Dolphin cruise Belize, 2min. Dolphin cruise with the Belize Portugal Albufeira 12-07-2015
July 18, 2015
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Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials
The San Pedro Sun
The Talented “Philly-zean” Lara Goldman
If I had two words to describe Lara Goldman they would be “creative genius!” Lara, the owner of 12 Belize and mastermind behind Romantic Travel Belize has really become quite the go-to-gal for those wanting a bit of something …well, Belizean!
Lara, originally from Philadelphia, USA, has lived in Belize for over nine years. Her east coast attitude, with blends of our Belizean hospitality has resulted in services that aim to offer travellers and Belizeans alike, the best of what’s in our own backyard.
Romantic Travel Belize is a Destination wedding company, specializing in everything from proposals to the moment you say “I do.” And honeymoons…how could we forget honeymoons? Yup she does that too! The thing is there are those who dream of nothing more than making that special moment happen in Belize, and for them, there is Lara! She is certainly capable bringing your vision to life, and has done so for so many. Whether it’s a beach wedding, a sandbar proposal, a Maya Ruin engagement or maybe a wedding shoot by the falls, it can be done!
San Pedro athletes take top spots in CrossFit Chetumal Summer Challenge
Josh Daniel Nuñez and Luisana Guerrero of CrossFit San Pedro have brought back major bragging rights after their excellent display of athleticism in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico. A contingent of 10 athletes, accompanied by family and supporters, took part in the Summer Challenge hosted by CrossFit Chetumal. In total, eight boxes (gyms) participated in the invitation-only Summer Challenge, bringing athleticism and sportsmanship together under one roof.
The two-day challenge tested the 48 of participating athletes to their limits, challenging their mindset and bodies. Participants hailed from Box Work, Box World, Garage CrossFit, Unity Fitness CrossFit, CrossFit Revolver, Ludos CrossFit, CrossFit Chetumal and CrossFit San Pedro. In the end, however, there can only be one at the top of the podium, and for San Pedro CrossFit’s Josh Daniel Nuñez, not even limited practice held him back, as he took first place out of 22 male athletes in the intermediate division.
“It was a crazy good weekend…competing with some extraordinary CrossFitters, but thanks to the help of my friends, my coaches and my CrossFit family – hearing their voices cheer me on, pushed my body to a whole new limit,” said an emotional and grateful Josh. “Now that I’ve experienced and won my first challenge, I think I’m going to push myself to higher limits with my CrossFit family and see what else the lifestyle has in store for me.”
Saga Pasta Spectacular cook off
After the great eating, and between live music and raffle prizes, votes were cast for the best dish of the evening. The third place went to Krista of Crazy Canuck’s, while Jen Wochner took second place. The grand first place prize went to Dawn Locascio for her delicious and irresistible Kugel!
Saga would like to thank everyone that came out and supported the cook-off. Special thanks go to Brent Butcher for serenading the event, Crazy Canucks for hosting, Black Orchid, Belizean Breezes Soap Co. Sandbar, and Rays Big Dog.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve identifies possible Illegal conch harvesting
The Conch Season for 2015 officially closed on June 1, 2015, and this clearly means that no one is allowed to legally consume or be in possession of Queen Conch products until the season reopens on September 30, 2015. A little over a week ago, while personnel from the Hol Chan Marine Reserve were conducting a search for turtle nests in Northern Ambergris Caye, the team made a disappointing discovery. They found signs of what appears to be illegal conch consumption along the beach areas in North Ambergris Caye. The illegal sightings were spotted at Robles Beach, one of the most isolated areas in Northern Ambergris Caye. The area is especially active on weekends with people engaging in recreational activities. According to Hol Chan’s Marine Biologist Kirah Castillo, they are not sure who the culprits might be, although they have their suspicions. “We found signs which tell us that people are extracting illegal products while they are using the beach. There were traces of conch, and the season has already closed. We don’t know who is doing it, but more than likely its locals, but still we cannot say who is involved,” said Castillo. She also emphasized that this activity is one of the biggest concerns at Robles Beach, a prime turtle spot.
Ambergris Today
San Pedro CrossFit Celebrates Victory in Chetumal Summer Challenge
Two San Pedro CrossFit athletes excelled this past weekend in Chetumal, Mexico as they stepped up to the podium after two days of tough competition to celebrate their victory over athlete from around the region who competed in Chetumal CrossFit’s Summer Challenge 2015.
Celebrating one year under the CrossFit San Pedro Box, Josh Nuñez took first place in the intermediate males division, while Luisana Guerrero took second place in the female division. Both athletes competed against eight different top level CrossFit boxes from around the area and were cheered along with a San Pedro entourage of coaches, family, friends and nine other San Pedro CrossFit members who also joined the competition.
“As owner of CrossFit San Pedro, and a box that has only one year doing CrossFit… to go and compete with eight different top level CrossFit boxes and come out with 1st place on male division and 2 place on female division, all I can say is that am damm proud of what we have accomplished,” commented Freddie Gonzalez of CrossFit San Pedro. “I want to thank all who competed this past weekend; you guys killed it and gave your all! To my coaches Rene, Liliana and Horacio, you guys have designed ways for winning. For being a young box and making winners, I thank and salute you; for that I love you guys.”
Misc Belizean Sources
That is Belize's Five-Star Private Island Resort Cayo Espanto Island Resort
on the Spring/Summer 2015 cover of Private Islands magazine.
Free 2 Be Party with DJ GrACiErOcK
Sharing his LOVE for EDM, Droppin' Phat beat's, from Deep Funky Tech-House, Ghettofunk, Dubstep,Breaks and Mash-up's.
Contests- Limbo, Musical Chairs, The Big Suck-Off, MegaJenga and more (with PRIZES)
Free Shots all night just for walking in the door...Belikin Bucket Specials. Saturday at 7:00pm - 12:00am
Jul 18 at 7:00pm to Jul 19 at 12:00am. Luna Loca
on the beach, San Pedro, Belize
Emergency power interruption 11:50am to 1:00pm, Friday, July 17, San Pedro
North San Pedro from Boca Del Rio to Perla del Caribe Resort. BEL to replace burnt high voltage connector in the area.
Accident
Police Officer Carlos Orio and Buena Vista Village Chairman Eddie De Larosa were in a vehicle which collided into a lamppost in Spanish Lookout on Thursday night after 9. The village chairman is in a critical condition while Orio passed away.
Superintendent Vidal of Special Branch is quoted to say
"Carlos Orio was an outstanding officer and an asset to Special Branch and to the Department as a whole. At our end of the year assessment for 2014 we unanimously agreed to award him for his dedication and efficiency in the performance of his functions. He was so awarded in December. In addition he was recommended by me for promotion to the rank of corporal. Quite apart from his admirable work ethic, he was a remarkable person. He was humble and friendly, always willing to assist and generous with his time almost to a fault. We are trying to come to terms with this tremendous loss and we share the grief of his wife and beautiful children, to whom he was so dedicated and who he has left behind. The death of Carlos is our collective loss. I speak both as his administrative superior and as his friend. I had known him since August, 2006 when he joined Special Branch and over the years we became more than colleagues. I considered him to be my personal friend."
BOLEDO DRAWING for Friday, July 17, 2015: 86. PICK 3: 0 5 4
Channel 7
KHMH Implements Go-Slow, Outpatient Services and Elective Surgeries Cancelled
Today, services at the country's national referral hospital - the KHMH - were cut back -after workers launched a kind of go-slow because government has not agreed to give them a 6% raise. As we've been reporting, the KHMH's 579 staffers are not considered public officers - so they did not qualify for the raises of pay given to public officers for the last two years. The Chairman of the KHMH Board of Governors made a special appeal to Cabinet on Tuesday - but the answer came back that the workers would have to form a bargaining unit - a union, just like the Teachers or Public Service Union.
That may be the legitimate process, but these workers feel they are long overdue, and the union requirement is just one more brush off. So, last night they announced that effective today all Outpatient Elective Services and Surgeries referred to the KHMHA would be cancelled. So what happened this morning?
Emergency care was un-interrupted, the day to day running of the wards continued without any glitches, clerk windows were open, but the clinics were closed, and no elective surgeries were performed, only urgent and emergency cases.
That's an administrative emergency for the Ministry of Health and today we asked the CEO what's happening, and how long it will last:..
Cop Loses Life In Fatal Accident
A police detective constable died last night in a terrible accident on the Spanish Lookout Road. It happened about three-quarter miles east of the Iguana Creek Bridge, close to Coop sheet Metal. Last night at around 8:00 pm, 33 year old Carlos Orio was driving a Toyota Yaris in heavy rain when he lost control, careened off the road and slammed into a lamp-post. His passenger Eddie De La Rosa told us from his hospital bed that he was knocked unconscious, and regained consciousness only after the top of the lamp-post snapped and fell unto the car. He says that he woke up to see Orio who is his brother in law take his last breaths and expire in the car seat. Orio was on the driver's side, which took most of the impact. De La Rosa says that incredibly as they sat injured and trapped in the car, passers-by stopped to try and steal what they could including his cell phone. He says Detective Orio - though gravely injured - was concerned about them stealing his service weapon, which got jammed in the interior of the crushed car. Orio died shortly after, while De La Rosa has fractured ribs and a broken hand. Orio was a special branch officer and had been in the department for 12 years.
Did DOE Fast-Track Harvest Caye Against Public Interest?
The lawsuit filed by the Belize Tourism Industry Association to battle Norwegian Cruise Line's Harvest Caye Cruise port project in the South was argued to completion today. And tonight, it is in the hands of Justice Courtney Abel to decide if the challenge is legitimate or frivolous. He has to determine whether or not the Department of Environment and the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) acted properly when it approved the project, despite the challenges from the private tourism partners.
But, as we told you 3 weeks ago, NCL's attorney, Eamon Courtenay tried to get it thrown out of court on the basis that the BTIA wasn't actually making serious steps to advance their case. He was basically saying that the organization's principals were, in effect, wasting the court's time, because the immediate past president, Herbert Haylock, was unavailable to testify for BTIA.
Justice Courtney Abel decided to allow the association to proceed, and today, their attorney, Godfrey Smith, was allowed to make his case. Norwegian's President of Destinations and Strategic Development, Collin Murphy, was called to the stand as the last witness in the case, and Smith grilled him about the process that the company went through to get its environmental impact assessment approved.
PUP Wants Eamon as NCM; He Says DOA!
All week we've been reporting on Godfrey Smith being given his walking papers as the PUP's National Campaign Manager. His departure has created some volatility within the PUP where he was an important ally to the leader, Francis Fonseca, and now, he's gone. And he left without any natural replacement. So, who will take his job? IT'S an important post because the National Campaign Manager is the one who drums up funds for the party - something that's been sorely lacking in the PUP. And it's not a job for political amateurs because the party's chief fundraiser has to go knocking on many doors, including Michael Ashcroft's. So 7News has learned that Francis Fonseca's old guard allies have sprung to his aid. We have been reliably informed that senior figures in the old guard have reached out to Attorney Eamon Courtenay to take up Smith's post. Now Courtenay had that job before is and surely has the necessary prestige and connections, but, guess what(?) he's not interested, not at all. When we heard the rumors we asked Courtenay who told us via text message, quote: "That idea will never fly. It is D-O-A." End quote. That means "dead on arrival" - an indication of what we are told are Courtenay's fundamental differences with Party Leader Francis Fonseca and the Old Guard actors who are reaching out on his behalf.
This quite dramatic backdrop creates an interesting ferment for next week Tuesday's meeting of the party's elected representatives and standard bearers.
Smith Mum On NCM Departure
So, while that's the position of the man who won't replace Smith, what about Smith himself? We finally got an opportunity to talk to him today after 4 days of banter about his sudden resignation. We asked him if he would discuss his departure with us, but he made it clear, he wasn't interested in commenting:
Daniel Ortiz
"We are hoping you will entertain us on your reasons for stepping down as campaign manager for PUP. Are you willing to talk to us?"
Godfrey Smith
"I had already made a statement to you all that it was by mutual agreement between the party leader and myself. Stemming out of conversations we had, I am not prepared to nor will I comment further on that state of affairs."
Daniel Ortiz
"It seems a bit abrupt and persons want to understand why you made such a decision?"
Godfrey Smith
"I repeat, I will not comment further than to say it was reached by mutual agreement and ask you to respect that."
Kadeem Gets Free Based On Statement Inadmissible
19 year-old Kadeem Anderson, a teenager who has been on remand for 3 years for the murder of 25 year-old Leo Palacio Jr., is a free man tonight after he was convicted in a trial without jury before Justice Adolph Lucas. Despite the very best efforts of the DPP's Office, this is the second case in two days that they've lost in the very same way.
The court heard evidence that on May 10, 2012, Palacio was shot in chest while he was standing at the corner of Central American Boulevard and Pelican Street. Well-known elite cyclist Byron Pope, and Dennis Talbert were with him at the time of the shooting, and both men were injured as well. Pope was only grazed by a bullet, but Talbert was injured in his left arm and right thigh. Palacio Jr., was the only one who died from his injuries.
Crown Counsel Shanice Lovell, who was prosecuting this case, had difficulty proving her case when she called Talbert as the main witness to testify against Anderson. He took the witness stand and said under oath that he could not recognize the shooter. That was directly contrary to what he told police in a written statement, when he identified Anderson - who was only 16 at the time - as the gunman who pulled the trigger on them. Talbert had to be treated as a hostile witness, but he refused to acknowledge that he gave the police that written statement that the prosecutor was relying on.
Social Security Cares For Cancer Victims
The Belize Cancer Treatment Center in Dangriga is doing serious work for hundreds of Belizeans in managing their cancer care. But, when cancer patients need radiation they still have to go abroad - to Guatemala or Mexico for treatment. Many can't afford it - and that's where things fall apart. And that's where the Social Security Board stepped in today, with a generous donation of three hundred and seventy thousand dollars. We found out how it will be used for children and women with cancer:
Dr. Ellsworth Grant - Belize Cancer Center
"It's a great honor to be here today on this most historic day and I don't think this moment should really be lost on anyone. I thank the Social Security Board for this - a moment which really allow us to provide a more structured programs to children. I hope that this moment will allow parents with a child who is who newly diagnosed with a cancer to not really have to stress over the portion of where the child will actually go to obtain care or how it will all be financed. I'm hoping we will have a program in place that provides one shop stop. One stop shopping for these parents."
Dr. Cecilio Eck
"We've seen multiple interviews with parents going to Channel 7 and Channel 5 begging for an interview. asking BNE asking Friends of Pediatrics, the Cancer Center, Ministry of Health, Social Security Board to help put care for their kids and if you work in the trenches it's even more devastating to sit in front of a mom and trying to find out when is their next chemo and they don't have the funds to get to the Center to get it done. So, this is a really awesome day."
Belize And Guat - Common Ground In Trade?
Last night, we told you how the Guatemalan Government doesn't want Belize to build a Forward Operating Base at Sarstoon Island, the Southernmost point in the country. While that is certain to cause some friction between both sides on the border, trade relations may be moving forward.
Today officials from the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture, BAHA, and the Customs Department met with the private sector to discuss the Partial Scope Trade Agreement between Belize and Guatemala. The government's trade technocrats wanted to find out what sort of goods those business men from Belize City would like to make available for commercial trading in Guatemala, and what would be the challenges everyone would need to overcome to make it happen.
7News stopped by and spoke with the facilitators:
Dr. Leroy Almendarez - Director, Foreign Trade
"The primary focus of the consultation, let me just give some feedback. In 2010, the Partial Scope Agreement between Belize and Guatemala came into effect. And so as we approach the 5 year anniversary and one of the clauses within the agreement states that the scope of the agreement can be expanded.
Nestor Mendez Moves Up
Orange Walk's very own Nestor Mendez has taken up his office as the new Assistant Secretary General of the OAS. That is one of only two elected posts in the hemispheric Organization - and it is among the most senior international posts ever held by a Belizean.
Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington went to Washington to witness Mendez's installation. He will serve for the 2015-2020 period and leaves the post of Ambassador of Belize to the OAS which he held since June 2008.
In his speech today - which he delivered in Spanish and English, Mendez committed to transparency, equity and unambiguous policies.
Retired Bank Manager Pat Andrews replaces him as Ambassador.
T and T Orchestra Visits
The Trinidad and Tobago Philharmonic Youth Orchestra arrived in Belize yesterday for a colossal music experiment: the 50 member T and T Orchestra is teaming up with the National Youth Orchestra of Belize for an event called the "Night of Musical Excellence."
