Mercado.

Health Hookup
The Doctor's Order Rum Fits Although most people try to turn a blind eye to it, the problem of excessive drinking tends to be a growing problem. What starts off as one drink a night turns to four or five drinks of hard alcohol a night. Over time the person develops a tolerance leading to the need for a larger quantity of alcohol to achieve the same level of intoxication and its effects. And from the batch of alcoholics there are few who want to turn their life around, and with the help of family they decide they are going to stop drinking. To those people I say, be careful! By no means am I advocating continuing drinking; however the manner in which you quit must be done correctly or else there can be medical consequences. “Delirium Tremens” / “Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms” is a medical condition that results from abruptly stopping alcohol that leads to changes in mental and neurological functions. This condition tends to affect someone who has been drinking excessive amounts of alcohol (5-6 beers and/or 1 pint of hard alcohol) per day for several months, or someone who has been drinking daily for at least 5 years. The condition may also occur if the alcoholic suffers from a head injury, infection, or drinks substantial amounts without eating properly.

Desperation
I think the PUP hierarchy was riding on a high after the convention here in OW East, and, together with their surrogates in the media, began making all sorts of wild predictions of winning the municipals in the upcoming elections. But these days as reality sinks in, anxiety imprints its ugly crinkle on their foreheads. You can see the impressions of worry on Bernard’s face as he speaks each morning and evening on CTV 3, giving endless reviews and interviews on every subject under this sun. If we did not know better, he would want us to think that he was an exceptional Mayor, besting even the late Polo Briceño and the late Fred Martinez, two of the most respected men to have held that title here in our town. Let me tell you this; Bernard is a literal lightweight compared to those avatars, and his days as Mayor are numbered in single digits. This goes also to the Mayoral candidate in Belize City, where we can draw some parallels with Bernard as to her facial expression and body language. However, in her case, what mostly shows is a heavy ration of naivety. Shakron actually believes she is a political force to be reckoned with, and in like manner of Richard Harrison, will see the light on March 4.

Communal Livestock Holding Facility handed over to cattle producers in the Belize District
A Communal Livestock Holding Facility in Willows Bank was officially handed over to cattle producers in the Belize River Valley area at a ceremony held on Wednesday, February 18, 2015. Through the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA), the European Union in collaboration with the Government of Belize and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) financed a three-year project “Enhancing Belize’s Resilience to Adapt to the Effects of Climate Change”. Of the several components of that three-year project, there is Pilot 3: MNRA-CC: Food Security: Building Resilience among Cattle Producers of the Belize District, which included the construction of the livestock holding facility. The objective of this portion of the project is to help mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce the vulnerability of the livestock industry for small and medium size livestock holders/local producers in the Belize District.

CWU Finally Meets with Port of Belize Limited
Arturo “Tux” Vasquez, C.E.O./Receiver of the Port of Belize Limited, was perhaps the happiest man in the business community when the waterfront workers of the Port of Belize held a minor protest on Monday, February 23, because they were unhappy that their water supply was given in plastic pouches instead of five gallon bottles. Vasquez has been entertaining offers from investors interested in buying the Port; however, one of the ghosts for investors is the unresolved collective bargaining procedure with the boisterous waterfront workers. In Late 2013 these individuals threw out Antonio Gonzalez and James McFoy, former PresidentSecretary of the Christian Workers Union, because of dissatisfaction in their negotiating of the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Port of Belize Limited. They then backed Audrey Matura-Shepherd for President at a general meeting on December 14, 2013.

GOB clarifies Expenditure figure contained in Cost-Savings Report
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) of the Government of Belize makes reference to a Report on Proposed Cost-Savings Strategy for the Government of Belize dated June 2014 which was prepared by the Committee to Evaluate and Advise on the Cost Savings Measures for the Government of Belize. This Committee is comprised of members of both staff side and unions side as an offshoot of the Collective Bargaining Process. The MOF wishes to clarify that the figure of $568,453 mentioned in the Report as being GOB’s Advertisement Cost paid to Wave Radio for the Year 2013 is incorrect as it actually represents the payments to this media house for a three year period, being FY2011/12, FY 2102/2013 and part of FY2013/14. (up until the date of the Report), and not for the single year FY2012/2013. The other expenditure figures in the Report related to Advertisement Costs are also for the same three year period.

GREAT has been expanded to the Benque Viejo Area
The Gang Resistance Education and Training GREAT, which started in Belize in 2011 has been expanded to the Benque Viejo del Carmen Area. The vision of GREAT is building safer communities’ one child at a time, focusing on the preventing of youth crime, violence and gang involvement. Benque Viejo Police, under the internationally recognized GREAT instructor, Corporal Josue Mckoy, has introduced the program to three schools in the Benque Area. These schools are the Hills of Promise Adventist Primary School in Benque Viejo Town, the Victorious Nazarene Primary School and the Alvin L. Young Nazarene High School in Succotz Village. All students from the involved schools participated in the thirteen weeks of Middle School Curriculum training.

Kevin Bernard’s incompetence will be his downfall
There was a time when the popular sentiment was that a swing towards the UDP was imminent for the majority of Town Councils countrywide but that the PUP would hold on to the reins in Orange Walk Town. That last sentiment has been slowly changing over the past months so much so that now it is becoming absolutely clear that the UDP will win even in that municipality. The rampant disillusionment against the Kevin Bernard led PUP Team is now a Reality that will turn the tides against them come next week’s municipal elections. Terrible street conditions and blatant misuse of funds and power are the big issues in the Sugar Land. A quick check on that municipality’s finances as reported on the web show that rather than concentrating on basic services to the people, which include paving and cleaning streets and a good garbage pickup system, this Town Council has completely lost focus and have reneged on the mandate that the very Orangewalkeños gave them the last elections.

PUP Mayoral Candidate Thoughts on Women
Ramon “Monchi” Quiroz, the PUP mayoral candidate for the twin towns, San Ignacio and Santa Elena, was on Love FM’s morning show on Tuesday, February 24, and made one of the most chauvinistic remarks ever by someone vying for public office. He was asked by one of the hosts how he will be able to run a functional municipal government without the financial support of central government. Monchi said that it can be done if residents of the community become actively involved in the development of the municipality. What role can residents play? Keep in mind that Love FM’s morning show has two female hosts. With no hesitation, Monchi said, “On Sundays we will put the women in the community to cook.”

Hon. Patrick Faber comments on the supposed sale of tablets
“Call me overly optimistic with faith bubbling over in my Belizean People but after listening to the buzz that students are selling their new tablets, I have concluded that this is simply not true. The one post that is above from Belize Buy and sell is what this rumour is based on. There is no other indication that our students are engaging in selling their tablets. As to the post it is clearly some hater who wants to try to diminish the wonderful success of the government’s initiative. It tries to give the impression that the tablet is rubbish. Anyone who has received one knows what nonsense that is. I’ve seen the countless smiles, heard the many thank you’s so take it from me the tablets are well received and appreciated by our tertiary students!”

Yolanda is not good with numbers and Troy Gabb and Darrell Carter can’t spell
It is now a well known fact that PUP City Council mayoral candidate, Yolanda Shackron does not know numbers but it seems that the problem within the People's United Party not knowing much of anything has reached chronic levels. That became evident on Monday night when Troy Gabb once again hosted his weekly show along with failed businessman Darrell Carter. The show which is called the Business Hour is the sick way in which these two individuals purport to give advice to Belizeans on Belize's economy. But they not only try to give advice they attack all of the government's initiatives. While that is their right, the question on everyone's minds when they see this duo on tv is, what authority do they have to be criticizing anything?

Dates for Tablets Distribution to College Students
“If 2014 was a year of infrastructure, 2015 will be a year of technology.” – Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow. The Government of Belize is currently handing out ASUS MeMO PAD 7 tablet computers to students of all tertiary level learning institutions in the country. It is another New Years Day promise made good by Prime Minister Barrow. The Government purchased over nine thousand tablets from the ASUS parent company in Taiwan for distribution to junior college students in an effort to “bridge the digital divide”. Prime Minister Barrow says, “Whether we are talking about infrastructure, agriculture, tourism or services, at some level these days all enterprise success, all societal and cultural progress, demand increasing familiarity with, and mastery of, Information and Communication Technology. Globally this recognition has reached the status of a truism, and Belize cannot be left behind.”

Abraham Lopez, 40, charged with carnal knowledge of girl, 11
Abraham Lopez, 40, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison for allegedly engaging in sexual acts with a minor from the age of 11. Allegations are that between October 2, 2012 an October 3, 2013, Lopez had sexual intercourse with the minor who was 11-years- old but the incident was only reported over a week ago. The victim is now 13 years old. Lopez was arrested and charged by police over the weekend.

Charged for allowing alcohol consumption
Xiang Chen, 40, Chinese businessman of 2 ½ miles on the Phillip Goldson Highway is on bail after he was arraigned for unlawfully permitting consumption of liquor on his premises. According to police, on July 25, 2014, Chen sold alcohol and allowed patrons to consume it on his property without authorization to do so. He was arrested and charged but failed to show up at court until Friday, February 20, when he appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Herbert Panton. Chen pleaded not guilty to the offense and was offered bail in the sum of $500 plus one surety of the same amount.

Evan Moody sentenced for drug trafficking now charged for illegal ammunition
Evan Moody, 33, IT Technician of Ladyville Village, is serving his first few weeks of a three year sentence for pleading guilty to drug trafficking on February 6 but more time might be on the books for him after he was charged with keeping illegal ammunition on Friday, February 20. Allegations are that on February 5 at Gracie Bank, Moody was found in possession of a bag containing 64.7 grams of marijuana and another containing 16.2 grams. He was also allegedly found with a red and bronze Aguila brand 12 gauge cartridge. On Friday, February 6, Moody appeared before Magistrate Herbert Panton and pleaded guilty to drug possession but said it was not for sale but to make insect repellent. Magistrate Panton sentenced him to three years imprisonment and a fine of $10,000. He was returned to court before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser on February 20 to face a charge of keeping unlicensed ammunition.

Wild Shooting in San Pedro leaves toddler dead and his mother in critical condition
Charlie Daniel Espat, a 2 year-old toddler, became the latest casualty to gun violence in a family from San Pedro Town that has seen what some would say are too many tragedies. This defenseless child was sleeping in the bed of his parents, Rolando Espat Sr, and Aleyda Sandoval on Tuesday, February 24 at around 1:30 p.m. The family believed they were safe inside their apartment in the San Pedrito Area of the island. About 15 minutes later, however, armed assailants opened fire on their front door spraying bullets which penetrated into the house. The sleeping family were caught by surprise and after about 8 or 9 gunshots, the area quieted once again. Rolando Espat Sr. immediately assessed the situation, trying to find out if his common-law wife and baby had been hit.

Free of Human Trafficking Charges
Belizean mechanic of Mahogany Street, Noellwyn Lester Ramclam, 50, and Cuban permanent resident, Alberto Quintana, 49, are free of immigration charges after authorities went to court on Wednesday, February 25, and request that the charges be dropped. Ramclam and Quintana were facing charges for aiding two Cubans to remain in Belize illegally. According to reports, on Friday, November 28, Yoelkis Garcia, 29, and Jaema Manuela Iglesia Aldana, 27, entered Belize illegally through the Mopan River in the Cayo District. There they were allegedly met by Ramclam and Quintana who used a grey Toyota Corolla with taxi license plate to transport them to Belize City.

Orange Walk Technical girls and Independence High School boys are national secondary schools football champions
The 2014-2015 National Secondary Schools Football Competition came to an end on Saturday 21 February, 2015, at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town. The championship was played over the weekend of 20 and 21 February and was hosted by St. Ignatius High School. On Saturday 21 February, 2015, in the female championship game, Orange Walk Technical High School (representing the Northern Region) defeated Georgetown Technical High School (representing the Southern Region) by the score of 2-0 to capture the National Secondary Schools Football Championship. The goals for Orange Walk Technical High School were scored by Gisel Baeza. In the consolation game for third place, St. Catherine Academy (representing the Central Region) defeated Mopan Technical High School (representing the Western Region) in penalty shoot-out by the score of 4-3. The game ended in a 0-0 draw at regulation time.

Patrick Jones

Civil Aviation Minister says air traffic controllers’ issues being addressed
The stand-off at the Philip Goldson International Airport between air traffic controllers and the Department of Civil Aviation appears to have simmered down. Air traffic controllers’ complaints about the management of their posts with relation to equipment, working conditions and personal and professional development for some time now […]

Expansion to Hol Chan Marine Reserve inaugurated
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is one of the most recognized marine protected areas in Belize. It has seen some growing pains in the past months after reports that part of it was being carved out for a housing development. But that was reversed and now the Reserve has […]

Statistical Institute reports lower prices, widening trade imbalance
The first statistics for 2015 by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) were released this week. In the area of external trade, imports rose slightly and exports fell over the previous year. Belize imported $141 million worth of goods and exported just $28.9 million. There were no crude […]

Vector control information shared in Corozal villages
Members of the vector Control Unit in Corozal Town, today visited with residents of San Victor and San Narciso villages in the Corozal District. The purpose of the visit was the share information with residents on how to prevent mosquito-borne dengue fever in their communities. Accompanying the local Vector Control […]

Government and BGYEA reach agreement through mediation
This morning the government of Belize and the Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association, headed by President Nigel Petillo, reached agreement by mediation on a majority of issues concerning their case in the Supreme Court. The government had sued to stop the implementation of a planned project in the […]

Man charged for exposing himself in public
A man from the Vista del Mar are of Ladyville village has been arrested and charged with two counts of exposing his person in public. This follows a report by a twenty three year old woman, who called the police on Wednesday morning to report that twenty seven year old […]

Shooting victim dies; case upgraded to murder investigation
A Wednesday morning shooting in Belize City has now turned into a murder investigation. 21 year old Ian Adolphus who was shot to the chest, shoulder and right elbow yesterday morning, died at 4:35 am today while undergoing treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. According to police, Adolphus was […]

Blogs

A Few "Firsts" in San Pedro!
We have never received mail in San Pedro, let alone a “package”. The mail you get isn’t delivered to your home – it’s held at the post office. It’s up to you to make a stop there every couple of days to check on your parcel’s arrival. I had forgotten to pack a few items when we left the States, so I had them shipped and today was D-day! I walked into the post office and the clerk told me that my package had arrived. Woohoo! My stuff was finally here! However, it was lunch time so I had to come back after 1:00pm but before 3:00pm for retrieval. The anticipation was going to kill me! When I returned to pick up my package, the clerk told me to come behind the counter and have a seat in what looked like an interrogation room. Crap! I was nervous and I hadn’t even done anything wrong! Almost like that feeling growing up when your mom said “Get up to your room and wait until your Dad gets home!” The post master asked me if I had ever received parcels in San Pedro before and then proceeded to explain the process to me. Long story short, the package needed to be opened in front of both of us, inspected in comparison to the customs declaration form attached and handed over to the proper recipient- ME. He commented on the fact that these items could not be sold to anyone in Belize, they had to be for my own personal use and they had to leave with me when I returned to the U.S. Not a problem, sir! I forked over the $.75BZ retrieval fee and skipped out of the office.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve Massive Expansion Approved – Hopefully Highlighting the IMPORTANCE Of Our Greatest Gift & How Much More Work There is To Do
Yesterday there was an formal announcement and party for a pretty momentous occasion. Belize’s most visited tourist site – the Hol Chan Marine Reserve off of Ambergris Caye – was officially expanded by a SUBSTANTIAL amount and approved by the Government of Belize. Short speeches and presentations were given by a few different people. Billy Leslie was the MC, Ms. Beverly Wade of the Fisheries Department, Honorable Representative Manuel Heredia, Miguel Alamilla, the administrator of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Mayor Danny Guerrero. Here are some of the interesting facts that I picked up. With this move, Hol Chan has been expanded from 55 square kms (Zones A thru D above) to over 400 sq. kms. The well-known Mexico Rocks area, designated H above, is now a NO-TAKE area. With no fishing of any kind and monitored by daily rangers.

International Sources

Question Your Shrimp campaign
The Question Your Shrimp campaign is currently working to gather support from restaurants, chefs, retailers, & consumers who are pledging not to serve or buy unhealthy imported shrimp. By raising awareness & changing consumer demand in the U.S. (currently, the #1 consumer of imported shrimp), the campaign strives to reduce mangrove deforestation & oppression of coastal communities overseas. The leading cause of mangrove destruction is the meteoric growth of the shrimp farming industry in the developing world. In an effort to produce cheap shrimp, mangroves and their accompanying ecosystem services are stripped from coastlines and replaced by open system shrimp farms that pollute the surrounding environment.

SeaWorld Loses 1 Million Visitors As It Clings To Orca Captivity
SeaWorld's troubles persist as evidenced by its fourth quarter earnings released Thursday. Attendance and revenue continued to drop, and SeaWorld suffered a net loss of $25.4 million for the last quarter of 2014. And it's been another very lousy week for SeaWorld. A beluga whale died after a fight in a tank and SeaWorld Orlando was forced to announce the end of a controversial program that allowed visitors to feed dolphins by hand unsupervised. And none of the new numbers give the troubled company reason to hope for a turnaround. SeaWorld's revenue in Q4 was $264.5 million — a decrease of $7.4 million, or 3 percent, compared to the same period in 2013. Total revenue for 2014 was down 6 percent from 2013. Attendance also took a hit — down by 2.2 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. The Q4 results continue a downward slide for the company. The 2013 documentary "Blackfish" revealed a disturbing track record regarding trainer safety and the care of orca whales. The film also kicked off a spate of backlash against the company, including the introduction of legislation in New York, California and Washington to ban orca captivity. In 2014, the company's stock (SEAS) fell by 50 percent.

