April 19, 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

Police Report
Drug Trafficking * On Friday, April 10th at about 5:15PM Police Constable Steve Ferguson along with PC Zayne Palacio and other police officers were on mobile patrol in the San Pedrito Area when their attention was drawn to a male person in the immediate area. On Tuesday, April 14th at around 13:30PM, the San Pedro Strike Team conducted a search in an apartment in the San Pedrito Area. The search led to the discovery of 83 grams of suspected cocaine already packed for sale.

Tuk-tuks declared useless for medical transportation in San Pedro
Authorities at the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinic II have declared that the two medical support vehicles commonly referred to as tuk-tuks, are unfit for transporting people during an emergency. The tuk-tuks were handed over to the clinic on July 25, 2014, as part of a wider donation from the government of Dubai, United Emirates. Because the medical support vehicles are useless for medical transportation, plans are being made to retrofit them into light cargo vehicles. Since the tuk tuks have been used only twice and because they are unfit for medical use due to the roads on the island, they have been parked at the San Pedro Town Council barracks turning to rust. “We have decided not to use them because they are very flimsy and with the kind of streets on the island, we have recommended not to use them to transport medical patients. We need to have patients as stable as possible,” commented Owen Vellos, Administrator of the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinic II.

San Pedro House of Culture Appoints New Committee
The San Pedro House of Culture (SPHOC) is pleased to introduce its new committee for the year 2015-2016. Opened on November 19, 2014 under the able management and direction of Mr. Guillermo “Mito” Paz, this cultural institution has already made an impact in San Pedro with its many events held in its short time of existence. The committee has met and started preparation for the many upcoming events with the hopes of promoting all types of local culture (music, culinary art, visual art and the importance of reviving local traditions that have been slowly dying).

Editorial: If you don’t like it, go somewhere else.
What if your favorite restaurant, the one that you have gone to for years, stopped serving a popular dish that happened to be your favorite as well? What if when you complained about this they told you things have changed, and if you don’t like it go somewhere else? How would that make you feel? Angry… disappointed…maybe a little of both? After all, you’ve given them years of your business and this is how they treat you? Chances are you wouldn’t go back, and you certainly would do your best to spread the word that not only had the place changed, but they didn’t give a damn what their long-time customers wanted. What if, over time, no one really liked the changes at this popular restaurant, nor did they like their attitude towards customers who were unhappy? What do you think would happen to this arrogant restaurant after customers found a different place to eat? What would happen when they told their friends about a new great place they found to dine at, where their business was valued and the customer was always right? It would just be a matter of time before the arrogant restaurant would be hurting for customers, and maybe even forced to close their doors. What would happen to those who worked at the arrogant restaurant? What would happen to the owners who owed money to the bank?

Misc Belizean Sources

SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool)
FCD rangers finalize a two day training on how to use SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) as an improved system of documenting natural and cultural observations whilst on patrols. Since over a year ago FCD has been testing and improving this system. FCD is grateful to the Wildlife Conservation Society for the ongoing training.

GOB/EU rehabilitate San Victor - San Narciso Road
The project is a collaborative effort of the Government of Belize and the European Union geared at improving the infrastructural development of the Agriculture, Tourism and Social sectors of northern Belize. A release from the Government states, that “The San Narciso – San Victor is an important transport corridor in northern Belize and the rehabilitation will result in decreased transportation costs to farmers and improve accessibility for road users in time of inclement weather.”

NICH's Employee of the Year 2014, Debra Wilkes!
Corozaleña Debra Wilkes was recently recognized by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) as 'Employee of the Year' for 2014. In 2012 Ms. Wilkes was appointed as Coordinator of the newly inaugurated Corozal House of Culture becoming the 6th House of Culture in the country under the Museum of Belize and NICH. Debra‘s hard work and commitment in developing cultural events and activities which define northern Belize justifies her recognition. A photographer by trade, Debra first visited Belize in 1992. After several journeys between Canada and Belize, she settled in Corozal Town in 2005. In 2009 Ms. Wilkes, launched the monthly event 'Art in the Park’ at Corozal Town Central Park, coaxing the artistic community to display and sell their creations. Well into its sixth year, Art in the Park has become a national success, nowhere else in Belize is there a monthly event that celebrates art, music, food and community. As coordinator of the Corozal House of Culture, Debra strives to showcase the rich culture of Corozal with importance given to the revival of lost traditions and celebrations. Equally important, she continues the objective of oral historical retrieval.

The Reporter

Canadian tourist accuses policeman of extortion
Police Constable #621 Daniel Requena, attached to the Caye Caulker Police formation is out on bail of $3,000 on a charge of extortion following a complaint against him that he extorted $800 from her. Stephanie Essiambre, 25, reported to police that at around 11 p.m. last Saturday she was with some friends at a house on Crocodile Street on the island when a policeman shoeed up and asked her to show him what she had in her hand. The tourist said when she showed him a handful of weed, he tried to scare her by telling her that if she didn’t give him $800, she would go to jail. She said she complied with his demands but showed up three days later at the police station where he worked to file a report against him.

Belizean students in Grenada for CSME workshop
Nineteen Belizean students were in Grenada this week on a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market Economy (CSME) mission trip. The mission trip, a part of an on going CSMe project to promote the single market in member states, gathered representatives from the University of Belize, the University of the West Indies Open Campus, and Galen University. During the mission the students were organized into groups of five to cover four major aspects of the CSME: Free movement of Goods; Free movement of Services and skills; Movement of Capital; and The Rights of Establishment. The students, from their discussions, identified gaps within the Grenadian against the best practice model as identified by CARICOM. Those findings were summarized into a report, used to evaluate Grenada’s CSME’s readiness. The Secretariat CSME Public Education Programme coordinated this programme with funding by the 10th European CSME Economic Integration Programme (EIP).

UB holds 5th research symposium
This week the University of Belize held it’s fifth annual research conference at the Radisson Fort George Hotel. The conference, held by the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, showcased research papers from students who were doing their undergraduate thesis. Speaking at the conference, Vincent Palacio, dean of the Faculty of Management, said that the event forms a part of the school’s commitment to national development. “We have been accused of not providing relevant research data, but when you look at some of the topics being discussed here – female entrepreneurship, tourism development in southern Belize, you see that these are national issues,” Palacio said, “so it goes with our mission to provide relevant data to steer national development.” At the conference, students presented research papers such as “No one cares, so why complain?”; a students evaluation survey on the courses and experiences at UB, and “Factors influencing the success of small business in Belize City.”

Four shot in one night; one dead
Four persons, including a woman, suffered gunshot wounds as a result of three shootings on Friday night in Belize City and one of the victims is dead – the casualty of a bullet wound to the head. The incidents occurred on Banak St, Faber’s Road and Jane Usher Boulevard snd the victims are: Vern Magdaleno, 35, who died after he was shot in the head while inside his vehicle at the corner of Fabers Road and Central American Boulevard; Nesanne Usher 18, Aaron Munnings 17, and Wendy Lambey, 49, of #6 Jane Usher Boulevard. Munnings was shot to the leg.

Surveys reveal homophobia is down; domestic abuse, teenage sex are up
Two surveys which the UNAIDS conducted over the past 16 months on issues related to attitudes toward sexuality, sexual education and people’s behavioural practices revealed on Friday that more Belizeans are accepting/tolerant towards homosexuality compared to the wider Caribbean, with the exception of Suriname. The surveys also determined that there is a high prevalence of domestic abuse and teenage prenancy. The first poll, conducted in November of 2013, involved the participation of 773 persons from the ages of 18 to 64, in November 2013. The findings, according to Dr. Ernest Massiah, the Regional Director for UNAIDS in the Caribbean, “Belizeans are perhaps more accepting of sexual diversity… 34 percent of Belizeans said that they accept someone who is gay or homosexual and 34 percent said they would tolerate someone who is gay or homosexual. And that statistic is higher than what we’ve seen in many of the countries in the eastern Caribbean. So Belize is really showing itself to be a more accepting society than we would have first thought.” In fact, Dr. Massiah said that Belizeans are more accepting/tolerant of gays and lesbians today. People are also less discriminatory towards people with HIV than they were 20 years ago, when they were suggesting that HIV should be quarantined.

Patrick Jones

Cahal Pech Village Resort Mourns the Loss of CEO Peter Tonti
On April 16, 2015, Belizeans lost a legend of a man. A pioneer, a visionary and an inspirational leader, Mr. Peter Tonti’s recent passing has left many of those who knew him in shock, disbelief and deep sadness. So great was his love for the country, so firm was his faith in its potential, that Mr. Tonti led, shaped and inspired the country’s biggest economic asset: its tourism industry, ultimately playing a pivotal role in its direction and flourishing success.

Separate shootings in Belize City leave 3 dead
There are reports of three separate shootings that occurred on Friday night in the Old Capital. Information to our news desk reveals that three persons have been fatally wounded. These victims have been identified as 18 year old Nesanne Usher, 17 year old Aaron Munnings and 35 years old Vern Magdaleno. Another individual who sustained a gunshot wound to the lower limb, Wendy Lambey, is currently being treated at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. There is currently no information available of a motive or suspects in these incidents. Belize City police continue their investigations.

Warm and dry weather conditions prevail
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting mostly sunny and hot weather today and partly cloudy tonight. Little or no rainfall is expected, however a a chance of isolated thunderstorm is likely to happen this afternoon. Winds will blow East- South East 10 – 20 knots with occasional higher gust. The sea state will be moderate to rough with a small craft caution in effect. High temperatures are expected to be around 89 degrees Fahrenheit along the coast; 91 degrees Fahrenheit inland and a comfortable 71 degrees Fahrenheit up on the exposed areas of the Mountain Pine Ridge and along the Maya Mountains in the south.

Videos

April 18, 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

Cayo Western Ballaz fall to the Tiger Sharks in overtime
The once undefeated Cayo Western Ballaz were handed their first loss in the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) by the defending champs, San Pedro Tiger Sharks. The highly anticipated match took center stage on Saturday April 11th at the San Pedro High School Auditorium in San Pedro Town. After forcing overtime, the home team was able to secure a 79 to 75 slim victory. The Tiger Sharks took an early lead in the first quarter, jump-starting an attack against the Western Ballaz. That show of power on home turf saw the Tiger Sharks going into the second quarter with a four point lead. But the folks from the west are no easy contenders and they slowly began closing in. When the clock stopped for the half time, Cayo Western Ballaz had turned over the scoreboard with a 33-to-31 point lead. The battle for supremacy and respect dragged on into the second half of the game as Cayo Western Ballaz ballooned their lead by ten points at the end of the third quarter. Before a full house, Tiger Sharks had no intention of being rolled over by the Ballaz, and the good tactics of home Coach Rico Black played a vital role in to the last quarter as the home team clipped the Ballaz’s wings and closed in on them. At the end of the long buzzer, the Western Ballaz and San Pedro Tiger Sharks were at 68 points apiece, thus forcing overtime.

USNS Comfort offers its services to the Belizean Community
The US Naval Hospital Ship, the USNS Comfort, is in Belize for nine days providing medical, dental, and veterinary care among several other services. The ship docked nine miles off the coast of Belize on Thursday, April 9th, and has since been working in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Belize Defense Force, and the Belize Coast Guard to train personnel in conducting civil-military operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, while providing medical assistance and even engineering support to the local population. The visit to Belize is part of USNS Comfort’s spring tour, Continuing Promise Mission 2015, to provide services to ports across the Caribbean, Central and South America. In order to carry out the activities, USNS Comfort personnel set up an outpatient medical station in Hattieville Government School and Independence High School. Residents could visit either location for one free medical or dental service each day. “The crew and staff of the USNS Comfort will work with their Belizean counterparts on a range of issues including health and transport responders. NGO’s like the Latter Day Saints, charities and the message program have donated three hundred and twenty nine pallets of medical and humanitarian supplies and over a million dollars’ worth of services to help the citizens of Belize. We look forward to the positive impact at the Ladyville Health Center, Independence Polyclinic and Bella Vista Health Center. We are also excited for our planned environmental and veterinary exchanges at Belize Agriculture and Health Authority (BAHA) and the Belize Zoo, just to name a few of the activities that we are doing over the course of the next two weeks,” said Lieutenant General Kenneth Tovo, US Army Deputy Commander at the US Southern Command.

Di V’u: Excellent Food and beautiful views
Located on one of the most desirable spots on the water, surrounded by clear blue sea as far as the eye can see, Di V’u is a treat. Owner Amanda let us know we were in for quite a treat: we’d be tasting a sample of their menu from breakfast through dinner, AND dessert. Yes, there would be cocktails too…after the lunch course… ;) But first, we dig into breakfast with their glorious Coconut French Toast. Following that yummy introduction to Di V’u’s kitchen was a couple of appetizers: pan-fried butterfly shrimp and jalapeño poppers. Crispy fried shrimp were paired with a sweet creamy piña colada sauce, while the the jalapeño poppers, stuffed with a cream cheese and chicken filling, were paired with a tangy mango sauce to mellow the spicy kick of the pepper. Both were tasty, but the poppers’ spice revved it up to my list of favorites. My dining companions seemed to enjoy both appetizers equally, and their appetite for more Di V’u items was teased properly!

Kent Gabourel places second in Weekend Warriors Cross Country
San Pedro’s very own Kent “Bob” Gabourel captured second place in the fifth annual Weekend Warriors Cross Country Cycle Classic. The event, which took place on Saturday April 11th, saw 35 riders participate in the 68-mile race from Santa Elena Cayo to Belize in the A Class Category. Gabourel finished mere seconds behind Robert Mariano in a sprint to the finish line. At Garbutt’s Gas Station in Roaring Creek Kent “Bob” Gabourel stepped up into the front fold and picked up his first station prize. By the time the race got to mile 21 at Gracie Rock Village, it was Robert Mariano and Kent Gabourel in total command of the lead. The duo would ride neck-and-neck up to a few hundred meters from the finish line at Cisco Construction at 3½ miles outside Belize City. A sprint by the duo to the finish line saw Robert Mariano of Digicell 4G taking the A Class title in a clock time of three hours and 33 minutes. Just seconds behind was Kent Gabourel of Benny’s who finished in second place. BelCal’s Calman Williams, father of the Holy Saturday Cross Country Champion Justin Williams, finished in third place. Warren Coye of Santino’s captured fourth while Douglas Lamb of Digicell rounded up the top five.

Long-time island ex-pat claims police victimization
A 66-year-old American national living in Belize for the past 30 years is claiming that the San Pedro Police victimized her by detaining her for no apparent reason. Resident of northern Ambergris Caye, Linda Carter stated that on Tuesday, April 7th, she was detained at the police station for over six hours and was treated unjustly by Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit, Assistant Superintendent Henry Jemmott. Carter says that the treatment she received was demeaning and even caused her health complications. OC Jemmott stated that Carter was detained for insulting a police officer, an act that is considered an offence under the Laws of Belize. In the Police Act Chapter 138 Section 38 (1) “Any person who- (a) assaults, resists or obstructs; or (b) uses any abusive or insulting language to; or (c) aids or incites any person to assault, resist or obstruct, any member of the Department or a special constable appointed under section 36 in the execution of his duty or any person acting in aid of any such member of the Department, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months, or in the discretion of the magistrate he may be committed for trial to the Supreme Court.” These are the grounds on which Carter’s detention was justified.

Ambergris Today

St. Francis Xavier Credit Union Holds Successful Quiz Contest
Saint Francis Xavier Credit Union held its very successful and enjoyable credit union quiz contest on Thursday, April 16, 2015. Of all the elementary schools in San Pedro, three schools responded to the challenge and fielded representation. Ninel Pacheco represented San Pedro R. C. School and Caroline Sersland was the voice for Isla Bonita Elenentary while Chelsey Valdez and Karina Moreya were the pride of New Horizon Academy Adventist School. San Pedro Branch Manager, Lina Martinez gave the official welcome and emcee Angel introduced the judges who were Froyland Gilharry, Assistant Dean of San Pedro Jr. College; Jorge Aldana reporter of San Pedro Sun; and Lisa Coleman, Compliance Officer of the Belize Credit Union League.

Belize Telemedia Teams with Global Directories for New Telephone Directory
This past week, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) unveiled their 2015 installment of the annual telephone directory for Belize. The front cover of this year’s directory features an image of the Big Drop Falls in Southern Belize, taken by Belizean photographer, Tony Wrath. Senior brand and events representative of BTL Ellen Borland indicated that this is the first year that the company directory was outsourced to international firm Global Directories, a well-established international directory within the Caribbean, and that they are very pleased with the results. She added that the company prints about 50,000 large and 10,000 mini copies of the directory every year but that print was significantly higher this year.

The Spring/Summer 2015 issue of The TOLEDO HOWLER is online HERE

In this issue we conclude the reminiscences of Don Owen-Lewis who first arrived in Toledo from England in 1953; learn about the health and healing properties of ginger in Arzu Mountain Spirits regular column and introduce the new zipline canopy course at Blue Creek... and lots more. The Chocolate Festival of Belize will be taking place for the ninth year on the weekend of May 22-24th and we hope that many of you will be able to come down and join us for this celebration of cacao. Contact our BTIA accommodation members to make your room reservations or Stephanie in the BTIA office on Front Street in Punta Gorda (details inside The Howler). We hope you enjoy reading and look forward to seeing you down here.

Misc Belizean Sources

Bookkeeping Workshop
Bookkeeping is the heart of any business. Without it, we cannot hope to keep track of the most important part of any business; money. Gain excellent skills in using various accounting procedures and maintain your books efficiently and effectively for the success of your business. On completion of this course, you will have a sound knowledge about the basic steps and techniques used in bookkeeping, including Identify the differences between commercial environment. PRICE: $15.00 ***Snacks and refreshments will be provided*** Presented by: Mr Roberto Kuylen, Business Adviser, SBDCBelize Workshop Date: April 23rd, 2015 Time: 9am to 12pm WORKSHOP LOCATION: BTEC Building, ITVet compound, Freetown Road Tel: 223-3195

Monkey River, Belize
Have you visited Monkey River Bay in southern Belize? Another great area in our beautiful Caribbean Paradise. Once a thriving town, today this coastal community is a quiet village. Severe erosion has ravaged large chunks of the shoreline. But Monkey River is slowly reviving itself as a tourist destination. Fishing has always been a mainstay for residents; this was one of the first communities to form a fisherman's cooperative. These are the people and places that would be among the most affected by offshore oil.

Playwriting Workshop at Benque HoC
It's been a month full of artistry. Riti Sachdeva from OmniRootZ hosted a playwriting workshop at the Benque House of Culture. Thanks, Riti! "Imagine this...Yesterday we were amazed by her mythopolitical approach where global issues are told through mythological lenses. Heartful thanks to OmniRootZ Theatre Produkshunz for their support and many thanks to each participant. Images courtesy to Ms Cindy Castellanos."

SUCCESS!!! USNS Comfort
As the USNS Comfort visit to Belize comes to an end more than 4,748 patients have been seen and over 66 surgeries were conducted on board the ship at NO COST to the patients. Let's wish them a hearty farewell as they depart Belize and move on to their next location to help more people.

Continuing Promise clinic in Hattieville postponed
PLEASE NOTE - Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Continuing Promise clinic at the Hattievile government school will not be open on Saturday, 18 April as previously planned. The USNS Comfort medical professionals regret any inconvenience that this unplanned circumstance may cause.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Friday, April 17, 2015: 08

Students of Sewanee University donate to FCD
Students of Sewanee: The University of the South, Tennessee present the cheque of US$1,545.00 to FCD via skype. Funds will be used for ranger mobilization across the Chiquibul Forest. FCD is grateful to Dr. Jonathan Evans and the students who made this fundraising event possible. Big thanks to all those who donated!!!

WCS 2015 in-water turtle surveys wrap-up at Glover's Reef Atoll
On the last day of surveys the team works up a Green turtle captured in spectacular fashion by Jorge and Ashbert. Check the Glover's Reef Reserach Station Facebook page for the full video soon. Thanks again to all who participated from across Belize's marine reserve network.

Channel 7

Striker Deon McCauley Is Home
On Wednesday night's news, we told you about the fundraising effort organized by a grassroots group of football fans. The group calls itself the Association of Belizeans Concerned with Getting Deon Home. They wanted to show maximum support for the prolific striker, Deon McCauley by raising $5,000 in donations to cover his travel expense, and a weekly stipend to pay him for the next 10 weeks while he trains with the National Team for FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Dominican Republic. The "ABC Deon," as the group became known, took action in the wake of the public outrage which resulted when President Ruperto Vicente announced that, due to FFB rules, they couldn't pay for McCaulay's return. The group gave itself a two-day deadline, asserting that it could get McCauley home from the US by today. Well, they delivered, and at around 1 p.m. this afternoon, Deon McCauley arrived from Atlanta via Miami. 7News was there at the airport to greet him, and he had only gratitude for the general public who gave generously to the dollar drive. Here's what he told us:

FFB Embraces Deon Rejects Bad Rap
The Football Federation of Belize, and its president, Ruperto Vicente, were the target of harsh criticism all this week. That's because they said they couldn't buy a plane ticket to get him home for the national team camp. But, now Deon is back in Belize and so what does the President of the FFB think? Well, he was at the airport to greet the striker - and told us the anger directed at the FFB was misplaced:... Ruperto Vicente, President - FFB "It is a good thing and I have to embrace it as well. It shows that the people wants to participate in the process and they also want to participate in what is now our football. It shows a level of patriotism. It shows a level of commitment to the country. I have to embrace that, but at the same time, we must also understand that they are rules in place. Because we are changing things at the football federation. Nobody comes to the federation or to the national team automatically. Every time we called the national team, even if you have been on the national team for 15-20 years, you have to come back and prove yourself. That is the criteria that has been in place and we are enforcing that kind of criteria. So, for the Belizeans coming to support Deon coming home - to prove himself and try out for the national team - is a welcome gesture. I will not fight against that. It is Belizean and our national team is Belizean team. I am here as the custodian, as the person who sets the standard for our football federation and we the standard for our national team. As I said before, it is no longer business as usual. Our national team has to fit into that kind of program and that is the reason we have this. It is good for football."

Cayo Coast Guard Killers Charged
Three persons have been charged for the murder of 23 year old Aurelio Montero Jr. He is the Coast Guard officer who was found unconscious with a head injury in downtown San Ignacio early on Holy Saturday morning. Montero never regained consciousness and passed away shortly after he was found. Well, Cayo police have now charged three males, including a 17 year old minor for his murder. Apparently, Montero Jr was sleeping on the ground near the Welcome center after midnight on Good Friday. He was likely inebriated - and the three decided to rob and beat him up. They dragged him behind a building and did just that- taking his wallt with his ID and his footwear. Montero who remained unconscious put up no resistance and they are believed to have inflicted the injuries that led to his death. Police have gotten confession statements from three men: 20 year old Windel Obando, 23 year old Saul Ortiz and a 17 year old - all of the Kontiki area in San Ignacio. They have all been charged for murder.

BEL's Big Blackout
Residents of the Belize City northside neighborhoods of Coral Grove, Buttonwood Bay, Belama Phase I and the portion of Belama Phase II between Chetumal Street and Gwen Lizarraga Street had better prepare for a warm Sunday! And on the southside, Nargusta street, St Jude Street, Mopan Street, Hondo Street and a portion of Mahogany street between Mopan And Sitee Streets should do the same. That's because BEL has announced an eleven-hour outage! - that's right half a day of blackout, from five in the morning to four in the evening. This is to replace lamp posts carrying high voltage lines and tension high voltage lines But, even if you live in other areas of the city, you're still going to fell some inconvenience, because there will also be two half hour long city wide outages from 5:00am to 5:30am and 3:30pm to 4:00pm to commission recently constructed Banak and Palotti Substations.

Leased Land For Evicted Squatters
Tonight it seems that the eviction dispute in the Gungulung area of Lake Independence has been settled without a great deal of fuss. Area Representative Mark King told us that he today handed over 12 land leases in Cotton Tree as promised to the dozen squatters being evicted from the 6 acres of private land along the river. The landowner also gave them a grant of one thousand dollars to cover relocation costs. And while this story had a reasonably happy ending, there are scores of squatters in that same area. King says he will deal with them starting Monday through the Land Amnesty programme. Of course it's a losing proposition, because demand always exceeds supply, but King says he remains confident.

Corrupt Cop Caught By Canuck
A Caye Caulker Cop was charged for extortion after he shook down a Canadian woman visiting Belize. It happened on Tuesday night at 11:00 on Crocodile Street. Police Constable #621 Daniel Requena caught her with a small amount of marijuana clenched in her hand. He told her she would go to jail unless she paid him eight hundred dollars. She reported the case to his superiors and they arrested and charged him for extortion. He was arraigned and granted bail of $3,000 and one surety.

Polling Sexual Perceptions
About 16 months ago, The United Nation Population Fund - or UNFPA - released a report which showed a high number of teenage pregnancies in Belize. At that time, Dr. Peter Allen, the CEO in the Ministry of Health made the dramatic declaration, "Our Children are having sex. Our Children are having children." That was a very critical look at a topic which appears to still be taboo within the Belizean society. Well, another survey, this one done by UNAIDS, looked at the society's attitude toward getting tested for HIV, age appropriate sex and sexuality education, adolescent access to condoms and contraceptives, child physical and sexual abuse, the protection of people living with HIV from discrimination, and the attitudes toward homosexuality. In other words, this survey asked random respondents from all over the country about sexual behavior and the attitude toward sex-related issues. About 773 persons, ages 18 to 64, were quizzed in November 2013, and UNAIDS released the findings to the public today. The Regional Director for UNAIDS Caribbean told us what they found out: Ernest Massiah, Regional Director, UNAIDS Caribbean "The first bit is a poll that was on as a nationally representative poll of 773 Belizeans; men and women across the country. And we are asking them questions about their attitudes to sexual and reproductive health, sex education in schools, testing for HIV, domestic violence and child abuse. and what we found is, and I think is really interesting, we found that Belizeans are perhaps more accepting of sexual diversity than perhaps one gets when one looks in some of the stuff in the newspapers.

The case For And Against Senator Ray
Since April second, the dispute in the National Trade Union Congress of Belize has been playing out on the public stage. It's all because Labour Senator Ray Davis abstained in the vote on the Petrocaribe Loan Motion on March 30th. The Trade Union Congress opposes the bill - and wanted him to vote against it. But they never told him that - and the dispute over whether he should have known better continues. If you ask Trade Union Second Vice President Audrey Matura Shepherd, it's a black and white issue - but Jules Vasquez found many shades of grey in the documents he's seen:.. Audrey Matura-Shepherd, 2nd Vice President - NTUCB "I had objected before, on how he voted on the cane issue and how he voted before on the Petrocaribe money." Jules Vasquez reporting Indeed she had - in this November 2014 letter Matura asked how it is that Senator Davis voted yes on the first Petrocaribe loan motion. She said, quote, "in a matter of such great importance we the members of the Trade Union Congress should have a say. So can I please be enlightened as to who come it is that our Senator voted yes and who gave that mandate?"

Auditor General's Report Review
The Auditor General's most recent report on the Government's finances has been released to the public. You'll be able to find it on 7Newsbelize.com tonight - and Jules Vasquez looked inside today for a few juicy buts. Jules Vasquez reporting The auditor general's report for the fiscal year 2011 - 2012. It is almost 300 pages long - but does not provide any screaming headlines. For the second year in a row, the auditor general laments the absence of a functioning Public Accounts Committee. Just like last year, she found bank accounts un-reconciled. - 23 of them in this case. And that's why she gave an adverse opinion - whereas in the previous year she simply with-held her opinion. The police reward fund is one reconciled account where regulations were ignored, saying that withdrawals should not exceed four thousand dollars annually - but in this case - one withdrawal for 53 thousand dollars was made in one day without the Minister's approval. The Prime Minister and Minister of Finance said it is the fault of the public service:

SJC: Taking The Mystery Out of History
"A people without the knowledge of their past, history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots." That's the well-known black consciousness mantra of Marcus Garvey and they were brought into harness and currency today at the St. Johns' College 4th annual Reading Fair. The event featured the usual educational and historical displays and activities, but there were also several displays that challenged the conventional approach to learning history and connecting to the past. I found out more when I visited: Other activities held at the fair include a Spanish Spelling Bee that was held in the Art Center, a Poetry Slam section and there was also several Ancient Maya Exhibits.