The T and T group has over 50 players all on its own, and there could be as many as 90 musicians on stage at the height of the event. It's so big that the stage had to be extended to accommodate all the players and their instruments. We visited during rehearsals today:..
The concerts will take place at the Bliss Center on Saturday and Sunday and there will be different set lists on both nights.
The event is organized by the Belize Bank in coordination with NICH.
Channel 5
K.H.M.H. Go-Slow In Effect Indefinitely, Hospital Staff Demands Wage Increase
Services at the national referral hospital were significantly reduced today, and will continue so for an indefinite period, affecting patients from the districts who require medical attention at the Karl [...]
Ministry of Health C.E.O. Says Industrial Action Precedes Negotiation with Government
Coming out of Thursday’s meeting, the staff of the KHMH is organizing a workers’ union and plans to negotiate on behalf of employees with the Board of Governors and government. [...]
Police Officer Perishes in Road Traffic Accident in Cayo District
An accident in Spanish Lookout claimed the life of a detective attached to the Special Branch in Belmopan. San Ignacio police were called out to the Spanish Lookout Road sometime [...]
Former P.U.P. National Campaign Manager Breaks Silence on Abrupt Resignation
In news of a political nature, on Tuesday, Attorney Godfrey Smith abruptly departed his post as National Campaign Manager in the wake of a third consecutive election loss by the [...]
Sedi Elrington on Recent Detention of Belizeans in Guatemala
Five Belizeans were detained in Guatemala in mid-June and reportedly experienced a horrible ordeal at the hands of the Guatemalans military. The group was hanging out at a restaurant in [...]
Former Benque Mayor Arrested in Melchor Holds Guatemalan Nationality
There is another recent arrest by Guatemalan authorities. On July eleventh, 2015, Benque Viejo businessman and former Mayor, Edgar Contreras was arrested in Guatemala for having a gun not registered [...]
Arguments in B.T.I.A./NCL Suit Concludes in Supreme Court
The case against Harvest Caye, a tourism development project created by Norwegian Cruise Lines, concluded in the courtroom of Justice Courtney Abel today with closing arguments. The Belize Tourism Industry [...]
The Fate of Harvest Caye Development to be Decide on Later Date
On the other side of that argument is Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith. He is representing the Belize Tourism Industry Association, arguing that indeed the developers of Harvest Caye proceeded with [...]
Teenager Acquitted of 2012 Murder of Leopold Palacio
A teenager walked free from a murder charge today after Judge Adolph Lucas upheld a no case submission. Kadeem Anderson is now nineteen, but he was seventeen years old when [...]
Attorney General Discusses Justice System
It is known that there is a backlog of cases and decisions yet to be dealt with at the Supreme and Magistrate Courts level. According to the Foreign Minister Sedi [...]
Will Early General Elections Be Called? Ask U.D.P. Ground Commander, Boots Martinez
There is speculation that given the state of affairs within the Opposition party, Prime Minister Dean Barrow will again call general elections before the current term expires to secure an [...]
Boots Is Ready to Face Any P.U.P. Candidate in Port Loyola
An audit done by the People’s United Party after a resounding defeat in the municipal elections called for changes to revitalize the grand old party. One affected area representative was [...]
Ambassador Nestor Mendez Sworn-in as O.A.S. Assistant Secretary General
Former Permanent Representative of Belize to the Organization of American States, Nestor Mendez is spending his first day as the new Assistant Secretary General of the O.A.S. The ambassador will [...]
WINBelize Takes Proactive Approach in Fight Against Gender-based Violence
The recent murders of two women, Juana Cardinez and Keisha Buller, that allegedly took place at the hands of their domestic partners, has prompted a reaction from the Women’s Issues [...]
Ministry of Foreign Trade Discusses Partial Scope Agreement with Private Sector
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and its partners held a seminar to discuss the Partial Scope Agreement (P.S.A.) with private sector partners. It’s an agreement signed a few years ago [...]
S.S.B. Provides Big Bucks to Aid Children with Cancer
Today, the Social Security Board made a generous donation to the Belize Cancer Society. A handsome cheque of three hundred and seventy thousand dollars was handed over to the organization [...]
Amandala
Whose Sarstoon? Whose Belize?
The Guatemalan government, through a diplomatic note, has informed the Belize government that it objects to the construction of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) on Sarstoon Island, which lies at the mouth of the Sarstoon River, in Belizean territory, deemed necessary by Belize law enforcement authorities to curb not just illegal fishing in the area, but also illegal logging by Guatemalans who encroach on Belize’s mainland to extract timber, such as the prized rosewood.
Sarstoon Island is not in the Adjacency Zone, which is an area spanning 1 kilometer on either side of the western border between Belize and Guatemala, administered by the Organization of American States (OAS), which acts as a broker between the two countries in respect of a territorial claim by Guatemala against Belize, which Belize insists is unfounded.
The Belize government had informed the Guatemalan government of its intention to construct a temporary FOB, but the Guatemalan government has reportedly said that Belize should not construct the FOB until the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has adjudicated its claim against Belize.
In late May, the Belize Coast Guard was deployed on a reconnaissance mission in preparation for the construction of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) on Sarstoon Island, but the mission was aborted and the Coast Guard was ordered to withdraw from the island before completing its mission.
Is “El Chapo” hiding in Belize?
Billionaire drug kingpin, Joaquin Loera Guzman, 58, nicknamed “El Chapo” (Spanish for “Shorty”), the high-profile man said to be the head of the Sinaloa cartel of Mexico, has been put on the wanted list of the US Drug Enforcement Administration and Interpol, which today issued a “red notice” for his detention, five days after Guzman, believed to have been aided by top prison officials, escaped from maximum security at Altiplano Prison in Almoloya de Juarez in Mexico, even while under 24-hour surveillance and wearing a monitoring bracelet.
According to the US Department of Justice, an Interpol red notice is the closest instrument to an international arrest warrant in use today.
Mexican authorities have now put out a reward of 60 million pesos or US$3.8 million for information leading to the recapture of El Chapo, who also goes by the names “Chapo Guzman” or “El Rapadito.” However, the US State Department has issued an award of US$5 million. (See here)
While reports coming out of Mexico earlier this week claimed that both US and Mexican authorities believed that Guzman, who is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall with a weight of 165 pounds, had headed to Belize, more than 700 miles southeast of where he escaped via a mile-long underground tunnel, National Security officials here in Belize say that foreign officials from those countries have not made any such claim to them.
Chief Magistrate throws out case due to police brutality
Sherwin Baezar, a resident of the Mile 8 community on the George Price Highway, will never forget the date, October 24, 2014, when he allegedly committed a minor bicycle offence, but was so severely beaten by police that they had to keep him in custody for three days until his bruised and swollen face appeared presentable enough for him to be taken to court to be arraigned on a string of trumped-up charges.
Today, Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith dismissed charges of assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, insulting words to a police officer and riding a bicycle contrary to the flow of traffic which had been brought against the 29-year-old Baezar.
In handing down her decision, the Chief Magistrate noted that the charges against Baezar stemmed from “a blatant case of police brutality” at the hands of three policemen and their superior officer, a sergeant attached to Police Precinct 1 on Euphrates Avenue.
Smith said in open court, “This is one of the most blatant cases of police brutality that I have ever come across. It is the worst case of police coming to court to lie.”
KHMH employees demand salary increase
After 7:00 tonight, our newspaper received a press release and short notice warning that effective tomorrow, Friday, July 17, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) will cancel all outpatient elective services and surgeries referred to the hospital, and only referral services and specialties that are not available at the district hospitals will be accepted—a protest by workers to solidify their demand for a cumulative 14% salary adjustment.
Amandala was unable to reach Dr. Peter Allen, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Health, on the announcement—triggered by the discontent felt by KHMH staff over a decision by Central Government, two years in a row, to reject their demand for a salary increase comparable to that which has been granted to teachers and public officers, represented under the umbrella of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, who have been granted a 6% increase in 2014 and 8% in 2015.
The KHMH is a statutory body, and Central Government had taken the position that no employees of any statutory body would receive the automatic salary increase approved for teachers and public officers.
Dr. Adrian Coye, KHMH CEO, was briefly available to us via phone tonight, although he was terse in his response, informing us that he wanted to get to bed.
Devon Sankey, 22, walks from murder charge
Another accused murderer walked down the steps of the Supreme Court this afternoon, the second man to do so this week, in a trial by judge without jury.
The trial of Devon Sankey, 22, who was indicted for the April 8, 2010 shooting death of Renan Reneau, came to an abrupt end when Sankey’s attorney, Oscar Selgado, made a no-case-to- answer submission that Justice Gonzalez upheld.
The Crown’s case ran into difficulties early in the trial, which began on Monday, July 13, because the key prosecution witness, while admitting visiting the police station, denied making the statement that police attributed to her.
Counsel Kileru Awich, who led the prosecution’s evidence, managed to call four witnesses to the stand to testify before his main witness, Arilee Summerville, the girlfriend of the murdered man, Renan Reneau, took the witness stand and had to be declared a hostile witness.
Reneau had been shot four times in the upper body. The shooting occurred in front of his girlfriend’s home, located at 3166 Kut Avenue.
15 inmates escape death row – 9 freed from prison
It’s been a full 30 years since the state of Belize executed anyone for murder, and this week, the last man on death row, Glenford Baptist, 44, had that sentence overturned by the Supreme Court, which will either grant him life in prison or a definitive sentence.
Baptist was convicted in November 2001 along with Gilroy Wade and Oscar Catzim Mendez of the murder of Ozrin White. In 2006, the Privy Council commuted Wade’s sentence to life, but Wade, whose life had been threatened, was murdered inside prison the following year. Mendez’s conviction was quashed.
Central Prison CEO, Virgilio Murillo, told Amandala that the last time there was no one on death row at the prison was back in 2000.
Murillo told us that he has been reviewing the prison records and found that there are several inmates who were on death row who have either had their sentences commuted to life in prison or who have been given definitive sentences and have since been re-released into society.
Brown Bombers complete dream season with Smart 13 & Under Championship
It must be a first in Belize football competition history, although it wasn’t “association football,” there being no active Belize District Football Association, but the Brown Bombers maintained their unblemished record with no goals allowed for the entire regular season and playoffs, as they clinched the Smart 13 & Under Football Championship 2015 yesterday at the MCC Grounds with a 2-nil victory over a gallant Young Warriors team, who were first time participants in the tournament. There were 12 teams in this, the fourth edition of the Smart 13 & Under, and the top four teams in the single round-robin regular season entered the knockout semifinals last Saturday, July 4, with the 3rd place game and the championship finals being played on Sunday, July 12.
In regular season, the games were 20-20 (20 minute halves); but in the playoffs, the time was increased to 25-25, with 5 minutes intermission.
The afternoon began with the third place game between Ladyville Jaguars and Collet Strikers, and it was an exciting one indeed. Talented Jaguars striker D’Jon Canelo gave his team the 1-nil lead mid-way through the second half; but it wasn’t enough. Five minutes later, a penalty was awarded to Collet, and Shemar Gillett converted to tie things up at 1-1. But in the second half of overtime, the heavily marked Canelo again came up with a brilliant goal, shaking off two defenders on the left wing, and utterly destabilizing the oncoming goalkeeper, before calmly driving home what proved the game winner, 2-1, for the Jaguars.
SSBA Basketball Tournament in Cayo
The San Ignacio & Santa Elena Basketball Association (SSBA) will be hosting its annual basketball tournament, starting on Friday, August 21. The tournament will be held at Falcon Field in San Ignacio Town. The five categories are: Under 23, Under 19, Seniors, Over 35 and Females.
Interested persons can contact Elvis “Tigre” Usher at 605-3390 to register a team, or you can send us a message on Facebook, on our San Ignacio and Santa Elena Basketball Association page, or send an e-mail to [email protected].
Registration fee for the Senior, Females and Over-35 teams is $300.00; and registration for the Under 23 and U19 teams is $200.00. Senior teams are allowed to have 3 players who participated in the last two NEBL seasons. All other divisions are only allowed 2 players who participated in the last two NEBL seasons. A player can only play in one division.
Western Eagles captain passed the torch to Sunrise captain
Thanks to the kind and generous sponsorship of Belikin and Smart, under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association, the Harrison Parks Cricket Competition 2015 continued over the weekend. Two very exciting games were played.
Sunrise and Western Eagles convened on the grounds at Bermudian Landing to battle for advancement to the semifinals. These two teams were tied at one game apiece. Both were in high gear and both had a game plan. Sunrise won the toss and took to bat first. At the onset, things weren’t going well for Sunrise, as wickets started falling in this order: 1 for 0 runs; 2 for 1; 3 for 14; 4 for 14; 5 for 60; 6 for 60; 7 for 73; 8 for 74; 9 for 74; 10 and last batsman for 133. These last two batsmen, captain Garret Joseph and Gilbert Seguro pushed the score from 74 to 133. I still cannot figure out how the bowlers could not have taken out these two men before they had scored so much. Then again, I must say that Sunrise’ strategy worked. In that inning, Garret Joseph and Michael Sobers scored 31 and 28, respectively for Sunrise. Conway Young took 3 wickets for Eagles.
During the short lunch break, I could hear the Eagles boys saying, “We have it covered.” Well, it looked that way when they went to bat. Wickets started falling in this order: 1 for 12 runs; 2 for 16; 3 for 53; 4 for 54; 5 for 79; 6 for 87; 7 for 92; 8 for 110; 9 for 116; and 10 for 116. That’s a heart breaking loss. Both teams fought hard, but Sunrise had the better game plan, me seh. In that inning, Conway Young and Dirk Sutherland scored 40 and 17, respectively; while Zaggi took 3 wickets for Sunrise.
Boxing Expo at Wing Stop a success
Promoter Clinton Tucker, manager of Lions Den Gym Belize City, told our sports desk today that over a hundred boxing fans turned out to witness a first of its kind, Boxing Expo at Wing Stop on the Philip Goldson (Northern) Highway, which got under way at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, and entertained fans until around 5:00 p.m.
“We apologize for the delay in getting started,” said Tucker, “due to some difficulties in setting up the ring.” The event was scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m. “But we consider it a success, because it is not about making money right now, but just keeping the boxers busy and showcasing regular boxing events for the fans. It’s about development right now.”
Participating gyms were Lions Den Cayo; Elite Boxing Gym from Burrell Boom; Hardwood Boxing Gym from Punta Gorda; and Lions Den Belize, Leopold Smart Gym and Prevail Gym from Belize City.
The Centenary spell
Perhaps the first time the Rt. Hon. George C. Price realized the limits of his power on Belize’s domestic political landscape was when he tried to break the “Centenary spell” in the late 1950s. On coming to leadership power in the nationalist People’s United Party (PUP) in 1956, Mr. Price was sent home from London “in disgrace” by the British in 1957. Then in 1958, the British arrested Mr. Price and tried him for sedition in the Supreme Court of British Honduras. On both occasions, the anti-colonial masses of the Belizean people rallied to Mr. Price’s support, and both times he came out smelling like roses politically.
The British, we submit, began to cast their Centenary spell on the Belizean masses in 1898 with their Battle of St. George’s Caye celebrations. Everybody knows the British were notorious tightwads. Just check out the narrow streets and confining bridges they built here. In the line of “bread and circuses,” the only thing they ever spent money on in British Honduras was their Centenary celebrations. The program leading up to and including the Tenth of September was financed by Government House.
The British orchestrated Centenary so that a black Belizean, Simon Lamb, received the credit for organizing the first celebrations in honor of the 1798 Battle of St. George’s Caye one hundred years later (thus “Centenary”) in 1898. But Simon Lamb was an employee of the Belize Estate Company (BEC), which absolutely dominated the economy and politics of British Honduras in 1898. If it was not his bosses who gave Mr. Lamb the Centenary idea, then they certainly did not oppose the concept. Such celebration organizing costs money. It is doubtful that Mr. Lamb himself was in a position to foot the Centenary bill. We’re just saying.
From the Publisher
I couldn’t believe it is four years now since our beloved Brother Nick (Wilfred Nicholas, Sr.) has passed. I remember he was buried from the Mormon Church on Cemetery Road, where I gave the eulogy, and was very proud to do so.
Through all the years in the Seventies when I was isolated and exiled in my own hometown, this was a man who was always there for me, and gave me strength when I was weak, and courage when I was fearful.