Bioassays for antibiotics in aquacultured shrimp
This weekend a student of mine ran a series of bioassays for antibiotics in aquacultured shrimp. She focused on a comparison between ecocertified shrimp (all BAP except for one from Whole Foods) and uncertified shrimp. Whole Foods shrimp showed no antibiotics, farms with antibiotic laden shrimp was equivalent with and without BAP certification. Belizean shrimp farms have largely skipped the BAP certifications and are striving for the ASC certification. That process was put together by WWF and other non-industry groups rather than the Global Aquaculture Alliance. Hopefully the ASC label will perform better than what these results suggest BAP is doing at the moment. I was also encouraged to see the Whole Foods performing well.

Lost Luggage? 7 things to know in case the airline does!
There’s a unique kind of relief that floods your body when you see your suitcase slowly rotating toward you on the baggage carousel, coming back like a loyal pet (or a cold sore). If you’ve listened to our advice, there’s no reason you should ever lose your luggage again, but with a seemingly endless stream of stories about airlines who have forgotten almost a full day’s worth of luggage or temporarily misplaced several show dogs, it’s worth looking into what you should do if it happens to you. Here are the best ways to handle it (right after you shake your clenched fist toward the sky):

UWSP students learn ethnobotany on Belizean adventure
Nine students, two chaperones and 10 days in the field were the recipe for the winter break trip a group of Pointers hold dear in their memory. Professor Virginia Freire, who teaches biology at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, organized a 10-day trip to Belize during the students' Christmas break to teach them about ethnobotany and let them immerse themselves in a new culture. "That's a great lesson for life," Freire said. She said ethnobotany is about the relationship between plants and people. While exploring the country and experiencing life in an environment unlike their own, they also go to meet with a variety of healers and learn from experts in their fields. Brad Gorzek, a senior at the university studying biology and Spanish, said he gained an appreciation for the minimalist lifestyle during his time in Belize. "Their lifestyle was just so drastically different than ours on a day-to-day basis," he said. "A lot less hustle and bustle, and more appreciating the land."

Jam Cruise Confirms 2016 Dates, Ports
Jam Cruise has confirmed a few details next year’s event. The one-of-a-kind cruise will depart Miami on January 6, 2016 before returning on January 11. Along the way, the MSC Divinia will make stops in Belize City, Belize and Cozumel, Mexico. Jam Cruise has also revealed that the lineup will be announced on Thursday, April 30 As such, pre-booking, which is currently open, will end at midnight on Wednesday, April 29. Tickets will then go on sale to the general public on Thursday, May 14.Last year’s Jam Cruise featured performances by the Pretty Lights Live Band, Umhrey’s McGee, The Word, Galactic, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, G. Love & Special Sauce, Lettuce, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, John Scofield uberjam Band, Snarky Puppy, A Steve Kimock-led tribute to Jerry Garcia and many more. The ship also made stops in Roatan, Honduras and Costa Maya, Mexico.

Caribbean Community welcomes new Cuba-U.S. relations
Caribbean Community leaders opened a two-day summit in the Bahamas on Thursday, welcoming the United States’ opening with Cuba but reiterating their call for an end to “the senseless trade embargo” against their Spanish-speaking neighbor. “At our summit meeting with Cuba last December, I called on the U.S. Congress to end its senseless trade embargo against Cuba. I do so again now,” Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said in his outgoing speech as chairman of the 15-member regional bloc known as Caricom. Browne, who became chairman just weeks after winning his twin-island’s elections last year, noted that the region has had diplomatic relations with Cuba dating back to 1972 when “Four independent member states of our community ended the U.S.-inspired, hemispheric diplomatic embargo of Cuba.” “We in the Caribbean can rightly take credit for being on the right side of history in this matter,” he said.

Caribbean health officials to hold Chikungunya conference
The Caribbean Public Health Agency, or CARPHA, will host a conference next week in the Trinidadian capital of Port-of-Spain to discuss the region's response to Chikungunya. The March 3-5 gathering, financed by the European Union, will bring together experts from across the region and from other parts of the world to talk about Chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases. "The meeting also provides a unique opportunity to renew efforts to position mosquito-borne diseases as a high priority in the public health agenda, and examine the potential for public-private partnerships, as government alone cannot solve the problem," CARPHA Executive Director James Hospedales said in a statement. The Chikungunya virus was first detected in the Western Hemisphere in 2013. Since then, authorities have logged more than 800,000 suspected cases in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Caribbean Heads of State Meet in the Bahamas
The 15-nation body will focus on the region’s “human, cultural and natural assets” at the two-day summit. A two-day summit of the Caribbean Community leaders in Nassau, the Bahamas, began Thursday. Heads of government of the 15-member Caricom trade bloc will discuss three main issues over the next two days: the bloc’s Marijuana Commission, the role of the Food and Agriculture Organisation in supporting the agricultural development in the region, and relations with the Dominican Republic. Another area of discussion will be issues related to reparation for native genocide and slavery. Each Caricom country has been mandated to establish a slavery reparations commission. The leaders will also look into how the 15 member countries can combine their human, natural and socio-economic assets to help each other. The 15 member states of Caricom are Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

Caricom Leaders Start Talks In Nassau Today
CARIBBEAN leaders begin talks today in Nassau over key regional issues as the regional body moves to strengthen unity among its members as a voting bloc. #Ahead of today’s meetings, CARICOM foreign ministers convened yesterday to discuss recommendations for candidates to lead two international organisations: the Organisation of American States and the Commonwealth Secretariat. #In an interview with The Tribune, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell confirmed that foreign ministers have not reached consensus on regional candidates for Commonwealth Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General of the OAS. #The only candidate for the OAS Secretary General is Uruguayan Foreign Minister Luis Almagro. #“All of those elections come up this year,” Mr Mitchell said, “so there is a very spirited discussion on how those choices are going to be made and who those choices will be. The difficulty with the assistant secretary general position is that there are two CARICOM countries vying for that position: one is Belize and the other is Guyana.

Take Advantage Today! MANY US CITIES TO BELIZE FOR ONLY $326 RETURN APRIL 2015
Fly from New York, Chicago, Washington, San Fran and more to Belize City, Belize for only $326 return with American Airlines.

Vacation in Belize For A Family, Adventurous, Or Romantic Getaway!
Belize is the place for a range of vacation destinations! Whether you want a nice holiday vacation, need to have a great adventure, or seeking a romantic getaway with just the two of you, Belize is it! The country has such a diverse natural landscape that it will feel like several vacations rolled into one! There aren’t many places you can go and visit the rain forest one day and the beach the next! Planning a vacation is the easy part, funding it, is the difficult part! Belize can be extremely affordable! If you have some cash to spend, you can create a tailor-made Holiday getaway! Just want to have a fun adventure?

Videos

February 26, 2015

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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

Over $600K in fire damages at Exotic Caye Beach Resort
With the help of volunteers from the community and police officers, the fire was brought under control around 4AM. “Three structures (and the laundry room) were destroyed, and each had four units. At the moment of the fire, the units were occupied by tourists. When the security guard saw the fire, he quickly notified our guests and they were able to leave the buildings with most of their belongings. They had enough time to evacuate the area,” stated Rodriguez. As such, no-one was hurt as a result of the fire. The fire comes at the peak of the tourism season, and for the resort that had been booked for this season, affected guests had to be accommodated elsewhere. “The first order of business was to ensure that our guests were taken care of and we managed to put them at a sister resort. Those who were unable to be accommodated at our resort were diverted to other resorts who had offered to assist us.”

Minister Heredia Visits Medical School Campus in San Pedro
Washington University of Health and Science (WUHS) takes great pleasure in announcing the visit of the Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation on Tuesday February 3rd 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Upon his arrival the minister met with WUHS Vice President, Peggy Allen who updated the Minister on the community outreach and health care events the WUHS Student Government Association participate in within the community of San Pedro. Following their meeting, the Minister addressed both medical students and faculty, sharing both the history and the future planning of tourism and culture within Belize. After his encouraging address to the entire university medical students and faculty members, the Minister took the time to address and congratulate the Belizean students on their academic success of completing the pre-medical program and WUHS BELIZEAN STUDENTS transitioning into the Doctor of Medicine Program.

Elias Zetina and Mia Cannon to represent the island in Spelling Bee District Finals
The 21st annual National Coca Cola Spelling Bee zone eliminations 2015 are well underway in various parts of the country. For the islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, the Zone 5 Elimination took place on Friday, February 20th at the San Pedro Lions Den. After six rounds of eliminations, Elias Zetina of New Horizon Seventh Day Adventists School and Mia Cannon of La Isla Bonita Elementary School emerged as the top Zone 5 spellers. A total of 14 students from seven different schools participated in the Zone 5 elimination. They were Trevon Habet and Brandon Worthington of Ambergris Caye Elementary School, Lupita Aldana and Andrew Novelo of Caye Caulker Roman Catholic School, Givelie Orellano and Kaiden West of Holy Cross Anglican School, Mia Cannon and Joyce Martinez of La Isla Bonita Elementary School, Aiesha Moreira and Elias Zetina of New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School, Rachel Alamilla and Ayanna Staine of San Pedro Roman Catholic School, and Emil Nuñez and Tahryneh Pott of the Island Academy were the participating students.

Castillo’s Hardware Ltd. Celebrates 15 years of business with grand raffle
Castillo’s Do It Best Hardware has been on the island providing excellent service and best value for 15 years now. This amazing feat can be credited to the hard work and dedication of owners Mr. Alfonso and Mrs. Elida Castillo, who are backed by their loyal staff. Mr. Castillo shared a few words of thanks with supporters who were on hand to witness the celebration. “I would like to express our sincere thanks to our customers – without your loyal support, this wouldn’t have been possible…It is our pledge to continue to provide quality service and products for the best value…we feel very blessed and privileged to have been able to open our doors to serve the community of San Pedro 15 years ago, on February 19, 2000…It seems like just yesterday, Ms. Miriam and I, along with one other worker opened our hardware store downstairs at the present Social Security building. We started out with 2,500 sq ft and a hired delivery truck and driver. Today we have 8,500 sq ft when we relocated here in August 2002. We have 15 dedicated staff members, some of whom are serving for over 10 years…Forever thankful to our customers, we have shown our appreciation and gratitude to them by giving back through anniversary and Christmas raffles.”

Coast Guard confiscate gill net on Lighthouse Reef Atoll
On Saturday, February 21st the Belize Coast Guard, with the assistance of the Belize Audubon Society, confiscated a gill net illegally placed off of Hat Caye in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll within the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The netting caused the death of many fish, including a reef shark and the protected bonefish. The Coast Guard not only removed and confiscated the net, but they also apprehended the fishermen involved in the situation. The Coast Guard was informed on Saturday, February 21st of the whereabouts of the net. Force members stationed at Long Caye were deployed to the scene where the gill net was immediately removed. After further inspection, authorities confirmed that the net was not registered. The gill net had caused the death of close to a hundred fish, including a reef shark and several protected bonefish. The unnamed fishermen face charges of a fine of $500, six months imprisonment, or both, for fishing without a registered net. In addition, they face separate charges for the killing of a protected species.

Ambergris Today

Celebrity Spotting – Steven Jackson of NFL’s Atlanta Falcons in San Pedro
In his latest blog post, running back NFL player of Atlanta Falcon Steven Rashad Jackson stated that at the end of the NFL season he took time off to relax and recover to embrace one of his passions: travel. Well Ambergris Today caught up with Steven just as he was ending his vacation in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. Technically the NFL football player was enjoying the luxuries of the private island of Cayo Espanto during his stay in Belize. Prior to arriving in Belize, he had toured Panama City, Nicaragua and Antigua, Guatemala. He mentioned that he is very interested in the Maya and had interest in learning more about their culture.

Saga Humane Society Starts Education Seminars at R.C. School
Students discussed humane treatment of animals, cruelty and kindness - San Pedro Roman Catholic School students were in awe of little Trooper on Monday and Tuesday of last week as they learned about this little puppy, abused and abandoned fighting for his life. They learned of Troopers story while attending a Humane Education program delivered by Sandie Betz-Eisenberg, Saga Director of Humane Education. “Troopers story is a success, but a sad reality, and that is why this education program is so vital to the enrichment of our community,” states Betz-Eisenberg. While on vacation from Canada, two visitors discovered a very disturbing scene while walking on the beach. "A group of boys on the beach were throwing him around like a football,"Julie said as she arrived at Saga Humane Society with this tiny near death puppy in her arms.

Fire at Exotic Caye Beach Resort Destroys Three Buildings
Fire quickly spread from the laundry room onto an adjacent concrete structure with a thatch roof. Security of the resort indicated that the fire fighters arrived around 20 minutes after they called in about the fire, in which two other buildings had caught on fire as well. By the time the fire was brought under control, the second stories of all three buildings had suffered extensive damage. Nine units of the resort were destroyed, all of which were occupied by guests; luckily all of them were able to evacuate safely.

Misc Belizean Sources

Presentation of donations to the San Pedro Police Department
The San Pedro Town Council cordially invites you to the presentation of donations to the San Pedro Police Department. The event will take place, Thursday, February 26, 2015 at ten o'clock in the morning at the San Pedro police station.

COROZAL TOWN COUNCIL ELECTIONS -APPOINTMENT OF RETURNING OFFICER AND ELECTION CLERK FOR COROZAL TOWN AND MAP OF POLLING AREAS 39, 40 & 41 AND COUNTING AREA
IT IS NOTIFIED for general information that the Elections and Boundaries Commission, pursuant to Section 18 (1) of the Town Councils Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Belize, has appointed the RETURNING OFFICERS named below for the Town Councils Elections to be held on Wednesday, the 4th day of March 2015, and the Chief Elections Officer, acting pursuant to Section 18(2) of the said Act, has appointed, with the approval of the Elections and Boundaries Commission, the ELECTION CLERKS named below for the said Town Councils Elections:- RETURNING OFFICER Mario Tun District Technical Supervisor Public Works Department Ranchito Village Corozal District ELECTION CLERK Fulton Barry Palacio Agriculture Officer Agriculture Department Corozal Town

Mexico Rocks!
It's in stone now. The big wigs have inaugurated and we got the free h'orderves.

Carnaval de San Pedro
If you haven't seen the Carnaval Photographic Exhibition yet, please stop by the House of Culture. The exhibit will run until March 24th.

Do you want to study in the U.S.?
Yesterday, the U.S. Embassy partnered with the Leo Bradley Library to OFFICIALLY launch the FIRST EducationUSA Reference Center in Belize. The center is located at the Leo Bradley Library in Belize City and features free internet access for U.S. college searches, provides up to date reference books and materials needed to apply and study at colleges and universities in the U.S., provides regularly-scheduled introductory public orientations on U.S. study, information on financial aid, pre-departure information/orientations and other topics based on EducationUSA’ s “Your 5 Steps to U.S. Study,” participates in college or education fairs, hosting an EducationUSA booth, and provides information on local government and foundation scholarships. The center is staffed by two librarians dedicated providing EducationUSA Advising Services to library patrons. The opening of this center will serve as the base to explain to Belizean students the incredibly diverse U.S. higher education landscape and decentralized admission process for thousands of U.S. institutions.

2015 Youth Ambassadors
Yesterday the Ambassador had the opportunity to meet with the 2015 Youth Ambassadors traveling to the U.S. on an exclusive exchange program sponsored through Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State. While visiting the Embassy the group had the opportunity to meet with the Ambassador, discuss their upcoming U.S. travel plans, and attend a luncheon in their honor hosted by the Deputy Cheif of Mission at his home. The Youth Ambassadors Program brings together high school students and adult mentors from countries across the Americas to promote mutual understanding, increase leadership skills, and prepare youth to make a difference in their communities. Youth Ambassador Program exchanges are primarily from Latin America and the Caribbean to the United States, but also include delegations from the United States to select countries.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Wednesday, February 25, 2015: 18

SHJC Dean's List and Merit Awards
Sacred Heart Junior College had an awards ceremony for all the students that made the Dean's List or received Merit awards. Congratulations to all the future leaders! "SHJC acknowledges and awards our academic achievers"

Wildlife Medicine at the BWRC
The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic has done quite a few surgeries over the years. They did an ovariectomy on a turtle the other day, and Daniel Velazquez was there to record the event. Thanks, BWRC, for saving so many animals! In related news, they are gearing up for this year's Wild Spring Break, where vet students study abroad in Belize, and get some wildlife medicine experience.

Channel 7

Broad Daylight Gang Shooting In City, But Victim Survives
There hasn’t been a murder in Belize City for over a month – and this morning, a 21 year old escaped death when he was the victim of what is believed to be a gang related shooting. 21 Year old Ian Adolphus Jr., was shot to the arm and the chest in broad daylight on Freedom Street in the Port Loyola Area. According to his facebook page, he identifies with one of a nest of gangs in that area. Today, police discussed the shooting:… Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson – OC, Police Precinct 2 "Sometime around nine thirty this morning, police responded to a shooting incident on Freedom street. What they learned was one Ian Adolphus, 21 years Belizean was walking on Freedom street - and upon reaching it's intersection with Justice street, a male person on a bicycle rode up in front of him and fired several shots. One caught him at the right elbow, one to the right shoulder and one to the left side of his chest. The male person then rode off and made his escape. At this time, the victim Adolphus is stable at the KHMH and police are looking for the suspect." Mike Rudon - Channel 5 News "Could you give us an idea - I know the investigation is just preliminary but in terms of a motive?" Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson "It's too early in the investigation to give a motive at this time."