Cops Care, Really
Today, the Central Christian Primary School got a donation of a printer from Police Precinct 3. It's a good turn after the school participated in the Eastern Division's BLACK March 3 weeks ago. The the printer was handed over today and 7News was there. We spoke with the Commanding Officer about the token of appreciation: Central Christian School is also one of the education centers which benefit from the police's program called the Gang Resistance Education and Training, or GREAT. One of the coordinators organized an event for students who recently passed through the training. They were to show appreciation for their school, and we saw the children in action. Here's what the police coordinator had to say about it: Belize Yellow Pages collaborated with the Police for this effort.

The First Belize Jazz Fest
2 days ago, we showed you how musicians and the government agencies responsible for culture and creative arts were holding workshops to improve the business aspects of the local music industry. Well, that's not the only new initiative that NICH and the Institute of Creative Arts is spearheading to provide local musicians with greater opportunities to showcase their talents. The first ever Belize International Jazz Festival is being planned for the this summer starting on June 5 and ending on June 14. It will feature a group of influential international artists as well as local bands who have been well established and who have generated a following. This morning, ICA officially introduced the Jazz Festival to the public, and 7News was there. Here's what the organizers and the participating musicians had to say about it: Apart from the 10 performances, there will be music workshops offered to the musicians to help them develop their musical talents in whatever instrument they specialize in. The festival will be spread all across the country starting from Belize City, then to Belmopan, to Cayo and then to San Pedro.

Take A Walk In OW Park
Orange Walk Central Park - if you haven't been there recently, you should take a stop in. It's been transformed from a shabby old space to a thoroughly modern park with all the amenities - even wi-fi. It's been opened for some months now - but the World Bank made it official earlier this week. And politicians from both sides tried to claim ownership for the spending space:… Depending on who's in power in the town board - the park is known either as Queen Elizabeth Park - which is the UDP name, or the Central Park which is the PUP name.

Field Of Dreams Achievable
Belize's sports facilities - often have to double as concert venues - and when they do - a football pitch or a wooden basketball court can take a pounding. In fact, many say that a Beenie Man concert in the rain profoundly damaged the MCC pitch. Well, a Trinidadian civil engineer says he can prevent that form happening again. He's offering a product called the I- Trac Matting system and a soil stabilization formula. With these, Christopher Berkeley says you can party all night long on any football field and not worry about how it will look the morning after. He told me more:... Berkeley was busy this week pitching his product to other stakeholders.

Channel 5

Deon McCauley Returns Home to the Jaguars
Belize’s star striker Deon McCauley is back in the Jewel.  As we reported on Thursday, a petition to return McCauley, in time for the Jaguars to prepare for the second [...]

F.F.B. President Says Striker Begins Training on Monday
Now that McCauley is back in the country, F.F.B. President, Ruperto Vicente, says that the ball is in his court and he must now show and prove in the days [...]

Has Beleaguered F.F.B. Executive Rawell Pelayo Tendered His Resignation?
Following a congress of the Football Federation of Belize last Saturday, President Ruperto Vicente informed the media that embattled second vice president Rawell Pelayo was expected to tender his resignation [...]

McCauley Looks Forward to Joining Other International Teams
In February 2014, Deon McCauley inked a one-year contract with the Atlanta Silverbacks to play in the North American Professional League.  During that time he has had to undergo surgery [...]

PM Barrow Expresses Concern on U.S. and European Banking Relations
It hasn’t happened just yet, but the Caribbean and Central American regions are keenly aware that there is some intention by large European and US banks to end relations with [...]

Belt-tightening at B.T.B., PM Says Situation Under Control
The Belize Tourism Board is in a financial crunch and has been for some time. The company which is responsible for marketing Belize, we are told, has had to impose [...]

Pioneer in Local Tourism Industry, Peter Tonti, Passes Away
The tourism industry has lost one of its pioneers. Peter Tonti, the C.E.O. of Cahal Pech Village Resort passed away on Thursday.  Tonti has been visiting Belize since the nineteen [...]

Lorenzo Smith Jr. Arraigned for 2009 Murder of Cellmate
An inmate of the Belize Central Prison serving ten years for arson got some more bad news earlier today. Following a preliminary inquiry this morning, Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith [...]

‘Dalla’ Van Driver Charged for Unlawful Sexual Intercourse
A Belize City mechanic is spending his first night behind bars on remand after he was charged for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor today. Twenty-nine-year-old Francis Avilez, a full-time [...]

And the Survey Says… Homophobia is Down in Belize
What’s the sentiment of Belizeans on LGBT persons? A poll that was done about a year and a half ago shows that people are generally more accepting and that Belize [...]

Musicians, Artists and Engineers Register for 2015 Belize International Jazz Festival
The National Institute of Culture and History is adding yet another event to its yearly calendar…the Belize International Jazz Festival.  Over one hundred and sixty local and international artists and [...]

10 Days of Jazz Fusion Begins on June 5th
The event will feature ten days of jazz fusion and will see the collaboration of local culture makers, business enterprises and globally renowned artists to promote the cultural and social [...]

What Will This Year’s Calendar of Events Include?
But aside from the long list of festivals that will be held over the course of the year, the events within the September Celebrations Calendar will see thousands of Belizeans [...]

September Celebration Theme Competition Kicks Off
And if you’d like to win a thousand dollars, you can also participate in the 2015 “September Celebrations Theme Competition.” All Belizeans, living at home and abroad, are invited to [...]

Taprick and Concego Launch New Punta Albums
Concego and Taprick the Sheriff…they’re well established names on the musical scene and only getting bigger and better. Today, they were guests on our morning show since both are launching [...]

PlusTV

Santino Castillo hands over to Darrell Bradley in Caribbean Shores
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has made much recent use of the press to announce major party news such as the candidacies of Tracey Taegar-Panton and Dr. Carla Barnett in the Albert and Freetown divisions in the next general election...

Northern Two Cayes mortgage holder clarifies legal status of Puerto Azul project
John Mills, holder of the mortgage on Northern Two Cayes in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, today stepped forward to address concerns having to do with the legal status of the ownership of Northern Two Cayes, which is currently held by Northern Two Cayes Company Ltd...

3 Charged for Montero’s Murder
On April 4th, Holy Saturday, 23 year old Aurelio Montero Jr., a member of the Belize Coast Gaurd, was discovered unconscious at the San Ignacio Welcome Center. He had been beaten to a pulp and left their to bleed. Five days later Aurelio passed away as a result of injuries to the head...

Half a million looted from Treasury?
Tonight the Government of Belize faces some financial worries, as police are investigating a reported theft from the Treasury. Certainly more than $350,000 and reports say as much as half a million, up to reportedly a million dollars was taken in several installments...

BTB to scrap increments?
The Belize Tourism Board is reported to be facing a cash crunch that has led to an unpopular plan to end increments for workers, replacing them with 5% end-of-year bonuses...

Government negotiating possible solution for Stake Bank dispute
Fort Street Tourism Village and the Feinstein Group have gone to court over the agreements signed in the early 2000′s for the then-Belize Tourism Village that gave it exclusive rights to dock cruise ship passengers...

Audrey Matura-Shepherd lays into Ray Davis on Senate vote
2nd Vice President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) Audrey Matura-Shepherd last week went on record to call for the removal of Senator Ray Davis as representative of the trade unions in the upper legislature, following his vote of abstention on the Petrocaribe Loan Act of 2015...

P.M. and Former PSU President defend Ray Davis
Today Prime Minister Dean Barrow was called on to defend a childhood schoolmate and said that that relationship did not preclude Senator Ray Davis from being his own man. More importantly, he says, it did not influence that crucial vote that has set the President of the CWU against him...

PM Barrow clarifies banking remarks
At the preliminary meeting before the 7th Summit of the Americas convened last week in Panama,  Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow told his counterparts that under pressure from internal regulators, major banks in the United States are “de-risking” in response to strict anti-money laundering regul...

The Thousand Dollar Tour Scam
A man posing as the manager of a tour guide firm made off with over $1 thousand US dollars after he reportedly tricked an American woman into depositing money in an account in exchange for his services...

Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry says No to Petro Caribe
Today the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry placed on the record its endorsement of the Business Senator’s vote against the controversial Petro Caribe loan bill 2015...

Amandala

Kendale Green, 22, on trial for murder of Nigerian taxi driver
In January 2011, police arrested and charged a 17-year-old minor and two adults for the December 26, 2010 murder of Nigerian taxi driver Francis Chukwu, 37, who was found slumped behind the wheel of his taxi, shot in his head while driving on Pitter Street. The two adults, Egbert Daly, 19, and Jermaine Zuniga, 31, were released from the murder charge when the Director of Public Prosecution, in November 2011, instructed that the charge be withdrawn from against them due to a lack of evidence. The case against the remaining accused, Kendale Green, who is now 22, was committed to the Supreme Court, and this Monday, April 13, Green’s murder trial began in the Supreme Court of Justice Adolph Lucas, who is hearing the case without a jury.

$500,000 stolen from Treasury!
Prime Minister Dean Barrow confirmed to the local media today that as much as $500,000 has been siphoned from the Government’s Treasury Department in Belize City. The alarming incident came to light earlier this week, and this past Tuesday, April 14, the Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight, alerted PM Barrow about the findings. Barrow told us that while he cannot confirm the exact amount since the matter is still being investigated, he was informed that it could be “as high as half a million dollars.” Reliable sources have indicated that between $500,000 and $700,000 was embezzled over an unspecified amount of time, and Barrow noted that while the pilfering may have been happening for some time, authorities did not find out about it until recently, which is why no sort of public disclosure was previously made.

“Santi” surrenders Caribbean Shores!
The much-anticipated political face-off between Belize City Mayor, Darrell Bradley and Caribbean Shores area representative, Hon. Santiago “Santino” Castillo, Jr., will never see the light of day, since Castillo announced today that he has made a decision to withdraw from the race. During a press conference which took place at the United Democratic Party (UDP)’s headquarters this morning, Castillo declared that after lengthy consideration, he withdrew his bid for a second term primarily to avoid disunity within the party as it prepares for the general elections. Prime Minister and UDP party leader, Hon. Dean Barrow, told the gathering that he is pleased at Castillo’s resolution to simply hand over the reins without a fight.

Wife, using cellphone, records cops beating her husband
After allegedly beating a man with his club in the process of arresting him, Special Constable Edward Swift, of the Orange Walk police, was arrested and charged with wounding and use of excessive force by police on Tuesday. Swift was taken to the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court yesterday, where he was arraigned on the charge. He pleaded not guilty and was offered bail of $1,000, which he met, and was ordered to return to court on June 20. The victim’s ordeal was captured on his wife’s cellphone – apparently, the officers were so focused on manhandling the victim that they did not notice her recording their actions. Police said that SC Swift and another policeman went to the home of Orange Walk Town resident, Andres Rodriguez, 28, and that Swift beat him up, handcuffed him and dragged him out of his house. They then took him to the police station.

Chamber denounces PetroCaribe Loans Act
After deliberations held at a summit this weekend, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) issued a strong statement this evening, expressing its resounding disapproval of recently introduced legislation which permits the Government of Belize to continue borrowing tens of millions of dollars at a time from Venezuela under the PetroCaribe accord without first getting the approval of Parliament, but furthermore permitting the Government to freely spend those funds outside the limitations of existing financial legislation. Arturo “Tux” Vasquez, president of the BCCI, told Amandala that he has never seen anything like this law, which would essentially permit the Government to borrow when it wants, how much it wants and also to spend it at will. This is “scary legislation writing,” and it sets a dangerous precedent, Vasquez told us. In its statement today, the BCCI said that, “After careful review and research of the Alba Petro Caribe Bill passed in the House of Representatives on March 27th 2015, the Chamber believes that this bill undermines the spirit and intent of the revised Finance and Audit Act of 2005.”

The inevitable oil spill: Belize must get ready!
Next Monday, April 20, will mark 5 years since the Deepwater Horizon disaster—described as the biggest maritime oil spill in history, which pumped 4 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico over a span of three months, and University of Florida researchers say that affected communities are still being plagued by its impacts. Since that catastrophe, Belizeans have become very aware of the potential devastation that oil spills can cause, and even more so of the reality that Belize is nowhere near prepared to effectively implement a quick response to a large-scale spill. This has heightened calls from the environmental community for a ban against offshore drilling. The reality is, though, that with about a million barrels of petroleum products being shipped into Belize each year and hundreds of thousands of barrels of crude being exported from our southern shores on an annual basis, the risk of an oil spill that could devastate Belize’s coast already exists. According to Commander Paul Lattanzi of the US Coast Guard, who is also assigned as a consultant to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a spill is admittedly inevitable.

Mike’s 8-Ball Tournament in Belmopan – the Big Dance is here!!!
The semifinals got off to a late start on Sunday, April 12, as a number of us were harassed, roughed-up, and humiliated by the GSU on our way to the game. Yes, big guns being pointed at us unnecessarily, with no explanation accepted or given. This experience makes us question the thinking abilities of some of these officers, and understand why at times people complain about police. It was after they identified someone on a motorcycle and they set chase, we were freed to go. It was scary that there wasn’t a check point, but big guns pointed at us to “pull over” in unmarked vehicles. The four teams of the ten that racked ‘em up on the pool table in the semifinals of Mike’s 8-Ball Tournament in Belmopan were: Pelayo’s Electricals (seeded #1), Elements (seeded #2), BRC Shooters (seeded #3), and Las Flores (seeded #4). Here’s how it ended in a best-of-two overall matches with 3 players vs 3 players.

Cricket Corner – Zone One took care of Zone Two
It was a pleasant day on Saturday, April 11, in Rancho Dolores. The All Star game was played in a T/20 format. Zone One took to bat first, and in 20 overs the team scored 102 runs. After a lunch break, Zone Two took to bat, and in 16 overs all were out for 66 runs. On Sunday in St. Paul’s, the Under 15 started. At the closing of the first day, three teams are scheduled to continue this Sunday in Double Head. The three teams are Double Head, Rancho Dolores and St. Paul’s, who have each won one game and lost one. All are invited to come out and watch the finishing. The regular season in the second half continues this weekend with the following scheduled games: ZONE ONE – Western Eagles vs Excelsior at St. Paul’s; Police takes on Easy Does It at Lemonal; and Excellence goes to Sandhill against Bright Star; and in ZONE TWO – Brilliant goes against Suga Boys in Carmelita; Brave Union battles Wicked11 at Flowers Bank; Isabella Uprising travels to Landing to face Berlan; and Cahsu Medicos meets Sunrise in Lords Bank.

U-12, U-13 and Female Football in O.W.
Youth football games were played at the Barracks on Saturday, April 11, for both U12 and U13 players. In U-12 action, Black Water dropped Sandhill, 1-0, on an auto goal; and Young School and Juventus played to a 0-0 draw. In U-13, San Estevan and Orange Walk Central Stars ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Alexis Chan scored for San Estevan, while Jaheem Augustine scored for O.W. Central Stars. Elite Promos dropped Trial Farm Survivors, 3-1, with goals from Phillip Rhaburn, Johan Bull and Jordi Espejo. Trial Farm’s goal was by Franklin Perez. And Belize won, 1-0, over Trial Farm Black Water, the goal coming from Elvis Cabral. On Sunday, April 12, there were 3 female games at the Barracks. Yo Creek Gladiators clipped Guinea Grass, 1-0; Carmelita Young Stars also dropped Chan Pine Ridge, 1-0; and Caribbean Rum Road Runners drew, 0-0, with Carmelita Spanish Town.

Editorial: Belizean politics
Over the last few years this newspaper has referred to the similarities between Belize’s two major political parties – the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP). We mean no disrespect to these two institutions, because they are indigenous, authentic, national, and critical to Belize’s consciousness of itself as a nation-state. The only other institutions in Belize which are national in scope are the churches, and the schools which they own and administrate. But, the churches are not indigenous or authentic to Belize: they are run from foreign headquarters. The churches are imported from outside of Belize. The UDP and the PUP were created and organized in the territory of Belize, by Belizeans. Last year this newspaper made it clear to the Vision Inspired by the People (VIP) of Belmopan and the People’s National Party (PNP) of Toledo that we did not consider them to be viable political institutions because they were not national in scope. For whatever reason(s), these two parties have been unable to make common cause with each other.

From the Publisher
I met the man called Eddie Edmondson at the old Belize International Airport in the spring of 1985. That’s when the newly elected United Democratic Party (UDP) government arranged with the ownership/management of the Chicago Cubs to take leftfielder Gary Matthews out of spring training and fly him to Belize. The country of Belize had gone crazy over the Chicago Cubs because, in those first couple years of pirate and cable television in Belize, the Chicago-based WGN television superstation was the signal we could receive most clearly, and WGN broadcast all Cub games. The Cub announcer, the colorful Harry Carey, was pretty exciting. By the seventh inning “stretch,” he was usually “wet,” or seemed to be. Listening to the Belize City ladies talk back then, I think the sex symbol for most of them was the Cub first baseman, Leon “The Bull” Durham, who was a well-built brother with “geri-curls.”

Trying to ignore voices of the people
Dear Editor, The Department of Environment scheduled an “Oil Pollution, Preparedness, Response and Cooperation Sensitization Workshop” for Wednesday, April 15. They claim the workshop’s objective “is to sensitize NGOs and the Media on oil pollution, oil spill preparedness, response and cooperation”. They plan this to be part of an “on-going revision and updating of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan presently being conducted by the DOE.” The Belize Institute of Environmental Law & Policy (BELPO) has had an ongoing interest and involvement in the area of oil exploration/exploitation in Belize for many years. We started holding workshops on the Petroleum Act in 2003. Godsman Ellis was President of BELPO at the time. We invited the Department of Environment to that 2003 workshop and others that we held, as well as inviting the Geology and Petroleum Department.

CCJ celebrates 10 years; 5 as final appeals court for Belize
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is this week celebrating its first decade of existence as the regional court for the Caribbean and also its fifth year as the final appellate court for Belize. Sir Dennis Byron, CCJ president, who is due to be in Belize next week for a historic sitting of the court here, has expressed the hope that all member states of CARICOM will give the CCJ a 10th anniversary gift of “full accession” to the Court. Currently, only three countries apart from Belize have signed on to the appellate jurisdiction of the court. That’s less than a third of the CARICOM states, which number 15. A CCJ statement issued on the occasion of the court’s 10th anniversary quoted Justice Byron, highlighting the words of Trinidad and Tobago calypsonian, Singing Sandra, in her 2005 composition: “to foreign masters you bow, look how them judges in London, making final decisions for we. To their judgment we must keep bowing, most insulting indeed, why to their council we must be privy.”

John Mills says Puerto Azul’s 8-star vision for Lighthouse Reef not sustainable
US national, John Mills—the mortgage holder for the island property on which the proposed multi-million-dollar Puerto Azul project, promoted as the world’s first eight-star resort, is to be built—has joined leading voices in the environmental community to say, on the record, that the original design of the project just will not work, because it won’t be either environmentally or economically sustainable. Mills pointed, for example, to the proposal to set up a golf course on Lighthouse Reef, located over 40 miles from Belize City – a concept which he says is totally incompatible with the atoll’s status as a World Heritage Site, because of the chemical treatments that would be required to maintain it. This is nowhere near as controversial as the proposed airport on the reef, a proposal strongly opposed by Belize’s environmental community. The latest online promotion of Puerto Azul, a proposed 960-acre development, through its wording and tone suggests that the resort will be operational within the coming months and inaugurated by year-end, featuring suites with underwater bedrooms, for example, which the company claims are already being offered on a time-share basis to as many as 300 clients.

US Capital abandons US$22 mil well in Sarstoon Temash
For about a year, US Capital Energy has been exploring for crude oil in the Sarstoon Temash National Park in Toledo, southern Belize, but today the company will be sending back the coiled tubing equipment it had imported from the US some weeks ago to do further probing at its first well site inside the national park. US Capital Energy’s country representative, Alistair King, told Amandala that the decision to abandon the well was made because high levels of hydrogen sulfide were being encountered. Breathing very high concentrations of the gas, which has a pungent rotten-egg smell, can lead to death, but in smaller concentrations, it could lead to varying health effects, which include loss of smell, conjunctivitis and lung disease. According to King, while drilling the well, the company saw positive signs that oil is there, and they also encountered methane and butane. He told us, though, that despite these encouraging signs, the discovery of high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide forced them to plug and abandon the well – a procedure which he said has been approved by the Government.

Murder trial aborted – new jury to be empanelled
An accused murderer who has been waiting for his day in court for almost five years, learned this morning that he will have to wait a bit longer after the trial judge, Supreme Court Justice John “Troadio” Gonzalez, aborted the trial, which had just began yesterday, Monday, and sent the jury home. Raymond Myers, 30, who has been accused of the May 2010 murder of Francis Figueroa, 27, was sent back to prison to await a new trial date after one of the jurors informed the court that he is a Jehovah’s Witness, and as such, is unable to sit in judgment over someone. Justice Gonzalez questioned the juror, asking him why he had not said something before. The juror replied that he did not quite understand his role as a juror, and it occurred to him that he would have to pass judgment on the accused man.

Keyren Tzib, charged with attempted murder, gets bail
Keyren Tzib, a female who holds the rank of seaman in the Belize Coast Guard, was able to smile with family members and a high school friend who was present this afternoon after Supreme Court Justice Herbert Lord announced, “everything I asked for has been given and bail will be granted.” Tzib has been at the Belize Central Prison for the past eight days, since she was arraigned on charges of attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm against petty officer Kurt Hyde, who she allegedly shot onboard a Coast Guard boat that was returning to its Belize City base, after a multi-agency operation around San Pedro, on Easter Monday. Under an amendment to the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act, any person who can prove to the court that he or she is of good character with no criminal record, can apply for an expedited bail at the Supreme Court. Prior to the amendment, bail applicants had to wait 10 working days before approaching the court for bail.

The Reporter

Competitors in internet industry sign agreement to benefit customers
This week, a historic cooperation was formed between the internet service providers (ISP) in Belize to collectively establish the country’s first internet exchange point. Nine ISPs, all competitors, gathered for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the University of Belize’s West Landivar […]

Four persons shot!
The Reporter has learned of two shootings around 7 p.m. on Friday night in Belize City that has left four persons with injuries. The incidents occurred on Banak Street and Jane Usher Boulevard. We were made to understand that three of the victims have been […]

Police follow leads in murder of Edward Usher
Police and residents of the Mayflower Street area have said that the motive for Saturday morning’s murder of Edward “Ghost” Usher, 40, inside a yard at #5 Mayflower Street in Belize City, was a long-standing conflict between Usher and other men from the same area […]

Special constable charged for beating man! Police corporal disciplined for not stopping the assault
Edward Swift, 38, a special constable assigned to the Orange Walk Police Station, is out on bail of $1,000 on a criminal charge of wounding, after he was videotaped vigorously beating a man for several minutes on Sunday night. The incident happened at the […]

Dash for Freedom…Prisoner Torres jumps from moving pick-up
Angel Torres, 37, remains at large after he jumped out of a moving police transport while being taken to the Hattieville Prison last Thursday. Torres is facing a charge of aggravated assault and was in the process of being remanded when he fled. Torres […]

Cuba back in grace! Removed from list of state-sponsored terrorism
Washington (CNN) President Barack Obama recommended Tuesday that Cuba be removed from the U.S. government’s list of state sponsors of terrorism. Obam’s deci-sion, long sought by the Cuban government, is expected to expedite plans to re-establish embassies in Washington and Havana. In a brief message to notify Congress of his […]

Long gone FFB exec. Rawell Pelayo expected to bow out gracefully
Following a three hour 8th Regular Congress of the Football Federation of Belize on Saturday, it was revealed that long MIA Senior Vice-President Rawell Pelayo would not be expelled from the federation, but would be allowed to tender his resignation and make a graceful exit. The decision was announced by […]

Squatters given extension to relocate
A group of 12 families in the Gungulung area of Lake Independence who have been squatting on private land near the Chetumal Street bridge, and were threatened with court action if they did not move by the end of this week, have been given […]

Belize and Caribbean address financial conserns at Summit of Americas
Belize along with other Caribbean nations raised concerns about restrictive US policies toward the Caribbean banking sector at the Summit of the Americas and was given assurance by US President Barack Obama that there would be a complete review of their policy. According to […]

Hit and run - man hits pedestrian and literally runs from scene!  
John Baptist, 41, handed himself in to Punta Gorda police on Monday after confessing to knocking down a man and fleeing the scene, leaving behind the victim, Jose Morales, 56, a Guatemalan of Big Falls Village, Toledo, and his vehicle at the scene of […]

Maxboro Mechanic Murdered at Home
Police are seeking several suspects after the decomposing body of Leon Leslie Sr., 31, was discovered in his Maxboro home on Monday, with his throat slit. Leslie was found in the sofa of his living room around 4:40 p.m. His throat had been cut and he had been stabbed multiple […]

Nestor Mendez on new role at OAS
The Organization of the American States’ (OAS) Assistant Secretary General-elect, Nestor Mendez, in fielding questions from the media, reiterated that he hopes to continue to build on the work the organization has previously done in relation to the Belize-Guatemala dispute. Mendez said the OAS […]

Reparations leaders agree to consolidate efforts
Reparations committee leaders from the Caribbean Community, and the United States, have agreed to consolidate their efforts in seeking reparations from former slave-trading and slave-owning nations. The agreement came at the end of a three-day conference which ended in New York on Sunday, by the […]

Puerto Azul owner sets record straight
A debt-holder with intimate knowledge of the ownership status of Northern Two Cayes on the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the location for the proposed Puerto Azul project, made it clear at a press conference on Thursday that the investors have not yet purchased the property […]

Editorial
The Problem of Guatemalan intruders taking over land in the Chiquibul Forest is but the beginning of a land struggle between landless peasants from Guatemala and the people of Belize. Already the Guatemalans have trespassed along the border, clearing the forest and creating private farms for themselves. If they can […]

Half a million embezzled from Treasury
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, on Thursday, confirmed reports that government had discovered approximately half a million dollars has been embezzled from the Treasury Department. According to Barrow, he first received the report from Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight on Tuesday. He said the embezzling of […]

Fraud and forgery revealed by audit of GOB finances
The Auditor General’s latest report for the fiscal period 2011-2012 has raised concerns over issues that continue to be a problem in the government’s management of public finances, including suspected instances of fraud and inadequate records management. According to the report, other issues that […]

Santi steps down to make way for Bradley
Caribbean Shores Area Representative, Santiago “Santino” Castillo announced on Thursday that he will step down and allow Mayor Darrell Bradley to be endorsed as the official candidate for the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Caribbean Shores. Castillo said he had long, hard nights thinking […]

Patrick Jones

Pastor charged with 4 counts of child pornography offenses
At about ten this morning, Community Policing and Truancy Officers from the Orange Walk Police formation conducted a special investigation and search at the house of a Honduran National in the Black Water Area of Town. According to authorities, they received reports from an official at the Trial Farm Government […]

Toledo Institute for Development and Environment hosts GIS Seminar.
Today, the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) hosted an Informal Seminar about the role of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The seminar was conducted by Peter O’Connor who is an intern from Ireland and has been working with TIDE for the past 5 months. His role is to update […]

Shooting in Belize City
Belize Media Group has been informed about two shooting incidents in the old capital in the area of Faber roads and Jane Usher. There are reports of fatalities but we are unable to officially confirm how many. Unconfirmed reports are indicating that at least 2 […]

Deon McCauley returns home, makes up with FFB
He’s back! National Football Team forward Deon McCauley touched down at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) this afternoon on a Delta Airlines flight from Atlanta, Georgia, ending several weeks of back and forth over whether he would be here for the start of training camp ahead of […]

UNAIDS surveys: Belizeans more accepting of LGBT; want more sex education in schools
Two years ago the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) sponsored two surveys: one, regarding attitudes and perceptions toward social and health issues in the Caribbean region; the other, concerning the response to health issues among men who have sex with men (MSM), or homosexuals. Taken together, […]

Students of Trial Farm Gov’t help to paint Hand Washing Mural
In February of this year, it was announced that the Trial Farm Government School had won second place in the Belize Red Cross Poster and Slogan Competition on proper hand washing techniques. Today, members from Red Cross, volunteer Artist Terryl “man at work” Godoy and artistically inclined students showcased their […]

PM promises to keep trying with audit requirements
Auditor General Dorothy Bradley has fingered the Government of Belize for being unable to reconcile 22 accounts as part of its annual audit exercise which resulted in an adverse review charging that it is not a true picture of Government finances as well as contracts being drawn up after work […]

Jaguar’s Striker is back in the Jewel
At 12:53 this afternoon, a Delta Airline touched ground in Belizean soil at the Philip Goldson International Airport with Belize’s striker; Deon McCaulay. For context, on Monday the Football Federation of Belize announced that if McCaulay wanted to play for the National team he would then need to find his […]

Half a million looted from Treasury?
The Government of Belize faces some financial worries, as police are investigating a reported theft from the Treasury. Certainly more than $350,000 and reports say as much as half a million, up to reportedly a million dollars was taken in several installments. But how was it done? Prime Minister and […]

Belmopan Area Students Showcase Talents
The Belmopan Area Expressive Arts began on Wednesday April 15th with students in cluster 3 doing their thing with pride and energy at the Belize Christian Academy grounds. The students recited poems, sang, danced, and played musical instruments as they entertained their parents, teachers, community members, adjudicators and Education Personnel. The students received either a gold, silver or bronze certificate depending on the level of their presentation.

