October 19, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, 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

Elogio para Mama Cecilia
100 años – 1,200 meses – 5,200 semanas – 36,500 días 876,000 horas – más de 52 millones minutos – más de 3 mil millones de segundos Que Vida tan maravillosa debe haber vivido!!! Usted fue bendecida con tiempo para ver 36,500 amaneceres gloriosos, disfrutar igual número de hermosas puestas de sol y gozar un número igual de cielos iluminados de estrellas. Para contemplar con admiración mas de 1,200 lunas llenas. Para deleitarse con la venida de 100 primaveras y disfrutar de los lindos días de 100 veranos.

Wolfe’s Woofer: It’s the law
"I notice you go to the supermarket every morning at 8:30,” Dennisito said. "Why is that?” I was in the U.S. visiting Dennis Jr. for a while. I had already been there for four days. "That’s when their bakery puts out the fresh Danish pastries. I love those things and I can’t get them in Belize.” In the supermarket checkout line I was behind a little old lady who was there every day at the same time as me. She was buying three cans of cat food. "Ma’am,” the cashier said. "Do you have a cat?” "Of course I do. What business is it of yours?”

Four in Four Months – San Pedro’s New FA/CPR Instructor and Assistant
Since July 2015, San Pedro has been fortunate to have a certified FA/CPR (First Aid/ Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Instructor to conduct training on behalf of the Belize Red Cross (BRC). Ashty Dennison is very proficient and professional and has conducted several trainings, both as Assistant and as an Instructor since her certification in July, 2015. The San Pedro branch of the BRC is very pleased to announce that regular First Aid and CPR training is now being held every four to six weeks. On July 30th Ashty conducted her first class as Lead Instructor, along with Assistant Instructor Martin Dawson, also from San Pedro. Staff from The Phoenix Resort and Victoria House attended, and despite a power outage, the training was a great success. The next successful classes were held on August 27th with Consolidated Water Ltd. and September 23rd, when more Victoria House staff were trained.

Doctor Love: Children
Dear Doctor Love, My husband and I share custody of our seven year-old daughter. She stays with me but her father has her two weekends a month. If he wants her more often I have encouraged it and given my blessing. Earlier this year he got a new girlfriend who moved in with him. She really likes my daughter and they get along well. She has never had children so my daughter is like the one she never had. She loves buying clothes and gifts for my child and this should be wonderful but it’s not. It seems like the situation would be fine but it’s just not working. The clothes she buys might be alright for a seventeen year old but my daughter is only seven. She has no need for short little skirts and middy tops. This week she came home with a pair of shoes that are almost high heels. Even worse, she came home with a haircut. I mentioned the haircut and clothes to my ex-husband and he had not even noticed. His answer was that her intentions were good. I don’t care about her intentions.

Ambergris Today

Incessant Rains Flood Belize City, More Rain Expected
Belize City has been the area most affected in the country as an area of low pressure passing over the region has been dumping large amounts of water in the area since Friday evening, October 16, 2015. Flooding has placed the city at a standstill with emergency management organizations working on evacuating affected residents. Ten inches of fallen rain has been reported in Belize City for the past 36 hours and six to eight more inches are expected to fall tonight, Sunday, October 18, 2015, with more rain expected well into Tuesday, October 20, and the weather to start clearing up by Wednesday. The Prime Minister of Belize Hon. Dean Barrow and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) held a press conference today at 1:30p.m. to address some issues related to the bad weather affecting the region. Although there is extensive flooding in Belize City, NEMO has not declared a state of emergency or disaster in the city and the situation is being monitored as emergency management organizations are addressing the current situation.

Misc Belizean Sources

SBDCBelize Workshop on New Market Opportunities using Internet Tools- "The Internet and Social Media Tools
Workshop Date: October 22nd, 2015 9am to 12pm. This three hour Internet and social media training will show you how to take full advantage of the net and social media's strengths, easily incorporate a social media program and to maximize on the internet into your organization's marketing strategy and join or improve your presence among the rest of the interactive online business community. In this three hour session participants will learn and understand the following: Current Trends on the Internet, Objective of Internet, Useful Internet tools, Objective of an Online Business, Creation of Social Media tools, Email Marketing. Presented by: Ms Helen Frampton Training & Client Management Officer, SBDCBelize, BELTRAIDE Cost: $25.00 LOCATION: BTEC Building, ITVet compound

San Pedro Emergency Operations Committee Issues Notice
The San Pedro Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) met twice today to assess the current weather conditions and the state of the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. A tour of the entire island of Ambergris Caye was conducted by all members of the EOC. Several areas of the island were observed to be inundated, especially along the lagoon in the areas of San Mateo, Boca del Rio, San Juan, San Pedrito, San Pablo and areas of DFC. Some areas were observed to be under seven to 12 inches of water.

A VERY wet weekend on La Isla Bonita!

Belize City is suffering from extreme flooding
Just sharing more picturesi took asI moved around Belize City today. Thtsnks to my son William Anthony Reid for driving me around. Wish i could have helped everybody I met. Kudos to Anita Bell for agreeing ti give an Interview live on KREM. Stay safe my people! God bless!

No School
NEMO Minister Godwin Hulse announces no school on Monday due to flood in school yards in Belize City and potentially additional flood on Monday morning. Other districts will be announced. Corozal NEMO now says no school. Lucky Strike, Zion Park Methodist, Maskall Roman Catholic, and Ladyville Roman Catholic Schools have been added to the list.

Bus Terminal flooded in Belize City

Photos of flooding in Sarteneja Village and Chula Vista

Police Checkpoint Hour
The San Ignacio Police have a new one hour show every Tuesday, on channel 10, starting at 7:00pm. It's called the Police Check Point, and Corporal Jason Jones hosts it. "The San Ignacio Police Formation presents to the community a new talk show. POLICE CHECK POINT an interactive hour discussing matters affecting the Police and the Community. The show is hosted by Cpl 495 Jason Jones and airs every Tuesday at 7:00pm on channel 10 the National Channel. Viewers can text in their questions or comments to 631-9985, or they can post their questions or comments on the Police Check Point Facebook page."

SMCU Wins Outreach Award
Congratulations Saint Martin's Credit Union! The won the BCUL Outreach and Engagement Award. They've been instrumental in getting 1000's of students educational funding over the years. Stop by, and find out about their savings accounts. Thank you, SMCU! "We did it! Congrats to the entire staff who made our outreach program a great success. We couldn't have done it without you. SMCU won the Belize Credit Union League's Outreach and Engagement Award at the 2015 Annual Credit Union Convention and Banquet at the Ramada Princess Hotel on Saturday 17 October 2015."

DIGITAL MARKETING SUMMIT POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER
Please be informed that DUE to the recent severe WEATHER conditions, the Belize Tourism Board has decided to POSTPONE the DIGITAL MARKETING SUMMIT to TUESDAY 20th of OCTOBER, 2015 TIME: 8:00am VENUE: KINGS Room, Princess Hotel & Casino Belize City Belize We are sorry for the inconveniences caused. We hope that you can all join us on Tuesday for what we hope will inspire Digital Marketing in Belize!

The Reporter

Flooding situation in Belize worsens
The area of low pressure moving away from Belize continues to cause heavy rainfall, particularly in Belize City, where the City Emergency Management Organization (CEMO) had to be activated during the night to assist 50 people from the Conch Shell Bay due to severe flooding. According to the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) the residents were evacuated to the UB Building shelter at ITVET and are now safe. There was also a fire on Supal Street Saturday night caused by an electrical wire which fell on a building, damaging part of the structure and causing several vehicles to go up in flames along with it. Also on Saturday night, a house fell on Jasmine Street and unconfirmed reports indicate a six year-old child was injured. A family stranded on the Antelope Extension was rescued Sunday morning by the Belize National Coast Guard. The Belize Defense Force (BDF) has been deployed to assist CEMO in other areas of the City as required.

PM holds emergency press conference to update on flood situation
Prime Minister Dean Barrow held an emergency press conference on Sunday afternoon to update on the National Emergency Management Organization’s (NEMO) operations and to caution Belizeans to remain vigilant as flood conditions are expected to continue. Chief Meteorologist Dennis Gonguez informed the public that Belize City, which has been the most impacted area, will see another six to eight inches of rain between Sunday night and Monday morning. For context, Belize has experienced about 10 inches of rain over the last 36 hours and has caused floods up to two-and-a-half-feet in some areas. Schools at all levels have been canceled in Belize City and Barrow has encouraged all business people to stay updated with weather conditions and to communicate with employees accordingly but to make reasonable decisions. Several shelters have been opened in the City and more will be opened on a basis of necessity, NEMO Minister Godwin Hulse explained.

Breaking Belize News

Belize City under flood warning
The Old Capital is under water this evening, and lots of it. In the last 36 hours there was ten inches of rainfall over Belize City, inundating not only low-lying areas but parts of the City that have never been flooded to this degree. Other parts of the […]

GOB issues flood safety health tips
Due to the flooding situation in the country, the Ministry of Health has issued the following health messages: 1. Flooding Situation Drinking Water Safety – If you are not sure about the safety of your drinking water, either use bottled water or make your water safe by boiling or adding […]

UB cancels classes
Due to the extensive rains that have been causing floods and damages to property in Belize City, the University of Belize’s City Campus has announced that classes for tomorrow, October 19th have been suspended until further notice.

Weather Bureau says conditions to improve on Thursday
Since the area of low pressure over Belize that has caused extensive damage in the old capital seems to have caught the nation by surprise, Belize Media Group contacted the Weather Bureau to inquire if all was in order regarding its equipment. Personnel from the Bureau told us that all […]

BEL explains power outage
A release from Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) issued this morning, serves to inform the public of the reason why power was cut off from the entire Lake Independence area of Belize City. The release stated that this was an emergency outage and the power supply was disconnected from 9:19 a.m. […]

NEMO cautions all residents on flooding
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) issued a press release this morning to inform the general public that as the area of low pressure moves away from Belize, heavy rainfall will continue across the country and Belize City in particular. During the night, CEMO activated to evacuate 50 persons from […]

Flooding photos from around Belize
Below are some photos that were sent by our readers on the flash flooding that is happening in Belize right now (send us your photos to news@breakingbelizenews.com to be added on our site).

PM calls emergency press conference
A press release issued this morning by the Government of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is informing that a press conference will be held this afternoon at 1:30 pm, to assess the flooding situation. We will have more on the press conference later today.

Blogs

The Rain and Invest 92L Seems Relentless Right Now…All Over the Country of Belize
Take to social media and what you see is photos of rain…what seems like relentless rain over this weekend. A Tropical Depression that is called 92L and now to our west but followed by heavy showers and not-insignificant winds. Belize Hydromet – our local radar system shows this: The San Pedro Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) met at midday today, Sunday, October 18, 2015, to discuss the weather situation on the island. A tour of the island was conducted by NEMO personnel, other authorities and volunteers. The view from the balcony I am on shows HARD rain. But I am lucky to be in this spot…by the beach, a few feet above sea level. Because much of the coastline is not.

Pollo a la Coca-Cola
Elaboración: •Precalentar el horno a 200ºC. •Pelar y cortar las patatas en rodajas. •Salpimentar los muslos de pollo y colocarlos en una fuente de horno sobre las papas. •Verter el contenido de cebolla sobre el pollo y las papas. •Regar con la lata de Coca-Cola. •Hornear durante 1 hora a 200ºC, dándole la vuelta al pollo de vez en cuando y regando con la salsa para que no se quede seco. Servir con arroz blanco.

A Visitor’s Guide: 8 Facts About Belize You’ll Want to Know!
Whether you fell in love with Waldo after reading Martin Handford’s international best seller or didn’t meet him until you read "Where’s Waldo?” to your kids, chances are, he captured your heart. In the book, Waldo’s tour leads to lots of misunderstandings—a thing we know a thing or two about because, as a young nation, not everyone knows where we’re located, what we’re all about and why we’re so different from neighboring countries.

International Sources

You'll never look at seeds the same way again
Beautiful new book - In the gorgeous new book "Seeing Seeds," award-winning photographer Robert Llewellyn and prolific nature writer Teri Dunn Chace delve into the fascinating world of seedheads, pods and fruit — ensuring you'll never look at these important plant parts the same way again. As you flip through the book, it doesn't take long to understand how unique seeds are from one other, despite being united in the pursuit of their ultimate function — reproduction. "There is a lot of diversity among seeds, but there are also identifiable patterns or types," Chace explains in the book. "Even some truly weird-looking novelty seeds conform to categorization, even if it doesn't seem so at first glance."

Videos

October 18, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, 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

Belize claims Top Prizes at 2015 World Travel Awards
On August 6th, 2015, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) announced that Belize had been nominated in 4 categories of the prestigious World Travel Awards for 2015. Votes were limited to one per person, per category. The winner for each category was the one with the most votes. The deadline to cast votes was on August 17th.

15 island girls embark on a SHINE journey
After a successful pilot program, SHINE founder Michelle Nuñez has started a new session with a new group of young ladies. SHINE, which stands for Shaping Healthy Identities through Nurturing and Empowerment, is a youth enrichment program for young girls with aims of aiding them in their growth and development. The participants gathered at Banyan Bay on the first day of the program for a short orientation. "The girls met for the first time, we had snacks and drinks and decorated their folders, which will be used throughout the course. The participants for the second installment of SHINE were selected by San Pedro High School Councilor Alexis Guerrero. The program will last two months, with graduation day scheduled for Saturday, November 28th,” said Nuñez. She was also glad to announce the participation of SPHS Councilor Alexis Guerrero and Miss San Pedro 2015-2016 Iris Salguero, who will be assisting in the program. "I’m excited for the two months ahead. It’s going to be another beautiful journey. I would like to once again thank Alexis Guerrero for her participation and welcome to the team Miss San Pedro Iris Salguero. I’m sure that the girls will learn so much from them both. It’s all about Shaping Healthy Identities through Nurturing and Empowerment.”

Caribbean Villas adds water slide fun to La Isla Bonita
The latest addition to the fun at Caribbean Villas was unveiled on Sunday, October 11th, to a crowd eager to finally test out the newest watersports activity on the island: El Diablo. Peter Lawrence was proud to present the newest toy available for enjoyment at Caribbean Villas. Built by the skilled people at Captain Shark’s, El Diablo is a 50-foot water slide designed for thrill-seekers looking for that quick adrenaline rush. From the top of the two-story slide tower at the end of the resort dock, one can get on the slide, following quick and clear instructions from the guide, and if necessary, a quick push from him will have you sliding down and making a spectacular splash into the Caribbean Sea! The inaugural day saw many eager patrons paying the $5 per turn fee to try out this thrilling contraption. Spectators enjoyed delicious barbeque and other delicious nibbles from Amber Beach Bar & Grill, while DJ Debbie spun the tunes for the day. El Diablo is open to the public, at $5 per turn, or $25 for unlimited fun. Those under 18 years of age must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Waivers must be signed and of course, all necessary precautions must be adhered to.

Editorial: Proactive messaging is a sure way to be ahead of the game.
Editorial-ImageTHE ISSUE: We recently came across The San Pedro Town Council’s handout titled "Please Excuse Me”, which addresses the issue of Sargassum seaweed on our beaches and what they are doing about it. WE BELIEVE: Proactive messaging is all about being ahead of the game, and this approach is one of the best ways to address an issue. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Contact us via email at spsun@sanpedrosun.com Proactive messaging is all about addressing potential problems before they may occur, and it is a great way to say, "Yes, we are aware of the problem/issue and here is how we are dealing with it.” By addressing the topic before someone else has the opportunity to point a finger, or make accusations that an issue is being avoided, the messenger comes out on top of the game by being the first to bring it up. When taking proactive measures the messenger demonstrates that they are taking charge of the situation and are dealing with it.

The San Pedro Town Council holds Child Friendly Workshop
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) held a Child Friendly Initiative Workshop on Friday, October 9th. The program is an initiative of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Belize Mayors Association and the Ministry of Labour, Local Government, Rural Development, National Emergency Management, Immigration and Nationality. The meeting took place at the SPTC conference room, and saw the presence of different members of the public sector including The San Pedro Sun. The seminar’s main purpose was to bring a group of people together who play a role in the lives of children in San Pedro and complete a plan of action as it relates to the Sustainable Child Friendly Municipalities initiative. According to organizer Jorge Aldana, San Pedro has been behind in terms of forming a steering committee and the Child Advisory Body (CAB), since it was hard to get the members together during the summer. "What we did was to invite the various stakeholders together to educate them on what the initiative is all about and to get them to understand that their role is to move forward. That led to a healthy discussion about some of the challenges that the island is facing as it relates to issues affecting children. Then finally, we came up with certain activities that will help address our indicators that will now form the pillars that we will work on in the coming months or years,” said Aldana.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belmopan Humane Society Upgrade
The Belmopan Humane Society is being upgraded. Looking good. "Resource center all cleaned up! Thanks go out to the people that came out and worked all day two Saturdays ago to transform the Belmopan Humane Society clinic and resource center."

Low cost spay and neuter clinic in Santa Elena
There is a low cost spay and neuter clinic in Santa Elena next Saturday. Call 669-1468 for more information.

Heavy, Continuous Rain
As of 10pm Saturday, 17 Oct 2015, heavy rain is expected nearly continuously until Wednesday. Chance of precitpitation is near 100%, and accumulated amounts are already near 7 inches Saturday (with an inch more expected), 5 inches Sunday, 3 inches Monday, and 2 inches Tuesday. This has already caused a lot of flooding, and is likely to cause more. Both Belize and Mexican emergency organizations have issued warnings.

The Reporter

Checkpoint lift causing security concerns out near border
There has been much concern over the Police Commissioner’s decision to lift all checkpoints country-wide and now one San Ignacio resident claims Guatemalan bandits were almost able to get away with his vehicle on Friday night because of it. According to Nigel Espat, he was socializing at the Sunset Bar in San Ignacio with a group friends around 7:00 p.m. when they exited the establishment and as he approached his 2007 Isuzu D-Max a Hispanic man ran up to him and pushed a nine-millimeter pistol in his face. Espat said the man demanded his keys and his phone so he gave up both. As the man with the gun got in, Espat said, two other came running from across the street and got in the truck before they sped off. After the bandits fled in the truck, Espat got into another one of his friend’s car and the group set chase, calling the police as they did so. According to Espat, the bandits drove towards Bullet Tree, where there is usually a checkpoint set up but since the Commissioner’s orders, the checkpoint has been removed. He said, though, that eventually police mobiles caught up with them and helped to pursue the D-Max along with them.

NEMO issues public flooding advisory
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has issued a public advisory encouraging all residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and to become familiar with emergency numbers in the event of an emergency situation. NEMO has also advised that more flooding is expected. People on the cayes, those who live along rivers, creeks, water ways, low-lying areas, farmers and fisher folks, are cautioned to heed the advisory and take the necessary precautions to save life. Drivers are asked to slow down and put on their hazard lights when driving through rain. According to NEMO, three families, a total of 15 people in Stann Creek have been rescued by Belize Association for Search and Rescue (BASAR) and are now safe and dry in the Hope Creek Methodist School Shelter. They were returned home after it stopped raining and the water receded in Hope Creek, Sarawee and Dangriga.

Breaking Belize News

Truck stolen by Guatemalans in San Ignacio, no checkpoints to help
The police memo ordering all checkpoints to be inactive until after election stirred up many conspiracy theories regarding political motivations behind the order from the Commissioner of Police. Since those orders have been in effect, several crimes have been reported that could be attributed to a lack of checkpoints, the […]

Outbreak of violence in Southside Belize City claims two lives
Police have confirmed two deaths and another person injured in three separate shooting incidents reported in the span of less than six hours in Southside Belize City. As we previously reported, an older man now identified as 56 year old Edward Robinson was fatally shot on North Creek […]

Minor flooding reported in Corozal
Earlier today the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) asked the public to pay close attention to weather reports as some areas have been flooding and it is expected that more areas will be affected. Eye witness in Corozal Town sent us a view of some areas affected in that District. […]

NEMO issues flood warning
A release from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has asked the public to pay close attention to weather reports as some areas have been flooding and it is expected that more areas will be affected. This is said to be because of a broad area of low pressure that […]

Murder in Southside Belize City
Police have confirmed that there was a fatal shooting incident around 8:30 this morning in Belize City. Details are few at this time but we can report that the victim was an older man living on North Creek Road. A second person believed to be the intended target was shot […]

Moist and unstable conditions persist across the country
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting cloudy to overcast skies with some showers, a few thunderstorms and periods of rain mainly over northern areas and some coastal areas. Winds will be blowing from the East at 10 to 20 knots, becoming gusty near showers and thunderstorms. The sea […]

Blogs

Better Late than Never
We've had an almost non-existent rainy season. But then Mother Nature decided to pay us a visit and let us know she hadn't forgotten about us. This is our weather forecast for today, courtesy of Weather Underground: That red marker in the middle of the purple blob is Corozal. The rain started last night, continued non-stop, and it's still coming down. At the moment, the extended forecast calls for 100% chance of precipitation all the way through Tuesday and projections for about 5 1/2 inches of rain over that time period.

International Sources

16th century Mexican church re-emerges from underwater
The ruins of a 16th century colonial church have re-emerged from a reservoir due to the lack of rain in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. This year's drought has gripped the Grijalba river, which feeds the Nezahualcoyotl reservoir, dropping the water level by 75 feet. It is the second time the church has emerged from underwater. In 2002, the water was so low visitors could walk inside the church. The church, in the Quechula locality, is the work of a group of monks headed by Friar Bartolome de la Casas, who arrived in the region inhabited by the Zoque people in the mid-16th century. The church is 61 meters (183 feet) long, 14 meters (42 feet) wide and its walls rise 10 meters (30 feet). Its bell tower reaches 16 meters (48 feet) above the ground.

Tropical Threat Heightens Risk for Flooding and Mudslides in Mexico, Central America
A tropical wave currently over Central America will move westward into the eastern Pacific Ocean this weekend. The combination of moving over warm ocean waters and farther from land will allow for slow development into a tropical low with a high likelihood of eventual organization into a named tropical system to the south of Mexico early next week. In the meantime, showers and thunderstorms will be widespread from western Nicaragua through western Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Belize this weekend.

A trip to the Caribbean
Photo gallery of Belcampo Belize Lodge

Videos

October 17, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, 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 last contender for the Belize Rural South Constituency has been officially nominated
The incumbent United Democratic Party’s candidate, Manuel Heredia Jr. was nominated by San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Juana Julia Martinez, Fernando Sosa, Ralph Humes, Maura Marina Fonzalez and Susana Cecelia Flores. "I feel extremely happy to have the full support of my family, friends and the community of both Caye Caulker and San Pedro. Let us continue this harmony that we have manifested. Let us make sure that we continue to bring our islands to the highest level, particularly in tourism. The best is yet to come,” said Heredia.

See and Taste Belize Festival brings Belizean flavors to Florida
The Consulate of Belize in Florida and the office of the Special Envoy of Belize hosted the first ever See and Taste Belize Festival in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), Flavors of Belize, Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) and the Florida International University’s (FIU) School of Hospitality Management and Tourism. The two fold event served to promote Belize through its cuisine while raising funds for the construction of Belize’s first Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Held at the FIU’s Kovens Conference Center on the Biscayne Bay Campus in North Miami on Saturday, October 10th from 2PM to 7PM, the See and Taste Belize Festival had an outstanding attendance. Featured at the Festival were the country’s top culinary masterminds, who were tasked with preparing dishes that emphasis the Belizean culture. These chefs included Sean Kuylen, Rob Pronk, Yolanda Castillo from Garifuna Flava Restaurant in Chicago, and San Pedro’s very own Jenny Staines from Elvis Kitchen and Rain Restaurant and Rooftop Terrace’s Hugo Meyer and Sherlette Belisle. Attendees had the opportunity to sample creative and tasty dishes all inspired by the rich culture of Belize and its people. Of course, no Belizean festival would be complete without Belikin beer and local rum from both Travellers Liquors and Cuellos Distilleries. Guests also enjoyed Belizean music and local art by Belizean artists Walter Castillo, Marvin Meza, Inga Woods and Pamela Braun.

Nomination Day photos
Nomination Day for the upcoming 2015 General Elections are currently being held across the country. Here in the Belize Rural South Constituency, nominations are taking place at the San Pedro Town Council. First to be nominated was the People’s United Party candidate, Jose "Elito” Arceo. Nominating Arceo were Gualberto "Wally” Nuñez, Marina Graniel, Edwardo "Giovanni” Solorzano, Ricardo Aguilar, Seleny Pott and Patricia Marin. "I am humbled by the support everyone has given us in San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Thank you very much for coming out and supporting the PUP during nomination day. We are ready to take back this country,” said Arceo.

Belize Progressive Party’s Nominations in the Belize Rural South
Nominations in the Belize Rural South Constituency continue with the Belize Progressive Party’s candidate Robert "Bobby” Lopez. The BPP is a new political party, consisting of members from the Visions Inspired by the People, People’s National Party, We the People and other independent candidates. Lopez was nominated by Leilani Lopez Paz, Felipe Paz, Martin Dawson, Luis Cordova and Hilberto Sanchez. "We are planting the seed of change. This is a historical election, never before in the political history of Belize has there been a formidable third alternative for the two mass parties. It is now up to the people to decide,” said Lopez.

San Pedro Police implement community Meet and Greet Initiative
In an effort to strengthen community policing, the San Pedro Police Department held their first public meet and greet initiative. The initiative saw officers, along with the San Pedro Cadet Corps visiting residents in the Boca del Rio Area on Saturday, October 10th, addressing crime related issues. Throughout the morning, several homes were visited and residents were asked to partake in a small survey on the service provided by the San Pedro Police Department. Leading the initiative was Deputy of the Coastal Executive Unit, Assistant Superintendent Henry Jemmott. He explained the importance of touching base with the community to reassure that the police are here to serve them. "It is important to maintain a healthy relationship with the community. In order to maintain order and safety in the community, there needs to be a good relationship between the police and residents. Initiatives such as this meet and greet help us get important information from the people, and at the same time, let them know that the police do care about their well-being,” said Jemmott.

GOB partners with Private Sector for Growth & Prosperity
Taxation, the management and transfer of land assets, and speeding up government processes were key reforms requested by the business sector from the Government of Belize (GOB). Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) has established the Economic Development Council to create a "Partnership for Growth and Prosperity”, and Prime Minister Dean Barrow presented the government’s report card on reforms at his 4th annual Business Forum, at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City on Thursday, October 8. The business sector has been clamoring for cheaper and faster Internet bandwidth to speed up and reduce the cost of doing business, and also for government to set up a ‘one-stop shop’ where all trade and other business licenses could be obtained in an expedited fashion, the ideal being for all the necessary documentation to establishing a business to be made possible within 24 hours, and if possible, online. The business sector has been pushing for this reform to make government, not only more efficient, but more transparent and less susceptible to corruption.

Abandoned building on North Ambergris Caye catches fire
Late Thursday night, October 8th the San Pedro Fire Department (SPFD) was alerted of a fire underway just north of the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge in the Tres Cocos area. The fire occurred at an abandoned building on the beach about two hundred yards from the road. The fire was declared extinguished, however, early on Friday morning, October 9th, the fire station was once again notified about another fire at the same abandoned building. According to reports from the Officer in Charge Newton Lennan, the fire seemed to have rekindled early on Friday morning and gutted part of the building. "When the fire started again and continued burning the building I went to go and make an assessment, and then returned to the station to get the portable pump because our main truck was out of water. Even though we were challenged not having the truck that usually takes the portable pump in working conditions, we still managed to reach the site and extinguish the fire. At the moment, we are trying to find out who is the owner of the property so we can complete our reports,” said Lennan. There are some speculations as to what caused the fire, but at the moment the SPFD is investigating its possible cause. "There are speculations going around, but we have not confirmed anything yet. Until investigations are completed, we cannot point fingers at anyone for causing the fire. In the case that we confirm that it was intentionally caused, then we will engage in a different process to solve the matter,” stated Lennan.

Ambergris Today

Up last on Nomination Day is United Democratic Party (UDP) Standard Bearer Manuel Heredia Jr.
He led a large parade through the streets of San Pedro Town and arrived at the San Pedro Town Council to be nominated by the following party supporters: Julia Martinez, Ralph Humes, Marina Gonzalez, Susana Flores, Daniel Guerrero and Fernando Sosa. All three candidates are in high campaign gears as early elections in Belize were called for November 4, 2015, previously scheduled for March 2016.

People’s United Party parade
The People’s United Party was the first to parade through the streets of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye today as they followed the lead of PUP Standard Bearer for Belize Rural South, Elito Arceo. With Nomination Day for the upcoming General Elections 2015 on November 4 being held across the country today, Belize Rural South nominations are taking place in San Pedro Town. First to head to the San Pedro Town Council to be nominated was Mr. Jose Elito Arceo who was nominated by Gualberto Nunez, Giovanni Solorzano, Marina Graniel, Patricia Marin, Ricardo Aguilar and Seleny Pott. "Today as I was officially nominated as the PUP candidate to represent Belize Rural South, I have to say I was moved and touched by the tremendous out pouring of support and encouragement. I WILL be the change we need and I WILL be the voice we deserve! Muchas gracias a todos!” commented Elito Arceo.

Saying Farewell to Cecilia Lara (Eulogy)
100 años – 1,200 meses – 5,200 semanas – 36,500 días 876,000 horas – más de 52 millones de minutos – más de 3 mil millones de segundos Que Vida tan maravillosa debe haber vivido!!! Usted fue bendecida con tiempo para ver 36,500 amaneceres gloriosos, disfrutar igual número de hermosas puestas de sol y gozar un número igual de cielos iluminados de estrellas. Para contemplar con admiración mas de 1,200 lunas llenas. Para deleitarse con la venida de 100 primaveras y disfrutar de los lindos días de 100 veranos.

The Southwest Effect to Bring More Growth to Belize
Southwest Airlines landed their first 737 aircraft in Belize City on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 3:00 pm at Philip S.W. Goldson International airport and departed at 4:00 pm. It was a grandiose event as the Belize Tourism Board boasts an increase of overnight tourist arrivals from June to September 2015. September alone saw a 19.3% increase in overnight tourism and the new flight is expected to further increase this number. Travelers to Belize on the airline are excited about the "Southwest Effect”, as James Ashworth, Managing Director of Customer Support and Services at Southwest Airlines describes that when the airline enters a market they bring fares down by approximately 30%, they have no bag fees, no change fees and they provide world-class customer service. It is a great product to a great market. The celebration kicked off at Houston Hobby International concourse with a news event. Travelers enjoyed trivia, giveaways and complimentary beverages onboard this flight to kick off their vacation.

Misc Belizean Sources

Kids Meet Sharks PG
Wonderful to be back in Punta Gorda for a Kids Meet Sharks. Although it turned out to be more Kids Meet Corals, Mangroves and Bony Fish, the sheer delight on the children's faces as they became comfortable in the water with masks and snorkels and saw fish and corals underwater for the first time is what makes all the outreach and education we do so worthwhile and fulfilling. We have connected yet another group of children to their sea and their fish and helped them take the first steps towards marine stewardship. A big thank you to St Benedicts School and Ms Jacobs for working with us to pull the KMS off smoothly and thank you to the New England Biolabs Foundation for supporting KMS. All photos credit to Dirk Francisco/MarAlliance.

The Belize Training & Employment Centre (BTEC) Celebrates One Year Anniversary
Launches A Home Health Care-Giver Training Programme

Non-Government and Community Based Organizations in Toledo Empowered
With Skills & Knowledge for Sustainable National Development

42% percent of the labour force have only completed primary education
According to the Statistical Institute of Belize, in 2013 as much as 42% percent of the labour force had only completed primary education while 19.4% had not completed any formal education. The numbers were not that much different in 2012. That's over half the labour force functioning at the most basic level of education and have not progressed to any meaningful level of critical thinking. This is the context of our politics come November 4, vote for the person who think is best fit to change this.

Nomination Day Orange Walk
The People's United Party up first. Hundreds of persons lining up and waiting as the motorcade makes its way to the registry

If you follow your dreams..well the sky is the limit
Southwest Airlines First Flight to Belize was piloted by a Belizean, Captain Lindley Reyes!! Congratulations to Mr. Reyes and his entire family!

Environmental education campaign at FCD
The new campaign is on at FCD – Oops that is, an environmental education campaign!!! Objective: raising awareness of the beauty of the Chiquibul Forest.

Maya Island flight delays from weather possible
Notice: Due to the inclement weather expected for the rest of the weekend, there may be instances of Maya flight delays throughout the country. We recommend that all passengers expected to fly this weekend, contact their nearest terminal or our reservations team via email to info@mayaislandair.com and 223-1140, for updates. Maya Island Air sincerely regrets any inconveniences that may be caused by these delays but can assure you, that we will do our very best to keep you informed, on time and to transport you safely to your destination. — at Maya Island Air Belize.

Art in the Park Corozal postponed
Our monthly Art in the Park event scheduled for Saturday October 16th, 2015 has been postponed to Saturday October 24th, 2015 due to inclement weather. Our apologies for any inconveiences caused.