"Exotic" Resort Burns In San Pedro; Firefighters Say Thatch Roof Was Hazard
Early this morning, the Exotic Caye Resort, located on Coconut Drive in San Pedro Town, was the scene of a major fire which destroyed 3 buildings that was part of the compound. The owners of Exotic, which has reportedly been doing business for the last 20 years, must now make repairs and try to recover from over half a million dollars in damages. The fire started at around 2:30 this morning, and it is believed to have started from inside a laundry room. That fire quickly spread to 3 nearby structures, and the fire officials say that a huge contributing factor to the quick spread of the blaze were the thatched roofs on the buildings. These 3 buildings were occupied by guests who had booked for the tourism high season, and the quick thinking of the security guard on duty allowed for the resort staff to alert their guests and get them out of the rooms with most of their items intact.

San Pedro Police Will Have Community Meeting
The community of San Pedro continues to be outraged at senseless murder of the 2 year-old toddler Daniel Espat, who was killed in his bed as he lay beside his mother and father. Well, police aren’t making much headway, and so, they’re appealing to the community, especially residents of the San Pedrito area, to come forward and give them information. Commanding Officer Luis Castellanos told us this evening, that the investigation is somewhat stalled because they have no leads. So, San Pedro Police has a community meeting scheduled tomorrow in which the residents are being invited to come out and voice their opinions. Castellanos is hoping that the meeting is a step in the right direction to restore the public confidence in the police so that information about this and other open murder investigations can move forward with the help of informants within the community.

Man Charged For Knocking Down and Killing Pablo
As we reported last night, accident victim 58 year old Pablo Martinez died of a heart attack 12 hours after he was knocked down by an 18 wheeler. Before this tragic news, the driver Levi Figueroa was served with a notice of intended prosecution but now that Martinez has passed away, Figueroa has been charged for manslaughter by negligence, driving without due care and attention, failed to keep as close as possible to the right hand side and death by careless conduct. He met bail and is scheduled to re-appear in court in May.

A Titanic Waste of Time
The Magistrates’ Court has ruled that Bahamian securities traders Rohn Knowles and Kelvin Leach were stopped prematurely by police who were trying to stop them from leaving the country. Local Law enforcement were cooperating with agents of the US Government who were trying to prevent both men from going back to their home country. They have been indicted on grand jury charges in the US for securities fraud in which it was alleged that they participated with 4 others in defrauding the US Government of a billion dollars in tax revenues. Viewers may remember that on September 12, of last year both men tried to leave the country on a chartered flight, and when they went to check in at the Phillip Goldson International Airport, police detained them. That was around the time when an extradition request was being prepared, but hadn’t come as yet. So, both men were charged with failing to declare funds over 10 thousand dollars while leaving the country. Informed observers concluded that this was a holding charge to stop the men from leaving while the formal documents for extradition requests were being finalized.

Pressing The Political Panic Button
We’re now down to just days before the municipal elections and this is when the political operators in both PUP and UDP camps turn up the panic. The PUP sure did that today when it sent the Chief Elections Officer a three page letter expressing grave concerns about the Belize City Returning Officer’s decision to simultaneously count the city’s 85 ballot boxes at 10 different counting stations. They are usually done in aggregate at the ITVET compound, but returning officer Hugo Miranda decided to do it differently. He told the political parties that he will oversee operations from the Elections and Boundaries office. But the PUP says that the letter of the law requires that as returning officer he has to unseal all the boxes himself – and can’t delegate counting clerks to do it at the ten counting stations. Now, Miranda’s approach is far more efficient, and it would mean that the counting in Belize City would be finished possibly as early as 10:00 pm – when normally it finishes until morning of the following day.

Selling Tablets Like Pills
In last night’s newscast we told you about the over 500 tablets that government distributed to university students. The students we saw were busy trying out their tablets, but at least one of them is giving in to the pull of the marketplace. We found this facebook post today from one of the students who has put his on sale. It offers, “ASUS memo pad 7, sealed in box, for sale or trade for anything of reasonable value..(and that) it needs to go as soon as possible.” We called the contact number and the seller told us that he’s selling it for 150 Belize dollars and he has more on offer. Now it might seem a cynical twist on a positive initiative, but Minister of Education, Patrick Faber is unfazed. He commented on FACEBOOK today, quote, “There is no other indication that our students are engaging in selling their tablets. As to the post, it is clearly some hater who wants to try and diminish the wonderful success of the government’s initiative.”

Mexico Wants A Trade Agreement With Belize
Mexico’s new Ambassador to Belize Carlos Quesnel presented his credentials to the Governor General three weeks ago. Since then, he and a mostly new senior team at the Embassy have been familiarizing themselves with Belize – a country that calls Mexico its second best trading partner. Belize’s exports to Mexico grew by over 100% in 2014 – which we would say is attributable mostly to cattle exports. And, the Mexicans want the trade relationship to expand. At a media breakfast this morning, Ambassador Quesnel said that they want a trade agreement – and that comes form their President:… Carlos Quesnel - Ambassador of Mexico to Belize "The present government, headed by President Enrique Peña Nieto, is focusing strengthening our relation with Belize as neighbours and strategic partners. The embassy will work closely with public and private sectors of both countries to facilitate reaching a trade agreement with our countries. Mexico is already the 2nd supplier of foreign products to Belize and there is no doubt a commercial agreement would force and integration between both countries. Mexico also wants to increase it's presence in CARICOM countries. What a better way to do it than through Belize.“

Ministry of Health Warns On Measles
Fever, a runny nose, coughing and rashes: those are a few of the common symptoms of measles – now turning up regularly in the USA where there is a measles outbreak. According to 'Reuters', over 123 people are infected in California and most cases are linked to the outbreak at the Disneyland theme park in December. Now, how does this affect us? Well according to Primary Health Care Coordinator Dr. Javier Zuniga, we are at risk but measures are in place to prevent the transfer of this disease to Belize. Dr. Javier Zuniga - Primary Health Care Coordinator "The problem is that a lot of people has this mentality that if they get the measles vaccine, that their children will have autism. And that is the association some of the people in the United States have and that notion is false. So not because your child gets the measles vaccine means that your child will have autism. So they’re a lot of groups in the US - minority group, like the Mennonites and some others, they refuse to give their children this vaccine.”

Inflation Rate Down in January
According to the Statistical Institute of Belize – the inflation rate in January of 2015 was down 1.1% from one year ago. This is owing to a sharp downturn in fuel prices – which also drove down the price of international airfares. And while the price of beef, pork, fish, seafood and potatoes were up Red Kidney beans, eggs, sweet peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, and watermelon were down – leading to an overall 2.4% decrease in food prices. Looking at the map, Punta Gorda was the only municipality to record an increase in consumer prices for the month, and that was a marginal 0.3 percent, while Belmopan had the greatest decrease, with an inflation rate of minues 1.8 percent.

Restore and Rotary Team Up
The students at the Queen Square Anglican Primary School got to enjoy their newly built playground set today. A ceremony was held in the school’s compound to officially open the park which is equipped with swings, slides and monkey bars – a kid’s paradise. Some of partners in the Literacy and Community Development project discussed how this playground will contribute of the student’s social development. The Literacy and Community Development program is a 3 year program. The cost of the playground is over $250,000 Belize dollars.

Lloyd Loving The Solo Life
Lloyd Augustine, you may know him as frontman for the band, Garifuna Collective, which has taken on the late Andy Palacio’s torch of spreading Garifuna Music to the world. The Collective has recently been touring the world, but Augustine also has a solo career which he’s nurturing. He’s released his second solo album “Yugadan” (yu gada), which features 12 songs that he’s held on to for some time, but never recorded. Today, he stopped by and told us why you should pick up his new album: The album officially launches in Hopkins on Saturday with a concert featuring some of the prominent paranda artists from the south, and Augustine wants everyone to come out. He told us that it’s going to be a beach party filled with good clean fun and people celebrating Garifuna music:

Channel 5

Bahamians Acquitted in Magistrate’s Court
The trial of two Bahamian nationals who were charged by the Financial Intelligence Unit back on September twelfth, 2014, came to a close today after months before the courts and [...]

Massive Fire Guts San Pedro Resort
An early morning inferno caused over half a million dollars in damages to the Exotic Caye Resort, on the island of San Pedro Ambergris Caye. The twenty year old resort [...]

“Uno” Shot on Freedom Street
This morning, at least six gunshots rang out on Freedom Street, Belize City and when the echoes died away, twenty-one year old Ian Adolphus lay on the ground bleeding. The [...]

Minister Heredia on P.G.I.A. Shutdown
It shook the tourism industry this past Saturday when air traffic controllers at the Phillip Goldson International Airport, called in sick and did not show up to work to land [...]

2 Detained for San Pedro Murder
Two year old Daniel Espat was shot twice to the head at two o’clock on Tuesday morning as he slept in his small family apartment.  His mother, Aleyda Espat, who [...]

P.U.P. Condemns Municipal Elections Procedure
Municipal Elections are exactly one week away, and while the candidates get in their last days of campaigning, Party officials are busy ensuring that the election process is fair and [...]

Are Citrus Growers Being Paid?
A year ago, after weeks of financial instability within the citrus industry, the Government of Belize, along with various stakeholders, including the Social Security Board, the Citrus Growers Association and [...]

Taylor’s Alley Youth Claims Police Abuse
Allegations of police brutality in Belize City are commonplace.  Every so often victims would come to our studios to vent their frustration with the manner in which officers go about [...]

Police in Precinct 2 Increase Presence
Bloodshed in the area known as Precinct Two was not so long ago almost a daily occurrence. But as we told you, thing have calmed down in the city while [...]

Queen Square Anglican gets New Playground
There are few parks in the south side of Belize City and where they can be found, the conditions are less than ideal for use by children. So there was [...]

Hol Chan Marine Reserve Expansion Signed Off
The southern tip of San Pedro Ambergris Caye is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Hol Chan, which is Mayan translation for “Little Channel,” was officially established as a protected area [...]

CSME Holds Workshop
The CSME Unit in the Ministry of Trade held a workshop in the Belize City to sensitize key front line personnel on how to handle and tap into opportunities to [...]

Mexican Ambassador Hosts Media Workshop
The new Mexican Ambassador to Belize, Carlos Quesnel Melendez, has hit the ground running. This morning, he hosted the media to breakfast and spoke on some of the projects that [...]

Parandero Lloyd Augustine Releases New CD
Belizean Parandero, Lloyd Augustine, a member of the renowned Garifuna Collective, is releasing a long-awaited solo album entitled Yugadan.  The twelve-track CD is a musical reflection of his life and [...]

CTV3

Fatal Traffic Accident Is Still Being Investigated
Recently, two residents from the North have lost their lives due to road traffic accidents, particularly hit and runs. The first incident was recorded on Monday February 16th whilst Christian Villalobos was walking on the Philip Goldson Highway near mile marker 61 and was struck from behind by an unknown vehicle. The second incident took place over the weekend in Santa Martha Village where David Thiessen, a Mennonite worker was knocked down in a hit and run and left for dead. Officer commanding the Orange Walk Formation, Superintendent Dennis Arnold says that the person they had in custody for the Santa Martha incident was released and the department is awaiting the cooperation of a source that can help in Villalobos’ case. SUPT DENNIS ARNOLD – Officer Commanding, OW Police “The first one we are still investigating apparently the person who we believe saw what happened apparently they just have to give him some more time maybe he might change his mind and come forward and the second one with Mr Theisen it was just circumstantial evidence so far so we are still investigating both of them, the person we had detained we had to release him and in both cases are cane truck we are looking at.”

WHO And CDC Advices Of An Outbreak Of Measles At Disneyland Resort
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have advised Belize’s Ministry of Health of an outbreak of Measles at the Disneyland Resort in California in the United States of America. We understand that cases are also being reported in Canada and one case related to the Disneyland outbreak has been reported in Mexico. Although Measles remains prevalent in many parts of the world, Belize has been free from the disease since 1991. In order to maintain the country’s measles free status, the recommended and most cost-effective public health approach is to advise persons to get vaccinated with the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. In Belize, vaccination coverage against measles has been greater than 95% over the last 10 years, according to the Ministry of Health.

Sixty One Year Old Woman Arrested For Drug Trafficking
Corozal Police arrest a sixty-one year old woman for drug trafficking. The arrest was made in Ranchito Village by the Corozal Special Operation Team during the search of the residence of sixty-one year old Rosa Lidia Funes. Authorities report that the team, armed with a warrant, found suspected cannabis almost immediately after entering the house. A plastic bag containing the suspected drug was on a wooden dining table. Funes was alone at the house and was arrested by police. A further inspection of the bag revealed it contained fourteen parcels wrapped in transparent plastic bags. Funes was escorted to the Corozal Police Station where the drugs were weighed in her presence and amounted to 444 grams of Cannabis. She was arrested and charged for the offence of Drug Trafficking.

Sexual Misconduct By Teacher On The Rise
Reports of sexual misconduct by teachers continue to rise across the country. Reports have been made at the University of Belize, at Mopan Technical School and even here in Orange Walk at the Orange Walk Technical High School. The matter as we have reported is being investigated by the board of management of the school. The District education center is also aware of the allegations. Yesterday, while speaking with Minister of Education Patrick Faber, the media asked him about his efforts to get answers into the reports at least at the University of Belize where allegations are that three teachers have engaged in sexual misconduct with students.

It Is A Fundamental Right For Employees To Vote Says Labor Commissioner
Municipal elections are exactly one week away and thousands of Belizeans will be making their way to the polling stations across the country. The elections are taking place on a weekday which means that the majority of voting population will be at work. Regardless of their job, the law stipulates that employers are to allow employees some time off their duties to go cast their vote. Often times, there are problems surrounding this as reports are made that employers refuse their employees that right. Today we asked Labor Commissioner Ivan Williams just what exactly the law says surrounding this matter and how employers should approach it. “Workers have a right to go and vote and that is their fundamental right, however depending on and this have to be worked out by the parties because depends where you live and where you are voting, I know at times people like to take more than it is allowed and so that is the challenge in other words it is not week off or so much days off it would just enough to allow you to but it depends again and employers know that relative to their situation there’s no specific.

Community Policing Conducted In Orange Walk Town
You may have seen an increase of uniformed police officers around your neighbourhoods but it’s not on crime business, instead it is an on-going community policing initiative that is being implemented at the Orange Walk Police Station. Under the directives of the Commissioner of Police all formations across the country are being encouraged to work in partnership with the community to help prevent and reduce crime. Officer Commanding the Orange Walk Police, Superintendent Dennis Arnold, says only by working together can we enhance the quality of life for a safer town. “Community policing extend way back as I had mentioned earlier so that back in the mid 80’s up to the end of the 80’s we use to have the saturation duties, this is where Senior officers from all over Belmopan, Belize City would walk on different streets of Belize city greeting people but now they put a tweak to it and they call it Community Policing right the meet and greet so here in Orange Walk we are doing meet and greet...

Police Ready For Municipal Election
Final plans for intensive security arrangements are being put in place for the Municipal elections next week Wednesday. Police presence will be felt at polling stations and on the streets to prevent any election violence and to keep order. We asked Officer Commanding the Orange Walk Police Formation about their plans for town and it appears the entire formation will be out on the streets. SUPT DENNIS ARNOLD – Officer Commanding, OW Police “We will ensure that the police officer hold the hundred yards line and we will not take sides the hundred yards line is the hundred yards line; PUP, UDP, NIP have to stay behind the hundred yards line, the media as well, unless you talk to the presiding officer they are the only ones who can give that permission for you guys to be within the hundred yards line, basically we are there merely to assist them right.” Maria Novelo – Reporter “Usually in elections there is a lot of filed up energy aggressions and stuff like that do you guys have to be safe in terms of if push comes to shove hell broke loose, how is it that we will remain at order?”

Corozal Police Looking For Woman For Obtaining Property By Deception
In Corozal Police are looking for one woman for obtaining property by deception. Forty eight year old Belizean businessman, Eliceo Rivero of Corozal Town, owner of Thunder Bolt Water Taxi, told police that on February fifth he received a call from Tammy Peterson of San Pedro indicating that she was part of the San Pedro Island Sailing Club. Peterson allegedly sought Rivero’s water taxi services to move four small sailing boats from San Pedro to Corozal Town on the same day. Rivero says he agreed to do the job for which he charged four hundred dollars. On the day after, Rivero says Peterson called him once more but this time to transport her and eight other persons from San Pedro to Corozal. Rivero charged an additional four hundred dollars for that trip for which he requested that both services which amounted to eight hundred dollars be paid by three that day and Peterson agreed to have someone take the money to boat captain Miguel Dominguez. According to Rivero, Peterson has not made any payments and has not answered his calls. Police are now seeking Tammy Peterson for the crime of obtained property by deception. The San Pedro Police has been informed of the situation.

Belize Labor Department Conducts Education Session Campaign
The Labor Department is on a countrywide campaign conducting a labor education session in all municipalities. The officials are presenting information on the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers under various labor legislations and international or regional commitments that Belize has signed on to. Labor Commissioner Ivan Williams told us more about the objectives of the sessions. Ivan Williams – Labor Commissioner “The purpose of this training workshop is to bring the awareness of the legal framework under which employers and workers operate, to hear from the workers the experiences and the challenges and most importantly to try to ensure a proper understanding of the labor legislations and to foster a harmonious relationship in the workplace where right are respected in the workplace and responsibilities working simultaneously in a proper manner.” We asked Williams whether, from their experience, Belizeans are knowledgeable on these rights. Williams says Belizeans need to be more aware of their labor rights as an employer and employee.