Blogs

Same…Same…Same…The Perfect Weather Continues in Belize
Dear diary, It’s been sunny, warm and breezy for about 2 weeks now. With hardly a dark cloud floating by. I fear I might get a sunburn if I am not careful… The perfect weather on Ambergris Caye continues. Yesterday I took a walk…and hitchhike or 3…from Royal Palms Condos (where I live) about 2 miles south to Grand Caribe Resort about 1.5 miles north. 2 hours later I was back at home, a bit dusty, with some aching feet (Old Navy $2 flip flops aren’t the ideal walking shoe?!?!?) and these pictures.

Farewell Peter Tonti
It is with great sadness that the management and staff of Chaa Creek farewell a former long-time visionary of the Chaa Creek Team. Peter Tonti, who was with Chaa Creek for fifteen years, most recently as the company’s Chief Financial Officer, passed away on April 15th, 2015, leaving a huge void in the entire Belizean tourism industry, where he carved out a legacy as one of the industry’s pioneers and contributors to its early success. Arriving in Belize as a Peace Corps volunteer in the 1970s, Mr Tonti fell in love with the country and people and, when his tour was finished, decided to stay on. It was a time of dramatic change in Belize as the little country evolved from a colonial backwater to become one of the region’s most vibrant sovereign democracies.

Treasure hunting in Belize and a trip to the office
If you live here or plan to move here then consider this: Unless you leave often or have a herd of mules coming in, you will need to buy clothing at some point. While we do have a few new clothing stores in San Pedro, I know several people who will agree that the second hand shops win hands down for name brand choices. You do however, have to be in the mood for a treasure hunting adventure when shopping. :) I used to yard sale and “seconds” shop with my dad as a kid so I grew up with an eye for finding quality gently used things at remarkable prices. I was introduced to the art of the used clothing industry on a deeper level several years back when I lived in downtown Toronto. My old neighborhood has a great vintage clothing district and since I was friends with a few shop owners I even got to visit the factory or “Pick” as they called it. Believe it or not there is an art to finding the right stuff, beyond just knowing quality brands. When looking at jeans it was scanning for Levis with a big “E” that would be similar to hitting triple cherries on the slots. At the time (15 years back) they could net as high as $500 and were a real treasure to find. The pieces in those shops had all been handpicked and often there was a reflection of the owner in the store. At my friend Darcy’s shop it was plaid shirts and Carhart coats. The boys I hung out with at the time had great collections of both. Mine was vintage dresses and aprons – Lucille Ball style.

International Sources

The Disturbing Truth Behind Your Swim With The Dolphins
Throngs of Americans are heading south to the Caribbean right now, for the balmy sunshine, intoxicating evening breeze, turquoise waters … and the opportunity to swim with dolphins. But despite their popularity, swim-with-the-dolphin programs have a dark underbelly, and those on the inside are starting to speak out against them. Swim-with-the-dolphin (SWTD) programs can be found all over the world, but they've become exceptionally popular in the Caribbean in the past decade or so. A former dolphin trainer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told The Dodo that these programs are inherently problematic — and cetaceans simply do not belong in captivity. "Dolphins are beautiful and amazing creatures in their natural habitat," says the former trainer, who requested anonymity because he still works in the Caribbean hotel industry. "But stick them in a cage, and you watch them change."

Videos

April 17, 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

Letter to the Editor: Randy and Jody Edwards
We have vacationed on Ambergris Caye for several years. We really enjoy the laid back atmosphere of the island and the friendliness of the people of San Pedro. To us the one of the most appealing aspects of the island is the absence of large resort hotels and tall buildings. Restricting development would allow San Pedro to remain an attractive destination for tourists who can perhaps pay a little more rather than becoming a low cost, high volume budget vacation destination. Over the last several years San Pedro has developed from a back-packer destination to a destination that attracts a variety of middle class tourists. We are part of that group and fortunate enough to be regular repeat visitors. Positive headlines about the island shown up in International Press and as a result more and more people are becoming aware of this island paradise. As a result higher income tourists have also started to make the island their regular vacation destination. It would be hoped with this influx of vacationers that the island would continue to develop in a reasonable manner with smaller reasonably sized boutique type developments. San Pedro atmosphere used to be clean, attractive, safe and full of charming locals. We have always felt appreciated and very welcome here but are concerned that things are changing. We had hopes that town would be able to deal with the issues that come with growth. However based on our recent visit I am not confident that this is the case. The most glaring example is the town’s increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic. At times we felt unsafe.

NEMO officials inspect shelters in Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye
While there are no official hurricane shelters on either Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) conducted inspections of buildings that can be used in a case of emergency. The inspections took place on April 8th and 9th in San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker Village. The annual event was carried out by members of NEMO on both islands ahead of the hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th. According to NEMO Coordinator Jeromey Timrose Augustine-Cayetano, the inspection is an important part of the organization’s responsibility to ensure that residents have a place in case of an emergency. “Even though we have no official center, NEMO still has to prepare in the eventuality of a threat. We must plan for those people who will not evacuate the islands and will need a safer place other than their home to shelter during an emergency,” stated Augustine Cayetano.

Belmopan Comprehensive High School wins 4th Annual San Pedro Softball Cup
For the fourth year in a row, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) hosted the San Pedro Softball Cup among three male high school softball teams. The two-day tournament was held at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Arena and saw the participation of San Pedro High School (SPHS), Gwen Lizaraga High School (GLHS) and Belmopan Comprehensive High School (BCHS). At the end of the competition BCHS rose as the winners, taking home the championship cup from defending champions SPHS. The tournament kicked off on Friday, April 10th at 1PM. The teams competed in a three game double elimination. By the end of the day GLHS and BCHS advanced into the finals, leaving SPHS in third place and out of the tournament. The championship match was played on the morning Saturday, April 11th. The two teams took to the pitch ready for a good game. It was a tight match but BCHS took the win, while GLHS settling for second place.

Burn victims responding positively to medical treatment
Because of the nature of the burns, Katerin was taken to the specialized burn center at Shriners. Katerin’s grandmother said that while she has not physically seen her, indications are that the young girl is also responding well to the medications. “Katerin has spoken twice to her mother. It is obvious that she misses her mom because she gets emotional but Katerin is strong. She is still critical, but is reacting well to the treatment. She is being attended by some of the best doctors, but she has a long way to recovery,” indicated Meza. Katerin was flown to Shriners via the assistance of Yvette Burks from the Burn Victim Mercy Fund in Belize City. At home, friends and neighbors of the family, as well as concerned residents of the island hosted a fundraiser to assist the family financially. By all indications, the food sale and beach party on Sunday April 12 was a huge success. Organizers say that they are still trying to collect pledges and they are expected to make an announcement as to how much money was raised very soon.

Ambergris Today

Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve is always full of surprises and your experience is never the same each and every time you visit the national park. There are times you will catch a glimpse of the rare Green Moray Eel or the elusive Spotted Eagle Ray, while at time you will interact with a baby Loggerhead Sea Turtle, but would you every think of having an encounter with a mermaid? Well, they were not ‘real’ mermaids, but close enough to the real thing. Jason Darling and Maria Russo of Sirenalia, an Austin-based mermaid production company that promotes their “mermaids are real” slogan by making silicone mermaid tails and event performances, came to Belize so that their Mermaids could take a dip in our crystal clear waters and frolic along with the marine life at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. “Last Winter Sirenalia and Flashpool Productions went on a retreat to our favorite island in Belize, to snap some pictures and see the sights and start setting up a mermaid retreat to paradise,” commented Sirenalia Mermaid Retreat in their Facebook Page.

Misc Belizean Sources

PUERTO AZUL INTERNATIONAL HOLDING CORP PRESS RELEASE
Puerto Azul International Holding Corp. signed a purchase agreement with Northern Two Cayes Company Ltd. and Lighthouse Reef Resort Ltd, who are the legitimate owners of the Northern Two Cayes at Lighthouse Atoll. All encumbrances on the property are scheduled to be paid from closing proceeds by escrow agent Barrow & Williams. Mr. Mills is aware of this as it was settled through legal arbitration. Puerto Azul has complied with the terms of reference provided by the Environmental Subcommittee, and environmental studies are being conducted to determine the appropriate development for the Northern Two Cayes. The final project proposal will depend on the outcome of these studies.

Streetz Socialism
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. It’s official, no need to be sentimental Ghost’s burial was indeed ceremonial Killa was betrayed by his garrison boss This was a tragic loss; it came at a hefty cost Many of the youths lost From the science judge had passed on the young street boss Who wasn’t selfish he laid the foundation Fi Kraal Road to become first Division Football Champions McKenzie's murder was more crucial After being shot twice he did not react like a criminal For the streets in a whole he was critical Bring the gangs together through sports Giving books and council to youths that need support All we know is what we heard from news reports But our views they’ve succeeded to distort

Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) apologizes to customers for erroneous statement
"Kindly note that our email sent out yesterday regarding your April billing erroneously stated double billing in referring to the two lines on the bill as explained further in the email. We apologize for the error on our part. Please note that BWS takes great care in ensuring that reading and billing is accurate and fair to all our customers Notice to Customers New Tariffs effective April 01, 2015 Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) informs customers that, effective April 1st, 2015, new tariffs as approved by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) have come into effect. Customer bills issued in April 2015 covers consumption which spans March through to April and will therefore have the old and new tariffs applied on a pro-rata basis.

Tourist paid over $ 1,000 US for bogus tour
On 15.04.15 at about 4:00 p.m. a 52-year-old American woman visited the San Pedro Police Station and reported that on 12.03.15, she contacted one Gerson Cordon via email and whom made her to believe that he was the Manager of tour company located in San Pedro Town and booked a tour to Guatemala scheduled for 15.04.15. As a result Gerson Cordon made charges to her credit card which amounted to $1008.60 US for tour package to Tikal. On 15.04.15 she visited the tour company’s office located on the beach front San Pedro Town, where she was informed that Gerson Cordon is not employed by the company.

OmniRootZ Theater at Soul Project
OmniRootZ had their live theater production at the Soul Project. It was a packed house. The place for culture in Cayo.

Tiburon Rum Wins Double Gold
Tiburon, one of the newer rums produced in Belize, won big at the WSWA. It won double gold. Congratulations, Tiburon! One Barrel won gold too. "Tiburon rum takes the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of American competition by surprise by winning double gold best in class award and One barrel takes Gold !!! A very big day for Belize !!!"

Lights, camera, action!!!!
Belize's Love FM journalist and cameraman arrived in Atlanta yesterday to begin filming their documentary series on study in the U.S. Today they met with officials and students from Emory University and Agnes Scott College to discuss admissions, campus life, etc. at these two schools. This is the beginning of a two week tour throughout the U.S. Focused on different types of schools. Their next stop is in Chicago. Upon return from filming Love FM will air the documentary series: Destination Study USA so everyone in Belize can watch and see what options are available to them.

WUHS Health Fair/Polyclinic Pap Smear Campaign
Free services include: HIV testing, Pap smear, health/nutrition info. Saturday, April 18, 8 AM to noon. Dr. Otto Rodriguez, San Pedro Polyclinic II, Manta Ray Street, San Pedro

BTEC Job Readiness Training ( Dangriga)
Since January of 2015 BTEC has taken its Job Preparedness Training on the road starting first in Belmopan and now completing our second cohort in beautiful Dangriga. BTEC extends its gratitude to its partners Ecumenical Junior College, Department of Youth Services, POWA, Women’s Department and the Ignacio Cacho Library for their unwavering support and contributions in making this training a reality. A total of 51 individuals from a wide cross-section of Dangriga’s residents completed the Pre-test in basic English, Computer and Typing of which 20 participants remained focused and actively engaged in order to graduate the three week job readiness program on April 8th 2015. As the name implies, the Job Readiness program seeks to impart professional and career development expertise that will strengthen their employability skills. The program offers soft skills training along with front line telephone etiquette, customer service, and sales basics that can translate to individuals entering the Call Centres. Important to note is that 5 individuals have already obtained gainful employment and we expect the numbers to grow exponentially as we assist these individuals in attaining entry level employment and commencing their careers.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Thursday, April 16, 2016: 63. FANTASY 5: 31 32 23 30 21 A

Playwriting Workshop at Benque HoC
It's been a month full of artistry. Riti Sachdeva from OmniRootZ hosted a playwriting workshop at the Benque House of Culture. Thanks, Riti! "Imagine this...Yesterday we were amazed by her mythopolitical approach where global issues are told through mythological lenses. Heartful thanks to OmniRootZ Theatre Produkshunz for their support and many thanks to each participant. Images courtesy to Ms Cindy Castellanos."

UB Earth Day Celebration
The University of Belize is having their annual Earth Day Celebration next Wednesday, April 22nd. There will be loads of food, fun, activities, and informational booths.

Public outreach among communities in the Municipality of Melchor de Mencos
Thanks to the financing from the British Embassy, FCD’s educator in Peten, Guatemala finalized a year of public outreach among communities in the Municipality of Melchor de Mencos. This year’s work centered around the importance of the Chiquibul Maya Mountains Biosphere Reserve. A total of 28 rural communities and 10 barrios of Melchor de Mencos were visited.

Channel 7

Hon. Castillo Steps Aside For Mayor Bradley In Caribbean Shores
Another UDP Area Representative has stepped down to make way for a new candidate. Santiago Castillo Jr - who was just elected three years ago - held a press conference today to say he wouldn't go to a convention against Mayor Darrell Bradley on June 7th. Instead, he is endorsing Bradley and returning to his family business when his term is ended. The announcement didn't come as a surprise to political insiders; they knew that Castillo had not been active in his division and would have faced an uphill battle against a Mayor whose popular at the polls. And, so, it was basically pride of place that was keeping him in the game - but pride can be an expensive indulgence - and today Castillo told the media that he didn't want to further tax his sole political financier, who is his mother, millionaire matriarch of the Santiago Castillo business empire, Ady Castillo. The Prime Minister made it official at UDP Headquarters this morning:.. Hon. Dean Barrow, UDP Party Leader "Minister Castillo, after a long and anxious consideration, has decided that he does not wish to go forward." Hon. Santiago Castillo, UDP Representative - Caribbean Shores "I've had long and hard nights thinking about this decision. Something that I discussed with my family in details, especially this past weekend and it's a decision that took me a long time to make. In fact, as the Prime Minister indicated, it was solely my decision. When I looked at everything that was on the board, the main reason I made this decision is because as he said, a convention in Caribbean Shores, and I had a personal meeting with the Mayor this morning and I feel and still feel that that would have been like a Manny Pacquiao/Mayweather fight.

Brutality Victim, Andres Rodriguez, Speaks
28 year old driver Andres Rodriguez was beaten by police at his home in front of his wife and son on Sunday night. The video that his wife captured went viral on Facebook and made the news. As we told you one of the officers has been charged for wounding while the others have been will face disciplinary action. Well, Rodriguez came to Belize City today to tell us that outcome is not enough, far from it. He visited our studios today and gave us his personal account of the horrifying incident and told us why he thinks these officers should be sent home. His narrative of the event begins after the police officers approached him in his vehicle and broke his glass window as he drove off. Andres Rodriguez "Says he was beaten for no reason. When I was reaching near to where I live, I realized the police was following me and I stopped in the middle of the road. I didn't even park the car in the garage where I should have park it… and so that is when I stopped and came out of the car and suddenly the police started to hit me without saying anything…they told me nothing. When they started to beat me my only reaction was to get into my house because my house was close by.

Half A Million Stolen From Treasury
Almost half a million dollars has been fleeced from the government treasury - and according to the Prime Minister, it was done by officials playing games with account numbers. He told the media today what is known so far about the scam: Prime Minister Dean Barrow "There is some official or officials who ran some sort of scam in terms of legitimate payments for particular accounts changing account numbers while perhaps retaining the name. It seems initially the bank's only concern that the account number that was given, did in fact exist. What the FS (Financial Secretary) told me was that basically it was the bank or one of the banks that eventually realize that there was a mismatch between the particular name and the particular account number. When the Financial Secretary spoke to me, he did say that it appeared that it could be as high as half a million dollars. The police feel that there is more evidence they need, at least up to Tuesday, before arrests or an arrest would take place."

Upgraded Criminal Charge For Dr. Marco Tulio
PUP Orange Walk East Area Representative Marco Tulio Mendez will face more serious charges of child molestation after the DPP reviewed the file. Months after Mendez was arraigned, the investigation file was finally sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Lynn Vidal. After going over the evidence, she found evidence for another charge that the officers did not lay against Mendez. This afternoon, DPP Vidal told us that the investigators charged him with indecent assault based on the claim that he allegedly touched these girls in a sexual manner. That's an aggravated assault, but DPP Vidal told us that one of the teenagers reported details more serious than that. She told us that there is evidence from one of the complainants which suggests that Mendez was trying to have intercourse with her. Legally, the offence of attempting to commit carnal knowledge is more serious than aggravated assault. That means that now the case definitely has to go to the Supreme Court - previously it would have been heard at the Magistrate's level. So, that means more bad news for Mendez, who confidently declared on Monday that he will be acquitted when his day in court comes. Here are those comments again:

Making Internet Bandwidth More Affordable
Did you know that even when you are sending an email to your neighbor right across the street - it has to first be routed through Miami? It's nothing sinister, that's just how the bandwidth traffic is routed. But now, a new internet exchange point will be set up in Belize - and all local internet traffic will be routed locally - at no cost to internet service providers like BTL and SMART. It's going through a hub at the UB Belize City Campus in West Landivar - and, in a minor modern miracle, all the major internet service providers have signed unto the initiative. It was spearheaded by a regional group called Packet Clearing House. Bevel Wooding explained that while it may sound technical, the local exchange point it will make a simple difference in your e-life:... Bevel Wooding, Packet Clearing House "Now that access to sites anywhere in the world is normally done through an exchange point. Up to this day, those exchange points that you connect to that, service providers have to connect to, have been outside of Belize. What the parties are agreeing to do today is to bring, to establish, to develop an internet exchange point within Belize. So that the first point of internet traffic exchange is going to happen locally before it happens internationally.

Puerto Azul: Who Owns The Cayes?
Puerto Azul, the name has been in the news for at least 8 months now. That's after it got roundly criticized by the conservation community and the Government for being too "fantastical" to be placed on the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. The first details released on the project last year was that the Italian investors wanted to build a super exclusive eight star mega resort on North 2 and Sandbore Cayes. It got negative publicity because the conservationists say that environmentally, the size and scope of the project will affect the integrity of the natural elements of this World Heritage Site. Well, it appeared that the developers got the message, and they intended to scale it back. Fast-forward to this morning; one American businessman, who has financial interests in the island, decided to go public with his opinions of the project and the changes that the investors are now considering. First, there is a complex backstory to the ownership of the two cayes where the Puerto Azul investors want to put their resort. The cayes are jointly owned by two companies, known as Northern Two Cayes Company Limited, and the Lighthouse Reef Resort Limited. Those two companies are in court. On one side, there is American Jack Black who is being sued by his former business partners, 98 other Americans, who jointly bought the two islands. Then, there is businessman John Mills who bought a mortgage for the complex so that the existing Lighthouse Reef Resort could stay open. It was being foreclosed on by Scotia Bank. He's now a bondholder trying to get paid, and he has an encumbrance on the property in which the owners owe him over 3 million US dollars. So, for Puerto Azul Developers to buy the property from the two companies, he has to be paid first.

PM Discusses Effects Of The US Money Laundering Measures
On Tuesday we told you about what the Prime Minister said at the Summit of the America's about the perilous state of Belize and the Region's banking industry after draconian anti money laundering measures were enacted by the US Government. He said, quote, "there is a crisis in my own country....where the big US banks are 'de-risking' by terminating their correspondent relationships with our domestic banks." Now, if you don't know, that correspondent banking relationship is the bedrock of the international aspect of local banking - that's who the banks rely on to conduct all their international transactions, such as wire transfers. Simply put, these correspondent banks - mainly the bank of America in New York - make it possible to get money from one country to another - without them, international commerce becomes impossible. Today the Prime Minister walked back somewhat from his characterization of it as a crisis; he said no banks have yet lost their correspondent banking relationship.

PM Trying To Resolve Cruise Port Dispute
The Prime Minister is also dealing with another prickly local matter that has international implications. That's the matter of Belize's cruise future. As we have reported, the Fort Street Tourism Village and its competitor, Mike Feinstein's Stake Bank project are in court with the Government of Belize. There is a bevy of suits and countersuits - but the PM says, he's at least gotten both sides to the table to talk:... Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "The development is that, I had a discussion with Mr. Feinstein. Had a discussion with the Fort Street Tourism people, the two of them got together and so there is a little bit more clarity as to where we are, if not necessarily as to the way forward. Again, as to where that solution will come down - as to who the solution will favor - I don't want to be premature. I am trying to be extremely careful because any way you go, there is clearly going to be a degree of discontent. I don't want necessarily to lose FSTV. I certainly, I don't mind saying, would want to see Feinstein as the local, be able to proceed with the development of Stake bank." Of course, the case has already gone to court. Principally, Mike Feinstein is challenging the ability of the Fort Street Tourism Village to collect tax - since, only the government can tax - and all taxes must go into the consolidated revenue fund. The PM says they may have to go to parliament to fix that:...

Auditor General Reports On Government Finances
And while the Prime Minister is playing doctor in the case, the examining physician when it comes to government's finances is the Auditor General, Dorothy Bradley. And her recently completed report for the fiscal year 2001 to 2012 gives a poor bill of health. Bradley has registered an adverse opinion, saying that the audit, quote, "does not give a true and fair view of the government's financial position as at March 31, 2012...": The reason for that is 23 commercial bank accounts which were not reconciled. Today the Prime Minister registered only mild concern:.. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "I'm concerned that we still don't completely have our house in order, but things like a lack of reconciliation, I'm not blaming public officers. But that's hardly the sort of thing that the political directorate can ensure will take place. In terms of contracts being done after works have been performed, that's perhaps a little more problematic, in fact I would say it's a little more problematic. But again there are exceptional circumstances where you shouldn't, but you do move quickly because you feel there's a special urgency to the case. I repeat, they ought not to happen, but look, you're not talking about any case of fraud. You're not talking about any case of any politician or any public servant having made off with monies. I will be very happy that that's not the case."

PM Barrow Discusses Labour Senator's Predicament
We also asked the Prime Minister to weigh in on embattled Senator Ray Davis. Davis is Barrow's former classmate from his high school days at Saint Michael's - and the PM holds him in high regard. He says he too was disappointed in Davis's abstention - since he wanted the Senator to vote "yes" to the Petrocaribe Loan Motion, The union wanted him to vote "no" - but never made that clear to Davis - and the PM says it would be unfair to banish him for that:.. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "I can't understand why some people in the NTUCB, in particular, the vice president would be going after him in this fashion, especially because he seems to be able to show that he did not receive specific instructions. If you don't instruct the man, in effect you're leaving it up to him to make his individual determination. How then are you going to fault him for the determination that he did make. It is my sense that he certainly didn't vote for the bill, but it is my sense that Ray bore well in mind the fact that public officers and teachers have benefited so handsomely from Petrocaribe. They have a seat on the National Bank through which they are benefiting. They have a seat on BIL, so that largest infrastructure projects, they are able to provide oversight for. And that while the argument is that they are 'quarrelling' with the legislation rather than with the program, in a sense the lines are blurred. And so it doesn't strike me as at all surprising that, left to his own devices, Davis didn't feel that this was something he should vote no on. I'm a little disappointed he didn't actually vote yes, but as I said, that apart he's an outstanding fellow and I would hope for the sake of the NTUCB that they don't let go of, really, a person who's a stellar performer."

The Struggles Of the Fisherman
The Belize Federation of Fishers today launched a unique documentary about Belizean fishermen. The over 1 hour production delves into the life of 7 Belizean Fishermen, highlighting their internal struggles as fisher folk on the sea as well as external issues affecting their livelihood. We spoke with some of the starring fishermen this afternoon at the Belize Elementary School Auditorium about what this documentary means to them. They held an AGM this morning where they got to voice their concerns to Minister Lisel Alamilla. Some of those issues include limited funding, strengthening the cooperative and establishing a mechanism to regulate fin fish in Belize among others. The federation is working on selling the documentary in DVD format.

UB Student Research Applied To Real Problems
Today a group of University students presented their findings on a number of interesting research topics. They were presented at the University of Belize's Faculty of Management and Social Sciences 5th Annual Research Symposium at the Radisson. About 7 students gave a 20 minute presentation and engaged other students and lecturers in a discussion. Now, it may sound like a puffed up version of class presentations, but according to the Dean of the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, it's not just for show; it focuses on how these students can devise solutions to national issues and present new ideas. We met with some of these young researchers this morning and they discussed the extent of their research. Vincent Palacio, Dean, UB Faculty of FMASS "As the national university, it is our responsibility to do investigative work, research. To be able to answer questions of national significance. So, we have all of our students in the business program, before they graduate, they either have to do an internship or they do a thesis, which is a research. In the past we use to have thesis defense at the university where only the faculty members would listen to. When I came on as dean, I felt it was so rich that we should open it up for the entire country. So we decided to have this conference. Five years in going, the topics are very, exciting and interesting. We added the poster component so we have posters all around that you'll see."

PROFILE
Tonight we have another installment in the "I am Belize" Profile Series. This time, the profile is focusing on mediation counseling - and Claudia Groutsche tells the profile, how, by counseling others, she stumbled upon the central conflict in her own life: the conflict with her mother:..