NOMINATIONS FOR COROZAL BAY DIVISION
The Corozal Bay will be a hotly contested electoral division. Electoral nominations traditionally proceed in a festive atmosphere throughout the country as the two major political parties nominate their candidates. Today, party supporters and allies rallied behind their candidates singing along their parties’ political slogans. Despite the inclement weather conditions, the Corozal Bay nominations were no exception. Here are some highlights of the event. For the People’s United Party-Corozal Bay, Gregorio "Papas’ Garcia was nominated, incumbent United Democratic Party-Corozal Bay Pablo Marin was nominated and Roy Rodriguez was nominated for the Belize Progressive Party-Corozal Bay. Other divisions that ensued their nominations include Corozal North, Corozal South West and Corozal South East.

SHJC Extreme Rules Fundraiser
SHJC is having a mid-semester fundraiser at Thirsty Thursdays tomorrow night. DJ Diamond will be mixing. "Come out and support Sacred Heart Junior College!!!!!"

Benque's 111th Golden Evening
Happy birthday, Benque Viejo del Carmen! Tomorrow is the big celebration, and they'll have a little fair at the Benque HoC starting at 2:30pm. "Golden Evenings, a fun filled evening of traditional games & artistic performances in celebration of the 111 Anniversary Celebration of the Foundation of Benque Viejo Del Carmen"

Business Manifesto by the BCCI
I think the Business Manifesto by the BCCI is a good effort and it should be read. I note two glaring deficiencies: 1. Nothing related to the environment and management of our natural resources. 2. Corporate stewardship - a) Re corruption -- for every hand that receives there is one that gives, b) Ensure that employees get a fair salary and that consumers get the best quality and service..

Channel 7

PUP's Nomination In The City
Nomination day - it's a special day in Belizean politics when a formality becomes a kind of political festival as the mass parties roll out their machines in all 31 constituencies - in an effort to convince voters that they have the support and the momentum going into the election. The tradition for the past few years has been that the PUP crowd goes to their respective nominating offices in the morning - and the UDP goes in the afternoon. So this morning at about 18 government offices countrywide - the PUP candidates for that area went in at 10:00 in the morning. 7News was in Belize City, Cayo and Corozal to see it - and Jules Vasquez begins our reporting with the PUP crowd in Belize City. Jules Vasquez reporting The PUP had to march in the rain today - while the party leader led the singing but the crowd of six to eight hundred was still spirited as it headed to the CB Hyde Building at the end of Mahogany Street. Jules Vasquez "Has it ever rained on a nomination day?" Rt. Hon. Said Musa, PUP Candidate - Fort George "Its the first time I believe. Which is a good sign. Showers of blessing for the PUP."

UDP Bring Out Hundreds For Their Nomination
And then in the afternoon at 2:00 it was unto the UDP. Now, for the past 9 years or so, going back to the 2006 Municipals, the UDP has been matching and more recently outmatching the PUP - so the same was expected today. Except…it was pouring when the UDP Procession was scheduled to move off. We thought that might dampen spirits - but it seemed to have the opposite effect. Here's what we saw in the city streets this afternoon: Jules Vasquez reporting The UDP nomination parade had the electric air of a carnival - rain didn't put a damper on these spirits - and in fact seemed to encourage a kind of reckless abandon on the streets. Dean Barrow, UDP Party Leader "I am sure that if it hadn't rain there would have been more people, but look, at it is our cup is overflowing. So, no complaints." The crowd was massive at least three, possibly four times the size of the PUP:

Are Voters Being Paid To March?
But today the leader of the opposition made an emphatic claim that the UDP used public funds to bankroll their campaign and nomination day parade. Here's what he said - followed by the responses from the Ministers of Housing and Finance whom he accuses:.. Francis Fonseca, PUP Candidate - Freetown "I am very concern of many serious reports I have gotten over the last 24 hours of finance officers being forced to pay people to march today through the Smart Stream system and I would certainly urge the media to look into that matter. I have gotten this from credible people who work in these ministries who are being force to pay people to march today. For example the Ministry of Housing $150 through the Smart Stream system. This is on top of very serious allegations that $150,000 of Petrocaribe funds have been channel to UDP candidates over the last two weeks - each candidate. This is very serious. We have to look into it. It's a serious matter. At this point they are allegations, but they are credible allegations as far as I am concerned." Michael Finnegan, UDP Candidate - Mesopotamia "If I am the minister of housing and I give out grants as small as $50, as big as $5,000, $150, $200 etc. and I do that in terms of helping the people and they want to come out and support me. That is their business."

Mayan King: Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire?
For weeks we've been reporting on the difficulties that Johnny Zabaneh has been having at the Maya King banana farm in Stann Creek. It's the biggest banana farm in Belize and the one that was most affected by the drought which left the farm with tonnes of undersized bananas that do not meet export requirements. That left Maya King in a cash flow crisis - with not enough revenue to pay the hundreds of farm workers on its payroll - and no bank account to pay them from overdraft. Johnny Zabaneh went public with a plea for help - and it seems the international purchaser of Belize's Bananas heard him. As we reported, Fyffes agreed to help him with some bridge financing. And while Zabaneh told us that on record - and we reported it - it seems that report put Fyffes in serious hot water - since Zabaneh still has that kingpin designation on him. Reports to 7News say that the Banana growers Association promptly sent out a letter to growers saying it is ending relations with Maya King - and will not be buying anymore of its bananas. This is a massive blow to Maya King - and to Belize's banana industry overall - since that farm produces almost a quarter of the bananas exported from Belize. We could not reach Zabaneh for comment - but needless to say, the severing of relations with the sole exporter of Belize's Bananas - which is the Banana Growers Association - could prove fatal to Maya King farms, unless something is urgently worked out. We could not reach John Zabaneh for comment today, despite numerous attempts.

Party Leaders Discuss VIP's Intended Wrench
Last night we told you about the VIP's bold challenge to the election status quo. The independent party called Vision Inspired by The People isn't contesting the election, but is proposing to play spoiler. The party says it will challenge and hopes to nullify the result of the general election in court because there is no proportionality in the breakdown of Belize's 31 constituencies. The constitution requires that they be proportional, or more or less equal - but the disparities are huge: there are, for example just over three thousand registered voters in Fort George and over nine thousand in Belmopan. The independent party is dead serious about the challenge - but mass party leaders Francis Fonseca and Dean Barrow seemed completely unimpressed when we spoke to them today:.. Francis Fonseca, PUP Party Leader "I don't think the legal challenge will go anywhere in court. But I think it's a legitimate issue. I think it's certainly something we are absolutely committed to looking at very quickly. We believe as I think you know, that there should have been a re-registration exercise taking place already before this election and certainly we are committed as a party upon forming the government to immediately begin that process of looking, reviewing the electoral boundaries, reviewing the divisions. There is a need for greater equity in the distribution of divisions and votes and hopefully we could even reduce the number of electoral divisions. But in an equitable way."

Feinstein Group Argue Cruise Tax Law Amendment
The Fort Street Tourism Village case continued in court today. It's a challenge by the Feinstein group that the head tax and other arrangements with the FSTV owners are illegal. It's a technically complex case - and one that could have far reaching implications, both retrospectively and prospectively. Today, arguments were heard about the recently passed Cruise Ship Passenger Tax Act - which sought to validate the past collection and distribution of head taxes by the BTB, the government and Fort Street Tourism Village. But while the law regularizes it in the here and now, it can't do the same for all those years when an agreement sought to authorize the collection of a tax - which cannot suffice since only parliament can impose a tax. Attorney for the Feinstein Group Andrew Marshalleck explained his client's case today:.. "Today was about hearing arguments as to the impact to the legislation that was passed - the cruise chip passenger tax act, that sort to validate the past collection and distribution of head taxes by the BTB, the Government and the Fort Street Tourism Village. The position was that the collection and distribution of the tax was governed by agreement between the parties. The law is fundamentally that taxes can only imposed as a matter of law and under legislative authority.

Opposition Leader Concerned About Checkpoint Shutdown
Last night we told you about the directive from the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie to all police formations to remove all checkpoints countrywide. You also heard from the officer commanding southside who says that his crime fighting checkpoints will remain in place - and only the routine checkpoints will be removed. The CEO in the Ministry of National security told us that there's no sinister motive behind it - and it is simply to reduce the inconvenience to drivers and commuters. The PUP has said that it's very suspicious - and the Chamber of Commerce joined the opposition today. You'll hear shortly what the PUP had to say, but first to the Chamber which sent out a release. The release, says quote, "The recent suspension of vehicular checkpoints by the Commissioner of Police opens the doors for the plague of contraband and illicit goods to be transported uninterrupted throughout the country as well as continued human trafficking." End quote. And while the chamber does agree that checkpoints cause undue delays and fuel consumption, it urges Police to, quote, "seek a solution that allows for effective monitoring and interception of illicit movements without excessive gridlock." End quote.

US Embassy Visa Waiver
Everyone who's been to the US Embassy for a visa knows about the headache and hassle of having to go in for a visa interview. Well, if you're under 13, over 80, or just seeking a renewal, those hassling days may be behind you. The US Embassy sent out a notice today advising of an Interview Waiver Program, which has been made available to certain applicants as of October 12, 2015. So, here's how it works. If you're renewing a visa, under the age of 13, or over the age of 80, you may be eligible to drop your documents at the U.S. Embassy and bypass the usual in-person interview with a consular officer. For those seeking renewals, you qualify if you a renewing a tourist visa that was given for 5 years or more, that expired less than four years ago. You also have to still be in possession of your most recent visa.

PUP's Nomination In Cayo
So as we showed you earlier - the UDP's crowd was 4 times larger than the PUP's in the city, but how did it go in Cayo and Belmopan? Well, both the UDP and PUP had spirited groups as well, but still - the crowds weren't all that impressive. We traveled first to the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena and spoke to all 3 PUP candidates. Here is what they had to say about their supporters and their level of confidence going into the general election: Courtney Weatherburne "Being officially nominated, you were carried out of the center by your supporters. Is this group that you have here indicative of your support? Or is it just pretty much as people would criticize, just a group of people who are getting a day pay." Dan Silva, PUP Candidate, Cayo Central "No. we don't have the luxury of paying people to come out and vote like our opponents. People would be here more today. But for example, to come out of San Antonio right now is impossible. We have a minister of works, but yet to come out of San Antonio, Cristo Rey is almost impossible right now. Two days of rain and the road is flood. We had a meeting last night in San Antonio and people were excited by the hundreds came out blowing horns, motorcycles revving up - people are excited."

UDP Belmopan Nominates
So that was PUP in Cayo this morning, we also went to Belmopan this afternoon where we met two UDP candidates - John Saldivar for Belmopan and Ralph Huang for Cayo South. We spotted Huang on our way to Belmopan in Ontario with a pocket of his supporters. He seemed the least concerned about today saying that it's just a fun day and that he is not fazed by the crowds or the lack thereof. Then we moved on the Belmopan in the afternoon where Huang met up with Saldivar for the UDP parade. Again - very lively and vivacious crowd but not a remarkable number. Saldivar told us how grateful he is that people even came out in the downpour. Now, there was one part supporter we could not miss - he was at the frontline in the parade with Saldivar - you guessed it right -a new member of the team - Jose Chacon . He told us how his decision to cross over can help the UDP.

PM Barrow Discusses Bar Association Slapdown
Yesterday we told you about the Bar Association - and how the CCJ refused its application to render a judgment on the eighth amendment, even though both sides in the case, namely the Government and the Ashcroft Alliance had already reached a settlement. Today the Prime Minister said it was an ill conceived move by what he calls the PUP Bar:... Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "There are good lawyers in the Bar Association. There are good lawyers what I am oblige to describe as the PUP Bar Association and they really ought to have known better. If you say that you would wish some sort of a final determination as to the constitutionality of the 8th amendment and this basic structure doctrine - there is another way to go about it. They themselves admitted that they've also have their heads handed to them with respect to the challenge before the Court of Appeal which reaffirm that the law of Belize does not include this basic structure doctrine. They will appeal that and they will have a chance at that point to get the CCJ to make a final pronouncement. They ought to have waited on that. It was I think quixotic, it was adventurist and unrealistic in the extreme and I have to feel then that politics was involved."

Brother Barrow Resigns From The Bar
And in line with what big brother had to say, the Vice President of the Bar, Denys Barrow resigned today. A short note to bar members from the Bar Association secretary says, quote, "Mr. Denys Barrow SC has resigned from his post as Vice President of the Bar Association and as a member of the Association effective October 5th, 2015." Barrow had argued passionately against the bar making that application to the CCJ but the resolution was still carried.

Papas Nominated; Ready To Challenge Pablo
In our last segment we showed you how nomination day looked in the West, but we had another news team in the North, and in the morning, they were in Corozal Town when PUP's Gregorio "Papas" Garcia went in for his nomination in the Corozal Bay Constituency. He's trying to unseat UDP's Pablo Marin who remained under pressure while he served in the Barrow Administration as the Minister of Health. We asked his Garcia if his perceived failures might play into his electability in his division. Here's what he told us: Shortly afterwards, we went to see how Garcia's PUP colleague, David Castillo, as he went to accept his nomination in Corozal North. He's running against incumbent Hugo Patt, who had a short 3 year and 8-month term in office. Castillo is also the son of PUP's Valdemar Castillo, a long time representative in that same division. The younger Castillo told us today that he is hoping to return Corozal North back to the PUP after November 4th.

Mass Parties Flex At OW Nominations
From there, we went to the Orange Walk District where the PUP controls three of four seats. But this time, UDP is hoping to gain ground there. So, both sides had something to prove when their 4 candidates were nominated. The PUP was the first to go in the morning, when the rains were pouring down. Still, they had an impressive showing. We spoke with all 4 candidates who are trying to get elected: Then, in the afternoon, the 4 UDP candidates, led by Gaspar Vega, took their turn to flex. By that time, the weather had improved, and when all 4 crowds merged, it was impressive. Here's what the UDP politicians told us:

Francis & Finnegan Get Sentimental
As we've shown you, today was a day for cold political calculation; a numbers and money game. But, in the middle of it, we found two seasoned politicians who were feeling sentimental. Francis Fonseca and Michael Finnegan might not agree about a whole lot but they did feel a little misty eyed during the nomination process today:.. Francis Fonseca, PUP Party Leader "But of course today I remember my mother, because this is the first time that I have marched without her to nomination day. As always as you know Jules she was right by my side. So I thought about her all morning and even when I was getting nominated just now. So it's been a good emotional day, showers of blessing." Michael Finnegan, UDP Candidate - Mesopotamia "I am getting at the end of my career. I am getting older. I am now 65. The next election I will be 70. I am at the end of the trail now. When I was in there it was emotional. You can feel all the jitters in my stomach."

Channel 5

Nomination Day Across the Country: P.U.P. Goes First
It was Nomination Day today across the country. Candidates from the People’s United Party, the incumbent United Democratic Party, the Belize Progressive Party and independents went through the official process [...]

B.P.P. Will Contest 25 Seats in Upcoming General Elections
The newly-formed Belize Progressive Party formally registered its Belize City candidates during lunch today.  The nomination of its wider membership took place simultaneously across the country.  Short of the required [...]

U.D.P. Draws Massive Numbers for Nomination Day Parade
This morning, the challenging People’s United Party flexed its political muscle and this afternoon it was the U.D.P.’s turn to flood the streets with red from U.D.P. Headquarters to the [...]

Closure of Police Checkpoints Raises Suspicion
The Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie issued a directive, dated October thirteenth, to all formations of the Belize Police Department on Tuesday to remove checkpoints across the country.  While the [...]

John Briceño on Lifting of Police Checkpoints
No explanation was provided as to the reason why it is now seen fit to call off established checkpoints. But that decision is not going down well and speculation is [...]

P.U.P. Supporters Descend on Sugar City for Nomination of Candidates
In Orange Walk Town this morning, the mood was festive and upbeat.  On the heels of the largest rally in this election campaign, party loyalists were joined by others to [...]

4 B.P.P. Candidates and An Independent Samantha Carlos in OW Race
The nomination of the candidates for the Belize Progressive Party and one independent was held following the P.U.P.’s. The mood was subdued and there were no bells and whistles as [...]

U.D.P.’s Gapi Vega Leads Multitude in OW Procession
The candidates for the ruling party were nominated in the afternoon. Clearly they were well-oiled financially and the atmosphere was festive. The Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega led the crowd [...]

Francis Fonseca Says VIP’s Constitutional Challenge Will Fall Flat
The last redistricting exercise was completed prior to the 2008 general elections.  Since then the voter population across all thirty-one constituencies have changed considerably.  As we mentioned earlier in the [...]

VIP Challenge Won’t Go Anywhere says PM Barrow
The PM also spoke of the VIP’s notice to challenge any election results on November fifth, the morning after the General Elections. Barrow says while they can go ahead and [...]

Will Gapi Vega Become Belize’s Next Prime Minister?
There have been persistent rumours from within the United Democratic Party and in other sectors that there is a plan underway to elevate current Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega. Of [...]

PM Barrow on CCJ’s Decision to Dismiss Bar’s Application
On Thursday a panel of CCJ Judges struck out an application by the Bar Association to be inserted as an interested party in the joint nationalization appeals in respect to [...]

Is Sol-Gen’s Office Investigating Mayor Bradley’s Candidacy?
Darrell Bradley was nominated today, so he’s now officially registered to run in the Caribbean Shores Division. But he’s still the sitting Belize City Mayor which means that he has [...]

Shooting in Belize City Near St. Martin’s Primary School
This morning, just after ten, there was a shooting down the street from the St. Martin’s de Porres School in Lake Independence. Nobody was hurt but two vehicles were hit [...]

Amandala

Kafele Garcia, 19, remanded on murder charge
A resident of Lords Bank, Ladyville, was remanded to the Belize Central Prison today after Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith arraigned him on a single count of murder for the unlawful death of Ervin Osbert Franklin, 25, who was stabbed to death over the weekend. Kafele Garcia, 19, did not have to enter a plea, because murder is indictable and will be heard in the Supreme Court if the Crown can prove that it has a prima facie case to take to the high court. Chief Magistrate Smith remanded Garcia to prison until his next court appearance on November 16, 2015. On Sunday, October 11, around 2:00 a.m. police visited Edwin Parks Street in the Lords Bank area of Ladyville, where they observed Ervin Osbert Franklyn with multiple stab wounds in the lower back and the armpit area.

BDF soldier stabbed to death in barroom brawl
An Orange Walk man has been arrested and charged with murder for the stabbing death of a Belize Defence Force soldier during a brawl at Pandas Bar, located on North Park Street in Orange Walk Town, at about 9:00 Saturday night. During the brawl, the soldier was stabbed multiple times in the chest, and he died almost immediately. He was taken to the Northern Regional Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival. Police charged Gian Guerra, 32, of San Francisco Street, Orange Walk Town, with murder for the death of the soldier, Rafael Abel Rivas, 31, of Trial Farm, Orange Walk District. Guerra was taken to the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court yesterday, where he was arraigned on the murder charge and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until November 26, when he is to be returned to court.

Red, blue and green "flex” on Friday
Despite a forecast for a rainy day tomorrow, Friday, October 16, thousands of Belizeans – supporters of the two mass parties as well as a new challenger, are expected to flock to nomination centers across the country as they parade their candidates for early elections due in just a few weeks, on Wednesday, November 4. Amandala has released its 2015 general election roundup, and at least 86 men and women, including 16 incumbent standard bearers from the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) (seeking re-election), and 10 incumbent standard bearers from the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) (also seeking re-election), are billed to seek nomination. (See the table accompanying this article.) The nomination exercise is used by the parties as an opportunity to flex their political muscle to the public, with their vocal, sometimes rambunctious supporters dressed, naturally, in party colors, each party trying to outdo the other in terms of size and vociferousness.

First Caribbean Bank’s employees protest deadlock in negotiations
The staff of First Caribbean International Bank (FCIB) countrywide staged another in a series of protests last week, on Friday afternoon during their lunch break, as negotiations between the Christian Workers Union (CWU) and the Bank’s management has failed to reach an exit package settlement deal in the wake of the sale of the bank’s assets to Heritage Bank and the government’s passage of the FCIB’s vesting bill which finalized the sale. Audrey Matura-Shepherd, president of the union, confirmed that the FCIB’s management finally met with them on Tuesday, October 13, to begin the negotiation process. Matura-Shepherd added that talks are scheduled to continue next week Tuesday. It is hoped that these negotiations will be able to secure an adequate exit package for the staff and also ensure that two major changes relevant to the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) are made. Matura-Shepherd said, "The FCIB’s staff is appalled at the utmost bad-faith that the bank has shown.” Matura-Shepherd went on to say that there isn’t any truth in the release the FCIB’s management published in the October 11, 2015 issue of this paper.

"ET,” career criminal, accused of sodomy, is remanded
A Belize City man who has racked up a number of criminal offences and who was out on bail is back behind bars at the Belize Central Prison after he was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith this morning on a charge of committing an unnatural act. Chief Magistrate Smith read the charge to Basil Earl Willis, AKA "ET,” and only asked him if he understood the charge. No plea was taken from Willis, because the matter is an indictable offense and will be heard in the Supreme Court after a preliminary inquiry is held at the Magistrate’s Court to determine if there is a prima facie case against him. The allegation against the 47-year-old Willis is that on Saturday, October 10, he sodomized a 23-year-old Belize City man, who reported the matter to police.

National Cycling Team to Barbados
The Cycling Federation of Belize (CFB) will be sending a delegation to Barbados from October 15 – 20. The delegation will comprise of five (5) Male Elite cyclists, three (3) Female Elite cyclists and a coaching staff of two (2). The team will be competing in the Annual Elite Caribbean Cycling Championships, to be held on October 17 and 18. Our cyclists will compete in two events, the Individual Time Trial on October 17, and the Road Race on October 18. The delegation is as follows: Ron Vasquez, Byron Pope, Brandon Cattouse, Joslyn Chavarria, Gregory Lovell, Patricia Chavarria, Alicia Thompson, Kaya Cattouse; Perry Gibson – National Team Coach; Orson Butler – Vice President, CFB.

Paddle and Pedal – Burrell Boom 2015 Race results
Belize’s first Paddle & Pedal, presented by Paddle Stop, took place on Sunday, October 11. The event consisted of 2 components, whereby the participants, two per team, paddle a canoe then transition to a bicycle. The first component, the canoe race, started just after 10:00 a.m. at Henderson’s Bank. Three teams – Guydis Canoes, Wateva Boyz, and Ride or Die paddled off towards Manatee Lookout Restaurant, the transition point. Arriving first at that location was Team Guydis Canoes – Chris Guydis and Euken Arnold; they were followed closely by the Wateva Boyz – Adrian Williams and Sergio López – sponsored by D & D Consultancy. Not too far behind was the Ride or Die Team – Felix Rhaburn and Wilberto Daniels – sponsored by Guydis Canoes. The transition didn’t go as smoothly as expected. The participants were to take their canoe out of the river and place it on land unassisted. This didn’t go according to plan, probably due to a lack, of communication between participants and support crew. Nonetheless, that got sorted and off on their bicycles they went.

Belmopan F.A. 1st Division playoffs begin on Sunday
The Belmopan Football Association (BFA) First Division Football Competition playoffs begin this Sunday with the top 4 teams seeing action in game 1 of their best-of-two games semifinal series. The top 4 seeded teams are #1 Roaring Creek United, #2 Las Flores FC, #3 Duck Run II, and #4 Camalote Warriors. According to the semifinals format, it will be #1 vs #4, and #2 vs #3. Game 1 of the semifinals will be at the Las Flores Community Football Field. Sunday, October 18 1:00 p.m. – Roaring Creek United vs Camalote Warriors 3:00 p.m. – Las Flores FC vs Duck Run II

Dangriga football stats
Three games were played on Sunday, October 11, in Week 7 of the Rodwell Ferguson Football Tournament. In game 1, Pomona Warriors won over Valley Stars, 4-3. Game 2 saw Hope Creek Pumas with the 4-2 victory over Valley Shattaz. And in game 3, it was Santa Cruz L.D. South Rock drilling Pomona Sliders, 5-nil. Week 8 this weekend will be a Saturday double-header and Sunday triple-header. Saturday, October 17 7:00 p.m. – Hope Creek Pumas vs C.P.B.L. Barracks FC 9:00 p.m. – Mayan King vs Valley Stars

Editorial: Nomination Day
As we write early Thursday morning, it appears that the new Belize Progressive Party (BPP) will nominate candidates in at least 24 of Belize’s 31 electoral constituencies on Friday, October 16 – Nomination Day nationwide for Belize’s November 4 general elections. The calling of general elections late last month by Prime Minister Dean Barrow caught the BPP off guard. They were still in the process of selecting a name for the new party, which was essentially an amalgam between the Belmopan–founded Vision Inspired by the People (VIP) and the Toledo-based People’s National Party (PNP) of Wil Maheia. The BPP were able to integrate Hipolito Bautista and Lucilo Teck, the leaders of the Northern Districts’ "We The People” party from some years back. We do not know how the Cayo-based political group of Nefretery Nancy Marin and Hector Silva responded to the new party. We have heard there were people in the VIP leadership structure who resisted the BPP initiative. In principle, this newspaper supports the BPP. We are long-time friends of Patrick Rogers and Wil Maheia, the Leader and Deputy Leader, respectively, of the BPP. We admire Lucilo Teck. In fact, Patrick Rogers some years ago founded the Commoners movement just a few houses down from Kremandala at the Rogers family home corner of Partridge and Vernon Streets.

From the Publisher
I was struck by an opinion piece I read in the editorial pages of The New York Times’ issue of Saturday, October 10, 2015. The New York Times is the most prestigious newspaper in the United States of America, planet earth’s superpower. The opinion piece was written by Naomi Oreskes, a professor of the history of science at Harvard, the most prestigious university in the United States. Her opinion piece indicts Exxon Mobil, an oil company, for its perfidy where the matter of climate change is concerned. Exxon Mobil may be the largest, wealthiest, and most powerful business corporation in the United States. If it is not, it is close to being that. I will use my column this week to reproduce Professor Oreskes’ opinion piece, because the lesson is classic: corporations are so driven by their greed for profits that they are willing to sacrifice the good of humanity and the welfare of the planet itself. We saw this in the case of the tobacco industry, which spent decades and billions seeking to deny that cigarette smoking caused lung cancer and other illnesses. When they began losing that fight in America, the tobacco companies started spending more of their advertising budgets in Third World countries to convince our innocent youth that cigarette smoking was stylish, sexy, and cool.

The rat is in the House
Dear Editor Amandala, Belize’s two political parties may have served out their purpose. They brought Belize to independence and laid the constitutional foundation of the nation. They have improved the basic systems human beings need – running water, sewers, electricity, more up to date government-funded hospitals, infrastructure for travel, transportation, commerce and modern means of communication within the country and with the outside world. They established tertiary education and grew a new industry, tourism. They were stopped short of developing a viable oil industry due to meager oil finds – to date. However, today Belize is experiencing some serious times, the most serious in its history. The enemy is occupying the southern river border, claiming it as its own territory. How long this has been the case is anybody’s guess. Over the years both UDP and PUP, recently more so the UDP, appear to be stuck, at a loss as to how to resolve what’s hurting the nation most. For starters, the very existence of the nation has been endangered as its guardians nodded off at the wheel in respect to Guatemala’s claim. Adding to that, they’ve offered no cohesive national vision to build on.

Will social media impact the general elections?
Facebook has become Belize’s latest and perhaps most popular communication forum. Belizeans are connected to "friends” across the street, throughout Belize, in the Diaspora and around the world. Facebook, in just ten short years, has indeed become a global cultural phenomenon. According to Internet World Stats, the Caribbean has an estimated population of 41,873,409, of which there are 17,211,359 Internet users as of December 2014, with 6,397,080 using Facebook – the most dominant social platform, with over 1.15 billion active members worldwide. Facebook remains the most popular platform for Caribbean nationals, with Twitter in second place. The Bahamas has the highest internet usage for the region, with more than 90.5% of residents online, according to World Development Indicators. There are literally thousands of Belizeans using Facebook, but only a very small percent of that number actually "post” or "share”. The largest number of Belizean Facebook users, it appears, are there only to "fass”, but "fass” or not, Belizeans are online.

BPP adds 7 more candidates for general elections
The newest political party on the scene is the Belize Progressive Party (BPP), which was formed after Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced November 4, 2015 as the date for the general elections. This afternoon, the BPP introduced another 7 of its candidates at a press briefing at the Belize Institute of Management, bringing the number of candidates representing the party to 25. The six constituency seats that the BPP has not been able to fill as yet are three in the Belize District and three in the Cayo District. The BPP’s National Manager, Bobby Lopez, is banking on the fact that his party has until around 4:00 p.m. on Friday, before nominations close, to boost its roster of candidates for the elections. In that regard, Lopez said the BPP has a surprise for nomination day. The first of the new candidates to declare was Dr. Javier Reyes, who will be running in the Orange Walk East constituency and will be facing the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) Elodio Aragon, Jr., who is a former Deputy Commissioner of Police and a first-time aspirant for national office.

Glenford Vernon’s "boy killer” still at large
One month after Glenford Vernon, 26, of Cran Street, was murdered by a boy killer who shot him about 7 times while he was getting a tattoo on his neck in a tattoo shop on Castle Street, the killer and his accomplice have not yet been captured. The incident occurred at about 2:30 Friday afternoon, September 4. Vernon’s youthful killer is said to be only 15 years old. The neighbors reported that they saw two men – a boy and an older man – coming down Lancaster Street toward Castle Street, and both were on one bicycle. They stopped a short distance from Castle Street, and the older man took out a gun and gave it to the boy. The boy hesitated, and according to those who saw him, there seemed to be reluctance on his part.

Man remanded for sexual assault of mother-in-law
A 54-year-old man who sexually assaulted his 77-year-old mother-in-law, who is confined to a wheelchair, has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison until January 21, 2016 on charges of sexual assault and harm of the invalid woman. The woman reported that on the morning of October 1, she was in her yard, in her wheelchair, when her son-in-law came up and wheeled her into the house, where he fondled her private parts and fondled her breast. Police promptly arrested the son-in-law and charged him with the offenses. Today, he was taken to the Corozal Magistrate’s Court, where he was arraigned on the offenses before being remanded.

Belize City resident remanded for Orange Walk murder
Belize City resident, Teshawn Leroy Clarke, 35, of Pickstock Street, one of two men accused of beating to death Carlos Paraquat Griffith, 63, an Orange Walk Town resident, has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison until December 11, on the charge of murder. He was taken to the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court today, where he was arraigned on the murder charge and then remanded. Police are searching for the second person who they say participated in the brutal murder of Paraquat Griffith, and that person is also believed to be a Belize City resident. The incident occurred at about 8:30 Monday night on Victoria Street in Orange Walk Town near the Orange Walk Fire Station.

PUP pledges and signs Social Contract for its first 100 days in office
Independence Hall, the home of the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP), barely had standing room this morning, as twenty-nine members of the PUP Team’s 31 standard bearers for the general elections, along with dozens of their supporters decked out in the party’s blue and white colors, gathered for the release of its "Governance Agenda, The Social Contract with the People.” The PUP Leader Francis Fonseca was the first to address the gathering, and he elaborated on his party’s social contract with the people. Fonseca said that the Belizean people have lost trust and confidence in the structures of governance. "The Belizean reality in 2015 is waste and corruption in government, a hotbed of corruption at the Lands Department; widespread corruption at Immigration, resulting in the scandalous and shameful sale of our national identity by Cabinet ministers; the erosion of the rule of law, deepening inequality in the allocation of economic and social opportunities, the very dangerous philosophy of UDP first and Belizeans second,” he said.