LOVE FM

CEO Speaks on Equipment Failure at KHMH
Reports had reached Love News of some equipment failure and challenges inside the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. According to an inside source, the hospital has been unable to sterilize surgical utensils due to the absence of a functioning sterilizer in the facility. It is a concern expressed by a staff member, who explained that whilst the hospital does seek the assistance of the Northern Regional Hospital in sterilizing the utensils from time to time, the transportation to and fro still poses some exposure to the elements that could possibly lead to contamination. Love News met with Dr. Adrian Coye, the Chief Executive Officer of the KHMH for a response to the concerns. “We have our challenges, we have outdated stuff, they have been working. It is the biggest one in the country and for all these years we’ve been maintaining that sterilization unit, in fact we made some investments recently to bring on board a second sterilization unit that we have but we haven’t reached that point and this is a recurring problem. ”

Early Morning Fire Destroyed Structures of Resort on Ambergis Caye
Three structures that make up a part of the Exotic Caye Beach Resort on Ambergris Caye were destroyed in an early morning fire on the island. The inferno was found out just after two o’clock this morning. One of the first respondents at the scene was the Deputy Commander of the San Pedro Police Station, Assistant Superintendent Henry Jemmott. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, HENRY JEMMOTT “When I got on the scene I noticed that a small thatched building about 15×12 the roof was engulfed in flames. Immediately I ensured that we called the fire department who responded within a reasonable time. I went into an emergency mode asking officer to assist me with waking up all the guests that were in the room because the flames were spreading to the building that was occupied by people. At that point we managed to get out all the guests and have them secured on the beach side. At this time the fire department has already activated their operation and they managed to extinguish the fire at about 4 am. We managed to save about 6 buildings and only three were partially burnt, the roof was partially burnt.”

PNP Mayoral Candidate Protest Adressess Issues in PG
People’s National Party’s Mayoral candidate Will Maheia headed a protest this morning in Punta Gorda. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the story. “The mid-morning protest at the site of the commencement of cementing phase of the street project included People’s National Party Punta Gorda town council candidates and PNP mayoral candidate Will Mehia.” “Yes we appreciate that there is a street upgrade but if they are going to do a street upgrade they should do it properly. We have spoken to many contractors who have said it doesn’t make any sense to build a street and it doesn’t have steel inside of it. Cement needs steel for it to hold and last a long time. Sure this is good but it is a temporary fix because if big trucks start running on it it will start breaking apart so we want to urge the government if they are going to do it to do it right. Again they’ve built a street they are starting another street now there is no room for pedestrians this is a town, a people friendly town where people walk around there is no sidewalk there is no provisions for a side walk so if you are going to do something let’s do it right. Then we look at the other end of the street and they have some plastic culverts there that are far below what is required.”

PlusTV

Ministry to work on issues of air traffic controllers
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation held its own press conference shortly after that interview with Ray Davis, and their main message was a return to normal activity, beginning on Tuesday, and a willingness to work with their staff at the Airport on issues known to be long-standing and sensitive. According to Director of Civil Aviation for the Ministry Lindsay Garbutt, the workers say they had nothing to do with the COLA weekend release. “The controllers stated categorically that they had nothing to do with the press release sent out by COLA, and that that press release was erroneous and not factual. Secondly, they said very clearly that the decision not to come to work on Saturday was based on genuinely being sick. The coincident of all of them being sick at the same time and that it had nothing to do with anything that the department and the ministry is or is not doing.

Police updates on case of nude teacher pics in Bengue
On Wednesday February 18th the teacher from Mopan Technical High School in Benque Viejo del Carmen was placed on administrative leave, while police conducted investigations into the allegations. Two male police officers were present on Wednesday to witness the teacher leaving the compound, after he was served with the letter suspending him from duties. On Tuesday District Education Officer for the Cayo District Luis Carballo told us more. “The Principal informed the Vice-Principal. They already knew about the issue, because some students were talking about it in school. So, at this time they’re carrying out the investigation to see where that leads. If it is true that the pictures were being sent to students and things like that, then the teacher can be charged with actions unbecoming of a teacher.

School controversies still unresolved
On Tuesday January 27th, members of the parents teachers association of the Arms of Love Primary School located in the Kontiki Area of San Ignacio staged a protest calling for the immediate removal of the principal. The complaints date back to 2012, which we understand is the year the principal came into office; however nothing was done and the issue was not brought back up until earlier this year when parents decided that enough was enough and refused to send their kids to school if nothing was done. “The allegations against her is the way that she has been treating parents and teachers. And parents are concern because of the way she has been treating their children, that she shouts at them, sometimes pull them or argues with them or in a way that they feel it’s not necessary. The Principal has been in position for approximately three years. In 2012 we has a complaint from the parents. We had a meeting with the PTA at the time, the management, the Principal and the staff, to discuss some of the things that they can do in order to alleviate these issues.

Patrick Jones

Accused aides to illegal visitors freed
They were accused of assisting a pair of Cuban men to illegally stay in Belize. However today, 50 year old Llewelyn Ramclam and 49 year old Alberto Quintana, were freed of their charges when they were withdrawn by the Immigration Department in the court of Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser due to lack of evidence. Ramclam, a Belizean, and Quintana, a Cuban national who has legal immigration status in Belize, were charged in December of 2014 after the Immigration Department detained two Cubans, 29 year old Jolkies Guerra and 27 year old Jaema Aldana.

Titan executives cleared of currency charge
Bahamian executives of Titan International Securities, Rohn Knowles and Kelvin Leach had charges of failing to declare personal currency above the prescribed amount to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) dismissed today by Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer. The Senior Magistrate upheld a submission of no case to answer made by Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith last week. The Magistrate said that she considered the key element of the case to be this: “at what point (were) the defendants deemed to have committed the offence; whether they had cleared all functions of the Immigration Department and Airport Authority.”

New Mexican ambassador aims to deepen Mexico-Belize relationship
Mexico’s new Ambassador to Belize, Carlos Quesnel Melendez, sat down with the press this morning at the Mexico-Belize Institute of Cooperation, the Belize City office of the Mexican Embassy, on Newtown Barracks in his first official event since presenting his credentials to Governor General Sir Colville Young three weeks ago. The two countries already share a deep relationship due to their neighboring status, but in recent years Mexico has become a valuable friend to Belize in key areas, from trade to tourism development, to the arts and culture. This was a staple of the former regime led by Mario Velasquez and his press and consular affairs officer Marcelino Miranda, and the new Ambassador and new press officer Hugo Juarez Carrillo aim to continue and expand that relationship.

Smart establishes its own transmission link in the Toledo district
Customers who use the Smart telephone service in the Toledo district can expect “special events” from their provider in the coming weeks. That’s according to SpeedNet Communications, the parent company that owns the telephone company. Smart issued a press release on Wednesday announcing that it had completed the […]

Early morning fire guts buildings at Exotic Caye Resort
Three buildings belonging to Exotic Caye Resort in San Pedro town were damaged by fire early this morning. Police say the fire was reported to authorities at 2:29 am and when police and Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene they saw a small building with thatched roof at the […]

Shooting incident in Belize City; one injured
A Belize City man was the victim of a shooting incident this morning. 21 year old Ian Adolphus was shot around 9:38 am today at the corner of Louise Bevans and Freedom Streets in Belize City. Police say Adolphus is in stable condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Police […]

Warm and mostly dry weather conditions prevail
Mainly fair, warm and mostly dry conditions are currently prevailing factors in our weather heading into the second part of the week. The general forecast for Belize and her coastal waters is for mostly sunny skies today. Tonight will be clear. Little or no rainfall is expected. Winds over the […]

U.B. students get promised Tablets from government of Belize
The University of Belize Gymnasium was filled with anticipation and excitement on Tuesday as students from the University eagerly awaited the conclusion of the official ceremonies to receive their promised Tablets. According to Financial Secretary Joseph Waight about 9,000 tablets were bought for $200.00 each. He encouraged […]

Blogs

Another Eggs-Citing Easter Week in Belize!
Easter in Belize is another one of those festive celebrations that could only happen in this tranquil melting pot nestled between the Caribbean Sea and pristine rainforests of Central America. Like every holiday in Belize, Easter is a combination of the familiar and the exotic, retaining the traditional elements that North Americans and Europeans love along with an added cultural zest from Belize’s different ethnic groups, from the ancient Maya through to more recent settlers. For example, Easter eggs are hunted amidst colourful tropical gardens, in verdant pastoral land and on the fringes of lush jungles; Easter baskets may include chocolate made from Maya cacao first cultivated in Belize thousands of years ago; the agouti may stand in for the Easter Bunny, and big lazy ham dinners may feature tortillas and tamales on the side.

A personal Farewell to Caye Chapel
It is with a heavy heart that I am writing the end of my romance with one of my favorite “off Ambergris Caye” getaway spots Caye Chapel. As previously announced by BELTRAIDE early December, the Caye has been sold to a Mexican Luxury Hotel development group from Mexico. From the an aerial rendering of the island posted on Ambergris Today, it looks like the golf course and the beach front villas are not going to be a part of the new development. Although I am hopeful that this development company will make what they’re doing beneficial to Belize, truthfully if my wish could come true, they will not develop the island. I knew I needed to get back there one last time and end my romance in style before they stopped allowing people over. I asked a few friends who had not been there to join me, Kendall was in from the start unfortunately business took over and he could not go. Unbelievably to me it was a hard sell getting anyone else to go over, I couldn’t believe they were not jumping at the chance to hang out on a gorgeous private island for the day.

Night and Day Exotic Caye Resort Fire
Thankfully there were no reported injuries from last night’s fire at Exotic Caye Resort. Apparently the security guard said it was Denise from Pepperoni’s pizza that alerted him, because he was on the other side of Crazy Canucks at the time. He rushed into action, woke and got everyone out of harms way. According to Marla Vanderlaan who shared the night time fire pics said that they were woken up around 2:30 to evacuate their little room, and were allowed back in around 4:15. One of the units in Building 2 had a propane tank in it so the Fire Fighters kept the building watered down and cut the line in case the tank needed to be removed. Marla said the Fire Department did a great job. The fire started in the laundry building and reportedly spread to buildings 3, 4, and 5 which is closest to Melt Cafe. Two “standby” rooms at Banana Beach Resort were used around 3:00 am and two more this morning at 9:00.

Fish Chowder
Lent meal...Fish Chowder. Very simple recipe for comfort food on any day.

The February 22nd, 2015 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• SAN IGNACIO MAN CHARGED FOR WEED:
  A resident from San Ignacio Town was busted with suspected cannabis. Today, Wednesday, 18 February, 2015, Police, at about 1:45pm, visited a 2nd Street address of Emmerson Manzanero to conduct a search. Upon arrival, police questioned Manzanero if there is anything incriminating located inside the house but Manzanero was brutally honest and admitted to the officers that there is a bag of weed in the room. He was immediately placed under arrest and was cautioned. Police conducted their search inside the house and found a bulky black plastic bag on the floor along with a grey digital scale. The officers then open the bag in the presence of Manzanero. The bag contained green leafy substance suspected to be that of cannabis. Manzanero was then escorted to the San Ignacio Police Station. At the Station, the suspected cannabis was weighed in the presence of Manzanero which tipped the scales at 257 grams.
• Branch Mouth Residents Busted:
  Two men from Branch Mouth Road were busted and charged on Wednesday, 4 February, 2015. The San Ignacio police conducted a search at the residence of Jorge Dubon, 49 year old Honduran National from Branch Mouth Road. On arrival, police saw Dubon and Stuart Bradley, 65, sitting on a log that was located in the yard at the back of the house. At that time, Dubon had a white paper in one hand and the other hand was clinched. Dubon was asked to open his hand which contained green leafy substance suspected to be cannabis. Bradley was searched, however, nothing incriminating was found on him. Police continued to search around the yard and 25 feet away they found a black plastic bag that was hidden under some zinc sheets. The bag was opened in their presence which contained suspected cannabis.
• Fire Season Is Here:
  The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development and the Forest Department hereby inform the general public that the Fire Season is on. In Belize, the Fire Season is observed from February 15 to June 15 annually. With the periodical onset of the dry weather, the general public, especially agricultural farmers, are asked to take all the necessary precautions when using fire for their daily necessities such as the burning of their garbage and preparing land for cultivation. Most forest fires originate from the negligent use of fire by farmers for the burning of their milpas and other agricultural lands. In most instances agricultural fires tend to get out of control due to the time of the day when the fire is lit and the failure of the farmer to open fire lines around the entire perimeter of the land clearing. We therefore encourage farmers NOT to burn during the hottest part of the day (10 am - 2 pm) and ensure that at least a 3 meter wide fire line is cleaned around your milpa.
• Residents Of Belmopan And Surrounding Communities Benefiting From Improved Road Infrastructure Project:
  Residents in the nation’s capital, Belmopan and surrounding communities are enjoying, and benefitting from two paved streets due to a road infrastructure project financed by the Government of Belize at a cost of BZ $417,802.00 through a loan from the World Bank under the Belize Municipal Development Project (BMDP). Counterpart funding by the Belmopan City Council totaled $12, 534.06. This means that the infrastructure road project will facilitate and provide motorists, pedestrians, and bicycle riders with a better and more pleasant street environment; thus, providing men, women and children, with easier access to traverse to, and from their homes, schools, and places of businesses in their daily lives. The completion of the road infrastructure project on Almond Boulevard and Chiquibul Street is also contributing significantly in improving the quality of life for all residents in the nation’s capital and its surrounding communities; since they will no longer have to be confronted by poor road conditions such as dust during the dry season and mud during the rainy season. Other key beneficiaries from the transformation of this road project are vehicle owners who, will not only be driving on a smooth surface, but, will also experience a reduced impact as it pertains to vehicle maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the project is contributing to the mitigation of traffic congestion on Mountain View Boulevard; and will serve both residential and commercial sectors by providing improved access route to Constitution Drive, which represents one of the main economic arteries in Belmopan.
• Feed The World:
  There is a growing thought that we don’t need inorganic fertilizers and chemicals to grow our food to feed our world population of some 7 billion people, reaching some 9 billion in the next three decades. It is believed by some that organic farming, an apparently more sustainable holistic farming system, can do the job. While this statement could be technically correct, it begs the question, at what price, and at what level of sustenance. In my opinion, this shift using organic materials as soil amendments and source of plant nutrients may only be possible if we become vegetarians, or reduce our meat intake significantly. (A high percentage of our chemicals are used to produce feed for meat production, and in recent times, for fuel from corn and sugarcane.) In essence, we would need to move away from American/European type diets which have become more popular with creeping affluence around the world, and move more towards traditional Asian type diets. This paradigm shift on a global basis is not impossible, but highly unlikely.
• Avian Influenza In Poultry Detected In Cayo District:
  On the 15th Avian Influenza type A in two (2) poultry farms in Spanish Lookout, Cayo District. It was detected as a result of routine testing under the Belize Poultry Improvement Plan. Samples tested by an International reference Laboratory in the USA has confirmed the presence of Avian influenza H5N2 antibodies in one farm only but not the live virus. BAHA continues to test and has detected presence of Avian Influenza Type A in one other farm. There are very little clinical signs in the affected birds, which may indicate a response to the low pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2 virus. This virus predominantly affects poultry. There is very low risk for transmission from poultry to humans and there is no evidence of human to human transmission. To date, testing of all surrounding farms continues to confirm that the outbreak is only in those two farms. Containment measures in effect prohibit all poultry and poultry products from exiting the affected farms. In addition, BAHA has set up other control measures, in the Spanish Lookout area, such as movement control of live birds, eggs, and other poultry products.
• Undefeated Western Ballaz:
  League (NEBL) kicked off on Friday, February 6th, with some huge surprises in the opening weekend. The national anthem harmoniously sang by the Moreno Sisters – Solie and Julie – heralded the arrival of the 2nd National Elite Basketball League Tournament Friday night inside San Ignacio and as usual, the Sacred Heart College Auditorium was packed to capacity. Nevertheless, the introduction of the home team, last year’s sub-champion, Western Ballaz, was propelled to the next level pulling out all the stops with lights, sounds and smoke in a presentation that will be difficult to surpass. That night, the Ballaz play host to the newest addition to the NEBL, Belize Hurricanes, under head coach, Matthew Smiling—a new team venturing into a tournament with ferocious competition. In the opening game on Friday night, Cayo Western Ballaz (1 - 0) defended their home court, as they easily took care of the new franchise Belize Hurricanes (0 - 1) by the score of 85 - 52.
• Western Ballaz Press Release:
  The Western Ballaz executive committee through this medium would like to make our position known to the general public about our relationship with Sacred Heart College Inc. (SHC). We know this fact: SHC has had the community of San Ignacio and Santa Elena and all communities as priority in its service endeavor in education. SHC has grown through the years by offering excellence in education and upstanding values for its students and the greater community. There is absolutely no reason for doubt in the mind of the Western Ballaz management and team of SHC’s interest to continue serving the community in every way, including our basketball team and for the public who passionately support our team. For the record, SHC has never intentionally or with any malice attempt to refuse your Western Ballaz team from using the facility.
• Western Ballaz - Schedule:
  