I believe Brother Nick and Dr. Leroy Taegar died within months of each other. I have on many occasions in my writings mentioned how much knowledge and wisdom Leroy gave to me and to our UBAD Educational Foundation (UEF) people over the course of three decades or so. Leroy had studied at universities in Milwaukee, Chicago, Kingston, and Port-of-Spain for 12 to 14 years, and was academically brilliant. Brother Nick definitely did not go to high school: I am not sure he even finished primary school.
Over the years between 1996, when UEF was founded, and the deaths of Leroy and Brother Nick in 2011, there were many occasions when they clashed in UEF conversations. The principal reason for the clashes was the fact that Brother Nick had become a devout Mormon some time after the dissolution of UBAD in 1974, and Leroy basically did not subscribe to denominational religion. He was especially skeptical of the Mormons, because he believed that their agenda in Belize had to do with The Jewel’s oil wealth, besides the fact that the Mormons had a white supremacist past. But his religion gave Brother Nick a source of personal strength. He faced death with a peace that was inspiring. I remember one day in his home he said to me in his unpretentious way, “I ready fu travel, yu know.” He meant that he was prepared to die.
Murder convict mounts constitutional challenge to life in prison sentence
A man who has been convicted of murder and who was sentenced to the mandatory life in prison minimum sentence, under the prevailing regime of the law, has become the first convict to challenge the constitutionality of his life in prison without the possibility of parole sentence.
If Gregory August’s appeal against his life sentence succeeds, this would set a precedent on the sentencing of persons convicted of murder in Belize and elsewhere in the Commonwealth jurisdiction.
Following written submissions, oral arguments were made today in appeal #22 of 2012, Gregory August v the Queen in the Court of Appeal. The court will issue its ruling at a future date, its President, Hon. Justice Manuel Sosa, told the parties late this evening when the hearing concluded. Director of Public Prosecution Cheryl-Lynn Vidal argued the Crown’s case. She was assisted by Crown Counsels Shanice Lovell and Portia Staine, while Eamon Courtenay, S.C. argued the case of August, the applicant. Courtenay was assisted by attorney Illana Swift.
In November 2012, a jury in the Supreme Court of Justice Adolph Lucas convicted Gregory August of the May 2009 murder of Alvin Robinson.
GOB recognized Maya “exclusive right” to control who lives in villages: Maya attorney
The controversy over the ejection of Rupert Myles from Santa Cruz, a Maya village in Toledo, has been put before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in a claim filed by Maya leaders on July 3, 2015.
Attorney for the Maya, Monica Coc Magnusson, said that the claim not only addresses the Rupert Myles/Santa Cruz matter, but also allegations that the Government of Belize has failed to provide protection in other communities as well, including Golden Stream and San Isidro with respect to leasing and logging.
Government attorney Denys Barrow had issued a statement of commitment dated April 20, 2015, and Magnusson said that under paragraph 3 of that statement, the Government said that it “recognizes the exclusive right of each village, subject to law, to control who may take up residence within the villages’ lands.”
Magnusson added that, “They put this in writing and now it seems that their position is different. Hence, the need for clarity…”
However, Barrow has previously told us that the Maya “…need to understand that the national laws of Belize apply to them as much as anybody else,” noting that it is a question of how Maya rights and interests are reconciled with the national interest.
Stakeholders chime in on new protected areas legislation
The National Parks Systems Act, in place since Independence more than three decades ago, will be repealed and replaced with a new National Protected Areas Systems law, which was introduced in Parliament last month.
On Monday, July 13, the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, headed by Attorney General Wilfred Elrington, met at the National Assembly in Belmopan to receive input from stakeholders on the proposed legislation, as well as proposed amendments to the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) Act.
The Committee plans to meet again next Thursday, July 23, to hear representations from APAMO – the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations, a coalition of 14 protected areas management organizations which co-manage 18 terrestrial protected areas and 9 marine protected areas.
Jose Perez, APAMO’s executive director, told Amandala that they are very grateful that the Committee has agreed to schedule a second committee meeting to hear their concerns on the legislation, because there are inconsistencies which need to be ironed out.
Monitoring Moochula, endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle, and other nesting turtles at Manatee Bar
Manatee Bar beach in Gales Point Mantee, Belize District—a culturally vibrant, grassroots Kriol community of drum makers, fishers and farmers—is said to have the highest frequency and concentration of the endangered species, the Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting in the Caribbean, according to Hawksbill Hope, a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by Dr. Todd Rimkus, a professor at Marymount University. It is connected with the Biology program at Marymount University in Virginia, USA.
The Hawksbill Sea Turtle, which can grow as long as 3 feet and up to 150 pounds, enjoys the highest protective status under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international, inter-governmental agreement which regulates international trade of wildlife, flora and fauna to ensure their survival. This turtle is listed under Appendix I, along with other species threatened with extinction, and trade is only permitted in exceptional circumstances, such as scientific research.
Hawksbill Hope is conducting its 4th year of turtle tagging in Belize, in order to track the movements of turtles which appear in the Gales Point area, but which may migrate during their lifetime to places like neighboring Honduras.
The organization says that the initiative came after several summer study-abroad trips between 2007 and 2009 to the Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize, Central America.
PUP National Campaign Manager steps down
The Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) has been staggering from defeat to defeat at the polls, and last Wednesday, the PUP lost the bi-election in Dangriga, Sarawee and Hope Creek, which was triggered by the resignation of PUP parliamentarian Ivan Ramos, and today the party’s national campaign manager, Godfrey Smith, resigned from his post.
Smith has been the PUP’s national campaign manager since April 2014, when party leader Hon. Francis Fonseca brought him into the PUP executive.
Even with Smith, a high-profile attorney with purported connections to Lord Michael Ashcroft, at the helm of the PUP’s campaign machinery, the party had failed to secure a victory at the polls in three consecutive elections.
In the March municipal elections, the PUP not only suffered a crushing defeat, but the party also lost ground in the south — where there had been PUP mayors in Dangriga and Punta Gorda, as well as several PUP town councilors, whom the voters chose to replace with UDP representatives.
On the heels of the PUP’s municipal elections defeat came a major public relations debacle when the party removed Ivan Ramos as its standard bearer for Dangriga, Sarawee and Hope Creek.
The Reporter
Nestor Mendez takes on new role of new OAS assistant SecGen
Former Belizean ambassador to the United States (US) and Organization of American States (OAS) permanent resident Nestor Mendez took on his new role as that body’s new Assistant Secretary General on Friday morning in Washington DC. The ceremony was held at OAS Hall of […]
Weekend fire leaves family of 12 homeless
A weekend fire in the early hours of Saturday in Biscayne Village engulfed and completely destroyed a two-story wooden structure and left a family of 12, most of whom are children, homeless. According to home-owner Emmerson Michael, he and his family were asleep in […]
Suspect in Clarke’s murder remanded on illegal gun possession charge
The 16 year-old prime suspect in the murder of Kremandala journalist, Kareem Clarke, 27, is remanded to the Hattieville Prison, but on a gun-related offense, not omurder. Officer Commanding the Crimes Investigations Branch (CIB) Superintendent Hilberto Romero, told The Reporter that the boy, who is […]
Police shoot and kill gun-toting man in Hope Creek
A regular night out at a village cool spot ended in death on Saturday night for one of the patrons, who was drinking and ended up pointing his gun at customers, police say. This is what the police reported, but witnesses say Leopold Myvette, 28, did […]
Belize has 5th highest gas prices in Caribbean
Belize made the list of the top five Caribbean countries where gas is most expensive, ranking at fifth place among 15 countries on that list, compiled with data from the Caribbean Statistics and Data Services institute. According to the report, Belize has one of […]
Caught snooping in bedroom affairs, stabbed to chest
One of two youths who were caught snooping around on a man and his girlfriend inside their bedroom in Dangriga, ended up being stabbed in the chest - a wound that punctured one of his lungs. At around 4:45 last Sunday evening, a 16 year-old boy […]
BTL restores 4G network after weekend overload
Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has restored its 4G network after it experienced technical issues on Sunday, preventing thousands of Digicell 4G users from using its mobile internet services for most of the day. BTL’s Public Relations Officer Lorena Martinez, told The Reporter that on […]
Money laundering plot leads to three arrests
Three American citizens have been arrested in New York City, following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which uncovered plans to launder large sums of money in Belize and Panama. Kenneth Landgaard, James Shipman and Michael Dodd were arrested last Wednesday […]
Another youth, Anthony Smith, dies by gun violence
Teenager Anthony Smith, 18, became Belize’s latest victim of death by bloodshed, when he was gunned down at close range just after 8:30 last Friday night on Central American Boulevard. According to Officer Commanding the Crimes Investigations Branch (CIB) Superintendent Hilberto Romero, Smith was […]
Productivity Matters & Technology Matters Part III: Quality of the Labor Force
Our last discussion took us relatively close to the austerity-versus-stimulus debate, as we looked at the marginal impact that debt could have on the level of a country’s productivity—which is measured as Total Factor Productivity (TFP) and is a significant contributor to growth throughout the Caribbean region. More specifically, we […]
New report says Belize already in debt crisis
Belize is one of several countries facing a significant external debt crisis, says a new report by Jubilee Debt Campaign, a United Kingdom-based debt-relief lobby group. According to Jubilee, countries are defined as being at high risk of a government debt crisis, if they […]
VIP weighs in on international financial warnings
The political third party, Vision Inspired by the People, this week, joined the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry in saying that the Government of Belize needs to take warnings from international financial institutions seriously. VIP President, Hubert Enriquez, said on Tuesday, that given government’s […]
KHMH chapel in the works but one’s already there
In recent months the talk about constructing an ecumenical chapel at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) has increased and come into the national spotlight. A little known fact, however, is that the country’s national hospital already has a chapel that ministers to patients. […]
El Chapo’s escape puts Belize and other governments on high alert
Reports that Sinaloa Cartel boss, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, may be headed to Belize or neighboring countries since his escape from maximum security prison in Mexico have caused the governments of Belize, the United States and others in the region to be on high […]
Stop looking like me!
A woman who assaulted her look-alike with pepper spray was found guilty of harm on Tuesday and remanded to the Belize Central Prison for two nights, to reflect upon her actions. At her sentencing on Thursday afternoon, Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fraser asked convicted prisoner, Patrice Ramsey if she learned any […]
Editorial
A picture is worth a thousand words, and it was the picture of a Garifuna man, 34 -year-old Rupert Myles, shown handcuffed, tied with a rope and led around like a mule in the Mayan Village of Santa Cruz that infuriated so many Belizeans. . The days of slavery ended […]
Base will be built says Lovell
The Government of Belize (GOB) will establish a forward operating base on the Sarstoon River, despite Guatemala’s concerns, declared George Lovell, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Security, this week. Lovell, speaking on Guatemala’s objections to a base in the area, explained that […]
Hilux rams into back of horse and buggy Mennonite father dies; mom and children injured
A Mennonite family travelling on the Philip Goldson Highway about a quarter mile away from August Pine Ridge in Orange Walk Tuesday night suffered a terrible road traffic accident that claimed the life of a husband and father of Shipyard, and left his wife and […]
Man on death row escapes hangman’s noose
Glenford Baptist, 44, who was sentenced to be hung by the neck until dead, for murder in 2001 became the last man to leave Belize’s death row, as the Supreme Court quashed his sentence on Monday. Baptist, who had been incarcerated awaiting execution for […]
Breaking Belize News
Two vehicles stolen at Benque Fiesta
Two cars were stolen that were parked in front of the Cancha Marshalek in Benque Viejo Town a short while ago. Our reporter on the scene, Ms. Flora Pereira says that the two vehicles stolen were a red Toyota Pickup Truck and a four door car but due to stealthy […]
Election date – Government model
By Delroy Cuthkelvin. This guessing game about when the next General Elections will or will not be called is absolutely ridiculous. It’s not good for Democracy, nor is it good for Development, as there is invariably a degree of inertia and paralysis that accompanies the suspense surrounding an impending General Election. We […]
Watchman found dead at BAL Shrimp Farm
A 27 year old watchman from George Town Village was found dead yesterday, July 16th, at the Belize Aquaculture Limited Shrimp Farm, where he worked. Delwin Garcia’s body was discovered by the farm’s supervisor shortly after 9:00 p.m last night, in a drain after 8 feet of water had ran […]
Business woman loses thousands in Placencia Burglary
Police in Placencia are investigating a burglary in that municipality in which items valued at more than $20,000 were stolen. A 35 year old businesswoman of Placencia, Danilee Howard, told police that the upstairs part of her Main Street home was broken into, sometime between July 9th, and […]
UDP: Leader of Opposition in trouble
A confident Anthony “Boots” Martinez believes Leader of the Opposition and Freetown area representative Francis Fonseca can and will be beaten in the upcoming general election. Fonseca has not won an election as PUP leader and retained his seat by 150 votes in the last election. Martinez believes Fonseca will […]
Customs officer Keisha Buller laid to rest
Coworkers of the late Keisha Buller honored her life and memory at funeral services held in her native Belize City on Thursday. Buller, 23, was stabbed as many as 54 times during an argument with common law husband Ervin Wade at their home on George Street in Benque Viejo del […]
Foreign Minister: “no hurry” on reef damage compensation
Belize has sent its bill for damage caused to the Barrier Reef by a Guatemalan military vessel which ran aground near Glovers Reef Atoll last month. The gunboat caused $46, 000 of estimated damage after drifting into Belizean waters on its way to Mexico. Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington […]
A Gorgeous Week In San Pedro, Belize And The Week Ahead – Back to the Jungle
It’s been sun sun and more sun this week…with the wind increasing quite a bit as it progresses. My Tuesday trip to the Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef was somehow perfectly timed for relatively calm seas and…just general gorgeousness. I’m already plotting a way to get back to Half Moon Caye for a night or two of camping.
I walked down the alley passing one of the cutest spots in San Pedro, the Conch Shell Inn. Definitely wins an award for cutest wall…
I went to buy my ticket at the Coastal Express water Taxi to head just a mile and a bit up to Grand Caribe Resort.
And now prep for the week ahead. I am heading to Chaa Creek next week – not for their amazing facilities and lodge but for Eco-summer camp!
I will spend a day or two in San Ignacio – the largest town in the Western Cayo district and then…
…head into the Chiquibul with the Scarlet Six BioMonitoring Team to help (that’s my word, not theirs) with the many month project of protecting scarlet macaw babies from poachers. If you love belize, you must read the book “The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw”…
Maya Concepts Part 1
Since the ancient Maya were the only fully literate civilisation of mesoamerica, it is important that we offer some information on some of the concepts they develop. The following writing will include concepts such as: creation, cosmos (world view), and Religion Lets take a concise look at these concepts.
An artist rendition of a scene in the Popol Vuh. Credit: chevrefeuillescarpediem.blogspot.com
Creation
The Maya conceived time as cyclical (Life/Universe)
The Maya tried so hard to syncretize their needs and that of their environment
They Maya believe that we have now entered the 5th creation of the universe
They believed that man was created 3 times – 1st of clay, 2nd from wood, and 3rd of corn
The Popolvuh was a pre classic time system which was written by the Quiche Maya – it was their book of counsel
There were two Hero Twins, one Ixbalanque and the other Hunahpu; Hunahpu was often linked to the corn god
The last creation was on December 21st, 2012; before that the last creation was in 3114BC.
The Maya believed in a system called the sacred round. This round is every 52 years, when a date on their Tzolkin (sacred calendar) calendar meets the same date on the Haab (solar calendar) calendar again.
Belize It Or Not: Kickin’ It at Ka’ana Resort
Belize and the beach. They just go together, like bees and honey, like cheese and wine, like me and Diet Coke. And then there’s Ka’ana Resort.
Ka’ana Resort is located outside San Igancio, a two hour drive from the closest coast — about as far as you can be from the ocean in Belize without backing into Guatemala. If travelers are going to include a jungle stop in their Belize itinerary, it’s most likely to be right in this region. The Cayo District packs an impressive punch of Mayan ruins, winding cave systems, lush jungle, and lodging at all budget levels.
Our first family trip to Belize twelve years ago also included a stay in San Ignacio; my first introduction to a tropical rainforest. I had very special memories of this place, and I was thrilled to return to the spot where my obsession with all things lush and lowland began. San Ignacio was our second stop in Belize, after Hopkins. Our two home bases had distinctly different feels. Where Hopkins Bay Resort had been approachable and charming, Ka’ana Resort was chic and sophisticated. While we saw families at both properties, Ka’ana definitely had a more grown-up vibe. It’s a resort that would leave any designer swooning! We all agreed we were glad we’d gone to the beach first — Ka’ana would have been an impossible act to follow.