The Reporter

Belize wins big in prestigious international tourism awards
For the first time in the 22-year-history of the World Travel Awards, Belize wins the biggest travel honors for the continent – the Mexico & Central America’s Leading Destination and the Leading Beach Destination 2015. Belize emerged victorious with Placencia being named Leading Beach Destination 2015 and Ambergris Caye Leading […]

Man stabbed to death over a woman
When residents of Edwin Parks Street in Lord’s Bank heard a man screaming for help at around 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, little did they know that it was a murder taking place in their area; and police say the motive was because the victim […]

Bar brawl ends in murder of BDF soldier!
Gian Guerra, 32, of San Francisco Street, Orange Walk town is at the Hattieville Prison on remand, facing a charge of murder for the stabbing death of Belize Defense Force Corporal, Rafael Rivas. Police allege that Guerra stabbed the 12-year career officer seven times […]

Belize Camping Experience holds another Harvest for Kids
Belize City youth will be able to enjoy summer camps and follow-up activities in the future, thanks to Belize Camping Experience’s fundraising efforts over the weekend. Through the initiative, farmers in the Orange Walk district donated some of their land for BCE to plant on; […]

Taiwan celebrates 104th National Day
Prime Minister Dean Barrow toasted to a future continuance of Belize’s long-lived friendship and goodwill cooperation with the Republic of China on Taiwan when he and Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington were honored guests at the Embassy’s celebration of Taiwan’s 104th anniversary of its National Day. […]

The price of rice comes under a new standard
A new standard for the pricing, packaging and marketing of rice has been gazetted and the Bureau of Standards plans to introduce these to the public by mid-November. The new standard allows policy makers to be able to amend the Price Control Regulations for […]

Belize chairs CROSQ Executive Council
For the first time in Belizean history, the country will hold the chairmanship for the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) Council. Jose Trejo, director of the Belize Bureau of Standards was elected president at the 27th CROSQ Annual General Meeting held at […]

Nephew accused of setting aunt’s house on fire!
The case of 28-year-old Belize City resident, Darryl Alvarez, who back in August of 2014 was accused of setting his Aunt’s house on fire, was committed to the Supreme Court for arson. Alvarez who was unrepresented during the Preliminary Inquiry, made submissions on his […]

Regional agric ministers to meet in Mexico
Ministers of Agriculture from all over Central and South America are preparing to hold a high level meeting on the Riviera Maya, Mexico, to discuss pertinent issues. The meeting, facilitated by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, will be held from October 19-23, under […]

Bird Flu flying around again
There has been four suspected outbreaks of the Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2 (bird flu) in two villages in the southern districts, namely Red Bank and Bella Vista and two villages in the North, namely Fireburn and Sylvestre. It’s been a little over a month since the last update from […]

Editorial
The treaty between Britain and Guatemala defining Belize’s border was signed on April 30, 1859. It delineated the boundaries of Belize in the west and in the south. But eighty-one years later, Guatemala’s President General Jorge Ubico, renounced the treaty, and five years after that, a new Guatemalan constitution was […]

Just who is the Major?
By: Neri Briceño Our nation has been divided for most of its political history. This division has been marked by victimization carried out on citizens who are suspected of being in opposition. They are ostracized financially and as best as the party in power can, they are also socially alienated. […]

Former UDP mayor joins Belize Progressive Party
Phillip de la Fuente, former United Democratic Party (UDP) mayor for Orange Walk, announced his candidacy for Orange Walk Central with the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) this week. De la Fuente, who served two terms on the Orange Walk Town Council, first as councillor and […]

Man breaks into home and fondles owner
A 42-year-old man who police claim was caught fondling the home owner during a burglary, is behind bars after he was denied bail. Lincoln Flowers, a resident of Cadle Street in Belize City, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith where he was […]

Compol under fire for ceasing checkpoints
A police department memo from Commissioner of Police (ComPol) Allen Whylie, ordering all formations to stand down from vehicular checkpoints, is causing concern among citizens and the opposition. But the Ministry of National Security assures the public it has done so in the interest […]

PUP introduces Social Contract designed to stomp out corruption; improve quality of life
Standing on its promise to do right by the people, the People’s United Party (PUP) this week introduced a wide ranging plan to stomp out corruption and improve the quality of life for Belizeans with its "Social Contract” – a social reform agenda bearing the […]

CCJ rejects Bar Association’s application
This week the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) rejected an application by the Bar Association of Belize to become an interested party in the settlement of the public utility nationalizations. The court ruled on Thursday, via video conference, that the Bar had not provided sufficient […]

The Belize Times

PUP Will Give Power to the People!
The antidote to the power-drunk, arrogant and corrupt Barrow Administration will be in the hands of the Belizean people on Wednesday November 4th 2015. The UDP Government, which for the past seven years has made life harder and punished us under the weight of their arrogance and total incompetence, will face the judgment of the Belizean people who are clamouring for better. The antidote to the UDP’s painful wreckage that they have left our country in is the vision of the People’s United Party that a Government must be transparent, must be accountable, should be driven by ideas for nation building and must be devoted to working for the Belizean people for the country to thrive. This is the vision driving the PUP today under leader Francis Fonseca. To show the Party’s real commitment to Belize, on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 the PUP Leader and Standard Bearers gathered at the historic Independence Hall on Queen Street to publicly sign a social contract with the people!

UDP will try to steal the elections!
The UDP will do everything possible to steal the elections. It doesn’t matter if it is by illegal means or unethical tactics, ever since the rabid UDP Chairman Alberto August exited Elections and Boundaries he seemingly left the doors wide open for his party to meddle with their affairs. When PUP Standard Bearer Lesbia Guerra Cocom raised alarm last week at discovering that the Elections and Boundaries office in Cayo West was "open for business” at ten o’clock at night, it reminded us of the usual tricks of the UDP to manipulate the results of the elections. This time around, the UDP are no different. There have been strong reports that Elections and Boundaries officers who are strongly influenced by UDP representatives are sneaking in voters and processing voter registrations even though the deadline for votes for the November 4th elections was September 10th. There are also strong reports that the UDP is being given access to key information and data that should be kept safe and secure from political interference. What’s going on in your Department Ms. Tamai?

More UDP land grab!
The Ministry which Prime Minister Dean Barrow admitted has become a "hotbed of corruption” is back on the news for the same kind of debauchery for which the PM threw his Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega under the bus. Documents have surfaced of a ‘wutless’ cheap sale of prime property to well-known UDP cronies. The lands involved are parcels 4303, 4304 and 4135, located along the Phillip Goldson Highway in Orange Walk Town. The lands were sold to known UDP cronies Derrick Gillett, Roman Alvarez and Emir Cruz in October and December 2009.

Workers Noh Happy With Barrow!
Prime Minister Dean Barrow was his usual self, cocky, cold and insulting, when he addressed questions about the growing discontent among workers across the country. Employees at Social Security and the University of Belize are on the brink of announcing industrial action after weeks of failed discussions and negotiations over job benefits. The employees of Social Security have held lunch protests and even walked out of meetings in disapproval of what their Union leader, Christian Worker’s Union (CWU) president Audrey Matura-Shepherd, has called the mistreatment of the workers. The Union has been lobbying for an acceptable Collective Bargaining Agreement for their members, but the Government-appointed Social Security Board has been applying "delay tactics and create red-herrings” according to Shepherd.

Think About It
While the UDP is clinging to vote buying and bribery, the PUP is energizing voters with its impressive list of important improvements in the way government and the country will improve. What is particularly galling to many Belizeans is how the Prime Minister hijacked the Petro Caribe monies and is now pushing a stale slogan about transformation. He had a golden opportunity to transform Belize but refused to do so. Now, he is saying look at the streets and a few buildings. Transformation would have been how many more classrooms were built. How many more young Belizeans entered colleges and sixth forms? How many new farms and farmers were empowered? How many new clinics and doctors were put in place to serve the people across the country? How many new businesses, small and medium were brought into existence?

November 4th – What’s at stake?
As we approach the November 4th General Elections, the rhetoric has ratcheted up considerably. Every lamp post in town is decorated with flags and banners of the respective parties and nowhere is the disparity in campaign funding more profound, than in that realm. Come Election Day, this disparity shall again manifest itself in the vast array and large amount of tee shirts that will flood the streets of our nation with every bum and homeless person being well dressed, if only for that one day. The unfortunate reality is that while the Opposition must scrape and scrounge to fund its campaign, the ruling party has unfettered access to the public coffers. Something is not right! Social media is also abuzz with propaganda, creative memes and predictions and although Facebook has been characterized as a tool for self-expression, this arena is concurrently playing a significant role in the sphere of information sharing and political agenda-setting. Social sites like Facebook, Twitter and even Youtube are changing how citizens, in particular the young, obtain information and connect and interact with each other.

Game Over, Dean Barrow
Dean Barrow once referred to himself as the "Master of Games” at a House of Representatives meeting. Indeed, we have to give the Devil his due. When it comes to political trickery, double speak, covering up ministerial wrong-doing and outright lying to Belizeans, Mr. Barrow is a master at that game. However when it comes to defending our land against Guatemala, providing land and houses for Belizeans, creating jobs, proving health care for our people he is as Hubert Elrington said publicly "All glitter and no substance”. And so as Belizeans prepare to go to the polls to send the message that the people have the power, we can only advise our megalomaniac Prime Minister that it is time to pack his bags and leave Belmopan. JUST GO DEAN O. In the general elections of 2008, Barrow played a nasty and sinister trick on the people. He was very efficient at scandalizing political opponents, creating fear among the voters, using the media and creating an atmosphere of mistrust between the People’s United Party and the people whom we have so diligently served for over 60 years.

Panthers, MicRoe Light & Peace and RCV Stallions win in BECOL basketball
The Panthers MicRoe Light & Peace, RCV Stallions, Yabra Over-35 and the Sacred Heart College boys won in the BECOL Basketball competition organized by the Cayo District Basketball Association at the Falcon Field in San Ignacio over the weekend. Game Results: Under 18 Black Hawks vs. Alpha Warriors – 47-44 Top scorers: Kyron "Tut” Molina, 21pts; Shevan Harris, 18 pts Over 35 Roaring Creek Special Effects vs. Belmopan Over-35 – Win by default RCV Stallions vs. the Snipers – 80-67 Top scorers: Raul Roches, 24 pts; Elroy "Shabba” Willis, 22pts

Young School & Vibes Alive clash in U-12 football finals
Defending champs Young School and Vibes Alive will clash in the Orange Walk Under-12 football 8-a-side championship finals held by the Orange Walk Town Sports Committee. Vibes Alive eliminated the Centaur Minions: 5-1. Katie Jones scored a hat trick with 4 goals. Carlos Canelo scored the 2nd goal. Dennis Stevens scored a consolation goal for the Minions. Young School staked their bid for the finals by eliminating Blackwater 3-0. Young School’s goals came from Belarmino Esquivel (2) and Menalio Novelo. Blackwater and Centaur Minions meet in a consolation match for 3rd place, before the championship finals on Saturday, October 17.

Wateva Boyz win 1st Paddle & Pedal canoe race
Team Wateva Boyz: Adrian Williams and Sergio López won the 1st ever Paddle & Pedal canoe and bike race organized by Paddle Stop and the Belize Canoe Association on Sunday, October 11. Teams paddled from Henderson’s Bank in Burrell Boom by river to the Manatee Lookout and then rode back on racing bikes on the George Price highway and Burrell Boom bypass to the finish. Wateva Boyz were 2nd out of the water at Manatee Lookout but made up the time on their bikes to cross the finish line together and win the $200 1st prize in 2:23:16. Team Guydis Canoes: Chris Guydis and Euken Arnold were the 1st out of the water; and Chris Guydis reached the finish line 1st, but he had made a wrong turn, so though they finished 1st in 2:22:23; they did not finish together and were penalized. They took home $150 2nd prize and silver medals.

Barrow will go down, along with Pablo Marin
So now, Dean Barrow has jumped on Pablo’s stupidity bandwagon and has endorsed the conspiracy theory of somebody wanting to sabotage the Ministry of Health by placing a rat in an incubator with a baby inside it. So, not only is there need for Pablo to apologize to the grieving mothers, there also isn’t any need for him to accept any responsibility in the fact that the Western Regional Hospital is rat infested. Remember the rats in the pantry of the Western Regional Hospital? Were those also placed there to sabotage the ex-minister of health? Another fact is that an incubator is not hermetically sealed and a rat can gain access inside!

Crooked Castro and the Crumbling Causeway
The Crooked Tree causeway is not safe. Like many of Castro’s road rehabilitation projects little or no engineering input goes into the works. The haphazard rehabilitation of this causeway now appears to have been a big camouflage job done to give Hon. Castro campaign funds and an advantage over Dwight Tillett in the UDP Standard Bearer Convention. A few weeks ago, a vehicle flipped and the driver and her two children almost met their death in the Crooked Tree Lagoon. Motorists are advised to drive with extreme caution when traversing across the lagoon because any number can play. Every now and then, a mass of land fill gives way to the large body of water and under current, which battered the edges. I truly hope this does not happen at a time when a passenger bus is passing.

UDP INSULTS
The list of Belizeans who have been insulted, victimized or disrespected by the UDP is a long one but if we were to rank who has been disrespected the most by Dean Barrow’s UDP, for sure the people of the Toledo District would be near number 1 if not at that spot. As we look back at what the UDP did to us Belizeans, the list is long. It includes insulting black Belizeans, who in a very racist way were being threatened and openly discriminated against when Manuel Heredia went on the media to confirm that creole people from the mainland would have to stamp in to the island. Then Hispanic Belizeans had their children wake up to the sound of Police boots stomping down their doors and UDP bulldozers in the Chetumal Street area, then controlled by Mark King. The UDP called these families aliens and they were told to go back to their country when they were Belizean. Mark King didn’t end there. He called Belizeans second class citizens when he said the UDP’s policy is to deal with UDPs first, and then maybe Belizeans second. What a loser.

Tyaad a Barrow
Dear Editor, We will vote for PUP because we tiad a get chancey by the dictator Dean Barrow and his minions. He chancey everybody, the Unions, BGYEA group and other social groups, BTV and other volunteers, Caneros, the poor street vendors, the teachers, UB students, BEL and BTL workers, Social Security Workers, the Mayans down south and everyone else. He has promised to get rid of union leaders that question his authority like Mora and Matura if he wins the next general elections. We tired a be bullied by this man and his group of corrupted people. Plus we say no to ICJ, we say no to Guatemala, we need the PUP back to help the poor. Dean Barrow only help his family and cronies with millions of dollars and sell out to Ashcroft and we have to pay all this money back.

PUP Cayo West Standard Bearer demands answers from Elections and Boundaries
Chief Elections Officer Elections and Boundaries Department Dear Madam, I write to you as a candidate in the upcoming November 4, 2015 General Elections. In preparations for said elections, there are several concerns that have prompted the need to write this letter. This first has to do with the lodging of complaints against voters who we know are not residents of Cayo West constituency and in fact are not even Belizeans. In keeping with the provisions of the Act, we had filed out complaint and when we had followed up with the Benque Viejo Office of the Elections and Boundary office we were told by the officer there that it would be held Wednesday, September 30 at the Benque Viejo Magistrate Court. In preparation for the said complaints we had a representative, an attorney and two witnesses from Arenal (where the electors are supposedly registered) to testify that the 10 electors in fact were not Belizeans, lived permanently across the border in Guatemala and have never lived or voted in Arenal.

A vote for UDP is a vote to deliver Belize to Guatemala!
Dear Editor, Guatemala’s unfounded claim over Belize is taking a very dangerous, serious and grave route for Belizeans. All of us are extremely at high risk in losing our land, that is why on 4th November General Elections is not only about ending corruption and bad administration but also about UDP Government handing over Belize to Guatemala IF they win elections. Guatemala is extremely racist, they want our land but they don’t want our people, namely the Creoles, Garifuna, Kekchi or other Mayas. Guatemala has massacred thousands upon thousands of their own indigenous people and will want now to include Creole, Garifuna, and Mayas, our own brothers and sisters if they get Belize. Circa 1970 I myself read a Guatemalan newspaper that said when they take over Belize they will grind all black people from Belize to make tar to pave their streets. This is most gruesome, offensive, despicable and abominable even to mention and for me to remember.

UDP campaigns with Petro!
The UDP continues to spend the dwindling Petro Caribe loan monies for his political propaganda. In Cayo before the "buy” elections, Dean Barrow addressed a gathering and told them that he has "millions upon millions” of dollars and he will spend these millions in Cayo, so he can win the "buy” election which was held in early January 2015. Yes millions of dollars were spent. Guess what?! It was Petrocaribe dollars – a loan that we the Belizean people will have to pay back. In the Freetown Division, the UDP is spending Petrocaribe dollars for political purposes. Again, this is a loan that we the Belizean people will have to pay back! With what authority is the UDP spending petrocaribe monies? In Belize Rural Central, the UDP is also spending Petrocaribe to buy out support for the elections. They have no vision, no history of community work, no track record. Only Petro dollars.

Breaking Belize News

OAS to Observe General Election in Belize
Ahead of the November 4th General Elections in Belize, which –depending on who you talk to- can swing either way, the Organization of American States sent out a press release today indicating that they will send an Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the general elections. According to the release, the agreement was […]

UDP’s Peter Martinez draws support in PG
A long motorcade of vehicles, buses and United Democratic Party (UDP) supporters on foot, circled through the streets of Punta Gorda (PG) this afternoon, then blocked off an entire street as they watched standard bearer Peter Eden Martinez walk into the court room to complete the nomination process. The crowd […]

PUP gets support in PG on nomination day
A thick crowd gathered at the Punta Gorda (PG) court building this morning after an extensive motorcade through the town, all wearing blue shirts in support of the People’s United Party (PUP) candidate, Mike Espat, who was officially nominated to contest in the November 4th general elections at approximately 11:20 a.m. today. Roughly […]

Shooting reported in Belize City
Around 10:27 this morning at the corner of Partridge and Vernon Streets in Belize City a 21 year old was riding his bicycle on Partridge heading toward Mahogany Streets. Upon reaching the corner of Partridge and Vernon Streets, another person on bicycle opened fire with at least four […]

BPP names new candidate in Belize Rural North
On this last day to secure nomination, former union leader Sean Nicholas has joined the ranks of the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) to run as a candidate in Belize Rural North. Nicholas led the Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU). Hailing from Bermudian Landing, he says he has seen […]

PUP nominate candidates in Belize City
Belize City, like most of the nation, awoke today to light to moderate showers. But there was no stopping the nomination day jam for the political parties seeking nomination and a chance to flex political muscle. The People’s United Party (PUP) were first up and their supporters were […]

Non-Government and Community Based Organizations in Toledo Empowered with Skills & Knowledge for Sustainable National Development
The Belize Social Investment Fund earlier today issued a press release. Here is that press release in it’s entirely: BELMOPAN: October 16, 2015: Close to 50 personnel of Non-Government and Community Based Organizations in the Toledo District have been trained to continue the mandate of their respective agencies in pursuit […]

Police mobile involved in a traffic mishap
Officers from the Corozal Police Department got the fright of their lives this morning when they collided into a blue pickup truck in the village of Ranchito. These pictures were sent to us by eyewitnesses in the area. BMG was informed that no one was seriously injured.

Today is Nomination Day
Today is nomination day for the November 4th, General Election in Belize. With only 19 more days to Election Day, members of the two major political parties and the newly formed third party will march to the different selected government offices with their candidates that will contest the upcoming general […]

School canceled for St. John’s Memorial Anglican
Belize Media Group has received information that classes at St. John’s Memorial Anglican Primary School in Placencia has been suspended today due to yard flooding caused by the torrential rain all night.

Rainy weekend forecasted
The National Meteorological service of Belize calls for moist and unstable conditions to prevail over most areas. The 24-hour forecast is for cloudy to overcast skies with some showers, thunderstorms and periods of light rain manly along coastal areas. Winds, today, blow north to northeast at 10 to 20 knots with […]

Blogs

The 15th Belize General Election – some statistics
Silly Season: A period of time, as during a holiday season or a political campaign, in which the behavior of an individual or group tends to become uncharacteristically frivolous, mirthful, or eccentric. Eighty-seven candidates are expected to be nominated today to vie for Belize’s 31-seat House of Representatives in a snap election scheduled for Wednesday, November 4th. The nomination parades are usually the first real "eye-test” of the relative strength of the support for the two major parties, one of whom is expected to win the majority of seats and form the next government. Today’s event is complicated by inclement weather as a tropical system has produced persistent rain and overcast skies country-wide dampening turnout for participants and spectators nationwide. With the horses in the gates, so to speak, the race is declared. The PUP has been first out the gate with a series of position papers on education, health, women and governance improvement proposals as well as a 12-point social contract. The UDP are expected to launch a 48-page manifesto within days. Both major parties have already gone to the trenches with a ton of negative television commercials. Most observers are anticipating a virtual blitzkrieg from the incumbents in the days following their manifesto launch.

Camarones
Preparación: Pelar los camarones dejándoles la colita. Se abren por el lomo y se desvenan. Se salpimientan al gusto. Se cuece el jitomate y se licua con el ajo, orégano y consomé. Freír los camarones en la mantequilla y agregar lo licuado. Asar el chile, cortarlo en tiras y se incorpora al guiso con el queso chihuahua hasta que gratine.

Houston, You Have An Option! Daily SOUTHWEST Airlines Flights Begin From Hobby Airport to Belize!
The hashtags at Houston’s Hobby Airport were flying yesterday just like the airport’s first international flights. At 7am, the 1st flight from Houston-Hobby (a Southwest 737) took off to Cancun (under an amazing water arch)… …and then an hour or so later, to Cabo San Lucas…and they continued. Puerto Vallarta, Liberia Costa Rica, Belize City… Oh…and I was there! Southwest Airlines and the city of Houston have been working for years to open up the city’s smaller airport (as compared to Bush International Airport) to International flights. And yesterday was the day. AND WHAT A DAY IT WAS. Here’s the low down. From check-in to touch-down, Southwest Airlines was absolutely fantastic – the employees more excited than the customers in many cases. Their enthusiasm was contagious (and trust me, I was already excited.) Greeted at the check-in desk with coffee, donuts and smiles.

International Sources

Exclusive: Lost City Discovered in the Honduran Rain Forest
The ruins were first identified in May 2012, during an aerial survey of a remote valley in La Mosquitia, a vast region of swamps, rivers, and mountains containing some of the last scientifically unexplored places on earth. For a hundred years, explorers and prospectors told tales of the white ramparts of a lost city glimpsed above the jungle foliage. Indigenous stories speak of a "white house” or a "place of cacao” where Indians took refuge from Spanish conquistadores—a mystical, Eden-like paradise from which no one ever returned. Since the 1920s, several expeditions had searched for the White City, or Ciudad Blanca. The eccentric explorer Theodore Morde mounted the most famous of these in 1940, under the aegis of the Museum of the American Indian (now part of the Smithsonian Institution). Morde returned from Mosquitia with thousands of artifacts, claiming to have entered the City. According to Morde, the indigenous people there said it contained a giant, buried statue of a monkey god. He refused to divulge the location out of fear, he said, that the site would be looted. He later committed suicide and his site—if it existed at all—was never identified.

Villagers in Guatemala burn their mayor to death after political rivalry escalates
A mob has killed a village mayor in western Guatemala in apparent reprisal for an attack on a political rival that resulted in the death of two teenage girls. A prosecutors’ office spokeswoman, Julia Barrera, confirmed the death of 43-year-old Bacilio Juracan of Concepción, about 180km west of Guatemala City and near the popular tourist destination of Lake Atitlan. Villagers blamed Juracan for an attack on Sunday on a former mayoral candidate, Lorenzo Sequen, who was riding in a pickup with relatives when about 10 armed and masked men opened fire. His daughter and niece, both 17, were shot dead and at least five others, including Sequen, were wounded. Hours later hundreds of people surrounded city hall and a home where Juracan had sought refuge, then burned him to death. They also burned vehicles and at least six buildings including a restaurant and an internet cafe.

Guatemala's Customs Scandal Reaches Private Sector
A Guatemala judge has barred 50 businesspeople from leaving the country, marking a new phase in the investigations into an enormous customs fraud ring that have already led to the incarceration of a former president and vice president. The judge ordered the ban following a request by prosecutors that the suspects not be permitted to leave the country, reported Prensa Libre. Last week, Guatemala's Attorney General Thelma Aldana said more than 1,500 businesspeople participated in the customs fraud ring, commonly known as "La Linea," which involved importers paying artificially lowered taxes in exchange for bribes. The recent comments by Attorney General Aldana indicate the investigations into the private sector will likely be far-reaching, and could ensnare importers from a variety of nations. The decision by Guatemalan authorities to ban importers from leaving the country represents a new chapter in the investigations into La Linea. Until now, prosecutors have only taken significant legal action against those who operated the fraud ring, which included both government officials and non-state actors. Authorities are now targeting the importers complicit in the criminal network, who make up the third set of suspects involved in La Linea.

Campaigning kicks off for Belize snap election in November
Official campaigning began on Friday for Belize's general election, with Prime Minister Dean Barrow going to the polls ahead of schedule amid signs the opposition is regrouping and Venezuela's oil largesse could start to wane. Across the country, potential candidates gathered to register their candidacy for the Nov. 4 election, when voters will pick representatives for Belize's 31-seat parliament. A small English-speaking country on the Caribbean coast of Central America, Belize was not due to vote until February 2017. But Barrow, of the United Democratic Party (UDP), opted to call snap elections on Sept. 28 in search of a record third term. Worries about the future of Venezuela's Petrocaribe programme, which provides Caribbean and Latin American country members with cheap oil, often in exchange for other goods, may have forced Barrow's hand, said political analyst Glenn Tillett.

OAS to observe general election in Belize on November 4
The Organization of American States (OAS) will send an election observation mission (EOM) for the general elections that will take place in Belize on November 4, according to the agreement signed on Friday by the OAS and the government of Belize. In this election, voters will elect 31 members of the House of Representatives. The new Parliament will have the responsibility to appoint the future prime minister. OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro noted that the EOM in Belize will be the 12th carried out by the OAS in 2015, and he underscored the work of missions as guarantors of democracy in the Caribbean country and in the Americas.

Fyffes provides assistence to Belize banana farm
John Zabaneh, a spokesperson for Mayan King Banana Farm, said that the company is still losing a lot of money due to truckloads of bananas that they cannot sell because they are stunted by drought and haven’t grown to the size that the international banana distributors require. So Maya King has been forced to dump huge volumes of bananas in the different communities near to their farm. They have been taking dumping the trucks in public areas, such as a basketball court or a football field, and unloading as much as 14 tonnes of bananas per truck. The residents are allowed to take home as much they want to their families. According to Zabaneh, the entire load, all 14 tonnes of it, usually disappears within 10 to 15 minutes. However, the company was recently provided temporary relief. Zabaneh said that Fyffes, one of the biggest fruit distributors in the world, has offered to provide a bit of assistance to Maya King so that they can afford to keep the staff of 1,200 employees. That financial assistance has allowed Mayan King, temporarily, to deal with expenses and to meet payroll.

A Belize lodge blends agritourism with Caribbean delights
With no nearby relatives, my wife, Deidre, and I don’t get many opportunities for romantic getaways sans daughters. So when my mother-in-law volunteered to babysit for a long weekend in May so we could celebrate our anniversary, we jumped at the chance. Deidre wanted someplace warm. I wanted to do a little fly-fishing. She didn’t want to be stuck sitting on the beach all day while I fished. After a consultation with Jim Klug at Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures (a travel agency that books many anglers into Belize), we arrived at what seemed like a perfect compromise — Belcampo Belize Lodge. It turns out it was no compromise at all. Belcampo sits on a hilltop five miles inland from the fishing village of Punta Gorda in southern Belize, not far from the Guatemalan border. The resort — which includes a main lodge and 16 suites set along the hillside — is in the midst of a vast rainforest, home to a host of animals, including howler monkeys, tapirs, jaguars and more than 250 bird species, such as the keel-billed toucan, slaty-tailed trogon and brown-hooded parrot. (Some 12,000 acres of intact jungle surround the resort, put in protection by Belcampo’s owners as a nature reserve.) Several hundred acres of jungle below the lodge have been cleared to make way for Belcampo’s organic farm, where 50 varieties of fruit and vegetables are grown, and pigs, chickens and lambs are raised. More than 80 percent of the food that’s served at Belcampo is harvested from the farm, and it’s served fresh; as Chef Renee Everett put it, "99.9 percent of the veggies we serve were in the ground this morning.” Belcampo is also planting over 7,000 cacao plants on the hillsides surrounding the farm, and it will soon be harvesting sugar cane, which will soon provide raw material for a rum distillery that’s being built on the property.

Videos

October 16, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, 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

Sliding down El Diablo – It’s WAY too much fun!
After much speculation, a little bit of extra gossip and finally, the sight of the finished product, Caribbean Villas unveiled their latest addition to the public: El Diablo (The Devil). We can’t say owner Pedro is subtle… On Sunday, October 11th, the crowd was out in full force to check out this devilish contraption. Every so often, a big splash would be met with cheers and whistles, and eventually, I snapped up some courage. My turn to get on that big slide. Built by Captain Shark’s, the 50-foot water slide sits imposingly at the end of the dock where eager observers waited to see the brave souls land with a ‘graceful’ splash.

Volleyball tournament officially begins
The 4 x 4 Volleyball Tournament officially started on Friday, October 9th at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex. The sporting event is being organized by The San Pedro Sports Committee and sponsored by The San Pedro Town Council and the Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr. Over ten teams signed up for the tournament which will include trophy and cash prizes at the end of the season. On Sunday there were two games. 4 Play On Da Sand smoked Team Cast Away in two sets. They were followed by the match between Divers and the high flying Blazers. This match showed great skills from both teams, with the final set played to 19, when finally, the Blazers claimed victory. The next set of games will be played this weekend starting on Friday, October 16th: Island Boys vs Bombas, followed by Unique Girls vs Cast Away Caye and closing the night will be Matatanes vs Divers. The action will continue on Saturday, October 17th with the following matches Divers vs Island Boys, Survivors vs 4 Play On Da Sand, and Blazers vs Captain Shark. Games start at 7:30PM sharp.

Healthy living promoted at San Pedro Wellness Fair
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDAAC) and SMART, hosted a one-day wellness fair on Saturday, October 10th. Hosted at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II from 9AM to 3PM, the fair provided vital information and testing to promote healthy living among island residents. Throughout the day, community members visited the polyclinic to take advantage of the several free services being offered. Those in attendance also received valuable information from community health groups. Some of the services being offered included HIV Testing (pre and post tests), HIV counseling, glucose checks, blood pressure testing, pap smear exams, breast exams and drug use counseling.

Southwest Airlines celebrates inaugural flight between Belize and Houston
Right on scheduled time, the sound of Flight #827’s arrival signaled the start of the real excitement, and everyone moved out side to witness the blue craft come down the runway. The plane glided in under the traditional shower of water, and despite earlier rains, the warm Belizean sun peeked and spread its rays on the aircraft in welcome. From the cabin windows, the captains waved both the Belize and US flag, and below, the gathered crowd cheered. Greeting the passengers and Southwest family were Ambassador Moreno, Minister Heredia and Belize Tourism Board’s Karen Bevans, other stakeholders in the tourism and aviation industry, as well as the media. On board the inaugural flight were three Belizean crew members: Flight attendant Dion Spain, Captain Lindley Reyes, and Jason Martinez. The San Pedro Sun has the opportunity to experience Southwest, and took the return flight #1013 to Houston. Associate Editor Mary Gonzalez will be experiencing the gateway city, and is eager to promote Belize as a fantastic, fun destination just two hours away!

Referendum approval key to ICJ resolution of the Guatemalan claim – says PM Barrow
Settling the territorial dispute between Guatemala and Belize by submitting it to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), would first require Belizeans’ approval by a national referendum, affirmed Prime Minister Dean Barrow last Thursday, October 8th. Barrow clarified this issue as he sought to deflect attacks, which he qualified as "unfair” against Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred "Sedi” Elrington regarding Elrington’s 19-minute address to the United Nations on September 25th. His critics complained that Elrington had not devoted enough time in his speech to the Guatemalan claim, particularly in the light of recent Guatemalan aggression against Belizeans in the Sarstoon area, and that Elrington’s speech dwelt too long on climate change.

Belize Tourism Destinations win Travel Oscar Awards at WTA
On Sunday, October 11th, Belize was put high in the world of travelling at the 2015 World Travel Awards (WTA). The glamorous event took place in Bogota, Colombia and saw Belize taking the awards in two strong categories. This included Ambergris Caye taking the award for Leading Destination 2015 in the Mexico and Central America category, while Placencia walked away with the award for Leading Beach Destination 2015 in the same category.

Ambergris Today

First See n Taste Belize Festival in Miami a Success
Prominent Belizean chefs from around the country convened in Miami, Florida, USA, to participate in the first annual See N Taste Belize Festival that was organized by the Consulate of Belize in Florida as a fundraiser, held on October 10, 2015. Chefs from Sean Kuylen and Carolee Chanona from Belize City, Jennie Staines and Sherlette Belisle from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Rob Pronk from Hopkins, Stann Creek and even Yolanda Castillo from Chicago’s Garifuna Flava Restaurant took Belizean cuisine to South Florida to new heights, as they impressed the participants with their food and presentations. The Consulate of Belize indicated that hundreds of guests (Belizeans and non-Belizeans) joined in support of the event, enjoyed and celebrated everything that is wonderful, beautiful, positive and delicious about Belize.

Misc Belizean Sources

16 motorcycles handed over
This morning, the Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar handed over 16 motorcycles to the Commissioner of Police Mr. Allen Whylie who subsequently handed them over to Senior Supt. Chester Williams Officer commanding Eastern Division South. The motorcycles will be used to enhance the operational capability of the Police Department in Belize City in the Department’s continued effort to lower the crime rate in the City.

San Pedro Town Council offices closed today
The San Pedro Town Council offices will be closed today, Friday, October 16, 2015 for nomination day for the upcoming elections. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience that this may cause. Please Share with your friends.

The Halloween Party to Look Out For, Caye Caulker
Oct. 31, Biondi Lime

The not-so-pretty truth... dumping spot on Ambergris Caye
What will visitors think when they go exploring our cute island and find this on their adventures? What would the animals say? I am sure if they could talk they would say "Stop polluting our home and making us sick." When I came across this not so new dumping ground it made me feel sick to my stomach - not cool.

Boo at the Zoo 2015
BOO AT THE ZOO!: Join us for another spook-tacular "Boo at the Zoo” event on Saturday October 31st from 1:00pm to 5:30pm The entire family can come out and enjoy special animal encounters, treats, sweets and more! Keep an eye out for updates on ticket outlets in Belize City, Belmopan, and San Ignacio. Call the Belize Zoo at 822-8000 or email frontdesk@belizezoo.org for more information.

BTB Tourism Awards at SHJC
Congratulations to all the SHJC students that received certificates from the Belize Tourism Board! "Sacred Heart Junor College tourism students were given their BTB certified tour guide and customer service certificates. Congratulations to all the great students."