The Telecommunications Blackout of 05
So, this week we are observing the ten-year anniversary of the Troubles of 2005. The country came to a standstill on April 15, 2005 - when the national phone system went down: no land lines, no cellular, no internet, no text. At the same time, there were intermittent blackouts and water service outages. For a while there it was like Belize had turned into basketcase. The whole uproar was about the Musa Administration - public funds used to cover private debts for cronies without any public knowledge or disclosure. Things really started to heat up on April 15, which is when the phone system went down. That's when government swooped in to BTL to take it over by force. Last night we showed you how that weekend ended on April 17th, with Sunday night mayhem in front of BTL headquarters. Tonight, we'll show you how it started on Friday night with Police moving in to take over the utility:... Again, that was ten years ago, in April of 2005. Last night we mixed it up and said March, 2005 - slight confusion created by the fact that our internet archive for those dates are blank - why? Because there was no internet due to the telecommunication shutdown.

Channel 5

Santi Concedes to Darrell Bradley and Steps Down As U.D.P. Caribbean Shores Candidate
Mayor Darrell Bradley has been anointed the U.D.P. candidate in Caribbean Shores, no messy convention, no nasty mudslinging, no big spending and no bloodshed – just…well for lack of a [...]

Was Santi Induced Into Back Down from Squaring Off with Darrell Bradley?
The sudden departure of Castillo raises eyebrows, since when last we spoke to him he was very critical of Bradley, and very confident of victory in any convention. He claimed [...]

Darrell Bradley Lays Out Campaign Roadmap for Caribbean Shores
So on June seventh, there will be a convention, but it will be an endorsement of the U.D.P.’s crown prince Darrell Bradley. It’ll be the Mayor’s first time in the [...]

Half-A-Million Dollars Missing from Treasury!
Following his political announcement, the PM spoke to the media on a myriad of issues, including one very recent and serious discovery. Auditors and the police have been called into [...]

Who Owns the Islands That Puerto Azul Will Be Built On?
Puerto Azul, arguably the largest foreign direct investment in tourism in Belize, should it become a reality, was the subject of a press conference earlier today by a debt holder [...]

PM on Status of Tourism Developments
The government hasn’t been having much luck where mega-million dollar tourism investment in Belize is concerned. The interest is there, and perhaps so is the real intent, but the projects [...]

What’s the P.M.’s Two Cents on the Ray Davis/N.T.U.C.B. Situation?
N.T.U.C.B. Second Vice-President, Audrey Matura-Shepherd has called for the head of Senator Ray Davis because he abstained when asked to vote on the controversial Petrocaribe Bill. Matura has gone so [...]

P.M. Responds to the Auditor General’s Reports
Barrow also spoke on the recent report of the Auditor-General, who reports that she could not get a clear picture of government finances because a number of accounts were not [...]

Quality Internet Services; Stakeholders Sign M.O.U. for local Internet Exchange Point
For the past five years, the Caribbean Telecommunications Union together with Pocket Clearing House has been promoting the establishment of Internet Exchange Points throughout the Caribbean. Exchange Points are essentially [...]

…What Will It Mean for Internet Users?
The installation of the local infrastructure will see a better increase in the services provided to consumers—gaming operations, voice over internet protocols, substantial increases in local bandwidth and local internet [...]

Fisher Folks Meet to Discuss State of Fisheries in Belize
The Belize Federation of Fishers held its first annual general meeting at the Belize Elementary School Gymnasium in Belize City today. The federation started back in 2011, but got incorporated [...]

Minister of Fisheries Weighs in on Belize Fisheries Federation AGM
And if it is recognition from government that the B.F.F. needs, they got it today at its A.G.M. Minister of Fisheries, Lisel Alamilla, attended the event. After a brief presentation, [...]

OW Cops Guilty of Beating Up Andres Rodriguez
Tonight, the officers involved in the vicious beating of Andres Rodriguez in Orange Walk Town on Sunday have been found guilty of excessive use of force.  That is the outcome [...]

Saul Geovanni Ortiz Arraigned for Murder of Coastguard Officer in San Ignacio
A third San Ignacio resident was formally arrested and charged today for the murder of twenty-three-year-old Belizean coastguard officer, Aurelio Montero Junior. On Tuesday, twenty-three year old Saul Geovanni Ortiz, [...]

Glenford Baine Sentenced to Five Years for Gun Possession
Eight months ago, on August fourth, 2014, twenty-five-year-old Belize City resident Glenford Baine Junior was seen hiding a nine millimeter pistol loaded with nine live rounds of ammunitions into a [...]

Petition to Bring Back Deon McCauley
Following a congress of the Football Federation of Belize on Saturday, President Ruperto Vicente reiterated that the organization will not be sponsoring striker Deon McCauley’s return to the country for [...]

What’s the Quota Needed to Return Striker to Belize for World Cup Qualifiers?
That brainstorming led to the realization of a five thousand dollar quota, the total needed to defray McCauley’s travel expenses, as well as a weekly stipend while in Belize training. [...]

CTV3

O/W East Area Rep. To Face More Charges
There seems to be more trouble brewing for the embattled P.U.P Orange Walk East Area Representative, Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez tonight. That is because information from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Sheryl Lyn Vidal indicates that Mendez will be additionally charged for the attempt to commit Carnal Knowledge. Our friends at Channel 7 spoke to Vidal today who confirmed to them that months after Mendez was arraigned, the investigation file was finally sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. After her perusal, she found evidence for another charge that the officers did not lay against Mendez. Vidal said and we quote “one of the teenagers reported details more serious than that. The file shows that there is evidence for the attempt to commit Carnal Knowledge charge. The incident allegedly dates back to 2009. We tried on many attempts to contact his Attorney Dickie Bradley today to confirm this information but our efforts have been futile up to news time. For context, 2 teenaged girls have accused him of inappropriate sexual contact which happened years before the age of consent. Since the report, Mendez has been charged with several counts of Aggravated Assault of an indecent nature.

Santiago Castillo Jr. No Longer To Contest Convention For Caribbean Shores
The convention for UDP Standard Bearer for Caribbean Shores in Belize City was set for June 7th but instead of an electoral battle between current UDP Area Representative for Caribbean Shores Santiago Castillo Junior and current Mayor for Belize City Darrel Bradley, the people of Caribbean Shores will witness an endorsement convention. And it’s not Darrell Bradley that backed down. This morning Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance & Economic Development Santiago Castillo Junior announced that he will not contest the convention and was leaving the road free for Darrel Bradley. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the UDP Office in Belize City and we are sure that it caught many by surprise especially the constituents of Caribbean Shores since they were informed about Castillo’s decision as recently as last night via text message. “So as to keep it from the Press, I did not informed my committee until after the news last night by text, it would have been impossible to call each and every one and it would have been up to right now so I send them a text informing them of my decision that is how I did it because the Prime Minister and I have discussed that I didn’t want news to get out prior to right now.”

Guinea Grass Village In Dire Need Of Police Officers
Residents of Guinea Grass have for years been clamouring for a stationed 24/7 police officer for the growing village but their cries have always fallen on deaf ears. If in the event of an emergency, the Chairman says he relies on his own resources to get help for his people. “The lack of police officer in the village it is an issue because there are sometimes that we have emergencies and we do not have an officer, I would not say it is the officers fault because they are under a command and if they are called out of the village to work on the Orange Walk Station well is not their fault so.” Maria Novelo – Reporter “Hypothetically speaking suppose an emergency comes up and how do you guys goes to get help?” JOSE HERNANDEZ – Chairman, Guinea Grass “Normally when situations like arises, I go in my vehicle as the Chairman and I try to pacify whatever problem is going on.” It is of note that the village does have a small police station outpost but rarely is an officer seen or found there when needed and so the residents of the community rely on the Orange Walk authorities for help.

O/W Police Investigates Traffic Mishap Involving Customs Officers
Yesterday we told you about a Customs vehicle that was mangled and wrecked after it overturned and flipped in a drain off the San Lorenzo Road. When we left you, police had vague information on the report since it happened late in the afternoon. Well today we got the names of the driver and his passengers and an account of what transpired through the Orange Walk Police. “Orange Walk police visited the San Lorenzo road an area about half a mile away from San Lorenzo Housing Site when traveling from the San Roman road when upon arrival it was observed that a red Mitsubishi four door pickup which is the property of the government of Belize attached to the Customs Department and as seen on the right hand side of the road while travelling on the San Roman road overturned with the four wheels on the air; Aaron A. Sheppard 34 years Customs Officer reported he was driving the said motor vehicle in direction of San Roman road to San Lorenzo road whilst reaching about half a mile from the San Lorenzo Housing Site he was approached by another vehicle on the opposite direction which lifted a heavy cloud of dust which blinded him and run off the road and causing him to over turned, travelling with Sheppard was Brian Gill 26 years old and one Williams PC#701 attached to special patrol unit, Sheppard complaint of a pain to his left foot and Williams complain of chest pain and Gill complain of back and shoulder.”

CSCPA Seeks Fair Trade Certification
As we reported in the second segment of the newscast by all accounts, the sugar crop is going well, and the new associations have been working well together. Well, we can say this is certain for the Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association. We spoke with the Chairman of the CSCPA, Elvis Canul who says that they are enjoying a good working relationship with the other associations and BSI. The association has come far as they have held their first annual general meeting on April 12th. Canul says it was necessary to take that step to secure the association’s future. At the meeting the membership elected its official board of directors, were presented the bylaws, a strategic plan and budget. The membership also elected a surveillance committee that comprises of three members. So far the association has 342 registered members from Patchakan, Corozal Town, Louisville, Concepcion, Libertad, Progresso and San Narciso with a total of 91, 429 tons of sugar cane. Canul says they have been receiving favorable recognition within the industry and the communities. “We have been contacted by the government officials, we have been contacted by the different agricultural suppliers, they know that we are a new organization, and they want to work along with us, we have SIRDI, we have the ACPC at all different levels that have been very collaborative and sharing information so that we could get on board and have a good road to where we want to go.”

Guinea Grass Village To Construct Fence On Football Field
And while we had the opportunity to speak with the Chairman of Guinea Grass Village, we felt compelled to ask about the well fare and affairs of the community. With an ever increasing village population that keeps growing, the community has its fair share of difficulties. And despite not having any help from Central Government, the tightly –knit community bands together to make projects come to fruition for the village and residents. JOSE HERNANDEZ – Chairman, Guinea Grass “There is a lot of issues here in the village that needs attention and this village is big and as you might know the lack of resources or the finances we do not have that but thanks to the people that sponsors us and help us that they give a little here and a little there and that is how we carry our projects. This coming week we are going to start fencing our football field and as you can see it it is damaged because vehicles usually crossed the field but we want to start off fencing the football field, I already ordered the post and by next week we should be starting.” It is of note that the Guinea Grass Village has an approximate population of over 4,000 residents.

Belize Chamber Of Commerce Calls For Accountability And Transparency
The controversial Petro Caribe Loans Act is back in the news tonight and this is after the Belize Chamber of Commerce issued a release this afternoon stating their stance on the issue at the same time calling for accountability and transparency. After careful review of the Alba Petro Caribe Bill the Chamber has taken the position that the bill undermines the spirit and intent of the revised Finance and Audit Act of 2005. The Chamber believes that this new Act undermines and effectively reverses all efforts made by the Chamber and the unions in 2005 toward greater accountability and transparency in the handling of public funds. According to the Belize Chamber of Commerce transparency and accountability should be given greater prominence by the Government of Belize particularly due to the absence of a fully functional Public Accounts Committee to report on Government Expenditure. And, according to the chamber, it is for this reason that the organization endorses the Business Sector Senator’s vote against the Petro Caribe Act in the Senate.

PlusTV

Keyren Tzib meets bail on attempted murder charge
After a delay to consider the merits of her case, Supreme Court Justice Herbert Lord today set bail of $10,000 for Coast Guard seaman Keyren Tzib, 24, charged with the attempted murder by shooting of Petty Officer Kurt Hyde on Easter Monday, April 6, aboard a Coast Guard vessel docking at the headqu...

Final decision on Albert Vaughan loitering charge in May
This afternoon Magistrate Hettie Mae Stuart heard final submissions from both parties in the case against 55 year old activist of the People’s United Party (PUP) Albert Vaughan, who faces a charge of loitering in a public place stemming from the events of August 4 when workers from Belize Maintena...

Belizeans organized to “bring Deon home”
The furore over the fate of superstar footballer Deon McCaulay continues to rage, but according to the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) it is out of their hands: unless Belize’s top goal scorer can pay his way home, he may not make it on to the national team to play in the second round of the reg...

Another disgruntled PUP takes to social media
An explosive article written by former PUP Standard bearer Collet Montejo that criticizes his party’s leadership is making its rounds in social media since it was published in the Amandala yesterday. The article states that quote, "The current leadership of the PUP can see that with names such as Fo...

Measures to quell perception of corruption
Last week plus news reported that a senior worker at the Belmopan City Council Javier Novelowas dismissed from office...

World English Experience for Belmopan Baptist High students
On March 27,11 students and one teacher from the Belmopan Baptist High School travelled to London to participate in the World English Experience, an annual event held at one of the most prestigious boarding schools in London...

Woman critically injured in drive by shooting
A woman was critically injured in a drive by shooting last night, Tuesday April 14. According to reports, sometime about 9:15 p.m., 37-year-old Stephanie Bood of Belize City was shot to the right hand and the buttocks...

Toledo police make arrest in fatal hit and run accident
Earlier this week we told you about a fatal hit and run accident in Big Falls Toledo. Today, police have arrested the person believed to be responsible for the death of  Jose Aldana on Monday of this week...

Dead shrimp floating in shrimp farm pond
Marine products make up a significant part of Belize’s domestic exports; valuing some 112 million dollars in the year 2013.  The shrimp industry is a part of that sector and has had its ups and downs in Belize with a contracting and then rebounding of the market over the years...

Robbery at Dangriga Gas station
There was a robbery at a Dangriga  gas station on Tuesday afternoon. According to the  25-year-old pump attendant at UNO Gas Station on George Price Drive in Dangriga, he was accosted by two men, one armed with what appeared to be a handgun. The men robbed him of his Smart SAMSUNG phone and $706...

13 years for gun possession and weed
Twenty-two-year-old Darrington Lauriano Jr. was sentenced to thirteen years in prison starting yesterday Tuesday April 14...

Belize City men on island with drugs
A group of Belize City men from the Victoria Street Area were found on the Island of Ambergris Caye with cocaine. Police special operations on San Pedro led to the discovery and subsequent arrest of the  5 men...

The Guardian

National Bank issues 842 loans to public officers and teachers - Do Matura and Mora want this to stop?
The President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, Marvin Mora, has latched sides with the Vice President, Audrey Matura in what appears to be an all out campaign to either declare the Petro Caribe bill either illegal or immoral. And as they go about their campaign they have forgotten two crucial things about Petro Caribe, or maybe it is that they are so consumed by their anti-Petro Caribe rhetoric that it is obfuscating what they should know. What Matura and Mora should know is that Petro Caribe is funding the Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL) which is the government operated company which is implementing sporting facilities across the country. BIL is headed by a board of directors one of whom is a member of the NTUCB. If it is transparency and accountability that Matura and Mora are chiding the Petro Caribe bill for, all they need to do is to ask their representative on BIL to appraise them of how the money is being spent. BIL goes through some tedious processes to ensure accountability and we are sure that the union representative there is aware of these. Mora and Matura, please check your representative to see how the money is being spent. What they also need to check is that the National Bank was originally capitalized with 20 million dollars from Petro Caribe and later 10 million dollars was infused to ensure, that most of all, public officers and teachers are able to access finances to make their lives better.

Ambassador Nestor Mendez says he’ll be professional if he deals with Guatemala-Belize negotiations
H.E. Nestor Mendez is the newly elected deputy Secretary General of the Organization of American States. He was elected with a 24-10 margin giving him what Mendez says is a significant mandate. Mendez will hold tenure for five years from July 13 2015 to July 2020. On Wednesday April 15 he appeared on Wave Radio's 'Fus ting da mawnin' where he told the hosts Joe Bradley and Alfonso Noble as much. During the course of the half hour interview Mendez explained that the entire process of getting him elected started in March 2013. During that process the campaign had to convince the membership that Belize has a role to play in the organization and convincing the member states that Belize has a better candidate to offer. At the end of the day Mendez explained that he received a strong mandate where the membership expects him to be a manager for the implementation and offer guidance in the organization to implement what the membership has decided on. Asked what role he will play in the Belize-Guatemala negotiations, he explained that the Secretary General is yet to determine that but "I can assure everyone that I will treat this issue with the highest degree of professionalism, seriousness and respect that this matter deserves." As for now however he was quick to point out that he does not know what role he will be assigned at the OAS but explained that the current Sec. Gen. has expressed that his role will be one of more being a co-secretary general than a deputy.

Hon. Dean Barrow’s Remarks at the Second CEO Summit of the Americas
Bridging the Americas: Productive Integration for Inclusive Development The topic we are dealing with is a large one. But the organizers have tried to be helpful by identifying the sub-areas on which they want to focus. These have been described as "opportunities for promoting investment, facilitating trade and fostering development, in particular in agribusiness, finance, information technology and public infrastructural sectors, as well as active participation of the private sector in the social development of our nations". Now that is a mouthful. And I am not sure that it does not in fact further expand rather than compress the subject. I shall nevertheless try both to follow its markers and remain within the allotted time. But to do that I have had to further distill the theme. I will therefore be concentrating principally on the modalities and strategies necessary to optimize our efforts at the level of regional economic groupings, which groupings are the precursor to Hemispheric integration. I take it as a given that our current stratification into so-called Regional Economic Communities (RECs)-NAFTA, CARICOM, SICA, MERCOSUR, UNASUR-is accepted as the best way of proceeding towards the ultimate goal of hemispheric free trade. Indeed, this very Summit had its genesis in the integration process launched by the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative (EAI) and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). But proceeding from that premise, I believe we need to examine and strengthen the operational effectiveness of our current RECs in order to achieve true pan-American complementarity.

Mark King intervenes on behalf of Lake I Squatters
Almost a dozen families from the Lake Independence area were about to be thrown unto the street when the Area Representative, Hon. Mark King, intervened on their behalf. Property in the Lake Independence Area is turning into prime real estate as a result of Government’s Belize City transformation master plan. The area now being developed as Lake Independence Boulevard will be home to world class sporting and recreation facilities, a national bus terminal, national police headquarters and National Bank of Belize’s Belize City headquarters. Due to this remarkable development, landowners who have long neglected their undeveloped properties in the area are now coming forward to present papers of ownership and demand the removal of squatters. Two weeks ago, the attorney for one such property owner issued eviction notices to squatters in the area which would ultimately cause the uprooting of eleven families from the place they call home. Just before their structures were destroyed and they were thrown out unto the street, Hon. Mark King called the attorney to request a stay of execution on the eviction notices until he can find some place for the people to move.

148 voters determine who is new BNTU president
The presidency of the Belize National Teacher’s Union, perhaps the most powerful union in the country, was contested on Wednesday of last week. It is interesting that while the union is the largest in the country, a total of 333 members were the ones to decide who the president would be. The general meeting to make such a crucial decision for the union came without much fanfare. There are some who say they were not even aware that the meeting would take place and much less that there would be an election to determine who the president would be. Nonetheless the meeting took place in Benque Viejo del Carmen and high on the agenda was the election. There were three persons who had expressed interest in the position, these persons include incumbent Luke Palacio, Belmopan Branch President Frances Avella and Orange Walk Branch president Otilio Muñoz. At the end of the elections Luke Palacio received 148 votes, Frances Avella received 98 votes and Otilio Munoz received 87 votes.

BNTU holds convention in Cayo
The Belize National Teachers Union held its 45th Annual Convention in Benque Viejo del Carmen on April 8th and 9th of 2015 at the Mount Carmel High School. It was a special time for teachers from across Belize to set an agenda for the coming years. During the second day, Luke Palacio was re-elected for the third consecutive time as president of the BNTU. On April the 9th, two resolutions were presented to improve both the Union and teacher’s welfare and are as follows: Whereas the BNTU constitution was revised and approved in 2011, and whereas the Standing Order was not revised; be it resolved that a Constitution Committee be formed to revise the Constitution, Bye Laws and Standing Order. Be it further resolved that it is presented at Convention 2016 for approval. Whereas the revolving loan scheme charges 8% interest on loans, except for professional development loans, which charge 5% interest, be it resolved that medical emergency loans for the members and their immediate family be given at 5% interest upon presentation of proper medical documentation, be it further resolved that any loan made by a retired teacher be charged at 5% interest, be it further resolved that a through accrual study be made before implementation of this resolution.

Bail for Keyren Tzib
Coast Guard Seaman Keyren Tzib has been accused of shooting fellow officer Curt Hyde on Easter Monday. On Wednesday, April 15, eight days after being remanded to the Belize Central Prison she was released on bail. She will have to stand trial at some point on charges of attempted murder, dangerous harm, and use of deadly means of harm. Her attorney Audrey Matura-Shepherd, applied to the Supreme Court for an expedited bail hearing on Friday, April April 10. She did so by invoking the amendment to the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act. The premise of the new law is that an accused person can forgo the 2 week waiting period if he/she can show the court that prior to being charged with the current offence, that person was of good character and without a criminal record. Matura-Shepherd submitted arguments before Justice Herbert Lord that Tzib fits this exception perfectly. Senior Crown Counsel Linsbert Willis asked the judge for an adjournment so that he could verify what the prognosis for Petty Officer Kurt Hyde is. After consideration, he granted that adjournment but ordered that a psychiatric evaluation must be done on Tzib to determine her mental health.

Mortgage Securitization - theft of the People’s money

Prime Minister Barrow Leads Belize Delegation at VII Summit of the Americas in Panama
On Saturday, April 11th, 35 Head of State and Government of the Western Hemisphere participated in the historic VII Summit of the Americas held in Panama City, Panama under the theme “Prosperity with Equity: The Challenge of Cooperation in the Americas”. Prime Minister Dean Barrow led the Belize delegation to this three day event. This is the first time that all 35 countries of the hemisphere have participated in a session of the Summit of the Americas, which included the Republic of Cuba, headed by President Raul Castro. Activities came to a close on Saturday, April 11th, after the conclusion of the main plenary session where Foreign Minister Elrington spoke on behalf of Belize. Prior to the plenary, Prime Minister Barrow participated in a Business Forum where he presented on the theme of regional competitiveness. Prime Minister Barrow also participated in a meeting of Heads of Governments of SICA and President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. This followed a meeting held prior to the Summit in Kingston, Jamaica between President Obama and CARICOM Heads of Government.

Separation of Powers
The Separation of Powers doctrine is meaningful and vital to the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries. This doctrine mandates that the three arms of Government namely, the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary are kept separate and free from influences by each other. In other words, no arm of Government has power over the other. The legislature within these Countries is elected by their people. The Legislature's role is to make laws, the Executive is empowered to make appointments and execute the laws made by the legislature, while the Judiciary is to interpret the law. In Belize, elections are held every five years. Belize is comprised of two major Political parties, the United Democratic Party and the People’s United Party. From 1998 to 2008 the People’s United Party had served two terms, regrettably it could be argued that during this time, some outrageous atrocities were committed against Belize by the then Government. The Caribbean Court of Justice once referred to members of the People’s United Party as “malignant tumours” and there are basis for that statement. The case of BCB Holdings v AG of Belize fully supports this point. Involved in that case were the Attorney General of Belize who is presently the Leader of the Opposition party (People’s United Party) and the Minister of Finance of Belize, both members of the Executive arm of Government at the time. They secretly gave tax relief to BCB Holdings without informing the Belizean People nor the National Assembly, which was a breach of Separation of Powers.

State of the Art San Narciso - San Victor Road Inaugurated
The extremely important 9.53 kilometer stretch of road from San Narciso to San Victor and the 3 kilometer stretch from the Old Northern Highway to BSI Junction have been paved. The Government of Belize held an inauguration ceremony to mark the conclusion of the project at Mother’s Park in San Narciso Village on Wednesday, April 15. Residents of the area came out for the 10 a.m. ceremony to hear from the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Belize, Ambassador Paola Amadeiand Hon. Hugo Patt. Also in attendance at the ceremony were members of the San Narciso Village Council, the Sugar Industry Control Board; Representatives of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA), Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association (CSCPA) and Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association (PSCPA).

Arthur Saldivar at it again
Failed PUP politician Arthur Saldivar, who is a well-known criminal attorney, will be facing criminal charges of his own that is in relation to some sort of domestic situation with the mother of his 2 sons. She has gone to police to report that Saldivar trespassed on her property on Monday, April 13, took her phone and scrolled through her text messages, which she did not give him authority to do. Belmopan Police have confirmed that due to the report they received, Saldivar will be charged with burglary and trespassing on Thursday April 16. Saldivar’s version of events to the press is that the allegations are untrue, nonsense, and a waste of the police and court’s time. He claims that he was outside of the property, and that he only went through the phone because his son brought it to him.

Third Sibling Charged for Murder of Denver Villafranco
BDF volunteer soldier, Denver Villafranco, was ambushed on Complex Avenue and beaten to death sometime around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2015. Police detained three men initially for the incident but eventually only charged brothers, Orlando, 38, and Phil Tyrone Staine, 41, for the murder. Almost three months later, police have now charged a third brother, Kareem Staine, 33, for his part in the brutal murder. Kareem appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Monday, April 13, where he was arraigned for the murder of Denver Villafranco. In court, no plea was taken and Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith informed him that due to the nature of the offense bail could not be offered. He will be remanded to the Belize Central Prison until May 27, 2015 when he will appear in court along with his brothers to face the charge together. Staine’s relatives say they were provoked prior to the murder. One cousin told us that from December of 2014, Villafranco and his friends, whom he was with the night of his death, had been interfering with the Staine brothers. She told us that prior to the murder two of the Staine brothers had been beaten up badly on the Friday night, January 16, by Villafranco and his friends. She said that when the other brothers came home that weekend and saw their brothers badly beaten with their eyes swollen, they became upset and acted out violently.

Two men ambushed in Roaring Creek, one dies
Best friends, Allan Garbutt and Jermaine “Cheese” Welcome, who are both 24 year-old residents of Roaring Creek Village in the Cayo District, were socializing early on Saturday, April 11, when a gunman ambushed them and shot them without warning. Both young men were seriously injured, Jermaine Welcome passed away from his injuries. According to the information provided to the media, both young men were about to have a quesadilla snack on a verandah of Garbutt’s home in Roaring Creek village. Just before 1:30 a.m. that early Saturday morning, an armed assailant snuck up on them and fired several shots from the yard’s fence. Garbutt was injured on the right hip and shoulder, while Welcome was shot in the lower back. With the same swiftness as he had arrived, the killer escaped back into the darkness of the early morning hours. The family and friends of both men then rushed them to the Western Regional Hospital for emergency medical attention. Garbutt was successfully treated by the doctors on duty, but Welcome was not so fortunate. The doctors tried everything to save Welcome, but about half an hour after they started to operate, he succumbed to the gunshot injury and the resulting damage to his internal organs.

San Pedro Tigersharks halt Western Ballaz in its track
The National Elite Basketball League competition continued on Saturday 11 April, 2015, with three games across the country. At the San Pedro Roman Catholic School in San Pedro Town, the defending champions the San Pedro Tigersharks handed the league’s leading Cayo Western Ballaz its first defeat of the 2015 campaign by the score of 79-75. The top scorers for the San Pedro Tigersharks were Darwin Leslie with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals, James Milton with 16 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal and Ashton Edwards with 15 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 steals. Meanwhile, for the Cayo Western Ballaz, the top scorers were Richard Troyer with 33 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals; Akeem Watters with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist. Out at the Orange Walk Multi-Purpose Complex in Orange Walk Town the visiting Dangriga Warriors won handily over the home team Orange Walk Running Rebels by the score of 70-55. The top scorers for the Dangriga Warriors were Daniel Nolberto with 25 points, 1 rebound and 1 steal; Edgar Mitchell with 13 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists and a steal.