Belizean Style Stuffing
Ingredients
2-3 lbs ground bread
¾-1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 stick melted margarine
1-2 tsp thyme (dried)
2-3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 stalks celery (chopped finely)
1 medium onion (chopped finely)
½ sweet pepper (chopped finely)
Directions
Add all seasoning to bread crumbs and mix thoroughly.
Add margarine and Worcestershire sauce.
Cook on top of stove low heat. (optional) Or ADD TO TURKEY OR CHICKEN BEFORE BAKING
What's happening this week in Placencia, Belize!!
Lots going on this week!!!
Live music Fri. July 17 @ Tranquillo with Los Estebanes.SHUTTLE TIMES FOR BELIZE FILM FESTIVAL BETWEEN PLACENCIA AND BELIZE OCEAN CLUB! Pick up point Scotia Bank!
Un Wine'd is featuring a "Specialty Drink" & Appetizer today & tomorrow. "Very Superstitious" is a refreshing drink made with Arbor Mist Blackberry Merlot, Mango & Pineapple Nectar for $8.00/glass. Enjoy a platter of locally made hummus served with Ritz Chips for a special price of $5.00. You may also chose from the regular wine/beer & appetizer menu. Open 2 to 6 pm Thurs & Fri.
International Sources
IMF completes mission to Belize
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Jacques Bouhga-Hagbe visited Belize during July 6-17 to hold discussions in the context of the country’s 2015 Article IV Consultation. At the conclusion of the visit, Bouhga-Hagbe issued the following statement: “Growth accelerated to 3.6 percent in 2014 from 1.5 percent in 2013 on the back of a rebound in agriculture, and strong performances in tourism, electricity, construction and services. The fall in international oil and food prices has pushed down headline inflation to -0.2 (y/y) percent as of December 2014. Despite strong tourism receipts, falling exports, particularly of crude petroleum, and relatively strong imports widened the external current account deficit to 7.6 percent of GDP in 2014, up from 4.4 percent of GDP in 2013.
“Nevertheless, PetroCaribe and other official disbursements continued to finance the current account deficit and help build international reserves (equivalent to 5 months of imports at end-December 2014). The fiscal primary deficit increased to 1.5 percent of GDP in FY2014/15 (April–March), up from a deficit of 0.2 percent of GDP in FY2013/14. Although revenue collection remained in line with budget targets, spending continued to grow well above budget targets, driven by Petrocaribe-financed spending.
“Private credit growth reached 4.7 percent in 2014, supported by strong real estate credit and loans to the sugar sector. The banking system continued to strengthen. The impact of the loss of correspondent banking relations by some banks has been limited so far.
Where to see whale sharks around the world
The world's largest fish can be seen in all of the world's oceans - apart from the Mediterranean - at the right times of year. The world’s biggest fish is a global phenomenon, dispersed throughout all tropical and warm temperate seas except the Mediterranean (see map below) but with the largest aggregations in seven key areas. In these it is usually possible to snorkel with these gentle giants, and often to dive with them.
Up to 1,000 congregate seasonally off the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico – but as with other large groups, 70 per cent of them are male. Where do the females go? For years this remained a mystery, but satellite tracking suggests they migrate vast distances to mid-ocean sea mounts and remote islands where they give birth. One pregnant female, Rio Lady, is known to have set off from Brazil to Africa on a 4,800-mile trip.
The best time for encounters off the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, is June to September, at Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo and Isla Mujeres. Off Belize, the spawning of red snapper from April to June attracts whale sharks hungry for their roe, notably to Gladden Spit, a protected area of the Belize Barrier Reef.
HMS Severn returns to Portsmouth
Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Severn received a warm welcome home from friends and family today following a successful eight-month deployment across the Caribbean where she provided security and reassurance to the British Overseas Territories and dependencies.
The crew were happy to be home having travelled over 30,000 miles whilst away. They visited 29 ports, strengthening bonds across 20 different countries and islands where they were on standby to assist in the event of a natural disaster.
The ship visited all of the British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean — Turks and Caicos, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Anguilla and Grand Cayman. During these visits the 48 ship’s company carried out training with local maritime fisheries enforcement agencies, worked with the Red Cross, and got involved with the local community. The ship’s doctor and medical team offered medical training and the crew painted children’s homes, took part in sporting competitions, and disaster relief exercises.
Pelagic Sargasssum Fact Sheet
Want to learn more about the Sargassum drifting to our shores? Follow the link...
Videos
BELIZE JUNE 2015 7, 16min.
July 17, 2015
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Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials
The San Pedro Sun
Those glorious views while flying ‘South’!
Flying, especially if you’re perched in the co-pilot’s seat, affords you some seriously breathtaking views.
I’m lucky to have flown our skies many times, and know that the scenes from up high can render one speechless.
We’ve seen the multitude of colors of the Caribbean Sea when flying over the water to the cayes, noting the various little off-cayes dotting the water here and there (some with names like “Cockroach”, “Bread & Butter”, “Mosquito” and “Man O War”…). If you’re lucky, you may even see a manatee, ray or dolphins frolicking in the clear blue.
I’m a mountain girl (from the Cayo District) so the sight of greens in every shade, rings of mountains and trees in bloom, the occasional puff of cloud…oh yes, please gimme that!
Jaguars continue to grow in the Football Scene
The Belize National Football Selection continues to improve their skills and are even escalating in the ranks of Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) World Ranking. The Jaguars’ performance in the past two matches of the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Qualifiers has elevated the team’s world ranking to 118th place. This leap of 37 places has made history, as the highest ranking ever for Belize, who were previously 141st back in 2011. Belize has also risen in the ranks of Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and is now in the 15th spot.
This monumental achievement has only inspired the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) to continue improving the selection. “This is tremendous news for Belize, we are very proud of the leap in rankings. The players have worked so hard to get where we are. The administration has made a lot of sacrifices and it has now paid off. It is such good news for us. This is a great part of the history that is unfolding in Belize,” said FFB Secretary General, Michael Blease.
Corry McDermott donates to the San Pedro Sailing Club
The San Pedro Sailing Club (SPR) is the proud recipient of a 14-feet sailing dinghy courtesy of Corry McDermott. The donation was made on Friday, July 10th at the SPR base located at Caribbean Villas Resort. Apart from the donation of the vessel, McDermott also donated $3,000 to assist with the maintenance of the fleet. On hand to accept the donation was SPR secretary Amanda Syme.
The sailing dinghy differs for the other optimist vessels in SPR’s fleet, as it is much larger, and ideal for training beginner sailors. “We couldn’t be happier about this donation. It is a great asset to our fleet and will benefit our sailors greatly. The boat is ideal for an instructor to ride along with two or three youth sailors and perfect for two-man sailing teams to enjoy recreational or race sailing. In addition, the cash donation will assist with maintenance of the fleet of 12 optimist dinghies and the new dinghy,” said Syme.
Glenford Baptist removed from death row
The last prisoner to be on death row in Belize was removed from the list on Monday, July 13th. 44-year-old Glenford Baptist has been at the Belize Central Prison for the past 14 years on murder charges. He and two others, Gilroy Wade and Oscar Mendez, had been sentenced to death 10 years ago by Supreme Court Justice Wilfred Elrington after being found guilty of the murder of Azrin White in 2000. Mendez was the first to have his sentence revoked after appealing. Both he and Wade have died since the incident, and only Baptist remained imprisoned for the crime.
After Baptist’s initial sentence of death by hanging, his attorney, Priscilla Banner of Courtenay, Coye and Company LLC filed an appeal stating that the form of death is inhumane. “Essentially what happened is that the matter came up for hearing before the Honorable Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin and the Government of Belize. They conceded to the point that there was in fact a breach of Baptist’s constitutional rights insofar as Section 7 in concerned, and basically conceded that the sentence should be quashed.
Ambergris Today
Ignoring Youth Development, Paying A Heavy Price
The media houses in Belize City are reporting that 2015 is already one of the most murderous year, including the fact that the country has been named the fourth most dangerous country in the world by the accounts of one particular poll. News 5 of Belize City reported that from their statistics, the country has seen a total of 74 murders since the start of the year with April and May having the highest numbers with 19 and 16 homicides, respectively. There were only five murders in January and eight in June. More alarming is the age of the victims that has dropped significantly and more youths are being involved in crime. The youngest victim was 22-year-old Charlie Espat from San Pedro.
With high concerns over the alarming statistics, the Belize Younth Movement (BYM) called on government to commit to work with youths and improvement of its Youth Policy. The organization took out the following press release this week:
Misc Belizean Sources
BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of July 6th – July 12th, 2015
Although it was windy it was very productive with lots of tarpon hooked but just a few landed. Permit continued to be the surprise of the year with exceptional results
Municipal airport update
The new taxiway is complete at the Municipal Airport. The new runway is furiously being worked on today.
Belizean Traveller campaign
As part of our #BelizeanTraveller campaign, the BTB is working with local stakeholders to provide Belizean rates for locals. Check out our first promo code ad labelled by region. Don't forget to use the promo code: BZTraveller!
The importance of legal advice for timeshare rights
n the recent case of Lincoln Cane Ventures LLC v British Caribbean Bank International Limited, the Supreme Court highlighted the need to comply strictly with essential legal requirements when investing in property abroad. It found that more than 160 US citizens who had purchased timeshare interests in a residential resort pursuant to membership agreements could not exercise their purported rights in priority of a bank's mortgage interest on the property. This was because they had not registered their timeshares or paid the required stamp duty on their membership agreements.
Facts
Tourism is a significant industry and driver of the Belizean economy. Belize possesses many features which make the country an ideal place for vacation or retirement. As a result, people frequently invest in Belizean timeshares and condominiums. Ambergris Caye, an island located off the coast of Belize, houses the residential resort of Sueño Del Mar Limited. The US citizens entered into membership agreements with Sueño Del Mar Limited for the purchase of timeshare interests. However, Sueño Del Mar Limited and the purchasers agreed that they would not register the membership agreements or pay stamp duty in an attempt to minimise costs.
A separate company, Sueño Del Mar Holdings LLC, obtained loans totalling US$4 million, which were secured by various mortgages from British Caribbean Bank International Limited, for which Sueño Del Mar Limited stood as guarantor. The bank was unaware of Sueño Del Mar Limited's arrangements with the claimants.
BOLEDO DRAWING for Thursday, July 16, 2015: 76. FANTASY 5: 15 26 14 39 37 V
Channel 7
Will Belize Put Coast Guard Base On Pause Because of Guatemalan Objection?
2 months ago, a Coast Guard patrol had a pair of tense encounters with the Guatemalan Navy on Sarstoon Island, which is Belize's Southern-most territorial point. The Coast Guard team was there on a reconnaissance mission to determine if the island was suitable for a forward operating base. The Guatemalan Navy personnel tried to get the Coast Guard to leave, but, they stood their ground, certain that they were in Belizean territory.
Belizean officials are only now revealing that after that confrontation was discussed at the diplomatic levels, Guatemala made it clear that they are resisting the construction of the Coast Guard's Forward Operating Base at Sarstoon Island.
Now, this plan for this base has been delayed for years, and it is something that the Government identified as important to maintain Belize's territorial integrity and security. The Coast Guard expressed its eagerness to start its construction a few months ago, but then, the Guatemalans made it an issue. They have reportedly requested that Belize refrain from moving forward with building this base until the territorial claim is dealt with at the International Court of Justice.
"Boots" Will Not Bow To Guatemala's Demands
But senior minister Anthony Boots Martinez is a lot less circumspect than the Foreign Minister. He told the media today that he could never agree to any neighbor or foreign court being able to dissuade a government from acting in its sovereign right:..
Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez, UDP Minister of Government
"But I don't know about any such information that could deter a forward operation base that should be built in our territory. For any country or any government to say cease and desist to building something in your country. Haven't heard about it, but I am certain that that is nothing in my view that I will ever agree on as a Belizean and as a minister of government."
But, the fact is that while the deepest channel south of the Sarstoon Island is recognized by the government of Belize to be this country's the southern boundary - the Guatemalans do not concede that. Here's what the Ambassador told us one month ago:..
Jules Vasquez
"Is it an objective fact or do you accept the fact that we believe to be a fact that Sarstoon Island represents the inclusive territory of Belize and that the border marker or the borderline is at the deepest channel in the Sarstoon River south of the Sarstoon Island. Is that something that you all accept?"
Delicate Gunboat Diplomacy
The other very recent territorial issue between Belize and Guatemala is the 65 foot Guatemalan Navy Gunboat, which ran aground on the Glovers Reef Atoll last month. The vessel was removed, and the assessment for damages to the reef has already been handed over to the Guatemalans.
There has been no response yet, and today Foreign Minister Elrington told us that he is not concerned about the delay, which he believes is normal:
Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"These matters take time. So, we are expecting that they will answer in due course. But that is not unusual. You send these communications and you wait until you get a response to them."
The multi-Government Agency investigating team has assessed the damages at a $46,000 dollars.
Shallow Grave For Salvadorian Farmer
A murder victim was found buried in a shallow grave just outside Belmopan. Yesterday morning at around 5:00 police found the body of 61 year old Salvadoran Farmer Osmar Ramos buried. It was found 5 miles off the main road of Spring Field Community in the Paraiso Area. Police say the body was buried there for about a month. An onsite autopsy was done and it showed that Ramos was chopped to the neck, back of the head, shoulder and chin. We spoke via telephone to Belmopan Deputy Commander Inspector Stephanie Grinage and she updated us on what they know so far.
Insp. Stephanie Grinage, Deputy Commander - Belmopan Police
"On the 15th July, acting on intelligence received, 3 specialize unit and the Belmopan Police visited an area situated 5 miles off the Hummingbird Highway and south of Springfield Village, Cayo District. Police discovered a shallow grave with the decomposed body of one, Mr. Osmar Ramos of Paraiso area. That's an area in the Springfield Village also. Investigations revealed that Ramos was killed sometime in the month of June."
Courtney Weatherburne
"When I was speaking with Superintendent Gillett, he was telling us that he has been missing for over a month, but no missing person's report was filed."
Keisha Buller Got Stabbed 54 Times
Today in Belize City - funeral services were held for Keisha Buller - the Customs and Excise officer Clerk Three who was killed in Benque Viejo last week Friday. Buller had been with customs since 2009 and her funeral procession was led by Customs officers who escorted the elevated hearse as it went against the flow of traffic on Albert Street.
She was killed - as it turned out - on the very last day of her posting in Benque Viejo. She went to Benque in October of 2013 and would have returned to her home of Belize City on August third. That transfer was preceded by leave which started on July 11th - she was murdered on August 10th.
And murdered very brutally - stabbed a shocking 54 times - in front of her 4 year old son and mother. Her common law husband Ervin Wade has been charged for the murder and is in prison on remand.
Hondurans Caught Illegally Fishing At Glover's
Belizean law enforcement officers caught two Hondurans Illegally fishing in the Glovers Reef atoll on Tuesday. So, tonight, they are spending their first night of a 6 month sentence after appearing in Magistrate's Court today.
The officers who police the Atoll caught them after they began conducting nocturnal patrols. They found evidence that fishing was being conducted in the area, and since they didn't encounter anyone during the day, they figured someone was fishing after daylight hours.
This evening, the Fisheries Department's Conservation Compliance Unit's Supervisor explained more about the patrol which caught the men:
Hampton Gamboa, Supervisor - Fisheries Department
"The operation took place on the 14th July, which was on Tuesday in the night at Glover's Reef Marine Reserve out at the atoll. It was a night operation. Officers from the marine reserve was on routine patrols and they came across this Honduran vessel which had two occupants in it, who were engaging in commercial fishing."
BOOST Program Gets Great Funding From OAS
The Boost programme - it provides financial support to thousands of needy and indigent families across central and southern Belize. And more than that, the programme has become a model across the region for making conditional cash transfers without creating a welfare underclass. IT has been recognized by the World Bank and today the OAS contributed 130 thousand dollars to support implementation of an extension to the programs: what's called wraparound services to 400 of the most needy households. CEO Judith Alpuche explained at a press conference at the OAS Belize City Office today:...
Judith Alpuche, CEO - Ministry of Human Development
"When we talk about social workers wrap-around services, it's really looking holistically at what that family needs and working with that family in a holistic way instead of just patch-patch if you will. So we will be doing a pilot that targets 400 BOOST household and we are looking specifically at those households that are below the indigent line - the poorest of the poor. To see how is it that we can, as the name suggests, literally wrap services around these families - to help them to move up to the next level."