FCD's research team finalizes an economic and ecological valuation assessment of xate stocks in the Chiquibul Forest
From 2012 to 2015, a decrease change of 50.5% was recorded in the density of illegally harvested xaté leaves in the Chiquibul Forest. For a copy of this paper do write us.

Breadnut trees planted in La Polvora
This week 600 breadnut trees were planted in the village of La Polvora, Peten Guatemala as part of the bi-national watershed conservation effort. FCD’s environmental educator in Guatemala led this effort with support from the Municipality of Melchor de Mencos. A 5,000 plant nursery is also underway.

Southwest Inaugural Flight to Belize from its new Houston Hub
It was a day of celebration with Southwest arriving in Belize!

Channel 7

VIP Tries For A Hail Mary: Invokes Constitution to Nullify Election Result
"Shut down the upcoming General Elections, or else..." That's the announcement that the Vision Inspired by the People and their coalition of independent activists publicly announced today. And, to put teeth to that threat, they filed a claim this morning in the Supreme Court to trigger an election petition as soon as the election results are in. In that case, they will seek to nullify the results, which could mean that the time, energy and big money spent by the politicians to get elected might be completely wasted. It's a bold legal move, which to our knowledge, has never been attempted before. But the VIP, say that they've been forced to hold the election ransom in this fashion because for years they've been trying to bring this issue to the attention of the Government, and the Elections and Boundaries Commission. They and the organization which calls itself, the Southern Belize Coalition for Equal Political Representation and Development, say that the way the 31 electoral divisions countrywide are currently set up, the voters are being disenfranchised.

COMPOL Says Take Down The Checkpoints
Police checkpoints - we all have to live with them - and while they may be inconvenient, they've become a way of life…a welcome one for some who see the checkpoints as a necessary evil when living in a crime-ridden society. And that's why there's been an uproar from some corners today when an internal police memorandum was leaked. The memorandum was sent out on Tuesday form the Commissioner of Police and it directs all formation commanders to quote, "stand down on vehicle checkpoints countrywide." The memorandum explains that any commander needing a checkpoint must first consult with the commissioner of police. The deputy leader of the PUP told us via phone today that the opposition is concerned that this is being done so close to the election:.. Hon. Julius Espat, Deputy Leader - PUP "We are very concerned because we are having a lot of movement of people in all constituencies. We understand that at this time, election time, there are people crossing the borders and we would like the police to have more vigilance instead of less vigilance. So it concerns us that at this critical point the police has decided to not have checkpoints and we would like some answers from the commissioner of police as to why this directive was given and what's the reasoning behind it. We want to have answers. We need to have answers. The people of Belize needs to know the rationale behind it."

Man Charged For Ladyville Murder
A man has been charged for the murder of 25-year-old Ervin Franklin - who was stabbed to dath in Lord's Bank on Saturday. Yesterday police charged 19-year-old Kafele Garcia a student of Lords Bank Village, for Murder. He was taken to court this afternoon, where he was remanded into custody. His mother Cynthia Cayetano declined an interview but told us that her son was charged for a crime he did not commit. She poste don her facebook page that police had no evidence and just needed to charge someone. She adds, quote, "When he is exonerated I shall get my redemption."

Police Still Looking For Ruthless Home Invaders in Western Belize
Police have no leads in the terrifying early morning home invasion in western Belize. It happened on Tuesday morning after 7:00 in one of the villages outside Belmopan. As we told you, two armed and masked men emerged from the bushes and tied up the foreign pastor and his helper who were working in the yard. The men then took both of them to the main house where they tied up the pastor's wife and daughter and stole about $8,000 worth of items including cash. The men then took the family to the back house where they stole tools and raped the daughter -who is a minor. When we spoke to police this evening they told us that they detained one man yesterday but that they released him already. Police are still looking for other suspects. His stolen vehicle was recovered.

CCJ's Says A Big No To Bar Association
This morning, the Caribbean Court of Justice held a hearing via teleconference with the Government of Belize, the Ashcroft Alliance and Fortis International. They had convened to discuss the widely publicized settlements that the Barrow Administration had arrived at with the former owners over the nationalizations of BEL and BTL. But, they had to grant an audience to Senior Counsel Magali Marin-Young, who was representing the Bar Association of Belize. As has been widely reported, two weeks ago, the members of the Bar, by majority vote, passed a resolution to apply to the CCJ. They wanted to urge the Court to still give a decision on the legality of the 8th Amendment to the constitution, despite the settlement that has been hammered out. The sitting justices, including President Justice Dennis Byron, granted Marin-Young an audience and she tried to convince them to deny a stay of the Appeal Case. That would have been the first step in getting the Court to deliver a judgment despite the settlement, but, the CCJ decided that they could not entertain this application. Therefore, it was dismissed.

Social Security Workers Reps Meet With PM
Employees of the Social Security Board had been staging sickouts for the past week - but things seemed to have cooled down today. And that may be because the Social Security Board workers met with Prime Minister Barrow yesterday about their uniform allowance. Reports are that no official agreement or compromise was finalized but we are told the meeting was cordial where the workers presented their position and the PM listened. As we have reported, SSB management had proposed an ex-gratia payment to settle this matter and also recommended that the uniform period be extended to 24 months instead of 18 but, the workers rejected that. So that is where things stand tonight. We are told there may be some room for compromise between both sides on this matter.

"Booby" Says Supa G Sold Out Her Video! Supa Says "No Goh Soh"
Supa G - in 2003, he welcomed you to the party for the PUP, and in 2015, he's changed his song, saying the UDP will remain. It's a political remix of his very catchy "Party Insane" tune - which he ahs recorded for the UDP. But, now there's a video for the song - and it is a UDP coloured remix of his Party Insane Video. One of the producers of that video Barbara Norales called us today to distance herself form what she says is a despicable act:.. Barbara Norales, Manager - Party Insane Project "My first thing was dismay. I almost yelled out. But then I know, I understand that as an artist Supa G is entitled to do what he wants and he is entitled to do what he wants with the Party Insane song because it is his song. But when it came to the video, it was a collaboration and I think that a decision to use parts of a video in a political thing, should have been referred. All of us who are involved should have made that. Even if we would have put that as a political video, I think that we should have contacted all the participants to let them and let them decide if they want to be a part of it. I think that our work and the thoughts and the creative mind has been exploited. I am disgusted with the whole thing."

Chester Says Cycles Will Help
Last week Friday the eastern division Southside commander Chester Williams stunned the public when he reported that the entire southside formation is only working with three vehicles, and sometimes that goes down to two! Well, this morning the Police Minister - John Saldivar handed over 16 motorcycles to the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie who sent them straight to the Southside formation. Now these come out of a meeting the top cops had with the minister in August, but according to Williams the motorcycles will be used to beef up patrols in the eight sectors that the southside formation has been divided into: Williams said they hope to eventually have one vehicle in each sector but in the meantime they will double up on motorcycle patrols.

The Southwestern Solution?
Discount carrier Southwest Airline's daily non-stop flight from Belize to Houston was officially launched today at the Phillip Goldson International Airport. The first flight - which was full - landed after 3 this evening and a ceremony was held to commemorate Southwest's arrival in Belize. Today we spoke with Director of Tourism Karen Bevans and she told us how this new flight will benefit regular travelers and boost the tourism industry. James Ashworth, Managing Director, Customer Support & Services - Southwest Airlines "This is historic for south west as well because it is our first time in Belize and it is really good for us because we like to connect people to what's important in their lives. And we believe that there is a lot of Belizeans that would like to get to the states and there are a lot of folks from the states that would like to get to Belize. So it is exciting for us." Courtney Weatherburne "So in terms of Southwest is a discount carrier. Tell us about the services that will be provided."

Alleged Murderer Gets Off On Self Defence
Juan Rubio was accused of killing his 26 year old relation, Karim Peters three years ago, in November of 2012 in Pomona village. But today, after three years on remand, Rubio got free when Justice Denis Hanomansingh ruled that Rubio acted in self defence when he inflicted the fatal stab wound to Karim Peters. In the trial without jury, Rubio was represented by attorney, Dickie Bradley who allowed his client to take the stand in his defence. Rubio told the court that on that fatal day, he was hanging out with his brother when Peters came riding on a bicycle appearing under the influence of alcohol and just barged into their conversation. That's when Rubio's brother told Peters to leave and he did but later returned with a machete still in his bicycle and that's when he barged once again into their conversation and pulled out his machete and attacked Juan Rubio who stabbed him once causing his death.

The Albert Hopefuls
Last night, we gave you a teaser of our campaign trail coverage in the Albert Division. The PUP and UDP candidates are first-time candidates, but Paul Thompson and Tracy Taegar were both part of the machinery which saw Mark Espat win three terms in the division by record margins. Now, they are hoping to parlay that success into their own political careers. We went with them on the campaign trail to see how it's going: Tomorrow, all candidates nationally, will go form the campaign trail to the streets for nomination day - and we'll have coverage of that in tomorrow's newscast.

Shutdown School In Boston Village
The Tree House Academy - it is a school opened 6 years ago in tiny Boston Village on the old Northern Highway. But the Ministry of Education said that Mennonite James Duncan opened the school without a license - which is contrary to the Education And Training Act. The Ministry warned him that he needed a license, and when he didn't get one, they sent him an order to close the school down. That's when he applied for a license - which was denied by the National Council For Education. He was again told to close down, but continued to operate. In January of this year, he sought judicial review of the decision by the NCE, but that was denied. Still, he kept the school open and that's when the Ministry of Education instituted its own claim against Duncan. His attorney Richard Bradley Jr tried to have the claim struck out but Justice Shona Griffith denied that and the trial proceed.

Mexicans Merge Musica Del Mundo
The Mexican band Los Pachamama are in Belize. The group of 5 have been together for 26 years and have performed in Europe, Canada and Spain and now, they are here to perform what they call world music. Their songs are a fusion of Jazz, African music and Latin Music - all interlaced with Mexican Folklore music. We spoke with the band this morning and they told us about this very unique musical fusion. Los Pachamama will perform tonight at 7 at the Bliss.

Shell Says
This evening Shell launched its unleaded gasoline and diesel to Belize. Belize is one of the first countries in the region to get the new product. Now last we checked all our oil products come from Venezuela, but according to Shell, this new gasoline will last longer and consumers will get more from the product. Here's how it works.

Channel 5

All Police Checkpoints Lifted, Chamber Raises Serious Concerns
If you’re in the type of business which requires moving items or persons from point A to point B without interference from those pesky police at checkpoints…then have we got [...]

Is Lifting of Checkpoints a Political Ploy?
The curious memo has given rise to all kinds of speculation which will certainly be fuelled by the Prime Minister’s confirmation that those checkpoints will be back up after elections. [...]

VIP Files Pre-election Constitutional Challenge
The Vision Inspired by the People has filed a legal challenge against the government on the holding of the upcoming general elections. While the V.I.P. did not formally join the [...]

CCJ Dismisses Bar Association’s Application
With great dispatch, the Caribbean Court of Justice this morning threw out the application of the Bar Association to release the stay on the joint appeals before that Court in [...]

Ashcroft Attorney Weighs in on CCJ’s Discharge
Courtenay says that, as an attorney and as a Belizean, he too would have wanted to hear the decision, but the CCJ was not the proper forum and this was [...]

Bar Association Says CCJ Decision was Necessary
Despite criticism that the motion brought before the Caribbean Court of Justice was essentially an academic exercise, Senior Counsel Andrew Marshalleck says that a decision on the validity of the [...]

Chamber of Commerce Meets with P.M. to Discuss Reforms
The Chamber of Commerce has been making the media and political rounds to promote its business agenda – its own platforms similar to those circulated every election cycle. It’s all [...]

…Submits Political Scorecards to Respective Parties
As an addendum to its business agenda, the Chamber is also submitting a scorecard to the political parties – a list of things that need to be done with a [...]

Southwest’s Inaugural Flight to Belize Touches Down at P.G.I.A.
Today, Southwest Airlines inaugurated its flight from Houston to Belize. But the celebration for this based airline carrier started from earlier today at the William P. Hobby Airport in Houston [...]

…a Great Product Introduced to a Great Market
Just before three p.m. today, the blue and red iron bird of Southwest Airlines touched down at the Phillip Goldson International Airport. On board were Belizeans employed by the company [...]

Director of Tourism Says Arrivals Are Up In September
But there was more good news for the tourism industry. While the most recent statistics on tourist arrivals to the Jewel have not been released officially as yet, today the [...]

On the Campaign Trail with Oscar Requeña in Toledo West
Incumbent P.U.P. area representative, Oscar Requeña, has embarked on a massive campaign in the Toledo West constituency to retain his seat in the House of Representatives.  Requeña is being challenged [...]

Kafele Garcia Arraigned for Weekend Murder of Lord’s Bank Resident
Today, a teenager was arraigned for the weekend murder of Ervin Franklin, who lost his life in a weekend stabbing in the Lord’s Bank area on the Phillip Goldson Highway.  [...]

Juan Rubio Freed of Murder Charge in Pomona Stabbing
Also in the courts, a man who was accused of killing a resident of Pomona, Stann Creek District, was freed of a murder charge when Justice Denis Hanomansingh ruled that [...]

Conference in Belize for Regional Public Service Association
A two-day regional meeting of the Caribbean Executive Council for the Public Service Association is being held today at the Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. The heads of some seventeen [...]

…PSU President Says Exposure to Regional Issues Highlights Similarities
The local affiliate of CPSA is the Public Service Union of Belize. Its newly installed President, Eldrid Neal, told News Five that the meeting exposes union executives to issues and [...]

Friends of Pediatrics to Host Clinics at K.H.M.H.
This Sunday at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City, Friends of Pediatrics Belize’s World Pediatric Project in collaboration with the national referral hospital will be hosting pediatric clinics. [...]

Healthy Living Looks at the Symptoms of Appendicitis
If you have abdominal pain that lasts more than twenty-four hours; it must not be ignored because it could be turn out to be life-threatening. Appendicitis is a condition that [...]

CTV3

Belize City Police Received More Equipment To Combat Crime
Interventions by Belize City police have resulted in a lowered crime rate and in continuing to keep that rate to a minimum, today the Minister of National Security John Saldivar made a significant donation to the department to assist in their mobilizations. Over 16 motorcycles were handed to the Commissioner of Police Mr. Allen Whylie who subsequently handed them over to Senior Supt Chester Williams Officer commanding Eastern Division South. The motorcycles will be used to enhance the operational capability of the Police Department in Belize City.

Registered Voter Alledges Her Name Is Not On The List
Every time Elections rolls around, there are tons of questions and concerns thrown out in the public domain as it relates to the election processes and especially the voters list. While we’ve heard of stories from tampering with the voters list to late registrations being approved, tonight we have a story from a resident in Orange Walk Central, who claims that she had registered to vote since before the Municipal Elections but has been denied her right. While the caller wished to remain anonymous, she believes elections and boundaries is giving her the run around simply for political mischief… Rejected voter: "I had already registered from last year before the municipal elections and I went to register and everything went good and they told me to go back for my card so I went back and they didn’t gave me it so when it was time for election my name didn’t appear so I couldn’t vote so a couple days now my mom said that Mr. Nick called her and he told her that I want to know why your daughter didn’t vote so she told me to go and check and I went to check and my name doesn’t appear on the list so I don’t know what went wrong and I have my receipt and so I don’t know what is going on.”

PUP O/W Standard Bearer Discusses Third Party And Its Candidate
Last night the Belize Progressive Party released the names of seven candidates who had joined the party for the upcoming General Election on November 4th. Among those candidates is former UDP Mayor for Orange Walk Town Philip De La Fuente who has stated that he decided to run under the BPP in Orange Walk Central since the UDP quote, unquote "does not want him”. Another well know UDP running under the BPP slate here in Orange Walk is Doctor Javier Reyes who has his eyes set in the East constituency. This means that there are three candidates running in the area now. Today we asked PUP Standard Bearer for the East Josue Carballo for his input on the new party and their candidate and here is what he told us.

PUP Standard Seeks Reform For Lands Department
Last night we showed documents which revealed that three parcels of prime land located in the Orange Walk East constituency were awarded to friends of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources Gaspar Vega. As mentioned last night, due to their prime location, which is just a few feet away from the Philip Goldson Highway and surrounded by a number of large businesses, the parcels are considered to have high market value. But despite this fact Derrick Gillett only paid $800.00 for parcel 4303, Roman Alvarez $1,000 for parcel 4135 an Emir Cruz $800.00 for parcel 4304. The parcels were awarded to the men between 2008 and 2009 and were paid for in October and December of 2009.

COMPOL Cancels All checkpoint Country Wide
A release from the Commissioner of Police to all regional commanders to stand down from conducting vehicular check points countrywide until further notice is causing quite a stir among Belizeans. The MEMO, which was dated October 13th, informs all commanding officers that if the "need arises to conduct a checkpoint, that they must consult with the Commissioner for approval,” end quote. And since we are only weeks away from the General Elections, the memo is drawing concern from the Opposition and other entities. Today, Julius Espat spoke on the matter via telephone.

LOVE FM

Third Party Calls Upcoming General Election ‘Unconstitutional’
The Vision Inspired by the People is a non-entity in the upcoming general elections as they have not put forward any candidates for the thirty one constituencies. But that does not leave them out the limelight in this election season as just this afternoon they summoned the media to the Belize Institute of Management in […]

Appeals Court Dismisses Bar Association’s Request on GOB Acquisitions
The Belize Bar Association had filed an application for consent orders to the Supreme Court of Belize and the Caribbean Court of Justice in Trinidad and Tobago to look into the legality of the acquisitions of BEL and Fortis by the Government of Belize. Today was the final hearing, which was to have some orders […]

Espat: "PM Refuses Anything that Has to Do With Accountability”
The Public Accounts Committee is a body tasked to keep an eye on Government’s spending and investments and ensuring that the checks and balances are in place. But as far back as 2013, there have been problems in having a functional Public Accounts Committee as the current Chairman, Julius Espat has been lobbying for the […]

Espat Tackles Basic Health in Cayo South
Earlier in our newscast we told you of Julius Espat and his efforts in providing for his constituents in Cayo South. One of the projects that Espat has been doing in his area is offering basic health care services. It is an initiative that had gone unnoticed by the media but one that he says […]

Tourist Arrivals Look Promising Following Slight Decrease
A couple months ago we had reported a one percent decline in tourist arrivals to Belize for the first half of this year due to a devaluation of currency in the Canadian market. However, nearing the end of the year, Director of the Belize Tourism Board Karen Bevans says that the market is back up […]

PUP Area Rep Says He Is Assisted by GOB
When it comes to taking care of electoral divisions, there is normally the complaint by the Area Representatives, who belong to the opposition, that there is no funding to run projects in their area as the ruling administration in Belmopan would hold back monies from the areas not being represented by their own. In Cayo […]

Private Sector Supports Julius Espat in Cayo South
Espat, however, does not rely solely on the assistance from the Government of Belize for this Cayo South division as he told Love News that as a businessman he has been planning and working his plan to help the residents of his area and it is through hard work that he has gotten cooperation from […]

Police Gets Additional Firearms from GOB
The Eastern Division of the Belize Police Department also received 30 new 9 mm pistols. They were a donation by the Government of Belize and Senior Superintendent of Police, Chester Williams, explained how the firearms will be put to good use.

Motorcycles for Eastern Division South
This morning Minister of National Security, John Saldivar handed over 16 motorcycles to the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie. Commissioner Whyle then handed over the motorcycle to Senior Superintendent of Police commanding Eastern Division South, Chester Williams. As we reported last week, Williams shared the difficulties he and his officers have been having in patrolling […]

The Guardian

Another PUP contract with empty promises
The People's United Party held yet another pointless press conference on Wednesday October 14, this time it was to launch what they call 'A Social Contract with the People.' For those who are old enough and follow politics, their minds quickly rushed back to the PUP of 1998 who gave Belizeans the exact document with the very same name and bearing the same outlandish promises as the most recent one (see page 4). The remake of the Social Contract is very much like the one of '98. It makes promises that the PUP don't intend to keep very much like what they did in '98. They make pie in the sky promises hoping that the Belizean people are foolish enough to fall for it a second time. What the PUP needs to understand is that 'this yah time dah no like ah before time.' The voters of today are not as gullible as to believe that the income tax threshold will be raised up to $50,000 dollars. We are not as senseless as to believe that they will be able to offer free education up to 6th form. We know that they will not be appointing a 13th senator. We just know that these are just promises that the PUP are known to make and never ever intend to keep.

Unity in Corozal South West
The United Democratic Party in Corozal South West is as strong as it will ever be following a rally which was held in San Victor on Monday October 12. The rally was the culmination of a motorcade which began in Libertad Village and made its way through the villages of the constituency. Of great significance is that the rally was one of unity where previously disconnected groups within the UDP came together to show support for the UDP Standard Bearer, Dr. Angel Campos. Present at the rally were former two time Area Representative, Gabriel Martinez; Andrei Marin who had ran in a convention against Martinez; Roberto Campos, who in 2012 had ran as part of a Green party and had caused Martinez to lose the elections. They all came together to place their support for Dr. Campos to guarantee a victory for the UDP in South West in the elections of November 4.

Francis Fonseca denies Ralph Fonseca is PUP campaign manager
Everybody is deathly afraid of the fact that Ralph Fonseca is back in control of the PUP and Francis Fonseca is very well aware of this. That is why he dodged the question when reporters asked him point-blank if Ralph was the national campaign manager of the PUP. He knows that admitting to this fact would confirm to Belizeans that Ralph is fully in control of the PUP and at this juncture he is not willing to do that. The truth however is that Ralph IS in control and IS in fact the one who is running around the country securing finances to run their campaign. But if Ralph is in control it would mean that he would want something in return. It would mean that if ever the PUP were to be re-elected he would be back as the purse holder and that does not bode well for Belize's finances. He was the chief architect of growth economics which gave us the myriad economic problems of the past which even up to now we are trying to get ourselves out of.

Sodomy of a man in Marion Jones Stadium
The infamous Basil Willis, 47, also known as E.T., is in trouble with the law again after a 23-year-old man reported to police that he was led to the Marion Jones Stadium by Willis on Saturday, October 10, and sodomized. According to reports, Willis got engaged in a conversation with the 23-year-old who was inquiring about the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. Willis offered to take him to the stadium to check out the place. While at the stadium, the young man alleges that Willis sodomized him. A report was made to police and Willis was arrested and charged for committing an unnatural act.

Gender Bias in Keyren Tzib Case?
How many men accused of attempted murder and manslaughter in a three month span would have such strong bail considerations as Keyren Tzib? Last week Belize celebrated Mental Health Week and now the Keyren Tzib case has placed the issue under the national spotlight. Tzib is being accused of killing her common-law-husband, Thytis Blancaneaux, 30, on Saturday, July 18. Blancaneaux, a resident of the Spanish Town area of Lord’s Bank Village, was found dead in his home. Initial investigations revealed that the couple was at their home when they got into a fight. The confrontation escalated and became tragic when Tzib pulled a knife and stabbed him in the shoulder. He fell to the ground, bled out, and died in a pool of his own blood. Police retrieved the knife believed to be the one used by Tzib to inflict the stab wound. Tzib claimed self defense but after consulting the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, police charged her with the crime of manslaughter. That’s because there are reports that Blancaneaux used violence against Tzib previously and also just before she stabbed him in the shoulder. There are also reports which suggest that the relationship of the couple had numerous instances of domestic violence.

Accused Gungulung arsonist to stand trial
Darrel Alvarez, 28, who is being accused of burning down his aunt’s house in August of 2014 is going to face arson charges at the Supreme Court in January. Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith ruled on Wednesday, October 14, that the prosecution has a prima facie case against Alvarez after the conclusion of a Preliminary Inquiry. Police claim that Alvarez confessed to burning down his aunt’s home in the Gungulung area of Belize City on August 1, 2014. Allegations are that earlier in the day of the incident he threatened to burn down a house belonging to his aunt, Sonia Harris. Then soon after Harris left her house, she got the disturbing news that the two storey wooden building was up in flames. By the time she got back, the wooden structure was fully ablaze. Harris reported the threat to police at that point and Alvarez was arrested and charged.

Lincoln Flowers accused of burglary with intent to rape
Lincoln Flowers, 42, is at the Belize Central Prison on remand after he appeared in court to face allegations that he forced himself into a woman’s house with intent to sexually assault her. Flowers, a resident of #9 Cadle Street in Belize City, was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith, on Wednesday, October 14, and read two charges: one count of sexual assault and one count of burglary with intent to rape. Allegations are that on June 20, 2015, the victim, 41, was at home sleeping in bed with her common-law-husband when she was awakened by someone caressing her on her private part. When she opened her eyes she saw that it was Flowers, someone known to the family. They got into a struggle and the noise woke her companion. When the attacker saw that the man of the house woke up he ran away. The victim’s common-law-husband set chase after the attacker and managed to catch up with him. He then restrained the man identified as Lincoln Flowers until police arrived at the house.

Stabbed to death in Ladyville
Ervin Osbert Franklyn, 25, a resident of Lord’s Bank Village in the Belize District, was found stabbed to death on Saturday morning, October 10. Police suspect that he may have been killed because he was in courtship of a suspect’s girlfriend, but residents believe that he was the victim of a robbery gone bad. Sometime after 2 a.m. that morning, police received information that Franklyn had been discovered on Edwin Park Street, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Police responded and quickly rushed him to the KHMH for emergency medical treatment. Some 3 hours, later he succumbed to his injuries, which were too severe.

Kendale Green arrested for resisting arrest
Kendale Green, 23, who was acquitted of the murder of Nigerian taximan, Francis Chkwu, in April is in trouble with the law just six months after he was freed. Green appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Wednesday, October 14, to answer to four charges. He was read one count of assaulting police officer, Shelton Williams; one count of obstruction of justice; one count of resisting the arrest of PC Williams and one count of escape from police custody. Green was unrepresented in court and pleaded not guilty to all charges. There was no objection to bail by the court prosecutor, Inspector Egbert Castillo, but he asked that conditions be set.

Charles Herrera to stand trial for murder
Magistrate Ladonna John decided that Charles Herrera Sr., who is accused of the May 26, 2014 murder of Ezekiel Medina, will have to stand trial for the crime after a Preliminary Inquiry proved that there is sufficient evidence to proceed. Medina was fatally stabbed while inside a car by the riverside in the Lake Independence area of Belize City. According to reports, Herrera met Medina in the car near the riverside and the two got into an argument. The argument escalated and Herrera eventually took a knife and stabbed Medina multiple times. Medina was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital but he succumbed to the injuries. Police recovered a knife from the scene of the incident. Herrera was charged for the crime of murder shortly after and has been on remand at the Belize Central Prison ever since.

Viola Pook 57, confesses to setting husband on fire
The Court of Appeals overturned Viola Pook’s, 57, life sentence for the murder of her common-law-husband, Orlando Vasquez, 48, in 2014 and she pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter on Thursday, October 8, 2015. Pook had been convicted of killing her common-law-husband, whom she lived with for 23 years, by setting him on fire. Vasquez was set on fire on December 31, 2008 in the village of Rancho Dolores. He suffered from second degree burns to 70% of his body which killed him after he was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Pook was convicted of murder in July 2011, and sentenced to life imprisonment. She appealed her conviction and it came up in late 2013. After hearing her case, the Court of Appeal in March of 2014 quashed the conviction and ordered a retrial. The judges of the Court of Appeal were of the view that Pook did not get a fair trial. The judges of the court of appeal made their decision based on a remark made by Pook to a police officer.

BDF soldier killed in bar fight
Rafael Abel Rivas, 31, a veteran Belize Defence Force Soldier, was killed in a bar fight in Orange Walk Town on Saturday, October 10. This unfortunate incident happened at around 9 p.m. at Panda Bar, located on North Park Street, right in the near vicinity of the Town’s Central Park. There are two distinct accounts that have emerged. The first is that Rivas was at the bar socializing when two men started to fight. He supposedly got involved trying to act as a peace-keeper when one of the men attacked him in a fit of rage and fatally stabbed him.

Gabriel Salazar’s murder acquittal stands
The Court of Appeal has upheld the July 2013 Supreme Court’s decision to acquit Gabriel Salazar, 28, of the charge of murder. The court heard the DPP’s appeal on Thursday, October 8. The sole ground for appeal by the DPP was that the Supreme Court was to admit a caution statement allegedly from Salazar in trial. After hearing arguments from both sides, acting DPP, Cecil Ramirez, and Salazar’s attorney, Senior Council Michael Young, the judges of the Court of Appeal dismissed the DPP’s appeal. Gabriel Salazar, a San Pedro resident, was acquitted of murder by Justice Denis S. Hanomansingh in the Dangriga Supreme Court on July 15, 2013. Salazar was accused of the September 12, 2009 murder of Francis Johnson at Johnson’s Store in Big Falls, Toledo District.

Future father from Cayo fails in responsibility
A 15 year old Guatemalan female from San Ignacio Town has become another victim of a sex crime. The young teenager along with her mother reported to police that on March 7th of this year she was at home alone when a male family friend approached her and began a conversation. On that same day, the male person went into her room and pushed her unto the bed and had sex with her, against her will without using a condom. The young female thereon became concerned when in April of 2015, she did not see her menstrual cycle. She then told her mother what had transpired, whereupon a pregnancy test was conducted which resulted positive for pregnancy.

Traffic mishaps claim two lives
Over the long weekend, there were two fatal traffic accidents, each of which claimed a life. The first one happened on Friday night, October 9, at around 8:15 p.m. on Santa Familia Street, Orange Walk Town. Police say that 29 year-old Ruben Fernando Vasquez, was driving his motorcycle when he somehow lost control. He had a head on collision with a fence, which caused him to suffer massive head and body injuries. He was transported the Northern Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival about half hour later. The second one happened on Monday night, October 12, just outside of Placencia Village. Giancarlo Vega, his 21 year-old common-law wife, Kyria Krystelle Campos, and their twin babies were returning home from Orange Walk Town. For a still unknown reason, Vega lost control of the Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicle, which slammed into the guardrail on the side of the road. Due to the force of the impact, Campos was trapped, and she suffered severe injuries, dying on the spot. Vega and his two babies have been hospitalized for injuries that they suffered in that crash.

Louise Wade made to apologize and pay for libel
On an almost daily basis Louis Wade takes to Facebook and his morning show to make outlandish statements. Most dismiss these as just that, outlandish, but when it comes to a man’s reputation and integrity, there are those who treasure it. Such is the case with Anwar Barrow, who after seeing one of Wade’s postings against him (Barrow) took the matter to court. As a result Wade had to make a monetary payment to Barrow as well as to publicly apologize on Facebook for what he wrote. This is what he wrote: "On the 10th and 11th February, 2015 I published certain statements on my personal Facebook page which are understood to allege a breach of professional duty by Mr. Anwar Barrow. These statements were unfounded. I retract the statements made completely and apologize to him for the harm done to his name and reputation as a result of my statements.”

Nomination day – Stann Creek West:
All UDP supporters and well wishers in Stann Creek West are invited to Nomination Day activities in our constituency on Friday October 16, which is National Nomination Day. You are asked to start assembling in Pomona New Site at 12:00 Midday. Following some entertainment, a motorcade will take off from that location and end at the ITVET Campus in Hope Creek Village where our UDP Candidate Walter Garbutt will be nominated at 2:00 PM. That will be followed by a rally immediately after at the said venue. Join us as we begin the March to Victory in Stann Creek West!

Court of Appeal rules: nothing wrong with 1 year judge appointments
The Barrow Administration has won a victory against the Bar Association, which has been used from time to time by PUP politicians to further an agenda against the UDP. The Court of Appeal has ruled that there is nothing unethical or sinister about making a 1 year appointment for judges of the Supreme and Appeal Courts. The PUP rhetoric in the first term and the transition into the second term was that the Barrow Government was trying to influence the Judiciary. The accusation was that by shortening the appointment of judges, these officers were somehow beholden or obligated to judge cases in the favor of the Government, especially if they are litigants, interested parties, or if they stand to gain from a judgment.

Bad politicians party?
The comedy of errors that has heralded the entry of the "NEW” political party into the political arena has added much needed humor into the General Election Campaign. And gosh we needed that since we are not getting any excitement out of the main OPPOSITION CAMP. So if we are not getting much resistance from the PUP, then the humor coming from the BPP will have to do. Their first comical act was their choice of candidates. Some are tainted by the fact that they are PUPs who have eaten from the public purse. There are a few others who are broke and may be perhaps looking to come up on $60,000 to pay off legal fees as a result of BADVICE they received from a dunce of an Attorney. Then there is one who has many questions out there about what happened to a former competitor and why the competitor is no longer in business.

A broken Social Contract
In its 1998 Manifesto the PUP swore to the following: We the PUP candidates do solemnly and sincerely pledge that as members of the New Government 1998 to 2003 we shall diligently and faithfully work to bring about the following for the people and nation of Belize: • Build 10,000 houses for new home owners. • Generate 15,000 new jobs. • Reduce light, water and telephone rates. • Abolish VAT and other burdensome taxes. • Fight crime and the root causes of crime and improve our security forces. • Create low interest small business loans for women and youth. • Make quality education and skills training with free basic textbooks available to students. • Improve hospitals and health services-more medicines, community clinics and a National Health Insurance System. • Provide house lots for Belizean families and surveyed land for small farmers with credit assistance. • Develop the abilities of our youth and artists through more sporting and cultural facilities, training and activities. • Reform the Political and Legal system and reduce the power of Ministers, making them and other officials accountable to the people. • Create a special office to protect fundamental rights and freedoms.