Police United is the number one seed into the playoff
The Premier League of Belize Closing Tournament regular season came to an end on Sunday 12 April, 2015 with three games across the country. At the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town, the number one seed into the playoffs the Police United defeated the San Ignacio United Team by the score of 6-1. The visiting Police United Team scored the 1st goal of the game when Marlon Mesa scored the 1st of his 2 goals in the 23rd minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The Police lead was extended when Harrison Roaches scored his 1st of three goals in the 30th minute of play for a 2-0 lead. At the end of the first half of the game the score was 2-0 in favour of the Police United Squad. In the second half of the game, the Police United Team picked up right where it left off when Harrison Roaches scored his 2nd and 3rd goals in the 50th and 56th minutes of play for a 4-0 lead. The lead continued to expand when Clifton West scored in the 68th minute of play for a 5-1 lead.

Musa’s Rant
On Monday night I saw a portion of the Dickie Bradley show where the guest was Y. Musa and the topic of discussion was the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project. Musa was embarrassingly emotional in his condemnation of the project; pointing out that this will take us back to the “wretched” days of colonialism and slavery. Some of the anti-colonial sentiments he expressed were too obsessive and he came across as being more political rather than dispassionate. I used my clicker to move on to another program at the second outburst. Musa’s standpoint is not new for the People’s United Party. They seem to want Belizeans to believe that our country’s chronicles began in 1950 with the formation of the PUP and that there is no meaningful history to our country before that year. While no one will ever deny the role Hon. Price played in the achievement of self-government and later nationhood, people actually lived in and loved Belize for centuries before 1981. We cannot refute this fact, and we must accept it gracefully.

YouthTalks
Freedom. Such a simple word, yet the picture it paints in our minds and hearts is great and deep. A small but cherished word. A word that an entire country was founded on. A word that symbolizes one of the most treasured concepts in the world. What did the British fight the Spaniards for? Freedom. Why do governments stand up for its people? Freedom. Why do we hold such pride for our country? Freedom. Why do we fight for justice? For human rights? Freedom. It is a vital part of humanity, one of the most guarded and precious principles of mankind. Everyone wishes to have freedom. This country was created to preserve it in all its forms: freedom of religion, speech, expression, belief – freedom to live the way we wish. Some say, “all men are equal”. If all are equal, why should a person’s right to freedom depend on appearance? What does it matter whether one is black, white, pink, yellow, brown, or olive? Whether one is male or female, short or tall, old or young, fat or thin? We all have the same needs and wants. We all laugh, fight, and work. We all must eat. We all cry salty tears, and when we bleed, it’s always red.

Youth Talks
Growing Up Too Fast Do you remember how old you were the first Christmas morning you woke up and wanted to go back to sleep? If you were like me, you knew what was coming. There was no mystery about whether there would be presents under the tree, or if Santa had written a note and eaten the cookies, like in the stories that were told. Knowing what to expect, it was just another day of vacation. Sleep seems hard to come by as you get older. With homework, more responsibility and even a job, if there's no alarm buzzing, no bus, no teachers, just the satisfaction of lying still for a moment, you give in no matter what. My parents used to do this on Christmas morning, and I never understood why. Now I do. This is one of those defining moments when you know you are losing your childhood innocence. It seems children want to grow out of their childhood; they dream of being adults.

Cordel Hyde’s Negligence Costly for Lake I Squatters
Over 50 Belizean homeowners in the Lake Independence area will soon be forced to break down their houses and move away from the land they cleared and have called home for years. We all know squatting is illegal and such action should not be met with a reward. However, squatting is as much a part of our history as fighting for voting rights, self governance and even independence. People squat when they feel that there is no other alternative. It is then the responsibility of community organizers to work with these people to get them started and take them through the process of legally acquiring the land they have claimed or another parcel that is actually available. There is a shortage of community organizers in Belize; therefore, this type of responsibility falls on the shoulders of elected representatives. Lake Independence has had two elected representatives in the last 17 years. The recent crisis faced by the Lake I squatters brings into focus the type of representation the people in that area have received over these last 17 years. Blatant negligence by the individual elected to represent them throughout most of these years is proving very costly for these poor Belizeans.

Belize and the EU Hold Second “Article 8” Political Dialogue Session
The Second political dialogue session between the European Union and Belize took place in Belize City on Monday, 13 April 2015. The dialogue offers a platform for consultations over a broad range of issues, as well as an opportunity to take stock of progress made concerning ‘essential elements’ of the Cotonou Agreement, including respect for human rights, rule of law, democratic principles and good governance. The meeting focused on the current status of the Belize Guatemala Process, Energy, Climate Change, Security, the Post 2015 Development Agenda, Human Rights, Schengen Visa Waiver, Preparations for EU-CELAC Summit in June2015 and Updates on Regional Processes. Minister Wilfred Elrington led the discussion on the recent developments in the process to resolve the Guatemalan Claim to Belizean Territory. The EU expressed its continued support for the process through the auspices of the Organization of American States (OAS).

Facey Julius trying to take credit for Jaguar Paw Road
After going out of his way to try to derail the Petro Caribe initiative that is seeing the investment of millions of dollars into the infrastructure across the country, Julius Espat, now has the face of brass to take credit for the paving of the Franks Eddy road that leads to the Jaguar Paw cave system. If it seems incredulous, it did to us as well until we saw the Belize Slimes saying as much last week. They claim that it was as a result of Julius' lobbying that the road was being done. Compounding the bare-faced nature of Julius is that he is also circulating flyers in the village of Franks Eddy to take credit for the paving of the road. What Julius is not telling people is that under the People's United Party the road was paved only to be broken up within a couple of months of it being done. At the time the paving was done using the PUP's method of 'chip and steal' of course that method could not last very long as most of the money that was supposed to have been used in the paving of the road was actually diverted into the pockets of corrupt politicians. The contractor who then did the actual paving was left with almost nothing, delivering substandard work. That is the way the PUP operate.

Lead Acid Batteries pose environmental risks in Belize
The discussion of hazardous wastes is not a common one in Belize, and for the most part, warning signs such as “No Smoking” and “Toxic Risk” or a vision of the “skull and bones” sign are generally envisioned when the discussion arises. While this is the perception of hazardous wastes, the reality is far different. There are many useful items that only after being fully used are then classified as hazardous wastes, mostly due to their composition. One such item is Lead Acid Batteries. Used Lead Acid Batteriesare considered a hazardous waste and have the potential to affect human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. Used Lead Acid Batteries have three major components, two of which are very peculiar and require special attention when handling and disposing. These components are “lead” and “sulphuric acid”, which are held intact by the plastic cover. In light of the above the Department of the Environment (DOE) has been having discussions with importers and retailers of Lead-Acid Batteries, and with handlers and exporters of used lead-acid batteries, about the development of a Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Programme in Belize.

Teenager Charged for Killing “Ghost”
Shortly before 4 p.m. on Monday, April 13, Percival Alonzo Pilgrim, 18, resident of #34 Logwood Street was escorted to the Belize City Magistrates Court to be arraigned for the murder of Mayflower Street resident Edward Usher, 40, better known as Ghost. Around 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, Usher was walking inside his yard at #5 Mayflower Street when he was approached by a lone gunman who pointed a firearm at him and fired several shots. Police responded to the scene shortly after and saw the motionless Usher face down on the footsteps of a two-story wooden house with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Soon after the shooting, police detained Pilgrim in relation to the crime.

Honduran Women Pleads Guilty to Illegal Entry
Four Honduran women left their native country on March 23, 2015, enroute to seek employment opportunities on the island of San Pedro in Belize. They intended to work as waitresses or bartenders; however, their stay on the island was short because someone tipped police upon their arrival and the women who entered without proper immigration documents were arrested for illegal entry. Cindy Paola Pueto Reyes, 21, Nesly Osmara Lara Sarmiento, 32, Cindy Pahola Zelaya Duenas, 36 and Nodis Vacanado, 29, were arrested and charged with entering Belize illegally on March 29. They pleaded guilty to the charge before Magistrate Ladonna John and were each fined $1,000. They were ordered to pay forthwith or serve six months imprisonment. The women could not pay the fine; therefore, they will serve the time in prison. A removal order has also been issued.

Jealousy may have led to Leon Leslie’s death
Leon Leslie, a mechanic who was well-known in his housing community of Maxboro, was found decomposing in his house on Monday, April 13. He had suffered several stab wounds, and unfortunately, it was his two young sons who found his dead body after they arrived from school. It is believed that he had been killed and left inside his house about 2 or 3 days before his body was finally found. Police don’t have much to go on at this time, but they believed that on Saturday night, there were persons of questionable character who were hanging out with him. His family had seen him that same day. No one heard anything from him for the entire Sunday, and Monday. That wasn’t unusual because he is a diligent mechanic. It was not until his sons went to his house in Maxboro that it was discovered that he had been killed.

Two men ambushed in Roaring Creek, one dies
Best friends, Allan Garbutt and Jermaine “Cheese” Welcome, who are both 24 year-old residents of Roaring Creek Village in the Cayo District, were socializing early on Saturday, April 11, when a gunman ambushed them and shot them without warning. Both young men were seriously injured, Jermaine Welcome passed away from his injuries. According to the information provided to the media, both young men were about to have a quesadilla snack on a verandah of Garbutt’s home in Roaring Creek village. Just before 1:30 a.m. that early Saturday morning, an armed assailant snuck up on them and fired several shots from the yard’s fence. Garbutt was injured on the right hip and shoulder, while Welcome was shot in the lower back. With the same swiftness as he had arrived, the killer escaped back into the darkness of the early morning hours. The family and friends of both men then rushed them to the Western Regional Hospital for emergency medical attention. Garbutt was successfully treated by the doctors on duty, but Welcome was not so fortunate. The doctors tried everything to save Welcome, but about half an hour after they started to operate, he succumbed to the gunshot injury and the resulting damage to his internal organs.

Third Sibling Charged for Murder of Denver Villafranco
BDF volunteer soldier, Denver Villafranco, was ambushed on Complex Avenue and beaten to death sometime around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2015. Police detained three men initially for the incident but eventually only charged brothers, Orlando, 38, and Phil Tyrone Staine, 41, for the murder. Almost three months later, police have now charged a third brother, Kareem Staine, 33, for his part in the brutal murder. Kareem appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Monday, April 13, where he was arraigned for the murder of Denver Villafranco. In court, no plea was taken and Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith informed him that due to the nature of the offense bail could not be offered. He will be remanded to the Belize Central Prison until May 27, 2015 when he will appear in court along with his brothers to face the charge together. Staine’s relatives say they were provoked prior to the murder. One cousin told us that from December of 2014, Villafranco and his friends, whom he was with the night of his death, had been interfering with the Staine brothers. She told us that prior to the murder two of the Staine brothers had been beaten up badly on the Friday night, January 16, by Villafranco and his friends. She said that when the other brothers came home that weekend and saw their brothers badly beaten with their eyes swollen, they became upset and acted out violently.

Police United is the number one seed into the playoff
The Premier League of Belize Closing Tournament regular season came to an end on Sunday 12 April, 2015 with three games across the country. At the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town, the number one seed into the playoffs the Police United defeated the San Ignacio United Team by the score of 6-1. The visiting Police United Team scored the 1st goal of the game when Marlon Mesa scored the 1st of his 2 goals in the 23rd minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The Police lead was extended when Harrison Roaches scored his 1st of three goals in the 30th minute of play for a 2-0 lead. At the end of the first half of the game the score was 2-0 in favour of the Police United Squad. In the second half of the game, the Police United Team picked up right where it left off when Harrison Roaches scored his 2nd and 3rd goals in the 50th and 56th minutes of play for a 4-0 lead. The lead continued to expand when Clifton West scored in the 68th minute of play for a 5-1 lead.

Crooked Tree Government School girls and boys are Belize District Primary Schools Softball Champions
The Belize District Primary Schools Softball Competition came to an end on Tuesday 14 April, 2015, at Rogers Stadium with the championship games. In the girls’ championship game, Crooked Tree Government School defeated Pancotto Primary School from Sandhill by the score of 7-1 to capture the 2014-2015 Belize District Primary Schools Softball Championship. The winning pitcher was Charisse Quiros and the losing pitcher was Shanta Williams. In the first game of the championship, Crooked Tree Government School defeated St. John Vianney School by the score of 10-2. The winning pitcher was Charisse Quiros and the losing pitcher was Shanta Williams. In game two, Pancotto Primary School defeated Central Christian School by the score of 10-7. The winning pitcher was Ashia Metzkin and the losing pitcher was Kelsie Fuentez.

National Elite Basketball All Star game this weekend
The National Elite Basketball League All Star Night is scheduled for Saturday 18 April, 2015, at the Sacred Heart College Auditorium in San Ignacio Town with the tip off of the SMART All Star Game being at 8:00 pm. Opening ceremonies and the introduction of players will be at 7:45 pm. The All Star Game will be followed by the Scotia Bank Three Point Shootout, with the night ending with the much anticipated Mek Mi Rich Slam Dunk Contest.

Volleyball to hold open tryouts for junior programmes
The Belize Volleyball Association will be holding open tryouts for the U-18 and U-16 female national teams on Saturday 18 April and on Sunday 19 April at 10:30 am. According to the Belize Volleyball Association the U-16 players must be born in 2000 or after and the U-18 players must be born in 1998 or after. The open tryouts will be lead by Coach Reyes.

Patrick Jones

Prime Minister addresses national issues
Fort Street Tourism Village and the Feinstein Group have gone to court over the agreements signed in the early 2000’s for the then-Belize Tourism Village that gave it exclusive rights to dock cruise ship passengers. Michael Feinstein is now preparing to build his own docking facility at Stake […]

Santino Castillo hands over to Darrell Bradley in Caribbean Shores
The United Democratic Party (UDP) today it called the press to its headquarters to announce another confirmed candidate for the next general election: Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley. Bradley was slated to contest the Caribbean Shores electoral division against incumbent Minister of State Hon. Santiago “Santino” Castillo Jr […]

UB hosts annual research conference
In pursuit of its mandate to assist national development by producing timely and innovative research on national issues, the University of Belize (UB) hosted its annual research conference in Belize City today. The annual conference originated with the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences five years ago as […]

Northern Two Cayes mortgage holder wants payment
John Mills, holder of the mortgage on Northern Two Cayes in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, today stepped forward to address concerns having to do with the legal status of the ownership of Northern Two Cayes, which is currently held by Northern Two Cayes Company Ltd. and Lighthouse Reef […]

Tourism pioneer passes away
It is with heavy hearts and tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of this well accomplished tourism magnate, Peter Tonti on April 16, 2015. Mr. Peter Tonti, has always had Belize close at heart since his arrival to Belizean shores in the 1970’s as a volunteer in the Peace […]

Hon. Michael Peyrefitte scheduled to visit the Republic of China
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Michael Peyrefitte and Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Eddie Webster are scheduled to visit the Republic of China from April 19 to 23, 2015. Belize is the only country in our region which has simultaneously been a member of both SICA and […]

PG Police charge driver for fatal Hit and Run
In the early hours of Monday morning, Punta Gorda police discovered the semi-nude and lifeless body of 56 year old Jose Morales, a resident of Big Falls village in the Toledo District. Authorities say, Morales was walking on the Southern Highway, between Lindo Hill and Big Falls Village when he was hit by an unknown vehicle and left to die. Inspector Ernel Dominguez of the Punta Gorda Police Formation revealed that Morales was a Guatemalan National residing in the village at the time and that the intense investigation by the police lead to the arrest of the culpable driver.

Breaking News: Hon. Santiago Castillo to announce resignation at a press conference this morning
Belize Media Group has just been informed that Hon. Santiago Castillo will announce his resignation as standard bearer for the Caribbean Shores Division at a press conference in Belize City this morning. Hon. Castillo will remain as Minister until the end of his term; however he will not be contesting the Caribbean Shores seat again in the next general election. The Hon. Santiago Castillo is Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance & Economic Development.

Blogs

Five Reasons to Head to Hopkins, Belize for May’s MANGO FESTIVAL
Hopkins is a beach town in Southern Belize (population 1500) that has really held on to its roots as a Garifuna Village. Well maybe that’s the wrong way to say it…it hasn’t held onto anything. It is a tiny Garifuna Village. A friendly place on a long strip of beach that will have you thinking about buying a shack on the Caribbean sea, quitting your job and relocating. Unlike some other larger, more touristy areas in Belize, there has been little development in the village center – and it is full of rustic charm. Think the smell creole bread baking over an open fire or roosters and school kids walking by you on the unpaved street. Or fishing dories pulled up along the beach. That being said…on both the Northern and Southern edges of the village – there are hotels with as many or as few luxuries as you desire. And for such a small village, they have some AMAZING restaurants.

International Sources

The Best Caribbean Snorkeling Islands
Caribbean Journal lists BELIZE as one of the Best Caribbean Snorkeling Islands. Woo Hoo!! Belize : It’s located right on the Western Hemisphere’s longest reef system, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System and that means superb spots for snorkeling, from the coast of Ambergris Caye to Lighthouse Reef.

SCV Man Producing Episode of ‘Naked And Afraid’ in Belize
Producer Jimmy Sprague of Santa Clarita is set to work on an episode of the Discovery Channel’s popular television show “Naked and Afraid” in Belize this month. While Sprague worked with a crew of about 90 people during his time producing the CW improv show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, only five people are expected to accompany him on his new endeavor. “Every show is a different challenge,” Sprague said. “On this particular show, ‘Naked and Afraid,’ we’re going to be out there for 21 days– assuming that the contestants make it all 21 days –as opposed to maybe shooting one episode a week like a scripted show.” With a brand new season set to premiere Sunday, April 19, on the Discovery Channel, each episode of “Naked and Afraid” leaves two complete strangers stranded in a remote location without food, water or clothing.

Ratings for Economic Growth for Central America
Belize came in at position seven although having strong numbers in other areas. Belize set a new record for tourist arrivals with a total of 1,207,386. Belize has a small, privatized enterprise economy that is based petroleum export, agriculture, and tourism. Belize 2.0(2015), 3.0(2016), 2.5(2017).

Videos

April 16, 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

Island officers participate in Public Relations Training
Ten police officers from the Coastal Executive Unit participated in a one-day Public Relations Training. The workshop was held on Wednesday, April 8th at El Pescador Resort and was aimed at improving customer service skills at the San Pedro Police Department and Caye Caulker Police Department. Dennis “Deni” Sunderman from Tropic Air and Steve Spiro from El Pescador led the training session, targeting key skills to promote a better relationship between police officers and community members. Officers participating in the training learned proper greeting methods, how to deal with difficult persons and rapport, among other public relations topics. At the end of the training each officer received a certificate of completion. Those officers will now be tasked to share what they have learned with the other officers at their station. “I am proud of the officers that participated and took this training session as a learning experience. We are all about improving customer service for the people of San Pedro and Caye Caulker. We hope that these officers implement what was taught to them and share what they have learned with all their colleagues so as to eventually offer exceptional customer service to all that visit the police station,” said Jemmott.

Two Belizean rums receive top recognition
Belize’s Tiburon Rum and One Barrel Rum took top prizes at the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) 72nd Annual Convention and Exposition. Held from Sunday, April 12th to Wednesday, April 15th, the event is the premier gathering for distributors to seek out new and exciting beverage products. Throughout the event, several competitions are held in search of the top wines and spirits from across the world. This year’s event was held in Grande Lakes Orlando, Florida, USA and saw a record attendance in industry and supplier participation. Among the attendees were Basil Destefano of Tiburon Rum and Amanda Perdomo of Traveller’s Liqours, who both entered their products in the Spirit Tasting Competition. Spirits from all parts of the world were entered in this category to be scrutinized and ranked by professional tasters. In the end, Tiburon Rum captured a Double Gold award for Best Dark/Gold Rum, Best Rum and Best Aged White Spirit in Show. But Tiburon was not the only Belizean rum to take home a grand prize, as One Barrel also took Gold.

SP Lions donate examination tables to the Polyclinic
The Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinic II has been the recipient of a small but important donation courtesy of the San Pedro Lions Club. The clinic received three examination tables that will help with the efficient delivery of service. The donation was given on March 3rd and immediately after, the tables were put into good use. According to the Administrator of the Clinic Mr. Owen Vellos, the three beds will go a long way in improving service. “When we got additional doctors, there was the need for more examination beds. In the interim we were using regular tables to conduct examinations. The Lions heard of the need and decided to help with the three examination tables,” commented Vellos. The beds were acquired through the Maintenance and Supply Department of the Ministry of Health at a cost of $3,885.14, fully paid by the San Pedro Lions Club. The Administration also took the opportunity to thank the San Pedro Lions Club for their continuous support towards the clinic.

Ambergris Today

Belize Looks into Management of Lead Acid Batteries
The discussion of hazardous wastes is not a common one in Belize, and for the most part, warning signs such as “No Smoking” and “Toxic Risk” or a vision of the “skull and bones” sign are generally envisioned when the discussion arises. While this is the perception of hazardous wastes, the reality is far different. There are many useful items that only after being fully used are then classified as hazardous wastes, mostly due to their composition. One such item is Lead Acid Batteries. Used lead-acid batteries are considered a hazardous waste and have the potential to affect human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. Used lead-acid batteries have three major components, two of which are very peculiar and require special attention when handling and disposing. These components are “lead” and “sulphuric acid”, which are held intact by the plastic cover. In light of the above the Department of the Environment (DOE) has been having discussions with importers and retailers of lead-acid batteries, and with handlers and exporters of used lead-acid batteries, about the development of a Lead-acid Battery Recycling Program in Belize.

San Pedro House of Culture Appoints New Committee
The San Pedro House of Culture (SPHOC) is pleased to introduce its new committee for the year 2015-2016. Opened on November 19, 2014 under the able management and direction of Mr. Guillermo “Mito” Paz, this cultural institution has already made an impact in San Pedro with its many events held in its short time of existence. The committee has met and started preparation for the many upcoming events with the hopes of promoting all types of local culture (music, culinary art, visual art and the importance of reviving local traditions that have been slowly dying). The SPHOC is part of an umbrella organization, National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and as such is guided and follows its mission of being Belize’s premier cultural institution dedicated and creating an environment for the development, conservation, promotion, expression and accessibility of culture in all its diversity. SPHOC is a dynamic community center that is meant to inspire and uplift all through the various cultural areas.

Misc Belizean Sources

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Week of April 5th – April 11th, 2015
Permit fishing was on fire this week (I don’t often get to say “on fire” and “permit fishing” in the same sentence!) Tarpon seemed a little more difficult than normal, and the fair weather meant lots of bonefish. We are getting ready for the influx of big tarpon over the next few weeks.

BTL Alerts Customers!
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SENIOR POLICE TRANSFERS 2015 for the Northern Regio
Published for general information is the following list of officers who are being transferred effective JULY 1st 2015 from/to Corozal and from Orange Walk:- Superintendent of Police Dennis Arnold currently serving as Officer in Charge of the Orange Walk formation will be transferred as Officer in Charge of the Corozal Police Department. Supt. Andrew Ramirez currently heading the Corozal Police formation since the latter part of 2012 will be transferred as Officer in Charge of the San Ignacio formation. Supt. Ramirez was instrumental in bridging the gap of confidence building measures between the police and the Corozal community at a time when senseless violent crimes were becoming prevalent in the Corozal District. One of the most sensational homicides in Corozal was the senseless shooting of a mother and daughter. Following that investigation, police recovered an empty safe. Clari Fredersdorf and her daughter 18 year old Shanny Fredersdorf were fatally shot at their residence, the Paradise Bay Villas Hotel in mid 2012 triggering a protest from the Corozal community. These two murders still remain unsolved.

BELPO PRESS RELEASE ON DOE MEETING
The Department of Environment scheduled an "Oil Pollution, Preparedness, Response and Cooperation Sensitization Workshop" for Wednesday, April 15. They claim the workshop’s objective “is to sensitize NGOs and the Media on oil pollution, oil spill preparedness, response and cooperation”. They plan this to be part of an “on-going revision and updating of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan presently being conducted by the DOE.“ The Belize Institute of Environmental Law & Policy (BELPO) has had an ongoing interest and involvement in the area of oil exploration/exploitation in Belize for many years. We started holding workshops on the Petroleum Act in 2003. Godsman Ellis was President of BELPO at the time. We invited the Department of Environment to that 2003 workshop and others that we held, as well as inviting the Geology and Petroleum Department.

The Inspiration Center Celebrates 1st Year
Happy anniversary to the Inspiration Center! One year of helping out the kids who really need it. Thank you so much for everything! "As we complete our first year of service to the country, the Management and Staff of The Inspiration Center takes this opportunity to thank all those who helped anyway in making our dream a reality. We would just like say a heart felt thank you"

10th Annual Wine & Cheese Fundraiser
The Rotary Club of Belmopan is having their annual Wine and Cheese Party to raise funds for the Belize Children's Project. They've been preparing for the fundraiser this week. It'll be happening on the 25th of April, starting at 7:00pm, at the George Price Centre. They'll have some great raffle prizes, and will have the silent auction, which always has some great items. "Preparing for the upcoming Wine and Cheese can be fun - especially when done with family and friends. A big effort is being made this year to do great decorations and that takes preparation. So a group of Rotarians and fantastic friends and family got together to make some special decoration. Much thanks goes out to everyone involved - your efforts will help make this a special event and help a group of kids receive medical help that will last a lifetime!!"

Roman Catholic Church Family Sunday
The San Pedro Roman Catholic Church is inviting the general public for a family Sunday on the 26th April 2015. Starting with the 10:00 a.m Mass and follow with free food for families, games for kids and live music till 5:00 p.m. Let's all come together as brothers and sisters and making our island SAFE. God Bless

Orange Walk Central Park inaugurated
This evening, the Government of Belize through its implementing arm, the Social Investment Fund (SIF), officially inaugurated the Orange Walk Central Park. Funds for the park were provided through the Belize Municipal Development Project (BMDP).

Inauguration of the San Narciso-San Victor Road
This morning our team travelled to San Narciso Village for the inauguration of the San Narciso-San Victor Road. The road is funded under the Accompanying Measures for Sugar (AMS) Road Rehabilitation Project 2010, a collaborative effort between the Government of Belize and the European Union to assist in poverty reduction and improving the standard of living for communities in northern Belize.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Wednesday, April 15, 2015: 59

CLARIFICATION ON SPTC loaning equipment
The San Pedro Town Council recommends that anyone intending to use any public space kindly advise us a week or two prior to the event to avoid any double booking or if there is a need for the SPTC to make arrangements.

Belmopan Baptist Takes 3rd at WEE
Congratulations to the students from Belmopan Baptist high school for taking 3rd place at the World English Experience 2015! 12 lucky students travelled to London to participate in the event. Great job!

Belize Bank Scholarship Program
The Belize Bank Scholarship Program is accepting applications for 2015 high school and 6th form scholarships. Read more about it at their website. Submit by June 15th. Thanks, Belize Bank! "Applications are now available for the Belize Bank High School Scholarship Program. Applications can be obtained from any Belize Bank branch countrywide or use the link below to download."

Caribbean Spice
Cayo has another creator of quality jams, hot sauces, spices, and sea salts: Caribbean Spice. They have everything, even a michelada mix, and it's all made here in Mountain Pine Ridge. Belizean Sunshine, anyone? "We make spice blends, sea salts, cooking sauces and other gourmet food products. Everything is Caribbean inspired and made with fresh local products."

September Celebrations call for submissions
Are you planning an event for this upcoming September Celebrations and would like to have it included in the annual calendar...here is the call....