UDP Wants Hon. Fonseca To Hang Around
And while we had minister Martinez, we asked him to comment on the current state of affairs within the PUP - where party leader Francis Fonseca asked National Campaign Manager Godfrey Smith to step down. No replacement has been named - but the party will meet next week to discuss the way forward. And while the general feeling within the PUP is the Leader Francis Fonseca lost a key ally in Smith, Minister Martinez says he hopes Fonseca isn't going anywhere soon:..
Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez, UDP Minister of Government
"I felt that, unlike the party leader, he was man enough to know that he was campaign manager over the last year and change and lost every single election and so I think it's time for, man, with good grace to step off. I thought that the first thing for, in my view that would have happen was Francis Fonseca was to take a back. I mean when you look in terms of everything and I hope that he stays. It's only better for the United Democratic Party. I hope that he stays."
UDP Says Fonseca In Trouble In Freetown
And while he wants Fonseca to stay in the leader's seat, for the UDP, they also want Fonseca to stay put in Freetown. Fonseca won that seat by 150 votes in the 2012 general election. And while the leader of the opposition always has a special reserve of support because he is the man who could be king, Martinez says that the UDP feels he is politically vulnerable:..
Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez, UDP Minister of Government
"I have no doubt in my mind, based on previous election results, that the Leader of the Opposition is vulnerable and the Leader of the Opposition 90% to me, stand a chance of losing this election. So, I think that is a seat that we feel confident that we will be able to muster and so that in itself with the political pressure Ms. Barnett is applying on the party leader, gives him not enough time to even concentrate on a party of which he is the leader and I don't that he can be afforded the opportunity to travel here and there and everywhere."
Okeke Calls Out Fonseca
Political commentator Steven Okeke feels the same way. He says that in his opinion, Fonseca is in trouble:..
Steven Okeke - Political Commentator
"A hundred and plus votes in the last elections with a person who Belizeans had some prejudice against, because he is a Chinese Belizean. In the face of a formidable position, he stands even a lesser chance."
Jules Vasquez
"Do you think Francis Fonseca is in trouble in Freetown?"
Steven Okeke - Political Commentator
"He is tremendous trouble."
We should note that Francis Fonseca has never lost an election, and is a three term representative.
When Will Election Be Called?
But don't tell that to the UDP - right now - after a half year of record victories, they feel like world beaters. And so when will they call the general election? It's not due for another 20 months or so, but everyone knows it will be called before that. So, in view of the recent victory in Dangriga - when is that magic date? That's what we asked Minister Martinez today:..
Jules Vasquez
"Has the UDP made a decision on when they will have a general election?"
Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez, UDP Minister of Government
"No, not yet. We haven't made none, but in my personal view I think that is sooner rather than later. But the UDP hadn't made none."
Seasoned political observers suggest that the earliest the election could be called is the end of this year, while others put it at March of 2016 as the latest. We'll have to wait and see.
Pepper Spray Remand
Pepper spray is typically used as a defensive weapon by women to ward off attackers. Tonight, however, 26 year-old Patrice Ramsey is at the Belize Central Prison after she pepper sprayed another woman - simply because the victim looked like her.
The victim, Nikita Usher, testified that she was at the BTL Park last Sunday, when Ramsey approached her, upset because her friends said she looked like Usher. Usher testified that Ramsey insulted her, and told her that she wouldn't tolerate it. That's when Ramsey sprayed her in her face, eyes and all over. Usher said she was unable to see and her skin burned her for a week. The doctor who examined her classified her injury as harm. In her testimony, Ramsey denied that she committed the offence.
She was found guilty by Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer, and she was brought to court today for sentencing. But when she appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser, she showed no remorse so the Magistrate further remanded her to jail. Ramsey was in tears as she was escorted back to the cell block to be taken to prison to spend 4 days. Her next court appearance is Tuesday, July 21.
KHMH Staff Demands Raise, Cancels Clinics
Cancelled! That's what happened to all Outpatient Elective Services and Surgeries scheduled at the KHMH from tomorrow going forward. That's the word coming from angry hospital staff tonight after they were told they would not get the raise that they are asking government for.
As we told you on Tuesday, 600 KHMH workers are asking government to give them a raise of pay - just like they did to public officers and teachers. The hospital staffers work for the KHMH Authority which is a statutory board - so they are not public officers and don't qualify for the raise of pay that teachers and public officers got.
On Tuesday, representatives of the Board of Governors and senior hospital management went to Cabinet to ask for the increase. But the answer has come back - and it's not positive. It seems government says that, at best, the hospital staff has to form a union, just like the teachers and public officers did and negotiate from the position.
Bullying At British High? So Say Resigned Staffers
A number of employees have resigned from the British High Commission in the last few months due to what they say is utter ill treatment at the workplace. The former employees sent us a letter describing the cruelty and emotional abuse they endured working for British High Commissioner Peter Hughes. The letter states, quote, "Between the last quarter of 2013 and the beginning of 2014 the staff have endured discrimination, harassment, bullying, verbal and emotional abuse…by the head of the mission".
We spoke to 4 of the employees today and one of them told us the commissioner would shout at them and demean them at the workplace. According to the employees, 6 have resigned in the past year since Hughes' arrival and 4 more resigned in the last 2 months. One of the employees we spoke with was working at the British High for 24 years and told us that he has never had any issues with previous high commissioners and simply could not endure the hostility at the workplace, He resigned last year June. He was the first to resign and then the others followed. They say others are in the process of resigning.
Fantasy Five Winner Comes Forward
Last night we told you how someone had drawn the winning Fantasy 5 ticket for the biggest jackpot in Belize's history, 612 thousand dollars. That person didn't want to publicly accept her cheques, because she was camera shy.
Well, The Caribbean Gaming Company's representatives convinced the winner to come forward, and they introduced her to us this evening. She's Roselia Vallecillo (vaye-ciyo), a resident of Placencia, and she told us that the winnings will help her to put her family under their own roof:
She also told us that the money will also pay for her children's education.
Mek Mi Rich gave away the biggest jackpot - which is now the second biggest - of a half-million dollars, just last week Tuesday.
Vocals With Vision
Ghetto Life: That's the name of a new CD from a vocal collective called All God's Son's. Their lead song is called "Mama says" - and it highlightes the increase in crime and violence among youth in the city. Well, you can expect that message and more in Ghetto Life. The group came to our studios today and told us how they want to use music to help kids stay away from violence:
You can find the CD in music stores in Belize City. The group has been together for 7 years.
Indian Man In Orange Walk Wasn't Killed
35 year old Orange Walk Resident Vicky Gyanchandani died of a heart attack, he wasn't killed. That's the finding of a post mortem examination conducted by Dr. Mario Estradabran. He found that Gyanchandani died of a heart attack due to a cardio pulmonary embolism.
Channel 5
Foreign Minister Sedi Weighs-In on Guatemala’s Protest
On Wednesday night, News Five was the first to report on a formal protest issued by Guatemala in relation to the planned construction of a Forward Operating Base at the [...]
Sedi Reiterates and Affirms His Position on The ICJ
Just before leaving for Washington and Mexico today, Elrington told News Five that Guatemala’s position on the Forward Operating Base was conveyed in a very civilized manner, through a diplomatic [...]
Are Belizeans Responsible For Incidents Involving Guatemalans?
There have been two notable incidents in very recent months – first the capture of thirty-seven Belizeans in Belizean territorial waters by Guatemalan military, and then the altercation between Guatemalan [...]
So What’s The Status Of The FOB?
So the fate of the Forward Operating Base now lies in the hands of the O.A.S., and the territorial integrity of Belize will lie in the hands of the ICJ, [...]
Sedi on Guatemalan Gunboat Update
In June, a Guatemalan gunboat GC-651, the Tecum Uman, crashed into the reef near Middle and Long Cays, causing damage estimated at around forty-eight thousand dollars. With all dispatch, the [...]
Murder: Body Found In Shallow Grave in the Springfield Area
Turning to crime; the discovery of a badly decomposed body on Wednesday morning in a shallow grave several miles outside the Mennonite community of Springfield, has resulted in the detention [...]
Undocumented Cubans Arrested
A constant trickle of illegal Cuban immigrants into Belize, presumably with aid from a local human trafficking ring, has resulted in yet another bust in the Cayo District, this time [...]
K.H.M.H. Personnel on Go-Slow
Employees of K.H.M.H. are staging a go-slow on Friday and will not be accepting any referrals to the hospital in protest of being excluded from a recent salary adjustment for [...]
Belize City Man Acquitted Of 2010 Murder
Twenty-two year old Devon Sankey walked free on Wednesday for the murder of Renan Reneau which happened back in April 2010. A no case submission was put forth to the [...]
A Disturbing Report in the South
There is a most disturbing report from Punta Gorda where a thirteen year old girl has been impregnated by her stepfather. Earlier this week, police and social workers went to the [...]
Boots Says Guatemala Cannot Stop FOB!
Earlier in the newscast, we told you that Guatemala is objecting to the proposed construction of a forward operating base. This morning, we also had the take of the Port [...]
Sedi Says P.U.P.s Are Not Strategic
The People’s United Party has reached the point where politically connected and politically disconnected pundits have started offering advice. Advice of that sort can generally be disregarded, but today U.D.P. [...]
U.D.P. Boots Martinez Has Words of Wisdom for the P.U.P. Leader
Anthony “Boots” Martinez is also offering his two cents on the Opposition party narrowing it on the leadership. Boots, who doesn’t live in Port Loyola, but Freetown, says he believes [...]
Boots Says Godfrey Smith Did the Right Thing to Resign
Earlier this week, the P.U.P. confirmed that after reaching a mutual understanding, the party’s national campaign manager, Godfrey Smith, who took over the post in early 2014, was stepping down. [...]
Sedi on Nestor Mendez: “He Elevates Our Profile…”
In an extended interview with Minister Elrington, we also inquired about the installation of Nestor Mendez as Assistant Secretary General of the O.A.S. It’s an auspicious occasion since for the [...]
O.A.S. Helps G.O.B. to Reach Marginalized Families
The Government of Belize and the Organization of American States today signed a cooperation agreement for an initiative targeting marginalized families. The three-year project, valued at two hundred and sixty [...]
BOOST Program to Evolve to Better Serve Those in Need
According to C.E.O. Alpuche, the ministry is working with the O.A.S. and the United Nations to ensure that the BOOST program evolves. Alpuche says the pilot project goes beyond cash [...]
Katie Usher Remembers Kareem Clarke Through Art
Two nights ago, we showed you artist’s Katie Usher’s creative approach to highlight how many lives have been taken as a result of the spiking crime. From her records, almost [...]
Lab 2 Features Briheda Haylock
Also as a part of Katie Usher’s Lab-Two installation going on at the Image Factory, several creative minds from across the country have started putting on exhibitions and artistic shows [...]
Healthy Living Does Yoga!
Over the past few years since they opened their doors, we’ve visited the Om Shanti Center for Yoga and Healing arts to share with you the latest addition to its [...]
CTV3
Phillip Goldson Highway Records Another Traffic Accident
The traffic flow near the roundabout by Bowen and Bowen at mile 52 was disrupted this afternoon at around 1:00 due to a traffic accident. When authorities arrived on the scene, they observed a red Ford pickup truck on the right side of the road and a Tucson Sport SUV on the extreme right of the road with extensive damages. Reports suggest that the driver of the SUV stopped abruptly to turn into Caribbean Tires Depot on the left of the Highway. According to Dave Burgos, driver of the red pickup truck he could not avoid the collision since another vehicle was coming in the opposite direction.
DAVE BURGOS – Driver
“Freak accident here, we had these folks here from San Salvador seems they wanted to go in to Caribbean Tires so they stopped and eventually after the accident what they were saying is that they wanted to go Caribbean Tires but I want you to really look at the tire marks because the contention here with the police officer is that I am asking them one question am I on the road or am I off the road because the accident happened on the road as you can see it on the tire marks and that is why I took some photos and I am I disagreement in signing the measurements that they have and I told them that no we go to court with it because it certainly it did not happen with the measurements that they are giving.
El Chapo Guzman Escapes, Belize Beef's Up Security At Its Borders
The escape of drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman continues to dominate the news worldwide, including here in Belize since his elaborate escape on Saturday July 12th from the Almoloya prison located 50 miles outside of Mexico City. This actually is the second time that the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel escapes from a Mexican Prison thus putting in question Mexico’s security system. In efforts of recapturing Guzman, Mexican authorities have distributed 100,000 photos of Guzman and have 10,000 agents on high-alert and have also communicated with authorities from across the globe including Belize. Why Belize you may ask? Well because reports are that he could seek refuge with his allege allies who live in Belize. In fact some newspapers from the state of Quintana Roo Mexico are actually reporting that Guzman is already here in Belize. Yesterday though, CEO in the Ministry of National Security George Lovell put those allegations to rest as he spoke to news five about the escape of Chapo Guzman.
Rise Up Belize Conducts Academic Summer Program
While a majority of primary school students are out enjoying their summer vacation, several kids from Orange Walk Town are already occupying their time preparing for the new school year. Since its introduction to Belize twelve years ago, Rise Up Belize has become a hallmark for many Belizean kids during their summer breaks. The group is known for providing quality education programs that are interactive and exciting for the children and this year, it is no exception. This summer, Rise Up Belize has partnered with the La Inmaculada RC School, Father Oliver Smalls, Local Manager of the School and Joey Garcia, Director of Rise Up Belize told us more about the program…
“I am happy that Rise Up Belize is here with us this week to help our children not only in the academics but also in the spiritual realm also and I think that the parents have expressed wonderful feelings about their children progress and learning and I am so happy that they young ladies are volunteering their time to come to learn with us and to also share their gifted talents with us also.”
Guatemala Tells Belize Not To Build FOB
The territorial, aerial and maritime dispute between Belize and Guatemala has given rise, in the recent past, to serious incidents between the military forces of the two countries. The most recent was the May 28th confrontation between the Guatemalan Military and the Belize Coast Guard in the Sarstoon Island.
When it comes to island in the Sarstoon River, a part of it is on the north side of the midline and therefore it’s in Belizean territory and another part of it is in Guatemalan territory, on the south side. Investigations have determined that Belize’s Coast Guard was on Belizean waters preparing for a forward operating base that is intended to be constructed there. In a show of courtesy and in order to preserve the diplomatic process, the Guatemalans were informed of Belize’s intention to build the FOB. But their response was not one expected by the Ministry of National Security.
PlusTV
Belmopan man shot dead at warehouse
Police are investigating the strange circumstances surrounding the death of 39 year old Louis Leslie of Belmopan, who met his death at the hands of a security guard at the Gonzalo Quinto and Sons compound in Belize City on Tuesday night. Authorities say Leslie went to the property at Mile 1 1/2 on t...
Mennonite Dies in Fatal RTA
There was a fatal road traffic accident last night around 8:50 pm that claimed the life of 39 year old Mennonite Johan Knelsen of camp 13, Shipyard Village, Orange Walk. According to reports, 39 year old Knelsen was travelling in his horse and cart buggy, along with his wife and two kids, heading in...
Accused Kareem Clarke killer charged for firearm
The accused teenage killer of journalist Kareem Clarke is in prison tonight, but he has not been charged for his murder. Instead the youth was charged for a firearm police found in his possession when they picked him up. Police, according to Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero, continue to gather the evidence...
Gregory August fights mandatory life sentence
Back in April the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) agreed to grant convicted murderer Gregory August special leave to appeal his conviction subject to the Court of Appeal hearing and reasoning on two matters raised before them for the first time. One is the matter of trial judge Adolph Lucas not dir...
Mike Menjivar sues GOB over GSU Raid
In May 2011, the businessman Miguel Menjivar and his family went through a terrifying episode when the GSU raided his home during a predawn operation where over a hundred shots were fired. Menjivar, Belmopan business owner of the popular La Cabana restaurant and bar, was taken to court to answer to...
Man charged for stabbing minor
A man has been charged for stabbing a minor . On July 12th, a 17 year old male of 1st New Site Area, Dangriga visited the Dangriga Police Station and reported that at around 4:40 PM he was socializing with friends on Ramos Road when they had a misunderstanding with another male person who stabbed hi...
Devon Sankey beats murder charge
22 year old Devon Sankey was today acquitted of murder by Justice Troadio Gonzalez, sitting alone without a jury. He was accused of the murder of 25 year old Renan Reneau on April 8, 2010. Six witnesses had testified for the prosecution but it all fell apart when main witness and Reneau’s girl...
The Guardian
PUP crumbles - Godfrey Smith resigns as National Campaign Manager
The PUP announced on Tuesday July 14 that their National Campaign Manager, Godfrey Smith resigned from the position effective immediately.