COLA Holds Boring, Scanty and Disappointing Rally
Like a fighter retreating to the turnbuckle of the ring after being punched in the gut, Geovanni Brackett, hid in the far corner of the compound he chose to stage a rally against Hon. Sedi Elrington in Pickstock. The organization COLA called the event the "Our Borders Are Real” rally and described it as a campaign to remove Hon. Wilfred Elrington as the Area Representative for Pickstock. However, at the end of the night the residents of Pickstock showed that the only questionable reality that exists in Belize is COLA’s for thinking that they are unhappy with their Representative. Generous estimates had the turnout for the rally at 75. That is including people on the street who watched from afar. From personal calculation, that number is closer to 60 when presenters are not counted and 50 when uniform police and special branch officers are not counted.

Francis is not VIABLE And PUP is not an OPTION
Viable (capable of success or continuing effectiveness). There is need for a viable opposition in Belize, but at this juncture, is there one because the PUP is not an option. A leaderless group should never be given consideration to win an election, especially with the anticipated challenges facing small and developing nations; the PUP is leaderless. A party without a vision for the future is not a viable option for the future of Belize; the PUP is without vision and therefore, is not an option. A party without originality and authenticity is not a viable option; the PUP imitates and is led like a yo-yo depending on which noisemaker is making noises. The PUP has no originality and is so disingenuous with the people of Belize and therefore is not an option.

Personable People
Social media is constantly growing. With the rapid increase in social media users, social media sites have to constantly come up with new ideas. However, this may be creating a more isolated country. People are so caught up on what is going on, on their devices and screens that, what is physically going on around them is becoming less important. People are not taking the time to communicate physically anymore, instead they are using social media and instant messaging to do this, and this needs to change in order to create a more personable society. There are millions of different people using social media sites, a multitude of sites, and many reasons why people should and should not rely on them. This is a problem which teens are dealing with each and every day and if it is possible to solve this it would mean, less time online and more time speaking to one another.

World Mental Health Day Celebrated on October 10th
World Mental Health Day was celebrated on Saturday of this past weekend world-wide, with Belizeans having preceded this day with a Belize City Parade on October 8th and a High School Speech competition, also in Belize City. The annual observance of World Mental Health Day is an educational and awareness campaign designed to encourage people to reflect and engage with others on the importance of mental health and the reality of mental illness. The World Federation for Mental Health and the World Health Organization chose "Dignity in Mental Health” as the theme for this year’s observance on October 10th. Psychiatric Nurse Practioner, Becky Constanza Tillett, from the Orange Walk District, explains the appropriateness of this theme as "…so many people see the mentally ill as a social problem rather than seeing them as being ill, with a disease condition.”

Papa Mena to be full minister in next UDP government
Frank Papa Mena was elected to the National Assembly just two months ago and with the new elections being called, he is one of the area representatives who is most fit to contest the general election. His machinery is still intact and the spirits of his people are as high as they were a couple of months ago. And those spirits got an added boost on Saturday past when he held a rally in Dangriga to motivate the campaign team. And he did, in addressing the gathering he expounded on the work that the UDP has been doing in the constituency. He noted that now it is not only the town that is receiving attention but Hopecreek and Sarawee as well.

PUP Disowns Ralph
There is an old practice in Belize of not associating with relatives who may be THIEVES or RAPISTS. If such a relative were to come visit, we would quickly let them in and avoid the neighbors finding out that we have such a person as a relative. In other words that person would be the family’s little dirty secret. That may be similar to what is occurring in the PUP when it comes to Ralph Fonseca. We are not saying he is a thief but we know that the PUP are afraid of the repercussions of associating with him in public so close to an election. Even Dr. Francis Smith the PUP Pickstock candidate warned them about what the people thought about Ralph. Remember Smith’s Press Conference of Sunday August 16, 2015, when he told his leader that the people wanted to be assured that Ralph Fonseca would not be in charge again should the PUP become the government.

Tourism expert visits Cayo
It has become generally accepted that tourism is a mainstay to economic activity in the Cayo District and continues to be a source of sustenance to many Belizeans. With the interest of the tourism sector as top priority, on Wednesday of last week, the Cayo Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) held an educational session for its members at the Sacred Heart College (SHC) auditorium in San Ignacio Town. Present for this meeting were members of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), which is the statutory body within the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation and is tasked to promote Belize as a premier tourism destination to both in-country and international consumers. The main speaker at the event at SHC was Dr. Ydahlia Mezgenm, who reviewed the National Sustainable Master Plan that goes to the year 2030. According to Dr. Mezenm, one of every four jobs in Belize is in the tourism sector where it is expected that tourism arrivals will multiply by five times by 2030. The expert on the tourism sector also reviewed our preparedness to receive visitors, where "room stock” was at a low rate this year with only 133 rooms added.

The United Democratic Party Ready
The United Democratic Party’s two southernmost constituency standard bearers, Peter Eden Martinez and Juan Coy, representing the Toledo East and Toledo West divisions, held a rally in Punta Gorda, that surpassed any that has been held in the area in recent memory. Between 3,500 and 4,000 supporters of the areas came out to demonstrate that on November 4, they will be voting for the UDP in those constituencies. Filled with energy and music as well as a hyped up crowd, speakers stepped up to the podium to show their support for the southernmost representatives. Among the speakers were Dangriga, Hope Creek and Sarawee Area Rep, Frank ‘Papa’ Mena; Port Loyola Area Rep, Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez; Belmopan Area Rep, John Saldivar; both Eden Martinez and Juan Coy also got an opportunity to address the gathering.

Uprising Stars, Kraal Road and Kelly Street are co-leaders in the CYDP Peace Cup Tournament
The CYDP Peace Cup Tournament continued on Saturday 10 October, 2015, at the MCC Grounds with a total of four games on the schedule. In the first game played, Los Lagos FC edged out Kings Park Strikers by the score of 5-4. The goals for Los Lagos FC were scored by Kevin Young (2), Dedron Baptist (2) and Trey Everett. Meanwhile, the goal scorers for Kings Park Strikers were scored by Shemar Thompson (3) and Jonathan Perez. In game two, Kraal Road FC defeated Ebony Lake FC by the score of 6-2. The goals for Kraal Road were scored by Charles Cantun (2), Keenran Gillett, Jagon Young, Delwin Jones and Tun Ton. For Ebony Lake FC, the goals were scored by Travyon Martinez and Marlon Guitierez.

Belize Athletics Association to hold National Track and Field Championship
The Belize Athletics Association invites all athletes and track enthusiasts once again to be a part of a National Track and Field Championship event. The event will be hosted at the Marion Jones Sports Complex on the 14-15 November, 2015. All athletes 16 years and older can participate in the events. Registration forms can be obtained from and returned to the BAA via email ( belizeathleticsassociation@gmail.com) or from our Face Book page (Belize Athletics Association). Registration forms can also be obtained from and returned to the National Sports Council’s offices throughout the country.

Belize High School female and male win in high
school volleyball game played, Ladyville Technical High School defeated Wesley College in a hotly contested game that had to go to three sets. The scores in that game were 25-22, 25-27 and 16-14. In the first game in the male competition, Ladyville Technical High School won over Maud Williams High School in two sets by the score of 25-15 and 25-23. And in the final game of the evening, Sadie Vernon Technical High School defeated Nazarene High School in two sets by the score of 25-16 and 25-18. The competition continued onn Friday 9 October, 2015, at Bird’s Isle with four games on the schedule.

Holy Redeemer girls and boys are leaders in primary schools volleyball competition
The Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Competition continued at the Bird’s Isle with a number of games on the schedule. On Tuesday 13 October, 2015, in the girls’ game played, Holy Redeemer School defeated Bethel Assembly School in two sets by the score of 25-8 and 25-9. In the boys’ game played, Holy Redeemer School also won over Bethel Assembly School in two sets by the score of 25-11 and 25-16. On Friday St. John Vianney School defeated Wesley Upper School boys in three sets by the score of 25-22, 14-25 and 18-16. The competition then continued on Thursday 8 October, with two more games on the schedule. In the first game in the girls’ competition, Bethel Assembly defeated St. John’s Primary School in two sets by the score of 25-21 and 25-22.

Not Another Contract
In a recent interview at Independence Hall, former PUP campaign manager, Godfrey Smith, visibly bristled when a journalist asked for comment regarding the prevailing public sentiment that the People’s United Party was presenting most of the same candidates who had been resoundingly rejected in 2008. Smith’s response was that the PUP had more new standard bearers than the UDP, and younger too, at that. There was an audible yawn from the press. Fact is, the people are not interested in the new PUP candidates; they are anxious about the old ones who are still at the helm of the Party, including the present Party Leader. They dread a repetition of the 1998-2008 episode; the most corrupt ten years of governance this country has ever seen. Before you scoff, let me say this: I will never, ever get tired of repeating that statement since I think our country could have been much more developed than it is right now if our country’s finances had not been misappropriated.

Demanding Political Respect
As we surge into yet another orgy of finger pointing, perhaps it’s time to remember that the nature of humanity is to make mistakes. Especially when governing an entire country and striving to meet everyone’s needs, it is more than likely for several mishaps to occur; however, even when more rights than wrongs are seen, a small degree of society remains unpleased. But the way our nation immediately goes into attack mode towards a current government– from rabid bloggers, to attack journalism– we’re punishing the majority for the futility of the few. With the flood of criticizing remarks by an opposition, good, innocent people are being driven away from exercising their right in politics because of the vicious finger-pointing. A healthy democracy requires a decent society; it requires that we are honorable, generous, tolerant and respectful. Though one may think that a democracy is one sided, meaning only the current government has an effect on society, it is a major misconception that gives the opposition a ‘Get out of Jail Free’ card for all the corruption they may cause. While the democratic system isn’t perfect, it still doesn’t make corruption from an opposition acceptable.

Amandala

"I escorted Nora Parham to the gallows!”
Most older Belizeans will remember the June 5, 1963 execution of 36-year-old Nora Parham, convicted of the murder of her common-law husband, Letchel Trapp, a police constable. Parham is the only woman to have been executed in Belize’s history. On Saturday, Amandala travelled to the Cayo District along with the office manager of the Belize Ex-Services League, Valerie Richardson, on her rounds to deliver stipends and food supplies to two World War II veterans. Belmopan resident Eustace Pandy, 97, apart from sharing some of his interesting stories of those eras, told Amandala that he was the prison officer who walked Nora Parham to the gallows.

Breaking Belize News

World Standards Day Celebrated in Belize
The Belize Bureau of Standards hosted an expo at the Biltmore Plaza in Belize City on Wednesday to mark World Standards Day. The event follows a regional standards meeting held just last week in Belize. Today, private and public sector agencies participated and showcased how standards are utilized within […]

PUP candidate denies intimidation, alleges shady dealings at Elections and Boundaries
Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai has alleged publicly that a registering officer in Benque Viejo Town, center of the Cayo West electoral division, was apparently assaulted by the People’s United Party (PUP) candidate, Dr. Lesbia Guerra Cocom, and supporters outside the office last week when she was working […]

Mental patient lucky to be alive after police bullet misses him
A bizarre shooting incident late last night in Punta Gorda (PG) town could have easily taken the life of a mentally unstable man who was lucky enough to have been spared by bad aim. Reports reaching Belize Media Group (BMG) from eyewitnesses of the incident, are that around […]

CCJ denies Bar Association application to extend nationalization cases
The consolidated appeals of the so-called "Ashcroft Alliance” against the Government of Belize over the two acquisitions of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and Belize Electricity Limited are finally at an end following an appearance by all parties today in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), via video-conference. This […]

15-year-old brutally raped in home invasion robbery
A brazen early morning home invasion in a village of the Cayo District has left a foreign church pastor and his family’s lives in shambles after their belongings were stolen and a 15-year-old female member was brutally raped by one of the assailants before he and his accomplice escaped in […]

Cayo boy charged for sex with his girlfriend
A 17-year-old male resident from the Cayo District is, today, facing charges for unlawful sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old. According to police, the 16-year-old, in the company of her mother, visited the office of Human Development in that municipality and reported that sometime in the month of May 2014 when […]

19-year old charged for murder
A post-mortem examination performed on 25-year-old Ervin Franklin, who was murdered on October 10th, has revealed that Franklin died as a result of exsanguination due to external bleeding, due to multiple stab wounds. Subsequently on Wednesday October 14th, police charged 19-year-old Kafele Shemar Kishawn Garcia, a Belizean student of Lords Bank […]

Police get 16 new motorcycles
The Police Department is, today, boasting of 16 new motorcycles. The Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, handed over the motorcycles to the Commissioner of Police Mr Allen Whylie who subsequently handed them over to Senior Superintendent Chester Williams Officer commanding Eastern Division South. The motorcycles will be used to […]

Last goodbye to beloved mother Kyria Krystelle Campos
Early Tuesday morning the shocking news of a dearly beloved mother, daughter, sister and friend’s untimely death left the communities of Placencia and Orange Walk in grief and broken hearted. A truly tragic accident on the Maya Beach Road, just outside of Placencia Village, has left a family in despair. […]

Why did the ComPol order no checkpoints countrywide?
A police department memo from Commissioner of Police (ComPol) Allen Whylie, ordering all formations to immediately cease and desist from vehicular checkpoints, has leaked. The memo is dated October 13th and is signed by Operations Commander Kieth Lino on the ComPol’s behalf. According to the memo, any formation that wants […]

Blogs

A Sneak Preview of Houston Hobby Airport’s New International Terminal & Today’s Flights
Yesterday, the car was outside at 6am – ready to take Belize’s Channel 5 news’ team to Hobby Airport. They are filming for their daily morning show (which you can watch on their website) and…well…I enjoy all scoop and more than happily tagged along. The sun in Houston came up at 7:22am, so we arrived before dark. Quite a bit smaller than GW Bush International Airport (Houston’s main hub) and situation just 7 miles from downtown Houston, I think this is going to work out nicely for travelers. We first met Lindley Reyes, a Houston based pilot and a man who considers himself a Belizean. And an American. And Honduran. Lindley was born in Roatan, Honduras to a mother from the Cayman Islands (like many Bay Islanders are) and a father from Kings Park, Belize City. As a child, he and his dad flew up to Belize City once a month from Roatan.

Carne de Res Agridulce
Preparación: • Calienta el aceite en la olla de presión de 3-4 litros. Cuando esté bien caliente, agrega la carne, sazona con sal y pimienta. Agrega la cebolla el ajo y revuelve para que se cocine medio minuto. Añade el chile verde, pimiento, zanahoria, calabacita y papa. Revuelve • Agrega el tomate, purè de tomate, salsa cátsup, mostaza, vinagre, miel, ralladura de jengibre y revuelve. Sazona todo con sal y pimienta negra. Revuelve • Añade la media taza de agua. Tapa la olla y cuenta 5 minutos desde que suben los indicadores de presión. Enfría la olla bajo el chorro del agua y ábrela. Revuelve, prueba el guiso y rectifica la sazón. Sirve con Arroz blanco sencillo .

Southwest starts flying to Belize Today
Starting today, October 15th 2015, Southwest will start offering a new nonstop flight from Houston Hobby’s International Terminal to Belize City International Airport. "Adding Belize to the Southwest network continues our expansion to international destinations where our People and consumer-friendly policies can deliver as no other airline can”, CEO Gary Kelly said last year in December when Southwest made the initial announcement that they would start flying to Belize. Known for allowing free baggage on your flight (up to two 50lbs bags) and charging no additional fees for changing tickets, this new service by Southwest Airlines will not only drive down the cost of airfare to get to Belize but many stakeholders in the Belize tourism industry believe that it will also increase overnight tourism arrivals. On his visit to Belize in February, Senior Advisor in Communications for Southwest Airlines, Brad Hawkins, stressed that Southwest Airlines is the number one carrier in the United States, and indicated that the airline is not just for budget travelers, but for all kinds of travelers who will be coming to Belize.

The Charles Dickens Theorem
My day started when Carlo and Ernie's closed for the night and the BTIA Board finally called it a night. The actual meeting ended hours earlier - but lets face it the real progress and action happens after the meeting. The bonding and networking on beers 4 + is lasting, the planning effective, and the plans will move...maybe. Got a few hours of sleep and got up at 6am for what was to be a GREAT day for the Ecologic Divers. We've put a lot of work into planning and prep of new trips. We spent time designing foods and plans; we executed those plans...things were going so good and the team was really rocking. We were going to have the biggest day of the season so far and a great 'test day' for all off shore trips coming up. Then the worst fears were realized, the winds picked up and the heavens pissed on us...basically pissed all over my f-ing Cheerios. We adjusted one way, and another, tried to make back up plans...and Mother Nature (that ruthless biotch) thwarted our every effort. So much investment in food, plans, prep, labor - to ruin. The crew was great, the plans went off perfectly, and our confidence is high for our next off shore trips; but the bank doesn't take "confidence" when payroll comes around after the rain washed all our revenue down the drain like that silly Itsy Bitsy Spider. But just like that like that silly spider, I will climb the spout again.

8 Reasons to Visit Belize for Christmas
Christmas is only two months away, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for the holiday season. If you’re interested in travelling for this festive holiday, we recommend booking a flight to Belize. Our white sand beaches, cool sea breezes and tropical sunsets, make it the ideal destination to kick back and enjoy quality time with your loved ones. Here are 8 reasons why you should plan a trip to Belize this Christmas:

International Sources

Checklist: Caye Caulker, Belize
Most people visit Belize and only experience two sides of the country—the resort-lined Ambergris Caye/Placencia and the interior Maya ruins. And this is if travelers venture to the country at all; many opt for neighboring Mexico for boutique adventure or resort travel. Having spent time in each of Belize’s four principal regions, I got to experience the small nation’s diverse sides, and I always urge travelers to choose Caye Caulker as their mainstay while visiting the northern Cayes. Here, embedded in the largest reef system in North America, is where you can find unplugged adventure surrounded by a community of hospitable ex-pats and locals. Get the full experience by including these must-sees and must-dos while living the island mantra, "Go slow.” A lap on Front Street is where you’ll find the best Belizean jerk meat. It’s braised and stewed with achiote, a peppery nutmeg-flavored spice, giving it a bold and hot taste that coats the tongue. You’ll be able to spot locals stirring giant silver bowls of the stuff any time after noon, and odds are they’ll be sipping on Belikin beer or the Belizean favorite, 5 Barrel Rum.

HOBBY AIRPORT OPENS INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL
Houston's Hobby Airport made history Thursday morning. The facility's brand new international terminal opened to passengers with its first flight headed to Cancun, Mexico. Southwest Airlines covered the $156 million cost of constructing the building. The terminal is more than 280,000 square feet with five gates. By year's end, Southwest Airlines plan to offer flights to 10 Latin American destinations with service to Mexico, Costa Rica, and Belize. "We booked the day you could book because we thought: oh how fun, we'll go on the first flight," said Sandy Stephenson, who was flying to Belize with her family as a birthday trip. Eyewitness News caught up with Southwest Airlines spokesperson Thais Hanson to talk about what this may mean for your next flight. The company said they promised drive down prices in the market. On Thursday, Southwest Airlines said their dream of giving Houstonians another option in aviation has come true. "Your question was our we trying to bring down the price in the market. That's what we do. The Southwest effect is what we're known as. We do that domestically and now we're looking forward to doing that internationally as well," said Hanson. "Houstonians no longer have to drive north to fly to fly south. We're creating a new need and giving Houstonians what they want and what they needed for a long time."

5 O'Clock Somewhere: The Official Beer of Power Outages, Stifling Heat and Late Buses
Belikin in Monkey River Town. Our boat landed in Monkey River Town, ten miles south of Placencia, Belize. It was May 1999, very hot, and I was almost literally starving. For days, fettered with a novice traveler's fear of mostly imaginary tropical maladies, I had eaten little more than timid spoonfuls of rice and the occasional banana. But after a day spent idling up the wild, Conradian Monkey River, where I went for a swim not a half-mile from where I'd seen a Morolet's crocodile, my stomach had had enough of my anxieties. I was dehydrated and in the throes of a blood-sugar crash. Food--real food--was needed. Alice, owner of the only restaurant in town, seated our small group in the shade of her house. Chickens roamed freely in the yard while kids splashed in the nearby river shallows. Within minutes, she produced trembling plates of stewed chicken, rice, and beans, garnished with fried plantains. I ate with abandon, delighting in the chicken (very, very fresh, based on the sounds which emanated from Alice's kitchen during preparation), the sweet barbecue sauce perfectly offset by the starchy rice and beans.

Videos

October 15, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, 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

Belizean Chefs share the best of The Jewel at See & Taste Belize
On Saturday October 12th, some of Belize’s top chefs found themselves at The See & Taste Belize Festival in Miami, Florida USA at the FIU Kovens Conference Center. Chefs in attendance included Jennie Staines of Elvi’s Kitchen- Ambergris Caye, Hugo Meyer and Sherlette Belisle of Rain Restaurant and Rooftop Terrace- Ambergris Caye, Sean Kuylen, and Robert Pronk. The festival is organized by the Consulate of Belize in Florida and Belize’s Office of Special Envoy for Women and Children along with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), BELTRAIDE, Flavors of Belize, and FIU’s School of Hospitality Management and Tourism and aims to market the best of Belize’s culinary culture, while fundraising for the development of Belize’s first dedicated Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Off to the Lone Star State: Houston via Southwest Airlines!
This is by far one of the coolest things I get to do in my time at The San Pedro Sun and My Beautiful Belize: International Travel! In February of 2015, Southwest Airlines announced their brand new international destination out of Houston, Texas, USA, and it was to our beloved Belize! I met with Brad Hawkins, then Michelle Agnew, as they finalized the details of their upcoming grand arrival. In the process, guess who got an INVITATION?! And I had a choice too: I could go to Houston via other routes, then fly in ON the first flight out of Houston to Belize…OR…I could fly back on the return to Houston, and stay as long as I wanted! Thanks to the awesome people at Tropic Air, I even got a flight to International Airport from San Pedro Town. (Y’all love me, you really love me…)

UDP Rally held in San Pedro prior to General Elections
The United Democratic Party (UDP) held its pre-election rally over the weekend in San Pedro. The event took place on the night of Saturday, October 10th at the Central Park. The party showed its strength by bringing some of their current leaders to the event. A large crowd gathered at the park, eager to listen to the different speakers of the event, including the UDP candidates contesting the November 4th General Elections, Area Representative Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr., and Belize City Mayor Darell Bradley. "This is a government that is working for the people, especially for the neediest ones. We are working with education as well by helping many students from low income families and making sure that our young people, the future of the country, get their lots,” Heredia remarked.

Belize regains Avian Influenza Free status
On the 9th September 2015 the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) declared that Belize had regained its free status from the Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2. This virus had been circulating in the Spanish Lookout Area, one of the most important poultry sector in Belize. BAHA has continued testing in all other areas of the country and responding to calls from the general public whom has remained vigilant. To date BAHA has detected four suspect outbreaks in backyard poultry only; two villages in the southern districts, namely Red Bank and Bella Vista and two villages in the north, namely Fireburn and Sylvestre. The early detection and rapid response by BAHA has not allowed for the spread of the suspect disease in the surrounding areas and other communities. BAHA with the support from the Poultry Industry conducted depopulation of the infected birds in the affected villages.

Jamila Janmohamed host yet another successful Poppy Appeal Dinner
On Saturday, October 10th island residents and visitors dined for a worthy cause at the annual Poppy Appeal Dinner. Organized by longtime San Pedro resident Jamila Janmohamed, the dinner is a collaboration between The Royal British Legion, Belize Branch and El Fogon to help raise funds for the Poppy Appeal. These funds are used to support past and present members of the British Armed Forces and their families. For a contribution of $100, patrons enjoyed a wonderful four course Indian dinner. In order to accommodate all patrons, the fundraiser had two dinner seatings, with the first one at 6PM and the second one at 8PM. Guests enjoyed a meal including Potato Champs, Spicy Lentil Soup, Beef Rogan Josh with Aloo Gobi and Pilau Rice, and a dessert of Carrot Halwa. The fundraising dinner was a delicious success.

Christian Ministry addresses high school and college students
The Lighthouse Christian Radio in collaboration with He Intends Victory (HIV), a Christian Ministry that deals with those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, held a presentation for students at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The event took place on Thursday, October 8th and included three speakers, Dan Davis, Ronald Magno, and Scane Curfman. All three speakers are living with the HIV virus. According to Clive Welsh, the country director for HIV, the sole purpose of the ministry is to bring hope to those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. "This Ministry is involved in 18 countries around the world. One of the main goals is to bring education and understanding to those that are not infected and we go a step forward by bringing people who are infected to tell their stories,” said Welch.

Ambergris Today

Must Try Signature Dishes at Hidden Treasure Restaurant
I look down at the menu of Hidden Treasure Restaurant and I always find it difficult to select my dinner. Should I have the amazing Almond Crusted Grouper that I loved so much last time, or should I go for something new? It was so delicious! Decisions are the worst, although any choice at Hidden Treasure cannot be bad. With a menu filled with delicious Belizean delicacies, each dining experience is one to remember. Plus, nothing could be worse that sitting back in a relaxed and enchanting setting, sipping on a great Caribbean cocktail waiting for your dinner to arrive, RIGHT!? That is what I love about Hidden Treasure, the atmosphere of the restaurant is much like an elegant patio setting where you feel taken away from the daily distractions and stress. Plus it’s comfy and homey; the tending staff is always making sure you are having a great dining experience.

October Sunsets Make Belize GLOW
There is a saying that big things are made up of little things – little things that are priceless, golden and magical. There is no explaining how precious they are; they just are. This cannot be truer than life in Belize, my incredibly stunning Belize. It’s the simple kinda life: * Those short footsteps you take and you are already at the beach * The fresh and salty smell of the morning sea breeze * That morning commute where you get to say ‘Good Morning’ to half of your friends * That morning commute on golf cart * Stopping at that hole-in-the-wall where you always get the perfect breakfast

Flashbacks - The Small and Quaint Belize International Airport
The small and quaint Belize International Airport served the country up until the 1990’s, before becoming the much larger and well-known Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport of today. It was a small but very welcoming airport with the air traffic control tower right on top of the building. Friendly immigration and custom officials who spoke only in Creole dialect were very hospitable. The suitcases were all piled up on a ramp and one had to wait in groups to select his luggage.

25 Years Ago - Remembering When WE USED TO… in San Pedro Village No. 5
TEA TIME: Do you know why the morning breakfast was called "Tea”? I’ll tell you right now. And do you know why the evening supper was also called "Tea”? It is very simple; it’s because along with whatever we ate in the mornings and evenings, we also USED TO have a cup of tea sweetened with condensed milk. Coffee was not very common yet to San Pedro, and so were chocolate drinks. BREAST FEEDING: Breast feeding today is exactly the same as breast feeding in the past. How can it be different? Well, I’ll take it back because today in public nursing mothers carry specialized baby bottles or "baba” as they were called in San Pedro. In the past mothers used to breastfeed the very young babies anywhere in public because they had no baby bottles. DUTCH CHEESE THE ONLY CHEESE: There was a time in San Pedro when the cheese that comes in one large ball with a red waxy cover was the only cheese in San Pedro. In days gone by, mom USED TO say: Go to the store and get me half a pound of cheese and she meant Dutch cheese, or the round cheese. In Spanish they called it "queso de calavera” or queso de bola. One never questioned what kind of cheese because there was only one kind of cheese- Dutch cheese.

Arianna & Hector Nuptials
Arianna Lara and Hector Ortega exchanged vows in Holy Matrimony at the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, October 10, 2015. Their godparents were Rocio Jimenez and Francisco Mendez. A reception followed after the mass celebration at the San Pedro Lion’s Den with family, friends and invited guests. Congratulations to Arianna and Hector!

Misc Belizean Sources

Hamanasi Resort Celebrates 15 years as Belize's Ultimate Adventure Resort
October 18, 2015, marks 15 years of romance, adventure and award-winning customer service at Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, a top boutique eco-resort in Belize. Since day one, this eco-chic resort has offered luxurious, sustainable accommodations outside the quaint village of Hopkins, away from the tourist path and just steps from the Caribbean Sea. Over the years, Hamanasi has continued to exceed travelers' expectations, providing a one-stop resort that affords the best of Belize from a beautiful, centralized location. The resort is the dream-turned reality of two adventurous Americans, Dana and David Krauskopf, who turned their vision of a little resort on a secluded beach into a successful model for sustainable tourism. Hamanasi has experienced continual levels of growth thanks in part to its three core values: guests are treated like family and enjoy an experience of a lifetime; employees receive incentive and ongoing training programs that encourage a happy, skilled and proud staff; and Hamanasi works with local organizations to help in crisis as well as with everyday projects.

Paradise Theater: Playing this weekend!
Because we get asked this every week.. NO... we will not be closed because of the rain. We are open Friday Saturday and Sunday night. thank you for your support.

2016 Applications for the renewal of Trade and Liquor Licenses
The San Pedro Town Council, The San Pedro Trade Licensing Board and the San Pedro Liquor Licensing Board take this opportunity to remind all business owners that applications for the renewal of Trade and Liquor Licenses for the year 2016 are now being accepted. TRADE LICENSE APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 27, 2015 LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 11, 2015 The SPTC and the SPTLB also take this opportunity to remind all License Holders to settle any arrear before the new fiscal year. Failure to comply may result in legal action. Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) Friday (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)

Pardon the interruption
Power interruptions 6:00am to 6:20am & 4:40pm to 5:00pm scheduled for entire Orange Walk & Corozal Districts on Thursday, October 15, Friday, October 16 & Saturday, October 17. BEL to conduct climbing inspections of transmission system in area.

SISE HoC Finados
The SISE House of Culture is having a Finados Alter Display on October 30th. They'll have some traditional and culture food you can try. The display is in honor of Mrs. Merdit Sanz. "You are cordially invited to the Finados Alter Display at SISEHOC on Friday October 30th. Come and witness and learn about the traditional Finados Alter Display."

BBG Halloween Crafts
The Belize Botanical Garden's Halloween craft and mask making fun day is going to be at their Garden Shop in town. Treats and arts supplies are provided. "Come ONE, come all! This HALLOWEEN at the BBG Garden Shop - MASK MAKING, TREATS, CRAFTS fun for kids and adults alike! Will have projector running and fun for all! in 37 West Street, San Ignacio, Cayo/ Tel: 671-3322" Come ONE, come all! This HALLOWEEN at the BBG Garden Shop - MASK MAKING, TREATS, CRAFTS fun for kids and adults alike! Will have projector running and fun for all! in 37 West Street, San Ignacio, Cayo/ Tel: 671-3322

THE AFRICAN BELIZE / MEXICO CONNECTION: PART ONE!
Many Belizeans of African descent have relatives in Mexico because of the African presence in Mexico, and the fact that many runaway slaves in Belize sought refuge in Mexico. The featured article explains how and why.

THE BELIZEAN MAYA & DOWN SOUTH ON ELECTION DAY!
As the Belize general elections wheels grind away across the country come November 4, 2015, it is interesting to know that the present government in power has not delivered yet since the Belize Maya won a landmark case at the Caribbean Courts of Justice (CCJ) in their struggle for self-determination. How much of this issue will become a political football to win the Belizean mayan votes?

BELIZEANS: THE SLEEPING GIANT!
George Gabb's epic art piece, The Sleeping Giant, has become the face of the Belize Documentary Series called Belizean Legends. For many Belizeans at home and abroad, it portrays a humble and proud people who many have come to believe presents a laid back personality that appears quite submissive and apathetic. Until it wakes up and breaks up the circus. There is a Belizean saying that goes: Belize brukup bigga circus dan dat! Oh what a day when the Sleeping Giant awakes!

Channel 7

PUP Sign Social Contract - '98 All Over Again?
The PUP is driving hard towards the November fourth general election and trying to build momentum in the process. That means staying in the public eye – and doing all it can to convince the electorate that Francis Fonseca’s PUP is serious about reform – and is not the old PUP. That’s no easy task – considering that a large part of the voting public is understandably skeptical about glib pre-election promises. And so, to show the seriousness of their resolve, the PUP signed their name to a social contract today – and 7News was there to ask the tough questions:… Jules Vasquez Reporting…. The PUP’s candidates – or 28 of them today signed a 12 point contract: Francis Fonseca - PUP, Party Leader "This is our opportunity to get it right. And we in the PUP will take that very very seriously." For some of them – let’s just say this isn’t their first rodeo This social contract from the PUP in 1998 still has a many unfulfilled promises.

Cousin Ralph: UDP Bogeyman Or PUP Bagman?
But, while the party has its policy types working in the backrooms to kick out the agendas – in the middle of a national campaign – there’s also got to be someone in the basement, shoveling money. It’s no secret that politics is a big money business – heck! – even the third party, the BPP says it needs half a million dollars to run a bare bones national campaign. So, for sure, the mainstream parties need at least ten times that to do politics on a mass party scale. That’s no easy feat – raising 5 million dollars or more in just five weeks – and in the PUP – since the mid 90’s - that job of chief fundraiser has fallen to the National Campaign Manager. Except, right now in the PUP, there is none – the post was vacated when Godfrey Smith was given his walking papers after the Dangriga bye election in July. And, like nature, politics abhors a vacuum – and, so, we are told - that into this breech has stepped Ralph Fonseca as the de-facto campaign manager. Now, indeed there’s a lot of propaganda about this issue – but, beyond that, there are also credible reports of his re-appearance, and, in practical terms, it wouldn’t be a stretch since Fonseca held and defined the post during the PUP’s glory days. But current PUP Leader Francis Fonseca bristled when we asked him about it on Sunday: Daniel Ortiz "Only about" 25, 24 days away from the election, have you all filled the post of national campaign manager, is there anyone? " Francis Fonseca - PUP, Party Leader "We have our structure in place."