• Rotary Park Undergoing Renovation:
  A new set of playground equipment is on the way for installation at the Rotary Park in Santa Elena town, Cayo. The equipment is coming from Canada and will be installed over the course of two days, on March 7 and March 8. To make way for the new equipment, members of the San Ignacio Rotary Club were out at the park on Saturday morning to put in “sweat equity” as the preparation of the Rotary Park for the major upgrade is well underway. With shovels in hand, wheelbarrows at the ready, a backhoe on hand and a dump truck filled with sand, the Rotarians went to work on a bright, sunny and warm Saturday morning ripping up old concrete slabs and carting them away. According to the president of the San Ignacio Rotary Club Sheree Fuaki, the upgraded Rotary Park in Santa Elena town, including the new playground equipment, will be officially inaugurated on Wednesday, March 11.
• Saint Martin’s Credit Union Youth Month:
  As part of our ongoing effort to promote and market the vision, mission and philosophy of credit unions and promote financial literacy and savings among our young people, our credit union has designated the month of February as “Youth Month.” Throughout the month, our credit union will be visiting primary schools in the area to educate and promote savings among our young people. This will be achieved by engaging them through interactive activities and hands on approach. Primary schools will also have the opportunity to participate in our annual Credit Union Quiz Contest. Students from primary schools in the following zones will participate to elect one winner from each zone. These winners will take home cash prizes and promotional items as well as cash prizes for the winning school.
• Ground-Breaking - Ceremony At The Octavia Waight Center:
  We are pleased to announce that the Ground-Breaking for the expanded kitchen at the Octavia Waight Center took place on Sunday February 1st 2015. Mr Evan Dakers, Chairman of Help Age Belize, was the guest speaker of the short ceremony and he extended his gratitude and support of the Octavia Waight Center and their efforts to assist the elderly people of San Ignacio and the entire country of Belize. Through collaboration with Challenge Gobie Foundation, the Octavia Waight Center has already raised 50% of the $100,000 needed to complete the project. The Challenge Gobie Foundation spearheaded a bike ride in November 2014 and through this was able to raise awareness on the project as well as much needed funds from generous donors within Belize, the United States and the United Kingdom. Work is expected to commence shortly on the improved and expanded kitchen and should be completed in as early as three months.
• Tourist Dies In Traffic Accident:
  There was a serious road traffic accident this morning on the George Price Highway in St. Matthew’s village. The Incident happened around eleven thirty this morning which involved a tow-head truck that was hauling oranges and a small SUV. One of two American tourists traveling in the SUV died, while the other was treated first at the Western Regional hospital and later transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial in Belize City for further medical treatment. Fifty six year old Teresa Lin Muers died while undergoing treatment, having suffered serious head and body injuries.
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International Sources

Canada helps boost regional military capacity with information technology
The Canadian government in conjunction with the Barbados Defence Force hosted the second session of a ten-week information technology (IT) workshop on information technology systems support for military members within the Caribbean region. This workshop served to enhance the information technology administrative capacity of 16 military personnel in the six Caribbean countries represented in the course. The workshop was staged through partnership with Canada’s National Defence Directorate of Military Training and Cooperation Program (DMTCP), as well as the Barbados Defence Force, and was conducted at St Ann’s Fort, Barbados. Sixteen participants from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica Republic, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago took part in the workshop.

Next Stop: Belize
Considering the pros and cons of staying in Memphis. This is not a threat. It is more a cry, a lament for a city I have come to embrace for more than 30 years. Consider this a pre-farewell to Memphis, but with a few caveats thrown in. My wife and I made a decision a few months back to earnestly begin preparations to leave Memphis and retire to the country of Belize. It's not like it's going to happen for a couple of years, because of our job commitments, but this May we're doing a scouting trip to see firsthand if this is truly where we want to spend what's left of our "golden years."

18 Things To See And Do In Belize
For only occupying 9,000 square miles, Belize may be small in size, but it has unlimited resources for fun. Listed below are the top 18 things travelers must see and do in Belize while visiting. 1. Ambergris Caye Ambergris Caye occupies 36 miles on the north side of Belize and is a must stop for divers and snorkelers. The island has a perfect access for vacationers who are wishing to visit the barrier reef that is located around the island. 2. Placencia Peninsula Placencia Peninsula is the definition of an oasis on the beach. This peninsula has perfectly white sand beaches and coconut trees all around. The nature reserves located around the peninsula make it a perfect destination to take pictures that are postcard worthy. 3. Baron Bliss Memorial Baron Bliss Memorial is a must stop for the history buff on vacation. This memorial is dedicated to the late Henry Edward Earnest Baron Bliss of England. The tomb of Bliss is located here underneath the lighthouse.

Videos

February 25, 2015

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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

Melonie Gillett releases new single!
The super talented Belizean songstress, Melonie Gillett has released a new song and it definitely one to party too. Titled “Soca Mode”, the single was released on Friday, February 20th and embraces the party culture of Belize. It makes for the perfect song to dance the night away!

Late night shooting in San Pedrito: toddler killed, mother in critical condition
A toddler is dead, while his mother remains in a critical but stable condition, after they were shot while sleeping inside their apartment building. The victims are two-year-old Charlie Daniel “Danny” Espat and 33-year-old Aleyda Sandoval, both of an unnamed street in the San Pedrito Area of San Pedro Town. The two were at home sleeping when at least 10 shots were fired toward the direction of their apartment around 1:45AM on Tuesday February 24th. According to Officer in Charge of the San Pedro Police Formation, Superintendent of Police Luis Castellanos, Aleyda Sandoval, Daniel Espat and her common-law- husband Rolando “Roli” Espat were at home sleeping in their apartment room located on the ground level of a two storey wooden structure. Sometime around 1:45AM, they woke up to the sound of several loud bangs after which Sandoval realized she and her baby had been shot.

San Pedrito shooting leaves toddler dead and mother injured
Initial investigation revealed that earlier at about 1:45AM, Aleyda Sandoval, Daniel Espat and her common-law-husband Rolando Espat were at home sleeping in their apartment room located on the lower flat of a two storey wooden structure in the San Pedrito Area when they heard several loud bangs after which she realized that she and her baby had been injured. They were both rushed to the clinic where the toddler was pronounced dead at 2:25AM. Sandoval was given primary medical care and later transported to the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospiatl in a stable condition.The body of Daniel Espat was also transported to the morgue in Belize City. Police have since detained a 16-year-old male of San Pedrito area pending investigations.

Tiburon Rum officially launched in Belize
The newest award winning rum, Tiburon Rum, was officially launched in Belize on Wednesday, February 18th. Created from a collaboration between Basil Destefano and Traveller’s Rums Limited, Tiburon is a hand crafted, aged, premium rum that originated in Belizean soil. Since its inception, Tiburon Rum has captured several international awards and is quickly becoming a top seller in the liquor market. At their fabulous launch party, invited guests got the opportunity to taste the award winning rum.

Ambergris Today

Castillo's Hardware Gives Away $15,000 on 15th Anniversary
Celebrating a great milestone in the town of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize last week was Castillo’s Hardware that his the BIG 15th Anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Alfonso Castillo could not think of anything better than to celebrate along with the community that they hold dear at heart. They decided to give away $15,000 to their loyal costumers. So Castillo’s Hardware held a raffle and gave away 15 $1,000 prizes to 15 lucky winners. “It seems like just yesterday Ms. Miriam and I, along with one other worker opened our hardware store downstairs at the present Social Security building. We started out with 2,500 sq ft and a hired delivery truck and driver. Today we have 8,500 sq ft when we relocated here in August 2002. We have 15 dedicated staff members, some of whom are serving for over 10 years.

Free Specialized Clinical Services at the San Pedro Polyclinic
The Belize Medical and Dental Association will be conducting FREE specialized clinic on Saturday, 7th March, 9 am at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic. Services that will be available include: Pediatrician, Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Neurologist, Urologist, ENT Specialist, Pediatric Surgery, Internist, Cardiologist, Nephrologists, Dermatologist and Orthopedic Surgery

Visiting Doctor Donates Pediatric Care Equipment to Poly Clinic
The Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II received another generous donation from a visitor of St. Pete, Florida. Dr. Mike Mazzaferro, a medical director who has volunteered at the Poly Clinic in the past during a medical trip to Belize, presented a very useful device to the doctors on Friday, February 20, 2015. This time around Dr. Mazzaferro was in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize on vacation and decided to bring with him a very useful and cool donation to the polyclinic. He donated a Pedi-Sleeve (Pediatric Dosing System) which is a three-page protected sleeve worn on the forearm (like a quarterback) that displays pediatric medication dosing and equipment sizes. The sleeve contains information to provide medicinal dosage to children depending on their height. A quick measurement and the sleeve can quickly indicate the dosage needed for the child in case of emergencies and quick response situations, without the need for making calculations.

Two-Year-Old Dies in Neighborhood Shooting
Police reports state the bullets rang into the sleeping neighborhood of the San Pedrito area at around 1:40a.m. directed at the residence of Rolando Espat. Nine expended shells were discovered by the police at the crime scene as bullets pierced through the house straight into the bedroom where the family was sleeping. Aleyda Sandoval, Daniel Espat and her common-law- husband Rolando Espat were at home sleeping in their apartment room located on the lower flat of a two storey wooden structure when they heard several loud bangs after which she realized that she and her baby had been injured. In the process two-year-old Daniel Espat was fatally shot in the head and his mother 33-year-old Aleyda Espat was shot in the arm and back. The baby boy succumbed to his injuries while the mother is receiving treatment for her wounds, with a bullet still lodged in her back. Rolando Espat, who was also inside the house at the time of the shooting, did not receive any injuries. Police have since detained a 16-year-old male of San Pedrito Area and are still investigating the incident; it is believed that Roland Espat was the target of the assailants.

Misc Belizean Sources

From San Pedro Town Council
The San Pedro Town Council would like to make a clarification on accusations made on the Good Morning San Pedro TV Show of Mayor Daniel Guerrero by the present People’s United Party (PUP) slate contesting for election this March. Attached you will find a scanned letter of request from the Office Manager, Mr. Cervantes, requesting Central Park for the PUP’s political rally for either February 28th or March 1st of this year. Also attached is a scanned letter of response from Mayor Daniel Guerrero where he grants the PUP permission for usage of Central Park on Sunday, March 1, 2015. The San Pedro Town Council did not receive a formal request or notification in regards to the soliciting of Boca del Rio Park or the intent of relocating the rally from Central Park to the Boca del Rio Park. We take this opportunity to notify the general public that the Boca del Rio park, after the beautification project (installation of palapas, plants, re-painting of basketball court etc.), the SPTC has denied all requests to use the park for events or situations that may expose the park to any damages.

JOB OPPORTUNITY at CTV3 News
A vacancy exists at Centaur Communications Corporation Limited for the post of reporter at CTV3 News. The individual will be stationed in Corozal Town. Requirements: The applicant must be from the Corozal District, preferably male. - 6th Form Graduate - Good writing & oral skills in English and Spanish - Ambitious and outgoing - Willing to work long hours - Ability to work well in a team - Experience in journalism would be an asset Deadline for applications is March 6th 2015

New commercial center breaks ground in Chetumal Mexico
The initial investment will be to the tune of around Five Million US Dollars or 65 million pesos. "CAPITAL CENTER" will have 43 different businesses including, banking services, gymnasium, laundromat, sports bar, and more. The commercial center will be located at the corner of "Avenida Erik Paolo Martinez" and "Avenida 4 de Marzo". This announcement couldn't have come at a worse time for our Corozal Free Zone as we struggle for competitiveness with our Mexico neighbours. We hope there can be a new infusion of ideas and creativeness for our Corozal Free Zone.

Polling places in Corozal
All registered Voters for the Upcoming Corozal Town Council Elections on March 4th, 2015 are advised that there will be three (Polling Areas) designated to cast your votes. Depending in the area that you are registered, you will need to go to the right polling area to cast your vote. COROZAL TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION, 2015 Polling Area No. 39 (ST. FRANCIS XAVIER ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL), Polling Area No. 40. (ST. PAUL’S ANGLICAN SCHOOL), and Polling Area No. 41 (OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE R.C. SCHOOL In accordance with the Town Council Act and the applicable Regulations, I Mario Tun, Returning Officer, hereby give notice that more candidates having been nominated than there are seats to be filled, the election of one (1) Mayor and six (6) other members of the Corozal Town Council will be held on Wednesday, March 4th, 2015 between the hours of seven o’clock (7:00 A.M.) in the morning and six o’clock (6:00 P.M.) in the afternoon of the same day in the following Polling Stations established in the various Polling Areas described hereunder:-

"The Year of Technology: Bridging the Digital Divide"
University of Belize students in Belmopan received their tablets today. Students of the institutions listed below can look out for theirs this week. Kindly check with your school's administration for the distribution dates. Corozal Junior College St. John's Junior College University of Belize (all campuses) Galen University (all campuses) Stann Creek Ecumenical Junior College Belize Adventist Junior College Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College Muffles Junior College University of the West Indies Open Campus Wesley Junior College San Pedro Junior College Sacred Heart Junior College Pope John Paul II Junior College Independence Junior College

GOB CLARIFIES EXPENDITURE FIGURE CONTAINED IN COST SAVINGS REPORT
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) of the Government of Belize makes reference to a Report on Proposed Cost-Savings Strategy for the Government of Belize dated June 2014 which was prepared by the Committee to Evaluate and Advise on the Cost Savings Measures for the Government of Belize. This Committee is comprised of members of both staff side and unions side as an offshoot of the Collective Bargaining Process. The MOF wishes to clarify that the figure of $568,453 mentioned in the Report as being GOB’s Advertisement Cost paid to Wave Radio for the Year 2013 is incorrect as it actually represents the payments to this media house for a three year period, being FY2011/12, FY 2102/2013 and part of FY2013/14. (up until the date of the Report), and not for the single year FY2012/2013. The other expenditure figures in the Report related to Advertisement Costs are also for the same three year period.

Hon. Dean Barrow Heads to Summit of Heads of Government of the CARICOM States
The Office of the Prime Minister informs the general public that Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow will be attending the Summit of Heads of Government of the CARICOM States in Nassau, Bahamas.

"The Year of Technology: Bridging the Digital Divide"
In his New Year's address, Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow said, "So if 2014 was a year of infrastructure, 2015 will be a year of technology. Thus, Government is purchasing from the Asus company in Taiwan nine thousand tablet computers so as to be able to provide one for each tertiary level student in Belize. As a result, every student at UB and all sixth forms and junior colleges countrywide, will be gifted one of these brand new tablets as we prepare to march into technology's brave new world." Delivering on that promise, today at an official ceremony, students at the University of Belize main campus were the first group of recipients of the tablets. For the remainder of the week, tablets will be delivered to all tertiary level schools throughout the country.

San Pedro Aids Commission Thanks it's Sponsors and the Business Community of San Pedro
for supporting this year's Carnaval Comparsa

Pedro Guerra Mena Park Renovation
Rotary is celebrating 110 years this week. To celebrate, the Lin-Wood Interators are here in Cayo, and they are teaming up with the Rotaract clubs of Benque and San Ignacio to do some community service projects. The first one was a renovation of Benque's Pedro Guerra Mena park. Thanks, Rotary, and happy birthday! "The Lin-Wood Rotary Interact Club conducted their International Service Project in Belize. In Benque Viejo they sponsored the renovation of the Pedro Guerra Mena Park in the New Area. Our members donated their time today to paint and mow the grass."

Exotic Caye Fire .... Under control
At around 3:30am the southern most roadside building started fire. It spread one building towards the beach and then one building north. The SPFD did a pretty good job keeping the north building from completely burning and keeping it from spreading more towards the beach. Under control now.

NOTICE from The San Pedro Police Formation
Please be informed that you’re cordially invited to a community meeting that will be held at the San Pedrito Park on Thursday February 26, 2015 at 6:00PM. Organized by the San Pedro Police Department, this meeting is in order to discuss current social issues, and your voices will be heard. Your presence will play a vital role in the rehabilitation of the San Pedrito Community.

Exotic Caye fire
Just wanted to keep everyone updated. The resort did catch on fire early this morning (these taken at 3:30am). Everyone is safe. Three buildings towards the south side are destroyed but the bar is okay. We will be open for normal business hours today. Stay safe everyone!

BOLEDO DRAWING for Tuesday, February 24, 2015: 73. FANTASY 5: 23 11 27 19 21 O

Cayo Animal Health Clinics
CAWS and HBHS are teaming up again to bring in vets to do some free spay and neuter clinics in Cayo. They will also have deworming medicine and vitamins. Saturday...the 29th??...maybe the 28th this year...the clinic will be in Santa Elena. Sunday, it will be in Bullet Tree Falls. Thanks CAWS! Thanks, HBHS!

Caribbean Tales Submissions
If you have a project you would like to submit to Caribbean Tales, please don't hesitate to do so now. NICH has partnered wtih Caribbean Tales to open more doors to Belizean film projects and our Film and Media Arts Unit within ICA stands by to assist you in preparing your application form to maximize your chances. Contact us at [email protected] for more info

Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize, Mr. Benjamin Ho visits Chiquibul
To observe macaws along the Chalillo Reservoir.