Because of the prominent role that Smith had taken on in the past few months, many had speculated that he would have eventually been the one to take up the leadership of the party. But like his party leader, poor decisions are all he was able to give the PUP. In fact he was the chief architect for Ivan Ramos to have resigned from the National Assembly. He was the one who point blank told Ramos that he was not a viable candidate for the PUP for the next general elections and as such, even if he intended to run again, he would not receive any financial support from Smith, who was to have been the one who controlled the PUP’s purse strings.
Three consecutive electoral defeats for the People’s United Party in less than six months and their solution is to have Godfrey Smith resign as the national campaign manager of their party.
That is definitely no solution to an ailing PUP and a dense leadership that simply does not get the sense that the people do not want them in any ways of form.
Belmopan resident is holding a half million dollar Fantasy Five ticket
Some lucky Belizean is holding a 612 thousand-dollar ticket and they are yet to claim it after the numbers: 13, 16, 24, 26, and 34 played on Tuesday night’s Fantasy Five draw. The representatives of the company know that the winner is from Belmopan, but that person doesn’t want to collect.
According to Karil Wallace, Fantasy 5’s Public Relations Officer, the winner has already contacted them to indicate that he or she won. This winner reportedly wants to convince the company to allow them to collect the winnings without having to be featured on national television. The company is trying to convince them to feature the collection of the winnings on news, and that person has quite the incentive to agree. That’s because after the Government’s taxes are deducted from it, the winner gets to take home $520,000.
Belize’s FIFA ranking at its Best ever
As of July 9, Belize’s World Cup ranking stands at 118 out of the countries that participate in FIFA sanctioned football. The upward ranking is as a result of Belize’s performance in the last four qualifier matches two against Grand Cayman and two against the Dominican Republic. After these matches Belize moved from the 157th position. The 118th rank is the best position Belize has ever held in FIFA; the worst being in 2007 when Belize held the 201st position. According to FIFA Belize is the best mover in the world cup ranking having jumped from 157 to 118.
The team now awaits the selection of the third country team which it will play against. This decision will be made by a draw and the announcement will be made on July 25 in Moscow.
Papa Mena arrives in style and sworn in as newest member of the National Assembly
Newly elected Area Representative for Dangriga, Hope Creek and Sarawee, Hon. Frank “Papa” Mena, was escorted to Belmopan City on Friday, July 10, by a party of supporters to be sworn in as the Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security.
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A ceremony was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the Belize House where Governor General Sir Colville Young was to administer the oath of office. By 10 a.m. the drums of Mena’s forefathers could be heard clearly from Market Square. Mena and his family led a procession along the pedestrian path of Belmopan Central enroute to the Belize House. There he recited the oath of office which starts with a specific commitment: “I Frank Mena do swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Belize…" After taking the oath, Mena walked out to be embraced by a proud crowd. A son of “backatown” was now a Minister of the country.
The drums started speaking once again. This time Mena, his family, friends and supporters joined in with a traditional recital. Shortly after paying homage to where he has come from, Mena started to dance in celebration of where he has arrived. His supporters joined in – it was clear that this dance was a special one. It was a dance of relief – their little brother is now sitting at the table. They can’t help but look forward. Finally, Dangriga will get its fair share. Dangriga will be transformed. “Fuh we peepil will eet breda!”
AHA! NTUCB president admits to no consultation with union members on Petro Caribe Bill
On Wednesday morning during an appearance on KREM’s WUB morning show the NTUCB President Mora was forced to admit after being probed by Nuri Muhammad that the union executive had not consulted its members as regards to the their Senatorial vote on the Petro Caribe bill. Is that not what the government has been saying for almost a year now? Was that not the reason why the union’s Senator got in trouble with certain members in the NTUCB Executive? Did they not accuse him of not voting the way the unions would have wanted him to vote?
Like the Church and the Business sector Senators , the Union Senator represents a specific group of people . In effect all 3 Senators hold PROXIES for and behalf of the members of their various organizations. The vote of these Senators are not their own vote nor is it a vote for the EXECUTIVES of their organizations neither is it for just a few of the general membership of their organizations. The NTUCB should have consulted it’s general membership through it’s various unions and their branches and then instruct their Senator based on the sentiments of the MAJORITY of it’s membership. In a democratic organization it is majority rule.
12 more scholarships from Belize Bank
Another twelve ambitious young Belizeans have the opportunity to further their education as beneficiaries of Belize Bank scholarships. The financial institution started the scholarship program in 2012 and now supports 55 students studying at secondary and tertiary level institutions countrywide. The newest members of the Belize Bank family were welcomed by Lyndon Guiseppi, Executive Chairman, at a brief ceremony on Tuesday, July 14.
Under Guiseppi’s leadership, the country’s longest serving bank has made strides in its community outreach programs. The bank has received more recognition for its contribution to sports but according to Guiseppi it is the scholarship program that they are most proud of. “As a contributor to and an active participant in Belize’s economy, Belize Bank shares the vision of the Ministry of Education to build the talent pool as a means of furthering the national development of this country. We are hopeful that our investment in the scholarship programme will be a key component in this initiative,” said Guiseppi at the scholarship ceremony.
Close of the Sugar Cane Season
The gates at the Belize Sugar Industries remained open past 6:00 pm on Sunday in order to accommodate all last minute deliveries which numbered about 25-30 trucks loaded with sugar cane and which represented the cane farmers’ last opportunity to deliver their cane to the ASR/BSI Tower Hill Factory. With the final delivery of these truckloads of sugar cane, the “Zafra” will have finished 5 days later than originally planned for but purposefully done so in order to facilitate the delivery of cane from those small farmers who had not managed to deliver their full tonnage. However, the overriding good news for the industry was that all stakeholders had managed to achieve a bumper year not only in the amount of cane delivered but a record in terms of sugar produced this year. Last week, when the extension of 5 extra days was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Gaspar Vega, an initiative that he pursued as Minister of Agriculture, the numbers were showing that 1.134 Million tons of cane had been ground and that with the extension, a total of 1.175 Million tons of cane will have been ground by the time the factory closes.
Although we will have to wait for a final disclosure from the Factory as to the actual numbers, indications are that that figure will be reached and perhaps even surpassed bringing the total very close to last year’s total of 1.2 Million tons of cane ground. Further to that good news, the total tonnage of sugar produced is expected to be at least 17.5 percent above last year’s 120,000 tons, with an anticipated 141,000 tons of sugar produced this year.
Enhancements continue in the Cayo Central Division
Numerous enhancements continue to be made within the Cayo Central Division, the working ground of the Hon. Rene Montero; with more projects to be initiated in the near future. As had been promised, Perez Street in Santa Elena Town has recently been double chip sealed and its second portion has been fully cemented. This has occurred even as a contract has been signed for the paving of Salazar Street in Santa Elena and work on this street will commence shortly.
Phase one road works will involve the upgrading of the highway between Lin’s Superstore and China Town Supermarket in Santa Elena Town, which will come complete with sidewalks and drains and a median line and will cost 1.2 million dollars. This section of Santa Elena has seen a rapid growth with the levels of economic activity as citizens come from all over Belize to shop at the spacious stores. Adequate lighting will also be placed in that section of the highway between Lin’s and China Town “…to match those on the new Loma Luz Boulevard” states a Facebook post from Cayo Central.
Phase two will entail other improvements between the junction of Salazar Street to the Hawkesworth Bridge “…with lights alternating on both sides along with side walks and proper drainage,” says the Hon. Rene Montero, during a Summer Splash at the Macal River on Sunday.
Police department recognizes students who overcame adversity
The Belize Police Department held its 10th annual Do the Right Thing Awards ceremony at the Old Belize Restaurant on Tuesday, July 14, and the top two most outstanding individuals were young women who defied the odds in pursuit of quality education. 24-year-old Joycelin Chiquillo and 26-year-old Melissa Harris are both mothers of two children each who courageously returned to school and graduated from Eden Seventh Day Adventist High School this year. The Belize Police Department, Restore Belize, their school counselors and others recognize the courage it took for these women to return to school; therefore, they were given a hand up for doing the right thing.
Joycelin Chiquillo had a difficult childhood. “When I was a kid I was abused sexually, verbally and physically,” she says. Chiquillo got pregnant shortly after completing her first year of high school. This forced her to drop out of school and take care of her child. Later she had a second child and became a full time mom. With no support from the children’s father, she had to find work when she could to provide for them. This desire to provide a better quality of life for her children is what motivated Chiquillo to return to school.
Retribution
Older folks always sound the warning that retribution takes 7 years before it takes effect. When we see what is happening to the People’s United Party that pronouncement has never seemed to be more factual than at present for the PUP. If my math is right and I don’t need to ask Jules, it’s been just over 7 years ago since the United Democratic Party were swept into office in February 2008 on the heels of a PUP defeat , who were beaten at the polls like an out of tune bass drum. It was just almost at the 7 year mark that everything started to go even further downhill for the PUP.
On November 18th the Leader of the PUP was joined in a chorus by his Choir of PUP Area Representatives singing their much used refrain “ CALL ELECTIONS NOW” ! They did so at that time in the face of a very popular government that was buttressed by a throng of 10,000 Belizeans who had assembled on Independence Hill to say to the United Democratic Party ,that they were PLEASED with the United Democratic Party’s performance as the government of Belize and did not want to see the PUP back at the seat of government anytime soon. Much like the book of Exodus in the bible, Pharaoh named his own plague, so was it said to the PUP by our Prime Minster. The words had not long left the mouth of the PUP party leader when one of his own, Mahmoud resigned and forced a by-election in Cayo North. Caught with his pants down he was forced to settle for a failed Businessman turned politician since his choice for the seat turned him down saying he was no sheep to be led to the slaughter; the man who he was to go up against was a man who traps and captures Jaguars without fear. What happened to that failed Businessman was a beat down of epic proportions, where like BTL giving to its costumers the voters treated him to a triple-up. That is to say he lost by three to one.
$125,000 to Jaguars and “More is on its way”
The Guardian reported on June 18 that the Government of Belize was planning to make another donation to the Belize Football Jaguars to assist in preparations for the third round of World Cup Qualifiers. That donation has come in the form of a $125,000 grant courtesy of the Petro-Caribe funds. Joseph Waight, Belize’s Financial Secretary, handed over the cheque to Michael Blease, Secretary General of the Football Federation of Belize, on Monday, July 13.
“It’s a grant to the FFB,” said Waight, “I was told to keep them in training. It costs, for housing and stipends, as much as $10,000 per week.” Though the Jaguars are not scheduled to play until the first week of September, the Federation continues to spend thousands of dollars in preparation for the games. It is the cost of competing at the level Belizeans have fallen in love with. “We have spent over four hundred thousand for the first two rounds and we know it is a lot of expense practicing, stipend for the players, feeding the players,” said Blease. “The projected budget is $300,000, at least, for this third round.”
Last person on death row is off that sentence
The last person on death row in Belize, Glenford Baptist, was charged and convicted for the murder of Osrin White that occurred on July 24, 2000. Oscar Mendez and Gilbert Wade were also charged and sentenced to hanging in November of 2001, by Justice Wilfred Elrington. In June 2002 however, the court of appeal quashed Mendez’s conviction because of faulty eyewitness identification. Mendez has since died on November 2, 2007, meanwhile, Wade was killed whilst recreating at the Belize Central Prison, leaving only Baptist in prison.
Back on July 24, 2000, Baptist, Mendez and Wade went to the yard of Juanita Hinds, the girlfriend of White, on Iguana street extension, asking for Eyean Reid. When Reid saw the men through a hole on a zinc fence from ten yards away, he retreated behind the house inside the yard.
Apprenticeship member accused of robbery
Allan Phillips, who is a member of the Apprenticeship Program, was scheduled to graduate next week Wednesday, July 22, at ceremony that will take place at the Princess Hotel; however, he may not be able to participate in a ceremony because he has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison on charges of robbery, harm and aggravated assault with a firearm. Allegations are that on Wednesday, July 8, 2015, Phillips robbed Fokrul Alam, who is the owner of Take and Pay Grocery store, at gun point, taking $400 in cash. Phillips was also accused of aggravated assault with a fire arm upon Lincoln Roy Glen, who was also at the store.
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On Tuesday, July 14, 2015, Phillips appeared unrepresented before Chief Magistrate, Ann Marie Smith, to hear his charges. Phillips pleaded not guilty to all charges; however, due to the nature of the offense, Phillips was denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until October 13, 2015. The Chief Magistrate has also ordered that Phillips is to be provided with disclosure in the matter by September 13, 2015.
Is Michel Chebat trying to transfer his vote?
QUESTION TO CANDIDATE:
Can the PUP candidate for the Cayo North Constituency, Michel Chebat, say if he has or has not applied to the Cayo North registering officer to transfer his vote from Fort George in Belize City to Cayo North giving his address as #5 Benque Viejo Road, San Ignacio being the residence of Carlos “Mosquito” Habet?
Was Habet’s residence selected given maybe that he could not use his “elderly” parents address as that would put him in Cayo Northeast?
Given that they are registered in Cayo Northeast not even his parents will vote for him or is he planning to also move them to Mosquito’s house?
It is said that a dishonest candidate makes a dishonest Area Representative.
While his bosses have baggages galore at the very least they do not pull off this blatant dishonest stunt.
Chester Williams Brokers Ghost Town Truce
The zone from Vernon Street’s intersection with Sarstoon Street to its intersection with Mayflower Street has been the most dangerous in the country and perhaps the region (crimes per capita) over the last three months. The police officer in charge of developing an effective startegy for this area (and the entire Southside of Belize City for that matter) is Senior Superintendent Chester Williams, Commander of Eastern Division South. He says, “We all know that the situation [in the area] is the result of an internal issue between one gang: the Ghost Town gang.” Williams believes that increasing police presence in the area will not solve the issue. He has drafted a multifaceted plan and it starts with mediation.
On Friday, July 10, Williams organized a mediation session with rivals from the Ghost Town Gang. Various shot callers and their associates were brought in along with parents and other relatives to have an open discussion. Williams allowed the relatives to speak first. They spoke about how difficult it has been to live in a community torn apart. Young men who were recently best friends are now hunting each other like animals. It has been especially hard on the parents who feel it when victims from either side are killed. They were all one clique until recently and would hang out together at each others’ yards – becoming like sons to their friend’s parents. Now these sons dodge each other in the dark of night and open fire at the mere glimpse of the enemy. The feud has placed the community in bondage. People are afraid to go to shop and walk the street. There is no peace of mind because one does not know who can be trusted. It was a quite emotional session as relatives plea for them to stop the war.
Da fool di Talk... but dah no fool di listen
On July 8 The People’s United Party took a trouncing in Dangriga as the UDP’s Frank “Papa” Mena crushed the PUP’s Anthony Sabal at the polls in that constituency’s bye-election. The Bye-election was triggered by the resignation of the then Area Representative, PUP’s Ivan Ramos who bested the UDP’s Arthur Roaches in the General Elections of 2012. Since then the PUP has been going through a metamorphosis of sorts and invariably it has been for the worst. After a terrible loss in the Cayo North Bye-election and an even worse one in the Municipal Elections, the PUP leadership fowled up the Dangriga seat to force yet another election.
It is reported by party insiders that the PUP’s campaign manager and purse holder Godfrey Smith summoned the duly elected representative and gave him the unsavory news that he will not be the PUP’s choice to represent them in the upcoming General Elections. He was ordered to stand down and was told in no uncertain terms that he will not have the support of the PUP financially or otherwise.
Having heard from the almighty Godfrey Smith, Ivan Ramos tucked his tail between his legs and sauntered on to Belmopan and requested the Petro Caribe Funds made available to all constituencies for the Mother’s Day Cheer. He then held that event in Dangriga where he delivered the news that he was resigning from parliament thereby triggering the Bye-election. Boom there it was, a stunning wakeup call for the PUP and especially to the leadership including Francis Fonseca and Godfrey Smith.
Lake I Summer Camp closes with a bang
After two weeks of football and basketball activities the first ever Lake Independence 'Life skills and Summer Camp' sponsored by Hon Mark King concluded on Wednesday July 15. A total of four teams participated in basketball and football for two weeks.
During two weeks from July 1 to the 15 over a hundred young children participated in the all day summer camp and on Wednesday Hon. Mark King handed over trophies and gifts to the participants.