Appeal Court Says One Year Contracts For Judges Are OK
The Court of Appeal has ruled that there is nothing wrong with High Court Judges being appointed to one year contracts. At first glance, that might appear as a very trivial conclusion, but it’s a victory for the Barrow Administration which has been criticized by opponents who have suggested that the Prime Minister amended the law so that the Cabinet could have more direct influence on the judiciary. That would go against the separation of powers principle in which one branch of Government is trying to exert authority over another. The Bar Association took the Government to court arguing that the constitutional amendments in 2008 were unlawful, null, and void. As viewers may remember, the effect of these amendments was to substitute an appointment tenure of 1 year where the appointment of certain judges did not specify an end date.

Pastor's Family Suffers Terrifying Home Invasion In Cayo
There was a terrifying early morning home invasion in a village in the Cayo district. We cannot be precise with the details or the images of the area, because a minor was raped – and we can’t show or say anything which would lead to disclosure of that child’s identity. So, all we can say is that it happened in one of the villages outside Belmopan in the Cayo District. We spoke to the family today and learned that yesterday morning after 7:00, the man of the house, a foreign pastor was working in his yard with his helper when two armed and masked men emerged from these bushes and told them to lie on the ground. The armed men then tied their hands with tape and took them into the main house. The pastor’s wife and daughter were in the house and their hands were also tied. One of the men stayed with the family while the other rummaged through the entire house stealing TV’s, laptops, phones, jewelry and cash.

Dumping Tonnes Of Drought-Damaged Bananas
Last week, we showed you Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s response to the difficulties that Maya King Banana Farm is experiencing due to the drought. He said that the Government simply cannot help one single farm. Last week, we followed up with John Zabaneh, spokesperson for Mayan King Banana Farm. He told us that the company is still losing a lot of money due to truckloads of bananas that they cannot sell because they are stunted by drought and haven’t grown to the size that the international banana distributors require. So Maya King has been forced to dump huge volumes of bananas, like this one, in the different communities near to their farm. They simply truck it over to public areas, such as a basketball court or a football field. There, they unload as much as 14 tonnes of bananas per truck and allow the residents to take home as much they want to their families. According to Zabaneh, the entire load – all 14 tonnes of it(!) - usually disappears within 10 to 15 minutes.

BPP Picking Up Candidates
For the past two days in the news – you’ve seen a whole lot of what the UDP and PUP are doing, but there’s also a third party – and coming up to Nomination day on October the 16th , they’re trying to gain critical mass by fielding 31 candidates, or a figure that’s pretty close to it. Today they got to 24, when the BPP presented 7 new candidates to the public at a press conference at the Belize Institute of Management. 7News was there:.. Dr. Javier Reyes - BPP Candidate, OW East "We need to address the serious existing problems in the health sector, in education and in learning institutions to name a few." Phillip De La Fuente - BPP Candidate, OW Central "My decision to run on the green team was made because when they brought out their initial ideas and manifestos, those were very similar to what I had when I wanted to run for the UDP again. But then they didn't want me to run for the UDP; they denied it, so I said well, this party is more along the lines that I personally would like to run."

Yasmin Shoman Says Faber's Followers Are "Fightacious"
The Collet division in Belize City is one of the poorest, most developmentally challenged areas in the city – and it is also one of the most politically charged. Even though the UDP consider it a safe seat, the PUP challenger Yasmin Shoman is determined to create an upset. She’s campaigning hard in the area – and she says that has created tensions between her supporters and those from the Faber camp. Shoman tells us that yesterday – that resulted in a physical altercation – which she would only speak to us about in very general terms:… Yasmin Shoman – PUP Candidate, Collet "Things have gotten a bit tense for about a week, week and a half now. Friday alone, some of his supporters tore down about 100 of my political signs and I've instructed my people not to follow suite; we don't want to get into that. Let them do what they feel is necessary out of desperation but we are bigger than that." Monica Bodden "Tell us a little bit about what happened this morning." Reporter "Weapon shown and stuff, knives."

Setting The Standard
Do Belize’s private and public sectors have standards in place? That’s what we found out at the standards Expo today. Several organizations from both sectors presented on how the standards have improved products and services for you - the consumer. One of the coordinators from the Bureau of Standards spoke to us about the importance of implementing standards for customer satisfaction and a representative from the Central Information Technology Office explained to us how they use those standards in their security management system. While CITO seems to have a sustainable standards system – other sectors are still working on drafting and implementing standards. Representatives from the water and energy sectors explained the challenges of actually applying standards. The Rep. from the Bureau of Standards told us that there are two types of standards - the mandatory standards and voluntary standards, like the ones that these entities are working on.

Is Freetown Still For Francis?
The old saying goes that in a Boledo town any number can play, and coming unto elections that is truer than ever. Apart from about seven or eight seats countrywide which the PUP and UDP have locked down – the other 25 seats are - to greater and lesser degrees – still in play. Of that 25, either of the mass parties are likely to win another five or six of them comfortably – based on the historical record. That leaves about 16 seats truly in play – and, again, based on the historical record, we’d have to put PUP Leader Francis Fonseca’s Freetown seat in that Boledo barrel. He won in 2012 by only 150 votes – and this time he’s facing a big name candidate in Dr. Carla Barnett who has major backing from her party. That’s fed into huge spending on infrastructure in the Freetown Division – add to that Dr. Barnett’s blue chip credentials as a public official – and, optically at least, it’s a formidable mix. But, Francis Fonseca appears unfazed – the man who won his last two election challenges by a cumulative 167 votes is confident he can do it again this time. We found out more when we campaigned with him yesterday:…

Albert Candidates on Promises
Tomorrow, we’ll continue our campaign trail coverage with the candidates from the Albert Division. As a preview of that story – where we talked to both candidates – we asked them about voter fatigue or cynicism about pre-election promises. Here’s what they said: Daniel Ortiz "How do you convince the voters to trust that you will come in and help them when; I'm sure it was here before and it is now here while you are here many years. Some would say you another politician coming in giving me promises but no results." Tracy Taegar-Panton - UDP Candidate, Albert "Like I say Daniel, I have a long relationship in this division. I have worked in this division long before politics, long before Mark Espat through my community outreach programmes, through my church or through the Red Cross, through many of the organisation I've been involved with. I have certainly have a long track record in tourism and a lot of these people I have advocated for." Daniel Ortiz "This effect of poverty; isn't that an indicator that they have somewhat been neglected by those been elected to represent them?" Tracy Taegar-Panton - UDP Candidate, Albert "I think that question is really best answered by the voters in the division if they felt neglected by their representation. I think on November 5th we will have a clear indication of how the people feel about the UDP government and certainly how they feel about me as their next representative."

Julius: Public Piety VS. Private Profiteering
And going back now to PUP Leader Francis Fonseca, for success as leader – he leans on his Deputy Julius Espat. He’s one of five deputies, but being around the public PUP, we get the very clear sense that Julius Espat is Francis Fonseca’s go to guy. He appeared today as a policy propagator, and we’ve seen him act as party whip, publicly scolding out of line standard bearers. And while Espat occupies the public stage as a no-nonsense good governance proponent – in his previous life, as a private architect and contractor – he benefitted from some plum public contracts. We asked him about the contrast between public piety and private profiteering – but he said it was irrelevant:… Jules Vasquez "But sir you wish to live in an idle but the fact is you yourself have been enriched by government contracts in the past." Julius Espat - PUP, Deputy Leader "Are you speaking on behalf of Channel 7?" Jules Vasquez "I am speaking on behalf of my knowledge and experience. I'm not saying you made an unfair profit."

Faber Denies Shoman
And, in one final political story tonight, a few minutes ago, we spoke with the UDP’s candidate in Collett Patrick Faber about the alleged physical confrontation between his supporters and those of his opponent Yasmin Shoman. He told us that he has no idea what that’s about and says no such report was made to him. He says there was some ahrd talk a few nights ago when she allegedly told some of his supporters to take down Faber’s signs but there was no physical altercation. He claims his signs have been torn down by Shoman’s supporters.

Channel 5

Daring Home Invasion in Camalote, Armed Intruders Rape Minor
Aggravated burglaries, also known as home invasions, are experiences that often times leave victims traumatized and in some cases hospitalized for days. It has been some time since we’ve reported [...]

Lincoln Flowers Remanded for Burglary and Attempted Rape
While officers in the west are on the hunt for a pair of armed intruders who sexually assaulted a minor in Camalote, forty-two-year old Lincoln Flowers appeared unrepresented before Chief [...]

Thief Makes Off with Firearms from Hopkins Police Station
Here’s a story you don’t hear everyday…Hopkins Police are investigating a burglary in which two nine millimeter guns were stolen. The good news is that they don’t have to go [...]

Did U.D.P. Cronies Benefit from Land Grab in Orange Walk?
It is no secret that there is corruption in the Lands Department…in fact, even the prime minister has gone on record to say that the department is, "a hotbed of [...]

Three Prime Parcels in Sugar City Sold for Dirt Cheap
Emir Cruz was issued parcel forty-three-zero-four while Derrick Gillett was sold parcel forty-three-zero-three and plot forty-one-thirty-five was given to Roman Alvarez. Both Gillett and Cruz paid eight hundred dollars for [...]

Seven More Candidates for Belize Progressive Party
A third cohort of candidates was inducted into the Belize Progressive Party earlier today, ahead of nomination day on Friday.  While the BPP is attempting to beat the clock, its [...]

…But are Its Campaign Finances Adding Up?
At the launch of the Belize Progressive Party on October first, an open petition was made for campaign financing from the local business community.  The effort to raise the necessary [...]

P.U.P. Introduces Social Contract Ahead of Upcoming Elections
In the past few weeks, the P.U.P. has rolled out several of the party’s platforms which it plans to implement and stand behind if elected to office. This morning, it [...]

What’s Really Going On at Benque’s Elections & Boundaries Office?
Late last week, Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai made a rare public appearance to claim that an elections officer in Benque Viejo had been attacked and assaulted. The incident occurred [...]

More from P.U.P. Candidate on Elections & Boundaries in Benque
Guerra also had another story to tell from Benque. The Elections and Boundaries Department is controlled completely by the party in power and there have been a veritable legion of [...]

Newcomers Contest Orange Walk East
On Tuesday, we took you on the campaign trail with the three candidates who will be battling for the Orange Walk Central seat on November fourth. It’s part of our [...]

Alleged Arsonist to Stand Trial for Torching Aunt’s House
Twenty-eight-year-old Darryl Alvarez, an alleged arsonist, will stand trial in Supreme Court for reportedly torching his aunt’s home in the Gungulung area in August 2014.  Alvarez, who was unrepresented, appeared [...]

Kendalle Green on Bail for Escape
Belize City resident, Kendalle Green, who has once beaten a murder charge, was today before the courts accused of escaping from police, obstruction and assaulting a police officer and resisting [...]

World Standards Day Celebrated in Belize
World Standards Day is celebrated annually on October fourteenth and today, the Belize Bureau of Standards held an expo at the Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. The event follows a [...]

CTV3

PUP Gaining Momentum As Tour Travels Across Country
And while the PUP candidates in the north remain confident, so are other candidates within the party. PUP Standard Bearer for Collet in Belize City Yasmin Shoman was at the Power to the People Rally held in Orange Walk Town on Sunday and says the party is gaining momentum as it travels across the country. "I feel very confident, the numbers have been getting bigger and bigger as the tour travels across the country, I was made to understand that today we have ten thousand strong, in Corozal in San Narciso we had seven thousand now we have ten thousand so as we keep moving and keep spreading the message of hope of the next PUP government we are picking up supporters and it its being energized that margin of people that didn’t come out and vote in the 2012 and in the municipal elections are motivated and they want a change and we are picking up a lot of independent voters, swing voters and even some UDPs’ who are not happy with their own party are joining the PUP movement...

UDP Continues Issuing Land To Cronies And Friends
The Prime Minister himself has described the Lands Department as a hot bed of corruption and to date, despite several so called measures set in place, the same tune is being played as there is no doubt that the Ministry of Natural Resources continues to be a pain on the side for the Prime Minister. Testament to that statement are the following documents we received recently showing the award of land deals to close friends of the Deputy Prime Minister. Parcels 4303, 4304 and 4135 are located in this area just a few feet away from the Philip Goldson Highway. Because they are surrounded by large businesses, these parcels are considered to be in prime location so their market value is high. But documents from the lands department show that Derrick Gillett, Roman Alvarez and Emir Cruz paid a very low price for their parcel of land.

BPP Introduces Candidates For Upcoming General Elections
Today the Belize Progressive party introduced the party’s new candidates. When it comes to the Orange Walk District, the party now has a representative in the Central Constituency Philip De La Fuente and in Orange Walk East Doctor Javier Reyes. Other candidates include Nedal McLaren for the Port Loyola constituency and Anthony Pettillo for Dangriga.

PUP Is More United And Stronger Party
The banners, flags and commercials are strong indication that we are now in the full political swing. Mudslinging and slandering now form part of the Belizean culture whenever election time comes around and of course criticism from both major political parties is now an everyday meal. In the same way that the PUP have been very critical about the UDP’s performance over the past eight years, the United Democratic Party has been hitting back and with even more force since the announcement of the date for General Elections. The primary criticism by the UDP and even voters is that the PUP is not ready for office – the party is divided and there is still much work left to be done to restore the PUP back to its former glory and is not a viable option. Orange Walk Central Area Representative John Briceno dismisses all of the UDP’s critiques saying that the differences in opinions and views within the PUP are precisely what makes it a strong party and best option for the people of Belize.

The Difference Between PUP & UDP, Says Orange Walk Area Representative
The political race is on and both major political parties are intensifying their campaigns across the nation. In northern Belize, the People’s United Party remains confident about a victory. In an interview with John Briceno, he told us that the UDP has been tried, weighed and have been found wanting. This says Briceno is ultimately what separates the UDP from the PUP, as unlike the UDP government, a PUP government would have invested money on the people, on the productive sector which has been suffering as of late. "Farmers in the north were going through a severe crisis, it took the Honorable Jose Mai who called the media to take them to Blue Creek in that area to show them the thousands acres of rice and corn and grains that has gone to nothing because it has not rained to show them cane fields where they are so bad because there is no rain now, we are not blaming the government for the lack of rain but what we are saying here we have Petro Caribe monies where we are paying 1% interest rate, their concern is you know what I will give my nephew millions of dollars out of contracts...

LOVE FM

Opposition Party Makes Promises to Electorate in Various Sectors
Independence Hall on Queen Street was the venue where the People’s United Party launched its social agenda. Reporter Hipolito Novelo was there and has the story. HIPOLITO NOVELO REPORTING "Twenty eight standard bearers of the People’s United Party signed what they called, ‘The Social Contract to the People”. It consists of 12 bullet points- promises […]

Deputy Leader Says All Standard Bearers Support the Social Contract
At today’s signing of the PUP’s Social Contract, three area representatives were absent. We were unable to asked party Leader, Francis Fonseca about the absence of John Briceno, Dan Silva and Ramiro Ramirez because there was no questions and answers following the presentation so we asked Deputy Party leader Julius Espat about it. HIPOLITO NOVELO […]

Toledo West Standard Bearers Meet With Returning Officer
The Returning Officer in Toledo West met yesterday with the division’s three standard bearers. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports. MIRIAM CODD "On Tuesday October 13 at 10am I conducted a meeting with the candidates of the three political parties in the presence of our Superintendent Simeon Alvarez, my election clerk, Mr. John Nembhard and the Registering […]

Teenager Charged with Ladyville Murder
In yesterday’s newscast we told you of the stabbing death of a young man in the Lords Bank Area in Ladyville Village, Belize District. Tonight we can tell you that following investigations into this incident, 19-year-old, Kafele Shemar Kishawn, a Belizean student was charged with murder earlier today. 25-year-old, Ervin Franklin was stabbed multiple times […]

GOB’s 6th Amendment Upheld by Court of Appeals
Back in 2008, the Government of Belize brought about the sixth amendment. As part of that amendment, there was a portion that allowed the Government to appoint judges on short term contracts. It was a move that the Bar Association of Belize had disapproved of and therefore in 2010, they took the matter before the […]

Police Investigate Home Invasion in Western Belize
Police are investigating a case of aggravated burglary in the Cayo District. Police say that about 10:30 yesterday morning, they responded to a robbery near Mile 49 on the George Price Highway where they saw a 62-year-old man of Camalote Village. The man reported that earlier that morning while he was at home with his […]

Belize Holds National Expo In Recognition of World Standards Day
Belize joins the world in celebrating World Standards Day under the theme, "Standards, The World’s Common Language”. A national standards expo to commemorate this day is being held in Belize City where both private and public sector organizations are depicting the theme with the use of booth displays. According to Rodolfo Gutierrez the Consumer Protection […]

Convicted Murderer Says God Took Too Long To Answer Him
The Court of Appeal today heard the case of Jason Bruce Lawrence who was convicted of the 2009 murder of his common law wife, Mercedes Carrillo. After he was found guilty of murder, Lawrence was sentenced to life imprisonment in May of 2014. In December 2009, Lawrence stabbed his common law wife Mercedes multiple times […]

Breaking Belize News

GOB wins case over tenure of judges
The last session of the Court of Appeal closed today in Belize City. The schedule was lighter in this session as the Court dealt mostly with criminal appeals. Today it handed down a decision in a case dating back to June of 2014 between the Government and the […]

BPP presents final candidates
On Wednesday the Belize Progressive Party introduced 7 more standard bearers who are putting their names in the hat on nomination day – this brings their tally of candidates to 25, 6 shy of completing a slate of 31. All 7 candidates, like those before, pledged to declare their […]

PUP launch governance agenda
The Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) on Wednesday launched its governance reform agenda, which stands alongside three other pillars of planned governance such as education, health and the economy and is built of a platform of social justice. At the center of this agenda is a social contract with the Belizean […]

Man charged with escape from police
A former murder suspect is back in court. 23 year old Kendale Green is charged with assaulting police constable #1338, Shelton Williams; one count of obstruction, one count of resisting arrest by P.C. Williams and one count of escape from police custody. Green was one of four men acquitted […]

Man charged for arson to stand trial
The man alleged to have set his Belizean-American aunt’s house on fire a year and two months ago will stand trial for it in the Supreme Court. 28 year old Darryl Alvarez was committed for trial at the end of his preliminary inquiry in the Magistrate’s Court despite […]

Man charged for burglary and sexual assault
A Belize City man is accused of burglarizing a woman’s house with apparent intent to rape her; he was stopped by her common-law husband, who intervened after awaking from sleep. 42 year old Lincoln Flowers of Cadle Street was charged with sexual assault of the 41 year old […]

Robbers charged for Hopkins incident
Two Belize City men were arraigned before a Magistrate in Independence this morning for charges of robbery after they were accused of being responsible for stealing items valued at $3,500 from a Chinese businessman in Hopkins. The incident occurred on October 5 at around 6:00 p.m., when three […]

Police searching for rape and home invasion suspects
Police are currently searching for two suspects who robbed a house and raped a teenager in Camalote Village. According to reports, police responded to the robbery on Mile 49 on the George Price Highway where they saw a 62-year-old man of Camalote Village who reported that at about 7:15 a.m. […]

Rainy days ahead says Met Service
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting cloudy spells today with a few showers and isolated thunderstorms mostly over the sea and along the coast. Skies will be cloudy tonight with some showers and a few thunderstorms over most areas. Winds will be blowing from the North-Northeast at five […]

Post mortem examination conducted on BDF soldier Killed in Orange Walk Town
The post mortem examination conducted on the body of 32-year-old Rafael Abel Rivas of Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District certified the cause of his death to be Cardiogenic Shock, Acute Tanguade Syndrome due to stab wound to the heart. Rivas was murdered over the weekend in Orange Walk Town […]

PUP unveils social contract with the people of Belize
This morning at a packed Independence Hall, the People’s United Party has presented it’s social contract with the people of Belize. Over the first 100 days of a PUP Government, the party plans to address key issues from education to health to government reform. The governance reform agenda […]

Blogs

Sustainable Home Building Off the Grid
Its funny when talking with folks and the subject comes up where are you living. When I tell them Cerros Sands, outside of Corozal, Belize, they either think it is pretty cool, living off-grid or they look at you sideways and cannot fathom why you would not want to be connected to "Electricity.” Then the conversation takes a turn… I explain that I have all the power I want and do not have to deal with outages and electric bills. They become more interested. I also tell them I am not connected to water as well. This is a bit easier on them, as some have wells. Then we go off into the details of how much sunshine we get in Belize. That is easily understood. Now it begins to sink in and they start coming around. I detail the solar array, inverter, charger controller and batteries. It is becoming easier to understand. Then I throw Wind Power into the mix. As these conversations are usually down by the beachside in Corozal, the picture becomes even clearer. Here at Cerros Sands, my home has a ceiling fan in each room, nice Hunter top of the line ones as well. Guess what they are nothing but decorations, the breeze here is awesome. One of the many reasons I decided on this area for my off-the-grid project.

"I Love My Work…and My Less Stressful Life in Belize”
Dick Walton, 53, and his wife, Dawn, 47, have always loved to travel. And they knew for a long time that they wanted to retire to English-speaking Belize…the tiny Central American country on the Caribbean Sea. But when Dawn had an aneurysm in 2009, the couple pushed up that timetable to escape the stress and fast pace of life in their hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Over time they visited a few places in Belize: the island of Ambergris Caye and the low-cost retiree haven of Corozal. They then spent Christmas 2011 in Placencia, a 17-mile narrow peninsula that offers laidback Caribbean living. The sun, the beach, the people—it had everything they wanted. "When we came for that visit, I woke up one morning, got a cup of coffee, turned to Dawn and said, ‘This is it,'” recounts Dick. "When we got home we sold the businesses and everything else.” Seven months later they moved. Today, the couple enjoys a new life with all the benefits of life in a beach town. A big one for these northerners is the climate—it’s warm year-round in Placencia.

5 Epic Outdoor Adventures in Belize
Belize has a way of bringing out the best parts of you. You morph into "the you” you’ve always imagined yourself to be. The most adventurous you. The daredevil version of you. Best outdoor activities in Belize. Mountainous jungles bring out the hiker in you, and the inner zipliner. There are reefs for your inner snorkeler and diver. Ancient Mayan Ruins and Caves for your inner explorer. Waterfalls for your inner rappeller. And, at the end of each day’s adventures, Rhum Bars on the beach will definitely bring you out to kick back in a beach hammock and end the day with a delicious pina colada. Whatever your taste in recreation – or perhaps just relaxation? Belize is a paradise for all your needs, so, we guarantee there will be something for you to do – or not do…. Active travelers rejoice! Adventure in Belize.

The 15th Belize General Election – Who Will Win?
No candidate or party has won the 15th Belize General Election scheduled for Wednesday, November 4th, 2015, as yet, but the presumptive front runner, the incumbent United Democratic Party is now, in the words of several observers, "a lot less cocky.” Last weekend the incumbent UDP, the opposition Peoples United Party and the upstart Belize Progressive Party all held successful rallies as their campaigns and their campaigners are becoming more focused. The UDP are now rallying behind the theme "The best is yet to come” apparently moving away from their earlier slogan "The transformation continues”. It held rallies in Belmopan last week, and then consecutive rallies in Dangriga, Punta Gorda and Orange Walk over the holiday weekend. Three were reportedly well-attended with large crowds, speeches and live entertainment. Fonseca power to the peopleThe PUP held its largest rally to date last Sunday in Orange Walk in the continuation of its "Power to the People” tour which was started in August. It has been releasing a series of position papers on health, education, governance reform.

San Pedro to Houston And Tomorrow, Southwest Airline’s First Belize Flight
This two day whirlwind trip to Houston and back has, so far, been pretty amazing. Making our way to Houston as guests’ of Southwest to take that very first flight from Houston Hobby Airport to Belize City is super exciting for me. I packed a few things…including my Belize (and Southwest) colors and was off…. Tuesday morning, I was booked on the 9am Tropic Air flight from San Pedro to Belize City to start my journey. Almost everything is complete at Philip Goldson’s Belize City Airport. Handy kiosks to print out all of your Southwest information, even your luggage tagging. What a gorgeous day to fly out…

Carne de Cerdo a la Naranja
En una olla amplia vas a poner un poquito de aceite a calentar. Mientras se calienta el aceite, sazonas la carne con sal y pimienta por todos lados. Ya caliente el aceite pones la carne y la doras perfectamente por ambos lados a fuego medio. En lo que se dora, vas a licuar el jugo de naranja con los chiles y los ajos. Ya que la carne esté bien dorada vacías lo licuado y agregas el caldo de pollo.

International Sources

Pineapple Juice Is 5 Times More Effective Than Cough Syrup
Did you know that pineapple juice is 500% more effective at helping you to stop coughing than cough syrup is? Well, it’s true, and it’s all on account of the fact that fresh pineapples contain a substance known as Bromelain; a specific type of enzyme that has anti-inflammatory characteristics which can combat infections and eradicate bacteria. Taking pineapple juice doesn’t just help to soothe the irritation of nasty coughs; it also helps to loosen up any annoying mucus. Back in 2010, some research was carried out in an attempt to find treatments to help sufferers of tuberculosis. The findings of the reports were published "Der Pharma Chemica”, and they included the fact that a mixture of natural pineapple juice, together with honey, and salt and pepper, when taken daily helps to dissolve mucus that congregates in the lungs, causing illnesses such as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.

HOBBY AIRPORT OPENS INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL TODAY
Houston's Hobby Airport made history this morning. The facility's brand new international terminal opened to passengers with its first flight headed to Cancun, Mexico. Southwest Airlines covered the $156 million cost of constructing the building. The terminal is more than 280,000 square feet with five gates. By year's end, Southwest Airlines plan to offer flights to 10 Latin American destinations with service to Mexico, Costa Rica, and Belize. Eyewitness News caught up with Southwest Airlines spokesperson Thais Hanson to talk about what this may mean for your next flight. The company said they promised to "Free Hobby" and drive down prices in the market. Today, Southwest Airlines said their dream of giving Houstonians another option in aviation has come true. "Your question was our we trying to bring down the price in the market. That's what we do. The Southwest effect is what we're known as. We do that domestically and now we're looking forward to doing that internationally as well," said Hanson. "Houstonians no longer have to drive north to fly to fly south. We're creating a new need and giving Houstonians what they want and what they needed for a long time."

CSU Students Help Hunt The Voracious Lionfish
An international effort to stop an invasive species now includes a campaign by a group of Colorado State University graduate students. Lionfish are beautiful, ornate, reef fish, native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean. They are also popular pets in home aquariums. But according to a report on CBS Sunday Morning, the fish have found their way into the wild and have invaded tropical Atlantic waters. They are now found from Rhode Island to Brazil and they are devouring native fish and harming coral reef ecosystems. Now efforts to control the unwelcome lionfish include a campaign by a group of CSU graduate students. The students are in the Conservation Leadership through Learning master’s program and studying in Belize. They turned to crowdfunding to help Belizean women learn how to make jewelry from the tails and fins of the voracious fish. The CSU students raised more than $2,000 in 27 days to provide four women with the opportunity to attend the workshop sponsored by Blue Ventures, an organization that uses commercial strategies to raise awareness for conservation efforts.

Marlon James, Jamaican Novelist, Wins Man Booker Prize
The Jamaican novelist Marlon James won the Man Booker Prize on Tuesday for his novel "A Brief History of Seven Killings,” a raw, violent epic that uses the attempted assassination of Bob Marley in 1976 to explore Jamaican politics, gang wars and drug trafficking. Mr. James is the first Jamaican-born author to win the Man Booker, Britain’s most prestigious literary award. At a ceremony at London’s Guildhall, Mr. James said he was so certain that he would not win that he did not prepare an acceptance speech. "I’m not an easy writer to like,” he said, referring to his experimental style. The Booker judges praised Mr. James’s stylistic range and his unflinching exploration of violence, cronyism and corruption. "It’s a crime novel that moves beyond the world of crime and takes us deep into a recent history we know far too little about,” Michael Wood, the chair of the Booker judges, said when awarding the prize.

The One Big Passport Mistake You've Got To Avoid
A U.S. passport is one of the most powerful in the world, allowing citizens free access to more than 150 countries. And passports are indeed fairly easy for citizens to obtain, even in a pinch. But do NOT try to travel with a damaged passport. New bride Carly Baker learned that the hard way this week. Her dream honeymoon was thwarted when an airline rep refused to let her board a plane on Sunday, saying her previously-acceptable passport was too damaged to fly. Baker told BuzzFeed News she and her new husband then spent $2,000 in new rush passport and travel change fees, trying to salvage their trip. "A passport cover is clearly a good investment,” she said. Indeed. "Significantly damaged" passports are completely ineligible for travel, according to State Department guidelines, and it may surprise you -- as it did Baker -- to learn how "significant" your passport's damage may be considered. The term includes water damage, substantial tears, missing visa pages and either damage, rips or markings on your bio page in the front.

Videos

October 14, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, 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

Holiday Ahead
So there’s a holiday tomorrow, Pan American Day! MBB recommends making the most of the day by having a fun filled day at the beach…which beach you may ask? Well any beach,missed having family days at Boca Del Rio well,great news! The sargasso is all gone :-) So fill up a cooler and pack a picnic and head that way!

Ice Cream Adventures
So we’ve given you the best places to get your coffee fix while in San Pedro…..now we bring you one of my absolute favorites…you know "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM! Oh yeah we are talking about the good stuff. There are praise worthy places we recommend you visiting if you’re a fan of frozen dairy goodness! From classic recipes by small family owned ice cream parlours, and fancy gelato to large scale ice cream producers…These are a few places well worth stopping in for a scoop or two of dairy gold!

Ambergris Today

Passing of Mrs. Cecilia Lara
Ambergris Today joins the community of San Pedro in extending deepest condolences to the Lara Family on the passing of Mrs. Cecilia Lara. Just one month shy of reaching the milestone age of 101, we celebrate her 100 year and 11 months of life. May her soul rest in peace.

Pic of the Week - Gone Fishing in Belize
It's a picture perfect post card from Belize that says it all - gone fishing! It's a way of life in Belize: a happy past time or a way of living. The sea provides plenty for every Belizean from income to recreation, adventure, relaxation and excitment. Picture here is young Elijah Eiley who lives in Placencia Village in the Stann Creek District of Belize. Needless to say, he loves fishing.

Misc Belizean Sources

Fisheries Department boat intercepted by the Guatemalan military
Confirmed report is that a Belize Fisheries Department boat was coming down the Sarstoon River and was intercepted by the Guatemalan military. My concern is why is it that this is not headline news and why is it that our government has not protested the fact that Guatemala continue to harass our people. I must say that I am proud of the Fisheries Department officer who told off the Guatemalan military and came back home safely.

See & Taste Belize in Miami — at FIU Kovens Conference Center
A fundraising event for the Neonatal Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the KHMH; showcasing the cultural appeal of Belize!

Painting turtles this week!
This week at Crazy canucks! Follow the link to sign up click the bright green button that says book!

Biggest Halloween Party inside Holiday Hotel
Save the Date!

Poets Corner: Foreclosure
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. Bankers are blood sucking vampires Nothing but gangsters Venture capitalist in Belize widespread Familiar with peoples’ business, in their banks They take advantage instead Directors illegally buying out customers’ businesses Using monies from the bank! We only have the PUDP fih thank Legislation could have regulated these banks But just to not affect their offshore patrons They preferred to make millions And postpone offshore regulations Perusing the Amandala and Reporter So many homes are up for foreclosure

Vote for Belize's Miss Costa Maya 2014, Miss Elisa Espinoza to become MissF1Mexico
Dear Friends of Costa Maya, please vote for Belize's Miss Costa Maya 2014, Miss Elisa Espinoza to become # MissF1Mexico . She is truly deserving. Thanks for helping make our beloved Elisa Espinoza Miss F1 Mexico.

AARON FRANCIS: THE MAKING OF A DYNAMIC BELIZEAN-AMERICAN YOUNG ACTIVIST & SCHOLAR!
My coming across this outstanding young man in the Belizean-American Community and diaspora in Los Angeles was most astounding. Through the kind courtesy of my brother and good friend, Orlin 'Proxy' Lewis, who prompted me on the dynamic youth achievement that this promising Belizean-American young man was contributing to his community, family and people, yours truly was moved by such rare sense of consciousness in our young people today, not to mention Aaron's incredible academic achievements, having to come straight out of South Central Los Angeles. Aaron Francis is the son of Belizeans, Robert 'Pele' Francis, and Desiree Francis, whom have raised this brilliant young mind to sore the heights of achievement regardless of whom and where he comes from.

FCD closes another year of scarlet macaw bio-monitoring together with Scarlet 6 team
This year there was a zero poaching loss and 7 macaws fledged from their natural nests. For an update report write us.