2015 Marine turtle surveys.
This marks the eighth year of In-water turtle surveys at Glover's Reef Atoll. The program, led by Virginia Burns of WCS, includes participants from a number of organizations (Belize Fisheries, UB-ERI, TIDE, Belize Audubon) and Reserves (Hol Chan, Caye Caulker, Sapodilla Cayes, Port Honduras, Southwater, Turneffe) as well as fishers from Hopkins and Sarteneja. It is hoped that the training in population assessment, individual measurements, and tagging received by all participants will facilitate improved understanding and conservation of marine turtles throughout Belize.

Channel 7

Keyren Tzib Gets Bail; Attorney Blames Coast Guard
Tonight, 8 days after she was remanded for allegedly shooting at a fellow Coast Guard Officer, Keyren Tzib, who holds the rank of Seaman, is at home with her family. Supreme Court Justice Herbert Lord granted her bail of 10,000 DOLLARS, which she was able to meet about 2 hours ago. As we told you last week Friday she applied to the Supreme Court for an expedited bail on the premise that before this incident, she was a person of good character with no criminal history. At the urging of Senior Crown Counsel Linbert Willis, Justice Lord adjourned that application because he wanted a psychiatric examination done on Tzib, and he also wanted to know the prognosis for the victim, Petty Officer Kurt Hyde. Well, after 3 days of consideration, and reviewing both reports, Justice Lord granted her bail, and allowed her to go home while she awaits trial on these criminal charges. It’s an important relief for Tzib, and her attorney, Audrey Matura Shepherd spoke with the press outside of court about its significance.

Woman Shot On Freedom Street
Tonight a 37 year old mother is lucky to be alive, after she became the latest victim of gun violence. The shooting happened around 9:30 last night on Freedom Street. According to police, Stephanie Bood was walking to her home on Justice Street when a vehicle pulled up beside her and someone from inside opened fire. Bood was shot to her right hand and buttocks and is currently hospitalized in a stable but critical condition. For her family, it is the worst kind of déjà vu since her common law Paul Rubio was murdered 7 months ago. But, fortunately she survived and today we spoke to a friend who told us he heard 4 shots rang out. Friend of Stephanie Bood "I hear the gunshots." Monica Bodden "How many shots?" Friend of Stephanie Bood "I hear 4 shots."

Former PSU President Jackie Willoughby Says Matura-Shepherd Out of Line
Last night we told you about the situation in the Trade Union Congress of Belize where Labour Senator Ray Davis was left in the lurch – after the Trade Union Congress failed to give him a position on the Petrocaribe Loans Bill – even though he had asked for guidance. He abstained from voting and, after that, all hell seemed to break loose – culminating in last week Friday’s interview when Trade Union congress Vice President Audrey Matura Shepherd said that he must resign or be removed. Well, former PSU President Jackie Willoughby – who is now studying law in Jamaica called 7News Director Jules Vasquez today to say that Matura had stepped out of line by publicly going after Senator Davis. Willoughby told us that Matura Shepherd was using, quote, “dishonesty to mar the reputation of Senator Davis.” End quote. She added quote, “Audrey knew full well that at no point has the trade union congress given (Senator Davis) any advice,” end quote. She said Matura’s comments are inappropriate and wrong and that, she, quote, “needs to learn her place,” end quote.

Matura-Shepherd Holds Hardline Against Hon. Ray Davis
But NTUCB Second Vice President Audrey Matura-Shepherd is not easing up - even when we confronted her with internal letters between NTUCB members making it clear that Davis asked for clarification. We’ve also shown you correspondence in which Davis asked for Matura-Shepherd herself to be part a subcommittee which would meet and discuss the position that he should take as senator. That never happened, and Davis clearly laid out what his line of reasoning was. He explained in his email to Matura and other Trade Union Congress members in November of 2014 that the NTUCB membership benefits from Petrocaribe funds through the National Bank of Belize. He stated, quote, “…I’m not going to play Pontius Pilate and pretend that we were not a party to receiving funds..” End Quote. When we spoke with Matura-Shepherd this evening, she dismissed this position as Davis trying to justify his abstention after the fact by putting forward this defence after he’s backed into a corner. Here’s how she explained it:

Gungulung: The List Revealed
For the past two nights, we’ve been reporting on the 12 squatters who are being evicted from a parcel of private property in the Gungulung area. They occupy six acres of riverfront property – which has belonged to private owners for more than five years. The government stepped in to try and offer them another piece of land in Cotton Tree – but many we spoke to didn’t want it. Instead they wanted government to acquire the land – parcel it off to them – and then compensate the private landowner – maybe even with land in Cotton Tree. Unfortunately – that’s not how it works; Government can only acquire land for a public purpose – and in this case, the eviction is already in motion. But, just say the word eviction in Gungulung where there are scores of squatters – and it causes hysteria: everyone fears they’re the ones being evicted. And that misinformation is what the attorney Steve Perrera has been trying to defuse. He’s the lawyer for the private landowner and today he spoke to us at his office about the eviction:…

Former PUP Candidate and Senator Montejo Lashes Out Against Party
In the 2012 general election, PUP Candidate for Cayo Central Collet Montejo came within 44 votes of beating UDP incumbent Rene Montero. That near upset was the greatest surprise coming out of the very close general election, and Montejo was rewarded with a PUP seat in the Senate for his valiant showing. But, shortly after, his fast rising political star seemed to burn out as quickly as it had ascended; internal PUP emails said that he had accrued many bills and needed help to pay them off. Montejo, the politician was last seen endorsing PUP Cayo Central aspirant Luke Espat who lost resoundingly in a convention to Dan Silva. That should have been his swan song – but the opera ain’t over, not quite yet at least. We say that because Montejo penned an open letter to the PUP in yesterday’s Amandala. It is a scathing attack on the PUP in its current configuration. He writes, quote, “the current leadership of the PUP can see that with names such as Fonseca, Musa and Julius Espat as its voice and face, the people of Belize will not vote PUP anytime soon…the party is headed for another resounding defeat at the polls…they are cursed to the point where they will not listen to reason.”

Police Man Charged For Wounding in Brutality Case
Last night we told you about Orange Walk resident 28 year old Andres Rodriguez. He was badly beaten by police at his home on Sunday night. The incident happened after a woman made a report to police that she was being followed by Rodriguez – an accusation he denied. Today we spoke with Superintendent Dennis Arnold in charge of the Orange Walk formation and he condemns the manner in which these officers handled the situation. Arnold told us that the officers tried to approach Rodriguez in the vehicle but as we told you last night, he drove off fearing that he would be robbed. The officers thought Rodriguez was resisting and trying to run away but Arnold says it still didn't warrant such excessive force. As a result of the incident Special Constable Edward Swift – the officer beating Rodriguez with the stick was charged with wounding yesterday. He was arraigned and granted bail of $1,000. As for the other officer in the video who was restraining Rodriguez on the ground, he will be sanctioned for neglect of duty – meaning that he should have intervened and stopped the other officer from using excessive force.

Albert Vaughan Back In Court
On last week Thursday, we told you about how PUP talk show host Albert Vaughan was fighting a loitering charge in the Magistrate’s Court. That charge, as we’ve told you, dates back to August of last year when the sanitation workers did their famous garbage strike when they were employed by Belize Maintenance Limited. Vaughan’s defence was that he was not loitering when the police arrested him along with the other 41 sanitation workers. He says that he was reporting for the Belize Times newspaper and Vibes Radio, but the police targeted him for this charge because he is one of the PUP media personalities who is critical of the UDP government. At last week’s adjournment, his attorney, Kareem Musa, made a no-case submission on his behalf that the evidence put forward by the prosecution has failed to show how he was breaking the laws and was loitering. Today, the police prosecutor was allowed to respond, and after that session, we spoke with Vaughan’s attorney about their chances of getting the charge struck out at this stage. Here’s what he told you:

Rottweilers Bit Tourist in OW
In early March we reported on a dog attack in Orange Walk involving a 6 year old boy. Well, there was another one last night but this time the victim was a tourist. The attack happened last night around 8:00 in San Estevan, Orange Walk. The owner of the 3 Rottweiler’s, Lorenzo Carrillo was at home when he heard screams from outside. When he went to check, he saw two of his Rottweiler’s attacking a man who was camping in the backyard of an old building near his yard. Carrillo then rushed over to get the dogs away from the tourist-traveller. Carrillo told our colleagues at CTV3 that the dogs must have gotten out of the yard from behind their pens and he does not know what triggered the attack because this is the first time his dogs attacked someone. The tourist was bitten to his right arm, under his arm and to his right leg. He was rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital for treatment. The Chairman of San Estevan and other officials got involved and suggested Carrillo get rid of the dogs. Carrillo says he does not object to this suggestion.

Another Case Of Police Brutality Caught on Camera
We’ve shown you that police brutality video in Orange Walk, but another has gone viral which captures 2 officers detaining a man in San Pedro. A part of the video shows that the man is on the ground, and that he is submissive to the authority of 2 officers of the Eastern Division Strike Team. While he’s on the ground one officer can be heard cranking a gun and points it at the man, and later on, one of the officers gratuitously kicks the man on the ground. A few minutes ago, we spoke with Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster, who heads the Eastern Division Strike Team, and we asked about that video and the conduct of those officers. ACP Broaster told us that the officer who stamped the man on the leg is Special Constable Moralez. Based on the video evidence, this officer has already been reprimanded by the police high command, and he was pulled off the strike team. Broaster explained to us no further action can be taken against the officers unless the man in the video comes in and makes an internal complaint.

The Campaign To "Get Deon Home"
On Monday’s newscast, you heard the position of the Football Federation of Belize in trying to get the country’s premier striker, Deon McCaulay, back home to play for the National Team. The Jaguars are set to play the Dominican Republic in 10 weeks’ time, but according to FFB president Ruperto Vicente, if McCaulay wants to play on the National Team, he’ll have to pay for his own transportation to get back from the US. Vicente explained on Saturday that because McCaulay is not signed to any international football clubs, he is ineligible by FFB rules to be brought home using Federation money. But football fans are clamouring for McCaulay to be a part of the team, but he’s told persons that he can’t afford to come home. So, a group of fans, who call themselves the Associations of Belize Concerned with Getting Deon Home have started a dollar drive to raise the money required to get him on the national team. They want to put together $5,000 by Friday at least, which would pay for McCaulay’s ticket as well as the stipend paid to professional players weekly. We caught up with 2 of those fans taking on this initiative, and they explained how you can help.

Lead and Water Don't Mix
The Department of the Environment along with a couple of retailers are attempting to revitalize a Lead Acid Batteries Recycling Program in Belize. Now many of you may wonder why there needs to be a program for car batteries. Well, according to the main coordinators of the program, the mismanagement or mishandling of used lead acid batteries can have serious environmental and health risks. We spoke with the director of one of the main retailers involved in this initiative and she told us what role her business plays in ensuring that it is successful. Martha Pohl - Director, RENCO "The department I know has been working really hard in organising this. Due, I guess to the current price of lead, it is not feasible for us to do what we're doing which is basically - purchasing old batteries or encouraging people to leave their old batteries when they purchase a new battery. And the we package it off and ship it to the US to a supplier for recycling. We have been working on our own - this is something we had and when environment came then they figured out that our programme is exactly what they were trying to enforce. Or trying to get more people on board and they've had seminars, they've had people that sell batteries to discuss ways of recycling. Most of these people when they take it back home, what are they going to do? Put it on the side of the garage or put it in their yard and then that sand piles up or they make think that they will use it because it has a little bit of life - and they may put it in another vehicle. But once your vehicle is running, you don’t think about things like that."

Because Music Matters
The Music Industry in Belize needs to improve on business management. That’s Jamaican Music Consultant Lloyd Stanbury’s evaluation and he along with Belizean artists and other stakeholders plan on improving on this aspect of the industry among other issues. Stanbury along with NICH and the Institute of Creative Arts have launched a Belize Music and Entertainment Industry Development Initiative. This initiative will focus on providing solutions to these setbacks which will propel the industry forward. We caught up with Stanbury today at one of their consultation sessions at the Birds Isle this afternoon and he outlined some of the challenges Belizean artists face and what can be done to overcome them. Consultations continue tomorrow. The group will meet with artists such as Nello Player, Supa G and Melonie Gillett at Travelers at 2. Other artists are welcomed to attend. After this consultation phase an action plan will be devised.

The Troubles of 2005
You probably can’t remember it now but 10 years ago – Belize had fallen off the map, or at least the communications grid – you couldn’t make a phone call, send a text or an email or access the web: all communication domestic and international had been cut off. The entire national telecommunication system was down – a result of direct action by BTL employees who were in an uproar after a union employee had been fired. If the response of shutting down the whole communication grid seems a bit much – that is because it was the culmination of months of agitation against the Musa Administration – which was found out in 2004 for using public funds to pay private debts. And so, 2005 lurched from one crisis to another – but the biggest one was on March 15th when the phones went dead. Tonight, we dig into our archives to look back at that time when the government had to resort to special legislation to commandeer the phone company. This is a portion our story of the events on March 16th and 17 – nights that shook Belize:… Again, that was March 16 and 17th, 2005. Tomorrow, we’ll have one more look at the events of those tempestuous times – on this the ten year anniversary of the troubles of 2005.

Channel 5

Coastguard Officer Keyren Tzib Out on Bail…
Last Friday, a bail hearing for Coastguard Seaman Keyren Tzib was deferred to today, following orders of Justice Herbert Lord that an evaluation be conducted to determine the psychological condition [...]

…Results of Psychiatric Evaluation Presented in Court
Tzib was returning from a twelve-day operation at sea with a team of Coast Guard, B.D.F., Police and Port Authority personnel. One hundred yards from shore, she allegedly turned her [...]

CWU President Wants Union Senator Ray Davis Removed
Ray Davis….he is the union senator, who, since the passing of the Petrocaribe Loans Act, has come under much fire for his abstention from vote in the senate. A document [...]

Matura-Shepherd Says She Doesn’t Want to Replace Davis as Senator
As to the criticism that Matura-Shepherd wants to replace Davis as the union senator, the second vice president had some choice words for those persons.   Audrey Matura-Shepherd, 2nd Vice [...]

Orange Walk Officers to Face Disciplinary Action for Excessive Use of Force
A weekend incident between an Orange Walk resident and three law enforcement officers, caught on candid camera, has gone viral. Actually it’s more than just an incident. A Police Constable [...]

EU Inaugurates Sugar Road in San Narciso/San Victor
Today, two completed sections of road were officially inaugurated – that section from San Narciso to San Victor in the Corozal District, and another section from the old Northern Highway [...]

B.S.C.F.A. Chairman Gives Update on Present Sugar Crop
The Road Rehabilitation done in the area of San Narciso and san Victor will benefit the farmers and residents in those communities and in the vicinity. But in the grand [...]

What Became of the Fairtrade Issue and B.S.C.F.A.?
When the crop got underway very late in January, the B.S.C.F.A. which controls a majority of growers, was in crisis mode. On two separate occasions, farmers at the general assembly [...]

Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez Faces Additional Charge for Sexual Assault
In February, P.U.P. Orange Walk East Area Representative, Doctor Marco Tulio Mendez, was formally arraigned on six counts of aggravated assault of an indecent nature and common assault in relation [...]

Belize City Security Guard Indicted for Carnal Knowledge
Twenty-seven-year-old Nikolai James, who has been on the lam since being accused of sexually assaulting a fifteen-year-old student a week ago, appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith this morning.  [...]

Devon Jones to Face Trial for Maim and Aggravated Assault
Thirty three year old electrician Devon Jones of Iguana Street will stand trial for maim and aggravated assault vehicle following the conclusion of a preliminary inquiry today. Attorney Bryan Neal [...]

World Health Day Observed in Belize, Food Safety is Key
How safe is your food?  That’s the focus of this year’s World Health Day.  While it was celebrated internationally a week ago, the Ministry of Health, the Belize Agricultural Health [...]

Damari’s Amazing Road to Recovery
Nine-year-old Katerin Michel Perez has been at the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Boston for one week, following a freak accident which left her severely burned over more than half of [...]

DOE Discusses Oil Spill Contingency
The discussion on offshore oil drilling and its risks continue to be ventilated in the media, and for some time now, N.G.O.s and government have bucked heads on this issue. [...]

PlusTV

Brutal police beating caught on camera
A brutal police beating incident was all caught on camera in Orange Walk by the wife of the victim. The video has made its rounds on face book and a police officer and 2 special  constables are now being investigated. 28 year old Andres Rodriguez was badly beaten on Sunday night at his house...

Shooting leaves Belize City man hospitalized
48 year old Mark Franklin Broaster is recovering at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital from injuries sustained when a gunman targeted him around 7:20Monday night in Belize City. The resident of the Pickstock Street area was standing in front of his house when his would-be killers came calling...

Man’s decomposing body found in Maxboro
Police are investigating yet another murder in the Belize District, this one in the residential subdivision of Maxboro. It is not yet clear to police who wanted 31 year old Leon Leslie Sr...

Clearing of Creek buffer in Belmopan
Last week Friday we told you about the squatting and land clearing that is taking place behind the East Piccini Extention Area Belmopan near a designated green buffer that runs along a creek called the mount pleasant buffer...

Family receives death certificate of loved one two years after his murder
In 2013, the family of KTV Latino Star Daniel Aguirre were mourning his untimely demise and were also facing the possibility of losing their home.  As it turns out , Aguirre had placed his home on mortgage for a 27 thousand dollar loan with Scotia Bank...

Coast Guard rescues fishermen near Stake Bank
The Belize National Coast Guard has acquired a reputation for fast acting to save lives on the sea in marine incidents. On Sunday evening a rescue boat went out on a call south of the Stake Bank area to save a group of fishermen. Petty Officer Class 3 Edwards tells us what happened...

Area representative re-states position on squatting
10 Belize City families who were told last week that they had a week to move will be moving to new properties in the area of Cotton Tree, Cayo District...

Belize City to host Business Improvement Areas
In conjunction with the Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED), the Belize City Council today hosted a volunteer under the auspices of the Canadian Technical Assistance Program to present the concept of a Business Improvement Area to businessmen and other residents of Belize City, pa...

BTB tightening its finances?
The Management of Belize Tourism Board held meetings today with the various departments to announce to its staff a decision to tighten BTB’s finances...

Santander workers protest unfair working conditions
Last month Plus TV along with other local media houses was invited on a tour of the Santander farms and facilities - a multimillion dollar sugarcane project situated on 20 thousand acres of land privately owned by Guatemalans behind the banana bank area, in Belmopan...

Patrick Jones

Audrey Matura-Shepherd wants Ray Davis out over Senate vote
2nd Vice President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) Audrey Matura-Shepherd last week went on record to call for the removal of Senator Ray Davis as representative of the trade unions in the upper legislature, following his vote of abstention on the Petrocaribe Loan Act of […]

Final decision on Albert Vaughan loitering charge in May
This afternoon Magistrate Hettie Mae Stuart heard final submissions from both parties in the case against 55 year old activist of the People’s United Party (PUP) Albert Vaughan, who faces a charge of loitering in a public place stemming from the events of August 4 when workers from Belize […]

Keyren Tzib meets bail on attempted murder charge
After a delay to consider the merits of her case, Supreme Court Justice Herbert Lord today set bail of $10,000 for Coast Guard seaman Keyren Tzib, 24, charged with the attempted murder by shooting of Petty Officer Kurt Hyde on Easter Monday, April 6, aboard a Coast Guard vessel […]

Security guard charged with carnal knowledge
A security guard of Belize City has been charged with having intercourse with a minor about half his age. 27 year old Nicoli James was charged with carnal knowledge of a female minor before Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith. The complainant, aged 15 years and 8 months, said to police […]

Belizeans organized to “bring Deon home”
The furore over the fate of superstar footballer Deon McCaulay continues to rage, but according to the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) it is out of their hands: unless Belize’s top goalscorer can pay his way home, he may not make it on to the national team to […]

Northern Two Cayes owner to discuss legal status
According to John Mills, the holder of a substantial encumbrance and mortgage against Northern Two Cayes in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the owners of the Puerto Azul project have not completed their purchase of the island. He plans to reveal more as to the legal status of the island […]

Custom vehicle overturns during chase in Orange Walk
A vehicle belonging to the Customs Department just overturned on San Lorenzo Road in Orange Walk District. According to reports, custom officers were chasing an unknown pick up truck when they lost control of their vehicle and overturned. The officer has been rushed to NRH for medical treatment. Police are currently […]

GOB and EU inaugurate newly rehabilitated San Victor – San Narciso Road
An inauguration ceremony for the San Narciso – San Victor Road was held this morning at Mother’s Park in the San Narciso Village of the Corozal District. The project is a collaborative effort of the Government of Belize and the European Union geared at improving the infrastructural development of the […]

UB Toledo hosts annual Education Fair
The University of Belize Toledo campus held its annual Faculty of Education and Arts showcase today. This day is set aside for the students of the faculty to display all the projects they have done over the course of the year. The event focused on topics surrounding Belizean History and […]

Drug bust at La Isla Bonita
A random search at an apartment in the San Pedrito Area of Ambergris Caye yielded successful for authorities on the island. According to the report, they conducted a search around 12:30pm on Tuesday where they were met by five male persons. Upon further inspection, authorities made the discovery of a […]

Senior Officers get notice of impending transfers
Reports are that seven (7) Senior Officers from municipalities across Belize have been given notice of their impending transfers. The memo confirms that Regional Commander for the North and Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvette will be transferred to the Garden City of Belmopan. Officer in Charge of the Corozal […]

Troubled Youths benefit from Southside Project
In Southside Belize City, where homicide rates have drastically increased in recent years and the drug trade has become so widespread, joining gangs is seen as the only way to survive for many deprived youths. Youths like 18 year old Rudolph Belisle to whom the idea of getting a high […]

No ‘Black Gold’ in Sarstoon Temash for US Capital Energy
After months of continuous drilling for oil in the Sarstoon Temash National Park, indications suggest that US Capital has been unsuccessful in finding “black gold” in that area. Reports are that their expectations and explorations were ceased after drilling more than 6000 feet. Reliable information reaching our news […]

Two men have been charged in connection with Aurelio’s murder
The murder of Aurelio Montero Jr. is the latest homicide to shock the usually peaceful town of San Ignacio. This 24 year old coastguard seaman from Bullet Tree Village left his home on Holy Thursday with intentions to report to work on Good Friday, but he never made it because he […]

Blogs

Mystery Fruit: Sapodilla – A Tree That Produce Both a Delicious Snack And Chicle
For some reason, when asking details on a new fruit, I am always conversing with someone who speaks mostly Spanish. And since I speak almost zero Spanish, I did get the name: Sapodilla. And she said, I believe, that it is like a kiwi. She helped me pick two – you want them soft to the touch – charged me $1bzd each for them. Not bad. The sapodilla are front and center. Roundish, with a grayish-brownish, dusty thin skin. Skin you don’t want to eat. Mameys – more football like and with very rough skin – sit towards the back near the mangoes.

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK 200: BELIZE
Oh, Belize. Fifteen years ago, it was one of the first foreign countries I ever stepped foot in — and I’ve been itching to return ever since. This photos from this past week and the one before it should explain why pretty well. While our first week in the country was spent exploring the mainland jungles and beaches, for the second, my sister and cousin and I hit the cayes after waving goodbye to my mom at the airport. Our first stop was Caye Caulker, which immediately swept us away with its small island charm. Next, after both Kirsten and Olivia made their exits, I boated over to Ambergis Caye for a change of scenery. While Caye Caulker was my favorite by a mile, they’re both surrounded by miles of turquoise waters — so, really, you can’t lose. Next, I’m on my way back to Guatemala, though I must admit that I’m feeling a bit lost and struggling to get back in the solo traveler groove since the family departed. It doesn’t help that I’m buried under a pile of work, so my human interaction levels have dropped from near-constant to next-to-nothing as I’ve reunited with my old best friend my laptop. The one thing keeping my sane is breaking for a nightly jog or bike ride. Hopefully by the time I check in next week, I’ll have found my stride again.

International Sources

Belizean beauty
I had the pleasure of spending a few days on this blissful tropical getaway along the Belizean coast this February. The Caye (K) or island is located 21 miles off the coast of Belize City and can be reached by a 45 minute water taxi. It is actually a limestone reef covered by a maritime sand dune and only measures four miles in length. A hurricane back in the 60s initially divided the island into two and is divided by what the locals call The Split. The developed southern end is where you find the village of Caye Caulker while the northern tip has recently become under the scrutiny of international developers. There are currently efforts to dredge the mangrove swamps to try and build some large resorts and homes. Now those of you looking for 5* resorts and amenities would be better served to continue onwards to Caye Caulker’s big brother – Ambergris Caye. Caye Caulker has long been a favorite for the backpacker crowd however there have been recent additions of some lovely upscale accommodations. Everything from luxury condos and bed and breakfasts, mid-range accommodations, hostels and even beachfront camping is available all depending on your personal budget. The true draw to this place is its uniquely laid back ambiance. Brightly painted houses line the beach and sand streets. Coconut palms sway in the warm tropical breezes. Children laugh and play on their walk to and from the small elementary school. Bicycle bells, not car horns ring out as the locals call out greetings. This destination is all about breathing deep, slowing down and living in the present.

Bringing to Light Mysterious Maya Cave Rituals
Discover Magazine did a piece that shows a lot of Actun Tunichil Muknal, and talks about some of its 'subterranean secrets.' "Over the past 50 years, vestiges of religious rituals have turned up in hundreds of caves throughout the land of the ancient Maya, stretching from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula down through El Salvador. Some caves, like Actun Tunichil Muknal, or 'Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre,' contain human or animal remains, as well as ceramic pots, musical instruments, jewelry, small sculptures and stingray spines, which were used for bloodletting. Others contain mysterious stone structures: altars, plaster platforms, pathways and monuments. In some caves, every chamber is adorned with this architecture — an extraordinary feat of engineering in absolute darkness."

Belize’s Hamanasi Resort Completes Renovation Project
Belize’s Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort has completed its recent renovation project. The property’s updated Great House is slated for a grand opening on April 25. The boutique hotel had closed at the end of 2014 to add 10,000 square feet of additions and renovations at what is its main building onsite. The project included the addition of new furniture made onsite in the hotel’s carpentry shop, along with a new “Stargazer’s Deck,” which offers a high-altitude view of far off islands. “The Great House renovation came out of a need to expand the available public space to better accommodate the increase in guests as well as a desire to elevate comfort and design,” the property said in a release. “However, staying committed to sustainability and limiting the carbon footprint were fundamental parts of the process.”

Bakersfield native teaches Belizean children about mosquitos
Preventative Medicine Technician Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Luke Peet, a native of Bakersfield, Calif., attached to Boone Branch Health Clinic, teaches Belizean children about mosquitos at the Independence Polyclinic in Independence, Belize during Continuing Promise 2015. Continuing Promise is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian-civil assistance, subject matter expert exchanges, medical, dental, veterinary and engineering support and disaster response to partner nations and to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Directors' indemnities foolproof
In Arnold v Belize Telemedia Ltd the Belize Court of Appeal confirmed that indemnities given by a Belizean company to its directors deprived the company of a cause of action to pursue a claim against former directors for decisions taken during their term as company directors. Background. The government compulsorily acquired Belize Telemedia Limited in August 2009. The directors of the then privately held company were deposed by legislative instrument and replaced by a government-appointed board. In 2011 the government-appointed board decided that certain decisions made by the previous board of directors had caused the company to suffer loss and damage. Specifically, it was alleged that decisions of the former directors to make advances to a related company to write off certain related-party debts, make a distribution of shares in specie and pay dividends without making tax deductions had caused loss to Telemedia.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. Fourth Fleet
Seventeen service members from the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) participated in a community relations event at King's Children Home (KCH) in Belmopan, Belize, April 10 in support of Continuing Promise 2015 (CP-15). Continuing Promise is a collaborative effort between the United States, partner nations and non-governmental and support organizations to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian and civic assistance, as well as veterinary, medical, dental and civil engineering support to send a strong message of compassion, support and commitment to Central America, South America and the Caribbean. KCH, one of the very few orphanages in Belize, is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to helping and providing care for children in difficult circumstances. The Christian-based orphanage, founded 1985, has expanded over the years, opening its doors to hundreds of children. "We are here today to do some paint restoration in the cafeteria, which is really the big project at hand," said COMREL coordinator Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Coreson, a native of Soldonta, Alaska. "I think service members getting in uniform and coming out to help with projects is a great opportunity to work alongside our Belize partners."