In Basketball team Complex Unruly Ballers was awarded first place. Second place went to Lake Warriors and Third place was garnered by Police Street. The MVP in basketball was Diandre Arana. In football 1st place was taken by Brown Bombers after defeating team Survivor with a score of 3 to 2. Second place finisher in football was Survivors FC and third place went to Complex United. Individual awards went to Best goal keeper: Dylan Belisle; Best Defence: Denmark Gill; Best Midfield: Shemar Thompson;
Board Members to the Octavia Waight Center in San Ignacio Town Re-elected
Several Board members from the Octavia Waight Center, which is located in San Ignacio Town, were re-elected on Saturday of this past weekend. Taking the task as Chairperson is Claudette Hulse; Vice Chair, Mirna Martinez; Secretary, Clemente Cruz and Treasurer Bernadette Fernandez. While Claudette Hulse has served as Chairperson for two consecutive years, she has been serving at the Octavia Waight Center for the past 20 years.
Present for the elections over the weekend was registration officer Ivorie Bulwer, who is also the Director of Help Age Belize. Ivorie Bulwer gave an opportunity for each of the re-elected Board members to speak, and in so doing illuminated the inner workings at the Octavia Waight Center.
“It is a challenge taking it on, but I am willing to work with the Board and continue moving forward with the Octavia Waight Center,” said Claudette Hulse.
Meanwhile; Deputy Mayor Bernadette Fernandez, who holds the portfolio for the aged at the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council, also accepted nomination to serve once more.
Last person on death row is off that sentence
The last person on death row in Belize, Glenford Baptist, was charged and convicted for the murder of Osrin White that occurred on July 24, 2000. Oscar Mendez and Gilbert Wade were also charged and sentenced to hanging in November of 2001, by Justice Wilfred Elrington. In June 2002 however, the court of appeal quashed Mendez’s conviction because of faulty eyewitness identification. Mendez has since died on November 2, 2007, meanwhile, Wade was killed whilst recreating at the Belize Central Prison, leaving only Baptist in prison.
Back on July 24, 2000, Baptist, Mendez and Wade went to the yard of Juanita Hinds, the girlfriend of White, on Iguana street extension, asking for Eyean Reid. When Reid saw the men through a hole on a zinc fence from ten yards away, he retreated behind the house inside the yard.
Reid overheard the men asked for him. Sharon Nicholas, one of the main witnesses in the trial and close friend, had told the men that Reid was not there, so they said “di good wahn soffa fu di bad”. When the men turned to question White, he simply told them that he was not into this. A voice recognized as Wade said “give mi d thing”, and White was shot. After the men had departed, Reid went to the front of the house where he saw White laying on the drain, dead.
Apprenticeship member accused of robbery
Allan Phillips, who is a member of the Apprenticeship Program, was scheduled to graduate next week Wednesday, July 22, at ceremony that will take place at the Princess Hotel; however, he may not be able to participate in a ceremony because he has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison on charges of robbery, harm and aggravated assault with a firearm. Allegations are that on Wednesday, July 8, 2015, Phillips robbed Fokrul Alam, who is the owner of Take and Pay Grocery store, at gun point, taking $400 in cash. Phillips was also accused of aggravated assault with a fire arm upon Lincoln Roy Glen, who was also at the store.
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On Tuesday, July 14, 2015, Phillips appeared unrepresented before Chief Magistrate, Ann Marie Smith, to hear his charges. Phillips pleaded not guilty to all charges; however, due to the nature of the offense, Phillips was denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until October 13, 2015. The Chief Magistrate has also ordered that Phillips is to be provided with disclosure in the matter by September 13, 2015.
Another teenager shot and killed, hanging out with the wrong company
Belize City teenager, Anthony Ashton Smith, was gunned down and murdered on Friday night, July 10, 2015, at a location in the Port Loyola area where police officers were stationed, only a stone’s throw away. Smith lived with his family on Sun Rise Avenue, in the Coral Grove area, which is on the other side of the City.
It is not known exactly what he was doing on that side of town, but at around 8:50 p.m that night he was riding his bike on the Central American Boulevard. He had just passed by the Freedom Street intersection when a gunman waylaid him and fired shots from an open lot across the street. Smith was struck several times in the body and the head, and as soon as he went down, police officers started firing back at the gunman. They were just a few yards down the street at a bus stop on the corner from Central American and Jane Usher Boulevards, and as soon as they heard the gunshots, they sprang into action to try to catch the shooter.
Gregory August appeals his conviction and sentence to life imprisonment
Gregory August, 27 year old was accused of murdering an elderly citizen, Alvin Robinson. Allegations are that Robinson was found with a total of nine stab wounds that later led to his death. The incident occurred on May 23, 2009 inside the home of Robinson, located at mile 8 ½ on the Phillip Goldson Highway. August was convicted by the Supreme Court on November 28, 2013, where he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
On Wednesday, July 15, 2015, August was represented by attorney Eamon Courtney, before Judge Adolph Lucas to appeal his conviction and sentence. August maintains his innocence, and has claimed that he was wrongfully accused of Robinson’s murder. Courtney submitted two points on behalf of August, saying that he was entitled to a good character direction.
Sexual discrimination case against gay activist Caleb Orosco ends in conviction
Caleb Orosco, 41 year old Gay Rights Activist, was before the court as the victim of a sexual discrimination incident that occurred on August 5, 2015. One of his neighbors, identified as 31 year old Emmerson Picart, a Junior Accounts Officer/Second Class Clerk with the Ministry of National Security was accused of throwing missiles at Orosco and using indecent words upon him.
The testimony that Orosco gave was that on August 5, 2014, whilst at his home on Zericote Street, Picart threw pint bottles at him and assaulted him verbally. Orosco said that he immediately called 911, but when he got no answer, he called for his sister to help him. It was not until August 24, 2014 that he was taken seriously and PC Sergio Pott investigated the matter. Subsequently, Picart was charged with the two offences in September of that year.
On Thursday, July 9, 2015, Picart appeared unrepresented in court before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith, to answer to two non custodial sentences. Though Picart tried to support his non guilty plea, he was found guilty by the Chief Magistrate when his story didn’t add up. He was slapped with a fine of $100 each for the two offences in default two months imprisonment. Picart then had to apologize in open court to Orosco.
4 Cubans, caught living in Belize illegally
Four Cubans, a female waitress, along with 3 males, a Carpenter, an Astronomer and a Painter, were caught living in Belize illegally on Wednesday, July 8, 2015, After they were found travelling onboard a Shaw’s bus coming into the city. Allegations are that on Wednesday, they entered Belize through the banks of the Mopan River. It is believed that they were using Belize as a port of entry and route to the United States.
On Thursday, July 9, 2015, the group of four appeared unrepresented in court before Magistrate, Stephanie Gillett, to answer to a single charge of illegal entry. They all wasted no time and pleaded guilty to the immigration offense. The group of four was all imposed non custodial sentences where they were fined $1,000 each plus a $5.00 cost of court. The fines were ordered to be paid immediately in default 6 months in prison.
The first to be read the charge was 27 year old Waitress, Glendis Barrentos Cardero, followed by her three country brothers, 28 year old carpenter, Libon Castro Rosales, 23 year old Astronomer, Rueben Hernandez Palma and 33 year old painter, Pedro Valerino Martinez, all of Havana Cuba. Neither of them was able to pay their fines. Magistrate Gillett granted a removal order for them to be expelled from the country after they have served a 6 months jail time at the Belize Central Prison.
Derrick Engleton and a minor walk from charge of use of deadly means of harm
Twenty four year old Belize City resident, Egbert Jones, who was also once a car washer along with his twin brother at the parking lot located behind the Magistrate’s Court, had a second near death experience back on December 29, 2014. Prior to this incident, he was crushed by a wall while tearing it down at the old Civic Center. He was left hospitalized, fighting for his life, and remains with only scars to remind him of his tragedy.
Jones reported to the police that while standing on Lovely lane with its intersection of Pickstock Street he was approached by two men that he identified as 28 year old Derrick Engleton and a 17 year old minor. According to Jones, the two men were armed with a single firearm. The minor took the first shot at Jones, but the gun snapped and failed to fire, Jones took off running, and so did his attackers. Engleton then took the gun to fire a second shot, but the gun snapped yet again.
Dangriga fisherman charged with wounding over Fonto leaf
Samuel Frances Juarez, 38 year old Fisherman of Dangriga, was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on a charge of wounding after allegations made against him by 32 year old Biscayne resident, Rudy Alexander Faber. According to Faber, at about 4:48 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2015, whilst he was asleep, he was awoken by a loud flute and recognized that Juarez, whom he has known for two years, was the one blowing it. Juarez allegedly asked him for a piece of fonto to smoke marijuana, where he willingly gave it to Juarez. Thereafter, Juarez hit him with a stick on his head and across the back, for no apparent reason. When Faber was defending himself, Juarez pushed him onto the highway, near Biscayne Village, causing him to fall and have a vehicle run over his big toe.
In court, Juarez appeared unrepresented before the Magistrate, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge of wounding. He was offered bail in the sum of $1,000 plus one surety of the same amount, but he was unable to meet bail and remained in police custody until he can do so.
GSU take 5 guns off the streets in 6 days
Over a 6-day period, the Gang Suppression Unit has managed to take an assortment of firearms off the street, and the unit’s vigilance has led to the seizure a large quantity of drugs.
Of the significant weapons find, shortly after the street-style slaying of Anthony Smith (see story on page...), the GSU was one of the units which responded on Friday, July 10. They did a sweep of the area and found a black colored Glock 9mm pistol, which had its serial number filed off. Inside the weapon’s chamber was 1 live round, and the magazine also contained 1 live round.
The gunman who had used this weapon escaped, and so it was deposited as found property. Though the investigators believe that this was the murder weapon, it was sent for ballistics testing. About an hour and a half later, the officers in Belize City had to respond to another shooting, which happened on Vernon Street. At around 10:30 p.m. that same night, 21 year-old Glenn Murrillo was standing in front of a Chinese shop when he was shot in the upper right arm.
Acquitted of attempted murder
Back in October of 2011, 30 year old Keith Cleland, a resident of #1134 Apple Star Street, Coral Groove area, Belize City reported to the police that he was shot twice in both hands by a lone gunman he recognized as Ernest Thurton Junior. On October 5, 2011, while waiting to catch a bus at the corner of North Front Street and Douglas Jones Street, Cleland told police he was standing near the bridge located next to the drug store conversing with another male, also waiting to catch a bus.
According to Cleland, he saw a male of dark complexion, coming from the direction of Douglas Jones and Victoria Street, riding on a bike, when he heard the male yell out to the guy standing next to him, saying “Buoy move”. Thereafter, he saw Thurton lift up his shirt and pull out a handgun, firing a shot in his direction. Cleland took off running towards Douglas Jones Street, as he heard four more shots rang out. When he arrived at the corner of Freetown Road and Douglas Jones Street, he saw that he was bleeding from his two hands, and that’s when a man in a vehicle parked by the traffic lights assisted him and rushed him to the KHMH for treatment.
Police in Hope Creek shoot and kill Leopold Myvette
Dangriga Police say they shot and killed Hope Creek Village Resident Leopold Myvette in self defense. The deceased’s family is furious, and they say that the officers did not have to kill him to subdue him.
The official police version is that on Saturday, at around 8:45 p.m., they responded to a report of a disturbance in front of Fuentes Bar. When they arrived, they found 28 year-old Leopold Myvette socializing with a group of men under a tree, right across the street. The officers reported to their bosses that the men started to walk away, but they quickly informed the men that they were going to be searched. They say that it was at that moment that Myvette turned away, pulled out what they believed was a black firearm, turned around and pointed it at them.
Three way lead in Belize District Firms Basketball Competition
The Belize District Basketball Association Firms Competition continued on Saturday 11 July, 2015, at Bird’s Isle with three games on the schedule.
In the first game on the schedule, BWS Pressure defeated Ready Call by the score of 76-55. The top scorers for BWS Pressure were Luis Barcelona with 18 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals, Jamir Enriquez with 17 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal and Ashley Hemsley with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals.
For the Ready Call squad, the top scorers were Rahiem Franklin with 21 points and 4 rebounds and Septiums Ritchie with 8 points and 4 rebounds.
In the second game of the evening, Bulldogs defeated the Digicell 4G squad by the score of 66-61. The top scorers for the Bulldogs were Rupert Brown with 19 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals; Roscoe Rhys with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist and Marcel Orosco with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals.
Belize Basketball Federation holding open tryouts for U-14 male
The Belize Basketball Federation (BBF) will be fielding a male under 14 National Team to participate in FIBA’S COCABA Tournament. The tournament will be held in Merida, Mexico, from August 12-16, 2015.
The Belize Basketball Federation is calling upon all interested male basketball players, from around the country, to attend two weeks of open practice, as a means of being selected to the National Team.
Players must be born in 2001 or after to be eligible for this tournament and all players must have a valid passport that has a life value of more than six months on its expiration from the tournament. All players who attend these tryout sessions are required to bring their passport or Social Security Card, so that the coaches can verify ages.
Joel Borland is the Belikin King of the Hills champion
The Cycling Federation of Belize in collaboration with Belikin Beer held the King of the Hills Cycling event on Sunday 12 July, 2015. The event started at the San Ignacio Welcome Centre and in the case of the Elite category, the riders had to do 15 laps.
At the end of the Elite category, first place went to Joel Borland of Digicell 4 G Cycling Team. The second rider to cross the finish line was Joslyn Chavarria also of Digicell 4G, while the third rider to cross the finish line was Ron Vasquez of Western Spirits. The fourth rider to cross the finish line was Giovanni Choto of C-Ray Cycling and he was followed by Jegmar Guerra.
In the Masters’ Category, first place went to Liam Stewart and he was followed by Henry Moriera with third place going to Kerry Gladden.
In the female category, first place went to Alicia Thompson of Belize Bank Swoosh, second place went to Shalini Zabaneh of Team Sagitun, with third place going to Kaya Cattouse of C-Ray.
Three way tie in Belize Rural Softball Competition
The Belize Rural Softball Association 2015 season continued on Sunday 12 July out in Ranch Dolores with three games on the schedule.
In the first game played, UB Jaguars blasted Lord’s Bank Sunrise by the score of 17-9. The winning pitcher was Karlene Williams and the losing pitcher was Sherian Wesby.
In game two, Easy Does It won handily over Burrell Boom’s Orchid Girls by the score of 13-6. The winning pitcher was Margaret Hendy and the losing pitcher was Rebecca Nicholson.
And in the final game of the day, Double Head Cabbage ran all over the host team Country Rose by the score of 25-2. The winning pitcher was Herlet Clarke and the losing pitcher was Angie Tucker.
The competition will continue on Sunday 19 July at 11:00 am in Lord’s Bank Village with three more games on the schedule.
Rebels United maintains lead in John Saldivar Softball Competition
The Cayo Softball Association John Saldivar Senior Female Competition continued on Sunday 12 July at the Dembeigh Fuller Stadium in Camalote Village with three games on the schedule.
In the first game played, Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy won handily over Camalote Spokane by the score of 6-1. The winning pitcher was Leandra Guy and the losing pitcher was Rose Rowland.
In game two, Esperanza Wolverines defeated the Belmopan Emeralds by the score of 13-6. The winning pitcher was Rose Vernon and the losing pitcher was Guadalupe Chicas.
And in the final game of the day, the league’s leading Rebels United of Unitedville defeated the Camalote Spokane by the score of 13-2. The winning pitcher was Francine Salazar and the losing pitcher was Nadina Coye.
The competition awill continue this coming Sunday 19 July, 2015, at the Dembeigh Fuller Stadium in Camalote Village.
Security Guard charged with burglary
Glenroy Reynolds, 34 year old resident of Ladyville and a security guard of the Traffic Department located on Youth for the Future drive, allegedly burglarized the traffic department and stole a total of 20 decal license stickers on April 4, 2015. Reports are that when the surveillance camera of the department was viewed, Reynolds was seen covering the camera with a piece of cloth, and that’s when an investigation for burglary was undertaken. When Reynolds was confronted, he handed in 6 stickers, valuing $325.00, from a total of $4,225.00, missing property of the Belize City Council.
On Monday, July 13, 2015 Reynolds appeared unrepresented at the Magistrate’s court to answer to a single charge of burglary and handling stolen goods. Reynolds pleaded not guilty to the charge and bail was considered; however, police court prosecutor, Cpl. Noel Muschamp, objected and bail was denied.
Another man walks free from murder in a trial by judge without jury
Devon Sankey, 22 year old but 17 at the time, allegedly shot Renan Reneau as many as four times to his upper body back in 2010. Reneau was at his girlfriend’s home, located at #3166 Kut Avenue, when he met his untimely death.