Channel 7

The Murder Of A Toddler
Last week Thursday, police found 2 men on northern Ambergris Caye with gunshots to their head. The week before that, a 13 year-old girl was shot in San Pedro Town, and 2 days later, 32 year-old Kareem Eaghan was shot. Indeed, Belize's #1 tourist town has become ground zero for violence fuelled by the drug drops at the north of the island. But now, it has gone too far: a 2 year-old boy was killed by gunshots in the San Pedrito Area this morning - he died in the embrace of his mother: An innocent life taken by bullets meant for adults. The background to the story reveals an even greater pattern of violence - Daniel Ortiz found out more on san Pedro today: Bullets penetrated the Espat's family home early this morning, just before 2 a.m. Rolando Espat Sr., his wife, Aleyda Sandoval, and their 2 year-old baby, Daniel Espat, were all sleeping in their bed when an assailant, or assailants opened fire on their front door.

Another Jaguar Paw Junction Fatality
Last night we told you about the accident at mile 37 near the Jaguar Paw junction. It was the second serious accident at that spot in a week - and the only good news the second time around was that it was not fatal. Well, there's no good news now: 58 year old accident victim Pablo Martinez died this morning. Last night at newstime when we spoke to his family, he was in a stable condition at Medical Associates - but at 4:00 AM, he died of a heart attack. I spoke with his family members this afternoon and they are demanding justice for their loved one. Here's his son, Jose Martinez, followed by his wife, Anna Martinez: Jose Martinez, Son "This morning at 4am he got a heart attack and the doctor said that if he get another heart attack, he will pass away. So, this morning at around 11am, they call me they told me news that he passed away."

Fin. Sec. Says Petrocaribe Rolling Out
The Petrocaribe programme - it has the Barrow Administration awash in cash and freely funding multiple infrastructure programmes across the country. But what if Petrocaribe just went away? With the turmoil in Venezuela, it's a topic that's been speculated on for months, and today the Financial Secretary Joe Waight said that's just what could happen. Here's what he told the media this morning in Belmopan:.. Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary "The Petro Caribe is tenuous, going forward. The world oil price has fallen and therefore the amount of money coming from the Petro Caribe has also fallen. How much longer Petro Caribe will last, we don't know. But we are not planning that it will last for perpetuity." According to the Financial Secretary, the Petrocaribe Fund has accumulated 270 million dollars - and there's 160 million currently in the account - meaning about 110 million dollars has been spent.

Joe Waight Says 500K WAVE Media Expenditure is Correct, But Not Quite
Another issue that the Financial Secretary had to address today was a report that's been in circulation from mid 2014 - but is surfacing now in the run-up to municipal elections. It is compiled by a Committee To Evaluate And Advise On Cost Saving Measures. The group, comprising senior union representatives and public officers assesses all government spending and makes recommendations to the Prime Minister on areas where costs could be cut. One such area is media advertising. According to the report, more than half a million dollars was spent on the UDP-owned WAVE Radio and TV in the year 2013. That's an awful lot of spending for a single year, but today the Financial Secretary told the media, it's about right:.. Mike Rudon, Ch5 "There is one figure which says that Wave in particular received over 500,000 in 2013 for advertisements. Again, are you aware of that?" Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary "I guess that was in the report and as far as I know it is accurate. I've ask them to substantiate it, to bring the copies of the Smart Stream invoices, but I was told by my people that the number is real."

Man Claims GSU Beatdown
There is another allegation of brutality against the GSU tonight. This time it comes from the Port Loyola Area of Belize City. A teenager says police brutalized him for no reason - and left him badly banged up. Monica Bodden found out more when she visited the family today:.. Monica Bodden reporting On Friday night GSU officers conducted a search here at this address on Rivero Street on the Southside of Belize City. 18 year old Shaquille Patnett was home at the time, inside the yard in one of the bungalow houses. He soon became another victim of police brutality. Shaquille Patnett - Alleging police brutality "I was sitting down in my chair and I heard the GSU outside and so I opened the door a little bit because the door was closed. I didn't want them to run in here and see me, like I was hiding them and so I opened the door. They ran inside and they ask who and I lives here and I told them only my mom and I."

GOB Delivers ASUS Tablets To UB Students
Over 500 tablets were distributed to university students today. It's a follow up on a promise that Prime Minister Dean Barrow made in his New Year's Address. Today - just in time for municipal elections - a ceremony was held at the UB Gymnasium in Belmopan to hand out the first set of ASUS tablets. The gym was packed with eager students and I spoke with some of them today about their new gadgets. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education "It's not necessarily only that we wish for you to use it as a tool for your education advances, it is especially to be used however to bridge the digital divide to make sure that those of you who are still outside the loop, in terms of the use of the technology." Courtney Weatherburne Reporting In order to bridge that divide, university students were each given an ASUS tablet today. Hundreds of students waited patiently in line with their ID's and application forms to get their device. When they did, some began to initialize their devices to browse through some of the features.

Faber Says Teacher Misconduct Sometimes Covered Up
In the past few weeks - multiple reports of gross sexual misconduct by teachers have emerged in the North, Central and West of the country at the primary, secondary and now tertiary level. Today, at the UB event we asked the Minister of Education about it and he said that the reports had not reached his desk - but there are instances of professional misconduct in the teaching ranks, and a culture of covering it up: Patrick Faber, Minister of Education "But let's say for instance, somebody gets into the classroom, puts on the proverbial sheep skin on the wolf, for instance. What we do then is very important and that is where I cannot find a fault with our system. If we don't know about something then, there is not much that we can do and there are many players out there who help to cover what is going on and when I say that, I mean the schools themselves, sometimes the parents refuse to make the complaints, sometimes the school want to embarrass or they protect, sometimes the churches are involved, sometimes there is politics involved, I will tell you. And there can be no excuse or that and I want to place on the record certainly my position and our ministry's position, that that should not be tolerated. These kinds of cover-ups should never be tolerated and any person, especially those that are given the kind of sacred trust to take care of our children. This ministry does not condone that kind of behavior and those persons should be dealt with according to the law."

Principal-Hate At Arms Of Love School
At the Arms of Love Primary School in San Ignacio Town - the charge is of maladministration not sexual misconduct. The parents say the Principal is deliberately difficult and they want her removed. A month ago, parents kept their kids home in protest. Since then, the ministry has gotten involved and the District Education officer discussed it today:.. Luis Carballo, Principal Education Officer - Cayo District "The allegations against her is the way that she has been treating parents and teachers. And parents are concern because of the way she has been treating their children, that she shouts at them, sometimes pull them or argues with them or in a way that they feel it's not necessary and with some of the teachers, they believe that she treats them unfairly and sometimes shouts at them in the presence of other parents and things like that. Because of their frustration, it led to about 50% of the students not attending school for a period of time. The management side saw it fit at the time to put on administrative leave the principal, so that they can carry out an investigation with the parents and the teachers and the students, as to the way they have been treated and things like that."

The Case Of Compensation For Conorquie
Tourism Police Officer Danny Conorquie was killed in September of last year - while on duty at Caracol. And while the lawman was likely killed by Guatemalan bandits in the line of duty, his family says it has not gotten promised compensation. We asked the financial secretary about it today:.. Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary "We did make some payment. I don't have the figures. Again, it's a goodwill gesture. He was a tourism police as I understand it, there are certain benefits that should have been paid due to the death and above that. I think the government paid $10,000, I am not sure. I think the government paid something towards the family, with more to come. I really don't have the figures in front of me. The legal payments when somebody dies, in harness is very small, depending on your category."

15 K For Elisa
The Financial secretary also had to answer on the compensation for Elisa Hunter. She's the 31 year old woman who was knocked down by the Minister Wilfred Elrington's driver on November. The mother of one, died days later. Government paid five thousand dollars for the family to fly her body back to her home country of Nicaragua but will they pay more -w e asked the Fin Sec:.. Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary "There was a request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ex gratia payment which my instructions were to hold on the payment pending clarification as to what the insurance company would actually pay. Having said that, we had already paid about almost $5,700 for funeral expenses. The government gave an ex gratia payment. But since yesterday, I spoke to my minister, the Prime Minister, who said the insurance company is taking too long, let us go ahead and make the payment. So the payment is in train, the $10,000 ex gratia - a few more days, it should be paid."

PM to Caricom
And while his financial secretary was in Belize fending off the media, Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country today to attend the Summit of Heads of Government of the CARICOM States in Nassau, Bahamas. The meeting, which will be held on February 26 and 27 is to continue the CARICOM Mandate. That mandate includes working together to improve standards of living and work of the people of the region; the full employment of labour and other factors of production; accelerated, coordinated and sustained economic development and convergence; expansion of trade and economic relations with third States; and enhanced levels of international competitiveness.

The ATC Dispute: Both Sides Now
Today, Air Traffic Controllers returned to work as normal at the Phillip Goldson International Airport. This is after a sick out on Saturday that immobilized operations at the country's only international airport for five hours. Since then, operations have been normalized and the controllers have met with the Civil Aviation Department bosses to air some grievances. We don't know what was said behind closed doors - but we do know that the most cogent list of grievances was circulated by COLA - which seemed to act as a sort of spokesperson for the group of 18 Air Traffic Controllers. Here's what COLA had to say and how the Director of Civil Aviation rebutted it:.. Geovannie Brackett, President - COLA "Is that they have made it very clear to the management that one of the biggest problem that they have is a shortage of professional qualified controllers and what has frustrated the members of the control, the controllers, is that some of them have not been able to take their vacation adequately. Some of them have had to work for more than 12 hours, and in some extreme cases, 18 hours and yet have to return back in a morning shift after leaving work at 2 in the morning - that is pretty much frustrating. I can only as president of COLA relay after I have done my research, to relay what has been told to me and I could only understand their plight."

Women Out Of The Shadows
As a part of women's month, every year in the month of March female artists from around the country take part in an exhibit called Women in Art. Curator for this year's project is Belizean Painter Rachel Huesner who has teamed up with the Institute of Creative Arts. The exhibit theme for this year is "Shadows" and Huesner is calling for all female artists who are interested in submitting art work to be featured in the upcoming exhibit. Pieces can be submitted to the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts and deadline of submission will be March 6th. Interested Artists who need more information can contact Rachel Heusner at 2-2-7-2-1-1-0 or - 6-2-2-9-5-5-1.

Street Art Bigger This Year
It's the fifth year for the annual Street Art Festival and this year is expected to be bigger. On Saturday afternoon downtown Albert Street all the way down to South Street will be lined with booths showcasing live art, fashion and a wide selection of entertainment. The festival offers artists the opportunity to showcase their talent and artwork in a dynamic public setting. 7news spoke to one of the organizers today. The Festival starts at 2pm on Saturday afternoon and is being celebrated under the theme "Street Art Festival, come party with us".

We Could Be Heroes
The House of Culture in Corozal is hosting the 6 anniversary of the exhibit called "Belize's Heroes, Patriots and Benefactors". The exhibit focuses on figures in Belizean history who were influential in changing the social or political landscape in their time so that the society provided equal opportunity for all. The 3 new heroes who were introduced to the public as part of the exhibit were Nurse Vivian Seay, Nurse Dorothy Bradley and Jesus Ken. Research Assistant Linette Sabido explained a bit about the contributions of Jesus Ken: Schools in the north stopped by to view the exhibit which opened today.

Remembering Romaldo
The funeral for Police Constable Romaldo Herrera was held this afternoon at St. Martin's De Porres in Belize City. Now, Romaldo Herrera was not a big name in Belize - in fact he only briefly flashed across the public stage - but when he did, he shined brighter than most. That was in February of the year two thousand, when he was a BDF second lieutenant in his mid 20's. Herrera was the senior officer in a 4 man BDF and Police patrol and accused of crossing into Guatemala. All four were captured by Guatemaln Armed Forces on February 24th, and put in a Guatemalan jail. Herrera was their leader and when we spoke to him 15 years ago, he was showed uncommon lucidity:..

Channel 5

San Pedro Shooting Leaves Toddler Dead
Family members and the community on San Pedro Ambergris Caye are tonight mourning the terrible loss of two year old Daniel Espat, who was shot and killed as he slept. [...]

Kareem Eagan Detained for Questioning in Deadly Shooting
Thirty-two-year-old Kareem Eagan, who is a person of interest in this morning’s bloodbath, was shot in the right foot in San Pedrito on February second, as he sat inside his [...]

Fin Sec Says Report is the Real Deal
A report allegedly commissioned by Prime Minister Dean Barrow in 2014 has been making waves in the media. It’s a white paper type document on cost-cutting measures in government, and [...]

UB Silent on Alleged Sex Scandal
The University of Belize has remained absolutely close-mouthed about reports that three faculty members are being accused of sexual misconduct with students at the facility. There are reports that at [...]

Minister of Education Wants Answers
After that roundabout answer without anything concrete, we tried to press the minister for more details. The alleged UB sex scandal is only one example of various allegations of that [...]

Teacher Suspended for Alleged Sexual Misconduct
And since we were on the subject of inappropriate sexual conduct in schools, we did some digging into another scandal, this one at the Mopan Technical School. A male teacher [...]

Moody’s Predicts Loss for Bondholders
The 2014-2015 budget speech is expected to read after the March fourth Town Council elections and while there is a three percent economic growth to boast, the rating agency Moody’s [...]

Free Tablets for UB Students
Today, the Ministry of Education invited the media to a breakfast where they discussed the road forward. But that was only a prelude to the real show – the distribution [...]

An Update on Petrocaribe
Those tablets cost about one million U.S. and reliable word is that it was paid for with Petrocaribe monies. We haven’t heard much about Petrocaribe lately on the local scene, [...]

Still No Money for Hunter Family
In November 2014, Elisa Hunter was knocked down and killed on the George Price Highway. The vehicle which hit her was government issued, and was taking Minister of Foreign Affairs [...]

The Value of the Sacrifice Made by Danny Conorquie
In October 2014, when asked about compensation which would be paid to the family of slain tourism police officer Danny Conorquie, Prime Minister Dean Barrow said that it would reflect, [...]

Meighan Charged for S.S.B. Offences
A well-known Belize City businessman, Joseph Meighan of JB’s Security Firm, was hauled to court today for failure to pay three months of Social Security for his workers.  This morning, [...]

San Pedro Minor Molested by Father
There is very disturbing news tonight about a father who molested his twelve year old daughter. The minor who lives in San Pedro told police that while she was at [...]

OW Man Charged for Drug Trafficking
An Orange Walk man has been charged with drug trafficking after he was discovered with eight hundred and sixty four grams of cannabis. On Monday around six thirty in the [...]

Drug War Threatens Residents of San Pedro
A near-fatal shooting in San Pedrito on February eleventh preceded this morning’s deadly attack at the Espat apartment in which two year old Daniel was killed.  It is firmly believed [...]

Workshop on Preserving Antiquities Opens
In Belize, there are Mayan, colonial and modern artifacts from different cultures that are kept under lock and key to preserve the tangible work of art. Since Monday, representatives from [...]

Interpol Contacted in Stolen Artifacts Case
Still on the issue of stolen artifacts, which globally represents a billion-dollar industry in the parallel market. Over the weekend, the San Pedro House of Culture was burglarized and stolen [...]

Call to Artists for Women in Art Exhibition
The annual Women in Art Exhibition will open at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts on March twelfth. It takes place during Women’s Month as one of the calendar [...]

Education Reference Center Launched
Have you considered studying in the United States? Well, your opportunity to do so just became easier. Today, the U.S Embassy and the Leo Bradley Library teamed up to open [...]

CTV3

BWU Not Happy With Negotiations With BSI
Representatives of the Belize Workers Union met with officials of the Belize Sugar Industry to further negotiate salary increments for about 160 hourly paid workers at the company. These workers include those from storage in Belize City and the Ship dock in Corozal. Chairman of the BWU Orange Walk Branch Ramiro Gongora says they are not too content with the outcome of the discussions. “Well the negotiations were based on the conclusion of the 2011/2014 which ended on July 1st 2014 from thereon we have to negotiate on a yearly basis or two three years as to achieving a SBA for the workers at the factory. We had targeted a fifteen percent increase on our initial basis because for the past 2011 to 2014 we receive 14% increase for those three years and we were looking a target about that but we had arguments with BSI and is something that we as employees and beneficiaries need to be aware that the European Union will be terminating the agreement with the ACP countries and that is something that we as employee need to focus as yet if the benefits for the employees is something that is reasonable and we can say that at this point we did not like the outcome but it is a negotiation process and whatever is achieved is for the members.”

Moody Says Bond Holders Will Loose When It Comes To Oil Investment In Belize
An investor service reports that falling oil output and a weakening fiscal account in Belize may hurt growth and cause losses to bondholders two and a half years after it defaulted on about $550 million of bonds, according to an article on the Bloomberg Business website. The report goes on to say that quote, “oil production in Belize declined twenty percent in January through August 2014 from a year earlier and will fall to less than 500,000 barrels this year after declining 23 percent in 2013 meaning that the country’s primary surplus, or budget balance before interest payments, will shift to a deficit in 2015,” end of quote. What this translates into, according to the report, is that the risk of losses to bondholders remains considerable especially since the country may run out of oil by 2017. “Debt sustainability is fragile. There are downside risks to fiscal performance over the next 2-3 years,” it added.

Three Men Charged With Possession of Cannabis
A search conducted by Orange Walk Police over the weekend in Trial Farm proved successful for the authorities. According to Officer Commanding the Orange Walk formation, Superintendent Dennis Arnold, the search resulted in the detention of 3 men and one female person who were found in the residence on Hummingbird Street. SUPT. DENNIS ARNOLD – Officer Commanding, OW POLICE “On the 22nd day of February 2015 at about 5:30pm police visited #26 Hummingbird Street Trial Farm Area where a search was conducted and approximately 246 grams of cannabis was found and three persons were arrested yet to b charge and they are in custody on today’s date police went up to that same yard and found approximately 684 grams of cannabis where one person was arrested and both incident the person awaiting trial for drug trafficking.”