Channel 7

Big Fire, No Water
There was a big fire on Monday morning in Belize City. It started at around 6:00 am in an old wooden two-story house on Handyside Street - and by the time it was done 90 minutes later, 4 buildings were destroyed or substantially damaged. But how much of that footprint of destruction is owing to the fact that two fire pumps broke down- and the waterless firefighters had to watch on as the fire consumed the structures? We have amateur video of the fire from the very first minutes - right up to when they ran out of water. Here's the story:... Jules Vasquez reporting This was how the fire looked at 6:09 am - when police and fire crews just arrived - the building at #37 Handyside street was already engulfed. By 6:12 AM the fire department was already in position - but the fire was already in free burn - and you could hear the embers splitting and crackling: within a few seconds - you could see the fire expanding - and the fireman pick up his hose.

BDF Soldier Killed In OW Bar Brawl
Tonight, family, friends and colleagues continue to mourn the untimely passing of 31 year-old Rafael Abel Rivas. The career BDF Soldier was stabbed to death in Orange Walk town on Saturday night in what appears to be a bar brawl. Right now, there are two drastically different reports of how he was fatally stabbed. The first is that he was acting as peace keeper, and he was trying to stop a fight when the man armed with the knife turned his rage on him. The next is that he got into bar brawl where his attacker pulled a knife and stabbed him several times. So which is it? That's what we tried to find out from his brother, Hilberto Rivas, on Sunday afternoon. We found Rivas at the cemetery in Carmelita Village where they were already preparing a grave for Rafael's burial. Here's what he had to say:

Convicted Husband Killer Viola Pook Pleads Down
In July of 2011 Viola Pook was sentenced to life in prison for setting her husband on fire. Well now she might not have to serve that tough sentence because she today pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. She was supposed to have a retrial - ordered by the Court of Appeal, but today she surprised the court when she pleaded to the lesser charge. New evidence which shows that she was a victim of domestic abuse, pushed the DPP's office to accept her plea. And she gave that guilty plea after the facts of the 2011 trail were read to her - specifically that she doused her common law husband, 42 year old Orlando Vasquez in gasoline and then set him on fire. Pook's attorney Lliana Swift accepted the facts as read to her.

Career Criminal Accused Of Sodomy
47 Year old Basil Willis - known as "ET" - has a long and colourful rap sheet with as many as 50 offences - but today, he got a first added to that list: he was accused of raping a grown man. This morning before the Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith, Willis was read a single count of committing an unnatural crime. The specific allegation is that on Saturday, October 10, in Belize City, Willis sodomized a 23 year old male - allegedly by force. The incident is said to have occur at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. The allegation is that the 23 year old was asking Willis about the Marion Jones Sporting Complex - and that's when Willis took him to the stadium and sodomized him. The victim alleges that it was non - consensual, while Willis reportedly told police it was. No plea was taken and the Chief Magistrate only asked him if he understood the charge read to him. Bail was denied and he was remanded to prison.

Man Stabbed To Death In Ladyville Left For Dead
There was a murder in Lord's Bank Village over the weekend. According to police it happened just before 3:00 am on Saturday morning. Police found 25 year old Ervin Franklin sitting in a drain about 10 feet from the junction with Talawala Street with stab wounds to the lower back and armpit. Franklin was rushed to the KHMH but died three hours later. Neighbors told police they heard loud cries at the time of the incident but did not come out to see what was happening. So far police have 2 individuals detained - one of whom they say has admitted to stabbing Franklin. Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster, Commander - Eastern Division Rural "On Saturday October 4th, Ladyville Police Precinct received information of a male person in the Lord's Bank area who was stabbed. When police went there they found the lifeless body of Ervin Franklin, 25 years of a Lord's Bank village address. Initial investigation indicated that he received a stabbing to the back and to the right arm pit. He was transported to the KHMH where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigation thus far to date, we have two suspects in custody, one of which is confessing to the stabbing death of the individual and we have other witnesses that we have recorded statements from in regards to this incident."

A Harvest In A Time Of Drought
For the past months, we've been showing you the drought ravaged corn fields in the north. It's devastating for farmers who stand to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars because of the drought. The drought affected farmers in the west as well but it didn't hit them as hard. And they ended up with enough to give away to a worthy cause, the Harvest for Kids Initiative. Courtney went west on Saturday to see 10 combines in concert: Courtney Weatherburne "Usually the Spanish Lookout farmers would be harvesting these 40 acres of corn for sale. But today's harvest isn't about short term profit. It's about a long term investment involving urban kids in agriculture." Courtney Weatherburne reporting 80 kids and their parents poured into Central Farm on Saturday afternoon for the corn harvest. For most of these city kids, This swathe of corn stalks swaying beneath the lush hills of the west. And these monstrous machines lined side by side like war tanks in a battle, is an unfamiliar scene. But this visit to Central Farm isn't just a field trip or an exhibit, it's a chance for the kids to learn about harvesting.

Psychiatrist: Keyren Tzib Bi-polar
After waiting an entire month, Keyren Tzib, the Coast Guard Officer accused of fatally stabbing her common-law husband, has finally had her bail hearing in the Supreme Court. She'll only have to wait 4 more days to find out whether or not Justice Troadio Gonzalez will allow her to go home while she awaits trial for manslaughter. Dr. Richard Alovera, a psychiatrist working with the Ministry of Health in Belmopan, was asked to take the stand today and he clearly outlined for the court what the state of Tzib's mental health is. The doctor diagnosed Tzib with bipolar affective disorder, which basically means that Tzib suffers extreme mood swings ranging from happiness to intense depression or irritability. More serious than that is the revelation from the doctor that Tzib may not be able to control her emotions. So, what is the source of her illness? Well, the doctor, after giving Tzib a mental assessment, said to the court that her mental instability comes from being raped. Viewers will remember that she accused a fellow officer of sexually assaulting her in the workplace in 2011. But, the DPP's Office could not take criminal action against that male officer because there was no evidence to support it.

PUP: We The North
There are eight seats in Northern Belize - and for the PUP to have any chance of winning the general election - conventional wisdom says they must hold unto the five seats they have in the north - and pick up at least one more - too offset the UDP's stronghold in the city. And so that's why the party put its all into a power to the people rally in Orange Walk on Sunday where the party showed muscularity and mass support - Daniel Ortiz was there:... Daniel Ortiz reporting On Sunday afternoon in Orange Walk Town, THOUSANDS of supporters - mostly from the north - shut down the town's main street of the town. It was only a rally, but by the sheer numbers and the celebration type mood of its supporters, you might have thought that the PUP had become the next Government. But, the party was only - as they put it - "energizing the base" there in the north. All around the Leader and the PUP 4 from Orange Walk, the crowd swarmed and followed them into Central Park. When it was time to take the rostrum, there was a lot of chest beating, and berating of the Incumbent UDP's 2 terms in Office.

UDP's Marshals Southern Support
And while the PUP pulled a crowd in the north, the UDP did it in the south. The ruling party had two major rallies in the south this weekend: one in Dangriga, the other in PG. The one in Dangriga turned out to be not so major - as only a few hundred supporters showed up. But, the party made up for it on Sunday night in PG when an estimated three thousand supporters showed up for a rally in Punta Gorda's Central Park. Presently the PUP controls both seats in the Toledo District, and the UDP is hoping to capture at least one. Party Leader Dean Barrow was plain spoken about which he has his eye on.. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "Seeing so many people in the central park in Punta Gorda Town and I have no doubt Peter Eden Martinez will be the next area representative for the Toledo East constituency. Without a doubt the United Democratic Party is going to become the first 3 term government in the history of this country. We will do this with or without Toledo West."

UDP Tries For An Upset in OW East
The PUP control three of the four seats in Orange Walk District - and Orange Walk East is one of them. But, unlike the other two in Orange Walk Central and Orange Walk south, the area representative in Orange Walk East is not going for another term. Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez stepped down as standard bearing in 2014 - and nine months later he was accused of child molestation. So he's disappeared from the political scene and for the UDP his controversial departure has put the seat in play. On Sunday Daniel Ortiz heard from both candidates:.. Daniel Ortiz reporting On Sunday, Afternoon, Elodio Aragon Jr., a career police officer turned politician, walked streets of Orange Walk East, greeting the voters - something which he claimed to have been doing since he became a standard bearer almost 2 years ago. Elodio Aragon Jr. - UDP Candidate, Orange Walk East "It's been one year - eight months that I have been here as the official UDP standard bearer for the United Democratic Party."

Mover Over Cancun!: Belize Claims Tourism Awards
Belize has won its first award ever World Travel Awards ever. Belize won two major titles: Placencia got the Mexico and Central America's Leading Beach Destination title while Ambergris Caye got the Mexico and Central America's Leading Destination. It is the first time in 22 years that Belize has won two Travel awards for the continent. Acting Director of Marketing and Industry Relations for the BTB Karen Pike told us about the significance of it. The Award ceremony took place in Bogota Columbia. Cancun has held these two major awards for years.

Mother Killed in Fatal Accident
There are two fatal traffic accidents to report tonight. The first happened on Friday night in Orange Walk at 8:30 when 29-year-old mechanic Ruben Vasquez was driving his motor cycle on Santa Familia Street in Orange Walk Town when he lost control and crashed head-on into a chain link fence. He received massive head injuries and died on the spot. Authorities say Vasquez lost control of his motorcycle and slammed into this cement chain-link fence. And, a young mother lost her life in the south at Maya Beach near Placencia. Last night, Driver Giancarlo Vega lost control of his vehicle and flew off the road. His common-law wife, 21 year old Kyria Krystelle Campos, was trapped in the vehicle, and died from her injuries. Vega and his twin three months old babies were also injured and are in the hospital.

Channel 5

Early Morning Fire Guts Iconic Fenders Nightclub
An early morning fire in Belize City on Monday has left several persons homeless.  Sometime around six o’clock, personnel from the National Fire Service were called out to Handyside Street [...]

Residents Lose Everything in Towering Blaze
Alan Gotoy, who has lived in one of the homes since childhood, told News Five today that there was very little he could have done to save his belongings.  Everything [...]

Was Courtship the Reason Why a Lord’s Bank Resident was Stabbed to Death?
Twenty-five-year-old Ervin Franklyn was stabbed and killed in Lord’s Bank Village over the weekend.  The fatal incident happened sometime around two o‘clock on Saturday morning.  According to Ladyville police, they [...]

A B.D.F. Soldier is Killed at a Nightclub in Orange Walk Town
A B.D.F. soldier was killed over the weekend in Orange Walk Town. By all accounts, Rafael Rivas was socializing at Panda’s Bar next to the Central Park when he got [...]

Mother of Young Twins Perishes in Road Traffic Accident
A terrible traffic accident on the Placencia road early this morning claimed the life of nineteen-year-old Kyria Krystelle Campos, mother of three-month-old twins. News Five has confirmed that at around [...]

On the Campaign Trail in Orange Walk Central
As promised, News Five has been taking you out on the campaign trail where candidates from the two mass parties, the newly formed Belize Progressive Party and independents are working [...]

Is G-11 an Issue for Johnny B in Orange Walk?
Briceño is confident of victory at the polls, and as a veteran of consecutive successful battles there is some justification for that confidence. Still, there are issues which certainly must [...]

Denny Grijalva on Being Born in Guatemala
Just as Briceño will inevitably face questions about the G-eleven, his opponent will have his own to answer. The U.D.P.’s Denny Grijalva was born in Guatemala, and that fact, especially [...]

Still No Bail for Keyren Tzib
Twenty-four-year-old Keyren Tzib, on remand for manslaughter, will have to wait until Friday for a decision on her bail application status to be handed down. The bail application hearing has [...]

Basil Willis on Remand for Sodomy
Meanwhile, Basil Willis, who is currently out on bail for a number of matters before the courts, was remanded to prison today until December twelfth, 2015 for a most despicable [...]

Sixteen-year-old Minor Shot in Roaring Creek
A teenager was injured during one of two shooting incidents that occurred in other parts of the country over the long weekend.  The sixteen-year-old came under gunfire in Roaring Creek [...]

Belize Wins Big at 2015 World Travel Awards
Belize has picked up a pair of prestigious honors as an ideal tourist destination at the 2015 World Awards.  The Jewel won both Mexico and Central America’s Leading Beach Destination [...]

Sports Tuesday with Sportscaster James Adderley.
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. Quiet as it has been kept, the Premier League of Belize has been undergoing growing pains as evidenced by the [...]

CTV3

Mother Of Twins Died In Dreadful Accident
A well know family from the Orange Walk District is tonight mourning the loss of their loved who died as a result of traffic accident. CTV3 News understands that 21 year old Kyria Krystelle Campos, her common-law-husband, 19 year old Giancarlo Vega and their twin babies were heading back to Placencia after spending the weekend here in Orange Walk when the accident occurred on the Maya Beach Road, just outside of Placencia Village. The couple reportedly left Orange Walk around 7:30 and the accident occurred after midnight. Reports are that Vega apparently lost control of the vehicle which overturned several times. While Campos was trapped inside the vehicle and died instantly, a seriously injured Vega managed to make it out of the vehicle and somehow took out the twin babies who were also wounded.

Women Caught Stealing At Chinese Store
Last week we reported that surveillance footage obtained from Mr. Yan’s Store in Trial Farm Village was crucial in putting behind bars the men responsible for an armed robbery. The video which we posted received over fifty thousand views and with the help of the public, police were successful in making an arrest. Well tonight, we have another surveillance footage to show you in hope of identifying two women with apparent sticky fingers. The owners of Dickerson's Supermarket located on Cinderella Street are pleading for help from the public in identifying these two women in order to bring them to justice since a string of unreported robberies have been plaguing local businesses and Chinese stores across the North.

Sembrando Amor, Inaugurate New Building
Nutrition plays an important role in child survival and at a global level it has been estimated that malnutrition explains 54% of child mortality. The impact of malnutrition is often mediated through weakened immunity to fight opportunistic infections and exacerbating the severity of common conditions. Stunting, the physical outcome of chronic malnutrition, is the most common form of malnutrition in Belize. Many factors contribute to the development of malnutrition, most of which are related to poor diet, repeated infections and inappropriate care practices. In an effort to combat Malnutrition in the Corozal community, the 7th Day Adventist Church located in Altamira Corozal open its doors on Saturday to assists all those who have financial constraints and cannot provide a descent breakfast to their children.

LOVE FM

Victim of Domestic Violence Pleads Guilty to Setting Spouse on Fire
In March 2014, the court of appeal ruled a retrial for Veola Pook. In July 2011, Pook was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. The new trial was to begin today however when she appeared before Justice Adolph Lucas, Pook pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. The court accepted Pook’s guilty […]

Early Morning Murder – Robbery or Jealousy?
A resident of Ladyville Village, Belize District is dead and the family is in mourning as they prepare to put their family member to rest. 25-year-old, Ervin Osbert Franklin met his death in the wee hours of Saturday morning after a night of socializing. Investigators are saying that the motive may be connected to a […]

President of UB Association Resigns; President Slusher Writes of Financial Woes
Today, the faculty and staff of the University of Belize began a go-slow which we are told should result in a sick out on Thursday and a meeting on Friday. In addition, the President of the recently revitalized University of Belize Faculty and Staff Association, Fermin Olivera has resigned from his post. As we showed […]

Belize Ranks 17 Regionally on Economic Freedoms
The website, www.heritage.org is an online hub where reports on countries around the world are published regarding their collected data on the economy of each nation. Belize is one of the one hundred and eighty six countries that the website delivers a report on and when it comes to economic freedom, the website has ranked […]

Young Mother of Twin Babies Dies in Traffic Incident
A traffic incident has claimed the life of a young woman from Orange Walk Town. The incident occurred this morning just before two o’clock between miles ten and eleven on the Placencia Road. According to reports, 20-year-old, Kira Campus was traveling with her common-law-husband, 19-year-old, Giancarlo Jose Vega and their 3-month old twin babies when Vega […]

PlusTV

Harvest for kids reaps 40 acres of corn
Belize Camping Experience (BCE) is a Christian ministry which has been working with children mainly from Southside Belize City since 2012 by hosting summer camps for them. One programme of BCE is Harvest for Kids, an initiative spearheaded by Alexander Perez. Perez approached farmers who donate la...

Fire sweeps through Belize City neighborhood
An early morning fire totally gutted a two story building and damaged three others on Handyside Street in Belize City yesterday. Members of the public are up in arms because, according to them, the National Fire Service was – for lack of better words- ill equipped to handle the situation. Businessm...

Home Invasion in Camalote
There was a home invasion in Camalote Village, Cayo District this morning . The home invaded is that of Pastors Robert and Pam Caldwell, the leaders of Step of Faith Church in Belmopan. Police were not willing to give any information or interviews today but could be seen processing the scene at the...

Woman loses life on Placencia Road
A woman lost her life on the road to Placencia early this morning as a result of a fatal traffic accident. Harry Arzu has the story. Harry Arzu; Dangriga Correspondent: 20 year old Kera Campos, who was a passenger ina vehicle that was heading to Placencia in the wee hours of this morning, lost he...

Judge reserves decision on Keyren Tzib bail
The bail application for twice-accused Coast Guard officer Keyren Tzib, accused of attempted murder and manslaughter, returned to the Supreme Court of Justice Troadio Gonzalez today. But there is no decision, as Justice Gonzalez reserved his ruling until Friday, October 16. "Because I must give very...

Repeat offender charged for male sodomy
A 23 year old man accuses a man twice his age of committing forcible male sexual intercourse or sodomy on him during the holiday weekend in Belize City. The accused is 47 year old Basil Willis, who has been before the court as many as 49 times for various offences ranging from theft to robbery to d...

16 year old shot in Roaring Creek
Roaring Creek Police have arrested one person in connection with the shooting of 16 year old Ivan Choc, a resident of Roaring Creek. The incident occurred sometime between 6:20 pm and 6:30 pm on Saturday October 10th. According to reports, Ivan was travelling on the George Price Highway between the ...

Breaking Belize News

Fire sweeps through Belize City neighborhood
An early morning fire totally gutted a two story building and damaged three others on Handyside Street in Belize City yesterday. Members of the public are up in arms because, according to them, the National Fire Service was – for lack of better words- ill equipped to handle […]

Police investigate wild-west- shootout in Corozal
Corozal police are currently investigating a ‘wild-west’ style shoot out late Monday night. Around 11:33 Monday night police visited the Santa Maria Street, situated on Halls Layout, in that municipality where they saw a blue 1993 VW Jetta car with apparent bullet holes. After further checks in the area, police also saw a white freight […]

Viola Pook pleads to manslaughter after new evidence
Found guilty of murder of her common-law husband Orlando Mai Vasquez by a jury in 2011, Rancho Dolores housewife Viola Pook was handed a term of life imprisonment. But she appealed to the Court of Appeal and won a retrial. Today that retrial was set to have begun. […]

Judge reserves decision on Keyren Tzib bail
The bail application for twice-accused Coast Guard officer Keyren Tzib, accused of attempted murder and manslaughter, returned to the Supreme Court of Justice Troadio Gonzalez today. But there is no decision, as Justice Gonzalez reserved his ruling until Friday, October 16. "Because I must give very serious consideration […]

Repeat offender charged for male sodomy
A 23 year old man accuses a man twice his age of committing forcible male sexual intercourse or sodomy on him during the holiday weekend in Belize City. The accused is 47 year old Basil Willis, who has been before the court as many as 49 times for […]

Shoplifters caught on camera in Orange Walk
Several Chinese Establishments in Orange Walk Town have been hit by thieves posing as customers. The latest incident was recorded around 1pm from within Dickerson’s Supermarket situated on Cinderella Street. Two dark skinned females are seen pacing the aisle and acting suspiciously, then shortly after, they are […]

Teen shot in Roaring Creek
Gunshots rang out in Roaring Creek Village on Saturday night shortly after 6:00 p.m., when a 16 year old male was shot near West Star Gas Station. Police responded to the call at 6:23 p.m. and found the minor at the Western Regional Hospital where he was taken to receive […]

Three to be charged for robbery
Swift police work in the Stann Creek District led to the arrest of three men who face charges of robbery, after stealing items valued at a total of $3,500 from a Chinese businessman in Hopkins on Monday, October 5. Around 6:00 p.m., the three men entered N&C Restaurant, held the […]

Mother dead, family in hospital after traffic accident near Placencia
A truly tragic accident on the Maya Beach Road, just outside of Placencia Village, has left a family in despair and financial debt. Driver Giancarlo Vega apparently lost control of the vehicle he was driving for yet unknown reasons last night. Vega’s common-law wife, 21 year old Kyria […]

Man busted for stealing log-wood
Thirty-five-year old Marco Tulio, a resident from the village of Armenia in the Cayo District is facing the long arm of the law. According to 58-year-old Henry Reimer, a Belizean farmer and resident of Spanish Lookout, on October 11th at around 1:30 p.m., he was informed that a white cargo truck was […]

Fatal traffic accident in Orange Walk Town claims one life
On Friday, October 9th around 8:30 p.m., police responded to a fatal traffic accident on Santa Familia Street, Orange Walk Town where they encountered a blue "Cool Boy” motor cycle lodged into a fence extensively damaged.

Police investigating murder in Lord’s Bank Village
On Sunday, October 10th 2015 around 2:53 a.m., police visited Edwin Park Street in Lord’s Bank Village, where they saw 25-year-old Ervin Osbert Franklyn of Lord’s Bank Village, Belize District with what appeared to be apparent multiple stab wounds to the lower back and armpit.

Blogs

What is the most affordable way to get to Ambergris Caye Belize?
There’s no shame in admitting that you’re a bargain hunter. It’s a noble hobby that’s fun and a wise way to enjoy twice the number of vacations others take because you take advantage of sales, bundles, and vacation deals that—well, save you a bundle. Whether you’ve been to Belize or you’re planning your first trip to this Caribbean nation, we’ll help you get here with enough cash left in your pocket to live large after arriving! The most economical way to get to Ambergris Caye in Belize—which is so close to Cancun, it’s a shame not to visit there first–is to take the four hour ADO bus ride from Cancun to Chetumal and then grab the 1-1/2 hour ferry boat directly to Ambergris Caye. Alternately, you can take the regularly-scheduled night bus to Belize from Cancun, arrive in Belize City at 7 a.m. and then hop in a ferry to Ambergris Caye. The ADO bus system is an air conditioned ride—some complain it gets downright chilly, so bring a sweater—that shuttles between Cancun and Belize City, so you wind up in close proximity to your final destination by enjoying a leisurely, eight-hour bus ride.

CHULETAS DE CERDO CON CERVEZA Y AJO
Se pone la sartén con un poco de aceite y se echan los ajos cortados por la mitad sin pelar, se dejan que se frían (no demasiado) y se reservan. Salpimentar la carne, dorar un poco, agregar orégano, romero, la cerveza y los ajos; dejar que reduzca y listo. Se acompaña con arroz blanco.

International Sources

Guatemalan presidential candidates debate future plans at British Embassy’s forum with universities
The candidates for the Presidency of Guatemala, Jimmy Morales and Sandra Torres, offered to boost employment, education, health and transparency in their first face to face forum hosted by the British Embassy jointly with Guatemala’s largest newspaper Prensa Libre. The event was broadcast live by TV cable channel Guatevision throughout Guatemala and audiences in Central America, USA and Canada. The forum was the first of its kind since Morales, from the Front of National Convergence (FCN-Nation), and Torres, of the National Unity of Hope (UNE), made it through to the second round of the General Elections due to be held on 25th of October. "A Free Dialogue with the Presidential Candidates” provided an opportunity for the two contenders to answer questions from students representing the five largest universities in the country, and to share their plans for government with special invited guests that included members of the private sector, civil society, the clergy and representatives from the countryside. The candidates also responded to inquiries from the social networks using the hashtag #YoCuidoMiVotoGT.

Plan de gobierno de presidenciables FCN - UNE
VIDEO: El candidato de FCN Nación, Jimmy Morales y Sandra Torres de la UNE presentaron su plan de gobierno en el foro #DiálogoLibre con los presidenciales organizado por Prensa Libre y la Embajada Británica. (Video Prensa Libre: Gabriela López)

The Best Airfare Deals For Winter 2015
The odds are in your favor this winter, as these warm-weather destinations are offering historically affordable airfare thanks to airline competition and new cultural attractions. With the launch of Southwest Airlines' international routes this year comes fresh, affordable options for reaching the blue waters of Belize as well as both the volcanic central region and surfer-favorite Pacific coasts of Costa Rica. These new routes--to Belize City, San Jose, and Liberia--increase competition and bring fares on rival airlines down to the "whoa, that's incredible" level, making a spontaneous tropical trip over the winter totally doable. There's never been a better time to make that bucketlist journey to snorkel or dive the Great Blue Hole or play in Costa Rica's bohemian surfer towns.

Mexico performs first Mass in indigenous Nahuatl language
The first Mass conducted in Mexico's most prominent indigenous language has been held in the country's most important church. Roman Catholic Bishop Felipe Arizmendi said during his homily Tuesday at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City that rather than accept and respect the culture of the country's original peoples, they have been scorned. He pointed out that Nahuatl was the language of Juan Diego, the first indigenous saint, who Catholic tradition says saw the Virgin of Guadalupe nearly 500 years ago. Pope John Paul II canonized Juan Diego in the same basilica in 2002. Arizmendi spoke in Spanish and his words were translated to Nahuatl. He told the congregants that God wants to speak to them in their own language.

Mérida Expo Trade Fair 2015: to promote trade and create business alliances
With the participation of 500 exhibitors the "Expo Feria del Comercio 2015" (Expo Trade Fair 2015) will take place from Thursday to Sunday Oct. 15-18. This year, the event is expected to draw more than 300,000 visitors to the Siglo XXI Convention Center during the weekend. The main goal of this annual event is to achieve company-consumer proximity, whereby each participating company can put every single one of their products and services at hand for consumers; promoting trade and creating business alliances. According to the organizers, this edition will be the 17th and will feature improvements and innovations, as well as a large exhibit of products and services available in the state. Jose Manuel Lopez Campos, president of the Merida Chamber of Commerce, reported that the special guests this year are the chambers of commerce of Veracruz, Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Quintana Roo and Belize.

‘Soca Warriors’ Dominate
A SUDDEN thunderstorm halted play on the pitch in the tournament finale, but it failed to dampen a weekend of beach soccer action among some of the best teams in the region. #Trinidad and Tobago emerged as the top team in the Lucayan Cup after the game was halted due to weather with the beach version of the "Soca Warriors” clinging to a 5-3 lead over the Bahamas midway through the third period. The Bahamas got two goals from Lesly St Fleur and another from Kyle Williams. #The Trinibigonians opened with a score on a free kick before Williams added the equaliser. #Headed into the second period, the "Soca Warriors” went ahead 3-1 before St Fleur volleyed the ball to himself and scored a strike to bring the "Rake and Scrape Boys” within one. The CONCACAF Beach Soccer championship had a record 16-team field comprising hosts El Salvador, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States and US Virgin Islands.

Videos

October 13, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, 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

Take advantage of BCVI monthly Eye Exams
On Wednesday, October 7th, The Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) held its monthly eye exam at the Lions Den in San Pedro Town. From 8Am to 2PM, many island residents took advantage of the free service. Even though the exam, which takes place every first Wednesday of each month, is free of charge, patients are still required to pay for glasses and eye drops. The BCVI provides these types of exams countrywide, and has been coming to San Pedro for the past six years. Optometrist Rita Witzil explained the importance of the program and why people need to check their eyes more often. "Our main objective is to prevent blindness, which is avoidable, by offering this free service. Many people cannot afford to go to a private doctor so we come here to offer our free service to everybody. This service is available to all ages from small babies to the oldest person,” stated Witzil.

One man’s quest to rid island of unsightly graffiti
The campaign aims at getting residents involved in painting over graffiti riddled structures by always carrying small containers of paint thinner and a paint brush with them. "The plan is very simple; just cover it over within a day or two upon seeing it. If it’s taken off the same day; very few people will even know it’s there. If nobody cares, it will stay up forever and spread. Graffiti left up tends to breed more graffiti. In a heavy area, it needs to be eradicated daily, if necessary.” Rosenthal has already taken it upon himself to remove some of the unsightly graffiti around town. The process is simple, it only takes a small paint brush or sponge to be dipped into paint thinner and then erase the marking away. "This is a very simple process that takes ten minutes to resolve. Fortunately it’s not a big issue in tourist areas. Property owners need to take care of their own graffiti as quickly as possible,” says Rosenthal. Rosenthal is positive that if this project is implemented in San Pedro, it will alleviate and ultimately, eliminate graffiti. "I personally care about what tourists say when they come to this island and see the graffiti. I am doing this just this once to demonstrate how easy it is to remove. In the future; it can be a complaint to the San Pedro Town Council if they care about tourism,” said Rosenthal.

Ambergris Today

Belize Wins Two Biggest Travel Oscars for the Continent at World Travel Awards
Ambergris Caye and Placencia win big at the 2015 World Travel Awards that took place in Bogota, Colombia over the weekend with Ambergris Caye taking the award for Leading Destination 2015 Mexico & Central America category and Placencia winning the Leading Beach Destination 2015 Mexico & Central America category. The Heads of Tourism from all around Central America were present for the ceremony. The BTB is extremely proud and excited to announce that for the first time in the 22 years history of the World Travel Awards, Belize has won the two biggest Travel Oscars for the Continent.

Misc Belizean Sources

Passing of Mrs. Cecilia Lara
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Lara family & friends on the passing of Mrs. Cecilia Lara. May her soul rest in peace. Mrs. Cecilia was 100 years old and 11 months. One month away from here 101 year birthday.

Ms. Amelia Young passes away
Condolences to the Young family on the passing of an island icon on Caye Caulker, Ms. Amelia Young. May she R.I.P.

Halloween Bazaar, Oct. 31, Caye Caulker
At La Isla Carinosa Academy, campus, starting at 4pm-10pm. Lots to eat and drink! Delicious treats and snacks! Tons of games and prizes!

The Reporter

Fire affects four buildings in Belize City
A fire early Monday morning in Belize City destroyed a bar and damaged three other buildings. The blaze which started at a few minutes before 6:00 a.m., on Handyside Street, gutted the upper flat of Fenders Bar, a landmark which has been there for at least four decades. Fire officials are investigating the origin and cause of the blaze, as well as gathering details of whether the buildings were insured and who owned them. No one was hurt in the blaze.

Climate change causing biggest coral destruction in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is currently experiencing the biggest mass coral destruction ever recorded. This according to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which confirmed that the bleaching of reefs in the Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific may affect over 38 percent of the world’s reefs, and kill over 12,000 square kilometer of them. Reefs are the breeding ground for tropical fisheries and this reality endangers the livelihoods of 500 million people who rely on the seas and oceans, which also provide shelter from the waves for tropical islands and bring tourist revenues. Scientists warn that if spectacular coral reefs as we know them are not killed firdt by human activities, they are unlikely to survive increase in temperatures by the end of this century. The current worldwide bleaching is predicted to be the worst on record as the warming Pacific current, known as El Nino, increases in strength. Water temperatures are being further increased by a separate natural warm-water mass called the Pacific Blob.

Breaking Belize News

UDP holds rally in Punta Gorda
On Sunday night in Punta Gorda Town, the highly anticipated United Democratic Party’s pre-election rally took place at the town’s Central Park where thousands gathered to show support for standard bearers Peter Eden Martinez for Toledo East, and Juan Coy for the Toledo West Constituencies. Guests of honor graced the stage with words of encouragement and confidence, some even dancing in celebration of what they are predicting to be the first ever UDP Administration to serve three consecutive terms. Respected members of the UDP such as Hon. Anthony Boots Martinez, Hon. John Saldivar, Hon. Frank "Papa” Mena and Mayor Fern Guttierez of Punta Gorda addressed the massive crowd, as well as the men they came to support — Mr. Peter Eden Martinez and Mr. Juan Coy who were well received by enthusiastic UDP supporters.

PUP holds rally in Orange Walk
Orange Walk Central Park was the venue for thousands of PUP supporters as the "Power to the People Tour” took place on Sunday October 11th, 2015. The rally initiated with a massive march to victory with the four standard bearers from the four corners of Sugar City with the support of Party leader Francis Fonseca. As the crowd made its way to the central park, the blue and white machine prepare for the November 4th Elections.

Blogs

Sunday morning coming down . .
And this Sunday kicked off in unique style. With a dull thump. A small bird flew right into the sliding glass door on the living room porch and was sitting there motionless, stunned. The sight took me back to a year earlier when we found a bird, motionless, on its side but still breathing. It tried to stand up. And fell. I tried everything I could to revive it. Gentle strokes on the feathers, water, whispering and even a slight gentle rolling in a paper towel. The hit it took was too much and the bird died. Later that day I was sitting on the steps, fixing my bicycle and still feeling badly about not being able to save the bird. A bird with very similar coloring landed next to me on the railing. Close enough that I could touch it. I did touch it. I stroked it on the beak and feathers on the back of its neck. It didn’t flinch. It didn’t flee.. I even brought it a little saucer of water, but it wasn’t interested.