The April 5, 2015 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Bernard Clings To Life:
  A San Ignacio resident is tonight clinging to life at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after he was hit by a vehicle that did not stop. Fifty year old Bernard McLaren, known as the bread and bun man, is a self-employed father of three children. McLaren had just visited his kids and was heading home when he was hit by a white vehicle. The driver did not stop to render assistance. The incident happened a little before 9:00 Saturday night when San Ignacio police was called to the low lying bridge of an accident that occurred. Upon arrival police noticed a man lying face down on the side of the street. They recognize the male person to be Bernard McLaren, 50 Belizean Labourer of Branch mouth area. McLaren was unconscious and was bleeding from his head, apparently suffering from a cut wound to the right side of his forehead.
• Link Up Bar Burglar:
  On Wednesday a Santa Elena business woman reported that her establishment was burglarized. Owner of Link Up Bar, Ruby Sabala, reported to the San Ignacio police that her said establishment was burglarized on Tuesday 24 March. She said that about 12:00 pm on that same day she received a call from the owner of the building that the back door of the establishment was opened. Knowing that she had properly secured her establishment, she quickly when to take a look. Upon arrival she noted that the lock was broken off the front door and they exited through the back door.
• Launch Of My Body Is Precious Animations:
  The office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children has partnered with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to produce animated videos from the My Body is Precious “good touch, bad touch” book in the Garifuna, Maya and English languages. This initiative was born out of the belief that all children have the right to get information in a way that they understand and the realization that there are communities, primarily in southern Belize where Garifuna and Maya are the most commonly spoken languages. These are also languages that are rarely used in written form. Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow is proud to be able to extend her advocacy efforts for child abuse prevention to these communities where the children and their families may not speak or fully understand English.
• Mmmm... Hot Cross Buns Recipe:
  love. Belizeans love their hot cross buns as much as the next person, and the favorite way to eat them is slathered with happy cow cheese, dripping in butter or simply dunked in a nice mug of coffee to start the Easter weekend right. Here is a recipe to test out your baking skills!! Hot Cross Bun Recipe Ingredients: Dry * 3lbs flour * 2 packs of yeast * Spice seeds * Raisins * ½ lb shortening * 1 cup brown sugar Wet * Lukewarm coconut milk * Vanilla (about 1 tablespoon) * Essence of your choice Preparation Method: Add flour, yeast, spice seeds, raisins into a mixing bowl Add in the ½ lb of shortening, followed by 1 cup of brown sugar. Mix everything together until incorporated.
• Blazing Battle Of The Two Western Teams:
  Friday night, the clash of two of the power houses in the league, complemented by the in-district rivalry took center stage at the Sacred Heart College Auditorium in San Ignacio Town on Friday 20 March, 2015, as the undefeated Cayo Western Ballaz (7-0) played host to the Belmopan Red Taigaz (5-2). The stage was set from the introduction of the players, as the visiting Belmopan fans came in full force, matching the noise, intensity and fan fare of the home team. The game's intensity peaked from tip off, and the biggest lead in the entire game was 6 points, as both teams demonstrated a high level of concentration, great defense and limited mistakes. With 19 seconds remaining in the game, Belmopan Red Taigaz had a 60 - 59 lead, when Richard Troyer missed a three point attempt, and Jarell Velasquez secured the rebound and was fouled.
• Celebrating Easter In Belize:
  With more than 80 per cent of Belizeans professing Christianity, Easter is the single longest public and Bank Holiday – from Good Friday through Easter Monday. This is a 4 day holiday when residents flee to neighboring Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Chetumal in Mexico, or take to the local beaches, river or nearest bathing pool. Schools are closed for a full week starting from the Monday before the Easter weekend. Government, public utilities and banks shut down at midday on Holy Thursday, for four and a half days making this one of the slowest periods for commerce. The weather is usually very hot, but at times a straggling cold front moves in over the Yucatan Peninsula bringing in clouds and pleasant temperatures. The sale of alcohol is prohibited throughout the country on Good Friday, a day when solemn religious activities are held including all-day church services and processions re-enacting of the Passion of Christ. Regretfully, foreign tourism interests have managed to erode Easter traditions in certain areas such as Ambergris Caye by pressuring local authorities to look the other way to allow the sale of alcohol on Good Friday.
• Where is the BC:
  A rather old fashioned lady was planning a couple of weeks vacation in The Mountain Pine Ridge. She also was quite delicate and elegant with her language. She wrote a letter to a particular campground and asked for reservations. She wanted to make sure the campground was fully equipped but didn't know quite how to ask about the "toilet" facilities. She just couldn't bring herself to write the word "toilet" in her letter. After much deliberation, she finally came up with the old fashioned term "Bathroom Commode," but when she wrote that down, she still thought she was being too forward. So she started all over again; rewrote the entire letter and referred to the "Bathroom Commode" simply as the "B.C.". Does the campground have its own "B.C.?" is what she actually wrote.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections:
  Sexually transmitted infections (STI), also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and venereal diseases (VD), are infections that are commonly spread by sex, especially vaginal intercourse, anal sex and oral sex. Most STIs initially do not cause symptoms. This results in a greater risk of passing the disease on to others. Symptoms and signs of disease may include: vaginal discharge, penile discharge, ulcers on or around the genitals, and pelvic pain. STIs acquired before or during birth may result in poor outcomes for the baby. Some STIs may cause problems with the ability to get pregnant. More than 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites can cause STIs. Bacterial STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis among others. Viral STIs include genital herpes, HIV/AIDS, and genital warts among others. Parasitic STIs include trichomoniasis among others. While usually spread by sex, some STIs can also be spread by non-sexual contact with contaminated blood and tissues, breastfeeding, or during childbirth. STI diagnostic tests are easily available in the developed world, but this is often not the case in the developing world.
• GOB To Conduct In-Depth Review Of Local Rice Industry:
  The Government of Belize wishes to inform the public that it is fully aware of the request by a local importer to import rice from Guyana, and his claim that imported rice through that channel could be made available to the public at a price lower than the current market price. The Government is also aware that there is severe overproduction in Guyana and they have domestic pressure to market that product at any cost. The government, through the Ministries of Natural Resources and Agriculture, and the Ministry of Trade, Investment, Private Sector Development and Consumer Protection, is conducting an in-depth review of the rice industry with an aim to ensure the best action for Belize as it relates to the production and supply of rice to the Belizean public. The first stakeholder meeting including producers was held last week before this became a media story.
• Decriminalization Of Marijuana community and from National:
  Earlier this month a committee authorized to discuss the removal of criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of cannabis released its report in which it recommends such removal for ten grams or less possessed. The report is now before Cabinet and today Prime Minister Dean Barrow confirmed that the Government has given its support in principle. However, there are reservations, particularly from the church community and from National Security Minister John Saldivar with regard to the establishment of “decriminalization,” as it is officially termed. The Prime Minister said Government wished to have final consultation with the churches as to their position on decriminalization, though it is prepared to move forward without them if needed. Thousands of Belizeans are expected to benefit from this move, which will include formal rehabilitation and education as well as expunging of criminal records.
• World Cup Qualifiers Belize Vs. Cayman:
  Earlier this month the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) presented the 30-member men’s National “A” Selection Team, dubbed, the Belize Jaguars who have been in training for last night’s game against the Cayman Islands in their first match of the World Cup 2018 Qualifiers. During that presentation, which included the unveiling of their logo, much confidence was expressed in Belize securing a victory despite the absence of the team’s star striker, Deon McCaulay. The forecast for that victory was made based on several factors including the fact that Belize ranks internationally at 41, outdoing the Grand Cayman National Team … but that victory didn’t come to pass last night as the game ended in a nil-nil score last night at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan.
• Buenos Aires Streets Empty As Transport Strike:
  The streets of the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, remained largely empty on Tuesday morning as a number of transport workers' unions went on a 24-hour strike. Many national and international flights were cancelled and train and underground stations looked deserted. Trade unionists, who complain about high inflation and high taxes, also blocked some roads. The government has defended its tax system as fair. Blockades Protesters blocking the Pueyrredon Bridge, one of the main access routes into the city, said they would keep the blockade going until at least midday. Strike leaders said buses would not run on Tuesday as drivers were heavily unionised
• International Garifuna Summit:
  An International Garifuna Summit organized by the Garifuna Heritage Foundation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines was held on 8th-15th March, 2015 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The theme of the Summit was “The Garifuna, a Nation Displaced-Cultural Rights, Economic Survival and Reparations." It consisted of several events including Workshops, Conference, Tours, Cultural Extravaganza, a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Garifuna Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer Monument on St. Vincent and Grenadines Heroes Day, March 14th. A pilgrimage to Balliceaux was done on Sunday March 15. Balliceaux is an inhospitable off-shore island where the Garinagu were sent in July 1796 before being exiled from their homeland. More than fifty percent of those sent to Balliceaux died before the exile.
• Criminal On The Run - Caught:
  While on the run, police has finally caught Jose “Pelon” Quintanilla. The incident happened on Thursday, 19 March, 2015, when the San Ignacio police was conducting their mobile patrol; they noticed Jose “Pelon” Quintanilla, on 2nd Street walking with a pink school bag in his hand coming out of an opened lot. As soon as Quintanilla saw the mobile patrol he turned back and ran. Police immediately set chase after him as he ran to an unfinished building where police saw him threw the bag and jumped out the back side of the building. Police then retrieved the pink school bag and continued the chase however, Quintanilla make good his escape through the bushes.
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April 15, 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

Bolito vendor robbed
The San Pedro Sun can confirm that two masked men attempted to rob a Bolito vendor on Laguna Drive. Police are currently on the scene.

San Pedro Sun needs full time reporter!
Are you a Belizean looking for a great job opportunity? We are willing to train the right candidate!

Ambergris Today

Flashbacks - The increasing of classrooms at San Pedro High School
Ever since San Pedro High moved into its own premises in 1987, the building of more classroom space has been continuous. This beginning of the second floor has an interesting story according to former principal Angel Nuñez. In 1990 with increase of class sizes, there was need of a larger classroom so Principal Nuñez and Chairlady Martha Guerrero paid a visit to Education Minister Said Musa. They needed 25 thousand dollars to construct this one classroom and knowing how governments operate, they asked for 50 thousand hoping to get the 25 needed. Said Musa readily agreed with the need of the project and also agreed to provide the 50 thousand dollars. So what to do with all that extra money? Two classrooms were constructed that year in what was to be the commencement of the second floor of San Pedro High. In this project a holiday workaton was declared by the Board and students, males and females got to shovel sand and gravel and load the mixer with cement on the day the roof was cast.

Belize’s Tiburon Rum and Traveller’s Latest Golden Awards
Belize just 1UP-ed the competition in Orland, Florida, USA, as it took two gold medals at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) 72nd Annual Convention & Exposition that was held last night, Monday, April 13, 2015. Basil Destefano of Tiburon Rum and Amanda Perdomo of Traveller’s Liqours represented Belize at the convention and took the completion by surprise when Tiburon Rum was awarded with Double Gold Award for Best in Show (Best Dark/Gold Rum, Best Rum and Best Aged White Spirit In Show) and One Barrel Rum taking the Gold Award. “Belize has never done this at the biggest show in the United States,” commented Basil Destefano of Tiburon Rum. “We are getting attention now and so is Belize; it is a very big day for Belize!” The WSWA opened with a record attendance, industry and supplier participation and it is great to hear that Belize did a great job. Congratulations to Tiburon Rum and Traveller’s Liquors for proudly representing Belize!!

Catholic Church Kick Starts Youth Group Activities
The San Pedro Roman Catholic Church has organized a youth group on Ambergris Caye, Belize in order to provide island youth an outlet for them not to only learn more about the church, but also become active members of the community, be social and more importantly have fun. The group has started to meet on Fridays at 6p.m. for an hour at the Catholic Church’s Parish Hall where they participate in activities that include chats about topics related to the Church, arts & craft, mentorship chats, among other fun activities. The youth group was organized by Father Scott who envisions the island youth becoming more involved with the Catholic Church and the community and also providing them with positive activities that will keep them busy and away from negative influences. These activities will include community service projects, fundraiser and even participation in retreats organized by the church around the country.

Misc Belizean Sources

San Pedro Town Council no longer lending tables, tents
The San Pedro Town Council hereby informs the general public that effective April 15, the SPTC will a longer be lending out tables nor tents with the exception of wakes. Also using beaches and parks should be officially requested at the San Pedro Town Council office where a respective fee will be applied. We advise you use the existing rental services available on the island.

Ministry of Health to Officially Inaugurate the National Vaccine Storage Facility
The Ministry of Health in partnership with the European Union and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) will be conducting a short ceremony on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 3:00 pm to officially inaugurate the National Vaccine Storage Facility at the Western Regional Hospital Compound.

Belize and the EU Hold Second “Article 8” Political Dialogue Session
The Second political dialogue session between the European Union and Belize took place in Belize City on Monday, 13 April 2015. The dialogue offers a platform for consultations over a broad range of issues, as well as an opportunity to take stock of progress made concerning 'essential elements' of the Cotonou Agreement, including respect for human rights, rule of law, democratic principles and good governance. The meeting focused on the current status of the Belize Guatemala Process, Energy, Climate Change, Security, the Post 2015 Development Agenda, Human Rights, Schengen Visa Waiver, Preparations for EU-CELAC Summit in June2015 and Updates on Regional Processes.

U.S. Embassy Town Hall Meeting in San Pedro
Town Hall Meeting - San Pedro Monday, April 20 at 11:00am in UTC-06 Blue Water Grill - San Pedro, Belize

US Ambassador and his wife tour Chiquibul
We were very happy to be able to take the US Ambassador and his wife out on a tour yesterday. Its always a pleasure to share the beauty of our work area, but more importantly, show the work we are able to accomplish for endangered species in Belize.

Warasa Garifuna Drum School
Warasa drummer and singers doing what we were born to do and what we do best . keeping Garifuna culture and music alive.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Tuesday, April 14, 2015: 56, FANTASY 5: 37 32 4 7 28 N

Corozal: JAMMIN at SCOTTY's BAR & GRILL this Friday!
Come join us this Friday for Roots Rock PayDay on the 17th of this month due to the fact that 15th falls on our day off!! Enjoy all day Happy Hour aka ALL DAY HAPPINESS!!! Selector Skype will be playing music from 6:30 to close

CARTS & CARRIERS CYCLES EXHIBITION
Scenes from the grand opening of the exhibit by Ian Morrison entitled, "CARTS & CARRIERS CYCLES EXHIBITION- Belize in the 20th Century"! Remember the exhibit runs until the end of the month at the Besile Arts Gallery at the Bliss! You are invited to drop in and come see for yourself....

2015 September Theme Competition!
Could you do with a $1000? This will just take a couple minutes...

Channel 7

Maxboro Resident Violently Killed; Decomposes In His House
Last night we told had the breaking news of the murder on the Maxboro Housing Community. Well tonight the grisly details are known about the savage slaying of 31 year old Leon Leslie. As we told you, his throat was cut and he had various stab wounds over his body. Police say he was found on the couch in a state of decomposition. 7News has learned that he was also nude, and his pants were pulled over his head. IT appears that the killer used both a machete and a knife. And then after all that they appeared to have vomited on the victim. Probably worse than all that, the discovery was made by his children after school. That was around 5:00 pm - and this morning, 12 hours later, Dr. Mario Estradabran had to perform a post mortem on site. Leslie was buried immediately after, but the mystery of his gruesome end endures. Today police told the media what they know:.. Supt. Hilberto Romero - OC, CIB Eastern Division "Police responded to a report of a body that was found at Maxboro. Police proceeded to the area, where upon arrival they found the lifeless body of Leon Leslie Sr., 31 years old inside the residence in a seated position on a sofa, apparently dead. The body was partly decomposed. He had stab wounds to the chest and neck area."

Lovely Lane Resident Shot In Front of His House
And while Ladyville police continue to work on solving Leslie's murder, in Belize City, on top of the past 4 recent murders which happened in the past 3 weeks, police must now investigate a shooting which happened last night. The victim, 48 year-old Mark Broaster, was standing on Lovely Lane in front of his house socializing when a gunman approached and fired several shots at him. Police told us today that he was very fortunate to have escaped with only an injury to the right hand and lower back: Supt. Hilberto Romero - OC, CIB Eastern Division "There was a shooting at the corner Pickstock and Lovely Lane, where Mark Broaster was shot to the hand. Information is that he hang around in that area when shots rang out and he received those injuries. He is presently admitted at the KHMH receiving treatment." Mike Rudon, Ch5 "Could you tell us if the shooting in any way connected to the recent spurt of violence?"

Police Brutality Caught On Camera In OW
A man was badly beaten by police in Orange Walk on Sunday night - and it was captured on camera. We warn you the images are intense. We spoke with the victim today - 28 year old driver Andres Rodriguez who told u it was all a mix up. He explained that on Sunday night he was carrying passengers from the Free Zone to Orange Walk. He made his final stop in the Louisiana area, bought some groceries and then sat in the vehicle to listen to music. That was when he saw someone shining a flashlight through his window. He sped off because he thought someone was trying to rob him. But when he got to his house he realized that person had followed him and it turned out to be the police. We also spoke to his wife who was present at the time holding their 1 year old baby while she took this video. She told us the police just stormed in and began to beat her husband. In the background, you can hear her frantically screaming and begging the police to stop beating her husband. She told us today that when she tried to talk to the officers and ask them why they were attacking her husband they simply told her not to interfere. She also told us it lasted for about 8 to 10 minutes while police tried - very unprofessionally - to drag him out of the house using a handcuff.

Chetumal Street Squatters Ask For Leases In Lake I
Last night, we told you about the relief that the Lake Independence Area Rep., Mark King, is offering to the squatters on Lake I Boulevard, right next to the newly built Chetumal Street Bridge. He's trying to help 11 families to relocate after the private owner of the land sent them eviction notices. King has secure land for them in Cotton Tree. They need only apply to the department, and inform him, and he'll try to help them navigate through the process so that they can get an expedited approval. Today, we encountered a group of squatters who aren't included in that list of the 11 families being helped immediately. They have two issues with King's plan. The first is that some want the same consideration from King, and the second, a group of others are refusing to leave the land they are squatting on. They want him to get involved as minister to acquire the private land that they are squatting on, and offer the Chinese land-owners a different piece of land - even their one in Cotton Tree.

Did NTUCB Properly Advise Senator Davis on Petrocaribe Law?
Ray Davis, it's been a tough few weeks for the Labour Senator. He's on the hot seat because he abstained on the senate vote on the Petrocaribe Loan Motion. The National Trade Union Congress says it does not support the piece of legislation and Davis's vote should have been an emphatic "no." Instead, he abstained. Vice President of the Trade Union Congress, Audrey Matura Shepherd told the media on Friday that he either needs to resign or be removed because his vote was not in line with the position of the NTUCB. Two weeks ago, the President of the NTUCB told the media that their position was never directly communicated to Davis - but he should have known. But, perhaps, it's not all that clear-cut because the Unions have been beneficiaries of Petrocaribe funds - in the form of loans from the National Bank. That bank was capitalized with 30 million dollars from Petrocaribe funds - with special priority for teachers and public officers. The trade union congress of Belize also sits on the board of Belize Infrastructure Limited - which is funded by Petrocaribe. That's the contradiction that may have led Davis to abstain in the absence of a clear position from the NTUCB. And, this email sent in November shows that he was awaiting guidance. That is after the first Petrocaribe legislation went to the House in November and Davis voted "yes." That's when Audrey Matura Shepherd questioned him in an email, quote: "In a matter such as this the membership should have a say….how come is it that our Senator voted yes and who gave the mandate?"

Attorney Arthur To Be Criminally Arraigned
Belmopan police say that they will charge Attorney Arthur Saldivar tomorrow. Officer Commanding Howell Gillett says that Saldivar had court obligations today - but has agreed to come in tomorrow. He is expected to be charged for burglary and trespass. His ex-common law - with whom he has two children alleges that Saldivar jumped the fence at her home, grabbed her phone and then went into his vehicle, locked the doors and started reviewing her text messages. He said that he never jumped the fence but that his son brought him the phone which he did review because he was concerned for his children's wellbeing. Now, the allegation and counter-allegation will go to court when he is arraigned tomorrow.

Victoria Street
Police continue special operations on San Pedro where they are trying to root out the source of the recent spate of crime - and that is drugs. Today AT 12:30, they found a group of Belize City men on the island with 88 grams, about three ounces of cocaine. They are 45 year old Cyril Joseph Wade, 34 year old Richard Adderly, 40 year old Edmond Alvarez, 26 year old Edwin Godoy, and 20 year old Joel Young. They were found in a home with 83.8 grams of cocaine, about 3.1 ounces. They will be jointly charged for drug trafficking. Police say they are from the Victoria Street area.

Another Accident At Airport Junction
There was another accident at the dangerous airport junction on Saturday afternoon. 40 year old Edgar Reyes was heading to Belize City from Burrell in his blue Nissan Pickup truck around 3. When he approached the airport junction in Ladyville, he noticed a small gold SUV coming out from the direction of the airport. Reyes began to slow down and also saw the SUV do the same. But Reyes told police that he kept on driving and that is when the driver of the SUV hit Reyes's truck in the right passenger side of the vehicle. Reyes was travelling along with his 11 year old daughter and his girlfriend. Reyes was not hurt but his daughter complained of pain to the head and his girlfriend who was in the front passenger side was complaining of pain to the forehead. Both were served with a notice of intended prosecution but the matter will be settled out of court.

CitCo's Business Improvement Area Workshop
Today the Belize City council held a Business Improvement Area workshop at the Radisson. The main idea of the workshop is to educate members of the private and public sector about the Business Improvement Area and how it can benefit the business community and residents of Belize City. It is a part of the House of Culture's and City Council's rejuvenation project and Mayor Bradley told us how this component will work to enhance the commercial and overall economic performance in the city. Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City "This is an idea that comes from CARILED which is the Caribbean Local Economic Development Project. Which is a project that we're working in collaboration with a Canadian municipal association to really develop the concept which is very vibrant in Canadian cities and the facilitator today is talking about examples that are in Ottawa in Canada. Essentially what it is, is a business improvement area where the stakeholders, particularly business owners and community agents within the community look at areas where they can develop their space for increase economic activity.

Mayor Bradley Welcomes Critics To Downtown Project
Last week Thursday you heard cultural critic Yasser Musa's strong criticism of the Downtown Rejuvenation Project. We asked Mayor Bradley what he thought about Musa's criticism of the project and although he said he was not aware of the entire basis of Musa's argument, he said he welcomes criticism and that this project is just one of many to come. Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City "Well you have to recognize too that this is one project. I mean the City Council, NICH, BTB, we do many different projects. I mean, we had an infrastructure project that looked at streets. Some persons may make a valid criticism that as oppose to spending so much money on streets you could have spent some money on streets and some money on something else. That's a policy political decision which is a fair criticism that when you look at this project, ten million dollars is going to be funded by a loan from the Taiwanese Government. Of course their money is specific to certain things, so that that money has to be spent in accordance with a project plan that they crafted and helped developed. So that there's a certain amount of discretion in that. To say that we could not do something else. It's a criticism, I mean if I wanted to do, like I can think of fifteen different projects that the city possibly can do in the country but the Taiwanese Government is funding a specific aspect of this project."

Murder Trial Aborted: Jehova's Witness Juror Can't Judge Man
For almost 4 years accused murderer 30 year-old Raymond Myers has been waiting behind bars for day in court. He's accused of stabbing 27 year-old Francis Figueroa to death, but tonight, he's back behind bars with a further delay because the Supreme Court had to abort his trial, which started just yesterday. One of the 12 jurors revealed today that he's a member of the Jehova's witness Church told the judge today that he cannot judge anyone. When Justice Troadio Gonzalez questioned him as to why he didn't say something from yesterday when he was selected, the juror told the court that he didn't know and understand his role as a juror. He explained that he just realized that he will be judging the man. The judge tried to explain to him that all he will be doing is to look at the facts of the case as presented to him against the accused and not judging the man. But the juror believed that this is the same as judging the man, which is overstepping into the territory of God. With that he asked permission to be excused. Since the trial was already one day into the trial, Judge Gonzalez was forced to abort the case and dismissed that panel of jurors.

This History of Carts And Carrier Bikes
Young people might not remember them - but for the greater part of the 20th Century, traffic Belize City was populated with wheeled transportation - and we don't mean cars and trucks - powered by internal combustion engines. We're talking about carts and carrier bikes - powered by men! That is the subject of an unusual new exhibit at the Be-lisle art gallery at the Bliss center. It opened yesterday - but the man who put it together is no artist, he's an engineer - one that became fascinated with the culture and craft of cart making. We found out more at the opening yesterday: Courtney Weatherburne reporting Shaved ice, or fresco as it was known is a cultural artifact unto itself. But this exhibit is not about what might latterly be called snow-cones, it's about the cart that carried the ice blocks - those are also artifacts - and one the curator wasn't sure merited its own show:

PM Barrow Says Banking Sector Is Under Threat
Are Belize's banks under threat? Well that's what the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dean Barrow told the Second CEO Summit of the Americas in Panama last week. He was asked to give an address on Productive Integration for Inclusive Development and he spoke in dire terms of the strict anti-money laundering regulations that the US is putting on banks in the region. Here's what he said, quote: "There is a crisis in my own country and in several others in the Eastern Caribbean, where the big US banks are 'de-risking' by terminating their correspondent relationships with our domestic banks. Indeed, even our Central Banks are being cut off; and our financial and trade architecture cannot survive this phenomenon. ....I do not exaggerate when I say that all our noble goals, all our aspirational imperatives, will be rubbished if this noose continues to be tightened around the necks of our smallest and poorest economies." The PM returned on Monday.

Channel 5

Decomposing Body Found Inside Maxboro Residence; Mechanic Massacred
There is a gruesome murder to report in the community of Maxboro on the Phillip Goldson Highway. Sometime late Saturday night or early Sunday morning, thirty-one year old mechanic Leon [...]

2 Cayo Men Charged for Murder of Coastguard
Two men have been charged in connection with the latest homicide in San Ignacio.  Twenty-one-year-old Wendell Ovando, a construction worker of Kontiki area in San Ignacio, Cayo, and a fifteen-year-old [...]

Cocaine Bust in San Pedro, Belize City Residents to be Arraigned for Drug Trafficking
Police are reporting a significant cocaine bust in San Pedro Town involving known members of the Victoria Street gang. It happened at around 12:30pm today in an apartment in the [...]

Labor Department Meets With Santander Employees, Is Salary Issue Resolved?
On Monday night, we told you about the employees who had gathered at the grounds of Santander because they had issues about salaries. Workers were complaining about payments they received [...]

Squatters Disgruntled Over Omission of Names from Relocation List
On Monday, Lake Independence Area Representative Mark King announced that a total of eleven families that have been settling illegally on a six-acre parcel near the Chetumal Street Bridge will [...]

Lake-I Area Rep Explains His Intervention in Relocation Effort
According to the area representative, the expedited process should be completed by the end of this week.  That was, of course, for the initial list of squatters who needed to [...]

Did Law Enforcement Officers in Sugar City Physically Abuse O.W. Man?
On Monday evening, a video was uploaded to Facebook showing a police officer and two special constables attempting to handcuff a man and hitting him in the process, resulting in [...]