According to his girlfriend, Arilee Sommerville, Reneau, her sister and Sankey got into an argument the day prior to the killing of Reneau; however, not giving the details of what had caused the argument. According to a statement gathered by Cpl. #155 Arcadio Chun, during the questioning of Sommerville at her house, she identified the shooter as Sankey, since she saw him riding off on a bicycle from in front of her house the same night after the shooting occurred.
On Wednesday, July 15, 2015, Sankey appeared represented by his attorney, Oscar Selgado, before Judge Troadio “John” Gonzalez, where a no case submission was put forward. This after the crown’s main witness, Sommerville, who was treated as a hostile witness, made it clear to the court and the prosecutor, Kileru Awich, that she wanted no further action with the case.
Jaimie Smith walks from double murder
Jaime Smith, a 27 year old construction worker and resident of #10 Racoon Street, Belize City, was accused of a double murder incident that took the life of Eric Arana and Dwayne Tillett. The incident occurred on Antelope Street Extension around 7 p.m. on May 20, 2011.
Khiry Haulze and Joanne Gillett were the main witnesses that were hanging out with Smith and Arana when the incident happened. Haulze reported to the police that the three of them were sitting on an old cream colored vehicle that was parked outside a yard. According to Haulze, a man with dreadlocks, whom he identified as Jaimie Smith, was riding a bicycle when he opened fire in their direction from about 30 feet away; hitting all four victims. He immediately ran into the yard and took shelter.
Arana died on the scene, while Tillett was taken to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Forensic doctor, Mario Estradaban, testified that both men died from Exsanguination. He found a 9 mm slug on the left side of the posterior line of Tillett’s body as well as injuries to his lungs and kidney, while 12 gunshot wounds were found on Arana’s body. He concluded that they both suffered from internal and external bleeding as a consequence of multiple gunshot injuries.
Customs officer stabbed to death in Benque
Ervin Wade appeared in the San Ignacio Magistrate Court before Magistrate Stephanie Gillett on Monday of this week, where he was read a charge for murder. He is to make his next court appearance on September 17, 2014, but for the meantime he will be remanded to the Belize Central Prison. Meanwhile; a postmortem which has been conducted to Keisha Buller confirmed that she died as a result of exsanguination due to internal and external bleeding.
The charge of murder against Wade stems after twenty-five year old Customs Officer Keisha Buller was stabbed to death on Friday evening of last week in Western Belize. Keisha Buller was stabbed repeatedly in her neck and body by her common-law husband Ervin Wade during one of his jealous rages at her rented home at number 45 George Street in Benque Viejo del Carmen. Buller was reportedly trying to get out of the house, when she was stabbed and as she tried to escape she collapsed. Neighbors would hear her desperate screams from about 1:30 pm. on Friday. Police found Keisha Buller in a pool of blood, after which she was transported to the San Ignacio Community Hospital where she died while undergoing treatment.
Government of Belize Summer of Sports Camps taking place across the country
The Government of Belize Summer of Sports Camps which is funded by the Petrocaribe Funds is currently taking place across the country.
The National Sports Council received 167 application forms from across the country and at the end of the exercise the sub-committee that was responsible for vetting and approving those forms which met the basic criteria approved 97 applications for grants.
Some camps are scheduled to commence next week with the final three camps including the only Athletics camp at Corozal Community College to commence the first week of August.
The Reporter
To be or not to be
Contributed by:
Lisa Shoman
In early 2013, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) launched a new advertising campaign for Belize. Research conducted by the BTB showed that Belize needed to “re-brand” after 26 years of being Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret” and ‘Discover How to Be” was launched as Belize’s new campaign, with gorgeous ads and posters, urging visitors to “BE still”, “BE inspired” “BE native” “BE uncharted” and “BE unleashed”.
The idea was that in Belize, the visitor was free to BE. But is that really true?
The recent news that a private sector entity in Belize, Caribbean Villas Resorts, is advertising that it is holding an LGBT “pride event” in Belize which is billed as “ Temptation Island Pride Week” raises important issues about the Laws of Belize, visitors to Belize and the tourism industry and the freedom of the visitor “to BE”.
It is clear that Belize’s laws as they currently stand, do have a real impact, not only in respect of the entry of visitors in Belize, but also because of the criminal sanctions to which visitors to Belize may unwittingly be exposed while staying in our country.
The BTB and the alphabet soup of stakeholders of the Belize tourism industry such as the BHA, BTIA, BTGA, BNTOA and all tourism industry stakeholders who are not members of any association, have a duty of care, (which they fulfill to some degree) in ensuring that visitors to Belize are informed that our national law has serious criminal penalties for drug/ firearm possession and for sexual assault against minors and children in Belize.
Breaking Belize News
Police officer dies in fatal traffic accident in Spanish Lookout
The fatal traffic accident that happened last night in Spanish Lookout has claimed the life of a police officer and has critically injured the Village Chairman of Buena Vista. According to reports, both the police officer and the Village Chairman were traveling in the same vehicle when they […]
Fatal Traffic Accident in Spanish Lookout
Belize Media Group has been informed about a fatal traffic accident that occurred in Spanish Lookout tonight. According to reports, the traffic accident involves the Chairman of Buena Vista Village who is injured and is in a critical condition, and a policeman who has succumbed to his injuries. This is […]
It’s craboo season in Belize!
As a child I looked forward to this time of the year – “summer vacation” – especially on rainy mornings to run outside and pick up the fresh craboo from under the craboo tree. The excitement increased when there were different types to pick up including the big […]
Teen stepdaughter left pregnant
A Punta Gorda man has been detained by authorities after his 13 year old Guatemalan stepdaughter reported to police that she was raped by her stepfather and is almost 24 weeks pregnant. Police and social workers on the morning of Tuesday, July 14, visited the minor’s home, where they […]
Fatal road traffic accident in South
The body of a 60 year old Santa Cruz Village resident is today awaiting a post mortem at the Southern Regional Hospital, after a motorcycle accident yesterday evening, July 15, caused injuries to which he later succumbed. Honduran National, Cornelio Miranda, was reportedly riding his red and black motorcycle in […]
Governor General attends COBEC summer conference
Belize’s Governor General Sir Colville Young is visiting Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S.A., for the annual summer conference of the Consortium for Belize Educational Cooperation (COBEC), being hosted by the University of North Carolina-Wilmington (UNC-W). COBEC works towards higher education in Belize and also provides opportunities for students to study, research […]
Police confirm changes to Eastern Division
The largest police division in Belize is no more – at least not in its current alignment. Eastern Police Division has been divided into three subdivisions: Eastern Police Division North (ED North), Eastern Police Division South (ED South) and Eastern Police Division Rural (ED Rural). Eastern Police Division […]
Pepper spray attacker guilty of harm
26 year old hair braider Patrice Ramsey of Price Alley is accused of pepper spraying another woman whom some friends suggested resembled her. She appeared in court before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer today for sentencing after being found guilty of harm on Tuesday but the magistrate was not […]
Police detain three in senior citizen’s murder
Suspecting the death of 61 year old Osmar Ramos to be murder, police have detained three men for questioning. Ramos, a Salvadoran naturalized Belizean farmer of Paraiso Area, was observed to have been chopped multiple times to the neck, back of the head, shoulder and chin. Belmopan police say the […]
Corozal police destroy marijuana plants
Corozal police on an anti-drug mission have found and destroyed a marijuana plantation. On Tuesday, July 14, police visited Paraiso, Corozal District, and discovered the plantation containing an estimated 3,000 small plants. The plants were uprooted and burnt by police but as there was no one in the area no […]
Annual summer financial literacy camp
The love of money is the root of all evil, according to the Bible, but it can also be a source of good. To control and channel our youngest population’s attitudes toward money, the Ministry of Education and international firms PWC and Peace-works are hosting a series of camps on […]
Guatemala trying to stop construction of forward operating base at Sarstoon Island
Guatemalan authorities remain peeved after their encounter with Belizean Coast Guard personnel in the vicinity of Sarstoon Island, where the Belizeans had gone to scout the location for the construction of a forward operating base to help with Belize’s law and order. National Security CEO George Lovell told Channel 5 […]
Belize authorities to help Mexico get “Shorty” Guzman
CEO in the Ministry of National Security George Lovell told Channel 5 News last night that there is presently no indication that escaped Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, also known as “Shorty,” is in Belize. However, reports suggest that he was smuggled here and is in hiding with […]
Gregory August fights mandatory life sentence
Back in April the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) agreed to grant convicted murderer Gregory August special leave to appeal his conviction subject to the Court of Appeal hearing and reasoning on two matters raised before them for the first time. One is the matter of trial judge Adolph Lucas […]
Accused Kareem Clarke killer charged for firearm
The alleged accused teenage killer of journalist Kareem Clarke is in prison, but he has not been charged for his murder. Instead the youth was charged for a firearm police found in his possession when they picked him up. Police, according to Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero, continue to gather the […]
Devon Sankey beats murder charge
22 year old Devon Sankey was acquitted of murder on Wednesday by Justice Troadio Gonzalez, sitting alone without a jury. He was accused of the murder of 25 year old Renan Reneau on April 8, 2010. Six witnesses had testified for the prosecution but it all fell apart when main […]
A Concise History Of Mesoamerica And The Ancient Maya Part 5
What is most incredible about the ancient Maya is the fact that they did not evolve in isolation as a civilisation. There were other cultures next to them and around them. None developed such high civilisation as the Maya. This certainly was an incredible accomplishment.
There are 2 interesting ideas that we do not agree with in as far as what points to why the Maya developed such high culture. The first is the Hyper Diffusionist Theory. This theory suggests that an external culture came into America and help develop the Maya, such as the Phoenicians and/or the Egyptians. The second is Local Diffusion. This suggests that there was a mother culture in America (Cultura Madre), such as the Olmec, Zapotec or Teotihuacan cultures, from which the ancient Maya developed.
Corn Bread
Ingredients
1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
2 eggs, beaten
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, sugar, soda and salt. Stir in yogurt and eggs. Do not over mix, stir only until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until center of the bread springs back when gently pressed.
Caracol Altar 26 revisited
As promised this is for tour guides or anyone that would like to know a little more details about alter 26 feel free to download and share the info. this was published by Mexicon
International Sources
‘You Betta Belize It!’
It’s cute, catchy and you’ll see it everywhere you look in Belize: “You Betta Belize It!”
In part one of this travel series, we had just arrived at our first destination on this sojourn, the beautiful village of Placencia, located along an 18-mile stretch of the Placencia Peninsula (population 3,458) and encompassing four small villages—Riversdale, Maya Beach, Seine Bight and Placencia, which is home to about half of the denizens here.
Despite its size, there is a great expanse in the topography here, from approximately three feet above sea level to over 3,600 feet a short drive away in the Maya Mountain range. From here you can embark upon numerous short excursions, such as deep sea fishing, whale shark diving (four times a year during full moon), caving, sailing, scuba diving, visiting to the Mayan ruins, going on a Monkey River howler tour or trying an extensive jungle hike through a jaguar preserve, just to name a few.
Welcome to Belize!
Tropical rainforests, Mayan ruins and temples, stunning beaches, picturesque mountains and a rich history and culture. This is only the beginning of what you’ll experience in Belize.
Located in Central America, Belize is approximately four hours from both New York City and Detroit, six hours from Seattle, five hours from Los Angeles, three hours from Dallas and two hours from Miami.
Many people believe Belize to be an island, however it is a Central American country bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the south and west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. This mistaken impression is understandable though, given that one of the biggest draws to Belize is for its hundreds of “cayes” (islands, pronounced “keys”) dotted along a spectacular Barrier Reef, the second largest (behind Australia’s) in the world.
Once here, you will find that and so much more, as Belize is home to some of the greatest historical, cultural and ecological diversity in the world.
Real Estate Advice: 5 of the Best Places to Retire In the World
Are you looking to retire soon? International Living (IL), a magazine and website devoted to expat living and retirement overseas knows where your retirement money could stretch a little further and at the same time allow you to savor a happy and comfy way of living.
Here's the list of the top overseas places for retirement as reported by About Home (listed in alphabetical order):
Belize:
It may not have a cheap cost of living compared to other places in the Caribbean, but Belize still proves to be one of the best places to retire in the world.
Enjoy the beautiful beaches and a small-town living vibe with the perfect climate year round. Just south of Mexico, Belize also has a secure banking system that favors foreign investors. Retirees can also enjoy tax-free income for money they earn outside the country.
If you still aren't convinced, retirees can actually import goods without fee or penalty through their Qualified Retired Person (QRP) program, a program especially set-up for retirees' interests.
First regular Houston-Cuba flight begins next month
A weekly flight between Houston and Cuba will begin next month, marking the first regular flight from the Bayou City to the once-forbidden Caribbean island.
Miami-based HavanaAir Charters announced it will begin a service each Wednesday from Bush Intercontinental Airport to Havana. The charter company will fly with its partner Eastern Air Lines on a Boeing 737-800 starting in August. Executives for HavanaAir and Eastern Air said in a statement that Houston will be a gateway to Cuba for the western U.S.
The news follows the Obama administration's announcement late last year that it would ease restrictions against Cuba, which has been under a U.S. embargo for a half a century. The new rules clear the way for more travel and business connections to Cuba. American citizens can bring home Cuban cigars, use credit cards in the country and invest in small businesses, among other changes.
While general tourism is still not allowed, U.S. travelers allowed to visit Cuba no longer need to apply for special licenses. Under existing rules, Americans were allowed to travel to Cuba for family visits, government business, journalism, research or religious activity. With the changes, the number of visitors to Cuba is expected to jump, particularly in Houston, a key gateway to Latin America.
Want to Improve Your Quality of Life? Move to Central America
A sizeable number of U.S. citizens have moved to Central America.
Estimates from the United Nations Population Division in mid-2013 showed 13,000 Americans living in Costa Rica, 12,000 in Panama, 4,000 in Nicaragua and 3,000 in Belize.
Why would someone pull up stakes to live in a foreign country with perhaps a different language and culture (English is the official language of Belize)?
A recently published study, "Expats: Expectations & Reality," by Best Places In The World to Retire, provides some answers.
It summarizes the responses of 389 expatriates living in Central America, the vast majority of whom live in Panama, Belize and Nicaragua. The survey was hosted on SurveyGizmo and was conducted between April 17 and April 27. Among respondents, 73.5% said their home country was the U.S., while 12.9% came from Canada, 4.6% from the U.K., 3.9% from elsewhere in Europe and the remainder from other countries.
Classic ancient Maya “collapse” not caused by overpopulation and deforestation, say researchers
For years, archaeologist Anabel Ford has been arguing the case that the ancient Maya knew well how to manage their tropical forest environment to their advantage, eventually sustaining large populations even beyond the time when many archaeologists suggest the Maya declined and abandoned their iconic Classic period pyramidal and temple constructions and monumental inscriptions during the 8th and 9th centuries CE. She challenges the popular theories long held by many scholars that the Maya declined because of overpopulation and deforestation from increased agricultural production, perhaps aggravated by draught and climate change.
“In the past there was no extensive deforestation,” states Ford.*
At the base of her reasoning stands years of research related to the ancient practice of the Maya in cultivating ‘forest gardens’, a method of sustainable agroforestry that employs an agricultural methodology called the Milpa Cycle—the creation of a polycultivated, tree-dominated, biodiverse landscape by dispersed smallholder farmers, employing natural cycles and maximizing the utility of the native flora and fauna.
Avalon Partners Announces Potential Funding Partner for Bolton Bank
Avalon Partners, Ltd. announces a potential US funding partner for buyers interested in the purchase and development of Bolton Bank located in Belize.
“We are pleased to be able to introduce serious, qualified buyers to a US funder experienced in the Caribbean with several known projects under their belt. This company will consider funding purchase and/or build-out costs for a qualified developer,” stated Grace Lappin, Avalon’s Managing Partner. “We believe this incentive will increase the already high interest shown Bolton Bank as well as offer additional development security for interested parties.”
Avalon Partners, in cooperation with Premiere Estates Auction Company, has organized the sale of Bolton Bank on August 4. This event is especially important because it offers commercial buyers and investors an unprecedented opportunity to purchase a prime luxury development site at auction.
Bolton Bank, Belize, a 4,000+ acre river and sea-front parcel within a few miles of Belize’s only international airport and the cruise port, has the potential to be a game-changer for the country’s major city providing an opportunity to create an eco-hotel resort complex complete with state of the art conference center, commercial and retail spaces, residential community, as well as world class golf and casino.
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