PM Takes Part In The 36th Annual Summit Of Head Of Government Of The CARICOM
The Prime Minister of Belize, Honorable Dean Barrow, left the country today to take part in the 36th annual Summit of Heads of Government of the CARICOM States in Nassau, Bahamas scheduled to take place on the 26th and the 27th of February. During the summit Caribbean heads of state are expected to address a variety of issues including the creation of a marijuana commission, regional food security initiatives and the recent controversial court ruling by the Dominican Republic that denies the children of foreign nationals born in the country the automatic right to claim citizenship.

No Arrest Made On Case Of Christian Villalobos, Investigations Continue
Last week Monday we told you about a fatal road traffic incident that claimed the life of 19 year old Christian Villalobos, a Louisiana area resident, who was hit on mile marker 61 near the mameyal curve. When we left you, police were seeking the help of the public in identifying the driver since they believed he was struck from behind and left for dead. Today, police in Orange Walk Town say they are closer to arresting the person responsible. Officer Commanding the Orange Walk formation, Superintendent Dennis Arnold gave us an update on that case file… SUPT. DENNIS ARNOLD – Officer Commanding, OW POLICE “We are still canvasing that area because apparently we are following all leads and we yet to follow a lead from the same village and we believe that soon there will be an arrest.”

Police Charges One Man For Traffic Offences
One man has been arrested and charged for the hit and run incident on February 19th that left a sixteen year old hospitalized with serious injuries. Following the incident, Corozal Police conducted an intense investigation and soon after officers located the vehicle. Police subsequently arrested and charged Ismael Mosias Gomez of San Victor Village for six traffic offences. These include failed to report an accident, failed to stop and render aid, drove without care and attention, drove unlicensed motor vehicle, drove motor vehicle without third party risk insurance and negligent grievous harm. Police report that Gomez has been fined and disqualified for the offences with exception of the negligent harm due to the fact that the victim is still hospitalized.

Another Disturbing Case Of Carnal Knowledge In Chan Chen Village
Corozal Police are tonight investigating another disturbing case of carnal knowledge and are seeking one man in connection to the report. That report was made by a fifteen year old female, a Belizean domestic of Chan Chen Village. She, along with her mother, told police that she had left her house in San Pedro Town on December 16th 2014 in the company of a male person she knows very well and headed to Chan Chen Village. The minor told authorities that she has been sexually active with the male individual since December 19th 2014 to the 16th of February this year. A medical examination concluded that the girl was carnally known and police are now looking for the accused who is also from Chan Chen Village. He is being sought for the crime of unlawful sexual intercourse.

Gun Shots On La Isla Bonita Leaves Toddler Death
In the wee hours of this morning on La Isla Bonita, gunshots rang out in the San Pedrito Area shattering the calm of the night and injuring two persons, including a two year old toddler fatally wounding him. The area has been seeing a spate in increase of gunfire and according to police they are looking at all possible angles as to what may have led the gunman to discharge his firearm at the family. In an interview over the telephone, Superintendent Luis Castellanos, Officer Commanding the coastal zone, told us the family was targeted whilst they slept in their apartment located on the lower flat of a two storey wooden structure in the San Pedrito Area. “Police responded immediately to the residence of Mr Rolando Espat and upon the arrival they learnt that the victim had already been transported to the Poly clinic and as a result we made our way to the Poly clinic where on arrival at the Clinic we saw doctor attending to a minor, a baby toddler, a two year old, whose name we later learnt to be Daniel Espat and we observed that this toddler was suffering from some what appears to be gunshot injuries in the head, shortly afterwards that doctor pronounce the baby dead and we also at the hospital we notice that the mother was there and her name was Mrs Aleida Sandoval 33 years, Belizean housewife of San Pedrito area, San Pedro Town and she was observed to be suffering of gunshot injury from the left part of her hand by the elbow area and it is understood that the bullet was lodged in her back, at the scene we observed that the door to the apartment had about eight to nine bullet holes and at the crime scene we found five plugs and one expended shell.”

LOVE FM

Toddler Shot In Head Whilst He Sleeps
Residents of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye are in shock at the news of the death of a two year old boy following a shooting incident that occurred on the island last night. We spoke to the Officer Commanding the San Pedro Police Station, Superintendent Luis Castellanos for the details surrounding this shooting incident. SUPERINTENDENT LUIS CASTELLANOS “At 1:40am, we received information of shots being fired in the San Pedrito Area. As a result of that, we visited the area or we visited the residence of Rolando Espat, 46-year-old fisherman of the San Pedrito Area. However, upon arrival there, we learnt that the victims had already been taken to the San Pedro Polyclinic. So, we diverted our attention and went to the clinic and there we saw the doctors on duty attending to the two year old baby boy, who apparently had gunshot injuries to the head. Shortly afterwards, the doctor on duty informed us that the baby had passed away and we learnt his name to be Daniel Espat. Also at the clinic we met Aleida Sandoval, 33-year-old Belizean housewife of the San Pedrito Area who was also suffering from what appeared to be gunshot injuries to her left hand and the doctor on duty also informed us that apparently the round has lodged in her back. We returned to the crime scene where we found that the door of the apartment had several bullet holes and on the scene we found five slugs and one expended shell. So far, we are investigating the case.”

PlusTV

BDF corporal and wife get 5 years for ammunition
On 22nd December 2011 C.I.B personnel and S.B. personnel conducted a house search at the premises of 34 year old Gerald August, Belizean BDF Corporal of Billy White Village. Present was his wife, Loida Eunice August. During the search, Police found a black Pietro beretta .9 short/380 pistol with serial number tampered with. The gun was found inside a box with clothes. Further searches led to the discovery of a number of ammunition cartridges under a sewerage bowl behind the kitchen area and inside a black plastic bag buried about 6 inches in the ground covered with two pieces of board.

17 year old gets 5 years for gun
A 17 year old was found guilty of kept firearm without a gun license and kept Ammunition without a Gun License on February 24. The minor, was arrested in December of last year after C.I.B personnel were on mobile patrol on Flamingo Avenue, San Ignacio Town. The minor walked into Kenny’s store acting suspiciously. CIB personnel then followed him and saw the minor place a firearm beside a shelf inside the store. He was escorted to that area and Police found 9 mm Smith and Wesson brand pistol loaded with 2 live rounds.

Minister Faber Responds to Allegations of Sexual Misconduct at UB
On Tuesday the Ministry of Education hosted a media breakfast to discuss strategies of the Ministry of Education going into to the year 2015. After the breakfast meeting the Minister of Education Hon. Patrick Faber addressed the issues surrounding the recent influx of allegations concerning misconduct of teachers and educators in three different institutions. First Minister Faber addressed the recent allegations at the University of Belize that singled out three educators accusing them of sexual misconduct. “As you know I do not interfere directly into the affairs of the University of Belize. I appoint the Board of Governors here and that is about my role. I have not gotten a formal report of what has transpired, so I think that question is best served for the officials here at the university.”

COLA discusses air traffic controllers’ claims
Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) issued a lengthy release over the weekend discussing information it received from sources within the Department of Civil Aviation concerning the the plight of the air traffic controllers working at the International Airport. The organization claims to have spoken directly to affected workers and shared some of their concerns. President Geovannie Brackett spoke to the issue of staff complement and the feeling that the lesser-trained workers are dragging down their superiors. “They told me that Miss Tracy from the BTB attended one of the meetings. They have made several expressions to Mr Garbutt. One of the things that frustrated them is that they have already expressed over and over [for] the past couple of years to various management of their plight. What I found troublesome was that there is about six folks, they say, that are on their third probation period. Now, if you hire me for three months and I’m on probation, and I fail the first probation, and you rehire me for the next three months, and another three months, and my incompetence affects the effectiveness of your role above me. Because every time you have to leave the directing of the news now to come babysit me, at some point you get frustrated.

Two year old dies after he and his mother are shot
A two year old boy is dead after he and his mother were shot in San Pedro early Tuesday morning. According to police reports, at around 1:45 a.m. Tuesday February 24, shots were fired in the San Pedrito area of San Pedro. 2-year-old Daniel Espat was shot twice to the head, while his mother, 33-year-old Aleyda Sandoval, was shot to the left elbow. Aleyda Sandoval, Daniel Espat and her common-law- husband Rolando Espat were at home sleeping in their apartment room located on the lower flat of a two storey wooden structure, when they heard several loud bangs. Bullets entered the room and the baby was hit, as well as the mother. They were both rushed to the San Pedro Poly Clinic, where Daniel Espat was pronounced dead at 2:25 a.m. Aleyda Sandoval was transported to K.H.M.H, in a stable condition and the body of Daniel Espat was transported to the morgue.

12 year old sexually assaulted by her father
A 12-year-old has reportedly been sexually assaulted by her own father. The minor, along with her mother, visited the San Pedro Police Station and reported that on February 18, 2015 at 5:30 p.m., she was at her father’s house when he sexually assaulted her. A medical examination was also conducted on the 12-year-old that confirmed that she had been carnally known. Police are seeking the father pending charges.

Tourists take PGIA stress in stride
On Saturday we spoke to a few visitors heading out of Belize before normal service was resumed and for the most part they took the news of flight delays in stride. A young woman we spoke to said she hoped to get back in time for school in the U.S. Tourist : “We were told that the Air Traffic Contro...

Second truck accident in days at Jaguar Paw junction
A man is clinging to life at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after a towhead truck ran him over on the George Price Highway...

Supreme Court dismisses sugar farmer’s claim
Instead of allowing time for amendment of the claim of cane farmer Lucilo Teck against the Sugar Industry Control Board (SICB) to reflect a change in circumstances since permission was granted to file on January 23, on Monday Supreme Court Justice Shona Griffith decided to dismiss the claim, on the ...

Controversial Wooden House Removed
Last three weeks, PlusNews broke the news of a controversial wooden structure that was being erected close to the National Assembly in Belmopan, purportedly in a green space area. But according to the City council,  the structure  was being built outside the designated green space area.Neverthele...

Ageing with Grace and Enthusiasm
Aging with Grace and Enthusiasm is a fairly new organization established in October of last year. The organization deals with “shut ins” or elderly people in the Belmopan area who are unable to leave their homes due to complications associated with ageing. You have probably heard of HelpAge Belm...

Unlicensed Driver who knocked down woman works for 88 Shopping Center
On Friday we reported on the charges pressed against 19 year old Boyd Lopez,  after he lost control of  a vehicle on Baghdad Street, Belize City,  and knocked down and killed 70 year old Marie Knowles. We reported that Mr Lopez was  driving a Toyota Highlander SUV which belonged to his boss...

San Ignacio Town Hall on Fire
The San Ignacio Town Hall caught fire on Monday evening. The building, right near the roundabout by the Hawksworth Bridge, houses the Town Hall on the second floor and NICH on the first floor...

Laborer admits to drug trafficking
25 year old Victor Bon Jovi Cima, a labourer of Belize City, who was charged with drug trafficking for a total of 690.4 grams of cannabis, changed his plea from not guilty to guilty when he appeared on Monday before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. He was originally charged with two counts for separ...

Inmate faces marijuana charges
He is already serving eight years’ imprisonment on a charge of manslaughter, but 50 year old Vincent “Steeno” Tillett could see more time behind bars after being charged with drug trafficking for cannabis found in his prison cell. Vincent Tillett appeared on Monday before Magistrate Herbert Panton a...

San Pedro House of Culture burglarised
56-year-old Guillermo Enrique Paz from San Pedro Town reported to police that on February 20 at 4:30 p.m. he locked up and secured the House of Culture located on Angel Coral Drive and left for the weekend. However, upon his return on February 23,  he noticed the front door was opened and some artef...

Amandala

Belize air traffic controllers strike!
Government officials are refusing to call the actions of air traffic controllers (ATC) at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) a “strike,” but there is no other way to explain the fact that six of the controllers called in “sick” on Saturday morning, causing chaos at the airport – flights could not leave, nor could flights land. Because the airport and its functions are so important to the nation, it is, by law, categorized as an essential service, and the controllers cannot take industrial action by declaring a strike. If they wish their employers to “get the message,” therefore, they must call in sick. The effect, essentially, is the same as going on strike – the airport shuts down. The tactic is well-known and used by “essential services” workers to make the government know that they are serious about their demands, without getting into trouble with the law. It is the first time, however, that an entire essential service has been forcibly shut down by this means.

Police autopsy: Otto Palma died by “hanging”
Otto Raimundo Palma, 23, of Ladyville, detained by Ladyville police on Tuesday, February 17, pending a charge of rape, was found dead in his cell at the police station at about 7:45 Wednesday evening, February 18. Police say that Palma was found suspended by a white T-shirt from the upper metal bar on the door of his cell. Police labeled his death a suicide, but Palma’s family do not believe the police. Today, Monday, Preston Reynolds, Palma’s father, visited Amandala and showed us a copy of the medical certificate which stated the cause of Palma’s death. In that certificate, police coroner Dr. Mario Estradabran listed hanging as the cause of “injury leading directly to [Palma’s] death”. The section listing “other significant conditions contributing to death” was blank, which could apparently invalidate the family’s theory that Palma was tortured and died during the ordeal.

Boyd Lopez, 19, charged for Maria Knowles’ death
A teenager who wreaked havoc in an area between Water Lane and Bagdad Street early Wednesday afternoon, when he lost control of a Toyota Highlander SUV and mowed down a retired educator a stone’s throw from her home, was arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court this morning on a slew of charges for which will be tried on indictment. After two nights in police custody, Regent Street resident Boyd Lopez was arraigned before Magistrate Herbert Panton. Panton explained to the 19-year-old that he did not have to enter a plea on the charges, because they will be heard in the Supreme Court.

Déjà vu at Jaguar Paw cutoff
Tragedy struck again this morning at the Jaguar Paw Road junction when an 18-wheeler towhead truck, loaded with double containers, knocked down a village pastor after the driver of the truck lost control and veered across the highway. Belmopan police said that shortly after 10:00 a.m. today, they were alerted about a road traffic accident that had occurred between Miles 37 and 38 on the George Price Highway, near the Jaguar Paw Road junction. When they arrived at the scene, a man was seen lying on the left shoulder of the highway, while an overturned towhead with two loaded containers was observed a short distance away on the same side of the highway.

Premium gas prices up nearly 10%
Last Thursday, an official of the Ministry of Finance indicated to us that the price ease that was benefitting premium gasoline users, with the per gallon price being $8.03, while the price of regular gas was actually higher, at $8.04 a gallon, would come to an end around mid-week this week, but it turns out that later that same night, the Government of Belize, via the Ministry of Finance, implemented new controlled prices at the pumps, which has resulted in premium customers now paying nearly 10% more for a gallon of gas. The price adjustments implemented last Thursday night mean that consumers are now paying $8.80 for a gallon of premium gasoline while consumers of regular gasoline are now paying $8.13.

FIU not investigating US$54.8 mil in Swiss accounts
It’s far easier to move money from Belize via an offshore company than to deposit those funds in a local commercial bank, especially with more stringent banking requirements which have been implemented as part of the new anti-money laundering regime here in Belize. If a citizen shows up at the bank with an unusual amount of money to deposit—or any sizeable sum for that matter—that customer will most likely face a routine probe into the source of the funds and if the cash transaction is deemed suspicious, it could be cause for an immediate alert to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Less than two weeks ago, we reported on information published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) under the Swiss Leaks project, indicating that US$54.8 million had been deposited from Belize at the HSBC bank in Switzerland, and 9 Belizean citizens were included along with the clients of several offshore companies which had established accounts at the foreign bank.

BelCare showers Belizean children with footballs
In his interview last month with FIFA.com, retiring Argentinian #10 Juan Roman Riquelme said “The ball has given me everything…. The best toy I’ve ever had, or could ever have, is a football…” His passion is shared by hundreds of Belizean children. Thirty years ago, Belize, Panama and Nicaragua were called the “whipping boys of Central America.” Today, Panama is a football powerhouse, having gone to penalties in the finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup against the USA. They got there, like Costa Rica, by building their program with an emphasis on the youth. And they provided the resources needed – the infrastructure and equipment, and the support and training for coaches.

Baron Bliss Harbour Regatta 2015, Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8
The Baron Bliss Harbour Regatta Committee proudly invites the general public to the BTL Park, New Town Barracks to witness the 87th Baron Bliss Regatta. The series of boat races will run from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, March 7 & 8. Over 50 boats are expected in the Optimist, Laser, other “one design” classes, as well as the traditional Lighters, Sailing Dories and Seagulls. Sea Scouts’ “Bosuns” will open the course with the first race on Sunday. Last year, in the Lighter class United defeated the long standing champion, Radio. In the Optimist class, the youngest ever to sail single-handedly on the traditional course were two 8-year-olds, “CJ” from Placencia Sailing Club and Malik Jones from Caye Caulker.

Richard Troyer of Western Ballaz sets NEBL scoring record with 43 points
Week 3 of the second annual National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) season continued to roll this weekend, as teams took the court on a quest to separate themselves from the pack. Fans are reminded that all games have a live webcast, where the play-by-play along with box scores are available for all games. Fans can follow every game live on the internet, as scores are in real time. The games can be accessed from our website at nebl.sportingpulse.net. Belmopan Red Taigaz handed Dangriga Warriors their first loss. Belize City No Limit scored their first win of the season. San Pedro Tiger Sharks bounces back. Western Ballaz rolls, to remain as the only undefeated team.