"It’s My Chapati (I’ll Cry If I Want To)” at El Fogon, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
James ("JimJam”) and Jamila Janmohamed couldn’t have chosen a better date for the Poppy Appeal Dinner at El Fogon on Saturday night even had they spoken to me first. Why, well yesterday was Rose’s birthday (38 again if you must know – she has Dorian Grey traits!) and a four course Indian meal was just perfect to make it an extra special day. I’d made reservations for the 20.00 hours sitting as soon as the event was announced – it’s an extremely popular dinner and tickets sell out fast,really fast – and we , Rose, Chrissy (Chrissy is a member of the British Army and serving as a member of BATSUB) and I got to El Fogon around 19.45 hours for a pre-dinner tipple. We eventually were seated at our table at 20.20 hours so it wasn’t quite a pre-dinner tipple but it wasn’t a pre-dinner torrent. Let’s just say that we were lubricated. Very nicely lubricated.

Come Fly With ME…Southwest Airlines First Flight To Belize is October 15th
We’ve been talking about this since the official announcement in May. Southwest, the largest airline in the United States, is flying to Belize! Since them prices have dropped and continued competition and lower prices are highly anticipated. FREE CHECKED BAGS! FRIENDLY FUN FLIGHT ATTENDANTS! NO CHANGE FEES! PEANUTS SERVED ON PLANES! FREE WINE AND BEER ON HOLIDAYS! It’s all pretty fantastic. And what is even more fantastic, is that I am going on the FIRST SOUTHWEST FLIGHT TO BELIZE!!!! I have requested that we make our route over the Blue Hole and was instantly told NO by the Chairman of the Belize Aviation Development Committee. But maybe I’ll talk to the pilots on the plane…it’s always better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission, right?

Chuletas de Cerdo con Salsa de Mostaza y Vino
En primer lugar, marcamos las chuletas a la plancha. Cuando le demos la vuelta, salamos y reservamos. Por otro lado, en la misma sartén, doramos la cebolla picada con una pizca de sal. Cuando esté dorada, añadimos la harina y rehogamos bien para que se tueste. Mojamos con el vino y dejamos que reduzca. Cuando el alcohol haya evaporado, añadimos el caldo, la mostaza, la chuleta, los pepinillos y el perejil picado y cocinamos durante 10 minutos para que la salsa reduzca. Se le pone a las chuletas la salsa Se acompaña con arroz blanco como guarnición.

International Sources

50 Years of BBC's Horizon
A collection of programmes specially chosen to celebrate Horizon's 50th anniversary.

Southwest set to open int'l concourse at Houston Hobby
Southwest Airlines will beef up its international portfolio on Thursday with the opening of a new concourse it financed at Houston Hobby Airport. The five-gate concourse will house Hobby's first customs facility as well as a Southwest ticket counter. It has been under construction since September 2013. "We just believe that by funding this facility, it shows Houston how excited we are and that we're dedicated to growing our international footprint,” Southwest spokeswoman Thais Hanson said. The airline will begin service from Houston to Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, Belize City and San Jose (Costa Rica) on Thursday. Southwest flights between Houston and Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Liberia, Costa Rica, will begin on Nov. 1. Previously, Southwest offered just one international route from Hobby — to and from Aruba, where passengers cleared customs prior to boarding their flights to the United States.

Writer tells of antics by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft whilst studying in Chelmsford during 1960s
A writer who shared a student house in Chelmsford with Lord Ashcroft has told of how he was offered £10,000 not to write a biography of the Tory peer. Alastair Primrose first met Lord Ashcroft in the 1965, when both were students at Mid Essex Technical College, now Anglia Ruskin University. However, 40 years after they met, Mr Primrose received a '”gift” of £10,000 after he failed to find a publisher for his Ashcroft biography, You Were On My Mind: The Early Years Of Lord Ashcroft. Writing in the Daily Mail, which has been serialising Lord Ashcroft’s book on David Cameron, he said: "His letter was very cleverly worded – there was no suggestion of blocking my book or conditions for payment – but it felt as if it was quite manipulative.

Caribbean, Mexico fighting sargassum with heavy-duty machines
Two companies, one U.S.-based and the other French, recently found themselves in the front lines in the battle to rid beaches of sargassum, the stinky, brown, ugly masses of floating seaweed that are carpeting the shorelines of popular destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Sargassum shows up every year, but this summer’s onslaught is the largest on record, leading Brian Lapointe, a professor and oceanographer with Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, to declare it "the worst year ever. I’d say we’ve hit a crisis level.” That makes it a good year for Connecticut-based H. Barber & Sons, which has manufactured beach-cleaning equipment since 1966, and CDO Innov, a French company that manufactures industrial equipment used for environmental issues. Sargassum presents several challenges as well as a rotten-eggs odor. On many beaches, the stuff washes up with every tide. Workers can rake it and remove it in the morning, only to have it return on the next tide, pushed along by ocean currents and winds.

Insider Selling: Fortis Director Jamie Roberts Sells 8,373 Shares of Stock
Fortis (TSE:FTS) Director Jamie Roberts sold 8,373 shares of Fortis stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$38.60, for a total transaction of C$323,206.17. Several research firms have recently issued reports on FTS. RBC Capital reissued an "outperform” rating and issued a C$44.00 price target on shares of Fortis in a research report on Wednesday, October 7th. Scotiabank restated a "sector outperform” rating and issued a C$43.00 price objective on shares of Fortis in a research note on Tuesday, August 4th.

Videos

October 12, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, 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

Wolfe’s Woofer: Walking
"Hey, Dennis. Have a seat.” "Hey, Stuart,” I said. "How is the ankle? I see you’re still on crutches.” "It’s painful. The doctor says I’m going to be on crutches for four more months. However, I did learn that I’m too old to play football because you can easily break an old ankle like mine. What brings you to Belize City at night?” "I have a late evening appointment with my own doctor for a six month check-up,” I told him. We finished our meal at the Riverside Tavern and Stuart said, "Being a cripple is killing me and I’m ready to walk. There are two visiting ministers in town that supposedly do faith healing. Ride over with me tonight while I try it out.”

Letter to the Editor: Joanna responds to Doctor Love
Dear SP Sun Team, I usually read the Doctor Love column with enjoyment. There’s often a splash of humor, some honest talk, and, most importantly, a message of empowerment to the women who write in: encouraging them to get out of broken relationships, value their own happiness, and take the high road. And so I was shocked to read the response in the October 1, 2015 edition of The Sun, in which a victim of child abuse (named Traumatized) wrote in seeking advice on raising her own children. Dr. Love recommended she call her abuser and thank him for the "good job he did”. He recommended that instead of the counseling she desired, but could not afford, that she would have to "do it herself” and use the bible. He ended by suggesting she keep her own children "locked up at home” so that they don’t become "mischievous brat(s)”. It was misogynist victim-shaming at its very worst.

Doctor Love
Dear Doctor Love, My sister has been married three years after living with her man for two years. When they got married she knew that he spent his free time drinking. I talked to her about it before she got married but she said she was sure he would change. Now she is not so sure. Instead of getting better he seems to get worse. Before she got married she used to suffer from anxiety attacks that would put her in bed sometimes for three or four days. I am afraid that she will start suffering again if she does not get out of this situation. I warned her about this before she got married and now I keep telling her she needs to get out before it is too late. She keeps saying people can change but anybody can see this guy is not going to. How can I get through to her? /s/ Big Sis

Misc Belizean Sources

Blue Water Classic Fishing Tournament
The Belize Game Fish Association has been promoting the sport of offshore fishing in Belize since 1987. During this time it has hosted numerous competitions that have seen anglers enjoy some of their best fishing experiences, all of which has helped to build the camaraderie of the Association’s members and forge lifelong friendships. Over the past 2 years, the BGFA has set a new goal to bolster its sustainability impact on the sportsfishing industry of Belize and has started by introducing a release system into its tournaments for billfish.

"Los Pachamama" from Tabasco in Concert
Wednesday, October 14th at the George Price Center, Thursday October 15th, Bliss Centre. Since its beginning in 1987, the musical work development of "Los Pachamama" has been aesthetic, unique, innovative, and experimental as well as beautifully conceived, and over the years it has turned into an artistic proposal that synthesizes the dreams and aspirations of several generations with fine sensitivity. The musical genealogy of "Los Pachamama" goes back to the ancient roots of Latin American folklore; their harmonious and sound creations are born from that inexhaustible source. Time and contact with the contemporary world have opened new musical horizons to the band, so its scenic proposal today reveals a wide range of sounds, textures, rhythms, melodies and harmonic polyphonies that make possible this unique combination, very difficult to separate. "Los Pachamama" is a band that experiments and blends their Latin roots with elements of jazz, Afro-Caribbean music, and traditional Mexican music such as "son jarocho", and that manages to develop melodies rich in sound forms with simple instrumentation.

Temporary Job Vacancy exists at Centro Escolar Junior College
Temporary Job Vacancy exists at Centro Escolar Junior College (CEJC) in the Corozal Distict. The Board and Management of CEJC announces a job vacancy for a Temporary Communications Studies Lecturer. Qualifications:- A Bachelors degree in related field. Experience is an asset. Salary:- Government Pay Scale based on qualification/experience. Letters of application accompanied by resume, two letters of recommendations, transcripts and copies of diploma must reach the following address by Octob

FCD gets ten year long term agreement for Las Cuevas Research Station
Sustainable Development. FCD's aim is to make this station a vibrant center for core research and learning.

The Reporter

Dominica’s prime minister says Tropical Storm Erika has affected that country’s revenue stream
Tropical Storm Erika has dealt a major blow to Dominica’s revenue stream, said that country’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in his address to Dominica’s this week. Skerrit said the impact has already been felt in Value Added Tax (VAT) revenues. "Government revenues are down; expenditure is on the rise and revenue has fallen considerably,” Skerrit said. "Just to give you an example of the impact of this disaster, VAT revenues for the month of August was EC$10.3 million (US$3.8 million); for September, VAT revenues originally projected at EC$11.4 million (US$4.2 million)stood two days before the end of the month at EC$4.2 million (US$1.5 million). That scenario is replicated across government’s revenue stream.” Skerrit explained that as a result of the impact on the island’s revenues, government could not realistically grant tax and duty waivers to every investor.

PUP leaders says PUP will appoint 13th Senator within 100 days of taking over government, if it wins
The People’s United Party (PUP) will appoint the 13th Senator within 100 days of taking office if it wins the November fourth General Elections, says PUP Leader Francis Fonseca. At one in a series of public rallies dubbed Power to the People, taking place currently in front of several thousand people at the Central Park in the Orange Walk Central, Orange Walk town, Fonseca said a few minutes ago "We will appoint the 13th Senator because we are not afraid of oversight.” Fonseca added that the PUP will set up an agricultural fund for cane farmers to access loans at two percent interest rate, and will set up a committee that will ensure the farmers can acquire farming equipment. The PUP leader also criticized the United Democratic Party (UDP) government for the way it has handled matters of national interest and apoke against corruption, and failures in the health and educational systems.

Breaking Belize News

BCE Harvest for Kids reports successful corn harvest
Belize Camping Experience (BCE) has supported its Christian ministry to kids of the inner city since 2012 by working with farmers and agro-businesses in the North and West of the country. The result is Harvest for Kids – an initiative that plants agricultural crops and sells them, using the proceeds […]

Cayo man wanted for underage sex; victim pregnant
Police are seeking a man from Santiago Juan Layout in San Ignacio town pending charges for unlawful sexual intercourse which resulted in pregnancy for a 15 year old girl. According to police, the minor, a Guatemalan, reported that approximately seven months ago around March 7, 2015, she was at home […]

Soldier stabbed to death in Orange Walk Bar
Police believe they have in custody the person who attacked and killed a member of the Belize Defence Force in Orange Walk Town on Saturday night. The dead soldier has been identified to us as one Private Rafael Rivas, who was socializing inside Pandas Bar located across from Central Park in town […]

Elections and Boundaries reports attempted intimidation
On Friday the Elections and Boundaries Department hosted a meeting with agents and representatives of political parties to present the ground rules for the upcoming general elections on November 4. But before we tell you about that meeting: Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai reported on two incidents that are suggested to be […]

Belize collects 2015 World Travel Awards
Belize has won two World Travel Awards from four nominations at the ceremony held in Bogota, Colombia. Placencia in the Stann Creek District was named leading beach destination for Mexico and Central America, while Ambergris Caye was nominated in that category and won the category of Mexico and […]

Blogs

Finn Kardashian Takes THE Full Moon Party: Episode 5.0 Southern Thailand
From the party capital of the world – Koh Phangan, we are staying in Haadrin, Thailand. Main objective is to PARTEEEEEEE. let me tell you this town is like no other, everyone flies to this island for the fete. Its the first time for Finn Kardashian – so lets get our neon glitterati ON! We leaving Bangkok to Koh Phangan and the route consists of a over night train AGAIN and a two hour boat. Just 4 Belizean’s ready to throw it out the window.

Belize Game Fishing and The Big November Tournament
When you think big game fishing…I’m not sure you think Belize. Fly fishing YES! Always Belize. Check out this article about 11 of the World’s Best Fishing Spots. Belize is right there but for our "inshore slam” – the permit, the tarpon and the bonefish. But we have deep waters – just after our reef, depths drop thousands of feet. Here is a pic of an impromptu fishing trip just outside the reef I took with the Seaduced catamaran – the water was churning with sardines, larger fish, bull sharks and then birds… Belize DOES have game fishing. We are not as well known as places like the Pacific coast of Mexico and Guatemala but there are fish out there! Like dorado (one of the oddest looking fish around)…

PAN DE ELOTE
Todos los ingredientes se licuan hasta integrar, se vacían a un molde engrasado y enharinado y se hornea a 180 grados por 40 minutos o hasta que al introducir un palillo en el pan y que salga limpio este.

Here’s Why You Should Explore Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave in Belize
The ATM Cave is part of the Belize landscape. Tucked deeply underground beneath the Mountain Tapir Reserve, you’ll need both your mind and your gear to be in tip-top shape as you follow trained guides into the jungle and then plunge through 12 feet of water at the mouth of the cave to reach the treasures and spectacular sights that fill chambers and ledges throughout the vast cavern’s interior. Our advice? Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes as you trudge through some of Mother Nature’s most pristine terrain to reach this secret place. As you explore the ATM Cave, you’ll begin to catch glimpses of artifacts left behind by the Mayans thousands of years ago. This was, in fact, a sacred cave where incantations, divination, human sacrifice and ritual worship brought spectators, victims and warriors alike to this holy place for mysterious ceremonies. Some returned repeatedly over time to continue religious traditions within the cave’s interior. Others never left. Also called the Cave of the Stone Sepulcher, the site’s original name was lovingly restored by archaeologists and anthropologists conducting pioneering excavations into the interior chambers. Only when the National Institute of Culture and History of Belize and government entities intent upon rehabilitating and showcasing the treasures left behind by two Maya occupations–AD 300-600 and AD 700-900—was the cave finally opened for public visits.

Award winning Placencia!, Tutti Frutti and Tranquilo are back open, Tiger Falls, Yoga and updates from the end of slow season in Placencia...
Placencia is extremely proud today--for the first time ever, PLACENCIA was chosen as the TOP BEACH DESTINATION of 2015, as voted by a large number of countries, at World Travel Awards!! Here is more details on the award....we were up against some stiff competition! Let's just take a moment to explore a few reasons Placencia is awesome. Our beach has been picture perfect for weeks now, the weather has been spectacular, and Tutti Frutti opened back up today! Tranquilo also reopens this week! Here are a few pics from the last week or so, it has been amazingly beautiful. The whole village is getting ready for high season. There is so much construction and updating going on, and we have been doing our share here at Caribbean Beach Cabanas. We took a little time off of having guests to do some updates, and here are the latest pictures of the upgrades we have made!

International Sources

'Naked and Afraid' Recap: 'Annie & Trent' Season 5 Episode 2, 'Fear the Unknown
n an all new episode of Discovery's Naked and Afraid, Annie Foley and Trent Nielsen brave the jungle of Belize as they strip down bare to see if they can survive in episode two of season five. Annie Foley is a 38-year-old married female from Essex, Illinois who is looking to test her limits in the jungles of Belize. Annie (No Facebook) is pretty excited to start the challenge but the being naked idea seems to make her very nervous. You can see the nerves almost get the best of her when she arrives at the destination and has to take her clothes off. Annie (No Instagram) finally decides to go ahead with it as she sets out to find her partner. According to her Naked and Afraid bio, Annie's (No Twitter) skills are "shelter, spear fishing, wild edibles and flint fires." "Annie is a mother of four, a farmer's wife, and photographer who currently lives in Essex, Illinois, but is truly from a little bit of everywhere. Growing up, her family moved a lot, from once to twice a year. Moving so much in life, the only thing that stayed familiar and felt like home was being in the outdoors," according to Discovery.

Southwest warns Monday travelers to plan ahead after delays
Southwest Airlines said hundreds of flights have been delayed by technical issues and warned passengers flying Monday to arrive two hours early and print boarding passes before coming to the airport. The Dallas-based company said it was using back-up systems around the country to check-in travelers lacking printed or mobile boarding passes but technology problems that began Sunday morning were continuing. Southwest said about 450 of the 3,600 flights scheduled for the day had been delayed. Representatives for Southwest did not say what caused the problem or how long it would take to resolve. Spokesman Brad Hawkins said there was "absolutely no indication now" that the problems were the result of hacking.

Southwest Airlines customers encouraged to arrive 2 hours early
Southwest Airlines requires its biggest leap however in global service this week when it adds daily flights to Mexico, Belize and Costa Rica from its new $146 million terminal at William P. Hobby Airport. A nationwide glitch in the Southwest Airlines computer system forced ticket agents at LAX to manually process and hand-write tickets on Sunday, leading to long lines for passengers. Technical issues are causing delays and long lines Sunday morning for Southwest Airlines passengers. While teams work diligently to enhance the performance of our technology, our airport-based Employees are working with Customers on their individual itineraries. In other cities, passengers took to Twitter to vent their frustrations that flights departed while they waited to check-in.

When We Fumigate Flies and Mosquitoes, Are We Poisoning Ourselves?
We arrived at the Las Manos border between Honduras and Nicaragua at nightfall. Our 24-person permaculture group had already been sitting in a van for nearly 24 hours, cruising the Pan-American Highway - the world's longest "motorable road" - from Guatemala. As we slowed to a stop behind a long row of cars, we spotted a man with a handkerchief over his face and scant other protective gear. He was curved forward, holding a metal hose and spraying the lower parts of each passing vehicle. "Poisonous Gases Fumigation Area" was written in Spanish on a looming billboard. Questions flooded into my mind: Why wasn't the man wearing proper safety equipment like an oxygen mask, overalls, boots and gloves? What were they spraying on the vehicles, specifically the wheels? Did insects really hitch rides on tires? If so, which ones? As someone who suffers from an autoimmune condition and is extremely sensitive to chemicals, this site freaked me out; it all seemed dangerous and foolish. "We're fucked to the max," one of my fellow travelers, a former deputy district attorney from Colorado, announced. We were not warned. We were not advised. And we were not asked whether we wanted to vacate the vehicle during this sick rendition of a car wash.

THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC: Part 7
This year has seen a number of high-profile initiatives aimed at improving the capacity of T&T’s music industry and putting our music on the international scene. With the help of entities like MusicTT, there’s been a buzz about how the music community can pull together and grow. The T&T Guardian spoke to people from many levels of the music industry to hear their views. Today, in the final of a seven-part series, we hear from Jacob Edgar, a music critic, ethnomusicologist and talent scout. He also runs his own World Music record label, Cumbancha. Jacob Edgar’s artists on his own Cumbancha label include The Garifuna Collective (soulful Afro-Amerindian music from Belize), Omara "Bombino” Moctar (a rock- and blues-influenced, folk Tuareg guitarist/songwriter from the Sahara), Daby Toure (a genre-defying musician, singer, lyricist and composer of Senegalese roots), Idan Raichel (an eclectic Israeli singer, songwriter and musician who mixes electronics, Hebrew lyrics, Arab and Ethiopian music), Ska Cubano (a happy mix of

El Chapo Puts $100 Million Bounty on Donald Trump Dead Or Alive!
Mexican lord Joaquín Guzmán is offering a $100 million bounty for anyone who can bring him Donald Trump, dead or alive. Known as El Chapo (The Shorty) because of his small stature, is infamous for his multiple prison breaks and involvement in the Mexican cartel. El Chapo was recently incarcerated February of 2014 after being on the run for over a decade from his first prison escape. While incarcerated, El Chapo escaped again last week on July 9th. There is currently a bounty set for El Chapo at $60 million MXN or $3 million USD. So far seven prison employees have been arrested in connection with El Chapo’s escape.

Oligarchy in retreat: Guatemala's election
Guatemala appears to be, for better or worse, entering the denouement of a climactic year for its ongoing corruption investigation, which saw its peak just weeks ago when the Guatemalan National Congress voted to strip former President Otto Perez Molina of his political immunity. Molina is now facing trial for his suspected involvement in the custom house bribery scandal known as "La Linea.” At least 28 officials within the national customs group called SAT collaborated to collect bribes in exchange for lowering the tariffs that were legally required to be levied on corporations, and included various importers, lawyers, and even a former intelligence agent. All told, the ranks of the guilty swelled to 64. To keep the scam from becoming too blatant, importers still paid 40 percent of what sum was expected, paid 30 percent to the corrupt officials, and pocketed the other 30 percent as savings. The Guatemalan people were defrauded $328,000 weekly in this scheme, or the equivalent of the minimum daily wage for 1,682 industrial laborers.

Videos

October 11, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, 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

Public Workers partake in First Response Training
San Pedro’s public workers took part in a two day first response training hosted by the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). The training began on Tuesday, October 6th and was led by District Emergency Coordinator at NEMO, Jeromey Timrose Augustin Cayetano with the assistance of Martin Dawson. Participants learned valuable first response skills, vital in times of national emergencies or disaster situations. Among the trainees were members of the San Pedro Town Council, San Pedro Branch Labor Department, San Pedro Post Office, San Pedro Branch Election and Boundaries as well as other government offices. Some of the skills taught at the training including Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, handling victims with fractures, sprains or broken bones, dealing with open wounds and even the type of first response that can be issued to children. By the end of the training participants were well equipped with the skills and knowledge to act during times of accidents and disasters.

EU gives Belize €13.5 Million for renewable energy
A €13.5 Million grant from the European Union is funding a project to map Belize’s capacity to develop a renewable energy policy. The project is implemented by the European Union’s Energy Initiative, The Partnership Dialogue Facility (EUEI PDF). Belize’s Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology and Public Utilities (MESTPU) launched the project at the conference room of the Ministry of Works in Belmopan on Tuesday, September 29. MESTPU engineer Ambrose Tillett explained that Belize would like to become more energy self-sufficient to the point where we export not only petroleum but also electricity to the regional grid. To put this in context, Tillett presented statistics showing the country got almost a quarter of its energy needs from biomass – bagasse, and another quarter from diesel, with gasoline accounting for 19.15%, and hydroelectricity and wood fuels providing 7.11% each. Belize got another 6.47% of its energy from Mexico’s Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) while 4.56% came from kerosene and 3.90% came from crude oil.

Flooding impedes access to Holy Cross Anglican Primary School; raises health concerns
Another major concern for school administrators is the well-being and health of their students, since some of the septic waste from the neighbouring houses near the school is also affected with the rising tides. "The sewage water from the neighborhood is being lifted along with the tide, and it drains back into the school compound. We are aware that these areas are pretty low, but we also realize that the more you have the area filling up, the more sewage waste we have coming to the school,” elaborated Griffith. He went on to suggest that a short term solution is getting solid material to fill in the entrance to the school and more material (sand) to dump inside the school compound so it’s higher and suitable for the students. According to Griffith a letter was sent to the SPTC petitioning for help, which has yet to be answered. The San Pedro Sun contacted the SPTC regarding the matter, and was assured that they would look into the issue and render assistance as in previous occasions. However, SPTC’s administration did not make any further comments on any action plan to be taken to solve the situation at the school, since Mayor Daniel Guerrero was out of the country. Upon his return, the matter will be discussed with him to find ways to address the issue.

Misc Belizean Sources

Ocean Academy hosts Egyptian themed open house
Social Studies Department's Open House: Ancient cultures of Egypt, Indian, China, Ethiopia and India.

More pics from yesterday's exhibition at Ocean Academy
Sorry for the late post! Some pictures of yesterday's successful exhibition day at Ocean Academy! My students did a wonderful job! Thanks to all parents and the public who came to see and support the students!

Optimist Ranking Regatta, Caye Caulker Sailing Club
3 of our very own island kids will be sailing!!! Come out and show your support!! Our island sailors are Glenford Barrera, Kam'ron Jenkins and Harrison Cadle Jr. BBQ Chicken will be on sale!

Another fun beach and street clean up
Another fun beach and street clean up today. Really big thanks to three groups today. Blue Water Grill - San Pedro, Belize for raising and donating $662 for expenses for this and future clean-ups. Melody S Wolfe for her generous $100 contribution that was part of that. And the SPHS girls softball team. Great to see really thoughtful and community minded young people who want to make a difference and give back where they live. Thank you for your continued support each week.

BTIA and BTB Meeting
Cayo's Belize Tourism Industry Association had a very successful meeting where Dr. Metzgen explained the Belize Tourism Board's rules and regulations. The BTB was there to answer all the questions. It was a great meeting, and even a blackout couldn't stop the momentum. "The Cayo BTIA met with the Belize Tourism Board, and many stakeholders, at the Sacred Heart College auditorium last night. Dr. Metzgen's presentation went well, and went forward even with the power outage."

PROFESSOR RON WILKINS & THE BELIZE REPARATIONS MOVEMENT!
The African-American professor of History and Black Studies from the University California State, Dominguez Hills, Ron Wilkins, has been living in Belize for the past seven years, and has contributed tremendously to the formation of the Belize Reparations Movement. Wilkins who has become one of the foremost scholars of Black Mexico, and has helped fostered unity between black and Latino people in South Central Los Angeles over the last 15 years, was also one of the foremost political activists of the Watts Riots in Los Angeles, California in the 1960's. Belizean Legends honor this very significant adopted Belizean brother, and appreciate the work that he has done in bringing history, education, and awareness to Belize's importance and role in the liberation movement, his work for unity among indigenous peoples of Central America, and his work for progress and unity among black and Latino peoples worldwide. Respect Professor Ron Wilkins. You are appreciated.

BELIZE'S JUSTICE & REPARATIONS MOVEMENT: JUSTICE OR ELSE!
Today October 10, 2015, marked the second anniversary of the formation of the Belize Justice & Reparations movement in Belize. The organization held its second convention on The Initiative for Justice & Reparations at the Belmopan Civic Center. According to Nuri Muhammad who was the keynote speaker of this year's convention, the event was well received.

Fever grass is good for you
USES OFLEMON GRASS: one shot glass of Lemon grass juice daily is all you need.

The Reporter

Financial security for older persons a big deal for NCA
Ensuring financial security for Belize’s elderly is an area of immediate priority for the National Council on Aging’s National Strategic Plan for Older Persons 2015-2019. The strategy, launched on International Day of Older Persons-October 1, identifies short, medium and long term targets geared towards improving the financial status of Belize’s elderly, including advocacy for a sustainable national pension program. The NCA’s indicators for this goal include: establishing an advocacy group for the creation of Non-Contributory Pension scheme, defining criteria for its creation (inflation, cost of living, poverty rate, age, gender) by the end of 2015, and holding discussions with the private sector on older persons’ issues and funding for a universal pension scheme. The NCA also aims to increase awareness for the younger, self-employed population to contribute to Social Security by 2016, and to create the NCP by 2017.

US-Belize tax probe centered on Ashcroft owned entities
The United States (US) Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) recent tax evasion probe into financial institutions in Belize is centered on business interests all owned by Lord Michael Ashcroft. A well-known personality in Belize and the United Kingdom, Ashcroft has recently come under more public scrutiny after the release of his unauthorized biography of British Prime Minister David Cameron. The Belize Bank, Belize Bank International and Belize Corporate Services, all of which belong to Ashcroft’s BCB Holdings Limited, are subject individually to the IRS’ "John Doe” summons issued several weeks ago. Under the summons, the IRS is authorized to access all accounts belonging to American citizens and look for those who have not declared their assets. Ashcroft’s name has been gaining more notoriety in the international media since the release of Cameron’s biography, which includes a scandalous allegation against the British PM. The book was released this week. In the book, Ashcroft, who conceded to being a life-long conservative party supporter and campaign financier, claims that during his college years, Cameron performed a lewd act in which he inserted a certain part of his anatomy in a dead pig’s head.

Breaking Belize News

Scattered showers throughout the day
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting sunny skies with cloudy spells today and cloudy at times tonight. A few showers and thunderstorms will affect mostly the interior this afternoon, then mainly the south and coastal areas tonight and tomorrow morning. Winds will be blowing from the East to Northeast at […]

BDF Soldier brutally stabbed in Orange Walk Town
Reports reaching our newsroom are that last night around 9:00 p.m., a BDF soldier was brutally stabbed to the chest inside a game entertainment center in Orange Walk Town. Information is still sketchy but we were made to understand that the soldier succumbed to his injuries and police have detained […]

Local Reparations Commission hosts convention in Belmopan
The Belize Commission Initiative for Justice and Reparations is hosting its second national convention today in Belmopan. The Reparations campaign is intended, in the word of guest speaker Nuri Muhammad and vice chair of the Commission Cesar Ross, to make the European colonial powers understand the wrongs they committed in […]

Why some constituencies in Belize don’t get fair representation
With elections fast approaching political aspirants are in a frenzied scramble to try to secure their seats. Some, of course, need to work harder than others in constituencies that are considered ‘battle-grounds’. Some constituencies, however, in terms of the voting populace are double the size of others, yet get only […]

Blogs

TORTA DE MANDARINA
-Tamiza (cernir) la harina, la miel de maíz, el polvo para hornear y la sal en un bol. -Tip extra: procura quitar todas las semillas porque una vez procesadas, desprenden un sabor ácido muy fuerte que no querrás que arruine tu torta casera. -Licua la cáscara de mandarina junto con la pulpa. -Incorpora el aceite, los huevos y el azúcar, y licua nuevamente. -Forma un hueco en la preparación seca del bol y vierte la mezcla de la licuadora. Bate hasta homogeneizar y coloca en un molde para torta. Debe estar previamente enharinado y enmantecado. Lleva el molde a un horno a 200º C por 35 minutos y ¡listo!

"Worth It” The wait that is for Estel’s Dine By the Sea to re-open in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
I arrived in ‘Town at exactly 06.45 hours – I know that they open at 06.00 hours but I didn’t want to appear to eager, too needy. I parked and then padlocked the ‘cart, grabbed my bag and strode purposefully (and optimistically ) towards Estel’s looking for a sign of ‘life’. Any sign. And then I saw. The door was open AND the shutters had been removed from the bar, the NEW bar that is. There was Mark and Sam and I could hear noise coming from the kitchen. Only one thing to do. Take my place at MY table . It’s not really my table- table 11 that is- but I like to think of it that way. And you know what? I was the first person to eat there after the re-opening. A commerative T shirt occasion? Talking about the bar, it got its first customer at 07.14 hours precisely when I heard the immortal words ” A regular please”. And the honour went to Lesley ” Shaggy” Lisbey. Back to the changes. There’s a changed internal layout.

Estel’s Re-Opens: Familiar, Delicious but With a Few Upgrades
Well…just a few days later than originally planned, they are open. Today was the first day. And a few days ago, I showed you a construction zone…after working until midnight last night, they were ready to open. And manager and son of the founders Estrella and Charlie looked very happy indeed. Here’s Charles. He said he’s been dreaming of this bar area for about 6 years. The area used to hold the "family table” basically one large dining room table where anyone could sit. But a bit confusing to newbies. This huge bar area is much more inviting… And Charles now says he is able to stay open like a bar…until midnight. He’s thinking dinner…maybe a few nights a week…but he’s not making any promises. Yet.

International Sources

Good Works in Foreign Places: Why U.S. Expats Become Involved in Worthy Causes
The U.S. shared first place in the World Giving Index 2014, according to the Charities Aid Foundation. It is the only country to be ranked in the top 10 for all three charitable behaviors covered by the organization's index. Given this, it is not surprising that expat Americans would get involved in charitable and volunteering activities when living overseas. What is surprising, based on interviews with 500 expats for the website, Best Places In The World To Retire, and included in the study Expats: Expectations & Reality, is how central these charitable activities have become for expats. It is also surprising how significant the impact many of them are having. Kelly German, who lives in Ambergris Caye, Belize, explained that there is also a social aspect to volunteering. As expats move to a new home, they look for organizations to belong to as a way to meet others. But she said that they are also looking to help provide resources that local government is not large enough to offer -- resources that are taken for granted in the U.S. "From my experience, expats generally congregate around good works," German said. This perpetuates an American trait of doing social good.The French historian Alexis de Tocqueville noted as much when he visited America in 1836. He described how Americans spontaneously formed associations to jointly pursue different endeavors.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES PLANS NEW DRINKS, SEATS, CREW UNIFORMS
Southwest Airlines requires its biggest leap however in international service this week when it adds daily flights to Mexico, Belize and Costa Rica from its new $146 million terminal at William P. Hobby Airport. "This is the year of Houston,” CEO Gary Kelly mentioned throughout a media preview of the 5-gate terminal Thursday. He said Houston, one of Southwest’s three original cities and a geographic no-brainer as an international hub, will be the airline’s focus for "fairly some time.” "This will be a priority for us,” Kelly said.

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