Darrington Lauriano Junior Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison
Twenty-two-year-old Darrington Lauriano Jr. has been sentenced to sixteen years in prison after being busted with a nine millimeter pistol loaded with eight live rounds of ammunition.  During the swoop, [...]

Murder Trial of Raymond Myers Aborted
A man who has been on remand for almost five years will have to wait even longer after the jury in his trial for murder was dismissed by Justice Troadio [...]

Will Petrocaribe Be Affected by U.S. Interest in Regional Energy Investment?
As we reported in Monday’s newscast, an energy summit was held in Washington earlier this year and the U.S. is trying to move its energy influence back into the Caribbean. [...]

CitCo Proposes Business Improvement Area
CARILED, the Caribbean Local Economic Development Project is working in collaboration with the Belize City Council and the Canadian Municipal Association to develop a Business Improvement Area concept. It seeks [...]

…Will It Work in Belize City?
But the implementation of the BIA into the city’s framework comes with its compromises. Particularly for the business owners; while businesses will be given the opportunity to develop a collective [...]

Yasser Musa’s Criticism of Colonial Museum Revisited, Mayor Bradley Responds
But the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project, following its launch last week, was blasted by the former President of National Institute of Culture and History, Yasser [...]

F.F.B. Installs New Financial Management Team
As we reported on Monday, the Football Federation of Belize met in congress over the weekend to discuss a number of issues, including preparations for round two of the 2018 [...]

CTV3

More Infrastructural Work Done By The Orange Walk Town Council
A little over a month following their victory at the polls, the Orange Walk Town Council continues its work in the town. One of the biggest projects that the council has embarked on is the rehabilitation of streets within the town. Residents have complained constantly of the deplorable conditions of over ninety percent of the streets. Mayor Kevin Bernard says that streets have always been a priority for the council and they have commenced work on several. We caught up with the Mayor this morning along Saint Peter’s Street where work was ongoing. “The people of Orange Walk clamored that they want their streets fixed and so we had already agreed to these streets before it is just that we were unable to get of course resources and all of that and so we waited until after the election to continue with these works so what we have done, we have done we had gone back and we have prepared Mahogany and Sapodilla because that is the first street that we are going to be paving and we have also done both sides of Liberty Avenue that needed attention and we also want to pave those, we have also prepared Trinidad Street and now we are doing St. Peters Street, of course it will see some other materials going in there thereafter we move on to Oleander Street and at some point we want to do Orchid Drive and Munoz Lane because we feel that these are main outlets that people travel and while these are not the only streets that we will be addressing we want to be able to pave these immediately but at the same time we want to ensure that we can put the second coat on some of the streets that we had done for example Muffles Street, Barbados Street and you have the Belize Street that we want to pass the second coat on so that it can stay much better that it is and Westby Alley as well as one of the streets we want to put second coat as well so that these streets can last.”

Thieves Target Concepcion Roman Catholic School
The once quiet and secure village of Concepcion is seeing a rise in thefts and this morning thieves targeted the Roman Catholic School. According to teachers at the Concepcion RC School, with this incident, the school has been targeted twice leaving two students without their mode of transport. Today, we spoke to Teacher, Jose Ramirez via telephone. JOSE RAMIREZ – Teacher, Concepcion RC “A man from Caledonia came around and the idea was that she borrowed a bicycle we believe that from a family member that ha a child there in school and apparently she took the bike and he did not returned the bike, we understand that he is from Caledonia and so the family was contacted and they just mentioned that he ride up to Caledonia without the bicycle and when they asked him about it she just ignore the question and that is what the family says, this is the second time, just before we went on vacation we also had a similar incident by somebody taking a bike from the school compound.”

Another Vicious Dog Attack In The Village Of San Estevan
Another dog attack has been reported in Orange Walk. Following investigations by our news team, CTV3 News spoke with Lorenzo Carrillo, owner of the three Rottweiler dogs that are the center of the controversy. The incident is reported to have occurred sometime after eight last night when Carrillo was having a conversation with his family after dinner in his home in San Estevan Village. According to Carrillo, he and his family heard screams and went outside to investigate and when they went into their yard, they saw a man being attacked by one of their dogs. Carrillo says that he understands that minutes before, members of the church congregation who were attending a mass at the time had come out and were screaming in fear upon seeing that two of his dogs attacked a man who was camping in the back yard of an old building located adjacent Carrillo’s yard. Carrillo, who preferred to comment off camera, says he reacted quickly and jumped over his fence to get one of his dogs off the individual, who we understand in a foreigner who had set up camp next to his yard.

Mayor Bernard Plans To Put Uniformity For Vendors In Market Square
The Orange Walk Town Council has a number of projects on hand and another important one is at the market area. Mayor Kevin Bernard says there is a need to reorganize the vendors at the market square and have begun meeting with them to achieve this. “We want to start with the clothes vendors, those that sell on their tents to bring some type of uniformity in that area because we have some people that have five tents when and then we have some that have huge tents and we also want to create opportunities for others because it is not fair for one set of family to have six, seven business tents out there when you have others that want a business space at the market to be able to provide for their family that is the thing that we are trying to talk about some people might say that we are going after them but it is not that we are trying to bring opportunity for others but at the same time we had to deal with the food first so we relocated them a bit so there are plans as you know, right now we have prepared the written proposal for the market expansion with the EU and to push forward and even if we don’t get that financing through the EU we are going to seek funding other way so the market expansion will get done within this term.”

"We Got Yah Back" Program With The Orange Walk Coalition Committee
One’s safety and that of his family are always a priority, and being properly informed on our rights and the rights of others is an important part of that. To help the public be better informed and to educate the community on various issues affecting our safety, the Orange Walk Coalition Committee along with the Orange Walk Police Formation personnel will be presenting a new show titled “We Gat Yoh Back, Coalition and Police”. The first episode of the show will be aired tonight. We spoke with the Chairman of the Orange Walk Coalition Committee, Armando Valdez who will also be a part of the panel in the first episode of the program tonight. “We’ll have a panel made up of Policemen officers and members of the coalition committee and we are going to be talking about different issues affecting our community right now and how to deal with it, what to do with it and also invite professional people like magistrates, Attorneys, Doctors, Nurses, Pastors, Priests and so on so that they can inform the people of what they can do, so that we can create a safer community in Orange Walk and that is the whole idea behind it.”

Former Security Boss Of A Lottery Charged In The US
An article released by BBC News is indicating that the former security boss of a lottery in the US has been charged with fraud after allegedly hacking the computer that picks the winning numbers. So what does that have to do with Belize? Well according to the report the court filings suggest there was an attempt to claim the prize just hours before it was scheduled to expire by a company incorporated in Belize. Eddie Raymond Tipton was the security director for the Multi-State Lottery Association when he was arrested in January 2015 by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations after he was caught on closed circuit television buying the winning lottery ticket.

Orange Walk Central To Be Inaugurated, Says Mayor Kevin Bernard
The Orange Walk Central Park has seen a complete facelift and over the past weeks, families have been enjoying the new space with their children. The work at the park has not been fully completed but will soon be as the council will soon be installing a playground. And while that part of the project is finalized, the council will officially be inaugurating the park tomorrow and the public is invited to join in on the event. “I know people may say the children slides have not come in as yet we are right now working with our friend in the diaspora getting contribution because what I saw with the garbage bins that were placed it is a collaboration with the Orange Walk people living abroad and they want to participate further by assisting us at the council to bring in the playgrounds so we are working on all of those things but yes the official inauguration is tomorrow at 4pm at the Central Park and I am asking everybody to be part of that.”

US National Promotes Football In Belize
Over the weekend, the Bel Care Football Youth Academy in Orange Walk was launched signalling much needed sport events for the youths of town. The Academy is one being carried out countrywide thanks to Belizean/American Michael Lindo who lives in New York City. According to the organizer, Lindo has always been an avid football fan and while he is away in the US, his home country Belize has always remained in his heart. And in an effort to get the young ones into the football sport, Lindo has made a significant contribution in the form of equipment to schools and teams countrywide. DEAN FLOWERS – Organizer, BelCare OW “Mr. Lindo resides in New York or the past 54 years but he saw the need to do something positive for the children and the thought the best way to do this is through football so he dreamt of an academy and a such he went to one World Play Project and we were able to get 2350 of these balls that I have here in my hand which are funded by Chevrolet, which is the main sponsor of Manchester United and Belize has received 2350 of these balls and we have intentions to requisition more and we go from district to district launching these projects and we realize that there is greater demand for footballs and for the kids to play so the idea is to get the necessary resources put them in the hands of responsible coaches and just allow for children to play we are not concern about elite football at this point in time in our young stage of the academy we are concern about introducing our children to football and allowing them the opportunity to play have fun and recreate.”

San Pedro Charges Five Persons In Possession Of Large Volume Of Cocaine
San Pedro Police have arrested and charged five men for having in their possession a large volume of the highly addictive Cocaine. According to island cops, they conducted a search at an apartment in the San Pedrito Area around 12:30pm today where they were met by five male persons. Upon further inspection, authorities made the discovery of a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine. The men were placed under arrest and escorted to the San Pedro Police Station where they were identified as 45 year old Cyril Wade, 34 year old Richard Adderly, 40 year old Edmond Alvarez, 26 year old Edwin Goody and 20 year old Joel Young. The men were jointly charged for drug trafficking. The drugs weighed a total of 83.8 grams.

25 Year Old Drowns In The New River
A twenty five year old man drowned over the weekend in San Estevan Village in the Orange Walk District. Alejandro Arjona, a Belizean living in Cancun, Mexico was socializing with a group of men near the San Estevan Ferry area on Sunday evening when he jumped in the river. According to one of Arjona’s cousins who was socializing with the group, when Arjona jumped in the river he pulled him out. But Arjona asked to be left alone and shortly after went back into the water, went under and never resurfaced. The men he was with tried to look for him and found his body shortly after. He was taken to the Northern Regional Hospital and pronounced dead at 6:42 Sunday night. Alejandro Aurelio Arjona resides in Cancun and was on a two week visit at his grandmother who lives in San Estevan Village.

PlusTV

Third Belize City murder in four days, police charge teenager
While Roaring Creek has seen a spate of murders over the past few months,Belize City has seen three incidents of murder in the last six days dating back to the end of the Easter weekendThe latest was brazen and disturbing, but police have solved it rather quickly...

Roaring creek men shot; one dead, other hospitalized
One man is dead and another critical in the hospital after they were both shot early Saturday morning in the village of Roaring Creek.The two men, Allan Garbutt and Jermaine Welcome,were sitting on the verandah of Allan Garbutt’s home, eating fried chicken and socialising just before 1:30 that morni...

Football Federation’s decisions on McCauley and Pelayo
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) met in General Congress over the weekend to discuss its plans and objectives for football in the coming year...

Lake I squatters to move to Cotton Tree
Last week a group of persons squatting on a private piece of property in the area behind the Lake Independence Boulevard reported that they were being given a week to move after receiving formal notice of eviction, some for the third time, as they have been caught previously twice on the Government ...

Man drowns but wife says she believes it is murder
A 58 year old Guatemalan, living in the village of Camalote, Cayo was found floating in the nearby river  on Sunday morning around 11 am apparently dead...

Mexican man drowns in Orange Walk
There was another drowning , this time in Orange Walk.  According to police reports, on April 12, 25-year-old Alejandro Aurelio Arjona of Cancun, Mexico drowned near the ferry at San Estevan Village.  Arjona was reportedly under the influence of alcohol and was accompanied by his cousin of San Es...

Hon. John Briceno back in court today
Back to court news:  Hon Tulio Mendez was not the only Area Representative who went to the Orange Walk court house today.  Hon. John Briceno, Orange Walk Central Area Representative, was also back at court today after his first arraignment  on February 4...

Man sought for carnal knowledge of girl
And speaking of  sexual crimes, a 27 year old man of Belize City is being sought by police for the carnal knowledge of a minor...

Orange Walk East Area Rep back in court
Orange Walk East Representative Marco “Tulio” Mendez was back in court today . This was his second appearance at court after he was criminally charged in February of this year...

Big Falls villager dies after suspected Hit and Run
One person is dead after what appears to be a hit and run accident in Big Falls Toledo. According to reports, the body of Big Falls villager Jose Moralez was found on the  left hand side of the road leading to village of Big Falls, about half a mile from the Big Falls bridge...

Kareem Staine charged with Denver Villafranco’s murder
In January of this year, 23 year old Denver Villafranco  was murdered while walking  on Mahogany Street. He was attacked by three men, one of whom stabbed him  to the right side of the abdomen. Villafranco, a volunteer for the Belize Defence Force, did not survive the attack...

Arrests in murder of Coast Guard found beaten at Welcome Center
Police have also made arrests in connection to the murder of  Coast Guard Aurelio Monterowho was found badly beaten at the Welcome Center in San Ignacio last Saturday and succumbed to his injuries the following Tuesday...

Amandala

“Ghost,” 40, slain in “Ghost Town”
Tensions were high in the Mayflower Street area of Belize City on Saturday following the shocking broad daylight murder of an individual who was well-known in the area and spent a lot of time there. The incident took place at around 9:20 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, inside a yard that is located at #5 Mayflower Street in the area known as “Ghost Town,” the base of the reputed Ghost Town Crips. Police said that Edward Usher, 40, also known as “Ghost,” a resident of the area, had just entered the property when he was ambushed by a gunman. Upon seeing the assailant, Usher reportedly tried to subdue him, but was blasted with a bullet in the neck.

Iguana Street resident gunned down in Trench Alley
Michael Horace Foreman, 32, better known as “Popeye,” a resident of Iguana Street Extension in the Collet area, and the son of a police superintendent, was shot to death around 10:30 last night, Thursday, April 9, while sitting on a bucket in a yard in Trench Alley. His killer reportedly sneaked up from behind, and shot him in the back of the head. Police transported Foreman to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), where he was then rushed to the Belize Medical Associates for a CT-scan to examine the extent of the injury he received. The scan revealed that the bullet was lodged in his head. About three hours later, Foreman was returned to the KHMH, but died of his injuries at about 4:30 this morning, Friday.

Percival Pilgrim, 20, charged for Ghost’s murder
Police say that internal gang warfare has erupted in “Ghost Town,” as the Mayflower Street area has come to be known, between factions of the Ghost Town Crips. On Saturday, the war claimed yet another life when Edward “Ghost” Usher, 40, was executed on his own turf. According to reports, Usher had been shot in the neck, head and back. This afternoon, police brought Percival Pilgrim, 20, to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, where he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith, who arraigned him on a single count of murder “for intentionally causing the death of Edward Usher by unlawful means.”

Maxboro man found naked and decomposing
Two children who went to visit their father at 32 Maxboro this evening after school were horrified when they opened his house and found him naked and decomposing in a sofa in the hall of the house. Leon Dennis Brodhurst, better known as Leon Leslie, 31, of Maxboro, had been stabbed about 7 times in the chest and his throat had been slashed. His trousers had been thrown over his face. An onsite autopsy will be conducted on Leslie’s body by Dr. Mario Estrada Bran, police coroner, and his team from the National Forensic Unit at about 6:00 tomorrow morning, after which the body will be buried immediately. Leslie’s stepfather, Steven Staine, told Amandala that he was last seen by the family on Saturday, when he had gone to the house to spend time with them and to have lunch with his mother. He was well, but reported that he had been threatened.

CCJ may hear its first criminal appeal from Belize
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), usually based in Port of Spain, Trinidad, is scheduled to hold its first sitting in the country of Belize next Monday, but that visit will be historic for more reasons than one: that is because the CCJ will deliberate on its first application from Belize to hear an appeal for a murder conviction. The CCJ is slated to hear arguments on Monday, April 20, 2015, on whether it should grant special leave for Gregory August, 26, to appeal against the Queen, following a conviction back in 2012 by a jury, after hearings before Supreme Court Justice Adolph Lucas. The Court of Appeal heard the case last year, and upheld the conviction of life in prison, handed down by the lower court.

Ian Morrison showcases Belize’s cart and carrier cycle culture
In a city abuzz with all sorts of automobiles, including the latest models of SUVs, young Belize City residents may not be able to imagine an era when the popular modes of transportation were manually-built carts and carriers, propelled by a human engine. The most popular vestige of this era in our history is the bicycle carts, since, on a smaller scale, some city vendors still make use of these fuel-free modes of transportation. Some of these carts traditionally sold fresco (crushed ice with syrup) in the streets, and many of them still do! Ian Morrison, an engineer by profession, said that as a child, he loved building things with his hands. His curiosity led him on a search for information to put together a book on these types of vehicles that were used in the past, but when he met with Noel Escalante, the photographer prodded him to take it to the next level and to launch an exhibit instead. Morrison took up the challenge and two and a half years later, he unveiled the Carts & Carrier Cycles Exhibit at the Belisle Art Gallery, at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts in Belize City.

Judge will rule on Keyren Tzib bail application Wed
On Easter Monday, April 6, a Coast Guard vessel was returning to base after a multi-agency operation around San Pedro, but before the boat docked, there was a shooting on board and Keyren Tzib, 24, who is employed in the Belize Coast Guard as a “seaman,” was arrested and charged for the shooting. Tzib was arraigned on attempted murder and two related criminal charges when she appeared before the Chief Magistrate on Tuesday. She was remanded to prison and has to apply to the Supreme Court for bail. Having completed the necessary paperwork, this morning, Tzib and her attorney, Audrey Matura-Shepherd, appeared before Supreme Court Justice Herbert Lord to argue the bail application.

Bob Lightburn Half-Marathon results
The Bob Lightburn Holy Saturday Half-Marathon, named after the legendary marathon champion of the 1960’s, started off from BTL Park just a few minutes after the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic on the morning of April 4; but on Holy Saturday, everything is Cross Country, so not many fans were around to witness the finish of the foot race, which saw some notable veterans as well as some promising young runners, both male and female, completing the grueling 13.1 mile journey. The man himself, Bob Lightburn, appearing not a pound over his running weight, was on hand to say a few words to the runners before the start, and to present the trophies and medals after the race. A private group, led by Ian Gray and including Darwin Rhaburn and others, organized the race, which was traditionally conducted under the auspices of the Amateur Athletic Association. According to Gray, assistance was also received through the efforts of Belize Olympian Collin Thurton in the U.S.

FFB wants embattled Rawell Pelayo to resign
A senior Football Federation of Belize (FFB) executive, who in June of last year pleaded guilty to conspiring to contravene US narcotics laws, will be given an opportunity to resign, rather than to be booted from his post. That was the decision that was made at the FFB’s 8th Congress which was held this past Saturday, April 11, at its headquarters in Belmopan. After the session, FFB President, Ruperto Vicente, told the media that although Pelayo’s expulsion was on the agenda for the day, it was later struck off to give him an opportunity to meet with the Federation and make a more orderly exit instead. He said, “Mr. Pelayo is a member of the football family, and we want to treat every member of our football family with respect.”

PLB playoffs start Wednesday
The Premier League of Belize Closing Season wrapped up its regular season over the weekend, and with the final games yesterday, the top 4 teams and their seeding have been determined for the playoffs which get under way on Wednesday of this week. In a ruling made on Friday by the Disciplinary Committee, FC Belize, who defaulted to Police United on Wednesday of last week, was suspended from the rest of the tournament, so their scheduled Saturday night game was awarded to Belmopan Bandits with a (3-0) score applied. The last 3 regular season games were played yesterday, Sunday. At the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga, home standing Wagiya defended home turf with a 3-2 win over Placencia Texmar Assassins. Meanwhile, at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio, the home team was not so fortunate, as visiting Police United bombed San Ignacio United by a 6-1 margin.

NEBL first ever All Star Game
he National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) resumed after the Easter break with some key games that had significant playoff implications. 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, at nebl.sportingpulse.net. Dangriga Warriors get huge win in Orange Walk. The Dangriga Warriors (3-5) got a much needed victory against Orange Walk Running Rebels (2-6) at the Orange Walk Multi-Purpose Complex on Saturday night, maintaining a tie for the fourth and final playoff spot with Belize City No Limit. No Limit gets revenge against city rivals, as Chippy Rudon scored 38. Belize City No Limit (3-5) got a huge win Saturday night at Bird’s Isle, where they narrowly edged the Belize Hurricanes (2-6), after they were trailing by 9 points in the fourth quarter, to come back and secure a 59-56 win. No Limit was led by Gregory “Chippy” Rudon, who had the game high 38 pts, to go with 2 assists and 2 rebs, on 71% shooting from the field.

The fraternity of the law
In February of 1970, more than 45 years ago, the then publisher and editor of this newspaper, Ismail Omar Shabazz and Evan X Hyde, respectively, were arrested and charged with seditious conspiracy. Her Majesty’s Government of British Honduras alleged that Shabazz and X Hyde were attempting to bring the colony’s administration of justice into disrepute by publishing a front page story in Amandala entitled “Games Old People Play.” At the time of the offending article’s publication, there were a couple election petition cases taking place in the Supreme Court of British Honduras. This was in the immediate aftermath of the general election of December 8, 1969, in which the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) had won 17 seats, while the Opposition National Independence Party (NIP) and the People’s Development Movement (PDM) coalition (NIPDM) had won just one seat. The NIPDM candidate for the Freetown constituency, Henry Fairweather, had filed an election petition against the electoral victory of the PUP Freetown candidate, Premier George Price.

From the Publisher
Every now and then you will hear informed people refer to the late Lee Kuan Yew and the economic miracle he accomplished in Singapore, a former British colony, but informed people will not always explain that the foundation of Singapore’s success was and is an extreme and rigid discipline. In Belize, another former British colony, we are blessed with many more natural resources than Singapore, but there is a raging indiscipline in Belize which is evident as soon as you have to enter the streets. The way drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians behave here is in a most disorderly manner. Our societal discipline in Belize is a major obstacle as we try to develop our young nation-state. Perhaps enough has been said about the corruption of elected politicians and other public “servants” in Belize. This column will focus more on the indiscipline of the individual citizen. Those of a colonial mentality will be quick to blame self-rule and the replacement of British supervision as the reason for Belize’s present lawlessness. If this is so, it did not have to be so. Belize could surely have moved from colonialism to self-rule without moving from order to disorder.

Cassandra … the PUP saga
Dear Editor, The current PUP leadership makes the Belizean people feel a bit like Cassandra, the mythological Greek daughter of the king of Troy who could see the future – most famously, her city-state’s doom – but was cursed such that no one would listen to her. This is a bit of an exaggeration some may say, but is it? The current leadership of the PUP can see that with names such as Fonseca, Musa and Julius Espat as its voice and face, the people of Belize will not vote PUP anytime soon, and hence, the party is headed for another resounding defeat at the polls and apparent doom, but they are cursed to the point where they will not listen to reason. The polls, though not scientific, speak clearly to the voters’ fear, fatigue and downright frustration at the names aforementioned. One only needs to walk or talk to the common man, the man on the street, who, incidentally, makes up the majority of our voting population, to understand why, despite the missteps of the ruling administration, the PUP, in the eyes of the majority, with its current leadership constitution, is not an option or a risk the voters are willing to take.

Holy Emmanuel Street residents to be displaced…again
A group of Holy Emmanuel Street residents, who are once again in danger of being displaced by the proposed development of the area near to the Chetumal Street Bridge, are trying to make their voices heard by speaking out against the latest prospect of land eviction. Amandala understands that a few weeks ago, Jia Wei Li, an Asian businessman, sent a representative along with police officers to the area to inform over a dozen families who reside in the vicinity of the strip cleared for access to the bridge that they must vacate their homes by April 15 or face eviction. Today, a few of those affected families decided to alert the media of the situation because they understand that they will eventually have to move because the new land owner reportedly has a legitimate title, but they believe that they are being pushed around by authorities who promised to assist them to find an alternative place to live. We spoke to Consuelo Urbina, who told us that they have been trying to contact their area representative, Hon. Mark King, in order to be relocated and compensated for the properties that they have occupied, but to no avail.

Belize more “liquid” than ever!
Bank savings accounts and shares in the major utility companies are some of the financial investment vehicles that have been traditionally used in Belize; however, in recent years, we have seen new investment vehicles emerge, with the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) launching into debentures to the public and the Belize City Council offering the chance for the public to invest in municipal bonds. For BEL and the Belize City Council, offering these financial options has both ensured that they have been able to raise tens of millions of dollars without paying the double-digit interest rates charged by commercial banks, and enabled persons with extra money to earn more interest than the banks are now offering. Ervin Perez, managing director and partner of Legacy Fund Limited, says that were it not for legislation that imposes a floor on interest rates – a minimum of 2.5% which banks must pay customers who save with them – the rates would probably have plummeted to well below the existing norm, which means that savers would get virtually nothing for putting money in the banks.

Rebellion at Santander sugar mill
Not long after the work week started at Santander’s sugar milling facility today, a group of approximately 75 discontented employees initiated a protest on the premises. The reason, we were told, is that some of the workers believe that they are being underpaid and subjected to unjust working conditions, among other issues. When Amandala arrived at the area just before midday, three truckloads of riot personnel from the Belmopan police were leaving the compound, since tensions had subsided by that time, but we were informed that some six officers remained stationed at the facility, which is presently under construction, in order to keep the peace. A few of the workers who participated in the protest spoke with the media this morning, and they said that they felt cheated by their employer, which allegedly has been paying them much less than had been promised.

Where is Keia?
The Gentle family of Nutmeg Street of the St. Martin De Porres area of the city are trying to determine the whereabouts of Keia Gentle, 16, who disappeared from their home on Wednesday morning, April 8. She is believed to have run away. Police have since begun a search for her and her photo has been posted at the precinct stations in Belize City. Keia’s mother, Ava Belgrave, said that she is so worried about her daughter that she cannot sleep. Ava told Amandala that Keia was well-loved and cared for at home. However, on Wednesday, she saw two girls with her daughter who she believed had run away from the “Children’s Home”. She asked the two girls to leave, she said.

Judge will rule on Keyren Tzib bail application Wed
On Easter Monday, April 6, a Coast Guard vessel was returning to base after a multi-agency operation around San Pedro, but before the boat docked, there was a shooting on board and Keyren Tzib, 24, who is employed in the Belize Coast Guard as a “seaman,” was arrested and charged for the shooting. Tzib was arraigned on attempted murder and two related criminal charges when she appeared before the Chief Magistrate on Tuesday. She was remanded to prison and has to apply to the Supreme Court for bail. Having completed the necessary paperwork, this morning, Tzib and her attorney, Audrey Matura-Shepherd, appeared before Supreme Court Justice Herbert Lord to argue the bail application. After hearing arguments from the applicant’s attorney as to why bail should be granted, the state, which is being represented by Senior Crown Counsel Lindbert Willis, was “not prepared” with an argument opposing bail, because “the time was too short.”

Patrick Jones

Area representative re-states position on squatting
10 Belize City families who were told last week that they had a week to move will be moving to new properties in the area of Cotton Tree, Cayo District. But it has come to light that there are many more families living in the area of the […]

Shooting leaves Belize City man hospitalized
In Belize City, 48 year old Mark Franklin Broaster is recovering at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital from injuries sustained when a gunman targeted him around 7:20 Monday night in Belize City. The resident of the Pickstock Street area was standing in front of his house when his […]

Man’s decomposing body found in Maxboro
Police are investigating yet another murder in the Belize District, this one in the residential subdivision of Maxboro. It is not yet clear to police who wanted 31 year old Leon Leslie Sr., residing in house 271 in the subdivision, dead, but it was clear that the deed […]

New Vaccine Storage Facility to be inaugurated
A new Vaccine Storage Facility will be inaugurated on Wednesday at the Western Regional Hospital Compound. This new facility which will primarily be used as storage was constructed after officials from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) carried out several evaluations of the National Vaccine Storage Facility and saw the […]

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