Editorial: Stumbling blocks
In late February of 1998 an attack was made on the KREM Radio broadcast tower on Partridge Street. It was not the first such attack which had been made on the tower, but the cold-blooded and sophisticated nature of the February 1998 attack was noteworthy. At that specific time, Kremandala was in a battle with the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP). Apart from the fact that Cordel Hyde, the second son of the Kremandala chairman, was about to contest the seat in the Lake Independence constituency as the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) candidate, in September of 1997, the UDP Minister of Housing, Hubert Elrington, had called for the KREM Radio license to be revoked because of a controversial KREM sports broadcast. Perhaps coincidentally, and perhaps not so coincidentally, Mr. Elrington was the incumbent UDP area representative and standard bearer for Lake I.

From the Publisher
Personally, I find it necessary and important to control nostalgia. Some days are gone, never to return. Sentimental wallowing in the past is, ultimately, an exercise in futility. At the same time, remembering good things and good times is a valuable aspect of our community and societal consciousness. Week before last Friday afternoon, I was driving past the MCC Garden and the gate was open. So I drove inside, got out my vehicle and walked on to the field. The “groundskeeper” was watering the grass. I am no kind of expert on fields, so I will not try to explain why I felt unhappy about the condition of what is like a football shrine to me. Just suffice to say, I’m very unhappy. When the British donated the MCC to Belize circa 1960, they brought a Jamaican by t he name of McMahon to be the first “groundskeeper.” (Belizeans called him “Mac-ma-hone.”) He was a brown-skinned, bespectacled guy, somewhat crotchety, perhaps in his early/middle fifties, still young enough to play cricket with one of the city teams. Remember now, the MCC was, in the first instance, a cricket pitch, but football slowly took it over.

Thanks from Wayne Uter
Dear Editor, This is Wayne Uter again, only this time I want to extend my gratitude for the publication of my letter that I wrote to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, titled: “Taxation without Representation.” Because of the part you played by publishing my letter and assisting in spreading the story, I am happy to tell you all that I was contacted by someone out of the Ministry, and that my “beef” with them has now been addressed. I was informed that my wife’s passport is at the offices of the Permanent Mission here in New York and is now ready for pick-up.

Fake red potatoes were consumer rip-off
Although it was initially thought that someone had imported Mexican potatoes and dyed them in Belize – since it is not routine for Belize to allow the importation of red potatoes, which are produced locally – our newspaper was reliably informed today that a Belizean distributor bought the dyed potatoes in Chetumal, Mexico, from a supplier who died the imported Idaho potatoes specifically for the Belize market, so that higher price tag could be charged in sales to Belizean consumers. It is clearly a consumer rip-off, our official source indicates, since the purchaser could have sold the produce at a much higher profit margin. We have not received word of any move by authorities to prosecute the person or persons responsible.

Farming beautiful butterflies
Belize’s tropical forests are home to a variety of plant and animal life, including butterflies that are present in vast array. Belize has several species of butterflies, some of which are seasonal. It may take you hours to seek out the various species in their natural habitats, but several of these species can be seen at a convenient location near Belize’s western border with Guatemala. These butterflies are farmed on the premises of the Tropical Wings Nature Center, located 6 miles west of San Ignacio, Cayo, just east of San José Succotz Village. The largest of the butterflies in the extant collection are the owl butterflies, whose wings are a bright blue on the upper surface, but when they perch atop trees or feed on their favorite fruits, their wings close up to display a dark brown pattern with circles reminiscent of an owl’s eyes – which is how this butterfly got its name. The zebra butterfly, the giant swallowtail, the monarch, the red rim and the postman butterfly are also found in Belize. The morpho butterfly, which can have an impressive wingspan of nearly half a foot, is also reared at the farm.

Magistrate to rule on George McKenzie, Jr., PI for attempted murder
This morning the prosecutor in the #3 Magistrate’s Court concluded the submissions of statements in the preliminary inquiry into the attempted murder charge against George McKenzie, Jr., the son of reputed gang boss George McKenzie, Sr., deceased. After hearing submissions from McKenzie’s attorney Kareem Musa and the response of the court prosecutor, Corporal Kennard Clarke, Magistrate Herbert Panton is expected to make a ruling on Friday as to whether he will strike out the charge against McKenzie or send the case up to the Supreme Court for trial. Last year June, police charged McKenzie with the attempted murder of Paul Alvarez, Jr., who was shot by a lone gunman on Lovely Lane.

Patrick Jones

Belize Education Sector Reform Project report card discussed
The achievements and accomplishments in the education sector were agenda items today for a media event in the nation’s capital, Belmopan. With a report, here is Gwen Nunez Gonzalez. Gwen Nunez Gonzalez Reporting: The Hon. Patrick Faber accompanied by the Management Team and Director of Projects, Dr. Ellajean […]

Air Traffic Controllers back at work, no penalties for Saturday’s occurrence
The air traffic controllers recently taken sick are back on the job following a Monday afternoon meeting with their bosses at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation, which also featured participation from the Public Service Union (PSU). The workers claim delays in salary adjustment and increments, […]

Two year old killed, his mother injured in early morning shooting
A two year old child was fatally wounded in a shooting incident early this morning in San Pedro town on Ambergris Caye. It happened just around 1:45 this morning in the San Pedrito area of San Pedro town. According to police, two year old Daniel Espat sustained gunshot injuries to […]

PM Barrow attends CARICOM summit in the Bahamas
Prime Minister Dean Barrow today traveled to Nassau, the Bahamas to attend the Summit of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, CARICOM. The terse press release from the PM’s office was short on specifics other than saying that Mr. Barrow will return to the country on Sunday and that […]

Police look for two alleged sex offenders
Police in Corozal and San Pedro towns are investigating the sexual of two minors. The first involved a 12 year old girl from San Pedro town. The girl, in the presence of her mother, told police that on Wednesday evening of last week, she was at her father’s house when he sexually assaulted her. Police say that a medical examination of the 12 year old girl confirmed that she had been carnally known. Police are now looking for the father of the 12 year old girl, pending charges.

Blogs

A Walk Over Boca Del Rio Bridge: Barrier Reef Resort (nee Reef Village) & Lina Point
And Barrier Reef Resort (nee Reef Village or “Grief Village”) along the brand new beautiful road. This resort/village has been fraught with drama for quite some time and I don’t know enough to comment on any of it. (Though I have added some notes at the end of this post…and please feel free to comment at the bottom if you know anything additional.) I followed in the sand/gravel truck to find new construction. Note: I can’t find a website for Barrier Reef Resort or the old “Reef Village”. Are my google skills failing me or is there really none? And then after the last home…Lina Point. A plan I saw on-line and was…wowed. A construction worker showed me a board with this depiction on it. I copied this clearer version from their website. The homepage of the site is not working well but click around. There is lots of information.

Belize Rainforest Safari ATV Tours Launched!
Late last year those imaginative folks at Chaa Creek promised some new adventures for 2015, and we’re happy to report that an exciting new Rainforest Safari has been added to the list of jungle exploits. And for us, the beauty of Chaa Creek’s Rainforest Safari is the convenience and affordability of this rather awesome motorised trek into Belizean landscapes not often visited by the casual traveller. With two safaris a day; a morning excursion leaving at 7.30am and returning at 9.30am, and an afternoon jaunt between 1.30pm to 3.30pm, intrepid travellers can experience a real bush safari guided by experienced licenced naturalist guides while still having plenty of time for, say, swimming, canoeing or taking part in any of the many other activities on offer within Chaa Creek’s 365 acre private nature reserve.

Early Morning Fire at Exotic Caye Resort in San Pedro
A fire at Exotic Caye Resort on Ambergris Caye is now under control. Reportedly starting around 2:30am at the southwest corner (farthest from Crazy Canuck’s Bar) and on the street, the fire evacuated the hotel as well as neighbors at Corona Del Mar Resort. Across the street, people helped wet the Pepperoni’s Pizza building. After a few days of high winds, tonight, THANKFULLY, the breeze died down and is currently coming from the SE at about 3-5 miles an hour. Early pictures (by Le Roi Hyde) show a large fire at the traditional wood and thatch resort.

International Sources

Bloomberg: Belize Bondholders Face Losses as Oil Output Falls, Moody’s Says
Falling oil output and a weakening fiscal account in Belize may hurt growth and cause losses to bondholders two and a half years after it defaulted on about $550 million of bonds, Moody’s Investors Service said. Oil production in the Central American nation wedged between Mexico and Guatemala declined 20 percent in January through August 2014 from a year earlier and will fall to less than 500,000 barrels this year after declining 23 percent in 2013, Moody’s said in a report distributed Tuesday. The country’s primary surplus, or budget balance before interest payments, will shift to a deficit in 2015, Moody’s said. “The risk of losses to bondholders remains considerable,” Moody’s wrote, adding that Belize may run out of oil by 2017. “Debt sustainability is fragile. There are downside risks to fiscal performance over the next 2-3 years.”

one mosquito coil equals 100 cigarettes
The smoke emitted from a coil is 100 times stronger than the cigarette, regular use of mosquito coil may lead to various lung infections and finally become an agent of cancer

The Mexican and Central American cesspool of infectious diseases
According to the Washington Post, Mexican border officials and health authorities are worried about the spread of measles out of the United States and into Mexico: As Republican lawmakers suggest that undocumented immigrants crossing the southern border may be responsible for bringing measles and other diseases into the country, Mexican health authorities are warning people traveling to the United States about the risk of infection here following an outbreak of measles at Disneyland last month that has sickened dozens of people in several states. It's a remarkable reversal that demonstrates how far public health in Latin America has advanced in the past few decades -- especially in contrast to measles's alarming return in the United States.

How To Retire Overseas In A Place With Year-Round Sunshine
Back in Omaha, Nebraska, where we're from, our adult years were spent slaving away inside. During the winter, the sun would come up after we were already firmly entrenched in our cubicle or office. And it would disappear long before we were finished working for the day. But as we grew a bit older and a bit more financially secure, we began to take vacations to some of the sun-drenched beaches and other retreats we'd always dreamed of visiting. We went diving in Belize and Mexico, to visit the Maya ruins in Guatemala, and to explore Costa Rica and Panama... Wow, we thought, what might it be like to live in a place like one of these places ... where the daily struggle wasn't about earning enough money to heat the house in the winter or to buy snow tires and anti-freeze for the car ... or heavy-duty winter survival clothes... Would it actually be possible ... some day ... to live in a place where the sun shines practically every day of the year? You're darn right it would. And here we are today -- sitting on our terrace sipping fresh-squeezed lime-aid we've made from the limes that grow year-round in our garden and looking up at an incredibly blue sky dotted with two or three puffy white clouds and, of course, that glorious sun.

Caribbean agriculture ministers meeting with FAO Director General
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) agriculture ministers will hold talks with the Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) José Graziano da Silva. Agriculture Minister Alfred Gray said the meeting on Tuesday follows concerns by regional countries that their issues are being lost at meetings involving agriculture ministers from Latin America and the Caribbean. CARICOM agriculture ministers had during the Third Regional Conference with Ministers of Agriculture for Latin America and the Caribbean in Chile in May last year, expressed the view that the issues facing the Caribbean were all lost in the mix of the overall conference where major producing nations such as Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Brazil and Uruguay were the dominant players.

Videos

February 24, 2015

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

2015 Mayoral Debate
The San Pedro Sun and Reef TV would like to thank all participants and invited guests for making the 2015 Mayoral Debate a success!

2 year old killed, mother wounded in shooting
The San Pedro Sun can confirm that a two year old boy was killed and his mother injuried in a shooting. The names of the victims are 2-year old Charlie Espat and 33-year old Alieda Espat. It happened shortly around 2AM in the Sanpedrito Area of San Pedro Town. The mother is recieving treatment while the boy succumed to his head injuries at the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinic II.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks slows down the Belize City Hurricanes
Week three of the second annual Belize National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) regular season continued to roll over the weekend. It saw basketball action on the island when the San Pedro Tiger Sharks hosted the Belize City Hurricanes on Saturday February 21st. What started off with a small crowd turned into a packed house at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium, where spectators got to see the home team played and won their first home game. Belize Hurricanes, now with one win and two losses, started the game with a lead over the home team. By halftime, the Hurricanes had blown past the Tiger Sharks with a 12 point lead. This of course was a huge upset to the islanders, where the Tiger Sharks boast a perfect home record in the two NEBL seasons so far. But like the good old saying goes, the game is not over until the ‘fat lady sings.”

Cabinet approves expansion of Hol Chan Marine Reserve
The expansion of the reserve went through a series of consultations conducted under the auspices of the Ambergris Caye Wetland Committee (ACWC). In August of 2012, following almost two years of back and forth, it finally got the full approval of local traditional fishermen, guides and other stakeholders on the island. However, in 2014, the fate of the proposal was tested after there were attempts made to subdivide a portion of the wetland for residential house lots. Following condemnation by environmentalists and other island residents, that decision to subdivide a portion of the proposed reserve expansion was reversed. In total, approximately 135 square miles of shoal, reef and mangrove wetland will be added to the existing Hol Chan Marine Reserve. With the expansion of the reserve, it will form a complete corridor of marine protected areas that will see the connection of Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Corozal Bay Wildlife Sactuary, Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, all in Belize, and El Arecife de Xcalax Marine Reserve in Mexico.

Ambergris Today

Island Residents Confused with Poly Clinic’s 24-Hour Services
It is only the emergency room that remains open to attend to extreme/serious or life-threatening medical situations considered to be emergencies. If someone could not make it in time during regular clinic hours or missed their appointment with a doctor, it does not mean that they can go past 8p.m. for normal medical attention. Management has also explained that the clinic is also not conducting deliveries of babies. It seems that this situation was not clarified during the official inauguration ceremony that took place at the Poly Clinic on Monday, February 2, 2015, when both Minister of Tourism and Minister of Health were on hand to deliver the news. The medical staff at the clinic would like to make this clarification so that island residents are not confused with the services provided to them and can make proper arrangements when visiting the clinic.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize Sailing Assn. 2015 Event Calendar
This is the Belize Sailing Association Event Calendar. The difference between the two types of regattas on the calendar is that the 5 regattas with National Ranking implications form the 2015 series of regattas that will determine Belize's 2015 Optimist Dinghy Sailor of the Year, and other honors as well. The invitational regattas are just for the pleasure of participating. They remind all that the First Rule of sailing is to Have Fun. You will note that one of the invitationals, the Corozal Bay Regatta, has already taken place. Twenty four sailors entered and raced. Belize City Sailing Club's Antonio Ricardez, edged out the reigning National Champion Blanca Velasco of San Pedro Junior Sailing Club to take home the trophy. The winner's sister, Nashira Ricardez, from the same club, took 3rd place, and Belize Sea Scouts' Trent Hardwick came in 4th.

Belize FISHING REPORT: Week of February 15th – February 21st, 2015
Half way through the week the wind kicked up and put a damper on the fishing as boats had to hide in the sheltered areas on the south end of the island. Despite the wind some anglers did well, but others found even the bonefish tough to hookup mid week. Later in the week fish started to get back to normal as the wind switched back to the easy.

National Agriculture and Trade Show Announces New Dates for the Sale of Booths
The National Agriculture and Trade Show Committee is hereby informing the public that the new date for the sale of booths has been changed to Thursday, 26th February 2015. Contact person for the sale of booths is Ms. Catherine Hob; phone number 828-5099/822-2332/624-9459, email address [email protected]. Concessioners who held booths last years are advised to call immediately to secure their booths, indicating the booth number they held.

Wildtracks Update: We are in the middle of aerial surveys, working with our partners, the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development
counting manatees throughout Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and the larger, associated seascape (including Bacalar Chico and Hol Chan). A total count of 62 manatees yesterday, mostly within Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary!! A huge thanks to the amazing survey team (Marcelo Cruz (SACD), Jaimie Cruz (Wildtracks) and Henry Brown (Fisheries Department) ...and thanks to the amazing support from LightHawk and their pilot, Chuck Schroll...we couldn't do this without you!! Watch out for more on the aerial survey results!

Vote Wisely!
Ten days before Town Council Elections and ten long days for interested parties. VOTER STATISTICS (as of January 2015) for Corozal Town on upcoming March 4th Corozal Town Council Elections - The statistical information by P.A. (Polling Area) has been obtained by the Corozal Daily from Elections and Boundaries Department: COROZAL DIVISION P.A. 39 Male 1939 Female 1958 Total 3897 P.A. 40 Male 1341 Female 1436 Total 2777 P.A. 41 Male 747 Female 800 Total 1547 TOTAL Registered Town Council Voters for Corozal:- Male 4027 Female 4194 Total 8221 Corozal Daily Editor’s Note: Of the 8221 electors registered to vote for the Corozal Town Council Elections on March 4th, 2015 the number of FEMALE voters is greater than the number of MALE voters by 167 Female Voters.

CARICOM Single Market trailblazers and public sector workers courted as Spokespersons
Belizean public sector workers and Belizean nationals who have actively participated in the CARICOM Single Market (CSM) are to be trained as spokespersons in a special training workshop scheduled for February 24 and 25 at the Best Western Hotel in Belize City. The workshop is spearheaded by the Ministry of Trade, Investment, Promotion, Private Sector Development and Consumer Protection – the National CSME focal point in Belize - in partnership with the CARICOM Secretariat and with funding from the Government of Canada.